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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,420 comments Add your comment
Disgusted
June 1st, 2012
10:14 am
By Jeter’s third in the system he got better. This is Salcedo’s third yr. Time for progress.
By the time Jeter was 21 going on 22 he was a starting SS on a WS champ team and I think he did make the ASG his first yr. Was he not ROY in 96???
Duke
June 1st, 2012
10:15 am
Disgusted, why would you want a outfielder who can’t stay healthy? Not saying Lorenzo Cain won’t ever be healthy, but so far it is not looking good. Valdosta boy though! So here is to future success for him.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:16 am
Braves may focus on offense early in Draft by Mark Bowman
…The Braves have set themselves up to have depth in the starting pitching department for a few more years. But with Chipper Jones retiring and Brian McCann potentially entering the free-agent market after 2013, there is a need to begin producing depth at third base and catcher. Christian Bethancourt stands as the catcher of the future…
Hey, hey, HOLD it!! Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch!…Or before they become free agents and/or play at AAA……
Sheesh…some folks are way too ready to show BMac the door…
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
10:16 am
I think the most likely person to man 3B next year is Martin Prado. I don’t think there’s any chance at all it’s someone currently in the Braves minor league system. I think the Braves will obtain either a starting LF or 3B this off-season.
Disgusted
June 1st, 2012
10:18 am
@Duke–I really do not want Cain, but just thrwe out a couple of probable name that they might could go for if they choose to not sign Bourn and go on the cheap.
Who I really want in CF for ‘13 and beyone is Bourn.
I do wish Cain well, but at 26, if he is not establlished now, when is he? I would take him over Byrd if the braves let Bu=ourn go.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
10:18 am
raleighbraves – Well, that is likely debateable, but I’ve got my walls covered.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
10:19 am
Disgusted
And as we all know EVERY player progresses through the minors at the same pace. He’s 20 I don’t care if it takes him 3-4 more years to make it to the show. Most prospects DON’T make it at all anyway.
Duke
June 1st, 2012
10:20 am
Brian, I agree on the fact that Prado will more than likely be holding down 3B next year. We will see what free agency brings as far as LF. Hopefully we can get Bourn for 5 yrs and 70 million, but I just don’t see it.
Disgusted
June 1st, 2012
10:20 am
@Brian for SC–You might be right on Prado and they need to work on extending him too.
Imagine if they let Bourn, Prado and Mc Cann go and go on the cheap for replacements? Then we know it will not be good and we are headed for Pittsburgh and KC territory as long as LM is around.
Duke
June 1st, 2012
10:21 am
We will not be bringing in Marlon Byrd. I can guarantee that.
WeatherGuru
June 1st, 2012
10:21 am
To all National league East Division:
Weather tonight will be nasty after 5:00PM, from Washington,Philadelphia,NY.
Severe weather is on the plate…so make your dinner reservation early because there about 90% change of no Game or weather delay.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:22 am
Powderfinger After all Venters has done for us, you resort to assigning him a crappy nickname because he’s struggling so far this season? Heaven forbid we support him…
Radicals…
(ITS)
Moeman
June 1st, 2012
10:22 am
Gotta a hunch Minor has a good night. He just needs to use his fast ball more and locate it well. Maybe he turns corner tonight. One can hope.
Russell Bell
June 1st, 2012
10:23 am
I’m just not going to jump into a continuing conversation with someone called ‘Disgusted’. What a lame ass name.
Hopefully the rest of the day crew shows up soon…
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
10:24 am
Powder@10:14 – Agree completely RE Venters. Give the kid a chance to work through it. Needs to work on mechanics. I certainly don’t think he’s near done.
Biggest problem with Heyward is unrealistic expectations. Injuries haven’t helped. If he had been unheralded, and come up, there would be far less hate for where his is currently. The guy is only 22, for goodness sake. Not ideal, but I believe he could play CF, if we don’t re-sign Bour, and find a real good RF replacement. Maybe then, some of the critics would lay off his bat a little bit.
ncbravesfan90
June 1st, 2012
10:25 am
I hope Minor pitches a gem tonight, but I feel the only way Minor has a good night is if its a rainout.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
10:25 am
Imagine if they let Bourn, Prado and Mc Cann go and go on the cheap for replacements?
The only good result that would come from that is MAYBE / HOPEFULLY all the D&Ger’s would finally end their miserable existence.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:26 am
Better not be a rainout. Not after a day off…
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
10:27 am
If the Braves are rained out tonight, and they don’t schedule a double-header tomorrow or Sunday, then the Braves can skip Minor and still give all their pitchers that extra day.
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
10:28 am
Russell – Yeah, most of the time Disgusted = Disgusting.
Powderfinger
June 1st, 2012
10:28 am
“Better not be a rainout. Not after a day off…”
McFann, it’s good to know I’m not the only one worried about that…
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
10:28 am
I’m just not going to jump into a continuing conversation with someone called ‘Disgusted’. What a lame ass name.
HEY!! sometimes is fun to nudge a guy when he’s barely hanging on the ledge!!!
ncbravesfan90
June 1st, 2012
10:29 am
90% chance of severe storms in the Nations Capital tonight.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
10:30 am
Better not be a rainout. Not after a day off…
No kidding… I’m really looking forward to seeing Simba play tonight!
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:30 am
DUKE:
So you’re spades down for 1B MEJIA then, who is a system pro just turned 26, and tearing the cover off the ball in AAA?
I’m thinking if he continues like he has throughout his minor league experience with the BRAVES, either FREEMAN has to go or MEJIA has to go. I can’t see FREEMAN going anywhere, so could we trade with another club for a CF in the eventuality that BOURN moves on?
TODD CUNNINGHAM is improving at the plate down in AA but is no where near ready for the ML.
ADAM MILLIGAN is finally healthy and his bat is beginning to stir in LYNCHBURG.
MYC JONES is not going to make it in the pros apparantly.
Pick-up KEENAN WILEY is an excellent defender, and is beginning to be consistant at the plate in AA, but has no power to speak of.
JORDAN PARRAZ is hurt and that’s crimping his development in the outfield.
LUIS DURANGO has his moments, but at this point I consider him a solid AAAA outfielder.
STEF GARTRELL has great power, but is average as a defender, and inconsistant at the plate. A solid AAA player.
JOE TERDOSLAVICH has to find himself at the plate before any thought could be given to moving him to the outfield.
EVAN GATTIS has proven a little stick in AA, but now is on the DL.
No, ERNIE MEJIA is the one bat in AAA that I would consider being ready in 2013 to play ML ball. Can he be moved to LF would be my question? I’ve never seen him play any position other than 1B…..at which he is way above average.
O.J.
June 1st, 2012
10:34 am
McFann, cant really see the Braves paying Mac 20 million a year up through his mid 30’s. Thats a lot of money for a catcher at that age.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:36 am
Oh, yes, if it’s rained out, I’ll be peeved! Hey, but do the Nats have Monday off, too? Could play it then…
Brian from SC If the Braves are rained out tonight, and they don’t schedule a double-header tomorrow or Sunday, then the Braves can skip Minor and still give all their pitchers that extra day.
Bleh…I’d rather not have a rainout…
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:36 am
raleighbravefan:
Re: LEW…….post of the day in spades!!!! makes me wish i hadn’t given up art and gone into teaching.
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
10:36 am
I think Bourn will price himself out of our budget and I don’t think we should strap ourself to an outrage contract. We’ve seen over the last few years how those contracts tie our hands. I won’t give him for than say 5/50 or possibly 6/58.
Duke
June 1st, 2012
10:37 am
richbrave, the only way to find out is to give him a shot, but I’m not overly optimistic. There is a reason the guy has been down there for 8 years and never had one cup of coffee with a big league club. I don’t know too much about him and his stats look solid the last year plus this year. He is probably a fringe MLB guy.
DAP
June 1st, 2012
10:37 am
murph If anyone has the short, fast swing to take a Strasburg fastball deep, it’s him[Freeman].
keep an eye on Dan Uggla. he could have a big night.
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:37 am
Rainout anticipated here as well. Clouding up as I type.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:37 am
OJ—
I never said 20million…heck, I think that’s too much for anybody!…
I don’t see BMac leaving us, but heck, when was the last time I was right about anything?…
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
10:39 am
That last line should read, “I wouldn’t give him more than say 5/50 or possibly 6/58.”
Lew
June 1st, 2012
10:40 am
richbrave – Just get your grandson to sign a baseball for me. I won’t be around by the time he’s elected to the HOF, but I can be one of the first to get his autograph.
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:43 am
21
Lew
June 1st, 2012
10:43 am
There is no way Bourn gets as little as $10 mil per season. 5 – $70-75 is more what he will receive. The Braves can afford that and are damned fools if they don’t just do it. Dude’s not going to fall aprt at age 35 and we can either do it or keep looking for what isn’t and hasn’t been there for years.
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:43 am
Black Jack!
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
10:43 am
richbrave – Yeah, Lew’s a (crotchety) gem…and you are a prince yourself. I would miss both of you terribly if you weren’t here.
(is that enough love? We regular old guys have to stick together.)
O.J.
June 1st, 2012
10:43 am
McFann, I know you didnt say it, but its whats been rumored around thats how much he would command
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
10:44 am
Ernesto Mejia played 19 games in the OF back in Rookie ball (2005-2006) non since.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
10:44 am
none
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:45 am
LEW:
Chuckle! Consider it done, and if things don’t work out {after all, what are the odds?} you heirs can say, “who’s he?” Heh!
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
10:46 am
Lew – I hope we could get Bourn for 5/75. I believe someone will overpay.
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:47 am
raleighbravefan:
Heh! you betcha’!
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:48 am
OJ—
Yeah, maybe…guess we’ll wait and see. Hopefully that’s not the case…
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:48 am
CraZY:
And no OF since. Must be a reason. He’s danged good at 1B.
Venice Jim
June 1st, 2012
10:48 am
Following up on Weather guru, from the Washington Post:
Forecast: Unsettled with possibly dangerous storms later today
Stay alert today for potentially a few batches of storms, possibly severe this evening and overnight. Some of the storms late today look like they’ll be severe, and that can include damaging winds, large hail, and perhaps even tornadoes. Once we get this cold front through the region, we have a serene Saturday and salvageable Sunday. 90% chance of rain from 6 – 11 pm.
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
10:49 am
An American League team may pay Mac close to $20M for too many years.
I hate the DH rule, but it does allow the AL to go after the hitters.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
10:49 am
raleighbraves – Who among the big spenders have the need and the bucks?
Bat Masterson
June 1st, 2012
10:50 am
Good grief, Disgusted.
Do you have victim printed on your shirts, or do you just wear a sign.See if your mother will rub some baby powder on that chapped ass of yours, maybe you’ll feel a little better.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:50 am
V. Jim—
Greaaaaat……
Stay alert today for potentially a few batches of storms…
Hey, did Chip write that?…
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
10:51 am
The Braves’ biggest competition for Bourn may be Washington.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
10:51 am
He’s danged good at 1B.
He looks pretty athletic to me… If they’d move Joey T down maybe a shot at 3rd? I’ve never really paid attention to his arm so I have no idea what he’s got!!
Lew
June 1st, 2012
10:53 am
Mac is a very good hitting CATCHER – not so sure his numbers stack up for a DH.
Venice Jim
June 1st, 2012
10:53 am
I was tempted to add a comma somewhere in there to make it read better…
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
10:53 am
I don’t see BMac leaving us, but heck, when was the last time I was right about anything?…
True lol… I think BMac’s staying or going depends on his price (being “paid less” than Mauer and Molina) and whether or not CBethancourt is ready… would like to see Mac around til hes 33-34 though catching everyday at about 13-16 mil a year.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:54 am
Lew—
Right. So we should prolly hang onto him, just to be on the safe side…:)
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
10:54 am
Lew’s got a great point. Not sure McCann is worth $18-20 million as a DH. He’s closer to that kind of worth as a catcher.
Bat Masterson
June 1st, 2012
10:54 am
Mafferty, of Liberty Media, just said they love the Braves, and then said “Freddie Freeman, baby. Go Braves”
richbrave
June 1st, 2012
10:55 am
MEJIA:
He’s weak against LH’ers [.238 BA this season] and strikes out too much [35] with a minimum of walks [13]. A trpical power hitter, but he’s well seasoned. Hasn’t been rushed, and is probably as ready after this season as he’ll ever be for the bigs. I would anticipate a call-up in September.
188 AB, 14 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 40 RBI [highest in the BRAVES system to date]; .314 BA; .374 OBP; .527 SLG.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
10:56 am
Mejia is probably more Scott Thorman than Freddie Freeman.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
10:56 am
What’s Washington’s attendance looking like so far this year? They already have a ton tied up in Werth, Strasburg will be getting ever more expenisve, as will their rotation. So far they’ve been spending the ownership’s money and haven’t been relying on what they pull in with attendance, which has really been pretty poor. How my=uch longer can they continue to so radically overspend their attendance – not to mention they pretty much split a TV area, which can’t be paying them too much in TV revenues.
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
10:57 am
No reason to rush to sign McCann right now, he’s under contract for one more season.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
10:58 am
That’s probably the question for them, Lew. Just how big-spending will they bet? I’m leaning toward thinking they are going to spend money trying to win big with this group.
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
10:58 am
The Braves’ biggest competition for Bourn may be Washington.
Who seem willing to spend money, and CF is their big need this offseason… we have other positions to fill as well.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:58 am
TheOnlyBravesFan would like to see Mac around til hes 33-34 though catching everyday at about 13-16 mil a year.
Sounds good. Then he cann become whatshisface’s backup and Ross cann be our manager…
Lew
June 1st, 2012
10:59 am
McFann- I think they SHOULD re-sign Mac and always have – that they would be stupid and shortsighted not to. Just don’t think he will commande the kind of money some seem to believe he will as a DH
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
10:59 am
Lew—
I agree completely…
O.J.
June 1st, 2012
11:00 am
Here is what I see happening with McCann. This is David Ross’ last year on his 2 year deal. I see them letting him go and bring up Bethancourt to be Mac’s backup as they will no doubt exercise Mac’s option. Bethancourt can show his offensive skills, kinda like Mac did when he was first brought up behind Estrada and then Estrada was let go the next year.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
11:00 am
McFann – No, they’ll move Ross to 2B and move Uggla to RF after they send Heyward to A Ball.
Shaun
June 1st, 2012
11:00 am
I don’t think Mac would consistently be a David Ortiz type DH, one of the very best. But I think his bat is plenty good enough. And it’s very possible that his bat could improve, at least to some degree, without the wear-and-tear on his body from catching.
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
11:01 am
and lord help us if we hand out more than 10 million a year over a 5 year contract to Bourn. Bourn is not a make or break decision, we did quite fine without him in the lineup last year and we didn’t exactly light things up with him in it. There are other options out there at a much lower cost allowing us to beef up elsewhere.
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
11:02 am
No reason to rush to sign McCann right now, he’s under contract for one more season
This
Lew’s got a great point. Not sure McCann is worth $18-20 million as a DH. He’s closer to that kind of worth as a catcher.
I agree, but he would likely catch until he’s 33-34, then DH… kinda like Pujols/Fielder are gonna do when they reach late 30s (early 40’s for pujols, he’s already 35 hehe)
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 1st, 2012
11:02 am
OJ—
Not sure I like BMac playing the roll of 2005 Estrada…
Lew—
Oh, right! Sorry—forgot about that…
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
11:02 am
Lew – I have not analyzed it team by team…just a blanket statement about AL vs NL. Braves certainly have the advantage in that I would hope that he would really like to stay. Of course, some here won’t be happy with that unless he loses a bunch of weight, and turns into the greatest defensive catcher of all time. I’m happy with him just the way he is.
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
11:06 am
The Rangers are expected to make right-handers Scott Feldman and Mark Lowe available at the trade deadline, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports. GM Jon Daniels will look for a right-handed hitting outfielder in return.
Lowe looks like a pretty good relief pitcher, could take Meds bp spot, though I’d expect the Braves to put Delgado there… How about Diaz for Lowe straight up? What would be realistic to get that deal done?
Jeff R
June 1st, 2012
11:07 am
1993 Derek Jeter had 56 errors in A ball. Clearly they should’ve moved him to another position at that point!!
Pretty amazing fact. So, there’s hope for Salcedo, after all?
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
11:07 am
If Mac went to an AL team, I would expect him to catch about 80% during the next few years, and slowly transition to DH. His versitility (catching and DH) would make him more valuable long term in the AL.
On the other hand, he is more valuable to the Braves than possibly any other team…faced of franchise level fan popularity (in spit of haters), possible hometown discount as well.
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
11:07 am
I say trade Wren for Lowe… still grieving the loss of my Pastornicky…
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:07 am
Mejia is probably more Scott Thorman than Freddie Freeman.
I can agree with that… I would like to know if the Braves feel that 1B is the only position he can play.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:08 am
TOBF, I saw that note, and Diaz came to mind, but the Braves don’t have any other right-handed bats off the bench. I think the Braves like Diaz in his role too much to trade him. I don’t think the Braves have a desperate need for a relief pitcher right now.
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
11:08 am
spit = spite, although that was a pretty funny typo.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
11:08 am
raleighbraves – me too.
Anyone seen Todd Cunningham play? The Grinch seems to like him after seeing him play – says he has great speed, but I don’t see he’s stolen lots of minor league bases.
He does play all outfield positions and is hitting .311 with a .358 OBP in AA, Any chance they consider HIM for CF instead of signing Bourn to a huge contract? Or is there anyone else on the minor league horizon?
If not, I’m betting they go all in on Bourn this winter.
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
11:09 am
faced of franchise level fan popularity (in spit of haters),
I’d rather keep Mac out of the haters spit lol
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:09 am
still grieving the loss of my Pastornicky
Well if you live around Atlanta he’s only a short drive away. And you can sit front row beside 3B for $12.
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
11:10 am
I’d say we don’t need any relief help.. there’s more needs elsewhere. Mainly bench depth and possibly a proven number 1 or 2 starter type guy.
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
11:12 am
Brian: Yeah, I don’t see Diaz going anywhere, and I can’t think of any AAA RH hitters that could be of any value (or they’d be starting over Wayward)
With Durbin looking better, maybe we don’t need BP help, but I would kinda like a reliable arm down there, esp. with Venters struggling and Durbin having a career ERA of 5.
Jeff R
June 1st, 2012
11:13 am
What’s Washington’s attendance looking like so far this year? They already have a ton tied up in Werth, Strasburg will be getting ever more expenisve, as will their rotation. So far they’ve been spending the ownership’s money and haven’t been relying on what they pull in with attendance, which has really been pretty poor. How my=uch longer can they continue to so radically overspend their attendance – not to mention they pretty much split a TV area, which can’t be paying them too much in TV revenues.
Good points, though DC metro is a hugely affluent market. DC area fans are fickle, though. Love a team when they’re winning; turn on them when they lose.
If the Nats stay competitive, the team should make money and ownership seems willing to write checks.
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
11:15 am
“Long drive” to Gwinnett for me Crazy all the way (i’m complaining, i know) to northeast Atlanta, but yes, I know he’s out there. Might make a trip or 3 out there.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:16 am
Todd Cunningham looks to be someone we could see in a few years, but I think he’s still a few years away?
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:18 am
TheOnlyBravesFan
It’s only about 1 mile off 85 so once you get above ATL it’s pretty easy to get to.
Jeff R
June 1st, 2012
11:18 am
CrαZy, Management tends to fast track any prospect it thinks can help the club. Expect Cunningham up next week.
Venice Jim
June 1st, 2012
11:18 am
Through 23 games, Nats’ attendance is up 38.2% over last year (7,558 per game (Braves up 4,228 per game, 15.4%, also 23 games)…
Duke
June 1st, 2012
11:19 am
Brain from SC, I would anticipate that Washington will go hard for Span this year, so they will probably be out of the running for Bourn.
Moeman
June 1st, 2012
11:22 am
CraZy – remember Braves are prone to do things on the cheap. Wouldn’t be at all surprised for them to rush someone up for CF and not resign Bourne. Think it’s most likely they move Prada to 3rd full time. Pickup up a journeyman for left feild. That’s the way they do business now.
Bat Masterson
June 1st, 2012
11:23 am
Who was the guy complaining about how stupid Liberty was to invest in Siri?
The guy interviewing Maffie was asking him what their plans are for Siri after what most people consider the best business investment ever.
40% stake in Siri, cost basis less than zero, value several billion dollars. Say what you like about Malone, but stupid he ain’t.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:23 am
Interesting, Duke. Hadn’t thought about that. Not sure Minnesota would part with him unless it’s at a great price.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:24 am
Expect Cunningham up next week.—-Jeff R
You gotta believe that would be the best thing for the team and Todd!!
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
11:25 am
Bat, I thought they were talking about Liberty’s investment in XM Sirius radio.