VJ- I’m just not going to get my hopes up. With Tom C,as coach. I not seeing a good pitcture……..Saints, Packers, Dallas,Jets, Redskins,and Dallas. Not a good pitcture,when your team can’t win the games they are supposed too.Always next right…..
If the Braves are serious about getting an impact corner outfield bat I see four obvious possibilities, two free agents and two potential trade targets.
Carlos Beltran is a free agent. He is 35 years old. He wants, and will probably get from someone, a three year contract. While he might have one injury free season left in him, he definitely does not have three and he won’t be worth what he gets on the back end of that contract. When he is healthy and on the field he is a wonderful player. Just not the sort of gamble a team like the Braves can affort to take.
Michael Cuddyer is also a free agent. He is 32 years old. He plays both corner outfield spots and a little first base and third base. He also will want at least a three year contract. Since the Twins moved into their new cavernous ballpark, Cuddyer’s swing has changed and his fly ball rate has dropped dramatically, resulting in fewer home runs. He has essentially become Martin Prado, and we already have Martin Prado on the roster for less than half Cuddyer’s annual salary.
Carlos Quentin is a 29 year old corner outfielder for the White Sox. He is under contract through the 2012 season and could get as much as $7 million in arbitration. He will be a free agent after next season. The White Sox are looking to shed payroll and Quentin can be had for pitching. His best asset is that he dominates vs. left handed pitching. He is a streaky hitter who finished in a prolonged slump where he was barely more than a league-average hitter the last two months of the season. He had a nagging injury that eventually ended his season early. The end of season swoon and nagging injury don’t sound like things the Braves need any more of going forward.
Nick Swisher is a 30 year old switch hitting corner outfielder for the Yankees. He has played at least 150 games for six straight seasons. He is under contract for next season at $10.25 million, after which he will be a free agent. He is consistently one of the top OPS guys in the American League, and he crushes left handed pitching. He is a professional hitter who gets on base (95 walks last season) and drives in runs (85 RBIs). To me Swisher makes the most sense. The Yankees would probably be willing to trade him, for the right return, because he is only under their control for one more season anyway. If the Braves don’t trade for Swisher for next season, he should be a definite free agent target for 2013.
God be with you Larry Munson, you were the best and there will never be anyone call a football game quite like you did. Your memorable calls will live forever, especially around the Herschel era.
And for Braves fans, Larry was a member of the Braves Announcing team the first year or two they were in Atlanta, along with that jerk Milo Hamilton.
“…. that, by the way, Pastornicky is not homegrown, he was traded for, at the suggestion of Roy Clark.”Joe Brave
I know this is splitting hairs a bit, and clearly something I’ve “made up” in my head, clearly my opinion. But I’ve always considered guys that play a lot of AA and AAA ball for a team to be somewhat “homegrown”. Because there is still plenty of development that can be done. Perhaps the development that takes a player from being average or “good”, and helping them make the next step that turns them into a major league caliber player.
Pastornicky played in 255 games while in Toronto’s system. He’s now played in 155 games in the Braves system. If he plays half of the year at AAA next year, pretty much half of his minor league career will have been for the Braves.
That’s “home grown” enough for me. LOL.
Smoltz pitched 226 innings for the Tigers, and then 151 innings for the Braves before getting called up for good. In the Tigers system, his ERA was 4.77, with the Braves it was 3.15.
One could make the argument that the Braves and Leo “developed” him more than the Tigers did.
Like I said. My very “grey area” opinion. I wasn’t trying to argue with you. But if Pastornicky ends up having a decent minor league career, I’ll give just as much credit to the Braves system for “growing” him as a player, as the Blue Jays will get. For whatever that’s worth.
Now, with Jair? Tigers should get credit. Each situation is different, I guess.
(and I would agree with your comment – not that I am overly concerned with from whence someone springs – I’ll take Greg Maddux over Jeff Francouer regardless of who was clever enough to sign them originally)…
Then you might want to get your ears checked. Hanley Ramirez is good, but he’s not THAT good, and as long as Fredi Gonzalez is the manager…. it’s not going to happen.
However, if Fredi would ever “allow it”, I’d trade Jurrjens, Pastorynicky and Prado for Hanley Ramirez and Bonifacio.
But seriously. That’s probably the most obnoxious fake “rumor” posted in a while.
Un contrat se définit comme une convention formelle ou informelle, passée entre deux parties ou davantage, ayant pour objet l’établissement d’obligations à la charge ou au bénéfice de chacune de ses parties.
VJ, I’m not really concerned about it either. It’s like Jair. The fact that the Tigers did all the leg work and all we had to give up was one year of Renteria? All the better.
I was more so just stating how my twisted angle “views” players in our system. Pastornicky is borderline our “homegrown” player from my stance. Now, if he starts the year with the big club? I don’t know.
But yeah. I’m with you. My guess is that the Rangers and their fans couldn’t care less where those kids came from. Besides, similar to my angle on Pastornicky and Smoltz, who’s to say the Rangers system didn’t “find something” with Feliz that made him into the closer/pitcher he’s become. In the very least, they helped him fine tune his skills and assisted in his ability to consistently repeat his mechanics to be succesful.
That has to count for something.
If Heyward were to get traded and “explode” with another team, people would wonder what the Braves were doing wrong, wouldn’t they?
We were talking earlier about how many years ago one’s knowledge of everyone in the minor league pipeline was virtually nonexistent compared to what it is today. I was lucky enough to be in Richmond and watch the early 90’s guys come through (and accidentally manage to see Smoltz’s first game at Shea Stadium way back when)…
I’d like to see the Braves make a run at Zack Cozart and Todd Frazier of the Reds. For Jurrjens???
In a more drastic move, I’d also like to see Uggla traded to Baltimore for Nick Markakis. Righty, lefty doesn’t bother me. They have nearly identical splits against lefties. Move Prado back to second. Frazier becomes Chipper’s backup and can also play the corners in the outfield.
Prado and Frazier would be candidates to take over third (if they hit) with Cozart and Pastornicky providing defense and speed up the middle at SS and second.
“Er, OK. Look, Nunez has his uses, but he also has an OBP of .318 and a grand total of 30 homers in 2700+ career minor league plate appearances. I know it’s not the 90s anymore, but if it’s offense which makes him attractive to you, Frank Wren, you may want to make sure you aren’t goggling.”
Swisher would be a very good acquisition for the Braves but that would mean 2 thirds of the outfield would be in a contract year and would be looking for big buck multi year contracts to stay around for 1013 and beyond. With the Braves payroll I don’t know if thats a good thing. Phillies meanwhile strengthened their bench with Ty Wiggington, and get the Rockies to pay half of his salary. They still want Cuddyer but are balking at his three year demands, and have been talking more with Rollins. Miami has big offers out their on top FA’s Nationals are in the Buehrle market with Miami. I think he would go with Guillen all other things being close. Same old thing with other teams in the division actively filling holes and spending $$$ while the Braves Ownership ties Wrens hands behind his back.
I would be in favor of Jair Jurrjens for Eduardo Nuñez and Nick Swisher +4.5 million.
The Yankees could then sign Carlos Beltran. Beltran is better than Swisher IMO.
Braves get a temporary SS who’ll serve a super utility guy when Pastornicky get’s his callup, get a power hitting outfielder in Swisher, and don’t have to trade Prado which means they can use him as a super utility player and then give the 3B job when Chipper retires.
But LK, have you studied JJ’s peripherals?…I’m no expert, but Shaun, et al, tell me that he really isn’t very good…it’s an illusion…or magic… or luck… or something. Has nothing to do with his ability, and he is only about a #3 guy, if healthy. (btw, I don’t agre …when healthy, I consider him AT LEAST a #2, but then, I believe my lying eyes).
Swisher would be a very good acquisition for the Braves but that would mean 2 thirds of the outfield would be in a contract year and would be looking for big buck multi year contracts to stay around for 1013 and beyond.
And that’s okay, to me. They have a little over 34 million in guaranteed contracts if McCann and Hudson’s options are picked up and Chipper retires or doesn’t meet his 123 games to vest his option. Presumably, they’d have C McCann, 1B Freeman, 2B Uggla, SS Pastornicky, RF Heyward and perhaps 3B Prado set for the 2013 lineup and the free agent market is filled with quality options in the outfield.
Braves will have between 25-30 million to work with next offseason if they keep all of their arbitration eligible players(Jurrjens, Prado, EOF, Heyward, Hanson, Venters, Medlen, and Martinez) and pick up the options of Hudson and McCann.
Could very well be around 10 million more than that if they trade any of the third year arbitration guys between now and then – which I deem a likely scenario.
I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT UNDERSTAND. Everyone seems to IGNORE THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM that the Braves have.
Right now, the three great young pitchers (JJ, Hanson, and Medlin) that should have formed the core of a great Startign Rotation for yers to come — are ALL INJURED. The odds are low that they will ever come back and really be great.
And this is ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG — In the 6 or 7 years since Leo left as Pitching Coach, almost every Starting Pitcher they have had – has had been injured.
Mr. OBrien, in those 6 or 7 years since Leo left, how many total Starting Pitchers have they had (counting only those who were in the rotation for a reasonalble length of time)???? And HOW MANY OF THOSE HAVE NOT BEEN INJURED??????
There is NO WAY THAT THE BRAVES CAN WIN — under these conditions – when ALMOST ALL OF THEIR STARTING PITCHERS BECOME INJURED.
It is unbeievable that this is being ignored and no issure is bein made of this.
To put this in perspective, what do you think would have happend to the Braves if Glavine, Maddox, and Smoltz had all bee seriously injured early in their careers?????
Sad to hear Robin Gibb has liver cancer. Sad story with the brothers Gibb. I Thought their 60’s stuff was great ( I love good harmony, and theirs was unique) Even their 70’s stuff was the “best of the disco era”, if there is such a thing. I consider Brother Barry a near musical genius, singing, writing, producing, and creating the “sound” of the BeeGees. I know my taste is much more toward “pop” than most here, but it’s a very sad day for me.
Don – I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT UNDERSTAND> You seem to IGNORE YOUR MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM – OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER.
So many similarities between thosde three pitchers and their injuries. Hanson’s problem is his shoulder. Medlen’s, his elbow and Jurrjens, his knee. But you’re right – they’re all Braves’ .
To put this in perspective, what do you think would have happend to the Braves if Glavine, Maddox, and Smoltz had all bee seriously injured early in their careers?????
Good thing they had a pitching coach who doesn’t get everybody injured!! FIER MCDOWEL!!!!!!!
For the sake of argument let’s say the Braves trade JJ to NYY for Nuñez and Swisher +4.5 million.
Swisher, Bourn, and Chipper will be FA’s after the season and they don’t have to pay a cent to Lowe.
Hanson(around 3 million) and Heyward(depends but I would guess around 3 million) will have arbitration next year, McCann will get a raise from 11 million to 12 million, Prado will get a raise from whatever he gets this year(around 5 million) to 6.5 million, EOF will get a raise from 2.5 million to 4 million, and Johnny Venters will also be on his first year of arb having qualified as a super 2 player and will probably get around 2 million.
So in raises of arb or contract raises, they’ll have a total of 12 million give or take.
Players leaving will be Swisher (10 million – 4.5 from nyy= 5.5 million), Bourn 7 million, Chipper 13 million, and Lowe’s 10 million(since that is what they paid him this year).
That’s a total of 35.5 million leaving to free agency. So 35.5 million – 12 million= 23.5 million that they can use on the free agent market. They need a CF and a LF. Obviously bringing back Bourn would be ideal, and Carlos Quentin also hits the open market. But can those two guys be had for 23.5 million? Well I don’t think so, since Boras will get Bourn between 12-15 million and Quentin will get between 10-12 million. Unless they get to the WS I don’t expect them to raise payroll so maybe they should let Bourn leave.
Now the FA market for CF is nothing to marvel about, but there are 3 guys who could interest the Braves. Obviously Michael Bourn who’ll be 30 for the 2013 season, Shane Victorino who will be 32 for the 2013 season, and BJ Upton who will be 28 for the 2013 season. All 3 of them are gold glove defenders in CF, and have a lot of speed.
Obviously they have to play the 2012 season to gain a real sense of what they will cost, but if I had my pick, a 3 year 34 million deal for Victorino would be my choice. And a 4 year 40 million.
They have to sign McCann, Kimbrel, Hanson, Heyward, Freeman and Venters to contract extensions.
Steve Avery was 10 times the prospect that Hanson, Jurrjens or Medlen are or were ever going to be (OK… maybe not 10 times more than Hanson – but MUCH more highly touted), and Leo’s program absolutely blew out his arm/shoulder/elbow at a VERY young age.
Maddux and Glavine are freaks of nature. Not saying that Leo didn’t help mold them into what they became. Add to that, like Lew said, Smoltz was very rarely EVER 100 percent.
Nice try Don. Go back to the drawing board and come up with a new ridiculous theory to bitch about.
Just an hour ago the ESPN rumor twitter feed says, Braves have asked about Eduardo Nunez, possible Jurrjens deal?
Wonder if we can pull off another deal with the Yankees.. Nunez is comparable to Melky in that they best seam suited as bench guys. But Nunez would be a cheap option at Shortstop. Compared to all the money utility guys have been getting on the open market it makes sense.
Now we been talking about Nick Swisher.. But what about Nunez and 2 good prospects for Jurrjens? There wouldnt be a issue with money. Braves add young talent to a already rich farm system. Giving us more ammo for possible trades, we also free up around 6 mil to spend else where.
When it comes to starting pitching, injuries are part of the game and always have been.
That said, if you want to lay blame toward anyone in particular, it’s an ill informed opinion. Pitchers are getting hurt more and more because of two basic reasons. Lack of development or poor mechanics. They don’t get enough innings in the minors compared to years ago. Guys like Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux had four and five hundred innings under their belt before breaking into the big leagues.
Young pitchers are now rushed to the majors too soon. look at Beachy. He had barely two hundred innings, same for Medlen, Minor etc. Of course Tommy Hanson had almost four hundred innings in the minors, but we all knew he was gonna get hurt due to a complete lack of pitching mechanics.
Don – You are really struggling to come up with something to be negative about, aren’t you? No one has “bitten” on your “McDowell is injuring all of our pitchers bit, even tho you repeat it over and over again, because frankly, like most of your rants, it’s full of sh….er….it doesn’t hold water.
ive heard a whole spectrum of evaluations on eduardo nunez. i think the truth lies somewhere in the middle of him being a utility player and a high end short stop. he seems like a decent player to me, and the good thing about him is, he’s 24 and under team control for 4 more seasons. i think jurrjens for nunez and swisher isnt a bad deal. i think that jurrjens for nunez and prospects could be a bad deal, though.
but we all knew he was gonna get hurt due to a complete lack of pitching mechanics.
Coach, I’m sorry, but that’s as much an ill-formed opinion as the one you castigated. Hanson’s problem is a timing problem, more than anything. There’s nothing wrong with his arm slot, elbow position, and so forth, and those are the things I think most folks would considers the “mechanics” of his motion.
But he’s quick to the high-cock position, slow to the ready position, and then fast to delivery point. Timing issue. Now, one can indeed throw that under the heading of mechanics, I guess, but you made it sound as if his motion is totally fluffed, and that just isn’t the case.
(I don’t particularly like the arm-side whip at the end and I think his stride is short, but those are actual mechanical issues that probably have little, if anything, to do with an impingement in the scapula area)
But what about Nunez and 2 good prospects for Jurrjens? There wouldnt be a issue with money. Braves add young talent to a already rich farm system. Giving us more ammo for possible trades, we also free up around 6 mil to spend else where.
Well, name me the two prospects. It’s a catching and pitching deep system and they aren’t trading Banuelos, Betances or Montero. Mason Williams, Slade Heathcott aren’t pieces that would net Jurrjens, imo.
An Eduardo Nunez and Montero for JJ trade would be doable. Only if Montero could be converted to play outfield. The Yankees have 3 highly rated catchers making that much easier for them to move Montero. Nunez however really isn’t seen as much more than a career utility guy but might have value at SS for the first half of the season if Pastor is seen as being ready somewhere around the all-star break. But Montero in LF might be an option.
The good thing about Nunez….he has already proven that while not oustanding, he can play SS and 3b at the Major League level….and his issues are all arm mechanics and nothing to do w/ range or w/ the glove….So I believe a fielding instructor can fix and tweak that…
I also feel that if the Yanks want JJ, then yes, a Nunez/Swisher?+ $$ would make a whole lot of sense for the Braves when you consider they have inquired on Swisher as far back as when he was in Oakland AND that he kills LHP and the Braves could REALLY use that somewhere in the lineup.
You then can keep Prado and run him out there occasionally at 1b, 2b, 3b, and LF whenever guys need a blow or you need to sit Heyward against LHP and move Swisher to RF….
I’m not a huge Swisher guy by any means as some can attest to, BUT it does make a whole lot of sense for the construction of the current ballclub.
I would take a $$$ return with Nunez and Swisher rather than a prospect….the $$$ may come in handy for either Moylan or adding another piece somewhere.
Then a trade with the Rockies if we were to acquire both Smith and Wheeler for Prado would also work out. That could possibly fill our outfield season after next with Montero in LF, Wheeler in CF and Heyward in RF. All young and all under team control for a few years.
5,033 comments Add your comment
Kat
November 20th, 2011
11:19 pm
We have 2:40 left.. Eli can do it… I hope.
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:19 pm
Down 7 with 2:39 to go the only math I’m interested in for now…
Kat
November 20th, 2011
11:21 pm
Hahah VJ that response, made me laugh out loud.
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:23 pm
Oh well……That’s my math.
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:24 pm
Well done, Victor…
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:24 pm
Noooooooooooooooooooooooo……………………
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:25 pm
Well done Eli……Game.
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:26 pm
Can I say Sh*t happens……..
Kat
November 20th, 2011
11:26 pm
Oy.
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:28 pm
That sucked the life out of me…….Sad……..Oh well…..
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:28 pm
Stupid Redskins…
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:28 pm
Stupid Giants…
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:29 pm
VJ. The Giants free fall,and the fire of Tom C.Hello Bill Cohwers.
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:29 pm
Ward – I was confident we would make it back in that situation…c’est la vie…
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:30 pm
Ward – I doubt it…
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:30 pm
Giant season I think is done on a sad note.
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:32 pm
Man………..I can’t stand The Giants coach. Total lack of discipline.That’s why the inconsistancy. I’ll be glad to see him gone.
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:35 pm
Talk later ,or tomorrow,and peace…….
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:35 pm
Ward – you sound like a typical Braves’ fan – tied for first, and we still play the Cowboys twice…season totally sunk…
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:40 pm
VJ- I’m just not going to get my hopes up. With Tom C,as coach. I not seeing a good pitcture……..Saints, Packers, Dallas,Jets, Redskins,and Dallas. Not a good pitcture,when your team can’t win the games they are supposed too.Always next right…..
Ward
November 20th, 2011
11:41 pm
I’m cool. Didn’t get my hopes up too much.Got excited,but knwe better. All have a good one,and peace.
Mountain Braves Fan
November 20th, 2011
11:52 pm
If the Braves are serious about getting an impact corner outfield bat I see four obvious possibilities, two free agents and two potential trade targets.
Carlos Beltran is a free agent. He is 35 years old. He wants, and will probably get from someone, a three year contract. While he might have one injury free season left in him, he definitely does not have three and he won’t be worth what he gets on the back end of that contract. When he is healthy and on the field he is a wonderful player. Just not the sort of gamble a team like the Braves can affort to take.
Michael Cuddyer is also a free agent. He is 32 years old. He plays both corner outfield spots and a little first base and third base. He also will want at least a three year contract. Since the Twins moved into their new cavernous ballpark, Cuddyer’s swing has changed and his fly ball rate has dropped dramatically, resulting in fewer home runs. He has essentially become Martin Prado, and we already have Martin Prado on the roster for less than half Cuddyer’s annual salary.
Carlos Quentin is a 29 year old corner outfielder for the White Sox. He is under contract through the 2012 season and could get as much as $7 million in arbitration. He will be a free agent after next season. The White Sox are looking to shed payroll and Quentin can be had for pitching. His best asset is that he dominates vs. left handed pitching. He is a streaky hitter who finished in a prolonged slump where he was barely more than a league-average hitter the last two months of the season. He had a nagging injury that eventually ended his season early. The end of season swoon and nagging injury don’t sound like things the Braves need any more of going forward.
Nick Swisher is a 30 year old switch hitting corner outfielder for the Yankees. He has played at least 150 games for six straight seasons. He is under contract for next season at $10.25 million, after which he will be a free agent. He is consistently one of the top OPS guys in the American League, and he crushes left handed pitching. He is a professional hitter who gets on base (95 walks last season) and drives in runs (85 RBIs). To me Swisher makes the most sense. The Yankees would probably be willing to trade him, for the right return, because he is only under their control for one more season anyway. If the Braves don’t trade for Swisher for next season, he should be a definite free agent target for 2013.
Venice Jim
November 20th, 2011
11:52 pm
Good night, Ward!
Venice Jim
November 21st, 2011
12:09 am
Time to turn attention to the Maui Invitational…
Ward
November 21st, 2011
12:10 am
Nite all and peace………………………………………..
kenhotlanta
November 21st, 2011
12:12 am
God be with you Larry Munson, you were the best and there will never be anyone call a football game quite like you did. Your memorable calls will live forever, especially around the Herschel era.
And for Braves fans, Larry was a member of the Braves Announcing team the first year or two they were in Atlanta, along with that jerk Milo Hamilton.
N8
November 21st, 2011
12:12 am
“…. that, by the way, Pastornicky is not homegrown, he was traded for, at the suggestion of Roy Clark.” Joe Brave
I know this is splitting hairs a bit, and clearly something I’ve “made up” in my head, clearly my opinion. But I’ve always considered guys that play a lot of AA and AAA ball for a team to be somewhat “homegrown”. Because there is still plenty of development that can be done. Perhaps the development that takes a player from being average or “good”, and helping them make the next step that turns them into a major league caliber player.
Pastornicky played in 255 games while in Toronto’s system. He’s now played in 155 games in the Braves system. If he plays half of the year at AAA next year, pretty much half of his minor league career will have been for the Braves.
That’s “home grown” enough for me. LOL.
Smoltz pitched 226 innings for the Tigers, and then 151 innings for the Braves before getting called up for good. In the Tigers system, his ERA was 4.77, with the Braves it was 3.15.
One could make the argument that the Braves and Leo “developed” him more than the Tigers did.
Like I said. My very “grey area” opinion. I wasn’t trying to argue with you. But if Pastornicky ends up having a decent minor league career, I’ll give just as much credit to the Braves system for “growing” him as a player, as the Blue Jays will get. For whatever that’s worth.
Now, with Jair? Tigers should get credit. Each situation is different, I guess.
N8
November 21st, 2011
12:12 am
And….. apparently I’m “yelling” that last post at everybody. Oh well.
Ward
November 21st, 2011
12:15 am
Woa! This is what im hearing from Wren…..Pastor,Delgado,Bethancourt,Prado for Hanley Ramirez..interesting good nite all and peace…….
Venice Jim
November 21st, 2011
12:17 am
N8 – even the best of us McFann it at times…
(and I would agree with your comment – not that I am overly concerned with from whence someone springs – I’ll take Greg Maddux over Jeff Francouer regardless of who was clever enough to sign them originally)…
Venice Jim
November 21st, 2011
12:19 am
Glad Frank called Ward prior to bedtime in Montana…
N8
November 21st, 2011
12:19 am
Then you might want to get your ears checked. Hanley Ramirez is good, but he’s not THAT good, and as long as Fredi Gonzalez is the manager…. it’s not going to happen.
However, if Fredi would ever “allow it”, I’d trade Jurrjens, Pastorynicky and Prado for Hanley Ramirez and Bonifacio.
But seriously. That’s probably the most obnoxious fake “rumor” posted in a while.
Contrats.
Venice Jim
November 21st, 2011
12:23 am
For those wondering about “contrats” –
Un contrat se définit comme une convention formelle ou informelle, passée entre deux parties ou davantage, ayant pour objet l’établissement d’obligations à la charge ou au bénéfice de chacune de ses parties.
N8
November 21st, 2011
12:23 am
VJ, I’m not really concerned about it either. It’s like Jair. The fact that the Tigers did all the leg work and all we had to give up was one year of Renteria? All the better.
I was more so just stating how my twisted angle “views” players in our system. Pastornicky is borderline our “homegrown” player from my stance. Now, if he starts the year with the big club? I don’t know.
But yeah. I’m with you. My guess is that the Rangers and their fans couldn’t care less where those kids came from. Besides, similar to my angle on Pastornicky and Smoltz, who’s to say the Rangers system didn’t “find something” with Feliz that made him into the closer/pitcher he’s become. In the very least, they helped him fine tune his skills and assisted in his ability to consistently repeat his mechanics to be succesful.
That has to count for something.
If Heyward were to get traded and “explode” with another team, people would wonder what the Braves were doing wrong, wouldn’t they?
Venice Jim
November 21st, 2011
12:24 am
Sorry, N8 – I am such a jerk…
But I miss making fun of Tom’s foe paws…
N8
November 21st, 2011
12:25 am
“N8 – even the best of us McFann it at times…”
Yeah, between her and I, I’m not sure who does it more. Been a while for me. Feels good to be back in the saddle. LOL
Ward
November 21st, 2011
12:27 am
12:15am post is not mine. N8- How’s it going?
Venice Jim
November 21st, 2011
12:27 am
We were talking earlier about how many years ago one’s knowledge of everyone in the minor league pipeline was virtually nonexistent compared to what it is today. I was lucky enough to be in Richmond and watch the early 90’s guys come through (and accidentally manage to see Smoltz’s first game at Shea Stadium way back when)…
Venice Jim
November 21st, 2011
12:28 am
Ward – glad to hear that – Duke at 2:30 Pacific time tomorrow in Hawaii…
Venice Jim
November 21st, 2011
12:30 am
And I am off for the evening…
Ward
November 21st, 2011
12:32 am
N8- I’m thinking Wren might not pull a trade off? We have two weeks until winter meeting.
Ward
November 21st, 2011
12:34 am
Bobby Valentine is meeting with Boston…….
Ward
November 21st, 2011
12:37 am
N8- Have a good one…….Talk tomorrow……
David O'Brien
November 21st, 2011
1:52 am
Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson doing Lucinda’s “Over Time”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojqPYJfQvXU&feature=related
ncgary
November 21st, 2011
3:10 am
phillies get wiggington from rockies and talk them into paying half his contract too.
2 million got him.
Just Joe
November 21st, 2011
6:28 am
I’d like to see the Braves make a run at Zack Cozart and Todd Frazier of the Reds. For Jurrjens???
In a more drastic move, I’d also like to see Uggla traded to Baltimore for Nick Markakis. Righty, lefty doesn’t bother me. They have nearly identical splits against lefties. Move Prado back to second. Frazier becomes Chipper’s backup and can also play the corners in the outfield.
Sign Javier Vasquez to a one year deal.
Just Joe
November 21st, 2011
6:32 am
Prado and Frazier would be candidates to take over third (if they hit) with Cozart and Pastornicky providing defense and speed up the middle at SS and second.
Around The Horn
November 21st, 2011
7:29 am
NO NUNEZ FRANK!
Hardball Talk quote:
“Er, OK. Look, Nunez has his uses, but he also has an OBP of .318 and a grand total of 30 homers in 2700+ career minor league plate appearances. I know it’s not the 90s anymore, but if it’s offense which makes him attractive to you, Frank Wren, you may want to make sure you aren’t goggling.”
Moe Berg
November 21st, 2011
7:42 am
Seattle Mariners Outfielder Greg Halman Slain
JRW
November 21st, 2011
7:44 am
Swisher would be a very good acquisition for the Braves but that would mean 2 thirds of the outfield would be in a contract year and would be looking for big buck multi year contracts to stay around for 1013 and beyond. With the Braves payroll I don’t know if thats a good thing. Phillies meanwhile strengthened their bench with Ty Wiggington, and get the Rockies to pay half of his salary. They still want Cuddyer but are balking at his three year demands, and have been talking more with Rollins. Miami has big offers out their on top FA’s Nationals are in the Buehrle market with Miami. I think he would go with Guillen all other things being close. Same old thing with other teams in the division actively filling holes and spending $$$ while the Braves Ownership ties Wrens hands behind his back.
JRW
November 21st, 2011
7:45 am
Oops 2013
richbrave
November 21st, 2011
7:58 am
FALL BALL
SURPrise lost the AZL championship saturday to Salt River 3-9.
Two of six BRAVES played.
C CHRISTIAN BETHANCOURT had a homer with one on to account for two of the SAGURROS’ three runs.
1B JOEY TERDOSLAVICH was two for four in the game.
OF’er TODD CUNNINGHAM and all three BRAVES pitchers [GILMARTIN, HOOVER, BULLOCK] were left off the Championship game roster.
AUSTRALIA
PERTH HEAT – double-header 19th
1B MATT KENNALLY [.229 BA] 3-6, 1 R, 1 2B [3], 2 RBI [4], 1 SO.
RF MATT KENNALLY [.225 BA] 1-5, 1 SO.
20th
RF MATT KENNALLY [.256 BA] 2-3.
DOMINICA
EASTERN BULLS
LHRP JOSE LUGO [H 4, 1.23 ERA] 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 4 BF, 1 GO/ 1 AO.
RHRP JAIRO ASENCIO [SV 7, 0.00 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO, 4 BF, 1 GO/ 1 AO. JAIRO carries his unscored upon string to 13 outings with 14.1 IP.
ESCOGIDO LIONS
2B DIORY HERNANDEZ [.247 BA] 0-4, 2 SO.
C WILKIN CASTILLO [.269 BA] 1-3.
VENEZUELA
CARACAS LIONS
No BRAVES played.
LARA CARDINALS
No BRAVES played.
ZULIA EAGLES
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [.297 BA] 0-4, 3 SO. Hat trick brings MEJIA back to earth.
GermanBravesFan
November 21st, 2011
8:24 am
DOB: something from the Man in Black… greetings from overseas! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAm53DO0cnQ
Lemke's Knuckler
November 21st, 2011
8:43 am
Statistics through age 25…
Jair Jurrjens: 50-33 (.602), 1.284 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, 6.2 K/9
Greg Maddux: 67-46 (.593), 1.242 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9, 5.6 K/9
This excludes Maddux’s late season call-up in 1986 and the 6-14 season in 1987.
I’m not sayin’…just sayin’
Jeff R
November 21st, 2011
9:07 am
No injury history with Maddux, though.
Tomas
November 21st, 2011
9:09 am
I would be in favor of Jair Jurrjens for Eduardo Nuñez and Nick Swisher +4.5 million.
The Yankees could then sign Carlos Beltran. Beltran is better than Swisher IMO.
Braves get a temporary SS who’ll serve a super utility guy when Pastornicky get’s his callup, get a power hitting outfielder in Swisher, and don’t have to trade Prado which means they can use him as a super utility player and then give the 3B job when Chipper retires.
raleighbravefan
November 21st, 2011
9:10 am
But LK, have you studied JJ’s peripherals?…I’m no expert, but Shaun, et al, tell me that he really isn’t very good…it’s an illusion…or magic… or luck… or something. Has nothing to do with his ability, and he is only about a #3 guy, if healthy. (btw, I don’t agre …when healthy, I consider him AT LEAST a #2, but then, I believe my lying eyes).
Efrim
November 21st, 2011
9:11 am
Swisher would be a very good acquisition for the Braves but that would mean 2 thirds of the outfield would be in a contract year and would be looking for big buck multi year contracts to stay around for 1013 and beyond.
And that’s okay, to me. They have a little over 34 million in guaranteed contracts if McCann and Hudson’s options are picked up and Chipper retires or doesn’t meet his 123 games to vest his option. Presumably, they’d have C McCann, 1B Freeman, 2B Uggla, SS Pastornicky, RF Heyward and perhaps 3B Prado set for the 2013 lineup and the free agent market is filled with quality options in the outfield.
Bat Masterson
November 21st, 2011
9:14 am
Run Lindsay, Run!!! _ keyLargo
I gave up ……………. you did too Larry Munson
http://youtu.be/qMKzo_5ZIVc
Rest In Peace
Efrim
November 21st, 2011
9:23 am
Terrible news on Mariners OF Greg Halman.
Efrim
November 21st, 2011
9:28 am
Braves will have between 25-30 million to work with next offseason if they keep all of their arbitration eligible players(Jurrjens, Prado, EOF, Heyward, Hanson, Venters, Medlen, and Martinez) and pick up the options of Hudson and McCann.
Efrim
November 21st, 2011
9:29 am
Could very well be around 10 million more than that if they trade any of the third year arbitration guys between now and then – which I deem a likely scenario.
Don
November 21st, 2011
9:39 am
I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT UNDERSTAND. Everyone seems to IGNORE THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM that the Braves have.
Right now, the three great young pitchers (JJ, Hanson, and Medlin) that should have formed the core of a great Startign Rotation for yers to come — are ALL INJURED. The odds are low that they will ever come back and really be great.
And this is ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG — In the 6 or 7 years since Leo left as Pitching Coach, almost every Starting Pitcher they have had – has had been injured.
Mr. OBrien, in those 6 or 7 years since Leo left, how many total Starting Pitchers have they had (counting only those who were in the rotation for a reasonalble length of time)???? And HOW MANY OF THOSE HAVE NOT BEEN INJURED??????
There is NO WAY THAT THE BRAVES CAN WIN — under these conditions – when ALMOST ALL OF THEIR STARTING PITCHERS BECOME INJURED.
It is unbeievable that this is being ignored and no issure is bein made of this.
Don
November 21st, 2011
9:41 am
To put this in perspective, what do you think would have happend to the Braves if Glavine, Maddox, and Smoltz had all bee seriously injured early in their careers?????
raleighbravefan
November 21st, 2011
9:42 am
Sad to hear Robin Gibb has liver cancer. Sad story with the brothers Gibb. I Thought their 60’s stuff was great ( I love good harmony, and theirs was unique) Even their 70’s stuff was the “best of the disco era”, if there is such a thing. I consider Brother Barry a near musical genius, singing, writing, producing, and creating the “sound” of the BeeGees. I know my taste is much more toward “pop” than most here, but it’s a very sad day for me.
Lew
November 21st, 2011
9:44 am
Don – I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT UNDERSTAND> You seem to IGNORE YOUR MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM – OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER.
So many similarities between thosde three pitchers and their injuries. Hanson’s problem is his shoulder. Medlen’s, his elbow and Jurrjens, his knee. But you’re right – they’re all Braves’ .
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2011
9:46 am
To put this in perspective, what do you think would have happend to the Braves if Glavine, Maddox, and Smoltz had all bee seriously injured early in their careers?????
Good thing they had a pitching coach who doesn’t get everybody injured!! FIER MCDOWEL!!!!!!!
McFann O O o
November 21st, 2011
9:47 am
V. Jim even the best of us McFann it at times…
Of course! How else would it have gotten that name…?
Lew
November 21st, 2011
9:48 am
How many times was Smoltz injured with Leo as pitching coach? How about Steve Avery?
Lew
November 21st, 2011
9:48 am
Didn’t Pete Smith get hit in the head with a line drive, too? Must have been Leo’s fault.
Ward
November 21st, 2011
9:50 am
Good Morning Everyone……………How about Hanley in the ATL???? Thats what i’m hearing……
CB
November 21st, 2011
9:56 am
McFann, I don’t know who was the first to call it McFanned. Must have been a bad person.
Tomas
November 21st, 2011
9:57 am
For the sake of argument let’s say the Braves trade JJ to NYY for Nuñez and Swisher +4.5 million.
Swisher, Bourn, and Chipper will be FA’s after the season and they don’t have to pay a cent to Lowe.
Hanson(around 3 million) and Heyward(depends but I would guess around 3 million) will have arbitration next year, McCann will get a raise from 11 million to 12 million, Prado will get a raise from whatever he gets this year(around 5 million) to 6.5 million, EOF will get a raise from 2.5 million to 4 million, and Johnny Venters will also be on his first year of arb having qualified as a super 2 player and will probably get around 2 million.
So in raises of arb or contract raises, they’ll have a total of 12 million give or take.
Players leaving will be Swisher (10 million – 4.5 from nyy= 5.5 million), Bourn 7 million, Chipper 13 million, and Lowe’s 10 million(since that is what they paid him this year).
That’s a total of 35.5 million leaving to free agency. So 35.5 million – 12 million= 23.5 million that they can use on the free agent market. They need a CF and a LF. Obviously bringing back Bourn would be ideal, and Carlos Quentin also hits the open market. But can those two guys be had for 23.5 million? Well I don’t think so, since Boras will get Bourn between 12-15 million and Quentin will get between 10-12 million. Unless they get to the WS I don’t expect them to raise payroll so maybe they should let Bourn leave.
Now the FA market for CF is nothing to marvel about, but there are 3 guys who could interest the Braves. Obviously Michael Bourn who’ll be 30 for the 2013 season, Shane Victorino who will be 32 for the 2013 season, and BJ Upton who will be 28 for the 2013 season. All 3 of them are gold glove defenders in CF, and have a lot of speed.
Obviously they have to play the 2012 season to gain a real sense of what they will cost, but if I had my pick, a 3 year 34 million deal for Victorino would be my choice. And a 4 year 40 million.
They have to sign McCann, Kimbrel, Hanson, Heyward, Freeman and Venters to contract extensions.
N8
November 21st, 2011
9:58 am
Steve Avery was 10 times the prospect that Hanson, Jurrjens or Medlen are or were ever going to be (OK… maybe not 10 times more than Hanson – but MUCH more highly touted), and Leo’s program absolutely blew out his arm/shoulder/elbow at a VERY young age.
Maddux and Glavine are freaks of nature. Not saying that Leo didn’t help mold them into what they became. Add to that, like Lew said, Smoltz was very rarely EVER 100 percent.
Nice try Don. Go back to the drawing board and come up with a new ridiculous theory to bitch about.
Ease
November 21st, 2011
10:00 am
Hey now! It was appropriate at the time!
CB
November 21st, 2011
10:01 am
Ease, I was trying to remember whether it was you or me. I figured the bad person described both of us. LOL
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2011
10:02 am
McFann – at my restaurant on Saturday night we had Fancy Ketchup on the table.
“Well we ain’t rich folk, but on special occasions, I’ll break out the ketchup”
Ease
November 21st, 2011
10:03 am
Go back to the drawing board and come up with a new ridiculous theory to bitch about.
I tend to think that after saying the same thing for the last three years (verbatim), Don-Key’s drawing board is a one trick pony.
Efrim
November 21st, 2011
10:04 am
Reds are talking about possible Andrew Bailey deal. – Buster Olney
Be very smart of Oakland to trade a closer making little money when the prices of closers are through the roof.
Ease
November 21st, 2011
10:06 am
CB, it was one of my better moments
And congrats on your Hokies!
CB
November 21st, 2011
10:10 am
Thanks, Ease. A lot still to do, Va. and Clemson still scare me to death.
VaBravesFan
November 21st, 2011
10:11 am
Just an hour ago the ESPN rumor twitter feed says, Braves have asked about Eduardo Nunez, possible Jurrjens deal?
Wonder if we can pull off another deal with the Yankees.. Nunez is comparable to Melky in that they best seam suited as bench guys. But Nunez would be a cheap option at Shortstop. Compared to all the money utility guys have been getting on the open market it makes sense.
Now we been talking about Nick Swisher.. But what about Nunez and 2 good prospects for Jurrjens? There wouldnt be a issue with money. Braves add young talent to a already rich farm system. Giving us more ammo for possible trades, we also free up around 6 mil to spend else where.
McFann O O o
November 21st, 2011
10:13 am
CB—
Yeah, I think it was Ease…
jeffrey d—
The ketchup bit is one of my favorites…
Arkansas Transplant
November 21st, 2011
10:17 am
So, what’s the word this morning?
Arkansas Transplant
November 21st, 2011
10:19 am
Arkansas number 3 in the polls.. big game this Friday.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
November 21st, 2011
10:19 am
When it comes to starting pitching, injuries are part of the game and always have been.
That said, if you want to lay blame toward anyone in particular, it’s an ill informed opinion. Pitchers are getting hurt more and more because of two basic reasons. Lack of development or poor mechanics. They don’t get enough innings in the minors compared to years ago. Guys like Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux had four and five hundred innings under their belt before breaking into the big leagues.
Young pitchers are now rushed to the majors too soon. look at Beachy. He had barely two hundred innings, same for Medlen, Minor etc. Of course Tommy Hanson had almost four hundred innings in the minors, but we all knew he was gonna get hurt due to a complete lack of pitching mechanics.
raleighbravefan
November 21st, 2011
10:22 am
Don – You are really struggling to come up with something to be negative about, aren’t you? No one has “bitten” on your “McDowell is injuring all of our pitchers bit, even tho you repeat it over and over again, because frankly, like most of your rants, it’s full of sh….er….it doesn’t hold water.
DAP
November 21st, 2011
10:22 am
ive heard a whole spectrum of evaluations on eduardo nunez. i think the truth lies somewhere in the middle of him being a utility player and a high end short stop. he seems like a decent player to me, and the good thing about him is, he’s 24 and under team control for 4 more seasons. i think jurrjens for nunez and swisher isnt a bad deal. i think that jurrjens for nunez and prospects could be a bad deal, though.
ncscoots
November 21st, 2011
10:30 am
but we all knew he was gonna get hurt due to a complete lack of pitching mechanics.
Coach, I’m sorry, but that’s as much an ill-formed opinion as the one you castigated. Hanson’s problem is a timing problem, more than anything. There’s nothing wrong with his arm slot, elbow position, and so forth, and those are the things I think most folks would considers the “mechanics” of his motion.
But he’s quick to the high-cock position, slow to the ready position, and then fast to delivery point. Timing issue. Now, one can indeed throw that under the heading of mechanics, I guess, but you made it sound as if his motion is totally fluffed, and that just isn’t the case.
(I don’t particularly like the arm-side whip at the end and I think his stride is short, but those are actual mechanical issues that probably have little, if anything, to do with an impingement in the scapula area)
VaBravesFan
November 21st, 2011
10:32 am
Jurrjens for Nunez/Betances/Heathcott
Efrim
November 21st, 2011
10:32 am
But what about Nunez and 2 good prospects for Jurrjens? There wouldnt be a issue with money. Braves add young talent to a already rich farm system. Giving us more ammo for possible trades, we also free up around 6 mil to spend else where.
Well, name me the two prospects. It’s a catching and pitching deep system and they aren’t trading Banuelos, Betances or Montero. Mason Williams, Slade Heathcott aren’t pieces that would net Jurrjens, imo.
Arkansas Transplant
November 21st, 2011
10:33 am
An Eduardo Nunez and Montero for JJ trade would be doable. Only if Montero could be converted to play outfield. The Yankees have 3 highly rated catchers making that much easier for them to move Montero. Nunez however really isn’t seen as much more than a career utility guy but might have value at SS for the first half of the season if Pastor is seen as being ready somewhere around the all-star break. But Montero in LF might be an option.
P-Town Brave© Its Clobberin' Time!™
November 21st, 2011
10:34 am
DAP=
The good thing about Nunez….he has already proven that while not oustanding, he can play SS and 3b at the Major League level….and his issues are all arm mechanics and nothing to do w/ range or w/ the glove….So I believe a fielding instructor can fix and tweak that…
I also feel that if the Yanks want JJ, then yes, a Nunez/Swisher?+ $$ would make a whole lot of sense for the Braves when you consider they have inquired on Swisher as far back as when he was in Oakland AND that he kills LHP and the Braves could REALLY use that somewhere in the lineup.
You then can keep Prado and run him out there occasionally at 1b, 2b, 3b, and LF whenever guys need a blow or you need to sit Heyward against LHP and move Swisher to RF….
I’m not a huge Swisher guy by any means as some can attest to, BUT it does make a whole lot of sense for the construction of the current ballclub.
Murph
November 21st, 2011
10:35 am
Swisher? Meh. Nunez? I’d rather see Pastornicky.
I hope this move doesn’t get made.
Efrim
November 21st, 2011
10:35 am
Jurrjens for Nunez/Betances/Heathcott
Betances has serious control issues. I don’t think that’s enough for Jurrjens.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
November 21st, 2011
10:36 am
ncscoots, I’d reply back but you as usual argue for nothing more than to disagree, while vainly attempting to out think yourself.
P-Town Brave© Its Clobberin' Time!™
November 21st, 2011
10:36 am
AT-
We’re never and I repeat NEVER going to get Montero….and he’s not going to move out from behind the dish….
He’s the heir apparent there….If they were going to trade him, it would have been for Cliff Lee in 2010.
P-Town Brave© Its Clobberin' Time!™
November 21st, 2011
10:37 am
I would take a $$$ return with Nunez and Swisher rather than a prospect….the $$$ may come in handy for either Moylan or adding another piece somewhere.
VaBravesFan
November 21st, 2011
10:37 am
I’d pull the trigger on Jurrjens for Nunez/Montero. Get Montero in LF the man is gonna hit. He has Mike Stanton type power.
Arkansas Transplant
November 21st, 2011
10:38 am
Then a trade with the Rockies if we were to acquire both Smith and Wheeler for Prado would also work out. That could possibly fill our outfield season after next with Montero in LF, Wheeler in CF and Heyward in RF. All young and all under team control for a few years.