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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,709 comments Add your comment
N8
December 1st, 2011
3:03 am
Obviously Mac’s career “SLG” is not .866, but his career OPS is.
Also, his 129 game average in his full seasons is his STARTS. Not games played. He’s actually averaged closer to 139 games played when his PH duties are factored in.
N8
December 1st, 2011
3:10 am
Now before people go bashing me for bashing Mac (yeah, I’m talking to you McFann. LOL).
Of course I’d like to keep him. If this was a Ted Turner owned Braves team, you lock the guy up and go get him more help. I’m just not so sure with the money situation payroll wise this team is in, that Mac is the guy you center this offense around.
I actually think his defense will improve over the next few years. But I think the toll of catching will eventually wear on him and we can expect those numbers to drop a bit. And probably at a steady rate.
So ask yourself the question, if his numbers drop any more. Say for example in 2 or 3 years he’s a 17 HR, 65 RBI guy with a .750 OPS…. is that going to be worth 16 million a year? Is Chipper worth 14 million right now since the extention?
That’s what I’m basing this one. Which is why earlier today I posed the question? Why the hurry to lock him up until you see what his production does in 2012 and 2013, where he’s locked up for around 12 million each year (with the incentives kicking in in 2012)?
Why not wait until half way through the 2013 season to lock him up? By then we should know what to expect of him moving forward and what Bethancourt is likely to be.
Seems silly to be even remotely thinking about extending him this soon with a possible league minimum replacement in 2014.
DS1
December 1st, 2011
3:13 am
Sorry N8, but you WAY over think this stuff. I have lived 56 years just trying to keep things simple.
I just think if you have a very, very good hitting catcher, you keep him. If you can then improve all other positions, you have a good team.
Case in point. Let’s assume that Mac, Freeman, Uggla, Heyward, Bourn and Prado have a year close to their norms. And that when he is in the lineup, Chipper hits like he did this year. All we need to improve at that point is SS.
So, the SS market is weak (except for Rollins and Reyes). You have a prospect or two you think will be decent SS’s (or at least one of them).
So, now you really can’t make SS any better. You punt and try to get a corner outfielder that can hit, in case Prado or Heyward do NOT do well next year.
Absolutely NO need to even be concerned about catcher for 2 more years minimum.
Does that make sense?
N8
December 1st, 2011
3:14 am
The ONLY reason to lock him up now, imo. Would be to give him a backloaded contract that eliminates his 12 million dollar salary this year and next year (maybe giving him 8 or 9 million in 2012 and “making up for it later), thus allowing Wren to have another 3-4 million to play with this winter while waiting for Chipper to retire before Mac’s big money kicks in.
And that can be a dangerous path to go on. Because if that extension escalates in the last few seasons and his production really drops, we’re pretty much stuck with him. Unless an AL team thinks he could be a great DH and takes a chance on him.
N8
December 1st, 2011
3:15 am
Wayne, you’re right. I do overthink it. It’s the only thing that keeps the winter shorter. LOL
But I tell you what. I hope like hell that Frank Wren over thinks this stuff as much as I do.
N8
December 1st, 2011
3:19 am
“Absolutely NO need to even be concerned about catcher for 2 more years minimum.
Does that make sense?”
Absolutely Wayne. I hope you’re not confused to the point where you think I’m suggesting trading Mac. I’m not. I’m simply talking about NOT giving him an extention before that two years (through 2013) is up.
You’re right. NO reason to worry about it until then. Which is precisely my point. He’s already locked up through 2013 and a young kid who MIGHT be able to outperform him dollar for dollar in 2014 is on the way.
Again. No reason to extend him before his free agent year. If he really wants to stay in Atlanta that bad. He won’t be offended by the lack of an extention and will give the Braves the benefit of the doubt until his time comes, and then still sign on the dotted line if the Braves want him to after the 2013 season.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
3:19 am
I think it comes down to Loyalty for Mac,as Brave.Will Mac, play for less,or be greedy,and want more? I think Mac, is a good enough guy to play for less,but I hope Mac, will pick Loyalty,and stay a Brave.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
3:21 am
Why worry about Mac now? Let’s get that LF The Braves badly need.
N8
December 1st, 2011
3:26 am
Ward, I think he will. No real reason for him to want to play elsewhere.
The ONLY reason that Mac wouldn’t be a Brave after 2013 is because Bethancourt would be ready to replace him at the league minimum and the Braves feel his production would likely be similar or better.
If Tom Glavine can be “replaced” by Tommy Hanson, sure Brian McCann could be replaced by a young kid, couldn’t he?
I don’t think it’s going to come down to loyalty on the Braves part. It’s going to come down to doing what’s best for the team at that time.
If you look at what Javy Lopez did from 1996 – 2000, the offensive numbers are very similar to what Mac has done and they let him walk after a 43 HR season.
Now I admit, there might have been some “over the counter” (or “under” the table), help in Javy’s blood-stream at that time. But again. It just might not be a sound investment to lock up a catcher into his mid-30’s and expect the same level of production.
nolie
December 1st, 2011
3:27 am
Uhh…. throwing out base runners might be his best defensive trait. So if you were trying to make a point backing his defense up, I think you failed….N8
bullcrap.
Baseball America Best Defensive catcher—not that they could possibly be more knowledgeable than the board haters…..
2010-Molina, McCann, Olivo
2011 Molina, Ruiz, McCann
Ward
December 1st, 2011
3:33 am
N8- Until then Wren should focuse on a LF.I say let Bethancourt play until AAA. He puts up good numbers?Then start thinking about him. It’s still too early to even talk about Bethancourt. Injuries could happen? He could slow down with his power? Start striking out too much? Too early to even talk about Bethancourt……
nolie
December 1st, 2011
3:35 am
Gee. Baseball America Best Tool Edition which the spend months putting together OR local blog haters??
Hmmm. Tough choice, I’ll have to think about that for a …whole nanosecond
DS1
December 1st, 2011
3:39 am
N8
Yes, I do think Frank over thinks this stuff. But he also probably has a large white board with a gazillion directions he can go (or maybe they have them in a computer, so BC won’t come in and erase it all!).
But my guess as a prior manager is this: You plan for contingencies, but you also realize a lot of things tend to work themselves out.
It’s important for guys like him to over think these things, but to try not to over complicate the process.
Kinda like in my work. I am constantly determining my contingencies if my current distribution changes their direction.
Next week is going to be interesting to see what his first move will be.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
3:44 am
I’m just a little worried Wren, will be too evaluated,and do nothing again,but I’m being cool,and patient.Don’t like waiting again until The Winter Meetings…….
nolie
December 1st, 2011
3:44 am
idiots…………
Ward
December 1st, 2011
3:45 am
Pray Wren, will do something good with his first move………..
Ward
December 1st, 2011
3:50 am
nolie- Last report was Tigers,and Rockies interested in Prado…….
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
3:53 am
All right, what’s the matter here? What’s happened to these lovely children? Brother Dave Gardner
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
3:58 am
FALL BALL
AUSTRALIA
No games scheduled
DOMINICA
No games scheduled
PUERTO RICO
No games scheduled
VENEZUELA
No games scheduled
Bummer complete wipe-out man
nolie
December 1st, 2011
4:02 am
Smilin’ Frank is only gonna do one deal all winter. It is such a tiny, relatively meaningless deal that he is waiting a long time to make it, figgerin’ that y’all will be sooo starved for some hot stove action that you will overlook how weak in is in your excitement to finally see something happen, ward.
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:05 am
WARD:
I’m with you on this one Extend MAC or not after the current business at hand has been completed, namely who will be SS, what lift to the line-up can we get with a new LF’er, and can we find a replacement for CONRAD that improves the team.
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:08 am
nolie:
So you’re buying the evil genius routine where FRANK is concerned, huh? Or should i leave the genius part out of it? Heh!
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:10 am
nolie:
How you gettin’ on BTW? Taking good care I hope.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:13 am
richbrave- DeRosa was mentioned a couple of months ago,and was on Wrens list. Derosa would be better than Conrad……Anybody would be…….
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:15 am
I have this feeling you could see DeRosa a Brave,and Drew Sutton at SS.
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:16 am
CONNIE sure struggled last season. Nightmares from having to play in the field on a regular basis in 2010, or playing for a new manager, not sure which, maybe both.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:17 am
On LF, I wouldn’t mind Cody Ross,or Quentin,and sticking to it…….peace all,and talk this afternoon………..
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:20 am
WARD:
I liked MARK’s game when he was here the first time. I guess he’s an upgrade over BROOKS, haven’t followed his career much since he left. DREW SUTTON I know nothing about. I’ll have to look up his stats on Baseball Reference. Do you know of any video clips on his play in the field or at the plate?
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:22 am
DAMN WARD don’t go all the plants are gonna’ die, and nolie fell asleep at the keyboard.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:27 am
richbrave- I’m back for a few………Drew Sutton played for Boston,and was picked up a day,or so. He signed a minor league deal,and it’s possible that he could play 3rd,and SS later…….
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:29 am
To me it makes sense. DeRosa was hurt last year for the Giants,but I think he could be a good player when healthy. A way much better up-grade than Conrad.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:33 am
Now that Cody Ross is no longer a Giant. I think Wren should take a look at him too. I’m thinking a Ross,and Prado Platoon,and DeRosa the utility guy witha solid bat.That’s if no Quentin?
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:33 am
WARD:
I just took a peek at SUTTON’s numbers in the bigs. Not particularly impressive. Off the numbers, he appears to be a better fielding 2B than SS or 3B. LF fielding was also better than the left side of the infield.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:35 am
That’s if Wren,decides to keep Prado? If not Wren could still sign a Betemit,and get Quentin for LF,and Play Drew Sutton at SS.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:36 am
richbrave- It’s possible Wren,could use Sutton until Pastornicky is ready?
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:39 am
SUTTON’s hitting .258 career ML……..ugh! Low power numbers, he appears to be a line-drive type, more doubles than anything else in the power dept. plus he fared markedly better at the plate in the AL with CLEVELAND and BOSTON…..in particular BOSTON.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:43 am
richbrave- It’s risky playing Sutton,but just don’t see Wren getting that SS. I see Wen getting us that LF.
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:44 am
Frankly WARD, I’d prefer HICKS to SUTTON just off the numbers. BRANDON can’t hit a lick, but his fielding at SS is solid if you want a bridge to PASTORNICKY or SIMMONS. The point being vs. GONZO does any of this strengthen the team.? I don’t think it does.
Now MARK DeROSA would at least be an equal to CONNIE in my mind, and certainly an upgrade over last year.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:45 am
Wren, isn’t going to trade all the prospects for a SS. So I could see him doing that. Trying a Sutton type player…..Just until Pastornicky is ready.
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:46 am
richbrave – I wouldn’t mind Hicks either…….
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:48 am
I’m just thing along the budget…….
Ward
December 1st, 2011
4:51 am
richbrave- Have a good one! meant to say thinking along the budget. Typed to fast.peace………
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:56 am
WARD:
No WREN is not going to let go of arms for a SS, I agree. JACK WILSON is available I’m assuming unless he bolts here shortly with a better offer from another club. Same for ALEX. But if GONZALEZ wants a two-year deal and can’t get it anywhere, what’s he going to be like as a player in ATLANTA in 2012? Aside from a few temporary outbursts of productivity at the plate in 2011, he was an automatic out at the plate. What we’re trying to accomplish in 2012 is an elimination of ANY automatic outs in the line-up, thus WREN’s message to HEYWARD…..shape up or ship out. We need a serious upgrade at SS and LF to be a serious contender in the postseason and that’s just the way it is. What position does that most recent phenom from CUBA play?
richbrave
December 1st, 2011
4:58 am
Be cool WARD, back ‘atcha later.
Hery nolie………WAKE UP!
NickB
December 1st, 2011
5:01 am
Sutton is a good utility guy cuz he can play anywhere (including SS). He has a good bit of value and his minor league numbers show he can at least get on base at a decent clip. That’s all the team needs really from a utility guy. (especially since I think Prado will end up in Colorado for Smith and Wheeler/Blackman) Backup the infield and be able play SS.
Oh and all this talk about trading Mac is just silly. REPEAT AFTER ME: POSITIONAL VALUE IS KEY!……… It is much easier to replace Mac’s total production from LF than at catcher. Trading him for a power hitting LF’er (like a .280/.370/.450 guy) and then bringing in another catcher to start (Ross can’t, admits it himself he’s not a starter) who will probably hit (.270/.320/.420) is not going to solve the offensive woes of the team, but rather move them around from a place with HIGH VALUE to a place of LOW VALUE. Catchers who hit are rare, when you have one you DO NOT TRADE IT AWAY! Especially now in the drug testing era. A Platoon of Seth Smith and Diaz in LF combined with Mac would provide more WAR and more production than say Corey Hart and Matt Weiters…. It’s always easier to find power at the corners than at the plate. For relatively cheap too. But you never move strength from a high value position to a fill a lower value one guys… It’s bad baseball.
N8
December 1st, 2011
5:21 am
“not that they could possibly be more knowledgeable than the board haters…..” nolie
Oh look. The king of the strawmen, who accuses others of being a strawman is back everybody.
Yup. That’s right. Just hatin’ on Mac. Nothing more.
Proceed old man.
N8
December 1st, 2011
5:23 am
“Too early to even talk about Bethancourt……” Ward
No more than it’s too early to start talking about an extention for a guy who’s signed at a more reasonable rate than an extention would cost for the next two years.
N8
December 1st, 2011
5:24 am
“Gee. Baseball America Best Tool Edition which the spend months putting together OR local blog haters??” nolie
Wow. Such a strong point, you needed to post it twice? Well done.
Besides, there’s only a few people on here who hate the blog. I’m not one of them.
Where's the bunny?
December 1st, 2011
6:25 am
Now before people go bashing me for bashing Mac (yeah, I’m talking to you McFann. LOL).
Doctor: Whatever resentment she’s feeling, she probably got it out of her system.
Dan Gallagher: What if she didn’t get it out of her system? What then?
old man
December 1st, 2011
6:29 am
Rise and shine all.
What have I missed on the McCutcheon deal? Figured it would be done when I woke up this morning.
Morning Reads for Thursday, December 1st — Peach Pundit
December 1st, 2011
6:31 am
[...] few that I like… – Will the Braves resign Brian McCann? – Georgia will not wear the hideous Nike Pro-Combat uniforms on Saturday. – Speaking of the dogs, [...]
t-plunk
December 1st, 2011
6:44 am
if the braves don’t keep a player like mccann they can forget about keeping this fan. good grief!
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2011
7:18 am
BAS – well I’m sorry to tarnish the perfect grammar record of the blog because I don’t always use a period at the end of my comments.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2011
7:21 am
If you can’t tell I bolded that one.
Bill M.
December 1st, 2011
7:25 am
McFANN 00o— I know, I know, ain’t that the truth.
Jeff R
December 1st, 2011
8:30 am
From N8’s overnight posts regarding McCann:
“I’m just not so sure with the money situation payroll wise this team is in, that Mac is the guy you center this offense around.”
I’m not sure that’s what Wren would think, but payroll moving forward has to be a driver in determining big signings or re-ups. Unless the Braves’ ownership changes and the new owner(s) have the financial means and desire to spend more.
“So ask yourself the question, if his [McCann's] numbers drop any more. Say for example in 2 or 3 years he’s a 17 HR, 65 RBI guy with a .750 OPS…. is that going to be worth 16 million a year? Is Chipper worth 14 million right now since the extention?”
That’s a reasonable question. Very few things are constant, though it’s guesswork if McCann’s numbers will slide in the midterm. But it’s fair to play the probabilities. Catchers tend not to hold up well over the long haul. Moving McCann to the outfield or elsewhere… Possible, certainly. But while McCann’s offensive output may justify a good payday as a catcher, will his numbers as an OF justify a big dollar payday?
Oh, well, McCann isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, which is a very good thing for the Braves.
John Brown
December 1st, 2011
8:32 am
I love McCann, but we’ve been real lucky to have him early in his career like this. Any reasonable person will say that by year 3 any long term deal will look bad. Re sign him planning to trade him early on in the deal or trade him. He’s gonna start getting hurt. He’s got some serious mileage. I love McCann, but we have to do this eventually. Sooner than later for value….
CB
December 1st, 2011
8:34 am
BAS correcting jeffrey’s grammar. hehe
VaBravesFan
December 1st, 2011
8:51 am
Good Morning Everyone, just stoppin in to say I hope everyone has a good day. See yall later
ParkerOverThere
December 1st, 2011
8:53 am
Hey DOB. How come Schultzy allowed to vote for the hall but you aren’t?
Random
December 1st, 2011
8:53 am
CR: “The Braves did not offer salary arbitration to free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez on Wednesday’s deadline, choosing not to risk him accepting and commanding more than $3 million in arbitration. . . . . Gonzalez, 34, is seeking a two-year deal, which the Braves weren’t prepared to offer.”
The length of the contract AGonzalez wanted is not a factor — if the Braves had offered arbitration, it would have resulted in a one-year contract.
So the Braves cannot hide behind or use the excuse that they didn’t want to offer him a two-year deal — it was the measly $3-4 M they did not want to give up.
IMO, they should have ponied up for one more year. Who better to mentor young Tyler, who has the offense but needs work on his defense?
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2011
8:59 am
Random, I’m not sure that AGon is the one I would want mentoring Tyler. AGon to me dogged it quite often, I’d much rather have Uggla mentor Tyler on the aspects of working hard every day and every time out.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:01 am
Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
Some executives convinced that there will be a lot of trade talk and deals at the winter meetings, because teams shying away from FA prices
I hope. Always fun when there is a lot of player movement at the winter meetings instead of just rumors.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2011
9:02 am
I finally read that Denver Post article with the rumors in it about Prado. I kept wondering why the offer was so ridiculous until I read that. They’re doing that with every team. Trades get done when both sides acknowledge the needs of the other side and attempt to work a deal which fills those needs. The Braves have a publicly stated need for a right handed hitting corner outfielder. The Rockies step up and offer a left handed hitting platoon player. Really?
“I’ve got a need for a small pick up truck. Think it would come in handy for small projects around the house. You know, then I’d be able to pick up plywood from the store, stuff like that.”
“Well sir, how about this moped right here? It’s electric.”
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2011
9:12 am
Efrim, don’t get your hopes up.. they say that every year.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:12 am
The Rockies step up and offer a left handed hitting platoon player. Really?
I blame Matt Diaz. If he wasn’t on the roster, then people wouldn’t think a platoon in LF was possible. Just joking there……kind of……
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:13 am
AT, true. And no big free agent has signed yet.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2011
9:16 am
Personally, I hope we do something with Detroit if we’re moving Prado. I’d love to see us get Austin Jackson and Nick Castellanos in some type of return.
CB
December 1st, 2011
9:17 am
I love Matt Diaz but him being on this team is not good.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:17 am
Chacin, Hammel, Pomeranz, White, Nicasio, Chatwood. Rockies still need another arm. Also, Matzek and Freidrich fell out of their top ten. Two former first round picks.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2011
9:21 am
If we could get Jackson we won’t necessarily need Bourn. And I think if Detroit knew they would receive a replacement for Jackson in the way of Bourn they might be more willing to make the deal. But that move would just be a precursor to the main goal. Freeing up that much space would allow us to sign someone like CJ Wilson to team with Hudson at the top of the rotation. I miss the days we had a true dominate lefty in the rotation and I think with Hudson and Wilson anchoring the top half of the rotation would reduce the amount of pressure on the rest of the rotation.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2011
9:23 am
man, I used the word rotation a lot in that last half of the post.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:23 am
I mean, we needed a RH stick. But if we get one via trade, then he’s kind of a 5th outfielder that doesn’t play CF. I guess we have to wait and see how the roster evolves.
CB
December 1st, 2011
9:25 am
AT, are you going to change your name to Crazy Trades? LOL
McFann O O o
December 1st, 2011
9:26 am
Happy Anniversary to BMac and Ashley!
Lord, so much overnight stuff…
whereshould I even start…?Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2011
9:29 am
Those aren’t too crazy or at least in the way that it would hurt the club. Crazy as in they won’t happen, most definitely. I don’t think anyone in the FO would have the kahunas to make such a bold move.
Silver Slubber
December 1st, 2011
9:29 am
Mac is the fastest snail in the race. His offensive numbers are really good….. for a catcher. I don’t want my offense based on my catcher, especially when the season is wearing on him late and I need his bat and his bat is a no show. There are just too many bad things that can happen to a catcher (injury/wear and tear of the season) that makes depending on that position for your offense really risky.
This is not an indictment of Mac, it’s an indictment of any club that puts too much offensive emphasis on their catcher. A team can win with a catcher who calls a great game, throws out baserunners and hits a little bit as long as they have other everyday bats who can shoulder the offensive load. Seems like that recipe has worked for the Cards. No one is ever going to mistake Molina for Barry Bonds. On the other hand, no one is going to mistake Mac for Barry Bonds either.
Trade Mac now while he has max value.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2011
9:31 am
I just haven’t drank the kool-aid the FO has been stating about Bourn. I don’t necessarily believe he’s worth an extension in the amount they are talking nor do I see him as that super bat at the top of the lineup.
DS1
December 1st, 2011
9:37 am
AT
I really don’t think there has been any kool-aid served up by the FO about Bourn. All that has really been said is that they will look at a longer term extension.
They know Scott Boras isn’t interested in an extension. That was all window dressing.
They are waiting to see if the first half of 2011 Bourn shows up, or the normal Bourn shows in 2012.
Bourn will be the subject of attention NEXT winter.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:40 am
Trade Mac now while he has max value.
Totally. Let’s also trade the following, since we are trying to capitalize on “max value”:
Jason Heyward
Freddie Freeman
Michael Bourn
Dan Uggla
Tommy Hanson
Jair Jurrjens
Brandon Beachy
Mike Minor
Julio Teheran
Randall Delgado
Craig Kimbrel
Jonny Venters
Arodys Vizcaino
Kris Medlen
Go Braves.
RC
December 1st, 2011
9:48 am
I love Matt Diaz but him being on this team is not good.
I think the problem stems from him making $2 million to be on this team.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:50 am
Pujols, Fielder, Reyes, Rollins, Beltran, Cuddyer, Ortiz, Willingham for hitters. Wilson, Buerhle, Oswalt, Jackson for starters. Madson, K-Rod, Bell for relievers. 15 high profile free agents – none of which have signed a contract. Gonna be a crazy next couple weeks.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:51 am
Good point, RC. However, even if he were making 1.5 million like Hinske, does it make sense given the teams needs and current structure? Just have to see how the roster shapes up.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
9:52 am
Looking at that list of players I posted at 9:40, it’s amazing how much young talent this team has – expecially pitching wise.
RC
December 1st, 2011
9:54 am
Efrim,
No, he doesn’t make a ton of sense even at $1 million. But if he were making around that level I’d feel much better about it, since that’s a low enough figure to release him if a better option is found, but you’ve still got him around just in case a better option ISN’T found.
abwright
December 1st, 2011
10:04 am
Pudge Rodriguez is still productive at 41.
Carlton Fisk kept playing til 45.
Johnny Bench was done by 35.
Mike Piazza played til 38.
Jason Varitek is still active at 39.
I’m sure McCann will have some drop off after his current contract expires, but to predict that he will be done by 32-34 does not seem to be a wise prediction.
Also, to characterize McCann, who missed time due to a collision, two eye issues, and an oblique, as injury prone, seems to be an over-reaction.
The only injury in there that seems to make him look fragile is the oblique injury.
Any catcher can lose time due to a collision and the eye problems were as fluky as I’ve ever heard (caffeine induced eye-dryness?).
Silver Slubber
December 1st, 2011
10:04 am
“Looking at that list of players I posted at 9:40, it’s amazing how much young talent this team has – especially pitching wise.”
You should apply for a job in the Braves front office. Just like them, you value your players more than many other organizations do your players.
And as for the “max value” comment, Jason Heyward, JJ, Tommy Hanson? LOL you’re drinking early today! One of these guys is coming off an epic FAIL sophomore season and the other two are coming off injury.
Bill
December 1st, 2011
10:07 am
N8..I agree with you 100% on Brian McCann @3:10 etc. Got to get back to work.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
10:08 am
You should apply for a job in the Braves front office. Just like them, you value your players more than many other organizations do your players.
What player on that list is incorrectly valued by myself?
abwright
December 1st, 2011
10:10 am
Random, December 1st, 2011, 8:53 am … “The length of the contract AGonzalez wanted is not a factor — “
It is in the sense that the Braves did not want to play the arbitration game. Since AGon wanted more than a one-year contract, why offer him a one-year contract (arbitration)?
However, I suspect that the Braves would rather not have AGon back and, as you suggested, the Braves’ spin of “he wanted a two year contract” was a way to avoid saying “we don’t want AGon back, players’ ovation not-withstanding.”
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2011
10:10 am
To whoever mentioned Drew Sutton as a starter earlier, that won’t happen. He was signed to a minor league contract to give depth in AAA if he doesn’t make the ML roster. At most he will be Conrad’s replacement on the 25 man. He is a utility man that plays 2B,SS,3B and LF. Hits from both sides. Seems to me he will be one of Conrads competitors for the 25 man spot.
Efrim
December 1st, 2011
10:11 am
Forgot a few more….
Pujols, Fielder, Reyes, Rollins, Beltran, Cuddyer, Ortiz, Willingham, Pena, Ramirez, Johnson, Cespedes for hitters. Wilson, Buerhle, Oswalt, Jackson, Darvish for starters. Madson, K-Rod, Bell for relievers.
20 high profile free agents.
Lew
December 1st, 2011
10:17 am
If you depend too much on your catchers’ offense, then you don’t get rid of your catcher who happens to be the best hitting catcher in the league – you go get other players who can hit and put them at other positions that play everyday.
Those who think trading McCann is a good idea are complete idiots. YOu won’t get someone better than the one who is already the best.
raleighbravefan
December 1st, 2011
10:19 am
McFann – Somehow, I just don’t see you boiling any bunnies, no matter what the circumstance (RE the 6:25 comment). LOL!
BravePack
December 1st, 2011
10:21 am
abwright @10:04 am
I agree with YOU 100% on Brian McCann.
raleighbravefan
December 1st, 2011
10:23 am
Lew – It’s the new “fantacy” mentality. We must have the top allstar at every position, or else Wren is an idiot who can’t do his job. Of course, this has ne connection to reality, and to budget constraints. It also assumes that every other GM is a moron, whose sole purpose is to improve the Braves.
McFann O O o
December 1st, 2011
10:25 am
raleighbravefan—
I’m…not really sure what that means…
Lew
December 1st, 2011
10:27 am
raleighbraves – Thing is, we already HAVE the top All Star catcher on the team. I seriously wonder who people think will be better than the best. Certainly NOT a sub rookie from High A ball, who had a good series in Arizona.
coach13
December 1st, 2011
10:38 am
You don’t trade the proven for the unproven. McCann still has several good years in front of him behind the plate.
keyLargo
December 1st, 2011
10:45 am
15 high profile free agents – none of which have signed a contract. Gonna be a crazy next couple weeks.
Yeah, Braves fans can hardly sleep.