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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,024 comments Add your comment
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
10:16 am
Does that mean Joe Blanton has been promoted to one of the “4 Aces?”
They are stuck paying him 10.5 million in 2012 to be their 5th starter. Vance Worley will be their #4 starter. I guess it could be worse for them, they could be paying their 5th starter 15 million…
Couch Tater
October 25th, 2011
10:19 am
MLB Network, spokeswoman Lorraine Fisher says, today will announce its first sabermetrics-based show: Clubhouse Confidential, which will be hosted by Brian Kenny and premiere Nov. 7 – USAToday
The same date that Pythagoras started broadcasting the Peloponesian League. From the Greek scrolls…
“The mainstream media gives that dude, Cyrus the Great, too much credit.
He does have one heluva zone rating when you look at his conquest quotient (Cq) but Achaemenes really built the dynasty. I’m chalking a lot of that up to defensive indifference.” – November 7, 536BC, P of the Sam, GSPN
Hollywould
October 25th, 2011
10:20 am
Am I the only person who thinks Larussa is a pathological liar?
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
10:21 am
Hamels, Cain, Greinke, Marcum, Danks, Liriano, Carmona, A. Sanchez, J. Sanchez, Peavy, McCarthy, Guthrie, Zambrano, C. Lewis, Lohse are notable starting pitcher free agents after 2012.
Bat Masterson
October 25th, 2011
10:22 am
Good read, DOB. Thanks
PMC
October 25th, 2011
10:23 am
Terdoslavich would have to be the greatest jersey seller of all time.
What an awesome name.
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
10:23 am
MLB Network, spokeswoman Lorraine Fisher says, today will announce its first sabermetrics-based show: Clubhouse Confidential, which will be hosted by Brian Kenny and premiere Nov. 7 – USAToday
I heard about this. I don’t have MLB Network anymore so it stinks for me….
I think the network overall has been a success. Baseball is a 12 month sport, imo.
Bat Masterson
October 25th, 2011
10:23 am
Get well soon, nolie.
You’re sorely missed around here
Murph
October 25th, 2011
10:25 am
I dedicate my second place finish in the last blog to nolie. Hope to see you on the blog soon old man.
Hawked Out
October 25th, 2011
10:26 am
Oswalt is a country boy. He would fit in nicely as a Brave with Chipper.
I know, we got tons of starting pitching…
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
10:26 am
Lots of outfielders next year too:
Left fielders
Josh Hamilton (32)
Carlos Lee (37)
Luke Scott (35)
Delmon Young (27)
Center fielders
Michael Bourn (30)
Marlon Byrd (35)
Melky Cabrera (28)
Curtis Granderson (32) – $13MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Matt Kemp (28)
Angel Pagan (31)
Aaron Rowand (35)
B.J. Upton (28)
Shane Victorino (32)
Right fielders
Matt Diaz (35)
Andre Ethier (31)
Torii Hunter (37)
Carlos Quentin (30)
Ryan Spilborghs (33)
Ichiro Suzuki (39)
Murph
October 25th, 2011
10:33 am
I look at Efrim’s list and all I see is a Yankee outfield made up of Hamilton in left, Kemp in center, and Quentin in right.
McFann O O o
October 25th, 2011
10:39 am
dogman They certainly could have used one or both of them this year the way McCann played.
Dang, man! BMac just had the 1.75 bad month…just so happens that it was at the end of the season so that’s all anyone seems to remember…
Murph
October 25th, 2011
10:39 am
And a Braves OF made up of Lee in left, Rowand in center, and a Hunter/Heyward platoon in right.
Sigh….
Mike in Marietta
October 25th, 2011
10:42 am
I had a McRib last night then dropped a mighty Terdoslavich.
McFann O O o
October 25th, 2011
10:43 am
Wow, Mike Napoli’s really on a roll…hot dog!…
DAP
October 25th, 2011
10:47 am
DS1 if only gonzo could hit his career numbers. boy, a .290 OBP would hae been nice in 2011, hunh?
Anybody that can field as well as Gonzo, if he could hit 250/300/400, he’d be a godsend.
sadly, that person is not alex gonzalez. lets move on.
bravefaninBC Scutaro has averaged 5 to 6 million dollars per year and has options with the Red Sox I think. That seems to be out of the Braves range even if he leaves the Sox
scutaro’s average salary has been around $2mil per season in his career. braves can pay him what they are paying sea bass and with his red sox buyout, he can be making $4mil next season. id give him a two year deal if i were wren.
McFann O O o
October 25th, 2011
10:49 am
Tom O’Hawke Actually, I’ve been saving comments from nolie’s well-wishers, ever since Big Jake made that post.
Big Jake works two jobs and isn’t here too often. But I figured I’d leave him a post with everyone’s thoughts on that list, in a day or two. Maybe he can print it out and give it to nolie when he visits him in the hospital.
That’s a good idea!
Sure hope he gets better.
Random
October 25th, 2011
10:51 am
DOB (1:19 pm October 21, 2011): “Ex-White Sox hitting coach Walker was hired to replace fired Braves hitting coach Larry Parrish, and Scott Fletcher was hired for a hybrid role as assistant hitting coach — a new position for the Braves — and advance scout.”
Scott Fletcher, the left-handed third baseman?!?!?
Gimme a break.
PS: (Hybrid, my ass — well, okay, maybe. A left-handed third baseman —
.)
Fairbrave
October 25th, 2011
11:05 am
I bet the Nationals get Oswalt and they are going after some top free agents including Reyes and outfielders. If we are not careful the Braves could easily be the third or fourth team in the east.
We must go after a 25-30 homerun hitter for left field and get Heyward back strong.
Brent
October 25th, 2011
11:05 am
tom waits = ugh. you call that singing. i wouldn’t pay a dime for that crap
Arkansas Transplant
October 25th, 2011
11:11 am
I’d be okay with Delmon Young out in LF next year.
Murph
October 25th, 2011
11:14 am
Isn’t Delmon Young the guy that karate kicked a catcher in the minors?
dap01
October 25th, 2011
11:19 am
Play Hicks, give Pastornicky a few months at AAA. With the money saved, get a left fielder.
Ted
October 25th, 2011
11:21 am
I think trading for Diaz signaled the end of Hinske, though I would prefer Hinske of the two. But neither can play CF. And Braves only carried 5 bench guys. Ross and Constanza (can play CF) seem givens. They’ll need a SS. And I can’t see them carrying 3 OF (Hinske, Diaz and Constanza) and only 1 U infielder. So, Diaz being RH (LH-heavy team) and under contract seems to make Hinske (only costs $100K option) a goner. Hope I’m wrong.
And as for Simmons, while not this winter, I have no issues if he’s traded *if* they feel Pastornicky is the SS for the next 6 years. Everyone gripes about the Andrus trade, but they had no reason to keep Andrus and Escobar if they felt the latter was their long-term answer. And, based on his play in 2011, it seems his play justified keeping him over Andrus (I won’t get into his clubhouse stuff). The reality is you don’t play two SS and it is a waste to let one rot in the minors. At some point, if both show they are ML-ready, one of Pastornicky and Simmons will be dealt. BTW, this same decision will loom in a couple of years between McCann and Bethancourt, if the latter shows he’s ML-ready.
monty
October 25th, 2011
11:24 am
DOB- “Joe Torre to consider “batting” alcohol in all clubhouses”
That is sure to make a mess. Sounds like fun though. And on a lighter note, a scathing rebuke of La Russa’s in-game decisions and his excuses for why they lost by Ken Rosenthal on ESPN today.Good read.
monty
October 25th, 2011
11:27 am
McFann
I’m very impressed with Napoli. The real deal.
David O'Brien
October 25th, 2011
11:27 am
SI’s Tom Verducci also had a fine analysis of last night’s La Russa mixups that makes Tony’s explanations seem a bit far-fetched:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tom_verducci/10/25/game.5/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a1
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
11:32 am
Hicks isn’t a major league SS.
McFann O O o
October 25th, 2011
11:33 am
monty—
Glad he’s in the AL!
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
11:34 am
The Angels traded Mike Napoli to Toronto for Vernon Wells.
I repeat:
The Angels traded Mike Napoli to Toronto for Vernon Wells.
Arkansas Transplant
October 25th, 2011
11:38 am
Isn’t Delmon Young the guy that karate kicked a catcher in the minors?
At least you know he has skills.
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
11:39 am
In 432 plate appearances, Napoli his.320/.414/.631, 171 OPS+ with 58 walks, 30 home runs, 25 doubles and 1 triple.
In 529 plate appearances, Vernon Wells hit .218/.248/.412, 83 OPS+ with 20 walks, 25 home runs, 15 doubles and 4 triples.
Astounding.
TennesseePaul
October 25th, 2011
11:40 am
They are stuck paying him 10.5 million in 2012 to be their 5th starter.
You know, I’d rather the Braves be stuck paying Blanton $10.5M to be a 5th starter than paying Lowe $15M to be a 5th starter.
DAP
October 25th, 2011
11:42 am
ted Ross and Constanza (can play CF) seem givens.
instead of constanza, maybe they can get a 4th outfielder capable of playing CF. like cody ross, scott hairston, ect.
jeffrey d
October 25th, 2011
11:50 am
The Angels traded Mike Napoli to Toronto for Vernon Wells.
In all fairness, the Angels were hoping he’d regain his All Star form…but then he Andruwed.
But holy cow…I just looked up Napoli’s numbers and I had no idea he was putting up those kinds of stats. It used to be that McCann’s only competition for best offensive catcher in baseball was Mauer. Now we’ve got Napoli and probably Posey.
unbelievable
October 25th, 2011
11:52 am
“You know, I’d rather the Braves be stuck paying Blanton $10.5M to be a 5th starter than paying Lowe $15M to be a 5th starter. – TP”
Lowe is probably projected to be our 8th starter next year. 9th if you want to count Medlen.
Murph
October 25th, 2011
11:54 am
instead of constanza, maybe they can get a 4th outfielder capable of playing CF. like cody ross, scott hairston, ect.
Andruw
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
11:57 am
You know, I’d rather the Braves be stuck paying Blanton $10.5M to be a 5th starter than paying Lowe $15M to be a 5th starter.
I know, that’s why I posted this right below it:
I guess it could be worse for them, they could be paying their 5th starter 15 million…
TennesseePaul
October 25th, 2011
11:59 am
The Angels traded Mike Napoli to Toronto for Vernon Wells.
Are you implying the Braves could have him in 2012 for Derek Lowe?
Arkansas Transplant
October 25th, 2011
12:01 pm
You know, I’d rather the Braves be stuck paying Blanton $10.5M to be a 5th starter than paying Lowe $15M to be a 5th starter.
Isn’t that the truth!!
jeffrey d
October 25th, 2011
12:01 pm
I just hope Lowe’s not the opening day starter
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
12:01 pm
In all fairness, the Angels were hoping he’d regain his All Star form…but then he Andruwed.
I don’t know, jeffrey d. In 2009-2010, he hit .266/.321/.456 as a 30 and 31 year old. Blue Jays did a good job selling high off of a 125 OPS+ season, but it was a bad decision to think Wells could keep that up at his age.
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
12:03 pm
I just hope Lowe’s not the opening day starter
Hah! May as well announce it now: Tim Hudson will take the ball on opening day, April 2012.
wjones
October 25th, 2011
12:07 pm
Wait for Epstein to get all settled in, Frank, then call him and offer him Lowe (who did win a WS for him in Boston) for Zambrano—straight up. See if he bites. Who knows? Wouldn’t HE be an exciting player to have around? Would make Yunel look like a choir boy.
CB
October 25th, 2011
12:08 pm
Lowe is opening day starter and Fredi will have just fired himself.
Lew
October 25th, 2011
12:17 pm
Andruw might be worthwhile if he were to hit against LHP as a part of a platoon. Hnwever, his numbers against RHP the past couple of years have beeb pretty terrible and considering he wouldn’t be platooning, but playing everyday when Prado is at third……..maybe he’s not the best option.
McFann O O o
October 25th, 2011
12:18 pm
Yeah, jeez, Napoli is good…my lord…
He did DH 18 games and play 35 games (27 starts) at first base this past season (caught 61 games—57 starts). But still…nice numbers…What the devil was wrong with the Angels?? Nitwits…
DAP
October 25th, 2011
12:19 pm
jeffery d I just hope Lowe’s not the opening day starter
id like himt o be slotted 5th so they can skip him a few times, but as long as i dont have to watch him on the braves home opener, im cool with that. looks like whoever gets slotted #2 will get the home opener nod, and id be ok if that was huddy again.
ill never forget the opening day when i got to watch mark redmond get lit up. it was a terrible night and i wasnt happy at all.
Lew
October 25th, 2011
12:21 pm
Kind of difficult for Lowe to start on opening day when Frank Wren said he doesn’t envision him even being in the rotation.
DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:22 pm
Lew
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing about Andruw. He’d be a heckuva right handed Hinske off the bench (to go against lefties). But we have Diaz on payroll now for that role.
It’ll be an interesting winter.
George
October 25th, 2011
12:22 pm
McFann O O o
October 25th, 2011
10:49 am
Tom O’Hawke Actually, I’ve been saving comments from nolie’s well-wishers, ever since Big Jake made that post.
Big Jake works two jobs and isn’t here too often. But I figured I’d leave him a post with everyone’s thoughts on that list, in a day or two. Maybe he can print it out and give it to nolie when he visits him in the hospital.
That’s a good idea! Sure hope he gets better.
**********************************************************************************
The above is reaaly a nice thought by TOM O’
DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:24 pm
jeffrey/McFann
Napoli is having a great year. Let’s wait and see if he can continue at that torrid pace.
But agreed that Posey is special too.
But in my world, I am not sitting around comparing McCann with other catchers. What’s the use? He’s a top hitting catcher. That’s all that matters. #1 or #2 or #3 doesn’t really matter, he’s OUR #1.
Tomahawkin
October 25th, 2011
12:26 pm
Dump Blowe To Philly or WhineBrenner And The Yanks if and only if they eat 8 mill of Blowe’s Salary next year…
Nate McLouth will be Ol Yellered in 10 days…That arguably has been Wren’s worst trade since he has been GM…
ijudgenot
October 25th, 2011
12:32 pm
Did anyone hear what Napoli and Young said about their big hits last night? Both said that they were just trying to be “short” with their swing. I guess that meant shortening your swing in order to make solid contact. The use by both of the “short” term means that it is a concept taught by their hitting coach. I hope Walker has some similar concept that can be taught and demanded of the Braves hitters next year instead of the free swingging concept that now is used by the Braves.
DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:34 pm
I don’t think any team would be willing to pay Lowe 7 million for 4.5 runs per game and 175 innings per year. That’s 5th starter area. Not seeing anyone paying that much of his salary.
Maybe 4-5 million?
DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:39 pm
I realize that 90% of the bloggers don’t want to hear this, but if I’m Frank Wren, I’d sit down and talk with McLouth and his agent about an incentive loaded contract for next year.
If the guy was hurt most of the time here, what’s the down side? We offer a base of 1 million with plate appearance incentives. If he goes 265/355/425 we win. Even if it’s only against righties.
OK, time to pile on……….
DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:40 pm
Last post for a little while: I hope tomorrow night the Rangers kicks the Cardinals arses so badly, they have to stand for a week! Nothing could be better for Tony L in my book.
Murph
October 25th, 2011
12:40 pm
Diaz is the OF version of Lowe. Every appearance he made last season just further illustrated the fact that he’s done. Whatever talent he once possessed has faded with age to the point where he isn’t really a viable MLB player anymore.
If the final roster spot comes down to Diaz or Hinske, I’d rather see the Braves drop Diaz and pick up Hinske’s option, despite the cost. If Andruw is available for Hinske-type dollars then I see signing him while dropping Diaz and Hinske as an excellent move.
Yes, Andruw has struggled against RHP, but his numbers against LHP are excellent. Plus, bringing him back to Atlanta and having him work again with a hitting coach who helped him in the past… I just don’t see much downside to it, so long as he’s as cheap or cheaper than he was last year.
Murph
October 25th, 2011
12:42 pm
I realize that 90% of the bloggers don’t want to hear this, but if I’m Frank Wren, I’d sit down and talk with McLouth and his agent about an incentive loaded contract for next year.
You are NOT my friend anymore.
Random
October 25th, 2011
12:43 pm
Big Jake (& Tom O’Hawke) –
Please give nolie my best — we’re all thinking of him here.
.
PS:and give ‘im a milkshake for me.
DAP
October 25th, 2011
12:44 pm
DS1 Napoli is having a great year. Let’s wait and see if he can continue at that torrid pace.
he wont. but he is easily an .800 OPS catcher, always has been. that puts him on the list of top offensive catchers year to year.
DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:44 pm
Murph
Would Andruw’s ego allow him to take that sort of a role with the Braves. Easier done in a city where you are not a legend.
The bench development is going to be interesting. I think we retain Hinske. I believe Conrad is history if he doesn’t hit in the spring. Too bad, as I like Brooksie.
jeffrey d
October 25th, 2011
12:46 pm
That arguably has been Wren’s worst trade since he has been GM…
Trading for a reigning All Star with some speed coming off a good season? Yeah, what a maroon.
Murph
October 25th, 2011
12:46 pm
Until you take back your McNate comment I can’t hear you DS1… LA LA LA LA LA, I CAN’T HEAR YOU!!!
DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:47 pm
Murph
I realize you don’t believe Nate is capable of hitting his career norms before coming to ATL. But if he did, you’d probably love to have him. Right? That’s all I’m saying. Pay him a small base with incentives, if he’ll take it. Let’s see what kind of pride he has.
(this is all contingent on him being healthy in February)
DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:48 pm
Hey, Murph. Can you hear me now? How about now?
How about now?
later folks (not taking it back……)
IABrave
October 25th, 2011
12:51 pm
NO WAY Constanza is their 4th OF. If he is the Braves are no better then they were last year. I hope they keep Hinske and I bet they probably keep Diaz since of his guaranteed contract. I wouldn’t be surprised if they let Conrad go to make room for the 4th OF or UT guy
Random
October 25th, 2011
12:52 pm
Fairbrave (October 25th, 2011 1:05 am): “I bet the Nationals get Oswalt and they are going after some top free agents including Reyes and outfielders. If we are not careful the Braves could easily be the third or fourth team in the east.”
Dude, you left out your middle name — “weather”.
jeffrey d
October 25th, 2011
12:58 pm
I know it’s not hard for him to do this, but I don’t think Nate will have as nearly as bad a year as he had last year.
Random
October 25th, 2011
1:00 pm
Murph (October 25th, 2011 12:40 pm): “Diaz is the OF version of Lowe.”
Yepper — you finally got one right.
(The stopped clock syndrome, I would imagine.)
The two of them will vie for NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2012.
“Take it to the bank.”
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
1:05 pm
What an incredibly refreshing line of statements from Theo Epstein during his presser this morning – via MLBTradeRumors.com:
“Our goal will be to build the best scouting department in the game,” explained Epstein. He stressed “sustained success” and noted that the Cubs’ 2011 draft marked a “clear philosophical change” in his eyes. Epstein will also be able to grow the Cubs’ baseball operations staff.
He may be overrated as a front office executive due to the poor free agent signings he’s made recently, but I don’t think you hear the comments above and think the guy is full of it or lying. I’d believe him because of his track record, if I were a Cubs fan. Theo gets it.
Random
October 25th, 2011
1:07 pm
DS1 (October 25th, 2011 12:39 pm): “I realize that 90% of the bloggers don’t want to hear this, but if I’m Frank Wren, I’d sit down and talk with McLouth and his agent about an incentive loaded contract for next year.
“If the guy was hurt most of the time here, what’s the down side? We offer a base of 1 million with plate appearance incentives. If he goes 265/355/425 we win. Even if it’s only against righties.”
I like the way you think.
.
.
.
(Sometimes.)
wjones
October 25th, 2011
1:07 pm
“DS1
October 25th, 2011
12:39 pm
I realize that 90% of the bloggers don’t want to hear this, but if I’m Frank Wren, I’d sit down and talk with McLouth and his agent about an incentive loaded contract for next year.
If the guy was hurt most of the time here, what’s the down side? We offer a base of 1 million with plate appearance incentives. If he goes 265/355/425 we win. Even if it’s only against righties.”
Without looking, I’m not sure what McLouth’s buyout is…it might be bigger than the contract you are proposing. If so, it would not be prudent for McLouth to do this with the Braves. Now, he could do it with another org, and that plus pocketing the buyout would make sense.
jeffrey d
October 25th, 2011
1:12 pm
Has Don been around here recently? He surfaced on Bradley’s blog
If we want to talk about an UNBELIEVABLE SNAFU –
WHAT ABOUT the Braves in the Six or Seven years since Leo left as the Pitching Coach – having a situatin in which ALMOST EVERY STARTING PITCHER THAT THEY HAVE HAD IN THE ROTATION for those Six or Seven years becomming INJURED at some point – and THEY STILL DO NOT MAKE A CHANGE IN PITCHING COACHES.
EVERYTHING ELSE (who they acquire, who they bring up, how good their hitters are, how good their defense is) EVERYTHING ELSE IS MEANINGLESS AS LONG AS THEY CONTINUE WITH THIS SITUATION.
Right now the three young Starting Pitchers (JJ, Hanson, and Medlin) who should have formed the core for a great rotation for years to come — ARE ALL INJURED – and who knows if they will ever come back and be really effective again.
jeffrey d
October 25th, 2011
1:15 pm
Apparently Roger’s been putting pitchers in full nelsons
McFann O O o
October 25th, 2011
1:28 pm
DS1—
Oh, I wasn’t comparing Napoli to BMac! Don’t wanna be unfair to the kid…
But he has been at it longer than Posey has…
McFann O O o
October 25th, 2011
1:29 pm
George The above is reaaly a nice thought by TOM O’
Yes, it is.
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
1:34 pm
Only two catchers I take over McCann, and that’s because of age – Buster Posey and Carlos Santana.
BravesFanSince80's
October 25th, 2011
1:35 pm
I can’t believe what I’m reading here: keep Nate McClousy? WTF?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jeez, why not just go get Phil Niekro out of retirement to anchor the starting rotation if we’re talking total horse s h i t here!
DS1
October 25th, 2011
1:39 pm
wjones
McLouth gets the buyout even if he doesn’t sign with anybody. I’m saying after he has been bought out, then sign him.
Kinda like what the Phillies will try with Oswalt and Lidge.
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
1:39 pm
Brantley, Choo, Kipnis, Cabrera, Chisenhall, Santana. Cleveland has a good core for an offense. Ubaldo, Masterson, Carmona in the rotation. They could use a couple more starters though and one more legit bat to hit in the middle of the order. Hafner is an immovable contract so he’s probably their DH.
DS1
October 25th, 2011
1:47 pm
Efrim
The Braves are pretty young (or at their peak) at all but 2 major positions. And 1 if Gonzo is not retained.
BravesFanSince80's
October 25th, 2011
1:58 pm
Brandon Hicks may not be a MLB SS but after last year, I’m not sure Alex Gonzalez is anymore either, at least on the offensive side of the ball…
DS1
October 25th, 2011
1:59 pm
For those simple minded folks that want to brand McLouth as McClousy (at least leave out the C, could ya?), take a listen here:
OPS as a Brave: 708/687/677/674
Those are Heyward/Prado/McClousy/Bourn
Random, can you copy this down for the Pepperidge Blog please? McLouth will OBP and OPS better than Bourn in 2012.
DAP
October 25th, 2011
2:01 pm
DS1 McLouth will OBP and OPS better than Bourn in 2012.
that isnt too far fetched. ill join you on that one, wayne.
BravesFanSince80's
October 25th, 2011
2:02 pm
ANYBODY who has watched Nate McLouth or HOWEVER you spell his name for the past two seasons in Atlanta and still thinks it would be a good idea to bring him back, retarded statistical data notwithstanding, has no business calling anyone else SIMPLE MINDED…
DS1
October 25th, 2011
2:03 pm
Gonzo’s career numbers: 247/291/399 2011: 241/270/372
Didn’t really fall that far now, did he?
The only way I play Hicks or Hernandez at the major league level is if I truly believe Pastornicky is 2-3 months away from performing on the major league level. And then only to save a few bucks for 1 more bat.
Otherwise we really need to pursue Gonzo for another year or two.
richbrave
October 25th, 2011
2:04 pm
raleighbravefan:
You asked what prospects I think are down on the farm. Please bear in mind, I have not eye-balled these players as I once did here in RICHMOND, so stats are all I can go by. However, I tend to judge these fellows more on a ‘what have you done for me lately basis’ rather than their overall body of work in the minors.
GWINNETT
Most starters and reliefers saw ATLANTA at one time or another in 2011. I’ll talk about some of the others who might get a shot eventually.
At SP
TODD REDMOND [2.92 ERA] despite an overall solid season at AAA is still inconsistant at times although less so this past season. But at 27 next year, he’s in his prime years, and still a AAAA pitcher in my estimation.
RP
YOHAN FLANDE [4.01 ERA] a AAA FA pick-up last season, was inconsistant until near the end of the season when I saw some uptick in his work. He’s a tall 26 year-old lefty, but at this point, I wouldn’t project him to ATLANTA. Short shelf-life with a bit too far to go in the improvement department. He does have some limited potential if he has rapid development. To that end, he’s playing for the EASTERN BULLS in DOMINICA this winter. So far, results about the same as GWINNETT.
BILLY BULLOCK [4.53 ERA-AA], age 26, will more than likely be given a chance in AAA this year. He’s doing the AZL thing this fall, and not that well so far. Projection…….two years IF he makes it.
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
2:07 pm
McLouth will OBP and OPS better than Bourn in 2012.
that isnt too far fetched. ill join you on that one, wayne.
Just the fact that such things are discussed is why I’d like to hold off on an extension for Bourn. He’s just not that great of a hitter. Provides value in the field and on the basepaths. Not very good with the stick. And I think he is going to get something like 4 or 5 years for 10-11 million per year.
DAP
October 25th, 2011
2:09 pm
DS1 Gonzo’s career numbers: 247/291/399 2011: 241/270/372
Didn’t really fall that far now, did he?
no, he has always been absolutely horrible at the plate. whats your point?
there are several good options for SS on the free agent market this winter. lets not be so narrowly focused that we think the worst offensive player on a terrible offensive team is a must have.
BravesFanSince80's
October 25th, 2011
2:09 pm
I watched nearly every game this year and YES I no longer care to watch Alex Gonzalez swing at strike three as it bounces two feet from the plate, it got so bad that when he came up to bat I left the room to get a snack or something just to avoid watching him flail away aimlessly. Regardless of what he costs or what our other options are, no more Alex Gonzalez PLEASE!
DS1
October 25th, 2011
2:12 pm
BravesFanSince80’s
I have been a Braves fan since the 60’s. And where were you when the revelation came that Nate might have been suffering from a sports hernia for a good part of the last couple of years? And do you pay any attention to stats?
I’m not saying Nate is the second coming of Lou Brock. But I am saying that after we pay him his buyout, why not sit down with him on a incentive loaded contract for next year?
We need a hitter who can take a walk. Last year, Nate’s AVE/OBP was 228/344. That’s 44 walks in a little over 300 plate appearances. IF he is healthy, he’d probably be better than most folks we can afford.
But having said all that, I really don’t see FW making that play.
But I damn sure would.
Efrim
October 25th, 2011
2:12 pm
BILLY BULLOCK [4.53 ERA-AA], age 26
I think Bullock turns 24 in February of 2012….
Snotboogie
October 25th, 2011
2:15 pm
I dont know if people know about this (or even care), but on reading one of Joe Poz’s recent blog it seems like he is writing a book on Paterno. Joe Poz on Joe Pa – sure to be a good read.
IABrave
October 25th, 2011
2:16 pm
Come on guys….You are not comparing Bourn to McLouth. I am not saying Bourn was amazing, but given a full year, he will be the lead off hitter the braves haven’t had since Furcal. Bourn actually is a threat on the base paths. Granted I do believe McLouth will be better, but you are expecting miracles out of him and he hasn’t done it for 3 years. The only way he stays with the braves is at a 4th OF and we already have Diaz, so we really do not need 2 light hitting OF on the bench
DS1
October 25th, 2011
2:17 pm
DAP and BravesFansince……..
We’re just going to have to agree to disagree on Gonzo. D is more important in my world that a little bit more OBP. Take out the top 5-6 SS’s in baseball, and the rest are either bad hitters or low OBP guys.
I prefer the devil I know to the devil I don’t know.
Efrim
100% agreed on Bourn. Let’s not make a mistake we might regret with him. Very streaky hitter.
BravesFanSince80's
October 25th, 2011
2:20 pm
DS1: I pay attention to statistics when it can really tell me something, but I don’t need to look at a stat sheet to know that Nate McLouth sucks DDD…
IABrave
October 25th, 2011
2:20 pm
100% agreed on Bourn. Let’s not make a mistake we might regret with him. Very streaky hitter.
At least he can string a hit streak together, has McLouth ever had a hit streak with the Braves?
BravesFanSince80's
October 25th, 2011
2:21 pm
oh and by the way, I’ve had that same injury and have been through the surgery and recovery involved so I have a fair amount of experience on the subject and a sports hernia wouldn’t affect somebody’s SWING!