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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,033 comments Add your comment
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
3:30 am
Wil JD Drew sign “on the low”?
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
4:17 am
Nobody? Ward??
nolie
November 19th, 2011
4:42 am
Hope DOB’s ridicule doesn’t send nolie back to the hospital…VJ
yeah like that’s gonna happen. I should get so upset over DOB’s kneejerk defensive lash out about a perfectly valid statement I made that he took offense to? but thanx anyway
nolie
November 19th, 2011
4:45 am
still thinking there will be little significant change made to the club
nolie
November 19th, 2011
4:47 am
Drew pretty much a shell of his former self the last two years.
ncgary
November 19th, 2011
5:20 am
me thinks this song sums up that
wren makes the braves better with trades
Liar
I won’t ever leave while you want me to stay
Nothing you could do that would turn me away
Hanging on every word
Believing the things I heard
Being a fool
You’ve taken my life, so take my soul
That’s what you said and I believed it all
I want to be with you as long
As you want me to
I won’t move away
Ain’t that what you said?
Ain’t that what you said?
Ain’t that what you said?
Liar, liar, liar
May I see no night
May I see no day
If I ever leave while you want me to stay
You can believe in me
I won’t be leaving
I won’t let you go
Ain’t that what you said?
Ain’t that what you said?
Ain’t that what you said?
Liar, liar, liar
Jeff R
November 19th, 2011
6:45 am
I take it that it was sing-along night on the blog? Guys passing around the virtual sour mash?
Say three times and click your heels: “Winter meetings, winter meetings, winter meetings.”
nolie
November 19th, 2011
6:51 am
say three times and click your heels “no big deals all winter”
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
7:00 am
Pujols, Pujols, Pujols!!
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
7:01 am
It didn’t work
a fan
November 19th, 2011
7:35 am
The good thing about the expanded play off is it makes winning the division all the more important since a strong wild card team could be eliminated in one game. If the Cards and Braves made it this year STL would have had to have started Carpenter, so he could not have pitched twice against the Phils..
SmyrnaBob
November 19th, 2011
7:55 am
Good breakdown Dave. There really is no hurry, especially for Jurrjens. Once the top free agent pitchers are gone, maybe already, teams will open up.
btw: The Dodgers are paying Manny $35M over four years and Andruw Jones $17.8 over five years not to show up still. So $10M and player for Lowe doesn’t seem that bad.
richbrave
November 19th, 2011
8:00 am
DAVID O’BRIEN:
Did I misunderstand the paragraph where you said,
“………..However, other teams could be reluctant to meet the Braves’ asking price because of a few factors: Prado has ended each of the past two seasons with knee injuries; he’s represented by Boras and could thus be difficult to retain beyond 2013; and he has less than overpowering stuff, leading some skeptics to suggest he’ll never be a true ace………..”
jimmya
November 19th, 2011
8:03 am
wren shouldnt make any trades (he doesnt have a eye for talent) fill all our needs from the minor leagues go for youth
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
8:08 am
By the way, some of the projections I’ve seen reported for the Braves’ 2012 payroll have McCann’s salary at $8.5 million. That was the base salary for the final guaranteed season of his six-year contract, but McCann maxed out on all the escalators tied to Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers and All-Star appearances, pushing the salary to $11.5 million. (There’s a $12 million club option for 2013 with a $500,000 buyout.)
Finally! Clarity on Mac’s escalators. Thanks DOB.
If that’s the case, here is how the payroll is laid out:
Jones – 14
Uggla – 13.2
McCann – 11.5
Lowe – 10
Hudson – 9
Diaz – 2
Ross – 1.625
Hinske – 1.5
8 guaranteed contracts(7 on 25-man) – 62.825 million
Bourn – 7.1
Jurrjens – 5.1
Prado – 4.4
O’Flaherty – 2.4
4 arbitration eligible players(mlbtr estimates) – 19 million
14 players at avg. minimum salary – 6.3 million
Total – 88.125 million
Yeah, looks like around 5 million is more likely what the Braves have to work with.
Yeah, that’s a pretty good idea
November 19th, 2011
8:09 am
[...] Wren: Must be sure trades strengthen Braves | Atlanta Braves. [...]
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
8:15 am
Imagine if the Braves couldn’t move Lowe’s contract. Then it might be necessary to trade Jurrjens or Prado.
Frank C
November 19th, 2011
8:24 am
If the Braves want a vet SS for 1 year, why not Orlando Cabrera, who’s a free agent. He seems to have a habit of playing on good teams. Plus, if you look at his stats he’s like a .273 lifetime hitter, around 10 HRs a year and maybe most importantly only K’s about half as often as Alex Gonz. He puts the ball in play.
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
8:24 am
They also have Kris Medlen and rookie Arodys Vizcaino, but the Braves would prefer to have the versatile Medlen and flamethrowing Vizcaino in the bullpen to begin the ’12 season. Medlen, who returned at the end of the 2011 season from Tommy John elbow surgery, has the versatililty to move to the rotation at any point, if necessary.
Ugh. I really hope some other bullpen options emerge in spring training allowing Vizcaino to start the year in Triple-A as a starter. Throwing 40-50 innings as the Braves #5 guy in the pen makes little sense to me. I get that it’s great to have a incredibly deep bullpen, but I think they can still have that by having Anthony Varvaro, Cristhian Martinez, and one of J.J. Hoover, Jaye Chapman, or a free agent on a minor league deal as that last spot. I just think they should try and build up Arodys’ innings and arm strength.
CB
November 19th, 2011
8:35 am
Frank C, not a bad idea if we can get Cabrera on the cheap. We can always use him as a utility guy if Pastornicky works out, we don’t need to expect the kind of stats you quoted at his age though.
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
8:36 am
Orlando Cabrera is cooked.
Free agents:
Clint Barmes
Ronny Cedeno
Rafael Furcal
Alex Gonzalez
Ramon Santiago
Trade candidates:
Brendan Ryan
Jason Barlett
Jed Lowrie
Non-tender candidates:
Ryan Theriot
Slim pickings.
Michael Kelly
November 19th, 2011
8:37 am
DOB, love the Husker Du throwback!
Was so into those guys and remember seeing them.
MK
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
8:42 am
Not all of those free agent SS’s are going to get multi year contracts, imo. Wren just needs to wait it out and be patient for SS.
CB
November 19th, 2011
8:45 am
Might as well go with the rookie,Efrim. I wonder what happened to the $10 million Bowman said we had before Lowe’s trade. Your figures look very accurate.
richbrave
November 19th, 2011
8:48 am
FALL BALL – updated
FALL BALL
ARIZONA
No games scheduled.
AUSTRALIA
PERTH HEAT
DH MATT KENNALLY [.172 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [2].
DOMINICA
EASTERN BULLS
DH MAURO ‘45′ GOMEZ [.129 BA] 0-3, 1 BB, 1 SO. Terrible fall session for the normally reliable GOMEZ.
LHRP YOHAN FLANDE [1-1, 11.81 ERA] 1.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R/ER, 2 BB, 0 SO, 9 BF, 3 GO/ 0 AO. FLANDE starts. Evidently, it’s not his cup of tea, at least, not in this league.
ESCOGIDO LIONS
2B DIORY HERNANDEZ [.256 BA] 2-4, 1 SO.
DH WILKIN CASTILLO [.265 BA] 1-4.
ORIENTE STARS
Postponed.
VENEZUELA
CARACAS LIONS
No BRAVES played.
LARA CARDINALS
RHRP LUIS AVILAN [3.18 ERA] 3.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 SO, 15 BF, 60 p/ 41 S, 5 GO/ 3 AO.
ZULIA EAGLES
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [.291 BA] 3-5, 1 RBI [21], 1 SO.
richbrave
November 19th, 2011
8:50 am
AVILAN is a lefty, and FLANDE gave up a HR, sorry.
richbrave
November 19th, 2011
8:55 am
EFRIM:
You’re forgetting RHRP JAIRO ASENCIO [nee: Luis Valdez] who is having a bang-up season in fall ball. He really is pushing for that LINEBRINK slot.
Chalkline
November 19th, 2011
9:01 am
In 2013 when Chipper and Lowe are off the books, we will have about $24 million off the payroll. Sign a decent shortstop and corner outfielder for 2012, and make big moves for 2013 and beyond.
richbrave
November 19th, 2011
9:03 am
Chaulklinbe:
Agreed. 2013 will be the tale of WREN. It’s completely his team at that point for better or worse.
richbrave
November 19th, 2011
9:04 am
So I’m guessing it’s feed-bag time around the old blog.
Tomas
November 19th, 2011
9:20 am
Atlanta is willing to listen, but they are not shopping him. Prado lacks power and has a low walk rate, and for a team looking to get better in those aspects and who doesn’t have much money, trading Prado makes sense. Trading Jurrjens also makes sense, since he has been injured a lot, his velocity drop was a concern meaning his season could be attributed to luck.
If they don’t trade Prado or Jurrjens, they can’t do anything. No SS, they’d have to call Pastornicky up who isn’t ready, and depend on bounceback seasons by Prado and Heyward. Problem is, Prado at his best will never be a high OBP or SLG%, and the Braves know that.
If they want to get better, they have to make a trade, and Prado and Jurrjens are definitely the most tradeable pieces at this point at their second year of arbitration.
Braves should target, Carlos Quentin, Erick Aybar, Josh Willingham, Michael Cuddyer, or prospects.
I’ve got a trade in my head for awhile now that would bring Aybar and Quentin to ATL.
Braves send Martin Prado and Jair Jurrjens to the Angels for Erick Aybar and 2 solid low level prospects.
Then trade, JJ Hoover, Zeke Spruill, and Joe Leonard for Carlos Quentin.
Essentially trading Prado, Jurrjens, +3 prospects for Quentin, Aybar, +2 prospects. Braves will be adding between 1-2 million in salary, and getting two guys who are in line to be type A FA’s unless the new CBA changes their status.
Angels get a pitcher and a 3B, and instead of signing converted reliever CJ Wilson, they could use the money to sign Jose Reyes instead. the White Sox get salary relief and quality prospects. Braves cover their most pressing needs with a quality SS(with speed) and a power hitting right handed corner outfielder in Quentin, and now they have like 5 million to improve the bench.
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
9:28 am
Imagine if the Braves couldn’t move Lowe’s contract. Then it might be necessary to trade Jurrjens or Prado.
Good point. Right now the salary cap space is a luxury. But with Lowe still at the helm, loosening up some salary space would be a necessity
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jacks BBQ
November 19th, 2011
9:34 am
Great new blog DOB. Thanks.
Sounds like Wren is being patient and obviously dealing from a position of strength. Now for a morning beer…..
Another GM
November 19th, 2011
9:47 am
Poor Braves fans……….already resigned to the fact that the Braves will not resign Michael Bourn. I guess Bourn will go on to star for another team like Texiera has with the Yankees. The Braves are trying to run a franchise on backup players. Its just a sad, sad situation.
old man
November 19th, 2011
9:48 am
Efrim, thanks for the numbers.
If we trade Prado, JJ, and Bourn, that’s 16.6 saved. Plus the 5 on hand equals 21.1.
Fowler would cost maybe 2.5 as 1st year arb eligible, so that leaves 18.6 for SS and LF. Who do we match up with trade-wise that needs a SP and a CF, who would be willing to trade a top-tier corner OF?
I know many are cool to the Fowler/Prado idea (most importantly, perhaps, the Rockies), but this is just an idea of how we can free up 10-15 million for a LFer, if the right one can be had. There are certainly other ways, but we don’t need to stop window-shopping for such players. There are ways to make it happen.
bobbymahlon
November 19th, 2011
9:50 am
Trading Prado for Smith and platooning Diaz with him in left would be stupid. Remember we were only one game out of a playoff shot so don’t break up the team just make a couple of changes where needed. If Prado comes back healthy this year and returns to normal we will be glad he was not traded. In 2010 when he was filling in for Chipper like Bobby said he was putting on a clinic at third but last year he was bad defensivly probaby due to injuries. One more time lets get Mark Derosa, he can fill in any place except centerfield,catching and pitching.
TommyP
November 19th, 2011
9:51 am
Simply not enamored with the thought of Seth Smith in LF for us. There just aren’t many players that leave Colorado and sustain their numbers. Only the true GREAT hitters are able to do that.
Here’s the problem with Smith vs. Prado numbers: Obviously the Coors factor which was addressed. Two other things DOB left out, however:
A) Prado’s positional versatility is invaluable on a team like the Braves. The Braves are close to being maxed out in budget and won’t have a quality backup to take the place of a regular if that player is out for a month or two. Prado can fill in at LF, 3B (which we KNOW will happen often) and 2B.
Imagine Uggla getting injured for a full month. Not as big of a loss if Prado is your replacement. Same for Chipper.
B) Last year was an anomaly with Prado in terms of numbers. The guy is a true pro in his approach at the plate. Besides last year when he suddenly became pull-happy, how often did you see him go the opposite way to drive in RISP? Or hit to the right side just to advance runners? His stats decline when he takes a team-approach like that but we all know that is good baseball and sorely lacking in Atlanta.
Blackmon? Inflated numbers at AAA Colorado Springs and probably at Coors Field as well but his stats before AAA look good at each level. But that 4-43 line last year in the majors away from Coors has to scare McLouth out of Wren.
braveslifer
November 19th, 2011
9:56 am
@Thomas
The Angels have Alberto Callaspo at third who was worth 3.6 WAR last season and is under team control for two more years. They do have Aybar and Izturis at SS and need a SP so it would seem like they would match up with us for JJ. The Angels also have excess in the OF with Wells, Hunter, Bourjos, and Trout. If we could somehow pry Bourjos away from them it would make our offseason IMHO. He would cost a ton though as he does not start Arb until 2014.
wjones
November 19th, 2011
9:57 am
I agree, Tommy. Look at our team right now. We have only 5 bench spots, and 3 of them are filled with Ross, Hinske, and Diaz. That only leaves two spots, and we will need someone who can play ss and someone who can play cf. Unless we get someone who can do both, we can only have one back-up infielder, so having Prado around is a must the way the roster is currently constructed.
Kat
November 19th, 2011
9:59 am
Thanks for the new blog David.
bobbymahlon
November 19th, 2011
10:00 am
Not signing Bourn is a given because Boros will be DEMANDING way too much for him and besides that Wren and Shurhultz will not deal with Boros. I for one don’t blame them.
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
10:19 am
If we trade Prado, JJ, and Bourn, that’s 16.6 saved. Plus the 5 on hand equals 21.1.
Why would we trade Michael Bourn?
TommyP
November 19th, 2011
10:20 am
bobbymahlon: Get the right CF guy ready to take over in July and Bourn could fetch us a nice deadline-deal return.
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
10:23 am
bobbymahlon, Wren and co. will deal with Boras, see Lowe, etal… that is a blind statement, when the Team has a need, and Boras is the agent, yes they will deal!
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
10:24 am
Looks like the Indians are close to re-signing Grady Sizemore. I like their team next year in a weak AL Central.
LF Brantley, CF Sizemore, RF Choo, 3B Chisenhall, SS Cabrera, 2B Kipnis, 1B LaPorta, C Santana, DH Hafner
SP Jimenez, SP Carmona, SP Masterson, SP Lowe, SP Tomlin
Atlanta Braves Rumors: Frank Wren Gives Status Report, Clarifies Rumors On … | blacxbox.com
November 19th, 2011
10:25 am
[...] 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 [...]
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
10:25 am
Efrim, I would trade Bourn myself but only for a return the ilk of Bourjos,Gardner type.
Kat
November 19th, 2011
10:27 am
From Buster’s twitter this morning on regarding new playoff format..
Source: Rule that a team cannot play another club from same division in Division Series will most likely be eliminated in new playoff format. For example: If PHI has best record, and Braves/Nats are No. 4-5 seeds, PHI could play winner of ATL/WASH under new format,in all likelihood.
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
10:28 am
Matt, last evening, re:Pastornicky, I said the kid was a hitter, and fast, but has no arm, he pushes his throws, does not trust his arm, or either he plain has no arm. He fits the 2B Dan Uggla mold, with more range.
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
10:30 am
I believe that Wren said, He will not entertain extension talks with either Bourn, or McCann, until after he fills the open spots on the roster.So at this point signing Bourn is not a priority, Wren has 11 months to do that
Kat
November 19th, 2011
10:31 am
For those who enjoy talk on MLB uniforms the Blue Jays have tweaked theirs to look like the early 90’s ones.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7252378/toronto-blue-jays-new-uniforms-hats-return-team-original-look
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
10:35 am
I like the Orioles’ and the Blue Jays’ throwbacks…a lot.
I wish Atlanta would wear these throwbacks more often
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Chipper-Jones-Andruw-Jones-Signed-Auto-11×14-Photo-/03/!Bm3Y-bwBGk~$(KGrHqYOKiQEuD0+k)r-BLhMln2pwQ~~_35.JPG
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
10:35 am
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Chipper-Jones-Andruw-Jones-Signed-Auto-11×14-Photo-/03/!Bm3Y-bwBGk~$(KGrHqYOKiQEuD0+k)r-BLhMln2pwQ~~_35.JPG
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
10:36 am
Nevermind…………………
Bob the Blogger
November 19th, 2011
10:38 am
The Braves most glaring weaknesses are lack of right handed hitting, and bench players that are good both offensively and defensively. Prado addresses that problem, even if we get another OF bat. He should still get 400+ ABs in a platoon and filling in for injured players. If we don’t get another OF bat, he still has been one of the Braves better hitters, last year’s injury plagued results excluded.
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
10:39 am
I don’t think we’ll extend Bourn or re-sign him. Boras is going to want too much and I personally don’t think Wren will feel it’s worth it. McCann, I could see getting a contract extension during the 2012 season if he is healthy and performing at his career norms.
TnBrian
November 19th, 2011
10:40 am
Where is O’Twitter at? He’s getting more and more distant by the month.
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
10:42 am
would love to see these throwbacks…
http://www.hawkeyelounge.com/showthread.php?t=65116
jeffrey d
November 19th, 2011
10:43 am
It’s almost as if…there hasn’t been a lot of Braves news to announce
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
10:45 am
I don’t think there will be much news to announce around baseball until after Thanksgiving weekend.
TnBrian
November 19th, 2011
10:46 am
Bob, you and so many other claim OFFENSE, OFFENSE, OFFENSE is the problem. Yes, it is a problem, so are starters who can’t go more than 5 or 6 innings a game. The bullpen will definitely suffer again in ‘12 if these guys don’t change whatever it is that prevents them from consistantly going at least 7 a game. You add an offense to this mix that suffers from clutch hitting anxiety and … repeat of the same problems. So, imo, it stems a little further that just the offense.
TnBrian
November 19th, 2011
10:48 am
jeffrey, he’d still pop in to socialize regardless of any news or not.
Kat
November 19th, 2011
10:51 am
jeffery here you go.. http://bit.ly/u891Sc
MSS
November 19th, 2011
10:56 am
Dave – As always, great article, and thanks so much for getting me around to hearing Husker Du and this great tune you suggested. Your columns are top-notch, my man. Keep up the great work.
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
10:58 am
I’d be very against a Swisher for Jurrjens trade. Swisher makes twice what Jair is going to make, and I’d want the Yankees to throw in a top prospect for him – which I don’t believe they would do.
ccrider
November 19th, 2011
11:06 am
Efrim: on your salary posting of payroll at present: Diaz had some of 2012 salary paid by Pittsburgh. Also, I believe DOB mentioned McCann’s bonus money could be spread out over multiple years.
So, it’s possible the Braves might have 3-4 million more to spend if the right deal came along without having to trade anyone.
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
11:12 am
So, it’s possible the Braves might have 3-4 million more to spend if the right deal came along without having to trade anyone.
His escalator clause? That was spread over years? I don’t remember reading that. And I doubt Diaz’ salary is paid more than what I have. Diaz signed a 4.25 million dollar contract over two years – 2.125 million each year. I had him down for 2 million – with the Pirates paying 125K. I think it’s around 5 million if the Braves payroll is going to be like 93 million(2 million more than 2011).
bobbymahlon
November 19th, 2011
11:12 am
Efrim @10:30am I agree about Bourn thus I do not agree with JoeBrave and time will tell who is right. Also speed players as they get older tend to slow down and stop stealing bases so a long turm contract for him may not be to the best interest of the Braves.
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
11:18 am
Enter your comments here
ccrider
November 19th, 2011
11:21 am
Efrim: Could be, just relaying what I heard. Diaz salary seemed to insinuate more like a Million. BUT The Wizard of payroll(Wren) is the only one who knows for sure! I betting on about $7 mil.
monty
November 19th, 2011
11:27 am
”
Nolie-} “still thinking there will be little significant change made to the club
May very well be true, but it’s a shame if so. I think we are 2 players away from having a team that can win it all. 1. a starter with experience who has remained healthy who will give us 200 innings+ and win 15-17 games. 2. a slick fielding SS who has a good OBP, and will hit at least .260.
AdirondackDave
November 19th, 2011
11:28 am
Efrim — It wouldn’t surprise me to see JJ going to the Yankees for Swisher with the Yanks eating some Swisher’s salary… maybe a lot of salary. I’m sure they and others want to reel in JJ. Not sure Wren wants to move him even at the Dec. meetings, or at all, for that matter.
David O'Brien
November 19th, 2011
11:30 am
A) Prado’s positional versatility is invaluable on a team like the Braves. The Braves are close to being maxed out in budget and won’t have a quality backup to take the place of a regular if that player is out for a month or two. — TommyP
No doubt that’s an issue, and would have to be addressed if they traded Prado. It’s why they were pursuing Jamey Carroll before he signed with Twins.
David O'Brien
November 19th, 2011
11:35 am
DOB, love the Husker Du throwback!
Was so into those guys and remember seeing them. — Michael Kelly
Ears ringing for hours afterward? I know mine were. Probably loudest concert I’ve ever been to. Dinosaur Jr. was only one that might’ve matched it. To be that loud, probabaly has to be a small or relatively small venue and a band that has a wall of amps, right? Both of those bands did. Pain. Splendid pain.
cabravesfan
November 19th, 2011
11:36 am
DOB-
You mentioned Yu Darvish the other day- I’d heard or read or seen somewhere that he might not be overly interested in playing in the States next season- wondering if you had heard anything along those lines or if it might just be his way of raising interest and possibly getting an even higher offer? (I know the Braves are not interested, but I found it interesting…)
keyLargo
November 19th, 2011
11:42 am
Prado lacks power and has a low walk rate, and for a team looking to get better in those aspects and who doesn’t have much money, trading Prado makes sense.
I’m wondering about Prado’s “power” myself. He’s gone from 1 HR @ 144 PA’s in the minors to 1 HR @ 122 PA’s his first 3 years in MLB to 1 HR @ 45 PA’s the last 3 years. I’m not saying he was involved with PED’s, but what could explain that power surge?
CB
November 19th, 2011
11:49 am
AdirondackDave, good to see you posting. How is your health? A lot of us are concerned.
Wow
November 19th, 2011
11:50 am
“Yes, it is a problem, so are starters who can’t go more than 5 or 6 innings a game. ”
If the Braves trade Jurrjens, we’re going to be seeing a lot more of that. Only Hudson would be able to consistently go 7+ and Hanson, until his shoulder starts acting up.
TeheranTime
November 19th, 2011
11:53 am
I agree that any moves the Braves make should make them better. Isn’t that why you make moves? I don’t like the idea of getting someone to platoon with Matt Diaz. Diaz is fine off the bench. If you have a stopgap situation in the outfield and a stopgap situation at shortstop, you have the same situation as last season. I consider Jason Heyward a project at this point. You just don’t know what he’s going to give you. So basically you have two positions in the outfield that are unsettled with shortstop a question mark. Third base is really a question mark because you just don’t know about Chipper Jone’s health from one game to the next.
TeheranTime
November 19th, 2011
11:56 am
That comment about starting pitching is basically not true. The starting pitchers CAN go more than five or six innings. They are not allowed to. Fredi Gonzalez cost Brandon Beachy at least four wins last season. He took him out in the sixth when he’s pitching well and gets a runner on only to have the bullpen come in and blow the game. They CAN go more than five or six. Fredi G. needs to stay on the bench and let them pitch.
Efrim
November 19th, 2011
11:57 am
Maybe they really will go with Pastornicky at SS. Wouldn’t be at crazy, I guess. Three 22 year olds in the opening day lineup certainly doesn’t seem too great of idea, but if Tyler is hitting 8th…
I’d rather get a stop gap option though, which I’m sure they are trying to do.
Bat Masterson
November 19th, 2011
11:59 am
I think concerns over JJ’s health are vastly overblown.
Go Dawgs!
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
11:59 am
In defense of Fredi the mental midget, He was due an acclimation period, got to get to know your starters before ya give em the keys to the Harley!
TommyP
November 19th, 2011
12:00 pm
Concerning Yu Darvish:
DOB, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the Braves thinking that it’s not necessarily signing the player to a contract but the fact that you have to pay an exorbitant posting fee??
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
12:04 pm
Folks has it been realized that Tyler Pastornicky isn’t even in the top 10 of SS prospects, and many here want to annoint him as the future. I say travel to Gwinnett and have a look see at Dan Uggla lite, before you guys make that request, good hitter against AAAA pitchers, but let’s be realistic, Roy Halladay,Kershaw and folks of that prowess aren’t at AAA.No way Tyler translates into a ML SS.second base ,YES, SS NO!
AdirondackDave
November 19th, 2011
12:06 pm
CB — Doing great, thanks for asking. Some minor back issues but who doesn’t, right? Ticker problems under control with medication. We are packing up the car this weekend for a Thanksgiving trip to Atlanta for a family get-together… and then on Florida for the winter. We’ve had enough of the winters up here, getting out while the getting’s good!
David O'Brien
November 19th, 2011
12:07 pm
I’m still trying to process the fact that Lee Corso just dropped an F-bomb on live TV while doing his “headgear pick” on GameDay. Wow. Highlight of the year on GameDay.
Nosferatu
November 19th, 2011
12:08 pm
Ward, be quiet. Learn to spell.
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
12:08 pm
Quite sure Pastornicky gets pawned off in trade.
JoeBrave
November 19th, 2011
12:09 pm
DOB, Corso using the F-Bomb= priceless
Bat Masterson
November 19th, 2011
12:18 pm
Why is Urban Cryer on TV?
cabravesfan
November 19th, 2011
12:18 pm
I may have rewound Corso a few times…Fowler & Herbstreit’s reactions were absolutely priceless
Bat Masterson
November 19th, 2011
12:21 pm
Well I missed Corso’s oops moment, pity
Bat Masterson
November 19th, 2011
12:25 pm
30 secondds into the game and Ga has to burn a timeout on defense. Sigh
AdirondackDave
November 19th, 2011
12:28 pm
I think DOB or somebody mentioned that the Braves have had at least one “Top 3″ rookies for the last 4 years. This year just might be 5 in a row with the emerging prospect pitchers… if FW can beef up the offense.
cabravesfan
November 19th, 2011
12:30 pm
I’ve got DOB’s boys on TV and VJ’s boys on the computer…
cabravesfan
November 19th, 2011
12:41 pm
I may have to rethink my TV watching choice…
Hugo Z Hackenbush
November 19th, 2011
12:42 pm
I think I’ve heard the f-bomb dropped on tv enough now (dating back to Charles Rocket on SNL) that it seems more like an f-firecracker.
cabravesfan
November 19th, 2011
12:43 pm
Where is everyone?
Blog Monitor
November 19th, 2011
12:47 pm
Ducks need to put the smackdown on SC..