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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,405 comments Add your comment
Peter
July 30th, 2011
4:29 pm
Bourn was a Phillies prospect? Oh that would just make this even sweeter.
Bravesfan2011
July 30th, 2011
4:30 pm
I’ve thought all along the Bourn would be a better fit than Pence. Maybe Bourn will be a Brave for years to come. He’s only 28.
Kat
July 30th, 2011
4:30 pm
Enjoy the game tonight everyone– I’m taking a night off from the Bravos to go BBQ with some friends. Although I won’t lie..I’m sure I’ll be checking twitter on my phone to see if we made a trade.
Mudge
July 30th, 2011
4:30 pm
Kimbrel Rocks..Certainly the Phillies spend money. I’d argue that their success comes from having the players, and the twelve home grown (more than a couple) I noted is half their roster. Just spending money guarantees nothing. Your implication is that they throw money at free agents, which is not true. They have 2. Lee and Polanco. When JJ and Hanson reach free agency, they will have been valuable Brave players and will deserve to be paid. The fact that they may not be affordable will be a tragedy. You seem to begrudge the Phillies that they have been able to afford their home grown talent.
olereb
July 30th, 2011
4:30 pm
Kimbrel Rocks, what I am saying is the guy plays defense,has all of the talent in the world,and if it does not pan out,trade him this winter.
Hillbilly D
July 30th, 2011
4:30 pm
Give them McClouth and one of our big 4 prospects.
There won’t be much interest in somebody who is on the DL and whose contract is out at the end of the season.
Bama Brave
July 30th, 2011
4:30 pm
in my top three Bourn,upton,coco.
Scrub21
July 30th, 2011
4:30 pm
bravesfaninpa; the equipment specialist in the clubhouse, especially when at home have blank uniforms that they sew the number and names on…right in the clubhouse. just like when a player gets called up…
but i would be “just ok” with Bourn
@Craig
July 30th, 2011
4:31 pm
LEROOOOOY JENKINS!
JasonInFL
July 30th, 2011
4:31 pm
I want someone that is not available. Make it happen FW!
Dale Murphy's Mole
July 30th, 2011
4:31 pm
If the Braves do get Bourn, I hope they find a way to get Clint Barmes too, we need a capable backup for Alex, and Julio Lugo is a dead. Would love to see us get back Bourn+Barmes+RH reliever not named Scott Proctor.
BravesFanInPA
July 30th, 2011
4:32 pm
Jimmy: I have no idea. I am just passing along info that I have. I am told that the uniform makers usually know these things well before the public. They also are not supposed to tell anyone about it either.
olereb
July 30th, 2011
4:32 pm
Maybe all Upton needs is a change of scenery. I can use Escobar as an example.
JimB
July 30th, 2011
4:32 pm
McLouth being injured at this time is somewhat suspicious. Could he be on the “disabled” list by claiming injury and thereby protecting himself from being traded?
Michael Bourn
July 30th, 2011
4:32 pm
Maybe the Astros will take Schafer and Oberholtzer for me…
ryan
July 30th, 2011
4:32 pm
The Bourn Ultimatum get it done .
@superiorblogman
July 30th, 2011
4:33 pm
I agree. Wren go get Matt Kemp!
cabravesfan
July 30th, 2011
4:33 pm
McLouth being injured at this time is somewhat suspicious. Could he be on the “disabled” list by claiming injury and thereby protecting himself from being traded?
Umm, no. Players can’t put themselves on the DL and why would the team do that?
BFChris26
July 30th, 2011
4:34 pm
3:33pm: The D’Backs are close to acquiring Marquis, tweets Jon Paul Morosi.
Bobby's chauffuer
July 30th, 2011
4:34 pm
Let’s keep playing good ball…good pitching and timely hits..ok good pitching…let’s try to stay close and we will get a big bat in about three weeks (Mac)
Jimmy
July 30th, 2011
4:34 pm
bravesfaninpa – Ok, I’ll take you word for it. If true, I’d be happy with it…except, who’d we have to give up? That is what I’d like to know before I pass judgement.
Less than 24 hours now.
Eric
July 30th, 2011
4:34 pm
We’re not getting anything done by tomorrow
Chop Chop
July 30th, 2011
4:35 pm
Since a guy on the DL can be traded, my guess is that Nate McLouth’s insidious plan, wholly concocted by hare-brained blog commenters, will come to naught.
JasonInFL
July 30th, 2011
4:35 pm
Span probably going to be a Nat. It really looks like it is Bourn or Crisp. In that case, really, Bourn or nothing.
Scrub21
July 30th, 2011
4:35 pm
again folks; players on the DL can be traded with the Commisioner signing off. So McLouth is not protecting himself.
BFChris26
July 30th, 2011
4:36 pm
RealMattlanta Matt Chernoff
Based on rumors it sounds like #Braves are getting closer 2 a deal for either Bourn or Upton. I’d be happy with either guy. What do u think?
Dale Murphy's Mole
July 30th, 2011
4:36 pm
My suggestion – Schafer+Minor+W. Ramirez+B-level hitting prospect+whoever’s closing in AAA (Ed Wade loves relievers) for Bourn+Barmes+Fernando Rodriguez. But I would call Colorado first and make sure they wouldn’t give us Dexter Fowler and a reliever for the same or similar deal.
Brava
July 30th, 2011
4:36 pm
Joel Sherman
#Braves have 2 of 7 SP 35 or older in NL (Hudson/Lowe) which is why so protective moving forward of best P prospects
Peter
July 30th, 2011
4:36 pm
Funny, I always pick Bourn for my fantasy team. He seems to be around alot in the later rounds. He always gives me good numbers and lots of steals.
Noone, Alot, Loosers, Than, Then & To Much
July 30th, 2011
4:37 pm
My feeble little mind’s eye sees KEMP on the back of Braves jersey.
Richmond Braves Fan
July 30th, 2011
4:37 pm
Dave with all the talk of outfield bats have the Brave given up on a right handed reliever before July 31? Seems like a lot to put on Moylan since there is no Medlen. Also considering the Astros stance before trading Pence I assume it will take the package (one of the big four, and two others) they offered for Pence to land Bourne correct?
bozz
July 30th, 2011
4:38 pm
Buster_ESPN:
From an NL evaluator: Atlanta working hard on working out a deal for Michael Bourn. His trade value never higher than right now;FA in ’12.
mathman
July 30th, 2011
4:39 pm
Nothing will be accomplished by a major deal. Hopefully, Wren will not pull the trigger and give away a lot of our prospects. We are not going to catch the Phillies no matter what we add. We do have a 4 game lead in the wildcard. We need a RH bat for the OF and a middle relief pitcher. I would be for adding Quentin if all it costs is Delgado or Minor, not both.
If and it is a big if, Chipper can play soon and not get reinjured, we are better. Get McCann and Schafer back, and still all we need, is a RH hitting OF and another relief pitcher. Might not even need to trade for the relief pitcher if they would simply bring up Teheran and Vizcaino and put one of them in the pen and move Lowe to the pen. Or, trade Lowe.
Too many holes in lineup to win the thing: Heyward not hitting, Gonzo not hitting. We cut a better SS in Hernandez than Lugo. Go figure.
Don Green
July 30th, 2011
4:39 pm
Braves ought to swing a deal with the Astros that brings CF-Bourn, SS-Barmes, and RP Melancon all in one deal. Then you could dump Lugo and Proctor and have a far superior bench and bullpen.
I’d give them Minor if you could get all three.
DAP
July 30th, 2011
4:39 pm
mudge Your implication is that they throw money at free agents, which is not true. They have 2. Lee and Polanco.
how about ibanez? halladay counts too, and so does lidge. these are guys they traded for and then signed to long term big money deals.
Josh
July 30th, 2011
4:39 pm
will people ever stop with the Matt Kemp stuff?
Bama Brave
July 30th, 2011
4:40 pm
WE ARE NOT GETTING MATT KEMP.!!!!!!!!!!!!
BravesFanInPA
July 30th, 2011
4:40 pm
So my contact at Majestic is telling me that they are actually working on uniforms for Bourn and Upton. They have been told by MLB that a trade is very likely. Also as was suggested by someone else earlier the clubhouse guy does have extra uniforms for the day a person may arrive until they can ship the ones they are working on. Again dont kill the messenger just passing along the info I have.
superiorblogman
July 30th, 2011
4:41 pm
People are blowing Bourn out of proportion. This is his best OBP of his career .364. As a lead off man that is not impressive at all considering Jason Heyward was .393 as a rookie. Sorry, just being honest. He does not get on base enough to be what we need him to be. We need a real difference maker and his name is Matt Kemp.
TXBraveMan
July 30th, 2011
4:41 pm
Looks like Bourn to Braves for Minor, Schafer and a lower level prospect. Hold up may be Braves trying to add a second player to deal. Possibly Barmes I’m hearing.
cabravesfan
July 30th, 2011
4:42 pm
We need a real difference maker and his name is Matt Kemp.
Then you will be disappointed. Because it’s still not happening.
Scrub21
July 30th, 2011
4:42 pm
Tell everyone again BamaBrave……They just dont get it!
But Seriously
July 30th, 2011
4:42 pm
The Pence deal is listed as a “high risk-high reward” deal by lots of reporters/writers. Evidently not everyone is as hot on them as Keith Law. The Phils top prospects don’t necessarily equate to baseball’s top prospects. Vance Worley is already there dealing for the Phils and Dominic Brown was just sent back to the LeHigh Valley Iron Pigs so the Phils didn’t have to give up those two for Pence.
I would have to question if scouts and front office personel whose jobs depend on coming up with the “right” prospects are doing a little “payola” with Baseball America. Some of their rankings make no sense and if an organization ranks higher, even if it’s not entirely an accurate rating it would seem to buy some job security for some folks who make their living scouting and signing talent.
Both Phils “prospects” are enjoying very pedestrian years in the low minors. Wade took a gamble and from what I have read, the Phils already believe they had overvalued these guys. Maybe Wade will get a job with the Phillies because from all indications, he is on the way out in Houston.
I think the whole system from ranking to trading is a racket.
Memphis
July 30th, 2011
4:42 pm
MATT KEMP IS NOT AVALIABLE. IF HE WAS DONT YOU ALL THINK THAT THE RED SOX, YANKEES, PHILLIES HELL ANYTEAM WOULD BE MAKING OFFERS FOR HIM.
Peter
July 30th, 2011
4:42 pm
Jason Marquis apparently is going to Arizona
Steve from OH
July 30th, 2011
4:43 pm
For f’s sake people, Kemp isn’t available. The Dodgers will not trade him. So stop.
Jerry Blooger
July 30th, 2011
4:43 pm
If I could I’d send McClouth, Proctor and Snitker to Houston for a box of baseballs
Bobby's chauffuer
July 30th, 2011
4:43 pm
they are actually working on uniforms for Bourn and Upton.
and what team logo are on those jerseys?
Teejayy
July 30th, 2011
4:43 pm
TXBraveMan, source?
ryan
July 30th, 2011
4:43 pm
Upton or Bourn would be fine with me how about this for a nick name Air Bourn .
BFChris26
July 30th, 2011
4:43 pm
jonmorosi Jon Morosi
Trade is agreed upon, source says: Jason Marquis to #Dbacks. #Nats
Memphis
July 30th, 2011
4:44 pm
Bourn in CF, Upton in LF, Heyward in RF. Chipper to DL. jk
cabravesfan
July 30th, 2011
4:44 pm
I see other people have taken up my repetitious stance on Kemp. Thank you, good folks. Perhaps one of you can get through to the rest of them
Kimbrel rocks
July 30th, 2011
4:45 pm
@mudge- money always make the difference. the phillies rotation and main position players are there b/c of a high payroll. those are facts. i don’t “begrudge” anything about the phillies, but you aren’t entitled to your own set of facts. they have double the money of the braves and to suggest that all things are equal is a little absurd.
Bama Brave
July 30th, 2011
4:45 pm
W E A R E N O T G O I N G T O G E T M A T T K E M P !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peter
July 30th, 2011
4:45 pm
LOUD NOISES!!!!
Chop Chop
July 30th, 2011
4:45 pm
I hear that Matt Kemp is available. All Wren has to do is pull the trigger, but he continues to hesitate. Why? He likes Schafer too much. It’s true that Schafer is a future All-Star and it would be very difficult to send him to Gwinnett for the rest of his career, but it is time for Wren to make the painful choice for the betterment of his team.
MURF4HOF
July 30th, 2011
4:45 pm
will be no trade of significance Wren said as much weeks ago when he said the Braves already have the pieces needed
bozz
July 30th, 2011
4:46 pm
Just when I return to this blog because I think people have wisened up, someone mentions the Braves going after Matt Kemp…
Brava
July 30th, 2011
4:46 pm
Oh, but the superiorblogman is all-knowing and he says Kemp is available. So take that inferior bloggers!!
Nick Saban
July 30th, 2011
4:46 pm
People who would rather have Upton over Bourn are completely idiotic.
Let’s see…. Would you rather have…
A.) Best base stealer in the NL, batting near the .300 mark, nice OBP, perennial gold glove winner
B.) A right-handed Nate McLouth
Weezle
July 30th, 2011
4:47 pm
There is not enough difference between Schafer and Bourn to warrant giving up Minor, millions of dollars, and additional prospects.
Bobby's chauffuer
July 30th, 2011
4:47 pm
Fran.. you show them we ain’t desperate. I like our team.. well maybe a little tweaking here and there
Brave4life-1995 all over again?
July 30th, 2011
4:47 pm
Stark
#Braves close to acquiring Coco Crisp
nah just kidding
Memphis
July 30th, 2011
4:47 pm
I’m guessing we get whichever package is less for either Bourn or Upton. Whoever wants more (or better prospects) we’ll get the other guy.
Chop Chop
July 30th, 2011
4:48 pm
Figgins got a hit and stole a base. He’d look good in a Braves uni because he got a hit and stole a base.
bozz
July 30th, 2011
4:48 pm
“I hear that Matt Kemp is available. All Wren has to do is pull the trigger, but he continues to hesitate. Why? He likes Schafer too much. It’s true that Schafer is a future All-Star and it would be very difficult to send him to Gwinnett for the rest of his career, but it is time for Wren to make the painful choice for the betterment of his team.”
You, sir, win all the laffs for today.
John Leonard
July 30th, 2011
4:48 pm
Like every one,I would like to see some offensive help.Even if we don’t make a move,our chances of a WS win are still as good as anyone.Pitching my friends, is the equalizer,and the Braves have the best pitching staff in baseball.
ryan
July 30th, 2011
4:49 pm
We have players on the DL most of the reports i have been hearing Braves will make a move .
Ease
July 30th, 2011
4:49 pm
Kemp is available? Hoozah! Get it done!
NickB
July 30th, 2011
4:50 pm
IF Kemp were to become available, it wouldn’t be until the offseason. Even then it would require the Braves moving JJ for a package of prospects who we would then flip most of them plus one of the big 4 to the Dodgers for Kemp…. Only way you do a deal like that is IF Kemp agrees to a 72 hr window for negotiating an extension. I’d put the odds of this happening at about 10%
Honestly, Bourn, or Upton, or even Crisp would be an improvement over what we have in CF…. Of course some provide more improvement than others. But relative to cost, Crisp wouldn’t be a horrible pickup. He would be cheap enough as to allow for pen help and an additional corner bat… If we go the Bourn route, I’m not so sure we will pick up an additional bat (unless of course we make a package deal with the stros, which is possible).
Danga
July 30th, 2011
4:50 pm
Well if Matt Kemp isn’t available maybe we should go after Ryan Braun.
Richmond Braves Fan
July 30th, 2011
4:50 pm
Dave also I know you can not trade MLB draft picks like in the NFL. Is there some limitation to trading the player from the draft? ie you must wait so long before they can be traded?
Brava
July 30th, 2011
4:50 pm
Wren threw the Bourn rumor out there to keep everyone distracted while he finalizes the Coco Crisp trade.
keylargo
July 30th, 2011
4:50 pm
From an NL evaluator: Atlanta working hard on working out a deal for Michael Bourn. His trade value never higher than right now;FA in ’12.
He’s a free agent after the 2012 season.
Bobby's chauffuer
July 30th, 2011
4:50 pm
Whatever we do.. we will still end up going for the wildcard. AND.. we will be in a much better position for next year.
Tomas
July 30th, 2011
4:50 pm
Acquire Bourn for this season, then trade him along with a good pitching prospect for Quentin
superiorblogman
July 30th, 2011
4:51 pm
I’m sorry but the Dodgers can’t even make payroll and Kemp has been ridiculed every year until this year but he is untouchable too many factors saying he is not untouchable.
Schafer, Minor,Hoover,Betancourt, a lessor OF prospect and cash for Matt Kemp or bust.
We can hold on to the wild card without adding anyone. Bourn nor Upton will put you over Philly or San Francisco. Kemp would put you right there with anyone for the next decade.
Nick Saban
July 30th, 2011
4:52 pm
There is not enough difference between Schafer and Bourn to warrant giving up Minor, millions of dollars, and additional prospects.
You can’t be serious. Bourn can hit and get on base. Schafer can’t.
Brava
July 30th, 2011
4:52 pm
DKnobler
Astros are telling teams if they don’t like what offered for Bourn, they’ll keep him and trade him in winter. #tradedeadline
Steve from OH
July 30th, 2011
4:52 pm
From ESPN: Are they frustrated over seeing Pence go to their division nemesis, the Phillies? Oh, yeah.
Are they aggravated that the price tag Houston asked them for — reportedly four of their top pitching prospects, two from their “untouchable” tier and two from the next tier down — seemed as if it was steeper than what the Phillies paid? You bet.
What the f is Ed Wade smoking? This is Hunter freaking Pence, not Jose Bautista.
No way we will (or should) get Bourn if Wade is on the same crack he seems to have been smoking. BJ Upton if the price is reasonable, or stand pat.
Don’t give in, Frank. Don’t pay the outrageous prices. You’ve done good so far.
@Memphis
July 30th, 2011
4:52 pm
No… those three teams you listed all have CFs. Sox -J.Elsbury, Phils-Victorino, and the Yanks got Granderson. Also those three teams have no where near the prospects available that the braves do
to get a player like Kemp. I agree however that ATL wont pry him from the Dodgers.
FEAR
July 30th, 2011
4:52 pm
KK mclouth and chip caray for Prince fielder
The Dude Abides
July 30th, 2011
4:53 pm
Braves and Corky Miller hammering out a 5 year, 50 million dollar deal. Sources say an agreement is imminent.
@johnmorosi
PhillieFan
July 30th, 2011
4:53 pm
I think Bourn would be a great fit. I really like him when he was here in philly. Man he can fly. That was a trade that really worked out well for both teams. Lidge was awesome in 08 and we won the World Series but I would rather have Bourn now. He also plays a great center. I don’t think he has a plus arm though but I think it is more than adequate .
cabravesfan
July 30th, 2011
4:53 pm
I’m sorry but the Dodgers can’t even make payroll and Kemp has been ridiculed every year until this year but he is untouchable too many factors saying he is not untouchable.
The Dodgers have made payroll every month. And the only factor that matters is the Dodgers have said he is not going to be traded. For anything. How hard is that for you to understand? NOT HAPPENING. And you really think your offer is good enough? Because it would not even be close.
Memphis
July 30th, 2011
4:53 pm
I think we should probably see if the Cardinals want to trade Pujols also. Maybe we could get Kemp,Pujols and Tulo. Maybe the Cardinals will throw in Holliday, and the Rockies Ubaldo. Get it done Frank! lol
TnBrian
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
LOL! What if we do end up getting Coco at the very last second tomorrow? Not really a LOL, but damn that would be so maddening you’d almost have to LOL!
mae a trade, any trade!! over pay for a minimal upgrade if you have to!!!!
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
do something!!!!!
right now wejust have a group of over paid, under achieving, never were’s, or never will be’s..
DO SOME THING!!!!!
bozz
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
“Acquire Bourn for this season, then trade him along with a good pitching prospect for Quentin”
What would be the point of that? Let’s say you give up three prospects for Bourn or two and a MLB-level player, then you ant to trade Bourn AND another prospect when you can have Quentin for the same number (and quality) of players as a straight-up Bourn deal?
Bama Brave
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
Breaking news! The Atlanta Braves landed matt kemp for our fab four of top pitchers. Minor, Teheran,Delgado,vizcaino.
Nick Saban
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
Minor, Schafer, and some other scrub in exchange for Bourn’s services through 2012. Do it, Frank.
Peter
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
I really can’t wait for 4:00 to come and go tomorrow. That way we can go back and focus on the players we actually have.
Bravesfan2011
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
What the heck is taking Frank Wren so long. This is a no brainer. Bourn would provide a huge spark at the top of the lineup, great defense. Trade whatever prospects is needed to get him !!!
Jerry Blooger
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
Tim McCarver is HORRIBLE. Anybody else listening to this
BFChris26
July 30th, 2011
4:55 pm
CaughtOffBase Nadia Dajani
I’m told Bourn was practically a done deal to ATL, can’t say source, don’t know if HOU has changed asking $$$
Memphis
July 30th, 2011
4:55 pm
I was obviously being sarcastic. I know some of those teams don’t need CF. But I guarentee you if a player the capability of Matt Kemp as avaliable, it would be made “known” to every team. So to talk about it is stupid.
UNCBrave
July 30th, 2011
4:56 pm
We get Upton/ Bourne and Willingham…
Where’s the RELIEVER
I’d trade Minor for Adams of San Diego
superiorblogman
July 30th, 2011
4:56 pm
Bama Brave
July 30th, 2011
4:54 pm
Breaking news! The Atlanta Braves landed matt kemp for our fab four of top pitchers. Minor, Teheran,Delgado,vizcaino.
No Sir, thats too much.
Ward
July 30th, 2011
4:56 pm
I have ESPN News, and I’m checking around for any breaking stuff.Boon Sucks,and he doesn’t know what he’s talking about on ESPN. He doesn’t know Constanza has been called up too.What a dilwead Boon is.Shows he should do more research,before opening his mouth,and I think it was a smart move not to get Pence. Now we can focus on a lead off hitter. Boon do me a favor next time,and say nothing.