Braves quotes after Friday win against Marlins
***FREDI GONZALEZ
On Beachy
“Outstanding performance. He went up and down the strike zone, down and away, down and in, breaking ball over the plate, he was dominating today. And I thought Clay was pretty good too there. Danny got him, but (we got a) good pitching performance, Danny with a three-run homer and Freddie continues to swing a hot bat. We were able to add on some runs there late in the game.”
On if it was Beachy’s best start
“If it’s not the best start of the year it’s up there.”
On Uggla’s moment
“Big home run. And Clay was for me, pretty good to that point. Big for us. He kept off balance. He made a mistake over the plate and Danny got him.”
On Freeman and Uggla picking up slack in McCann/Chipper absence
“We’ve got the injuries. I talked to the club. No one person can take over. Everybody’s got to keep the line moving and contribute, make productive outs. (Runners) second and third, hit the ground ball, get the runner in, sac fly.”
On first sac fly in five weeks
“We’ll take that. That’s a productive out. We played great defense too. Big double play ball in the fifth after we booted one, Beachy came back and got another groundball double play. He did a nice job.”
On fun of seeing Constanza run some in his debut
“Yeah, big RBI, too, against a tough left-hander. He was able to get us that fourth run and run first to third it’s nice to see that. And good for him to get his first career base hit in his first game.”
***DAN UGGLA
“Clay is one of my best friends, not just in baseball but everywhere. So we’ve been talking crap to each other all week long. He really made me look like an idiot the first two at-bats, so it was nice to get one and put our team on top.”
On picking up some slack with McCann out
“No one person can pick up Mac’s slack. We’re going to have to come together as a team and just battle the way we’ve battled, until him and Chipper are both healthy. Once we get Chipper back, hopefully in the next day or two, it’s going to make a huge difference as well.”
What were you thinking rounding the bases against your former team after that homer?
“It really felt good. I try not to put too much emphasis on it, beyond the fact that it just put us in position to win, with the dominant bullpen we have.”
On the Phillies adding Pence
“They’ve made every move you can make in order to try to go for it. They got Cliff Lee in the offseason, they got Hunter Pence now, they’ve got unbelievable depth if somebody goes down; they’ve been picking each other up all year long. They’re a good team. But we are, too. And there’s a lot of other good teams that are going to make the playoffs, too.”
***BRANDON BEACHY
On being locked in a picthers’ duel
“It’s fun. When the score’s 0-0, tie game, every pitch matters. It just helps you focus even more.”
Getting through this game without giving up a homer
“It feel good, it really does. I’d like to say that’s not something I think about, but of course it is. Five or six starts in a row of giving up at least a homer. It was really nice to have one where I didn’t make that big mistake that cost us.”
On Uggla
“Wow. He’s been swinging the bat so well lately, it’s just a matter of time before those singles and doubles he’s been hitting turn into homers.”
On difference in his performance tonight, going deep in game and not giving up long ball
“The difference was me trying to pitch to contact. Especially early. Not trying to strike out everybody with each slider, throwing them over the zone and letting guys hit ground balls. Not falling way behind in the count and letting guys back in the count.
“It’s always fun to win, and it was fun to get deep in the game today. That’s something I’ve been telling you guys I want to work on all year. Finally, to get into the eighth inning and have a good one, it feels really good.”
***JOSE CONSTANZA, with Martin Prado translating
On his call-up (found out at 9 a.m. Friday morning)
“I was so happy. As soon as I found out I started calling people, my mom and everybody in the Dominican Republic.”
On his first at-bat emotions
“Nervous, anxious, but as soon as I saw the first pitch and swung, everything went away. Started taking good at-bats.”
On getting an RBI with first hit
“I’m happy to get a hit and an RBI to help the team.”
On finding a hole on fourth groundball
“The first two at-bats, I was anxious. I tried to battle until the end.”
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322 comments Add your comment
Tyler
July 29th, 2011
11:16 pm
No need to cry about Pence people. Good win tonight though
jason
July 29th, 2011
11:17 pm
2nd
jason
July 29th, 2011
11:18 pm
I’m sure that Wren has a move up his sleeve to get a guy like Quinton and Upton.
Merlin
July 29th, 2011
11:20 pm
Price for Pence was way too high. For that price a CF and a SS with a middle reliever, Just tried to rape us. Oddly I agree with Wren here and I never do that
alex
July 29th, 2011
11:21 pm
great game by beachy
tip the cap to phillies,very good team,just got better;no tears-admiration for an organization that wants to win NOW, the future is too unpredictable(tommy john,obliques,knees, etc.)
Braves need to make a move,sitting pat leads to stagnation and decline(quick historical lesson?!)
Goodnight….
Just Wanna Say
July 29th, 2011
11:22 pm
Obviously down to Ludwick, Quentin, and Upton. That being said, Astros wanted two of the elite prospects plus another one that we hold in high regard. Wren made the right choice. That is an insane price.
JacketFan
July 29th, 2011
11:22 pm
Good win. Phillies are going to trade away their future, so let them. Pence wasn’t worth what Houston was asking. I know Costanza’s night wasn’t one for the books, but his performance goes to show you that we have some real talent in our system. Braves baseball IS our pitching – there’s no good in killing that for a late season pick up. Go Bravos!
Kyle
July 29th, 2011
11:22 pm
Nice game all the way around. Keep it going.
Just Wanna Say
July 29th, 2011
11:22 pm
We better still get a bat though, and we will.
NickB
July 29th, 2011
11:24 pm
I’m not that concerned with the Pence deal. The Phillies have slowly traded their future away and will be hurting in a few years when their old ,expensive team begins to crumble and they have to start trading them away to try and build the farm back. IMO, if the Astros wanted both Minor and Delgado as well as hooper…etc, FW was wise to turn it down. Heck, if we just end up with Upton in cf and ludwick on the bench… we should be fine . Quentin would be nice. But if it means benching Heyward I’m not sold ….
Stupid Suggestions
July 29th, 2011
11:25 pm
Finally, a sound victory. I’m pissed that the Giants got Beltran and Phillies got Pence, while Wren sits on his arse doing nothing. I’m afraid Upton isn’t gonna do the trick.
Kimbrel rocks
July 29th, 2011
11:25 pm
does anyone know what the braves offered houston for pence
Kemp
July 29th, 2011
11:25 pm
I wish we knew who the Braves were targeting.
Just Wanna Say
July 29th, 2011
11:26 pm
Not sure what the offer was, but we know what they asked for price wise.
Just Wanna Say
July 29th, 2011
11:27 pm
I didn’t think Michael Bourn was on #Braves radar, but apparently he is now. Ryan Ludwick more down the list of options. #trades
Braves quotes after Friday win against Marlins | Raw Sports - Atlanta Braves
July 29th, 2011
11:28 pm
[...] Atlanta Braves [...]
NickB
July 29th, 2011
11:28 pm
I kinda hope we can get a deal for coco crisp and one of balfour or bailey from the A;s. That or Span from the Twins… Then add Ludwick as a slugging bench righty and sometime platoon guy for heyward against tough lefties
Joseph
July 29th, 2011
11:29 pm
Finally some logical responses to Pence. Most are……I wont finish. Good game tonight. Constanza, well done sir. That man is fast. I like a lead-off man hitting balls on the ground and running.
G
July 29th, 2011
11:30 pm
Frank Wren has once again proved he is outmatched.
Stupid Suggestions
July 29th, 2011
11:31 pm
I will say that I’ve enjoyed watching Uggla thrive the past 4 weeks or so. Keep it up Danny boy!
Just Wanna Say
July 29th, 2011
11:31 pm
FYI, that tweet I posted was from Crasnick. I wonder if its possible to get Bourn as the high cost and still get Ludwick or Willingham as cheaper options? And a reliever of course. That, I would be ok with. I just dont want one of those two to be the prized bats.
Just Wanna Say
July 29th, 2011
11:33 pm
And by outmatched you mean smart G? The price they were asking was insane. Thank God you’re not running the team. We cant buy our future like the Phils can.
Uncle Al
July 29th, 2011
11:33 pm
So, can Dan Uggla be voted Comeback Player of the Year for his second half as compared to his first half?
daniel
July 29th, 2011
11:36 pm
had to be cool to hear martin prado translate. if the cubs are gonna eat the salary, why not go after alfonso soriano?
Stupid Suggestions
July 29th, 2011
11:37 pm
I think we should try to trade for Rick Ankiel again. He is a great utility guy who can play CF as well as come out of the bullpen. His home run in the NLDS proves he can hit for power and his low .200’s average will fit in perfect with the rest of the team. Make it happen Wren!
NickB
July 29th, 2011
11:38 pm
Bourn plus ludwick would work. The good thing about bourn ,isthat since he isnt a slugger we dont have to be as concerned about park affect in regards to his numbers. I’d go Minor and one of our low level arms for Bourn. Then add Ludwick/willingham…etc as a bench bat/platoon OF’er…. If we pickup another rh pen arm to boot I think this team would be fine.
A) span,bourn,upton,crisp
B)ludwick,willingham,reed johnson
C)bailey,belfour,lindstrom,gregerson
if we get on from each of the above columns i think this team is WS capable. if we get 2 out of the 3, i think we are still competitive. only one of the three? may be a first round and gone year again.
Brandon
July 29th, 2011
11:41 pm
Wren will not trade any of our young pitchers but newsflash people….pitchers don’t drive in runs. For those of you who think sitting hey ward is a bad idea, well grow up, he is not doing his job very well so maybe he should be sent down to triple-a until the end of their season, maybe it would help take the pressure off him. At this point though there just isn’t anyone out there who we should trade for. Bourne is only under contract until next year, and do we really give up on Schafer. Our team has been great on defense this year, so do really want Quentin’s butter fingers in right? Ludwick and upton are definate no’s being that what we have is just as good..
Kimbrel rocks
July 29th, 2011
11:41 pm
don’t forget we need a righty for BULLPEN ASAP. lot of talking about outfielder but how soon we forget the 100 runs given up by the pen lately
BrianSC
July 29th, 2011
11:42 pm
Great win Braves!!! Keep it going! Grind. Battle. One game at a time.
Phillies overpaid for Pence. That’s ok. Fine with me. Let them send away their future. They are violating the MLB Debt Service Rule (1 of 9 teams). They keep throwing money out there like it grows on trees. They are getting old. It will catch up.
I’d like to see the Braves get Quinton, as long as the price is reasonable.
Just Wanna Say
July 29th, 2011
11:45 pm
You think Schafer is just as good as Bourn? Look at the number. Bourn is a 300 hitter and a gold glover.
JackDennis
July 29th, 2011
11:45 pm
G: 11:30 Don’t be a dolt. Wren not outmatched. Philly gave up way to much for Pence. He’s a nice player, but not worth what they gave up.
Justin
July 29th, 2011
11:47 pm
Frank Wren is not at all outmatched and he made the right move. Pence isnt worth all of those prospects they wanted from us and Wren is still looking for some offense for the Braves. He will get someone productive to help us make a run at it, while keeping our super prospects in tact. He has the right approach, im my opinion. For some people to suggest that Wren is just sitting around doing nothing at all to try and make a move is laughable. Go Braves!
Brandon
July 29th, 2011
11:47 pm
I’m not saying Schafer is as good but do we really give up on him for a player that will leave next year…and cost 2of our “untouchable” prospects
Stupid Suggestions
July 29th, 2011
11:47 pm
“You think Schafer is just as good as Bourn? Look at the number. Bourn is a 300 hitter and a gold glover.”
Not only that, but he is well versed in the martial arts and is just now starting to learn who he really is.
Mark T
July 29th, 2011
11:47 pm
Thank goodness Frank Wren did not repeat the deal that brought me to Atlanta for a few months; or the one for my buddy JD.
Pence appears to be the real deal, but the price was too high.
Jason
July 29th, 2011
11:48 pm
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Braves have made the White Sox an offer for Quentin and the only thing holding the deal up is Dayan Viceido’s thumb injury because he is included in the deal! PRAYING that we get Quentin! We need a power bat! Great game tonight Braves!
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
11:50 pm
Cant wait till next year when we unveil our 10 man rotation.You either win now or win later you can’t do both.It’s times like these when I refer to the Marlins.2 titles in 6 years.Braves one title since they moved down south.I would wager that the Fish get another one before the Braves.The truth shall set you free.
Joseph
July 29th, 2011
11:51 pm
Brandon…..butter fingers Quentin? What? Have you ever watched a White Sox game or Arizona game since 06? His worst Fielding percentage in any year was last year at 0.959. Minus that 1 year his next lowest fielding percentage is 0.971. This year he has a fielding percentage of 0.993. Butter fingers? Please know about someone before you criticize them sir.
NickB
July 29th, 2011
11:52 pm
@Jason you have the link for that? not that i dont believe you, i just wanna read the article
NickB
July 29th, 2011
11:52 pm
@Jason you have the link for that? not that i dont believe you, i just wanna read the article
Joseph
July 29th, 2011
11:52 pm
I’m going to sir you in the sirring sir, you mother sirrers.
DWAYNE
July 29th, 2011
11:52 pm
braves just got andruw jones
Jason
July 29th, 2011
11:55 pm
Here’s the link to Fox Sports MLB Trade rumors… http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/MLB-trade-deadline-trades-moves-news-player-movement-072611 I think something is going to get done tomorrow or Sunday with Quentin…
Justin
July 29th, 2011
11:56 pm
As for Heyward, give the man some time! He’s obviously struggling, but I remember Justin Upton struggling mightily early in his career, to the point where the D’Backs were going to send him back to AAA. He turned it around towards the end of the season and now he is a budding superstar. We just need to give these young guys some time to learn and adjust. Nowadays, we want everything to happen right away and if it doesnt, then toss them away and get someone else. It’s his second full season and I think he will turn it around.
NickB
July 29th, 2011
11:56 pm
@Joseph fielding percentage is a terrible way to judge defense. +/- or UZR even range factor are better (imi avg of all 3 is better) the prob with fld % is that you an be a statue and make every play hit right at you, but have great range and make a few errors getting to many more balls thus lowering your percentage, yet obviouly be a the much superior defender
NickB
July 29th, 2011
11:57 pm
thanx for da link jason
Fred
July 29th, 2011
11:57 pm
Ludwick, no unless you get BJ Upton…..Ludwick is a rental thats not having a good year.
Willingham also rental ..CQ is good hitter but thats it..not worth Minor.
BJ Upton is the best all-around player there..he fits our needs, plays CF, hits for power, speed 24 sb, great arm, best defensive cf in al. would be a 30-30 player..give him a chance, you can always trade him if he don’t work plus you got him 2 years.
Jason
July 30th, 2011
12:01 am
Here we go folks! The man with the INFORMATION, MR. KEN ROSENTHAL! I would LOVE TO have Upton! He has major long term upside… As long as we don’t give up Teheran, I’m good with whatever… We MUST go for a World Championship THIS year! Read this… http://mlbbuzz.yardbarker.com/blog/mlbbuzz/whats_next_for_the_braves/5821492?new_post=true
Jabbo
July 30th, 2011
12:01 am
Freeman’s hitting .295
Brandon
July 30th, 2011
12:01 am
@Justin….listen we are in a p,ayoff race which means all bets are off, if your not performing you don’t play, enough of these players being entitled to a spot
billmaier
July 30th, 2011
12:03 am
yep phillies gave up way to much not listen to mlb tv– three a ball players too much yet they wanted much more from the braves? betancourt, simmons and minor— way to much
NickB
July 30th, 2011
12:03 am
Hmmm, Span plus Joe Nathan (with Twins picking up most of Nathans $$$) for Minor , Oberholzer and Schafer wouldn’t be a bad deal either. Nathans been lights out for the last month
Joseph
July 30th, 2011
12:03 am
Nickb, I admit I do not believe in the saber thing. It is over analyzing in my opinion. There are some good stuff in it, but as a whole, I chose my concepts and past experiences. That said…..Even the developers of sabermetrics admit that defensive metrics are an inaccurate way to judge defense. Yes more balls gotten to equal more errors, but to call a man butter fingers insinuates that he touches the ball and drops it, does it not?
Justin
July 30th, 2011
12:05 am
@JeffPassan
Jeff Passan
Rival executive says Braves targeting center fielder. Doesn’t keep them from Quentin/Ludwick/Willingham, but they haven’t focused on them.
Justin
July 30th, 2011
12:05 am
just posted on twitter about 10 seconds ago
billmaier
July 30th, 2011
12:07 am
astros wanted from us two elite prospects and another one we didnt wante to give up? yet settle for three a ball players from phils and sent a milliopn dollars???? it was minor, betancourt and simmons but the braves didnt want to give up minor for a 300 hitter that averages 25 hrs every year
NickB
July 30th, 2011
12:07 am
Oh Quentin is a bad defender, but fielding percentage is just a poor way of judging it. UZR and the other stats have him in the bottom 3 in all of baseball at his position
Justin
July 30th, 2011
12:10 am
@Brandon By no means am I saying he is entitled. I’m saying he isnt a bum that needs to be traded, which is what I often read on the Braves’ blog sites. If we get a better option, he should sit more until he gets it going. I don’t think anyone is entitled, not Heyward or even Chipper who automatically hits 3rd, even though that shouldn’t be happening.
Jason
July 30th, 2011
12:12 am
Braves apparently HOT on the trail for Michael Bourn as well! Would be nice to stick SPEEDY GONZALEZ in the leadoff spot and actually play some REAL baseball, AHEM, stealing bases and using hit and run!
NickB
July 30th, 2011
12:12 am
I think Pence is a good player, however his home/away splits aren’t good Career OPS at home of .851, versus a .785 away….. If he was a CF’er I would agree the price was right. But his defense in CF wouldn’t be good and his bat as a corner OF’er is just avg away from minute maid park. Now his value in Philly is greater due to their bandbox…. at Turner Field, one would expect about an.800 OPS give or take ten points (.685 OPS career at Turner Field)
Brandon
July 30th, 2011
12:13 am
I agree with you that he is not a bum Justin….he has got enormous upside and I don’t think any of us thinks that he won’t be every bit as good as advertised, but he just isn’t hitting right now, and it seems Like people don’t want to sit him still, even if we goy quentin
Frank Wren
July 30th, 2011
12:16 am
Thought I would hop on real quick. Some one asked who we offered for Pence..Well, we felt that Pence’s five year avg of 25 Home Runs was a-flash-in-the-pan. John and I agreed that package of Scott Proctor, Diory Hernandez, Nate McLouth and one of our lower level pitching prospects should do the trick. Each time we talked to Ed, we made sure he was at a bar and drinking. Apparently, he left and decided to take the Phillies top two prospects instead. I told Ed, we could throw in a re-tooled Jo-Jo Reyes(we would re-sign him at a cut rate price) and even Todd Redmond who is lighting it up at AAA.
BravesFAN
July 30th, 2011
12:20 am
I will be completely ecstatic if the Braves can pick up Michael Bourn without giving up anything major other than Minor. I think not landing Pence will be a blessing in disguise down the road because giving up two of our top four pitchers right now would kill us in the future. JJ and Hanson are both Boras clients and I don’t see the Braves being able to keep both of them but I think they’ll be able to keep one. Lowe and Hudson are not getting any younger and will need these young minor league pitching studs that we have now very very soon. As far as Bourn goes he can hit over .300 avg this year, gets on base .354 OBP, he’s got amazing speed leading the NL in SB last 3 years, and he plays amazing defense in center. I really really really hope Bourn is the guy we land. He will get on base and he will be electric on the base paths for the braves. Imagine this in the 1st inning 1. Bourn draws a walk 2. Bourn steals second 3. Prado grounds out Bourn moves to 3rd 4. Chipper hits a sac fly Bourn scores…These are the kind of runs the Braves don’t ever score because they don’t have a leadoff man that consistently gets on base but when/if they make a trade for Bourn THEY WILL!!!! WREN MAKE IT HAPPEN GO GET BOURN HE WILL MAKE THIS TEAM BETTER…
Justin
July 30th, 2011
12:20 am
@Brandon He should absolutely sit if we are able to land Quentin. I’m big on trading for Quentin and his power and RBI numbers. He was set for a big payday from the White Sox, until he suffered a serious injury. It looks like he is back to form now and that would be a big time addition. Maybe an acquisition like that could spark Heyward, who knows. I’d like to have Quentin or Upton, but not a Ryan Ludwick or that type
Justin
July 30th, 2011
12:23 am
If we did get Michael Bourne, my dream 1st inning doesn’t involve ground outs or Sac flies….lol…The steals, yes…the outs, no
Thadsdad
July 30th, 2011
12:25 am
I told ya ol’ Eddie Wade would deliver Pence to the Phumblins. He even threw in $1 million so they wouldn’t go over the luxury tax.
What a guy.
As for the Phumblins giving up too much and mortgaging their future, I’m sure in 3 or 4 years, after they’ve collected their second and third WS rings in a 7 or 8-year span, those sad Philly fans will be crying in their soup that won’t be contending for a couple of seasons.
I have such pity for them.
Too much for Pence?
The Phumblins gave up a 19-year old first baseman, a 21-year old pitcher and another warm body. How’s that too much? These guys are called prospects because they haven’t done squat in the majors – and may never even reach them.
As for the Hall of Fame pitching quartet that the Frankster refused to even discuss in trade, I set the over/under for Teheran, Vizcaino, Delgado and Minor TOTAL major league win total at 50 (that’s between the four of them). And the almighty Mike (no better than a No. 4 or 5) Minor has four wins already.
Thanks Frank.
Now, get back to work, you don’t want that monster bat of Ryan Ludwick to slip through your fingers now, do you?
Fab-Five Fredi
July 30th, 2011
12:27 am
Quentin would be a better fit for the stretch run. Chipper will not be much of a factor. Prado will be at third. It would be sweet if Frank could completely overhaul the outfield and add Bourn as well..
Mister Frisky
July 30th, 2011
12:27 am
Bourn is a pipe dream.Get off the pipe.His name only appears on this blog nowhere else.
BravesFAN
July 30th, 2011
12:29 am
I dunno why people on here think all the Astros wanted was Minor, Simmons, and Bethancourt Ken Rosenthal says the Astros wanted 2 of the 4 out of Teheran, Vizciano, Delgado, and Minor plus some second tier guys. Wren made the best move and the smartest move for this organization. Had he given up Delgado or Minor or any combination of the 2 it would’ve definitely hurt us down the road a lot more than Pence would help for 2 years. If he’s able to pick up Bourn for say Minor, Simmons, Hoover or Spruill then I hope he pulls the trigger because personally I think we need a true leadoff more than we need another corner outfielder. I’d take Bourn over Quentin for the Braves everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. We don’t need another .250 power hitter that doesn’t play very good defense. Now what we could use is a excellent leadoff man that can hit for avg, get on base, steal bases, and play great defense in CENTER FIELD!!!! BOURN DOES ALL OF THOSE THINGS AND HE DOES THEM PRETTY GOOD!!!!
Joseph
July 30th, 2011
12:32 am
Thadsdad. All I can say is thank whatever being there is above that you are not in any way even making suggestions to the brain trust of this organization. NIce tirade though.
BravesFAN
July 30th, 2011
12:33 am
Mister Frisky – You clearly have NO IDEA what you’re talking about and haven’t even looked to see if his name has appeared on any insiders or baseball media guys twitter accounts or websites.
Take a look at this – The Braves are almost certain to land an outfielder before the deadline, reports Rosenthal. He cites the names you have been hearing for a while: B.J. Upton, Michael Bourn, Ryan Ludwick, Carlos Quentin, and Josh Willingham.
Bourn is on the Braves’ radar, tweets Crasnick. Padres right fielder Ludwick is “more down the list of options.” Would Astros GM Ed Wade deal another outfielder? He told reporters earlier tonight, “We’re going to be open-minded on all fronts. We’re going to be good listeners.”
The Braves are targeting a center fielder, tweets Yahoo’s Jeff Passan, though it doesn’t rule them out on corner guys.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 30th, 2011
12:33 am
Thadsdad-Spot on!! They are just BLOODY prospects and have done NOTHING in the Majors and there is no guarantee that they ever will. Good example. The infamous 2007 Trade the Braves made with the Rangers. Atlanta refused to give up this great prospect Jo-Jo Reyes and included some guy named Neftali Feliz instead..Ummmm that one worked out well..Jo-Jo has been to how many All-Star games with the Braves..Right now Jo-Jo is sitting in his living room hoping someone has a need for a LH pitcher with a lifetime ERA near 6.00…
Mister Frisky
July 30th, 2011
12:42 am
Ok BravesFan,Dinner on me at the varsity before Game 1 of the world series if your right.I hope I lose this bet.
BravesFAN
July 30th, 2011
12:45 am
Fab-Five Fredi – The Braves did end up giving them Elvis Andrus their SECOND best prospect in the organization at the time as well. Now he’s the Rangers starting SS batting .280 this year and already has stolen bases not to mention he’s played in an All Star game already. You’re right they definitely messed up big time by keeping Jo Jo and not Neftali. My point is Neftali wasn’t the piece that made that trade happen Elvis Andrus definitely was and he’s turned out to be a pretty darn good player that the Braves could DEFINITELY USE RIGHT NOW. We literally have the worst offensive SS in the majors right now I couldn’t imagine having Andrus right now instead of Agon so I can’t really blame the Braves for being reluctant to give up 2 of their 4 best pitching prospects especially when all 4 rank in the top 100 best prospects in all of baseball.
So Cal Brave
July 30th, 2011
12:45 am
The bad thing about having a deep farm system, is that the opposing teams want to rake it on trades. I’m sure that the Astros would’ve prefered to trade Pence to us, and I’m sure they threatened FW with trading him to the Phills if we didn’t give them what they wanted. So when we didn’t, they traded him to them.
Joseph
July 30th, 2011
12:46 am
Fab-five…..feliz holds the rookie record for the majors with saves. Some guy named Neftali Feliz? I think he is well known to people that actually know something about baseball sir.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 30th, 2011
12:50 am
BravesFan-Andrus at the time was not going to beat out Escobar and Salty was not going to beat out McCann. Who knew Yunel would not mature..At least in Atlanta.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 30th, 2011
12:54 am
Joseph-You need to re-read my text..You must be slow on the draw regarding sarcasm..No more Keystone Light’s for you tonight
Another Clueless Braves Blogger
July 30th, 2011
12:55 am
Glad Wren didn’t give Astros 2 top pitching prospects and another “highly regarded” young pitcher for Pence. We can win without him. No doubt Phillies are stronger with Pence.
NickB
July 30th, 2011
12:55 am
@thatsbad they gave up 2 of the top 25 prospects in baseball plus 2 other guys. That’s overpaying for a guy whose home/away splits this season are over .100. points different. Now the fact that the Phils play in a tiny park helps this some. But for the Braves to have traded Minor,Delgado,JJ Hooper and someone else would’ve been stupid. Pence would probably struggle to post an .800. OPS in 81 games at Turner field…. that’s the truth. Plus, we need a plus CF defender and Pence struggles on defense in RF
NickB
July 30th, 2011
12:56 am
hoover not hooper… damn typos and no edit function…..
Justin
July 30th, 2011
1:00 am
Trading prospects works both ways. Sure, there is no guarantee that they do anything, but they could also turn into very good players. Jo-Jo Reyes is a good example for the negative side of it, but a few years ago we traded our SS Edgar Renteria for 2 prospects, so that our own SS prospect could take over. Yunel Escobar was the shortstop, and the prospects we received in the trade were Gorkys Hernandez and Jair Jurjjens. The point is that it is a gamble, but the Braves didn’t want to send too many prospects for Pence….and that was the right move, IMO. Lowe and Hudson are gone after next year and the Boras clients are gonna be very expensive. We will have holes to fill in the rotation/bullpen and Teheran, Minor, Vizcaino and Delgado will all be major parts, thus we cannot give them all away for a good player. Hunter Pence is no Mark Teixiera
Joseph
July 30th, 2011
1:03 am
Fab-Five I don’t need to reread anything. And I make too much money to drink keystone sir.
Try looking at the big pitcher? Feliz holds the record for rookies with saves….no question……RECORD IS 40. Do you honestly think that if Feliz was still in the system that Kimbrel would be the closer today? Who would you rather have? Feliz or Kimbrel? Try looking at the big pitcher instead of a point you are trying to make whether it is sarcastic or not. Would your reall prefer Feliz over Kimbrel? Oh I admit that was last year so let me give the alternative……Feliz or Wagner? BIg pitcher thinking my friend.
rittmann
July 30th, 2011
1:04 am
Uggla’s second half is like making a trade and getting a new player- Wren/Gonzalez can’t be doing too bad of a job–Braves have the 4th Best record in MLB with all of their injuries!!. Heyward and Alex Gonzalez are Killing this team- They Suck. Don’t get Ludwick–Bourne, even though Left Handed, wouldn’t be bad- Quentin would be best-
Kimbrel rocks
July 30th, 2011
1:12 am
now that we know that the Astros wanted TWO of our top pitchers PLUS 2 other…..will some of you admit you were dead wrong to criticize frank wren? he was VERY SMART. braves fans would have been in an UPROAR if two of the big 4 had been traded for pence
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
1:13 am
I really want Bourn. I think him plus a cheaper Ludwick/Willingham would be good. I mean Quentin is fine obviously, but prefer the other.
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
1:13 am
totally agree Kimbrel
Another Clueless Braves Blogger
July 30th, 2011
1:14 am
Sure hope Pence delivers quickly or he’ll see how fast the fans in Philly turn on him. Pence is used to low expectations in Houston.
Kimbrel rocks
July 30th, 2011
1:14 am
do we even need another BIG right-handed bat if Uggla is heating up and returning to his normal self?
NickB
July 30th, 2011
1:15 am
Ludwick would not be a bad pickup IF he was just there as bench depth and to take some starts from Heyward against lefties (.777 OPS against RHP, .565 OPS against lefties) honestly, if Heyward only played against righties this year, he’d not have bad numbers at all. Not great, but decent for a young developing player.. But if Ludwick is it….. no, not good
Joseph
July 30th, 2011
1:16 am
Kimbrel……….no they will not…..they still think this team will finish last in the division because Fredi is stupid and Wren is a coward. Yet they call themselves fans. I used to be one of them until wife told me we were pregnant. I grew up 10 fold that second. It is sad Kimbrel but this is why this area is a “bad sports town” according to the national media. negative perspectives always.
Brett
July 30th, 2011
1:16 am
GET ROWAND from the Giants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NickB
July 30th, 2011
1:17 am
@Kimbrel, we really need an OBP guy in CF. I don’t think we NEED a Quentin type bat nearly as much as we need a high OBP guy with speed and good D. But if Quentin falls in our lap and splits time with Heyward as well as plays some LF when Chipper is out…. I wouldn’t complain
NickB
July 30th, 2011
1:18 am
I’ve noticed that the most supportive fans tend to be from out of state (like me) I’m amazed at how poor the turnout is in Atlanta for what is a very good and competitive team most years
Justin
July 30th, 2011
1:19 am
@Kimbrel rocks
totally agree, man. Frank Wren is a very good GM and is given very little credit for the moves that he has made.
billmaier
July 30th, 2011
1:19 am
ibelieve baseball tonight headline and boone’ss comments say it best– braves biggest losers— boone said it best the braves have a lof of top prospects in their system yet the miss out on beltran and now and pence and will regret not making the deal greatly– translation braves were stupid not to make a deal with all of the talent they have phils only gave up 3 a- ball players– braves had a lot more to offer than phils but refused to do so
Another Clueless Braves Blogger
July 30th, 2011
1:20 am
Kimbrel: With Uggla ripping the ball again, we are not in dire need of a big righty bat (we already have one). Wren has done a terrific job turning the Braves from losers into playoff contenders in just a few years. I am confident Wren will make the right move(s).
TruthSeeker
July 30th, 2011
1:21 am
Justin makes a good point. IMO, the Braves rotation of the future is Hanson, Teheran, Beachy, Medlen, and Delgado. I think Minor eventually gets dealt, and I’ve always gotten the impression that Viscaino is destined to be a late-inning power arm rather than a starter. But, however it shakes out, the Braves are going to need these young arms in the not-so-distant future.
The Braves obviously need to pick up a bat for the stretch run, and I think Wren will make that happen, but he could be setting himself up for a blockbuster deal this winter. Jurrjens and a top prospect could bring a serious bopper to Atlanta. Maybe a Matt Kemp.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 30th, 2011
1:25 am
Joseph-Settle down Francis…..This is not a debate of Feliz vs Kimbrel vs Wagner. the point of my message, Mr. I don’t re-read is that trading prospects is hit and miss. Trading Reyes would have been better than trading Feliz. The closer situation would have worked itself out. Splitting hairs between having Feliz as a closer vs Kimbrel. Braves had planned on Feliz being a starter..He appeared in 19 games in the Braves system and was a starter in 12 of those..
Another Clueless Braves Blogger
July 30th, 2011
1:25 am
Braves did not “miss out” on Beltran or Pence, they have a very smart GM who does not panic and give away the future for a 2 month rental with bad knees, or a very good (but not great) ball player. Unlike many naysayers, Wren actually knows what he’s doing.
billmaier
July 30th, 2011
1:25 am
justin yes- he got us gonzo- mclout, kk for sure great moves and sticking us with lowes 15 million for too much time an cannot forget melky, ankiel. farnsworth, troy, gareet anderson, scott proctor greg norton all help the team so much— pence would have been terible how would he fit in in our outfiedl- he hits over 300 hhas averged 25 hrs a sesson runs fast steals bases ha agreat arm— just would not fit with whatt we have now— how alone would be are only 300 hitter on the team— not a good fit and i belive he only has 62 rbiis this year we need another frank move more like ludwick he is hitting 230
Justin
July 30th, 2011
1:26 am
I’m a huge Braves fan from Smyrna, Delaware and it’s very disappointing to turn on the game and see all of those empty seats on most nights. I don’t know what the support is like for the Braves in the south, but it cannot be worse than up here. This are is all Phillies and they are the BIGGEST bandwagon riders ever! They sell out every night now, but I couldn’t find a Phillies fan in sight during run of division titles. When it’s going good, they are loud, mouthy bastards….When the Phils are down, the fans will hate on them more than I would. I don’t see Atlanta fans being anywhere close to the bastards up here
Kimbrel rocks
July 30th, 2011
1:27 am
wow there are some very positive posts tonight. must be the right crowd on here. ha i agree with you all….wren will do what’s best. we will compete until the end and i think we are better than the giants this year. they look like they will be our first round play-off team if we make it. this next series with them will be critical to see our level of play against them. one thing we know, even with our offensive struggles, we are STILL better than them at the plate. should be fun.
NickB
July 30th, 2011
1:28 am
@billmaier Obviously you havn’t viewed Pence’s home /away splits. he hits around a .770 OPS away from minute Maid Park. He was not worth what the Astros wanted. Not at Turner Field he wasn’t.
Brett
July 30th, 2011
1:28 am
Getttt Rowand! damn it….it takes one lonely prospect from a single A team…….He can still Hit
Joseph
July 30th, 2011
1:31 am
bill, Get over yourself and move on. How old are you sir? “the braves had a lot more to offer but refused”……..you dang right they did. Do you know why? Because a GMs job is not to merely give everything away for 1 chance but to build a dynasty. Shuerholtze did it in the 90s. It takes time, yet I doubt you understand simple baseball logic. You have done nothing but repeat what a washed-up player that had 1 hit that he is known for tell you what to think. Bill please have an opinion on your own and try backing it up with FACTS instead of the constant…..this person said this…….If you hate Wren so much please email Liberty Media and ask them to fire him. I am sure your opinions will be well recieved there.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 30th, 2011
1:32 am
Braves will make a move, have a feeling it will be a minor one adding either Willingham or Ludwick. As for Upton or Quentin, I would be surprised if the Braves paid the asking price.
Brian
July 30th, 2011
1:37 am
The big picture not pitcher…….what a schmuck!
NickB
July 30th, 2011
1:39 am
again @ billamier – Farnsworth and Ankiel did fine (as did Derrek Lee) for what we needed last year. Especially considering that we have a middle of the road payroll now. This team doesn’t have the payroll to just buy up any and all available talent. FW has to be shrewd with prospects and with the budget he is given. I think he has done an excellent job. Not just in avoiding bad deals, but also in re-building a farm system JS raped trying to win one more world series before he left to become the team Prez…..
Let us look at FW’s best deals
JJ and Gorkys for Renteria
Vizcaino and Dunn for Vasquez
Dunn and Infante for Uggla (which is a great trade, Infante has struggled and Dunn is just another lefty pen arm, Uggla is coming around and is likely to be the player he was for most of his deal)
The deals he didn’t make that turned out smart;
He didn’t overpay for AJ Burnett (regardless of what you think of the overpay for Lowe, think if he had matched the Yankees offer and given 5 years $80 mill or wtvr for Burnett!!!!)
He didn’t over pay for a slightly above avg OF’er in Hunter Pence (whose home stats ar far and away better than his away stats due to the park he plays in).
He signed Tim Hudson to a very team friendly extension.
Signed McCann to another team friendly extension.
The Gonzo trade looks mediocre (but not bad it’s not like Escobar has turned into Jose Reyes or anything) but that was a Bobby Cox deal. His attitude got him run out of town and Gonzo has played gold glove defense and hit some timely HR’s for us . Team chemistry matters and the other players love ole sea bass.
Mclouth didn’t play well, that’s hardly the GM’s fault. Morton wasn’t going to pitch here with JJ and Hanson on his way…. GM’s can’t read the future.
Complaining about minor pickups like Norton, Garret Anderson ,Proctor…etc is nitpicking. These were all guys brought in due to budgetary restraints in attempts to get some production out of them. Every GM in baseball makes these type of moves EVERY year.
You sir are either ignorant or a hater.
NickB
July 30th, 2011
1:42 am
Heck even Glaus carried this team for a month last season when others were hurt or struggling
Justin
July 30th, 2011
1:43 am
@billmaier
I never said he wasn’t a good fir for our team, but I wouldn’t have gave our prospects for him either. Derek Lowe’s contract is bad, but he was dominant down the stretch and in the playoffs if u were watching. Ankiel, Farnsworth, Glaus were contributors to our patchwork team we had. Ankiel won our only playoff game in extra innings, Glaus carried us through the first half of the season and Farnsworth was having a good year when we traded for him. All of the players u named with the exception of KK were cheap acquisitions (money or low prospects). To name all of those guys in a negative light must mean that u didn’t pay attention last year, except when someone made a mistake. They all contributed to a wild card winning team that could have made it further, were it not for some Conrad errors. Wren took over when we were down and now he has us back in the discussion amongst the best teams. The Braves are only getting better and thats because of the emphasis on player development in our system, something that we needed to get back to. Wren is responsible for that
Joseph
July 30th, 2011
1:46 am
Fab, I don’t need to reread a post. You can make the jokes all you want…..by the way sir when I drink I prefer Hennesy. Drill Sergeant got me into that. Dang that stuff is smooth. My point about Feliz vs Kimbrel is a big picture issue. It is a Gms job. We here can say this guy is a stud, but it is up to the GM and scouts to know more than all of us combined. I agree there will be a move made this weekend. But I think Quentin is actually possible. 1 minor league pitching prospect and 1 bat……..they have said many times that Quentin is merely holding a spot from this kid they really like. I would prefer a CF, but hey who knows? Maybe Constanza can be that CF hole. Let’s enjoy the next day and a half and love baseball for all it’s faults and for all of it’s beauty when played properly as well.
Brian
July 30th, 2011
1:46 am
Enter your comments here
Luv 2 Hate Me
July 30th, 2011
1:50 am
Fellas I have the feeling the Braves have their eyes on a bigger prize “Matt Kemp”. I think they will break the bank and give up Minor and another pitcher for him. The Phillies think they made the best move of the trading deadline but just wait and see.
Justin
July 30th, 2011
1:53 am
@Luv 2 Hate Me
Oh man, what I would do if u were right!
Tyler
July 30th, 2011
1:54 am
Lmao. Luv 2 Hate Me, dreaming big huh? Kemp isnt going anywhere, especially not to ATL. Not a chance in hell.
Brian
July 30th, 2011
1:55 am
Beachy was money tonight!!! 4.5 game wild card lead after d-backs lose.
really
July 30th, 2011
1:56 am
Joseph, it’s big picture, not pitcher. And Feliz is about to be replaced as Texas’ closer (Ron Washington says he doesn’t have enough heart), so I’d rather have Kimbrel, the guy who’s going to have the rookie record after this year. Now go back to drinking “pitchers” of whatever all that money you earn working a job that lets you sit on here 24/7 spouting outdated moneyball bullcrap buys you. Sir.
chrisbraves
July 30th, 2011
1:57 am
After taking a step back, it is easy to realize how smart it was for Wren not to acquire Pence for that price. NickB mentions many valuable points that shows Wren knows WHEN and WHEN NOT to pull the trigger. That being said…come on now…Delgado and Schafer for Bourn, make it happen and Heyward’s future does not even come into play. 2nd option get Quentin for Minor and another 1 or 2 prospects. If that doesn’t work go a completely different route…Minor and 2 or 3 lower level prospects for Ludwick and Heath Bell in a mega deal which would solidify the bullpen. MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN! If all else fails try to get Clippard for ??? and hope the Braves put enough offense out there to win all the low scoring games that would be bound to happen.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 30th, 2011
1:59 am
Joseph-Would prefer Bourn type of player over Quentin as well. Maybe Bourn and a platoon piece like Willingham will work. Not a fan of Upton, at least the one that resides in Tampa. If Wren does get Upton, the Braves can only hope that the old “Change of Scenery” will pay off. He has regressed the last few years.
wallypip
July 30th, 2011
2:06 am
I’m with Wren so far. I think he will bring a righty bat in, but I hope it’s not Ludwick. I like Quentin. If you’re going to give up at least one good prospect, you have to get more of a rental, which is what Beltran would have been. I do not think Pence is worth that the Phillies had to give to get him. But the Phils are now nearly on par with the Red Sox and Yankees, wealthy enough to buy new players when their prospects are gone. The Braves haven’t had that kind of cash for a very long time. So, considering the market and the budget, Wren and his team are doing well. I’m hoping that it’s Quentin… Even if they get a righty bat, and another good reliever, it’s going to be a wild finish. I think the Braves will have to battle like hell just to win the wild card. Should be fun to watch….
NickB
July 30th, 2011
2:07 am
I’d still ike Span and Nathan (with Twins paying most of Nathans$$$) or Crisp and Bailey…. Crisp would be cheap and is gone next year freeing us up to try and put a major deal together for Kemp involving JJ if FW chooses to.
IMO, any improvement in CF is great. As well as a rh pen arm and RH bat that can play the corner OF positions…. We get those three things, the team will be better. How much better depends on the players. The “BEST” we could do is probably Bourn, Willingham and Grant Balfour. The “WORST” we could do(if we acquired all 3 things I mean) is Crisp, Ludwick and Gregerson… still would be an improvement. Just a lesser one.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 30th, 2011
2:12 am
@Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
Observation from an NL official about the Braves’ interest in Hunter Pence: “They don’t value on-base percentage as much as other teams do.”
Well that’s good to know.
Heyward grounds out to second
July 30th, 2011
2:55 am
Struggla and Beachy for the win! I guess I need to stop calling him that, he struggles no more. Great win tonight, Beachy really pitched well, and Freddie is also on fire, and Martin got rolling. Give me Quentin or Bourn and let’s make a run at this thing.
Also great to see Constanza (Sp?) get that first major league hit. Sounds like he’s worked hard to get here, and he drove in a run. Great night for the Braves! GO BRAVES!
Jeffro
July 30th, 2011
3:40 am
We just added a great right handed bat. His name is Dan Uggla.
UGGLA SMASH
20 out
July 30th, 2011
3:42 am
Do the Braves ever “Go For It”? I mean, c’mon already with the crappy little piece acquisitions. Do something significant.
20 out
July 30th, 2011
3:53 am
Najeh, nice that you pointed this out. Saw that earlier. All the talk that Wren and co. have made about getting more athletic and speed conscious seems to be on hold too. Pence would have been a perfect fit as well as Bourn, although LH.
bobby cerasuolo
July 30th, 2011
4:31 am
OK heres what they should offer to Bourne
Zeke Sprill
Matt Lipka
JJ Hoover
Cory Harrilchak
Bourne
Bourgeois
Alberto Arias
We ain't doing diddly poo
July 30th, 2011
6:07 am
The market is VERY weak…Bourn/Crisp in CF would be nice, but we are not going to overpay, and good for FW for not getting that goofball Pence. I like CQ, but not at the price the ChiSox would likely want. Someone kicked in Andrew Jones in the blog earlier – which would be a decent fit on this team and give you the RH bat with pop. Another rumor was bringing Frenchy back to ATL to platoon with Heyward. Cheap solution and just as good Ludwick or similar players added recently (Ankiel/Church).
We do need a RHP for the pen – Lindstrom, if he’s available would do the trick. If we can’t steal a decent RH bat before the deadline – hey, CALL UP GARTRELL. How bad could he be? He’s a big bat, not an OBP machine – but who on the Braves is? Constanza is already here and they cleared a 40-man spot to get him up here.
We ain't doing diddly poo
July 30th, 2011
6:14 am
@Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
Observation from an NL official about the Braves’ interest in Hunter Pence: “They don’t value on-base percentage as much as other teams do.”
This is a bit troublesome. And you wonder why we struggle scoring runs? Play some baseball, guys. The steroid era is toast. It’s time to play ball like the great teams of Whitey Herzog and Felipe Alou.
We can’t stand around and wait for a 3-run homer playing station to station. This only leads to GDPs which are quite frequent in this offense and solo dingers which have been highly prevalent on this team as well.
Look what happened last night. We did get the 3-run jack (first one in forever), but also scored on solid 1st to 3rd base running, Constanza putting the ball in play (darn spray hitters) and the first SAC FLY since the Beatles broke up…
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
6:33 am
i dont blame wren for not trading for pence or beltrain one bat wont help this team we need a centerfeilder ss leftfeilder and aright feilder if heyward cant turn it around maybe next year
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
6:59 am
might better look for 3rd baseman to its bad no prospects in our minors braves need better scouts huh
Braves20
July 30th, 2011
7:02 am
Aaron Boone whose paycheck is in no way connected to the Braves analyzed yesterday’s activities this way (paraphrasing): The big losers in all of this are the Braves. They have a very deep farm system yet were unwilling to spend to obtain either Beltran or Pence. They will regret it.
Do you think?
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
7:08 am
i like wrens non moves but i think he needs replacing to
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
7:14 am
next year braves will have the $$$$$ and i dont think wren knows how to spend it wisely
henry from TN
July 30th, 2011
7:15 am
good game pitching superb good run production—sure hope Constanza does so good he puts mclouth and schafer out of a job ha lol….
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
7:17 am
release both of them
ccrider
July 30th, 2011
7:23 am
generally speaking, bloggers who brag about money, education and even their choice of beverage are spouting bs. folks who got it don’t flaunt it…SIR
NickB
July 30th, 2011
7:30 am
jimmya you do realize that if you release players you still have to pay their full salaries right? It’s not football , the contracts are guaranteed
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
7:30 am
????????
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
7:31 am
it dont matter
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
7:32 am
neither one helping uus just hurting us
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
7:33 am
taking up roster spots
jimmya
July 30th, 2011
7:34 am
we seem to do better when they on dl
Joey
July 30th, 2011
7:41 am
“…and do we really want to give up on Shafer?”
***************************************
What else do you need to see? He is a good defensive, poor offensive outfielder, who doesn’t use his speed to his advantage. He can’t drag bunt for infield hits and rarely gets a bunt down to move a runner over.
Hell yeah, I’m ready to give up on Shafer.
JROLL
July 30th, 2011
7:42 am
TO ALL BRAVES FANS – MONOR LEAUGE PROSPECTS ARE LESS VALUABLE THAN THEY USED TO BE – THERE IS A THING CALLED FREE AGENCY. TEAMS WITH MONEY JUST BUY WHAT THEY WANT! PHILS DID WHAT THEY HAD TO DO TO GET TO THE WORLD SERIES – WHAT DID BRAVES DO??
Joey
July 30th, 2011
7:43 am
If Constanza puts up 75% of his AAA numbers, he will be 50% better than Shafer.
Joey
July 30th, 2011
7:52 am
Chipper often says he isn’t playing for the money any more.
So, why doesn’t Chipper tell Wren, keep my paychecks for the second half and go get us Quentin?
Just wondering . . .
Bill M.
July 30th, 2011
7:54 am
To get something, you must give up alot. This would be an unpopular trade. Trade J.J., McClouth & Schafer to Reds for Stubbs, Heisey & Masset(???) Braves throw in cash. This would give the Braves two young OF’s and relief help. Reds would never go for this deal. J.J. is the Braves biggest trade option ,if they keep all the young pitchers.
J.J. is going to get expensive and will be gone. Hudson & Lowe will be gone before long and they need to keep young pitchers.
Freddy
July 30th, 2011
7:55 am
Trade JS…I gave up on JS when he went juicing and hasn’t done crap since. Can’t stand him!
Jay Dubu
July 30th, 2011
7:57 am
First sac fly in 5 weeks?!!!
Is that correct? A team that strings together as few hits as the Braves do, can not afford to flounder with run scoring opps where an out will do the job.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:00 am
Joey when has Chipper said that and where can I find it?
Chipper has re-worked his contract and changed position to help get better players and help the team. Chipper earned his salary…prove what you say, sir.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:06 am
If it comes down to Ludwick are Willingham..Take Willingham he is hot plus better defense. Ludwick has had a bad year.
Jesse Stone
July 30th, 2011
8:12 am
ccrider
July 30th, 2011
7:23 am
generally speaking, bloggers who brag about money, education and even their choice of beverage are spouting bs. folks who got it don’t flaunt it…SIR
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
My thoughts exactly. Every time I check out the Braves blog, this supposed know-all is slamming others opinions. (Remember him saying how STUPID it would be to bunt Prado with 1st and 2nd and nobody out.) He reminds me a lot of ramblingman, who coincidentally isn’t around as much. Fielding percentage, especially for an outfielder is a stat equivalent to wins for a reliever. It doesn’t tell you much. Quentin makes sliing/diving plays on balls that most RFers would make standing. Nice bat/below average to poor defense.
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
8:12 am
Chipper fan, I dont think Willingham is better defensively, but I still want him over Ludwick. Actually, I want Bourn and Willingham, which is possible. Oh, and a reliever.
Supes
July 30th, 2011
8:12 am
Some of you Sarcastic Smart A&&es are complete morons….
Are you peed off the Phillies got better, yes we all are! What you are is completely unaware that the “Hall of fame quarter” as one moron gently put it is going to be WORTH a lot more this WINTER in the OFF SEASON than now when TEAMS know they’ve got the Braves under the gun desperate to make a move. Wren no doubt has PLANS to retool the Braves in the off-season…expect BIG CHANGES…at least 2 new regulars to the starting lineup, possibly LOWE dealt as well, etc.
So keep on amusing the rest of us with your whining on how we “missed out on PENCE”, who is a GOOD but not GREAT player.
Busch leaguer
July 30th, 2011
8:12 am
The Red Sox need starting pitching, take advantage of the situation. Trade DLowe and one of the gang of four pitching prospects. Could get OF Josh Reddick and 3b prospect Will Middlebrooks and any of one of the Sox pitching prospects. The Red Sox will do what it takes to win the World Series take advantage of the situation short term Reddick and the future with Middlebrooks.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:14 am
who wants LOwe? u can’t trade something no-one wants.
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
8:15 am
Also, can we stop using “sir?” Y’all realize that instead of sounding polite you sound rude using it in that context.
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
8:16 am
Someone will want Lowe. The Tigers have already expressed interest in him.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:16 am
just wanna say…it sounds good to me..Bourn and Josh
jimbo
July 30th, 2011
8:16 am
The way I see it the phils were already better than us, now they are even better with the addition of pence. The Last time I checked we can’t get to the world series without beating the phils (without a lot of luck). We have only one world series, if we keep talking about the future while we currently have a chance we will never win another one. No price is too high if it gets you the title that’s why we watch the game.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:17 am
yes but the also want Braves to pay part are all his salary.
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
8:19 am
Some maybe. But he is getting paid $15M/year. Getting rid of some of that would be huge.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:20 am
only reason I used Sir was making fun of another blogger who does that all the time..u-no?
bobbymahlon
July 30th, 2011
8:22 am
I love Prado batting second,Freeman third and Uggla cleanup. I hope Fredi leaves them there and works the others around them. When Chipper comes back put him sixth and McCann fifth. Of course my dream leadoff man would be Bourn. COULD GO ALL THE WAY.
Joey
July 30th, 2011
8:23 am
Chipper fan, it sounded like that to me when DOB interviewed Chipper in spring training. When DOB asked him abou the fans who thought he was just hanging around for the money, Chipper said he was not here for the money, and those fans could “kiss his ass” and should see his “bank account.”
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
8:25 am
Yeah, Im assuming you’re talking about Joseph. He does it a lot. You weren’t the only one though. I just figure if you’re going to be rude then just call them something rude. haha
Busch leaguer
July 30th, 2011
8:25 am
The red sox rotation Beckett,Lackey, Wakefield , Andrew Miller and a rookie no one knows ,I think Lowe would be the #2 in this rotation and with the sox run support could win a few games.
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
8:26 am
Bobby, it is working ok right now. No way Chip and Mac bat 6th and 5th. Mac has the highest avg on the team.
bring back blauser
July 30th, 2011
8:28 am
wren believes in the old adage “he who laughs last laughs best” great move frank making philly pay a lot more for pence than they should have. bet he had his sights on another deal all along
huddie ledbetter
July 30th, 2011
8:31 am
FWIW From Joseph Healey of Bleacherreport.com and an Astros fan – “The return the Astros got was fitting for a trade involving a superstar and Pence is far from that. The Astros will receive two of the Phillies top three prospects along with two other players.”. time will tell but I’m glad we didn’t go all in on Pence. Really hoping we get the pen help but seems that’s off the radar for now. I hope we’re not in on Upton but Quentin would be nice IMO.
Ralph
July 30th, 2011
8:37 am
Phils Pence trade = Braves Tex trade——I’m hopeing
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:40 am
Joey..I believe he meant he has all the money he needs but wants to win one more Championship..But you really don’t expect him to work free..do u?..The man Bleeds Braves blood but afew just don’t get it..he could walk away and live great the rest of his life (money not a problem) but he wants to WIN!…Thats why I love him.
The kiss my A@@ was to those who make stupid remarks they know nothing about. Not the Everyday Braves Fan…
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:40 am
me too ralph.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:42 am
Phillis also paid $1 million to Astors..
Dean
July 30th, 2011
8:42 am
Forget all that trash about the Phiillies’ growing old……with all their sellouts, unlike Braves fans, their in a different league with the Yankees and BoSox now.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
8:46 am
Dean..I heard last night you couldn’t get a season ticket for next..you had to get a # they would call you..believe that?
Joey
July 30th, 2011
8:48 am
I don’t know, Ralph, A and AA prospects? Wish Houston would give us Bourne for some A and AA prospects.
Dang, did George Steinbrenner rise from the dead and buy the Phillies? No team in MLB has been on a bigger spending spree than Philly the past year, except maybe Boston.
bring back blauser
July 30th, 2011
8:51 am
in 2 weeks the braves will retire bobby cox #6. when will they retire #29 for john smoltz?
bball fan
July 30th, 2011
8:52 am
Joseph – who cares how much money you make or what brand of beer you drink. That was a stupid statement…..You get upset everytime somebody disagrees with you.
henry from TN
July 30th, 2011
8:57 am
the phillies gave up 5 players for pence 3 now and 2 to be named later…i am amazed at these bloggers speculating as to what the astros were asking wren for pence they don’t no more know than i do are any other one who blogs on here….
Joey
July 30th, 2011
9:00 am
Chipper fan, if you had the $$ that Chipper has in the bank, and had already earned what, $8M+ in 2011, would you? Hell yeah I’d play two months for free to help the team acquire a couple more stars to try to win another pennant.
If Chipper did that, he would be a bigger legend in Atlanta than he already is.
Dean
July 30th, 2011
9:04 am
Chipper fan, the ‘Stros paid the Phillies 1 mil…..I still would of liked Pence. Singleton was not going to play for the Phillies – he’s a 1st baseman and they have Howard blocking his way. They had to do it. I give them credit for that.
Zenman
July 30th, 2011
9:11 am
Any body but Upton. I see him play(?) every day.
Just Wanna Say
July 30th, 2011
9:12 am
I dont think Smoltz has officially retired yet, which is probably what is holding this up. His number will be retired. No worries.
JRW
July 30th, 2011
9:24 am
I’ve said it all along that Amaro, Jr. has Ed Wade in his back pocket. The Phillies get a proven All-Star finally to replace Werth from the right side of the plate plus $1 Mil cash for 3 single A and 1 AA player. Yet Wade would accept nothing less from Wren than 2 AAA players with Big show experience and a AA player also. Doesn’t seem like he was asking for equal value from the 2 teams. MLB should question the relationship between Houston and Philly.
Chipper fan
July 30th, 2011
9:25 am
Joey..talks cheap..chipper has already did that once.
billmaier
July 30th, 2011
9:28 am
Joseph how old are you and what are you basing your facts on—your own opinion—mine are based on the fact that we have five starters coming back next year–plus teheran always been projected in the starting rotation for 2012, medlen braves 10-1 when he started in 2010, and minor if he is so great- sure has not proved it last two start minors somehting like 9 runs fact- so that is 8 starters- fact you can only have 5 starting pitchers in the big leagues– fact you have delegado and viziciano for 2013 when lowe is gone, so you still have 8 starters at least fact you have oberholtzer, who they are high on, gilmartin on a fast track,and hoover, who they are high on– fact you drafted more pitchers this year and you will draft more next year- fact so of thos will develop into major league starters– fact mike minor does not fit into our future- he is over matched by talent– teheran, delegado, viziciano, and probably gilmartin and oberhoeltzer—fact he will not be in the brave rotation next year the following so give me the fact when he will be a starter for the braves– fact mets wanted minor- for beltran fact boone on mlb tv who played from a family of baseball player at mlb level said the braves missed out on beltran and pence while have a system full of prospects and they willregret it the title on the side was braves biggest losers– i respect his opinion much more than yours– and peter gammons has said earlier that the astros wanted minor, betancourt, simmons and possibly a too be name later— again i respect his opinion more than yours—– and the phillies gave up three a ball players– and unlike some posting on her fact- one player to be named later– fact as all mlb analyst who know a little more than us said this help the phils greatly that pence as a righhanded bat they needed fact pence big league average 290 and ave 25 hrs a year– not that good? he is batting about 80 points higher than an of our present outfield– he is a 5 tool player that give 100 per cent every play steal bases throw out runners- etc i am a brave fan since 58 have seen many players come and go and have enough sense at 62 to know when we do not pull a trigger on a deal we willregret ove mike minor when he is at least our 8 th choce next year and about or 1oth or 11th thereafter– you sir are the one that needs to get your facts straight i assume you are young and a bandwagoner– since you try to assume i am the same but not 53 years a brave fan– and ive never seena worse gm
In J.S.'s Office Yesterday
July 30th, 2011
9:30 am
FW: Uncle John, you look angry.
JS: I am. I just learned that the Phillies sign Hunter Pence.
FW: Who is Hunter Pence?
fordcobra
July 30th, 2011
9:31 am
Braves need Carlos Quentin, Josh Willingham and Mike Adams.
In J.S.'s Office Yesterday
July 30th, 2011
9:33 am
FW: What do we do now Uncle John?
JS: I think we need to update your performance evaluation.
billmaier
July 30th, 2011
9:33 am
jrw you know for sure thats what phils wanted from braves– makes no sense at all an according to some wren lovers they would not give us the million but wanted ust to pay– i dont think so i belive phils asking same from us only wren didnt want to include minor
henry from TN
July 30th, 2011
9:34 am
since the phillies got pence i predict they will win the world series…and if the braves had got him they would still loose in the first round of the play offs let’s face it braves fans the braves are third be-hind the phillies and giants….
really
July 30th, 2011
9:34 am
Just Wanna Say…it was sarcasm towards Joseph, dumbazz. Is that better?
richard
July 30th, 2011
9:35 am
as usual the BRAVES finish up behind the PHILLIES.THE BRAVES CAN NOW GET EVERYBODYS LEFTOVERS.HA HA HA.WATCH OUT FOR ARIZONA
bobbymahlon
July 30th, 2011
9:43 am
Just Wanna Say: The reason my lineup would be Bourn,Prado,Freeman,Uggla,Mac,Chipper is the left to right hitter thing so late in the game opposing teams could not bring in special pitchers to pitch to more than one left or right hand hitter at a time.
Steve
July 30th, 2011
9:48 am
Last time I checked, there are no ticker-tape parades for having good minor league pitching prospects.
bill
July 30th, 2011
9:50 am
let this kid play center for awhile and see how he does. I bet hes at least as good as schafer and mcout so whats lost> remember it would not be the first time someone given a chance surprised and became a regular.
afan
July 30th, 2011
9:54 am
It will be BJ Upton over Bourn because Astros want to much..Reds may give in.
Willingham over Ludwick.
CQ will stay with White Sox till season is over.
Wren will get a relief pitcher but don’t know who.
afan
July 30th, 2011
9:57 am
good call bill
danny
July 30th, 2011
9:58 am
The first sac fly in 5 weeks!! That is one of the most amazing, embarrassing stats i have seen in a long time.
In J.S.'s Office Yesterday
July 30th, 2011
10:02 am
JS to FW: I stuck my neck out for you! I even put revenues on the table!
Jon
July 30th, 2011
10:26 am
So we dont get Pence – and THEY do. And we probably wont get anyone with that kind of bat – - probably will get someone we know almost nothing about on the cheap – of course. DANG!
Jesse Stone
July 30th, 2011
10:32 am
This is the 2nd year in a row that Ruben Amaro Sr. (Astros scout) has scouted the players that the Astros would get in return from his son and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
billmaier
July 30th, 2011
10:49 am
to clear up for th wren lovers saying phillies gav eup 3 top prospects and 2 more to be name later- here are the facts–In exchange for their biggest trade chip in quite some time, the Astros got Singleton, a promising lefty slugger who can play first base and the outfield corners; Cosart, a right-handed starter with a live arm; righty Josh Zeid, a former 10th-rounder who has a 5.65 ERA in Double-A but has looked better as a reliever; and a fourth, low-level Minor Leaguer who will be decided upon later. so they gave up there 2cd and 4th top prospects a double a pitcher going nowhere and the player to be named later is a lovw level minor leauger- so not as much as some wren lovers would ahve us believe two a ball players and 5.65 era at double a guy and a low minor leaguer plus they get a million dollars
billmaier
July 30th, 2011
11:01 am
cosart is 9-8 at a ball not likely to be in astos starting rotation right away like minor could have been– and singleton is hitting 285 at a ball not likely be in the astro starting lineup soon josh zeid?
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
11:05 am
For all of you who say trade away whoever because prospects are just prospects and have no major league experience, 3 out of our “big 4″ have already pitched in the majors, and it sounds like the other will make his major league debut out of the pen soon. We wouldn’t call up players who we didn’t think were MLB-ready. So we have 4 guys in our system who could potentially help us down the road.
Now for all of you who say there’s no way we’ll keep JJ and Hanson because they’re reppesented by Boras, we have over $50 mil. coming off the books before that duo can hit free agency. We’ll have the money to sign both of them. That being said, I think that we’ll need Teheran once Lowe and Huddy are gone. I also think that we’ll have at least one more majors-ready pitcher in the system once the 2 old guys are gone. I don’t think that Vizcaino is necessary because our incredible bullpen is already so young. So in my opinion Delgado and Vizcaino are definitely expendable and Minor is borderline. I wouldn’t lose a wink of sleep at night if we gave up 2 of those 3 guys, just not on the same player. We might as well plug up 2 holes if we have the prospects to do so. So let’s get 2 good outfielders and call it a day. Make it happen, FW.
Steve
July 30th, 2011
11:25 am
Make it happen FW? You’ve got to be kidding me. Frank Wren will make nothing happen and tell everyone “wait till next year”.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
11:30 am
Well obviously he’s trying/gonna do something. He’s made proposals for Beltran and Pence, the price just wasn’t there on either of them. He’ll do something, and it’s pretty much guaranteed to be an upgrade unless he lands Lud the Stud.
southgabrave
July 30th, 2011
11:38 am
Get over it people the Phillies got Pence for a far less than what the Braves would have had to give up. It isn’t what the Phils gave up, it is what the Braves would have had to give up. Way too much for a Pence. The Astros were asking Tex numbers from the Braves but not nearly the same from Philly. That is the second time in 2 years the Phils got a player from Houston, for less than they asked everyone else for (Roy Oswalt).
As for you guys that put stock in what Boone has to say just because he is on ESPN, you are clueless too. He has to be one of worst analyst on, and most of them have no clue. They are just former big leaguers. Don’t put much stock in the comments of what should be done. If they were that good they would be scouts of asst GM’s. Yea they hear the rumors and call the GM’s but do you think Frank Wren told him what he was going to do? They will not give away inside info that another GM could use. So anything you hear other than, facts after the matter, is just their speculation, just like yours. Some of you are smarter than Boone when it comes to trade or talent evaluation.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
11:44 am
I’m not ticked off about the Philly deal at all. They got the deal that they wanted and jumped on it. Good for them. I’m concerned about what the Braves are going to do now. Hopefully Wren can work some magic in the next 26 hours and get this club ready for the postseason.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
11:47 am
And I’m glad we’re finally taking a look at Byrd. He’d be inexpensive enough to where we could go out and get someone else.
afan
July 30th, 2011
11:47 am
Braves have turn to Cf..looking at CoCo Crips, BJ Upton, Bourn,and Span..then will turn to Willinham,Ludwick and CQ. But CF is #1 right now per MLB.
guy
July 30th, 2011
11:48 am
NIck B…so true. Here in VA we love the Braves…so much trash talking bout the team on these blogs.
afan
July 30th, 2011
11:50 am
If they get CF’er they still will go after One of the other fill-in players..Per MLB
Realistic
July 30th, 2011
11:50 am
The phillies overpaid because they can. If They need a SS later or an Outfield later they go get in no matter the cost they have the money for that. Braves are cheap! The Phillies go for the championship in 2011 the Braves don’t!
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
11:52 am
I think the Braves’s main priority is finding someone who fills a void offensively, and then finding out how they fit in defensively. Offense is our BIG issue.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
11:54 am
Any team can win once they get into the playoffs, Braves included. How many people thought before the playoffs started that the Giants would win it all? Not too many.
Mister Frisky
July 30th, 2011
12:06 pm
Billmaier,I like the cut your jib my friend.Welcome to the resistance.Im actually looking forward to our 12 man rotation next year,PS still waiting on Bourn BraveFan.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
12:07 pm
And the more I look at the CWS’s rotation, it makes less and less sense for them to deal CQ. The only thing that we could give them is pitching, and 4 out of their 5 starting pitchers have a sub-4 era, and the other starter is Jake Peavy. If they need anything it’s offense. they’re only 3 games out of their division. For those reasons the CQ deal seems like it won’t happen.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
12:12 pm
If we get two hitters who either hit .300+ or 250+ with pop, I’ll be ecstatic. There are 14 teams already out of the playoff hunt. We should be able to strike a deal with at least one of them.
Mister Frisky
July 30th, 2011
12:17 pm
Jerry Hairston just went to Brewers.That’s the kind of floater that Wren loves.
smoltz29
July 30th, 2011
12:17 pm
Prospects come and go…..Flags fly forever! Wren is too worried about the future pitching staff! Ruben Amaro is a shrewd GM, always finding ways to get his team better. Don’t waste our time for Ludwick, Willingham, or Marlon Byrd. Another reason why the Phillies will win their 5th divison in a row.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
12:21 pm
Byrd is batting .311. Doesn’t exactly sound like a waste of time to me, especially considering his track record (lifetime .284 avg.).
Braves20
July 30th, 2011
12:22 pm
Three fair trade prospects still out there – Quentin (looks dubious); Bourn (doubt Wade will peddle another outfielder) or Upton (appears the most likely). Guess you could add Byrd but he’s older and brings no pop or speed.
Warning – do not read the Houston versions of DOB on this trade – both talking about a guy with great skills but plays like a guy who has to earn a job every day and actually runs out grounders. We really missed the boat on him.
darrell starks
July 30th, 2011
12:30 pm
Liberty bums!!!!!!!!!!!! need to sell the braves.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!
Tom
July 30th, 2011
12:31 pm
Go to ATL West(KC) and get one of their OF(Gordon, Cabrera, or Franceour) for almost nothing. Do not do it, unless you plan to sit Heyward and let them play regularily, all are having good seasons. But then, they may not want to take a step down from KC to ATL? Just look at their stats on the KC site before you start whining!. Give Constanza a legitimate chance of several weeks in CF, that man is the fastest I’ve seen in a long time. Jose, slap the ball into the ground and give yourself a chance, unlike Schafer’s propensitity to hit fly outs?
darrell starks
July 30th, 2011
12:32 pm
Folks the Braves owner is just like Hawks ASG, don’t care about winning only making money.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!
MURF4HOF
July 30th, 2011
12:32 pm
FACT… Astros wanted two of #Braves’ top four pitching prospects, plus another young pitcher Braves regarded highly
WREN didn’t give in TG
GSUDave
July 30th, 2011
12:34 pm
Per Ryan_Chambers twitter….Peter Gammons on MLB Network just now. “Braves wanted (Cubs) Marlon Byrd more than anybody…(they) are not trading him.”
darrell starks
July 30th, 2011
12:37 pm
If ARTHUR had owner ship the braves would be in first place, TED selling the HAWKS, BRAVES was the worst thing to happen with both organization.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
12:46 pm
According to Tim Rothful of Fox Sports Net, we are getting Furcal and Matt Kemp for Gonzalez, Schaffer, and two pitching prospects. Great job Mr. Wren.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
12:50 pm
Once healthy it looks like the line up will be:
Furcal SS
Prado LF
Kemp CF
Chipper 3B
McCann CA
Uggla 2B
Freeman 1B
Heyward LF
Great job Mr. Wren. World series here we come!!!!
Ralph
July 30th, 2011
12:55 pm
Braves are two players from having as good a team as the Phillies, Bourn in CF and Ross Johnson is all it would take, if Wren wants to win it all he needs to make this happen, it should be done TODAY.
Ralph
July 30th, 2011
1:04 pm
Foxsports.net never heard of Tim Routhful
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:06 pm
I know Ralph, I looked him up too, apparently he’s new, only been there for about 2 weeks. However, this guy knows his baseball
Von Trapp
July 30th, 2011
1:06 pm
Lots of crow served up by das Uggla. Das Uggla is making greats comeback
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:11 pm
Hey Von where are you from?
southgabrave
July 30th, 2011
1:12 pm
@total grace
Where did you get that info from? Seems to good to me. and who are the 2 prospects? Why would the Dodgers give Kemp away and I doubt FW would deal for Furcal.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:17 pm
Total Grace, can you give me a link on that report please? Thanks!
Ralph
July 30th, 2011
1:19 pm
@total grace
How can you say “this guy really knows his baseball” I went to Foxnet.com, there is nothing on him. Just another hoax post.
henry from TN
July 30th, 2011
1:21 pm
I hope wren gets Bourn, willingham and adams that would make us a real good ball team
bustersonly
July 30th, 2011
1:22 pm
Google never heard of Tim Routhful either.
Ralph
July 30th, 2011
1:25 pm
Yeah buster, total grace is full of it., hope she’s having fun
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:30 pm
Apparently this Tim Rothful guy was the first to break the Hunter Pence deal.He also was first on the Toronto-Cardinals deal. I can’t find anything on google about him either, but the reports are there.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:31 pm
Total Grace, can I have a link to the report???
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:32 pm
Enter your comments here
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:32 pm
According to reports, the Dodgers didn’t think they could afford Kemp long term.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:35 pm
According to the report, the deal has to be approved by MLB because Schaffer is on the DL and he’s part of the deal.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:35 pm
Total Grace, you have no credibility to your claim without a link. PLEASE post one, and if you could post where he broke the Pence deal and the Rasmus deal. If you’re legit and can provide these links it would silence your critics. Thanks!
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:36 pm
just sign up for his tweets and you can get all of this info first hand as i’m doing.
Ralph
July 30th, 2011
1:37 pm
Yeah Grace, according to reports i’m getting the braves can’t afford him either and who would want Frucal, what an idiot.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:37 pm
Theo, I’m trying to post the links but i’m not very computer savvy and can’t seem to do it, but just go to his tweets and you can read the reports.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:38 pm
Can you spell his name again? I tried looking him up on twitter but i couldn’t find him…
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:39 pm
Ralph, apparently Furcal will make a great lead off man, just what we need, Kemp adds RH pop, and they get Schaffer who is cheap and can dump the salary of Gonzalez after this year. Plus they will get two stud pitchers (unnamed)
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:40 pm
Just go to Twitter, find the tweet where it says what it says, click on the tweet, right click the web address, copy it, and then paste it on here.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:41 pm
OK let me try it again, to see if I can pull it off.
bobby cerasuolo
July 30th, 2011
1:42 pm
Why not go after both Bourn and Upton? Why not go hard but without using the Utouchables. So why not offer
Lipka
Oberhotlerz
Broadway and
et
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:42 pm
Theo i’m still having trouble, it just may be easier for you to go to twitter.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:43 pm
Bobby that would be good, had we not already made a deal with the Dodgers.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:44 pm
Yeah why are we not shopping Lipka if we feel that Pastorincky is better anyway? And Oberhotlerz is good but way down on the list of best young Braves’s pitching.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:44 pm
Can you give me the exact twitter name of this guy? Because I can’t find him…
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:47 pm
I agree with Theo on Lipka, his name is Tim Rothful and his twitter name is Timbaseballguru2011
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:47 pm
Did you see it?
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:49 pm
According to Tim, he thinks we may still be in the market for a RH middle reliever also.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:50 pm
According to Tim, it appears as though we have interest in Manny Acosta of the Mets.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:51 pm
Boy this thing is really heating up all of a sudden.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
1:51 pm
Nope… I put it in and it said there were no people results…
MATT KEMP
July 30th, 2011
1:55 pm
Grace there is no way I would play for the braves, I hit a lot of doubles and tripples and I can’t stand being stranded on base after my heroic efforts.
Peter
July 30th, 2011
1:56 pm
@Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
A strong belief in the ATL organization that the package they offered for Pence was markedly better than deal HOU made with Philadelphia.
Sid
July 30th, 2011
2:02 pm
What wrong with this picture: Phillies not happy with outfield production, go get best available option Pence, quality person, good batting average, good power. Braves with less outfield production than Phillies (3 outfielders hitting under .230 with very few homeruns between them), wait until the top players are gone and have to pick off bottom. Phillies in World Series again an Braves? (maybe nest year).
MATT KEMP
July 30th, 2011
2:08 pm
Not only that Grace I need to stay here in LA because I am about to make a Hollywood move about a baseball player who made a big comeback after losing both arms and one leg in a terrorist attack.
MATT KEMP
July 30th, 2011
2:09 pm
Enter your comments here
Frank
July 30th, 2011
2:11 pm
Don’t worry people, I plan to bring back KK for the stretch run. I believe he is ready this time.
Frank W
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:12 pm
Oh gee thanks Frank. Can you also try to yank Franco out of retirement?
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:14 pm
Astros want MLB-ready talent for Bourn… maybe Delgado Constanza and another guy? I don’t really like Delgado…
Ralph
July 30th, 2011
2:17 pm
I’ll second that Theo
Von Trapp
July 30th, 2011
2:18 pm
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
1:11 pm
Ve are Germans united for das Braves as ve are from das old country.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:21 pm
Everyone hates on Minor but A. Minor has done better in the majors than Delgado B. Delgado is a RHP and we have PLENTY of those and C. Delgado is a higher rated prospect than Minor. Sounds to me like most bloggers have been looking at the wrong guy to unload, although I also feel that we don’t necessarily NEED Minor and if we could get a good trade that HAD to involve him then I say go for it.
bobbymahlon
July 30th, 2011
2:26 pm
Total Grace : I can’t wait to we get Furcal he is hitting .185, what a great leadoff man.
lobo
July 30th, 2011
2:30 pm
total grace..first you can trade someone on DL if making less than 1 million = Schafer.. anddd over 1 million you must get Commissoners approval..no big deal
This is another BS deal…Dodger have said many times and turn down half the league who ask about Kemp…
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:30 pm
There’s no way this “Tim” guy is that far ahead of the curb. There’s no way we’re landing Kemp. he’s a player to build a team around. The Dodgers will pay him whatever he wants because he’s their star. Don’t see him going anywhere the rest of his career unless he has a dismal 2012.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
2:31 pm
Bobby but look at his OBP, that’s more important for a leadoff guy than ave.
Total Grace
July 30th, 2011
2:32 pm
Lobo, I said Tim mentioned in an earlier tweet, that the deal had meet approval from MLB.
chc4
July 30th, 2011
2:33 pm
If we end up with Coco freakin’ Crisp it would be fitting. Why bother?!
Jesse Stone
July 30th, 2011
2:34 pm
Peter
July 30th, 2011
1:56 pm
@Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
A strong belief in the ATL organization that the package they offered for Pence was markedly better than deal HOU made with Philadelphia
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hello!!! That’s because the Phillies GM’s dad is scouting for the Astros. He is overhyping the Phillies prospects to Astros brass to help his son get a great player. The same thing happened last year in the Oswalt trade. Ruben Amaro Sr. is an Astros scout that scouts the Florida State League. The prospects the Astros received both this year and last came from the Phillies FSL team.
lobo
July 30th, 2011
2:35 pm
Tim is full of it..sir
lobo
July 30th, 2011
2:37 pm
just saying Rays had scout at last 4 Braves games…
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:37 pm
The Phils might as well go give up Valdez and Gload for Bourn. That’ll probably be about the asking price. We’d have to give up Heyward Freeman and Teheran.
Bob
July 30th, 2011
2:38 pm
Jason Stark thinks Braves might hold pat.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/page/rumblings110730/atlanta-braves-shopping-outfield-bat
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:38 pm
I think that’s wistful thinking on the Ray’s part. They’re not gonna get much from us for Upton. Maybe one of the Big 4 and 2 other minor pieces.
lobo
July 30th, 2011
2:39 pm
The Phillis have checked on Upton..ever player Braves check on Phillies show up.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:40 pm
I HIGHLY doubt that the Braves will hold pat. Not after all the ruomors swirling out there. We might not get Hank Aaron, but we’ll get somebody.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:42 pm
Rosenthal says we still have 4 guys on our radar. Furcal to Cards. Good call Tim. NOT!!!
Freddie G
July 30th, 2011
2:42 pm
I saw on MLB Network the 40 most memorable trades and just prior to the start of that program they brought up the trade in 2007 with the Rangers, that sent all those prospects to the Rangers for Mark Texeira.
I was unable to watch all the program but that trade will forever be cited as on of the most lopsided trades in the history of MLB.
This trade has built the Rangers into the power they have become.
Frank Wren has not been given the credit he deserves in rebuilding this organization, and I am one happy Braves Fan who believes Frank has done a great job from day one.
Frank is not going to give up his talented pitchers for a rental or for splash like JS use to do. JS was like some umpires who want to be the story, always wanted to be in the news so he would make some crazy deals just to make one.
Frank I can see your plan for long term dominance, and when the price is right and the trade will benefit us, I know you will make the deal.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:43 pm
The Phils are just trying to drive up the price. They’re done dealing save maybe pen help.
lobo
July 30th, 2011
2:46 pm
Rios from WS to Braves…what u think?
Brave New World
July 30th, 2011
2:47 pm
I would take Melky Cabrera back if the Royals would deal him. He can play CF and corner positions, is having a career year, is very good defensively and has speed. Both Cabrera and Upton are 26, and Cabrera would not cost as much.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:48 pm
I wouldn’t mind simply swapping him for Gonzo. They both could use a change of scenery.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:51 pm
And I think Melky is doing better because for once in his career he’s not in the limelight. I think if I were him I’d stay pat in KC, and I think the Royals’s FO feels the same way.
Mitchell
July 30th, 2011
2:51 pm
Jose Costanza, my new favorite Brave.
And my favorite sitcom character.
Jerry!!!
Jeffro
July 30th, 2011
2:52 pm
We’ve been underachieving all year & are still one of the top 5 teams in MLB. That and we are one of the youngest. This is a good club. I wanna win now, but we don’t need to give up the future for some ESPN-overhyped corner outfield rental. Hopefully we’ll be healthy come September.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
2:55 pm
I agree that we don’t need to give up our future for the next 2-3 months of baseball, but I don’t think we will be if we deal Delgado and some other minor guys. I don’t even know if Minor is in our future, and I think we’d be fine without Vizcaino, although he might end up being really good out of the pen.
Brave New World
July 30th, 2011
2:56 pm
Good points Theo. If Melky had produced like this with the Braves he would still be here. If nothing else, it further proves Wren knows what he’s doing. He traded Vasquez for Cabrera and one of our top pitching prospects (Visciano), at a time when many Braves pundits were outraged because Vasquez had a career year.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
3:01 pm
Excellent point on Vazquez, Brave New World. I personally was very mad at that deal. But now the Marlins can’t get rid of him fast enough. 5.10 ERA, a 2.23 difference. Ouch.
Eric
July 30th, 2011
3:05 pm
At what point do we stop saying “we just need to get healthy… we’ve been under performing all year.. if we can just string together some hits…” We can’t keep saying this, 1 day away from August 1st.. Or else we’ll be beaten by the Giants in the first round again. If we make it there.
Pitching wins Championships, yes, but you gotta score a few runs against the good pitchers as well.
I love Hinske but he’s not what we need as an everyday. I liked what I saw out of Jose last night, but he’s not what we need either. But I like him as a backup. Heyward, well, how much longer can Heyward continue to ground out? not sure what’s wrong with him exactly, but he’s shown no real sign of coming out of it (unlike Uggla, finally)
Personally, I’d like to see Upton. I believe his potential is there, and a change of scenery will do him some good.
Yes McCann back will be a huge boost. As long as he doesn’t re-injure himself.
And please just cut Nate now and save the time and debate. He’s overpaid and hugely under-performing.
I was embarrassed that it had been 5+ weeks since we had a sac fly
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
3:07 pm
Upton wouldn’t be terrible, but we’ll look like RETARDS if we end up overpaying for him and he does nothing. If I could be guaranteed of an attitude adjustment then I’d be on board.
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
3:12 pm
Boy if we only got what we payed for in McLousy…
PMC
July 30th, 2011
3:25 pm
The way Costanza went First to 3rd on that base hit was awesome. More of that please.
Nate can stay away the rest of the season.
Boy those 4 minor league arms sure are going to help the postseason effort in 2011.
PMC
July 30th, 2011
3:28 pm
At this point they can’t trade any of the top prospects, no one that’s really going to help them is left. They can get an average major leaguer but no one that could propel them to win a championship. They chose to sit on it, so let them sit on it. In the NL it’s the Phillies and Giants to lose unless the guys on this roster start playing better ball. So. That’s it.
Upton adds nothing but speed and they’ve got that already with Schafer. Bourn is very good but left handed. He’s a better fit because he’s actually major league ready now. Quentin probably isn’t moving for what they’ll give up now.
This is the bed they chose to lie in, so 2 years in a row, probably two teams good enough to make the playoffs, but not do anything once they get there. Sounds about like what would make the ownership happy.
PMC
July 30th, 2011
3:30 pm
Classic Braves style playing out the string, good enough to get there, not good enough to do anything.
Von Trapp
July 30th, 2011
3:34 pm
No offense to das fans,but das Braves have von many divisions in da las twenty years,so give das credit to das organizations. Go das Braves
PMC
July 30th, 2011
3:36 pm
Ugh, division championships.
It’s like celebrating participation.
O-my
July 30th, 2011
3:37 pm
Nothing but speed..what a stupid remark..JB has speed, power, cannon for a arm, Best “d” in CF in AL, if he gets out of TB he will take off. His BA is low but in NL with new teammates he will strive. He’s hitting 90 points higher on the road this year. could eay be 30-30 player and is 5 star.
fred
July 30th, 2011
3:43 pm
MLB. Adam Jones’ cousin phoned in and said, Braves were talking to O’s about Adam Jones. I would love to get A Jones. But Cousin callin…?
Ralph
July 30th, 2011
3:49 pm
Wren is talking to everybody about everybody but he is simply going through the motions of a GM, he made his big move when he got Nieves and if he can find a big bat for $1. he will take him too
bobby cerasuolo
July 30th, 2011
3:50 pm
Heres what the Braves should offer for Upton
Wilkin Ramirez
Brett Oberholtzer
Matt Lipka
Christian Bethancourt
Upton
Brignak
Elliot Johson
Then offer this to the White Sox for Quentin
Schafer Mclouth Jose Lugo and cash
Quentin
Lasting Milledge
Theo Williams
July 30th, 2011
4:28 pm
Braves are “working hard” on Bourn. Whatever that’s supposed to mean…
chc4
July 30th, 2011
5:12 pm
Then offer this to the White Sox for Quentin
Schafer Mclouth Jose Lugo and cash
Quentin
Lasting Milledge
________________________________________________
I hope you are joking. Why not just offer the White Sox a hot, steamy pile of garbage left over from Chop House?
Von Trapp
July 30th, 2011
5:18 pm
PMC
July 30th, 2011
3:36 pm
I know many teams wish they could sy they hav made das playoffs 14 yrs in rows like das Bobby Cox and also made 3 world series finals with one world champ titles. Count das blessings PMC
mark p
July 30th, 2011
5:41 pm
The difference between Schueholtz and Wren. Schuerholtz would have pulled the trigger. He is a big gun, Wren is a derringer.. JMHO.