Q and A with Braves GM Frank Wren on first half, trade needs, etc
With the Braves set to resume play after the All-Star break Friday night against Washington, Braves general manager Frank Wren shared his thoughts on topics ranging from the team’s first-half play to struggling second baseman Dan Uggla to the club’s needs at the trading deadline and more.
Q: What did you think of what the team accomplished in the first half?
A: If you’d asked us in spring training if we would be happy with 16 (games) over (.500) at the break, all of us would be happy with that. But I also think we also feel like we haven’t played our best baseball.
Q: So would improving from within make the biggest difference?
A: That’s probably the biggest dilemma we have. When we get our folks healthy and hopefully we get Martin (Prado) back (following a staph infection) on Friday, that’s one more piece that we had envisioned being a big part of the team. So it is the real dilemma as to what is the best addition we can make for our postseason run. We’re going to have to have a lot of talks internally about that.
Q: With Prado and when Chipper Jones comes back healthy from knee surgery in three weeks, you might need a role player, not an everyday player?
A: It could be a piece that matches you up better against, say, left-handed pitching, so a right-handed bat off the bench. There are lots of different ways we could go with this. A lot of it will depend on the next few weeks, how our everyday guys perform and when they get healthy.
Q: If Prado and Jones come back, it’s not like there’s a glaring everyday need?
A: No, we really don’t. We’d be hard-pressed to add an everyday bat when everybody gets healthy.
Q: Jones’ 2-3 week recovery puts you right up against the trading deadline. What bearing will that have?
A: I’m not worried about Chipper. I think he’s going to come out of this fine. I’m not worried about Martin Prado. Those two guys have established themselves. We know what we’re going to get when they come back. We just have to watch our team in general and just make the best decision for it.
Q: If Jordan Schafer and Nate McLouth do a little more, might that influence your decision?
A: Sure. And we need (Jason) Heyward and (Dan) Uggla to do what they’ve been doing recently, to continue to bounce back from their first halves. All those things are positive signs we were seeing in the last couple weeks. If those continue as they were, our team will be fine. We just need to fine-tune some things.
Q: Second base has been a weakness, but you can’t give up on Uggla, can you?
A: No. And we’ve seen too many positive signs the last two or three weeks that Dan is starting to become the player he’s always been. He’s had a real good series the last few series and he got a lot of big hits for us in Philadelphia the last weekend. Dan’s fine.
Q: It would seem regardless, you could use the right-handed bat.
A: That’s more balancing out your team. And with Prado, Chipper and Uggla swinging the bats, some of that is even alleviated because those are our three right-handed guys.
Q: It seems you could resolve a lot of weaknesses within?
A: A lot of it, we can. There’s no perfect team and we’re not a perfect team. The early indication of what may be out there is, in a lot of cases, not an upgrade over what we already have.
Q: Fifteen teams are within 6 1/2 games of a division lead, half of baseball. Does it seem like the market is limited right now?
A: Yes, I think it is somewhat limited. There are a few players that would make an impact. But you’ve got to weigh the cost and the true impact on your team. That’s what makes it interesting these last few weeks before this deadline and obviously, we’ve got the postseason roster deadline (at the end of August). When there are this many teams left in the races, a lot of times things get done later.
Q: Is relief help something you’re always looking for or could really use it right now?
A: You’re always trying to reinforce that group because those guys have got a tough job. You’ve always got to be cognizant of injuries. So you’re looking to add depth there. We feel like we’ve got a strong core now. But we also feel like we have some internal options that we could utilize. We’ll look and see what’s out there.
Q: With your pitching in majors and minors, are people calling you?
A: No, because I think they’re smart enough to know that we’re not going to be trading our young pitching unless there’s something extraordinary out there to us. We’re going to hold on and that’s been a key strategy for us over last few years, is to stockpile and hold on to our prospects the best we can. We’re going to continue to do that. Depending on who we go after, what we go after, you have to make value judgments at the time, both for the present and the future, as to how big the piece you’re acquiring is to your team and to the ability to play late in October.
Q: With Schafer adding speed to the top of the order, are you happy with what you’ve seen from him?
A: I think we’ve seen a lot of growth out of Jordan in the last year. We’re seeing him in a difficult job transform his game at the big league level. He has to become that guy that puts the ball on the ground and runs, and uses the opposite field as a key weapon, bringing the guys on the corner in and slap the ball by them. It’s all those little things that he’s really learning on the fly. We’ve seen really good progress from him and how he’s approached it. We hope he continues to grow with it because that’s going to be important as well.
Q: Fair to say he’s played some of the Braves’ best center field since Andruw Jones?
A: I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. I think he’s a true center fielder. He has a great arm. He covers everything and he’s fearless out there. He’s going to run into the wall, he’s going to do what he has to do. And with him and Nate, Nate is doing the same thing in left field. Nate played a great center field for us early in the season, then had the (oblique) injury. We slid him over to left field. We’ve got that outfield really well covered because Jason also can go get them. You feel like you’ve got three center fielders that can play out there.
Q: Any concerns about your top relievers logging a lot of innings?
A: I know (manager) Fredi (Gonzalez) and (pitching coach) Roger (McDowell) are very cognizant of it and they’re looking for ways, as they have the last week or so, to minimize the use of the key guys on a nightly basis. We’ve play so many tight games, so many extra-inning games, you can’t help it. There’s just no way around it. I do think there are a couple things you can do. One of them in the second half, try to get an extra inning out of your starters; that’s one less bullpen guy you’ve got to use. I think our bullpen as a group has done a real fine job. And you’re just going to have to use some guys later in the game that have now proven they can handle it.
Q: After 90 games with Gonzalez as your manager, has he been the fit that you had hoped?
A: I really can’t imagine it having gone any better than it has with Fredi. It was seamless in spring training and it has been throughout the season. The communication has been great. I think he’s put us in a good position on a nightly basis, as all good managers do. They don’t win a lot games for you but they can make some wrong decisions and help you lose games. I think Fredi has done a tremendous job.
Q: Another new guy is hitting coach Larry Parrish, who has drawn criticism for the team’s low overall batting average. Are you happy with the job he’s done?
A: Yes. I think we’ve seen lots of individual results that are directly related to Larry and his teaching and what’s he’s trying to accomplish with players. When you have change, it’s different for some guys. But I’ve been very happy with what Larry has done. And I think there are several players that there’s a direct correlation to the work he’s done with them.
Q: What are your feelings as team opens the second half?
A: If we come out of the first half playing like we finished since June 1, I think we’re going to be in great shape. We put ourselves in a great position. I think everybody settled in. Teams that are playing well, there’s a part of them that don’t want the All-Star break because they know their team is playing well. I put us in that category. Hopefully we come back and start off right where we left off.
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141 comments Add your comment
carking
July 14th, 2011
2:31 pm
first EVER
joseph
July 14th, 2011
2:39 pm
being 2nd is neat too. GO BRAVES!
Trojan
July 14th, 2011
2:43 pm
Not very informative but at least he did not talk about our CORE like Rick Sund would have.
Come on Frank, put us over the top. Let’s not be satisfied simply to get to the playoffs and get beat in the first round.
transplant brave
July 14th, 2011
2:44 pm
way to beat around the bush..
Teejayy
July 14th, 2011
2:46 pm
Michael Bourn or Hunter Pence. That’s all we really need.
Steve
July 14th, 2011
2:50 pm
What do you guys expect Wren to say in the interview? Something like, “Boy, we really could use a Hunter Pence or Michael Borne. I hope we can get one of those guys at the trade deadline.”?
Even if Wren thinks the Braves need to make a move (and I’m not sure he does), he’s not going to telegraph it in a public interview.
jason
July 14th, 2011
2:51 pm
To bad he couldn’t tell DOB the players he’s looking for out in the market.
jason
July 14th, 2011
2:52 pm
Sorry, Carrol. My bad.
Shawn
July 14th, 2011
3:00 pm
Wren thinks Jordan is good…we’re doomed.
Meniscus
July 14th, 2011
3:02 pm
I don’t think we really even need a right handed bat.
If we play through August and keep our pace (with Uggla and Heyward heating up and a fully healthy team), that gets us to September. In September, we can carry an extra catcher and pinch hit with Ross.
In the playoffs you only take your top 4 starters anyway, so drop the 5th starter and use it for that same back up catcher. Is that feasible?
shawn
July 14th, 2011
3:07 pm
Steve, you made a great point. Wren is not going to tell you what he needs. It is just like a poker game…
Beauvighn
July 14th, 2011
3:10 pm
Wren is not going to come out and comment on any specific trade or player(s) involved..The thing that bothers me is that he thinks Larry parrish is doing a good job as hitting coach..I assume he is just giving the canned response to the media and will adjust things after the season
Fish Bisch
July 14th, 2011
3:10 pm
Dear F Wren,
Please go get Arsedrool Cabrera. He is young and affordable and can be our SS for many years to come.
-Sincerly
Fish
archie
July 14th, 2011
3:11 pm
I have yet to read a newsworthy Wren interview. It might as well be a press release from the PR department.
ISH
July 14th, 2011
3:11 pm
I don’t think I learned anything from reading this blog. Or did I miss something?
JoeBravesFan
July 14th, 2011
3:12 pm
It’s awesome that the Braves have the best bullpen in the majors through the break, but I find it hard to believe with people like Proctor, Sherrill and Linebrink in the fold. Especially Proctor….when they released him I was happy. I have no idea why they resigned him. They should really look into bullpen help and a right handed bat.
Kyle
July 14th, 2011
3:13 pm
Extremely excited about what the 2nd half has to offer! Go Bravos… If Uggla and Heyward step up, we are in good shape. Big IF, but i believe
ATLfan15
July 14th, 2011
3:17 pm
@JoeBravesFan: i think Proctor was put on waivers, and accepted a AAA assignment when no other team picked him up.
looking forward to the second half…i’ll be at the game on Sunday.
GO BRAVES!!
Ralph
July 14th, 2011
3:18 pm
Just what I expected from Wren, how could we expect him to criticize himself.
PDOG
July 14th, 2011
3:20 pm
Meniscus
I agree either Lowe or Beachy will move to the bullpen which will really make the pen good but they need to find a replacement for Lugo. At the end of the season and in the playoffs braves need to be able to do a double switch late in games and get Gonzo out if they are a run or two down.
Fish Bisch
July 14th, 2011
3:21 pm
Wren is very cognizant of the issues concerning his team.
bulldogbyrd
July 14th, 2011
3:22 pm
All the pieces of the puzzle are already in place…just need them to produce offensively at the levels we all expected and if that happens throughout the 2nd half of the season our Braves will be making a lot of noise in the playoffs. Wren has done his job…now lets watch the players do theirs! Get well soon,Chipper!
Austin
July 14th, 2011
3:22 pm
Joe, you realize Sherrill a really really good Loogy right? His numbers are actually kind of ridiculous he has actually been kind of unlucky. As far as linebrink he has been lights out since the beginning of the 2nd month of the season, he has only allowed 3er in his last 23 innings. Please don’t put Proctor’s name in the same group as those guys
transplant brave
July 14th, 2011
3:23 pm
I don’t expect Frank to say hes true intentions other than in a broad sense, but she didnt ask the questions to get him there either. Which is cool, but it would be nice to know what/who he is actually thinking about for the trade deadline. Do it big Wren.
hmmmm.........
July 14th, 2011
3:24 pm
I’d like to see them rent jj hardy or beltran
Smiling Jack
July 14th, 2011
3:36 pm
None of you “wantabe” general managers, if given the same situation, would do no different than Frank Wren in an AJC interview-blog. You cannot afford to create dissentation by publicly criticizing your managerment, coaches, team members. You cannot reveal to the public those you want to “go after” in a trade. Some things are like sex, best left to behind closed doors! Get over it. Go Braves!
jeff
July 14th, 2011
3:44 pm
heres what you do. You Designate for assignment Right now as I speak Scott Proctor. Hello Frank Wren hes a waste of a roster spot for goodness sake. next you go out and get yourself a right handed bat and someone proven who can hit or Lead off. Thats Michael Bourne and Hunter Pence. It would be a waste and a huge mistake going after rental players like those 2 . J.J Hardy are u serious or carlos Beltran Come on people get real…
transplant brave
July 14th, 2011
3:45 pm
eat me
Earl
July 14th, 2011
3:46 pm
Amazing how the Wren bashers never give him a break. Steve was exactly right about his interview. A good GM never shows his hand on what player/players he might be targeting. That would be absolutely stupid and only drive up the cost of the acquisition. I expect him to try to get a right handed setup man and maybe a 20 HR type RH left fielder that can come of the bench. I don’t think he will target someone like Beltran because of the money and being injury prone. Willingham in the outfield or Adams as a setup guy is more probable to me.
The Braves are in excellent shape right now, considering that Uggla and Heyward have not had their normal stats. Expect those two to improve the second half and push Atlanta into the playoffs.
MikeY
July 14th, 2011
3:47 pm
FW: “We’d be hard-pressed to add an everyday bat when everybody gets healthy”
Frank, I think we could use a center fielder. And an upgrade at SS.
Trade Schafer and Delgado for Matt Kemp. And if the Orioles cannot sign JJ Hardy to an extension, go after him.
AK Braves Fan
July 14th, 2011
3:50 pm
I’m guessing that there will be a trade, and it will be for somebody nobody has mentioned on this blog.
jeff
July 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
whoever said scott proctor was DFA’d where did u get that from? its nowheres to be found. the bum is still with the team.
Steve
July 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
Designate Fumbling Frank for assignment.
Espi.....
July 14th, 2011
3:52 pm
we definately need to replace lugo, hes not going to cut it as we go deeper into the season and playoffs! But i think theres one right handed bat out there that we need, that hits lefties real well and would be a perfect fit…… Matt Diaz, go bring him back! can hit for average and power!
AK Braves Fan
July 14th, 2011
3:53 pm
“J.J. Hardy are u serious or carlos Beltran Come on people get real….” No more unrealistic than Michael Bourne or Hunter Pence.
Cory
July 14th, 2011
3:54 pm
Satisfied with Parrish? I guess love is blind…
TAC
July 14th, 2011
3:55 pm
All we really need is a true lead off hitter or at least a #2 hitter cause Gonzo is not a #2 hitter…Adding another arm in the bullpen seems like something Wren should look into also. Wouldn’t mind a Marlon Byrd and Kerry Wood type deal.
Jack in Macon
July 14th, 2011
3:57 pm
Wren would be stupid to play his hand in an interview. I’ll be surprised by a big trade. Probably only a right-handed utility guy if anything and hopefully a reliable relief guy to take Proctor’s roster spot. Bullpen is our biggest need; and the most realistic area where we match up with a trade partner.
We don’t match up with another club for a big trade. We’re not going to trade McCann, Chipper, Uggla, Freeman or Heyward. That leaves Schafer, McLouth and Gonzo. Are some of you serious when you think a major league GM would trade either Hunter Pence or Michael Bourn for one of those three. And, do you think the Braves would be stupid enough to trade three or four of our best pitching prospects (it would take that at least) for either of those players. Come on, really!!
I think Uggla will heat up (project: .260 BA, 28 HR and 75 to 80 RBI). I’m not optimistic about Heyward (project: 240 BA, 14 HR and 40 to 45 RBI). I think Heyward is proving to be more hype than substance.
Afan
July 14th, 2011
4:03 pm
sounds like wren isnt going to do anything. which means we will be watching another team in the world series again.
Horner's Corner
July 14th, 2011
4:08 pm
Here’s my crazy idea for late July, platoon Matt Young and Wilken Ramirez in LF until Chipper returns. Everyone wants so badly for Schafer to succeed in the lead-off role, but historically nothing indicates that he’ll be able to reach base consistently. Meanwhile, Matt Young has proven at every level that he can get on base, with a career minor league OBP of .389 including a .374 OBP at the AAA level. In early June, Young started 7 straight games for the Braves and went 8 for 25 (.320 avg) with a .370 OBP.
Young
Prado
McCann
Heyward
Uggla
Freeman
Gonzalez
McLouth
Horner's Corner
July 14th, 2011
4:08 pm
Against lefties, lead-off with Prado and start Wilken Ramirez in LF. He provides another right-handed bat to break up the Braves left-hand dominant batting order, he has good power, and he offers some speed.
Prado
Heyward
McCann
Uggla
Freeman
Ramirez
Gonzalez
McLouth
Espi.....
July 14th, 2011
4:12 pm
i actually agree with wren, with all the injuries and certain players struggles and still only 3 games back and the second best record on the NL! these guys are going to get healthy and Uggla, heyward and gonzo cant play any worse offensively, so they are going to put up better numbers in the second half! just look at theyre past numbers and see what they’re capable of doing! lets not panic! GO GET MATT DIAZ, thats what we need off the bench!
Mike McDonald
July 14th, 2011
4:12 pm
The Braves have one A+ position player — Mac. There is not another A player, other than Prado, (if in good shape/form) and a whole lot of C players. and hardly any B players. Obviously they have seven or eight B+ to A+ starters and relievers, which is extraordinary by any measure.
In my opinion, the 2011 Braves will need a miracle to make the second round of the playoffs. Uggla, Gonzalez, McLouth, Shafer, Hayward and ole Chippo do not seem to have the stuff of the miraculous. Lowe makes one tired just watching him labor.
Freeman, Hinske and Ross have been pleasant surprises. There is little to bank upon among the rest of the 40-man roster with the possible exception of a couple of pitching prospects.
When you put salaries next to players, one has to wonder how Wren and his bosses are allowed to keep on whistling past the graveyard.
Reid in EAV
July 14th, 2011
4:15 pm
Maybe I’m looking on the bright side too much, but earlier in the season we had three guys coming out of the ‘pen who made me groan and roll my eyes: Linebrink, Sherrill and Proctor. Now we’re down to just Proctor, as the other two have drastically improved and have even made me eat some of my words. That’s progress!
I still like Cory Gearrin’s stuff and makeup, even if he’s had a rough go lately. Standard rookie adjustment, and the yo-yos up and down to AAA can’t help too much. And it’ll be nice to get Cristian Martinez back when rosters expand. He had some trainwrecks, but in general he was a solid long man. Finally, Moylan! Have we all forgotten that he’s on the way back too? Give me a healthy Peter Moylan and we can let Scott Proctor gather cobwebs in the corner.
Dennis Reynolds
July 14th, 2011
4:16 pm
Only 3 needs:
1.CF- Michael Bourn
2.RH Utility bat- Hmmm MATTY D. or OMAR or BOTH
3.RH arm for pen
Dennis Reynolds
July 14th, 2011
4:16 pm
Never should’ve let Matty go.
Skeezix
July 14th, 2011
4:26 pm
We need someone to help in relief and take some of the load off of Venters and Kimbrel. And most obviously, we could use someone who can boost the offense. I hope Braves management gets aggressive here—as we have a real chance to do something great with this rotation.
Jack Lill
July 14th, 2011
4:29 pm
If Schafer is such a great lead off batter, how come he can’t get on base ?
McClouth should be in center. Wren shows again that he should have retired with Bobby.
jmor
July 14th, 2011
4:29 pm
What I hope Wren refrains from doing is trading a young underperforming player for an older underperforming player…Jeff Francoer for Ryan Church, Yunel Escobar for Alex G.etc.
TruthSeeker
July 14th, 2011
4:29 pm
This team is good enough to win the World Series as is, but to improve their chances they need to make a couple of tweaks.
We need another right-handed power arm in the bullpen. Michael Wuertz is a guy I’ve always liked, and he would come fairly cheap. Moylan will also help here if he has no setbacks. If all goes well, Proctor will be on his way out, and that might be the best news of all.
The Schafer question is an interesting one. He’s played better than his numbers look. But if Wren really wants to go for it this year, this is the position where he can upgrade. Michael Bourn is basically a slightly more seasoned Schafer – gets on base a little more, steals a few more bases. He could be the guy.
transplant brave
July 14th, 2011
4:30 pm
I like Schafer in center, excellent on d. Can’t hit, but thats what prayings for. Trade McLouth for a bag of magic beans…
JT Grace
July 14th, 2011
4:33 pm
I know that FW isn’t about to reveal what he really thinks in an interview. However, it does seem like he is interested in a bullpen upgrade. I am completely shocked that Proctor has not yet been released. What the heck is he waiting on? Anyone in Gwinnett could pitch batting practice just as well this fool. I thought for sure that he was gone as soon as blew up in two of the three Philly games.
It’s also quite obvious that the Braves need some offensive help. They cannot expect to continue winning games with Jordan and Gonzalez on the same roster. This is made worse when Nate is playing LF. That is 3 awful hitters in one lineup.
Braves GM
July 14th, 2011
4:34 pm
on Larry Parrish’s….”But I’ve been very happy with what Larry has done. And I think there are several players that there’s a direct correlation to the work he’s done with them.”
NAME ONE? Is this comment from FW for real? Heyward swings over the top of the ball almost every AB and Uggla…well we’ve already talked about that.
on another note: I’d like to keep Schafer but we still need an upgrade in CF if we are going to make a run this year. MICHAEL BOURN. MAKE IT HAPPEN FW!
square leg
July 14th, 2011
4:42 pm
Wren is right there isn’t anybody out there that is a significant upgrade over the guys we have offensively right now, well at least that we wouldn’t have to mortgage the future to get. Having said that I beleive there is a couple of upgrades we should consider for the bullpen.
square leg
July 14th, 2011
4:46 pm
Just throwing it out there but wouldn’t it be cool to have another Aussie like Balfour as our replacement for Proctor. He brings the heat ( 94-96) and has playoff experience. Too expensive but I think he has the makeup for the Braves
Dennis Reynolds
July 14th, 2011
4:50 pm
You cant win the World Series without pitching. Especially in a short series in the playoffs. No chance we trade JJ until offseason, but I do believe we should make a move for a dynamic run scorer by shedding some of our pitching prospects. Its nice to have that stockpile of great arms in the minors, but unless we implement an 8 man rotation, we need to deal and get more offense. Everybody has their opinions, but I think its fairly obvious that Schafer doesn’t get on base enough to be consistently effective. As far as a RH bench bat, it wouldn’t hurt to to add one, but we need someone who will start the scoring early so were not always depending on a great pitching performance every night.
phil
July 14th, 2011
4:55 pm
Nice try, Carroll….
You can’t help that your subject matter is more dull than a dirty butter knife and can’t answer a question honestly….
Uggly is “fine”?
That means I’m Lance Armstrong.
phil
July 14th, 2011
4:57 pm
Oh yeah…
FW said players were happy with LP….
Huh?
We can’t hit a basketball with a dump truck….
EH
July 14th, 2011
4:57 pm
“And with Prado, Chipper and Uggla swinging the bats, some of that is even alleviated because those are our three right-handed guys.”
Agreed with all the defenders of FW about GMs showing their hand publicly. But considering which way a certain SS bats, am I the only one who finds the above comment a little strange?
Carroll, was this interview verbal or written? If the former, it’d be easier to imagine the omission.
Thanks for giving us something to read on another off-day, in any case.
Iowa Braves
what a Joke
July 14th, 2011
5:01 pm
All the questions were (homer questions) baited so he could give simple answers. Question that implied answers before asking. example the Schafer question ..best since AJ…Total BS. What did you expect him to answer (throw his player under the bus).
You can do Better than that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
phil
July 14th, 2011
5:13 pm
What a joke – I doubt you could do better at much of anything….
Get back to work stuffing those envelopes and find someone else to abuse…..
MikeinLA
July 14th, 2011
5:17 pm
I like the idea of bringing back Infante. I think he would thrive again in a utility role with an organization that he feels comfortable with and it wouldn’t cost much. Chad Qualls should also be targeted.
what a Joke
July 14th, 2011
5:28 pm
what work do you do besides troll the blogs.
AJ in Augusta
July 14th, 2011
5:28 pm
@jeff – Here’s a link to a DOB blog about Proctor being released:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/03/27/young-hicks-in-proctor-released-mather-waived/
TampaDAWG
July 14th, 2011
5:31 pm
Hunter Pence or Carlos Quentin. Prado could play 3rd until Chipper gets back and once Chipper is back give Heyward or Prado a chance to play CF with Quentin or Pence at the other corner. Just my take on it since Prado has played CF before.
bravos007
July 14th, 2011
5:32 pm
@DOB- so glad you posted this. thanks…..and the things i like most about the interview are:
1. Wren is not going to trade our young arms unless it is for a real super star
2. He is looking to add bull pen people. (i.e. no more Proctor)
3. The Braves do not appear to be in panic mode to make an unnecessary deal.
DCBrave
July 14th, 2011
5:36 pm
what a Joke,
Wren’s answers are almost prefixed, and they’re not gonna change because you ask a question differently. For example, regarless how you ask about Schafer, he’s gonna say good things about him, maybe not the best center fielder since AJ, but remember he’s the one that assembled the team and he’s not gonna say anything bad about it publically.
what a Joke
July 14th, 2011
5:38 pm
agree!
Dennis Reynolds
July 14th, 2011
5:39 pm
October:
1.Bourn
2.Prado
3.Chipper
4.Mac
5.Uggla (if he gets it going)
6.Freeman
7.Heyward
8.Gonzo (fingers crossed for Hardy)
Bill
July 14th, 2011
5:43 pm
DR, I’ll buy that line-up. Get it done.
Dennis Reynolds
July 14th, 2011
5:45 pm
Wish it was up to me.
BRING BACK MATTY D!!
July 14th, 2011
5:53 pm
JUST LOOK AT THE NUMBERS! WHAT WAS WREN THINKING?!
Perfect fit for what were looking for now. Funny isn’t it?
Maybe Wren doesn’t want to admit he made a mistake by choosing Joe Mather over Matty.
Doesn’t help the Pirates are actually in it this year though.
Who me?
July 14th, 2011
6:06 pm
Standard FW interview. The Larry Parrish comments though were a laugher…go figure the one real sore spot and he loves the guy. Doofus….
extremus
July 14th, 2011
6:08 pm
While Frank Wren’s responses aren’t the most forthcoming, I’m sure he’s most likely in talks regarding potential trades, certainly now if not on an everyday basis. As for the answer as to whether he’s satisfied with Larry Parrish’s performance, to be blunt I think he was giving the “company” answer to avoid causing a rift in the clubhouse or the organization. He surely can’t be THAT blind to how bad the Braves’ offense has been this year so far and how many obvious problems aren’t being addressed.
NORRIS
July 14th, 2011
6:09 pm
It does not sound at all like Wrenn wants to make any trades that will get us an everyday outfielder. He said we needed a role player. OUR OUTFIELD SUCKS!! no other way around it. Mclouth, Shaffer, and heyward. yep that is a jam up outfield. none of them are batting over 240
Heyward The Punisher!
July 14th, 2011
6:10 pm
Carroll,
Who pays you, the AJC or the Braves PR department?
You didn’t toss Wren softball questions, they were BEACHBALL questions! You even answered Wren’s questions for him!!
What a waste!
Heyward The Punisher 2
July 14th, 2011
6:15 pm
Carroll,
Weak journalism at best. Appearing to be in bed with the Braves PR department at the worst!
Those weren’t softball question to Wren… those were Beachball questions!
You even answered your own questions so Wren wouldn’t have to!
Pitiful.
Mike from the coast
July 14th, 2011
6:16 pm
I skipped quite a few post, but I do believe if Frank Wren mentioned any name, that is called tampering. You can’t talk about players on another team. And there is quite a fine, and penalties associated with it.
That said we are 16 games over .500. Since we are over half way through the year project 10 more games over .500 and that puts us at 94-68. That will easily win the wild card if not the division. Some of you don’t seem to like Schaeffer but he has been a breath of fresh air. Speed we haven’t seen all year. A couple of great games the last week. Don’t think we need a trade but if so, the logical one to trade would be McLouth and maybe a pitching prospect. For whom, I do not know. If we stay put as we are, again if Heyward hits like he can AND Uggla can get it turned around I like our chances.
David O'Brien
July 14th, 2011
6:18 pm
Dale Murphy is a grandpa with terrific musical taste:
http://murphtalks.blogspot.com/2011/05/murph-listens-to-what.html
(Thanks, Biff P, for linking this on other blog)
NORRIS
July 14th, 2011
6:19 pm
shaffer is a great athelete but cant hit. we need someone who can hit. I think the phillies showed us a few things about hitting. 14 to 1 last week. enough said.
Bill
July 14th, 2011
6:22 pm
Need a lead-off hitter that can get on base….its not JS.
Heyward The Punisher 2
July 14th, 2011
6:25 pm
I’ve been posting under different monikers for years on DOB’s blog. Although I don’t always agree with him, I have NEVER questioned his, Bradley’s, Schultz, or even Terrence Moore’s qualifications as journalists. I have NEVER questioned any journalist’s ability that works for the AJC.
Carroll…. the Wren thing was nothing short of a lazy, homer fluff piece. You seem to be doing this gig as a side job. You just file the stories you have to file and don’t waste too much time with the blog.
I don’t expect you to call Wren out on the Braves performance or demand answers as to his plans but good gosh!!! Dont answer your own questions for him!
E-6
July 14th, 2011
6:39 pm
What Ed Wade of the Astros would ask for Hunter Pence or to a lesser degree Michael Bourn would make the Texeria trade look like a good one.
DCBrave
July 14th, 2011
6:52 pm
Heyward The Punisher :
Get a life. It just doesn’t matter how you asked the questions. Carroll knows it, and we all know it. So, we know what Wren has to say. Move on.
Just Wanna Say
July 14th, 2011
6:54 pm
Y’all cant just assume that some of these players are available (i.e. Hardy, Kemp). Bourn seems to be and, to a lesser degree, Pence, but Wren just cant go after any player. Some are off limits like some of ours.
huddie ledbetter
July 14th, 2011
6:55 pm
Really don’t see our GM doing anything large but he has surprised before. I’d look for something like, maybe a McLouth for Aaron Rowand deal. Rowand hits lefties well enough and can still play center so a platoon with JS would make some sense. We’d be a little better and I think salaries are close (too lazy to check). Not a sexy trade but maybe doable. SF might do that deal.
NL East Notes: Beltran, Sanchez, Nationals, Braves | Forex News
July 14th, 2011
6:58 pm
[...] Wren talks to Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the Braves‘ needs at the trade deadline. Wren feels the return of Martin Prado and [...]
Just Wanna Say
July 14th, 2011
6:59 pm
Not sure if SF would trade Rowand to get Mclouth. Yeah, we can definitely be confident that Wren will makes a move(s). He always does.
huddie ledbetter
July 14th, 2011
7:05 pm
McLouth wouldn’t do a lot for SF but they’d definitely want/need to unload salary to take Nate. Not saying Rowand necessarily but someone like that and to a team that could use a slight upgrade.
BTW, thanks for the Murph link DOB.
alexcox
July 14th, 2011
7:06 pm
este wren nose sitiene dtra organisaciion por q no hablo d la nosotra el hombre trabajo como politico por q hasi hablan cosas q tapan la realidad
Brava
July 14th, 2011
7:15 pm
Heyward the Punisher,
Nobody cares how long you’ve been posting here or how many names you’ve used, your comment was just downright rude and unnecessary. Do you think Frank Wren would have said anything different to DOB, Bradley or any of the others you named? He’s not going to show his cards by divulging where he wants to upgrade or who he might have in mind. That would only make any deal more costly.
Seems to me you have a problem with Carroll. Could it be because she’s a woman? You wouldn’t be the first around here.
Craig
July 14th, 2011
7:20 pm
I agree we need……
Peter Moylan back healthy
One more right hand releiver ….Proctor and Linebrink throw too many BP pitches in the game…..I cried when Reynolds hit three homers the other week… it was so predictable
A right hand bat impact palyer for LF / bench….maybe a rental….
Lugo is just a back up ….if we could get something better then good…..I think he is actually to slow to throw the ball…gives away too many infield hits…
Certainly need more depth for the run up to the pay offs…..injuries will happen and we need some depth.
Caseyatthebat
July 14th, 2011
7:25 pm
Thanks for stopping in, O’Brien. Varooom, Varooom! Do Wop, Do Wop! When ya’ gonna start leaving us recipes, Shirley?
Heyward The Punisher 2
July 14th, 2011
7:42 pm
I don’t have a problem with women. I have a problem with a totally fluff piece that was a waste of time to even read. What’s your problem by the way? You have to defend Carroll”s honor or something? Or is it just that you aren’t too hard to please as along as someone is throwing you scraps? Or just more “homer” mentality?
Brava
July 14th, 2011
7:44 pm
Rumors are that Jeff Keppinger may be available from the Astros. He would make a lot of sense for the Braves as a RH bat coming off the bench and wouldn’t break the bank.
Braves biggest fun
July 14th, 2011
7:44 pm
At Braves countrry we are satisfied as long as we get to the play offs and loss the first series. Mission accomblished.
63 year Braves fan
July 14th, 2011
7:46 pm
Astros need young pitching. Minor, Delgado, & Shafer for Pence. I’m a big Pence fan. Then sign him
to a long term contract.
Brava
July 14th, 2011
7:46 pm
None of the above, Punisher. I have respect for other people and see no need to denigrate them for no reason.
BTW, what exactly is Heyward punishing? Just curious.
Jay Dubu
July 14th, 2011
7:52 pm
“And I think there are several players that there’s a direct correlation to the work he’s done with them.”
Please Mr. Wern, name them.
Mac’s brother and father help him.
Chipper’s father helps him.
Prado is hitting less than last year.
Heyward is hitting less than last year.
Gonzo is hitting less than last year.
Uggs has struggled with his average all year.
Freeman’s father told him he looked scard at the plate, and he adjusted, so that only leaves Nate.
Well, you said several, and Nate is only one!!
Jay Dubu
July 14th, 2011
7:53 pm
I don’t agree with you on your hitting coach, Mr. Wern, but I understand.
Rick
July 14th, 2011
8:09 pm
Do what?….. Is that you Yogi Wren?
jason
July 14th, 2011
8:10 pm
I here the talks between the Stros’ and the Braves are getting heated!
Mister Frisky
July 14th, 2011
8:16 pm
Are you serious Jason?That would be a good place to start.
bravesfanbob
July 14th, 2011
8:16 pm
Schafer may be the most important .240 leadoff hitter ever. When he gets on base, he scores over 50% of the time. The Braves batted .222 in June and went 17-9. Why? Because Schafer knows how to score. He is a very good defensive center fielder, and this is worth a half a run each game. Look, there are many players with great stats, but do you win with them? We do with Schafer. He is our center fielder for the rest of the year. When Chipper comes back, Prado moves to left, and McLouth goes to the bench.
Lobosolo
July 14th, 2011
8:21 pm
Alexis, Su español es tan malo como su conocimiento del béisbol …
Brave New World
July 14th, 2011
8:37 pm
When a team has one of the best records in baseball at The All Star break, major changes are usually not in order. Frank Wren has done a very good job turning the Braves around. They made the playoffs last year and are heading that way again after several down seasons, so most of the negative comments are empty. With the pitching we have, we need to play strong defense and find a way to score about 4-5 runs per game, and we will win most games in the second half. Strong second halfs from Prado, Uggla, Chipper, and J-Hey should make our offense more than enough for a playoff run. GO BRAVES!
Fred Casteel
July 14th, 2011
8:53 pm
Glad to hear Wrenn is not going to trade away our pitching unless someone knocks his socks off!This business of giving up good prospects for two month rentals is a waste!
Heyward The Punisher 2
July 14th, 2011
8:58 pm
Heyward is Punishing Nothing! It’s sarcasm.
The Official 2011 Atlanta Braves thread - Page 339
July 14th, 2011
8:59 pm
[...] [...]
Redwave
July 14th, 2011
9:02 pm
Why does the AJC even bother to interview FW? Do you believe he will actually answer with an earth shattering response? I would rather they interview Sonny Clusters–real answers to the important questions!!
RHR
July 14th, 2011
9:07 pm
111th!
Go Braves!
stinger
July 14th, 2011
9:17 pm
Wren has no clue…Ugla is a joke! We can’t make any serious moves because we owe Ugla so much money..
BFChris26
July 14th, 2011
9:55 pm
I’ve always been saying a bullpen arm (veteran preferably) is a definite need other than another bat.
billmaier
July 14th, 2011
9:55 pm
q- frank how satisfied have you been with proctor-
a- well you know i have great faith in scott signed him twice- when no one else wanted him- he has pitched great except for a few mislocated fastballs– he is a pro and he will come around i have all the faith in scott proctor for the second half- great guy great pitcher
Nelson
July 14th, 2011
10:01 pm
Bottom Line Frank: As always the Braves will fail in making the right trade at the rigth moment to make the post season and most important STAY on the play off.
Thanks for the info, it is just another wasted oppotunity like the all previouos chances.
billmaier
July 14th, 2011
10:03 pm
q- frank how satisfied have you been with larry parrish-
a- great guy- great hitting coach- just look at the work he has done with gonzo uggla- heyward- mclouth– schafer all over 200 except for uggla– and look at the job he did to turn mccann around– wasnt his brother–and he is turning uggla around- wasnt the sportscasters showing video of waht uggls had been doing wrong– great hitting coach
Hinske Da Man
July 14th, 2011
10:04 pm
I know Prado will be a stud when he comes back, he is just to good to not be good. I have a hard time believing that Chipper can stay healthy and be a factor for this team in the second half. I hope he will be, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. It would be awesome to get Chipper’s replacement in place now. If that happens to be Prado for the long term, then the Braves need to find a starting LF player with some pop in his bat.
I like this pitching staff for the future. Hopefully we rid ourselves of that over priced, under achieving Derek Lowe soon so that we can spend that money on a area of true need. With the younger guys coming up to round out our staff, we can certainly survive without Lowe.
Lets go Braves, and lets kick some butt in the second half and win this division. Show the Phillies that great pitching beats a great offense all day long.
billmaier
July 14th, 2011
10:09 pm
wren never tips his hand remember his trading vasquez- was quoted as saying we need to stregthen our benchr and stregthen our minor leagues- so he did’nt tip his hand in that trade- exaxtly what we got a bench player in melky so wren never tips his hand???
Poor Pitch Selection
July 14th, 2011
10:26 pm
Man give Uggla a break. He’s been crushing the ball lately and at times is actually trying to hit the ball the other way. He’s starting to turn things around and he gives 100% on every play. It’s amazing how many idiots post on this blog. It’s down right comical. Frank Wren has done an excellant job in rebuilding the Braves. I believe if he does make a trade for a RH bat he won’t sell the farm to do so like Surholtz. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BRAVES>
billmaier
July 14th, 2011
10:40 pm
q- frank how would you grade yourself after taking over for john–
a- just like the above commenter stated i’ve done an excellent job– look at my moves– scott proctor- joe mather–garret anderson– troy glaus–melky cabrerra–jeff bennett-greg norton– gonzo- especiALLY with the bat- these guy have really produced for the braves mclouth- only gave up charlie morton and a minor league outfielder TRHE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING JUST LOOK AT HOW WELL THE GUYS I BROUGHT IN PRODUCED AND HAVE BEENA KEY FACTOR IN US WINNING– AND I ALMOST FORGET GOT KK AND DEREK LOWE- got them really cheap so i didn’t tie up any money for any needs-poor pitch selection you are so right proof is in the results and all my moves have produced great results-
JoeBrave
July 14th, 2011
10:54 pm
Wren is either delusional, or just plain full of shi.!
jojo
July 14th, 2011
10:58 pm
The interview with Frank Wren was a joke. Chipper has been a great player for my Braves, however age and injuries has taken their toll. Heyward looks bad at the plate, swings at everything. Gonzo at short has gone int dumper at the plate. Mcclouth never happened. Jordan needs another year in triple a. Frank if you are not a mouth piece for Liberty Media, please go after a right handed outfield power hitter, bring Omar back. Stop acting like The Atlanta Spirit. They are all losers.
TK
July 14th, 2011
11:19 pm
I guess I don’t understand why there is so much negativity towards Frank Wren on this blog. The Braves have the third best record in the majors despite all the injuries that happened in the first half. Yet so may people on this blog feel compelled to constantly find fault with what Frank has done with this team. Why???
BB FAN
July 14th, 2011
11:38 pm
Braves need RH power. Wily Mo Pena was designated by D-Backs. I’ve always liked him as a power bat. He just can’t field.
dgd
July 14th, 2011
11:41 pm
Trade Heyward for Alex Gordon and Aaron Crow. Move him while his value is still high…before he becomes Francouer II…
braves fan forever
July 15th, 2011
12:52 am
Get off the Kemp trade.It’s another Texeria deal.Don’t give up the farm to get a rental folks.Schafer will be fine.We do need a right handed bat off the bench and yeas Proctor scare me as well.Also are some of you people really that dumb to think that Frank wren is going to tip his hand just to please you.I don’t remember John Shurholtz tipping his.So we need to be patient.
jj
July 15th, 2011
2:40 am
I believe Wren will make a trade,but it has to include McLouth or Lowe because of liberty mutual.We need a right-handed hitting outfielder,with power,and help in bull-pen.We don’t need a everyday OF,but one that can do what Hinske does from the left side.And we can’t work Venters,Oflarety ,and our closer like we did in the first half.Sherril and Linebrink are ok but we need help ..I hope Moyland comes back ok,but who knows and can we really count on Chipper?He is giving it all he got but the body has a mind of it’s own.This Team can win,but they need help from he owners.Iwish we had a owner like that guy in Dallas or TED.As the Beatles said “HELP”.
Bob the Blogger
July 15th, 2011
8:15 am
I’m perplexed about the following statement from Wren concerning Jordan: “He has to become that guy that puts the ball on the ground and runs, and uses the opposite field as a key weapon, bringing the guys on the corner in and slap the ball by them. It’s all those little things that he’s really learning on the fly”.
Learning on the fly? What the heck was he working on all of those years in the minors? He was always projected as a leadoff hitter, so why is he having to learn that stuff on the fly now?
billmaier
July 15th, 2011
10:34 am
in response to tk– kk mather proctor, glaus-mclouth, garret anderson, norton, melky and overpaying lowe is that a long enough list- or i forgot derrick lee great and ankiel and farnsworthless and you ask why we are critical of wren????? look at these players and their production as braves nuff said
GoBraves14
July 15th, 2011
11:22 am
Jordan S. & Nate are good back-up options, not true starters for a team trying to make a legit run at a title. Let’s all hope Wren realizes that. CF is a power postion….not a spot for .235 hitters. C’mon Frank….earn your salary!
TK
July 15th, 2011
12:35 pm
billmaier – your analysis of Wren as a GM is shortsighted. It’s easy to make a list of the moves that didn’t work out as well as we would have wanted and say the GM failed. You can make that kind of list with any GM in the history of baseball. Each move has to be looked at on it’s own merits, taking into account the situation, etc. Ask yourself, what did we give up to get Lee, Ankiel and Farnsworth? In those two separate trades, Atlanta gave up six low to mid-level prospects and actually received some cash from KC in the Ankiel/Farnsworth trade. Wren was making a move to bolster the team for the pennant drive. This isn’t fantasy baseball. As many have pointed out on here, you can’t trade your junk and get stars in return. It just doesn’t happen that way.
Regarding Lowe and KK, Wren made it clear when he arrived that he needed to upgrade the starting rotation. He almost had to overpay for Lowe to accomplish this and by and large, Lowe has been exactly what we thought he would be. It was an organizational decision to pay Lowe the contract they did. KK was a gamble and the first year he pitched well. After that it was not so good. That’s a risk you take when signing Japaneese pitchers. Glaus was a cheap pickup that put us in a position to make the playoffs in the second half of the season.
I am not here to go over every move Wren has made. But some people on the blog need to realize that just because Wren doesn’t land the superstar player in a trade, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad trade. Look at the record of the team in Wren’s time as GM. That should speak for itself.
Rupert
July 15th, 2011
1:46 pm
Well you don’t tip your hand. If you read the questions it was almost like Carroll gave him an out with the “bat off the bench” and solve it “internally” questions. You could tell from his responses that he half-heartedly believes that will work. It can, but that does not mean the team wouldn’t be better off adding a bat and a bullpen piece. If he comes out and says that, then all the other GM’s know and the price goes up etc. Likewise, no matter how he feels about Parrish, which I have no clue, he sure as hell is not going to say anything negative right now. It would serve no point. Parrish has his style, it’s not going to change. The team is stuck with it this year, and if they like it, next year as well. Calling him out would just cause a big mess.
chris may
July 15th, 2011
2:09 pm
I would scrap the entire outfield and ss position. Go ater Quintin and Cabera for ss. Okay keep Heyward but a few weeks in the minors might get him back in gear, maybe an eye exam too.
Q and A with Braves GM Frank Wren on first half, trade needs, etc | Raw Sports - Atlanta Braves
July 15th, 2011
3:28 pm
[...] Atlanta Braves [...]
TK
July 15th, 2011
3:59 pm
Asdrubel Cabrera? Tell me again why Cleveland would trade perhaps the best SS in baseball, especially when they are in a fight for the AL Central? Come on people. While we are at it, let’s get Rickie Weeks for Lowe and trade Uggla for Matt Kemp. That should fix all our holes.
Chris P. Bacon
July 15th, 2011
4:54 pm
Carroll, by chance was Frank Wren giggling when he talked about the quote great unquote job Parrish was doing as a batting coach?
MikeO
July 15th, 2011
5:31 pm
This is my first time commenting here, and I really expect to get flamed by the regulars on this blog, but, so be it.
You critics do realize that the Braves have the second best record in the NL, only behind the Phillies, who have a pitching staff comparable to ours in the days of Madeux, Glavine and Smoltz.
You critics do realize that baseball is a two sided game, offense and defense, yet what I see is a total bias to offense. IMHO Jordan is an EXCELLENT defensive outfielder that has kept us in more than a few games with his play in the outfield.
I could go on and on, but why bother. Your all GM and manager wannabees who know more than the professionals that run my favorite game.
mpimentel
July 15th, 2011
8:07 pm
what about…calling up costanza from AAA that guy really run…in the dominican winter league , wich is like a AAAA baseball cuality ,,,he really impress me
mpimentel
July 15th, 2011
8:10 pm
willy mo peña is available…seeck him….. he can crush the ball ,,,,do we need a power rh outfield …he is exactly that…
Carroll Rogers
July 16th, 2011
7:29 pm
I hear you Heyward The Punisher 2, in case you’re worried about it and post three more times wondering if I’m going to see it. Got it.
Mike Schlossberg
July 24th, 2011
10:25 am
Manager Fredi Gonzalez needs a little baseball101.Reds game ,men on 1st and 2nd nobody out.Weak hitting shortstop Alex Gonzalez up .A bunt is in order to move the baserunners up.Instead he swings away-popup.This occured twice against Cincy resulting in 2 or 3 runs left on base.Close call at homeplate with Jason Heywood he looked safe to me.Manager sits in the dugout with a confused,distracted look.I am beginning to think that Jeff Louria had it right when he fired him.