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Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,786 comments Add your comment
ACE
September 13th, 2012
1:09 am
Have a good nite Carroll
nolie
September 13th, 2012
1:12 am
the essence of baseball is to get beat over and over by lesser teams, that’s why 6 out of 10 is such a winning record. The best teams lose 40% of their games and since they are the best, those losses must all be to less talented teams. It ain’t football or basketball
nolie
September 13th, 2012
1:13 am
and it ain’t ever gonna be any different
ACE
September 13th, 2012
1:15 am
Fredi says all three games it was one inning. It was a lot more to it than that.
The A Bomb
September 13th, 2012
1:15 am
38,000 at Miller Park tonight for a .500 team.
But I totally understand why the Ted doesn’t draw — team is uninspiring and I can see why people won’t pay $50 to see the Virus Uggla whiff 3 times or the broken down catcher pop up twice and allow a passed ball. There’s no guarantee they’ll see Chipper play and Heyward hasn’t become the icon as of yet.
Plus — add in Bourn as a short-timer and Freeman playing like Herman Munster and inconsistent pitching and it’s easy to see why the in-person fan support isn’t there. Traffic is an excuse. Team has been very boring to follow under Gonzalez.
John Leonard
September 13th, 2012
1:29 am
Stengel.Lasorda,and can’t remember the oldtime Dodger manager,but they knew what to do with good teams.Next you’ll be telling me Lord Bobby was a great tactical manager.lol you can’t be serious defending Fredi,must be just having some fun.
the truth...
September 13th, 2012
1:35 am
John Leonard…..
Walter Alston handed it over to LaSorda in 1976
John Leonard
September 13th, 2012
1:40 am
Thanks,that would have bothered me the rest of the night.Bobby did know how to manage the new breed of ballplayers.The game has changed since my day,not saying that’s good or bad,just that its changed,and of course we know,that money is the root of all evil,I would just like to be more evil.Have a good night.
nolie
September 13th, 2012
1:43 am
Not sure where you think I am defending Fredi, if you are responding to me. I am simply stating what happens every year in baseball no matter how good a team is or who the manager is, they still lose around 40% of their games
Ward
September 13th, 2012
1:47 am
Hello everyone! Brewers are a funny team. One series you can beat them, but then they can make you look bad with offense the next time you play them, and I’m not giviing up on the Braves yet! But it’s like the offense is in a coma, and have not awakened from it yet. Getting really interetsting now……
Ward
September 13th, 2012
1:50 am
Did I fear this yes, and saw it coming, but there is still life, and it always gets tougher when your battling for a wild card spot, and the race always tightens.
Ward
September 13th, 2012
1:51 am
It happens to all the teams battling til the end, so we have to sit tight, and have some fun……
Ward
September 13th, 2012
2:00 am
Nothing we can, but be cool, and just wait. Phillies are 2.5 games back from the 2nd wild card. We knew the Phillies would make it interesting down the stretch too.
Ward
September 13th, 2012
2:01 am
Can’t blame this all on Fredi. Wren, really didn’t do much again. It goes both ways…….
nolie
September 13th, 2012
2:07 am
ESPN Insider, Best Fits For FAs
As end of the regular season approaches, every major league club that plans to delve into the free-agent market has its best scouts at the ballpark looking at the best guys who will be available during the offseason. They are evaluating every plate appearance and/or every pitch while the front office is using video technology to further evaluate prospective free agents. A club simply cannot do enough homework on a player’s health, character, work ethic and makeup.
Taking an early look at this year’s free-agent class, center field is clearly the position that offers the most depth and quality. However, there will be several quality pitchers available, too, both top-of-the-rotation types as well as closers.
Here is a list of the 11 best free agents — in no particular order — who will be on the market this November and with which team they might best fit. (You may notice that Mariano Rivera, David Ortiz and Torii Hunter are not listed here, and that’s because I am almost certain they will re-sign with their current teams.)
Josh Hamilton, CF | Best fits: Rangers, Yankees
Hamilton is the best position player in this year’s class, and the 31-year-old would like to get a deal in the range of what Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols received last year, which would mean a 10-year contract for more than $200 million. However, Hamilton’s well-documented issues with addiction and nagging health issues will dissuade some teams. Remember, though, it only takes one team to set the market.
Hamilton’s home is in the Dallas area and he has made it clear the Rangers are his first choice. He even plans on keeping his home in Texas even if he signs elsewhere. However, he also said he’s looking for fair market value — not a hometown discount — because he and his family have plans to redirect those earnings to charitable causes. In other words, the more money he makes, the more he can help worthy causes.
If the late George Steinbrenner were still alive, I have little doubt that Hamilton would soon be wearing Yankees pinstripes. And Yankee Stadium’s right-field dimensions are perfect for Hamilton. General manager Brian Cashman has said that the only position players he would sign to long-term contracts are “complete” players, and Hamilton fits that mold.
But in the end, the Rangers are his best fit because of the support the team has offered him on and off the field. However, team president Nolan Ryan and GM Jon Daniels stick to their limits, and if they can’t sign Hamilton within that structure, they won’t be afraid to walk away.
Zack Greinke, RHP | Best fits: Angels, Dodgers, Braves, Yankees
The Southern California lifestyle fits Greinke, and the way he’s dominated for the Angels in his past four starts, re-signing him would be ideal. However, if things should not work out, the Dodgers could be interested in pairing Greinke with Clayton Kershaw at the top of their rotation. The Dodgers have shown they have money to spend, and if Greinke wants to stay in Southern California, Chavez Ravine could be an option.
However, don’t count out the Rangers, who always spend their money first and foremost on starting pitching, or the Yankees, as Cashman has a close relationship with Greinke’s agent, Casey Close, and could end up outbidding everyone.
The underdogs in this chase include the Royals, where select brass would love to get back Greinke to anchor their rotation. The Braves love top-of-the-rotation starters and signing Greinke would send a huge positive message to their fan base.
Fernando Rodney, RHP | Best fits: Giants, Angels, Dodgers
The Giants could either bet on Brian Wilson returning successfully from Tommy John surgery or non-tender him and use the money to sign Rodney, the AL’s best closer this season. Rodney, 35, is a legitimate Cy Young Award candidate. His “Bugs Bunny” changeup possesses a 15 mph differential from his 97 mph fastball and has become one of the game’s best pitches. There won’t be a ton of competition for closers this offseason, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Angels made a play to bring back Rodney to put Ernesto Frieri back in the setup role, or if the Dodgers signed him to protect against Kenley Jansen’s recent health issues. (Note: The Rays do have a team option for Rodney for 2012.)
Michael Bourn, CF | Best fits: Phillies, Nationals, Reds
Bourn will be the best defensive center fielder and leadoff hitter available. Reds manager Dusty Baker has been asking for a leadoff hitter since he arrived in the Queen City, and some of the field staff are tiring of Drew Stubbs’ strikeouts. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo continues to make center field his priority, and I think this is the offseason he finally finds a way to get it done. This will allow him to put Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth in the corners, which was his long-term plan. But the Phillies desperately need some speed and a leadoff hitter, and they’d love to be able to get Bourn to come back to where his career started, when they drafted him in the fourth round of the 2003 draft.
B.J. Upton, CF | Best fits: Phillies, Nationals
Upton’s strong August and start to September is increasing his market value and officially pricing him out of Tampa Bay. The Phillies and Nationals are his best fits, and whoever doesn’t get Bourn will be the front-runner for Upton. The other sleeper team to watch is the team that acquires his brother Justin Upton, if the Arizona Diamondbacks trade him. Justin and B.J. have always talked about someday playing together in the major leagues.
Ryan Dempster, RHP | Best fits: Dodgers, Rangers
Dempster really wanted to become a Dodger this July, and the Cubs tried everything to accommodate him in a trade. However, when the Dodgers wouldn’t budge during negotiations, the Cubs dealt him to the Rangers instead. The Dodgers are his most likely destination this fall, as he would take Chad Billingsley’s spot in the rotation if Billingsley ends up having to undergo Tommy John surgery, which is a distinct possibility. If the Rangers win the World Series this year with Dempster, the experience could also get him to rethink his position and possibly re-sign with them on a short-term deal.
Nick Swisher, RF | Best fits: Yankees, Phillies, Braves
This is a really weak class in terms of corner outfielders, especially after Andre Ethier re-signed with the Dodgers during the season. Unless the Yankees are able to sign Hamilton or trade for Justin Upton, they will have no choice but to re-sign Swisher, who would like to stay in the Bronx. Swisher’s high energy and enthusiasm is important in the Yankees’ clubhouse, and the fact that he’s one of just three players in the majors who have hit at least 20 home runs for eight consecutive seasons speaks to his consistency. However, Citizens Bank Park would suit Swisher well, and there remains a vacancy in right field in the wake of the Hunter Pence trade. The Braves could put him in left field after they move Martin Prado to third base to replace the retiring Chipper Jones.
Kyle Lohse RHP | Best fits: Cardinals, Royals, Pirates
Lohse has won 14 games in each of the past two years and his 2.81 ERA could even get some Cy Young support this year. Combined with two healthy years of 180 innings pitched, and a thin free-agent starting pitching market, Lohse should do very well this fall. The Cardinals are his best fit because of his success there and how well he and Yadier Molina work together. However, young contending teams such as the Royals and Pirates are desperate to rebuild their starting pitching and might be willing to give more length and dollars then the Cards.
Colby Lewis, RHP | Best fits: Rangers, Royals, Dodgers
Lewis would like to remain a Ranger, and it appears the feeling is mutual because of his ability to win big games. After missing most of the season after right elbow surgery July 27, a low base salary with incentives is probably the deal that will get done in Texas. The Royals, who need to chase every starting pitcher, as well as the Dodgers — who love veteran starters — are other clubs to watch.
Edwin Jackson, RHP | Best fits: Royals, Indians, Marlins
Jackson, 29, has proved himself to be a solid No. 3 or No. 4 starter for contending teams over the past two years. His ERA has been under 4.00, and after the 2012 season, he’ll have double-digit wins in five consecutive years. The Royals are the best fit for him as a team with whom there is still room to grow with some of the best young position players in the game. The Marlins and Indians are two other teams that might pursue him.
Shane Victorino, OF | Best fits: Giants, Reds
The Giants have a history of signing veteran free agents with winning attitudes to fill supplemental roles. Victorino fits that mold. It’s still unclear if the Giants will consider re-signing Melky Cabrera in the wake of his suspension, and coupled with the fact that prospect Gary Brown is still not quite ready, Victorino would be a perfect short-term solution in left field for them. After the big second half Ryan Ludwick has had, Cincinnati seems like a less likely spot for Victorino, though they could sign him to play center field.
Ward
September 13th, 2012
2:11 am
The big question is “?” Swisher, or Greinke??????? I would chose Swisher, and than go with Cunningham in Center. I would be happy if the Braves sign Bourn, but it’s a big “IF”??????
Ward
September 13th, 2012
2:16 am
I’m getting tired of building on pitching, so I would like some extra pop added next year to the line up, and see the fences moved in at Turner Field.
Ward
September 13th, 2012
2:22 am
All, have a good one, and good article nolie…… Hang there Braves fans, and keep hope! Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!” Talk on Friday………
nolie
September 13th, 2012
3:08 am
I’d bet that Cunningham will not be starting in the Braves OF next season.
cowdogit
September 13th, 2012
4:18 am
It’s been happing over two years, Braves go on a winning streak with Canstanza in the lineup, Bench or either send him to the minors and they go on a losing streak. The only way to explain it is one more speedy player in the lineup makes a big difference.
Around The Horn
September 13th, 2012
5:56 am
SHEETS
I’d like to see the Braves give Sheets another shot at starting, even if this entails going back to a six man rotation.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
7:09 am
Zack Greinke, RHP | Best fits: Angels, Dodgers, Braves, Yankees
The Braves love top-of-the-rotation starters and signing Greinke would send a huge positive message to their fan base.
I like that very much.
nolie
September 13th, 2012
7:14 am
I like that very much….TOBF
I just KNEW you would
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
7:17 am
Chipper’s tweet from last night:
Chipper Jones @RealCJ10
That one is on me. Shuda made that play leading off the 5th. Mite not have made a diff, but it mite have. Nice #crank by Jhey in the 1st!
Jeff R
September 13th, 2012
7:17 am
Ekes! The seesaw Braves. Up and down, up and down. Swept by the Brew-crew.
The series sweep of the Bravos should be good for a a couple of days, at least, of negative, doom-filled posts and “dump Fredi” rants.
O, joy.
Trader Jack
September 13th, 2012
7:44 am
TOBF
Not to dampen your hopes but Grienke has stated he loves the LA area and loves playing for the Angels. Brian Cashman has stated that the Yanks have zero interest in Grienke. The Braves remain at best a longshot in the Grienke sewwpstakes
Trader Jack
September 13th, 2012
7:44 am
sweepstakes
Trader Jack
September 13th, 2012
7:49 am
TOBF
Either the Angels or Dodgers will give Grienke the $20 mil per year, and Wren, rightfully so, will pull out of the bidding
Tomahawkin
September 13th, 2012
7:55 am
ACE
“Fredi says all three games it was one inning. It was a lot more to it than that.”
Agreed, Except for that Sat Game against the AAA Mets, The offense continued to hit like ####
The Curley W’s are gonna take this collection of Stiffs to the Woodshed this weekend, Bank On It
Tomahawkin
September 13th, 2012
7:56 am
Whats The Verdict on Maholm?
looks like an average pitcher who benefitted by playing on bad teams throughout his career, sort of like a Wandy Rodriguez type, basically another innings eater, who Can’t be trusted to be a stopper
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
7:57 am
I don’t think he’ll get 20mil/yr. Especially since the Yanks likely won’t be involved. I’m only afraid of the Dodgers, but I’m hoping that they won’t go after him. If it’s mainly just us and the Angels, we have a shot. At least, that’s how I’m thinking. 16-17mil/yr.
O.J.
September 13th, 2012
8:13 am
So, the Braves are pretty much out of the division race now, no way they catch the Nats. I mean, they just got swept by the Brewers, THE BREWERS!!!! So I can almost guarantee a sweep at the hands of the Nats at the low attendance Ted. Pretty sad this team is in a pennant race and NO ONE shows up to the games.
Guess the silver lining here would be that even though the Braves lost 3 straight, so did the top 4 teams in the WC race.
Cant believe the Phillies are back in it. WTH.
Trader Jack
September 13th, 2012
8:15 am
TOBF
The Dodgers had an interest in Cliff Lee, at $25 mil per year. what makes you think they won’t go after Grienke, who is much younger, and costs less at $20 mil?
JRW
September 13th, 2012
8:23 am
Groundhog Day all over again. The Newspaper might as well print the overnight games in the evening edition before they even play the games. Cards, Bucs and Dodgers all lose and the Phillies and Brewers win. Why do I even bother to check. Have to watch out for the Brewers and Phillies. They have caught lightning, and it still may be too late, but if either of them gets in they could be last years version of the St. Louis Cardinals. Hot teams in September can ride through to a championship. Just ask the Giants and Cards
JRW
September 13th, 2012
8:27 am
For those few who still believe the Braves can catch the Nats, just remember that the Braves are closer to the Phillies in the loss column (8) than they are the Nationals (9).
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
8:36 am
what makes you think they won’t go after Grienke, who is much younger, and costs less at $20 mil?
TJ Simers…. sure Greinke doesn’t want to be around that guy!
I think the money might keep them out. They’ve already have tons committed in AGon, Beckett, and Crawford. Don’t know how much more they’ll add. But after adding all those guys, I don’t see them handing out even more contracts at an insanely high price.
Trader Jack
September 13th, 2012
8:48 am
TOBF
Money is not an issue for Guggenheim Partnerships, owners of the Dodgers. Their new TV deal pays them $200 mil per year, plus with the marquee players they have added, their attendance could top 4 million next year.
Lew
September 13th, 2012
8:49 am
So our choice is Greinke or Swisher? This is going to be a loooooong winter.
Bat Masterson
September 13th, 2012
9:02 am
Well Bat – the braves exploded for your 2 runs. _ brian
Well I think my call was for over two and unfortunately it would have taken well over.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:11 am
So our choice is Greinke or Swisher? This is going to be a loooooong winter.
I think it’s Greinke and Willingham + a cheap defensive CF vs. Shields (or other pitcher traded for), cheap LF, and a cheap CF.
I go with the former.
Fols
September 13th, 2012
9:11 am
Good thing there’s an off day…it’ll give them time to look at the standings.
If they can’t get up for a Meds start…then I don’t think there’s any point of going further.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:15 am
Maholm is a fine pitcher. Really has just had a few bad innings as a Brave. Still worth the $6.5 million next year and the guy is very durable as well. Not a frontline guy at all, imo, but who cares? Starting staffs need depth and mid-rotation guys like him.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:19 am
Heyward is hitting .298/.353/.489 in September with a 4/7 BB/K ratio in 51 plate appearances. K rate has been much better this month. Could have the potential to be a big month for him – just a lot of games to go.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:23 am
Maholm after having a good start with the Braves, is now 3-4 with a 4.28 ERA. 8 starts, 48.1 IP (6 a start), 49 Hits, 23 runs allowed, 7 HR, 15 BB vs. 40 Ks.
His ERA+ is 94. It was 106 with Chicago. His WHIP, H/9, HR/9, BB/9 are all up since joining the Braves. His K/9 and SO/BB ratio is better since joining us though.
Over his past 5 starts, Maholm is 1-3 (Braves have gone 2-3) with a 6.75 ERA. Pitched 25.1 innings (5 a start) and allowed 19 runs. He’s walked 10 and K’d 20. Opponents have hit .321/.378/.495/.874 during this stretch.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:28 am
Hmmm, the Dodgers with that great murderers row.
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Dodgers have lost 6 of last 7 (1.9 runs per game in last 7) and are 6-11 since trade with Red Sox.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:29 am
Two bad starts against the hottest teams in the sport right now in the Phillies and Brewers.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:31 am
And a less than stellar start against the Nationals… 7 innings, 4 runs allowed
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:32 am
Been worth 0.0 WAR since coming over (8 starts)… was worth 1.6 with the Cubs (21 starts)
Lew
September 13th, 2012
9:34 am
Only Braves – The Twins claim they don’t want to trade Willingham and I beleive them – if they had interest, they could have gotten a lot more for hom by trading him at the deadline when the team he went to could have him for two playoff runs cheap. At this point he’s likely woirth more to the Twins as a cheap outfielder with power on a weak team.
As for Greinke – no matter what you, I, or anyone else thinks of him as a pitcher, he WILL get a contract approaching $20 mil per year if not actually hitting that amount. If the Braves have around $23 million to spend, they won’t spend it on Greinke and have nothing left to fill the other needs they must fill.
Look for them to attempt a deal for Sheilds who is cheaper and still under contract for a few years. That they could afford to do. They have the prospects and could actually afford to pay him and still get other players.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:37 am
Braves are 9 back of the Nationals in the loss column with 18 to play.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:38 am
Lew: I agree with you on Willingham, and (obviously) disagree with you on Greinke. Shields is fine as well in my opinion. However, if we do trade for him, I wouldn’t expect a trade for a RH power LF… Frank isn’t going to trade that many prospects away. In that case, we’ll be going cheap in both LF and CF… that’s not the best plan, I’m sure you’ll agree.
TennesseePaul
September 13th, 2012
9:38 am
what makes you think they won’t go after Grienke, who is much younger, and costs less at $20 mil
Greinke isn’t getting paid less than $20M. He will get $21M a year at a minimum.
On that giant, stage… that stage that crushes his fragile psyche, Grienke has just been lacking right? I mean, he’s pitched 6+ innings in all but one start since going to LA. In 7 of his 9 starts with LA he has pitched a minimum of 7 innings. Over his last 6 starts with LA he is 5-1 with a 3.46 ERA with a .224/.287/.375 oppo-line. He’s just awful and overhyped and can’t handle the pressure…
With that type of performance and his history no way he gets more than what Michael Bourn pulls in… What’s fair for Zack? Some where around $5M a year? He’s just not good and can’t handle the pressure.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:40 am
And a less than stellar start against the Nationals… 7 innings, 4 runs allowed
I still think he’s been solid overall. Couple of bad starts and I’ll take that performance vs. the Nats.
Arkansas Transplant
September 13th, 2012
9:42 am
Shields is not going to be the answer, the cost would be way too much to bring him to Atlanta. We’d be fools to pay the price in prospects it would take to get that one done.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:42 am
On that giant, stage… that stage that crushes his fragile psyche, Grienke has just been lacking right? I mean, he’s pitched 6+ innings in all but one start since going to LA. In 7 of his 9 starts with LA he has pitched a minimum of 7 innings. Over his last 6 starts with LA he is 5-1 with a 3.46 ERA with a .224/.287/.375 oppo-line. He’s just awful and overhyped and can’t handle the pressure…
With that type of performance and his history no way he gets more than what Michael Bourn pulls in… What’s fair for Zack? Some where around $5M a year? He’s just not good and can’t handle the pressure.
Totally agree. And I believe he was called a “decent #3 starter” – which is just as ludicrous as calling him an Ace.
Arkansas Transplant
September 13th, 2012
9:43 am
Greinke by far would be the most cost effective way to go as long as you didn’t have to go past 5 years with maybe an optioned 6th.
Arkansas Transplant
September 13th, 2012
9:46 am
But of course, you’ve got to look at ways to move Uggla during the offseason. There’s absolutely no reason for this club that has a knack for going so extremely cold at the plate to retain one of the worst streaky hitters in the league.
abeeeewright
September 13th, 2012
9:46 am
Glad for the day off. What a disappointing series in Milwaukee. What a disappointing offensive output for the whole road trip.
Still hoping that the current malaise will snap in a big way come October.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:46 am
Michael Bourn now down to .277/.347/.397, 100 OPS+.
Since the ASG, he’s hit .224/.318/.311 in 58 games, 263 plate appearances.
Since June 19th, he’s hit .240/.331/.340 in 76 games, 349 plate appearances.
Powder Blue
September 13th, 2012
9:47 am
The Braves will not win the East. No chance.
Arkansas Transplant
September 13th, 2012
9:47 am
Michael Bourn now down to .277/.347/.397, 100 OPS+.
Which is exactly why we need to stay away from him come this offseason when the numbers of 14 to 18 million a year are thrown around.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:48 am
But please, go ahead and offer him $18 million a year over the next 6-7 seasons. He’s just so important to the team.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:48 am
Efrim: I’m not saying that he’s not a good starter, I think he is. Just to be fair, I’m saying that he’s had 5 good starts and 3 not so good ones, 2 of which were stinkers.
Sandra Golden @sportsandra
Phil Niekro just said on 680thefan,with 1 game 2 win for the Braves,He’s putting Kris Medlen on the mound!@krismedlen54 @petermoylan
Agree completely.
the Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 13th, 2012
9:49 am
MAHOLM and SHEETS are good for three innings each. Start them in the same game, then use C-MART to finish out the contest = 1 victory
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:51 am
We’d be fools to pay the price in prospects it would take to get that one done.
Teheran and/or Delgado + Spruill/Graham, Salcedo, and Bethancourt. Might even take more than that. Sounds perfect…. (sarcasm)
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:51 am
I think my max offer for Bourn would be around what Damon got – four years, 48-52 million. Something in that range.
the Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 13th, 2012
9:52 am
nolie
September 13th, 2012
3:08 am
“…..I’d bet that Cunningham will not be starting in the Braves OF next season……”
Copy that
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:52 am
throw Hanson into that mix, rich.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:55 am
Shields is really, really good. He’d dominate in this league, imo. Two years, 21 million is a great cost for a pitcher of his talents. I’m just not sure why the Rays would trade him. They sort of have a gap with their prospects and haven’t drafted as well lately. They need to try and win with this crew. Price, Shields, Moore, Hellickson is filthy. Cobb, Niemann, Davis, Archer as options for the 5th spot. I’d probably trade Wade Davis for a bat if I were them.
tony austin
September 13th, 2012
9:56 am
I say let some other team pay $14 – $18M/year for their lead off hitter to strike out 160 times. I like Bourn and I appreciate his time here, but he really is one of the last people I want to see in the box with the game on the line. I’ll miss his defense but I think the Braves can find someone comparable for a tad less that $14 – $18M.
Dadgum....
September 13th, 2012
9:58 am
I really can’t understand how a professional baseball team can play a 3 game series and average around an earned run a game. Again the Braves are pulling off hard to fathom stats. Simply embarrassing play all around. Maybe they explode against the Nats somehow but if they are swept again watch out. Gonna get dicey for a very streaky and average pitching team.
Rock on……Braves will not spend the money it will take to sign Greinke. They will be outbid by teams that are better contenders. With Medlen, Beachy(when he returns), Minor, Hudson, and Delgado or Teheran that is a solid rotation. The Braves have made all these drafts/ trades to acquire young starting pitching. Wren needs to make good on the future he has acquired. Money spent this fall needs to be on big outfield bats especially LF and assuming Bourn leaves then CF.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
9:58 am
Nationals are up 9.5 games. Reds are up 11.5 games. Giants are up 7 games.
Braves are up 5.5 games on the Cardinals, 6.5 games on the Dodgers.
the Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 13th, 2012
9:59 am
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
9:52 am
“…..throw Hanson into that mix, rich……”
No, in my rotation, HANSON does not appear as a starter.
MEDLEN
HUDSON
MINOR
SHEETS/MAHOLM
DELGADO emergency start when necessary.
Strictly a four-man rotation these last eighteen games. SHEETS onto the active roster, and HANSON DL, shoulder problems.
Trader Jack
September 13th, 2012
9:59 am
Mentioned this late last night, it was good to see that J J Hoover got the save for the Reds
Arkansas Transplant
September 13th, 2012
9:59 am
Shields is really, really good. He’d dominate in this league, imo. Two years, 21 million is a great cost for a pitcher of his talents.
This possibly could be true but the 21 million dollar cost isn’t the only cost of bringing him here. Now if he was a free agent.. that’d be another story.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
10:01 am
Shields is good… not saying he’s not. I’m just not a fan of trading pitching for more pitching. We’d likely trade 18-24 years of control on our pitchers for 2 years of Shields? And not be able to get a bat? Dunno how I’d feel about that. Probably not very good. Getting Greinke or any other FA pitcher allows us to keep our prospects to flip for a bat or two and still not have to trade as many of them as we would for Shields.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
10:02 am
Strikeouts isn’t the issue with Bourn – it’s more that he’s a below average hitter and a Scott Boras client looking to cash in within a weak free agent market.
the Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 13th, 2012
10:02 am
98.6
Arkansas Transplant
September 13th, 2012
10:02 am
I still think Craig Gentry would be a very nice option for CF next season. Not quite sure what Texas would expect in return but I wouldn’t expect it to be too high. He’s right handed, has speed, plays very good defense and gets on base at a very high rate. Plus, he’s very very good against left handed pitching, which is something we could definitely use.
jeffrey d
September 13th, 2012
10:02 am
Fredi should’ve put in Constanza. Dude’s worth at least 9 runs a game.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
10:03 am
This possibly could be true but the 21 million dollar cost isn’t the only cost of bringing him here. Now if he was a free agent.. that’d be another story.
THIS!
rich: I wouldn’t have slow arm Hanson in my rotation either…. unfortunately he is. He can start the game and go 3 innings, Paul goes innings 3-6, the ‘pen finishes it out.
jeffrey d
September 13th, 2012
10:04 am
Why do you keep just saying the word “This”
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
10:06 am
We still have 12 games vs. the Marlins, Mets and Pirates. That’s a good thing. We’ve beat up on bad teams all year long and I expect it to continue through the final 18 games.
Arkansas Transplant
September 13th, 2012
10:06 am
Don’t forget, just cause we may be out bid for Greinke doesn’t mean we may not have a chance to acquire a top of the rotation type pitcher through free agency. There’s also the possibility that Haren could be available, specially if LA signs Greinke.
raleighbravefan
September 13th, 2012
10:09 am
From last night…is dejavu a new “blogism”?
UKUGA
September 13th, 2012
10:10 am
It’s interesting to see how quickly this week-end’s series shifted from a chance to gain serious ground in the NL East, to a series where the Braves just need to salvage some wins in hopes of securing WC #1.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
10:11 am
Really interesting to see what the Angels do with Haren. Their staff has seriously disappointed this year. Even Jered Weaver’s stuff is down this year – fastball velo around 87-89mph, I believe. They could let Haren go and sign Greinke.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 13th, 2012
10:11 am
jeffrey d Why do you keep just saying the word “This”
This.
raleighbravefan
September 13th, 2012
10:11 am
Glad to see a few people put some perspective on baseball vs real life.
Lew
September 13th, 2012
10:12 am
Yes, because Efrim knows ludicrous. Like Minor only has a ceiling of a number four starter.
raleighbravefan
September 13th, 2012
10:14 am
(from last night) Lew and nolie – I concur that most announcers aren’t very good these days, especially with the trend toward former athletes (Glavin and Smoltz excepted).
On the other hand, Vin Scully has reupped for another year.
Arkansas Transplant
September 13th, 2012
10:14 am
I don’t think the WC is in jeopardy at all. I’m more worried about having the big MO going into the playoffs.
jeffrey d
September 13th, 2012
10:15 am
Is it something hip young people are saying these days?
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
10:17 am
Yes, because Efrim knows ludicrous. Like Minor only has a ceiling of a number four starter.
#3 starter. Never said #4. Quit lying.
And again, he has a 4.50 career ERA – so he hasn’t even pitched like a #4 starter to date.
You’re the one who made the comment that Greinke was a “decent #3 starter”, Lew. I’m sorry, that’s crazy talk.
TennesseePaul
September 13th, 2012
10:17 am
just cause we may be out bid for Greinke …
I could live with being out-bid for him. I could easily toss the mug at the panel, curse Greinke as a money grubbing snob, blast whatever contract he signs regardless of parameters and go on with my life.
I will not be happy if events unfold and the Braves don’t even try.
I will be furious if events unfold and the Braves opted for Bourn over Greinke… “we really wanted Bourn and once we locked him up, there was only enough to get Raul Mondesi and Garrett Anderson for the team. Raul will be a back end starter filling out the rotation.“
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
10:19 am
I wouldn’t mind Haren too much. Sign him as a free agent, no prospect cost. He can be good.
Is it something hip young people are saying these days?
I’m not hip… I’m a nerd. I wouldn’t know. It’s just my way of agreeing.
jeffrey d
September 13th, 2012
10:19 am
Ol’ Nate got a walkoff hit for the Orioles. Then some guy overzealously carried him away.
http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Q2IfaOz0b1gOy34RmZh3Ew–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/chrisdaviscarriesnatemclouth091312.jpg
jeffrey d
September 13th, 2012
10:20 am
I’ve seen it from more than just you (and McFann
) in recent days. I figured it meant you agree with “this” statement.
Efrim
September 13th, 2012
10:22 am
I will be furious if events unfold and the Braves opted for Bourn over Greinke…
There is a faction here that feel so strongly for Bourn over Greinke and the blogmeister himself is a huge fan of Michael Bourn – “up to $18 million a year” came from him.
Should be a fun offseason of blogging.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 13th, 2012
10:23 am
I will not be happy if events unfold and the Braves don’t even try.
I will be furious if events unfold and the Braves opted for Bourn over Greinke…
As would I. We need to attempt to get a top of the rotation starter. Not overpay for a speedster who’s not getting any better.