The growing ranks of the Braves’ walking wounded were joined Friday by outfielder Nate McLouth, who went on the 15-day disabled list with a lower abdominal strain.
Injured making a throw from center field Thursday, McLouth became the third Brave and second outfielder on the DL in three days. Catcher Brian McCann (oblique strain) and center fielder Jordan Schafer (fractured finger) were DL’d on Wednesday.
Third baseman Chipper Jones returned from the DL on Monday after arthroscopic knee surgery, then hurt his right quadriceps in his first game back and has since been limited to pinch-hitting duty. Jones might return to the lineup this weekend against Florida.
“We’ll survive it,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said of the spate of injuries. “We always talk about how every team goes through it. Whether it’s early in the year, late in the year, the middle of the year. I have all the confidence in our club, that we’re going to be able to survive that.”
To replace McLouth, the Braves brought up 27-year-old speedster Jose Constanza from Triple-A Gwinnett and started him in center field, batting leadoff in his major league debut Friday.
It’s the second DL stint of the season for McLouth, who missed 22 games for a strained oblique.
With the Sunday non-waiver trade deadline approaching and the Braves already on the market for a right-handed-hitting outfielder, Gonzalez was asked whether the McLouth injury might have changed their outlook or urgency.
“I don’t know,” he said. “We still have the third-best record in the National League. You still feel pretty good about your club. Obviously now, if the trade deadline comes and goes, we’ve still got to weather the storm.”
A day earlier, general manager Frank Wren said the McCann and Schafer injuries would not affect the Braves’ strategy at the trade deadline.
The Braves were among a handful of teams pursuing the most-coveted hitter on the trade market, Houston Astros All-Star outfielder Hunter Pence, but he was traded to rival Philadelphia on Friday night for a package that included the Phillies’ top hitting prospect and top pitching prospect.
The Astros’ asked for two of the Braves’ “big four” pitching prospects, a group that includes Julio Teheran, Arodys Vizcaino, Randall Delgado and lefty Mike Minor. The Braves wouldn’t include Mike Minor in a deal for three-month rental Carlos Beltran last week, and refused to part with two of those arms in a deal for Pence.
The Braves also have had discussions with the Chicago White Sox about outfielder Carlos Quentin, whose 20 homers and 62 RBIs would be team-highs for Atlanta. But the Sox are in a tight race in the American League Central and might hang on to Quentin.
There are less-expensive corner-outfield options the Braves have considered, including San Diego’s Ryan Ludwick and Oakland’s Josh Willingham.
They’ve also discussed to varying degrees several center fielders including Astros standout Michael Bourn (though he bats left-handed), enigmatic Tampa Bay talent B.J. Upton and the Chicago Cubs’ Marlon Byrd.
231 comments Add your comment
AK Braves Fan
July 29th, 2011
7:56 pm
Furcal baby!!!
CodySpruill
July 29th, 2011
8:01 pm
C’mon McLouth! Get better! Already miss you!
snellville jacket
July 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
Is there a conditioning coach on the brave’s staff? Maybe they need a new one or at leats one. These are muscle pulls.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
8:12 pm
Has it been 15 days yet?
smallmouth6
July 29th, 2011
8:13 pm
I’ve been patient and supportive of McClouth, but this DL list thing seems to getting more like “flu like symptoms.” I’m ready for McClouth to move on and the Braves need to make it clear to future players that they make millions of dollars and minor injuries are not DL worthy. Especially in a pennant race. I’m just not buying into McClouth anymore.
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 29th, 2011
8:14 pm
Hey Boss: Why is Furky a bad fit?
BravesfaninWis
July 29th, 2011
8:15 pm
Just read on MLB Trade Rumors that the Phillies and Astros are closing in on a Hunter Pence deal. So our division rivals will get much stronger while we have a desperate need for a player like Pence and will end up with another teams scraps like Ludwick or Willingham. Seems about par for the course for the Braves.
Barry Zuckercorn
July 29th, 2011
8:16 pm
Wren will NEVER deal with Furcal’s agent after getting worked by him.
Don’t think we will miss McClouth
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 29th, 2011
8:16 pm
Like your logic on Quentin.
You GM you….
1eyedJack
July 29th, 2011
8:22 pm
What the he!!’s going on around here!?
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 29th, 2011
8:24 pm
I COMMAND YOU TO MAKE THIS COLUMN INTO A LIVE BLOG!
O'Brien's Brain
July 29th, 2011
8:25 pm
Our Braves suck, we need a SS who can hit and that will hustle, a CF that can hit at least .250
a RF that can hit and a ream team trainer that player are contractually bound to follow.
Do any of these guys on the team stretch? We have more muscle pulls and strains than the rest
of all the teams in baseball.
O'Brien's Brain
July 29th, 2011
8:26 pm
real team trainer that players are contractually bound to follow.
the truth...
July 29th, 2011
8:27 pm
I think Wren’s plan is wait till next year…..
…he should be thankful his job is not an elected one…..
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 29th, 2011
8:28 pm
SHAZZAMM!!!
Hendu
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
These oblique (abdomen) pulls do seem rampant in ATL: McLouth, Chipper, McCann, McLouth again.
Situps, roman chair, bag jumps, sit on the wall, lift some darn weights. McLouth and Chipper are falling apart and we must part company with them.
Churchy
July 29th, 2011
8:30 pm
Should have called up OF’er Jorge Seinfeld.
pete
July 29th, 2011
8:31 pm
If the Braves do not make a move I think Wren needs to be fired.
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
Hendu : It’s knowing when to lay off the legal supplament CREATINE.
j
July 29th, 2011
8:36 pm
So it takes Minor and who else to get Pence?
Jimbo Jones
July 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
Wren has done a great job with the budget he has to work with. Who would you Wren haters rather have in his place?
He will come through this time, but won’t needlessly mortgaging the future. Even if we get Pence, not sure we’re going to do any better than the wildcard.
Ace of Hearts
July 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
Why would we trade for a corner outfielder? who is going to sit Heyward or Prado? Assuming that Chipper is playing third.
pete
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
If we do not make a move there is no free agents that we can sign in the off season, so the offense will be just as bad next year
Ace of Hearts
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
You are right Jimbo, even with a big move the WC is probably the best that can be hoped for. Then the hot team will win the playoffs. Look no further than the Marlins for proof. They have one more World Championship than the braves.
the truth...
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
@Jimbo Jones
Well Jimbo…that’s what we want at this point…win the wild card and get in the playoffs.
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
Leave it alone i say, no need to disband talent that the Braves have in the cupboard. It has been a while since Bravos had arms in the wait. The team will recover with what it has, no need to think “2011″ when the season is in full stride. Check the record,injuries have played throughout all year,and yet still involved, why cross the centerline now?
O'Brien's Brain
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
Ace of Hearts, so you don’t want to sit Heyward and his .222 batting average? I think he hits every other pitch back to the pitcher. I’d bench in a heartbeat.
pete
July 29th, 2011
8:47 pm
West, sounds like the same thing people were saying last season
Barry Zuckercorn
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Come on, even if they wanted to fire Wren, who would do it? A faceless
PO BOX in Colorado?
Barry Zuckercorn
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
But Pete remember last season? Farnsworth, Ankiel and Lee. Please, not again
pete
July 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
I agree, half assed trades for half assed players. If you are going to make a freaking deal, make it worth it.
TIRED OF MEDIOCRITY
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
Frank Wren had better hurry up and get with the program or there will be no playoffs..Sorry Frank but you have got to give up something to get something.Minor at best is a 3 starter and Pence is an allstar so come on and pull the plug.
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
Per mlb trade rumors a deal for Pence is expected to be completed tonight
by the phillies.
I hate frank wren
Don Sutton
July 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
NO Willingham, NO Ludwick…give up one of the big 4 for Pence. Why can’t he play CF? Already would have to face Beltran and the Giants in round 1…then Pence in Philly if we get to the NLCS?? Can’t let that happen! Getting him would be a good offensive (i.e., make the Braves better) and a good defensive (i.e., prevent Philly from getting better) move!
BravesfaninWis
July 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
Its being said that the Phillies and Astros are close to a deal and its expected tonight. Braves will be looking up at the Phillies not only this year, but for several years to come. Pence is available to them next season, and if he produces, they will more than likely sign him long term. The Braves can never sign a high profile player because of their cheap arse ownership group. It sure would be nice for just once to get the players that will help this team get to, and win the World Series. Those days are long over for the Atlanta Braves.
EDIMGIAFAD
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Frank, throw Uggla in with Minor for Pence. Pence can play LF and Prado can go back to 2B and the team batting average will go up.
BravesfaninWis
July 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
Wren sat on his hands far to long and the more aggressive (in every category imaginable) team in the Phillies gave up what was needed to land a very good player like Pence. That’s what happens when you sit idly by and are in denial about what your team needs. Maybe one day the Braves will get back to being the Atlanta Braves.
bsb7
July 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
wish i knew half as much as all the experts here–i do agree with o’brain-more stretching–and maybe less weights—jus sayin—go braves!!!
edward
July 29th, 2011
9:07 pm
Too bad that until we get a real owner this is what we have to deal with every season. This team was and will be sold as a tax break opportunity. Forget Wren for now, we need new owners!! And yes, if he sits pat then we are pretty much screwed. How many of the “Big 4″ are in the majors next year? MAYBE 2? ONE? Why not trade one for the bat we need now? We stock pile pitchers but never hitters. They should try to go after developing hitters in the minors too…
Why The Braves Shouldn’t Trade for Hunter Pence « Joe Sportswriter
July 29th, 2011
9:09 pm
[...] Pence isn’t the greatest baserunner and he also is an average fielder at best. Worse yet, the Braves are in need of a centerfielder, and Pence also does not fill that need. This is especially true after Nate McLouth was recently placed on the 15-day DL. [...]
BravesfaninWis
July 29th, 2011
9:11 pm
Philly is dismantling the team that just hammered on the Braves. Beating the Pirates 8-0. Now add Hunter Pence to that mix, and they now easily have a World Series winning team. How can a team lose a guy like Jason Werth and then be better? I guess its because their front office is smarter than ours, and the owners have deeper pockets than the losers we have. Its a shame.
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:12 pm
I would offer Heyward and Minor for Pence and Bourn in a heart beat
O'Brien's Brain
July 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
Why The Braves Shouldn’t Trade for Hunter Pence « Joe Sportswriter
well said Joe
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:14 pm
Pence is an average fielder? Over the last 2 seasons he leads the NL in assist
ryan
July 29th, 2011
9:14 pm
I guess Phillie has had a great day baseball and football they got top FA in NFL and get 2nd best player at the deadline all in one day .
the truth...
July 29th, 2011
9:15 pm
@edward
the problem is not that we won’t give Houston the pitcher (Minot) that they want….it is that they want two….Minor and Delgado….
Supposedly Wren agreed to Delgado but not Minor….
Paul
July 29th, 2011
9:17 pm
“Trouble afoot for Florida.” -Chip Caray, following a Gonzalez error that resulted in Florida getting runners on first and second with no outs.
Did he simply misspeak?
This is in fact the third time I’ve heard him say something like that in such a circumstance. (The last was against San Diego, I think.) I don’t mean to make too much of this, but it seems to me that someone who essentially speaks for a living should understand what the word “for” means.
Hardly is he alone, of course. The phrase “precocious beyond his years” (from one of the Fox announcers in last season’s Falcons-Seahawks game) takes the cake in my view, but they at least did not appear to share Caray’s penchant for nonsensical taglines, “The former redbird circles the nest!” and so forth.
edward
July 29th, 2011
9:19 pm
@ the truth
Ahhh. Yes, that would be a deal breaker. One leaving is ok but in 2 years most of those will be up and losing 2 would be rather dumb. Just frustrating to see others get the players and the Braves settling for the scraps.
Big Will
July 29th, 2011
9:24 pm
Can we cut Mclouth already! Should have sent him with the Pirates when they left town.
Perlo
July 29th, 2011
9:25 pm
Given all these oblique injuries (and I don’t believe it re McClouth), it may be time for someone to look
at the conditioning issues regarding the players.
And what does Jeff Porter do, exactly? This team must be in pretty lousy physical shape for the players to get these injuries resulting from routine throws.
ryan
July 29th, 2011
9:28 pm
Bring in Willingham or Ludwick there not bad players just i don’t see us catching the Phillies .
TS
July 29th, 2011
9:33 pm
I get tired of the Liberty Media bashing. The simple truth is that if the Braves had 45,000 fans at every single home game like the Phillies do, the Braves would have a lot more money to spend, like the Phillies do. It’s BS to watch weeknight games with 30,000 empty seats and blame the ownership group for tight purse strings.
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:35 pm
TS, shut up. When you lose in the playoffs 14 out of 15 years it is kinda hard to blame the fans
lannnerbraves
July 29th, 2011
9:35 pm
It is official, the Phillies get Hunter Pence…unreal…frank wren is looking more and more like a bush leaguer..the guy has never won crap…he was run out of baltimore.
Don Sutton
July 29th, 2011
9:36 pm
Willingham and Ludwick = Ankiel 2010 — marginal players who are not difference makers.
lannnerbraves
July 29th, 2011
9:37 pm
Liberty media has plenty of money…they just don’t care to invest much in their baseball team..sell the team to Arthur Blank…
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:37 pm
don sutton is correct. Just like Ankiel we will get a second tier guy that will make little to no difference in the team
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:38 pm
Some of these comments aim at the fact the Braves are NOT in first. Isn’t the goal to make the playoffs? just make it, right? Braves are on the path, shame so many think “all is lost” because we dont spend spend spend, it is good to save too people, look at the economy as it stands!
lannnerbraves
July 29th, 2011
9:39 pm
The Giants have shown that they have what it takes to handle the phillies..not sure what it is, but they turn it up a notch when they play them…
huddie ledbetter
July 29th, 2011
9:40 pm
Not too upset we didn’t pay the enormous price for Pence but obviously wish he’d gone somewhere other than Philly. Really wish they’d had to give up Brown, I think he’s gonna be a player.
ryan
July 29th, 2011
9:40 pm
Maybe there still a chance we get Carlos Quentin .
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:41 pm
Westofathens is a moron folks. The goal is to win a WS, NBA title or Super Bowl. Not to make the freaking playoffs.
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:41 pm
Don Sutton gets paid for his comments, what do you receive?
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:42 pm
I paid D1 baseball. What did you do?
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:43 pm
“win” the playoffs, isn”t that the ultimate goal, the ws…..who is the moron
Tampa Gator
July 29th, 2011
9:43 pm
TS………
What else is there to do in Philly but to eat a Philly Cheese Steak while standing on a street corner watching one Philadelphian abuse another…..or abuse some unknowing visitor who did not know better than to visit the City of Brotherly Hate. When you have one 14 Western Division Titles in a row….then talk smack about the Braves. Until then…..show some respect for a first class organization.
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:44 pm
. Isn’t the goal to make the playoffs? just make it, right?
That is what you put moron
Fredi Gonzalez
July 29th, 2011
9:44 pm
I’d like to tip my cap to The King of Mediocrity; Frank Wren. Helluva job leading to trade deadline, Frank. Thanks for the help.
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:44 pm
i paid 23 bills in one day, and i didn”t have to “borrow” to do so, lol
Don Sutton
July 29th, 2011
9:45 pm
THIS “Don Sutton” doesn’t get paid for his comments…maybe I should.
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:46 pm
Why do you care what LIberty Media spends or saves?
Tampa Gator
July 29th, 2011
9:46 pm
Also……
I don’t give up any of the top 4 pitching prospects for Hunter Pence…….you win with pitching and defense……and go get another hitter that is not as costly…..REMEMBER GETTING TEX from the RANGERS for two pitching prospects, a catching prospect, and a young shortstop. Wish you could have that one back now?
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:47 pm
I would just like to say that I wish they would trade Heyward, what a joke
ryan
July 29th, 2011
9:47 pm
I have been to Philadelphia i do have admit there very passionate about there sports teams .
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:48 pm
Tampa, remember getting Fred McGriff for prospects. Name one that was an All-star
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:48 pm
Braves have depth, they are not first granted, but they are still alive, don’t panic people. Make the postseaon, and things can happen. There are a plethora of teams that wouldn’t even have the chance.
lighten up, and root for your team, no need for hate and bs
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:49 pm
I am going to assume that west is an Obama fan. Has to be
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:51 pm
4-0, all is lost in Atlanta
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:51 pm
Heyward could not hit a bear in the ass with a bucket of rice
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:52 pm
Haha pete, i adore your racist comment. Now i know you have no hope, i actually thought you had a legit argument, tsk tsk
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:53 pm
What was a racist comment?
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:54 pm
I never said anything about race. What are you talking about?
huddie ledbetter
July 29th, 2011
9:54 pm
@WestOfAthens – you must be on the wrong blog – no hate and BS:-)
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:54 pm
Look at that, Martin is awesome….depth will save the bravos
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:54 pm
You have to be a liberal puss if you think I was ever talking about someone’s race
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:55 pm
Am I not allowed to dislike a black player even if he sucks? Is that racist now?
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
suffer with me, or wither away without….
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
We may have something in this Constaza guy. A career .300 hitter in the minors for 7 years. Maybe i’ts time to give him a shot. He can sure fly around those bases
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
does our president currently play baseball?
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
Depth kerryb, thank you for posting that
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:58 pm
that is what I thought west. You have zero answer to what was racist. Grow up, everyone is not racist
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
9:58 pm
The Braves are stacked in the minors.
pete
July 29th, 2011
9:59 pm
What does that have to do with race? I think you are liberal, it had nothing to do with him being black moron. DO you always assume someone is being racist? I guess I need to wake up my minority wife and tell her a liberal thinks I am racist
Tampa Gator
July 29th, 2011
9:59 pm
Pete…..
What is a liberal puss? Must be someone who is stupid enough to drink sour Tea?
Tampa Gator
July 29th, 2011
10:00 pm
Pete…
That should be…..”not stupid enough to drink sour Tea”
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:01 pm
They also have an OF at Gwinnett named Stefan Gartrell that’s hit 21 HR this year there.
Fredi Gonzalez
July 29th, 2011
10:02 pm
I’d like to tip my cap to Nate’s strained abs. Gave us a chance to see Constanza contribute. Very cool for him.
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
10:02 pm
Very true kerryb, Braves have looked back at what got them to back to back to back…etc div champs,. Still involved, GOING to make the playoffs, and come next year or mayyybe 2013, Braves will be unstoppable, call me insane?
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:02 pm
Why are you morons talking about race in a Braves blog? Lets talk about the team and get off of this stupid crap.
Tampa Gator
July 29th, 2011
10:02 pm
KerryB….
Just thinking the same thing……brings energy and lots of speed….and he makes consistent contact. From first impression….might not be the best defensive CF though.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:05 pm
I hope Wren doesn’t trade even one of those pitching prospects. Even if we don’t win this year. The Braves will be dominating the east for the next 10 years with them. You have to have insurance if Hanson, Jurrjens or even both of them leave with them being Boras clients.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:05 pm
Good day to be a fan from Philly!!!
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:07 pm
and BTW, Gtor. Will Muschamp is a freaking trader
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:07 pm
The truth is the Braves and Phillies are in different parts of the winning cycle. The braves are younger and on the upswing and don’t want to mortgage the future when the trade doesn’t even make them favorites. The Phillies are a mature team which is very close and is in go for it mode. Both positions are understandable.
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:07 pm
Kerryb, hard to dominate when you cannot score.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:07 pm
Good point Pete. I don’t like the President and I am not racist either.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:08 pm
Philliefan, I hope you enjoy watching the goofiest looking player in the game. Trade all your young players for him. You will be dominated soon enough because we are keeping ours. Your everyday players are getting older than ours and your run is short lived, ours will soon be starting.
WestOfAthens
July 29th, 2011
10:08 pm
Braves have talent, no doubt….but i am sure a trdae looms, unsure who or what, but it will be done. Hope it doesn”t hurt the ebb and flow, Go Braves….Athens is signing OFF…. Go Dawgs!
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:09 pm
He must have never ever played the game. He throws worse than my sister. And that is saying something
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:10 pm
Pete, if you read my post you would understand that I was talking about the future. Not now while most of our starting lineup is on the DL.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:11 pm
My guess is that we pick up Quentin.
Tampa Gator
July 29th, 2011
10:11 pm
Go Braves! Good night.
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:11 pm
Kerry, who is going to hit in the future? I like Freeman and McCann and Prado and Uggla. We have no centerfielder that can hit, our rightfielder is terrible, Our shortstop has an OBP of .260 and CHipper is 3 years older than Jack McKeon
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:12 pm
Plus, we do not have any big prospects in the minors that are ready to take over next year and produce offensively
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:12 pm
kerryb… That’s the Braves biggest flaw. Always looking ahead. maybe if they were more aggressive during the bobby cox glory years they might have more than 1 title. You never know what next year brings. The bottom line is you front office let a possible 3 or 4 start hold up a trade. You have plenty of depth to part with minor
ray
July 29th, 2011
10:12 pm
who needs Mc Louth anyway ? another great trade the Braves made to get that fringe major leaguer.
the less trades the Braves make the better. most of them are inconsequential or worse.
what annoys me is the players the Phils gave him to get Pence. the best 2 have been announced and they aren’t that great. one was a 38th round pick and the other was an 8th or 9th rounder.
both are in A ball. why would Hoston get 2 guys that are so far away form the majors as the leads in a deal for their best player.?
could it be that Ed Wade still works for the Phillies and is disguised as Astros GM ? this is very suspicious.
we’ll end up giivng up better prospects for a worse player. guaranteed !. you’ll find out soon.
the Pence deal might result in a panic move by Frankie. it’s almost definite the trade that is coming is not going to be popular.
Tampa Gator
July 29th, 2011
10:13 pm
Pete….
One last comment…..yep…..but I think the Prez takes you easily on the basketball court.
Fredi Gonzalez
July 29th, 2011
10:14 pm
I’d like to tip my cap to Chip Carey – dumb as a turd.
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:15 pm
LOL, way way too old to beat me.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:15 pm
Philliefan, I think acquiring Maddux, McGriff, Sheffield, Galarraga, Neagle, Texiera, and J.D Drew was being pretty aggressive.
ryan
July 29th, 2011
10:16 pm
I thought Constanza was the guy on Jerry Seinfeld .
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:17 pm
Philliefan, I’m sure the Astros wanted more than just Minor. They probably wanted at least one of the other ones too. Your team just gave away 4 prospects for him. You know they didn’t want less from the Braves.
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:18 pm
Kerry, only one of those was a top prospect
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:18 pm
kerryb… I love when fans like you act like acquiring Pence isn’t a good thing for a team. You would LOVE it. Also I didn’t see a good Bullpen name on the last. The I remember that mark wohlers blown save like it was yesterday. Oh I forgot Rocker. HAHA
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:19 pm
Philliefan, Pence is a good player but giving away 4 prospects for him is crazy.
ryan
July 29th, 2011
10:19 pm
Well at least the Braves are winning some there is some positive news .
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:19 pm
Also Kerry where is this dynasty going to come from? Who are these great young hitters? I love Freeman but who else?
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:20 pm
Philliefan, I will just say Mitch Williams
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:21 pm
Kerry B. I love all this prospect talk. In the last few years the Phillies have traded a ton of prospects. Do me a favor and name a few of them in the majors doing well. Hold on.. I am waiting. Drabek and Michael Taylor have done nothing.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:22 pm
Philliefan, Heyward is off track a little with injuries but I would take him any day of the week over Dominic Brown.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:23 pm
kerryb,, Didn’t close the NLCS against the Braves? Haha that team was great the 93 phils but that was truly catching lightning in a bottle. Your Braves and the Giants were a much better team that year. THings just fell right
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:23 pm
kerryb. I like Heyward as well. But don’t tell me he is a sure thing
MURF4HOF
July 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
PEOPLE! This is not fantasy baseball where you can just pick whoever you want, this is a business first and contracts play a BIG part in who we can trade for and trade away
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
Did close the 93 Worlds Series against the Blue Jays either.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:25 pm
He is a sure thing.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:25 pm
I think you saw just a fraction of what he can do last year.
Phils fan
July 29th, 2011
10:26 pm
Now we’ll lose to the giants 3-2 instead of 3-1. The phillies have to get over the fact that giants aren’t afraid of them. It’s not like the scores are 8-0. Play a little smarter and they can neat the offensively challenged sf giants. Bottom line. I appauld the braves for not giving up too many pitching prospects for hunter pence. The phillies are in more of a win now mode. Plus Ed Wade is gone as gm of Houston soon. I guess this was his going out gift. thanks cuz!
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:26 pm
kerryb what makes you say that Heyward is a sure thing. Also there are no sure things. He has continually regressed as a player since last years all star game. Plus every hang nail puts him on the dl for a month
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:28 pm
kerryb,, If we saw a fraction of what Heyward can do last year what are we seeing this year. A fraction of that fraction. lol
Braves Fan 80
July 29th, 2011
10:30 pm
The Phillies have become the National League Yankees spending money like mad and buying other teams players.Its time for a salary cap in baseball to make the yankees sox and phillies earn their championships and not try to buy them.
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:31 pm
Since June of 2010 Heyward is hitting .250 with 11 HR and 60 rbi in over 600 at bats. His OPS+ since then is 105. That is what an OPS_ is for a average middle infielder, not a power hitting corner outfielder
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:32 pm
Your judging the Heyward you see having a sore shoulder this year that can happen to any player. The Heyward you saw the first half of last year before he injured his finger sliding into base is the real Heyward. I haven’t seen anything from Brown yet.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:33 pm
Oh the whining of a salary cap. I love it. Maybe sell out a game or 2 and the braves can spend a little more. It is not our fault that the Phillies pack the place every night thus giving them the money to spend. Why should they be punished for running a successful business and why reward a team with fans who are no shows most of the time.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:34 pm
KerryB you moron. I never said I like brown better. I agree if I had to choose I would take Heyward. But he is hurt 2 times in 2 years and his production has regressed. Also Brown is batting 250. Whats the sure thing batting.
Steve
July 29th, 2011
10:36 pm
I thought the goal of a team was to win. Under Fabulous Frank the Braves have been to the playoffs once. Prospects are great, but not at the expense of not making the playoffs. The offensively challenged Braves got to have a bat, or maybe David Ross doesn’t know what he is talking about.
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:37 pm
If Heyward cannot stay healthy at 20 and 21 what is he going to do at 25 and 30? I think Heyward looks for reasons to sit out instead of looking for reasons to play. The doctors never found anything wrong with his shoulder this year
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:37 pm
Philliefan, Philly sells out their stadium because most of there fans in that rat infested city lives within a few of miles of it because everything in the Northeast is packed together. The Braves have fans spread out over the whole Southeast. Matter of fact there is more spread out all over the country. The three most popular baseball franchises which was done by forbes. 1. Yankees 2. Red Sox 3. Braves
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:38 pm
Pete, thats just a stupid comment.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:39 pm
I agree Pete. His 2 stints on the DL in 2 years would concern me. Chipper even called him out.
Braves Fan 80
July 29th, 2011
10:39 pm
If the National League Yankees had to actually develop a team instead of trading for and buying other teams players with their massive payroll they would find out how most of the rest of baseball operates.O well it will be that much more sweet beating them in the playoffs.Braves 6-6 this year against them they better hurry buy a few more players.
Steve
July 29th, 2011
10:40 pm
Other GM’s manage to get deals done to improve thier teams, but not Fabulous Frank. Why is that?
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:41 pm
How is that a stupid comment kerry? What did I say that was not true?
Phils fan
July 29th, 2011
10:41 pm
Both players are being forced into roles that they are not ready for. Some young suds shine under the bright lights some don’t. Brown has no business playing everyday. But ben Francisco is such a blank the phillies had no choice. Problem solved with hence. I know the braves are built for the future, but they have the talent to go the distance with a few moves. Gonna be hard to explain the non moves to fans if the owners remain passive.
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:42 pm
Phillies developed Rollins, Utley, Howard, Victorino was taken in the rule 5 draft, Cole Hamels is homegrown
kreedham
July 29th, 2011
10:42 pm
Uggla up to .206…don’t laugh…it hasn’t been that long since it was well below .200 and Freddie is closing in on .300.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:45 pm
I don;t understand how we don’t develop players? Rollins, Utley, Ruiz, Hammels, Burrell, Victorino was a rule 5, Howard? Are core is home grown. We supplement from the outside. Deal with it. We sell out we can spend more. Braves fans don’t go which equals less funds. Pretty simple
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:45 pm
Pete, it’s stupid because you have no idea what you are talking about. Heyward had severe inflamation of the shoulder joint and had 2 cortizone injections for it.
Braves Fan 80
July 29th, 2011
10:46 pm
If the Braves had put together a huge package to get Pence people would be groaning about what they gave up.The Phills gave up their top hitting and pitching prospects to get him.I’m hearing the braves offered 4 players 2 from high minors and 2 from the lower minors.
ryan
July 29th, 2011
10:47 pm
Maybe if we get Quentin it will calm some of the anger of course if Wren makes the trade .
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:49 pm
Wrong Kerry.
An MRI taken Thursday revealed no significant damage in Jason Heyward’s right shoulder, it did reveal a small amount of inflammation that a cortisone shot should take care of.
That was from the AJC> He would go on to miss 20 games after this
Phils fan
July 29th, 2011
10:50 pm
Braves fan 80 you are so off it’s funny. The ‘08 team was filled with developed talent. Rollins, Howard, utley, Ryan Madison, Cole hamels all from the farm and all on the 2011 squad. So is ruiz and victorino was a rule 5 gem greatly enhanced after coming to Philly. Even Roy halladay and oswalt became better pitchers after signing with the phillies. The cliff in 2009 playoffs was a lot different than 2010 post season version. The phillies are playing by the rules. So go cry somewhere else.
DaveinNEPA
July 29th, 2011
10:50 pm
Just amazing!!!!!! The Phils pull off the trade for Pence and then their so called fans have to come over here to gloat.
Enjoy it now because between the trades for Lee, Halladay and Pence your farm system is pretty much a shambles. If sombody gets hurt now, he probably gets replaced by a 6 yr minor league FA. That’s about all you got left.
In 2 years time your very rapidly aging team will be lucky to finish in 4th place in the division. What’s this you say, “we kept Brown!!!”. That guy has more holes in his swing than a slice of Swiss cheese.
Braves Fan 80
July 29th, 2011
10:51 pm
In other news Braves won and Beachy pitched a great game tonight.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:55 pm
Philliefan, you need to worry about your own guys. Your team is only has a .06 better batter avg than the Braves. Howard is not doing to much better than Uggla. Uggla has 19 Hr’s, Howard has 20. The Braves have hit 114 HR’s the Phillies 91. Phillies Pitching is 2nd in the NL, the Braves are 4th. You also do not have a bullpen than even compares to ours. The Braves are doing this with most of it’s starting lineup on the DL most of the year. The Braves are 6-6 against the Phillies. Tell me how much better are the Phillies than the Braves?
ryan
July 29th, 2011
10:56 pm
I guess if really look at it was smart not to trade away the farm because we would have to give up Julio Tehran that would have been a huge mistake .
pete
July 29th, 2011
10:57 pm
I love Uggla because he always hustles, but Howard has 78 rbi, Uggla will not have that all year
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
10:57 pm
kerryb.. Currently 5 games better. Plus do you really think that we didn’t have our injuries. Get real. Utley our best player missed 42 games.
Braves Fan 80
July 29th, 2011
10:59 pm
Its a fact the only reason the Phils are so good is because they spend like only 2 other teams in baseball the Sox and Yankees.It takes a real General Manager to put together a winning team with 90 million.Even a dummy like myself could take 170 million and put together a good team.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
10:59 pm
DaveinNEPA, you said it all. They have successfully pulled off what the Mets pulled off. They totally depleted their farm system and are now stuck with a roster full of aging players.
the truth...
July 29th, 2011
10:59 pm
Pence won’t like Philly….the city that is….it is a dirty, unfriendly place…. out in the county it is great, but in the city itself…..those Philly fans are animals….
Pence is from Arlington, Texas….can’t imagine him liking Philly….
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:00 pm
Philliefan, How many games has your planned opening day roster started this year. For the Braves it’s 11 out of 108
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
11:02 pm
kerryb.. I don’t know but it can’t be many. Utley missed the first 42. Victorino was on the DL. Polanco is on the DL. Blanton is on the DL and so is Oswalt. So please get your facts straight.
hal
July 29th, 2011
11:02 pm
the last two guys up from triple a i like both george my friend costanza and the guy in the buulpen last night in franks defence tex wasnt available and he dident have elvis and nefi to trade lol
ryan
July 29th, 2011
11:03 pm
It would not surprise me if Pence ends with the Rangers at some point i am sure he grew up a Ranger fan .
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:03 pm
My keyboard keeps messing up. How many games has the Phillies planned opening day lineup started this year. For the Braves its 11 out of 108.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:05 pm
I’m not talking about pitchers.
Braves Fan 80
July 29th, 2011
11:05 pm
Who would have in his wildest dreams thought this would happen.Uggla has the longest current hitting streak in the majors at 20 games.
Runnin
July 29th, 2011
11:06 pm
The real news here is that McLouth exerted himself on a throw?
Craig
July 29th, 2011
11:06 pm
Our ownership sucks! Phillies and Giants are getting better and we are staying status quo. Another first round exodus coming…if we make the playoffs.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
11:07 pm
KerryB, Like i said it can;t be many. Utley missed 42. Polanco and Victorino and Blanton and Oswalt have all missed time. I don’t have the exact numbers off the top of my head but we have dealt with injuries too so stop complaining
Phils fan
July 29th, 2011
11:10 pm
wrong! I’ve been here going on 4 seasons or whatever. Even after the phillies season ends. Parade or no parade.
the truth...
July 29th, 2011
11:12 pm
Hey Guys…..we didn’t get nothing….we got several good things:
1.) McLouth on the DL….he strained tyring to throw someone out ….duh surprise???
2.) RH Relief Arms…..Christian Martinez pitched 6 innnigs in the Meals Marathon 19 Inning Special
3) RH Relief….Valvaro worked his way out of a bases loaded
4) Constanza in CF…. a new CF who is blazing fast; a lead off hitter than can put the ball on the ground…..
Wow…great job Wren….and to think if we didn’t have 3 players on the DL none of that was possible!!
Jack Lill
July 29th, 2011
11:12 pm
Wren it on hi duff and let the Phillies steal Pence. The man should retire
coach smith
July 29th, 2011
11:16 pm
Trade for UPTON and add Willingham or Ludwick and Bell….all weak spots solved
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:16 pm
I don’t think that the Phillies have dealt with injuries on the scale that the BRaves have.
Phils fan
July 29th, 2011
11:17 pm
…hunter pence will love philly. They all do. He will be treated like a rock star! Jason werth will cry himself to sleep every night. No trade is ever money in the bank. But don’t waste your time rooting against him with vodoo dolls. You can’t stop it. Real pimps do real things.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:18 pm
He will love it until they start throwing batteries at him if he doesn’t hit like they expect.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:21 pm
I bet Philly fans wish Ryan.Howard could hit like Freddie Freeman. Both power and average.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
11:27 pm
kerryb… When Freeman has an MVP and World Series ring get back to me. Howard leads the league in RBIs over the last 6 years. Howard is one of only 2 MLB players in history to hit 45 HRs and 140 RBIs in 4 straight seasons. The other is the Babe. I like freeman but come back to me when he comes close to that resume.
Faux positive
July 29th, 2011
11:28 pm
Is it true that a player can’t be traded if he is on the disabled list? Hmmmm mclout, but nobody would want you anyway. I hope you stay on the DL until the end of the season and your contract is not renewed. You make garbage smell good.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:28 pm
Howard is batting .246
Sour Grapes
July 29th, 2011
11:29 pm
@kerryb : Cliff Lee took millions of dollars less to play in Phila. He said he and his family loved the the city and its fans. If you take a wrong turn leaving either the Ted or The Ga. Dome your life is in danger.
But you just go on about a few idiot fans that EVERY city has. Just keep telling yourself and maybe it will become truthful. Like I said you always just spout SOUR GRAPES.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:31 pm
Philliefan, our guy like that is Chipper. Howard can only dream of being as good as that. And that goes for Mike Schmitt as well
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:32 pm
Sour Grapes about what? The Phillies? Paleeeese
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:33 pm
Im sure you can walk only 2 blocks from Citizens Bank and get mugged by someone in that nasty city
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
kerryb… Chipper is great but know Schmitt and you just proved you know nothing about baseball. Schmitt is the greatest 3b of all time. Comparing him to chipper is silly.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
Why would I have sour grapes about a team with a depleted farm team and aging players. I’m just going to call the Phillies the Mets part II
Phils fan
July 29th, 2011
11:35 pm
Not gonna front. Freeman has got some great talent. Which is why I am confused as to why the braves(there’s still time) haven’t many any moves. Do they realize the braves can actually go the distance with a few moves?? As for Howard, everytime the braves play the phillies in the “big” 2nd half series they fold. Freeman, heyward all of them. Howard is struggling, but I’ll take him down the stretch based on his track record.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:35 pm
I think if you compare Schmitt’s stats to Chipper’s you will find that Chippers overall batting stats are better and Chipper did it switch hitting.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:36 pm
I don’t think the deadline is until 4 pm on Sunday.
Phils fan
July 29th, 2011
11:42 pm
So chipper jones is the greatest 3rd basman of all-time???
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:46 pm
Schmidt (18 seasons) Avg .267, Slg% .527, OBP % .380 HR 548 Fielding % .955
Chppier (18 seasons) Avg .304, Slg % .533, OBP % .403 HR 445 Fielding % .956
Yes Schmidt hit 103 more HR’s. Other than that tell me how he is better than Chipper and the greatest of all time? Chipper did all of that switch hitting which is harder.
Phils fan
July 29th, 2011
11:55 pm
Stop. My stomach is hurting from the laughs. Hate to say it, but stats put up during the steroid era are all tainted. And don’t compare greenies to steroids.
kerryb
July 29th, 2011
11:59 pm
Which makes what Chipper done even harder with pitchers being on steroids and Chipper not.
PhillieFan
July 29th, 2011
11:59 pm
kerryb… There is no comparison defensively. And 103 HRs are a lot. Fielding percentage only tells a small part of the story. Ripken had a field % of .979 and Ozzie Smith had one of .978. Do you really think they were equal? If you have watched both Schmitt and Chipper as I have there is really no comparison defensively. Please learn the sport. I love Chipper. Class act. Great 3B. But never lead his team to championship. He was a rookie on the winner. Schmitt was the Best player on a champion.
kerryb
July 30th, 2011
12:00 am
If you don’t think they were taking steroids in the early 80’s then your naive. Schmidt even looked like a guy pumped on steroids.
kerryb
July 30th, 2011
12:02 am
I’m old enough that I watched Schmidt play against Murphy and the guys in the 80’s. Never remember him as a great defensive 3rd baseman.
PhillieFan
July 30th, 2011
12:04 am
kerryb.. I am done with you. You either are blind or just don’t know baseball. It is pretty much a consensus that Schmitt is at least one of the 2 best defense 3b of all time. Good night enjoy your minor league teams
kerryb
July 30th, 2011
12:05 am
Enjoy your team before they start breaking down with age which is coming soon. Five years from now when the Braves are on top again you will be remembering the days when the Phillies were good.
kerryb
July 30th, 2011
12:07 am
The Mets found out that you can only maintain an aging veteran roster for so long before it taps you out.
Bedtime
July 30th, 2011
12:21 am
@kerryb: I’ve noticed that it only seems to be you left on here. I think I speak for a lot of people that you’re just not knowledgable enough to defend. Would you have traded 2 single A prospects and a player to be named later ? If you say no possible way than you how long are you going to wait for the Braves to win another W.S.
Phils fan
July 30th, 2011
12:22 am
Not naive and. Really care. And the mets have nothing to with the phillies. Halladay,lee,oswalt etc never beat a senior citizen in front of kids or golf coursed a broad out of pure boredom.
the truth...
July 30th, 2011
12:45 am
@Phils fan
Are you kidding me? Philly is one of the worst cities in the US….the voodoo comments fit the pattern of the only city that has a police precinct in the stadium.
In Philly you aren’t safe anywhere…..no other city has to have a police precinct in the stadium….. Why? Because you fans are a bunch of animals….
The team is a great bunch of players and a great team….you fans….go back to your slimy little holes …..No other teams fans troll other teams blogs….
listen to me i know
July 30th, 2011
1:05 am
THE BRAVES ARE GONNA BE IN THE PLAYOFFS…WITH THAT SAID THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL WE CAN COMPETE WITH PHILLY IN THE POSTSEASON WITH WHAT WE GOT…HEYWARD IS A BUST AND NATE MCLOUTH CANT HIT A LICK….WE HAVE GOT TO GET CARLOS QUEINTEN OR UPTON IF THEY WANT TO WIN A WORLD SERIES…SCREW THE MONEY WERE IN THE POSTSEASON….KNOW WHEN TO HOLD AND KNOW WHEN TO FOLD….PULL THE TRIGGER…PHILLY SIGNS BIG NAMES AND THERE NO NEW YORK YANKEES….MEANING THERE NOT THAT RICH OF AN ORGANAATION….. AND LOOK WERE THEY HAVE BEEN TO THE LAST 4 YEARS……..<===ITS A GOOD PLACE TO BE……AND IF U DONT YOULL HATE YOURSELF(FRANK WREN) WHEN YOU LOSE THE WILDCARD SEREIES…AND OUR PLAYERS WOULD HAVE WORKED TO HARD THIS SEASON FOR THAT AGAIN(MEANING LAST YEAR!!!!!!)
David
July 30th, 2011
1:05 am
Although there are two months left in the season, should we stick the proverbial fork in our Braves and “wait ’til next year?” That seems to be feeling of our gm….unless a blockbuster trade occurs over the weekend.
Naaaaaah!!!!
Flo-Rio-Duh
July 30th, 2011
9:13 am
All they need is for Heyward to start doing what he gets paid for and the offense will be two runs a game better. He is MIA.
Nut Job
July 30th, 2011
10:32 am
Holy cow @ our starters pitching stats for July…Eric O, Venters, and Kimbrel have a 0.00 ERA in just over 34 IP…Linebrink has a 1.74 ERA for the month and Sherrill’s is 3.48 which isn’t bad but not great…
Hudson has a 3.15 ERA in 34IP
Jurrjens has a 3.27 ERA in 33IP
D. Lowe has a 5.86 ERA in 27IP
T. Hanson has a 4.60 ERA in 31IP
Beachy has a 3.72 ERA in 29IP (that’s including 7 1/3 IP of scoreless ball last night…
As a staff they have given up 24 HRs for the month. In June they gave up 14. In May they gave up 20. In April they gave up 15. That number (24 for July) has got to go down in August and September. We have done a really good job of avoiding the 3 run homer all year until now. Lately 2-run and 3-run shots have been killing us.
Hopefully they are getting back on track. Lowe is killing us! Maybe he will find in again in September and dominate again…
Just for fun…
Proctor has a 10.97 ERA in 10 2/3 IP for July
It is absolutely ridiculous that he still has a major league jersey. There aren’t many pitchers that could have a month like that and still have a job in the big leagues. With as many quality arms as the Braves have in our organization, how does he still fit in the picture???
Rumor: Braves Considering Marlon Byrd | Bleacher Nation | Chicago Cubs News, Rumors, and Commentary
July 30th, 2011
10:40 am
[...] it sounds like the Braves might be interested. From the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Braves were among a handful of teams pursuing the most-coveted hitter on the trade market, [...]
bvillebaron
July 30th, 2011
10:49 am
Rumor:
As I have been saying here for several days, the Braves not only should be interested in Marlon Byrd, they should ACQUIRE him along with a veteran reliever. This would significantly improve the team in the short term and not mortgage the future. Seems like a no brainer to me.
Ramblerbrave
July 30th, 2011
11:23 am
Listen everyone. Frank Wren has to sign off on the final deal, but he is not working alone in trade endeavors. He assistants, scouts and don’t forget the president is John Shurholtz, who could probably lend some great advice. They will make the right deal. There not in need of a right-handed bat as much now that Uggla is hitting. Lets support this team and front office.
joekill
July 30th, 2011
11:34 am
pete ru an idiot their going to trade heyward whatd u eat for breakfest today a bowl of illogical flakes
Jack J.
July 30th, 2011
11:49 am
O.K. lets get real! Managers, coaches, trainers,etc. can’t be blamed for something that a genuine athelic should be responsible for his own training!
They should read the book by Noland Ryan on keeping in shape twelve months a year not just four or five while playing for millions of dollars! Sound to me like a crew of chilren having to be nurse by their mothers!
‘Responsibility” is what is important!
BUT who would not take DL and get paid right on whether they played or not!
The LOVE of their job should account for something!
Us regular working folks hwve to work 24/7; so what is their problem working part time? Owners,Players, fans, etc. Fans deserve 100% of their (players) on the field every game!
b
Thundersticks
July 30th, 2011
12:27 pm
Now that Beltran and Pence are no longer available, I think the best option is Marlon Byrd. Can he hit like the other two? No. Is he the best hitter available, maybe not. But Byrd is a solid RH hitter with some pop. More importantly though, he can play all three OF positions. This makes him more valuable, IMO, than Upton, who has his own issues. Byrd is under contract through next season, would not cost any top prospects, and the Cubs would probably kick in some cash this year.
With question marks surrounding Chipper’s health and future, Fredi needs some flexibility.
By the way, I agree with FW’s unwillingness to give up two of the four top pitching prospects for Pence. One not named Teheran plus other prospects, but not two. Fans can bash FW all they want, but I give him kudos for not giving up too much for a good, maybe even really good, but not great player.
No Jim Hendry, You’re Wrong |
July 30th, 2011
1:18 pm
[...] years. Why isn’t Ryan Dempster on the trading block? What about Marlon Byrd, who the Braves are apparently eyeing? Why not unload Carlos Pena, who is a free agent at the end of the year? Why not trade Jeff Baker [...]
No Jim Hendry, You’re Wrong |
July 30th, 2011
1:26 pm
[...] three years. Why isn’t Ryan Dempster on the trading block? What about Marlon Byrd, who the Braves are apparently eyeing? Why not unload Carlos Pena, who is a free agent at the end of the year? Why not trade Jeff Baker [...]
ernesto
July 30th, 2011
3:32 pm
I think Byrd would be a great pick up. Maybe not a huge bat, but a gamer. I remember him being very pesky as a Phil.
NO MORE PARRISH
July 30th, 2011
6:21 pm
Nate faked being injured to avoid being traded.
JASon
July 30th, 2011
6:22 pm
Hey everyone, go look at melky cabrera and yunel escobar’s season stats. Then think about what we have going on at shortstop and center field and you will probably want to put the barrel of a gun in your mouth.
John Mayberry
July 30th, 2011
6:29 pm
I’d go with Cookie Rojas at second and Paul Schaal at 3rd.
Then I’d pick up Bourne for Schaefer, Minor, and Betancourt.
YellowJacket
July 30th, 2011
6:42 pm
“Things that I wanted to go over with him,” Blank said. “It’s more me understanding and making sure I’m clear on his logic.”
Ned
July 30th, 2011
6:56 pm
Sounds like Pete got a little upset. Get your butt off your shoulders Pete..