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2,555 comments Add your comment
richbrave
November 1st, 2011
8:09 am
EASE is da’ man.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
8:09 am
Jones – 14 million
Uggla – 12.4 million
Lowe – 10 million
Hudson – 9.33 million
McCann – 5.54 million
Diaz – 2 million
Ross – 1.625 million
Hinske – 1.5 million
8 players with guaranteed contracts – 56.395 million
Bourn – 6.5 million
Jurrjens – 5.1 million
Prado – 4.4 million
O’Flaherty – 2.4 million
4 players with arbitration raises – 18.4 million
12 players – 74.795 million
Yeah, when adding minimum salary players, they probably do have something like 10-12 million to use even if the arbitration numbers are slightly off either way.
Bluestreak
November 1st, 2011
8:10 am
Best way to improve the bench, move Prado back to Super-Utility role (ala Michael Young) and bring in another power bat to stick in left with decent defense (let Bourn play a wider centerfield since he has the speed and defense to do it).
So Dave, what about this Colombian? That sounds more interesting than the other info you laid out about the Braves…
Kat
November 1st, 2011
8:11 am
David, thanks for the great morning read.
Jerry
November 1st, 2011
8:26 am
Just got through reading about the upcoming Gold Glove awards. I was amazed to find that the award for first base will be between Joey Votto, Gaby Sanchez, and James Loney. Are you friggin kidding me? I know that rookies never win a gold glove, but Freddie Freeman is so far above any other first baseman in baseball that it’s not even funny. I really doubt that any other first baseman has meant as much to his team defensively as Freeman has to this team. Just unbelievable!
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Efrim
November 1st, 2011
8:27 am
By doing averages of 2011 payroll for the Braves, I got to around 93 million – however that’s after the Bourn trade and figuring that we only paid around 1 million of his remaining contract. So all in all, it’s a little over 10 million that they can additionally spend for 2012. Whew. Makes me feel better. J/K.
TDub
November 1st, 2011
8:28 am
After overspending on Lowe and dealing with another expensive, oft-injured player (McClouth), I seriously doubt the Braves will go after Reyes. Dangling Beachy or Jurrjens for a SS, however, I could definitely see.
reckingball
November 1st, 2011
8:38 am
The Braves can go all the way in 2012.
GO BRAVES!!!!!
historyman
November 1st, 2011
8:42 am
Good thing Terdoslavich is coming along after Bobby Cox. Nickname issues.
1eyedJack
November 1st, 2011
8:47 am
Would have loved to hear Skip Carey pronounce Terdoslavich.
1eyedJack
November 1st, 2011
8:49 am
I think Bobby would have went with Joey. It already has a long e sound.
richbrave
November 1st, 2011
8:49 am
That’s Ter-das-la-vic to you historyman.
Dum Dum Dugan
November 1st, 2011
8:51 am
Credit where credit is due department: I believe Butch Hancock wrote “She Never Spoke Spanish To Me”.
richbrave
November 1st, 2011
8:51 am
Tdub:
That’s McOUT to you sir, as in he-e–e’s outta’ here.
Lew
November 1st, 2011
8:57 am
Schafer, McLouth and Lowe gone and replaced by Bourn and Minor. I’d say that the Braves are already considerably improved.
bozz
November 1st, 2011
9:01 am
Barring injury, are we thinking that Pastornicky is a year away, maybe late summer?
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
9:05 am
JoeBrave where did I call Mac trash???
Right…about…
I said he was questionable defensively, and calls a poor game
Yeah, there we go. That’ll work…
Marky Marked
November 1st, 2011
9:09 am
DOB, I sure hope Pastornicky gets a shot at SS in spring training. I’m beyond tired of Alex Gonzalez weak bat.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:11 am
As much as I disliked the #7 overall selection of Mike Minor in the 2009 draft, he absolutely deserves to have a spot in this rotation come next spring. I think there may end up being a competition for the Braves #5 spot between Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado if Tommy Hanson is injured and needs to start the year on the DL. But I think Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy, Minor should be the rotation to start the year in 2012. If Hanson is out, then Hudson, Jurrjens, Beachy, Minor and Teheran or Delgado.
So with all that said, I really hope Hanson is healthy……
1eyedJack
November 1st, 2011
9:13 am
Pastornicky needs to take a gazillion ground balls.
1eyedJack
November 1st, 2011
9:15 am
Jurrjens and Hanson are both Scott Boras clients? Don’t expect them to stay with the Braves. Trade one or both of them now.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
9:18 am
Thanks for the work DOB.
It’s nice that Wren is fast with the movies on Lowe and options, but if he keeps moving this fast, there isn’t going to be much to talk about this winter. The team will be built by next weekend and then what? I say, slow down a bit Wren. Pace yourself. Let us enjoy the mystery and intrigue.
And for the tune that has been on my mind these past few days:
The Go Getter
I’ll be the Go Getter
Yes I am
I’ll be the Go Getter
That’s my plan
The Go Getter
Hi-fi boom box
Pretty girl in bobby socks
Afterparty in a hotel room
Pretty soon there will be no moon
Stumble home in the pouring rain
Let the water ease my worried brain
Some days I just can’t get alone
I need a head to lean my shoulders on
Palm trees
The flat broke disease
And L.A. has got me
On my knees
I am
The bluest of blues
Every day
A different
Different way to lose
The Go Getter
The Go Getter
The Go Getter
I got a table at the Rainbow Room
I told my wife I’d be home soon
Big ships are approaching the docks
I got my hi-fi boom box
Mashed potatoes in cellophane
I see my life going down the drain
Hold me baby and don’t let go
Pretty girls help to soften the blow
Palm trees
The flat broke disease
And LA has got me
On my knees
I am
The bluest of blues
Every day
A different way to lose
The Go Getter
The Go Getter
The Go Getter
I’ll be the Go Getter
That’s my plan
That’s who I am
The Go Getter
Yeah the Go Getter
Jeff R
November 1st, 2011
9:19 am
“Nate McLouth, Troy Glaus, Melkey Cabrera, Ryan Church, Derek Lowe, Garret Anderson and Kenshin Kawakami were all mistakes. Which is to be expected because not every move hits pay dirt. But these were free agent and trade acquisitions.
Wren had better learn from his mistakes by improving his thinking because more than anything, these moves have put the Braves budget in tough financial straights these past three years.”
— Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
Not stellar signings or acquisitions (as I look at Coach’s list). But judgments are in hindsight. Lowe did get the Braves to the playoffs in 2010 (otherwise, Big Stumble 2011 would have been preceded by Moderately Big Stumble 2010). Lowe was never a $15 million pitcher, but his 2009 and 2010 performances were close to his norms.
The others on the list? Kawakami – yes, nearly a complete waste of dough. McLouth? In the rear-view mirror, a bomb. The others – Melky, Church, Anderson? Hardly big dollar outlays.
I think Wren is in a clearing payroll mode. I wouldn’t expect any Lowe-type signings or a Chipper-like extension (or an Uggla contract) any time soon.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
9:20 am
But I think Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy, Minor should be the rotation to start the year in 2012.
Agreed. I think, after having Beachy win the spot last Spring, it’s a shoe-in that Minor gets it this Spring. All the rest of these guys won’t be hurt by another season in the minors. Minor on the other hand stands to lose more if down. He seems polished enough to be up.
I am curious to see how well signability plays over the course of a 162 game season.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:23 am
It’s nice that Wren is fast with the movies on Lowe and options, but if he keeps moving this fast, there isn’t going to be much to talk about this winter. The team will be built by next weekend and then what? I say, slow down a bit Wren. Pace yourself. Let us enjoy the mystery and intrigue.
So true. Reeelax, Wren.
And I did it with the averages, TenneseePaul. I think there will be 10-12 million to spend. Probably enough for a LF, everyday SS, utility infielder that can play SS, and perhaps a 4th outfielder.
Or, they could get a LF, move Prado to the bench, get a backup SS that can also play CF and call it a day.
Jeff R
November 1st, 2011
9:24 am
“As much as I disliked the #7 overall selection of Mike Minor in the 2009 draft, he absolutely deserves to have a spot in this rotation come next spring.”
–Efrim
I think Minor has the inside track due to his major league seasoning and his improved big league performance in 2011, but Braves’ brass would be foolish not to allow competition for Lowe’s slot. The Braves need the best of the young pitchers in the rotation. I think that’s likely Minor, but bring on the competition.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
9:25 am
The others – Melky, Church, Anderson? Hardly big dollar outlays.
I don’t know. That Ryan Church trade, where the Braves had him for 2 months… That nearly crippled the team and forced them into bankruptcy court. I know we were all on the edge of our seats waiting to see the team freed of that financial burden. Had it not been for Church this team might have been able to afford Holliday in the outfield.
CB
November 1st, 2011
9:25 am
I see MLBTR has their Top 50 free agent projections and predictions where they end up. The Braves are no where to be seen.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:27 am
Minor on the other hand stands to lose more if down. He seems polished enough to be up.
So true. He has logged enough innings in the minors for a polished, college, SEC lefty.
I am curious to see how well signability plays over the course of a 162 game season.
I can’t express into words how much I disagree with Gone Viral’s views of our draft strategy and system overall. It’s hard to get out anything but huffing and puffing.
Jeff R
November 1st, 2011
9:28 am
TennesseePaul, yep, Church aced us out of Holliday.
tiger297
November 1st, 2011
9:30 am
and speaking of the acquisitions Melky is listed? Can’t cherry pick in your trade analysis can’t remember but didn’t someone else come along in that trade?
Buddy Landell
November 1st, 2011
9:31 am
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1456665/posts
Still think Lowe is a good guy off the field?
tiger297
November 1st, 2011
9:32 am
Efrim – please try…would love to see a good discussion on the topic (are there other examples of organizations that used the strategy and long term results?). Difficult to agree/dismiss without looking at that.
Jeff R
November 1st, 2011
9:33 am
Vizcaino (along with Melky), if memory serves. A solid pitching prospect, of course.
DS1
November 1st, 2011
9:34 am
I think that ultimately Martinez and Medlen will end up in the pen, but one of these two guys could play into the starting rotation if Hanson and/or Jurrjens are not ready to go on opening day.
Huddy, Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy, Minor, Medlen, Martinez, Teheran, Delgado, Vazquez……..
a good young problem to have. But due to the youthfulness and injury history, it could also be painful at times too.
Will possibly require much patience from the organization and from fans.
Chipper is a Redneck
November 1st, 2011
9:37 am
Terrible trade, terrible song.
Get rid of Chipper and maybe I’ll watch a few games next year. Classless redneck thug who called the fans “idiots.” You are the idiot, Chipper. Loser.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
9:41 am
I think there will be 10-12 million to spend. Probably enough for a LF, everyday SS, utility infielder that can play SS, and perhaps a 4th outfielder.
Or, they could get a LF, move Prado to the bench, get a backup SS that can also play CF and call it a day.
At the rate Wren’s moving, we’ll have this answer by lunch.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:43 am
tiger297, for me, it’s all about winning with stars. And the best way to do that is to draft players with big upside early in the draft. Safe, signable, conservative choices still can happen, but there needs to be a good mix, and I don’t believe the Braves have demonstrated that in the last three drafts.
Don
November 1st, 2011
9:46 am
The organization being solid or for that matter anything or everything else is NOT GOING TO MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE — AS LONG AS THE BRAVES CONTINUE with the situation of almost every (if not every) Starting Pitcher they have becomming injured. The way the Braves had the great sting of years was by having outstanding pitching. In recent years, the Braves have again developed/acquird an outstanding, amazing amount of great young pitching talent, BUT ever since Leo left, they have had a situation in which almost every one (if not every one) of their Starting Pitchers has been injured at some point. At the present time, JJ, Hanson, and Medlin should have formed the core of an outstanding staff for years to come, BUT they are all now injured – and who knows if they will ever come back and really be effective. Since McDowell became the Pitching Coach, how many total Starting Pitchers have we had (counting only those who were in the rotation for a reasonable length of time), and HOW MANY OF THOSE (IF ANY) HAVE NOT BEEN INJURED???? THIS IS ABSURD. AS LONG AS THIS CONTINUES, YOU CAN FORGET EVERYTHING ELSE – NOTHING ELSE WILL MATTER – NO MATTER HOW MANY PITCHERS YOU DEVELOP/ACQUIRE, NO MATTER HOW MANY HITTERS YOU ACQUIRE/DEVELOP – NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU IMPROVE THE DEFENSE — Forget winning as long as we continue wiht this INJURY MILL for pitchers.
DawgDad
November 1st, 2011
9:47 am
I’m on-board with the Lowe trade (they got back more than he’s worth at this point), but for the record the Braves did NOT have to trade him to “open a spot” in the starting rotation. Either the player does what you tell him (for example, pitching out of the bullpen) or you need new management. The way the Braves performed in situational hitting last year, maybe it is the latter.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
9:48 am
(are there other examples of organizations that used the strategy and long term results?)
The A’s tended to draft heavy out of college. They sought high floor, signability for a good while there. They’re most notable college heavy draft is a major motion picture right now. They kept that philosophy for a while. That’s the 2002 draft. So 2004 and forward would be the fruits of all those college heavy signability drafts.
Nick N Richmond
November 1st, 2011
9:49 am
I wouldn’t be the least surprised to see McLouth end up in KC. Seems that Dayton Moore loves to pick up the Braves OF scrap and turn it into something of value.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:50 am
And I can’t understand how someone can’t believe in the concept of projection. How in the world is a player in the low minors suppose to be judged? On stats alone? That’s incredibly ridiculous, in my view. No front office operates that way.
Jeff R
November 1st, 2011
9:50 am
I generally accept DOB’s reporting on pros’ opinions of the Braves’ minor league stable of talent. Generally, very good with a depth of pitching talent. We are starting to see some upsides in the Braves’ system at the positions, mid- to longer range… catcher, shortstop, particularly.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:52 am
So 2004 and forward would be the fruits of all those college heavy signability drafts.
And it’s resulted in like one playoff appearance for Billy and crew.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:55 am
We have very solid depth in the system at almost every position except center field and perhaps catcher – although we still possess Bethancourt Evan Gattis and Nick DeSantiago. If you view Cunningham and My. Jones as centerfielders ultimately, then I suppose it looks a little better.
Anyway, the system has depth, but just a lack of impact bats. It’s still a Top 10 system.
DS1
November 1st, 2011
9:59 am
The Gold Glove awards is a total joke. Carlos Beltran? Matt Holliday? Matt Kemp?
Where is Michael Bourn on the CF list???
Jeff R
November 1st, 2011
10:02 am
Bethancourt seems to have strong defensive skills and his bat is showing some promise.
DS1
November 1st, 2011
10:02 am
5 out of our 8 positional starters in 2011 were home grown. I’d say that’s a pretty good track record on our drafting and our org’s overall performance.
3 of our 5 starters (Hanson, Beachy, Minor)
And surprisingly, our best two relievers.
The bench is not as often covered by home grown talent.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
10:03 am
Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday and Matt Kemp might be the worst defensive players at their respective positions. That is ridiculous.
Lemke's Knuckler
November 1st, 2011
10:08 am
Guys, when you’re doing your math to figure out whether the $10 mil figure to spend is accurate, please take into account that Uggla gets a $4 mil raise, McCann gets a $2 mil raise and the arbitration guys should result in a net increase of about $8-10 mil.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
10:16 am
And it’s resulted in like one playoff appearance for Billy and crew.
Yup. And a ton of 2nd, 3rd and last place finishes in the smallest division in the majors. And while the Rangers and Angels can spend, they don’t spend near what the BoSox, Yankees, Phillies, Mets, etc can and mostly do spend.
SmyrnaBob
November 1st, 2011
10:16 am
I wonder if moving Lipka to center announces the chances of resigning Bourne. He is a Scott Boras client.
henry from TN
November 1st, 2011
10:17 am
good deal getting rid of lowe and McLouth they should have gotten rid of hinske also….
jeffrey d
November 1st, 2011
10:18 am
Thanks for the blog, DOB.
FYI – the AJC is still linking the old one under the Daily DOB
Lew
November 1st, 2011
10:20 am
Redneck – Honestly, I doubt if anyone cares if you watch a few games or not.
jeffrey d
November 1st, 2011
10:22 am
Hey Don’s back! And he’s picking up where he left off. At least the guy’s consistent
RC
November 1st, 2011
10:22 am
Dave Cameron of Fangraphs has an article up on ESPN on “5 Offseason Moves that should be made”. Check out #2:
2. The Atlanta Braves should sign Jimmy Rollins
The Braves had a playoff-caliber pitching staff, but their offense simply didn’t produce enough runs to keep the team from falling apart down the stretch. Led by Alex Gonzalez, the Braves’ shortstops combined to post a .267 on-base percentage, and their offensive production at the position ranked 25th in baseball.
Rollins isn’t what he was a few years ago, but he’s still a massive upgrade over what the Braves have in-house at short. In addition, the Braves have a chance to strengthen themselves while weakening their primary competition in the National League East, the Philadelphia Phillies.
Rollins was worth 3.8 wins above replacement in 2011, and while he’s getting older, his underlying skills support similar performance for the next year or two at least. The Braves would receive a 2-3 win upgrade by replacing Gonzalez with Rollins, but perhaps just as importantly, would leave a gaping hole for Philadelphia.
With youngster Freddy Galvis unlikely to be ready for prime time and a free agent market low on talented shortstops, the Phillies would have to scramble to replace Rollins and would not be able to find similar production. Rollins to Atlanta could be as large as a five-win swing in the standings, and the difference between which team wins the division next season.
Here’s the link to the entire piece, though it is an Insider piece:
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7156044/prince-fielder-texas-rangers-other-moves-happen-winter
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
10:22 am
5 out of our 8 positional starters in 2011 were home grown. I’d say that’s a pretty good track record on our drafting and our org’s overall performance.
Wayne, that is a good track record on the previous drafting philosophy. But if you notice, every thing Efrim and I have been pointing at is recent drafts where there has been a clear change in direction away from what brought that success you highlighted. Hence the disappointment and frustration.
Kevin
November 1st, 2011
10:23 am
DOB, got to check out Brother Hawk show live, AWESOME!
Murph
November 1st, 2011
10:24 am
No Lowe, no Kawakami, no McLouth… talk about addition by subtraction!
I love this time of year, when the hot stove starts slowly heating up.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
10:27 am
and while he’s getting older, his underlying skills support similar performance for the next year or two at least
Too bad he won’t sign for a year at about $2M. Otherwise that is one of the worst moves the team could make… Wouldn’t they lose a draft pick or hand a sup pick to the Phils which bumps everyone of the Braves other picks down a notch? All so the Braves could make the Phillies “Scramble” to replace him? No. They can contend with a solid glove bummer stick at short and could get that at minimum from Pastornicky and a stop-gap.
RC
November 1st, 2011
10:27 am
Here’s a chart showing the Braves payroll obligations for next year. It does include the Lowe trade and the McLouth buyout, but hasn’t yet been updated for exercising Hinske option. Either way it’s a good starting point to figure out exactly how much money the team has.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tujElf32-2d237jk3IzWLsg&output=html
VaBravesFan
November 1st, 2011
10:29 am
I think Rollins will get 4 years from Philly. I think the Braves max would be 2 years on any shortstop. There high on Pestornicky.
RC
November 1st, 2011
10:29 am
TennesseePaul,
Based on the amount of money the Braves have available, if they could get him for under $10 million/yr for 3 years I think they would do it. Problem is that I don’t think Rollins will take a contract that low. At the very least I hope the Braves get involved to drive up the $$ and years for Philly when they resign him.
ncscoots
November 1st, 2011
10:29 am
[Rollins'] underlying skills support similar performance for the next year or two at least.
Too bad you’d have to sign him for four to get that year or two.
I like Dave Cameron, for the most part, but he, as do many of the writers at Fangraphs, tends to in-a-vacuum perspectives. A focus on upgrading at SS at this team ignores budget, upcoming farm talent, and the actual areas of offensive concern. If the bangers on this team bang the way they are supposed to, a weak-hitting SS is no detriment. If they don’t, then Troy Tulowitzki wouldn’t make a difference, let alone Jimmy Rollins.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
10:29 am
Anyway, the system has depth, but just a lack of impact bats.
To me, that’s not depth. All glove, no stick, deep into the system is not depth. It’s warm bodies but not what you march up to the majors and win with. And it takes a lot more of those guys to make a trade happen.
RC
November 1st, 2011
10:33 am
Anyway, the system has depth, but just a lack of impact bats.
To me, that’s not depth. All glove, no stick, deep into the system is not depth. It’s warm bodies but not what you march up to the majors and win with. And it takes a lot more of those guys to make a trade happen.
I wouldn’t mistake a player who is “not an impact bat” for a guy who is “all glove, no stick”. I’m thinking guys with a decent bat, but who don’t project as #3 or #4 hitters…guys with bats like Placido Polanco. Very useful, and you need a few in your lineup, but you don’t want them to be the heart of your order.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
10:34 am
Either way it’s a good starting point to figure out exactly how much money the team has.
The team has roughly $12M-$15M to work with. Wren has suggested a corner outfielder will be the target. I’d imagine that is the direction he is going to go. And with Pastornicky in the system, I’d imagine he’ll be looking for a stop gap.
O-me
November 1st, 2011
10:35 am
DSI, glad to hear your son is coming home. Sorry to hear about friends dead..prayers for family.
Hope Nolie is doing well!
Thanks DOB for great report!
….love to hear about future young kids.
Just asking: What about J Carroll SS from Dodgers..are Y Betancourt from Brewers…both had good years and Free Agents.
I like Wilson Betemin as someone said but not hot on DeRosa…he had no power (o hr) this past season.
I like Michael Cuddyer but have no idea what he will cost? A player I like and is ready for ML is Lorenzo Cain..he had great part of year and was traded to Royals… last year they have back log of OF. Make a trade for Cain..Will be cheaper in long run plus good player.
I don’t care for Diaz..I know alot of you do..
Don’t care for Conrad…
I agree with Tenn Paul @ 9:41…about LF, SS and utility… Prado is ? mark..super sub are LF .
Go Braves..get’er done Wren.
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
10:39 am
I’m thinking guys with a decent bat, but who don’t project as #3 or #4 hitters…guys with bats like Placido Polanco…Very useful, and you need a few in your lineup, but you don’t want them to be the heart of your order.
I’m skeptical. Most of them to me come across as gloves more than sticks and this team is starving for offensive production with what appears to be roll players as depth.
ncscoots
November 1st, 2011
10:40 am
Very useful, and you need a few in your lineup
A couple. No more than a couple.
Prado is a good example of that kind of hitter. Some areas of good stuff, along with some flaws that do not outweigh the virtues.
I think we’ll get some better idea of the bats when some of the over-age low minors guys start going through AA. They’ll either start proving out against tougher compo or start falling by the wayside.
RC
November 1st, 2011
10:43 am
Prado is a good example of that kind of hitter. Some areas of good stuff, along with some flaws that do not outweigh the virtues.
I agree that Prado is that type of hitter. The problem is when you are depending on one (or more) of those guys to be one of your 1, 3, 4, or 5 hitters.
VaBravesFan
November 1st, 2011
10:44 am
O-me
Carroll is a good option. Veteran guy who can play alot of postions, runs well, good contact guy. Provides zero power tho. Betemit I like alot. Would be a great bench bat and solid option to play 3rd when Chipper is out. Only downside is that he’s just a 3rd baseman. Cuddyer will be more expensive than alot think and will get 3 years just dont see it happening in Atlanta. No need for Cain we have Bourn. Betancourt is just a NO…..Diaz and Conrad should be toast.
jeffrey d
November 1st, 2011
10:46 am
I didn’t know Carroll played baseball
DS1
November 1st, 2011
10:46 am
I really don’t think that Rollins or Reyes are anywhere close on FW’s SS radar. If he doesn’t sign Gonzo, I look for a trade for a SS. A bridge to our up and coming talent.
And concerning the outfield, I really don’t expect anybody that would be good enough to put Prado or Heyward on the bench. More along the lines of a Cody Ross or Willingham.
Again, a trade might be in order for the outfielder needed.
While it would surprise me if he is signed, a player like Andruw Jones might fit our need for a spare outfielder and a PH’er that kills lefties.
ncscoots
November 1st, 2011
10:46 am
The other thing is that we might have a tendency to think the Heyward/Freeman track is normal for prospects: uninterrupted rise, few failures, AAA at 20, etc. That is, in fact, much the exception.
A kid such as Lipka, one would expect some bumps in the road, maybe even repeating a level. Nothing wrong with that. You just never know when the light will go on for a prospect, is all. Guy might look like a scrub one year, and all-world the next. It happens.
nolie
November 1st, 2011
10:47 am
So you’d consider $6 mill or so a “slight” increase in payroll, huh? That’d be about 15 percent, Efrim. Not a “slight” increase
Hi y’all!
how in the world is 6 million 15% of 90 some million? that is not even close to right. It is about 1/15th not 15%
nolie
November 1st, 2011
10:49 am
Are you friggin kidding me? I know that rookies never win a gold glove, but Freddie Freeman is so far above any other first baseman in baseball that it’s not even funny Jerry
with his lack of range there is a chance that Freddie will never win a GG at first
RC
November 1st, 2011
10:51 am
with his lack of range there is a chance that Freddie will never win a GG at first
Range isn’t his problem. He just needs to bat .330 or hit 40 HR, then he’ll have a chance at a Gold Glove. Voters reward offense over everything else.
Buddy Landell
November 1st, 2011
10:51 am
Thought the same thing nolie. Was about to wonder about the math I learned in Vidalia City Schools.
Murph
November 1st, 2011
10:51 am
nolie!!! Glad to see you back on the board man! It hasn’t been the same without you.
How are you feeling?
VaBravesFan
November 1st, 2011
10:52 am
I really think Heyward figures it out and has solid production in 2012. Something like 270. 350. 450.
jeffrey d
November 1st, 2011
10:52 am
Well hey, nolie
abwright
November 1st, 2011
10:53 am
noleeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Glad to see you back. Hope you’re improving.
flange1
November 1st, 2011
10:55 am
nolie,
Welcome Back! Hope you are feeling better!
We sure missed your wisdom!
Arkansas Transplant
November 1st, 2011
10:58 am
I wonder if we could put a trade together to pry Ben Zobrist from Tampa? He’d be a good addition to play the corner outfield slots plus he can play multiple position in the infield not to mention he’s a switch hitter that kills LH pitching.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:58 am
NOLIE!!!
Glad to see you back, buddy!!
TennesseePaul
November 1st, 2011
10:59 am
Guy might look like a scrub one year, and all-world the next. It happens.
They test for that now.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:59 am
Did they announce the Gold Gloves already?…
jeffrey d
November 1st, 2011
11:02 am
Anybody else feel like standing and clapping?
O-me
November 1st, 2011
11:02 am
VaBravesfan..Thanks for reply. I though Wilson could also play SS ? What would you do with Prado…LF are bench. Yes, I like J Carrol. No power but makes it up in other ways.
Welcome back Nolie!
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
11:02 am
Oh, I see…not till 10PM?? Brother…
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
11:03 am
jeffrey d—
Let’s do it!…
nolie
November 1st, 2011
11:05 am
Hi. yes I am feeling a lot better. Thank you. Still get tired real easy so I won’y likely post a lot for a while yet.
I want to thank everybody for all the prayers and well wishes that Jake passed on to me.
Felix
November 1st, 2011
11:06 am
Wren! Get off your butt and do something concrete to help this team win next year. Like get us a hitter. You had better do something or your butt will probably gone also next year (you should have been fired over a year ago for the Lowe, KK, McOut disasters).
Arkansas Transplant
November 1st, 2011
11:06 am
Welcome back nolie, hope life is treating you much better each and every day.
ncscoots
November 1st, 2011
11:08 am
They test for that now.
A minor change in swing mechanics, learning the strike zone, physical and mental maturity, are all more performance-enhancing that than HGH and juice could ever be. Don’t be such a cynic, LOL.
Venice Jim
November 1st, 2011
11:09 am
Good to have you back, nolie…
nolie
November 1st, 2011
11:09 am
Range isn’t his problem. He just needs to bat .330 or hit 40 HR, then he’ll have a chance at a Gold Glove RC
I hope it doesn’t take that much hitting or he is shot for shur. He has a great glove , but I disagree with you about the range. Does a great impression of a fence post, just like Uggla and Chipper also do