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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,555 comments Add your comment
jeffrey d
November 1st, 2011
7:37 pm
Hot dang!! And I let it get away!!…
McCann or the goat?
nolie
November 1st, 2011
7:40 pm
and all this planning talk is silly about whether a team will be playoff grade or not. how can anybody watch what happened twice now with the Cards and the wild card winners over the years and all the Yankee and Red Sox failings and not realize that there in no way on God’s green earth that you plans in any way other that to get a shot at post season every year, because anybody can win it. That will be even more important when they add yet another team .
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
7:42 pm
jeffrey d—
The goat…BMac’s not going anywhere.
I mean, we wanted to go out and help it, but you gotta be careful with rogue goats…would hate to scare him and make him charge or bite or something. But if he keeps showing up, we may have to call somebody…
nolie
November 1st, 2011
7:43 pm
Sizemore will likely find a team that will structure a contract around time played so that a full season will likely bring him at least 5 mil. He would be pretty foolish to sign with a team where he is gonna sit a lot of the time from the get-go
Barry
November 1st, 2011
7:43 pm
Considering Prado may not be a long term answer in left field. Get us an leftfielder, period.
jt
November 1st, 2011
7:44 pm
What I want to know, is what do we have against Cleveland???
brian
November 1st, 2011
7:46 pm
1. If the Braves make a big splash via trade or free agency it should be in LF not at SS. We have too much talent at the SS position, some of which is close to major league ready. The big free agent SS will cost a ton of money and they each are on the downside of their careers. Getting a big bat for LF should be cheaper than a big bat for SS. I will take a contact hitter with a great glove at SS anyday.
2. Brooks Conrad should be gone. Braves need upgrades on the bench who can be successful as a pinch hitter but not be such a huge liability if they have to play in the field for 1-2 weeks.
3. constanza should be our 4th OF. Having Bourn for a full season will be of big benefit. Constanza can fill in at any OF position and his speed is a game changer.
4. The Braves need to give Heyward every chance to reclaim and succeed in RF. He is a special talent. He has had issues with injuries which have magnified the holes in the swing versus started some bad swing habits due to the injuries. They need to break him down and build him back up heading into spring practice for live BP. Heyward has to be open to criticism and coaching. Heyward can be our special talent or he could be the second coming of Jeff Francoeur.
5. How many of us were ready to give Bethancourt to the Astros as part of a deal for either of the OF? Another great move by Wren to keep ahold of Christian.
6. If Bethancourt keeps progressing I wonder if the Braves will eventually move McCann to 3B to take over for Chipper and keep McCann’s bat in the lineup more.
7. #6 is an interesting thought but mainly put in there to see if McFann reads my posts
nolie
November 1st, 2011
7:47 pm
I think the trade of Lowe does make it more likely that they will pick up an OFer who is somewhat better than marginal, but they likely won’t have all that much left over after raises to get a significant upgrade IMO
jeffrey d
November 1st, 2011
7:49 pm
I hear Loaf is available
Bat Masterson
November 1st, 2011
7:50 pm
nolie
Good to see you back, my friend.
I’ve gotta tell you I was very, very concerned when I heard you were in the hospital……………..
for all those cute nurses getting their fine little butts pinched.
nolie
November 1st, 2011
7:50 pm
Bethancourt is a long way from being MLB ready no matter how he is doing in the AFL. He is still quite raw.
Don’t forget what a HUGE Fall Flowers had out there years ago and he is still not playing regularly in the bigs.
Bat Masterson
November 1st, 2011
7:52 pm
Hot dang!! And I let it get away!!…
_ McFann
Escape-goat
Trey
November 1st, 2011
7:54 pm
Nolie!!!!!! How’s it going?
nolie
November 1st, 2011
8:00 pm
They mighta been in big danger if I had felt a bit better Bat
nolie
November 1st, 2011
8:01 pm
Still get tired very easy Trey, but stuff is in control . Still hafta get daily IVs for a while yet.
nolie
November 1st, 2011
8:03 pm
speaking of tired, time for another nap/ all this thinking and typing is a lot of work
Trey
November 1st, 2011
8:04 pm
Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better, Nolie. If you read the previous blog or two, some of the bloggers actually got kind of mushy over you.
Bat Masterson
November 1st, 2011
8:04 pm
nolie_
Not a doubt in my mind about that. Take care, don’t over do it, eh.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
8:13 pm
brian—
3B? Really?
Hey, if Bethenwhatever is the outstanding athlete, why not put him back at 3B?? 
Bat M. Escape-goat
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
8:15 pm
nolie, glad you’re feeling better. Made my day to see you on here.
When you have a moment, please let me know if I was making any sense at all in my conversation with Gone Viral. I’m just very much against signability and this idea that we need to go after players that “want to be Braves”. Makes no sense to me. And while I think it’s important to have high floor players, it’s best to have a good mix and they have not displayed that at all the last three drafts.
brian
November 1st, 2011
8:16 pm
everyone has tried to move McCann to 1B or LF, why not 3B? Afterall, the Braves seem so intent on moving him away from the catching position
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
8:17 pm
brian Afterall, the Braves seem so intent on moving him away from the catching position
Well, that’s a good point…
Blog Monitor
November 1st, 2011
8:20 pm
yeah, just move Bmac to SS…
Bat Masterson
November 1st, 2011
8:20 pm
McFann
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
8:21 pm
Bat M.—
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
8:23 pm
Brian McCann is the best catcher in baseball and there isn’t any catcher I would rather have as the starting catcher of the Braves…..
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
8:25 pm
Efrim—
I agree.
Football Fan
November 1st, 2011
8:25 pm
[insert obscure, random song that has nothing to do with sports here]
Jerry
November 1st, 2011
8:29 pm
jt
November 1st, 2011
7:44 pm
What I want to know, is what do we have against Cleveland???
That’s an easy answer. They took advantage of us when they traded us that scumbag Len Barker. Now we are even.
Over-Reacting Idiots
November 1st, 2011
8:34 pm
No offense but the bottom line is that this blog could have been written over and over again in previous off-seasons. “The Braves are a great organization. They have great prospects. They are going to be a team to be reckoned with. They will surely make the playoffs” and on and on and on….
This off season and upcoming season will be different. The team is coming off a historic meltdown and the cast of characters will change very little next year. Many fans will be more pessimistic than ever and not believe in this team until they actually break the spell from 2011 and gain a playoff spot.
I expect a follow-up failure next season due to the return of the usual suspects.
Of course we can comfort ourselves as fans, basking in the positive comments from so called experts of the team’s rivals. Those compliments and a buck 50 will get you a cup of coffee in the off season!
Secret Agent
November 1st, 2011
8:36 pm
Marlon Byrd should be on the Braves’ radar. Guy who can play either corner outfield spot and can hit second in the order. Prado is better served as that super utility guy anyways, especially since Jones ‘ playing time will inevitably drop even more with a shot knee. Prado is a decent enough 3RD baseman. If Byrd cannot be gotten they should target a similar player that can play left or right field and just as importantly hit behind Bourn.
Will they follow this procedure? We will see.
Jerry
November 1st, 2011
8:37 pm
I don’t see the Braves making any trades for a shortstop, unless it’s a backup shortstop. They seem intent on seeing if Pastornicky can claim the job during spring training. Why would they trade or sign one when Pastornicky is almost major league ready? Even Gonzalez is gonna want too much, plus at least 2 and maybe 3 years.
Tomas
November 1st, 2011
8:40 pm
How much money is really available. People keep saying 10-15 million, I don’t buy it unless payroll increases to 100 million.
C Brian McCann 8.667 million
1B Freddy Freeman 450k
2B Dan Uggla 13.2 million
3B Chipper Jones 14 million
SS Player to be named later
LF Martin Prado 4.4 million mlbtr est
CF Michael Bourn 7.3 million mlbtr est
RF Jason Heyward 450k
Bench
1B/OF Eric Hinske 1.5 million
OF Matt Diaz 2 million
C David Ross 1.625 million
OF Jose Constanza 450k
IF Player to be named later
IF Player to be named later (needs to be able to play SS)
Total on position players: 54.042 million
Pitching
SP Tim Hudson 9 million
SP Tommy Hanson 450k
SP Jair Jurrjens 5.1 million mlbtr est
SP Brandon Beachy 450k
SP Mike Minor 450k
RHP Kris Medlen 450k
RHP Anthony Varvaro 450k
RHP Jairo Asencio 450k
RHP Cristhian Martinez 450k
LHP Eric O’Flaherty 2.6 million mlbtr est
LHP Johnny Venters 450k
RHP Craig Kimbrel 450k
Total on pitchers: 20.75 million
Plus Mclouth’s buyout of 1.25 million and Lowe’s money 10 million
It’s a total of 86.042 million committed on current players.
If the rumors about payroll staying the same at 91 million they have a total of 4.958 million to spend on a starting SS, a backup SS, and another backup infielder.
So forget about Cody Ross, Josh Willingham, Grady Sizemore, etc. Sign Alex Gonzalez to 2 yrs 5 million, Jack Wilson or Mike Aviles(if non-tendered) to 1 yr 1.3 million, and Mark DeRossa to 1 yr 1.2.
Really they are very limited at 91 million, thank god thy traded Lowe
Danny
November 1st, 2011
8:42 pm
I’ve got a question for everyone…DOB included. In the near future, McCann is going to start breaking down at the catcher position. Not having the DH as a possibility, first base is the only logical move. One problem: Freddie Freeman who , in my opinion, will be a multiple all-star as a first baseman. So, what do you do? Wait for the breakdown or make a move while he has value? What do you think DOB??? What does everyone else think??
Secret Agent
November 1st, 2011
8:44 pm
Yes I strongly believe if Pastornicky is considered ready to claim the SS position during the spring, and of course assuming they do not re-up Alex G., that he’d be a solid bet to his behind Bourn. This kid can handle a bat pretty well. His defense is still up in the air. You do not mess around with a guys defense at short. However, it is very possible he is the starting SS beginning the new season whether his defense is really steady or not.
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
8:45 pm
You don’t trade your most consistent player who is one of the top 2 or 3 players at his position in the entire league because he MIGHT start breaking down at some point in the future. And neither he nor the Braves plan on his moving to another position. Both sides have said as much
Tomas
November 1st, 2011
8:45 pm
Danny, he is only 27, he is a good 5-7 yrs before he breaks down, and when that happens he just becomes an occasional 1B/backup catcher that tutors Christian Bethancourt or another stud catcher in the Braves system.
Soph
November 1st, 2011
8:52 pm
cab, I don’t know how to break this to you. I feel like platooning Nala and Jhey is best for the Braves so she’ll be splitting time at short with the lab.
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
8:54 pm
Soph-
That would be ok. But he may need a bit of training first…no experience in the big leagues…
IVAN ...
November 1st, 2011
9:05 pm
Glad to see nolie is back and recovering. A sincere Godspeed to a full recovery in your future…
FSU seems to be on the rise, Clemson got smacked pretty good by the geeks Sat. night , those two may meat in Charlotte for the ACC Championship in December….
Get your strength back so we can bitch slap again one day…….
And to ‘cricket’ , no I didn’t send nolie any flowers…….. But I did pray when I heard he was sick.
Later.
ncgary
November 1st, 2011
9:05 pm
welcome home nolie
hope you’re wrong on the outfielder money
id sure like to see cuddyer in left field
IVAN ...
November 1st, 2011
9:06 pm
meet=meat…… sorry.
brian
November 1st, 2011
9:13 pm
McCann obviously should stay the Braves catcher though we do need to get him more days off earlier in the season. McCann also needs a strong conditioning program in the offseason. McCann is one of the top catchers year in and year out in MLB but like most catchers he wears out towards the end of the season
We made the September 2007 Mets look like the 1927 Yankees
November 1st, 2011
9:14 pm
Spend the money on Jose Reyes. Having Bourn and Reyes bat 1-2 at the top of the order…would simply create havoc on the base paths. That would allow Prado to be moved down to the #7 spot of the order (in front of # Jason Heyward).
Sure, Reyes is a risk with injuries. However, he’s still young and highly skilled. It’s worth the risk of signing him to big money…given what he’s capable of producing.
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:15 pm
If the rumors about payroll staying the same at 91 million they have a total of 4.958 million to spend on a starting SS, a backup SS, and another backup infielder.
Actually, you’re missing an extra couple million for McCann from performance incentives. It isn’t exactly like you’re looking at it. Apparently they look at McCann’s salary as like 5.5 million over the course of his seven year deal(option included). And McLouth’s buyout was factored in to the two or three years he was apart of the team. An Uggla is actually 12.4, not 13.2. So, when you figure all of that, there is about 12-15 million to spend. I don’t expect them to spend that much, but it may look like a 98 million dollar payroll in 2012, when in fact, their accounting department sees it at around 92-93ish.
Bat Masterson
November 1st, 2011
9:23 pm
Lets trade all the good players for some prospects
Tomas
November 1st, 2011
9:23 pm
Efrim you might be right about McCann’s incentives, and Mclouth, but not Uggla.
Uggla signed for 5 yrs 62 million(including a 1 million signing bonus). 2011 9.2 million 2012 13.2 million 2013 13.2 million 2014 13.2 million 2015 13.2 million.
And McCann’s incentives might be worth the same as Mclouth’s buyout.
We made the September 2007 Mets look like the 1927 Yankees
November 1st, 2011
9:28 pm
Another option would be for the Braves to contact the Astros and inquire about left fielder Carlos Lee. He’s a power hitting righty who has one year at $18.5 left on his contract.
The Astros have shown a willingness to eat part of a big contract (Oswalt and Pence). I’m sure that Frank Wren could work something out along the lines of the more of Lee’s contract the Astros eat…the better the prospect the Braves are willing to give up.
Lee has been pretty durable and productive over his career. He’d be a really good one year rental…providing some additional right handed power to our lineup.
Having Lee in left field, would allow Prado to go back to being the “super sub” who would still get plenty of playing time.
The only thing left would be to find a short stop, either on the cheap…or from within the minor leagues.
David O'Brien
November 1st, 2011
9:33 pm
Bethancourt homered for third consecutive game today, giving him four in 13 games in AFL
DS1
November 1st, 2011
9:35 pm
I can name a worse hitting SS than Alex Gonzalez……………. his name is Brandon Hicks! And we don’t have to pay to get him!
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
9:36 pm
This is getting slightly unsettling, DOB…
DS1
November 1st, 2011
9:38 pm
DOB
Still looking for that Bethancourt story…………….. I’ll check back in a few minutes.
McFann
Keep close tabs on Bethancourt. In 7-8 years you might have to change your moniker to McBethancourt…………
DS1
November 1st, 2011
9:42 pm
I would like to add my thanks to Derek Lowe with those that have done the same. It was definitely time for the Braves to send Lowe away, but when we needed a stabilizing influence in our starting rotation, Lowe fit the bill.
And he did not hold a gun to FW to get that contract. Good luck DLowe.
David O'Brien
November 1st, 2011
9:44 pm
Here’s the link to the Bethancourt story: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/bethancourt-strong-armed-catching-1215024.html
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
9:45 pm
DS1—
No no, Murph already has the name: BeFanCourt.
See, it’s the “Mc” part that would have to be dropped, ya know…?
Efrim
November 1st, 2011
9:45 pm
you might be right about McCann’s incentives, and Mclouth, but not Uggla.
That;s what Cots has listed. Unfortunately, they don’t have lunch with the Braves accouting and discuss this sort of stuff. I’d be as happy as anyone if they were 100% factual, but we just don’t know how the Braves figure this stuff internally. To be honest, we’re talking about a difference of like 5 million.
haggard
November 1st, 2011
9:49 pm
nolie
Man, is it ever good to see you back. With the initial news you were sick, I spent that night calling information and checking with all of the hospitals in your area after wondering aloud on the blog if anyone knew which one you were in, (Tom O’Hawke thought it funny I was asking “which hospital”, since all I had to go on was, “Can you tell me which room Nolie is in?”. He doesn’t know your considerate nature and voluminous generosity reached out in the form of a return addressed package to my house here in Georgia a few weeks back. At any rate, so many who have never even read the blog have asked, “How’s nolie”, and, in a few minutes, I’ll receive a call from my girlfriend, who’ll ask too.
Godspeed good man.
haggard
November 1st, 2011
9:51 pm
David O’Brien
just getting in from out of town and catching up after installing a new modem. Thanks for the news on the new blood and the sweeping out of the old.
DS1
November 1st, 2011
9:52 pm
DOB
Loved the story of his mom intervening in his youth baseball………….
As a kid, I was not a very good catcher, but I loved it because you were involved with every pitch of the game.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
9:53 pm
DOB Here’s the link to the Bethancourt story: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/bethancourt-strong-armed-catching-1215024.html
haggard Thanks for the news on the new blood and the sweeping out of the old.
What?? Etu, haggard???
DS1
November 1st, 2011
9:55 pm
McFann
When the time comes for Mac to be challenged for his position, you are going to be a real pain around here……..
Kat
November 1st, 2011
9:55 pm
College basketball season must be close because I just booked my hotel in Pittsburgh to catch the season opener against my alma mater (Pitt v. UAlbany). I just hope Dixon sits his starting five so we don’t get crushed too much haha. But it’s a guaranteed money game so we’ll take their $.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
9:55 pm
DS1—
But that time won’t come!…
haggard
November 1st, 2011
9:56 pm
I seem to recall Wren has completed so many of his past moves before Thanksgiving and the ol’ boy is at it again. Now I’m wondering: Will the ten million the Braves owe Lowe remain on the books as active salary, counting against next season’s payroll? I’m thinking the answer is “yes”.
haggard
November 1st, 2011
9:57 pm
McFann
LOL !
jim
November 1st, 2011
10:00 pm
Given the Fall League performance of Gilmartin and Hoover, why was Hoover chosen for the game over Gilmartin?
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:01 pm
haggard—
haggard
November 1st, 2011
10:01 pm
“With the additional $5 million they cleared in this deal, the Braves are believed to have about $10 million to purse additions at shortstop and the corner outfield.”–David O’Brien
There’s the answer to my question at 9:56. Thanks
haggard
November 1st, 2011
10:02 pm
McFann
I’ll bet your day enjoyed Tech’s whipping of Clemson at Bobby Dodd Field, though I know IVAN… is feeling the sting, (pun intended).
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:04 pm
The NBA is willing to lose an entire season over a 2.5% difference in revenue sharing…
haggard
November 1st, 2011
10:05 pm
“What?? Etu, haggard???”–McFann
What, brushing up on a little Willie Shakes up at the Perimeter or simply doing a little light reading tonight in between posyings on the blog? By the way, I thought of “Boogity, Boogity” the other night.
haggard
November 1st, 2011
10:06 pm
“postings”, though “posyings” could be appropriate.
haggard
November 1st, 2011
10:07 pm
McFann–”dad enjoyed”.
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:10 pm
haggard-
I just gotta point out- without a reference, that last comment sounds…a bit…yeah.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:10 pm
haggard—
He was quite proud of Tech, yes!
And the “Etu”…I was just messin’ with ya ’cause you posted the “out with the old, in with the new” after DOB posted his Bethancourt story. Folks have been giving me and BMac crud about him becoming our new catcher…
By the way, I thought of “Boogity, Boogity” the other night.
YAY!! Did you hear a Wrennie??
I miss Jenny Girl, Boogity, and Beggar Ben…love my new Wrennies, but so far they don’t seem to want to be trained… 
Soph
November 1st, 2011
10:13 pm
Mac for life.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:15 pm
Soph—
Yes!
We should make bumper stickers…
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:16 pm
Anyway…they gonna end this danged football game so we cann see the GG’ers and move on with our lives…?
(Not that I’m in a hurry for next week or anything…)
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:16 pm
McFann-
http://www.cafepress.com/+i_love_mac_sticker_bumper,59709142
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:16 pm
Or this:
http://www.cafepress.com/+once_you_go_mac_you_never_go_sticker_rectangular,41882859
Soph
November 1st, 2011
10:17 pm
I’ll make bricks. We’ll pass ‘em out.
First one goes to Gimpah. Heads up.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:18 pm
cabravesfan—
Awesome!
The word is out…
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:18 pm
http://www.cafepress.com/+got_mac_sticker_oval,88886477
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:18 pm
Soph—
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:19 pm
cabravesfan—
Score! I should get that to go with my “got wrens?” t-shirt!…
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:19 pm
http://www.cafepress.com/+i_love_my_mac_dark_tshirt,74773718
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:20 pm
http://www.cafepress.com/+mac_chick_womens_vneck_dark_tshirt,110802646
Soph
November 1st, 2011
10:22 pm
How old is Bethancourt?
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:22 pm
And just because it’s a little dirty…
http://www.cafepress.com/+future_mac_user_green_toddler_tshirt,121156570
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:23 pm
There are tons more but in the interest of y’all’s sanity, I will stop
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:24 pm
Soph—
He just turned 20 last month…
cabravesfan—
I’m scared to kick that…
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:25 pm
I mean in September…dang, I forgot November jumped at us all of the sudden…
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:25 pm
McFann-
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:25 pm
“Sanity”? Not sure I know what that is…
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:25 pm
I mean, in the context we are discussing…
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 1st, 2011
10:26 pm
cabravesfan—
OK…I…don’t think I should talk with you anymore…
Soph
November 1st, 2011
10:28 pm
My dad used to tease me about Salty stealing Mac’s job in the last year he was with us. I think I started disliking Saltalamacchia because of it too.
DS1
November 1st, 2011
10:30 pm
I don’t know what you ladies are talking about, and I’m not sure I want to know………
Haggard,
Yep, Smilin Frank is a quick operator. I was kinda bummed he didn’t solve or SS issue today.
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:30 pm
McFann-
Come on! It’s amusing!
A little? Yes?
cabravesfan
November 1st, 2011
10:32 pm
DS1-
The last link I posted.