Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,084 comments Add your comment
MFin04
July 11th, 2012
11:07 am
If we didn’t have money for Beltran, how could we have money for Grienke?
cricket
July 11th, 2012
11:10 am
with the rotation not exactly being stable and going 7 inn/start, why is now time to field offers for relievers? esp. since venters is also out / not performing, bullpen is not that strong to begin with, except Kimbrel.
that will save some (not much) money next year but will surely hamper any chances of winning this year.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
11:11 am
“Who thought that last year we could afford a Free Agent?”
Going into last off-season there was the annual promise of an “increase in salary” by Terry and remarks by Wren that he was going to acquire an outfielder. Rumors also about potential trades of Jair and Marteen. With that information available at the outset of the 2011/2012 off-season, more than zero people thought the team had the ability and desire to sign or acquire a player.
ncbravesfan90
July 11th, 2012
11:11 am
MFin04-
A lot more money coming off the books this offseason than last, meaning more leverage to sign a big free agent or two.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
11:14 am
If we didn’t have money for Beltran, how could we have money for Grienke?
There is the promise from Terry that the payroll may “increase”… plus there is ~$45M coming off the books at the end of the year.
Those two things combined should tell you, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there will be only about $1M to $2M to spend to fill needs at LF, CF, bench, relief and rotation.
CrαZy
July 11th, 2012
11:14 am
They’ve handed out only a few contracts to pitchers for more than 3 years. 2 that I can think of, Maddux and Lowe.
Huddy signed a 4 year extention in 2005.
CrαZy
July 11th, 2012
11:15 am
extension**
Jeff R
July 11th, 2012
11:17 am
Bears repeating, I think. Hanson and Bourn are Boras clients. Both are going to the open market. Highest bidder wins. I don’t think the Braves will be the highest bidder for either, if they chose to participate.
MFin04
July 11th, 2012
11:18 am
“A lot more money coming off the books this offseason than last, meaning more leverage to sign a big free agent or two.”
Not…gonna…happen. Braves won’t do it. They just don’t…
Murph
July 11th, 2012
11:18 am
Good for Melky? Pfffft… screw Melky. The guy was horrible in Atlanta. He’s already topped most of his 2010 season stats in half a freakin’ season with the Giants.
I don’t root for many former Braves, but I especially don’t root for former Braves who contributed next to nothing in Atlanta and then went on to find success elsewhere… unless they have a hot wife.
Jeff R
July 11th, 2012
11:21 am
I haven’t seen Melky’s wife…
Murph
July 11th, 2012
11:21 am
Not…gonna…happen. Braves won’t do it. They just don’t…
Agreed. Don’t get your hopes up that the Braves will be in on any big FA names this offseason. It’s just not something they do.
They’ll get their pieces for 2013 and beyond via trades and extensions. Some minor FA acquisitions will be made, but the guys they do sign will be the leftovers, the dregs, the 14 year old hound dog at the pound, staring at Frank Wren with those big sad puppy dog eyes.
ncbravesfan90
July 11th, 2012
11:22 am
So since the Braves don’t do that, the payroll is going to be around 50 million next year?
Duke
July 11th, 2012
11:24 am
IMO I think Frank Wren will target Grienke for Sheilds if Tampa is indeed taking calls on him. I would think Shields would be the guy you want more though. He is a proved playoff winner and would benefit by moving to the NL over the brutal AL East. I really like Grienke and think he would also be a great fit, but I have to admit I am a little concerned about how he would fare in the playoffs. With all the pressure and mediam isn’t that the kind of atmosphere that he doesn’t enjoy being in?
Maybe I’m wrong, but if the price is virtually the same, why not go with the guy that could be big in August, September, and the playoffs? Again, he may not become available.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
11:25 am
That’s right CrαZy, forgot about that one. Nevertheless, they haven’t signed any pitcher for more than 5 years since they signed Bruce Sutter to that 36 year deal.
MFin04
July 11th, 2012
11:25 am
“So since the Braves don’t do that, the payroll is going to be around 50 million next year?”
Nope the stated payroll will still be at 90, they just won’t tell you where about 30 of it is going.
“the 14 year old hound dog at the pound, staring at Frank Wren with those big sad puppy dog eyes”
Aww, I’ll take him! Just not for my baseball team.
Heck I’ll even fittingly name him Chipper. 
CrαZy
July 11th, 2012
11:26 am
I don’t root for many former Braves, but I especially don’t root for former Braves who contributed next to nothing in Atlanta and then went on to find success elsewhere
I don’t mind players haveing success elsewhere as long as they gave there all while they were here!! Obviously he didn’t give his all or he would’ve decided to lose 40 Lb earlier in his career!!
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
11:27 am
MF – “if we didn’t have money for Beltran” …you are making a lot of assumptions…like Wren would have signed Beltran instead of someone else, if the money could be found.
Wren may have felt Beltran was not worth the cost (an opinion shared by at least some of us here), based primarily on his history of injury. That is a factor of value, not pure cost. By the way, you were right, and we were wrong about that.
The money may very well be available, if it can be justified. (Only company insiders know the true facts) Grienke may be viewed as justifiable value, especially if he is a rental, and thus, the cost may be low.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
11:27 am
They’ll get their pieces for 2013 and beyond via trades and extensions.
This year, Wren will have more FA money than trade currency, though. Makes a difference in his approach.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
11:30 am
he may not have left his all on the field for braves, but looks like he left at least 30-35 pounds..
Lew
July 11th, 2012
11:32 am
MFin04 Talking out of his butt again. He’s lots less changeable than the Braves’ payroll.
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
11:33 am
scoots @11:27 – There you go, being unreasonably logical/optimistic again.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
11:33 am
Don’t know if you saw it or maybe already mentioned it, but I saw where Lucas Sims got bumped up to Danville. Keep the line movin’.
Great to hear, Hillbilly. Rome rotation will be strong in 2013: Lucas Sims, Mauricio Cabrera and Luis Merejo. It’s been tough to watch the last couple of years.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
11:35 am
with the rotation not exactly being stable and going 7 inn/start, why is now time to field offers for relievers?
Don’t want to trade any of those guys now. But this offseason? Absolutely would field offers for most all of them in the set-up corps. EOF especially. 3.5 million for his services isn’t needed. And I was never a big fan of his anyway. Nice LH reliever – nothing special.
ncbravesfan90
July 11th, 2012
11:35 am
“This year, Wren will have more FA money than trade currency, though. Makes a difference in his approach.”
Agreed!
“Nope the stated payroll will still be at 90, they just won’t tell you where about 30 of it is going. ”
No way that happens, Wren has not had this type of money to spend in the FA market, and quite frankly the Braves haven’t had this much $ to spend in the FA market post Ted Turner era, so his approach will be different this offseason.
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
11:36 am
Lew – Negative guys are just wired that way. I’m a positive guy, and that’s who I am. We all think we’re just being realists. I think my outlook makes me a happier person.
Some do seem to take great pleasure in being unhappy and disappointed.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
11:37 am
There is the promise from Terry that the payroll may “increase”… plus there is ~$45M coming off the books at the end of the year.
As of right now, it’s 55-60 million in Uggla, Mac, Hudson, Prado, EOF, Hanson, Heyward, Venters, Medlen and C-Mart. I think it’s fair to say they have 25 million to work with if they decide to pay all arbitration eligible guys other than Jurrjens. If they want to trade a guy like EOF – then we have more to spend. I still don’t see them dumping 18 million in one pitcher, but perhaps he’ll decide to do that.
Lew
July 11th, 2012
11:40 am
raleighbraves – I’m not the most op[timistic person around by any means -i can be as cynical and sarcastic as the next person. But continually griping, pissing and moaning, bitching and crying about a sport that is supposed to be fun and an escape from all the daily crap we slog through and which we have absolutely NO contraol over one way or another is jusind boggling to me. If it doesn’t bring you joy or pleasure then just go find something that does. Life is too short for some of this sh*t.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
11:42 am
I think it’s fair to say they have 25 million to work with if they decide to pay all arbitration eligible guys other than Jurrjens.
Surely Terry will loosen the pursestrings a little, if they put up another flag, no? A good pennant race this season maybe puts some more butts in the seats and they can hoist their 2013 attendance projections a little.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
11:42 am
This year, Wren will have more FA money than trade currency, though. Makes a difference in his approach.
My preference is for him to look at 3-4 year deals as the max for a free agent, and for him to fill needs via the trade as usual. A lot of that depends on what he gives up over the next few weeks. Looks like we’ll have less assets to deal this winter if he is going ot add pieces for this years stretch run.
I could care less, to be honest. For the first time, please, trade prospects Low-A and up. Just keep Julio and Arodys. Everyone else? Deal him if it’s going to help 2012 and 2013. Braves should be in “go for it” mode for these next couple of years. Those high organizational rankings on those 2009-2011 lists from BA and Keith Law are right here, right now. Time to go “all-in”. No prospects will be missed from the group Low-A and up, imo.
Murph
July 11th, 2012
11:43 am
Remember, after picking up player options and giving out raises, the Braves don’t have nearly as much as you think they do.
Again, based off of the salary projections on baseball reference dot com (http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/2012-roster.shtml), the Braves are only going to have about $17mil to spend (if they keep JJ, which at this point, who knows?)
I know it sounds ridiculous to type the words “only” and “$17mil” in the same sentence, but considering the positions they need to fill aren’t going to be cheap (3B/LF, CF, SP?, etc) then that $17mil is going to go and go quickly.
Again, I’m not holding out much hope of any big signings. Maybe one… maybe… but then again, one big signing might be all the Braves need if Wren does a good job at the Winter Meetings. He always seems to pull a rabbit out of his hat against all odds.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
11:43 am
No prospects will be missed from the group Low-A and up, imo.
Me and Zeke, that’s about it.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
11:46 am
EOF may not be worth 3.5/4 mil to braves next year but he was much more than nice little LH reliever for braves, pretty reliable in crucial 7/8 innings. he will get his money somewhere.
also, he ate the biggest steak, way bigger than anybody else on the team, so he has that going for him..
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
11:47 am
the Braves are only going to have about $17mil to spend (if they keep JJ,
If they decide Jurrjens is a keeper, they certainly won’t pursue any pitchers with the rest of their money. No need for it.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
11:49 am
Surely Terry will loosen the pursestrings a little,
It’s not a purse. It’s European.
Frankie
July 11th, 2012
11:50 am
“Good for Melky? Pfffft… screw Melky. The guy was horrible in Atlanta. He’s already topped most of his 2010 season stats in half a freakin’ season with the Giants.
I don’t root for many former Braves, but I especially don’t root for former Braves who contributed next to nothing in Atlanta and then went on to find success elsewhere… unless they have a hot wife.
”
Guy was what 25 yrs old, millionaire, and thought that was enough. It wasn’t and it showed. I give him credit for knowing and working hard towards changing. Hard work looks like it’s paying off.
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
11:50 am
Lew – Agreed. Mostly a matter of perspective. Some folks here take things way to seriously/personal. I’m a big fan, but a win or loss by my favorite team does not define my life. Real world is way more important. May be a function of maturity/experience. The more volitile here tend to be the young guys.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
11:51 am
If they decide Jurrjens is a keeper, they certainly won’t pursue any pitchers with the rest of their money. No need for it.
I’d be shocked if they decided to go with Jurrjens in the rotation next year. I agree, zero need for a pitcher if you’re going with Jair in the rotation.
Frankie
July 11th, 2012
11:52 am
Keeping JJ and hoping his trade value increases till after a season just as much as a gamble as dealing him right now. Better scenario is hoping he pitches decent and deal him for something at the break.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
11:53 am
Just keep Julio and Arodys.
Plus, the return of Arodys might be the death nail for some of the late inning guys. I don’t particularly like seeing the guy relegated to the bully, but I’d be particularly irked to see him getting some of that sixth-inning action. Arodys and Kimbrel would be a pretty big hammer at the end of games, if the Braves decide to go that route.
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
11:54 am
scoots @11:47 – EXACTLY right. If JJ is worth keeping, that means he is valuable enough to prevent the need for another high paid guy. Plus, Beachy will be coming back…and who knows about Sheets?
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
11:55 am
Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens and fill out the remaining two spots with Minor, Medlen, Delgado, Teheran or Gilmartin. Just don’t see Wren leaving the rotation in that scenario heading into next year.
cabravesfan
July 11th, 2012
11:55 am
Morning, blog…I need baseball
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
11:55 am
Better scenario is hoping he pitches decent and deal him for something at the break.
If he’s pitching well enough to trade, one would have to clank when one walks to think of trading a decent starting pitcher off this current team. For anything.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
11:56 am
Does everyone realize how many starters are free agents this year? Decent-good starters too. Not going to be easy for Wren to get a team to give up anything of value for one year of Jurrjens at around 7 million. I mean, maybe I’m wrong and they’ll like the short term investment. But I doubt he’s getting us that much.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
11:58 am
Arodys and Kimbrel would be a pretty big hammer at the end of games, if the Braves decide to go that route.
Nasty back-end. Crazy good if Venters figures it out.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
11:58 am
Just don’t see Wren leaving the rotation in that scenario heading into next year.
What if one or both of the two kids muscle up in the second half? In that case, your long-term pitching plan looks pretty much on schedule.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
12:00 pm
Crazy good if Venters figures it out.
Even with Medlen carrying the 7th and a LOOGY or two, that bullpen could come back to looking pretty nasty in a hurry.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
12:02 pm
What if one or both of the two kids muscle up in the second half? In that case, your long-term pitching plan looks pretty much on schedule.
It’s possible. And that’ll have us questioning ourselves this offseason on whether or not a pitcher is needed. I just think he has to add one more vet to Hudson and Hanson. Beachy is healthy, and that isn’t needed. But it is now, and like I said – “go for it” mode.
Lew
July 11th, 2012
12:03 pm
Way too many scenarios on next years starting staff to even come close to figuring it out now before we see how Minor, Delgado, Jurrjens and Sheets pitch the rest of this year. One thing seems certain to me though – Grienke isn’t really in the picture at his salry level and it’s doubtful that there will be a rental like Dempster. If Wren makes a deal it will involve players signed for next year and beyond and none of them making $15 mil a year or more – maybe not even close to that much.
unbelievable
July 11th, 2012
12:04 pm
Greinke would be a huge addition, but its not worth getting him for two months and he’s not worth $20mil per season. If the Braves can swing a trade for him and lock him up around a 5/$15per salary then go for it. Braves cant afford a $20mil player with a $90mil budget.
There are a lot of FA starters who could be available this offseason.
VaBravesFan
July 11th, 2012
12:05 pm
Right now the Braves will have 39 million coming off the books for sure.
Could be 5.5 mil more if Jurrjens is traded or non-tendered. Same for EOF and his 2.5 mil salary.
So most likely 47 million total before ARB raises.
Frankie
July 11th, 2012
12:06 pm
You boys I believe are getting a little carried away bout JJ’s performances. He pitched great in Boston no doubt(did have a generous strike zone). Couple of pitches away from a different outcome the previous two games. Give him credit for battling but not sold yet on just 3 games. 50-50, 6-5 pickem.
Lew
July 11th, 2012
12:10 pm
VaBraves – Yeah, but they’re going to be very large arbitration raises – likely several million each for Heyward and Hanson and a couple more for Martin if they don’t just lock him up for several more years – which they should do.
Frankie
July 11th, 2012
12:10 pm
I really think without getting somebody(Dempster for this season makes most sense) ,thinking this staff as constructed is going to jell and lead to fall baseball is a little overzealous. Just don’t see. Too many things have to work in favor. Delgado or Minor getting consistent(hard to see), Sheets becoming a guy that can get you quality start. Maybe but again, asking a lot. JJ continuing to become better and better. Wow, that’s a lot to see transform in a few months. If it happens and FW stays pat, what a visionary. Still think this staff needs a solid arm.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
12:11 pm
Give him credit for battling but not sold yet on just 3 games.
Goes both ways. He hasn’t yet shown any reason to think that he can’t continue to find success, either. As far as being a “couple of pitches away from a different outcome”, you can say that about 90% of the starts made by ML pitchers as a group.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
12:11 pm
So most likely 47 million total before ARB raises.
55-60 million in Uggla, Mac, Hudson, Prado, EOF, Hanson, Heyward, Venters, Medlen and C-Mart.
Lew
July 11th, 2012
12:13 pm
FRankie – That’s why we need to wait and see what he does – and several others. JJ, Minor and Delgad have shown enough that they might be realic options. Time will tell with them and whether or not Sheets can catch some lightning in the proverbial bottle.
I’m not counting any of them out yet. AND, Vizcaino returns pretty early in the season and Beachy maybe late in the year.
George
July 11th, 2012
12:13 pm
I don’t like ALL-STAR GAMES, but last night was kind of wonderful. Our guys did well. Surpriseingly BIG FOX did a good job covering CHIPPER. Great CHIPPER got a hit and he has really become well spoken [ think he would be good in TV booth next year ] The BRAVES should keep him around next year and more than just haveing him show up at ST.
don
July 11th, 2012
12:14 pm
Eddie Mathews is the second best third baseman in baseball history. To rate Jones above Mathews is somewhat like rating Rose over Cobb. Hanging on long past your prime doesn’t add to your portfolio unless you are still playing at a high level. Rose wasn’t and neither is Jones.
VaBravesFan
July 11th, 2012
12:14 pm
Lew
Yep. I think Prado will get a little over a 2 mil raise. 2013 salary around 7 mil. Hanson could be getting over 3 million in his 1st year. Heyward likely to see a salary around 2 mil.
Lew
July 11th, 2012
12:17 pm
Frankie – You do realize that when Wren talks about getting help this r and being able to afford it that what he means is it’s coming off of next year’s payroll flexibility? He’s not going to spend his future capital a rental player and unless the Cubs ate an appreciable amount of Dempster’s salary (THAT price being a bigger trade package) then it’s money down the drain for 2013?
don
July 11th, 2012
12:17 pm
OBrien’s column should be recognized as the perfect example of a “homer”. Is he too young to remember Mathews?
George
July 11th, 2012
12:18 pm
Sure going to be a slow night for TV sports tonight, wish they would televise a AAA game or live MMA or SOMETHING.
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
12:20 pm
Under Contract and/or options:
Uggla – $13.2m
McCann – $12m (option)
Hudson – $9m (option)
Arb 3 players with current and projected salaries:
Prado – $4.75m ($7m projected)
O’Flaherty – $2.49m ($4m projected)
Jurrjens – $5.5m (probably not on roster next year)
Arb 1 players, should be very conservative estimates.
Heyward ($9m)
Hanson ($7m)
Venters ($4m)
Medlen ($2m)
Martinez ($1.5m)
Non-Arb players (projecting who might be on 40-man next season)
Kimbrel, Freeman, Beachy, Minor, Delgado, Teheran, Pastornicky, Simmons, Vizcaino
Project about 10-12 guys at $0.6m = $6m to $8m
I doubt we’ll see Ross, Diaz, Hinske and Wilson back next year. So you can likely replace the $7m combined those guys made this year with some rookies and other veteran signings, so estimate about $5m for that.
Total, here’s what I project:
Under contract and/or options – $34
Arb 3: $11m
Arb 1: $24m
Rookie and/or non-arb players – $6-8m
Bench, etc: $5m
Total = $82m
So that doesn’t leave a lot of room to re-sign Bourn AND go chase down any other prime free agents. It would help if the Braves signed Heyward to a long-term deal with some deferred money instead of going to arbitration and possibly do the same with Hanson. They could even get clever with McCann’s contract and sign him to a 3-year extension and knock down his $12m 2013 value a bit. But whatever they do, I don’t think they can afford two more guys making $10m plus. But I would be happy signing Bourn long-term and supplementing the roster with budget friendly guys. I think the Braves can still shape a formidable rotation out of Hudson, Hanson, Medlen and hopefully better versions of Delgado, Minor and Teheran after they’ve taken their lumps this year.
Or Liberty could pony up and increase payroll to $110m. A guy can dream.
MFin04
July 11th, 2012
12:20 pm
“EOF especially. 3.5 million for his services isn’t needed. And I was never a big fan of his anyway. Nice LH reliever – nothing special.”
Oh geez. I’d wager that he was the best guy in the bullpen last year. And over the last two years probably still the best reliever for the Braves included Kimbrel and Venters.
George
July 11th, 2012
12:21 pm
don
July 11th, 2012
12:14 pm
DON PLEASE, JUST SHUT UP.
Frankie
July 11th, 2012
12:21 pm
Lew- I’m not counting any of them out as well and next season very optimistic about their overall development(even Minor). Just so many concerns about if they have enough this season to get over the hump and into the playoffs. Tough tough call on what he does at the deadline. I was hoping to see a little more consistency from Delgado and string 2 or 3 games of consistent pitching together. That hasn’t happen yet, maybe it does. How Sheets pitches the next couple of outings will decide what they do as well. I still thinks Wren does something out of the norm this season, but think he is consistent and waits till the very last minute to decide. Have to wait till the 31st and see what this staffs does up till then. Of course, may not have that opportunity regarding somebody like Dempster who could possibly go this week or next.
VaBravesFan
July 11th, 2012
12:22 pm
While we will have clear holes in LF and CF. Starting Pitching should be a concern. We might as well not consider Beachy part of the big picture in 2013. He won’t return til after the midway point and who knows how he’ll do. Can’t really expect him to just continue from where he left off this season pitching at a elite level.
Were looking at a rotation of Hanson, Huddy, Minor, Delgado, Teheran if no help is brought in. While the 3 youngins still have the rest of the season to change opinions and such right now were looking at a rather weak rotation.
VaBravesFan
July 11th, 2012
12:23 pm
Lemke
Your way high on your ARB 1 salaries.
Lew
July 11th, 2012
12:24 pm
don – The problem is that after age 33, Mathews’ performance pretty much fell off a cliff and lingering late to add stats wasn’t even a vague possibility. He was gone by age 36 and last decent season was a .250, .341, .420 year at age 34.
His prime years career was phenomenal, but he faded VERY early on.
MFin04
July 11th, 2012
12:25 pm
“Give him credit for battling but not sold yet on just 3 games.”
Which of the four games are we ignoring?
He pitched well enough to win in all 4. Not that I am keeping track…
Lew
July 11th, 2012
12:26 pm
There is no way on the face of this particular earth in this particular dimension that Heyward recieves $9 mil or Hanson $7 mil for first year arbitration.
Maybe in bizarro world.
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
12:29 pm
Oops, little high on Hanson’s arb. Change that to $4m. And Heyward will probably be closer to $6m after some extra thought. Still doesn’t change the point though.
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
12:30 pm
Man, it’s a long time until Friday. I’m looking for a sweep, or at least 2/3…time for Mets (and their fans) to start to fade away.
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
12:31 pm
Thanks for the slap on the wrist lew. That left a pretty good mark.
I was looking at a spreadsheet of arb 2 and 3 guys…Garza, Nelly Cruz, etc.
Lew
July 11th, 2012
12:31 pm
Lemke’s – NO it doesn’t change things. I think we’ll see Wren make trades for players who are locked up for another year or two and that a rental is not in the cards, nor is someone extremely high pirced.
Lew
July 11th, 2012
12:33 pm
Lemke’s – I think we’re well on the road to awards like that (for players other than Miguel Cabrera types), but not quite there yet. Things are crazy, but not totally insane – yet.
VaBravesFan
July 11th, 2012
12:34 pm
Pitchers who could be available.
Cole Hamels- Rental
Zack Grienke- Rental
Matt Garza- Control for 2013
Wandy Rodriguez- 2 years on contract with Option for 3rd
Ryan Dempster- Rental
Shaun Marcum- Rental
Paul Maholm- Option for 2013
Randy Wolf
Edinson Volquez- Control
Clayton Richard- Control
Jason Vargas
Kevin Millwood
Felix Hernandez- Control til 2014
Bartolo Colon
Brandon McCarthy
Brian Matusz
Francisco Liriano- Rental
CrαZy
July 11th, 2012
12:34 pm
Hanging on long past your prime doesn’t add to your portfolio unless you are still playing at a high level.
How can you say Chipper has held on too long when he’s been as good if not better in his final 3 seasons than Eddie Mathews in his final 3 years?
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
12:35 pm
If the Braves go after Greinke, it’s going to have to include either Minor or Delgado. Which one would you guys prefer to send to Milwaukee.
Personally, I’d rather trade Minor. The Braves have a better lefty (Gilmartin) that should be ready sooner than later. And I think Delgado’s projections are off the chart. He can be a really dominant pitcher once he learns how to pick his battles.
Murph
July 11th, 2012
12:36 pm
There’s no way the Braves will have more than around $25mil to spend, and they’ll only have that if they get rid of JJ and don’t add any high-priced acquisitions at the deadline this season (don’t forget about Wren’s possible plan of paying for a player this year out of next year’s budget).
Looking at what’s available I see a few high-priced guys who justify their price tag, lots of mid-range guys who will probably be expecting high price tags, and a barrel full of monkeys who are just hoping for a job.
Jeff R
July 11th, 2012
12:37 pm
I agree with Lew at 12:03 pm. Got to see how things play out this season with Jurrjens and the others
Murph
July 11th, 2012
12:37 pm
If the Braves go after Greinke, it’s going to have to include either Minor or Delgado. Which one would you guys prefer to send to Milwaukee.
Minor, no doubt about it. Wouldn’t even think twice… I’d yell “Minor Minor Minor!” before the Milwaukee GM even finished his question of who is available.
I’m not a very good negotiator.
DS1
July 11th, 2012
12:40 pm
Looks like we don’t have long to get our first impression of Sheets. Will be a huge shot in the arm if he can come in and give us some good innings!
And let’s hope Everyday Jonny gets squared away in the next month or so. A solid Venters down the stretch would be huge.
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
12:40 pm
Also, I think the Braves finally sign Prado to a long-term contract. The guy has definitely earned it and I think he’d be an excellent third-basemen for the next 5 years or so. He’s basically Placido Polanco version 2.0. A base hit machine that plays the game the way you’d want to teach your kids how to play.
Mikeyc588
July 11th, 2012
12:40 pm
I think of all the available pitchers, I’d like Rodriguez the most. Granted Luhnow is a new GM and Wren doesn’t have the same history with him as Wade, but Luhnow recognizes he has to build for the future and has shown a willingness to trade. I’d prefer the contract of Rodriguez to anything we could sign Greinke to. I think Greinke is a better pitcher, but if people are throwing around $24mm a year for Hamels and Cain’s deal average over $21mm, I just don’t see how signing Greinke long term is possible for this team (or, frankly, even a good idea).
David O'Brien
July 11th, 2012
12:48 pm
Headed to one more lunch at the legendary Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, with my older brother, while I’m in Kansas City….
CrαZy
July 11th, 2012
12:56 pm
Braves center fielder Michael Bourn believes the Nationals were interested in him last summer, Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports. The Nationals, who continue to seek a long-term answer in center field, are expected to pursue Bourn when he hits free agency this coming offseason. Bourn told Kilgore he’ll take his time deciding on where to sign his next contract. “Right now, I’m focused on this season right now,” he said. “I think I’m on a good team right now in the Atlanta Braves.”
I love Bourn, but I don’t think it matters who wants to sign him he’s going to sign his name on the contract that gives him the most money and he should good for him!!
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
1:03 pm
Murph…”Looking at what’s available I see a few high-priced guys who justify their price tag, lots of mid-range guys who will probably be expecting high price tags, and a barrel full of monkeys who are just hoping for a job.”
If I were GM for a day (well maybe more than a day), here’s what I would do…
1. Trade for Greinke, with a package built around Minor and Salcedo. Sign him long-term at $14-16/yr.
2. Sign Prado to long-term deal, 5 years at $6-8/yr
3. Sign Heyward to 6-yr deal similar to McCann’s, starting out at $3-4m for a few years, then up to $10-12m for later years.
4. Re-sign Bourn before he hits free agency. Adam Jones is about to get 6yr/$85m, so I think $12-14m per season is reasonable, unless he hits free agency and the bidding goes up. Braves MUST re-sign him before that, otherwise he needs to walk.
5. Trade Hanson for a reasonably-priced left fielder and plug Medlen into the rotation. I’m not sold on Hanson’s long-term health with that shoulder and his value may never be higher than it will be this offseason.
6. Avoid that “barrel full of monkeys” as you put it…Just focus on making Greinke and Bourn work, then supplement everything else with youngin’s.
2013 25-man roster:
Greinke SP
Hudson SP
Medlen SP
Delgado SP
Teheran SP
Venters RP
O’Flaherty RP
Kimbrel RP
Vizcaino RP
Moylan RP (yes, he’ll be back, better than ever)
Gearrin RP
Rasmus RP, or some veteran shmuck, you know Wren can’t resist.
McCann C
Freeman 1B
Uggla 2B
Simmons SS
Prado 3B
_______, LF (solid guy picked up in trade for Hanson)
Bourn CF
Heyward RF
Bethancourt C
Pastornicky IF
Francisco IF
Gattis, 1B/OF
Constanza, OF
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
1:07 pm
Here’s a question for the off-season: Should the Braves explore a Dan Uggla trade to clear some salary? It seems there would be some takers and, even if the Braves have to eat some of his contract, it may be a decent way to clear up some budget room to fill other needs. Maybe they can put someone like Pastornicky or someone else at second that can provide something above replacement-level value for a minimal cost.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 11th, 2012
1:07 pm
1.Mike Schmidt
2.Chipper Jones
3.George Brett
4.Eddie Matthews
5. Brooks Robinson
David O'Brien
July 11th, 2012
1:08 pm
1. Trade for Greinke, with a package built around Minor and Salcedo. Sign him long-term at $14-16/yr. — Lemke’s Knuckler
Good luck with that. He’d be leaving at least $15-20 mill on the table in a five-year deal if he signed for that much with Braves.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 11th, 2012
1:09 pm
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
1:07 pm
Here’s a question for the off-season: Should the Braves explore a Dan Uggla trade to clear some salary? It seems there would be some takers and, even if the Braves have to eat some of his contract, it may be a decent way to clear up some budget room to fill other needs. Maybe they can put someone like Pastornicky or someone else at second that can provide something above replacement-level value for a minimal cost.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
HAAAA HAAAAAA HAAAAAAA AAAAAAAA HAAAAAA HAAAAAAAA!!!!
Best laugh I’ve had all week
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
1:20 pm
DOB…”Good luck with that. He’d be leaving at least $15-20 mill on the table in a five-year deal if he signed for that much with Braves.”
Yep, but the major markets will probably shy away from him based on his anxiety issues. Performance-wise, he should command a $100m+ (Matt Cain type) contract easy. But what mid-market club is going to pony up that much money. The guy can’t survive in a major media market, he knows that. His agent knows that. Anyway, that $14-16m is based on negotiating before he hits free agency. I’m assuming a “comfort level” discount in my assertion, excluding the major markets like LA, NY, Chicago, Dallas, SF, etc. All I’m saying is his agent has his work cut out for him without being able to use the major markets to jack up the price tag.
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
1:20 pm
Lemke’s @1:03 – Sounds great…except for that pesky problem that you actually have to deal with REAL players, agents, and GMs. “Here’s what I would do” is a lot different than “here’s what I would like to do, if I were GM in fantacy land”.
Bat Masterson
July 11th, 2012
1:21 pm
3. Sign Heyward to 6-yr deal similar to McCann’s, starting out at $3-4m for a few years, then up to $10-12m for later years. _ Lemke’s Knuckler
The same Heyward that you think is gonna get $6mm in first year arb? I think he gets more like $4mm but regardless, why would he do that? You’re talking about him giving up three years of free agency. Heap gave up one, this year, and an option for another.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
1:22 pm
I’d prefer the contract of Rodriguez to anything we could sign Greinke to.
It’s unfortunate, but contracts don’t pitch.
Poor quality at any price is too dear.
Brave New World
July 11th, 2012
1:23 pm
Sure were a bunch of ex-Braves in the All Star Game.
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
1:25 pm
scoots – There you go again.