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Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,033 comments Add your comment
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
1:47 pm
We need a real LFer that doesnt have to move to another position for 40+ games. Chipper is gonna get hurt, and will also have alot of off rest days. Prado being a bench guy wouldnt hurt. He’ll play alot still. Also plays when Uggla/Freeman/Heyward need a day off and can replace them if anyone of them are hurt. Utility guys are going for around 4-5 mil now a days so whats the big deal.
Snotboogie
November 20th, 2011
1:48 pm
D.O.B. Will prolly tell you that the pitching overall is better in The NL, Always has been…
No.
Lew
November 20th, 2011
1:50 pm
THawkin – Sorry Dude, but a comparison of Swisher to Melky is just plain not even in the same ballpark. Not even vaguely close. Not even in the same planetary sytem. Apples and kumquats.
Kind of absurd, actually.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
1:51 pm
Tomahawkin, the level of play overall is better in the American League.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
1:52 pm
Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies have offered Seth Smith to the Braves in exchange for Martin Prado.
As we already knew, I suppose.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
1:53 pm
I’m assuming the Yankees would sign Beltran if they dealt away Swisher, however that makes them a little older. I definitely think the Yankees are willing to trade Swisher – just don’t believe they would trade him and Nunez for Jurrjens.
ccrider
November 20th, 2011
1:55 pm
I posted before about the possible Yankee trade and now with Swisher being mentioned, I think Bourn, JJ. and a low level prospect to the Yankees for Swisher, Nunez and Gardner would fill the Braves needs with one stop shopping
Nunez fills the short term need at SS(5 years before free agency), Swisher fills the short term need in LF and Gardner fills the long term need in CF (4 years before Free agency)
The salary difference between Bourn and Gardner would make up the difference between the JJ salary and the Swisher salary
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
1:57 pm
ou Really Think So??? Especially During The Roid era…The NL Pitchers reigned supreme AL Pitchers Were Garbage from 1993-2005ish…
of course I think so. a batter has no effect on how good a pitcher is. Like I said it would raise ERAs but does not make the pitcher worse only the results.
The AL pitchers look better if you only look at ERA, but that is because of an extra good hitter not simply because the pitchers are worse
David O'Brien
November 20th, 2011
1:58 pm
THawkin – Sorry Dude, but a comparison of Swisher to Melky is just plain not even in the same ballpark. Not even vaguely close. Not even in the same planetary sytem. Apples and kumquats.
Kind of absurd, actually. — Lew
I second what Lew said.
flange1
November 20th, 2011
2:01 pm
DOB,
Have the Braves indicated if Vizcaino will be a starter next year or stay in the pen?
David O'Brien
November 20th, 2011
2:01 pm
DOB: What’s the menu of coverage in the upcoming weeks for the blog? — TommyP
No menu.
But on Friday night I did have a pretty good pulled-pork plate at D.B.A. BBQ in Atlanta, with sweet potato tots and mac & cheese. And person I was with had brisket chilli she barely touched, so that was a tasty lunch for me the next day.
(I know how a couple of upbeat folks in particular on the blog love when I share my dining experiences, so that was just for them.)
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:02 pm
put him in the pen, we have enough starters
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:03 pm
brisket chili sounds great
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
2:05 pm
Cashman called Gardner “a better Carl Crawford” or something like that. He values him highly and I don’t think he’s going anywhere.
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:08 pm
Gardner of the 91 OPS+? I’m not sure that many GMs would agree with him
Lew
November 20th, 2011
2:18 pm
DOB – I would hope that menu includes some of that Carolina BBQ when you head home for the holdiays. Wish I could eat some, myself. Chow down for me.
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:18 pm
Is this thing working?
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:19 pm
Carolina? Is that the vinegar stuff?
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
2:20 pm
Gardner of the 91 OPS+? I’m not sure that many GMs would agree with him
I like him. He’s the best defensive corner outfielder in the sport, runs the bases well, steals a base, takes a walk. Very valuable player and that’s one scenario where OPS+ fails as it undervalues on base percentage.
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:24 pm
Very valuable player and that’s one scenario where OPS+ fails as it undervalues on base percentage.
except that Crawford does the exact things too. No way is he near Crawford, who I believe has won Gold Gloves for his corner outfield play
Tomahawkin
November 20th, 2011
2:31 pm
D.O.B.
Honestly?
You Honestly Think That Swisher can Hit 20 Homers in Our Ballpark as well as Bailout Ballpark (Citi Field) and The New Marlins Stadium? All 3 are Pitchers Parks and yeah I know that Thay are bringing the fences in at Bailout Ballpark
No way…Swisher Is Streaky, He Was an Inconsistant Hitter at the Cell (US Cellular Field) when he played for the White Sox…As Matt Chernoff Said Over And Over…We Dont Need anymore Streaky hitters…Give Me a Healthy Martini and A Corrected Hurtward Over Swisher Sweets…!
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
2:32 pm
BraveFaninBC
Overall when everything is included I rather have Gardner over Crawford. I rather pay Gardner less than a million to give me great defense, 40 steals and 350. OBP instead of paying Crawford 20 million a year til 2017.
unbelievable
November 20th, 2011
2:34 pm
You gotta be more concerned about Crawford moving forward though. First year after the huge contract and it gets you a .289OBP .694OPS 85 OPS+ with only 18SB’s.
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
2:34 pm
Tomahawkin
Swisher is good for 20+ homers and 350+ OBP
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:36 pm
I might agree Va, but that was not the point. Cashman called him “a better Carl Crawford” which is just not true.
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
2:36 pm
BraveFaninBC
Well last year Gardner was clearly better.
Tomahawkin
November 20th, 2011
2:37 pm
And D.O.B. I thought The Melk Dud was Gonna Be a Stud when we got him…But the Fact of the Matter is he Benifitted from playing in the AL, with Garbage Pitching and And Smaller Ballparks (Especially in The AL East)…
Im Still Saying No to Swisher…I Still Want Nellie (Nelson) Cruz…! Its Not Gonna Happen Now, But If we had traded for him 3 years ago as I suggested we wouldn’t be having this OF issue…
I Got Clowned on here in 08-10 for Suggesting A Trade for Nellie Cruz when he was attainable back then…
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
2:38 pm
T-Hawk
Swisher hit 21, 35, and 22 HR when he played in OAK. A pitchers park. He hits pretty consistently. Same batting average almost every month. Almost every hitter is streaky, thats just how it is.
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:39 pm
I thought The Melk Dud was Gonna Be a Stud when we got him…
that was about as wrong as comparing him to Swisher. Almost nobody thought he would be worth much in Atlanta.
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:40 pm
I Got Clowned on here in 08-10 for Suggesting A Trade for Nellie Cruz when he was attainable back then
Cruz is a poor hitter away from Texas, still. He would not put up the same numbers here as he does there
Tomahawkin
November 20th, 2011
2:42 pm
VaBravesFan
Tomahawkin
“Swisher is good for 20+ homers and 350+ OBP”
I Dunno Bro…Longball Hitters (Excluding Tex And Ugg!!!) Go To Die hitting at our ballpark…Mclouth, Alex Gonzalez, Loaf, etc
I see Swishers Production falling off A lot Hitting In the NL…Not to Mention The Braves, Marlins (thier new Ballpark is a Pitchers Paradise) and The NY Mess All Play in Pitchers Parks…
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:42 pm
About time for Sunday dinner. Bye
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
2:44 pm
Don’t know why you would think Melky was going to be a stud. He never did anything in NY to even resemble stud play. Hes nothing more than a complimentary player to a good OF and a 4th OF on most teams. Swisher is a difference maker in a lineup. He’s not a Fielder, Pujols, or any superstar but if you plug him into our lineup he fits perfectly. Exactly what this team needs. He also has experience hitting two in a lineup and would have plenty of protection with Jones, McCann and Uggla behind him. You can say what you will about Chipper but teams still game plan around his bat.
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
2:45 pm
When we got Melky I thought we were getting a solid 4th OF type.
BraveFaninBC
November 20th, 2011
2:46 pm
and just how in the world do you know how the Marlin’s new park will hit when it is finished?
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
2:46 pm
P’cola Brave
T-Hawk
“Swisher hit 21, 35, and 22 HR when he played in OAK. A pitchers park. He hits pretty consistently. Same batting average almost every month. Almost every hitter is streaky, thats just how it is.”
Good Point…But wasn’t that like in 2005ish at the end of the HGH Roid era…
Im Not Arguing just to be right…I’m Saying That I’m not sold on Swisher Sweets,…If we can get him for cheap that thats fine but on the Real-Tip as Matt Chernoff said We Dont need anymore streaky hitters. They get exposed during the late season games as we all witnessed…
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
2:47 pm
BravefaninBC, the question came to Cashman with regard to giving Crawford 142 million dollars over 7 years. He responded by saying that he felt Gardner was just as good for like 1% of the cost.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
2:49 pm
Melky played way too much here. Unfortunately, with Nate and Heyward’s injuries in 2010 – he had to.
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
2:49 pm
BraveFaninBC
“and just how in the world do you know how the Marlin’s new park will hit when it is finished?”
Have You Seen The Dimensions?
http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com
Click The line of future Marlins ballpark…That Ballpark playing field is huge…Its Gonna be a serious pitchers park..The Dimensions are listed
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
2:50 pm
Hawkin
Loaf was at the end of his career and last hit 20+ homers in 2003, McLouth was just a total bust he didnt do anything well. SeaBass hit 15 homers which is about what he’d average in 162 games.
TnBrian
November 20th, 2011
2:51 pm
Tomahawkin, you sound bitter towards Dave. I remember clearly him mentioning something like he had zero to do with you getting banned. He doesn’t control that stuff as far as I know.
Dave is great for Braves fans. Doesn’t get any better for us.
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
2:53 pm
T-Hawk
Home: .252 .364 .464 .828
Away: .255 .356 .468 .825
1st Half: .256 .365 .459 .824
2nd Half: .251 .354 .475 .828
Thats Swisher’s career line. Hes pretty consistent. I don’t know that he will conitnue to put up high 20 HR totals but even if he hits 20 its a boost. His OBP is really good and from a team that lacked that it would be a huge positive for this team.
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
2:56 pm
Nick Swisher would clearly be our most productive Coner OFer if aquired.
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
2:57 pm
Of course this is all probably a moot point because I don’t see the Yankees moving Swisher. Would create another hole for them when they could possibly trade for Gio Gonzalez and really only move prospects. If the Yankees do get interested in JJ it will be once Wilson decides his future. Not sure the Yanks are all that interested in JJ.
Atlanta Braves Rumors: Frank Wren Gives Status Report, Clarifies Rumors On Jurrjens, Prado | mlbvideo.net
November 20th, 2011
2:59 pm
[...] Manager Frank Wren recently talked with the AJC and gave a little bit of insight into what has transpired thus far. Here’s a look at the [...]
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
2:59 pm
Ok, Time To Play On The Falcons Blog And Eat A Big Boy French Dip!
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
3:04 pm
The way the market has shaped up for MIF this offseason I don’t think Gonzo is coming back. Everyone getting 2 year contracts or more.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
3:04 pm
If we made the trade for Swisher, here is the salary break down:
Jones – 14
Uggla – 13.2
McCann – 11.5
Swisher – 10.75
Lowe – 10
Hudson – 9
Diaz – 2
Ross – 1.625
Hinske – 1.5
8 players under contract(9 w/ Lowe) – 73.575 million
Bourn – 7.1
Prado – 4.4
O’Flaherty – 2.4
3 arbitration eligible players(mlbtr estimates) – 13.9 million
14 players at close to minimum salaries(510K) – 7.14 million
94.615 million for 25-man roster
David O'Brien
November 20th, 2011
3:05 pm
flange1: Vizcaino is penciled in for bullpen in 2012. That could change if needed, but that’s the plan as indicated thus far.
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
3:07 pm
BravesFanInBC
New Marlins Ballpark Dimensions…
Dimensions: 340-L, 384-LC, 420-C, 392-RC, 335-R
From ballparksofbaseball.com
Snotboogie
November 20th, 2011
3:12 pm
Wow – Tomahawkin putting on a clinic today!!
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
3:12 pm
I wish they would just understand that it’s best for Vizcaino’s value if they pitch him as a starter in Gwinnett. Throwing 40-50 innings in the pen doesn’t make as much sense, imo. He could be a reliever at the major elague level later in the season if necessary. But building his innings totals as a starter in Triple-A is the route I’d go.
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
3:17 pm
TnBrian
“Tomahawkin, you sound bitter towards Dave. I remember clearly him mentioning something like he had zero to do with you getting banned. He doesn’t control that stuff as far as I know.
Dave is great for Braves fans. Doesn’t get any better for us.”
Ahhh… No Way D.O.B. is The Best Thing To happen for Braves Fans Since TBS AKA Total BS stopped Doing The Braves Games. Me And DOB Go Back…DOB is The Current Version of the Old TBS with The Braves 411, Especially for The Out of State Braves Fans…
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
3:20 pm
http://riveraveblues.com/2011/11/scouting-the-trade-market-jair-jurrjens-58672/
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
3:20 pm
Snotboogie
“Wow – Tomahawkin putting on a clinic today!!”
lol…Its Not A Clinic Bro Unless You are Hungover?
As Old Vanessa Williams Would Say “I’m Saving the Best For Last”…I’m Getting Tuned Up For Mark Bradley’s In-Game Blog for The Falcons VS Tennessee
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
3:26 pm
Where Is Soph?
She Is my Partner In Crime For Falcons Games!
Mike
November 20th, 2011
3:37 pm
I quit reading when that Yankees fan said Prado utility.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
3:40 pm
Jason Witten is fast for a big man.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
3:42 pm
I quit reading when that Yankees fan said Prado utility.
Lots of people were wrong on Prado, and I’m sure you had to have been wrong on one player at some point in your life, no?
flange1
November 20th, 2011
3:43 pm
DOB,
Thanks!
Mike
November 20th, 2011
3:43 pm
There is a difference in being wrong and being misinformed, no?
Mike
November 20th, 2011
3:45 pm
Efrim no need to be obnoxious, chill
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
3:46 pm
So the nontender deadline is Wed. correct? At that point we will know who all is available. And I don’t know if anyone knows if the new CBA had any effect on Willingham or Cuddyer Type A standing?
BFChris27
November 20th, 2011
3:48 pm
P’cola Brave
Any of the type A free agents can be signed without worry of losing their pick now that it’s in effect. Phillies however, have to lose pick since it’s not retroactive.
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
3:52 pm
Well I would have to think that could make them more attractive to the Braves though their price is still probably more than the Braves can afford.
Mike
November 20th, 2011
3:55 pm
P’Cola Brave
http://bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5515:mlb-labor-deal-update-increased-minimum-salary-hgh-testing-additional-players-in-salary-arb&catid=30:mlb-news&Itemid=42
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
3:57 pm
Go Falcons! Its Time To Rise Up!
Thanks For The Convo
VaBravesFan
Efrim
BravesFanInBC
N8
TnBrian
Snotboogie
And D.O.B.
nolie
November 20th, 2011
3:58 pm
Swisher is WAY better than Melky
Ward
November 20th, 2011
4:03 pm
Hello every one! If you can get Swisher? Go the distance………..If not keep Prado in LF,and let’s see what he can do?So many options…..
Doug
November 20th, 2011
4:05 pm
I need the wisdom of this august group for an off the wall thought: Could the Braves return Prado to 2nd and trade Uggla for some real outfield value & some good infield backup at SS or 3rd? Don’t know if this has already been discussed or if it’s too stupid to consider. Any comments?
Snotboogie
November 20th, 2011
4:08 pm
There is a difference in being wrong and being misinformed, no?
I think compared to the usual Yankee lineup, it’s not hard for their fans to think of Prado as a utility guy. Also usually other team fans arent the best judges of talent. I read this piece by a KC fanblog that though JJ was useless. Absurdly humorous.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
4:10 pm
Efrim no need to be obnoxious, chill
Wasn’t being obnoxious at all. You need to lighten up.
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
4:11 pm
I don’t think you trade Uggla. Your trading a 30+ HR bat from the RH side and want to acquire someone similar. Don’t see any point in that. Especially since their isn’t anyone available that could match that. The Uggla deal was a steal.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
4:13 pm
I think compared to the usual Yankee lineup, it’s not hard for their fans to think of Prado as a utility guy
Exactly. And just because one fan base or blogger believes one thing does not mean that everything they say or write should be considered garbage. Plenty of people are wrong everyday on here, including myself.
Ward
November 20th, 2011
4:13 pm
At first I thought trade Prado trade him,but now I’m thinking keep him ,because he so valuable,and trade J.J. What ever Wren decides it will be OK with me.As long as we don’t get ripped off……
Ward
November 20th, 2011
4:15 pm
I starting to think Prado, will have a big year next year. I can wait to see what happens.
Tomahawkin (In Pain)
November 20th, 2011
4:16 pm
WARRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!
Whats Happening Chief!
Long Time No See! Ya Know I Missed Ya on Here! Baby!
Ward
November 20th, 2011
4:18 pm
Tomahawkin- I’m doing great! Trying to be patient with all this trade rumors going around.
MitchC
November 20th, 2011
4:20 pm
I can understand the idea of trading JJ for a power hitter, if its the right price., especially with the idea that JJ wont be able to be retained because he’s represented by BorA$. The problem I see then, is the pitching depth being questionable.
Hudson had a good year lthis past year, and has been very reliable when healthy, but he’s getting up there in years.
‘
Hanson, as you said, is questionable because of his shoulder injury. We dont know what we would get for him.
Trsding two starting pitchers in one offseason? The last time we lost two top starters in one offseason, as you know, Dave, was the massacre of the winter of 2002, when Glavine left, and we were forced to trade Millwood, when Maddux took aribitration. We were lucky to have won division totles for three years after that mess.
Maybe I’m wrong, but.. I would hold on to JJ, unless FW gets a VERY good package for him. He’s still young, and can help us until hes a FA.
We could use another bat, especially with Chipper advancing in age. It would also be nice if Uggla hit for a higher average next year, and drove in a few more runs.
Ward
November 20th, 2011
4:20 pm
Rule of thumb! If the trade don’t look good,or smell good.Don’t make a trade.That’s my golden rule…….
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
4:20 pm
Yeah, Pat Willis with the pick.
Doug
November 20th, 2011
4:21 pm
I just wonder if we haven’t seen the best from Uggla & could use him to find a younger 30 HR guy for the outfield and reap the benefits of some good years from Prado at his best position. I guess we would have to find some team who fits those needs and could supply what we want. Oh, for a crystal ball.
Zing
November 20th, 2011
4:21 pm
I’m liking the Jurrjens for Swisher trade– HOWEVER, Braves need to make sure they get a good prospect in return, or we’re pulling a poor man’s Texeira trade.
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
4:23 pm
Doug
Hes hit 30 HR every year and just hit the most HR hes ever hit. I think were riding him right in his prime right now. Don’t see any reason to move him. The pressure of that contract won’t be on him this year and we should see a higher avg.
cabravesfan
November 20th, 2011
4:25 pm
Efrim-
Is it still raining there? (are you watching?) Akers has missed 2 field goals already, which doubles his season total…
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
4:28 pm
You dont trade 2 years of Jurrjens for 1 year of Swisher.. Def gotta get more.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
4:29 pm
cab, yeah I’m doing gamecenter through cbssports. He’s been nails this year, so I’ll give him a pass.
Snotboogie
November 20th, 2011
4:30 pm
Braves need to make sure they get a good prospect in return, or we’re pulling a poor man’s Texeira trade.
I wouldnt be shocked if the Braves take a mid-level prospect and asked the Yankees to throw in a few million.
nolie
November 20th, 2011
4:30 pm
might be as good as you;ll get considering JJ’s last two seasons
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
4:30 pm
VaBravesfan, I don’t think we’d be able to get too much more other than Swisher.
VaBravesFan
November 20th, 2011
4:33 pm
Efrim
Well if thats the case I rather trade Jurrjens for 2 or 3 prospects.
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
4:34 pm
I think Swisher is a good move. I don’t see us resigning JJJ when he hits FA. Get Swisher for a year and that definitely upgrades you. Who says we wouldn’t resign Swisher after next year. Hes durable. Switch hitter and that good crop of OF could be dwindling with extensions being handed out. I think its a good move on our part but I don’t see any reason for the Yanks to move Swisher.
Doug
November 20th, 2011
4:34 pm
P’cola Brave – thanks for your insight. I just hate to see the Braves trade away another solid player like Prado unless they can really benefit & I’m not sure they will get get the value Prado has (at least in my mind). Uggla’s flash might attract more.
ccrider
November 20th, 2011
4:35 pm
Efrim, If it came down to it I would trade JJ and Bourn to the Yankees for just Gardner and Nunez( two players making basically 500,000.00. It would free up $10 million dollars to pursue a free agent LFer and Solve the CF position for the next 4 years. By next year, SS should come in clearer focus, depending on if Nunez, Pastornicky or Simmons breaks out from the other two. Sign A LF, Beltran or Cuddeyer, let Nunez and Pastornicky battle for SS!
CF Gardner
LF Beltran
C McCann
3B Chipper
1B Freeman
2B Uggla
RF Heyward
SS Nunez/Pastornicky
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
4:35 pm
Doug
I don’t think they will get equal value for Prado either, at least with the teams that have been mentioned. I don’t expect him to be traded though unless someone overpays. Who knows. We should know a lot more in the next month.
Ward
November 20th, 2011
4:36 pm
Aslo, I have this good feeling about Heyward,and this bad feeling about trading Prado now.Trade J.J. Only if a good package comes along…..
P'cola Brave
November 20th, 2011
4:37 pm
I can tell you all one thing for sure. Theres a much bigger chance that the Yankees move Swisher than Gardner. Gardner isn’t going anywhere.
Efrim
November 20th, 2011
4:38 pm
Well if thats the case I rather trade Jurrjens for 2 or 3 prospects.
Very well may happen that way.
nolie
November 20th, 2011
4:38 pm
Wren isn’t gonna just give Prado away, there is no pressing need to trade him. If he goes we will get back value in return or he won’t go
nolie
November 20th, 2011
4:40 pm
Prado for just prospects? I do not see that happening