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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,707 comments Add your comment
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2011
10:42 am
Mark Cuban tells L.A. Times he’ll get in Dodgers bidding process
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-1202-dodgers-mark-cuban-20111202,0,4083910.story
abwright
December 2nd, 2011
10:42 am
N8, December 2nd, 2011, 9:56 am … “They [REM] just never did much for me. … Just never cared for it [Stipe's voice]. Great songwriter. Just wish somebody else was singing his songs.”
Now that REM has officially retired, it’s almost certain that there will be numerous covers of REM songs. So, you should get your wish to hear many great songs performed by someone else.
In fact, how long can it be before there’s an American Idol “REM Show.”
abwright
December 2nd, 2011
10:47 am
Lew, December 2nd, 2011, 10:35 am … “… check out a movie called “Gwendolyn in The Land of The Yic Yak”.
Dear Lord, I actually saw this movie … once. (That was a Johnny Dangerously quote at the end.)
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2011
10:48 am
CJ Wilson is the top target for the Nationals. Knowing them they will make the offer that gets him signed. Aramis Ramirez has met with Angels FO and an offer is expected soon. Good move on their part to add what they missed in Beltre last year. This would open up a need for them to gain a cheaper SP with CJ off the market. They will have a surplus of infielders with Ramirez, Izturis, Aybar, Kendrick, Morales and Trumbo making someone available. JJ for Izturis or Aybar plus a prospect may me a good deal. It would get us our SS for the year and remove some money to allow us to sign a 4th OF, and relief pitcher. Maybe JJ for Izturis and Kaleb Cowart. Cowart could be made expendable with the signing of Ramirez blocking him. Just a thought.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
December 2nd, 2011
10:48 am
Efrim, well the Braves moved Matt Lipka to CF and Edward Salcedo to 3B. Which tells me they are very confident with their depth at SS. (Pastornicky, Hicks and Andrelton Simmons).
Tomahawkin
December 2nd, 2011
10:48 am
“Now Stop! And Make That Mudda Effer Hammer Time!”
That Junk Bumpin!
ncscoots
December 2nd, 2011
10:49 am
by the way, i for one commend wren for emphasizing the bullpen in his tenure. it has made a big difference.
I’ve long thought that middle relievers were fairly interchangeable, all of them being pretty scrubby, for the most part. You know, necessary evil and all that, just don’t let ‘em near your daughters or in a ballgame, if you don’t have to.
nolie is starting to bring me around to the idea that a team needs to maybe pay a little more attention to that area, though. If you have some kids who can fill the need with a little more talent (though with less experience), maybe it’s not a bad idea to go that route and have better arms down there for the middle innings.
Though I’d still worry about that day that’s bound to come when all those kids look at each other questioningly and nobody has any answers.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
10:49 am
abwright – Acutally, it’s called “The Perils of Gwendolyn in the etc..”
Like I said – nothing much other than Tawny to recommend it. Might not even have made it to DVD.
N8
December 2nd, 2011
10:51 am
DOB, I had read that they have initial plans to “kill off” people you wouldn’t expect to die and then have different people reside in the house. So there’s a slight amount of hope that they can sustain what vibe they have going.
I don’t know if you ever watched The Practice or not (one of my favorite series of all time – which for whatever reason they have not come out with anything beyond season 1 on DVD), but my only real dislike for American Horror Story is McDermott. He’s pretty one dimentional as an actor. He wasn’t actually on the final season of the Practic (James Spader and William Shatner “took over” before spinning off to do Boston Legal)…. but that was a good thing. His character had worn out my welcome. Unfortunately, McDermott’s character reminds me so much of his character on The Practice because he’s done nothing different with they way he acts.
I don’t (or didn’t) watch the Friday Night Lights series, but my wife did, and she says that the lady who plays McDermott’s wife has done such a 180 on what her character was on there that it’s strange to watch her. But to me that’s a good thing. Shows some diversity.
Anyhow. Like I said, I still love the show and also look forward every week to the new episode. I just hope they have big plans to keep it interesting.
If nothing else, the Justified previews and Always Sunny previews on the commercial breaks keep me pumped up for those shows. LOL
Mr.White
December 2nd, 2011
10:52 am
This is a pretty cool article on how the movie “Baseketball” pretty much invented the Marlins new unis – If it’s been posted already, my apologies…
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/-8216-BASEketball-8217-almost-predicted-the-M;_ylt=AhlQmaAvn3qCaLM03Sms46sRvLYF?urn=mlb-wp27760
abwright
December 2nd, 2011
10:52 am
I blame the last three years of Braves futility on the 14 year run. Although the Braves had great teams throughout that run, some luck was involved (the come-back versus the Giants, the strike happening the one year Montreal might have edged them for the division title).
The last three years, the Braves coulda been contendahs, but injuries and extremely down years for a number of players have kept them from realizing their potential.
In short, a lot of things have to go right for any team to make a championship run. Hasn’t happened for the Braves.
However, if the Braves field their current team with an offensive upgrade at SS, and the pitching stays healthy (hasn’t for the last couple of years), then the Braves look very strong.
Too bad Fredo is setting them with 2-3 losses while Bobby was gifting them with an extra 2-3 wins.
Tomahawkin
December 2nd, 2011
10:53 am
Those new Marlins Unis are U-G-L-Y!!!
Worst in the league by far!!!
abwright
December 2nd, 2011
10:54 am
Lew … I was actually going to correct to “Perils et al” but I thought I’d let it lie. Sadly, I can still recall a couple of scenes and characters from the film. I seem to remember that Gwendolyn’s side-kick/girl Friday was much more interesting than Gwendolyn herself.
Tomahawkin
December 2nd, 2011
10:55 am
abwright…
The Injury excuse the Kool Aid Drinkers use on here the last 2 years is a straight cop-out…
The 2011 Team Choked! Those Clowns had no heart in close games late in the season…
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
10:55 am
2013 free agent class(projections):
Catchers:
Yadier Molina (30)
Miguel Montero (29)
Russell Martin (30)
Mike Napoli (31)
First Baseman:
Carlos Lee (37)
James Loney (29)
Second Baseman:
Howie Kendrick (29)
Brandon Phillips (32)
Shortstops:
Marco Scutaro (37)
Erick Aybar (29)
Jason Bartlett (33)
Third Baseman:
Mark Reynolds (29)
Corner Outfielders:
Josh Hamilton (32)
Delmon Young (27)
Andre Ethier (31)
Carlos Quentin (30)
Ichiro Suzuki (39)
Nick Swisher (32)
Centerfielders:
Angel Pagan (31)
B.J. Upton (28)
Shane Victorino (32)
Michael Bourn (30)
Marlon Byrd (35)
Melky Cabrera (28)
Starters:
Joe Blanton (32)
Matt Cain (28)
John Danks (28)
Fausto Carmona (29)
Ryan Dempster (36)
Zack Greinke (28)
Jeremy Guthrie (34)
Cole Hamels (29)
Colby Lewis (33)
Francisco Liriano (29)
Shaun Marcum (31)
Brandon McCarthy (29)
Anibal Sanchez (29)
Jonathan Sanchez (30)
Jake Peavy (31)
Relievers:
Brandon League (30)
Jonathan Broxton (29)
Jose Valverde (35)
Mike Adams (34)
Matt Belisle (33)
Jason Frasor (35)
Joel Peralta (37)
Ramon Ramirez (31)
Sean Marshall (30)
Brian Fuentes (37)
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2011
10:56 am
Efrim, well the Braves moved Matt Lipka to CF and Edward Salcedo to 3B. Which tells me they are very confident with their depth at SS. (Pastornicky, Hicks and Andrelton Simmons). — Coach
The Braves are, indeed, comfortable with the depth they have at shortstop in their minor league system. These are the four: Pastornicky, Simmons, Nick Ahmed (second round pick in last’s June draft out of UConn), and Elmer Reyes, a slick-fielding Nicaraguan who just turned 21 last week and spent last season in rookie league and low-A.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
10:59 am
And we wonder why nothing seems to work right in this country.
We’ve been waiting for some paperwork from our retirement fund and just got a letter informing us that they mailed the paperwork. NO paperwork, mind you, just the letter telling us they mailed it. Sheesh,
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
11:00 am
Efrim, well the Braves moved Matt Lipka to CF and Edward Salcedo to 3B. Which tells me they are very confident with their depth at SS. (Pastornicky, Hicks and Andrelton Simmons).
Remove Brandon Hicks and replace with Nick Ahmed.
I think they are comfortable with their middle infield depth too. Ahmed will start at High-A Lynchburg in 2012, if I had to guess. Elmer Reyes will play SS or 2B at Rome.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
11:01 am
abwright – Maybe it’s my one track mkind, but you seem to remember much more than I do.
AFAN
December 2nd, 2011
11:01 am
So we still dont have a short stop to start though…We cant actually have Heyward slated to start in right can we? We have done nothing so far to improve this team. I hope the winter meetings are profitable…
Pcola Brave
December 2nd, 2011
11:02 am
Efrim
What’s your feelings on Kaleb Cozart of the Angels. Young switch hitting 3B prospect.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
11:02 am
AFAN – Heyward starting in right? Perish the thought. We should move him to shortstop.
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
11:03 am
DOB beat me to it.
abwright
December 2nd, 2011
11:06 am
Tomahawkin, December 2nd, 2011, 10:55 am … “The Injury excuse the Kool Aid Drinkers use on here the last 2 years is a straight cop-out…
The 2011 Team Choked! Those Clowns had no heart in close games late in the season…”
Injuries derailed the team for the past three years. That’s not the only reason that they failed to make the playoffs or perform when they made the playoffs. But, you cannot deny that significant injuries hampered the team.
Last September was about the worst month of baseball I’ve seen from a high-caliber team in quite some time. The Braves looked like they were sleep-walking.
Here’s some quotes from Ty Cobb
“I have observed that baseball is not unlike a war, and when you come right down to it, we batters are the heavy artillery.”
“When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch.”
A long season requires amazing discipline and will to continue to perform at a high level. The 2011 Braves never had an easy game. I attribute some of the collapse to the fact that the Braves were under pressure from bell to bell, and they just ran out of gas.
So, new hitting coach, new manager, injuries, too many extra inning and close ball games. Those are reasons for the collapse. Still, if the Braves want to “be an elite team” they need to find something extra, call it “heart” to get all the way to 162 in 2012.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2011
11:07 am
ESPN Deportes first to report Alex Gonzalez talking to Giants. Other reports also say Cards and Brewers are interested.
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
11:10 am
What’s your feelings on Kaleb Cozart of the Angels. Young switch hitting 3B prospect.
Cowart. High ceiling. Love the kid. Wish we got him in 2010. Georgia product too. In fact, that year, the Angels selected three Georgia players with their first three picks that I believe were all Top 50 selections.
JerseyGil
December 2nd, 2011
11:11 am
Lew: Same happen to me,.. In june 2011 i send paperwork to apply for compensation/pension for Agent Orange to the VA Adm….Last week i just received a letter telling me that they has the application. Six month took to Write this letter…wow
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
11:12 am
Jersey Gil – How have you been (other than frustration with Govt. Agencies)? Have you moved yet?
N8
December 2nd, 2011
11:12 am
“Though I’d still worry about that day that’s bound to come when all those kids look at each other questioningly and nobody has any answers.” scoots
That’s realy my only concern as well. Which is why had he been willing, it might not have been a horrible thing to shift Lowe to the pen. Though the thought of having a 15 million middle reliever seemed silly. Then again, no more silly than having a 7 million dollar pitcher at AA. LOL.
But in the end, I trust that:
A) Now that Venters, Kimbrel and O’Flaherty have some more experience (and it’s not likeVenters – O’Flaherty are “spring chickens” age wise), they can begin to be that guiding force for the younger guys that come in for the first time.
and
B) having a guy like Eddie Perez down there as bullpen coach is a good thing. It’s too bad that Smoltz is seems to enjoy the work in the booth. Because he’d be a GREAT bullpen coach and Eddie could shift to bench coach paving the way for him to be a manager some day. Which is where I think he eventually ends up.
abwright
December 2nd, 2011
11:13 am
Lew … I was expressing sadness that I remembered anything about that awful movie.
So, you got a letter telling you they’d sent a letter. Haven’t these guys heard about email and this new fangled thing called the interweb (or some such).
Hillbilly
December 2nd, 2011
11:13 am
N8, I had the same concerns about the sustainability of American Horror Story. I feel like they crammed too many of the backstory lines into this season. Could have saved some of them for the next, but I guess they had to ensure enough success to even HAVE a 2nd season first. I haven’t missed a second of the show, though, so I guess there’s no reason to complain. Good stuff.
Pcola Brave
December 2nd, 2011
11:16 am
Efrim
Do you think a JJ for Izturis/Cozart trade is reasonable. Especially if Angels sign Ramirez. I imagine he’d block Cozart for the near future.
JerseyGil
December 2nd, 2011
11:16 am
Lew:..I’m ok…Planning my trip to the island this xmas…and in Feb going to Woocktock, my daugther expect my second grandchild in March.
abwright
December 2nd, 2011
11:16 am
N8 … agree on Eddie Perez for manager (some day).
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
11:26 am
Pcola, Cowart is a ways away and I’d want more/different package for JJ. Plus, Kaleb can play 2B too.
Bat Masterson
December 2nd, 2011
11:30 am
It’s too bad that Smoltz is seems to enjoy the work in the booth. Because he’d be a GREAT bullpen coach
I think it might be a little too soon for Smoltz. He would be calling his own number.
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
11:30 am
LAA, Texas, Boston, NYY, Toronto, Florida, Washington, Cincy, Chicago, Colorado, Arizona all looking for starting pitching.
Should be a fun week filled with ridiculous rumors.
CB
December 2nd, 2011
11:31 am
All I want for the Braves and Christmas is Carlos Beltran. Is it too much to ask? I will even throw in $20 dollars.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
11:32 am
Gil – Sounds like a plan. Is your wife still taking care of her brother in Colorado, or is he doing better?
I’ve got a freind that took a bad hit with the Agent Orange in the Marines and it took kidney cancer some years ago for them to finally do something about it. Even then, they never admitted that AO had anything whatsoever to do with it.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
11:33 am
CB – Nah, not too much to ask for. Beltran staying healthy might be, though.
DAP
December 2nd, 2011
11:37 am
ncsscoots I’ve long thought that middle relievers were fairly interchangeable, all of them being pretty scrubby, for the most part.
relievers arent all just failed starters anymore. the game has changed and made bullpen much more important.
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
11:40 am
I will even throw in $20 dollars.
Same. I’d bet nolie would throw down some cash too. So, maybe we have a shot. I’ll start drafting a letter to Frank.
Murph
December 2nd, 2011
11:41 am
Someone else is going to sign Beltran and get 20 HR and 75 RBI out of him… but we’ll have Prado with his 12 HR and 65 RBI… and still have $4mil+ in our pockets (not that it will get spent anywhere, but it’s nice to have and look at).
I’d rather the team spend their money elsewhere, if they’re actually going to spend it. Which has yet to be seen. Payroll going up? Yeah, sure. Right.
Tomahawkin
December 2nd, 2011
11:43 am
@Murph
Co-Sign!
Hell No To Blow-Tran…His Defense Blows!
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
11:46 am
Payroll going up? Yeah, sure. Right.
What’s that suppose to mean? Haven’t you seen all of those discussions coming out about us contacting this or that FA? Oh wait, wrong team.
Haven’t you seen and heard all of the rumors about contract extensions? Or about not going trade anyone just for payroll space?
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
11:48 am
I’m not saying no to Beltran but I’d like to see us find younger and better long term options.
Murph
December 2nd, 2011
11:51 am
Someone remind me again how much money the Braves have to spend this year? $8mil? $10mil? $15mil?
And… they’re using it for… what again?
My guess is that the team signs a veteran SS for $4-5mil and that’s it. Payroll is going to actually go down. Which would be ok with me if the money saved would be used in the future, but I have my doubts about that too. A lot of talent coming available after next season, and chances are slim that the Braves will be players for any of them.
I’m not a big FA guy, don’t really care about the team going out and signing THE big name, but there are going to be a lot of holes on this team and the thought of filling them with old free agents or 20 year old diaper dandies doesn’t get me too excited.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
11:51 am
Yeah – Frank Wren should go and offer all the major Free Agents way below market offers so he can say he’s out there trying to improve.
CB
December 2nd, 2011
11:52 am
This blog would light up like a Christmas tree if the Braves signed Beltran.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
11:54 am
Lighting up the blog just doesn’t seem like the best reason to sign expensive, often injured players.
travis
December 2nd, 2011
11:57 am
Lew..my older brother just had a kidney removed as a result of the 40 yr old tumor attached to it. Also exposed to AO in the Makong Delta area. VA shut him down too. Kidney cancer isn’t recognized as AO presumtive disease. Apparently the age of the tumor is relatively easy to determine by growth potential.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
11:59 am
travis – Yep, they’re likely to remain in denial for another several decades – likely after all of those exposed to AO are long gone.
Venice Jim
December 2nd, 2011
12:00 pm
This blog would light up like a Christmas tree if the Braves signed Beltran.
And then again in June when he goes down for the season with another injury…
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
12:01 pm
I wouldn’t be against us moving Bourn this offseason if we could find a replacement CF via trade, cause obviously it’s sounding more and more likely we’re going to let him walk at seasons end given that any trade we’re talking about now we’d like a cf in return. We’d be able to get a good return on Bourn if we moved him now.
RC
December 2nd, 2011
12:03 pm
We’d be able to get a good return on Bourn if we moved him now.
He has more value to the Braves going into 2012 than any other team. He won’t be traded.
JerseyGil
December 2nd, 2011
12:04 pm
travis….In 2010 the VA add in the list of AO a heart condition call:
Ischemic heart disease..this include High Blood presure, high cholesterol etc.
you can apply for compensation if you been in Vietnam between 1964-1975.
Pres. Obama promise to all Veteran that apply a quick response in yor appication. I send my in June a still waiting even i call my congressman.
travis
December 2nd, 2011
12:04 pm
Phillies and Marlins spending a lot for closers. I guess teams have realized that impact position players are harder to come by and as a result high scoring games might be on the wane. Closer games mean a better 7,8 & 9 is important.
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
12:07 pm
Bourn’s return value may be greater than his contribution. We were one of the best teams in baseball before we traded for Bourn last year.
CB
December 2nd, 2011
12:07 pm
Oooh,the negativity on this blog. Your right,guys. Let’s go back to Seth Smith or Andruw Jones.
JerseyGil
December 2nd, 2011
12:08 pm
On Beltran, i saw an interview a couple week ago in PR and beltran said that he like to sign with a team in the East Coast, because he is very involve in his Baseball Academy and he need to fly back and forward to the Island to supervise his project.
travis
December 2nd, 2011
12:09 pm
I have a 75db loss of hearing in left ear and 60db loss in right as a result of helicopter duty and flight line noise. Not bad enough to get hearing loss…you have to be deaf. Got 0% service related for hearing and 10% for Tinnitus. Word recognition still too good for compensation.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
12:10 pm
Transplant – If Bourn was the reason for our collapse, maybe we DO need to trade him and go and resign Nate McLouth or Jordan Schafer who lead us to that great record..
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
12:18 pm
Never said he was the reason for our collapse but I’m also not going to say that he couldn’t be replaced.
DS1
December 2nd, 2011
12:18 pm
travis
I’ve got bad tinnitus too. Bummer.
DS1
December 2nd, 2011
12:22 pm
AT
Bourn is here for 2012. I really don’t understand why you keep pushing the point of trying to trade him. He is EXACTLY what we need for 2012 as a CF’er and leadoff hitter, if he does what he has done the past 3 years. Not the greatest leadoff hitter going, but better than we have had in a long time.
FW will worry about resigning him this time next year. Boras WILL take him to free agency. He will get good money for him. And we might not resign him.
But I dare you to find anyone credible who would agree that we should try to deal him this winter.
That dead horse is a bloody pulp on the dirt road now. You’ve beaten it so much you can’t tell whether it’s a horse or a big dog or an alien.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
12:25 pm
DS1 – Tinnitis can also be caused by taking ibuprophen for an extended amount of time.
Roman Gal
December 2nd, 2011
12:29 pm
Mark Cuban tells L.A. Times he’ll get in Dodgers bidding process
I can’t believe we got “it’s not you, it’s me”ed by him. Lame!
Mountain Braves Fan
December 2nd, 2011
12:30 pm
Might the Tigers pull a stealth move and get Jose Reyes? MLBTR suggests they are still interested. Would they then be willing to trade Jhonny Peralta to us in a Martin Prado package? Peralta would be under team control for two years ($5.5 million in 2012 with a $6 million club option for 2013). Shortstops with 21 HRs, 86 RBIs, and an .824 OPS don’t grow on trees. Did I mention that in 2010 Peralta played 100 games at third base? If Chipper retires in 2013 and Pastornicky is ready at SS the Braves would be set at those two spots.
jim
December 2nd, 2011
12:31 pm
Braves are content with Pa stornicky, Simmons, Ahmed at SS because they moved Lipka and Salcedo to other positions — It may be true they are OK with Pastronicky, Simmons et al at SS, but they moved the other two primarily because they could not play SS well enough to stay there.
Bourn has more value in CF in 2012 for Braves than for any other team — It might be true that Bourn has more value in CF for Braves than his possible replacement in 2012, but have you made a study of how valuable he’d be for each of the 29 other teams over their current ocupant?
Murph
December 2nd, 2011
12:31 pm
Bourn will leave after this season and the Braves won’t have anything to show… not that they gave up much to get him, but a year from now the team will be looking at filling 3B, LF, CF… I don’t know if you’ve seen the guys who will be available at those positions via FA, but they ain’t gonna come cheap.
With the knowledge that Bourn isn’t the end-all-be-all of CF (although he is good, no doubt about it) and the knowledge that this is most likely Bourn’s last season in Atlanta, then I don’t see why the team should feel that they absolutely positively have to hold on to him for the full season.
If the Braves aren’t in contention come the trading deadline then I’d much rather see them ship Bourn elsewhere and get some kind of return on him knowing full well that the chances of the team being players in the big name FA’s is somewhere right between slim and none.
Maybe it’s just me, but I hate letting players walk when they could be used in a package sent to a contending team in need.
That being said, if the Braves are in contention, then no, they shouldn’t trade him. Ride that horse right into the ground.
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
12:32 pm
Mountain Braves Fan, I would assume they would use Peralta just like they might use Prado, which means they probably wouldn’t be interested in Prado.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
12:34 pm
MOuntain Braves Fan – Not so sure how that really helps us. It might take care of short, but at more money than they’re paying Prado and they would still need to get that elusive LFer that’s better than Martin AND another 3B replacement for CHipper at least as good as Martin. Otherwise, it really does little to give a net improvement to the Braves.
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
12:36 pm
Maybe it’s just me, but I hate letting players walk when they could be used in a package sent to a contending team in need.
No, not just you.
Although, I think they missed an important part of my statement where I said if we could garner a cf prospect in a trade then I wouldn’t be against moving Bourne.. I say get what you can when you can if it’s going to improve the club longer than just one season.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
12:38 pm
transplant – How does a prospect help us this year more than Bourn does?
The A Bomb
December 2nd, 2011
12:39 pm
These trade proposals are ridiculous. All of them. Braves are not a 90+ win team.
All you myopians refuse to admit that Gene Mauch Gonzalez is not the guy. He defined his career in ‘11.
Tougher interleague schedule, returning Santana, returning Johnson plus Bell, Nats gearing up, Phils the same….too much would have to fall the Braves’ way. Most of the choke happened against NL East foes. Record vs. division tells it all.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
12:41 pm
So what you’re saying is that the future 9which COULD be dealt with more effectively NEXT winter when $$$$ is available) is more important than taking care of business now?
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
12:41 pm
Keith Law’s take on the Bell signing…..as well as knocking the Marlins overall:
Health Bell a mistake for Miami
The Marlins lost 90 games in 2011; if Heath Bell is their one major offseason addition, they might only lose 89 in 2012.
Bell was one of the biggest potential disasters in free agency this year as a reliever who appears to be at the end of his peak period after spending several years benefiting from one of the best pitchers’ parks in baseball. And in Bell’s case, the benefit from the park was even more significant because of his style of pitching: He throws relatively hard, but it’s a straight fastball and he tries to pitch with it in the upper half of the zone. He has a curveball but uses it more to change eye levels, a deception strategy that hasn’t exactly kept hitters from putting the ball in the air against him the last few years. That trick works in Petco with someone like Cameron Maybin covering a ton of ground in center. We don’t know how Boondoggle Stadium is going to play yet, but the Marlins had better hope it’s an extreme pitchers’ park — and had better think about finding a legitimate centerfielder as well. Considering the short peaks of most relievers’ careers, and the limited value they can provide working just 60-65 innings a year, giving Bell three years at $9 million per is, at the least, a poor use of taxpayer money.
It’s worse for Miami because this addresses a need they didn’t really have. Their bullpen wasn’t a major weakness last year, but their rotation will be one in 2012, especially if Javier Vazquez — who was nails in the second half — follows through on his threat to retire. They have holes, whether they recognize them or not, in centerfield, at second and third base, and at catcher, and are playing Logan Morrison out of position in left. Signing a closer at a premium salary should not have been the first priority.
In the meantime, Ryan Madson, the best relief option on the market this offseason, and Francisco Rodriguez are the best remaining free agent relievers, and have to at least be pleased to see the dollars thrown at Bell and Jonathan Papelbon, although it’s not clear how many teams are still looking for relievers and are willing to pay those salaries. I’d much rather have Madson or K-Rod than Bell, even if they cost a little bit more.
Murph
December 2nd, 2011
12:44 pm
Lew, who was the last big name, high worth FA the Braves brought in? Not via trade, but signed off the open market?
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
12:44 pm
Lew, I’d be okay with giving the job to Austin Jackson if we could land him via trade and given the interest Detroit has in Prado, I would think we could do just that although we may have to sweeten the deal a bit. Which is why I won’t be against moving Bourn in a Prado package to Detroit if we could get Jackson and say someone like Castellanos back in return. That would give us a CF until 2016 and Castellanos is a very good 3rd prospect that could be ready for the majors by the time Chipper departs.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
12:47 pm
Of course, Santana and Johnson are coming back strong but Jurrjens and Hanson aren’t. And of course the Braves missed winning 90 games by one game and are unlikely to have another September like last.
And of course, the Nats would need to improve by ten games and the Marlins by 18 to reach 90 wins. But that doesn’t matter cause the Braves suck. Right.
DAP
December 2nd, 2011
12:47 pm
jim It may be true they are OK with Pastronicky, Simmons et al at SS, but they moved the other two primarily because they could not play SS well enough to stay there.
might be true about salcedo, but not lipka.
DS1, i agree with you, moving bourne would be a step backwards. wren traded for a CF with a year and a half of control so he wouldnt have to worry about CF for a year. he has bigger fish to fry.
Murph
December 2nd, 2011
12:48 pm
Maddux (1993), TP (1991), Wagner (2010), Galarraga (1998)… signing big name free agents just isn’t something that this club does.
DAP
December 2nd, 2011
12:49 pm
murph a year from now the team will be looking at filling 3B, LF, CF…
no, not all three. because either prado will be traded for a LF that fills that role, or he will till be here and play 3B when chipper retires, or maybe prado doesnt get traded and chipper’s option vests…anyways, at most we will have 2 of those spots empty, maybe only 1.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
12:51 pm
Transplant – Trading Prado for anything other than a package that could replace him NOW at both positions is really freaking stupid. It’s not like he’s making tens of millions of dollars and they won’t be able to replace him at both positions for what he’s making this year.
And given that we all realize Martin’s intense work ethic and inordinate rpide in his game, it’s almost incomprehensible to me that everyone here doesn’t see that he will be highly motivated to have a comeback season.
Pcola Brave
December 2nd, 2011
12:53 pm
Murph
He bombed but Derek Lowe was a significant signing.
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
12:54 pm
I guess it makes sense if you view Prado the typical LF or 3rd baseman but I don’t really think he is and it kind of sounds like the club doesn’t either. Otherwise, why even listen to offers for him?
The A Bomb
December 2nd, 2011
12:55 pm
Lew — what I’m saying is that all the factors I listed will shave victories from the schedule that were there last year.
Instead of 89 — I’m looking at 8-10 fewer wins. Add that to Mauch/Gonzalez factor plus tough interleague and that’s the way I see it.
Not saying the future isn’t bright — just ‘12 doesn’t shape up for us.
.
Bat Masterson
December 2nd, 2011
12:56 pm
returning Santana, returning Johnson plus Bell, Nats gearing up, Phils the same….too much would have to fall the Braves’ way. Most of the choke happened against NL East foes. _ The A Bomb
So is your argument that all this improvement in the division only effects the Braves? What about the cumulative effect on the other teams in the division?
Pcola Brave
December 2nd, 2011
12:56 pm
If Prado goes to Detroit I want Ryan Raburn in return plus whatever. He does what Prado does at a cheaper rate. Not as good with stick but great utility guy to have. He’s a minor piece but he definitely needs to be included.
Lew
December 2nd, 2011
12:57 pm
Transplant – It really doesn’t make a bit of difference whether or not you view him as a typical LFer or 3B – that’s what he is for the Braves and they would have to replace him with a much better LFer and a3b AT LEAST as good as he is or there is NO improvement.
And honestly, if he returens to a .300, .350, .450+ hitter, then you aren’t likely to find anyone better and certainly not for $4.5 million.
It stuns me that so many have such a hard time understanding this.
Hillbilly
December 2nd, 2011
12:57 pm
Now that the Marlins have agreed to terms with Heath Bell, the club won’t be tendering Juan Carlos Oviedo a contract,
Am I the only Sons of Anarchy fan that’s reading this line in my head with Ray McKinnon’s voice?
DAP
December 2nd, 2011
12:58 pm
in my mind, the best thing that could happen for the braves would be to nit tie themselves down to any bog contract this season, and keep prado. when the 2013 offseason rolls around, and chipper retires, they will have lots of cash and two positions open, LF and CF, and there are a bunch of good options on the free agent market for those spots. say they sign hamilton and upton. think about that…that would be fun.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2011
12:58 pm
Braves are content with Pa stornicky, Simmons, Ahmed at SS because they moved Lipka and Salcedo to other positions — It may be true they are OK with Pastronicky, Simmons et al at SS, but they moved the other two primarily because they could not play SS well enough to stay there. — Jim
Nope. Braves said literally the day that they announced Salcedo signing (I was there, at spring training) that he could eventually move to 3B, had the body for it once he filled out, etc. They’ve since then acquired three young shortstops, none of whom has his size to make as natural a move to 3B.
Lipka is one of the top athletes in the organization, and has never been tied to one position in the team’s mind. They drafted him because he has good baseball skills and strong athleticism, including speed. Not because of his shortstop abilities. Simmons is a special defensive shortstop, and from what I hear from scouts, so is the young kid Elmer Reyes. The Braves have no depth at CF, so why wouldn’t them move a speedy, athletic guy like Lipka there, particularly after he so willingly and ably took to it during Instructional League this fall?
Efrim
December 2nd, 2011
1:00 pm
might be true about salcedo, but not lipka.
He wasn’t really good there, apparently. Lacked instincts, hands and surprisingly, range for the position. Lipka had a bad year and his stock took a hit. I think he has the ability to rebound, and I think the Braves are hoping the move to CF will help him.
Pcola Brave
December 2nd, 2011
1:01 pm
I doubt Josh Hamilton hits FA. They will probably lock him up.
DAP
December 2nd, 2011
1:01 pm
wow, i cannot type.
aBomb, braves have alreayd improved, too. no derek lowe.
Arkansas Transplant
December 2nd, 2011
1:01 pm
I don’t understand the sheer fear of making changes. Are you telling me you’d rather pass up Jackson if you could get him to man cf until 2016 before he hits free agency and instead hold onto Bourn for one last season and watch him walk?
The A Bomb
December 2nd, 2011
1:02 pm
Bat Masterson — It may affect the entire division meaning it would take fewer wins to take the division, but if you look at it….
1. Phillies…. basically the same minus Howard for a bit plus Papelbon — Phils proved last year they could withstand major injuries i.e. Utley….
2. Marlins… Spending for a new ballpark. New manager, new culture.
3. Nats… Top 5 GM… Ready to explode….
4. Mets … Still bad… but Santana will win a few….
Braves have a good team and some excellent talent. But IMO there will be carryover. Add that to interleague home-and-home with the Yanks, plus Bosox and Rays and that adds up to fewer wins in ‘12.
DAP
December 2nd, 2011
1:03 pm
pcola, dont do that, just think about it for a minute! :- )
N8
December 2nd, 2011
1:03 pm
Hillbilly, very strong take on American Horror Story. You pretty much nailed it. I think they could have left the suspense up a bit longer and left us “hanging” a bit more and not lost too many viewers.
Then again, if they have big plans that are out of left field, then my griping might not much all matter.
Kind of like the Braves. Seems like everything focuses around LF.