Jones would likely lose power moving here and even in a small park like camden The Bill James site has rated him as a bottom feeding defensive CFer the last three years.
Not that I know of as yet (Lucas that is), seems to be another dumpster diamond waiting to be polished, but IMHO he will be a warm body for one of the Minors affiliates.
he would only play left for as long as Bourn is here, then to CF most likely.
He should play pretty good in LF, but that’s not likely where he would be except in ‘12
who’s to say Bourn would be gone? never put it past Wren to surprise….. Would he dare keep Jones in LF, re-sign Bourn, and remove Uggla from the equation after this season, and simply put Martin back at 2b? stranger things have happened.
This Seth Smith nonsense needs to end. Just doesn’t make sense. I mean, if the Braves really wanted a bad defensive OFer with pop to platoon with Diaz, they’d have already signed Luke Scott and kept Prado as necessary insurance against Chipper getting hurt. End of story. What’s better: getting a platoon OFer that can’t field, or getting a platoon Ofer that can’t field and also lose your only real back-up to a 40-yr old 3B? I’ve got my money on the first option. I can’t wait for baseball to start so that this kind of mindless crap can stop.
Odelay, really Seth Smith would be the Melk Dud in the deal, Wheeler would be the target! playing devil’s advocate with nolie , but in reality, if Wren can’t pluck Adam Jones, or Lorenzo Cain, he has to have a replacement for Bourn, after this season!
If they want Delgado, then HELL NO! I have seen both at Gwinnett Delgado, and Teheran, let me tell ya Delgado in the long run will be a stud without issues, Teheran , scares me a bit.
It will probably be Bourn as leadoff hitter next year and then Mycal Jones manning CF and leadoff until Lipka is ready, so we already have our CFs for the next 8-10+ years in our own backyard
Why don’t the Braves consider trading JJ for JJ Hardy. That would give us a proven SS with plus RH bat. He’d hit 24+ homers for the Braves as he did for Milwaukee and in Baltimore he hit 30Hrs last year. This would allow us to keep Prado as our LF and insurance for when not if Chipper misses time. This also allows us flexibility after Chipper retires or he has another knee injury that could end his season. We could move Hardy to 3B and have Pastornicky play SS if that fielded a better team than having Martin play 3b and have a weaker outfielder play LF. This move gives us the RH bat we need as well as a proven SS and we could always trade Hardy after next year if one of our prize SS prospects is ready. I’d rather do that than overpay for Adam Jones and then have him leave for Free Agency. Hardy is under contract for 3 more years. We get more problems solved with less cost in trade pieces than trading for Adam Jones. I don’t like the idea of trading Martin Prado to Colorado for Seth Smith. I say unless we get one of the coveted CF prospects the Rockies have no deal. I’d also rather trade JJ than Prado as JJ will leave for more money as soon as he becomes a Free Agent. We have a surplus of pitching but only one player as flexible as Martin. I say we keep him and trade JJ.
Hello everyone! How’s the night going? Been doing a lot of thinking,and think Wren,should hold off on the trade talks. Keep Prado,and J.J. until the All Star Break,and if they don’t live up to potential? Than trade them.Give them a chance at least.That way Wren, won’t get burned for it.
Keep Prado for backing up Chipper,and end this trade talk non sense. If your not going to trade don’t then,and move on.If trade then cool,but I’ll be O.K. if there is no trade too.
And he had a mediocre 2 months because of two words — FREDI…..GONZALEZ……ABomb
baloney. he dropped his OBP 40 points in just two months to 321. had nothing to do with his running.he actually ran at least as high a percent of the time here as he did there though he was much less successful at it.
I agree that he was pretty stinky hitter after leaving Texas. I’m way more concerned with how many outs he makes than how many bases he steals, cause OBP has a much higher positive correlation with runs scored than stolen bases do
“problem with Bill James is if Adam Jones is acquired he would play LF. how would his numbers play there?”
I understand this argument long-term. But in the short term it’s about as meaningful as…. well…. nothing. I guess.
The only real question, should be if his numbers in LF player out better than what we currently have n the roster. Which is Prado.
To me, they are about the same, but he’s probably better defensively and add’s some speed. Then again, it also eliminates the “Chipper backup” plan. So I’m not sure if the upgrade in LF is significant enough (or an upgrade at all for that matter), to make up for the versatility of Prado.
But long-term, it covers Wren for WHEN Bourn leaves after 2012 (not if). So it makes a tad bit of sense from that angle. But I’m with others on this. Why be looking to 2013 Braves CF issue now?
Make the 25 man roster for 2012 better NOW, and use the money coming o ff the books after 2012 (including Bourn’s salary) to acquire another CF if need be.
This is where I wish MLB had their version of the “franchise tag”. I guess to an extent, offering and accepting arbitration is that process. Braves would be more inclined to say they’ll keep Bourn for “one more year” at 10 or so million, than to lock him up for 50-60 million. Then let him walk after 2013 if need be.
Buster Olney tweets
The numbers that really hurt Adam Jones’s trade value:
Year by year OBP ‘09-’11: .335, .325, .319. K’s: 93, 119, 113. BB’s:36, 23, 29.
Anyone notice Carlos Quentin traded to the Padres for mid level prospects? Dropped the ball! Braves too cheap for his 7 mil price tag. Meanwhile back in Gotham City Heyward still has a hole in his swing big as the Titanic! All we will be left with is a platoon player from Colorado paired with Diaz, while we’d lose super Prado. Cheap Bast**ds!!
Will people please get over Carlos Quentin. The guy misses more games than Chipper. the same people who want him will bre the same who say Wren is an idiot for trading for him.
Wren is a good GM. Have some trust in him.
I personally like A Jones. I think he would be an upgrade and solve our LF void. Obviously the key on that is paying the right price. I have no problem with JJ in there as long as Prado, Delgado, Beachy, Teharan is not in the mix. The O’s GM wants to make sure he gets a great return, not just a good one. The O’s fans see what the Nat’s are doing and the O’s not going anywhere. DD cannot make his first big move a blunder.
(AP) Long Liyuan, 49, died on Dec. 23 in wealthy Guangdong province after sharing a dish of slow boiled cat meat stew, a southern delicacy, with two men over a business lunch.
JJ for Jones, with maybe us throwing in a mid-prospect is OK. Far better than Prado for Smith. I like Jones in LF. JJ and Prado for Jones and Bell seems unbalanced. I would rather throw some rookie like Terdo or Simmons in at 3B if Chipper goes down. And I would really like to throw Prado in at 3B if that happens.
But overall, I think Jones has been the best option among the LF options we can afford via free agency or trade.
The Jai Miller deal really seems to be setting up a deal with the O’s.
If JJ is moved in a Jones deal, and we keep Prado, I would not rule out a Prado deal with the Rockies who seem to covet him greatly. If the prospect haul was enough, I could see doing that.
No way we trade Prado and JJ for Jones, just no fricking way. Frank surely has someone telling him that Jones numbers are eerily similar to Jeff Franceour’s.
Actually I take that back, if you look at Jeff’s numbers from last year and Adams from last year, Jeff lead in every category almost.
If a Rockies trade actually happened, the center piece would not be Smith. The Wheeler kid the Braves are demanding seems to be voming into his own as a legit power hitter with speed. Even the Blackmon kid from GT would not be bad to aquire but if Wren threw in a mid level minor league player Wheeler may be had. Adam Jones has talent but I can’t see shipping multiple players to Balt for him. There’s too many other good players that could be had via trade for JJ. We won’t land the talent SD did for Latos but 3 prospects may be reasonable, depending on the team. Also don’t be surprised if Hanson is mentioned at the break (if the Braves are not in contention) or at season’s end. The “potential” label needs to come off. Reality is to date he’s a little over a .500 pitcher. Terrible at holding on runners. He’s a 6 inning pitcher, has one complete game in his career, and we all know who his agent is.
“Anyone notice Carlos Quentin traded to the Padres for mid level prospects? Dropped the ball! Braves too cheap for his 7 mil price tag.”Kenny the genius
Last 3 years:
348 games (116 games per year average), 71 HR, 220 RBI (23 HR, 74 RBI per year)
.244/.335/.479/.813
At 7 million bucks? No thanks.
Prado’s last 3 years?
397 games (132 games per year). 39 HR, 172 RBI (13 HR, 57 RBI per year)… but it should be noted that 1381 of his 1744 plate appearances have been in the leadoff of 2-hole of the batting order.
.290/.333/.435/.768
Quentin clearly has the HR advantage. But Prado’s had 111 doubles and triples over that time, while Quentin has 72 doubles/triples.
Any GM that would be interested in moving Prado’s versatility and lower cost to take on the injury prone Quentin and his 7 million dollars should be fired on the spot.
Now if you’re suggesting that the Braves should have given up other prospects to get him, (or perhaps Jurrjens), and KEEP Prado around as a 4th outfielder utility guy? I could maybe get on board with that.
But for the prospects it likely would have cost us to get Quentin (don’t use the Padres as an example – GM’s will ask for more from the Braves know that we’re desperate and what we have to offer), I’m glad Wren passed on him.
Signing a guy like JD Drew would probably make as much or more sense, then giving up players for Quentin.
San Diego has given up on Kyle Banks. If Wren could get him got a low end prospect would anyone do it? The guy has huge power but is prone to the K. Is it worth a chance?
Efrim – P’Cola, you need to keep in mind he’s hit in a really good hitters park…..Turner Field is going to sap some of his power, I would think – as Camden Yards is a damn good hitters park. Now, I think the move away from really good pitching in the AL East may help him, but I don’t think it’ll offset the move to a much more fair park.
Can anybody dig up John scherholz’s(I stand corrected for mispell of last name)letter to the fans after the melt down; If so, can someone print it up here?
Would I trade J.J. and a prospect for Jones? Probably so, given that J.J. has only two more years until free agency (Boras) and hasn’t stayed healthy the past two seasons, and given the uncertainty about that knee. But not a top pitching prospect AND J.J.
Adam Jones also only has two years of control left before free agency. I don’t think it’s necessary to add anything to Jurrjens in order to acquire Jones, if we’re just talking how far the Braves should go. It’s more hype with him being a former top prospect – he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
@ @BnMLover Oh, please. Nobody is saying he is not a good player, but teams won’t give up stud pitcher for hitter with .320 obp. Simple fact.
That was in response to an Orioles fan after Bust tweeted this:
Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
The numbers that really hurt Adam Jones’s trade value: Year by year OBP ‘09-’11: .335, .325, .319. K’s: 93, 119, 113. BB’s:36, 23, 29.
No wonder Astros have interest in bringing in Keith Law. They are hiring a Director of Division Sciences. Maybe all orgs have this, with a less fancier name, however Houston fans have to like the way Luhnow is doing business to date.
Dan Connelly examines the Baltimore Orioles’ dilemma with marketing Adam Jones.
Here’s the bottom line: Unless his OPS and offensive production changes dramatically, Jones’ value in the trade market will go down markedly every year before he becomes eligible for free agency. He is a respected talent, but rival scouts do have questions about his approach at the plate. If he were to have a breakout year in 2012, the Orioles could get the impact-type of pitcher for him that they seek.
And this regarding the Yankees, which is a smart play, imo:
The New York Yankees are setting their sights on the free-agent class of next fall, writes Tyler Kepner.
They’re hanging onto the resources until they can go after the right pitcher — a strategy that worked in the year they landed CC Sabathia, and one that didn’t pay off in the year that Cliff Lee went into free agency.
DONT TRADE PRADO!!!!!!! SETH SMITH IS NOT THAT GOOD!!!!!! Seriously, Prado has better career numbers than Smith, and Smith has played at Coors Field. Just sign Cody Ross and Ryan Theriot (or some other SS)
Both are incredibly steep for two flawed pitchers. But one has been far more durable than the other – and that matters. I think it’s a case by case basis for teams…..however, I think ultimately, Jackson signs for four years, 48 million – or around that number.
If he were to have a breakout year in 2012, the Orioles could get the impact-type of pitcher for him that they seek.
And I disagree with Buster’s last point. Jones has one year of control after 2012, so the price in prospects is going to go way down, especially since draft pick compensation is less of given than it was previously.
raleighbravefan, I think it’s just the guy who makes sure they have every possible piece of information gathered so that they can make the best baseball decision for everything(trades, injuries, arbitration, minor leagues, draft, etc.) Checks and Balances dude, or something like that? I think….
Jurrjens stays healthy and productive the next two years and he might draw those type of numbers when he hits free agency. I would do a JJ deal for Jones if we kept Prado,otherwise no.
From what i read about the O’s is that they want Hanson not Jurrjens so if you were Wren would u offer Hanson maybe Prado and Hoover for Jones,but if that don’t work how bout signing Maggilo and platoon him with Hinske or someone else?
Efrim – Thanks. Sounds like something the Braves could benefit from…if they don’t already have it covered. My guess is a staff gathers this info, but wheather anyone puts it together and coordinates may be another matter.
Residents say hundreds of black turkey vultures have invaded their south Georgia neighborhood.
“Black Turkey Vultures”? All Turkey Vultures are black! (Well, unless there are albino ones…) And if they mean the birds have black heads, then they’re not Turkey Vultures, they’re Black Vultures…
Wish they had a photo of the birds to go with the story…
I vote for signing someone like Cody Ross, and a backup SS, and keeping JJ and Prado. Don’t even need ALL of our guys to be healthy and return to norm, as long as several do (McCann excepted…we need him 100%).
I want to apologize to Frank Wren for my posting last night indicating he had been duped by a caller from a Baltimore radio station into discussing a player who didn’t exist. I was telling a buddy about my post who is a big Oriole fan who told me that the Baltimore Gm at the time was Syd Thrift not Wren. My mistake. Still the point of my post remains the same. Don’t trade Prado!
so if you were Wren would u offer Hanson maybe Prado and Hoover for Jones
Adam Jones isn’t worth Hanson. Him and their best prospect probably isn’t worth Hanson. Prado and Hoover for Jones? Maybe – however Prado has shown he is the better hitter in recent years, so I’d pass on that. Jones just isn’t that good.
Prado?? REALLY?? I mean, I’ve heard the rumors for weeks… but I can’t believe they’re actually considering this. I know financially it may make sense bc baseball is a business, but Prado is a huge asset to the Braves… not to mention a clubhouse guy, walk-off winner, and still very young.
I think this one is really going to upset the fans, just saying….
Both are incredibly steep for two flawed pitchers. But one has been far more durable than the other – and that matters
Well it’s a fair point to discuss what you expect the price to be, but considering the question was on asking price and not expected final price, my conclusion is a team would feel it more from locking up Edwin for $80M+ over five years. Durability is a question, but it’s a commitment of 1 year with a potential for longer for a mid to top rotation pitcher if he doesn’t work out. Edwin is a 5 year unmovable contract for a back end starter. You’re stuck with that guy putting runners all over the bases and tossing meat right down the middle for five years, every fifth day at best. At worst you’ll still be paying him for five years while he gets passed around the majors like a white collar criminal in prison.
Durability is a question, but it’s a commitment of 1 year with a potential for longer for a mid to top rotation pitcher if he doesn’t work out. Edwin is a 5 year unmovable contract for a back end starter.
Since we don’t know what the prospects/young players are like in the discussion, then it’s hard to figure which is more steep. For a team like the Yankees – who hang around 200 million in payroll, it may make more sense to sign him to a five year deal than to trade Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos, and Mason Williams to Atlanta for two years of Jair Jurrjens. But again, since we have no clue as to the prospects being discussed, it’s hard to say which is more steep.
Also pretty telling about CF Mycal Jones that they are rumored to want a CF prospect through trade to replace Bourn in 2013. I never thought Jones was much more of a utility player anyway. Todd Cunningham too.
I know that you enjoy riding your motorcycle, but do you have a temperature rule? For example, given the temperature yesterday and today, is it too cold for you to ride?
I’d like to know if Montero wouldn’t be able to play the outfield. Maybe the Braves could swing a trade of JJ and possibly a prospect for Montero and Gardner or Nunez. That would solve depth issues and utility issues. Between Gardner splitting time at all 3 outfield positions, Montero serving as depth at either LF or C in case of injury and Nunez serving as a backup for SS.
I’d much rather see us get a return of Montero (if they felt he could play LF) and Nunez. Otherwise, if Montero is strictly either a C or DH then sub Gardner in his place. It would give us a scary fast 1 – 2 punch at the top of the lineup between Bourn and Gardner, not to mention probably the best defensive outfield in the majors.
AT, I was more just using them as an example. I think some teams would rather dump dollars into free agent starting pitching than to part with 3-4 prospects/young players. Depends on the organization’s salary structure and minor league depth.
Efrim, I would think that that would be a pretty reasonable price for JJ. I wouldn’t be totally against including a prospect to get it done if need be either.
4,717 comments Add your comment
nolie
January 4th, 2012
12:46 am
Jones would likely lose power moving here and even in a small park like camden The Bill James site has rated him as a bottom feeding defensive CFer the last three years.
nolie
January 4th, 2012
12:48 am
just wondered Joe, I kinda figgered that at his age that poor of a season would have caused him to be dropped.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
12:48 am
problem with Bill James is if Adam Jones is acquired he would play LF. how would his numbers play there?
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
12:50 am
Not that I know of as yet (Lucas that is), seems to be another dumpster diamond waiting to be polished, but IMHO he will be a warm body for one of the Minors affiliates.
nolie
January 4th, 2012
12:50 am
he would only play left for as long as Bourn is here, then to CF most likely.
He should play pretty good in LF, but that’s not likely where he would be except in ‘12
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
12:51 am
I have only one issue with the dumpster diamonds, why in the hell did the Braves sign Luis Durango? some kind of western fetish?
nolie
January 4th, 2012
12:53 am
cause coach has been begging for him on here for years. Frankie threw him a bone…….
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
12:54 am
who’s to say Bourn would be gone? never put it past Wren to surprise….. Would he dare keep Jones in LF, re-sign Bourn, and remove Uggla from the equation after this season, and simply put Martin back at 2b? stranger things have happened.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
12:55 am
lol@ nolie
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
12:56 am
I tend to lean toward the Mad Scientist Wrenisms…sometimes you can figger him out, and then BAM out of nowhere!
nolie
January 4th, 2012
12:56 am
Bourn will likely cost too much, especially if they added Jones, but even without that I would give good odds that he will not be a Brave again
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
12:58 am
nolie you are probably 100% right just saying with Wren you never know!
nolie
January 4th, 2012
12:58 am
I don’t think of much of anything he has done as being all that unusual
nolie
January 4th, 2012
12:59 am
GG. TTFN y’all. take care
Odelay
January 4th, 2012
12:59 am
This Seth Smith nonsense needs to end. Just doesn’t make sense. I mean, if the Braves really wanted a bad defensive OFer with pop to platoon with Diaz, they’d have already signed Luke Scott and kept Prado as necessary insurance against Chipper getting hurt. End of story. What’s better: getting a platoon OFer that can’t field, or getting a platoon Ofer that can’t field and also lose your only real back-up to a 40-yr old 3B? I’ve got my money on the first option. I can’t wait for baseball to start so that this kind of mindless crap can stop.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
12:59 am
getting Uggla for scraps, that was a bit unusual, Bourn for even less? He does surprise on occasion, Lowe and that gawdy contract just 3 examples.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:01 am
Odelay, really Seth Smith would be the Melk Dud in the deal, Wheeler would be the target! playing devil’s advocate with nolie , but in reality, if Wren can’t pluck Adam Jones, or Lorenzo Cain, he has to have a replacement for Bourn, after this season!
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
January 4th, 2012
1:01 am
If I’m Dan Duquette I’m asking for Delgado and Prado.
If I’m Wren I say hell no.
Cannot believe for one second a guy like Duquette would be asking for either JJ or Hanson coming off injury. Gotta be Prado and a prospect. Or 2.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:04 am
If they want Delgado, then HELL NO! I have seen both at Gwinnett Delgado, and Teheran, let me tell ya Delgado in the long run will be a stud without issues, Teheran , scares me a bit.
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
January 4th, 2012
1:04 am
Agreed and Wren is a total idiot if he didn’t see the same thing we all saw.
Delgado is smooth, man.
Michael
January 4th, 2012
1:05 am
It will probably be Bourn as leadoff hitter next year and then Mycal Jones manning CF and leadoff until Lipka is ready, so we already have our CFs for the next 8-10+ years in our own backyard
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:05 am
Delgado ain’t skeered of squat! he will throw any pitch at any count, Teheran not so gutsy just yet. Just my observation.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:06 am
Mycal Jones??? really? I don’t know about that one, Lipka? converted 2b, I’d say he is 3 years away at least!
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:08 am
FYI Jones has a grand total of 97 games in CF in the minors, the rest….Shortstop.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:10 am
I would imagine Lipka needs to learn how to get on base before he is in any Major League discussion
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
January 4th, 2012
1:12 am
Don’t forget about Nick Ahmed.
ZWacky
January 4th, 2012
1:12 am
Lipka has looked pretty poot above Rookie Ball so far
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
January 4th, 2012
1:13 am
And with money coming off the books the replacement for Bourn should be….
MICHAEL BOURN. Lock him up.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:13 am
TABm I don’t know if the Braves would move Ahmed off of SS, maybe but I don’t think so.
ZWacky
January 4th, 2012
1:14 am
Just because they will have some money is no reason to overpay a player
ZWacky
January 4th, 2012
1:15 am
and he had a very mediocre two months after arriving in Atlanta
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
January 4th, 2012
1:17 am
No — lock him up now at a discount. Guy’s a Gold Glove CF who can run. Someone will pay him.
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
January 4th, 2012
1:18 am
And he had a mediocre 2 months because of two words — FREDI…..GONZALEZ….who didn’t demand that he run any time he pleased.
He stayed put too many times.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:19 am
Can anyone say Chris Denorfia? that is exactly who I see Wren going after.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
1:26 am
More like a trade involving Mike Minor, JJ Hoover, and Cory Gearrin for Denorfia, and James Darnell.
bravesfaninNashville
January 4th, 2012
1:47 am
Why don’t the Braves consider trading JJ for JJ Hardy. That would give us a proven SS with plus RH bat. He’d hit 24+ homers for the Braves as he did for Milwaukee and in Baltimore he hit 30Hrs last year. This would allow us to keep Prado as our LF and insurance for when not if Chipper misses time. This also allows us flexibility after Chipper retires or he has another knee injury that could end his season. We could move Hardy to 3B and have Pastornicky play SS if that fielded a better team than having Martin play 3b and have a weaker outfielder play LF. This move gives us the RH bat we need as well as a proven SS and we could always trade Hardy after next year if one of our prize SS prospects is ready. I’d rather do that than overpay for Adam Jones and then have him leave for Free Agency. Hardy is under contract for 3 more years. We get more problems solved with less cost in trade pieces than trading for Adam Jones. I don’t like the idea of trading Martin Prado to Colorado for Seth Smith. I say unless we get one of the coveted CF prospects the Rockies have no deal. I’d also rather trade JJ than Prado as JJ will leave for more money as soon as he becomes a Free Agent. We have a surplus of pitching but only one player as flexible as Martin. I say we keep him and trade JJ.
Ward
January 4th, 2012
1:58 am
Hello everyone! How’s the night going? Been doing a lot of thinking,and think Wren,should hold off on the trade talks. Keep Prado,and J.J. until the All Star Break,and if they don’t live up to potential? Than trade them.Give them a chance at least.That way Wren, won’t get burned for it.
Ward
January 4th, 2012
2:11 am
I would just sign SS,and Cody Ross.
Ward
January 4th, 2012
3:05 am
Theriot would be alright in my book ,as well as Cedeno.Cody Ross I like a lot,and will stick with that. Save our prospects,and do the right thing.
Ward
January 4th, 2012
3:42 am
Keep Prado for backing up Chipper,and end this trade talk non sense. If your not going to trade don’t then,and move on.If trade then cool,but I’ll be O.K. if there is no trade too.
Ward
January 4th, 2012
3:43 am
Hope soon we will know the full roster.Peace My Friends,and talk tomorrow.
nolie
January 4th, 2012
3:46 am
And he had a mediocre 2 months because of two words — FREDI…..GONZALEZ……ABomb
baloney. he dropped his OBP 40 points in just two months to 321. had nothing to do with his running.he actually ran at least as high a percent of the time here as he did there though he was much less successful at it.
I agree that he was pretty stinky hitter after leaving Texas. I’m way more concerned with how many outs he makes than how many bases he steals, cause OBP has a much higher positive correlation with runs scored than stolen bases do
N8
January 4th, 2012
4:02 am
“Hope soon we will know the full roster.Peace My Friends,and talk tomorrow.”
Why? With 4 months to go before opening day, what’s the hurry?
N8
January 4th, 2012
4:11 am
“problem with Bill James is if Adam Jones is acquired he would play LF. how would his numbers play there?”
I understand this argument long-term. But in the short term it’s about as meaningful as…. well…. nothing. I guess.
The only real question, should be if his numbers in LF player out better than what we currently have n the roster. Which is Prado.
To me, they are about the same, but he’s probably better defensively and add’s some speed. Then again, it also eliminates the “Chipper backup” plan. So I’m not sure if the upgrade in LF is significant enough (or an upgrade at all for that matter), to make up for the versatility of Prado.
But long-term, it covers Wren for WHEN Bourn leaves after 2012 (not if). So it makes a tad bit of sense from that angle. But I’m with others on this. Why be looking to 2013 Braves CF issue now?
Make the 25 man roster for 2012 better NOW, and use the money coming o ff the books after 2012 (including Bourn’s salary) to acquire another CF if need be.
This is where I wish MLB had their version of the “franchise tag”. I guess to an extent, offering and accepting arbitration is that process. Braves would be more inclined to say they’ll keep Bourn for “one more year” at 10 or so million, than to lock him up for 50-60 million. Then let him walk after 2013 if need be.
Oh well.
PD
January 4th, 2012
4:50 am
Buster Olney tweets
The numbers that really hurt Adam Jones’s trade value:
Year by year OBP ‘09-’11: .335, .325, .319. K’s: 93, 119, 113. BB’s:36, 23, 29.
That paints an ugly picture
kenny
January 4th, 2012
5:32 am
Anyone notice Carlos Quentin traded to the Padres for mid level prospects? Dropped the ball! Braves too cheap for his 7 mil price tag. Meanwhile back in Gotham City Heyward still has a hole in his swing big as the Titanic! All we will be left with is a platoon player from Colorado paired with Diaz, while we’d lose super Prado. Cheap Bast**ds!!
Webster
January 4th, 2012
6:50 am
Will people please get over Carlos Quentin. The guy misses more games than Chipper. the same people who want him will bre the same who say Wren is an idiot for trading for him.
Wren is a good GM. Have some trust in him.
Ray
January 4th, 2012
7:15 am
I personally like A Jones. I think he would be an upgrade and solve our LF void. Obviously the key on that is paying the right price. I have no problem with JJ in there as long as Prado, Delgado, Beachy, Teharan is not in the mix. The O’s GM wants to make sure he gets a great return, not just a good one. The O’s fans see what the Nat’s are doing and the O’s not going anywhere. DD cannot make his first big move a blunder.
Couch Tater
January 4th, 2012
7:35 am
Shoulda used Paula Deen’s recipe….
(AP) Long Liyuan, 49, died on Dec. 23 in wealthy Guangdong province after sharing a dish of slow boiled cat meat stew, a southern delicacy, with two men over a business lunch.
old man
January 4th, 2012
7:37 am
JJ for Jones, with maybe us throwing in a mid-prospect is OK. Far better than Prado for Smith. I like Jones in LF. JJ and Prado for Jones and Bell seems unbalanced. I would rather throw some rookie like Terdo or Simmons in at 3B if Chipper goes down. And I would really like to throw Prado in at 3B if that happens.
But overall, I think Jones has been the best option among the LF options we can afford via free agency or trade.
The Jai Miller deal really seems to be setting up a deal with the O’s.
old man
January 4th, 2012
7:45 am
If JJ is moved in a Jones deal, and we keep Prado, I would not rule out a Prado deal with the Rockies who seem to covet him greatly. If the prospect haul was enough, I could see doing that.
O.J.
January 4th, 2012
7:51 am
No way we trade Prado and JJ for Jones, just no fricking way. Frank surely has someone telling him that Jones numbers are eerily similar to Jeff Franceour’s.
Actually I take that back, if you look at Jeff’s numbers from last year and Adams from last year, Jeff lead in every category almost.
So why not trade for Jeff again?
chipper's ACL
January 4th, 2012
7:55 am
If a Rockies trade actually happened, the center piece would not be Smith. The Wheeler kid the Braves are demanding seems to be voming into his own as a legit power hitter with speed. Even the Blackmon kid from GT would not be bad to aquire but if Wren threw in a mid level minor league player Wheeler may be had. Adam Jones has talent but I can’t see shipping multiple players to Balt for him. There’s too many other good players that could be had via trade for JJ. We won’t land the talent SD did for Latos but 3 prospects may be reasonable, depending on the team. Also don’t be surprised if Hanson is mentioned at the break (if the Braves are not in contention) or at season’s end. The “potential” label needs to come off. Reality is to date he’s a little over a .500 pitcher. Terrible at holding on runners. He’s a 6 inning pitcher, has one complete game in his career, and we all know who his agent is.
N8
January 4th, 2012
8:00 am
“Anyone notice Carlos Quentin traded to the Padres for mid level prospects? Dropped the ball! Braves too cheap for his 7 mil price tag.” Kenny the genius
Last 3 years:
348 games (116 games per year average), 71 HR, 220 RBI (23 HR, 74 RBI per year)
.244/.335/.479/.813
At 7 million bucks? No thanks.
Prado’s last 3 years?
397 games (132 games per year). 39 HR, 172 RBI (13 HR, 57 RBI per year)… but it should be noted that 1381 of his 1744 plate appearances have been in the leadoff of 2-hole of the batting order.
.290/.333/.435/.768
Quentin clearly has the HR advantage. But Prado’s had 111 doubles and triples over that time, while Quentin has 72 doubles/triples.
Any GM that would be interested in moving Prado’s versatility and lower cost to take on the injury prone Quentin and his 7 million dollars should be fired on the spot.
Now if you’re suggesting that the Braves should have given up other prospects to get him, (or perhaps Jurrjens), and KEEP Prado around as a 4th outfielder utility guy? I could maybe get on board with that.
But for the prospects it likely would have cost us to get Quentin (don’t use the Padres as an example – GM’s will ask for more from the Braves know that we’re desperate and what we have to offer), I’m glad Wren passed on him.
Signing a guy like JD Drew would probably make as much or more sense, then giving up players for Quentin.
JoeBrave
January 4th, 2012
8:24 am
bravesfaninNashville
January 4th, 2012
1:47 am
Why don’t the Braves consider trading JJ for JJ Hardy.
JJ Hardy IS NOT AVAILABLE! That is why.
Webster
January 4th, 2012
8:26 am
San Diego has given up on Kyle Banks. If Wren could get him got a low end prospect would anyone do it? The guy has huge power but is prone to the K. Is it worth a chance?
JRW
January 4th, 2012
8:46 am
Efrim – P’Cola, you need to keep in mind he’s hit in a really good hitters park…..Turner Field is going to sap some of his power, I would think – as Camden Yards is a damn good hitters park. Now, I think the move away from really good pitching in the AL East may help him, but I don’t think it’ll offset the move to a much more fair park.
***************************************************************************************
And the NL East’s pitching is bad?
74bravesjersey
January 4th, 2012
8:56 am
Can anybody dig up John scherholz’s(I stand corrected for mispell of last name)letter to the fans after the melt down; If so, can someone print it up here?
TennesseePaul
January 4th, 2012
8:59 am
Who’s asking price is more steep?
A) The Braves for Jair Jurrjens: 3 to 4 young players/prospects
B) Scott Boras for Edwin Jackson: 5 years, $80M+
__________ERA__WHIP_H/9_HR/9_SO/BB
Jurrjens 3.40 1.284 8.5 00.7 01.98
Jackson_ 4.46 1.476 9.6 01.0 01.82
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:03 am
Would I trade J.J. and a prospect for Jones? Probably so, given that J.J. has only two more years until free agency (Boras) and hasn’t stayed healthy the past two seasons, and given the uncertainty about that knee. But not a top pitching prospect AND J.J.
Adam Jones also only has two years of control left before free agency. I don’t think it’s necessary to add anything to Jurrjens in order to acquire Jones, if we’re just talking how far the Braves should go. It’s more hype with him being a former top prospect – he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
McFann O O o
January 4th, 2012
9:04 am
Steve McCann is entering the decline years for catchers
Is not!!…
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:05 am
Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
@ @BnMLover Oh, please. Nobody is saying he is not a good player, but teams won’t give up stud pitcher for hitter with .320 obp. Simple fact.
That was in response to an Orioles fan after Bust tweeted this:
Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
The numbers that really hurt Adam Jones’s trade value: Year by year OBP ‘09-’11: .335, .325, .319. K’s: 93, 119, 113. BB’s:36, 23, 29.
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:09 am
No wonder Astros have interest in bringing in Keith Law. They are hiring a Director of Division Sciences. Maybe all orgs have this, with a less fancier name, however Houston fans have to like the way Luhnow is doing business to date.
http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2012/01/03/astros-go-data-heavy-with-addition-of-director-of-decision-sciences/
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:11 am
Also, a couple things from Buster’s blog:
Dan Connelly examines the Baltimore Orioles’ dilemma with marketing Adam Jones.
Here’s the bottom line: Unless his OPS and offensive production changes dramatically, Jones’ value in the trade market will go down markedly every year before he becomes eligible for free agency. He is a respected talent, but rival scouts do have questions about his approach at the plate. If he were to have a breakout year in 2012, the Orioles could get the impact-type of pitcher for him that they seek.
Jones: OBP/BB/K
2009: .335/36/93
2010: .325/23/119
2011: .319/29/113
And this regarding the Yankees, which is a smart play, imo:
The New York Yankees are setting their sights on the free-agent class of next fall, writes Tyler Kepner.
They’re hanging onto the resources until they can go after the right pitcher — a strategy that worked in the year they landed CC Sabathia, and one that didn’t pay off in the year that Cliff Lee went into free agency.
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:12 am
Re: my 9:09am, it’s Decision Sciences.
#DONTTRADEPRADO
January 4th, 2012
9:14 am
DONT TRADE PRADO!!!!!!! SETH SMITH IS NOT THAT GOOD!!!!!! Seriously, Prado has better career numbers than Smith, and Smith has played at Coors Field. Just sign Cody Ross and Ryan Theriot (or some other SS)
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:14 am
Who’s asking price is more steep?
Both are incredibly steep for two flawed pitchers. But one has been far more durable than the other – and that matters. I think it’s a case by case basis for teams…..however, I think ultimately, Jackson signs for four years, 48 million – or around that number.
raleighbravefan
January 4th, 2012
9:16 am
Efrim – Does that mean he would be the in house metrics expert? (serious question…just wondering).
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:16 am
If he were to have a breakout year in 2012, the Orioles could get the impact-type of pitcher for him that they seek.
And I disagree with Buster’s last point. Jones has one year of control after 2012, so the price in prospects is going to go way down, especially since draft pick compensation is less of given than it was previously.
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:20 am
raleighbravefan, I think it’s just the guy who makes sure they have every possible piece of information gathered so that they can make the best baseball decision for everything(trades, injuries, arbitration, minor leagues, draft, etc.) Checks and Balances dude, or something like that? I think….
CB
January 4th, 2012
9:20 am
Jurrjens stays healthy and productive the next two years and he might draw those type of numbers when he hits free agency. I would do a JJ deal for Jones if we kept Prado,otherwise no.
bobby
January 4th, 2012
9:21 am
From what i read about the O’s is that they want Hanson not Jurrjens so if you were Wren would u offer Hanson maybe Prado and Hoover for Jones,but if that don’t work how bout signing Maggilo and platoon him with Hinske or someone else?
CB
January 4th, 2012
9:22 am
I guess the Astros would IBKL if they continue to lose.
raleighbravefan
January 4th, 2012
9:23 am
Efrim – Thanks. Sounds like something the Braves could benefit from…if they don’t already have it covered. My guess is a staff gathers this info, but wheather anyone puts it together and coordinates may be another matter.
raleighbravefan
January 4th, 2012
9:24 am
bobby – No! Hell NO!
McFann O O o
January 4th, 2012
9:25 am
I love this:
Residents say hundreds of black turkey vultures have invaded their south Georgia neighborhood.
“Black Turkey Vultures”? All Turkey Vultures are black! (Well, unless there are albino ones…) And if they mean the birds have black heads, then they’re not Turkey Vultures, they’re Black Vultures…
Wish they had a photo of the birds to go with the story…
Jefferson
January 4th, 2012
9:25 am
Jair for Hardy & Adam Jones! Problem solved
haha
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:26 am
Also, on Edwin Jackson:
2009-2011: 96 starts, 623 IP, 639 hits, 3.96 ERA, 108 ERA+, 64 HR, 210/490 BB/K, 0.9 HR/9, 3.0 BB/9, 7.1 K/9, 2.33 SO/BB ratio
He’s been better the last three years and has averaged 32 starts and 208 innings.
Patrick
January 4th, 2012
9:26 am
DOB, you are looking forward to the Portlandia season 2 premier?
raleighbravefan
January 4th, 2012
9:27 am
I vote for signing someone like Cody Ross, and a backup SS, and keeping JJ and Prado. Don’t even need ALL of our guys to be healthy and return to norm, as long as several do (McCann excepted…we need him 100%).
Mark Duncan
January 4th, 2012
9:28 am
I want to apologize to Frank Wren for my posting last night indicating he had been duped by a caller from a Baltimore radio station into discussing a player who didn’t exist. I was telling a buddy about my post who is a big Oriole fan who told me that the Baltimore Gm at the time was Syd Thrift not Wren. My mistake. Still the point of my post remains the same. Don’t trade Prado!
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:28 am
so if you were Wren would u offer Hanson maybe Prado and Hoover for Jones
Adam Jones isn’t worth Hanson. Him and their best prospect probably isn’t worth Hanson. Prado and Hoover for Jones? Maybe – however Prado has shown he is the better hitter in recent years, so I’d pass on that. Jones just isn’t that good.
McFann O O o
January 4th, 2012
9:32 am
Raleighbrave Don’t even need ALL of our guys to be healthy and return to norm, as long as several do (McCann excepted…we need him 100%).
No pressure at all!…
ATL J
January 4th, 2012
9:36 am
Prado?? REALLY?? I mean, I’ve heard the rumors for weeks… but I can’t believe they’re actually considering this. I know financially it may make sense bc baseball is a business, but Prado is a huge asset to the Braves… not to mention a clubhouse guy, walk-off winner, and still very young.
I think this one is really going to upset the fans, just saying….
TennesseePaul
January 4th, 2012
9:37 am
Both are incredibly steep for two flawed pitchers. But one has been far more durable than the other – and that matters
Well it’s a fair point to discuss what you expect the price to be, but considering the question was on asking price and not expected final price, my conclusion is a team would feel it more from locking up Edwin for $80M+ over five years. Durability is a question, but it’s a commitment of 1 year with a potential for longer for a mid to top rotation pitcher if he doesn’t work out. Edwin is a 5 year unmovable contract for a back end starter. You’re stuck with that guy putting runners all over the bases and tossing meat right down the middle for five years, every fifth day at best. At worst you’ll still be paying him for five years while he gets passed around the majors like a white collar criminal in prison.
Random
January 4th, 2012
9:43 am
The A Bomb (January 4th, 2012 1:13 am): “And with money coming off the books the replacement for Bourn should be….
“MICHAEL BOURN. Lock him up.”
The A Bomb (January 4th, 2012 1:17 am): “No — lock him up now at a discount. Guy’s a Gold Glove CF who can run. Someone will pay him.”
The Braves will never “lock up” Bourn at a discount. Even if they “lock him up” now, it will be at a premium.
If they “lock him up” later, it will be at an even higher premium.
I agree that if the Braves let him “test the waters” as a free agent, they will simply not be able to afford him. At all. Period. The end.
So, yeah, maybe the Braves should make the valiant effort to “lock” Bourn up now — but it will definitely NOT be at a discount. And they know that.
And so should you.
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
9:44 am
Durability is a question, but it’s a commitment of 1 year with a potential for longer for a mid to top rotation pitcher if he doesn’t work out. Edwin is a 5 year unmovable contract for a back end starter.
Since we don’t know what the prospects/young players are like in the discussion, then it’s hard to figure which is more steep. For a team like the Yankees – who hang around 200 million in payroll, it may make more sense to sign him to a five year deal than to trade Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos, and Mason Williams to Atlanta for two years of Jair Jurrjens. But again, since we have no clue as to the prospects being discussed, it’s hard to say which is more steep.
David O'Brien
January 4th, 2012
10:00 am
Random: Well said re: Bourn at 9:43 a.m.
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
10:05 am
Maybe Matt Lipka will go nuts this year in CF and make the Braves think he may be ready in 2014, so they’ll sign a stop gap centerfielder for 2013…..
….yeah, it’s a long shot.
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
10:07 am
Also pretty telling about CF Mycal Jones that they are rumored to want a CF prospect through trade to replace Bourn in 2013. I never thought Jones was much more of a utility player anyway. Todd Cunningham too.
Bat Masterson
January 4th, 2012
10:09 am
And he had a mediocre 2 months because of two words — FREDI…..GONZALEZ….who didn’t demand that he run any time he pleased.
He stayed put too many times. _ The A Bomb – OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
Bourn stole 22 bases, in 53 games, for the Braves. Extrapolate that to a full season and you get 66.
He stole 39 in 105 games for the Astros, no discernible difference.
raleighbravefan
January 4th, 2012
10:12 am
McFann – Ross is a great backup…We do need McCann 100%, but not 100% of the time.
Gary O
January 4th, 2012
10:14 am
DOB,
I know that you enjoy riding your motorcycle, but do you have a temperature rule? For example, given the temperature yesterday and today, is it too cold for you to ride?
raleighbravefan
January 4th, 2012
10:15 am
Bat – Agreed. Not EVERYTHING is Fredi’s fault, no matter what one thinks of him.
Arkansas Transplant
January 4th, 2012
10:22 am
I’d like to know if Montero wouldn’t be able to play the outfield. Maybe the Braves could swing a trade of JJ and possibly a prospect for Montero and Gardner or Nunez. That would solve depth issues and utility issues. Between Gardner splitting time at all 3 outfield positions, Montero serving as depth at either LF or C in case of injury and Nunez serving as a backup for SS.
McFann O O o
January 4th, 2012
10:25 am
raleighbrave—
Ross? Yes, I’ve heard he’s pretty good…
Yeah, I was just kidding ’cause you said we need BMac to be 100%—after the first couple months, for a catcher that’s just kinda tricky…
Arkansas Transplant
January 4th, 2012
10:26 am
I’d much rather see us get a return of Montero (if they felt he could play LF) and Nunez. Otherwise, if Montero is strictly either a C or DH then sub Gardner in his place. It would give us a scary fast 1 – 2 punch at the top of the lineup between Bourn and Gardner, not to mention probably the best defensive outfield in the majors.
Efrim
January 4th, 2012
10:26 am
AT, I was more just using them as an example. I think some teams would rather dump dollars into free agent starting pitching than to part with 3-4 prospects/young players. Depends on the organization’s salary structure and minor league depth.
RC
January 4th, 2012
10:28 am
Efrim,
My understanding w/ Mycal Jones was that they were trying to develop him as a UTIL guy, sort of like a homegrown Omar Infante.
Arkansas Transplant
January 4th, 2012
10:30 am
Efrim, I would think that that would be a pretty reasonable price for JJ. I wouldn’t be totally against including a prospect to get it done if need be either.