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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,655 comments Add your comment
Ward
March 4th, 2012
12:15 am
Tom- How’s it going?
Couch Tater
March 4th, 2012
12:21 am
Prior to 2009, I figured McCann would do the hometown discount thing. He found out how fickle the fans can be and the business side of baseball, when his friend was traded. It might be just maturity, but since then Mac has seemed a little more reserved in his comments and has used more baseball cliches.
…or maybe, I just listened more carefully.
From a fickle fan standpoint, I’d hate to see him go. From a business standpoint, I think he should explore every opportunity for what will probably be his best contract.
Soph
March 4th, 2012
12:22 am
I am waiting for Soph to come and laugh at me…
I would VJ but I’m such a bad fan. I wasn’t able to watch the game and I didn’t DVR it because my teams always lose when I DVR them. Besides, I foresee some sort of re-match in the ACC tourney next week so can’t celebrate for long.
Ward
March 4th, 2012
12:25 am
Couch Tater- I hate to see Mac,go too,but we need to let all players explore the Free Agency Market. If Braves can’t sign him great,but if they can’t than we just have to go with what we have.Let’s hope Mac,wants to stay a Brave,and will work out something?
Ward
March 4th, 2012
12:27 am
Meant to say if Braves can sign him great.I seriously hope they can,and he can stay a Brave. He ’s ranked the 4th best catcher in Baseball.
Ward
March 4th, 2012
12:29 am
Would also like the Braves to take their time with Bethancourt,and Gattis.Let them develope into a the players they can be,but Mac could change all that too?
Ward
March 4th, 2012
12:33 am
Is there a way Braves can sign both Bourn,and Mac? Pray that there is……
Ward
March 4th, 2012
12:37 am
I bet some who make fun of Mac,are the one’s who are fat? Hm……….A little humor……
Ward
March 4th, 2012
12:46 am
This sucks! I could be the only one that is real on the bog!That would be funny…..
Ward
March 4th, 2012
12:51 am
Talk tomorrow…….Just thought I would throw a few jokes…….Peace My Friends……..Tornado victims stay safe out there,and take care of your selves.All be cool……”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”.
Blog Monitor
March 4th, 2012
1:38 am
Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young
In a world of magnets and miracles
Our thoughts strayed constantly and without boundary
The ringing of the division bell had begun
Along the long road and on down to the causeway
Do they still MEET there by the cut
There was a ragged band that followed in our footsteps
Running before time took our dreams away
Leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us to the ground
To a life consumed by slow decay
The grass was greener
The light was brighter
With friends surrounded
The nights of wonder
Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us
To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side
Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again
Dragged by the force of some inner tide
At a higher altitude with flag unfurled
We reached the dizzy heights OF that dreamed of world
Encumbered forever by desire and ambition
There’s a hunger still unsatisfied
Our weary eyes still stray to the horizon
Though down this road we’ve been so many times
The grass was greener
The light was brighter
The taste was sweeter
The nights of wonder
With friends surrounded
The dawn mist glowing
The water flowing
The endless river
Forever and ever
captguitarman
March 4th, 2012
1:54 am
Yeah, but the Cardinals won the division and the NLCS, and McCann was integral (along with others – but he was the main key) to the Braves melt down last year. Just thought I would mention that even though you are right in your over all assumption that unlike in business, where you have to produce all the time (obviously, I am talking about CEO’s or top, senior management here), MLB teams are willing to pay just for the promise, just for the potential of future performance – just one more time, of course. And if it happens agains . . . well. Last years melt down by all rights should put him into a position of having to prove himself again with the Braves, but the reality is that others will pay through the nose based upon only the potential, the promise. That may be a window into why things are so totally out of whack in this country.
ncgary
March 4th, 2012
6:28 am
one for the money
two for the show
three to get ready
and four to go
ncgary
March 4th, 2012
6:29 am
how bout them hootenannies
ncgary
March 4th, 2012
6:34 am
ONE FOR THE MONEY
The Hootenanny Singers & The Highway Men
One for the money
Two for the show
Three to get ready
And four to go.
I have travelled all over this land
And one sad thing I do find:
When the wide road calls
You must leave friends and all,
Leaving a song behind
For a while,
Leaving a song behind.
One for the money– sing for a penny
Two for the show– any song that I know
Three to get ready– wide road is pretty
And four to go
And four to go.
Some value money
And some value fame
Some value women and wine;
But a song and a friend
‘Round each turn of the bend
Are riches I’d rather were mine
Anytime,
Riches I’d rather were mine.
One for the money
Two for the show
Three to get ready
And four to go.
Now I am gone
May my wish linger on,
Its echo fall soft on your ear.
May your riches increase
May you all live in peace
And happiness grow every year
My friend,
Happiness grow every year.
One for the money– sing for a penny
Two for the show– any song that I know
Three to get ready– wide road is pretty
And four to go,
It’s been good to know you;
And four to go:
A long, long way to go.
ncgary
March 4th, 2012
6:36 am
if the mayans were right
and this was the final season
would any of us really be ready
and four to go
Chipper's ACL
March 4th, 2012
6:42 am
Letting McCann go either by free agency or trade, which would be the smarter move, is the only possible answer. No debate. This is a baseball move, not a fan motivated decision. A local hero? Yes. Active in the community? Sure. Did the team not depart with Murphy, Niekro, Glavine, Maddux, and Smotlz who also could have the same things said about them? A four for one swap next year would be wise. I’m sure top prospects could be had without much debate. It’s just a matter of time before a massive roster change must be conducted. The young pitchers must be given the chance to prove their consistant major league players. Just a matter of time.
Spring Training Links – 3/4/2012 - Goodsportsart Blog = Baseball news and commentary
March 4th, 2012
6:57 am
[...] On Grapefruit opener, McCann’s next deal, and more [...]
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:00 am
hard to believe there are so many Mac haters for a guy who has been an all star practically from day one. some folks are sure desperate for something to hate about
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:14 am
you are judging players by their listed weights? like Chipper who hasn’t seen 210 in 15+ years? I’ve seen all those guys you mentioned in person and they were all overweight.
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:20 am
these guys ain’t athletes, they is baseball players. little jiggly don’t hurt nuthin’
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:21 am
to pad or not to pad, that is the question…..
Couch Tater
March 4th, 2012
7:30 am
Derange isn’t working. Out of whackers. No soup. No whying in baseball.
The Grim Game – Harry Houdini (1919)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAUXqSfi7Es&feature=related
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:32 am
mornin’ Tater, the original and one and only couch king….
David O'Brien
March 4th, 2012
7:34 am
Stormy and really windy this morning at Dark Star. Winds were howling and rain pelton against this 10th-floor condo at 5:30 a.m.
Hopefully this stuff blows through this morning and we’ll have some ‘ball at 1 p.m. down the road at Lakeland.
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:35 am
yeah lotsa wind and rain down here in SW Fla too this am
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:37 am
s’posedly 50% chance of rain on and off all day down here…..
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:42 am
ok, y’all be that way…………
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:51 am
Mutts caint catch a break, Ike Davis with valley fever now. wonder which valley he’s been hangin’ around in. prolly onea them out in Kalifornia
Brava
March 4th, 2012
7:56 am
Good morning, nolie. I heard about Davis. Almost makes me feel bad for the Mets. Almost.
Couch Tater
March 4th, 2012
7:57 am
Good morning or good night, nolie.
nolie
March 4th, 2012
7:58 am
yeah more like good night in my case Tater.
Hi Brava
Couch Tater
March 4th, 2012
8:08 am
I don’t see how you sleep on that yacht during the day. I would wake a lot.
nolie
March 4th, 2012
8:08 am
see you fine folks later, I is finally tired enuff to sleep I hope…
Brava
March 4th, 2012
8:10 am
Sleep well, nolie.
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
8:19 am
OF course Chipper and Mc Cann will be replaced in their due time but what do you replace them with.
Teams like the NYY and Philly keep the players they really need around through their prime yrs. Texas is one of those teams like that, and the Braves used to be run that way.
Corporate ownership has done nothing but screw the fans. And they wonder why we do not want to go to the games for a second rate product that will not keep their better players.
Before long this will be a bottom five payroll and I am not paying for a AAA product.
Hey, they are the ones who did what they did in September, not me. The Braves of 2011 proved to be losers.
Lemke's Knuckler
March 4th, 2012
8:45 am
The Braves should have a chance to sign McCann to an extension next offseason. By then, the Molina deal will be in the rearview mirror as the “bad deal” that it is and hopefully won’t have much impact on McCann’s contract talk.
McCann’s my favorite player, but honestly in this day and age it’s getting more and more rare to see players stay with one team through multiple contracts. If he leaves after 2013, then I’ll pull for him wherever he goes and hope the Braves have a suitable replacement ready to go. This is the nature of fandom.
Lew
March 4th, 2012
8:48 am
Wow – Been a fan since 1968 have you (so have I and watched as many if not more games myself)? And you still haven’t learned that Spring Exhibition games don’t count and because of this aren’t worth bitching about?
Lemke's Knuckler
March 4th, 2012
8:53 am
Disgusted…”Corporate ownership has done nothing but screw the fans. And they wonder why we do not want to go to the games for a second rate product that will not keep their better players.”
Attendance started dropping long before the Braves became a middle-of-the-pack team in payroll. I’m not going to get into the chicken-egg argument, you say you’ll start going to the games when they put a better product on the field, I say people should go to the games and increase the revenues so they can bring a few more free agents to town. There’s no right answer.
Teams signing new TV deals over the next few years will be the big spenders, irregardless of who their ownership is. Braves can’t get one for the next decade, so quit complaining. Honestly, I’m fine with you not attending games. You sound like the Randy Quaid character from Major League, always doom and gloom, complaining about everything, blaming everyone but yourself for your miserable life.
IVAN ...
March 4th, 2012
8:54 am
How bout ya Lew…….
Lew
March 4th, 2012
9:03 am
IVAN – How are you? Going fishing today?
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
9:10 am
Actually Lemke’s knuckler, I do go to some games. If only for the purpose of watching the MLB product because I can enjoy the play of the other teams.
Quit complaining–People who quit complaining are candidates for dictatorships and bad deals.
I do not like the long term future of this team because of the business model they are run by. If you call that complaining so be it—and if you are happy with Liberty Media than that is your right.
The attendance started to drop in 2001. It has stayed in that 2.3 to 2.7 million range Ironicallly it was around that time that Ted lost his boardroom battle with Time Warner in Court.
The first round playoff exits did not help & the payroll began to get cut after the 2003 season. .
The fan base except for some apologists are mad as H about September, more than the National media thinks. The medis sucks up to this team (specifically the local talk shows) but the fans owe this bunch nothing.
ZWacky
March 4th, 2012
9:16 am
so why root for a team that makes you so angry all the time?
Lew
March 4th, 2012
9:17 am
Disgusted just can’t seem to understand that we have no say in who owns the Braves or how much they spend.
If it’s not satisfactory to you, then divorce yourself from what irks you.Just go away and find something (other than bitching, pissing and moaning about what you can’t change) that makes you happy. Obviously, the Braves, their play and their ownership[ don’t.
Unless, of course, you’re a blatant masochist and not just a total jerk.
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
9:20 am
GFY Lew. Just to let it be known that YOU have zero say in what I can or want to post here.
As the great Andrew Brietbart said to a group of lefties this past winter; GO TO HELL.
Lew
March 4th, 2012
9:21 am
Ther ahole responds.
Lew
March 4th, 2012
9:22 am
Like I said – total jerk. But, then again, we already knew that, didn’t we LOu/Earl/Dentz/Name Your Own Malcontented Fool?
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
9:22 am
Actually, Time Warner screwed us worse than LM because it was them who got the Braves in that lousy TV deal anyway.
Lew
March 4th, 2012
9:23 am
Then you should have left years ago when TW screwed you over.
Rob from SC
March 4th, 2012
9:23 am
Not concerned with the lack of pitches seen… ST is more about getting your timing down.
richbrave
March 4th, 2012
9:24 am
LEW:
Are you going south for ST? Or are you alreadt there?
richbrave
March 4th, 2012
9:26 am
George
ZWacky
March 4th, 2012
9:27 am
all I know is if I were as miserable about the Braves as some bloggers, I’d do what I could about it, which is really only finding another team.
We all get disappointed at times, but it is a game designed for enjoyment, not to rule your like and make you so bitter that you have to come up with a screen name like Disgusted
Not insulting anybody but it just doesn’t make much sense to me
JoeBrave
March 4th, 2012
9:30 am
Ho-Hum. waiting to be impressed.
Lew
March 4th, 2012
9:30 am
richbrave – Not this year. Just don’t have the resources after my son’s illness – plus I’m in the middle of another group of eye procedures (which is why you and Murph haven’t received your Wurlitzers though you’ve both shown remarkable patience). Maybe next year on the ST – sooner on the artwork.
ZWacky
March 4th, 2012
9:35 am
Sorry to learn about your eye problems again Lew.
I hope all goes as well as possible.
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
9:39 am
Zwackey—As frustrated as I am about the Braves its still the local team, I could find another team to root for but it would not be the same.
I just want them to be better and different kind of ownership at the top. As for the ownershio issue, it will happen in time, when you never know.
There are other posters who feel the same was I do.
Its sort of like the Thrashers–I still watch the game, I tried to latch on to Nashville but its not the same.
I can appreciate what the Cardinals did in the post season, but I cannot be a Cards fan. I admire what the Nats and Marlins did this off season and if they succeed, more power to them, but I cannot be a fan of those teams.
Being a fan is not all about sunny side up and rose colored glasses. The Braves have alot to prove to themselves after the September collapse. How they respond we will see.
And I do not worry about early ST games–I do hope they come North healthy, that is the main thing.
ZWacky
March 4th, 2012
9:45 am
Being a fan is not all about sunny side up and rose colored glasses…Disgusted
That is true, but in my opinion it should grade out to an overall positive experience or why bother?
Ray
March 4th, 2012
9:49 am
Disgusted, I agree with you. well said. The main purpose is to see for some to win spots on the team. The main players, its all about staying healthy and sharpening their game for the regular season. The Marlins, had to make a big splash with FA because of the new stadium and to make sure fans were going to show up. Already they may have a problem, Annibel shoulder discomfort.
CB
March 4th, 2012
9:55 am
Zwacky, 100% correct. We all have moments of discouragment but why be a fan if not enjoyable?
Tomahawkin (Mr Boombastic!)
March 4th, 2012
9:57 am
Blog Fight Already at 10 In The Morning…? Too many Ouch’s to throw out. Lets Get Ready To Rumble!
It might be off the chain Times 2 on here this season…
A lot of fans are Still P’d abt the Epic Fail of Last year and knowing the fact that we won’;t sign either The Bourne Identity or B-Macc is a Kick to the Balls from the ownership at the fans expense…
L. Media is abt as worst as the Spirit Group
Ray
March 4th, 2012
9:59 am
Let me clarify, well said on your 9:39 post. Zwacky, some of the posters on here, they will just spew out things just to stir things up, which I get. Some are frustrated because they feel the Braves could be operated better. How horrible Liberty Media is at ownership, how if we have a single local owner that would mean automatically that owner would increase payroll. It could also mean that owner could cut payroll drastically. Others are just miserable. And for that aspect I agree with you, why not separate yourself. Go root for the top 5 teams favored to win the WS, then when “their” team wins it all, they can tell everyone that they have been a life long fan until the following season when a different team wins it.
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:00 am
Good morning everyone.
The Braves have a very solid shot at keeping McCann long term. But the kicker is it’s hard investing so much into a catcher where most of the contract will take place on the wrong side of 30. Being a hometown kid and wanting to stay he will give the Braves every opportunity to work something out. But a discount is only but so much. Let’s just be happy that we have McCann for 2 more season’s and go from there. The Braves could give McCann the huge contact he deserves and then all the one’s complaining about how cheap the Braves are will still complain about the contract and how it hurts the team going forward.
Lew
March 4th, 2012
10:00 am
ZWackey – Thanks – It’s a recurring situation that will be with me all my life, unfortunately. Thankfully, it just shuts me down for short periods of time and I can still paint. At lewast it’s only one eye that has the issues.
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
10:01 am
Ray—If the Marlins pitching does not hold up they could be the 4th place team and it could blow up in their face. Annibel is an important piece and of course their JJ (Johnson)’s comeback is a MUST.
The N.L. East is interesting just like the Central. I don;t care what anyone says, STL will miss Albert even if Wainwright bounces back. And they sort of caught lightning in a bottle late, they were on their way to a sub pay yr until they caught wildfire late. Guys like Jon Jay, Friese and Craig are servicable but not outstanding players. I like the Reds in that division. The Brew will miss Prince too.
And who says that Philly might not get old in a hurry? The pitching is standout, but age can catch up there.
I like the Nats as the dark horsse team. And if luck comes our way–and we ATL fans deserve it, yes, the Braves could be there but we have been down that road of disappointment before so pessimisim is the best courst if you are an ATL fan of anything.
In spite of the Fish being a rival I do not want serious injury to anyone.
Tomahawkin (Mr Boombastic!)
March 4th, 2012
10:01 am
Rob from SC
“Not concerned with the lack of pitches seen… ST is more about getting your timing down.”
Co-Sign…There are people who take way too much into what comes out of the S. Training wins and losses….
I remember A. Jones used to clown all the time in S. Training but would start slow in the reg. season. so I take no credibility in the S. Training schedule, other than it is a week to 10 days too long
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:04 am
Disgusted
I really think we can easily be the best team in this division. The only reason the Phillies are ahead of us is cause of Halladay, Lee, and Hamels. Our rotation is still damn good, I think we can out-hit them and we have the best bullpen in baseball.
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
10:04 am
Va Braves fan—If it turns out that they cannot keep Mc Cann and negotiations sour around mid 2013 what would you raather do—
Keep him and let him walk for draft picks or take a desparation trade at the deadling and get a Kotchman/Marek type of return like they got in the second Texiera deal.
I would take the picks. Not journeyman junk.
I have called LM cheap but I have never complained about the Chipper extension who is still pretty doggone good. He was real good last yr.
Tomahawkin (Mr Boombastic!)
March 4th, 2012
10:06 am
@Disgusted
The Braves have the benefit of having a Cake schedule in April…They better take advantage of that and no leave their bats in Florida like they have the last 2 years, because our interleague schedule is Brutal
And I give Props for B-Macc Taking accountability for the Collapse, Thats what a leader does, I’m not knocking Chipper but he seemed to be reluctant in speaking out and taking a leader role after Justice and Brian Jordan and Smoltz left
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
10:07 am
Va Braves–Okay, your optomision is nice but pls don’t jinx us. Just kiddling sort of.
Hey, I am still one who is angry about the Thrashers exit and coupled with the Braves in September, being a sports fan in ATL has been the most heartbreaking sports city, maybe not the worst teams but most heartbreaking.
Ray
March 4th, 2012
10:07 am
Disgusted, I get the disappointment of the sept collapse. I assure you it was a lot worse for every player in that locker room than it was for any fan during that time. Does that make it better for the fans? No. Now the difference is, right now it is better for every player than any fan because they can do something about it themselves. And you are right about this division. IMO the 2 toughest divisions are both East Divisions.
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:09 am
I really think if the Braves are contenders the next 2 season’s Brian McCann isn’t going anywhere. You just can’t trade a player like him. We can win a world series and that can change the payroll a ton. Were gonna be paying McCann only 12 million in 2013 so we have to be happy about that. Play the 2 season’s see how the market plays out. Braves should make a solid offer that fair for both sides. I love McCann but we can’t dish out a huge huge contract to keep him like the Twins did with Mauer.
Ray
March 4th, 2012
10:09 am
I much rather be in Atlanta than in Cleveland, KC, Pittsburgh, NY and be a Jets and Mets fan. Give me Atlanta all day long and there is a strong chance that the Braves will be a contender for some time.
Tomahawkin (Mr Boombastic!)
March 4th, 2012
10:12 am
I’m Callin It Now…
Take it to Vegas People, That Both Wildcards come out of the Dirty East….
David O'Brien
March 4th, 2012
10:12 am
Skies cleared about halfway to Lakeland (note the strange dome on right, which I’ve never quite figured out all these years of covering spring training in Florida; there are two of them side-by-side).
http://twitpic.com/8ry10z
And now we’re at my favorite ballpark in Florida (since Dodgertown is still dark)
http://twitpic.com/8ry6pn
Tigers taking infield, Braves will be on field shortly
http://twitpic.com/8ryh2c
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
10:14 am
Tomahawkin–Right you are on Mc Cann who was hurt down the stretch.
It does seem to a man that most of the guys are taking ownerhship of September and that is better than what you read about Boston where crybaby Josh Beckett is boo hooing about clubhouse “snitches” Some guys there are taking ownerhsip others are not and they made changes, though some of them strange.
Truth is that the Atlanta fans are just as angry as the Boston fans about September, the Boston thing is more played out in the national media.
I do like the attitude of the players and I have always liked the players on the team & not a Freddie G. or Frank Wren hater.
Its been ownership I have hated and that goes for both TW’s tenure as well as liberty.
I don’t know what Bourne will get in the off season but I do not want him moved at the deadline for junk. Would just assume take back pickes for him.
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:15 am
Brian McCann would bring back more than what Texiera did. Most of the contenders didn’t need help at 1st base or DH that season. McCann is a upgrade for most of the teams in baseball. When looking at the big spenders and top teams he’s a big upgrade. Confusing scenario to be talking about.
David O'Brien
March 4th, 2012
10:15 am
Check out the photo gallery you can click through with this story on the Marlins’ new ballpark. Gotta say, the place looks terrific.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/04/2673613/fanfest-offers-miami-marlins-faithful.html
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:23 am
If were a good amount of games back near the deadline the Braves should trade players who have value for prospects and future salary relief.
Bad News For Fans
March 4th, 2012
10:24 am
I really don’t choose a side when it comes to a cheap owner or fans that don’t support the team with their attendance, but somewhere in that debate you have to ask whether or not players with contracts for players climbing above the $15 to $20 Million a year might have to be discussed.
Guess who keeps getting the bad end of the deal no matter what?
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:26 am
With Michael Bourn the Braves would have to offer a 1 year 12.5 million deal, and then he’d have to reject that for us to be able to get the 2 draft picks.
Tomahawkin (Mr Boombastic!)
March 4th, 2012
10:27 am
@Disgusted
As hard as B-Macc Was on himself…Lowe and Fredi G should’ve been more accountable…
I still cant believe Lowe lost 17 games…That was the highest total for a Braves Pitcher since 1989 or 1990 I think?
Tomahawkin (Mr Boombastic!)
March 4th, 2012
10:30 am
@D.O.B.
After seeing the New Red Sox Mini Fenway…you might change your opinion abt the best S. Training ballpark…?
tiger297
March 4th, 2012
10:30 am
DOB – they are http://abcdomes.com/domelocation/lakeland-florida
looks like business continuity protection
Atlanta Sports Teams Suck
March 4th, 2012
10:34 am
Sorry, unless we’re allowed a payroll of $200 million like the big boys (NY, Bos) we can’t sink $20 mill/yr on a catcher. By 2014, McCann will have passed his prime and probably not be able to play catcher everyday. Do you really want a repeat of the Chipper Jones years of his last contract??
Now, if Mark Cuban buys the team and sinks mega $$$$ into the franchise, please sign him….but that’s not going to happen. I love B-Mac but you can’t sink 20-25% of your payroll on one player
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:35 am
Since were talking about the future and payroll and such here ya go.
Money Coming off the Books Around 24 million (Good chance more with Chipper making less than 13 mil in 2013)
Lowe 10 mil, Bourn 6.8 mil, Diaz 2 mil, Ross 1.6 mil, Hinske 1.5 mil, Wilson 1 mil, Moylan 1 mil.
Possible Money Coming off
Chipper 13 mil (Retirement or Option)
Hudson 9 mil (Possible Buyout with so much depth)
McCann 12 mil option (Possible new contract could change this number)
Players due for Raises Estimations (Could be non tendered or traded)
Jurrjens 8 mil, Prado 7 mil, EOF 4 mil, Plus a handful of younger guys getting Arb 1.
Atlanta Sports Teams Suck
March 4th, 2012
10:37 am
If the Braves were smart, talk to B-Mac, sign him to a longterm deal that they can’t afford, and trade him to a team that wants him bad (with B-Mac’s permission) and get something real in return for him
NativebIrd
March 4th, 2012
10:40 am
If Braves (aka liberty media or whoever is their tight pocketed don’t know a darn thing about baseball ownership) do not sign this guy….this guy? I am done. This 40-year Braves fan will be done. Period. I have just about had enough with these dung heads. I hope they prove me wrong.
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
10:40 am
“With Michael Bourn the Braves would have to offer a 1 year 12.5 million deal, and then he’d have to reject that for us to be able to get the 2 draft picks”
VA Braves–I would like to see them do that for one yr. He is still in his prime. Hey, what do you replace him with, major league caliber CF’s who are above average in a number of areas are not so easily replacable.
And prospects, well, look what Jordan Schafer was supposed to be and the rest of history. He is a AAAA player with an HGH and pot history. .
Ray
March 4th, 2012
10:42 am
Toma, There is no reason for Lowe to make any comment about Sept or last year as a whole. He is no longer part of the team,,, thank goodness. He is in Atlanta. Vabrave, it will be interesting to see what the Braves do with McCann. I am glad they have some time on that decision. Catchers once they start to go, they go quick, its the nature of the position. Does it change things a bit knowing that there will be more inter-league play games and more availability for a DH? Maybe reverse the B Mac contract, front end heavy with it tailing off on the back end.
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
10:44 am
I might not want to see Mc Cann gat a 5 yr deal but a 3 or 4 yr deal makes sense at his age.
As a fan, and do not really care about the business side–I do not want to lose an outstanding player. No fan does. And this ownership is rone of the richest companies in America–I do not cry tears for any corporation.
Don’t forget that Molina is a heck of a player–he is better than B Mac at throwing runners out. And that is not a knock on Mc Cann but Molina is a tad better defensively and is a good offensive C.
Busch Leaguer
March 4th, 2012
10:45 am
I hope Fredo remembers how spent B-Mac was in the Braves 2011 September swoon. The Braves have the best back-up catcher in the majors David Ross ,so use him. I remember how Cox assigned his back up catcher to one of the pitchers in the rotation. Remember how Eddie Perez always caught when Maddox pitched . Fredo should pick a starter for Ross to catch every time through the rotation. Fredo needs to show some leadership and make sure B-mac gets a regular day off. It will keep him from having another terrible September.
Disgusted
March 4th, 2012
10:47 am
“I love B-Mac but you can’t sink 20-25% of your payroll on one player”
ATL SPORTS TEAMS SUCK–Before long, a 125 million payroll will be a middle of the pack payroll. Maybe in about 5 yrs time.
Where are the Braves headed, the bottom five?
Samantha
March 4th, 2012
10:49 am
Hi Everyone.
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:52 am
Disgusted
I would look for the Braves t try and trade for our next Centerfielder. If Michael Bourn is too expensive that means BJ Upton and Shane Victorino are too. We could have a possible 40 million before raises to spend as well.
Hudson has the 9 million option, but as we know we loaded with pitching. If all these young guys prove there good enough to pitch at the big league level we really have to think about saying good bye to Hudson or possibly trade Jurrjens. I believe one or the other will be gone. We gonna save around 7 to 8 million by getting rid of 1.
Chipper has the vesting option which will range in between 9-13 million. Good chances if he does vest it will be 9 or 10 million. So even if Chipper does come back were looking at a solid 3 million in savings.
Ray
March 4th, 2012
10:55 am
Victorino is claiming that it is more important to him to stay in philly than get his 5 yrs etc. We will see if he hits free agency if he still feels that way.
Busch Leaguer
March 4th, 2012
10:55 am
If the National League ever joins the 21st Century and adopts the DH ,McCann will be even more valuable. The powers that be in the NL must realize that the veteran talent they continue to lose to the AL every year “Pujols and Fielder” is bad for business. With realignment set for 2013 it would be the perfect time to put the DH in the NL. Before all the so called baseball purists jump my case ,I would rather see the DH go away in both leagues ,but the MLBPA will never agree to that. So accept the reality that to stop the exodus of quality veteran players it is time for the DH in the NL.
Ray
March 4th, 2012
10:56 am
Did I read correctly that today’s lineup in Lakeland is going to be mainly the young kids? Pastor is making the trip. I don’t think B Mac, Chipper etc are not.
VaBravesFan
March 4th, 2012
10:57 am
Busch
Good Point, Its possible they could change it too.
Jeff R
March 4th, 2012
10:57 am
“…unless McCann wants to take a steep hometown discount, he’s now going to get a lot more than $15 million per season. At least I think he will. Yadier Molina and the Cardinals just made sure of that.”
– DOB
If I’m Wren, I wouldn’t re-up McCann long term for the sort of money he might command when McCann sits down to negotiate a new deal. Of course, that’s not to say that McCann isn’t a talented player, nor that he hasn’t made solid contributions to the Braves. Yes, McCann is a fan favorite, and so on…
The reasons for not re-upping McCann: 1) budget, which the Braves are limited by and will be unless there’s new ownership with deeper pockets. 2) McCann’s broken down the last two seasons. Is this a fluke or a trend? 3) Does Wren want to chance a long term contract on a catcher on the cusp of thirty?
Whatever the science of conditioning, etc., is these days, catchers are still apt to wear our or breakdown as they move into their thirties. There’s no DH in the NL (thank goodness) for McCann to be slotted in if his knees/legs go. He’s not going to displace Freeman, and he sure isn’t going to go play third (I doubt McCann would have the defensive skills or range for the job, anyway.
Sometimes teams need to make unpopular personnel decisions for the overall benefit of the club. I think McCann might be one of those decisions.