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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,718 comments Add your comment
Bobby H
July 17th, 2012
4:32 am
Peace, Ward. I was just playing devil’s advocate – you know, just keeping you honest…
NickB
July 17th, 2012
4:50 am
I’m not so sure that Shields will be cheaper than Greinke, having two extra years of control at less than market prices is worth a ton.
Bobby H
July 17th, 2012
5:01 am
How many different, NickB’s, are on here? That moniker seems to appear at all times…
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:12 am
Bobby
it’s always me, I don’t sleep very much…….. and when I do it tends to be between 6am and 1 pm
Bobby H
July 17th, 2012
5:20 am
NickB
I was only kidding about it being different monikers. I figured you didn’t get much sleep, though.
Couch Tater
July 17th, 2012
6:34 am
He hasn’t yet proven that he was a wrothy Top 10 pick and he hasn’t yet proven that he was a worthy 1st rounder.
Efrim – I hope you read this Q & A with Twinkies GM, Terry Ryan, on fangraphs. An excerpt…
DL: [Giants scouting director] John Barr said the same thing when I interviewed him earlier this year.
TR: Well, John Barr and I are close. I hired John Barr. He was here for a few years. Good man. But if you’re out into that world, and you say, “Well this guy looks like about a fifth-rounder,” in the real world that’s about what he is, a fifth-rounder. But then he’ll go off in that third round before you can blink, and you’ll say, “Dang it, I’d have like to have him, but he wasn’t a third-rounder.” Well, that becomes a pattern. Catchers are so difficult to come by, so you have to pay attention to them. Sometimes, you have to reach up and get them. Same with left-handed pitchers. There’s no doubt. Good left-handed pitchers are going to go, and go quick.
According to the article, some scout will be held accountable, if there was an over reaction. But, If the grade on all fronts was high and the GM’s emphasis was to reach the Show within a 2 year period. Did the scouting dept. really miss? I’m not so sure.
By the way, he says the Twinkies operate pretty much the same as all franchises…
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/qa-terry-ryan-twins-general-manager/
richbrave
July 17th, 2012
7:36 am
DOWN ON THE FARM
LYNCHBURG
14 to 0-o-o-o-o-o!!!!!!!! Offense one-hit. AARON NORTHCRAFT skinned alive by the GNATS farmhands.
RHSP AARON NORTHCRAFT [L 8-6, 3.97 ERA] 5.1 IP, 8 H, 1 HR, 8 R/ER, 1 BB, 7 SO.
RHRP CALEB BREWER [4.68 ERA[ 1.0 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 SO.
LHRP MATT CHAFFEE [3.92 ERA] 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 HR, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 0 SO.
The offense consisted of one single by……
2B MATT WEAVER [.235 BA] 1-3.
That was easy. Embarressing loss by LUIS’ charges yesterday.
ROME
ASHVILLE treats the Legion like TOURISTS 5-2. PETER MOYLAN takes a hard right-cross to the chin and goes down for the count.
RHSP FABIAN WILLIAMSON [2.65 BA] 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO.
Over-all, not bad.
RHRP PETER MOYLAN [BS 1, L 0-1, 13.50 ERA] 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R/ER, 1 BB, 0 SO.
PETE steps in it on the way out of the cow-pasture.
This is not a good development in his journey back to ATLANTA.
RHRP WILSON RIVERA [3.82 ERA] 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 HR, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 SO.
Decent. One mistake pitch.
1B ‘BillyBECK’ BECKWITH [.304 BA] 2-4, 2 RBI [41], 1 SB [10].
2012 18th rounder DH ROSS HEFFLEY [.281 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 SB [3], 1 SO.
Lead-off CF TONY MUELLER [.259} 0-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB [19].
SS ELMER REYES [.270 BA], PR/3B KYLE KUBITZA [.246 BA], and 3B/2B BRANDON DRURY [.212 BA] had a single each with nary a walk between ‘um.
In fact, the one BB plates a run. Seven SO’s including a HAT TRICK by ROBBY HEFFLINGER.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:37 am
Huge, Huge, Series Sweep over the Weekend
How Sweep it is! We Showed those Stupid Mets a Thing or Two
That was “The Big Payback!” From us getting Clowned during that opening Series in The Rotten Apple
Gotta take 2 out of 3 Against The G-MEN (Giants) before the Epic Clash this weekend Against The Curley W’s
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
8:15 am
First place before August 1, boys and girls. I’m feeling it Regardless of what Wren does or does not do (and there are so many options that I’ve given up thinking about it. Que sera, and so forth.), the team is probably good to go, given health.
Couch Tater
July 17th, 2012
8:15 am
Pour me a BABIP with a UZR tweest in a Moneyball glass…
There was always talk the Yankees thought [Melky] liked the nightlife a little too much, and as such was a bad influence on his buddy, Cano. GM Brian Cashman has always denied that, most recently earlier this week for a Daily News feature story on Cabrera. However, Long, the hitting coach who probably spent more time with Cabrera than anyone in the Yankee organization, essentially confirmed all the old rumors for the story to The News’ Christian Red. “I know Melky stopped drinking completely,” Long said. “That was part of it. I’ve always said the future’s real bright for Melky, and I couldn’t be happier for where he is now. But when you lose your focus, and your lose the ability to stay in shape. “This game is a grind. To play every day, you have to be in phenomenal condition. You have to be sold out to the profession. I think in Atlanta, (Cabrera’s struggles) peaked, and after that season was over, he re-committed.’’
http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-07-11/news/32621420_1_melky-cabrera-robinson-cano-yankees
Lew
July 17th, 2012
8:25 am
I was reading Carrol’s story on Jurrjens comeback (if such it truly is) and someone posted a FanGraphs on JJ’s velocity.
Now I realize his velocity has come down a bit, but when exactly between 07 and 10 did ver hit 97 -98 MPH like the graph claims? Not just once, but numerous times. Sorry, but I pay pretty close attention to the games and I watch every one and I surely don’t recall JJ hitting anywhere near that high on the gun.
Gil in Mechanicsville
July 17th, 2012
8:32 am
I concur Lew in reference to JJ’s speed. 93 was always his top end. 91-92 was more the norm. I don’t think Hanson ever reached that pinnacle either. They must have his stats mixed up with Jonny Venters.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
8:35 am
Only time JJ hit the 97/98 range…..it was registered in km
Lew
July 17th, 2012
8:36 am
Gil – Yep, seemed bizarre in the extreme to me. I wonder what kind of radar gun they’ve been using and how fast it would clock a trees’ speed.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
8:37 am
McCann on a 7-game hitting streak: .385/.414/.846 (!)
Heyward in July: .295/.799 (some “dropoff”)
Freeman in July: .350/.435/.650
Bourn and Prado: oh, why bother? Unconscious.
Chipper: Ditto.
I don’t think they’re going to miss Simmons, or even Uggla, all that much, for the time being. With this many guys going good, even the pitching is going to get covered up some.
Hillbilly
July 17th, 2012
8:49 am
With this many guys going good…
It’s been quite a while since we’ve been able to say this. The Braves have been on a see-saw all season it seems.
Jeff R
July 17th, 2012
8:50 am
Uggla’s due for a tear. Wouldn’t mind if he waits until August-September to do it.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:53 am
According to the article, some scout will be held accountable, if there was an over reaction. But, If the grade on all fronts was high and the GM’s emphasis was to reach the Show within a 2 year period. Did the scouting dept. really miss? I’m not so sure.
Yeah, Tater, I’m not sure how much Wren had to do with the Minor pick. Maybe it was quite a bit. If so, he should be held accountable too. I don’t know if the scouting department “missed” – I just know that near ever scout and draft analyst pegged Minor as a #3 starter ceiling and they were spot on from what I’ve seen. If we were picking in the back of the first round, then I would of been more okay with it. But Top 10 is a place where you need a star and Minor never really was that.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
8:54 am
It’s been quite a while since we’ve been able to say this.
Well, six guys en fuego at the same time is a little extreme, frankly. Not that I’m complaining.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:54 am
First place before August 1, boys and girls.
The offense is going to have to tear it up, because we face some really tough pitching through the rest of the month. 3 games back in the loss ain’t much though, so I could see it.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:58 am
When this team does lose, I’d like to see it followed with a few wins. Lots of streaks this year.
richbrave
July 17th, 2012
8:59 am
DOWN ON THE FARM
DANVILLE
D-rookies led by newly promoted 2011 DSL grad.SS JOSE PERAZA’s double [1] which plates both runs [4] in their 2-1 win. I like this kid. I think he’s got some upside. He definitely was the best player off last season’s DOMINICAN entry.
1B ARIS ALCANTARA [.338 BA] 1-4, 1 SO.
LF ED SANCHEZ [.291 BA] 1-3.
2012 5th round RF BLAKE BROWN [.185 BA] 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B [2].
2012 26th round 3B TRENT MOSES [.259 BA] 2-3, 1 R, 1 SO.
2011 DSL grad RHSP MO CABRERA [W 1-2, 2.22 ERA] 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO.
Looks like MAURICIO has taken the training wheels off his game, and starting to pedal on his own.
2011 22nd rounder RHRP CLINT WRIGHT [1.35 ERA] 2.0 IP, perfection.
2012 13th rounder NAT HYATT [SV 3, 1.80 ERA] 2.0 IP, no-hits, 1 BB, 2 SO.
Maybe NATHAN will take to being a closer after all.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
8:59 am
Uggla’s due for a tear. Wouldn’t mind if he waits until August-September to do it.
Modest three-gamer for Uggla, right now. What’s really surprised me about the guy this year is his walks and plate discipline. I know it seems odd to compliment the guy on that, considering the flails we see him take en route to that sparkling Mendoza-plus, but there you go. He actually is doing OK at not making outs, he just can’t square up the ball and drive it nearly enough. So, he’s about a quarter-inch from going beast.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
9:02 am
When this team does lose, I’d like to see it followed with a few wins. Lots of streaks this year.
They’ve just done that, geez, LOL. Cubs pitching stopped them a couple in that series, and then off they went. They’ve been held under four runs of offense only twice in July (those two Cubbie wins).
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
9:09 am
because we face some really tough pitching through the rest of the month.
They’ve just finished a streak where they’ve beaten Garza, Dickey, and Santana. No pitcher is safe.
BravePack(FreeFan)
July 17th, 2012
9:10 am
So what top end starting pitcher do y’all want Frank to pick up for the stretch drive? Personally, I want him to stay away from a 2 month rental while giving up prospects. No to Dempster, Grienke would be good if extended, Shields would probably do well in the N.L., I think some of his numbers are inflated playing in the tough A.L. East.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:11 am
I don’t love the guy, but it certainly doesn’t make much sense for the Twins to keep Denard Span past this season. Ben Revere can fill in at the CF position and they have Aaron Hicks in Double-A most likely ready to get to the bigs at some point in 2013. He’ll be available this winter, I’d expet. Could be a target for Wren to replace Bourn if he departs.
Couch Tater
July 17th, 2012
9:13 am
What’s really surprised me about the guy this year is his walks and plate discipline.
You guys know more about this than I do, but I’ve been wondering if walk rate could be the reason both Uggla and Heyward have not driven the ball at times. Are/have they waited too long to commit to a pitch? Heyward’s walk rate is down Uggla’s is up. Double edge sword? Enlighten me.
Steve from OH
July 17th, 2012
9:15 am
First place before August 1, boys and girls. I’m feeling it Regardless of what Wren does or does not do (and there are so many options that I’ve given up thinking about it. Que sera, and so forth.), the team is probably good to go, given health.
Maybe, maybe not. This team, right now, is good enough to at least be in the wild-card playoff game garbage thing they’ve got going on. If they want to be a bonafide contender to win the pennant, they need a starter and a RH reliever (a resurgent Venters would be nice too).
Dadgum.......
July 17th, 2012
9:17 am
Braves just signed a pitcher at Virginia Tech. Patrick Scoggins is 6-4 and 240 lbs. throws 92-93 and working on a solid breaking ball. Played travel ball over the years with my son and is a solid dude. Big dude too. Can’t say I saw this early on but good god the guy has gotten huge. Braves like his size and upside. He didn’t throw a ton of innings at VT in a 3-year span but stood out in the summer league at Peninsula. Going to Orlando now in hopes of making Danville club by late season. Wish him well….
Rock on…….you never know who is watching.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:18 am
They’ve just done that, geez, LOL.
I know, but it was after .500 ball. Next loss, so tonight, let’s beat the Giants tomorrow and Thursday and then ride into Washington and take 3 of 4. That’s sorta what I meant.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
9:21 am
If they want to be a bonafide contender to win the pennant, they need a starter and a RH reliever (a resurgent Venters would be nice too).
thing is, both those needs could be filled by the current roster playing up. Since the playoffs don’t start tomorrow, that possibility certainly exists.
I tend to agree with you, by the way, mostly because of health issues.
Dadgum.......
July 17th, 2012
9:22 am
So among Minor, JJ, Delgado, Teheran, and Medlen who is going to get traded prior to the deadline? I’m thinking JJ.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:24 am
I like this kid. I think he’s got some upside. He definitely was the best player off last season’s DOMINICAN entry.
Peraza is legit, richbrave. Definitely someone to watch. Mauricio Cabrera is too. And I have read good things on GCL catcher Carlos Sanchez.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
9:24 am
That’s sorta what I meant.
Well, fine, then.
Gotcha.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:26 am
So among Minor, JJ, Delgado, Teheran, and Medlen who is going to get traded prior to the deadline? I’m thinking JJ.
I’m thinking Minor or Delgado, Dadgum. Jurrjens needs to establish more trade value and now is not the time to trade him.
richbrave
July 17th, 2012
9:27 am
Local BRAVES news.
RH pitcher, RICHMONDer 6′5″ 235 PAT SCOGGIN inks UFA contract and is assigned to GCL – ORLANDO. SCOGGIN has a top end mid-90’s fastball, but needs development of his other pitches.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
9:30 am
Much like Gattis and his search for self, the answer usually ends up being much closewr to home than everyone thinks.
You want a RH reliever? How about Buddy Carlyle> Veteran pitcher with much MLB experience, a 2.34 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 22 games at Gwinett, 50 IP, with only 3 HR, 48 K and only 10BB and less than a hit per inning.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:31 am
Buster Olney’s blog this morning:
As the second half of the season began, there were eight teams within 2 1/2 games of the lead in the AL wild-card race, an early sign that the expanded playoff field will do exactly what The Powers That Be want it to do.
More opportunity for the postseason, more teams involved in the pennant races, more tickets sold, more fans watching on television. More, more, more, more, especially in September.
But there are always unintended, unseen consequences whenever major restructuring is completed, like when the roof at the Marlins’ new ballpark had a big leak in the first month. Major League Baseball’s worked to bolster the integrity of the division races and reward teams for prevailing through the grind of 162 games. But in doing that, it may have diminished the perceived value of a wild card berth to the degree that some teams won’t extend themselves in pursuit of that carrot.
“It’s not worth it,” said one GM.
Consider the current standing of the Tampa Bay Rays. They are 46-44 and 9 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East, and so as the Rays wake this morning, winning the division is a longshot. The Baltimore Orioles are nine games out of first place, with their pitching in tatters.
Both teams are in the pack of clubs fighting for the wild card berths, and they could devote the full power of their resources to making the playoffs. The Orioles could be aggressive in pursuit of Zack Greinke, because there would be some extra value for Baltimore to even contending in September; the Orioles, after all, haven’t been in the playoffs in 15 years.
But even if they are able to outlast the other teams, this is what they are guaranteed, from a business point of view: One game.
That is, the one-game elimination contest between the wild card teams.
That’s it.
“And it might not even be a home game,” said an NL GM Monday. “You could make trades and get into the playoffs and not get a home game. There’s not as much incentive to being a wild card team as there has been.
“If you had a best-of-three for the wild card [teams], and were guaranteed at least one home game, I think it would be different.”
This is not really a concern for teams who have a legitimate shot to win their division. The Pittsburgh Pirates, for example, have every reason to be aggressive before the trade deadline: They can beat down 20 years of bad history, and they have a real shot to win the division and host multiple games in the playoffs. The same can be said for the Cincinnati Reds, for the St. Louis Cardinals.
But the New York Mets are sitting six games out of first place — exactly the same spot where they were when they made the ill-fated Scott Kazmir trade. Should they expend major resources and go all-out when their best chance is probably for a wild card berth and maybe one game in the postseason?
Should the Milwaukee Brewers, who are eight games out? The Arizona Diamondbacks, who are six games out?
There will be trades in the days ahead involving players like Ryan Dempster. But in general, the trade market has been surprisingly stagnant, general managers report, and the perception of some of them is that the reduced value of a wild card berth is partly to blame for that.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:34 am
I spoke with more officials who are convinced that Justin Upton is going to be traded. He was dropped in the Arizona lineup for Monday’s game, and the Diamondbacks won. – Buster Olney
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:35 am
And one more from Buster….
A smart GM noted this: Under the new system, the spending money attached to each supplemental draft pick is actually worth more than the pick itself, in its practical use, because it allows a team to be more aggressive in its selections.
Probably wasn’t Frank Wren.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
9:49 am
Those who’ve asked about Evan Gattis, I was told this today by a Braves official, when I asked if he had a setback in his rehab from strained ligament in wrist: “No setback. Just a slow process. He is scheduled to begin BP this weekend if everything goes ok with tee work.”
richbrave
July 17th, 2012
9:49 am
And commenting on the MOUSEKATEERS, yesterday…..
LUIS MEREJO takes a hit on his march to the majors. PIRATES prevail 6-2.
2012 FA LHSP LUIS MEREJO [L 0-2, 3.45 ERA] 4.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO, 1 Pick-off.
2012 22nd rounder SHAE SIMMONS [0.00 ERA] 2.1 IP, 1 H, zeros, 2 SO.
2011 DSL grad MAGDIEL AVENDANO [3.86 ERA] 1.0 IP, pristine.
Pioneer League DON DRAKE [0.00 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, zeros, 1 BB, 0 SO.
Our independent leaguer seems to be holding his own as closer……on this level anyway.
2012 14th rounder C TY TEWELL [.324 BA] 2-3, 1 E [2, throwing].
A bit early to anoint TYLER as the second coming of BRIAN McCANN, but he’s showing some promise……..at this point anyway.
Soph 1B JACKSON LAUMANN [.279 BA] 3-5, 1 R, 1 RBI [8], 1 SO.
RF JOEY MENSES [.247 BA] 1-4, 1 3B [4], 1 RBI [5], 1 SO.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
9:49 am
What about trade for Josh Johnson, Bonifacio and Choate? It might take a good package to swing but the Marlins have never been shy trading within the division. We’ve worked with them in the past. That would give us a true Ace, granted Johnson hasn’t been the Johnson of old but he’s a stud, then you have Bonifacio as an alternative in CF and Choate gives us another quality arm in the pen.. not to mention a left handed one.
Do you think something like this is doable? We do necessarily have to get Bonifacio but it would give us more options this year and next.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:53 am
What about trade for Josh Johnson, Bonifacio and Choate?
I have some concern over Johnson’s shoulder. That’d be two starters with history of a shoulder injury within the last 12-14 months(Johnson and Hanson). No thanks.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
9:54 am
But in general, the trade market has been surprisingly stagnant, general managers report, and the perception of some of them is that the reduced value of a wild card berth is partly to blame for that.
I can see that. To me, that’s as it should be; the wild card berth should be of less value. Prior to this, the wild card was worth as much as winning the division, from a competitive standpoint (the business standpoint was a loss of two home games, max, and that remains the same).
Lew
July 17th, 2012
9:54 am
Pay over $14 mil for Johnson and his chronic shoulder issues? Not thinking so.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
9:54 am
Efrim, good stuff at 9:31.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:55 am
The Rays are open to moving any of their right-handed starters, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. Right-handers Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis, Alex Cobb and Chris Archer would all appeal to teams in need of pitching. Here are more of Rosenthal’s notes from around MLB… – Ken Rosenthal
Doesn’t make much sense for them to trade any of those kids before they’d deal Shields, imo.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
9:56 am
I don’t see JJ going anywhere before the trade deadline, specially not since he’s kinda help shore up the rotation a bit.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
9:57 am
Doesn’t make much sense for them to trade any of those kids before they’d deal Shields, imo.
Does widen the market for trades, though. Or, at least, different packages.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
9:58 am
I don’t see the Rays moving any of them.. at least not without stripping a team of all of it’s resources.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
10:03 am
It’ll be a rotation of Price, Moore, Hellickson, Davis, Cobb/Niemann/Archer after they trade Shields. Although they could insert whomever they receive for James into the big league rotation.
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
10:03 am
Those saying the Braves will be in 1st place by Aug 1 forget we play the Nats 4 games and they OWN us..
There’s only 1 (GREINKE) “top-of-the-rotation” guy out there provided this on MLB trade rumors is true…
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/07/braves-seeking-top-of-rotation-arms.html
Lew
July 17th, 2012
10:04 am
Transplant- I don’t know. The Rays are tied for thoird with the Red Sox, 9.5 games out of the division lead and their pitching isn’t getting them any further in a divsion where the Yankees will be better than they are for the foreseeable future, the Red Sox will spend bucks to get better and so will the Orioles, while the Rays have no money.
Given these circumstances, I’d say that the Rays run is likely nearing it’s end and they have nothing to lose by trading pieces for prospects – it’s how they had what success they’ve had to this point and may be their only viable means of providing talent going forward..
monty
July 17th, 2012
10:07 am
“I concur Lew in reference to JJ’s speed. 93 was always his top end.”
Sorry, but I have seen him hit 95 on a few occassions.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
10:07 am
Those saying the Braves will be in 1st place by Aug 1 forget we play the Nats 4 games and they OWN us..
Actually, I predict that first-place scenario BECAUSE they have four with the Nats. Guess we’ll see who is the better prognosticator.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
10:08 am
That would give us a true Ace, granted Johnson hasn’t been the Johnson of old but he’s a stud…
A “true ace” with a 4.28 ERA and 1.425 WHIP? Hasn’t stayed healthy in past two seasons and is owed rest of his $13.75 sal this season and then another $13.75 mill in 2013.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
10:08 am
Yes but your talking about some highly premium talents in Price and Hellickson at very low costs to the club going forward. I can’t see why you’d give that up when pitching can either make or break you.. just doesn’t really make sense to move those guys to me but I guess if someone was willing to give you the farm to do so.. well.. that’s another story.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
10:08 am
95 on a few occasions still doesn’t equate to hitting 97-98 pretty regularly for a three year period like that particular chart claimed.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
10:13 am
DOB, like I said.. hasn’t been his normal dominate self but when he’s healthy and going good.. he’s very good. Just looking at different options.
Murph
July 17th, 2012
10:14 am
I do think Wren will get his #1 starter… but I also think it’ll be someone that has not been mentioned yet. No idea who, but Wren will work his Jedi mind trick on some poor unsuspecting GM out there and walk away with a #1 or #2 starter for next to nothing.
He’s done it before.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
10:15 am
I can’t see why [the Rays would] give that up when pitching can either make or break you
Because their current pitching, which is pretty stiff, hasn’t been able to “make” them, and any pitching that they trade is unlikely to change that balance by being kept. They need offensive help, even if Longoria returns. Certainly, they need offense going forward, and pitching is one of their commodities.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
10:18 am
ncscoots, I still don’t see them making Price or Hellickson available.
Murph
July 17th, 2012
10:22 am
If they do make Hellickson available I hope Wren makes a call or two… he’s not a proven “ace” type guy, yet, but he can flat-out pitch.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
10:26 am
The Rays are in desperate need for offense. Longoria at 3rd, Joyce in a corner outfield spot, Jennings to take over for Upton in CF, Zobrist at 2nd or the other corner OF spot. Need a 1B and C, that’s for sure. Hak-Ju Lee is struggling a bit in Double-A too, but he’s still considered a Top 50 prospect and one of the 5 best SS prospects in the minors.
Dadgum.......
July 17th, 2012
10:29 am
Looking at the Braves starting pitchers one concludes that obviously we are missing a #1 guy badly. A go to type of starter that defines the team. Hudson is solid but no longer a real #1 starter what with age and some chronic nagging injuries to deal with. Hanson ditto but with age on his side. JJ you can’t trust yet if ever and even putting him in a Braves uni at season’s end is debatable. Delgado and Minor for me are going to always sit toward the back end of the rotation. Sheets needs more results to annoying him anywhere better than a #3-4 at best but could be a great grab for the Braves if that happens.
So, regardless of the Braves success of late, it doesn’t mask the fact that they need to trade for a Greinke-type that they will be able to resign. Thus Dempster is out and Garza I don’t think is the guy for #1 for us. One could argue that we now have five #3 starters with no drop off among the five. That could get it done. Problem is without Beachy until late 2013 and who knows at what level he can be effective we will need a stud pitcher to lead the staff. Hopefully we can acquire Greinke long term and have Beachy rebound well. Now that is a 1-2 punch we need down the road and a top guy we need now.
Rock on……the more I think about it Medlen could be one of the guys dealt by the deadline. Might give him a chance to be a starter again somewhere.
Steve from OH
July 17th, 2012
10:29 am
Hellickson is a guy I’d avoid. Seems like a fall-off waiting to happen.
Too few K’s, too many BB’s, low BABIPs, strands more runners than the league average, etc…
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
10:31 am
Been away for a while. I come back to see a trade, a demotion of Delgado, a front office show of support for Polished, a great game pitched by Sheets and a 7 game win streak.
And these guys over their last 9 starts:
_________AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS
McCann_ .303 .333 .667 1.000
Bourn__ .371 .488 .571 1.060
Freeman .375 .474 .656 1.130
Chipper .429 .487 .657 1.144
Heyward .286 .375 .457 0.832
Freeman since returning from his thumb injury: .342/.420/.579/.999
McCann’s month of July: .345/.375/.759/1.134
Bourn’s 5 game hit streak: .409/.458/.500/.958
Pretty crazy. I think the Sheets game was the most eye popping for me. Didn’t expect to come back to town and see Sheets pitching, much less dominating.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
10:31 am
…..Amid the everyday facts, opinions and otherwise labelled; a special word of note or S/O comes from this fan. As we debate the trade rumors/possibilities…..I’m sure we’ll all stand ‘united’ in our recognition and appreciation of our service members across the globe. We all have witnessed some sort of military event in one way or another since 9-11. Seeing a super-jet fly over The Ted is just one of the many things witnessed, as well as the members of our armed forces in attendance and duly recognized in a number of respectful ways. It gives us a sense of unity and pride–as it should.
The baseball diamond has been a focal point for a great number of Americans….this great game has a way of forging indelible memories through heartfelt nuances uniquely American.
Tonight, as our beloved Braves take the field defending their recent winning streak; I hope each of us will take a few extra moments thinking about these servicemen and women. As our team faces the Giants…..our military in the Gulf Region are up against a giant of another ilk.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
10:32 am
I’m not saying it’s not a good thing that the Rays came out and declared their whole pitching staff available… the more options on the trade market usually equals smaller trade packages teams receive. But I’ll say this.. Price and Hellickson isn’t going anywhere and if they do you can all tell me you told me so.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
10:34 am
Dempster saying he would approve trade to Red Sox and Dodgers. Boston is obviously a wildcard team if that and LA has absolutely no offense. I can’t see either of these teams going deep in playoffs. Unless FW doesn’t really want him, would think Atlanta and a possibility to win the division would interest him more and gives his team a better chance of going further.
Dadgum.......
July 17th, 2012
10:36 am
Price is the only guy from Tampa I would want. HellBoy just isn’t the type pitcher we need. Already have too many of his ilk now. He is OK as a 3-5 starter but again he doesn’t improve upon what we already have.
Dadgum.......
July 17th, 2012
10:38 am
Dempster would be a rental only. We don’t need that. He would not resign with Atlanta.
Trader Jack
July 17th, 2012
10:47 am
Almost every player is available for a trade – if the price is right
ncbravesfan90
July 17th, 2012
11:01 am
The Reds have called up right-hander Todd Redmond, according to the player’s agency, Jet Sports Management.
The Reds have yet to make an official announcement. Redmond was acquired from the Braves over the weekend in the Paul Janish deal. The 27-year-old right-hander has a 3.58 ERA and 96/28 K/BB ratio through 105 2/3 innings this season with Triple-A Gwinnett.
Source: Jet Sports Management Jul 17 – 10:55 AM
brian
July 17th, 2012
11:02 am
read the mlbtraderumors site. It reports that the Braves are seeking only a top of the rotation guy. Aside from Greinke and maybe Shields, who else is available that would qualify as a top of the rotation guy?
Boston is not trading Lester. Seattle is not trading the King. There are not many sellers with a top of the rotation guy available. Colorado and KC don’t have a starter that would qualify.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
11:06 am
Kimbrel has allowed 1 hit, no walks with 14 strikeouts in six scoreless innings over his past six appearances, and he’s allowed five hits (.064 opponents’ average) and one run with two walks and 43 strikeouts in 24 innings over his past 24 appearances, while converting 18 consecutive save opportunities.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
11:08 am
@Lew….Hey have you heard Davey J, and the W’s…are calling up {AAA Syracuse} Lannan to make his 2012 debut vs. us this weekend, Sat., most probably–one of the double dip gms.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
11:10 am
Aside from Greinke and maybe Shields, who else is available that would qualify as a top of the rotation guy?
They may view Garza as such. Not sure I would.
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
11:10 am
Thanks, DOB…I’ve been sounding the trumpet for some recognition for Kimbrel. It can be argued he’s having the greatest season ever by a relief pitcher.
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
11:10 am
Good for Mr. Redmond, making the show finally.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
11:13 am
Congrats to Redmond for the promotion. I’m interested to see how he does. I got the impression the Braves never thought too highly of him or ever had him in any of their plans.
DAP
July 17th, 2012
11:14 am
Wren considered Derek Lowe a top of the rotation starter. So, the definition can be fairly broad.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
11:17 am
Heyward .286 .375 .457 0.832
Slacker. He’s slumping big time.
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
11:19 am
The Giants are just 20-24 on the road, and have been outscored 234-198 away from San Fran.
They allow 5.3 runs per game on the road, and 2.6 at home.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
11:20 am
Lannan, great. The guy is like Ron Guidry when he pitches against the Braves. That is going to be a tough series, not as optimistic as folks around here. First place by end of month might be pushing it a little.
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
11:20 am
The Giants are the last remaining team on the Braves’ schedule whom they haven’t played yet.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
11:20 am
Lannan? Well, as always, if we hit we’ll win.
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
11:21 am
I would set a goal of first place by the end of August. The easiest portion of the Braves’ schedule (20 of 23 games against sub-.500 teams) starts next week.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
11:21 am
“The Giants are just 20-24 on the road, and have been outscored 234-198 ”
Braves have played awful well against this team in Turner last 3 or 4 yrs. Hopefully that continues.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
11:23 am
So, the definition can be fairly broad.
It’s sort of a “stuff” thing, for me. Would never consider Mark Buerhle a #2.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
11:24 am
Looks like we miss Gio Gonzalez this weekend. Excellent news.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
11:25 am
Slacker. He’s slumping big time.
It’s funny looking at the L9S9+. The other guys are lifting that bar so high that Heyward’s L9S9+ is 91 right now…. 91, even with an .832 OPS over his last 9 starts. Starters as a whole over the last 9 games have OPSed .874. Braves have been hittin’ the ball lately (.294/.383/.491/.874 starters over the last 9 games).
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
11:26 am
Strasburg, Jackson, Detwiler, Zimmerman in the pipe for this weekend.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
11:26 am
Gio? Don’t mind him, that’s the guy that got Heyward’s season turned around.
Actually he is a tough cookie.
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
11:26 am
Excuse me…Strasburg, Jackson, Lannon, Detwiler
CrαZy
July 17th, 2012
11:37 am
MLB draft lottery
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120716&content_id=35035642&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&tcid=tw_article_35035642
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
11:40 am
The Cardinals are one of the 10 smalles-market or smallest-revenue teams? The Tigers receive revenue sharing???????????
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
11:42 am
I’m hoping we take first the night I’m there.. I wish Chipper would wait until then to set the all-time rbi record too but asking him to hang off for a week in a half might be asking too much.