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
1:25 pm
Trade Dan Uggla? Oh boy. How about trading McCann instead? We have two other catchers we could use.
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
1:27 pm
Uggla is probably something around a 3-to-4-wins-above-replacement player. So let’s say they trade Uggla to clear some budget. They lose 3-to-4 wins. But they can use some of the savings to fill other needs and hopefully eat in to that 3-4 wins deficit. Whether that would be the most efficient way to go likely depends on value they would get back: how much salary relief the Braves could get (i.e., how much they would have to eat) and/or what type(s) of player(s) they could get in return.
Bat Masterson
July 11th, 2012
1:27 pm
5. Trade Hanson for a reasonably-priced left fielder and plug Medlen into the rotation.
Trade a guy that has better career numbers than Greinke, yet sign Greinke for 4 times the money, a guy that you think will wilt in the spotlight?
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
1:27 pm
There’s some blog bullying going on.
raleighbravefan…a blog is fantasy land you jerk, these are thoughts and ideas for discussion, absolutely no need to mock them.
Bat Masterson…The same reason why Longoria and guys like him have done the same thing, security. It’s not a stretch. Longoria’s contract was for $4.5m the first year and $11m the latter years. Heyward is not better than Longoria.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:29 pm
As of right now, it’s 55-60 million in…
I’m looking at the relief right now because that’s pretty simple to tabulate. Below is the list of player salaries which are not necessarily going to be present. They could keep Bourn, EOF and Jurrjens, but knowing those are the places that are free to be removed, the total is about $45M. I know their are raises to be had as well, but I don’t know what they are. I do know there is about a $45M pool on this years salary total that would be available for most any other team in the majors. I have my doubts with the Braves.
Player___________Salary_____
Diaz, Matt...... $ 2,125,000
Durbin, Chad.... $ 0,900,000
Hernandez, Livan $ 0,750,000
Hinske, Eric.... $ 1,600,000
Jones, Chipper.. $14,000,000
Lowe, Derek..... $10,000,000
Wilson, Jack.... $ 1,000,000
----------------------------
Bourn, Michael.. $ 6,845,000
O'Flaherty, Eric $ 2,490,000
Jurrjens, Jair.. $ 5,500,000
----------------------------
Total........... $45,210,000
Should the Braves explore a Dan Uggla trade to clear some salary?
Why? They have salary room. Moving them him doesn’t do anything but open up an additional spot of need. If they can’t shoe-horn in the player(s) they need in that $45M or less space in payroll they already have, they have other problems unsolvable by moving Uggla.
Uggla isn’t making that much in the grand scheme of the game. His contract replaces Chippers which this team has had for decades. There’s 3 more years after this. Uggla’s position and contract are not a problem unless you make it one.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
1:30 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.
I had a feeling this was coming, and I was waiting for TenneseePaul or scoots to rip on it.
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
1:31 pm
MFin04, McCann’s current contract is more reasonable than Uggla’s, which is why I propose exploring an Uggla trade rather than someone else, like a McCann. But, again, it all depends on whether and by how much the Braves can get salary relief and/or what kind of return they can get in the way of players.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
1:32 pm
Longoria’s contract was for $4.5m the first year and $11m the latter years
But wasn’t Longoria signed to that contract even before his arb years? So, he had some value in taking less later for getting more in his min-salary years. Am I misremembering?
Anyhoo, it wouldn’t make as much sense for Heyward to discount his arb years, because they are already here. In other words, there’s no time value for him in such a deal.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:33 pm
So let’s say they trade Uggla to clear some budget.
With Uggla staying, the Braves are looking at $45M in salary relief this off-season. How much relief is needed? Who is being relieved at this point, Liberty Media? There is no reason to trade Uggla. Zero. Uggla’s contract is not crimping any planning over the next 3 years.
Bat Masterson
July 11th, 2012
1:33 pm
The same reason why Longoria and guys like him have done the same thing, security. It’s not a stretch. _ Lemke’s Knuckler
Okay, security. 6 years at what price?
MFin04
July 11th, 2012
1:33 pm
I’d rather keep everyone, and add salary to our payroll.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
1:34 pm
I had a feeling this was coming, and I was waiting for TenneseePaul or scoots to rip on it
Hardly worth the time for both of us, and I’m pretty sure it was TennPaul’s turn.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
1:35 pm
I’m looking at the relief right now because that’s pretty simple to tabulate.
I guess, however arb. isn’t THAT tough to get a range from. And minimum salary is now at least half a million and they always add on to players like some got this year. I understand you’re calculating relief, but they don’t have 45 million to spend just because that’s what coming off of the books.
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
1:35 pm
Bat Masterson…”Trade a guy that has better career numbers than Greinke, yet sign Greinke for 4 times the money, a guy that you think will wilt in the spotlight?”
A few reasons for my logic…
1. Greinke has better stuff, and there’s still more to tap into
2. Greinke has pitched exceptionally well in KC and MIL, ATL is not much different. He would crash in NY or LA, but less likely in ATL. I didn’t say “spotlight” I said “major media market”. It’s the constant attention that I think he would probably do well to avoid.
3. Hanson will eventually break down. In my opinion, he’s defying logic doing as well as he has this year only throwing 89-90 mph. I don’t see his velocity getting back to the 93-94 mph he was at before the shoulder.
4. Last time I checked, Hanson hasn’t won a Cy Young or cracked 200 K’s in a season.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
1:37 pm
As much as I didn’t like the Uggla extension, they searched for years for a RH power bat. While he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, I don’t see it as a good idea to trade him and open up a need.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:37 pm
Longoria’s contract was $4.5m the first year and $11m the latter years…
Longoria’s contract was actually 6 years $17.5M with three option years. It was signed after he played about 25 games in the majors.
08:$0.5M
09:$0.55M
10:$0.95M
11:$2M
12:$4.5M
13:$6M
14:$7.5M club option ($3M buyout)
15:$11M club option
16:$11.5M club option
Signing Bonus: $3M
Notice how his pre-arb year salaries remain low? No team is bumping up that mark.
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
1:37 pm
Uggla isn’t making that much in the grand scheme of the game. His contract replaces Chippers which this team has had for decades. There’s 3 more years after this. Uggla’s position and contract are not a problem unless you make it one.
I understand all that. I’m just saying it’s an area where the Braves could possibly get some salary relief and clear some payroll.
I’m not even necessarily arguing that the Braves could likely get fair return in the way of salary relief and players. There is a very good chance they can’t. Other teams are obviously aware of Uggla’s age and weaknesses (as well as strengths) and what he’s due to make. But I’m arguing that it’s something that is worth exploring if it comes down to crunch time and the Braves still have noticeable holes at third/left, centerfield and in the pitching staff.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
1:38 pm
And Shaun, while I understand you were just bringing it up, do you really think Wren would do this – two years into the contract he signed?
raleighbravefan
July 11th, 2012
1:38 pm
Lemke’s – Sorry. Didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:39 pm
but they don’t have 45 million to spend just because that’s what coming off of the books.
Actually Ef, assuming all those players are coming off the books, they have that much to spend. The difference here is, when I say spend I do not mean all of that money is earmarked for free agents or players not currently on the roster. They have $45M to spend on players whether it be contracts acquired, raises given, and/or free agents signed.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
1:40 pm
They have to be able to fill those needs(LF, CF, SP) this winter with 25 million to work with and a decent amount of tradeable assets.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:41 pm
I’m just saying it’s an area where the Braves could possibly get some salary relief and clear some payroll.
I’m not even necessarily arguing that the Braves could likely get fair return in the way of salary relief and players. There is a very good chance they can’t.
So, all of that was pointless then…
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
1:42 pm
They have $45M to spend on players whether it be contracts acquired, raises given, and/or free agents signed.
Well, if talking in those terms – wouldn’t it be 56 million? Uggla – 13.2, McCann – 12, Hudson – 9 if the options are picked up. No other player is due guaranteed money, I think.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
1:43 pm
Hanson will eventually break down. In my opinion, he’s defying logic doing as well as he has this year only throwing 89-90 mph.
Then Hudson has also defied logic for about seven years and 80+ wins.
Hanson’s lethality comes from his breaking pitches, in any event. Just because he’s a low-90s guy instead of the big-gas K artist we all once hoped for does not mean he can’t pitch. Medlen can’t throw gas, either, but you’re a big fan of his, aren’t you?
Now, if you’re scared to his shoulder holding up, that’s at least a valid notion. I don’t think the idea that he’s winning with smoke and mirrors quite fills that same bill.
DAP
July 11th, 2012
1:45 pm
lemke’s knuckler I didn’t say “spotlight” I said “major media market”.
atlanta is a major media market.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
1:46 pm
So, all of that was pointless then…
that’s what i was thinking. all civil bloggers having pointless empty discussion. need a crazy or 2 to liven things up here.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:46 pm
I’m arguing that it’s something that is worth exploring if it comes down to crunch time and the Braves still have noticeable holes at third/left, centerfield and in the pitching staff.
Well, like I said, they have other issues if “it comes down to crunch time and the Braves still have noticeable holes…” They have plenty of money to fill those wholes. Plenty of tradeable prospects to fill those holes. This is the most salary relief/salary room this team has had in a long, long time. They only have 1 player guaranteed into the future. One. I don’t think there is another team in the sport that is that flexible with its salary.
Yes, the team has young players they no doubt would like to “lock up.” But the beauty of this system is, they have control over those players without the need to contractually commit to them. So if those players lose a leg in the off-season, they are just as flexible going forward. This team has the room to get the players they need and build a contending team. Unless Wren really botches it up this off-season.
DAP
July 11th, 2012
1:46 pm
theres no good reason to trade dan uggla. have him locked in is good because its one less thing for wren to worry about.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
1:47 pm
So if those players lose a leg in the off-season, they are just as flexible going forward.
I didn’t know that prosthetics had come quite that far.
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
1:48 pm
TennesseePaul, it’s not a matter of whether Uggla’s contract is crippling. It’s a matter of whether the Braves as a team could win as many or more games for less if they trade Uggla. I’m not saying it’s a sure thing that they can. I’m also not saying that Uggla is necessarily overpaid relative to the market for secondbasemen. I’m just saying if we are looking for areas to clear salary, maybe it’s a place to look. But let me emphasize, like every other trade, it all depends on the return (in terms of what another team is willing to take on and what kind of players the Braves get).
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:49 pm
Well, if talking in those terms – wouldn’t it be 56 million?
True. In my own inner being method, I conclude $45M from those faithfully departed. I assume the rest remain and salary additions or increases will come out of that $45M slice of payroll pie.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
1:49 pm
I don’t think the idea that he’s winning with smoke and mirrors quite fills that same bill.
chicks dig long ball and dudes love gas (wait…).
any pitcher that doesn’t bring the heat is just lucky and about to get exposed. people that have this opinion will never admit to it and will never change that pinion either. another pointless discussion
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
1:51 pm
Bat Masterson…”Okay, security. 6 years at what price?”
Overall, probably something in the $60-70m range. Mostly, it helps the team with planning long-term, you never know how out of whack arbitration will get over the next few years. Let’s say Heyward has a 2013 season where he hits .330 with 40 doubles, 40 homers, 120 RBI and 20 SB. By the time 2014 rolls around, a season like that could be worth $20m in arbitration. Or he could have another 2011 season, then Heyward would be glad he signed the deal.
It’s always a gamble, and again I must stress that there is absolutely no reason for me to have to defend every little freakin number I throw out there. I’m trying to have a little fun on the blog and I’ll try to defend what I can, but I must admit I feel like a dead bug that’s being quickly dismantled by an army of ants. Just give me a few minutes to lay here peaceful and dead before you tear me apart. You might find it’s nice to let a few people stick around here and offer some thoughts before you run them off.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:52 pm
It’s a matter of whether the Braves as a team could win as many or more games for less if they trade Uggla….I’m just saying if we are looking for areas to clear salary
I fail to see why the team is in the need to look to clear salary any time in the next three years. I know I make my jokes about the ever shrinking payroll, but even at that rate of shrinkage, they don’t have a salary crunch anywhere on the 3 year horizon.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
July 11th, 2012
1:53 pm
“The guy can’t survive in a major media market, he knows that. His agent knows that.”
Lemke’s Knuckler
You’re assuming that the agent actually gives a hoot about his client’s emotional comfort. I think its more likely the agent will convince Greinke that he’s a big boy now, he can handle it, and he should go for the bucks. And if it turns out he can’t, well what the heck, it was worth a try! The worst that can happen is that the big market team, if unsatisfied, has to trade him away to a smaller market team- and of course eat some of that salary. But for Greinke (and especially the agent) its all good. He still gets paid.
The only way I see your scenario happening is if Greinke decides that there’s a specific team he wants to play for, and then directs his agent to make it so. Sounds far-fetched to me.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
1:53 pm
I didn’t know that prosthetics had come quite that far.
Oh it isn’t just the prosthetics…. I’ll stop there.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
1:55 pm
now this is commitment to winning, “passionate” fans on this blog would be proud -
The Vikings Rugby Club filed a formal protest with the Illawarra District Rugby Union recently, claiming that a player for rival Avondale suspiciously relieved himself in his own shorts just before their game. This was done, they said, to ward off would-be tacklers.
.
.
The letter was accompanied by a photograph — subsequently leaked to The Daily Telegraph — which purports to show an incriminating stain on the player’s shorts.
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
1:55 pm
And Shaun, while I understand you were just bringing it up, do you really think Wren would do this – two years into the contract he signed?
I think that’s a good point, Efrim. How many GM’s move still productive players that they’ve locked up to long-term deals? I’m guessing it’s not many, unless it’s some unique situation where some prospect at the same position all of the sudden rises.
Perhaps GM’s should be more willing, if they aren’t already, to say, “we locked him up for what we thought was appropriate because we liked him, but if you offer something fair, we’ll take it.”
Mikeyc588
July 11th, 2012
1:55 pm
ncscoots and others –
Do you really think there is that much separating Rodriguez and Greinke? I think Greinke is more talented, but look at their averages for the last three seasons:
W L IP ERA WAR
Greinke 14 9 207 3.39 6.1
Rodriguez: 12 12 197 3.37 3.0
Greinke had an ABSURD 2009 season where he earned 9.3 WAR and I’ll happily admit he’s the better pitcher. I just can’t help but think the Braves are better off with $10MM this year, $13MM next year and a $13MM player option for 2014 with Rodriguez than a Cain-like contract for Greinke.
Mikeyc588
July 11th, 2012
1:56 pm
With the new CBA, I’m sorry, but I’d be shocked if we got Greinke for the simple fact that I don’t see how we could/should sign him long-term. I think someone like Liriano is much more likely (although I’d prefer Rodriguez).
count_schemula
July 11th, 2012
1:57 pm
“How many GM’s move still productive players that they’ve locked up to long-term deals?”
Danny Ferry?
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
1:58 pm
another pointless discussion
Oh, I dunno. I like guys with big arms and velocity, because there are times when missing bats is the only way out, for a pitcher. If you’re clicking on an empty chamber when that happens, you’re liable to be the one face-down in the street. Velocity is just one way to miss bats, however, even if it’s the most noticeable.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
1:59 pm
greinke/wandy/liriano? i vote for taking a flyer on Sheets
Braveone
July 11th, 2012
1:59 pm
From the previous blog which had 3,959 comments, nolie led the way with 153 posts. There were 204 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 nolie 153
2 Venice Jim 146
3 Efrim 138
4 count_schemula 130
5 Mark 129
6 richbrave 129
7 ChattTownBrian 100
8 Lew 96
9 Bat Masterson 91
10 MFin04 89
11 NickB 83
12 McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô: 79
13 The A Bomb 78
14 kenhotlanta 73
15 jeffrey d 65
16 TNScott 64
17 Ward 63
18 Capt.Mudd 62
19 Brian from SC 60
20 cricket 59
21 Jerry 57
22 Brava 56
23 Disgusted 56
24 ACE 54
25 Mixxo 54
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
2:01 pm
TennesseePaul, if a team can get more wins with less money, they should do it. So if (yes, I’m not denying that it’s an “if”) they can replace Uggla with someone making less and it allows them to spend more elsewhere and leads to more wins, they should do it. They should do it with any player, not just Uggla. Uggla just seems like the most obvious because of age, his contract and his weaknesses. That doesn’t mean his contract is necessarily awful or that he doesn’t have strengths and won’t be a fine player for years to come.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:01 pm
there are times when missing bats is the only way out, for a pitcher
don’t worry, that’s why modern game has bullpens filled with guys who can bring the heat for a inning’s worth of pitches
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
2:04 pm
You might find it’s nice to let a few people stick around here and offer some thoughts before you run them off.
Come on, man, you’re beloved here.
No one’s trying to run you off, honest.
Do you really think there is that much separating Rodriguez and Greinke?
Well, enough that Wandy’s $30MM+ owed doesn’t look especially discounted. Maybe that’s where I was going: after a certain point, lesser cost loses its relative value, and you might as well spend the extra ten or twenty percent more to step up to another level. I probably didn’t do a good job of making my point on that.
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
2:05 pm
nscoots,
I never said anything about smoke and mirrors. Hanson’s a good pitcher. But he’s not the same pitcher he was before the shoulder, we all know that. And he’s also not Tim Hudson. Hudson’s a two-seam pitcher, just like Medlen. Those guys can still excel with 90 mph stuff based on excellent movement and getting ground ball outs. Hanson has some of the best breaking stuff in all of baseball, no doubt about it. But he’s also not getting that 4-seam fastball by anyone at this point. I think with his current repertoire, Hanson will still be a very good pitcher. Probably win 14+ most years with an ERA between 3.00 and 3.50, depending on the health of his shoulder.
This time last year, Hanson’s ceiling was much higher. Not so much anymore. That’s all I’m saying.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:06 pm
another pointless discussion
Oh, I dunno.
you do realize that our resident voldemort has latched on to the trade Uggla discussion and will drag it from now till the horse is turned into glue, right?
Bat Masterson
July 11th, 2012
2:07 pm
Just give me a few minutes to lay here peaceful and dead before you tear me apart. You might find it’s nice to let a few people stick around here and offer some thoughts before you run them off. _ Lemke’s Knuckler
Tear you apart? I thought I was just asking you to flesh out a couple of your proposals. Sorry
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
2:08 pm
I think there is quite a bit separating Greinke from Wandy. But I think Wandy is a fine pitcher.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
2:08 pm
that’s why modern game has bullpens filled with guys who can bring the heat for a inning’s worth of pitches
I wish to heck the Braves had a couple more of them, then, LOL. They certainly don’t seem to have one who can do it with any inherited runners.
Where’s Brian these days? I’d be interested to know how many of Minor’s and Delgado’s runs are attributed to inherited runners scoring on relievers. My guess would be anywhere from 15% and above.
DAP
July 11th, 2012
2:09 pm
i dont have a problem with wandy rodreguez. he is an underrated pitcher. but i dont like the $13mil player option on his contract.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 11th, 2012
2:09 pm
Dear lord, these two days after the ASG are horrid in terms of baseball…
count_schemula
July 11th, 2012
2:10 pm
“You might find it’s nice to let a few people stick around here and offer some thoughts before you run them off.”
Grow a pair.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
2:11 pm
I never said anything about smoke and mirrors.
Sorry, man, I mistook “defying logic” to mean something similar to that. My bad.
count_schemula
July 11th, 2012
2:13 pm
“Dear lord, these two days after the ASG are horrid in terms of baseball…”
Just picture McCann in a hot tub, resting his bumps and bruises getting strong for the 2nd half… with a couple of 12 sacks of Krystals. But I digress.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:14 pm
Lemke’s getting way more “sorry” posts than jeffre d got “please don’t leave” posts
ncbravesfan90
July 11th, 2012
2:15 pm
Olney suggests the Braves could be a fit for Upton (Twitter links). Atlanta could build a deal around third baseman/outfielder Martin Prado and pitching prospects, Olney writes. Upton would balance the Braves’ lineup and provide the team with cost certainty going forward, Olney adds.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
2:15 pm
I don’t think there is another team in the sport that is that flexible with its salary.
There isn’t. Braves are the only team with that little guaranteed next year. Believe it or not, the New York Metropolitans have 0…
count it, $0 dollars on the books for 2014. Think it’s them and maybe one other team.
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
2:16 pm
Enquiring Minds Want To Know…”The only way I see your scenario happening is if Greinke decides that there’s a specific team he wants to play for, and then directs his agent to make it so. Sounds far-fetched to me.”
Few quotes from MLBTR…
“A former teammate of Greinke’s told Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that the right-hander would like to play for the Braves. Greinke likes Atlanta and wants to win badly, according to Greinke’s friend.”
“a trade for Zack Greinke without having some kind of long-term contract agreement in place.”
I think what you said is exactly what’s going to happen. Greinke’s going to say I want to play for these teams, those teams will negotiate a long-term deal as part of a trade.
And if the Braves trade for Greinke and negotiate a 6 yr deal for him around $16/year, then you all should buy me an ice cream. Not all of you buy ice creams, I can’t eat that much. But maybe all chip in on one very expensively delicious ice cream.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
2:16 pm
cricket, that’s because everybody knows that jeffrey wouldn’t actually leave leave.
But, just in case, don’t go, jeffrey!
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
2:17 pm
Oh, I dunno. I like guys with big arms and velocity, because there are times when missing bats is the only way out, for a pitcher.
Yes, exactly. Big arms and Big velocity. Get me mid-90’s heat.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
2:18 pm
And if the Braves trade for Greinke and negotiate a 6 yr deal for him around $16/year, then you all should buy me an ice cream.
I’d buy you your own dang ice cream truck.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:19 pm
trading Prado for Upton doesn’t make sense. that just fills one hole and opens another.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
2:19 pm
Olney suggests the Braves could be a fit for Upton (Twitter links). Atlanta could build a deal around third baseman/outfielder Martin Prado and pitching prospects, Olney writes. Upton would balance the Braves’ lineup and provide the team with cost certainty going forward, Olney adds.
While I love “The Justin Upton”, I do not see how this makes sense right now for the Braves.
Sylvester Bill
July 11th, 2012
2:19 pm
Olney thinks the Braves should “package” Prado and others for Justin Upton. Am I misssing something?
Threadkiller
July 11th, 2012
2:20 pm
If I’m Wren and JJ has one more good game, I’m calling AZ about Upton! Start the traded discussion with JJ and see where it goes! I would call it Bourn Insurance! If Bourn leaves, then we are covered. If Bourn stays, we’ll have Upton, Bourn, Heyward in the outfield next year!
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:20 pm
But, just in case, don’t go, jeffrey!
that makes scoots part of a very exclusive group, he joins the only other member – George. enjoy
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:21 pm
Big arms and Big velocity.
ok, i give up. bring kyle farnsworth back..
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
2:22 pm
if a team can get more wins with less money, they should do it
Disagree. And I disagree because this is also still a business. Is the team going to draw more fans with unknown players winning or with known players losing? The Braves saw attendance decline in both situations so they have to then look at the players they have and figure out which ones are drawing fans to the game and moving merchandise. Franchise players have financial value to the team beyond their on-field production.
Secondly, nobody that is a fan of a team has ever gotten a thrill out of watching his favorite team slash payroll and win. No one ever comes out at the end of a championship season and says “we totally nickle and dimed that one. Awesome! Can’t wait to see if they can win again next year while spending even less.”
And third, I understand the theory of which you speak, I just fail to see why this is even something this particular team needs to consider with regard to Uggla. They are not facing any financial event which requires them to make such a move.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
2:23 pm
cricket, now you’re just being mean.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
2:23 pm
The Diamondbacks believe they could obtain a package of perhaps three players for Upton, Piecoro writes. Towers said he’s not shopping the right fielder, but will listen in case an enticing offer emerges. “Clubs have asked; I’ve said, ‘Hey, tell me what you would do.’ We could either say yes or say no,” the GM told Piecoro.
Smells like the Colby Rasmus deal of last year. Edwin Jackson, Marc Rzepczynski and Octavio Dotel for Rasmus.
I’d bet Upton garners quite a bit more, but a similar deal that doesn’t just revolve around prospects.
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
2:23 pm
Greinke has performed better than Wandy and there is a very good chance the separation will grow even larger going forward, barring some sort of major injury to Greinke. You don’t get that from W-L or ERA.
Greinke: 8 SO/9, 2.3 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9, 115 ERA+, Age 28
Rodriguez: 7.5 SO/9, 3.1 BB/9, 1 HR/9, 103 ERA+, Age 33
Wandy has a .497 career winning pct. Wandy came up in 2005. The Astros have a .467 winning pct. from 2005-present. A difference of .030.
Greinke has a .528 winning pct. Greinke of course spent the bulk of his career with the Royals, coming up in 2004 and leaving them in 2010. The Royals had a .399 winning pct. from 2004-2010. Greinke had a .472 winning pct. for those Royals, a .399 team. A difference of .073.
CrαZy
July 11th, 2012
2:23 pm
i dont have a problem with wandy rodreguez.
I do… I don’t want a player on my team named Wandy!! Sounds like a Drunk person trying to say Randy!
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:24 pm
10P at 2:22
+1
Lemke's Knuckler
July 11th, 2012
2:24 pm
Bat Masterson…”Tear you apart? I thought I was just asking you to flesh out a couple of your proposals. Sorry”
I think I did “flesh” them out. Just seemed like I threw a few “fantasy” numbers and proposals out there in this “fantasy” blog world and all of them got picked apart, with some clever misquoting involved. I’m feeling a bit ornery today, so I’m probably a little sensitive.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
2:25 pm
Would love to see what DOB thinks about Olney’s suggestion. Prado + prospects for Justin Upton. I can’t see it…..at all, really. And I love Upton.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 11th, 2012
2:25 pm
count_s—
Uuuhh…sure…
kenhotlanta
July 11th, 2012
2:26 pm
All y’all looking for some baseball tonight, “The Franchise” debuts on Showtime @ 10:00. Cameras followed the Marlins all spring, so it should give us a great insight on what really goes on behind the scenes with a major league club. Plus it will prolly reveal Ozzie for the crazy that he is.
Brian from SC
July 11th, 2012
2:27 pm
No, I don’t think I would trade Prado during the season for Upton. I get Olney’s point about cost certainty moving forward, but it would be hard to justifty trading a guy who is an important piece of the lineup in-season for someone who is underperforming.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:29 pm
Plus it will prolly reveal Ozzie for the crazy that he is
he’s actually hiding some of his craziness? that’s a scary and delicious thought.
TennesseePaul
July 11th, 2012
2:29 pm
but it would be hard to justifty trading a guy who is an important piece of the lineup in-season for someone who is underperforming.
And an important piece to the team next year witch Chipper leaving.
kenhotlanta
July 11th, 2012
2:30 pm
No on Marteeen for Upton. Anyone else surprised Melky doesn’t speak much English? He’s was signed in 2001!
CrαZy
July 11th, 2012
2:31 pm
Justin Upton
2013—$9,750,000
2014—$14,250,000
2015—$14,500,000
I don’t like JU enough yet to pay him 14.0 million.
count_schemula
July 11th, 2012
2:31 pm
“All y’all looking for some baseball tonight”
I think I’m going to rewatch the Teheran start from June on mlb.com.
ncscoots
July 11th, 2012
2:32 pm
Anyone else surprised Melky doesn’t speak much English?
Maybe his problem was simply that he couldn’t read menus, kept pointing at stuff, and ended up with four entrees at every meal.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
2:33 pm
If Upton is available this winter, I’m for it. However I still don’t think we match. Arizona has the following pitchers: Kennedy, Cahill, Miley, Bauer, Skaggs, Corbin, and much further away, Archie Bradley. Braves have pitching depth but lack serious positon player prospects. I don;t see a fit, even this winter unless they sell low.
Shaun
July 11th, 2012
2:35 pm
TennesseePaul, winning is the overriding factor bringing fans to ballparks. You think Red Sox fans were that concerned that Nomar wasn’t around for the 2004 championship? Sure, I’m guessing most would say they would have loved to see Nomar win a title with the Sox and it would have made it a little sweeter. But when it comes down to it, fans want their teams to win.
I’m not saying fans care or like their team more if they win with a low payroll. I want the Braves to be able to spend like the Yankees. I just want them to win. I’m talking from a front office perspective, especially for teams that can’t spend like the big boys, they should be trying to win as efficiently as possible. And I’m not even saying replacing one player with another is just as efficient in all cases. A cheap player will often bring less. But sometimes (not always) it allows a team to spend elsewhere and increase wins as a result.
Look at a team like the 2001 Mariners. The M’s lost their superstar players but losing them allowed them to be more efficient. Now, if I were a Mariners fan, I would just want my team to win, whether it’s by paying the superstars or by being efficient and paying lots of pretty good players who aren’t quite superstars. But from a front office perspective, they needed to be concerned with efficiency.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
2:35 pm
I don’t like JU enough yet to pay him 14.0 million.
I do. It lines up perfectly too. Contract up at 2015. I’d love the guy in LF in 2013, but I don’t see where we match up unless a third team is involved and that rarely happens.
count_schemula
July 11th, 2012
2:37 pm
“I don’t like JU enough yet to pay him 14.0 million.”
24yo
last year he hit .289/.369 171H 392b 31HR 105R 88RBI 21SB
We love Uggla, but don’t think the 24yo with a crazy ceiling is worthy.
He’s a head case, but, damn… that’s fool.
Efrim
July 11th, 2012
2:38 pm
We love Uggla, but don’t think the 24yo with a crazy ceiling is worthy.
Who cares about ceiling? All we care about is results, dammit. And we pay for what you have done….not what you will do…….
ncbravesfan90
July 11th, 2012
2:39 pm
Well if we care about results and pay for results, Upton is well worth 14 million
count_schemula
July 11th, 2012
2:39 pm
I don’t see a way we could trade for Upton either, but… I don’t like him for Uggla money? I’m gonna laugh at that one for a long time.
Juan
July 11th, 2012
2:40 pm
Luke Bryan is saying sorry for his performance during Major League Baseball’s All-Star game.
I knew it….i told my wife last night and she don’t believe me. He was reading the Liric..
Travis
July 11th, 2012
2:40 pm
A $10 mill increase in budget would do wonders for this team. It’s been years since the Braves have filled the leadoff role with a table setter. None exist in MLB right now that have proven track record. The most important move the Braves can make is resigning Bourne. Nuff said. Forget the Greinke trade and take care of business. There is a reason the Nationals want Bourne so bad. He would put them over the top. It isn’t just retaining Bourne, it’s also keeping him away from other NL East teams.
cricket
July 11th, 2012
2:41 pm
he couldn’t read menus, kept pointing at stuff
i blame all the picture menus and free unlimited refills of sweet tea
kenhotlanta
July 11th, 2012
2:42 pm
count_, you must be really bored, but maybe you can figure out why Teheran is not ready yet. I’m looking forward to the Marlins show, I love stuff like that and there hasn’t been near as much on Baseball as we’ve seen with Football.
Travis
July 11th, 2012
2:43 pm
We also assume Prado would stay in Atlanta at 7 mil per year extension. He’s worth a heck of a lot more than that in free agency. He just might split and try the market.
count_schemula
July 11th, 2012
2:44 pm
“count_, you must be really bored”
lol, I have an impossible deadline in a week. I’m stuck in front of this screen for a few days…