Braves clear space on 40-man roster
With the free agency period set to begin Thursday – the first day free agents can sign with new teams – the Braves freed up some space on their 40-man roster Wednesday. They outrighted catcher J.C. Boscan, pitcher Stephen Marek and outfielders Wilkin Ramirez and Antoan Richardson. They also purchased the contract of Gwinnett right-hander Todd Redmond, adding him to the 40-man.
With free agents Alex Gonzalez, George Sherrill, Scott Linebrink and Jack Wilson expected to come off the 40-man roster Thursday, the Braves will have seven spots remaining for players they can add via trades and free agency and protect from the Rule 5 draft.
High on the Braves’ wish list are shortstop and a left fielder to play when Martin Prado fills in for Chipper Jones at third base.
“We like the foundation of our team,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said this week. “We may make some tweaks or we may make some bigger moves, just depending on what is out there and how it all falls over the course of the next couple months.”
Both Boscan and Ramirez elected to become free agents rather than accept minor league assignments, and Richardson and Marek will become six-year minor league free agents.
Braves sign Parraz
The Braves signed 27-year-old outfielder Jordan Parraz to a minor league contract Thursday and are expected to invite him to spring training. He’ll provide some depth in the outfield in Triple-A after the departures of Ramirez and Richardson.
Parraz, a third round pick of the Astros in 2004, hit .289 with nine homers and 52 RBIs in Scranton/Wilkes Barre last year in the Yankees organization.
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127 comments Add your comment
UGASlobberknocker
November 2nd, 2011
3:39 pm
hey DOB would you delete that first post..I put my email address on there by accident. thanks
superadam
November 2nd, 2011
3:43 pm
I thought Marek had potential till TJ surgery hit, taking him off the 40 does that mean he is destined to be in the minors with Atlanta
Chan Gailey
November 2nd, 2011
3:43 pm
Since I quit following Dave on Twitter my feed is not blown up with attempted satirical garbage.
Todd Watkins
November 2nd, 2011
3:45 pm
Someone ask Dave a question that he thinks is easy and check out his response. Its like a freshman askin a popular senior where Ms. Thompson’s class is.
Gene
November 2nd, 2011
3:46 pm
Hey Brosephs, Carol wrote the article…….
@Fredo
November 2nd, 2011
3:52 pm
Yo, guys. Enough of the personal shots on DOB. You know good and well that there is a 80 percent chance that he didn’t write this article. (checking byline…) See. The guy needs some time to relax and come up with some biting sarcasim that he can use once someone questions why he needs to take the entire second week of spring training off. Check back in Feb. Thanks DOB. Seriously serious seriously. Seriously. Words, and, furthermore, words with, for added effect, commas.
dobearsbare
November 2nd, 2011
3:54 pm
OK, here’s one: What will they do with shortstop. From what I’ve read, the consensus seems to be that Pastornicky isn’t quite ready for the jump. Pondering free agency, the majority of the SS out there seem to be in the Gonzalez mold — high high on-base or average guys, hit for occasional power. There are two glaring exceptions: Jose Reyes (who doesn’t strike me as a great fit for the Braves, clubhouse-wise) and Jimmy Rollins, whom I’d love to see come here. Any chance of that happening?
Drunk Again
November 2nd, 2011
3:54 pm
Fire Frank Wren! Fire Freddy. Chipper is old. Cheap Owners! Did I miss anything? Oh yeah, they are medicore.
Carmen
November 2nd, 2011
4:00 pm
@dobears I HIGHLY doubt that the Phillies are going to let Rollins go easily. I can almost guarantee that he will remain in a Phillies jersey next year. Would be awesome if we could get him but Phillies know what a great prize they have in him and will make it hard for anyone to get him. I definitely think though that we shouldn’t try to re-sign Gonzo.
Heisenberg
November 2nd, 2011
4:01 pm
I would pass on both Reyes ($$$) and Rollins (age). Unless there is a multi-year offer from another team, do not be surprised if the new SS is the same as the old SS. Not saying that is what I would want … just what is most likely scenario.
Rupert
November 2nd, 2011
4:03 pm
I wish someone would ask Wren why they feel the need to keep shuffling Prado from left to third. Let the guy play left, relax and learn the position. I think staying in one position couldn’t hurt his hitting. At this point, with such a down year, I think it should be at least discussed.
01HAWK
November 2nd, 2011
4:03 pm
We like the foundation of our team,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said this week. “We may make some tweaks or we may make some bigger moves, just depending on what is out there and how it all falls over the course of the next couple months.”
This what FRANK WREN is saying:
We lost the playoff spot due to DLOWE, McOUT and bad luck, so we will not pay any money to get a decent outfielder. We will go and get a washed up outfielder who needs to be put out to pasture as a stop gap due to we do not have the money due to me (FRANK WREN) making STUPID FREE AGENT SIGNINGS and also we can not go forward due to CHIPPER will not retire. So in essence, we will be fighting for a playoff spot once again leading up to the final week.
We will try to find a serviceable outfielder (WASHED UP OUTFIELDER) to help us until one of our young outfielders can come up from the minors.
I apologize that we signed the following players and I hope you can forgive the organization.
McOUT
RAUL MONDESI
Eli Marrero
Dewayne Wise
Darren Bragg
Dave Martinez
B.J. Surhoff
Reggie Sanders
Bobby Bonilla
Willie Harris
Mark Kotsay
Garret Anderson
Gene
November 2nd, 2011
4:06 pm
Or his music selection. Have you ever heard of Troy Walker and the Bandolettes? yes none us us have either Dave so we do comma not comma care
Hoot
November 2nd, 2011
4:09 pm
Why not platoon Prado and Heyward in right and get a LF.
urban redneck
November 2nd, 2011
4:10 pm
we will not be investing in a big name SS; we have 3 waiting in the minors. we just need someone for a year, probably not even that long, until pastornicky is ready. simmons will hopefully take over in 2012.
trade JJ for a LF.
urban redneck
November 2nd, 2011
4:11 pm
wow, what’s up with the DOB haters?
and do you really think we can get garret anderson???? sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Liberty Media
November 2nd, 2011
4:17 pm
Don’t blame us. The reason we have no more money to spend is because Frank Wren blew tens of millions of dollars on the Lowe, McLouth and K.K. deals.
I'm Ron Burgundy?
November 2nd, 2011
4:19 pm
01HAWK….. dont forgot about the great contributions we received from Greg Norton. What a weapon he was off the bench.
Capt. Obvious
November 2nd, 2011
4:20 pm
If Chipper retired we would have $20 million to get a starting LF and SS. But no. Another season of pulled quads, ingrown toenails, and pregnant Hooters waitresses. All that and 15 homers is not worth $15 million.
chipper's first wife...
November 2nd, 2011
4:20 pm
How about letting Chipper platoon in left with whoever, and trade the J brothers (a.k.a. JJ and J-Hey) for a serious right fielder? I remember sitting with Halle back in the day at old Fulton county stadium, and her man won the series that year, not mine!
chipper's first wife...
November 2nd, 2011
4:21 pm
Oh yeah, and move Prado to 3rd full-time.
Baseball Fan Lou
November 2nd, 2011
4:22 pm
We should say to Chipper Jones. “Chipper, Brave fans love you and you are a first ballot hall of famer and you will always have a position in our organization for all you have done for us, but it is time for you to retire so we can pursue a full time 3rd baseman and fill our other needs.”
Lakedawg
November 2nd, 2011
4:26 pm
If you platoon Chipper from which side will you let him bat?
Say Its True
November 2nd, 2011
4:26 pm
Why can’t they get a decent manager that can manage what they have? Yes, Wren blew tons of cash, but I still don’t think Liberty Media gives a darn about the Braves. And its a given that fredi is clueless. With Lowe and McGoof gone, it helps, but we need speed and someone that can hit the ^&&%# ball, and not always try to hit it to my house. With what we have now, its a homer or a strikeout.
Brave Hokie
November 2nd, 2011
4:27 pm
Losers.
Heisenberg
November 2nd, 2011
4:29 pm
Chipper Jones will never play LF again. Just let it go.
Rufus
November 2nd, 2011
4:30 pm
Chipper has been a loyal player in an age of “run to the sound of the biggest payday,” and I commend him. However, he’s way past his prime. Time to take one for the team and hang up the spikes, Larry.
dawgdom
November 2nd, 2011
4:33 pm
Got catchers coming,any chance MAC moving to 3rd?
Bossman
November 2nd, 2011
4:34 pm
Enter your comments here
01HAWK
November 2nd, 2011
4:39 pm
CHRISTMAS WISH LIST:
1. McCann will play DEFENSE
2. CHIPPER will not play the required games for his contract to kick in for 2013.
3. A SS that bats above 275
4. An outfielder that is not headed to PASTURE.
5. JHEY gets his act together
6. FREDDI doesn’t stay to long with any player if they are slumping.
7. BRAVES to be sold……………………..DODGERS will probably get a good owner.
Here is the verbage in CHIPPER JONES CONTRACT. Another bad descision by the BRAVOS;
His contract contains a $9 million option for 2013 that would become guaranteed if he plays in 123 games in 2012 or averages 127 games in 2011-12. The option price could increase by up to $4 million: $1 million each for 128, 133, 138 and 140 games in 2012 (or averages of 132, 137, 138 and 140 in 2011-12). In addition, he could earn $1.5 million in performance bonuses based on the earlier criteria.
If the vesting option fails to become guaranteed, the club would hold a $7 million option.
Jay Dubu
November 2nd, 2011
4:43 pm
Chipper’s already a platoon player…between injuries, and having to take a day or two off every week.
Heisenberg
November 2nd, 2011
4:44 pm
Chipper played in 126 games in 2011. Do the math for that vesting option. It is not hard.
alex
November 2nd, 2011
4:46 pm
please, stop crying about shortage quality players. first get to the ball games like in st Loise, Philly, Chicago and then you have the wrights to ask your gm be accountable because he going to get financial flexibility, but with attendance in Atlanta slightly more than marlins just shut up and enjoy what you have
Say Its True
November 2nd, 2011
4:47 pm
How did you get the verbage to Chumpies contract? Is it public knowledge?
Liberty Media - Porn Division
November 2nd, 2011
4:47 pm
Yep, Frank done blowed up the budget.
Up Yours
November 2nd, 2011
4:47 pm
Get rid of the Jay-No kid. He’s going to end up hitting behind Francour in Kansas City in two years anyway. Might as well get something for the promise he still has. I’d rather have Mike Hampton sitting on the bench than a .220 hitting right fielder.
CantonMan
November 2nd, 2011
4:48 pm
My 11-year-old is ready to sign. He can track balls in the outfield, has a mean change-up, and has batted over .600 through his AllStar and Travel team stints. And most importantly, he didn’t collapse in the last month of the season! Oh … i almost forgot … he’ll take HALF the money the Braves are paying for these other players!
Say Its True
November 2nd, 2011
4:50 pm
Since Frank done blowed up the budget on bad choices, why, in this economy, do people want to go see the Braves lose most nights? Not to mention all the other costs involved. They don’t play like St Loise, I guess. I have never seen St Loise play ball.
Jay Dubu
November 2nd, 2011
4:50 pm
How many of the 126 games that Chipper played were cameo pinch hit appearances?
Heisenberg
November 2nd, 2011
4:52 pm
Also Chipper is sitting a 454 career HR. The closer to 500 the more likely 1st ballot HoF. He is currently 33rd on the all time list with a realistic shot to move past Stan Musial with 475 at 28th. These numbers are what could prompt him to push for that extra year. Folks who want to seem him retire better not count on it.
Paddy
November 2nd, 2011
4:52 pm
Mac @ 3rd? Might as well but a cigar store indian down there. That was funny!
01HAWK
November 2nd, 2011
4:56 pm
Things just got tougher in the EAST with the following announcement by the FLORIDA MARLINS who are adding $ 28 MILLION EXTRA IN PAYROLL.
2011 PAYROLL…………………….$ 56,944,000…………………………….Expected 2012 PAYROLL $ 85 MILLION.
•The Marlins will raise their payroll to at least $85MM in 2012, writes Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post. By my calculations they should have over $20MM to spend on ‘12 salaries, if Juan Carlos Oviedo does not remain with the team.
Heisenberg
November 2nd, 2011
5:00 pm
So the Marlins will add KK & McClouth?
Notso Fast
November 2nd, 2011
5:00 pm
Chipper is a real problem. You can not blame him for his contract but you can’t build a team with him a part time player and with a large contract. One more year of building around him.
Mixer
November 2nd, 2011
5:00 pm
clueless team, clueless fans
01HAWK
November 2nd, 2011
5:02 pm
Say Its True………………………………..Go to this link to find the contract on SLIPPER JONES. I’m sorry it took so long but, ……………………………………………I pulled a hang nail trying to find the article again and I guess I will have to miss work tomorrow. I also pulled a QUAD MUSCLE getting out of my chair to go to the bathroom.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4029831
a fan
November 2nd, 2011
5:03 pm
Wow seems like all the malcontents got on today probably because their out of a job and nothing better to do. If I’m not mistaken we did win 89 games without two of our starters available for most of the second half, Be grateful you don’t live in Pittsburgh.
a fan
November 2nd, 2011
5:03 pm
meant unavailable
randyarnold
November 2nd, 2011
5:03 pm
Hot Stove suggestion: Make Tyler Pastornicky your everyday SS. Trade Jair Jurrjens, Randall Delgado and minor leaguer Andrelton Simmons to Tampa for B.J. Upton. Put Upton in LF and go with the young arms.
wjones
November 2nd, 2011
5:04 pm
Listen folks, if you really hate the team, the players, the management, the ownership, and the writers who cover them THAT BAD, it might be time to go visit a blog of a team you ACTUALLY LIKE. It might make you happier, unless you enjoy making yourselves and everyone around you miserable. In that case, carry on I guess.
RoyU
November 2nd, 2011
5:04 pm
It’s a negative sign of things to come when the 2011 season has barely ended and we are relying on Prado filling in for Chipper at 3rd next year. Here we go again!
a fan
November 2nd, 2011
5:05 pm
Randy I live in Tampa you don’t want Upton
Say Its True
November 2nd, 2011
5:07 pm
thank you 01HAWK. Hope that quad feels better real soon. Ask Chumpie, I am sure he has a cure. Now about that fingernail, just don’t hold it up to the lights, or you will not be able to see it.
Tana
November 2nd, 2011
5:08 pm
Why would we want to go see them lose most nights……..hmm…..considering we have won 90 games the last two seasons I’d say they win most nights.
You guys are all tools.
knockahomerx
November 2nd, 2011
5:10 pm
FW, With the personnel we have here is our everyday lineup: CF M. Bourne, RF J. Constanza, 1B F. Freeman, 2B D. Uggla, LF M. Prado permanent LF, C B. McCann, because of late season swoons bat him 6th, 3B C. Jones, his last year/ Brandon Hicks or other, SS Pastornicky, rather play youth and speed over age and slow. Pitcher. Bench: C Ross, UT Heinske, 3B B. Hicks or other, OF M. Dias, IF ???. Your welcome very much. Put me to work for the Braves, l can teach them how to win. Give Heyward 1 year in Gwinnett to straigthen up. Keep throwing great pitching prospects at other teams everyday. Keep the bullpen well stocked with power guys. Pitch, Play defense, use speed, bunt, and situational hitting to generate runs. Play baseball. Just do it. Just win baby.
joekill
November 2nd, 2011
5:10 pm
they guy who said move mccann to third base are you mental
Winston Knox
November 2nd, 2011
5:11 pm
I think that one other roster move could be generated. The braves could talk Chipper Jones in going to Texas as the DH. Since he has a ranch in Texas and probably will retire there, it could work out well for him and the Braves. Of course the Braves would have to pay 7 or 8 million of the 14 million owed him. It would free up 5 or 6 million and allow Prado to move to 3rd base permanently. We could then shop for a power hitting left fielder. Any thoughts?
Say Its True
November 2nd, 2011
5:11 pm
Didn’t seem like we won 90. But it wasn’t good enough. Since you have such vast knowledge, maybe you cant tell this blog why they imploded in September.
Dubious
November 2nd, 2011
5:16 pm
Bring back DLowe! The back of his baseball card is still respectable.
Heisenberg
November 2nd, 2011
5:20 pm
You must be looking at the 2010 card.
steve
November 2nd, 2011
5:24 pm
How could you say “We like the foundation” of the team when they had a near historic meltdown in September and completely folded during the last week of the season? I’d be saying things like ” We will be implementing major changes this off season.” and “Nobody’s job is guaranteed.” This is why this team has for the past decade and will continue for the foreseeable future be a model of mediocrity.
O'flarity's water bottle
November 2nd, 2011
5:24 pm
BYE BYE SEABASS! GOOD LUCK!
Blackberry Cobbler
November 2nd, 2011
5:28 pm
Alex Gonzalez, George Sherrill, Scott Linebrink and Jack Wilson …………….
the Braves can part ways with all 4 of these guys, Gonzalez is a great defensive short-stop but his lack of offense really hurts the Braves.
1eyedJack
November 2nd, 2011
5:29 pm
I think we still need Chipper on the team. Counting on him to be a starter..?
Gonzo has a 6 million dollar glove and a 5 dollar bat.
J-Hey, sophomore slump. Quit hanging out at the clubs and hang out more in the video room and the batting cage.
I’d be willing to part with Hanson and/or JJ (Boras clients)for a big bat with some speed (Is Ethier available?).
BigMac needs to do some aerobics or we need to take more advantage of a very good backup in Ross.
Don’t mess with Freeman or Bourne.
BravesfaninWis
November 2nd, 2011
5:29 pm
I am ok with going young again, hell it worked for Texas didn’t it? If Pastornicky is ready for the big leagues, put him in there. He will be a cheap and hopefully great addition to this team with his hitting and possible base stealing ways.
Now I love Chipper for who he is and what he has meant to the Atlanta Braves for the past 17+ years, but I seriously believe that he needs to walk away. We need to definitely get younger at 3rd base and they can’t do it while he is taking 15 million a year away from the payroll to play on the average 110 games a year. He should realize it and want to walk away if he truly cares about this organization. Does he need the money or what?
I would be ok with trading away Jurrgens or Hanson as long as we got something really good in return for them. Hanson and Jurrgens have been injured a lot the past couple of years, and we got a surplus of young pitchers just waiting for their time to shine. If the right deal comes along, I could see Wren dealing one of those guys to get a player of great need in return.
I hope the Braves do something good this offseason. I am at my all time low on this team right about now and if they don’t do something good to at least make us believe they will be contenders next season, I may just pass on watching them altogether next season. It goes both ways Braves front office, if you want fans in the seats, you better show us that you will do everything possible to be contenders next year and not completely choke again like you did this season. That left a bad taste in a lot of fans mouths, and it won’t be easy to get them back at the park next year unless you do something good, and that doesn’t mean signing a second rate player to be a backup or stopgap player.
Multiposter Andy
November 2nd, 2011
5:32 pm
So Heyward’s gonna be the .215 9 37 starting RF ? Pathetic !
knockahomerx
November 2nd, 2011
5:32 pm
FW and Walker new hitting coach, Rules for instruction. #1. Hit to the opposite field period. All pitchers pitch 90% outside black, if they can. They pitch 10% inside just to keep hitters honest. Right? Go with the pitch to opposite field stupids. #2. Swing at strikes. #3. Do not swing at balls. #4. Be patient, work the counts. This causes lots of good things to happen. Better pitches to hit. The opposing pitcher’s pitch count goes up early in game. #5. Can the Braves please sacrifice bunt more and move runners. #6. Fine a hitter if he does not at least get a sacrifice fly to score a runner from 3rd. A hitter should get 25 rbi’s a year by getting a runner home with less than 2 outs from 3rd. AMEN! #7. Hit the darn baseball square and hard, on the ground and more line drives. Homers will happen. Fine hitters for excessise pop outs. #8. No easy outs. Sting the ball dang it. #9. Focus and Concentrate. #10. No wasted at bats, it is an honor to stand in the batters box and face pitchers. It is competition. Think of Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Stan Musial, our own Chipper Jones. Our hitters should be the best they can be each time they step in the box Period. Just do it. Just win baby.
Lazy A.Brandon
November 2nd, 2011
5:35 pm
Chipper’s gonna play about 14 games then get a hammy. Then play 9 more and get an oblique strain. Then play 11 games and get a belly blister…. All while making $14 million…
wjones
November 2nd, 2011
5:36 pm
“Say Its True
November 2nd, 2011
5:11 pm
Didn’t seem like we won 90. But it wasn’t good enough. Since you have such vast knowledge, maybe you cant tell this blog why they imploded in September.”
Well, I’m not supposed to tell anybody this, so please keep this a secret, but the whole season was a conspiracy to let the Cardinals win and get LaRussa out of the league. You see, when he was arrested in the Spring for passing out at a red light, they needed to suspend him, but MLB decided to go creative and basically create a series around the Cardinals, and all of baseball was in on it. There were several plot twists in and around the Cardinals and other teams. For instance:
1. The drama of Pujols not wanting to re-sign during the year, the wrist fracture, and the miraculous healing of the same wrist.
2. The Cardinals getting rid of their starting CF’er because LaRussa didn’t like his dad, during August, which was a signal that the Cardinals were giving up on the season. Also, the total restaffing of the bullpen.
3. The scripted and orchestrated September surge of the Cardinals, combined with the swoon of the Braves, Giants, and, just to throw everyone off, the Red Sox. The unusually loud, raucous drama in Boston that threw everyone off the trail of the real story, and the resignations of Francona and Epstein.
4. The early, surprising exits of the Phillies and Yankees, the planned rainouts for EVERY start for Jason Verlander, and the defeat of the Brewers, who routed the Cardinals in the same division, by those same Cardinals.
5. The scheduled rainout before Game 6 of the World Series, allowing the Cardinals bullpen an extra day to prepare for the last two games and giving Carpenter the extra day of rest so he could start Game 7.
6. The completely orchestrated Game 6, where the Cardinals miraculously got hits TWICE with the team down to their last strike. An added bonus of Nelson Cruz running a completely illogical pattern after Freese’s double. And just to throw us all off, the blatant intentional errors by Holliday and Freese, as well as the presumed winning homer by Hamilton.
7. The 79 totally illogical managerial moves by Washington in the World Series. And, again to throw us off, the bullpen phone incident by the Cardinals.
8. The sudden and unexpected retirement of LaRussa after the season.
Once you look at it all, it makes sense, and the Braves were but just one pawn in the giant game.
ray
November 2nd, 2011
5:38 pm
what a meaningless statement from Wren. just makes these comments to humor us fans. he basically said almost nothing. he may do something small or something bigger. he implies that money isn’t an issue , but everyone knows it is.
at least the Braves won’t go down to the final day next year-they’ll be eliminated long before.
Ken Stallings
November 2nd, 2011
5:40 pm
The Braves need to make their number one priority signing a left fielder with a very good to great bat. I’m fine with giving Tyler Pastornicky a chance for the starting shortstop position. The real question is going to be what do the Braves do with Christian Bethancourt given he’s tearing up the Arizona Fall League as a catcher. The Braves already have All-Star Brian McCann plus David Ross as a great backup with a cannon arm.
If the Braves can get that great bat in left field, then I see the youth movement being advisable. The one area the Braves don’t have someone ready in the farm is in the outfield. So, if the Braves can get the left field position filled nicely, then I do like the team’s chances next season.
bvillebaron
November 2nd, 2011
5:46 pm
BravesfaninWis:
Why should Chipper walk away from what I believe is a $14 million contract? Would you? Of course not. No question that Chipper’s best years are behind him, but he wasn’t as bad last year as many of his critics here suggest.
I also think that Wren is correct when he says that the team doesn’t need a major overhaul. As Dave and others have pointed out, their biggest need is to resolve shortstop and then try to get an OF (preferably right-handed) and possibly a veteran reliever.
Before everyone starts pre-judging all of this, let’s wait to see what Wren actually does or doesn’t do in before Spring Training next year before you start ripping him.
P.S. To Randyarnold: Hopefully you were propsoing that the Braves trade JJ, Delgado and Simmons for JUSTIN Upton rather than B.J. Upton. Otherwise, this might be one of the most stupid proposals I have heard in that it probably would do for Tampa Bay what the Texeira fiasco did for the Rangers.
Carroll Rogers
November 2nd, 2011
5:53 pm
FYI on 40-man guys outrighted today….J.C. Boscan and Wilkin Ramirez have elected for free agency rather than accepting minor league assignments and both Stephen Marek and Antoan Richardson will become six-year minor league free agents.
Brandon
November 2nd, 2011
6:24 pm
How can people sit here and blame Frank Wren? Wren put together a team that had every chance of winning everything. It’s not his fault that a lifetime 300 hitter (Prado) batted 260, Jason Heyward suffered a sophomore slump, silver slugger Dan Uggla had a horrible 1st half, all star Brian McCann lost his stroke, jurrjens and hanson got injured,etc.
Of course guys can complain about the all star cf nate mclouth that atlanta picked up in 2009, or the DOMINANT japanese pitcher(kawakami) who won the Cy Young equivalent in Japan that the braves took a chance on, or derek lowe, who was the only other option atlanta had at the time when they’re rotation was horrible. Of course not every move has panned out the best, but at the time, how would we have known?
Frank Wren has done a great job bringing in talent. We needed a slugger, he brought in Uggla. Needed a leadoff hitter, he brought in bourn. Also the first GM to make a trade this offseason. Wren doesn’t waste time and he also puts together a great team on paper.
Its then up to the players to perform
Rafael
November 2nd, 2011
6:26 pm
Miracles DO happen. The Braves found someone to take that stiff Derek “Kawakami” Lowe off our hands (namely the INDIANS).
The next albatross or washed up, pig-in-a-poke, bargain basement, garage sale, BUM to jetison is Matt Diaz (whoever said “he rakes lefthanders” ought to be on the Jerry Springer Show).
YES, the SAME Matt Diaz who “was able to keep his sense of humor despite the Braves collapse.” Matty, in case you didn’t know, the Braves collapse was NOT funny.
It is an EMBARRASEMENT to have Matt Diaz on the Braves roster. The Braves brass talk like Diaz is assured 300+ ABs in 2012. Matt Diaz, 300+ ABs!!!!?????????? This is a guy who COULD NOT make ANY other MLB roster. If you are truly going to give Matt Diaz playing time next year, then you might as be totally STUPID and resign Scott “Proctor” Linebrink.
Send Diaz packing!!!!!!
JHey's Better
November 2nd, 2011
6:31 pm
Ok Jimmy Rollins becoming the next braves shortstop? Comments?
JHey's Better
November 2nd, 2011
6:32 pm
that Stephen Marek trade with Kotchman really panned out we are still feeling the effects of the TEX trade
Brandon
November 2nd, 2011
6:40 pm
i like rollins, but i doubt the braves would sign him. he’s looking for a multiyear deal and he’s injury prone.
MikeY
November 2nd, 2011
6:55 pm
Braves will not go for Rollins or Reyes – too expensive and both will want a long term contract, which the Braves do not need.
Alex Gonzalez is possibly the best of the rest of the free agent shortstops. He ranks about mid-point of SS’s last year, as far as stats go. If we can sign him for $3M with a $250K buy-out for a $3.5M option for 2013, I would say go for it.
We also need a backup SS (Wilson would be fine). But most importantly, we need a RH-hitting corner OF that can also play 1B or 3B in a pinch. A RH-hitting Hinske clone, or Diaz if Diaz had some pop. I like Josh Willingham.
Blue Fox
November 2nd, 2011
7:03 pm
Bring back Escobar at SS, never should have given up on him and unlike Bobby, Fredi can manage him.
tim
November 2nd, 2011
7:08 pm
After reading these comments a great many of you so called Braves fans should be ashamed of yourselves. Get off of Chipper he has earned this right, could you ever have imagined organizations telling players such as Yaz,Stan the man,Hammerin Hank telling players like this you gotta go so we can rebuild? The answer is NO!! As for the person who asked about Mac moving to third I remember the great Johnny Bench trying that, one word UGLY. Again I ask couldn’t we let Prado play SS for one season? I too like the make up of this club collectivally we had a lot of subpar years I do not believe lighting will strike twice. Lets get ready for 2012 and get behind the Braves this does include Freddi,Mr Wren,Chipper and the rest of our Atlanta Braves.
fraedo
November 2nd, 2011
7:09 pm
Rock on Brandon… Frank Wren has been EXCELLENT! Some people just like complaining and no one can anything right (other than themselves). Is Frank Wren perfect? No, tell me who is? Guys like Epstein and Cashman make EXPENSIVE mistakes all the time, but because they have outragous payrolls, the mistakes don’t stand out as much and they are “elite” GMs. Billy Beane has taken on some kind of legendary status… how has his team been doing the last few years?
kevin Mckillop
November 2nd, 2011
8:06 pm
A right hand bat such as Cody Ross would be a plus and would not break the team.Remember when we wanted Ross but were to late.He can play left or right field and provide 20 home runs and a respectfull average with line drive hitting and some more speed.
Brandon
November 2nd, 2011
8:35 pm
exactly fraedo
jester
November 2nd, 2011
9:18 pm
Looks Like 2012 will shape up just like last 4 or 5 years!
Furman Bitcher
November 2nd, 2011
9:23 pm
Sorry you dolts but Chipper was one of our best hitters last year. Stupid fools.
Furman Bitcher
November 2nd, 2011
9:28 pm
Chipper 2011
.275 – 18 HR – 70 RBI
Only A. Ramerez had a better season at 3rd in NL
ShaunnATLFan86
November 2nd, 2011
9:46 pm
Thank you for the intelligent people on here….and thank the morons for proving the difference between true braves/baseball fans and box score watchers……Jason Heyward has ONE bad year…..”sophmore slump” and some of you idiots want to trade him? You people are retarded……you obviously cannot see talent….nor can you see that every good hitter on the braves struggled this year….Heyward….Prado….Uggla…..McCann……Chipper……I mean this isnt a coincidence idiots…….the two most successful hitters…Bourne who spent most of his year with Houston…….and a different coach….and Freeman who was a rookie……its not a coincidence….its common sense….for one to be able to look and say hmm…this problem may not be all on the hitters….
rugburn
November 2nd, 2011
9:59 pm
jason pretty much has had 1 1/2 bad years out of 2. how long do we accept .230 with virtually no run production and avg defense at best?are we not supposed to want more out of the face of the franchise?
Brandon
November 2nd, 2011
10:05 pm
heyward actually batted 302 the 2nd half of the 2010 season .356 in july .299 in august and .275 in sep/oct. overall his power numbers (home run specifically) decreased
Brandon
November 2nd, 2011
10:06 pm
that was the main drawback
rugburn
November 2nd, 2011
10:12 pm
i know it doesn’t sound like it, but i am a jason fan. i’m just a fan of the kid who came up hitting screaming line drives up the middle instead of the player who is trying to pull everything out of the park. when he came up he looked like he knew what he was doing at the plate. now he looks like a LH agon
my side
November 2nd, 2011
10:32 pm
Not one person on this blog would walk away from a job paying $15,000,000 a year.
Alaska Braves Fan
November 2nd, 2011
10:35 pm
OK. Let’s see. Bang my head on the wall. Oops! Wall still there. OK. Fine. Bang my head on the wall. Oops! Wall still there. Well, only way to win is to be creative since the money wall won’t move! OK. Well. Creative? Big cognitive shift. Cognitive? What’s that? Oh, yeah, must find simple and unusual solutions. What happens if I don’t? Oh, yeah. We. Lose. Often.
ABF
DeProf
November 2nd, 2011
10:47 pm
agree with many who are positive or have constructive criticism. Chipper will be back for one more year. Since he is still one of the better players, that’s fine. Paid too much? Sure, but so are many that are just past their prime. Maybe new hitting coach can get Jay hey back on track. Prado may do fine at SS – don’t know about his range. If he wants to audition in the spring go at it. He could be a big factor if he returns to hitting form. The return of Frenchy, although unlikely, to RF would help to reignite the fanbase – I think. 20 HR, 20 SB, 87 RBI, runner up Golden Glove gave him better stats than the rest of OF except for Bourn. McCann needs to get in healed and in shape. Then, JJ and Hanson get healthy and one of the young guns brought up late come through pitching could be up there once again. Hudson leading the way.
DeProf
November 2nd, 2011
10:49 pm
Been all over the world – but where is st. Loise?
ijudgenot
November 2nd, 2011
10:58 pm
The release of Antuon Richardson makes his call up in September instead of Gartrell or Gomez look even more stupid.
Michael Procton
November 2nd, 2011
11:07 pm
Hmm…what is it that makes you believe they’re looking for a backup–rather than starting–LF? Prado has shown he can’t handle a full season of everyday play.
David O'Brien
November 3rd, 2011
1:35 am
Thanks DOB. Seriously serious seriously. Seriously. Words, and, furthermore, words with, for added effect, commas. — Fredo
At some point, did something occur that led you to believe something you wrote or said was at least slightly humorous? I’m just wondering, because you continue using the same painfully unfunny lines again and again, and so I can only assume that at some point, someone must’ve laughed at one. Right? I mean, surely there is some reason you continue using them?
But again, thanks for your participation and page views tallied on our Braves blog. We do appreciate it.
2 hot scott
November 3rd, 2011
1:41 am
Sign Wilson to a 1 year deal, let him start the season at short. Meanwhile, Pastornicky can play the first 2 months down the street in AAA, wearing out AAA pitching like he did when he got called up from AA. He has his confidence built up and is ready to step with the big club. A corner outfield bat is not what we need, you have Hinske and Diaz to play LF, when Prado spells Chipper. You need someone who can spell Bourne and ocassionly Heyward, who’s preferably RH. The free agents include Cody Ross, Reed Johnson and Grady Sizemore.
wjones
November 3rd, 2011
6:00 am
“Blue Fox
November 2nd, 2011
7:03 pm
Bring back Escobar at SS, never should have given up on him and unlike Bobby, Fredi can manage him.”
I can never get over the irony of some of these comments. Heyward has a bad year, and suddenly he is no good. McCann has a bad month, and suddenly he is trash. Chipper actually had a GOOD year, but folks totally ignore that and say he needs to retire. But Escobar, who was hitting horribly when he was traded, in addition to being clubhouse poison, was apparently the second coming of Honus Wagner. Go back and look at his numbers, folks, when he was traded. He had a great game Opening Day, driving in most of his runs in that ONE GAME. No homers. PLUS, his antics which infuriated the team. DOB has stated before, the Braves lived with his “stuff” while he was producing, but when he stopped they just could not handle it anymore. He burned all his bridges and was not helping the team AT ALL when he was traded. Sometimes a divorce helps both parties.
Really?
November 3rd, 2011
7:51 am
@Rafael — you must be Matt Diaz’s jilted prom date disguising yourself as a guy on the blog. You will find another man somewhere… try on-line dating, grocery stores, or churches.
Students receive free flu shots : Best Makeup Tutorials
November 3rd, 2011
8:12 am
[...] Braves clear space on 40-man roster Both Boscan and Ramirez elected to become free agents rather than accept minor league assignments, and Richardson and Marek will become six-year minor league free agents. Wren seems a lot happier than I am about the makeup of the team. … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Arkie
November 3rd, 2011
8:27 am
Lets give Wren some credit. He gets a deal done as fast as possible. I am sure he is looking for a RH power hitting right fielder and bull pen help. He will try to get the best players available with the money available. On Gonzo at short, if our other players had lived up to expectations few people would be wanting him gone. He is still above average, defensely. Tyler is probably 1 or 2 years from being ready to step in for years to come. Sign Gonzo for 1 year with a option year and buy out clause. Focus on the real needs. Get off Chippers back. Hopefully the new hitting coach can help. I am from the old school. Do not try to pull every pitch. Be patient and hit it where it is pitched. This will cut down on inning killing double plays. Another good bat will do wonders.
ramblingman
November 3rd, 2011
8:59 am
There is one good thing about the sheer number of idiot trolls who constantly post garbage on this site. You can save a lot of time by skipping 90% of the posts while at the same time preventing loss of brain cells from reading the tripe.
Those of us who are actually fans appreciate the updates.
Go Braves.
Nick Nunziata
November 3rd, 2011
9:33 am
Michael Cuddyer seems such a nice fit. Corner outfield. Can spell at 1st and 3rd. Blue collar high character player. 275/20/85 line. Ideal and though not a sexy pick, a great compliment.
MAC
November 3rd, 2011
9:53 am
I like Cuddyer, i feel he could make an impact without breaking the bank.
john
November 3rd, 2011
10:54 am
Did Wren watch the Division and WS Playoffs ?-There are tons of better Players than Braves have at EVERY POSITION INCLUDING BRAVES PITCHING IN SEPTEMBER
But For 2012:
-Leave Chipper on Third, with good Back-NOT PRADO-Wilson would be OK if he played more but there are good Third Basemet now that could play 40 Games or so behind Chipper’s LAST YEAR
-Leave Martin in Left Field-no switching to 3rd-he is not that good there-Prado still learning LF
-Brian has got to improve Defensively and helping young Pitchers – Perez not doing good job there
-Heyward will be much better -26 HR,. 289 BA. over .980 Fielding Avg, 23 Stolen Bases , 91 RBI’s
-Freeman- 2nd year is a diffucult one-Hinske on board for back up BUT
-Hinske -got to play THRU SEPTEMBER- terrible in late August/September this year-maybe the Heat
-Biggest boost-MEDLIN RETURNS- Hanson and JJ IMPROVE or TRADE
-Sherrill–good against Left Hand Hitters-Wren let him go but Braves still need this type- old.ugly middle inning Relievers -like all Playoff Teams have- 6-4-255 pounds, big stomach bearded, snarly, throw inside at 96 mph ,etc.
DC Braves fan
November 3rd, 2011
11:26 am
“High on the Braves’ wish list are shortstop and a left fielder to play when Martin Prado fills in for Chipper Jones at third base.”
why not a bench 3B, that can fill in for Jones directly? Isn’t that limiting? or 2 utility INF that could play SS and/or 3B? I don’t understand why you would limit your self like that…
TNBravesFan
November 3rd, 2011
1:03 pm
@John, Prado is actually a better defender at 3rd than in LF. That’s why it’s more important to get a good LF and let Prado be the super utility.
I still think it’s funny that people believe that Jose Constanza is a good ML player. He’s a below average defender, terrible K/BB rate, no power, no consistency, and his only asset is his speed, which is nice, but will only take him so far. His ABs seem better suited for softball than baseball.
Jason will be fine with a good offseason getting him back into playing form. Patience is a virtue.
doug
November 3rd, 2011
2:35 pm
here my hot stove rumor for the braves if c.j wilson dont resign the rangeres need piching right? so we trade jurjjens an degado for nelson cruz, or jurjjens an medlin for micheal young or , jurjjens medlin an bethencourt for elvis andrus or sign furcal to inceditive laden deal first then go after nelson cruz
jayvee
November 3rd, 2011
5:35 pm
C’mon, Liberty Media. Show us some love and think outside the box and bust open the wallet and go get Jose Reyes.
Your team is close, with decent pitching for as far as the eye can see, and adding Reyes would give you a great shot to make the playoffs and go far. Not to mention sending a message to the Braves faithful that you are serious about winning a title.
Let the chant begin:
Re-yes
Re-yes
Re-yes
Henry Aaron's Ghost
November 3rd, 2011
7:47 pm
I’ll play for minimum wage. Afterall, I do have over 750 career dingers. I am just really old now. But, hey, the way the Braves bats hit last year, I can hit .233, 3 dingers, 11 RBI like Hennnnski.
Henry Aaron's Ghost
November 3rd, 2011
7:50 pm
Yo Jayvee. Get a grip. Watched the ESPN baseball heads all talk about him today and ALL to a man say the guy has leg problems, and thus making his living with his legs, is only going down. That said, they believe maybe FLA or someone will give him 5 years, but buyer BEWARE because of his leg injuries! save the $90 mil and get someone else.
Shakey
November 3rd, 2011
10:02 pm
@Brandon @ 6:24:
Right you are. Any idiot can pick apart a move that didn’t work out. Tell us, guys, in advance which ones are going to flop. And do that within a budget.
jeremey webb
November 4th, 2011
1:19 am
i am pleased with last years team i think the braves should try to keep gonzo as far as i can tell there where maybe one or two other short stops that had a better year than gonzo and that includes al ss getting uggla was a great addition as well and hayward had a bad year so what he is not killing our pay role and when he hits 25 to 30 homers next year and around three hundred batting average dont try to get on his band wagon ride then and for chipper yeah 15 million is a lot but as a long time braves fan i see that as back pay when he was in his prime and did not make the money then and he can still hit and still is one of the best third base men in baseball the pitching staff was good except lowe and he is gone so wren took care of that other then the injuries to pitchers the lack of run support from a few hitters having a bad year i am floored we won as many games as we did considering the injuriess to everyone this year and the hitters not preforming like they should have then as a true braves fan i can live with that because philly advanced but they to watched the world serries from there homes as well and i cant wait to see what happens when every one is healthy for the 2012 season i say keep gonzo for a couple years in case tyler vdont pan out you still have a back up that can go in and not miss a beat and go out and get a rh left fielder keep jurgins and prado and add a veteran bull pen arm go braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IHEARTCARROLL
November 4th, 2011
6:33 am
I like the idea of having McCann at 3rd………….but only after he hits a triple.
Let's Go
November 4th, 2011
7:27 am
Hey Dave
Got any thoughts about the Yahoo story that the Braves are shopping Prado and Jurrgens? Says the Braves are worried they will get too much in arbitration this year and that they may already have a deal with KC taking Jurrgens.
Michael
November 4th, 2011
8:44 am
Gracious, I’m perplexed at you people calling yourselves fans (and thinking of yourselves as baseball-savy experts). What a 20-20 hindsight crowd. Most of your suggestions imply that you know as much about baseball as you do about nuclear physics. Are you people for real?
IHEARTCARROLL
November 4th, 2011
8:53 am
In 9th grade science I built models of the three hydrogen isotopes, and I coached youth baseball for five years. So I consider myself an expert in both baseball and nuclear physics.
Tomahawk Squawk
November 4th, 2011
9:05 am
Here is how to fix two problem areas in two moves:
Sign Michael Cuddyer to play outfield
Sign Joe Nathan to help alleviate the bullpen work
Prado and Jurgiens from all reports are GONE….One of them maybe to KC for Lorenzo Cain
Tomahawk Squawk
November 4th, 2011
9:07 am
Oh and sign Jimmy Rollins
01HAWK
November 4th, 2011
1:24 pm
Here we go again with signing washed up outfielders. When will we get a power hitting outfielder ?
WREN and management are doing the STOP GAP METHOD again. Look at the outfield now……………………PRADO, DIAZ, HINSKE, HEYWARD……………………..I will not include BOURN in this fiasco.
Anybody remember BJ SURHOFF, REGGIE SANDERS, RAUL MONDESI, GREG NORTON, DWAYNE WISE and the list goes on and on.
01HAWK
November 4th, 2011
1:27 pm
FRED MCGRIFF STATED THIS ONE TIME:
BRAVES pay to much attention to pitching and not enough to getting hitters. He was right on the money. Pitching is important, but we need some punch in the lineup. To many weak hitters.
BravesFanAnt
November 4th, 2011
1:36 pm
Am I the only person who realized that the Gonzalez-Escobar trade was Absolutely Terrible?
We don`t need a veteran SS. Let`s go with the young kids so they can re-excite the crowd with plays.
As for Heyward,he just needs to stop the movement in the batters bat and that will allow him to concentrate more on the ball and timing.
Billy
November 4th, 2011
1:46 pm
Clint Barmes are Ronny Cedono would be improvement. Both young ,affordable and good.
NO MORE WREN
November 5th, 2011
1:06 am
Why is Diaz still on this team?