And yes, we MUST keep Bourn. He the catalyst to our lineup. With him, we have speed up top, power in the middle, and contact hitters at the back end of our lineup. His glove prevents runs. He’s great in the clubhouse and is a leader.
**Melky Cabrera tested positive for steroids. Couldn’t happen to a bigger loser**
Cabrera: “My positive test was result of use of substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension … deeply sorry for my mistake.”
wow. good for him for owning up and accepting the suspension.
Bull. It’s not like he admitted it before getting caught. While it’s better than trying to lie his way out of it, if he hadn’t been caught he’d be doing the same thing he was doing already. Hard to credit someone who didn’t really have another option but to admit.
Now we know why the milk dud was having such a good season.
On another note, was Volquez the guy Cincy aquired from Texas in the Josh Hamilton trade? Braves fans can take comfort knowing we are not the only ones fleeced by the Rangers.
Dave, can we get him for 15 -17 million or is it going to cost a new record contract? I can see paying 16 on average but when you get higher than that, you have to ask if you can get two or even three everyday players that will help the team more? We need two outfielders and perhaps an infielder or two (Depending upon who you ask.).
Yeah, it’s cool here,” he said in May, in his most extensive comments about the situation. “Yes, I could [see himself staying]. I’ve got no problem with at Atlanta at all. No doubt.”
The Braves actually have somewhere like closer to 40 coming off the books.. Bourn is presently making 6.8 a year, so if we don’t sign him that leaves us with quite a bit of room on payroll. Plenty to add Greinke and still fill our needs.
Anyone want to tell us again performance enhancing drugs don’t enhance performance?
As to Bourn, the biggest issue has to be the years. I wouldn’t give a 29 year old so dependent upon speed six or seven years. Four should be the outer bounds of a contract for him.
I take offense to the fact Melky is being pasted all over national TV this afternoon in an Atlanta Braves uniform. Git it right, you dummies. As far as Braves fans are concerned he was NEVER a Brave.
GEEEEEZZZZZZZ! (Good to be back after a two day mini-vac) Anybody miss me? Nah!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hanson is also arb elgible. Trading him along with non-tendor JJJ will free up more $$$. But doing that to 2 clients who have same agent as Bourn probably would not help Braves cause.
The Braves actually have somewhere like closer to 40 coming off the books..
from this very blog –
For the first time in recent years, the Braves will have plenty of money to spend this winter after they shed the contracts of Jones and Derek Lowe, among others. They traded Lowe to Cleveland November, but the Braves still had to pay $10 million of his $15 million salary in 2012 as part of that trade. They might also non-tender struggling pitcher Jair Jurrjens, which would drop another significant salary ($5.5 million) from this year’s payroll.
Those three contracts, plus the expiring contracts of bench players Matt Diaz and Eric Hinske and a few other Braves, could free up more $35 million from this year’s payroll. But factor in the addition of pitcher Paul Maholm’s $6.5 million salary, plus arbitration raises for the likes of Martin Prado, Eric O’Flaherty and Tommy Hanson, and first first-time arb-eligible Jason Heyward, and the amount available could drop below $20 million, unless they decide it’s time to add $10 million or more to the approximate $90 million payroll and move back into the top half of major league spenders.
I believe that a player can win the batting title with fewer than the required PAs — if adding PAs as outs will still leave him with the best average. Thus, the Melk Dud could still win a (tainted) batting title.
I would like to see the Braves keep Bourn, but with Boras as his agent, he’s almost certainly gone. Another team will offer more money and years than the Braves.
Melky suspended for 50 games according to MLB.com! It’s crazy how MLB looked the other way for years while Bonds, Sosa, etc., were obviously using dope! Legit record holders like Aaron are screwed by the nonsense that was allowed to linger way too long.
to follow on a tweet earlier… Since i believe the Braves won’t sign Bourne this year and Prado next year, given the choice between the 2 which do you sign? Me personally i would take Prado because i believe you can get him for less and then have more cash for other players given their limited payroll and all of the young guys that will be getting big money down the line….Heyward, Freeman, Kimbrel.
Brian — According to Wikipedia they add the hypothetical PAs. Tony Gwynn (1996) and Bill Medlock (1981) won batting titles this way. Of course, Melky isn’t leading the league right now so it might be a moot point.
“I believe that a player can win the batting title with fewer than the required PAs — if adding PAs as outs will still leave him with the best average. Thus, the Melk Dud could still win a (tainted) batting title.”
***************************************************
3.1 plate appearances over 162 games is 502 for the season. Milk dud is currently 159 hits in 459 at bats for a .346. Adding the necessary at bats to get to 502 would drop his average to .3167 which would put him 7th based on current standings.
Wow, I was just looking at Melky’s stats at lunch today thinking about what a huge season is he having (minus the Homerun trot total is a little weak).
Funny. Really funny. I mean I didn’t read very far into this, assuming the substance was taken prior to the season and all along he’s been an improved player across the board?
I can’t imagine a guy in the middle of a great season would risk ANY substance in question knowing that all eyes are on you. You are OBVIOUSLY a target for a test.
What a lame story that will all but erase what looked like a solid year for a guy that wasn’t well known for solid performance. Now it kinda makes more sense!
I’m on HGH myself and i’m working at my desk quicker, faster, more efficient than ever! Proof is in the drugs!
ANLBC’s adjusted OIBDA was impacted primarily by player salaries. The most significant increase came during the fourth quarter as the Braves traded one of their pitchers to another baseball club and agreed to pay a portion of that player’s 2012 guaranteed salary in the trade. This will free up additional salary in 2012 to be utilized in the acquisition of additional player talent. This one transaction had the impact of swinging adjusted OIBDA from earnings to a loss in the current year.
So – they paid 10M LAST YEAR in order to free up money for 2012 – can’t count that 10M for Lowe in ‘extra’ salary coming off the payroll.
I’d rather resign Bourn for some ridiculous amount than to pay a ridiculous amount to Greinke. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, our securing Bourn with all that he can do is infinitely more important than signing someone like a Greinke. No, we don’t have a bonafide ACE, but we have enough to make us viable as contenders. Without Bourn in center, that leaves a huge gaping hole in our lineup and defensively as well.
10.22 Minimum Standards For Individual Championships
To assure uniformity in establishing the batting, pitching and fielding championships of professional leagues, such champions shall meet the following minimum performance standards:
(a) The individual batting, slugging or on-base percentage champion shall be the player with the highest batting average, slugging percentage or on-base percentage, as the case may be, provided the player is credited with as many or more total appearances at the plate in league championship games as the number of games scheduled for each club in his clubs league that season, multiplied by 3.1 in the case of a Major League player and by 2.7 in the case of a National Association player. Total appearances at the plate shall include official times at bat, plus bases on balls, times hit by pitcher, sacrifice hits, sacrifice flies and times awarded first base because of interference or obstruction. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirement of minimum appearances at the plate, any player with fewer than the required number of plate appearances whose average would be the highest, if he were charged with the required number of plate appearances shall be awarded the batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship, as the case may be.
Rule 10.22(a) Comment: For example, if a Major League schedules 162 games for each club, 502 plate appearances qualify (162 times 3.1 equals 502) a player for a batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship. If a National Association league schedules 140 games for each club, 378 plate appearances qualify (140 times 2.7 equals 378) a player for a batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship. Fractions of a plate appearance are to be rounded up or down to the closest whole number. For example, 162 times 3.1 equals 502.2, which is rounded down to a requirement of 502.
If, for example, Abel has the highest batting average among those with 502 plate appearance in a Major League with a .362 batting average (181 hits in 500 at-bats), and Baker has 490 plate appearances, 440 at-bats and 165 hits for a .375 batting average, Baker shall be the batting champion, because adding 12 more at-bats to Baker’s record would still give Baker a higher batting average than Abel: .365 (165 hits in 452 at-bats) to Abel’s .362.
IT is definitely PAs not ABs for the minimum in the batting stats — so as not to penalize players for walks, SFs, etc. The Dud is at 501 PAs so the adjustment would be miniscule.
True leadoff men / center fielders are hard to find. I think this is one time where you pay up. Agree on the age issue, but I don’t see anyone else giving him seven guaranteed either. Fortunately he’s not a reckless player and does seem to take good care of himself so maybe it’s not as big a risk as we think. I’d be satisfied with five years plus multiple options and a buyout at $16MM or less per. Teams draft and draft trying to get a guy who produces like Bourn – hold you nose and do the deal.
You are correct Brian. Just some quick calculations to see what the affect would be. It would take 6 or 7 guys to all slump over the final weeks of season so it is safe to say a batting title is not gonna happen.
Well, if the Giants play all of their remaining games, yes, Melky will be one short. Here is to hoping that the Giants DO NOT have a rain out in a city that they dont make up at the end of the season because it is irrelavent to the postseason picture! (If they only played 161 games his plate appearances per game would go up, thereby qualifying him).
DOB, with ya on every point today. Bourn is too valuable not to make a serious go of it in the off season. If we can make it deep into the playoffs, it may help sway his mind a little. Also, Audience by Cold War Kids rocks my face.
Bourn has been a great player for the Braves, but if Wren has a brain he is looking to replace him. Andrelton Simmons looks like the lead-off for 2013, and we could do a lot worse than Heyward in centerfield and Johnson in right. But with Prado moving to third, we will need another outfielder. I’d like to see Hunter Pence in a Brave uniform.
I’m betting someone gives Bourn $20mil per year. The Dodgers, Phils, Nats, Yanks, or Sox are gonna break the bank and the Braves can’t go there. that is why I say let him go, sign Prado to a reasonable deal now and then we will have the funds to keep Freeman, Heyward and Kimbrell. I’d rather have those 4 than Bourn and only 2 of those and i think that is the choice the Bravos have.
So a guy who had a career line of .275/.331/.398/.729 suddenly hit .346/.390/.516/.906 and we all find out he’s jucing? I just find that hard to believe.
Murphy, like Melky’s season, it is too good to be true. MLB adds hypothetical ABs for those who finish short of the qualification mark, so it’s still possible for him to win a batting title.
He has 501 PAs…assuming the Giants play 162, he would need 502 to qualify. They’ll just add one hitless AB to his total, which has a miniscule effect. For batting title purposees, he is 159 for 460 (as opposed to his real line of 159 for 459).
pace So – they paid 10M LAST YEAR in order to free up money for 2012 – can’t count that 10M for Lowe in ‘extra’ salary coming off the payroll.
actually, how the braves are accounting that is a mystery. they dont give specific details like that. so, your assertion is just as likely to be false as DOB’s. actually, scratch that. since DOB actually speaks with team officials, its more likely thats hes right.
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
From the Liberty Media 2011 Annual Report:
Two different thing one is the Closing end of the year Book for Liberty end in 12/31
Baseball season end for the Braves in Oct 2011,,,,,The Lowes Mney was for the 2012 Season that was pay to the Indian In Nov 2011 when we did the Trade
The only other viable leadoff option is Simmons, and he doesn’t have enough of a major league track record to really know exactly how he’d perform in that role. Heyward has the speed, but if his power continues to improve then he’ll be wasted at the top even if his OBP improves. Should be a fun offseason, if your idea of fun is hanging on every rumor put out by the baseball scribes in hopes that one of them turns out in the Braves’ favor.
1,322 comments Add your comment
Joey M
August 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
First
Joey M
August 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
And yes, we MUST keep Bourn. He the catalyst to our lineup. With him, we have speed up top, power in the middle, and contact hitters at the back end of our lineup. His glove prevents runs. He’s great in the clubhouse and is a leader.
**Melky Cabrera tested positive for steroids. Couldn’t happen to a bigger loser**
Impressed Not
August 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
And what a big boy you are Joey M…
RC
August 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8271981/melky-cabrera-san-francisco-giants-suspended-50-games
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
Francisco in, and batting ahead of McCann…that’s interesting.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
2:59 pm
Cabrera: “My positive test was result of use of substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension … deeply sorry for my mistake.”
wow. good for him for owning up and accepting the suspension.
Mikeyc588
August 15th, 2012
3:00 pm
Wow. 50 games. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
3:00 pm
Chop yourself, Melky you big dummy.
He’s added himself to my “love to root against” list along with Dempster
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief…
TOBF What??? McFann not wanting her mann to play?
Not the first time that’s happened……Anyway, I was thinking Fredi might like to stick with the Ross-Mohulm battery since it worked so well last week…
Guess we’ll know in about half an hour…
jzdc
August 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA MELKY! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
DOB – the 10M from Lowe’s contract isn’t included in this years payroll of 94M. The Braves/Liberty paid that in the last quarter of 2011.
There is some money left to sign Bourn, but if the payroll stays at the same level, it’s going to be a real stretch.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Brian from SC Francisco in, and batting ahead of McCann…that’s interesting.
Heeey…What? You’ve got the lineup already?…
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
So, Melky begins to pay for his antics during his last visit to Turner Field…
Ha!
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
4m
Tonight’s lineup vs. SD (7:10, SPSO/680AM/BRN): Bourn 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Freeman 3 Uggla 4 Francisco 5 McCann 2 Janish 6 Maholm 1
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
has Melky qualified for batting title?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Headed home from “school” now… I’ll get to laugh all the way home about Melky.
Bwahahahahahaha!
Hope he never gets an MLB job again.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
The question of Bourn is not up to the Braves, it is up to the agent who will not be named. Better get a plan B & C in place.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
has Melky qualified for batting title?
Is it 3.1 PAs per game? If so, he needed 502. He has 501.
Chris from the Rock
August 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Bye, bye Melk Dud! It doesn’t surprise me has had a little, ahem, help this season.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Yep, that’s official. Melky finished one plate appearance short of qualifying for the batting title.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
keithlaw @keithlaw
Of course what the Giants should do to replace Melky is sign Barry Bonds.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
Brian from SC
has Melky qualified for batting title?
Is it 3.1 PAs per game? If so, he needed 502. He has 501
Now THAT IS KARMA
Mikeyc588
August 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
Presumably steroid suspensions carry over into subsequent seasons?
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
Yes…Melky will miss the first 5 games of next season as well.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
cricket, August 15th, 2012, 12:12 pm … “since not many people are able to or are willing to cook from scratch”
I blame the feminists.
(Really … used to be, cooking was taught in the public schools. Now, why did that get dropped? ‘Cause Home Ec is sexist!)
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
David Price, James Shields, Matt Moore, Jeremy Hellickson, Alex Cobb and Jeff Niemann – will Rays go to 6-man rotation?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Yep, that’s official. Melky finished one plate appearance short of qualifying for the batting title.
Awesome… Take it, Jerk.
Be back later.
RC
August 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Cabrera: “My positive test was result of use of substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension … deeply sorry for my mistake.”
wow. good for him for owning up and accepting the suspension.
Bull. It’s not like he admitted it before getting caught. While it’s better than trying to lie his way out of it, if he hadn’t been caught he’d be doing the same thing he was doing already. Hard to credit someone who didn’t really have another option but to admit.
Chris from the Rock
August 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
Seriously, it’s time for Janish to have a day off. He’s started 29 consecutive games since the trade.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
Actually, I think the suspension applies to the postseason if the Giants make it.
Yes Way José
August 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Bourn will end up in Philly or DC, but it won’t be Atlanta. Sorry.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
He lost his appeal:
He tried blaming it on a “Contact Positive” due to his being assigned Barry Bonds’ old locker!
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Yep, that’s official. Melky finished one plate appearance short of qualifying for the batting title.
wow, karma is extra b**chy today..
Chris from the Rock
August 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
And I understand he’s been fine defensively, but Janish’s .529 OPS is just pathetic.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
Melky? Juicing? No way!
There is seriously no way he got more power, more bat speed, and a dramatically more svelte body by using PEDs.
Utterly shocked.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
With injuries and trades decimating Miami’s lineup, manager Ozzie Guillen admitted he has considered some drastic changes to his club.
“I almost activated myself a couple days ago,” Guillen joked. “I can catch it and throw it; I don’t know if I can hit it.”
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Sooo……Did Ross get kidnapped…?
Luman Harris
August 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Amazing blog, DOB
You are the best in the majors!
BravesFanInMaine
August 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Resign bourn…. no one in our farm system is even close to bourn so he is priority number 1
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
when do we start seeing infomercials?
“Wanna lose weight without diet, exercise or surgery? Get our PEDs “
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
Now we know why the milk dud was having such a good season.
On another note, was Volquez the guy Cincy aquired from Texas in the Josh Hamilton trade? Braves fans can take comfort knowing we are not the only ones fleeced by the Rangers.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
I’m revising my moderated comment …
Pence imitating a vacuum cleaner. Cabrera busted.
Giants just haven’t been living right this year.
#31
August 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Melky? Juicing? No way!
There is seriously no way he got more power, more bat speed, and a dramatically more svelte body by using PEDs.
Utterly shocked
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Just Asking
August 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Dave, can we get him for 15 -17 million or is it going to cost a new record contract? I can see paying 16 on average but when you get higher than that, you have to ask if you can get two or even three everyday players that will help the team more? We need two outfielders and perhaps an infielder or two (Depending upon who you ask.).
tony austin
August 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Yeah, it’s cool here,” he said in May, in his most extensive comments about the situation. “Yes, I could [see himself staying]. I’ve got no problem with at Atlanta at all. No doubt.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement in my opinion.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
Braves lineup: Bourn cf, Prado lf, Heyward rf, Freeman 1b, Uggla 2b, Francisco3b, McCann c, Janish ss, Maholm p
Arkansas Transplant
August 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
The Braves actually have somewhere like closer to 40 coming off the books.. Bourn is presently making 6.8 a year, so if we don’t sign him that leaves us with quite a bit of room on payroll. Plenty to add Greinke and still fill our needs.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
3:15 pm
someone tell Hoss to quit giving Boras bulletin board material.
Arkansas Transplant
August 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
And it may not be a bad idea to move EOF, his salary is presently at 2.5 already.
George Stein
August 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Anyone want to tell us again performance enhancing drugs don’t enhance performance?
As to Bourn, the biggest issue has to be the years. I wouldn’t give a 29 year old so dependent upon speed six or seven years. Four should be the outer bounds of a contract for him.
Yunel Asscobar
August 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Melky – now we know how you did it!! A 50-game timeout will provide some think-time, eh?
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
I take offense to the fact Melky is being pasted all over national TV this afternoon in an Atlanta Braves uniform. Git it right, you dummies. As far as Braves fans are concerned he was NEVER a Brave.
GEEEEEZZZZZZZ! (Good to be back after a two day mini-vac) Anybody miss me? Nah!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arkansas Transplant
August 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Bourn will be 30 by the start of next season. So you’d be giving a 30 year old speed guy a 7 year deal.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
Hanson is also arb elgible. Trading him along with non-tendor JJJ will free up more $$$. But doing that to 2 clients who have same agent as Bourn probably would not help Braves cause.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
The Braves actually have somewhere like closer to 40 coming off the books..
from this very blog –
For the first time in recent years, the Braves will have plenty of money to spend this winter after they shed the contracts of Jones and Derek Lowe, among others. They traded Lowe to Cleveland November, but the Braves still had to pay $10 million of his $15 million salary in 2012 as part of that trade. They might also non-tender struggling pitcher Jair Jurrjens, which would drop another significant salary ($5.5 million) from this year’s payroll.
Those three contracts, plus the expiring contracts of bench players Matt Diaz and Eric Hinske and a few other Braves, could free up more $35 million from this year’s payroll. But factor in the addition of pitcher Paul Maholm’s $6.5 million salary, plus arbitration raises for the likes of Martin Prado, Eric O’Flaherty and Tommy Hanson, and first first-time arb-eligible Jason Heyward, and the amount available could drop below $20 million, unless they decide it’s time to add $10 million or more to the approximate $90 million payroll and move back into the top half of major league spenders.
bgvt
August 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
I believe that a player can win the batting title with fewer than the required PAs — if adding PAs as outs will still leave him with the best average. Thus, the Melk Dud could still win a (tainted) batting title.
Scott from Fairburn
August 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
Now we know your secret Melky Cabrera, hahahahahahahaha
a-blank
Spud
August 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
I would like to see the Braves keep Bourn, but with Boras as his agent, he’s almost certainly gone. Another team will offer more money and years than the Braves.
Melky suspended for 50 games according to MLB.com! It’s crazy how MLB looked the other way for years while Bonds, Sosa, etc., were obviously using dope! Legit record holders like Aaron are screwed by the nonsense that was allowed to linger way too long.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
Braves Payroll Commitments 2013:
Uggla 13.2M
Maholm 6.5M/.5Mbuyout
Hanson 9M/1Mbuyout
McCann 12M/.5Mbuyout
So, 40.7M committed if they pick up the options, 15.2M if they only retain Uggla and buyout the other three.
Out of a payroll of 94M (this years stated amount), the Braves will have 53M to sign 21 other players to fill out the Major League roster.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
bgvt, do they do that officially? In that case, it would be a drop in the bucket adding 1 hitless PA. Too bad.
BRVFAN_N_JESUP
August 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
to follow on a tweet earlier… Since i believe the Braves won’t sign Bourne this year and Prado next year, given the choice between the 2 which do you sign? Me personally i would take Prado because i believe you can get him for less and then have more cash for other players given their limited payroll and all of the young guys that will be getting big money down the line….Heyward, Freeman, Kimbrel.
Arkansas Transplant
August 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
cricket, I was pointing out it should be closer to 40 than 35, that’s an extra player and possibly 2.
admiral
August 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
Literally can’t stop chuckling about this Melky thing.
JC Boscan III
August 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
As Bobby Cox would’ve said, “Just say no, Milkey.”
bgvt
August 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
Brian — According to Wikipedia they add the hypothetical PAs. Tony Gwynn (1996) and Bill Medlock (1981) won batting titles this way. Of course, Melky isn’t leading the league right now so it might be a moot point.
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
Is Chipper Hurt?
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
“I believe that a player can win the batting title with fewer than the required PAs — if adding PAs as outs will still leave him with the best average. Thus, the Melk Dud could still win a (tainted) batting title.”
***************************************************
3.1 plate appearances over 162 games is 502 for the season. Milk dud is currently 159 hits in 459 at bats for a .346. Adding the necessary at bats to get to 502 would drop his average to .3167 which would put him 7th based on current standings.
OTP
August 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
They should go ahead and try to sign Bourn, now. (They should have, already.)
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Is Chipper Hurt?
Hurting the team? Absolutely! (You had to be here this morning)
No…I think it’s just a normal day of rest for our middle-aged leader.
Fols
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Wow, I was just looking at Melky’s stats at lunch today thinking about what a huge season is he having (minus the Homerun trot total is a little weak).
Funny. Really funny. I mean I didn’t read very far into this, assuming the substance was taken prior to the season and all along he’s been an improved player across the board?
I can’t imagine a guy in the middle of a great season would risk ANY substance in question knowing that all eyes are on you. You are OBVIOUSLY a target for a test.
What a lame story that will all but erase what looked like a solid year for a guy that wasn’t well known for solid performance. Now it kinda makes more sense!
I’m on HGH myself and i’m working at my desk quicker, faster, more efficient than ever! Proof is in the drugs!
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
From the Liberty Media 2011 Annual Report:
ANLBC’s adjusted OIBDA was impacted primarily by player salaries. The most significant increase came during the fourth quarter as the Braves traded one of their pitchers to another baseball club and agreed to pay a portion of that player’s 2012 guaranteed salary in the trade. This will free up additional salary in 2012 to be utilized in the acquisition of additional player talent. This one transaction had the impact of swinging adjusted OIBDA from earnings to a loss in the current year.
So – they paid 10M LAST YEAR in order to free up money for 2012 – can’t count that 10M for Lowe in ‘extra’ salary coming off the payroll.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Heisenberg, it’s based on PAs, not ABs, I think.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
3:27 pm
I’d rather resign Bourn for some ridiculous amount than to pay a ridiculous amount to Greinke. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, our securing Bourn with all that he can do is infinitely more important than signing someone like a Greinke. No, we don’t have a bonafide ACE, but we have enough to make us viable as contenders. Without Bourn in center, that leaves a huge gaping hole in our lineup and defensively as well.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
3:28 pm
Here is the official rule, for those interested:
10.22 Minimum Standards For Individual Championships
To assure uniformity in establishing the batting, pitching and fielding championships of professional leagues, such champions shall meet the following minimum performance standards:
(a) The individual batting, slugging or on-base percentage champion shall be the player with the highest batting average, slugging percentage or on-base percentage, as the case may be, provided the player is credited with as many or more total appearances at the plate in league championship games as the number of games scheduled for each club in his clubs league that season, multiplied by 3.1 in the case of a Major League player and by 2.7 in the case of a National Association player. Total appearances at the plate shall include official times at bat, plus bases on balls, times hit by pitcher, sacrifice hits, sacrifice flies and times awarded first base because of interference or obstruction. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirement of minimum appearances at the plate, any player with fewer than the required number of plate appearances whose average would be the highest, if he were charged with the required number of plate appearances shall be awarded the batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship, as the case may be.
Rule 10.22(a) Comment: For example, if a Major League schedules 162 games for each club, 502 plate appearances qualify (162 times 3.1 equals 502) a player for a batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship. If a National Association league schedules 140 games for each club, 378 plate appearances qualify (140 times 2.7 equals 378) a player for a batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship. Fractions of a plate appearance are to be rounded up or down to the closest whole number. For example, 162 times 3.1 equals 502.2, which is rounded down to a requirement of 502.
If, for example, Abel has the highest batting average among those with 502 plate appearance in a Major League with a .362 batting average (181 hits in 500 at-bats), and Baker has 490 plate appearances, 440 at-bats and 165 hits for a .375 batting average, Baker shall be the batting champion, because adding 12 more at-bats to Baker’s record would still give Baker a higher batting average than Abel: .365 (165 hits in 452 at-bats) to Abel’s .362.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
Thanks for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!!
Last 9 Starts of the Starting 9
_________AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS_wOBA_L9S9+
Bourn__ .351 .442 .541 0.982 .428 __172
Prado__ .278 .350 .472 0.822 .357 __126
Heyward .216 .256 .432 0.689 .316 ___87
Freeman .265 .342 .500 0.842 .363 __131
Uggla__ .281 .378 .531 0.910 .392 __150
Francis .400 .471 .800 1.271 .483 __245
McCann_ .133 .278 .133 0.411 .200 ___20
Janish_ .219 .265 .250 0.515 .238 ___45
Maholm_ .100 .143 .250 0.393 .149 ____6
Dawglasville
August 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
ESPN is reporting that Melky Cabrera just got popped 50 games for testosterone. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
bgvt
August 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
IT is definitely PAs not ABs for the minimum in the batting stats — so as not to penalize players for walks, SFs, etc. The Dud is at 501 PAs so the adjustment would be miniscule.
bfred
August 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
True leadoff men / center fielders are hard to find. I think this is one time where you pay up. Agree on the age issue, but I don’t see anyone else giving him seven guaranteed either. Fortunately he’s not a reckless player and does seem to take good care of himself so maybe it’s not as big a risk as we think. I’d be satisfied with five years plus multiple options and a buyout at $16MM or less per. Teams draft and draft trying to get a guy who produces like Bourn – hold you nose and do the deal.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
You are correct Brian. Just some quick calculations to see what the affect would be. It would take 6 or 7 guys to all slump over the final weeks of season so it is safe to say a batting title is not gonna happen.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
3:31 pm
TennPaul McCann_ .133 .278 .133 0.411 .200 ___20
Maybe you shoulda just left that one out…
DCBrave33
August 15th, 2012
3:31 pm
Well, if the Giants play all of their remaining games, yes, Melky will be one short. Here is to hoping that the Giants DO NOT have a rain out in a city that they dont make up at the end of the season because it is irrelavent to the postseason picture! (If they only played 161 games his plate appearances per game would go up, thereby qualifying him).
Dawglasville
August 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
Whoops. Should read before posting. At least I can join the chorus of laughter. Go Braves.
JoshTown
August 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
DOB, with ya on every point today. Bourn is too valuable not to make a serious go of it in the off season. If we can make it deep into the playoffs, it may help sway his mind a little. Also, Audience by Cold War Kids rocks my face.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
Melky would still win the batting title if no one hit over .345652. McCutchen is well on his way to making it a moot point.
Braint
August 15th, 2012
3:33 pm
Hey Melky! (grabbing my lower belt a la Melky and Blanco when they were in ATL last month) Suck it!
Murph
August 15th, 2012
3:34 pm
Yep, that’s official. Melky finished one plate appearance short of qualifying for the batting title.
Is this true?? If so, this story just gets better and better. Love it!
ragnar danneskjold
August 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Bourn has been a great player for the Braves, but if Wren has a brain he is looking to replace him. Andrelton Simmons looks like the lead-off for 2013, and we could do a lot worse than Heyward in centerfield and Johnson in right. But with Prado moving to third, we will need another outfielder. I’d like to see Hunter Pence in a Brave uniform.
Braves Fan
August 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Melky got suspended for 50 games. I KNEW something was up.
Sign Bourne to a multiyear deal. The guy is worth it.
ragnar danneskjold
August 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
If we would like a doper with a bad attitude, Melky Cabrera is likely to be available.
BRVFAN_N_JESUP
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
I’m betting someone gives Bourn $20mil per year. The Dodgers, Phils, Nats, Yanks, or Sox are gonna break the bank and the Braves can’t go there. that is why I say let him go, sign Prado to a reasonable deal now and then we will have the funds to keep Freeman, Heyward and Kimbrell. I’d rather have those 4 than Bourn and only 2 of those and i think that is the choice the Bravos have.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
So a guy who had a career line of .275/.331/.398/.729 suddenly hit .346/.390/.516/.906 and we all find out he’s jucing? I just find that hard to believe.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
amazing story –
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2188226/Bionic-hands-Chinese-man-spends-years-building-new-arms-DIY-accident.html
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
Murphy, like Melky’s season, it is too good to be true. MLB adds hypothetical ABs for those who finish short of the qualification mark, so it’s still possible for him to win a batting title.
He has 501 PAs…assuming the Giants play 162, he would need 502 to qualify. They’ll just add one hitless AB to his total, which has a miniscule effect. For batting title purposees, he is 159 for 460 (as opposed to his real line of 159 for 459).
Braves Fan
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
I feel a lot better about Frank Wren now. I was shaking my head when Melky was doing well.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
pace So – they paid 10M LAST YEAR in order to free up money for 2012 – can’t count that 10M for Lowe in ‘extra’ salary coming off the payroll.
actually, how the braves are accounting that is a mystery. they dont give specific details like that. so, your assertion is just as likely to be false as DOB’s. actually, scratch that. since DOB actually speaks with team officials, its more likely thats hes right.
Juan
August 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
From the Liberty Media 2011 Annual Report:
Two different thing one is the Closing end of the year Book for Liberty end in 12/31
Baseball season end for the Braves in Oct 2011,,,,,The Lowes Mney was for the 2012 Season that was pay to the Indian In Nov 2011 when we did the Trade
Metro Coach
August 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
The only other viable leadoff option is Simmons, and he doesn’t have enough of a major league track record to really know exactly how he’d perform in that role. Heyward has the speed, but if his power continues to improve then he’ll be wasted at the top even if his OBP improves. Should be a fun offseason, if your idea of fun is hanging on every rumor put out by the baseball scribes in hopes that one of them turns out in the Braves’ favor.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
If we can make it deep into the playoffs, it may help sway his mind a little.
not if someone else is offering 25/30 mil more and i won’t blame him at all
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
Melky would still win the batting title if no one hit over .345652. McCutchen is well on his way to making it a moot point.
He’d have to be given ofers the rest of the year to win that…..
just looked. Damn that guy already has the qualifying number of PA’s. Well, 1 shy. That’s crazy.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:39 pm
DAP – nope – that info is straight from the Liberty Media 2011 Annual Report – which is probably more reliable. I quoted the paragraph it came from.