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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
9:22 am
There sure was a lot of night time posting last night.
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:23 am
Efrim
Do you see Prado as more of a number 6 man in the order?
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
9:24 am
Looks like I may actually get Niners vs. Redskins on TV this Sunday at 1pm. I’m crossing my fingers.
Patrick
November 2nd, 2011
9:25 am
I know I’m late to the party here of complaining about the gold glove awards
But are you f’ing kidding me the tulowitski who was hurt half the damn year won a gold glove?!
I don’t care who beat out, he shouldn’t have won
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
9:25 am
haggard, I’d go with the below…
Bourn
Jones
McCann
Uggla
Freeman
Prado
Heyward
SS
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
9:26 am
Silver Sluggers announced at 6…why do they hate me?
That’s prolly about the time we’ll be leaving for Church…they couldn’t have announced the SS’s at 3 this year, oh no…
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
9:27 am
Efrim—
No, please…
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:28 am
Efrim
And just let Heyward work his way back up the order, sort of like his rookie season?
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:29 am
Efrim
Also; how deep into the pocketbook do you go in order to keep Bourn?
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
9:29 am
I wonder what it would take to sign Roy Oswalt to a contract this off season?
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
9:31 am
haggard, yes, I think you can change the lineup based on performance as the season goes along.
No, please…
I’d rather have McCann in the three hole than Freeman. I think he is the better hitter..
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:34 am
Efrim
By the way, I like the lineup. Just think of what kind of damage it can do if all its’ occupants are hitting on all cylinders: if Freeman hits like he did until the last month, If Uggla is more consistent, and if Mcfann’s man returns to his old doubles pounding self……
flange1
November 2nd, 2011
9:35 am
Unless the Braves trade Diaz, Hinske or Ross, those guys will be on the team next year.
That means the bench can add 2 players, one that can back up SS and one that can backup CF.
If Prado is a starter in LF, the team as constructed now has no place for an additional “banger” unless that guy can play either CF or SS.
I see no way that the Braves even consider Derosa or Betemet.
Why accept Hinske’s option just to trade him? Why trade for Diaz just to trade him?
The entire bench make up (including what to do with Prado) is very complex and I don’t see any logic to the Braves thinking.
DAP
November 2nd, 2011
9:35 am
bill donohoo As far as I am concerned Uggla was a bust, did not hit for average, too many solo HRs and too many solo HRs that were hit late and when game out of reach.
there are stats that keep track of that kind of thing. if youd look at them, youd see that uggla has pretty good stats in late and close, in tie games, and within 1 run.
DS1 He’d be our terd-baseman…
so immature.
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:35 am
“McFann”–sorry McFann, about the “slight”.
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
9:37 am
I think if I were Wren I might check to see what the going rate would be on Oswalt and if the price wasn’t too unreasonable might look to sign him with the thought that that would allow me to move either JJ or Hanson at some point without weaken the rotation. Plus would allow some more veteran influence on the younger guys coming up.
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
9:40 am
flange1, we could look to add Jeff Keppinger either through free agency or through trade. He can play a multitude of positions including possibly both CF and SS allowing you to look for an additional “banger” for the bench.
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:42 am
McFann
I know you’re a fann of your mann’s past ability to pound those gaps and end up standing at second and somehow I believe if he ends up with 35 to 40 doubles at the end of next season, everything else will fall into place for him offensively and you’ll see another Silver Slugger on his mantle, (or wherever he keeps them). Age wise, your mann is in those prime years for a player and I just hate the fact last year was muddied due to the oblique and a too fast return, IMO. Had his first half held up, you might be talking about a top three finish in the MVP voting.
Patrick
November 2nd, 2011
9:43 am
Agreed on the walking dead DOB, it’s boring and moving way too slow.
At least they had plans in the first season. Now it’s the group splitting up and searching for that little girl that’s dragged on for 4 episodes now. Lame
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
9:45 am
We could open next year’s season with a rotation of:
Hudson
Oswalt
Hanson
JJ
Beachy
This would allow us to be much more aggressive come trade deadline or earlier if we don’t see bounce back years from Heyward and Prado or if Chipper get hurt or doesn’t quite have it anymore or if Freeman is having a sophmore slump. I think that might be the way to go with whats available on the free agency market.. unless we’re serious about adding payroll for just this year to sign someone like Reyes.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
November 2nd, 2011
9:45 am
What’s accurate? 10-12 million or 12-15 million to spend this off season.
Trade Prado or JJ……bad idea. We already need a SS,LF’er and have already traded Derek Lowe.
Mt best advice is as usual, spread the money around. Bench guys like Wilson Betemit, Cody Ross, Pat Burrell or even taking a chance on Grady Sizemore might pay dividends. Picking up two or three of these guys makes sense because if even one comes up big…..we have ourselves another potential Lance Berkman.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
9:47 am
haggard if Mcfann’s man returns to his old doubles pounding self……
Sounds like fun!!…
“McFann”–sorry McFann, about the “slight”.
So sweat—you still spelled it right…
Efrim I think he is the better hitter..
He is! But…not when he bats third…
flange1
November 2nd, 2011
9:48 am
AT,
To get the banger or a true LF, the Braves are going to have to find a guy that can play CF and SS unless the LF they get can also play CF.
The folks at Capital Ave have a nice article that Grady Sizemore could be had for 5 million to start in LF, back up in CF.
http://capitolavenueclub.com/?p=4975
Maybe moving Martin to super sub for a year until Chipper retires is something the team will consider.
But I still don’t understand the Diaz trade and re-upping Hinske if they are looking for another OF
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
9:48 am
Jerry Hairston Jr. makes a lot of sense. Can’t he play SS and CF?
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:49 am
“So sweat—you still spelled it right…”–McFann
So sweat? McFann, you’ve turned into quite the taskmaker. What’s next? haggard give me fifty?
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
9:52 am
flange1, that’s why I say an acquition of someone like Keppinger could go a long way.. he could play both SS and CF in spots. Don’t really agree on bringing in Grady Sizemore, he doesn’t hit for average plus he’s left handed and struggles mightly against lefties.
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
9:52 am
plus I think he’ll get more than 5 million, although it might come from incentives.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
9:53 am
haggard—
For sure! We were talking McVP at the All-Star Brake…then, well…
I would LOVE to see him just get back to 30 Doubles, even. In 2010 he only hit 25, and this past year, only 19! So I’m not gonna be too greedy come Spring Training. The last few years, I’ve always talked about the Record For Most Doubles in a Single Season By a Catcher, well, this time, I’m gonna hope for 30 and anything after that will be icing…
Will be int’resting to see who takes home the Silver tonight…I’m t’d at them for doing it at 6PM, though. Very t’d. Once again, by the time I get home, all the good conversation will be dead…
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
9:55 am
What’s accurate? 10-12 million or 12-15 million to spend this off season.
Hard to know because we don’t know very much about how they view McCann’s contract. His is really the only one up for debate. Is it 38.8 million over 7 years – 5.54 million annually or based on how the contract is laid out – 8.66 million? Also, he has performance incentives of up to 3 million based on Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers and All Star appearances. No one knows how that’s structured.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
9:55 am
haggard—
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
November 2nd, 2011
9:57 am
Jerry Hairston Jr. or Jeff Keppinger would be solid additions to the bench. Along with Wilson Betemit, Cody Ross or Pat Burrell.
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:58 am
“Once again, by the time I get home, all the good conversation will be dead…”-McFann
Goodness McFann, you’re going to church, not a wake,(hopefully). There’ll be plenty of activity when you get back at eight thirty or so.
Dadgum.....
November 2nd, 2011
9:59 am
Roy Oswalt?? Seriously, starting pitching is the very last thing we need. We have enough starters even if we trade JJ( which I still think we will). Hudson, Hanson, Beachy, Minor, Teheran with a spot start or two for Medlen as needed. There you have it. A strong rotation without JJ who the Beaves won’t resign after next year anyway. I say move JJ in a trade for oft-discussed SS or LF power which is our most dire needs.
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
9:59 am
“I meant “No” sweat!…My typing/writing skills have been less-than adequate lately…”–McFann
Gotcha ! LOL !
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:00 am
Bethancourt will never even play for the Braves.
Dude has a /271, .300, .373 career minor league line in 253 games. All his offensive surge in the AFL is doing ids increasing his trade value.
McCann is and will remain the Braves’ catcher. They will extend his contract before it expires. Period.
Now you know where our outfielder or shortstop is coming from – Bethancourt’s Fall Surge will bring them.
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
10:01 am
Well, a new modem installed and time while in town to converse on the blog in the morning. A welcome change and a pleasure. See you good folks after work time……
monty
November 2nd, 2011
10:01 am
If you really believe that Hanson and JJ are “fine” and their injuries last year are of no concern going into next year, then you end up with Del Gado, Teheran, Medlen,Vizcaino and Martinez who (thows 4 pitches all for strikes) as very ready or near ready big league starters assuming MInor takes Lowe’s position. Just seems to me that one of those guys could be dealt to a team needing promising good young (cheap) starting pitching for a promising ready to near ready LF coming up through someone’s organization. If Gilmartin is close to being ready he just adds more reason to deal at least one of your pitching prospects for a LF.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
10:01 am
haggard—
Well, Mass starts at 7:30, and it’s over a 45 minute drive…should get back around 9:30ish, I would guess.…
Got no problem with Church, just with the people that scheduled the Silver Slugger announcement…
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
10:02 am
haggard—
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
10:05 am
Lew
“Bethancourt’s Fall Surge” Capital letters and all, it sounds like an important event, similar to the Autumn Leaf Special….
CrαZy
November 2nd, 2011
10:05 am
What’s accurate? 10-12 million or 12-15 million to spend this off season.
Under 8 million.
Dadgum.....
November 2nd, 2011
10:05 am
If I had to drive 45 minutes to church then I think I would find a new church!
monty
November 2nd, 2011
10:05 am
“Bethancourt will never even play for the Braves.”
But Lew, don’t you know he looks as “capable as McCann offensively?” As some poster said a couple of days ago. LOL!
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
10:08 am
McFann
Oh, Mass……now you didn’t tell me you were talking about “high church”. I merely thought you were bound for Wednesday evening Baptist prayer meeting, which is usually a one hour affair, (unless you arrive early and eat casserole at the Wednesday evening supper).
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
10:09 am
Lew
That’s an idea; each fall give the hot fall league player the “Bethancourt Fall Surge” award.
CB
November 2nd, 2011
10:10 am
KC needs pitching,make a trade with them for either Alex Gordon or Lorenzo Cain. Matchup with our strength and their weakness.
haggard
November 2nd, 2011
10:11 am
Okay….I’m gone…….
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
10:13 am
haggard—
Ah, sorry!
It will be about an hour, maybe a little longer…And then of course there cann be talking afterwards perhaps…But I don’t wanna make it sound like I’m putting a time-table on it… 
I think this is at least the third year in a row I haven’t been present at the time they unveil the Silver Sluggers, so it won’t break me…
Murph
November 2nd, 2011
10:13 am
McCann is and will remain the Braves’ catcher. They will extend his contract before it expires. Period.
McCann had one of the worst stretches of his career this year! Exclamation point. What if he doesn’t recover the way everyone thinks he will? Question mark.
Players do not always maintain a statistical line for their entire career. Period. Look at McLouth. Period. Is a 19 year old’s minor league performance to-date indicative of the numbers he will put up for the next 10 years? Question mark.
If it were me, comma, I would wait until after the 2012 season to extend McCann. Period. No harm in seeing how things play out this season before extending someone for a considerable amount of money while there might be a talented replacement in the system. Period.
Go Braves!!! Exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
10:14 am
monty But Lew, don’t you know he looks as “capable as McCann offensively?” As some poster said a couple of days ago. LOL!
Ha! I know, right? In a way, that kinda diminishes all that BMac’s done with the bat…
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:14 am
haggard – A Surge is exactly what it is, too -just like Flowers a couple of years ago.
Bethancourt has hit all of 12 HR and 49 2B in 952 minor league at bats. People are reading way too much into his HR barrage in Arizona.He’s struck out 4 times to every time he’s walked and has a career .300 OBP.
I seriously doubt he’s fond him self. I think he just likes the dry heat.
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:16 am
Murph – Go back on your meds. Period.
Ease
November 2nd, 2011
10:17 am
Lowe will NOT be traded.
How did that work out for everybody?
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
November 2nd, 2011
10:17 am
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:00 am
Bethancourt will never even play for the Braves.
Dude has a /271, .300, .373 career minor league line in 253 games. All his offensive surge in the AFL is doing ids increasing his trade value.
McCann is and will remain the Braves’ catcher. They will extend his contract before it expires. Period.
Now you know where our outfielder or shortstop is coming from – Bethancourt’s Fall Surge will bring them.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Lew my friend I’m gonna have to agree to disagree with you. Bethancourt isn’t likely be pushing McCann for playing time until 2013-2014 when the kid will be just 21 or 22.
Defense is underrated and Mac isn’t getting any better at it behind the plate. Although Brian McCann is an All-Star it’s due to his offense more than anything else. Bethancourt is by all accounts superior at playing defense although the future is an unknown. But Mac isn’t going anywhere anytime soon unless his defense really gets atrocious, and even so he would just move to another position. So I don’t see the Braves getting another big time outfielder or SS by trading one of their best prospects anytime soon.
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:19 am
McCann was having a career year when he was injured and missed two weeks (which should have been 3-4 weeks). He was not the same afterwards. That should tell you nothing other than the injury caused him continuing problems.
I’m betting that the oblique will be healed after an entire winter off – just like it would have been if he hadn’t rushed back like he did and Fredi hadn’t used him like a galley slave in September and given him some time off.
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
10:20 am
Ease, I never said that.
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:21 am
Coach – We’ll see.
Murph
November 2nd, 2011
10:22 am
I’ll just say that signing BMac to a big, expensive contract extension at any point before the end of the 2012 season could be a big, expensive mistake.
If you don’t see the value in waiting until after the season then I’m glad you’re not in charge of my money.
VaBravesFan
November 2nd, 2011
10:23 am
I think Brain McCann will be a Brave his whole career to be honest.
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
10:24 am
Murph, I would also take that same approach with Bourn.
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:25 am
Murph – I don’t want your money, but nonetheless, did you see me mention anything about WHEN they would extend Mac? I never said they needed to extend him NOW or during the season when he still has another couple of years on his contract to go.
What I DID say was that he would return to form and hit like he always has since he’ll be recovered from his injury.
Ease
November 2nd, 2011
10:26 am
True, AT, you were finally correct for a change…
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:27 am
The Braves have other more pressing issues right now than re- signing Mac.
Murph
November 2nd, 2011
10:27 am
AT, I feel the same way about Bourn, too.
Yes, he is the CF and leadoff guy that the team has lacked since Andruw departed, but the FA market for outfielders is ripe with talent in 2013. No need to wrap him up for a lot o’ cash right now. If he does good, then maybe at the end of the season.
CrαZy
November 2nd, 2011
10:27 am
McCann will not wear a Braves uniform again. He’s gonna get traded it’s clear the B’Court area is upon us! Wake up everybody McCann is G-O-N-E!!!
TennesseePaul
November 2nd, 2011
10:27 am
Efrim: No one knows how that’s structured.
If there was any truth whatsoever to the Hampton contract answers the Front Office offered DOB all those years, we all know how that is structured. It’s an average annual cost structure. But, if the talk from the front office is just a diversion to light fires under feet, then the payroll is at it’s peak and there is little room for improvement.
And speaking of fire lighting,
flange1: If Prado is a starter in LF, the team as constructed now has no place for an additional “banger” unless that guy can play either CF or SS.
The additional banger could play in RF since that spot isn’t assured to anyone as of yet. There is a strong likelihood Prado will be in LF next year, that leaves open the opportunity to make an addition of a corner outfielder as Wren has stated. Said corner outfielder could be the “banger” who plays in RF and LF if Heyward shows he is at least capable of being a decent platoon candidate. If Heyward continues to flop in Spring Training, RF is wide open. If Heyward returns to dominate form, Prado’s likelihood of LF starting is reassigned to a Super Utility roll for 2012.
And on that note, Jerry Hairston Jr would not light anyone’s fire. He’ll be 36 next season and he has no power.
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
10:27 am
Since obviously we’re not going to sign anyone of significance… let’s sign Oswalt. Might as well grab A. Jones for the bench.
CrαZy
November 2nd, 2011
10:28 am
↑↑↑SARCASM↑↑↑
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
10:30 am
CrαZy—
That is not true. Don’t be givin’ the gullible folks fits!…
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
10:30 am
Ah, should hit refresh…
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
10:30 am
The Marlins will raise their payroll to at least $85MM in 2012, writes Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
Braves in the 90-95 range. Marlins in the 80-85 range. Mets in the 100-110 range. Phillies in the 160-165 range. Not sure where the Nationals will be at, although I’d guess somewhere in the 80 million range.
McFann O O o Get Well Soon, Nolie!!
November 2nd, 2011
10:31 am
Lew he would return to form and hit like he always has since he’ll be recovered from his injury.
True that! Will be fun again…
Murph
November 2nd, 2011
10:32 am
Maybe it wasn’t you, Lew, but a lot of people on here have been clamoring for the Braves to extend BMac and back-load his contract to give the team more financial flexibility now.
I personally feel like this would be a huge mistake. I’d rather take the wait-and-see approach… see if he does recover like we all think he will (yes, I think he’ll be fine), see if Bethancourt is for real or just an AFL All-Star, etc.
TennesseePaul
November 2nd, 2011
10:34 am
Having said all that, I could see Wren looking at Willingham. They’ve been “linked” to interest in him in the past which would make me think they’ll talk to him this off-season regardless of arbitration offers from the A’s. Willingham is right handed and hits for solid power. He’s 4 years younger than Hairston Jr. He’s a corner outfielder, but played largely LF in his career and no other position. But I don’t know if that’s due to bad routes or bad arm or both or merely the layout of the team he’s been on.
A trade could be made as well. With the ever looming retirement of Chipper, I think the Braves might use this opportunity to get some outfield depth for when Prado moves back to the infield. We’ll see though.
74bravesjersey
November 2nd, 2011
10:34 am
richbrave; I agree, I appreciate Diaz,loveable & all but he doesn’t make any impact. Man I hope these coachin’ changes will bring some strong plate discipline. Much as I didn’t want the cards to take it I did really admired the plate discipline they brought, hope the braves can learn from it. Have an approach each time.
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
10:34 am
And on that note, Jerry Hairston Jr would not light anyone’s fire. He’ll be 36 next season and he has no power.
As a back up SS and CF? Why is it even that big a deal?
VaBravesFan
November 2nd, 2011
10:34 am
Efrim
From what I hear about the Nats is there willing to spend big. There not gonna let Adam LaRoche and his 7.5 mil salary get in the way of going after Pujols or Fielder. They want to add a top of the rotation starter and good bat this offseason. There the only team that might offer CJ Wilson 100 mil. Also look for them to try and trade for BJ Upton or Denard Span.
TennesseePaul
November 2nd, 2011
10:35 am
The Marlins will raise their payroll to at least $85MM in 2012, writes Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post.
That’s a boost capable of bringing on a Prince Fielder and a CJ Wilson.
VaBravesFan
November 2nd, 2011
10:36 am
Jerry Hairston Jr. can play every position except P,C,1B. Valuable bench guy. Makes contact and can run well still.
VaBravesFan
November 2nd, 2011
10:36 am
Marlins are increasing payroll by 27 million.
TennesseePaul
November 2nd, 2011
10:38 am
As a back up SS and CF? Why is it even that big a deal?
Because he doesn’t fill the stated off-season needs as laid out by Wren.
CrαZy
November 2nd, 2011
10:38 am
I know what my opinion is, but what is the opinion of the Blog? Will Constanza be on the Bench in 2012?
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
10:39 am
But, if the talk from the front office is just a diversion to light fires under feet, then the payroll is at it’s peak and there is little room for improvement.
We’re talking about 3-5 million here. Mac’s average annual is 5.54 on the contract. His 2012 number is 8.66 or higher based on performance incentives. Again, it’s at least 3 million. And his contract and a combo of Hudson and Uggla’s contract adding up to 1.13 million. So we’re looking at at least a difference of 4.25 million in average or how Cots is laying it out.
He’s 4 years younger than Hairston Jr. He’s a corner outfielder, but played largely LF in his career and no other position.
Wow. You really think I was naming Hairston Jr. as the big bat to bring in, TenneseePaul? You must not believe in my knowledge or intelligence. I mean, give…..me……a break……
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
10:42 am
Because he doesn’t fill the stated off-season needs as laid out by Wren.
He’s a utility infielder, TenneseePaul – with some additional ability to back up CF. We have two spots on the bench open after Hinske, Diaz and Ross were brought back. None of those guys can back up middle infield and Wren stated that utility infield was an area of need.
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:42 am
Murph – Nah, it wasn’t me. I’m all for Mac playing his entire career in Atlanta, but there are more pressing needs that need to be dealt with first.
However, I don’t believe we’ll be getting an outfielder anything like Cuddyer or many mentioned so far – THIS year. The big LF addition will come next winter. This year we get a SS and someone who can play corner outfield for this year and likely only for this year.
Next year there will be more money and much more will be done of a more long term nature.
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
10:42 am
CrαZy, I would have to think he wouldn’t but who really knows what they will do.
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
10:44 am
Having said all that, I could see Wren looking at Willingham. They’ve been “linked” to interest in him in the past which would make me think they’ll talk to him this off-season regardless of arbitration offers from the A’s.
Totally agree. Wren has showed twice before that he could care less about giving up a first round pick as long as it helps the team now. Not a smart baseball move – but butts are on the line in 2012
richbrave
November 2nd, 2011
10:49 am
EFRIM:
I want to know why you think BUTTS is on the line in 2012.
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
10:50 am
I want to know why you think BUTTS is on the line in 2012.
Joking, richbrave.
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:51 am
Wren isn’t going after Willingham – despite any willingness to lose a draft pick, they just do NOT have enough money for Willingham available.
Wren will go for a player who can play left while Martin plays third for Chipper and who can fill in in Right if Heyward needs a breather or falters again.
NEXT year they will get a full time LFer
Murph
November 2nd, 2011
10:51 am
Willingham? I know he’s got decent stats, but am I the only one who isn’t all that excited about the possibility of bringing him to Atlanta?
CrαZy
November 2nd, 2011
10:56 am
Murph I’m with you never been impressed with Willingham!
Lew
November 2nd, 2011
10:57 am
Consider that the Braves have $12 mil to spend – for the entire season.
First they must obtain a SS – likely to be several million. Say that leaves $9 mil.
They need bench support. Call that another $4 mil- you’re now down to $5 mil.
Wren will then need to save a couple mil for trade deadline or other necessities. That leaves you around $3 mil. That’s what you will see spent on a corner outfielder.
Ease
November 2nd, 2011
11:03 am
Wren isn’t going after Willingham
Unless it comes from Random, I will never believe it!
RC
November 2nd, 2011
11:03 am
If there was any truth whatsoever to the Hampton contract answers the Front Office offered DOB all those years, we all know how that is structured. It’s an average annual cost structure.
Just because the Hampton contract was accounted for as an average annual payout, doesn’t mean that any other contracts are accounted for in that manner. I would actually think it’s more likely that McCann’s contract is structured similarly to the way it’s paid out, since more money would become available as more expensive players that are unlikely to be kept finish out their contracts (like McLouth, Kawakami, Lowe, and eventually Chipper and Hudson).
TennesseePaul
November 2nd, 2011
11:19 am
Just because the Hampton contract was accounted for as an average annual payout, doesn’t mean that any other contracts are accounted for in that manner. I would actually think it’s more likely that McCann’s contract is structured similarly to the way it’s paid out
I wouldn’t. I would wager that the average annual is the way they account for the contracts on a financial reporting basis and also wager that the structure of the contract is such so as not to be used against them in future arbitration negotiations with other pre-FA or arb eligible players.
I’ve noticed Braves have kept a pretty flat rate on players contracts through FA years. That reduces the cost of player salary growth as a player is locked in with a flat salary for X number of years. They make a lot so the ebbs and flows of inflation and cost of living don’t impact them as much on a paycheck to paycheck basis as we mere mortals, but imagine you working for your company for 4 years with no raise.
richbrave
November 2nd, 2011
11:21 am
Efrim
November 2nd, 2011
10:50 am
I want to know why you think BUTTS is on the line in 2012.
Joking, richbrave.
Heh, and i was worried about BRETT’s future as a BRAVE.
Arkansas Transplant
November 2nd, 2011
11:22 am
We’re going to sign Oswalt.
Juan
November 2nd, 2011
11:24 am
Braves Cleaning up 40 men roster:
Bowman
•The Braves outrighted catcher J.C. Boscan, reliever Stephen Marek, outfielder Wilkin Ramirez, and outfielder Antoan Richardson to Triple-A Gwinnett, tweets MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Meanwhile, starter Todd Redmond’s contract was selected. Marek had Tommy John surgery in May; he was obtained from the Angels with Casey Kotchman for Mark Teixeira at the ‘08 trade deadline. I thought at the time that the Braves’ return topped the value of a couple of draft picks. That hasn’t been true if you look at who the Angels took with their two Teixeira picks: top prospect Mike Trout and lefty Tyler Skaggs, a main component in the Dan Haren trade.
richbrave
November 2nd, 2011
11:27 am
I’m reminded of the old axium, “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
If WILLINGHAM or another competent left fielder can be had for the right price and length of service, I have no doubt FW would pull the trigger.
I’m more inclined toward a trade, and PRADO and DIAZ come immediately to mind. However as always, ” In WREN I trust.” The man is solid as the American Dollar. Heh!