Braves have moved aggressively in offseason
ORLANDO – The Braves moved quickly this offseason to address glaring needs, and general manager Frank Wren was pleased with the results as baseball’s winter meetings concluded Thursday.
“The sooner you can make the moves you need to make, the better it is for everyone,” he said. “That’s because the sooner you can narrow your focus to smaller pieces or whatever, the better it is for your team.”
Here’s how the Braves put the plan in motion.
– First, they addressed a power deficiency by trading for second baseman Dan Uggla on Nov. 16, baseball’s first significant trade of the winter. The Braves hope to sign him to a long-term contract extension relatively soon.
To get Uggla, they traded All-Star utility man Omar Infante and young left-hander Mike Dunn, denting the bench and bullpen.
Uggla averaged nearly 31 homers and 93 RBIs in five seasons for Florida, and the Braves said All-Star second baseman Martin Prado would move to left field. Prado will switch to third base if Chipper Jones, recovering from knee surgery, has any setbacks.
Braves outfielders hit the fewest homers (40) in the National League. The team ranked 20th in the majors in homers (139) and 18th in slugging percentage (.401). They believe Prado in left and a healthy Jason Heyward in right will help change that, but also need center fielder Nate McLouth to rebound from a dismal 2009 season.
The Braves don’t have a certain replacement if McLouth falls on his face again, but they have options in-house and are working to acquire another. Wren wouldn’t say whom they might add, but the Braves are in trade discussions with at least one other team.
– The Braves re-signed outfielder-first baseman Eric Hinske on Dec. 2, making sure they didn’t lose another key member of their bench. He’s their best left-handed pinch-hitter.
That move was important to teammates, who said Hinske’s leadership and hard-nosed approach were instrumental in their strong clubhouse chemistry in 2010.
– The Braves traded for veteran reliever Scott Linebrink from the White Sox on Dec. 3. The right-hander isn’t the dominant setup man he was a few years ago, but remains a solid reliever with an superb reputation as a teammate.
Wren spoke to people about Linebrink and decided he was well-suited to help fill a void left by Billy Wagner’s retirement. Not Wagner’s closer role, but another part “Wags” played last season: Influential veteran.
Pitching coach Roger McDowell said Wagner’s confidence-building mentoring was important for young relievers Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbrel and Dunn. So, Wren made it a priority to find one who could continue in that vein.
For finishing games, the Braves believe Kimbrel and Venters have the talent and enough seasoning to handle closing and setup roles vacated by Wagner and Takashi Saito, lost to free agency.
– The Braves signed a better-than-usual crop of minor league free agents including infielder Ed Lucas, 27, who hit .286 with a .362 on-base percentage in seven seasons in the Royals organization. He hit a career-high 13 homers in 99 games in 2010 at Triple-A, and the Braves believe he’ll compete for a utility infield/backup shortstop role.
Another minor-league free agent, Jose Constanza, hit .319 with eight triples, a .373 OBP and 34 stolen bases in 2010 for the Indians’ Triple-A affiliate. If the Braves don’t trade for another center fielder, Constanza, 28, could compete with Jordan Schafer and others for a backup job.
– On Wednesday, the Braves agreed to terms with lefty reliever George Sherrill on a one-year, $1.2 million deal. That deal was to be finalized after Sherrill had a physical Thursday.
Sherrill gives the Braves a third left-hander to go with Venters and Eric O’Flaherty. He’s another veteran with a reputation for strong character, something the Braves seem to be emphasizing more than ever.
“We like our bullpen,” Wren said. “We’ve got some veterans, we’ve got some guys that have pitched in the back end of the game. We’ve got a good mix. I think we’re in good shape.”
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250 comments Add your comment
VP
December 9th, 2010
3:42 pm
Somehow i hope Wren can work his magic and get us a decent bat without too much of a cost. Santa i want somebody to take Mclouth and his contract please for Christmas.
bboyd3301
December 9th, 2010
3:49 pm
at this point it looks as though the only major move we will make from here on is getting rid of kenshin kawakami. whatever it takes to do that, i hope we get it done!
T-Bone
December 9th, 2010
3:56 pm
My Christmas list:
1. McLouth to rebound and have great season, offensively and defensively
2. Schafer to become the player he seemed destined to be a year or so ago
3. Frank Wren to work a little Christmas magic and find an above average left fielder with some pop
4. Freddie Freeman to become the second coming of Mark Grace
5. Jason Heyward to become the second coming of Hank Aaron
JMAYNE
December 9th, 2010
3:59 pm
Sox got Crawford. Time for FW to go get Ellsbury. He solves every one of the braves’ problems. Give them Beachy and another low level prospect. Imagine a Braves lineup of:
Ellsbury 8- L
Prado 7- R
Heyward 9- L
Uggla 4- R
McCann 2- L
Chipper 5- S
Gonzo 6- R
Freeman 3- L
Lot of balance, speed. Looks like a way better lineup than the braves had last year and it could rival the phillies. Ellsbury vs. Rollins. Heyward vs. Howard. Uggla vs. Utley. Go get ellsbury!
DCBravosFan
December 9th, 2010
3:59 pm
Still need another bat in the outfield. Colby Rasmus or similar would be awesome (But that is obvious, huh?). I love the dude to pieces, but we all know that Chipper will get hurt again this year, causing Prado to have to play third. We def need another starter-ready OF. I hope that Schafe is ready to play, but I don’t know that we can just plug him in and expect top results. I really get the feeling that his (or McClouth’s) best case scenario is .260, 8-10 homers, 20-25 doubles, 65-75 RBI. Is that going to be enough in a revamped NL East?
DCBravosFan
December 9th, 2010
4:01 pm
Ellsbury would be tremendous acquisition. With Crawford now there, and the emergence of some of their outfielders, any thoughts on what it would take to get the BoSox to let him go?
rainman34
December 9th, 2010
4:02 pm
the braves should wait until spring training to see if teams have injuries to fill before they trade kk and pay most of his contract. I say let him pitch at AA maybe show he can help someone. I love the moves the braves have made so far. Our bull pen should be as good or better that last year. Kimbril is going to have a great year and lets hope bobby didnt kill venters. Still would love an improvement in center but we cant have everything we are not the sox or yanks.
Santa Claus
December 9th, 2010
4:04 pm
T-Bone, That might be the biggest wish list I’ve ever seen.
The Insider
December 9th, 2010
4:05 pm
Braves are in trade discussions with the Red Sox for Jacoby Ellsbury. Talks involve Beachy, Bethancourt, Young, and Marek. Not sure if all will be included or are just being discussed. More to come!
raleighbravefan
December 9th, 2010
4:07 pm
You Ellsbury fans are assuming he will be and will stay healthy. That’s a BIG assumption.
Willy
December 9th, 2010
4:07 pm
Dear Santa,
Willy
December 9th, 2010
4:08 pm
Dear Santa Clause,
Please let the Braves trade for Ellsbury!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chris
December 9th, 2010
4:09 pm
this just in: The Insider has just been renamed as The Outsider
Tyler
December 9th, 2010
4:09 pm
The Insider,
Come off. You getting this from your Mom’s basement?
raleighbravefan
December 9th, 2010
4:09 pm
Insider – Where did you get this “information”? I’m not saying you made it up, but…
I’ll believe it when I see it.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
4:10 pm
Does kenshin know how good he was in 2010? He was dishonorable to his family and to the braves. He has no face. さようなら!不名誉な!
DOB Fan
December 9th, 2010
4:12 pm
Dave,
In your opinion should we be hoping to aquire Ellsbury or Cain to be our 2011 CF? Which guy do you like better? I know very little about Cain. Thanks in advance for responding.
Boonie
December 9th, 2010
4:14 pm
Cain or Tabata would be fine with me.
JoeFan
December 9th, 2010
4:15 pm
The Braves have question marks throughout. If Chipper goes down, who plays left? Who is going to play CF? Will Heyward progress or regress? is Freeman the answer at 1B? Is Gonzalez the answer at SS? Looks more like Swiss cheese than a solid team.
Billy Jack's Barbecue & Shrimp Co.
December 9th, 2010
4:15 pm
NOT FIRST.
Very good analysis. Thanks DOB. Remember we have great brisket and superb pulled pork.
Any word on where Jamie Moyer is going to land? Frenchy caught on with the Brave’s farm team — KC Royals. Sorta like getting paid zillions to play on a AAA team.
Michael from Macon
December 9th, 2010
4:28 pm
I’d rather trade Miner
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
4:32 pm
Jamie Moyer ?
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
4:38 pm
Why not go for what we have for cf? McClouth, Shafner, Young, we have millions there. Why spend the money there?
Willy
December 9th, 2010
4:38 pm
DOB,
Is Jacoby Ellsbury a serious option? Or should we be focusing on Carlos Gomez?
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
4:40 pm
Willy why?
Willy
December 9th, 2010
4:42 pm
Say Chipper gets hurt, mclouth struggles. Martin prado will assume the 3B position. That leaves to very weak spots in the outfield. (even weaker than last year)
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
4:45 pm
@willy, The braves have accuire high prospective AAA players 3 of the four player are OF, two of which, top ten draft picks.
ramblingman
December 9th, 2010
4:46 pm
We have three bodies to vye for CF. We have a LF, his name is Prado. I know some of you are declaring his season over already, but you are reaching.
Good grief we go through this every day. Calm down. Breathe. Let the team they’ve assembled at least get to Florida before you condemn them.
And for goodness sake – the posts about “what happens if this happens and then that happens and then this guy gets hurt and this guy plays bad and the sun falls out of the sky and dogs mate with cats…and…and…”
If everything goes wrong for the Braves this year, then they will have a bad year. There are never enough roster spots and money to plan for everything going wrong.
ramblingman
December 9th, 2010
4:47 pm
That should be “declaring Chipper’s season over”
DTC
December 9th, 2010
4:55 pm
Uh, T-Bone? You forgot Kawakami. May he become the pitcher we hoped he would be.
Piedmont Blues
December 9th, 2010
5:12 pm
Wren has had a terrific winter, and it’s still (technically) fall.
Wonder if he’ll kick the tires on Mike Cameron? He’d be a bit pricey, of course, but would probably not cost much in talent to acquire and could start in any of the OF positions if needed.
ramblingman
December 9th, 2010
5:17 pm
Said it before, will say it again.
Heyward is in RF. Prado is in LF. McLouth, Schafer and Young are vying for CF. At least one of them is bound to step up and grab the spot. Hinske is a 4th/5th OF. Mather (if he sticks) can also play OF.
I don’t see any need for any more OF’s until they see in ST how everyone is doing. Now, if Wren pulls something out of the hat, so much the better, but I am not going to go around clamoring for the urgent need for an OF.
Conyers Braves Fan
December 9th, 2010
5:21 pm
DOB: The term you used “aggressive” is appropriate if you mean the sheer number of moves the Braves made but they have done nothing to improve their greatest weeakness
which is the absense of a solid outfielder who can drive in 90-100 runs and hit 25 to 30 home runs. The players they have now Shaefer/McLouth, etc. will not fill this void.
Tyler
December 9th, 2010
5:22 pm
DOB,
You can’t drop a:
The Braves don’t have a certain replacement if McLouth falls on his face again, but they have options in-house and are working to acquire another. Wren wouldn’t say whom they might add, but the Braves are in trade discussions with at least one other team.
Without some speculation.
You thinking they are talking about a Kawakami/Beachy/Schafer or Young for McCuthchen? How about..Mike Cameron or Ellsbury from BoSox.
What are your thoughts?
UcantCLA
December 9th, 2010
5:33 pm
You want a cheap back up for Nate? Jim Edmonds can play anywhere out there and still has a decent bat, ohh and plays for the league min.
FJ10
December 9th, 2010
5:37 pm
Crawford is playing LF and Ellsbury is playing CF. It’s not like he’s available because of Crawford.
Mark (another one)
December 9th, 2010
5:44 pm
I’m excited for spring training to begin, and to see the new players. ramblingman covered the outfield, and I agree with him. My concerns for this year are Chipper’s health and a reserve SS. I haven’t seen anyone behind Gonzales who can handle the defense and hit.
Long term we need to find someone to play third when Chipper retires. I don’t hear much about left side infielders with power in our minor league system.
C from Marietta
December 9th, 2010
5:59 pm
Red Sox are trading Elisbury. Bet it will be a Cain or Gomez.
.Mike S
December 9th, 2010
6:06 pm
@Conyers Braves Fan – the Braves filled that need with UGGLA, he averages 31 HR and 100 RBIU a season. If they had gone out and gotten a LF, Prado would be playing 2B. They got a 2B, Prado is now the LF. THEY FILLED THE NEED. Is that hard to understand.
The wild card as always is Chipper’s health. If he goes down, then Prado will need to move to 3rd and Shafer/McClouth etc will need to step up.
GT Alum
December 9th, 2010
6:09 pm
Brewers are apparently asking for the moon for Cain. Since Wren isn’t really open to trading our young pitching, I don’t see Cain coming to Atlanta. Plus, the Braves are talking about someone to fill in for McLouth if necessary, not someone to take the job from him. If someone like Cain was coming here, I would think it would be to start.
LTBF
December 9th, 2010
6:13 pm
Think Wren has done a good job so far in off season, Wish Wags would come back.
JMAYNE
December 9th, 2010
6:18 pm
The reason you get Ellsbury is becaus he steals 50 bases a yar, is a prototypical leadoff hitter, and plays a great center field. Huh? Sounds like the 3 things the braves needs.
Steve
December 9th, 2010
6:19 pm
FJ10 – The Sox were interested in moving Elsbury BEFORE they even got Crawford. Here are the reasons why:
Cameron – CF. They have big money in Cameron and he should be ready by Spring. They are stuck with him for good or bad, similiar to the Braves and McClouth.
Drew – RF. Still under contract for one more year.
Elsbury – LF. Coming off injury and probably the one outfielder that might be worth someonthing in trade.
Kalish – The new young stud in the OF. Played well during Elsbury’s absence. He is THE REASON that Boston was ‘listening’ to talks about Elsbury.
Nava – Same age as Elsbury and 4th OF at best. Very little trade value, but is a cheap backup option for a team with overpriced players everywhere.
Josh Reddick – Drew’s replacement come 2012.
The Red Sox OF situation even BEFORE they got Crawford was like the Braves pitching situation. They have great depth, with a mix of veteran players and many young players waiting for a chance. The easiest major league ready piece they can move and get something in return is Elsbury, similar to Jurrgens for the Braves.
sheeesh
December 9th, 2010
6:23 pm
Ed Lucas. Hilarious. This dude could not even crack the Royals roster, which basically tops out as “AAAA” talent for the most part. No way the Braves should realistically expect him to make their roster based on talent. He’s nothing more than AAA filler. If he is on the Braves 25 man roster for a significant portion of the season, it better be because he has a spectacular glove. But I don’t see any mention of his defensive prowess.
It appears that the depth of the bench is going to take a huge hit due to financial constraints. I hope the starters can stay healthy.
Richard Denson
December 9th, 2010
6:28 pm
Dear Santa Claus(Frank Wren),
Please re-sign Derrek Lee!
Poorbrave
December 9th, 2010
6:29 pm
Got to agree Steve. Ellsburg is worth kicking a couple tires for. What would the Braves line up be with Ell’s leading off and 60 are more SB in 2011. He can other teams pitcher frick out……..
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
6:30 pm
Jim Edmonds ? Kinda washed up here.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
6:33 pm
Poorbrave
December 9th, 2010
6:29 pm
Got to agree Steve. Ellsburg is worth kicking a couple tires for. What would the Braves line up be with Ell’s leading off and 60 are more SB in 2011. He can other teams pitcher frick out……..
You need to get out of fantasy land. The brave do not steal bases.
K.C. Frenchy
December 9th, 2010
6:35 pm
Why the love fest for Ellsbury?? Dude hit ,190 last year, is LH, & can run. We already have 2 guys in McOut & Shafer that can hit below .200, are LH & have speed. We need to add a RH bat that can steal, play defense, & hit at least .250, Ellsbury is not proven & very overrated! Ugga Ugga Go Bravos
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
6:40 pm
Shafer needs to have a chance to play. Chipper says he’s in great shape. Everyone in sports has had to prove themselves.
Duh Frenchy
December 9th, 2010
6:45 pm
Ellsbury is a career .291 avg, averages 63 swipes per year, led the AL in triples in 2009, and has a .350 OBP. Sounds like a solid leadoff man to me KC Frenchy
Duh Frenchy
December 9th, 2010
6:46 pm
Also, he’s not a free agent until 2014
DOB Fan
December 9th, 2010
6:48 pm
Look do you want me to end all the Ellsbury love???? His agent is Scott Boras…next…let’s move on!
Uknowme
December 9th, 2010
6:51 pm
If Mr. Wren listened to the blog experts he would not have any idea of what to do to help the team. But he, of course, does not have the expertise or baseball knowledge that these bloggers think they have.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
December 9th, 2010
6:52 pm
df thats sounds great, but the braves do not steal bases, so whats your point?
NORRIS
December 9th, 2010
6:53 pm
there have been no real reports of us talking to the redsox about ellsbury so why do we even discuss it?
ReddJonn68
December 9th, 2010
6:53 pm
Ellsbury will still command a huge contract for his services, after what these trigger happy teams have done during the winter meetings. Another 50-50 choice for Wren, do we go after damaged goods?
NORRIS
December 9th, 2010
6:59 pm
ellsbury is not even a rumor. It is just something someone posted on this blog.
K.C. Frenchy
December 9th, 2010
7:02 pm
Duh like I said, he hit .190 last year, McOut was also an all star with 20+ bombs & over 90 rbi for Pittsburgh, look at him now! What we wouldnt give for those numbers from him now, could you imagine IF he does come back to the player he was, that would be awesome!!!
BRAVES FANATICUS
December 9th, 2010
7:02 pm
Ellsbury missed most of last season due to a rib injury. Look at his previous two seasons; he was HEALTHY.
He’s recently been deemed 100% healthy. Of course, he would be subject to a physical before a trade became official.
This would be the icing on the cake for Frank Wren, and spell the end for clowns like Schafer & McLouth.
With Ellsbury & Prado at the top of the lineup, the whole Braves’ lineup would feast !
Bud Wiser
December 9th, 2010
7:05 pm
Aw man, not Infante, not Dunn????
Infante’s value was immeasurable, and a washed up Chipper Jones in ‘11 will dramatize the loss.
Dunn may have had the best young power arm on the staff.
I get that same itchy feeling I had when they traded Brett Butler to the (gag) Cleveland Indians for Len Barfer, I mean Barker.
BRAVES FANATICUS
December 9th, 2010
7:05 pm
McLouth has been on the slide since the Braves acquired him in 2009. Schafer has done NOTHING in the minors since getting suspended for HGH use. He hit .201 for three different minor league teams in 2010.
Give up the fantasy & lets get a real centerfielder !
bp
December 9th, 2010
7:21 pm
The Braves have to be kidding about starting McOut.They have to be looking elsewhere or praying that Schaefer comes around.
Edurson
December 9th, 2010
7:22 pm
Jacoby Ellsbury or comparable outfielder..make it happen Frank Wren
ReddJonn68
December 9th, 2010
7:31 pm
I like what Bobby Cox did while in charge, but we were one of the most boring teams I have ever watched in the playoffs. I hope Fredi provides some instant pep to this squad. If we are looking for some great OF to fall in our laps, we are mistaken. If we can get an OF who steal some bases & play D, we have something. The speedy-power guys are being overpaid, be patient Wren.
Willy
December 9th, 2010
7:39 pm
Alright I look at it this way. I dont think it would be a bad idea to get another CF whether it be Ellsbury, Cain, or Gomez. But if we dont I still believe that Nate Mclouth could return to 2008 form, or Jordan Schafer could show the promise he had when he was a Top 20 Prospect in the whole MLB
Willy
December 9th, 2010
7:42 pm
Im I the only one who has 100% confidence in Wren
Willy
December 9th, 2010
7:42 pm
* Am I
rugburn
December 9th, 2010
8:08 pm
we have pitching and with a couple of issues, we have hitting (potentially). we have no defense. outside of freddy, we have no one who would be considered above average. chipper, gonzo, and uggla is not tinkers to evers to chance. more like stinker to never a chance with no range.
the iron hammer
December 9th, 2010
8:12 pm
chances are we could get mike cameron for very little maybe even mclouth straight up. Not much of a shot at ellsbury. Cameron will be moved to the benc with jd drew, carl and ellsbury playing in the outfield. Yes, he’s on the older side, but he’s still productive 15-20 bombs with a 260 average and a great glove. Light years better than what we had last year
Sam The Swami
December 9th, 2010
8:12 pm
Cheers to Wren for all of the moves thus far. This line up really has major holes though. Outside of Uggla, there isn’t one person you can confidently say will hit 20 HRs. That was our problem last year and it’s still our problem. Uggla helps, but this offense is still littered with guys with limited “pop”.
I don’t know what the fix is, but something has to give. Keep up the great work Frank. Please, keep it up!
Willy
December 9th, 2010
8:18 pm
@ Sam the Swami, pretty sure i would bank on Mcann and Heyward hittin 20 bombs this year
JASon
December 9th, 2010
8:24 pm
These offseason moves are great and all. But at some point, you can’t just keep shuffling the deck every year. At some point, you need to develop the players you have.
GT Alum
December 9th, 2010
8:25 pm
Sam the Swami -
I’m confident McCann will hit 20 barring major injuries (he hit 18 the one year he didn’t hit at least 20), and I’m pretty confident Heyward will hit 20, barring major injury. That should be enough with the number of guys we have that can get on base close to 40% of the time, especially since none of them are just weak singles hitters.
TNScott
December 9th, 2010
8:25 pm
One problem no one has mentioned regarding Ellsbury – other than the obvious injury issues – is the learning curve involved of an American League player having to learn the pitchers in the National League. It took Tex about a month and a half to get used to different pitching. I would look within the league first or at least go after someone who has at least played a year in the Senior Circuit unless it some All-Star talent .
GT Alum
December 9th, 2010
8:32 pm
JASon -
Not sure what you mean by developing the players you have. McCann is homegrown talent, Heyward is homegrown talent, as are Freeman, Hanson, Venters, Kimbrel, Prado, and at least 1 of Minor and Beachy should make the rotation. Medlen won’t contribute much this year, but he’s homegrown. And we’ve got guys like Marek, Schafer, Vizcaino, Delgado and Teheran on the farm, some of whom will contribute this year, and some of whom will contribute in the future.
Frankly, I think the Braves have been doing a good job of mixing talent from the farm with FA and trade acquisitions since Wren took over.
BrandonC
December 9th, 2010
8:34 pm
Ellsbury at the top of our lineup would be perfect.
DaveFromDallas(NC)
December 9th, 2010
9:19 pm
Elsbury is going nowhere. Why would Boston sign a player the caliber of Crawford only to weaken their lineup by trading one of its brightest young stars. Cameron would be the odd man out.
Don
December 9th, 2010
9:34 pm
DaveFromDallas – Exactly. The Red Sox are not stupid and would eat Mike Cameron’s contract w/o batting an eye. They keep Elsbury for the exact reason you dreamers are saying that the Braves need him unless they know something you do not. The only way they trade him is if he is still hurt or they have reason to believe that he will get easily hurt again because of the previous injury.
ramblingman
December 9th, 2010
9:47 pm
It is absolutely hilarious that there are posters on here who will condemn Schafer based solely on his last two years, completely ignoring the fact that he was injured, and then will turn around and proclaim Ellsbury as the answer and defend his last year by reminding everyone he was injured. I wonder if they can recognize the irony.
steve
December 9th, 2010
9:51 pm
Fragile Freddie Freeman .220 5 HRs 19 RBIs before being demoted, Jordan Schafer .235 2 HRs 20 RBIS before being released, Nate McClouth .195 9 HRs 30 RBIs before hopefully being traded… Braves 79-83 4th place in NL East.
NORRIS
December 9th, 2010
9:56 pm
steve: Freeman is a beast. he will do well.
schafer will never make it to the bigs so he wont have to be released.
mclouth will have to play better. we have a hitting coach now that will help the kid. besides he cant play any worse than he did last year.
the braves will once again come in second. because chipper will be out more than he plays and prado will have to play third and that will leave us with a nobody in left.
NORRIS
December 9th, 2010
10:01 pm
Wren said today
in the next day or so we will have some things finalized that will make us a better team.
Wonder what that is?
Michael
December 9th, 2010
10:15 pm
Strange that everybody forgets that Crawford is a LEFT FIELDER. The Red Sox outfield will be Crawford, Ellisbury, Drew.
ramblingman
December 9th, 2010
10:17 pm
Don’t forget to come back here, “steve”, around the All Star break and let’s review your predictions.
okay?
David O'Brien
December 9th, 2010
10:19 pm
DOB: The term you used “aggressive” is appropriate if you mean the sheer number of moves the Braves made but they have done nothing to improve their greatest weeakness
which is the absense of a solid outfielder who can drive in 90-100 runs and hit 25 to 30 home runs.
For the 100th time: How can it possibly make any difference whether the Braves added a 30-homer, 90-RBI man in the outfield or at 2B? In other words, why would it be different if Dan Uggla was a left fielder and the Braves kept Prado at 2B? Answer: It wouldn’t. So think about it, and please explain to me why it matters why the 30-homer, 90-RBI man that the Braves added to their lineup plays 2B instead of the outfield. Do they get extra credit for him driving in the runs as an outfielder instead of as a second baseman? They added a consistent 30-homer, 90-RBI man to their lineup, and moved Prado to the outfield.
So I ask again: Why does it matter to the offense whether Uggla was a left fielder or a second baseman?
David O'Brien
December 9th, 2010
10:22 pm
Willy: Braves aren’t interested in Carlos Gomez. Heard that yesterday.
Michael
December 9th, 2010
10:22 pm
For those of us with a sane mind…it doesn’t matter.
Mutts
December 9th, 2010
10:23 pm
ramblingman: You are being far too gracious – “steve” is a moron, so who cares about his inane prediction?
In Fredi I Trust
December 9th, 2010
10:36 pm
I agree with DOB on that why does it matter if we added a OF that hits 30 HR’s and drives in around 100 RBI’s, or we acquired a 2B that hits those numbers and we move an allstar to the OF?
Truth is, we got ourselves a power threat to play 2B and we moved an allstar to LF and replaced Cabrera/Diaz with Prado. LF is upgraded offensively and perhaps defensively, and 2B is upgraded offensively. I don’t see a problem with this at all.
The one place on the field I am concerned about is CF where McLouth is as big of a ? as any one player on any one team. If McLouth can rebound and perform like he did the season we got him from the Pirates, then that will be great. If he performs like he did last season, we will be hurting.
With that said, there is no way the Braves aren’t going to start him. He is to pricey to ride the pine, and he is to pricey to trade. The Braves are in a tough situation with him and everyone knows it. I hope he can rebound, but the odds aren’t there.
K.C. Frenchy
December 9th, 2010
10:51 pm
Schafer has been hurt the last 2 years, lets see what he can do this year if he is healthy, but Chipper & McOut are BIG ??? & i dont feel good about a 38 yr old 3rd baseman that is always dinged up
Lester Miles
December 9th, 2010
11:00 pm
Don’t trade our young talent for an outfielder with no power. Cain is not the answer. Anyway, didn’t he slay his brother?
Poorbrave
December 9th, 2010
11:00 pm
Mr Bradley 70, I know they don’t…thats why they need someone that does. But thanks for your knowlege on the subject. I’m sure your point is always right. Oh, I didn’t say get anybody..I said kick a couple tires..see I trust Wrens judgement.
Poorbrave
December 9th, 2010
11:04 pm
Norris, it was a rumor on espn insider. (you have to pay to get it). just saying….
Poorbrave
December 9th, 2010
11:11 pm
another thing , what the Braves did in past is just that. We have a new Boss in town. Fredi is not a wait and see mgr…the game will be alot more exciting I sure. Thats my 2 cents worth. Have at you pro’s.
ATL_Bama
December 9th, 2010
11:23 pm
DOB, how awesome is Carl Crawford going to be with his mad skills in LF at Fenway? I can see him now using all that speed to turn around, take two steps, and field the ball off the monster. Kinda a waste of that part of his game if you ask me.
J-Man
December 9th, 2010
11:31 pm
What kind of moves will be made if McClouth has a similar year to the last or actually year and a half. We have NO insurance at the present time. Schafer has prover that he can’t even hit AA pitching…….look up his Minor League numbers from last year if you don’t believe me. I love this team at every position except for CF. And it is only fair that we openly question this. What kind of move will we make if we have a CF hitting .202 with 4 HR and 16 RBIs at the All-Star break. Anyone please chyme in because I’d like someone to logically explain to me how this team will reach the levels they want to reach with this glaring problem.
Sportsradio PD
December 10th, 2010
12:11 am
DOB, love your analysis and inside info, but the reason Prado needs to be at 2nd is because Uggla is a liability on defense, we haven’t forgotton the sad plays at 2nd & 3rd in the play-offs have we? Honestly, you know more than I ever will about the Braves and their needs, but…just sayin
David O'Brien
December 10th, 2010
12:27 am
DOB, love your analysis and inside info, but the reason Prado needs to be at 2nd is because Uggla is a liability on defense, we haven’t forgotton the sad plays at 2nd & 3rd in the play-offs have we? Honestly, you know more than I ever will about the Braves and their needs, but…just sayin — Sportsradio PD
Sportsradio PD: That has NOTHING to do with what he was talking about, the point I was making with the guy. Because he was talking strictly about the lineup, about the need to add big offense, and stating that the Braves hadn’t addressed their major need of adding a big power hitter to the outfield. And that whole line of reasoning is flawed. Because whether Uggla is a 2B or LF, whether Prado is at LF or 2B, it does’t matter in terms of what it means to the lineup. Does. Not. Matter.
The net effect is adding a 30-homer, 90-RBI hitter to the lineup, whether he was added as an outfielder or second baseman. And since the Braves did it without losing Prado, the addition was the same as adding a 30-homer, 90 RBI left fielder. Or do you not agree with that point? The “sad plays” at second and third in the playoffs? Please. Conrad’s bout with the yips has nothing to do with this.
Uggla is not Brooks Conrad. And if the Braves added him in LF and kept Prado at 2B, the Braves would have the same defense they’ve had the past few years and the addition of a 30-homer, 90 RBI in place of whatever measly production they got in LF.
Ernest
December 10th, 2010
12:47 am
These blog GMs are hilarious with their trade suggestions. Many seems to forget that each side needs to perceive it will be ‘win win’ regarding the players involved.
Reality-Insider
December 10th, 2010
1:18 am
Wren has done great work this off season especiall in the department of adding or retaining the role players. Searching out and signing the veteran character building leaders, wether they are starters or not is extremely important. Wren is a detail man and because of that the braves will be just fine.
So, I am reality… And reality is telling you braves nation to stop worrying.
Ed
December 10th, 2010
1:41 am
DOB, not obtaining a quality CF means the Braves are not serious about winning the NL pennant. No way can you go into the season hoping that McClouth will revert to his form of 3 years ago. The only hope is Shafer can regain his confidence and become a big time player. And this is assuming Chipper stays healthy which is fool’s gold,
David O'Brien
December 10th, 2010
1:57 am
DOB, not obtaining a quality CF means the Braves are not serious about winning the NL pennant. — Ed
Then I guess they’re not serious, Ed.
It could also mean they’re not going to go $5 mill-$10 mill over the payroll limit they’ve set.
The Grinch
December 10th, 2010
5:13 am
Ed, they spent money getting what they thought was a quality CF in McLouth, a move that was hailed by everyone at the time including myself. It backfired. When his money is off the books next year, if Schafer still isn’t ready then we’ll try again. We can’t just eat multiple bad contracts like the Yankees and Red Sox; we don’t have the payroll. If we did, we’d be unstoppable; Wren would run circles around Epstein and Cashman as a GM with money to burn. How hard is it to find guys with the best numbers available at every position and then grossly overpay for them, regardless if they get along with the media and each other or not? The skill is in making a cohesive and reasonably successful team out of retreads and prospects while keeping a stocked farm system for sustainability and potential bargaining chips. Learn to appreciate what you have, because that’s what we are.
J.D.
December 10th, 2010
6:18 am
Sheesh comments regarding Ed Lucas are very ignorant and simple not true. And unlike Sheesh, I’ve actually seen Lucas play a number of times. Lucas impressed me both at the plate and in the field this past season. Lucas was almost picked in yesterday’s Rule V Draft according to BA, they state about him as follows:
“Ed Lucas, util, Braves: Lucas is an interesting case, in that he was a minor league free agent who played for the Royals for six seasons. The Braves quickly signed him but didn’t protect him, and the 28-year-old Lucas fits the utility profile well. He hit .307/.398/.480 at Triple-A Omaha this season while playing left field, second base, shortstop and third base. Lucas, a righty-hitting player from Dartmouth, has a plus arm, hits for average, controls the strike zone and plays with energy.”
Source link: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=10641
J.D.
December 10th, 2010
6:21 am
BTW, BA didn’t mention that Ed Lucas is also good at playing 1st base too.
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
6:57 am
J Man – If you love the team at 8 positions, and only have a problem at one position, then that is one solid team. Not too many teams with only one problem. That alone would put them in the upper tier. Another point – no matter what, every team always has a position that is the weakest position on the team, even if it’s a great player, by definition somebody has to be the weakest. Last point – you are dead wrong about Schafer. You base your condemnation based on him playing while injured/recovering from surgery.
Ed goes in with the group that only sees dark days ahead and is absolutely sure that everything that can go wrong will. Okay, we got that.
JD – good comments. I think Lucas has a good shot at the utility role. We’ll have to see what he can do in ST.
Kevin
December 10th, 2010
6:59 am
DOB
Has anyone considered the possibility that if the Yankess miss out on Lee,–big if– will they come asking for one of the Braves starters? Would the front office consider moving Lowe and then have Minor and Beachy at the backend of the rotation with possible help at Gwinnett?
BRAVES FANATICUS
December 10th, 2010
7:11 am
Hmm. Why are the New England media outlets reporting Jacoby Ellsbury is being dangled as trade bait?
Jump on it Frank Wren !
Tyler
December 10th, 2010
8:01 am
2010 Offseason Leagues
Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS
NAV LMP .358 45 165 36 59 8 1 5 24 84 29 22 7 6 .452 .509 .961
Matt Youngs stats this winter.
Looks like we may have our back-up if Nate falters and Schafer doesn’t ever pan out.
Strong #’s to back up a very solid year in Gwinnett.
No need to sign another OF unless Andruw comes on the cheap. Andruw would be a decent fit simply for his power from the right side, but then again…that’s why the signed Mathers.
I’m happy with current roster and moves. Would be nice have some insurance for SS/2B, but Wren sounds content with Diory Hernandez.
Dumb Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
8:12 am
Why do I keep hearing Ellsbury?
Boston has not put him on the market.
Anyways imagine this:
JD Drew in Right (OLD and might need to be replaced soon)
Ellsbury in Center (backup Mike C.)
then you sign a stud left fielder (ala Carl Crawford)
Would you trade your stud CF off an injury? Knowing that eventually someone will be needed to take over JD Drew spot in right field. If you trade Ellsbury then you will have an old CF (Mike Cameroon and old RF JD Drew)
Some of you on this blog are idiots if you think the Red Sox will shop Ellsbury, they will need him to replace their aging Outfielders in 1-2 years.
braveshoo
December 10th, 2010
8:20 am
I really like the moves FW has made. The one glaring weakness we have is in CF, especially if Chipper is out and Prado moves to 3rd. Wrenn does have options if McClouth fails: Jones, Schaffer. However, we will not tender McClouth next year, so we are right back to the same problem unless Schaffer rebounds and wins the job. For these reasons, someone like Cameron or Andrew Jones is not the answer. We need a young CF who can bat leadoff, steal bases, and be under team control for many years. The best options are Brett Gardner of the Yankees, McCutchen of the Pirates, and Ellsbury of the Red Sox. My only concern with Ellsbury is he has injury prone and he will be expensive to keep long term. The best trade bait we have is probably JJ. He is an excellent young pitcher, but we will probably have to pay him 3m this year in arbitration, and a lonfterm contract is unlikely with Teheran and Delgado ready by July of this year. I really think Gardner is the best and most likely option. If the Yankees dont sign Lee, they will need a picher like JJ, and I think then the deal can get done.
lambdabilly
December 10th, 2010
8:23 am
@ Dumb Braves Fan there was a rumor last year about the Red Sox shopping Ellsbury and the braves were linked to that rumor. I don’t see it now and I would start Ellsbury over Cameron any day of the week.
prbravesfan
December 10th, 2010
8:26 am
“Schafer has prover that he can’t even hit AA pitching…….look up his Minor League numbers from last year if you don’t believe me. ”
What part of, he had wrist surgery and it takes over a year for people to get their strength back, do people not understand?
K with a K
December 10th, 2010
8:39 am
I like where the Braves are right now. Why would Frank Wren go make a move for a starting CF or LF now. The lineup is set IMO. Let’s just get to spring training and see how Chipper is doing and go from there.
Sportsradio PD
December 10th, 2010
8:41 am
DOB, thanks for responding first of all. I should have read the original blogger’s comment, I only saw your comment as I was about to close out for the night. Uggla is NOT Conrad, no doubt and I thought I should have said that but only thought of it after I closed out.
Adding a 30 + homer guy especially at 2nd is huge, I do agree w/that point. Actually the main point I wanted to make was; Frank, let’s PLEASE not ignore defense, just as speed gets in the head of the opposing pitchers, poor defense eventually gets in the heads of ours. We now have:
1st-rookie
2nd- below avg. defensively speaking
SS-avg
3rd-very limited range (not a knock, just unfortunatly true)
LF- only a little outfield experience
CF- Mclouth good speed, but has no arm
RF-2nd year guy who one day will be great.
Catcher- veteran
Love your column
kenshin
December 10th, 2010
8:49 am
am i going to pirates or not? i want to pitch in big level again!
TN Stone
December 10th, 2010
8:50 am
Am I the only one that still has hope that Schafer will end up being a solid player?
Tyler
December 10th, 2010
9:03 am
I think Shafer will bounce back. I really think PED’s played a big part, but I do think he has the talent. Personally, he needs to start the season down in AAA regardless of spring. He’s always had a high strikeout rate, so seeing some AAA pitching will probably help his confidence coming off the injury. I do think he’s talented. I’ve have close friends that came up and played with him in Rome. Stated then to watch out for him. PED’s or not, he’ll be a big leaguer.
I think that Matt Young will make the team as a back-up CF out of spring training. Guy had a solid year in Gwinnett last year and has been killing it in winter ball. He’s a contact hitter and doesn’t strike out much. If McClouth falters look for Young to play and Shafer to be called up at some point.
Not Blue
December 10th, 2010
9:42 am
Jordan Schafer = a poor man’s Grady Sizemore. A very, very, very poor and homeless man’s Grady Sizemore.
DaveInDallas(NC)
December 10th, 2010
9:45 am
Wow. I read this blog because their are some well informed and articulate bloggers and I like hearing DOB’s expertise on the Braves. There are some on this blog that make no sense at all. That Atlanta isn’t serious about winning because they didn’t add a 20-30 home run player in center field is an erroneous thought at its core. Look at the whole picture before making such absurd comments. We aren’t trading baseball cards here. Frank Wren and his staff are dealing with real players and real money. It’s not as simple as trading the players you have doubles of for a superstar who hits 40 home runs. You also have to remember that the Braves’ budget isn’t that of the NY Yankees. No one else has that budget. In light of this, look at the moves the Braves have made. Dan Uggla and his 30+ homers are inserted into the lineup at second base. You may debate his defense but I would be willing to bet that it improves this season. You put Martin Prado- an All Star- in LF. He has not played the outfield a whole lot in Atlanta but he has played it pretty extensively in winter ball. The Braves have had a void at first base for a while. They have one of the brighest young prospects stepping in there this season. That leaves center field as the ONLY position of question that does not have a new body in it for the upcoming season. Why? You can’t just go out and get someone just because you want to go out and get someone. You have millions being paid to a player who was reasonably productive until this past season. Nate McLouth had a TERRIBLE season. I will give you that. That’s doesn’t mean Atlanta can- or will- go out and trade premium prospects for another large salary to absorb. If you would a young, inexpensive prospect who will be under your control for a few years, you have to give something to get something. Again, we aren’t trading baseball cards. I’m not GM and you’re not either.
DaveInDallas(NC)
December 10th, 2010
9:50 am
I am interested to see who takes over at third when Chipper Jones retires. I really get the feeling that he wants to rehab so that he can retire on his terms. No one wants their last season to be marred with injuries. I think he’ll hang them up after this season.
Navigator
December 10th, 2010
10:04 am
Simple statement: The Braves are not serious about contending if Nate McLouth is still in center field. He got sent to the minors for his failure to perform. A contender would have packaged him with an allstar like Infante to rid of him, but the penny counters refused to understand that sunk cost is just that, lost forever.
David O'Brien
December 10th, 2010
10:11 am
Simple statement: The Braves are not serious about contending if Nate McLouth is still in center field. — Navigator
The operative word is simple.
Like Ed’s 1:41 a.m. statement was simple.
Nova Scotia Steve
December 10th, 2010
10:13 am
This Jacoby Ellsbury crap seriously makes me want to throw-up….
Do you “fans” read absolutely ANYTHING about what the teams manager and general manager say about their plans.
I’ll say this slowly….Nate….McLouth…..and the CF job….in Atlanta…..is his……to lose….
Meaning he’s going to have to fall completely flat on his face and he’ll still probably get another chance at it. I also understand that Frank Wren door is always open for business especially if a deal presents itself that makes the Braves club better – and makes sense. Frank will pull the trigger.
But does trading Ellsbury really make any sense for the Red Sox??? I certainly don’t think so….some other team would have to blow them away with prospects to replenish their system after the Adrian Gonzalez trade – I don’t think the Braves are about to do any of that.
I think Mike Cameron might be more of guy they would look to deal – older, makes more cash etc etc.
Nova Scotia Steve
December 10th, 2010
10:15 am
I also understand that we need some type of back-up plan in case McLouth falls flat on his face but it sure as hell ain’t going to be Jacoby Ellsbury.
The Grinch
December 10th, 2010
10:19 am
Navigator, I’m sure they tried as hard as they possibly could to get rid of him. I’m equally sure no other team would have been dumb enough to burn a roster spot by taking him. We would have essentially had to give away an All-star just to get rid of him, and we can’t afford to do that. I’m as upset as anyone he’s still here but there isn’t much we can do about it but hope Schafer or Young beats him out in ST, which shouldn’t be hard to do.
dap01
December 10th, 2010
10:25 am
I say let Young and McLouth REALLY compete to see who is best. I would rather have anyone other than the terrible cf that played for us last year.
Battle it out during spring training and not in the real season.
Lost navigator
December 10th, 2010
10:25 am
Ummmm, guess the Braves didn’t contend last year with Nate not performing either? Funny, I thought sure I saw them in the playoffs. And my momma told me if you’re in the playoffs you are contending and momma don’t lie. Actually if it wasn’t for a couple errors and poor calls a 2nd base they probably would have beat the eventual WS champions. For you idiots to say we have no chance if nate doesn’t perform is hilarious!!! SanFran had more holes in their lineup than swiss cheese last year and somehow won it all?? Every team in baseball (including the Yankees) has a few weaknesses. Sure glad the navigator is sitting on his couch in his boxers and not navigating the offseason moves for the braves!!
stew
December 10th, 2010
10:26 am
DOB
Prado is a second baseman playing left field. I know he’s played there in winter ball. He is basically a punch and judy. McLouth hasn’t displayed any kind of arm at all. That’s the reason I dismiss him not for his offensive woes. Ellsbury has to prove himself healthy and productive as does Schafer, although Ellsbury is the more accomplished of the two at the major league level. Even if Chip is healthy, we have to find a bonafide replacement with power at third base. I don’t believe Prado is the answer at third. Maybe a platoon in CF of McLouth and Andruw might work. Otherwise I favor Cain, McCutchen, Rasmus, either Upton, or Braun. I’d give a lot for Braun or J. Upton.
The Grinch
December 10th, 2010
10:26 am
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against McLouth personally and I’d love to see him have a good year for obvious reasons. But Oy Vey, he’s been terrible at Turner Field. And count me among those who don’t think we need to give up the farm for Ellisbury. Schaffer is no more or less of a chance and he’s already here.
stew
December 10th, 2010
10:27 am
We need blue chip players not fill ins.
Daniel
December 10th, 2010
10:31 am
Hot Stove talk is always fun, but one thing we have learned about FW is that deals get done quickly and quietly making the rumor mill kinda useless. I like that juicy bit you dropped DOB about the Braves still talking trade with an unnamed team. Any hints or thoughts? Brewers?
ps: my top 25 year end list is ready to go.
Ted M
December 10th, 2010
10:32 am
The Red Sox have said their starting OF will be Crawford, Ellsbury and Drew.
It doesn’t matter where the power come from, Uggla was a great pick-up in fact he was a major steal as long as we keep him. But, after last season, I thought the Braves needed to add more then 1 power bat and the rankings that DOB just quoted support that. Its just not going to be a big trade or something that would infringe on signing Uggla long term. I think the Braves will find it.
Ted M
December 10th, 2010
10:38 am
While I’ll be rooting for McLouth I just don’t think that “extra” bat is going to come from him.
I wonder how long of shot Fredi will give Nate if he hits around .200?
That would be a good poll: How many weeks should Fredi give Nate to prove himself?
Moonpie
December 10th, 2010
10:40 am
Let’s not forget gang that the Braves have a new hitting coach. With his help Nate might just turn things around. Let’s hope so.
Please!
December 10th, 2010
10:41 am
There is no way to tell if Chipper, Nate, Jordan and Freeman are going to be great are fall on their face. For the Love of “Johnny Cash” tell me how the hell some of you know Schafer going to be great, Nates going to do crap , chipper etc…Wait and see..thank The “Man in Black” Frank Wren is GM and not you.
If someone on teams screws up ..Wren is not stupid. He knows what to do.
Dumb Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
10:48 am
Wren and Bobby got the Braves to the playoffs with multiple injuries and a terrible offensive ball club. Give him some credit.
Every night the Braves were playing 4 vs 8 on offense (didnt include pitchers)
Center field= easy out
left field = Easy Out
1st base= Lee was a disaster/easy out
2nd base/3rd base= Conrad was a disaster/easy out
and they lost to the eventual World Series Champions and could have easily won the series if not for the terrible offense.
Dumb Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
10:49 am
and defense
Dumb Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
10:51 am
EVERY TEAM has FLAWS.
Look at the Yankees, they spend 200 million and all i hear on ESPN is the flaws in the rotation, bullpen. Heck Braves do VERY VERY well with the payroll restrictions. You cant have a perfect team
David O'Brien
December 10th, 2010
10:52 am
Otherwise I favor Cain, McCutchen, Rasmus, either Upton, or Braun. I’d give a lot for Braun or J. Upton. — stew
Nice wish list. Too bad almost none are available, and that you’d have to overpay for the ones that are. Oh, and the Braves say they aren’t looking for a starter, so it pretty much rules out all but Cain anyway. And the Brewers were asking way too much for him for the Braves’ tastes.
Jesse Stone
December 10th, 2010
11:04 am
1st base= Lee was a disaster/easy out
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
24 RBI in 39 games with an OPS of .849 may not be MVP numbers, but trading very little for Lee can not be considered a “disaster”.
Dumb Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
11:12 am
in the playoffs he only got on base 2 or 3 times in 4 games (16+ ABs)
Ted M
December 10th, 2010
11:13 am
Has Troy Glaus retired? Haven’t heard a thing about him since the season ended.
GAKnight
December 10th, 2010
11:13 am
Dave, you are the biggest “homer” I’ve ever seen! The Braves traded there best utility player (an All-Star) for Dan Ugla. That’s it! They have NO first baseman, and only one solid out fielder. How much evidence do you need that McLouth is a bust, Freddie Freeman has never put good numbers anywhere and Jordan Shaffer is a career 200 hitter. Laroche hit .270 with 30 HRs and 100 RBI. The Braves are too cheap to win. How they won 91 games last year is a mystery to me even with their pitching staff. Cox should have Manager of the Year with that lineup. Oh yeah, we don’t have a 3rd baseman either!
Poorbrave
December 10th, 2010
11:14 am
I like the Braves right now….looking forward to seeing Young, Lucas and new players in camp. I worry about Mathers but if he proves well ..here we go…There is alot of time to get another OF’er if required. Sherrill I hope will return to 09 form and it will be lights out.
cheshire
December 10th, 2010
11:14 am
The CF position is i think still the key to this entire lineup.
The problem is that you’re still going into this offseason with a lot of question marks. Does Chipper make it the entire season? What is fair to expect from Freeman as a rookie? Will Alex Gonzalez turn into the double play, pop-out machine that he became toward the end of last year?
With those question marks looming, you can’t go into the season with another question mark in CF, otherwise that’s half of your lineup whose production is questionable. Wren HAS to get a solid option out there… not an all-star, just someone who isn’t going to hit .179 and be an automatic out the way McLouth is.
Dumb Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
11:16 am
Let McOut bat 8th. Most 8th place hitter in the NL are automatic outs or they are walked to get to the pitcher.
Popeye Chicken
December 10th, 2010
11:30 am
I think that the Braves should look at Scott Posednik.
E-6
December 10th, 2010
11:30 am
Good grief – unless we open the season with Pujois, Uggla, H. Rameriz and ARod in the infield along with Crawford, Werth and Ellsbury in the outfield, it appears that this team has no chance. Maybe we should also add Cliff Lee.
We won the wild card last year and have strengthened ourselves offensively. Get a grip folks.
Coach13
December 10th, 2010
11:32 am
DOB- I don’t see them making another “big” move, now or at Spring Training, do you? It’s really too bad that we are going to waste 14 mil a year on a guy who might hit .270/15/60, and play about 115 games. KK contract hurts too. Imagine who we could get for appx 20 mil a year.
SR
December 10th, 2010
11:40 am
From out here on the West Coast, thought you would appreciate this gem- the other night on KNBR Sports Radio, they were discussing the amount of the World Series Shares the Giants players were divvying up when Ralph Barbieri asked John Shea of the Chron if he thought the Giants had voted Brooks Conrad a full share!!!!
Jesse Stone
December 10th, 2010
11:47 am
Dumb Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
11:12 am
in the playoffs he only got on base 2 or 3 times in 4 games (16+ ABs
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
His solid numbers helped the Braves reach the playoffs. Jason Heyward had a .301 OPS in the playoffs. Was he also a disaster last year?
Jesse Stone
December 10th, 2010
11:50 am
Infante- .263 OBP for a leadoff batter in the playoffs. Was he a disaster last year? How many Braves knocked the cover off the ball in the postseason? Were they all disasters?
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
11:58 am
“Dave, you are the biggest “homer” I’ve ever seen! The Braves traded there best utility player (an All-Star) for Dan Ugla. That’s it! They have NO first baseman, and only one solid out fielder. How much evidence do you need that McLouth is a bust, Freddie Freeman has never put good numbers anywhere and Jordan Shaffer is a career 200 hitter. Laroche hit .270 with 30 HRs and 100 RBI. The Braves are too cheap to win. How they won 91 games last year is
a mystery to me
even with their pitching staff. Cox should have Manager of the Year with that lineup. Oh yeah, we don’t have a 3rd baseman either!”
GAKnight, after reading that, I would think a lot of things are a mystery to you.
Ted M
December 10th, 2010
12:07 pm
“Freddie Freeman has never put good numbers anywhere”
Freddie Freeman hit .319 in 461 AB’s w/18hrs and 87 rbi at Gwinnett last year.
Those stats don’t account for a slow start. He finished on major hot streak.
Harpie
December 10th, 2010
12:11 pm
I hope the Braves lose every game this season, for being so stupid as to get rid of Infante. And, Uggla’s defense stinks! The whole thing will come back to bite the Braves in the ass, and I’ll be laughing when it does.
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
12:14 pm
I hope someone hands you a glass of warm milk, harpie
Ted M
December 10th, 2010
12:17 pm
Infante’s 2nd base fielding % is exactly the same as Uggla’s. Infante’s fielding % for all positions is worse then Uggla’s.
Jesse Stone
December 10th, 2010
12:21 pm
Harpie, maybe you can become one of the dozens of Marlins fans.
JonnyVenter'sLeftArm
December 10th, 2010
12:24 pm
I do think BoSox will have a crowded outfield; Mike Cameron is probably most-expendable, but he ain’t cheap, so I don’t see us getting him without Mr. Epstein eating a majority of the contract.
Mountain Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
12:37 pm
It seems to me the Braves two biggest potential problems going into the 2011 season are a lack of production from Nate McLouth and a lack of health from Chipper Jones. McLouth should be highly motivated to be productive since he is in the last guaranteed year of his contract. Chipper, if healthy, will produce but will not be an every day player as the last several years have demonstrated. If Chipper is not healthy enough to play, Prado will move to third, taking Chipper’s potential 20+ home run bat out of the lineup. None of the Braves fourth outfielder prospects who would replace Prado in left field can provide that power. Again, these are potential problems. We won’t know if either or both of these are actual problems until spring training and beyond.
One potential solution for either problem is Mike Cameron. He is a former gold glove center fielder who excels defensively and could replace McLouth there if needed. From 2006-2009, while playing for San Diego and Milwaukee, Cameron slugged 20+ home runs per season, so if Chipper is not able to play due to health, Cameron could go to left field and provide the thump in the lineup normally provided by Chipper. Did I mention that Cameron bats right handed?
Cameron, however, is not without flaws. He will be 37 years old in January and he is under contract with Boston for one more year at 7.25 million dollars. Since Boston acquired Carl Crawford, Cameron is now a very highly paid fourth outfielder and right handed pinch hitter. Because Boston put a serious dent in their farm system in the Adrian Gonzalez trade, and because they have other young outfielders in their system who played last year when Cameron and Ellsbury were hurt, they might be interested in trading Cameron and possibly eating some of his salary. Cameron’s 2010 season with Boston was essentially lost due to a sports hernia (he only played in 48 games) and he is just now beginning baseball activities after sports hernia surgery. Cameron is only a short-term solution, and center field and third base would still be potential problems in 2012. But one player who can solve either of two problems, even short-term, is rare.
Big Jim
December 10th, 2010
12:52 pm
OK Wren is being aggressive.. but the following will have tto happen if the Braves are going to be successful in competing with the Phillies, Yankees, Red Sock long term:
Chipper need to retire, move Prado to third,owners add $25 Million to payroll ( if they don’t the Braves will still be a second rate team and can not win it all even if everyone has a career year) and their whole investiment will go South. Fickle Georgians will not come to the games nor watch the second rate Braves on TV)
The 25 Million +Chipper’s salary should be enough to sign Uggla long term and sign a 30 homer left fielder or a lead off hitter center fielder(without giving us a young starter – you can’t have enough good healthy pitching). Ditch KK and McGoof and use their money down the road to sign JJ, Prado, McCann and other sure to be highly paid free agents..
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
12:55 pm
So many on here have simply decided that there is absolutely zero chance of Chipper, McLouth, Schafer, Young and Freeman having any types of good years. They have decided that Heyward will slump, McCann will falter, Uggla will lead the universe in errors and Gonzalez will turn blind. Then they come on here and play “what if”.
What if this player goes down? What if that player slumps? What if, what if, what if? The answers they have at the ready for their simplistic game of What If are, of course more failure because they determined before the game what the answers should be.
So, okay let’s play What If.
What If Chipper spends time injured? Well, then Prado excels at third, while McLouth moves to LF and Schafer takes over in CF, giving us speed on offense and defense.
What If McLouth doesn’t play well? Well, then, Schafer and Young step up and play pretty darned good and the Braves are fine.
What If Uggla makes an error? Well, then, he hits a three run homer in the next inning to make up for it.
What If McCann doesn’t throw out a runner? Well, then, the pitching mows down the next two batters and McCann later slaps a double driving in Chipper.
What If Freeman can’t hit? Well, then, Hinske and/or Mather will fill in and if need be, Wren goes out and gets somebody to play 1st.
Hey, how about that? I can play the game too.
K with a K
December 10th, 2010
12:56 pm
DOB…have you had any contact with McClouth this winter? Is he changing anything up this offseason, thinking of getting to Dark Star earlier than normal? Also what positions can Ed Lucas play? Thanks for the blogs!
Blackberry Cobbler
December 10th, 2010
12:57 pm
Any Braves lineup with McOUT in it is too weak. Braves need another outfielder with a bat.
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
12:59 pm
“Chipper need to retire, move Prado to third,owners add $25 Million to payroll ( if they don’t the Braves will still be a second rate team and can not win it all even if everyone has a career year) and their whole investiment will go South. Fickle Georgians will not come to the games nor watch the second rate Braves on TV)”
Quick, someone call Freddi and Frank and have them cancel the season. No need to play – Big Jim has spoken.
Not Blue
December 10th, 2010
12:59 pm
ramblinman- that was a complete waste of space. Do you not have a job????????
Not Blue
December 10th, 2010
1:00 pm
@12:55…and any other time you pretend to be Blog Sherriff
Horner's Corner
December 10th, 2010
1:01 pm
So DOB posted his annual “Let’s over-hype Jordan Schafer” article and I must add a late comment. Why can’t someone in the Braves organization help these prototype leadoff guys change their approach? Schafer will be a bust (in my opinion) for the same reason McClouth has become one. They swing and miss far too often and they under utilize their speed and base running ability. These guys are too small to be middle of the lineup hitters, so they need to learn how to put the ball in play (on the ground) and utilize their speed. Unfortunately it appears (based on Schafer’s obsession with increasing muscle mass) no one in the organization is telling them so. Their whole approach is an aftereffect of the `roid era and it’s ruining their careers.
Alex
December 10th, 2010
1:03 pm
DOB:I just checked George Sherrill’s stats. It seems he has a career ERA of 3.71 from the seventh through the ninth innings. While opponents have hit only .225 against him in those innings, Sherrill has given up 215 hits and 19 HRs in 259 innings of work from the seventh inning on. Why did the Braves sign a reliever with such a poor track record of giving up clutch hits in the late innings and considering the fact that he’ll be 34 this season, couldn’t they’ve signed someone like Jesse Crain?
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
1:03 pm
awww, look, my own personal attack puppy is back. Cute little bugger isn’t he?
Although from his bark, he sounds like a peekapoo
What if?
December 10th, 2010
1:06 pm
What if Ramblingman drops dead…..
Dumb Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
1:12 pm
Jesse,
you are an idiot. Lee didnt help the Braves make the playoffs. He was version 2.0 of McOut at First base. Lee struck out/ couldnt get the runner over, was as bad as McOut. He was good defensively but I still believe Glaus should have came back after a couple of weeks to recover. Without Glaus we would have never made playoffs
Alex
December 10th, 2010
1:16 pm
DOB: Another option that the Braves could have pursued if they had wanted a third left hander would have been one of their own: Mariano Gomez. Although he is a minor league free agent, in two seasons at Gwinnett he was 11-6 with a 2.44 ERA in 77 games. In 118 innings of work, he gave up just 5 HRs and had 64 strikeouts. Are the Braves planning on resigning him?
Bob
December 10th, 2010
1:17 pm
Alex I would hope so.
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
1:19 pm
Alex,
I checked some stats on Sherrill too. Seems LH’s hit .176 against him in his career. Careerwise, the Phillies (all batters, not just LH) have hit .111 against him and the Mets have hit .167. Seeing as how he’ll be a lefty specialist, those numbers might have something to do with their decision to sign him.
Horner's Corner
December 10th, 2010
1:23 pm
I hope Matt Young makes the Braves roster this spring because at least he understands his job. He’s a small dude and knows he won’t hit 40 homers. Instead, he puts the ball in play (minor league career K/PA ratio of .10), gets on base (minor league career OBP of .390) and plays good defense.
For a quick comparison, Schafer’s K/PA ratio is .18 and his career minor league OBP is .326
Also keep in mind that Young has over 1,600 AB’s at the AA and AAA level while Schafer has less than 600.
What if?
December 10th, 2010
1:35 pm
Ramble on.
smart ass is back
Jesse Stone
December 10th, 2010
1:41 pm
Dumb Braves Fan- Your name says it all. Once again, Lee played stellar defense and had an OPS of .849. How is that just like “McOut”? Glaus was on the bench for a reason. Lee was better. Glaus was gimpy. If you think Glaus was better, you really are DUMB BRAVES FAN
Steve
December 10th, 2010
1:43 pm
Overall you cannot complain about the job Wren has done again. Let’s face it until someone with deep pockets purchases the Braves. Wren will have to continue to get economical players but then again we have learned some lessons in trading young talent for a superstar. I am excited about Uggla hitting in our line up and I am excited about EH being back as a Brave!!!!!
Jesse Stone
December 10th, 2010
1:43 pm
Glaus, other than 6 weeks, was a Cigar Store Indian.
MindReader
December 10th, 2010
1:43 pm
This question is intended primarily for Dave O’Brien, but if anyone knows the answer, please enlighten me. Please bear with me while I set up the question.
The problem with trading Kawakami (or any player) is that the club getting him has to take a risk as to how he will perform. Let’s assume for the moment that the Pirates want Kawakami to be a 5th starter. If KK pitches well enough to be the 5th starter, the Pirates would be willing to pay him $3 mil (the numbers are hypothetical to make the point). But let’s say the Pirates are only willing to risk $2 million. In other words, the Pirates are going to discount their offer to account for the risk that KK doesn’t pitch well enough to be the 5th starter. Are the Braves allowed under MLB’s rules to make the following offer: We’ll trade Kawakami and enough cash to pay all but $3 million of his salary. If KK makes the Pirates opening day roster, the deal is final. In that case, the Pirates would pay $3 mil for their 5th starter and the Braves would save $3 mil and everyone is happy. But if KK doesn’t make the Pirates opening day roster (KK is traded or cut), then the Braves will send the Pirates another $1 mil in cash. In that circumstance, the Pirates have only lost the $2 mil they were willing to risk and the Braves have still saved $2 mil. Is that permissible?
This technique would seem to be a way to split the risk with the club acquiring KK and, hopefully, encourage a club that might otherwise be reluctant.
Not Blue
December 10th, 2010
1:45 pm
This question is intended primarily for Dave O’Brien, but if anyone knows the answer, please enlighten me
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
that sentence is the mating call of ramblinman
Coach13
December 10th, 2010
1:50 pm
Mountain Braves Fan- while I don’t think Cameron would be a terrible option I sure wouldn’t give anything of value in return for him. Ellsbury is easily worth 3 prospects and if we could have him for the next 5 years then it is worth it. Ellsbury is a proven major league talent while our prospects are, well, prospects. Unproven at ML level and therefore are a gamble. They might all turn out to be studs but trading 3 potentially good players for an already proven good player (young) seems like a no brainer.
robdawg08
December 10th, 2010
1:51 pm
DOB, wat makes the Braves think that Nate McLouth will return to .280 20 80 ? If you base it on recent play then we expect about .200 from Nate. Is Nate playing winter ball ? He should be.
The point you are missing DOB is that the Braves need 30/100 from 2 OF positions (Heyward should do it) and 2B not just one position alone.
Jesse Stone
December 10th, 2010
1:54 pm
robdawg- I don’t necessarily agree that the Braves need THAT kind of production from the outfield, but definitely more than last year. The Braves’ hands are tied with McLouth due to his contract. It would be almost impossible to trade him given how he played last year.
robdawg08
December 10th, 2010
1:55 pm
Why is it that the CF position can be shaky and questionable on the team when every other position is represented well ?
robdawg08
December 10th, 2010
1:58 pm
I got the feeling from Dave that a buyer might but the Braves and cut the payroll ? That would be insane because fans are smart and won’t support a non-competitive team (A.K.A. Pirates,Royals). Someone with deep pockets needs to buy the Braves like Arthur Blank.
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
2:06 pm
Mindreader – I personally am not aware of any trade ever being set up that way, and am not sure the union or MLB would approve of it. I see your point in it though, and one possible way around it to acheive what you are trying to get at could be that the trade include the infamous PTBNL with the understanding between the teams (as has been done before) that if he performs well, they get a lesser player, or if he flops, they get a better player. That might pass the smell test and be approved as long as that’s not in writing.
trollpuppy, don’t bother. your attacks neither spur me nor dissuade me. you are wasting your time when you could be watching Cartoon Network.
Mike in Canton
December 10th, 2010
2:25 pm
I love all these people clamoring about how bad McLouth has been since he came to Atlanta. Does anyone at all remember 2009?
G AB PA R H 2 3 HR RBI SB CS BB K AVG OBP
84 396 339 59 87 20 1 11 36 12 6 47 70 .257 .354
So he had a bad year. I hated his 2010 showing as much as anyone as my wife can attest. But looking at 2006-2009 and comparing it to 2010 shows that 2010 was the fluke year. Will he bounce back for sure? No one knows, but its his job to lose since the Braves are paying him several million dollars already.
Finally, to all you Schafer haters, his injury to his wrist has caused his poor production the last two seasons and all of you want Ellsbury who broke his ribs and was injured most of last year? Isn’t it ironic as ramblingman has already mentioned that you want to get rid of one player coming off an injury for another?
Jesse Stone
December 10th, 2010
2:27 pm
Mike in Canton- What you fail to mention is that Elsbury has prospered at the MAJOR LEAGUE LEVEL. Schafer prospered in THE MINORS FOR ONE YEAR
What if?
December 10th, 2010
2:40 pm
Ram you are the funny Cartoon on DOB network
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
December 10th, 2010
2:54 pm
I’m just gonna sit back and see what Wren actually DOES.
All these what-if scenarios are fun, but only one person knows who’s available and who ain’t, who we can go after and who we can’t. That would be Frank Wren. I’ve learned the past couple of years that he knows a helluva lot more about GMin’ than I do.
Take it away Frank…
dumbassfan
December 10th, 2010
3:05 pm
t-bone…you want freeman to be the second coming of mark grace as your wish list…really? WHY…grace had a great glove but no power and a so so avg….wish for the second coming of frank thomas,jim thome,hell ryan kelsko…but not grace…sorry just my thoughts
Castrologist
December 10th, 2010
3:13 pm
In Frank we trust!
http://castrologist.tumblr.com
dumbassfan
December 10th, 2010
3:17 pm
it amazes me how all of yall keep bashing mclouth and schafer but if either one of them have the years they are capable of yall will be singing there praises…nate had a bad year last year we all know that,but the kid has loads of talent and i think he will have a good year this year,i base that off him having no pressure to excel since everyone already thinks he sux..and i would trade any player in the minors we had to to get grinke,he is an established cy young winning pitcher and there is no guarntee that the kids in the minor will ever play or live up to there potental(schafer) so if you can get a stud major league pitcher then i say get him….THE TIME IS NOW !!!!
Conyers Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
3:23 pm
DOB: I realize you discounted my post yesterday about
the fact that the Braves still have not made the move they
need most…that being to get a solid hitting outfielder who can hit 25-30 hrs and knock in 100 rbi.
Please give me a second chance: The fact that we have Ugga
who will play 2nd base….not the outfield does not fill the need. We do not have any position outfielder (except RF) who will give the Braves what they need in LF or CF. Sure Prado may be a partial answer but he is very likely not to play in the outfield most of the time given the serious question marks about Chipper. The point I am trying to make is simple: Outfield positions are the easiest to play. Those who play these positions must be solid power hitters. At one time a player could not be a regular outfielder and get away with a BA much less than .300 with 100 rbi and 25-30 hrs unless he was an exceptional fielder and had speed and a great arm. I realize those days are gone but the Braves have the weakest hitting OF in the NL. We need help.
Nova Scotia Steve
December 10th, 2010
3:27 pm
T-Bone – Is that Watkin’s from accounting???
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
3:29 pm
A 16 year career averaging 12 HR’s, 83 RBI’s and .303? That would not exactly be chopped liver.
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
3:32 pm
Conyers, I think what DOB was trying to illustrate was how would it be any different if instead of Uggla, they had gotten an OF that was capable of hitting 30 HR’s?
IOPBRAVE
December 10th, 2010
4:04 pm
I’d feel better about the bullpen if we had someone that had 25 saves last year ; venters seemed to tire towards the end of the year ( since he pitched every other game ) hopefully he can bounce back – holding out for wags to change his mind
David O'Brien
December 10th, 2010
4:18 pm
Conyers Braves Fan: you again missed my point entirely, so we’ll drop it. Because I don’t know how to explain it to you any clearer than to ask, why does it matter whether the 30-homer, 95-RBI hitter the Braves added plays 2B or LF? Same net result to lineup, which added a 30-homer, 95 RBI man.
While Prado and a healthy, second-year Heyward might not be able to turn the Braves’ outfield from worst to first in terms of home runs and slugging, they definitely should move it up a few notches.
If you’re going to insist on ranking offense by position, consider this: The Braves have players who ranked at or near the top of baseball in several hitting categories at three non-outfield positions in 2010 — catcher, shortstop and second base. McCann and Uggla won the Silver Slugger awards as the best NL hitters at their positions (that’s one-fourth of the eight NL position-player Silver Sluggers), and among all major league shortstops, Alex Gonzalez was second to Troy Tulowitzki in both homers (23) and RBI (88), led in doubles (42), and was fourth in slugging (.447) behind Tulo, Hanley R. and Stephen Drew.
How many NL teams have three players who ranked at or near the top of the majors at their respective positions in as many categories as Uggla, McCann and Gonzalez did last season?
Conyers Braves Fan
December 10th, 2010
4:41 pm
DOB: Thanks for your patience with me. I guess I will end the misery for you by saying what I should have already included as my point. The infielder who hits with the power Uggla does is obviously a great addition but only a bonus to the entire lineup. While he fills a void that we did not have in the lineup last year, the fact remains that we do not have the needed power that is expected from the outfield positions (exception Heyward).
Thanks again, I appreciate all you bring to us Brave fans.
ramblingman
December 10th, 2010
5:40 pm
(bangs his head against the wall and sighs)
David O'Brien
December 10th, 2010
5:53 pm
DOB: Thanks for your patience with me. I guess I will end the misery for you by saying what I should have already included as my point. The infielder who hits with the power Uggla does is obviously a great addition but only a bonus to the entire lineup. While he fills a void that we did not have in the lineup last year, the fact remains that we do not have the needed power that is expected from the outfield positions (exception Heyward). Conyers Braves Fan
Yes, I agree, Braves don’t have expected power from OF positions.
But … Braves have more than expected (more than average) power from catcher, second base and shortstop. My point.
J-Man
December 10th, 2010
7:53 pm
I wanna say FW has done an incredible job in filling roster spots. But his #1 problem is McClouth and the lack of a back-up. I’m not saying that McOut (a popular name at the moment) will or will not bounce back but we need insurance in case he doesn’t. Schafer is not even as good as this version of McClouth
J-Man
December 10th, 2010
8:02 pm
Besides McClouth defense is not what it was 2 years ago. I hope he comes in motivated to not necessarily be a .300 hitter but a more complete player because we need defense from the CF position. If we could get .270 16 HR and 75 RBI with 20 SB from McClouth it will be a success, And I don’t thats putting too much pressure on him. Hopefully he will get numbers similar to that and if he does I will cheer for him more than anyone.
So Cal Brave
December 10th, 2010
11:54 pm
I posted McLouth’s numbers for september of last year on another blog, but here they are again: 3 HR (should’ve been 4), 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 SB, .275 BA in 51 ABs. I’m not saying he’s gonna hit like that for a whole season (500ABs), but it’s easy to see how the potential for a good, solid contribution from him is possible.
So Cal Brave
December 11th, 2010
12:25 am
BTW, Elsbury is not gonna be traded to anyone, the Red Sox will get rid of Cameron AND JD Drew before they trade Elsbury.
Another newsflash for all you baseball trading card GMs: The Pirates will not trade McCutchen anytime soon.
gotigers72
December 11th, 2010
5:12 am
Please Frank, don’t let Nate McClouth be our starting CF on Opening Day. I don’t know where all of the optimism comes from on him making a comeback to where he was the one good year at Pittsburgh.
Since he has been a Brave, he has been a LOUSY ML player. Not good offensively, not good defensively, just not good. He had a 3 week period at the end of ‘10 where he was mediocre and not any better than mediocre, and the fanbase goes nuts with “Nate is back!” stuff. Back, Hell, he never was here to start with.
If Nate is the starting CF, that will be 2 outs at the bottom of the batting order. Maybe 3 unless Sea Bass picks it up. Remember last year what all of those outs in the batting order felt like?
Phil
December 11th, 2010
5:47 am
DOB…..It seems that the Braves are a little restricted with their payroll. By that I mean that it seems another 10-15 Million could put them “over the hump” so to speak. I realize that when Chipper retires that will free up a considerable amount but….does the organization really have a legtimate in house replacement at 3B?
Obee
December 11th, 2010
7:58 am
As much as people here gripe about Frank Wren, he’s not Dayton Moore. Wow, Kansas City now with an outfield of Braves rejects. Moore’s hoping Jeff and Melky have “bounce back years.” Talk about wishful thinking.
Clint
December 11th, 2010
11:58 am
Mark Grace was an all-star, gold glove 1B who (I believe) led the NL in doubles and hits for the entire decade of the 1990’s.
If Freeman can be anywhere near that, I’d gladly take it.
STYLIN
December 11th, 2010
1:17 pm
Fellow Braves fans….please join with me in offering deepest condolences to the KC Royals. I see where they have signed MEEKLY Cabrera…arguably one of the worst acquisition the Braves ever made…to a one year deal. HELLO KC!!!! It’s a deal alright…a BAD deal…wait and see. You will be gouged with a plethora of d ground balls….MEEKLY…to the infield as well as numerous pop-ups. Again, my heartfelt sympathy.
P.S. Thank GOD he is no longer a Brave!!!!
bigstack19
December 11th, 2010
1:43 pm
Why would anyone want Ellsbury? Sure he has speed but speed doesn’t do you any good if you aren’t playing. He is constantly injured and quite frankly he had one good year in his entire career. I would prefer Gomez or Cain from Milwaukee over Ellsbury. Also, there is zero chance the Pirates trade their best player Andrew McCutchen My money is either Wren makes a deal for Lorenzo Cain or pulls one out of his arse and we end up with someone we didn’t expect like Grady Sizemore. I am not saying we will get Sizemore I am just using him as an example of someone unexpected.
David O'Brien
December 11th, 2010
1:45 pm
DOB…..It seems that the Braves are a little restricted with their payroll. By that I mean that it seems another 10-15 Million could put them “over the hump” so to speak. I realize that when Chipper retires that will free up a considerable amount but….does the organization really have a legtimate in house replacement at 3B?
Phil, they don’t have anywhere near $10-15 mill to spend, from what I understand.
As for Chipper’s replacement, that’s an unusual situation and one they can’t plan for now because they don’t know for sure if he’ll play this year, play another year, play two years, etc.
That’s not something they have to focus on now. If he can’t go this year, they’ll play Prado there. And Prado could be a long-term answer. Who knows? Depends on what position is easier to fill, probably. Prado can play LF, 2B, 3B…. So much can happen. Much also depends on Uggla’s situation going forward.
Pastornicky might be ready at SS in a year, or never. Maybe Lucas is as good as the Braves think he can be, perhaps even a guy that could be a starter after a year as a utility guy. Many, many ways that these things can go. But they certainly don’t have to be locked in on an in-house replacement for Chipper right now. Can trade for one if they need to, or sign an OF and move Prado to 3B, etc., etc.
VOL
December 11th, 2010
5:13 pm
DOB. Hope you aren’t counting on AGon repeating his power numbers. Are you? Are the Braves? I still think this Braves team will continue to struggle scoring runs. Not enough speed up an down the lineup to manufacture tham and insufficent power to rely on 3 run hrs every night. Uggla is a very nice addition and I think can be counted on to produce his typical numbers. The Braves still lack the OF to compete IMO unless McClouth comes around; however, if he does I believe they could be very fun to watch and they are built to win.
Can you confirm or deny if Rasmus is available? Asking price if Braves had any discussions?
ramblingman
December 11th, 2010
7:59 pm
Vol – question. How can you say the Braves are going to struggle for runs and have no speed up and down the lineup and how insufficient power and then turn around and say if McLouth comes around, they will be fun to watch and built to win? One person can make that much difference in an entire lineup to you?
ramblingman
December 11th, 2010
8:00 pm
that is “have” insufficient power
VOL
December 11th, 2010
10:02 pm
Ramblingman – YES – easy. My thinking on it was that as of now McClouth is a sure out in the lineup. He isn’t called McOut for no reason. Where does he hit? 8th? 2009 McClouth had an OBP of about .350 and a slugging of about .450. That gives him an OPS of about .800 and an OPS+ of somwhere between 110 and 120. Not just pretty good but very good for a CF. He is the OF we need if he can duplicate his 2009 Pirates performance. I stand by my original statment that this team lacks the lineup to manufacture runs or rely on 3 run hrs to win. If they win it will be with SP and solid RP. They’re not gonna go toe to toe with the Phillies lineup. Not even close and the Phillies can pitch with anyone 3 out of every 5 nights. Don’t think the Braves are gonna win the division as currently constructed. There are however several months to go before the season starts.
IMO JJ needs to be dealt as part of package for a big time MLB OF. If everyone needs pitching he should bring quite a return. He’s a #1 on many teams and solid #2 on most every team! The Braves are better I think but still have some glaring holes to address.
VOL
December 11th, 2010
10:04 pm
I also don’t think they catch the ball very well and didn’t get any better at it with the acquistion of Uggla. All JMO.
ramblingman
December 11th, 2010
11:15 pm
Okay, that all sounds good but it really did not address the question. You said on one hand the Braves had no speed or power. Then you turn around and state that if only McLouth plays up to his average numbers, the team will be fun to watch and then you state they are built to win. One person does not make that much difference, and that was my point. If the team is fun to watch and built to win, they can withstand a poor season by McLouth. If they have no speed or power, McLouth can hit .300 and steal 30 and it won’t matter.
My opinion is that the team is fine. They have several good components. They added some more power with Uggla. I expect Chipper to be fine. I think Schafer and/or Young will surprise a lot of people. While the defense might not be as good as it could be, the offense will be improved. Pitching will continue to excel. I think the team will be more solid than last year, and that is even if McLouth does not rebound, which I think he will do.
sheeesh
December 12th, 2010
5:00 am
J.D., I have to commend you on your cut-and-paste and Googling skills, but that’s about it. I guess you hang out in Omaha or other PCL cities since you claim to have seen him play before (so what?), because he has not even sniffed the Majors yet and he’s 28. AND HE HAS BEEN IN THE ROYALS ORGANIZATION, spending the last 3 years at AAA as a UTILITY PLAYER!!! I guess all of those All-Star-caliber Royals players are blocking his progress to the Big Leagues.
I’m not saying the guy is a bad pickup, but even the Royals don’t see him as a keeper. And how many times have we seen the Royals snatch up former Braves players since Moore took over there. What I am saying is that if the guy makes it with the Braves, he is going straight to Gwinnett. Any time he spends on the ML roster will be due to emergency circumstances. It will also be a loud proclamation that the Braves have a weak bench and a tight payroll. And, God forbid, the Braves rely upon him as a starter for an extended period.
BTW, his fielding percentages in the minors don’t generate much excitement. Average at best. In the minors. His whole career.
His 1B skills are irrelevant. He has a total of 26 games at 1B in the minors, none of which were in Omaha the last 3 seasons he played there. If the Braves are playing him at 1B, they really are in trouble.
ramblingman
December 12th, 2010
1:21 pm
Funny that you write that you are not calling him a bad player and then proceed to make your entire post calling him a bad player.
You posit that player who spend time in KC’s minor leagues and are allowed to leave are no good.and will not make it in the big leagues. Might want to tell Matt Diaz that.
Speaking of players who didn’t catch on right away, you might also think about Shane Victorino who was drafted twice in the Rule 5 draft before he made it.
He was brought to the Braves to be a utility backup, not to be a starter. Proclaiming that it will be bad if he has to start for an extended period is not exactly a brainstorm. The same holds true for Diory and most other backups. But to extrapolate that he should not be on the ML roster because of that is just silly. To assume that you know more than the Braves management and can predict that Lucas will never make the ML roster is a bit of a reach and shows quite the ego.
You should have a ML job if you are truly that good. How did 30 teams miss out on your skills?
NO MORE BOBBY
December 12th, 2010
6:55 pm
Can we sell the Braves to Arthur Blank? Please?
Kyle
December 12th, 2010
8:47 pm
sign Cam Newton to play CF
Dave
December 12th, 2010
9:15 pm
The Braves aren’t even close to contending. Their offense has been anemic for years, the pitching a shadow of what it was in their glory days, and acquiring Uggla while giving up an all star and signing some marginal bench fodder doesn’t come close to giving them the sort of roster they need to compete with the big boys. They need several more big bats to make their offense even respectable. Maybe the Braves can’t afford better talent, but the old saying is true “you get what you pay for”.
Daniel Buck
December 13th, 2010
1:36 am
DOB…. I know the Ellsbury Upton deals will most likely not happen… My question is would bringing Andruw back be anything more than a nice PR move or could he really help… And is there any chance Chipper could give some of his salary to maybe afford an Xavier Nady Colby Rasmus type player..?? If he was to do that the Ellsbury trade seems at least possible… Your input would be greatly appreciated
ramblingman
December 13th, 2010
7:49 am
Dave, I don’t even know where to begin. Aren’t close to contending? You might be shocked to learn that the Atlanta Braves made the playoffs this past year. Look it up.
It’s one thing to be realistic and say the team has some needs to address despite their recent success. It’s another thing entirely to pretend their success never happened while talking about the team like they are bottom tier.
The Braves are a pretty good team. They have pitching both in the starters and in the pen. They have all stars across the field. There is a good mix of young talent and veteran presence. When the team is tweaking the bench (which is pretty good in its own right) during the winter meetings, that’s a good sign.
Do they have the best player in baseball at every position? No, and neither does any other team. Are there questions? Again, just like every other team in MLB the answer is yes. Are they in better shape than last year when they almost won their division and wound up making the playoffs as a wild card? I think so.
Marc Schneider
December 13th, 2010
9:03 am
If character is so important, I guess the Braves would never have wanted Barry Bonds on their team. Much rather have a .220 hitter with character than a jerk that can hit.
sheeesh
December 13th, 2010
9:13 am
ramblingman (appropriate handle, by the way), my point is not that the suggests that guy cannot play baseball (”a bad player”, as you chose to state it), it is that he is not perceived by many to have Major League talent. It is not bad to pick up a player with minimal risk, even if he has minimal upside. Every organization has to fill out their AAA roster and this guy is good for that. In a pinch, he could be brought in to fill-in in the majors. But to state that the Braves expect him to compete for a utility role in Atlanta (see the original article) and potentially even become a starter after a year (see a later comment in this blog by DOB) is a reach. It really suggests that this guy is just a short-term fix until a better alternative can be found. Which is fine. But don’t tell me he will be starting in two years based on merit. I’m not buying that.
Your Diaz example is barely applicable. First, he had at least made it to the Big Leagues with both Tampa and KC before the Braves TRADED for him. So he at least had trade value and was not just a minor league free agent. And the Braves were a bad-to-mediocre team in the years he played here (except last year, when he contributed the least), so his impact on the success of the team was minimal. Diaz seems to be a good guy, but he is a marginal MLB player, as indicated by the fact that he is headed to that other AAAA team, Pittsburgh.
As far as Shane Victorino, another bad example. He was 22 when he got Rule 5′d the first time and was a full-time starter by the time he was 25. Lucas is already 28. And he was not a rule 5 pickup by the Braves. I don’t see your point on this one. Yeah, sure, sometimes organizations make mistakes by failing to keep a player who turns out to be good. So what? I think Lucas is getting more ink in this blog than he will ever get in the remainder of his playing career.
30 teams missed out on my ML skills because I chose not to make myself available to them. Unless you have an executive job in baseball (or, of course, are a player in the Big Leagues), MLB is not generally a place to maximize earning potential. I did not realize that being employed by a MLB organization was a prerequisite for pointing out absurd comments and observations that are posted here. Please forgive me.
David O'Brien
December 13th, 2010
11:19 am
DOB…. I know the Ellsbury Upton deals will most likely not happen… My question is would bringing Andruw back be anything more than a nice PR move or could he really help… And is there any chance Chipper could give some of his salary to maybe afford an Xavier Nady Colby Rasmus type player..?? If he was to do that the Ellsbury trade seems at least possible… Your input would be greatly appreciated — Daniel Buck
1. As I’ve said, bringing back Andruw us unlikely, despite Fredi G’s comment saying his name had come up. A LOT of names have come up, and that could mean anything including someone noting that Andruw is available and then most agreeing he’s not a good fit for the team’s current needs. I think Fredi was being kind when someone asked about Andruw.
2. Braves are not talking to Chipper about restructuring his contract, nor have they planning to. They don’t want to go down that path again at this time, and defer salary to future years. That can become a mess and get teams in trouble when they take away future payroll flexibility to spend now. Almost ruined the Diamondbacks years ago.
ramblingman
December 13th, 2010
11:50 am
Sheeesh (not going to comment on the appropriateness of your chosen handle) –
We can go back and forth with our beliefs on Lucas (who has not gotten much ink until you brought him back up) but the fact remains those are our opinions. Nothing more, nothing less.
However, it’s most certainly not a reach to state that the Braves expect him to compete for a utility role. They do and have stated so. Competing for a utility role does not mean the team is counting on him winning a starting spot and does not reveal the team as having a “weak bench and tight payroll” as you put it.
BTW, Diaz and Victorino were used as examples to counter your implication that because another team did not see a player as a “keeper” then he is obviously not one.
It’s hardly counted as an opinion when you state unequivocally that if Lucas makes the Braves, he will definitely be with Gwinnett. It’s not an opinion to proclaim that he will only be on the ML roster out of emergency circumstances. It’s statements like those that reveal that you think of yourself as smarter than the Braves management and that is why I asked about your MLB employment. Notice I even said that you should have an MLB job if you are truly that good. Employment by an MLB team is certainly no prerequisite for making absurd comments on here. You are forgiven as you requested.
Daniel Buck
December 13th, 2010
1:31 pm
DOB… Thanks for the input… So if you had to guess what will be the Braves best scenario for the OF besides someone we already have in house?
Texas Braces Fan
December 13th, 2010
10:32 pm
Cliff Lee to the Phillies!?!?!?! Makes our off-season moves look like crap!
bravesfaninNashville
December 14th, 2010
12:53 am
Cliff Lee to Phillies means we can kiss the division goodbye. Before that move the Braves had a shot to stay close to Philly. The Phillies will win 100 games with that rotation all year and Utley, Howard, Rollins, Polanco and Victorino healthy. Even with Werth gone the Phillies have plenty of offense and that pitching will keep them in ALMOST EVERY game. The Braves are going to have to win the wild card to make the playoffs because the Phillies are winning 5 games a week.
dong kumong
December 14th, 2010
1:02 am
Cliff Lee
dong kumong
December 14th, 2010
1:05 am
take a year off and rest while the phils take over the league. The phils will be on national tv which will drive popularity even higher which equals more money. The last time there was a rotation half as good as this one was…THE BRAVES!!!
dong kumong
December 14th, 2010
1:12 am
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahalladayhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahamelshahahahahahahahahahaleehahahahahahahahahahahroyhahahahahahaha
Marc in FL
December 14th, 2010
7:46 am
We signed Sherill? I didn’t know that, love the move, and the money!
GeorgiaNativeinDC
December 14th, 2010
8:33 am
yes we have DOB, but the phillies have been more aggresive IMO..how do we answer them getting
cliff lee? please don’t tell me our rotation can match theirs because it’s not even close…no doubt now we’re in trouble….wren needs to go out and trade for Matt Garza or Zach Greinke and show the filithes that we are serious about fighting them for the div title….otherwise, we’ll be watching them on tv again come october
dean
December 14th, 2010
8:42 am
The division has been ceded. It’s wild card time. We’ll take them in the playoffs like SF did.
Concerned Braves Fan
December 14th, 2010
11:45 am
How have the Braves moved aggressively in the off season? They still haven’t got any proven bats. Brain McCann he ain’t going to help you in the playoffs. Nate McLouth he needs to be traded. The Braves are going to be sorry they didn’t get a better center fielder when this season starts. Freddie Freeman is not proven and probably needs one more year in the minors. They are still trying to stockpile pitching and look at the playoffs when the Braves had all that pitching and Giants had bats who won? Better hope the Falcons win a championship (which they might win). I will say it right now the Falcons will win a championship before the Braves. Bobby Cox is still running the club just behind the scenes. I heard on 680thefan that Frank Wren said “Before we make any moves we see how Bobby likes it”. Who cares what Bobby think. Braves are going to be the same Braves stockpile pitching because Bobby. The are going to be the same cheap Braves. Nate McLouth, Martin Prado, Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, and all the rest the Braves player are cheap. Only way they are going to change is when Bobby die
Another Concerned Braves Fan
December 14th, 2010
11:49 am
I have to agree with Concerned Braves Fan. Yes the Braves do stockpile pitching. This team more bats. Yes I did hear what Frank Wren said on 680thefan. We do need more bats because we already have alot pitching.
What are you talking about?
December 14th, 2010
11:52 am
@Concerned Braves Fan….. On what show on 680thefan you hear that? Just Curious.
Concerned Braves Fan
December 14th, 2010
11:54 am
@ What are you talking about?…. Buck & Kincade show.
What are you talking about?
December 14th, 2010
11:56 am
@Concerned Braves Fan…. Thank you:)
Booby's Blunders
December 14th, 2010
12:13 pm
The Braves must also have acquired some really strong rose colored glasses. In reality: (1) They do not have a Center Fielder, (2) At third base, they have a huge part of their budget tied up in a part time (at best) poor defensive 3rd baseman who (regardless of the fact that he was a great, great hitter in the past) has not produced effectively as a hittr for two years – and now a year older and coming off serious injury may be even worse both defensively and offensively, (3) Their shortstop is not a major league quality shortstop either offensively or defensively, (4) At first base, they have an unproven rookie, and (5) Even worse, what could have been a great young pitching staff is now in serious question — Past Hudson and Hanson, you have questions — Medlin is out for the season and JJ has not been consistant/effective since the Shoulder injury, and it is possible that these two may never be really effective again – Lowe is a year older and who knows – They have some young talented prospects, but unproven.
JacketFan
December 16th, 2010
7:02 am
+1 to the poster hoping Freeman becomes the second coming of Mark Grace. Gracie is my all-time favorite ballplayer. He was more of a “Mr. Baseball” than Sandberg or Mattingly. I got to meet him once in 91 when my dad took me on a business trip to Chicago and we took in a day game at Wrigley. He actually took a few minutes to talk to me, signed a ball and baseball card and shook my hand before he went to take bp. I was 14 and thought I had just died and gone to Heaven. The guy was true class (even though he smoked in the dugout, ha!) and I can’t remember a more consistent hitter/fielder at that position. Would love to see Freeman become that kind of player.