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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,420 comments Add your comment
Lew
June 1st, 2012
11:25 am
Jeff R – I don’t know about calling Cunningham up to Atlanta this year, but I could definitely see them promoting him to AAA and if he contiues to hit over .300, they may decide he’s worth a try as opposed to signing Bourn for a fortune.
I think I’d still rather have Bourn longer term – maybe let Cunningham play LF?
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
11:26 am
I will make the pilgrimage from northern Cobb co. to Coolray field sometime… gotta get my fill of REV.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:26 am
That’s the way they do business now.
If you haven’t been paying attention that’s what they’ve been doing for a number of years now it’s not something new.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:26 am
The Red Sox are reportedly intending on trading Kevin Youkilis. Don’t see the Braves as a player there unless something happens and Chipper ends up out for the season or something. He has a $13 million club option for next year.
Trader Jack
June 1st, 2012
11:26 am
Would not be surprised to see Mac end up in the Bronx next year. They’re paying Russell Martin $7.5 mil this year to stink up the place. Mac’s numbers put Martin’s to shame, plus he’s a year younger , can DH, and would thrive with that short porch in right.
Sorry McFann.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
11:28 am
Brian – As p[oor as the Twins have been this year and last, I’d imagine that Span is hardly untouchable – nor is almost anyone on their roster.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:28 am
Trader Jack, unless the Braves trade him to New York, he won’t be in pinstripes next year. I don’t see them doing that.
I bet the Yankees would really like him, though.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:29 am
Not untouchable Lew, but he’s one of their more popular and better players, and has a good contract. I can see them trading him, but I bet they would be looking for a nice haul in return.
Bat Masterson
June 1st, 2012
11:29 am
AT_
They were Siri is Sirius XM’ trading symbol.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
11:29 am
Trader Jack – Doubtful, considering they have a club option on Mac for next year. They WILL exercise that option. They aren’t trading him.
Jeff R
June 1st, 2012
11:30 am
Moeman, the Braves will have money this winter, so I’m not so sure they’ll be doing everything on the cheap.
The key factor for me in resigning Bourn is that he’s a Boras’ client. Boras leverages the competition for premium dollar for most of his clients. If Bourn has an outstanding season (I think he will), his price goes up considerably. Yep, I know his age may factor in, etc. But I think he’s valuable to teams refocusing on getting top of the order guys on base and making things happen on the base paths.
Wren needs to prioritize needs and spend the extra dollars accordingly. That could be on Bourn, but hard to say now.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
11:30 am
Brain – Well, the Nats could definitely put together a package that would bring him over if that’s who they decide that they want
Moeman
June 1st, 2012
11:32 am
CraZy – I have been paying attention and understand it’s not something new. I just think folks tend to look for big deals that aren’t likely to happen. Think they will make every effort to sign McCann but will let him walk also if price is too high.
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
11:33 am
Bat, I was thinking Siri as the Iphone addition.. wasn’t thinking about Siri as the symbol for XM.
Russell Bell
June 1st, 2012
11:33 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)…
I wonder if this season’s attendance bump is compared to the first 23 home games of 2011, or if the attendance bump seen so far is above the mean attendance for all 81 home games last year.
Jeff R
June 1st, 2012
11:34 am
Lew, being a little tongue in cheek on Cunningham coming up.
I haven’t focused on Cunningham much. Seems to be a light power (?) guy and more inclined to collect hits and go for average (?).
Yep, I hope the Braves’ resign Bourn, barring a better option. But if Boras really raises the ante, I think the Braves would pass.
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
11:36 am
TJ – Mac has a club option for 2013…which they will surely exercise.
Moeman
June 1st, 2012
11:37 am
Jeff R – I know they have money coming out the books but that doesn’t mean they’ll spend it. i look for them to reduce budget even more. They’ll give out raises to arb guys and maybe sign a journeyman for LF but I think they probally let Bourne walk and take a shot on a youngster in CF.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:37 am
How wrong of me would it be to disable someone’s computer from accessing Pandora… dude down the hall in my office building has been blasting Hall and Oats all morning!!
I say dude, but that could be in question at this point!!
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:37 am
If the Yankees just get a stopgap catcher for next year, they would be a huge player for McCann in 2014. But in 2013, I don’t see it.
cricket
June 1st, 2012
11:38 am
when i hear Siri, i think about Cerie from 30 Rock..
Trader Jack
June 1st, 2012
11:38 am
My bad on Mac. missed the fine print, probably need new glasses – HA
Duke
June 1st, 2012
11:40 am
cricket, I think of Cersi, formerly of Casterly Rock.
Jeff R
June 1st, 2012
11:40 am
Moeman. That would surprise me, but who knows what this season brings? Wren may not need to spend lots if the Braves play well.
But I’m guessing Wren adds one or two higher priced players. The outfield may certainly need retooling, particularly if Prado moves to third and Bourn leaves (and who’s certain about Heyward?).
Bat Masterson
June 1st, 2012
11:41 am
AT_
Yeah, I would imagine most people do. I’m just used to calling them Siri because I’ve been trading in and out for years, long before the iPhone Siri feature came along.
They are talking about changing their trading symbol to SXM.
Jeff R
June 1st, 2012
11:41 am
Mac is back in 2013. Why wouldn’t the Braves exercise his option?
Murph
June 1st, 2012
11:42 am
You gotta believe that would be the best thing for the team and Todd!!
Now you’re doing it too!
Did I tell you guys that I’m going to see Roy Oswalt pitch tomorrow night in Round Rock? Can’t wait… not only is that a big deal, but it’s the 4 year old’s first minor league baseball game.
I hope she doesn’t drink too much and streak the field or get in a fight or something. Keep your eyes out for her on Baseball Tonight.
Murph
June 1st, 2012
11:43 am
dude down the hall in my office building has been blasting Hall and Oats all morning
Could be worse, the shemale that sits across from me has been singing Toto since yesterday.
Moeman
June 1st, 2012
11:44 am
Jeff R – You also may be right – I hope so anyway.
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 1st, 2012
11:44 am
If the Yankees just get a stopgap catcher for next year, they would be a huge player for McCann in 2014. But in 2013, I don’t see it.
Pineda, Nunez, and a CF prospect for a half-year of Mac next year wouldn’t do it?
Not advocating trading Mac, just wondering…
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:45 am
The only way I could see McCann walking is if his production stays down the rest of the year and maybe even lower next year… Then again the Braves would be able to get him even cheaper at that point. So who the hell knows???
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
11:46 am
TheOnlyBravesFan, not enough for me.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:46 am
That would be a very high price to pay for a half year of anyone, TOBF. A trade like that would be more likely if McCann was young and under team control.
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
11:48 am
Tell ya what I’d do with Bourn, I’d offer a reasonable contract and if he declined I’d offer him arb. I see McCann more like Chipper as he might be willing to give the club a home team discount just so he could stay with Atlanta.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
11:49 am
Murph – Just so she doesn’t dress up as Reggie Jackson and try to kill the queen.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
11:49 am
I would anticipate a call-up in September.Mejia
I’m not sure I would. costs a fortune to call a player up for a month anymore, ya never know though, they might think he could help. I am pretty skeptical about any minor leaguer with 7 years experience and never a call up.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:50 am
The Braves will at the very least get a 1st round draft pick from the Bourn situation. Still just too early to tell, although it’s good blog fodder.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
11:50 am
not sure why anybody would really lust after Span, he is very much a home park hitter
Lew
June 1st, 2012
11:51 am
I would imaine that Bourn will be offered arbitration. They should definitely do it.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:52 am
I would imaine that Bourn will be offered arbitration. They should definitely do it.
Yes, that is a lock.
CrαZy
June 1st, 2012
11:52 am
Murph- Could be worse, the shemale that sits across from me has been singing Toto since yesterday.
That’s my fear if the Pandora gets blocked he might start singing so….
Duke
June 1st, 2012
11:53 am
nolie, That is the same thought that people had about Bourn when we acquired him. Span is 28; the same age Bourn was when we traded for him.
TennesseePaul
June 1st, 2012
11:58 am
The Braves will at the very least get a 1st round draft pick from the Bourn situation.
So you think they’ll offer a qualified contract? I’m skeptical. I know in many ways it “makes too much sense” and “it’s a win/win.” That’s entirely why I have my doubts.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
11:58 am
nah Bourn’s home/away splits were pretty even, not anywhere near as big as Spans,
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:59 am
Why wouldn’t they, TP? It’s a no-brainer.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:01 pm
not so sure that the Braves will offer Bourn 12.5 mil, but they prolly should
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:01 pm
I think the Braves would take a one year deal with Bourn in a heartbeat.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:03 pm
They would, Lew. But there is really no chance that Bourn doesn’t go seeking a long-term deal. He’s right where needs to be to get big bucks. The Braves will offer arb, and Bourn will not accept. Even if he did, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. This is not like the Maddux deal a long time ago.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:04 pm
I don’t think they would want to pay him 12.5 for a year Lew, but who knows?
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:06 pm
Braves did not offer arb several times when they should have Brian and that was back in the day when they were better off money wise. after getting bit again by Soriano I an mot convinced they will offer it to Bourn
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:07 pm
You kidding nolie? If somehow a 1-year deal for 12.5 million for Bourn was a possiblity, Wren would make the fastest drive in the history of automobiles to Bourn’s house, with pen and paper ready.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:07 pm
nolie – They would pay him 12.5 for one year without thinking twice.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:07 pm
But if it even came to that, I imagine we’d be getting a draft pick or two (whatever it is with the new CBA)
TennesseePaul
June 1st, 2012
12:08 pm
Why wouldn’t they, TP? It’s a no-brainer.
That’s exactly why. It’s logical. It gives them two potentially positive outcomes… a) they have Bourn another year or b) they get a draft pick.
Wren has not worked this way. And in the event he does, he scrambles to sell netting nothing in return. Bourn will be a desired player. The Braves may/may not attempt to negotiate with him. If they conclude they will not negotiate with him, I totally see them making a move for his replacement swiftly thus negating making a qualified offer.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:09 pm
Bourn’s accepting of arbitration would be forfeiting well over $50 million guaranteed dollars this off-season. That would be an epic mistake on his part, the likes of which baseball has never seen. No chance.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:10 pm
nolie – A year of Bourn for $12.5 mil would NOT be getting bit and the Soriano situation was nothing at all like the Bourn situation would be. They had already made the decision that Sorianowas not going to be our closer that year – such is not the case with Bourn – their is no heir apparent waiting in the wings.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:11 pm
I still do not agree that they would do that, y’all ain’t paying enough attention to how they have stripped their operation down IMO.
However like I said,. it likely would not come to that. We’ll see, but if he slides back down toward his career numbers over the rest of the year, I think y’all are wrong
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:11 pm
Plus, Bourn’s personal situation is much different from Soriano’s. Soriano didn’t have upwards of $70-80 million waiting for him as a free agent.
MikeInFl
June 1st, 2012
12:13 pm
Bourn will not accept arbitration. What are you guys smoking?
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:13 pm
that’s true Brian, there is almost no chance Bourn would accept, but there was no chance that either Shef or Drew would accept either and they did not offer.just lookin’ at previous actions
DAP
June 1st, 2012
12:14 pm
nolie I am pretty skeptical about any minor leaguer with 7 years experience and never a call up.
i am too, but sometimes that not calling them up thing is a self fulfilling prophecy. they dont bring him up because hes older and never been brought up… older guys get stuck in the minors because they are blocked or whatever, and before you know it they are too old be be called up, not matter how good they are. its sort of how the marlins ended up with Dan Uggla.
tony austin
June 1st, 2012
12:15 pm
Pay the man. Having Bourn at the top of the lineup for the next 5 or so years sounds pretty good to me.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:15 pm
it will depend on if they are willing to pay 12.5 mil, if they are not they might follow history and not offer, though like y’all I think they should
Boyd
June 1st, 2012
12:16 pm
Kevin Youkilis appears to be on the trade market – could the Braves afford him and should we be interested? Sorry if this has already been discussed.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:17 pm
MikeinFl – No, he wouldn’t – and that’s the point most of us are making about offering him arbitration.
nolie – I believe that if the Braves could get him fopr 5-$65 mi (about $13 mil a season), that they’d do it. I kind of doubt he’ll get that little, though.
I’d still definitely offer him arbitration – like someone said earlier, it’s a win win situation.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:18 pm
true DAP, and it’s getting even more unlikely with marginal prospects as the cost of a month of major league service gets more and more expensive, 80 thou or so now?
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:20 pm
if he slips back toward career numbers again, 12.5 mil is too much for the Braves to pay him as is 5/65 IMO
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:20 pm
Boyd, only if Chipper goes out for the season. The Braves already have a third baseman.
George
June 1st, 2012
12:21 pm
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
11:26 am
The Red Sox are reportedly intending on trading Kevin Youkilis. Don’t see the Braves as a player there unless something happens and Chipper ends up out for the season or something. He has a $13 million club option for next year.
****************************************
Hi y’all
Haveing KEVIN here would be so good, best replacement for CHIPPER I can think of.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:22 pm
plus he is having a pretty crappy year so far stealing bases for an elite lead off hitter. beginning of a slow off?
tony austin
June 1st, 2012
12:23 pm
I may be wrong, but I think Youk in Boston is on the same lines as Jordan in Chicago, Kobi in LA, and even Chipper to the Braves. Youk is a mainstay in Boston and fan favorite there. If they are willing to trade him something doesn’t sound right. I may have to pass.
MikeInFl
June 1st, 2012
12:23 pm
Lew, understood.
Personally, I think folks are giving him too much credit for a career month in April. Not that he’s a slouch… of course he’s not. But I’d think twice before offering even 5/50 to a speed guy hitting 30 years old, with a lifetime OBP of .338.
Unless Liberty unleashes tons of cash (or sells), it’s pretty good policy to pick up a player and pay him modestly (relatively speaking) for what are likely to be his best couple of years, and not get trapped into paying for his decline.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:24 pm
I’m not saying the Braves will or should offer Bourn 5/65. I’m not sure about that. I’m am quite certain the Braves should offer arb, though. Somebody will give him 5/65 or more this offseason.
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
12:24 pm
Youkilis isn’t coming to Atlanta this year, that’s for certain. I wish we could work some sort of trade with Detroit for Castellanos. He’d be a good option at 3rd going forward.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:25 pm
no way they can afford Youk, and its becoming more unlikely all the time that he will be worth the contract hasn’t played 140 gamers since 2008 and last year and a half has really had much poorer numbers. hate to think that since I am a big fan
Arkansas Transplant
June 1st, 2012
12:25 pm
I would offer more around 5/50 for Bourn, don’t think he’s worth much more than that.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:26 pm
Got to remember also that Youk has been playing his whole career with that Green Monster to hit at. Ain’t one of those in Atlanta.
Fish Bisch
June 1st, 2012
12:27 pm
Trade simmons for Yolkilis
George
June 1st, 2012
12:27 pm
tony austin
June 1st, 2012
12:23 pm
I may be wrong, but I think Youk in Boston is on the same lines as Jordan in Chicago, Kobi in LA, and even Chipper to the Braves. Youk is a mainstay in Boston and fan favorite there. If they are willing to trade him something doesn’t sound right. I may have to pass
*******************************************************************
Think the problem in BOS is KEVEN vs VALINTINE that may be reason they would get rid of him for the right return.
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
12:27 pm
nolie – Most here don’t understand the consequenses of the actions they suggest. It DOES cost a bunch to bring up a guy. Player movements have long rang effects, especially if it means moves to the 40 or 25 man roster…including service time in the minor and major league…The cost of going out and signing a guy because you hope he will develope…randomly moving a guys position….
All of these moves have short and long term consequenses. Teams with tight budgets can’t afford many mistakes.What the casual fan considers to be a simple decision often requires much consideration by the GM and FO. These people are professionals. Don’t try this at home.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:28 pm
George – Youklis has missed 26 games in 09, 60 games in 2010 and 42 games last year (only 29 so far in 2012).
He is hitting .250, .318, .406 this year and he plays his games at Fenway.
He might be a good option to be a RH platoon partner with Francsico next year, but certainly not at the $13 mil his contract calls for for next year or the balnace of his $12 mil for this season.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:29 pm
I think Boston may have to eat some of that money for Youk if they trade him.
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
12:31 pm
George – Bobby V could be right…It’s possible, but unlikely…but there’s always a first time.
The best replacement would be a guy who currently plays 3rd for the Mets…but that ain’t happening.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:31 pm
yeah they prolly would Brian which would raise even more of an outcry, Youk is a big fave up there and Bobby ain’t won many fans
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:32 pm
Brian – Even if they did eat some salary, he’s been injured quite a bit in recent years and is not performing anywhere near his usual level – not to mention he;s missed half of the Sox games so far this year.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:33 pm
David Wright would fit in very nicely, but he will get big bucks to stay in NY. I doubt he will hit the market…Mets will take care of that during the season.
nolie
June 1st, 2012
12:34 pm
too bad about Wright’s option for next year, if he was a FA the Braves might consider him a bit with all that money coming off. Not that I believe they would really pay that much in the end
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:35 pm
Point here is that Youk just isn’t an everyday player and we are just finishing a stretch where we were paying our 3B full time money for part time play. Do we need to re-visit that scenario? Yeah, we could platoon him with Francisco, but not at what he makes – maybe if it were half that much and we know that ain’t happening.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:35 pm
Yeah, forgot Wright had an option for next year. But I don’t think he’ll even see that option. New York wants to lock him up soon.
Brian from SC
June 1st, 2012
12:38 pm
Some are saying the Dodgers are in on Youk.
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
12:39 pm
Lew – Yeah, it’s fun to discuss and speculate, but honestly, most of the trades and acquisitions discussed here is just wild “fantacy league” crazytalk. Very little has any basis in reality.
Fols
June 1st, 2012
12:40 pm
yeah but Lew, what if Youk and Chip got together and mapped out an injury plan? They’ll share the work load and much like how I coordinate my vacation time with co-workers, they’ll coordinate DL time. Problem solved!
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:42 pm
raleighbraves – That’s usually how it is here in DOBLand. But WTF, McLouth is on the market again and we will need a CFer, right?
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:42 pm
Fols – Might just work – if Chipper played for MLB minimum.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:44 pm
And gave back his Cubs pennant and gave the base back to Cincinnati.
Carroll Rogers
June 1st, 2012
12:44 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/06/01/simmons-to-debut-at-shortstop-vs-nationals/
new blog is up!
George
June 1st, 2012
12:44 pm
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:28 pm
George – Youklis has missed 26 games in 09, 60 games in 2010 and 42 games last year (only 29 so far in 2012).
He is hitting .250, .318, .406 this year and he plays his games at Fenway.
He might be a good option to be a RH platoon partner with Francsico next year, but certainly not at the $13 mil his contract calls for for next year or the balnace of his $12 mil for this season.
************************************************************
Lew
Just got back from looking at stats, I see and you made good points. I also saw he is 33, how time flys in came up that championship your 2004. In my 12:21 post In my 12:21 post I was speaking with my heart. I have a close friend who lives in NH so I follow the SOX a bit and always liked KEVEN.
raleighbravefan
June 1st, 2012
12:46 pm
Lew – Yeah, I’m all about another round of McLouth…LOL
Gotta go do my Friday afternoon to do list…groceries for my 93 year old dad, and assorted other errands.
Later, friends.
keylargo
June 1st, 2012
12:46 pm
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. LEW
Makes perfect sense but an unnamed source said they are already grooming Pastornicky to take over CF in 13.
Lew
June 1st, 2012
12:49 pm
keylargo – Yeah,. Right.