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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,215 comments Add your comment
RC
January 12th, 2012
2:01 pm
It would be funny if the Marlins signed Fielder and traded Hanley to the Braves for Jurrjens.
Strange as it sounds, I don’t think the Braves would make that trade. Hanley is set to make an average of $15.5 million of the next three years, and I think they could likely get a much less expensive SS than Hanley for JJ, with not that much of a decrease in talent.
While they were asking the moon for Adam Jones, I’d bet that Orioles would be willing to part with Hardy and his $7M annual salary over the next 3 years in exchange for Jurrjens, which would not only give the Braves a SS that should be able to produce roughly 70% of Hanley’s production (not to mention better defense), but an additional $8.5 million a year to spend as they see fit.
DS1
January 12th, 2012
2:02 pm
N8/Efrim,
If all your players tracked to their potential as you hope they would, no way you can sign them all. At some point along the way, you have to decide which players to keep and which to jettison.
I may be simplifying things too much, but you draft the best player available and work out your contingencies according to where you are strong and where you need help. You stay away from free agency as much as you can, except when in a dire situation (Lowe). You use free agency to fill a short term need (Bourn). If it happens that you can sign that guy long term for a reasonable salary, you do it. Otherwise you let him walk.
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
2:02 pm
Don’t lump me in with the LM haters. I’m not one of them.
Thanks.
Okay, sorry. I’ll be sure not to do that….although the way I read it was that you think LM has an effect on our draft strategy because they won’t pay future contracts, so why go with upside players?
Don’t act like I’m so far from the truth. If Heyward erupts over the next 3-4 years, do you really think we’ll be able to keep him, considering all of the other guys that will be due big raises in the meantime, if all goes as planned?
Ummmmm. It would make a lot of sense to sign him to a long term deal before he hit free agency. See Carlos Gonzalez and Colorado, Justin Upton and Arizona, etc. You don’t wait for him to hit free agency.
Venice Jim
January 12th, 2012
2:03 pm
DS1 – it’s a pretty good crowd for a blog Thursday, and the AJC gives us a smile…
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
2:05 pm
But Mike Minor might be a guy the Braves keep for the next decade because he’ll be good enough to not get too expensive.
What’s the point of being down on college players? Because apparently their ceiling is lower and there is a less chance of them being a guy a team keeps around for 10+ years.
Again, this line of thinking leads to mediocre rosters. You can get high floor guys through the draft or sign a 4/5 starter on a one year deal through free agency. Guys that can lead your rotation should go in round #1 – not back end or even mid-rotation types. Gotta shoot for the STARS in round one.
DS1
January 12th, 2012
2:05 pm
Get back to work Jim!
McFann O O o
January 12th, 2012
2:05 pm
I composed a Blog version of “Piano Man” back in 2008…it’s kinda out-dated now, though…
RC
January 12th, 2012
2:05 pm
N8,
I think I understand your point a bit better now. And I don’t think you can expect to keep the superstars around longer than 6 years, unless you are planning on paying them accordingly. However, I think that you build your club so that you are ready to compete when that superstar level player is in years 3-6 of his career, and try your best to operate in that window. A great example of that is what the SF Giants have been doing with Lincecum over the past few years. They were able to win a World Series in Lincecum’s 4th season, when his performance was much better than what he was being paid for it (Matt Cain is right in that window as well). They likely won’t be able to keep both of those guys going forward, but the timing worked out perfectly for them to be able to win a championship before those guys were being paid market-set salaries.
J-Man
January 12th, 2012
2:06 pm
Whats irks me is when they (National Media) say ATL is a terrible sports town. Well this blog is pretty active for a team that didn’t make any moves and it being the middle of January and baseball.
RC
January 12th, 2012
2:08 pm
You use free agency to fill a short term need (Bourn). If it happens that you can sign that guy long term for a reasonable salary, you do it. – DS1
I think you meant the trade market instead of free agency with your Bourn comment. And on that last sentence, you could very easily put an (Uggla) at the end of it.
DS1
January 12th, 2012
2:08 pm
College vs High School
For the slot, its more of a risk with HS players. Less risk with college players. And again, it is all relevant to the slot. Higher the pick, lower the risk.
raleighbravefan
January 12th, 2012
2:08 pm
mpimentel – I really EXPECT Chipper to play 100+ this year. BTW, this is the same crap people said prior to last season. (126)
mpimentel
January 12th, 2012
2:08 pm
ok my pitchers staff predictions for 2012 season
GS W – L ERA K
t.hudson 24 12-8 3.10 112 (I expect that tommy will miss the first 3 weeks)
jjj 20 10-7 2.96 88 (and a 15d in the DL)
hanson 14 5-8 5.15 45 (and a shoulder ending surgery)
minor 31 14-12 4.20 135
beachy 32 16-8 3.06 140
medlen 18 8-6 4.12 76
I don’t know what to expect for the young guns latin arms
flange1
January 12th, 2012
2:09 pm
I think the Braves are going to have to move towards the Tampa Bay Rays format with a bit more cash to spend.
I just don’t see the Braves being able to operate in FA like the big spending teams do.
We are going to have to draft better and work the system better. Like the Rays and the new Jays.
ccrider
January 12th, 2012
2:10 pm
DS1: I agree, but if that fulltime DH role doesn’t appear, he might be looking for a roster spot that will give him a maximum number of at bats( playing LF and pinch hitting) that he could get.
abwright
January 12th, 2012
2:11 pm
N8, January 12th, 2012, 2:00 pm … “We’re not a team that is likely EVER AGAIN going to have a all-star HOF caliber player under our control for their entire career (with this budget and ownership group), like Chipper. “
“Never” is a strong word to use in describing baseball.
Granted, a franchise player like Chipper is unique (as many will recall, Aaron and Murphy didn’t end their careers with the Braves), but, the revenues generated by a franchise player can justify the costs of that player.
A pitching staff full of “polished college leftys” and a starting 8 of “signable players” will not sell very many jerseys, season tickets, or generate other revenues.
So, every franchise will pay top dollar to sign some stars, otherwise, their revenue will crash (KC, Pittsburgh, …).
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 12th, 2012
2:15 pm
abwright
“It would be funny if the Marlins signed Fielder and traded Hanley to the Braves for Jurrjens.”
I wouldn’t Mind That At All!
Ease
January 12th, 2012
2:15 pm
Not Shoulder Ending Surgery! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
All is lost.
Patio Daddio
January 12th, 2012
2:16 pm
Coming up very soon Braves new SS Tyler Pastornicky..XM 89 2pm
Carroll Rogers
January 12th, 2012
2:16 pm
Efrim, you’re right about Stephenson. The Braves would have nabbed him if he’d been available.
RC
January 12th, 2012
2:16 pm
Whats irks me is when they (National Media) say ATL is a terrible sports town. Well this blog is pretty active for a team that didn’t make any moves and it being the middle of January and baseball.
J-Man, you can’t let others decide how good of a “sports town” your city is or isn’t. All you can do is your part to support the teams you care about, and remember to keep it all in perspective. Rembert Browne had a pretty good article up on Grantland the other day “defending” the Atlanta sports fan. While I’d say he’s way more nonchalant about the home team than most of us are, he did include one really good, telling paragraph in the article:
Occasionally, I see the way other cities’ fans react to sports failure and I envy their emotions. Chicago cries, New York yells, Philadelphia slurs, Boston ethnic slurs, there have been times where I wanted a Braves loss to elicit these reactions. Sometimes, I wish a Hawks first-round exit from the playoffs would make me buy a flight back to Atlanta, take the train to Philips Arena, put on a ski mask, find the players’ parking lot, and put boots on every front-left tire. I want that, but it’ll never happen. That’s just not our thing. If Bill Buckner played for the Braves, he’d probably be a city councilman and own a string of Waffle Houses outside of the perimeter and if Steve Bartman interfered with a play at Turner Field, he’d probably just get season tickets in a different section the following season. Sure, we’d ostracize them from time to time and of course, we’d never completely let them off the hook, but I wouldn’t call us bad, undeserving fans simply because we wouldn’t send them death threats and make them fear for the safety of their families. But maybe that’s just me. I say what comes off as complete indifference is simply the reality that our professional sports fortunes simply aren’t as closely tied to our life fortunes as they are in other cities.
That last line sums it up really well for me. When Brooks Conrad made 3 errors in a playoff game two years ago? The fans at Turner Field cheered him when his name was called the next night, realizing that it was more important for us to show the guy our support than make him the focus of our anguish. Can you imagine how that scene would have played out in Boston, NY, or Philly? Even Chicago’s “lovable losers” aren’t immune to that type of behavior, as we can tell from all the horrible stories that have come out about the treatment of Steve Bartman.
Maybe we don’t flip out and riot every time our team does something good or bad. In my mind a little perspective is a good thing, and we’d all be better off with a bit more of it.
(If anyone wants to read the full article, here’s the link: http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/13613/standing-up-for-atlanta-sports-fans )
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
2:18 pm
flange1, I think it’d be great if we adapted the Jays model. I just don’t see it. Plus, their way of doing things were based on lots of Type B draft selections – almost manipulating the system. Going to be harder for them now and it’s going to be interesting to see what new ways they use to make themselves better.
Steve
January 12th, 2012
2:18 pm
There once was a GM named Frank
Whose lack was hard to take
He dug in his heels
And refused to make deals
Only once the playoffs to make.
abwright
January 12th, 2012
2:18 pm
RC, January 12th, 2012, 2:01 pm … “…I’d bet that Orioles would be willing to part with Hardy and his $7M annual salary over the next 3 years in exchange for Jurrjens, … “
When I heard that Braves were talking to Orioles, this is what I thought they would talk about. Adam Jones doesn’t make much sense to improve the Braves in 2012.
Venice Jim
January 12th, 2012
2:18 pm
DS1 – I’m afraid I’m still nearly 4 hours removed from working…
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
2:21 pm
Carroll, do me a favor, talk to Tony and make sure he drafts a kid that looks, throws, has the mound presence of Stephenson this June, please? And of course, make sure he is from a prep high school in Cali, Texas, Georgia or Florida.
Kind regards,
Efrim
Lollygagger
January 12th, 2012
2:22 pm
hanson 14 5-8 5.15 45 (and a shoulder ending surgery)
Hanson don’t need no stinkin’ shoulder… he’ll just fire the ball from a stump where his shoulder used to be!
flange1
January 12th, 2012
2:22 pm
Efrim,
I agree, but really isn’t that the Moneyball approach. look for players or trends that are under used and exploit them for your benefit?
To me the Jays just twisted the proposition a bit and came up with an effective strategy.
The Rays have done a great job of coming up with an organizational approach to the game and then drafting players that fit that approach.
I think with the new draft rule changes teams are going to have to commit to an approach and follow it, if they DON”T have tons of $$$ to spend in FA
Carroll Rogers
January 12th, 2012
2:25 pm
Sounds like Stephenson needs to have a brother, eh Efrim?!
DS1
January 12th, 2012
2:27 pm
Good catch RC. You’re right, Bourn was a trade……….
Jim
Well then, turn up your Billy Joel and get to that honey do list.
T-hawkin
How would you think that would work, with Hanley and Fredi in the same clubhouse?
I’m thinking that would be a big negatory………..
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 12th, 2012
2:28 pm
McFann O O o
“I composed a Blog version of “Piano Man” back in 2008…it’s kinda out-dated now, though…”
EEEWWWWW!!!!
McFann O O o
January 12th, 2012
2:29 pm
What? Why is that gross…?
DS1
January 12th, 2012
2:30 pm
Most teams utilize a modified moneyball approach these days. Some just much more effectively. (this being totally separate from scouting and the draft)
But everybody is looking for that player whom everybody else is undervaluing.
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
2:31 pm
I wish, Carroll. Or Tony DeMacio/Frank Wren needs to convince Selig that you can trade picks in the MLB draft. That would make it so much more fun.
RC
January 12th, 2012
2:34 pm
Or Tony DeMacio/Frank Wren needs to convince Selig that you can trade picks in the MLB draft.
If anyone is going to convince Selig of that, it’d be his besty John Scherholtz. Problem is, I think Scherholtz is just as against the idea as Selig is.
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
2:37 pm
The Rays have done a great job of coming up with an organizational approach to the game and then drafting players that fit that approach.
Yeah, I agree. 2010-2011 is a new approach for the Braves, however I have a difficult time defining what exactly that is.
ncscoots
January 12th, 2012
2:41 pm
he’ll just fire the ball from a stump where his shoulder used to be!
Now, bubba, THAT would be “gritty”.
RC
January 12th, 2012
2:41 pm
Yeah, I agree. 2010-2011 is a new approach for the Braves, however I have a difficult time defining what exactly that is.
Speed and athletism, although we don’t want to spend the money it takes to get guys who are REALLY athletic.
TJ Lambert
January 12th, 2012
2:42 pm
Guys I know that under our microscope he may not appear HOF worthy, but Big Mac has a decent shot at being a Brave for life and HOF worthy. His next contract will tell the tell.
N8
January 12th, 2012
2:45 pm
“The Latin Trio is basically arriving at the same time as that polished lefty”
Yes and no. Minor will be pushed harder for more innings than those guys. And in fact, if all goes well health wise (huge IF), and nobody is traded, there is a good chance that none of that trio of young starters does anything more than spot-starts or bullpen duty this year.
So…..
Matt
January 12th, 2012
2:46 pm
Good grief, I am SICK of all this Hanley Ramirez nonsense! It would be great if we did get him, but it simply is NOT going to happen. Hanley and Fredi Gonzalez don’t get along, remember?
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
2:48 pm
Mac’s contract situation should be a fun topic next offseason.
Lollygagger
January 12th, 2012
2:48 pm
2010-2011 is a new approach for the Braves, however I have a difficult time defining what exactly that is.
Crossing fingers, sticking needles in tiny dolls made to look like opposing players and sacrificing live chickens on an altar. All in the hopes of holding the other team to less then 1 run.
CB
January 12th, 2012
2:51 pm
Matt, you are sick of Hanley Ramirez nonsense? Have you heard we traded Mark Teixeira?
N8
January 12th, 2012
2:51 pm
Efrim, I agree with you about shooting for the stars. But to an extent, the same thinking behind us not being big players in free agency, is behind not shooting for the stars in the draft. Signability.
Like I said. I’m not anti-Liberty Media. I’m anti bad contracts.
RC, agree with your 2:05. Well said.
If Heyward blows up into the star he was supposed to be, it might cost us 10 years of having him around. But the next 4 years will be great. Then again, if he doesn’t turn into the star….. why would we want him around that long?
And if he does explode and we can’t afford to lock him up, I hope in year 5 or 6 Wren flips him for some talent. Business is business.
But I’m willing to wait to see how it pans out before I start planning for a Heyward trade. LOL
Carroll Rogers
January 12th, 2012
2:51 pm
OK random….but….Barry Larkin was really good in his Hall-of-Fame teleconference on Monday. He told a couple of great anecdotes that I wanted to share….
No. 1….Larkin was asked about learning Spanish. Apparently he’s fluent. Larkin said coming up in Cincinnati and then with the Reds, he wanted to be able to do everything his idols Tony Perez and Davey Concepcion could do. “The only thing they could do I could not do was speak Spanish.” So he took classes and learned it living with Spanish-speaking teammates in the minors….Larkin said he used to speak Spanish at shortstop with Reds second baseman Mariano Duncan, a native of the Dominican. Larkin said runners would look back at him and go “you speak Spanish?” So Larkin said he told Duncan next time the runner looked back at him to give the pitcher the pickoff sign….Apparently they got a couple guys that way. Old school.
No. 2. …Larkin grew up in Cincy, a fan of Concepcion, and eventually replaced him at shortstop. He told the story of his first encounter with Concepcion, how Larkin met him when he was still a player at the Univ of Michigan and went to a Reds-Tigers game at the Old Tiger Stadium (musta been an exhibition) and how he went in the Reds clubhouse and Dave Parker grabbed him and took him over to Concepcion and said “This is the guy who’s going to replace you.” Not blinking an eye, Concepcion goes, “Let me see your hands.” “They were scuffed up, calluses everywhere,” Larkin tells it. ‘He said, ‘Nah he’s not taking my job, his hands are too hard.’”…..Course, when the time did come when Larkin was on the cusp of taking his job, Concepcion took him under his wing. Larkin said Concepcion taught him how to make that bounce throw to first, so he could use it on the turf at Riverfront. Then he also went out with him early on the road and taught him how to use the bounce throw on natural surfaces too. …..Pretty classy, huh?
Anyway, just thought I’d share.
ZWacky
January 12th, 2012
2:52 pm
Most teams utilize a modified moneyball approach these days. Some just much more effectively. (this being totally separate from scouting and the draft) DS1
not to pick on you specifically but most here confuse moneyball with stats and that is not the same thing at all necessarily. Most teams now use a modified stats approach, there really is no specific current moneyball approach, though deepening the pen might turn out to be one
keylargo
January 12th, 2012
2:53 pm
What if he struggles again this year and then pours it on in years 4-6 (his arbitration years)?
I sure wish this was his second year of club control. If he would have played the first month or so at Gwinnett in 2010, he would have had an extra year and be 5 years away from free agency.
Wes
January 12th, 2012
2:53 pm
Sign Prince. Trade Freddie for Adam Jones. Put Prado at 3rd
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
2:54 pm
I’m kinda hoping Heyward goes nuts this year and we sign him to a long term deal. Something like six years….
ZWacky
January 12th, 2012
2:55 pm
Freddie for Jones? What a laugh
DAP
January 12th, 2012
2:55 pm
we only ever hear about the Braves’ 1st round pick. what about the other picks? are they getting all college players? arent they getting some good athletes later in the draft and as part of international signings?
i do think that this year, we will see them restock in lower levels a little bit.
Lollygagger
January 12th, 2012
2:57 pm
Sign Prince. Trade Freddie for Adam Jones. Put Prado at 3rd.
Sounds good, Wes. All we need from you now is to write a $200 million check made payable to Prince Fielder and call a meeting with Chipper to tell him he is being benched and will be a pinch hitter from now on. I’m sure that’ll all go quite well for ya.
Ease
January 12th, 2012
2:57 pm
Awesome story Carroll…Thanks for sharing!
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
3:00 pm
Wren will have a better idea of how far he is willing to go with Bourn next winter after the seasons Freeman and Heyward have, I think.
MFin04
January 12th, 2012
3:00 pm
What is the deal with all the love from Adam Jones? Seriously…check the numbers.
RC
January 12th, 2012
3:01 pm
I sure wish this was his second year of club control. If he would have played the first month or so at Gwinnett in 2010, he would have had an extra year and be 5 years away from free agency.
The Braves also probably wouldn’t have made the playoffs in 2010 in that scenario. Even though the Braves only got 2 home games out of it, it was likely worth it.
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
3:03 pm
are they getting all college players? arent they getting some good athletes later in the draft and as part of international signings?
They took 2 high school players in the first 20 rounds this past year and signed one of them – Seth Moranda. It’s clearly a signability, cost savings strategy, imo. They’s been as active as they usually are on the international front – signing players from Panama – OF Iosif Bernal is one example. I’m okay spending less on the international front.
ZWacky
January 12th, 2012
3:04 pm
I remember a few posters here pushing for Heyward to stay in the minors a while and the rest of the blog crucified them. It would be nice to have another year of Jason as he matures and hopefully becomes a better player.
Chris from the Rock
January 12th, 2012
3:05 pm
Pastornicky’s on MLB radio right now.
Wes
January 12th, 2012
3:05 pm
Haha I just wanted to stir it up a little. I say we just get Freddie on Prince’s diet to put some weight on that frame
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 12th, 2012
3:05 pm
MFin04
‘What is the deal with all the love from Adam Jones? Seriously…check the numbers.”
Co-Sign! I’m asking the Same Thing! I guess thats how our Owners Roll and that is Cheap!
No To Slop Like
Seth Smith
Cody Ross
Adam Jones
Yes To Wilson Betemit
Matt
January 12th, 2012
3:06 pm
Of course I have heard of Teixeira and how we massacred our farm system for him in 2007,a move which has since helped the Rangers win 2 consecutive pennants.
No need to be snarky.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 12th, 2012
3:07 pm
I’m really suprised that we haven’t gone after Wilson Betemit or Jeff Francoeur…???
Carroll Rogers
January 12th, 2012
3:08 pm
Thanks Ease….Shoulda said “I interrupt this draft and trade talk to bring you….”
DAP, 18 of Braves’ top 19 picks last year were college kids. …just an FYI….Nick Ahmed, their second round pick, a shortstop from UConn, made a strong impression and was another reason why they felt so solid at the position – with Pastornicky, Simmons and Ahmed – that they should move Lipka to center field. ….Just figured I’d throw you some info not about a first rounder (smile).
ZWacky
January 12th, 2012
3:10 pm
I would hardly call it a massacre, Salty had done nothing, Elvis can’t hit worth a fig even in a great hitter’s park,Harrison is a middle of the order pitcher which we have plenty of. The only player that would be real nice to have back is Feliz and even there we have that pretty much covered too.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 12th, 2012
3:11 pm
Actually The Rangers Pitching and Home Grown Talent like Kinsler, M. Young (Traded from Toronto) Among others carried them to 2 Pennants not the package they recieved in the TEX trade
People on here Overrate the Package of Prospects that we sent to Texas in the Teixeira Deal
I Don’t get it…People on here act as If we Traded A-Fraud (A-Rod) to get Teixeira..Andrus is good but he isn’t a top SS in the game…and Nefali is a Good Starter/Closer but he isn’t The Eck
The Jason Schmidt and Jermaine Dye Trades were worse! Let it go people…The Tex Deal wasn’t that bad….
keylargo
January 12th, 2012
3:11 pm
The Braves also probably wouldn’t have made the playoffs in 2010 in that scenario. Even though the Braves only got 2 home games out of it, it was likely worth it.
Do you mean that the Braves could not have duplicated Jason’s first month performance? After a really strong start he only hit .240 with 26 K’s in 22 games in April. I feel like a month in Gwinnett would have made his transition easier. I would also trade a first round playoff loss for another year of Heyward at <$1M.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 12th, 2012
3:12 pm
ZWacky
“I would hardly call it a massacre, Salty had done nothing, Elvis can’t hit worth a fig even in a great hitter’s park,Harrison is a middle of the order pitcher which we have plenty of. The only player that would be real nice to have back is Feliz and even there we have that pretty much covered too.”
Co-Sign! You just better clarified my point…!
DAP
January 12th, 2012
3:15 pm
No To Slop Like
Seth Smith
Cody Ross
Adam Jones
Yes To Wilson Betemit
thats pretty funny, right there.
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
3:16 pm
Carroll, I’ve read good things about Ahmed, and that is one “high floor” pick that I agree with. At worst, from what I hear, he is a good utility player and perhaps at best, a slightly above average 2nd baseman. I know he is playing SS now, but I read that he may have to move over. Anyway…as of right now, I think the Braves strength is their middle infield and starting pitching at the upper levels.
DAP
January 12th, 2012
3:17 pm
thanks carroll. yeah, thats alot of college picks.
MFin04
January 12th, 2012
3:17 pm
I’m fine with Cody Ross…you don’t have to give anything up and he plays all 3 outfield positions, is a winner, and a veteran.
Carroll Rogers
January 12th, 2012
3:19 pm
What did Pastornicky have to say Chris from the Rock?
Patio Daddio
January 12th, 2012
3:19 pm
Great fantastic interview. Pastornicky said his nickname is The Rev
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
3:19 pm
Oh, and relief prospects throughout the minors – since we took about 8 of em in the first 15 rounds……..
jim
January 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
From previous blog — Is there anyone in the Red Sox organization we would want in a trade for JJ?
Doubt if JJ would be enough to get him but they have a 3B with one year of minor league experience who I would like to see in the Braves organization — (sp?) Cecchina — He lasted into the 3rd round of the 2010 draft and signed for well over 3rd round money. Only downside seems to be injury prone.
DS1
January 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
MFin04
I heard a rumor that Cody Ross heard that you and I were fans of the Braves, and that he wasn’t “fine” with us. So he’s decided to go elsewhere…………..
ZWacky
January 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
I would be ok with Ross too, I just wonder if the fact that we have Diaz isn’t working against us signing him in some perverse way
DS1
January 12th, 2012
3:21 pm
……… I like Ross too.
DS1
January 12th, 2012
3:23 pm
Question for you smart guys on the blog: Why couldn’t Cody Ross be a backup for our infielders too?
RC
January 12th, 2012
3:23 pm
Keith Law is chatting right now on ESPN. He said that he won’t discuss the job he turned down with Houston out of respect for the Astros organization. He then followed by saying he still hates the Atlanta Braves.
keylargo
January 12th, 2012
3:23 pm
I remember a few posters here pushing for Heyward to stay in the minors a while and the rest of the blog crucified them. ZWacky
Well, ZW, I was one of the ones who was taking the crap even back then. Tommy Hanson made his MLB debut in June of 09 and guess what? He’s in his third year of club control exactly like Jason is who made his debut in April of 2010.
Here’s another note for those of you who need contract information -
Cot’s has officially moved to Baseball Prospectus; a lot more information is promised and you can read all the details here.
RC
January 12th, 2012
3:23 pm
Question for you smart guys on the blog: Why couldn’t Cody Ross be a backup for our infielders too?
Because Cody Ross doesn’t play any infield positions?
Efrim
January 12th, 2012
3:24 pm
Jason (Birmingham MI)
Keith, do you think that Jacob Turner for 2 yrs of Matt Garza would be a wild overpay for the Tigers?
Klaw (3:21 PM)
No. But adding Castellanos (which I don’t think is going to happen at all) to Turner would be.
Carroll Rogers
January 12th, 2012
3:24 pm
Cool, thanks Patio Daddio….Only have XM in the car and didn’t run out to listen. Wondering if they do podcasts…
DS1
January 12th, 2012
3:24 pm
My Jazz almost pulled on out against the Lakers last night. Their big man blocked a layup that would have given us the lead with 1.5 seconds left.
Patio Daddio
January 12th, 2012
3:25 pm
The Rev said when fans knock his defense bring it on because it fuels him to prove fans wrong. Said he is working hard to improve this offseason and will bring it for Spring Training. Awesome interview I am pumped for him
Jim Bowden is giving the Braves current team roster some real real love. He is a real fan of the Braves current team. Sees a 4 team race in the division. He is talking about the team like he owns them. Said they are a better team than fans credit them
jim
January 12th, 2012
3:26 pm
Didn’t the Jason Schmidt trade bring back Denny Nagle — who had three big years including a 20-win season? Schmidt took several more years to develop into a top pitcher (after he left Pitt.)
DS1
January 12th, 2012
3:26 pm
RC
You are correct, but that’s not the answer I was looking for. Why?
ZWacky
January 12th, 2012
3:27 pm
Is that a trick question, DS1?
Like he will be backing up the infielders on and singles that get thru?
DS1
January 12th, 2012
3:28 pm
ZWacky
Yes and no.
jeffrey d (The Lion King)
January 12th, 2012
3:31 pm
Could you just tell us?
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 12th, 2012
3:32 pm
@Jim
Denny Neagle was traded to Cincinnati prior to 1999 for John Hudek and some other Slop…
DS1
January 12th, 2012
3:33 pm
Because he’s one of those rare players who throws lefthanded, and bats righty.
Haven’t seen any lefty throwing infielders (except for 1B) since high school.
Patio Daddio
January 12th, 2012
3:33 pm
Pastor said he currently is #28 but would prefer a single digit number and Bowden told him to call now and request single digit if there is one available
jeffrey d (The Lion King)
January 12th, 2012
3:35 pm
Oh, I thought it was going to be a joke
DS1
January 12th, 2012
3:37 pm
Top 10 lefty throwing, righty hitting non pitchers of all time.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/bats-right-throws-left-the-best-players-in-major-league-history/
brian
January 12th, 2012
3:38 pm
I don’t mind the Braves taking a college player or the high school player if they feel he is the best player on the board. I do not like drafting simply because he is the best player that is an easy sign. Of course you don’t draft somebody like van popple with those demands but you also don’t settle for a low ceiling guy either.
We have to have some high floor/low ceiling guys drafter along with the high ceiling guys. Have to have both to be successful.
It is hard just to go and sign a #4 starter as some have suggested. Most get way more than a 1 year contract and multiple millions per year. Much better to draft/develop your own. The braves must, though, draft and develop high ceiling players or trade from depth to acquire those prospects to be an elite team
Lollygagger
January 12th, 2012
3:40 pm
to people doubting Pastornicky before he even has a chance: Andrus made 25 errors last season and had an OPS+ of 87- so it ain’t like we’d have a gold glover or silver slugger out there if we had kept him. Alex Gonzalez had 27 errors in his first full season in majors, so I expect “The Rev” to probably have a high number of errors this year. Doesn’t mean he’ll be a horrible SS for life. Give him his shot.