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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,184 comments Add your comment
raleighbravefan
August 14th, 2012
9:28 am
If not a “perfect storm”, last night, at least a recipe for a tough game to win :
- Monday
- 3AM arrival from NY
- Monday
- Lefty at the top of his game, throwing the kind of junk that always gives us trouble.
- Monday
- Hot opponent (32-24 since June 24, 7 of last 8, Headley player of the week last week).
- Monday
Can’t redo last night…move on, and go get them tonight!
Juan
August 14th, 2012
9:29 am
I think the Pads cut us Sleeeeping last night
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
9:30 am
So in the off-season BOURN and McCANN hit the FA market, HANSON is trade-bait, and we stash JURRJENS in AAA hoping he’ll come back after an off-season of rest on that knee?
DAP
August 14th, 2012
9:31 am
jimmy If the Giants would have won last night, they’d be 1/2 game behind us in the WC standing.
no they wouldnt have. they would have been 1/2 game behind pittsburg, who is 2 games behind us.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 14th, 2012
9:33 am
richbrave—
BMac won’t be a FA this off-season!! He still has an option for 2013!!…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:36 am
Not so fast, richbrave!!! BMac still has an option for 2013… good deal if he produces, “bad” if he sukks again. No reason not to use it, unless he gets hurt.
Roger
August 14th, 2012
9:37 am
High socks, low socks, it’s the Nationals’ year I’m afraid. Even if we make it into the playoffs, we’ll not win the division.
Go Braves, though.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:38 am
And JJ needs to be non-tendered…. he’s not worth much to us anymore.
Lew
August 14th, 2012
9:42 am
As much as he groipes about fitness, one would think keylargo goes about 295 and is trying to motivate himself. Of course, his pride is shot because all people have no pride unless they have an acceptable body mass index..
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:42 am
Jurrjens will be non-tendered. Just no way Wren will take that risk when Jurrjens will make around 7 million next season.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
9:42 am
BMac won’t be a FA this off-season!! He still has an option for 2013!!…
I figured McFann would jump on that. 12 million for 2013 which will be picked up a few days after the WS ends, I’d bet.
Arkansas Transplant
August 14th, 2012
9:43 am
Yeah, we need to hang onto to Uggla.. that 39 million plus over the next 3 years is sure worth it. Got to love his Oh-fers night in and night out. Greatly needed from your supposely solid RH hitter against LHP. There’s no way we could replace that .213 with anyone for a lower rate while allowing us to spend elsewhere or extending those that actually produce. Keep him Wren, Keep him!!
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
9:44 am
It’s sort of a non-issue at this point, right? Jurrjens won’t be tendered his third year arb. contract and salary that comes with it. And I doubt he re-ups with us on a minor league deal. Just my opinion there.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 14th, 2012
9:46 am
Efrim 12 million for 2013 which will be picked up a few days after the WS ends, I’d bet.
It better be…And this season of his will NOT be repeated…
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:46 am
McCann will be a tricky situation. The poor season he is having totally put any kind of long term deal on the back burner. Braves will pick up his option and go from there. Hopefully he bounces back next season but I truly feel like unless he gives us a huge discount he will be playing elsewhere in 2014.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
9:47 am
AT, it isn’t happening. Dan Uggla will be a member of the 2013 Braves. You’re just going ot have to accept that man.
Lew
August 14th, 2012
9:48 am
Uggla’s not going to be traded for a number of reasons – which have been discussed almost as ad nauseum as the rants to dump him. Move on and go write your list to Santa and beat the seasonal rush.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
9:49 am
but I truly feel like unless he gives us a huge discount he will be playing elsewhere in 2014.
I believe Molina got five years, 75 million. Montero got five years, 70 million. Thinking Wren and co. will offer five years, 80 million max perhaps with a club option for 2019. But I can’t see them going higher than that for Mac’s age 30-34 year old seasons.
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:49 am
We will have a worse team on paper next season, just no way we can replace Chipper or Bourn with better or equal value. It will all come down to Heyward and Freeman taking the next step as producers and Uggla and McCann rebounding.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:50 am
AT: Trading Uggs and covering at least 25-30 mil of what he’s owed and then trying to fill 2 of 2B/3B/LF (depending on where Prado goes) , CF, and a top SP isn’t happening…. Uggs is staying.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
9:51 am
I thought that might stir the pot a bit.
But I still believe McCANN needs a series off. Catching is a grinding business.
You can’t use ROSS exclusively because his weaknesses are ultimately exposed, but in a three games series whenever a LH’er is on the mound, use him in a semi-platoon with B-MAC to give him some rest.
UGGLA appears to be the type of player that needs to be fed a diet of RH pitching to get him going. So I’d sit DAN until they put a RH’er on the mound. Keep doing that until he’s stroking it again, then keep him in, and ride the hot streak.
Stop the set line-up, and force the opposing manager to react to some adversity for a change by starting more RH’ers.
That is assuming JOHNSON and others can carry the load for a few games.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
9:51 am
If an AL team is going to offer him 18 million a year over six years guaranteed, then I’m not sure what Wren is going to do. Comes a point where contracts go beyond a level of sanity. Six years, 108 million is just way too much for Mac.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
9:52 am
We will have a worse team on paper next season, just no way we can replace Chipper or Bourn with better or equal value. It will all come down to Heyward and Freeman taking the next step as producers and Uggla and McCann rebounding.
I agree with this. Well said, Va.
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:53 am
Efrim
That is the kind of contract I thought he’d get in April, but he’s having the worst season his career, he’d really have to bounce back big in 2013 for the Braves to offer that contract.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:54 am
But I can’t see them going higher than that for Mac’s age 30-34 year old seasons.
4 yr deal max, possibly with an option. No deal past age 34 season. Period.
monty
August 14th, 2012
9:54 am
Have to feel for BMAC he finally got to feeling “dangerous” then his shoulder flares up, or it’s like in golf when you figure something out and you have a good few rounds and then it’s gone and you have to figure something else out. I love Brian, but he sure looked…um…..big…. last night…or ..big-ger.
Murph
August 14th, 2012
9:54 am
I guess that’s the end of Matt Diaz in Atlanta. For as much crap as I gave him this spring, he did ok this year… I feel bad for him that his time with the Braves is ending in surgery.
Looks like the offense has gone dormant again. Hope they wake up before it’s too late. Better now than in the end of September I guess.
Saw DLowe picked up a 4-inning save last night. Tommy Hanson should be paying attention as that’s the role he’s going to assume once the Braves go back to a 5-man rotation….
phil
August 14th, 2012
9:55 am
Uggla does need to go bye bye. We can’t make it happen apparently, but he’s killing us most of the time.
McCann will clearly be here next year, but his best years appear to be behind him already, as much because he won’t take care of himself as any other reason that makes sense.
Bourn strikes out too much, but he keeps himself in shape and does a fine job overall. I would rather take a chance on him for another 4-5 years than spend the money on Mac, as much as I’ve always loved the guy.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
9:58 am
.222/.280/.333/.613 line for Diaz in 2011… well below his career norms. Not really OK…
As for BMac, imo the deal I’d offer him is 4 yrs 60 mil, with a 5th year option for 10 mil.
Tommy Hanson should be paying attention
Indeed. He’s currently our weakest starter.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
9:59 am
That is the kind of contract I thought he’d get in April, but he’s having the worst season his career, he’d really have to bounce back big in 2013 for the Braves to offer that contract.
If he posts his career averages next year, Braves will offer five years, 80 million. It’s in line with the other catcher deals and I have to imagine McCann wants to stay in Atlanta. I do not see them going beyond that though, however a lot could change in a year. Depends on how Freeman and Heyward progress and where we are as an organization. There will be other factors that go into the proposal for Brian. We’re talking more than a year and that’s a really long time in baseball terms.
Lew
August 14th, 2012
10:00 am
Yeah – we can let Mac walk because we have Betancourt, right? Of course he couldn’t hit before he broke his hand…….
DAP
August 14th, 2012
10:01 am
looking at the wildcard standing can be a little confusing. but as of this morning, we are 2 games up on the pirates, 3.5 up on the dodgers and giants, 4 games up on the cardinals, and 9.5 games up on the dbacks.
Arkansas Transplant
August 14th, 2012
10:01 am
TheOnlyBravesFan, I wouldn’t pay any of it nor would I expect too much back in return. Probably nothing more than a low level prospect. I’m not saying they will move him in the offseason, just saying they should. This team can’t afford to pay the amount of money they are paying him for one guy to do nothing more than he’s doing. That money would be better spent either split between 2 positions or on a top notch starter.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:01 am
Spending big on a catcher at age 30 is problematic at best.MAC could go either way, but most are pretty worn out by then.
Gambling long-term on a BOURN at that age is a better proposition to my way of thinking.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 14th, 2012
10:05 am
monty Have to feel for BMAC he finally got to feeling “dangerous” then his shoulder flares up
True that…:(
I love Brian, but he sure looked…um…..big…. last night…or ..big-ger.
It was the high socks…
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:05 am
I think UGGLA should see majority, but not exclusive RH’d pitching early in the season, and see what that develops. Of course, dollars on the bench and pennies in the field will bring howls of derision from many sources, and heat from the front office.
Murph
August 14th, 2012
10:05 am
Yeah – we can let Mac walk because we have Betancourt, right? Of course he couldn’t hit before he broke his hand…….
Didn’t you see the movie Rookie of the Year? Guys always come back from injury with Herculean strength and abilities they never possessed before getting hurt.
BeFANNcourt will come back and be a monster both at and behind the dish.
Murph
August 14th, 2012
10:07 am
Salty will be a free agent after next season… and he’d probably cost the Braves half of what BMac will cost.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:07 am
Of course he couldn’t hit before he broke his hand…….
After breaking his hand, all the demons that kept him from hitting will be gone… he’ll be a .300 hitter from here on out!
Lew
August 14th, 2012
10:08 am
Yeah – And we should never eat BBQ again and all become vegans, eating macrobiotic diets and saving as much money as we can possibly do so we can retire at age 45 in a style we’re not accustomed to.
Bout as much chance of that happening as Uggla leaving this winter.
Lew
August 14th, 2012
10:09 am
OnlyBRaves – Yes and you shuld likely put a catcher’s mitt under your pillow so the cathing fairy grants all of your wishes.
Lew
August 14th, 2012
10:10 am
catching fairy – not so sure a cathing fairy would be beneficial in the least.
monty
August 14th, 2012
10:11 am
On paper, we looked solid in our SP in spring training. We know where that went. Next season we look even stronger in our SP than this year. Hudson, Sheets, Maholm, Minor. Medlen – Delgado, Teheran,waiting in the wings, Beachy back in mid-August. I believe Hanson gets moved this winter. Make a deal for Bernadina in CF (shouldn’t cost us too much) sign a LF with enough pop to offset Chipper’s production and we have Simmons for the whole year. Brian will certainly hit better and JHEY and FF will be another year older and wiser, climbing toward stardom, with Andrelton not far behind!
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:12 am
If BMac gets a 5/6 year deal to catch in the NL…. well, all I can say is good luck.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:14 am
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [.304 BA] 2-6 last night, 1 2B [31], 2 RBI [87], 2 SO.
The big guy continues on a trajectory to break 100 RBI’s and a .300 BA. The 40 doubles, 30 HR’s is more problematic. Still too many SO’s to be a serious ML player in my estimation, but he’s putting up some fantastic numbers in AAA. Same as AA last year.
monty
August 14th, 2012
10:15 am
McFAnn- “it was the high socks”
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:17 am
Having a 6 man rotation means we don’t need starting pitching help this offseason. Were willing to change everyone’s routine this late in the season to keep Medlen in there even tho he can still be huge in the pen for us.
I think it’s a joke kinda, What’s the chances Medlen is viewed as a starter in 2013? Were already gonna have Hudson, Hanson, Maholm, Minor, Delgado, Teheran all looking for rotation spots, then we have Beachy coming back at some point too.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:19 am
Still too many SO’s to be a serious ML player in my estimation,
Juan struck out more than this when he was in the Minors; hence he isn’t all that great… I agree that both of them aren’t going to be serious starters in the Majors.
Lew
August 14th, 2012
10:19 am
I really wouldn’t count on anything much from Beachy next year. Maybe he makes a couple of starts. Maybe not even that much.
Arkansas Transplant
August 14th, 2012
10:19 am
Next season we look even stronger in our SP than this year.
This statement isn’t entirely true. Hudson a year older, Beachy may not make it back til season’s last couple of months if at all, Sheets isn’t signed past this year, Minor might be better, Delgado still struggles and Teheran has regressed.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:19 am
RHSP RANDALL DELGADO [W 3-2, 4.94 ERA] got the win last night but only because of the blistering barrage of hits the G-Men put on the BATS. RANDALL went 5.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R/ER, 3 BB, 3 SO.
RHRP ANTHONY VARVARO [SV 6, 2.62 ERA] got the final out, and a save in the process.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 14th, 2012
10:21 am
monty—
Well Mom said!……
Arkansas Transplant
August 14th, 2012
10:21 am
Will Mejia be a September call up? and what’s his ability in playing outfield?
phil
August 14th, 2012
10:21 am
Heads in the sand over McCann….sigh
monty
August 14th, 2012
10:23 am
I find it a little mind numbing that anyone would NOT consider Medlen for a SP role next season, considering his performance so far this year and in 2010 when given the chance, all the team does is win when he pitches, that’s undeniable, we can argue about the why’s but you can’t argue with the results. If he “looked” more like a big league pitcher stature wise instead of a highschool freshman we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. What does that tell ya?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:23 am
Medlen is good enough to start, but it’d be kinda sad if Delgado and Teheran can’t work their way into the rotation. After all the hype that’s surrounded them and being told that they’re untouchable in trades for 2/3 straight years.
If Medlen is still “better” than them that we take him from the ‘pen and put him in the rotation, Gilmartin makes the rotation before them, or us needing to get an ace (like Greinke) because our hyped prospects can’t pitch yet? That’ll sukk big time.
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:24 am
Juan Francisco is a guy that if he played everyday he would easily strikeout over 200 times but has the ability to hit 25-30 homers as well.
Here’s what he’s done for us this season.
159 PAs 252/302/469 8 HR 27 RBI 48 K 10 BB
But were only paying him 480k and next season he’ll make like 500k. So I like the value for what he does provide and that’s slugging. He’s a helluva lot better than Eric Hinske who is making 1.5 million and has produced a 590 OPS this season…
Francisco will be on the team next season I believe.
phil
August 14th, 2012
10:25 am
As I was running this morning, I had this thought about our starting pitching….
Aside from Minor, who has been average overall, and the new guy Maholm, our starters are held together with fly paper and toothpicks….they just aren’t any better than average overall.
And beyond that, we don’t even know week to week who they actually are. It’s not a great recipe for success down the stretch.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 14th, 2012
10:25 am
Whose head’s in the sand?…
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
10:25 am
What’s the chances Medlen is viewed as a starter in 2013? Were already gonna have Hudson, Hanson, Maholm, Minor, Delgado, Teheran all looking for rotation spots, then we have Beachy coming back at some point too.
I wouldn’t be pleased with that rotation, Va. Looking for another arm at the front with Hudson. If we have to part with one of the younger arms to get that upgrade, I’m for it. As you said, it’s going to be difficult to replace Bourn and Chipper, but maybe the added value can be in a frontline starter such as James Shields or Dan Haren or whomever.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:26 am
Next season we look even stronger in our SP than this year.
Not really… a bunch of question marks, mainly because it’s young guys. The only guy who’s coming back that looks solid is Maholm. Huddy is a year older, Hanson is injured, Minor and Delgado are young, who knows what happens with Sheets. Not really inspiring the confidence. Not 1 ace in that group.
RANDALL went 5.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R/ER, 3 BB, 3 SO.
Wasn’t fooling anyone, 8 hits… only 5IP and 3 walks… Yikes.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:26 am
AT:
We’ve got two openings on the forty-man. I’m thinking both MEJIA and CUNNINGHAM are added. I’m not sure what the rules relating to adjustments with the 40-man are however. As an example, is there a dead-line approaching relating to additions or subtractions from the forty-man?
TennesseePaul
August 14th, 2012
10:27 am
This team can’t afford to pay the amount of money they are paying him for one guy to do nothing more than he’s doing
His contract isn’t blocking anything on this team. Nothing. Not even going forward.
This off-season the team can choose to spend money on a “front line starter” with the money it already has, while keeping Dan Uggla. Or, this off-season the team can choose to spend money on two players at other positions and still retain Uggla.
Dan Uggla is the only guy under contract going forward. The only one. This team has the most financial flexibility of any team in the majors and the most it has had in decades. Only 1 guy is under contract for the next 3 years. 1 guy. The team with a $95M payroll has only $13M committed. That’s $82M to spend on anything they see fit. Add in the fact that their core guys are still per-arbitration and they are in an extremely good position.
It’d be more logical if you simply stated: “I hate Dan Uggla” and then moved on.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:28 am
Francisco will be on the team next season I believe.
I don’t mind that too much… just as long as it’s a backup role. He can take Hinske’s role as the (heavy lol) backup 1B. Or he can backup 3B and Mejia backups 1B. Either one works.
Looking for another arm at the front with Hudson.
Greinke.
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:28 am
Efrim
I agree about that. It just drives me nuts when we have a pitcher like Delgado in the minors still with a 6 man rotation in the bigs.
phil
August 14th, 2012
10:29 am
McFann – Not yours. You seem to be right on board with his struggles.
Then again, I’m talking about his weight and what I perceive to be his conditioning issues. I catch grief all the time, but I want to see the man end up in the hall of fame, and being overweight is gonna doom him to mediocrity as he gets older. It’s already happening.
David O'Brien
August 14th, 2012
10:29 am
I really wouldn’t count on anything much from Beachy next year. Maybe he makes a couple of starts. Maybe not even that much.
Why would you expect Beachy to make only “a couple of starts” or fewer? Pitchers typically return to their roles in 12-13 months after TJ surgery, and he had his in mid-June. Not sure why you think he couldn’t reasonably be expected to be back in the rotation at midseason. Sure, some pitchers have setbacks and it takes them an extra month or two. But plenty are back in 12 months, particularly younger pitchers (as opposed to a Tim Hudson, who, by the way, was back making rehab starts 11 months after surgery and on schedule to return to big-league rotation in 12 months before had a mild setback).
It’s impossible to say if this guy will take 11-12 months or that guy will take 13, but Beachy is probably the most obsessed guy on the team in terms of workouts and staying in shape. So if any pitcher is going to make it back in 12 months or even slightly sooner, I’d say he’s a good candidate, at his age and given his workout regimen, etc. Even if it takes him 13 months to return, that’d be late July.
TennesseePaul
August 14th, 2012
10:30 am
Beachy may not make it back til season’s last couple of months if at all
I wouldn’t even include Beachy in the rotation. He might “get back” next year, but he won’t be a factor until 2014. I like the guy and it’s a bummer, but this team has to plan like he isn’t available until 2014. Load up 2013. Plan for Beachy in 2014. By the time he’s healthy next season, whoever this team pulled in will probably be injured anyway and he can fill in at that time.
Jeff R
August 14th, 2012
10:31 am
One game, Juan. Three more to go with the Padres. We’ll see if they’re really playing that well.
Jeff R
August 14th, 2012
10:33 am
It’s not that I don’t think Beachy will pitch by mid-season, 2013, it’s how effectively does he pitch after a long layoff. How long will it take him to get his effectiveness back?
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
10:34 am
The only guy who’s coming back that looks solid is Maholm. Huddy is a year older, Hanson is injured, Minor and Delgado are young, who knows what happens with Sheets.
That’s a little much. Hudson is still really good. A year older, yes, which is why I think it’s important to add another starter that can pitch in the top half of the rotation. It’s looking like Hudson, Maholm, Minor will be locks for next year with Hanson as another possibility if they can’t find another frontline guy. Medlen, Teheran, Delgado battling for that 5th spot if they are still on the roster and the need exists.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:35 am
Agree DOB… I think Beachy can be back just after the ASB next year in the big-leagues. He will get at least 12 starts.
Just wonder though, who would go down when Beachy comes back? I mean, that last spot will likely be held by one of our top prospects… Getting waaay ahead of myself, I know…
monty
August 14th, 2012
10:35 am
Maybe they will, but it’s hard to see the FO giving any one starting player(even a pitcher) a 18-20 mil a year contract. 2 guys with that big a contract(Bourn+pitcher) taking up 40% of the budget that ain’t going to happen. Pitchers get hurt the easiest and are therefore the biggest risk of all players. (See JJ,TH,BB,BS,KM.) Now if Liberty gives us a bump that’s great!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 14th, 2012
10:37 am
phil You seem to be right on board with his struggles.
It’s hard to deny a .235 AVG/.308 OBP/.434 SLG. He’s gotten robbed plenty, sure, but you can’t blame everything on that…Just hasn’t been a good year for him, but I’ve really got no reason to think he can’t bounce back next year…
And I’ll tell you—you’re not as annoying as keylargo when it comes to the weight thing…
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:37 am
“……Francisco will be on the team next season I believe……” VaBraveFan
As do I VA. And ditto to HINSKI ….a fading memory along with MATTY D.
JUAN FRANCISCO back up 3B
ERNESTO MEJIA back up 1B
DAVID ROSS back up C
PAUL JANISH back up SS/2B
TYLER PASTORNICKY if five bench players
REED JOHNSON takes over in LF.
MARTIN PRADO to 3B.
AL SIMMONS returns to SS.
TODD CUNNINGHAM to CF.
At least those are possibilities at this point. Have to wait for ST is complete to find out, of course.
Arkansas Transplant
August 14th, 2012
10:38 am
is there a dead-line approaching relating to additions or subtractions from the forty-man?
Yeah, I don’t know what the guidlines are.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
10:39 am
but Beachy is probably the most obsessed guy on the team in terms of workouts and staying in shape.
Can Hanson room with him?
I like the guy and it’s a bummer, but this team has to plan like he isn’t available until 2014. Load up 2013. Plan for Beachy in 2014. By the time he’s healthy next season, whoever this team pulled in will probably be injured anyway and he can fill in at that time.
Completely agree and I’m sure that’s the way Wren will go about it. Beachy in the 2nd half of 2013 would be gravy.
Lew
August 14th, 2012
10:39 am
DOB – Maybe he does come back and make a significant contribution, but you certainly can’t pencil him in for a spot in the rotation like some here believe. Yes, pitchers do come back at a year from surgery, but they also have setbacks, too.
I kind of don’t see them making rotation decisions this winter based on Beachy returning.
Jeff R
August 14th, 2012
10:40 am
I think Reed Johnson is locked up for bench support. I still think Wren looks for a front line LF.
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:42 am
After reading more on Cunningham I think he will struggle to even be a MLB bench player.
Arkansas Transplant
August 14th, 2012
10:42 am
I think a frontline starter is a must in the offseason. We need a true 1 or high number 2.
monty
August 14th, 2012
10:43 am
Liberty Media hasn’t allowed for cost of living raises.
phil
August 14th, 2012
10:43 am
I like to kid about Mac’s weight, obviously. I’ve always been that way where weight is concerned. I just find it humorous, with anyone.
But I swear on a stack of Bibles that I don’t gripe about it to be annoying. I firmly believe it cannot possibly help him, both as a player and for his lifespan on this planet, to let himself go like that. It just bugs the dickens out of me. Same with Juan and Hinske. Juan has tried to do something about it, but look at Eric. It’s beyond ridiculous with him now, and he’s been relegated mostly to the pine now.
DiamondbackMac
August 14th, 2012
10:43 am
Lew
not so sure a cathing fairy would be beneficial in the least.
Almost laughed myself right out of my chair. I had a vision of a little winged being flying around with a catheter.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:43 am
Jeff R:
O.K. by me. I wonder if REED JOHNSON sees it that way. No telling what was discussed during and after the trade relating to his role next season.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:43 am
2 guys with that big a contract(Bourn+pitcher) taking up 40% of the budget that ain’t going to happen
Yeah it’s not happening. Cuz Bourn won’t be back. We can still get the pitcher.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:44 am
RE: CUNNINGHAM. Another SCHAFER then?
phil
August 14th, 2012
10:45 am
I’m with Lew on Beachy. I don’t count on the guy next year, but if he’s ready to roll by July or so, then all the better. Nice problem to have.
monty
August 14th, 2012
10:46 am
So, from what I’m seeing we’re getting a frontline starter “and” a frontline LF? Let’s talk numbers.
Jeff R
August 14th, 2012
10:46 am
richbrave,
Good question. Johnson’s 35, I think. His value lies in coming off the bench. I know Wren was interested in acquiring him for a while. I’m not sure Johnson has the staying power to start a 150 games.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
10:46 am
I kind of don’t see them making rotation decisions this winter based on Beachy returning.
I agree. And Wren will say the same thing, I hope. Plus, staffs always have injury or poor performance so he’ll most likely slide in for a rotation member at the time.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:47 am
“…….It’s beyond ridiculous with him [HINSKI] now, and he’s been relegated mostly to the pine now……” phil
Maybe HE doesn’t think he’ll be back either.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:47 am
I think a frontline starter is a must in the offseason. We need a true 1 or high number 2.
Indeed. We currently don’t have a #1, and only have a declining #2 (Hudson). Can’t go into next year with an aging #2 and a bunch of #3/4 pitchers.
I kind of don’t see them making rotation decisions this winter based on Beachy returning.
Even more reason we need Greinke or someone similiar. We need an ace. Beachy was ours until he got hurt.
Lew
August 14th, 2012
10:48 am
It ls like Reed Johnson is a Free Agent after this season. Be nice to see them lock him up for next year though – Ross, too.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
10:48 am
Adam Wainwright made a 12 or 13 month comeback, I believe. Without any setbacks, except for the fact that he wasn’t good early on.
Jeff R
August 14th, 2012
10:49 am
So, from what I’m seeing we’re getting a frontline starter “and” a frontline LF? Let’s talk numbers.
Good question. Depends on what “front line” is these days. Are we talking Josh Hamilton as the benchmark? If so, not so. Signing Greinke to a big deal and then adding pricey outfield help? Not likely.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:50 am
he’ll (Beachy) most likely slide in for a rotation member at the time.
Probably Teheran/Delgado…. that’ll hurt. Or we can go with a 6-man!
I’m wondering if Wren feels more willing to trade one of those 2… we already have a “surplus” of young, struggling pitching. And many more in AA and AAA. It wouldn’t be a complete loss to trade one of Teheran/Delgado.
Efrim
August 14th, 2012
10:50 am
Indeed. We currently don’t have a #1, and only have a declining #2 (Hudson). Can’t go into next year with an aging #2 and a bunch of #3/4 pitchers.
Exactly. Just makes sense to focus on adding a frontline guy this winter. Just delaying the inevitable – team needs a frontline starter and with Maholm and Hudson on the last years of their contract in 2013 – it makes that much more sense to find a pitcher.
VaBravesFan
August 14th, 2012
10:50 am
I think there is a high chance that we could end up with a platoon somewhere. Atlanta value’s starting pitching more than anything and we could use a top of the rotation arm considering all of our current options are considered backend guys.
richbrave
August 14th, 2012
10:50 am
Jeff R:
That’s right. If I were in his shoes and 35, I’d be saying. “it’s now or never for me to be a regular.”