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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,707 comments Add your comment
richbrave
November 30th, 2011
6:14 am
COACH:
It seems to me that a logical extension of an oblique or pectoral injury to a catcher would cause the opposition to increase the pressure on that weakness by sending baserunners more than under normal circumstances, and that might have caused the uptick in the stats you’ve quoted. I think if I were managers around the league, I would start out 2012 by trying more of the same just to see where events currently stand.
richbrave
November 30th, 2011
6:18 am
COACH:
Would you vote for McCANN for a Gold Glove?
Heh! Just kidding. I’m guessinbg not.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
November 30th, 2011
6:30 am
NO.
reason
November 30th, 2011
6:32 am
Not only is this a Weird comment about Palin, what has it to do with the Braves or Baseball.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
November 30th, 2011
6:35 am
Also, I have no problem with the Braves resigning McCann to a five year deal beyond 2012. Which would lock Mac up through 2017. I also don’t understand the reluctance to move catchers to third base.
Just for reference: Joe Torre, Johnny Bench, B.J. Surhoff, Todd Zeile, Phil Nevin and recently Brandon Inge all made the transition.
old man
November 30th, 2011
6:44 am
1. Hudson’s surgery does not rule out a JJ trade. It perhaps ups the ante on what you need in return.
2. If the McCutcheon report are true, you have to make a run at him. Totally unlike Tex–we would have team control for 4 years. We would have to include one of our big young arms.
3. I would not rule out Cody Ross. But we need a big upgrade at either LF or SS. With Simmons in the wings, LF seems more likely, and Ross is not the big upgrade.
Bill M.
November 30th, 2011
7:06 am
McCann is not worth 15M per year. Now is the time to trade him. He’s not a good catcher and the only other position would be DH. How about this trade with Detroit? Braves get Avila, Young & 3rd base prospect. Tigers get McCann, Prado & Venters. Keep JJ. Avila is a good young catcher and if Bethancourt is ready in 2yrs. they could trade one of them. About the only thing that McCann does is that he’s a great hitter. Braves would be giving up alot but I think it would benefit both teams. Young’s defense is not good but enough for LF.
Couch Tater
November 30th, 2011
7:11 am
Bobby Valentine to Red Sox. Hmmm…
The arrival of Japanese players should make everyone rich, at least in a fair system, and it’s why shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima and outfielder Norichika Aoki plan to post this offseason. Nakajima has hit .300 in six consecutive seasons. Aoki has won three batting titles. Adding [Yu] Darvish would make this the best class in posting history – November 15, Jeff Passan, Yahoo
Jeff R
November 30th, 2011
7:30 am
“Also, I have no problem with the Braves resigning McCann to a five year deal beyond 2012. Which would lock Mac up through 2017.”
– Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
Geez, I do. The Braves’ aren’t exactly cash-flush – if they are, they aren’t putting the dough into payroll.
And catchers are notorious for breakdowns as their careers progress. Do the Braves want to invest a lot of money in a player – as good as McCann is – who’s already been slowed by injuries over a couple of seasons and is heading into his thirties?
JRW
November 30th, 2011
7:43 am
I don’t see why everyone believes McCann should give the Braves a “Hometown” discount. This Guy has worked hard at becoming one of the best at his position to earn his bonus money and a shot at the “Big Payday”. If someone wants to pay him why should he be expected to take millions less for the Braves and Liberty Media? While I’m sure he enjoys playing in his Hometown area. He can always retire back to Georgia after he collects his $80-100Mil for 5 years somewhere else.
old man
November 30th, 2011
7:48 am
“How about this trade with Detroit? Braves get Avila, Young & 3rd base prospect. Tigers get McCann, Prado & Venters.”
Why would Detroit give us this young catcher, with years of team control:
.295 .389 .506 .895
For this catcher who gets paid a ton and will want a bigger contract right away:
.270 .351 .466 .817
If I’m Detroit, I’m not sure I do that, not at all.
But it certainly illustrates the problem with BMac.
Gimpah & McError
November 30th, 2011
7:52 am
Let me break it down for you sheep: If the Braves resign McCann and he continues catching they care nothing about winning world series rings.
I’d much rather have a good defensive catcher that can’t hit.
Plus, think about him making north of $15M and still having opposing players running at will… Seriously? At some point loyalists need to cut bait.
Lastly, in memory of his MLB leading 104 stolen bases allowed last year.. How about signing him to a $104M/6 contract, eh?
old man
November 30th, 2011
7:52 am
I’m certainly open to trading McCann, and Avila looks good, but it would have to be McCann plus another very good piece to get them to do it. How is Avila’s defense? I’m too lazy to look it up.
Jeff R
November 30th, 2011
7:54 am
McCann might be willing to cut a deal somewhat beneficial to the Braves’ bottom line to stay in Atlanta. I was surprised that Uggla didn’t test the market last winter, preferring to accept the Braves’ offer to be nearer to home (or so was the report, as I recall).
But that’s not a given. McCann may want to leverage everything he’s accomplished for a bigger contract, especially in the AL, where the DH gives him more flexibility.
Let's Go
November 30th, 2011
8:08 am
Give McCann a 4 year deal that takes him thru 2016 and then let him go DH in the AL. Heck by then the DH might be in NL too. Prado’s trade value will never be higher then it is now so if you can get a good return pull the trigger. Same with JJ since you have to figure a long term deal is out of the question at this point.
dap01
November 30th, 2011
8:28 am
Trade for Lillibridge and call it an offseason.
JoeFan
November 30th, 2011
8:35 am
Baseball is a business. Whether McCann stays or goes depends on whether he remains productive and the progress of Bethancourt. Hope the Braves have learned their lesson and want throw millions at McCann just because they are sentimental.
dap01
November 30th, 2011
8:36 am
Put Hicks at starting SS for 2012. He can play defense very well. His offense is ok for a #8 hitter. Sign Wilson for backup. If Hicks catches fire, that is great. If he does not, bring up Pastornicky in late June.
Couch Tater
November 30th, 2011
8:50 am
…and his agent is B B Abbott.
@danconnollysunDan Connolly
INF Cesar Izturis won’t b back with #Orioles, but at 31 wants to play & is seeking a big-lgue deal. Sevral teams interested, his agent says
Hail Cesar minimus onbasemus:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/izturce01.shtml
Lemke's Knuckler
November 30th, 2011
8:53 am
The McCann contract issue will work itself out between now and 2014. We still have the best offensive catcher in baseball for at least two more seasons. Let’s enjoy that right now.
Plus you have to keep in mind that other than Uggla, the Braves don’t have another big contract on the books beyond 2013. At least not yet…we have a lot of first-time arbitration eligibles next year including Heyward, Hanson, Medlen and Venters. This team has survived on a marginal payroll for the past 3-4 years with big numbers for Lowe and Chipper.
Honestly, the cure all would be a $110MM payroll, and that would take new ownership.
STRETCH
November 30th, 2011
8:55 am
Tater,
Where did you hear that? If so, wonder what it would take to pick him up?
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:01 am
VaBravesFan I talked to Brian McCann on Facebook, saying I hopw you follow Chipper’s path and be a Brave forever. He said “god willing I will be”.
Awesome sauce.
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2011
9:01 am
Thanks for the blog DOB. I appreciate all the work.
DOB: “[McCann] who’s become a team leader and the best-hitting catcher in the NL (and arguably best in the majors, at least until Minnesota’s Joe Mauer can stay healthy or Detroit’s Alex Avila has more years like the one he just had)?”
Or Victor Martinez who happens to have a very similar line to McCann and has been at it for a longer period of time.
__________AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS_OPS+_XBH(avg)
Martinez .303 .370 .469 .840 122 __59
McCann__ .286 .358 .486 .844 122 __62
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:07 am
PBOrr His defense is terrible and he’s delusional about his ability to swing a giant bat. He regularly folds in August and September. He’s got weight problems…
No, it’s not; no, he isn’t; no, he doesn’t; no, he doesn’t.
…can’t see, and is stubborn as a mule.
Yes, he cann; no, he’s not—where’d you even come up with that one?
He’s not clutch and no fun to watch.
Yes, he is, on both accounts—only time he really wasn’t fun was after his injury last year…the eye stuff in the past wasn’t great either, obviously, but that’s all…
It all adds up to rapidly developing mediocrity.
You’re a bit of a whiner, aren’t you, dear?…
Lemke's Knuckler
November 30th, 2011
9:08 am
“Or Victor Martinez who happens to have a very similar line to McCann and has been at it for a longer period of time.”
He’s only caught more than 100 games once since 2007. He’s not a full-time catcher, hasn’t been for years.
Ease
November 30th, 2011
9:08 am
Just not exclusively at catcher. Martinez gets the added benefit of playing the occasional DH/1B.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:09 am
Jeff R McCann isn’t going to be an exception (given his late injury history).
“History”? He had one oblique strain…
Couch Tater
November 30th, 2011
9:12 am
Stretch – Dan Connolly, Baltimore Sun.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:14 am
Bill M. Tigers get McCann, Prado & Venters.
HECK yeah! Why don’t we toss in Kimbrel and Freeman, too!…
phoenix
November 30th, 2011
9:14 am
Just curious…why didn’t DOB comment on McCann’s atrocious defense?
DAP
November 30th, 2011
9:16 am
zing I initially liked the concept of Cody Ross until I looked up his splits and saw he was a better hitter against righties than lefties…
if that were true, hed be a perennial MVP candidate. he has a career .912 OPS vs lefties, nearly 200 points higher than his OPS vs righties.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:17 am
why didn’t DOB comment on McCann’s atrocious defense?
‘Cause it’s an image that some folks have built up in their minds and doesn’t really exist.
Lemke's Knuckler
November 30th, 2011
9:20 am
Dayton Moore is assembling quite the bullpen over in KC: Soria, Broxton, Crow, Collins, Holland, Wood, Coleman.
Too bad their young starting pitchers (Montgomery, Lamb, Odorizzi) aren’t ready yet.
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
9:23 am
I’m sorry, did I read 16 million a year for 5-6 years for McCann AFTER 2013? So a six year deal from 2014-2019? 2019 will be McCann’s age 35 year old season.
Victor Martinez signed a 4 year deal on the free agent market last year for 50 million. He was 31 years old when he signed the deal and 2011 was his age 32 year old season. I know it’s a tad different because V-Mart was more of a 1st baseman/DH/C when he signed it, but isn’t that more of a reason not to overpay and give Mac 15-16 million per year?
He makes 11.5 million in 2011 and 12 million in 2013. If he has a .850ish year, I’d try to get him signed for 62.5 million over five years – 2013-2017 with a 12.5 million club option for 2018(2.5 million buyout). That means the total AAV is 13 million – 65 million over five seasons taking him through his age 33 year old season.
DAP
November 30th, 2011
9:25 am
by my calculations (im not good at math either) chipper could hit as low as .188 over his next 400 ABs and still have a career .300 average.
also, if chipper sees 500 plate appearances next season, he needs to reach safely 175 times, or a .350 OBP in order to maintain his career .400 OBP.
the average looks like a lock, because i dont see chipper ever hitting as low as .188. the OBP is a little trickier, but he should be able to do it. last seasons was his worst OBP season ever, and he did .344, so not a too difficult task for him.
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
9:26 am
96 million from 2014-2019….or 119.5 million over the next 8 seasons? Yeesh. No thanks.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:26 am
Efrim—
Sounds good. And by that time, he’ll be ready to take over for DRoss, DRoss cann then become our manager, and Bethancourt cann come up and share the catching duties with BMac!
That’s how I would play it.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. FAILED)
November 30th, 2011
9:27 am
why didn’t DOB comment on McCann’s atrocious defense?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..
Because, this blog is absolutely correct and the rest of reality has been altered
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
9:28 am
Dayton Moore is assembling quite the bullpen over in KC: Soria, Broxton, Crow, Collins, Holland, Wood, Coleman.
Loaded bullpen. Apparently, Crow is moving to the starting rotation – but they have Jeremy Jeffress to take his place.
Gimpah & McError
November 30th, 2011
9:30 am
DOB doesn’t care about things like leading all of MLB with 104 stolen bases allowed! He has much more important stats to produce like the average number of toilet paper rolls Mac goes through in a week.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:32 am
“You are a sad, strange little man. And you have my pity—Farewell!…”
Ease
November 30th, 2011
9:32 am
And that folks is why McFann is gonna be a real smart lady one day
Leon
November 30th, 2011
9:35 am
“We have a society in which money is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few people, and in which that concentration of income and wealth threatens to make us a democracy in name only.” Paul Krugman
Paul Krugman is a liar. Money is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few people under all forms of collectivization – such as Medieval Feudalism – and today’s Marxism. Concentration of money in the hands of a few people (think about the Pigs of Animal Farm) is the very definition of collectivization – the opposite of Free Enterprise – where the “little people” get to keep the fruit of their own labor instead of having it collectivized (forcefully collected) by government (a small group of other people after all). Blaming Free Enterprise for property inequality is a huge Orwellian lie – a Big Lie which Marxists – like Krugman – keep repeating. Marxists will never stop lying about money and property – because they want. your money and property – via collectivization.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:36 am
Thank you, Ease!
Wait…what do you mean “one day”…?
Gimpah & McError
November 30th, 2011
9:41 am
Welcome to Atlanta Braves baseball where a single/walk has a very good chance of becoming a runner in scoring position!
Wait. You mean to tell me the most important stat in wins/losses is still runs allowed vs runs scored? Say it ain’t so.
The Mick
November 30th, 2011
9:41 am
No NO No Do not trade Prado. He would be an untouchable…He is to valuable to the Braves.. He can help Atlanta at any position.. The man had a decent season and Wren thinks Prado is losing his value to the team. Give me a break..The Braves have made some stupid trades in the past but if Martin is traded. This will be the biggest mistake they ve ever made.Bummer. Chipper will not play a complete season next year . Who will u put on 3rd ?
Sign Mac for 5- 6 years..He is worth it.
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
9:42 am
I would not sign McCann to a six year deal starting at age 30 for 96 million….
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
9:46 am
9 years, 198 million for Pujols was the offer in January. 22 million a year, which would tie him for 12th in baseball for AAV. Pujols = 12th in baseball. I think he’ll get a little more than that from the Cards, but not by all that much.
Blackberry Cobbler
November 30th, 2011
9:50 am
What the Braves have in McCann is a very good hitting catcher but a weak catcher defensively.
Whether it’s Bethancourt or someone else, I’d trade McCann for a much better defensive catcher if you could also get a good bat to replace his.
That would be at least 1 upgrade and possibly 2.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2011
9:53 am
Gimpah & McError
Obviously you don’t know much about SB if you blame them all on McCann. The Braves had two pitchers that were so slow to the plate it was ridiculous in Lowe and Hanson. Hanson was stole on more than any other pitcher because of that hitch in his delivery leaving McCann basically zero time to throw. He had his share of bad throws as most catchers but a lot of the SB last year were off pitchers not B-mac
VaBravesFan
November 30th, 2011
9:56 am
I see McCann hitting his whole career, Guy is a special player. I really hope he stays for a long time. But I do understand the concerns with wear and tear plus the money it would cost to keep him. But my impression is that Brian wants to be a Brave. Could yall imagine how bad our offense would be if we had league average production from the catchers spot?
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
10:01 am
P’Cola—
Gallant effort on your part—but that guy’s not worth two key strokes. He doesn’t listen to reason…when it comes to BMac and Chipper, anyway…
Joey
November 30th, 2011
10:02 am
I say trade Mac while his value is so high. Most Braves fans know he is a liability defensively, some of our better pitchers prefer Ross calling games, and he is one steaky hitter. I know, all hitters are streaky, but Mac’s have more extreme highs and lows.
Trade him, and let the kid and Ross take the plate.
DS1
November 30th, 2011
10:02 am
The sheer stupidity of bloggers as to McCann’s value as a catcher are mind blowing. Listen to baseball people you dip sticks. They will tell you that Mac is one of the better game callers in baseball, and that while he is not a stellar defensive catcher, he is probably one of the best 6-7 catchers in the game today.
And stolen bases are NOT a necessity for a team’s success. And they do NOT define a catcher’s defensive capabilities.
dap01
Great idea on Lillibridge. He could play CF and SS as needed. Great bench addition if you could pry him away from the White Sox.
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
10:04 am
I think it helped Mauer’s push for a big contract that he was in the AL with the DH available.
Bill M.
November 30th, 2011
10:05 am
McFann 00o— You must have taken a smart pill this morning. As I stated the Braves would be giving up alot but they would have a better balanced team. I like McCann but he’s a horrible defensive catcher and can’t run a lick. He can’t stay away from the fast foods. He’s not worth 15M a year, never. I am concerned about his vision & weight on down the line.
brian
November 30th, 2011
10:06 am
good point VaBraves Fan – DOB brings up good points and areas of critical thinking by the powers that be in the Braves organization. Big decision will be next offseason after judging the progress of bethancourt.
I want McCann to be a lifelong Brave. His bat, though, is too good/too important for him to be a full time catcher his whole career due to the everyday wear and tear of catching. With Freddie at 1B there is not a place for BMAC there. BMAC is too slow to play LF (can you say Pat Burrell?). It would be an interesting thought if BMAC could learn 3B as some older catchers have done where BMAC takes over for Chipper eventually with Bethancourt sliding in at catcher.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
10:06 am
Joey some of our better pitchers prefer Ross calling games
Cite your source. I wanna see quotes.
And if you’re going to bring in that stuff about Ross being JJ’s, no Timmy’s PC, that was Fredi’s doing. Yes, they both like Ross, but they never said they preferred him to BMac.
Lew
November 30th, 2011
10:07 am
McCann isn’t going to be traded. He will be resigned at a reasonable rate and he will remain a Brave for at least the forseeable future.
His defense is NOT terrible as most seem to think. He’s the best hitting catcher in the NL (at the very least), a perrenial All Star and I see nothing to suggest he would even care to test the Free Agent waters if he could stay a Brave.
The Braves don’t have a better replacement and can’t find one cause he’s already the best. Betancourt is only at HIgh A and despite the show he put on in Arizona, has NEVER hit for that much power in the minors and has been, in fact, a pretty substandard offensive player with a quite low OBP. It will be years before he is ready for prime time IF he actually follows his success in Arizona with more of the same.
Resign McCann and be done with it. It is the right thing to do for all the right reasons. Keep in mind that even Yogi managed to play LF late in his career.
phoenix
November 30th, 2011
10:09 am
It isn’t just stolen bases. It’s game calling, ball blocking, tagging out runners at home plate, etc. McCann gives up about as many runs as he drives in over a season’s time. Yes, he’s a gifted hitter, as catchers go. But he’s offense only, at a key defensive position. A classic DH.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2011
10:09 am
DS1
Agreed. Its been stated several times that McCann is a good game caller. There have been games that hes called that have been great but at times he does baffle me with the pitches he called. McCann was never hyped as an elite defensive catcher but his capabilities are sufficient especially given his offense. The pitchers hurt him a lot last year.
When it comes to our catchers I personally advocate for a personal catcher like Maddux had back in the day. Let McCann catch 4 of the pitchers and Ross take one so McCann stays fresh with McCann catching the other pitcher on occasion to keep him familiar.
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
10:09 am
Today is the day that free agents must decide whether to accept arbitration offers from their old teams – Buster Olney
I thought they got two weeks until December 7th?
VaBravesFan
November 30th, 2011
10:11 am
Lew- exactly….. I cant believe all the crazy talk of trading McCann…
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
10:12 am
He will be resigned at a reasonable rate and he will remain a Brave for at least the forseeable future.
What happens if his agent and Brian think 16-17 million a year for 6-7 years(after his 2013 option expires) is a “reasonable rate”?
I’m just trying to play Devil’s Advocate here.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2011
10:15 am
Efrim
This is off the foxsports website.
Dec. 7, 2011 •Last date for player who declared free agency to accept an arbitration offer from former club. Deadline is midnight ET
Gimpah & McError
November 30th, 2011
10:15 am
Obviously you don’t know much about SB if you blame them all on McCann. The Braves had two pitchers that were so slow to the plate it was ridiculous in Lowe and Hanson.
And now that Lowe’s gone? Guess you could always blame it on the umpire or perhaps the dude hawking peanuts in the stands?
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
10:15 am
Bill M. You must have taken a smart pill this morning.
Oh, thank you!
Nah, sorry for being a little rude back there…
I like McCann but…
Famous last words.
he’s a horrible defensive catcher and can’t run a lick. He can’t stay away from the fast foods. He’s not worth 15M a year, never.
Share the love. He’s not horrible on D—never claimed he was the best, but he’s NOT as bad as folks give him credit for. And catchers are slow, dangit! I know our latest BFF Bethancourt cann apparently run well, but he’s young—if he becomes a full-time catcher in the Big Leagues, he’s gonna slow down when he gets older. No, BMac’s never been a fast runner, but that’s not altogether necessary at his position. And the fast food thing? Come on…you don’t know that for a fact (do you…?). And he’s just a big guy—don’t think he’s ever gonna look like Timmy, if that’s what you guys want…
I am concerned about his vision…on down the line.
Yeah, I am a little bit, too, but hopefully it’s all under control.
DAP
November 30th, 2011
10:16 am
old man I would not rule out Cody Ross. But we need a big upgrade at either LF or SS
my position has been to get cody ross as a 4th OF type, likely to get plenty of ABs, have have payroll space available for the 2012 offseason, when there will be lots of those big LF upgrades available.
Gimpah & McError
November 30th, 2011
10:18 am
It isn’t just stolen bases. It’s game calling, ball blocking, tagging out runners at home plate, etc. McCann gives up about as many runs as he drives in over a season’s time. Yes, he’s a gifted hitter, as catchers go. But he’s offense only, at a key defensive position. A classic DH.
BINGO!
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:19 am
I maybe drinking the Koolaid but…
I can’t believe People are ripping B-Macc’s Defense…He is a lot better behind the plate than most people give him credit for…He has come a long way on his defense as compared to when he came up in 2005…
Its not his Fault that Opposing teams run at will on our pitchers because they suck at holding runners on (Especially Double J and Big Red)
28 other teams would love to have a B-Macc behind the Dish…So Now Tell That!
Lew
November 30th, 2011
10:20 am
VaBravesFan – New day, same old sh–. Always a good bit of idiocy being exhibited by plenty of the walking clueless, here.
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2011
10:20 am
Martinez gets the added benefit of playing the occasional DH/1B.
So does every other AL catcher who can hit worth a lick. To begin his career he was a catcher who over 6+ years produced .299/.369/.465/.835 line primarely as a catcher. He was last a full time catcher in 2010 when he accumulated 86% of his plate appearaces as a catcher. Last year was the first year he was primarely a non-Catcher (2009 he spent the majority of his time –54%– as a catcher).
Now he’s at the age where he doesn’t catch as often… the age where this blog speculates McCann will be someday…. moving a great hitting catcher to a non-catching position. The point mainly being that Victor Martinez was/is a good hitting player who catches. Like McCann, Mauer, and so on. Personally, I don’t leave him out of the list but can understand why other would. At any rate he’s still a good hitter.
That post wasn’t a “gotcha” post. Just pointing out Victor Martinez is/was a great hitting catcher.
VaBravesFan
November 30th, 2011
10:20 am
Efrim
I think the Braves will try and work somthing out after the 2012 season. I see Brain taking a small discount and will work with Braves to get something done, he really wants to be Brave forever.
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:21 am
No way In Hell We Trade B-Macc!
The Dude will be an ICON in a few years!
B-Macc Will take a Hometown Discount to stay in The “A’, Bank On It!
It would be a Cardinal Sin if B-Macc Were to “Sell Out” To a team Like WhineBrenner and The Yankees….
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
10:21 am
my position has been to get cody ross as a 4th OF type
I wouldn’t mind that at all. Still have no idea as to why Matt Diaz is on this roster….especially if Cody Ross or another RH hitting outfielder is acquired. Diaz can’t play CF, can’t really play a corner well, and hasn’t been the same Matt Diaz he was in 2009.
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:22 am
D.O.B.
I’m Not sure if this has been discussed on here but…Are you a fan of Christmas music…?
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:23 am
Cody Ross = Slop
Josh Willingham = Slop
Id rather the FO stand Pat and count on both Martini and J-Hey having bounce-back years as opposing into bringing in Marginal outfielders…
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
10:24 am
It’s game calling, ball blocking, tagging out runners at home plate, etc. McCann gives up about as many runs as he drives in over a season’s time.
Prove it.
Murph
November 30th, 2011
10:24 am
Funny how quickly people forget the show that McCann put on after his little coaching session with his brother… and how that only really came to an end when he got hurt.
Catchers like BMac don’t come along too often. Sure, he is slightly, um, challenged on the basepaths. He doesn’t throw out every runner who tries to swipe a base. But when it comes down to it, BMac a great talent.
I like to kid McFann about the imminent arrival of Bethancourt, but even I can’t imagine a scenario where BMac doesn’t get a 5 year contract extension. With Chipper entering into the last year of his deal (most likely), BMac is absolutely essential to this team going forward as the young rookies start to get their feet under them.
I like Bethancourt a lot, but it’s not his time yet. He needs more cooking.
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:25 am
Im not for this move but…
I’m Suprised No one has mentioned Raul “The Gimp” Ibanez as a Cheap option to play LF…The dude doesn’t hit against anyone but Atlanta in which he tears us up in clutch situations….
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2011
10:25 am
I know it’s a tad different because V-Mart was more of a 1st baseman/DH/C when he signed it, but isn’t that more of a reason not to overpay and give Mac 15-16 million per year?
It is. V-Mart was coming off a season in which he caught primarily. He spent the majority of his 2010 catching and only 70 plate appearances as a non-catcher. But when he signed his “big deal” he was utilized in the 1B?DH/C role. Not something an NL catcher could easily do and not really an easy bargaining point for an NL catcher such as McCann.
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:26 am
@Murph…
Co-Sign on that 10:24 POST…
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
10:26 am
McCann is my favorite Brave. However, I’m not overpaying him to play part time catcher/first baseman in his mid-thirties. I understand that long term contracts for guys in their 30’s is always a risk, but with catcher it’s even moreso, and I’d like to think that him being a Brave and a face of this franchise won’t require Wren to pay him more than 15 a year until he’s like 36 years old. I sure as heck hope not.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2011
10:26 am
Gimpah & McError
Look up the stats.
While Hanson was on the mound 30 of 33 stolen base attempts were successful (safe 91%).
While Lowe was on the mound 26 of 30 stolen base attempts were successful (safe 87%).
With the remaining pitchers on the mound 48 out of 70 attempts where successful (safe 69%).
So with out Hanson and Lowe on the mound he threw out 31% of baserunners. Thats a pretty good number..
DAP
November 30th, 2011
10:26 am
efrim, if you are referring to my comment about mccann getting an extension similar to chipper’s 2nd (not sure if you are or not) , ill admit its not a great comparison. the differences are, chipper was two years younger when he signed his, chipper was coming off an MVP season, also, mccann plays a more exclusive position, and baseball contracts are generally more $$$ then they were back then.
im not sure what he would go for. would your opinion change on 6 years $96mil if year 1 replaced his 2013 option? the contract would take him through age 34.
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:28 am
Bill M.
“McFann 00o— You must have taken a smart pill this morning. As I stated the Braves would be giving up alot but they would have a better balanced team. I like McCann but he’s a horrible defensive catcher and can’t run a lick. He can’t stay away from the fast foods.”
My Yellow Carcas finds that amusing! lol, Didn’t B-Macc Drop around 20 pounds last offseason…
Man, some of you guys are Killing B-Macc, Ouch!
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2011
10:29 am
T-Hawk
We are talking about Ross as a 4th OF. We need someone who could back up CF and start on occasion. He has a great track record hitting in Atlanta and has solid career numbers against LHP which is something we need with two LH OF and a 3B who tends to have more pain hitting from the right side. He fits the mold perfectly for the money we have available.
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:29 am
P’Cola Brave
BAM!!!
That 10:26 Post Was On Point!
Co-Sign!
veaserva
November 30th, 2011
10:30 am
The Braves signing Brain McCann to a long term contract extension is a no brainer . The Braves are suffering from the lack of good hitting already . As a fan and season ticket holder losing McCann would be unexceptionable .
Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2011
10:31 am
Ok Back to the J.O.B.
Check U guys in 90 minutes…
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
10:31 am
Thanks for the blog, DOB
Sorry about the blog, McFann
VaBravesFan
November 30th, 2011
10:32 am
McCann will be basically taking over Chipper’s salary on the payroll.
Rick
November 30th, 2011
10:33 am
I agree his defense is not great, but I will take it with his level of offensive production. Can you imagine the Braves without him the lineup? He’s arguably their best hitter. Saying he gives up as many runs as he drives in is a huge exaggeration too.
Tomas
November 30th, 2011
10:35 am
Brian McCann is a franchise player, they should sign him to a long-term contract, and that 6 year 90 million contract that Chipper sign might be what they should offer McCann.
The move of the Astros to the AL, means interleague all year long, I heard 29 games(half at AL parks) so around 15 games where NL teams can use a DH.
Now I bring this up, because when Bethancourt is ready, which will be 3-4 years from now, there is a way they can use them both quite a bit.
McCann is one of the most durable catchers around, averaging 137 games per season. That is a lot for a catcher, and more than once we’ve seen him had a bad September, but Cox and now Fredi Gonzalez need to keep him in the lineup since he is such a threat offensively.
Catcher is such a taxing and dangerous position, that it’s no surprise when he is tired. His career stats before the Allstar break include a 296 AVG and an 867 OPS. After the break, 275 AVG and an 818 OPS. If he had adequate rest, there is a better chance he can keep those first half numbers or better all year long.
Since from 2013 on, NL teams will have 14-15 games where they can use the DH, it will help McCann get some extra rest and still be in the lineup. He’ll get around 15 days off per year, and could sub Freddy Freeman for 15 games per year at 1B. That means, he’ll be able to catch 115 games per year, but play 145.
He’ll probably be able to do that with no issues until he is 33 years old. If he is able to pick up 1B, then Braves could decide on trading Freeman or keeping both and giving both of them more days off. For example now McCann would play 20 at 1B, 15 at DH, and 20 days off, giving Bethancourt a chance to catch 55 games in his first year in the big league’s under McCann’s tutelage.
Gimpah & McError
November 30th, 2011
10:36 am
McCann will be basically taking over Chipper’s salary on the payroll.
Translation: The same people that had no problem with Chipper hogging up a large part of the payroll while killing the team defensively will feel the same about Mac. Do whatever it takes to resign ‘our boy’ and the ‘team’ be damned!
I mean, who cares about such things as world series rings? Everyone knows the good (housekeeping) clubhouse award is all that really matters in Atlanta.
Efrim
November 30th, 2011
10:37 am
Not something an NL catcher could easily do and not really an easy bargaining point for an NL catcher such as McCann.
Totally agree and I hope Wren uses this in negotiations.
And the premise “well, who cares if it’s 13 million a year or 16 million a year” – that matters a heck of a lot to me if they are keeping the same 90-95 million dollar payroll for the forseeable future.
Gimpah & McError
November 30th, 2011
10:38 am
I agree his defense is not great, but I will take it with his level of offensive production. Can you imagine the Braves without him the lineup?
Yeah! Imagine not having to score the runs Mac gives up at catcher. Remember, the game is won or lost by one run and everything else is just padding your stats.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
10:38 am
jeffrey d—
Haha! Thanks…
I’m taking a lot of grains of salt with some of these commenters…
MitchC
November 30th, 2011
10:43 am
The Braves almoist have to sign Mccann. He would be before his 30th bday, even if they do no more than pick up the option for next year. Another thing:
Chipper makes.. more than 10 mil. He’ll probably be done after next year. While we know we will need to get another bat when Chipper retires,.,. the Braves can use at least part of that money to sign Mccann.
Hopefully Mccann wouldnt expect 20 mil a year like Mauer gets. That.. we cant afford. Even if he has another monster season.. if we can get him locked up for.. 5 years.. at.. 15 to 18 mil, if he gives us the “hometown discount” of a few mil, it should get done.
We will be in serious trouble if Mccann walks, given his age, and his offensive output. Fans, me included, were angry when Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz left. Those guys were all, late 30s early 40s. We wouldnt have let any of them leave at age 30. If the Braves let Mccann walk, the franchise will slip even further.
Lew
November 30th, 2011
10:44 am
First, five or so years ago, it was Saltalamacchia annointed as better than Mac and would take over, yet he’s got a huge .244, .307, .406 line, has never played more than 103 games in a MLB season and spent time in the minors last year.
Then, after a great AFL, back in 08, ity was Tyler Flowers as the next reason to dump Mac. Since then, Flowers (at the same level then where Betancourt is now), has a MLB line of .197, .317, .365 and is still more a minor league player than not.
Now it’s Betancourt, whohas hit .270, .303, .373 in the minors, never played a minute above HIg A ball and after having a great AFL, is now considered to be “The One”.
Are we maybe seeing a trend here about expectations based on an extremely small sample size vs. A Huge sample size of nothing but success from Mac?