Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,707 comments Add your comment
TnBrian
November 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
#1!
kc
November 29th, 2011
9:58 pm
I know the Rule 5 Draft is up coming and I have not seen a list for the Braves for who we might loose to the Rule 5 Draft?
DHD
November 29th, 2011
9:58 pm
Weird
Back to baseball….
Signing McCann is a no-brainer. Just do it. We lose the soul of the team if we let him go.
TnBrian
November 29th, 2011
9:59 pm
i know I’ll be #1 since dummy has to get banned for his junk nobody cares about anyways.
TnBrian
November 29th, 2011
9:59 pm
Now I’ll go read the blog.
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:00 pm
Uggggh! here we go again! sheesh!
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:01 pm
Someone hurry over to Wrens house and hide the liquor cabinet key! quick that sumbee has to be drinking some hard booze to think the way he is thinking!
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:02 pm
Wonder what the Rangers are doing? an actual team with a purpose!
Dob
November 29th, 2011
10:03 pm
See, I’d be worried about trusting Bethancourt, and not because McCann is the best catcher in baseball.
Bethancourt is under the age of 23, and it’s a proven fact you can’t win with players that young.
brian
November 29th, 2011
10:04 pm
please ban Lionel for the political crap
FutureBraves
November 29th, 2011
10:05 pm
Let him go save the money, hes going to get hurt
brian
November 29th, 2011
10:05 pm
thanks for the blog DOB. Superb blog to help get the Hot Stove cooking here (like we need any help). You may have caused McFann palpatations or a minor stroke with that blog though
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:08 pm
Personally I think for the Braves and McCann to work out a deal there will have to be concessions on both sides. McCann will have to settle for the fact that he won’t make the money he could on the open market because the Braves aren’t able to sustain a long term contract for high money on a position like catcher. McCann would have to be under the understanding that he may not play out the tenure of the contract behind the plate. I would imagine he would get a no trade clause or at least a limited one. The kid is a Georgia native who loves this team. I don’t see the cockiness in him as was in Francouer. This is his team and I’m sure theres no one that Chipper would like to hand the reigns over to more than him. It could be complicated with his position though and his want to stay there long term. Heres to hoping they get it all worked out.
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:09 pm
Lionel just posted that crap on the bottom of the other page. He had to bring it over to this one to I guess.
brian
November 29th, 2011
10:11 pm
we are not going to trust Bethancourt this year with the catching even if the unthinkable happens and BMAC is traded.
In 1-2 years could BMAC be traded, especially to an AL team, of course. This year with this team – not a chance.
McCann gives the Braves such a huge advantage at the catcher position especially important considering the Braves offensive woes. It would have taken a deal centered around someone like Matt Kemp for the Braves to even consider trading McCann.
For arguments sake (and to see if McFann is reading) would anyone trade McCann for Justin Upton as the centerpieces of a blockbuster? He could join Heyward and Bourn in the OF.
N8
November 29th, 2011
10:11 pm
JoeBrave….. making dumbasses look smart since, well…. since whenever he started posting.
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:13 pm
and N8 making a futile attempt at being a smartass well since he was born! I hate you ,man you are one arrogant piece of crap!
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:14 pm
I make no bones about my disdain for Pastornicky at SS! at least I don’t belittle others as if I am some lost n myself demi-god! you really are a piece of work there N8! NOT! loser!
Delbert D.
November 29th, 2011
10:14 pm
Don’t do the Mauer thing. That is too risky. I’m sure the pencil-necks at Liberty Media will agree.
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:15 pm
Scroll past my posts and I damn sure will yours!
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:16 pm
Gotta re-sign Mac! say 6 more at 15 should do it!
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:17 pm
Glad some of y’all liked the post. I just stumbled into it week or so ago while looking for something else. after reading it I thought it was about the best scouting primer I have ever read. Couple of slight differences with what I was taught 4o some years ago,but basically the same.
The Yanks in the 40s and 50s are the ones who basically codified a lot of that and it has stayed almost totally relevant over all this time.
Good blog DOB. It will be interesting to see whether McFann’s heart gets broken in a few years or if she will continue in baseball bliss……
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:19 pm
Bobby V.In Boston….well that should get interesting to say the least.
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:21 pm
JoeBrave
Can’t say I’m suprised on Bobby V in Boston. As soon as I saw him on the radar I figured he’d get the job.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:22 pm
Bobby V knows baseball. he is also an arrogant prick who can be charming when he wants something but eventually lets his ego get in the team’s way. Maybe he has matured late………Boston needs to hope so
Sopheee
November 29th, 2011
10:23 pm
Mac fo’ life.
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:23 pm
Mariners interested in Seth Smith. Hopefully they pull the trigger to put all the Prado/Seth Smith stuff to rest once an for all.
brian
November 29th, 2011
10:23 pm
as hard as it is to think about, DOB brings some great points to the table in thinking about signing McCann to a long term contract. Having a young, viable option does complicate the front office thinking.
I would like to see what the big board looks like in the board room with the projected lineup in 3 years. Have to at least have Bethancourt pencilled in under McCann
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
amen P’c
McFann O O o
November 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
Not exactly the best thing to read before heading off to bed…and I don’t think I blinked through the entire article…
But thanks(?) for the new Blog, Chief…dear lord in heaven, I can’t believe there’d even be a “maybe” in there anywhere!!…
brian For arguments sake (and to see if McFann is reading) would anyone trade McCann for…
No.
nolie It will be interesting to see whether McFann’s heart gets broken in a few years…
Eesh…that would be……that would be weird. Not exactly “devastating”, because it’s only baseball, but…I wouldn’t like it at all. I’ve been a Braves Junky since 2006, so it wouldn’t look right to have no BMac. I think it would be a year or more before I could even look at the other guy behind the plate…
or if she will continue in baseball bliss…
That I could go for.
unbelievable
November 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
Pastornicky doesnt need to be our opening day SS. Braves need to look at the cost of Stephen Drew or Scutaro.
brian
November 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
I still think that Prado, if traded, goes to the tigers. AL team so we are not having to play against him. The Tigers want him and Miggy Cabrera wants him.
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:25 pm
Tired! had enough of wise ass people today! P’cola you take care, hopefully Valentine will last in Boston, seems quite likable, at least as an analyst.Go Wren, make the right choice, tread lightly however on unwise choices, leave the babies in the cradle, and bring the real men to the dance!
McFann O O o
November 29th, 2011
10:25 pm
Sopheee—
YES!!
brian
November 29th, 2011
10:27 pm
must be nice to know that everyone thinks of you McFann when any McCann news pops up. I expect there was some hyperventilating when you read the blog as well
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:28 pm
unbelievable
Drew costs 10 mil this year and is still a staple in ARZ and coming off a serious ankle injury. Scutaro’s option was picked up in Boston. I would be very suprised to see him moved.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:28 pm
there is no chance in the world that they would pay the salary of either one , let out give up prospects on top of that
Sopheee
November 29th, 2011
10:28 pm
Didn’t seem like Bobby V matured whenever I caught him on ESPN the past few years. He comes off as a know-it-allish jerk. I just don’t see him working out in Boston but we shall see.
McFann O O o
November 29th, 2011
10:28 pm
brian—
Yeah, it is kinda nice…for the most part…
I expect there was some hyperventilating when you read the blog as well
My heart was sent into arrhythmia…
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:30 pm
I will say this however,Brian McCann deserves a ring! and if Wren is hell bent on driving this team of BIG IF’S into the ground, then by all means Trade Mac! He deserves better!what with all the if bouncing going on around the Braves! If JJ is healthy, IF Prado, Heyward, Uggla bounce back, IF Hanson is healthy, IF the KID can play SS, IF IF IF!!! get the picture!
Joey B.
November 29th, 2011
10:30 pm
So … how many of you actually think Wren makes a substantial trade in Dallas next week? I’ll say yes.
Bama Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:30 pm
Waves BY Bye to Brian…….
Playoffs!!!
November 29th, 2011
10:30 pm
Why not McCann in leftfield someday?. You don’t have to be a gifted athlete to play leftfield. He could then play 158-160 games and maybe put up numbers like 30 HRs and 120 RBIs.
With the extra ABs and not being worn down by catching, he could put up MVP numbers.
And let’s be honest, he is NOT the greatest defensive catcher.
Sopheee
November 29th, 2011
10:30 pm
ACC! ACC! ACC! (Except Duke).
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:31 pm
I’ll guess no, Joey
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:32 pm
and I’ll second nolie on the NO!
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:32 pm
yeah plenty of catchers have played left, could happen.especially if Freeman lives up to his promise
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:33 pm
Yogi Berra
unbelievable
November 29th, 2011
10:34 pm
Pcola I doubt Stephen Drew would be available either. Boston has Lowrie and could move Scutaro. I dont think it would take a great prospect to get him, but Braves and boston could look at a bigger deal…Say Jurrjens for Scutaro and Reddick
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:35 pm
JoeBrave
I think everyteam is built on IF’s. Even the Phillies have IF’s going into next year. Its a part of Baseball that makes it great. No year is ever the same. Granted we have more IF’s than I really like.
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:36 pm
Lowrie is a non-tender candidate. Scutaro is Boston’s starter til Iglesias is ready to go.
We made the September 2007 Mets look like the 1927 Yankees
November 29th, 2011
10:38 pm
The Boston Red Sox just hired Bobby Valentine to be their manager. It’s a good fit…because not only does Valentine want to win…but he’ll be supported by passionate Red Sox fans who demand a winner…as well as management and ownership who will do what it takes to put the best product on the field. The Red Sox will perform MUCH BETTER down the stretch in 2012.
Our Braves, on the other hand, basically stood pat. We have the same manager who has a career record of 306-305.
I remember DOB saying, “What has Bobby Valentine ever won”? At least he managed a team to the World Series. Fredo hasnt even taken a team to the playoffs yet. Valentine expects results..and will push his players to perform. Fredo……basically follows Bobby Cox’s “let’s blame bad bounces and the other team hitting good pitches” school of thought.
The Red Sox will win the AL East in 2012. The Braves, will struggle offensively and hope for one of the two Wild Card spots to fall in their lap.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:38 pm
they are not gonna pay 6 mil for a SS. If you think they will you are deluding yourself
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:38 pm
P’cola, a helluva lot more if’s! JJ,Chipper, Hanson, Heyward, Uggla, Prado, Beachy, Minor, even Hudson at this point, and now an even bigger if being proposed at ss. I don’t know about you but that doesn’t look all that promising. that is 10 great big ol IF”S
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
November 29th, 2011
10:39 pm
Won’t keep fighting the DH battle on this blog as I’ve done many times, but if the NL went to the DH no NL team would benefit more than the Braves…. and justify giving Mac that big-money deal.
As long as baseball is realigning it’s time for the DH to go full speed ahead. And the Braves would be the biggest beneficiaries, despite what most of you think.
keyLargo
November 29th, 2011
10:39 pm
i know I’ll be #1 since dummy has to get banned for his junk nobody cares about anyways. TenBrian.
Actuall Tenbrian, you’re #3. That was #2 just above you.
TnBrian
November 29th, 2011
10:39 pm
Thanks for the read Dave. I’m with you too on Wren … he will do something. Could be pretty big too.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:40 pm
Ban the DH!!!!!!!!!!!BOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:40 pm
unbelievable
Boston is going through the same thing we are in terms of the collapse but Scutaro was definitely a bright spot on that team and I don’t think they’d be inclined to move him. Especially w/ Lowrie history. If Iglesias was closer I think their would be more of a chance. Of course everythings possible I just don’t seem him being moved. Though coming off a career year he is at peak value and the compensation system changes next year.
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
November 29th, 2011
10:41 pm
Didn’t say I liked it Nolie — just what would benefit the Braves.
Baseball needs to be consistent. Why shoud Minnesota be able to benefit with Mauer while the Braves have to bench arguably their best hitter 1-2 days per week. Not equitable.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:42 pm
Don’t care. Don’t want it
JoeBrave
November 29th, 2011
10:44 pm
Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux would tell you “chicks dig the long ball” the dig it even more when the pitcher steps into one.
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
November 29th, 2011
10:44 pm
Well — it’s probably coming. And it will help the Braves keep McCann IMO.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:46 pm
I also don’t think there is any reason to assume it would benefit the Braves as much as it would teams with much higher payrolls that could afford to add another very good hitter on top of a strong starting lineup
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:48 pm
JoeBrave
I think some of those IF’s are minor. I fully expect Prado to bounce back. I’m not going to say he bounces back to a .300 hitter but I think hes capable of hitting .280+. Beachy solidified himself and has the past few seasons. Really hasn’t given a reason to question him. Hanson, JJ and now Hudson all IF’s. I think the bullpen is the core strength. Heyward a big ?. Uggla hit 36 HR and had over 80 RBI. Has always hit well in Atlanta. Really don’t expect anything worse than that next year. SS is obviously a ?? until its resolved. Still plenty of ? but its still early in the offseason.
McFann O O o
November 29th, 2011
10:49 pm
OK, well, guess I better get some shut-eye…though I don’t feel nearly as tired as I did before I read all this…
But kudos to DOB—hard to keep me reading non-stop for more than 5 minutes at a time… 
Night, all! KEEP BMAC!!!!!!
AdirondackDave
November 29th, 2011
10:49 pm
Joey B — Yup, I’ll add my 2 cents and agree that Wren will probably make a move for a power left fielder next week or within a week or two after. I like Marteen a lot but as a second baseman or super utility guy. The guy is an all-star at second and every other GM that wants an upgrade at that position knows that and will be talking to Wren.
I have no idea about Jurrjens and the market. Sure, he has value now but if the clubs holds him and he produces during ST and April-May his value should go up enough to bring in a serious haul of offensive talent and/or prospects. Or maybe somebody will pull the trigger on him soon that will satisfy Wren.
BFChris27
November 29th, 2011
10:50 pm
Thanks for new blog!
I can’t wait for the winter meetings to begin.
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
10:53 pm
I don’t see a big trade coming. Probably some smaller ones that solidify the team. Wren has said he doesn’t intend to blow up the team and I don’t see teams wanting to meet his asking price. It will probably be smaller moves that gives this team depth.
BFChris27
November 29th, 2011
10:58 pm
P’cola Brave
I believe so too. If any big trade happens, it’s Prado (Jurrjens prob not going anywhere), but I think it’ll end up being smaller deals.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
10:58 pm
It will probably be smaller moves that gives this team depth….P’c
my thoughts too, but we can hope
Joey B.
November 29th, 2011
11:04 pm
So you guys don’t even think Wren will acquire a bat to start in LF for us?
nolie
November 29th, 2011
11:05 pm
If they don’t spend on a shortstop it should give them enuff green to acquire a decent 4th OFer
N8
November 29th, 2011
11:06 pm
“I hate you ,man you are one arrogant piece of crap!” JoeBrave
Thanks. Doesn’t hurt my feelings to be hated by a whiny little bitch who does NOTHING but complain about Frank Wren and Liberty Media.
WAAAAAAAAH!!!! WAAAAAAAH!
Grow a set and put some substance behind your pissing and moaning. Same sh!t. Different day with you.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
11:07 pm
start in LF? nope. It won’t be cheap to find a LFer who hits around 800 as Prado might do.LFers don’t hit like they used to
DAP
November 29th, 2011
11:11 pm
DOB, thanks for the bloggage. i think most of us are in agreement that wren is a very good GM, and i have alot of confidence in him making good moves. bottom line, even though alot of folks feel nagativley about the team, we have many very good pieces in place. great bullpen returning, deep rotation with tons of potential, a good, young powerful, fast lineup (yeah i said it). it wouldnt be a stetch to me for the rev to start at SS and this be a very good team again next season.
im very excited about this team, even as is. i cant wait to see what wren does.
by the way, im kind of attached to prado and hope he doesnt get traded. used to feel the same way about jurrjens, but since he hasnt been there down the stretch for us the last two years, i dont feel quite as strongly about him.
N8
November 29th, 2011
11:12 pm
“I make no bones about my disdain for Pastornicky at SS! at least I don’t belittle others as if I am some lost n myself demi-god! you really are a piece of work there N8! NOT! loser!”
Did you just drop a “NOT” on me?
Uh…. OK Wayne. Game on!
And, as for the “belittling” thing? You piss and moan non-stop about a guy (Wren) who probably has more brains on a bad day than you likely do. Get over yourself.
I only “belittle” idiots and whiners. Stop falling in one of those categories and it will stop. It’s that simple.
Joey B.
November 29th, 2011
11:12 pm
nolie – If they don’t spend on a shortstop it should give them enuff green to acquire a decent 4th OFer
Yeah. This makes no sense whatsoever. Why do we need a 4th OFer? We have two above average 4th OFers on our bench. Diaz and Hinske. A LH and a RH. We won’t spend on a SS in this weak market. We’ll stick with Pastornicky, probably trade one of Prado/JJ, and trade/spend on offensive impact in LF. Could be a FA, but probably a trade for an LFer. Wren won’t let this offense slide after that collpase. Prado’s a super sub not a LFer, he’ll get replaced out there, and we’ll be better that way.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
11:15 pm
neither Diaz nor Heinke is a 4th OFer man. neither can play center. and
nolie
November 29th, 2011
11:17 pm
and I’m not in the habit of not making sense
nolie
November 29th, 2011
11:18 pm
Enter your comments here
DAP
November 29th, 2011
11:18 pm
oh, and of course extend bmac. no question about it, and hopefully we can get hom for about what chipper made in his 2nd extension from 2000-08
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
11:19 pm
Joey B
So you want to replace a guy who has OPS over .800 in 3 of his 4 seasons? Who you gonna replace him with? Name a team thats moving a guy who puts up consistent numbers or a FA that does that that doesn’t cost 10 mil plus. There isn’t one available. We have to acquire someone that can backup CF. Wren isn’t going to move Prado and JJ just for the sake of moving them. If the package isn’t a visible upgrade it won’t happen. Prado is more than your starting LF, hes your starting 3B for 20-25% of the season. Moving him opens up two holes.
Jbailz
November 29th, 2011
11:21 pm
What is everyone’s thoughts about other possible positions for Mac? I’ve seen LF, DOB said something about 1B but we have a pretty decent guy there right now, what about 3B? If we have an above average SS with good range I think Mac could be a decent 3B. We are going to have to move him if we want him to be the future of this franchise cause face it Catcher is the hardest position to play in baseball.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
11:22 pm
15 mil per when he is already making 11.5 with two years to go? that would be nice, but I think it might take more
DAP
November 29th, 2011
11:22 pm
i still think cody ross would be a solid addition.
uga-brave
November 29th, 2011
11:23 pm
nolie, thanks for the 7:41 post from the previous blog.
Joey B.
November 29th, 2011
11:27 pm
nolie-neither Diaz nor Heinke is a 4th OFer man. neither can play center. and
How many games is Bourn going to miss in center? Five? C’mon. Constanza can’t get called up if we really need someone to play CF, because Bourn can’t for whatever reason? Wren’s not aiming that low after a collapse of epic proportions. He’s not bringing essentially the same team back minus Gonzalez, plus Pastornicky after that September. Given his history, Frank will find a way to bring a productive starter we’ll put in LF.
DAP
November 29th, 2011
11:28 pm
nolie, chipper made over $16mil at the peak, and id like to think that would be enough $$$ per year if the number of years was right.
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
11:28 pm
DAP
I agree on Ross. He makes the most sense with his skill set. With the money available hes at the top of my list.
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2011
11:30 pm
Joey B
Listen to what Wren has said this offseason. They are going to find someone to serve as a backup in CF. Name a team that doesn’t have a backup CF option. Your not going to option up a AAA player everytime Bourn gets a day off, be serious.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
11:31 pm
Wren’s not aiming that low after a collapse of epic proportions….Joey B
wanna bet?
David O'Brien
November 29th, 2011
11:33 pm
The Boston Red Sox just hired Bobby Valentine to be their manager.
It is a bit difficult to imagine right now, Bobby V running the storied BoSox. Guess we’ll get used to in a hurry, though, like we do with most other changes that seem so radical initially.
nolie
November 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
Ross would be a decent addition.and they could likely afford him if they want to.I don’t see them adding anyone much better no matter how rude Joey gets
Wide Right
November 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
Re: McCann. The Mets faced this problem with Piazza – face of the franchise, best offensive player at Catcher. My opinion is that this an area where the Braves have the luxury of time. This decision doesn’t need to be made until the end of the year. That will give Wren time to see if Bethancourt continues this impressive rise in through the ranks, Freeman can improve upon a great start and whether McCann’s first oblique injury (at least that i can recall) is not a sign that he is breaking down already. I love McCann, want him to stay. But i think this upcoming season will allow Wren to judge whats best for the team, regardless of sentimentality.
Joey B.
November 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
nolie- wanna bet?
Well, what tells you that he is aiming that low?
Wide Right
November 29th, 2011
11:35 pm
how old is Valentine?
Jbailz
November 29th, 2011
11:38 pm
Wide Right – I agree, but I think the chances are still less than 10% they get rid of or don’t sign Mac. Even in Bethancourt is a beast and Freeman does more of the same. They would either move Mac and bring Bethancourt to catch or use him as trade bait for a big splash. I just can’t see them moving Mac because on more than one occasion it’s been referred to as “his team” after Chipper retires and the Braves aren’t above making sentimental choices.
Chris from the Rock
November 29th, 2011
11:38 pm
Wren needs to pick up a LOOGY too this winter.
Nanny
November 29th, 2011
11:40 pm
DOB, please tell me you get paid substantially more than D. Orlando Ledbetter. You consistently put out amazing and informative blogs, even during the offseason. Pop time was something I was unfamiliar with.
DLed on the other hand can’t even write a proper paragraph during the season itself, much less provide thoughtful analysis. Thanks again for the work you do, Braves fans are lucky to have you.