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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,107 comments Add your comment
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
9:56 am
Either should strike fear in the hearts of Braves’ stalwarts.
Scroom.
Both.
Lemke's Knuckler
September 18th, 2012
9:57 am
Brian from SC…”The only thing that would cause the Braves to stay on the gas is if Washington collapses and the Braves have a shot at the division.”
Which is exactly what’s going to happen, my friend. But regardless of what happens, Medlen needs to make his last regular season start before that last Monday. Skipping his last start would put him on 8-9 days rest for the one-game playoff, which is not a good idea in my opinion. I bet we’ll see Medlen pitching next Tuesday instead of Maholm.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
9:58 am
Anyone still whining about the Yunel trade? ANYONE???
Two-plus years later, it appears that the only folks who care are O’Brien and you.
raleighbravefan
September 18th, 2012
9:58 am
Brian – I’m with you…try to win every game. Period.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
9:58 am
I agree, Knuckler. Medlen will be lined up for that wild card game, or in the best case scenario, Game 1 of the NLDS.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
9:59 am
No such thing as “clutch” losses?
CB
September 18th, 2012
9:59 am
I said it before last night’s game,Braves need to go 12-3 and put fear in Nats heart. I believe they may be ripe for a choke!
Lew
September 18th, 2012
10:00 am
CNN just did a segment on Yunel’s eye black fiasco – right after showing McNate going yard for the O’s last night. Must be some weird ex-Braves day on tv.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:02 am
Bourn will absolutely get 13.5 AAV from some team on a multi year deal. It’s ridiculous to think otherwise. I think he gets at least five years, 75 million. To me, that’s still the floor.
On Bourn’s importance to the team, offensively, not as much as some here think. Every hitters splits in wins/losses is different. When you don’t hit, you don’t win. The only player on the team with good stats in losses is Prado. Every other hitter has huge splits. I don’t think you can justify Bourn’s importance based on that.
raleighbravefan
September 18th, 2012
10:02 am
I have been predicting a Nats collapse…or at least, a significant slowdown, for 2-3 months. Running out of time, but still could happen. “Cracks” are appearing, and Stras is shut down. It ain’t over until it’s over.
raleighbravefan
September 18th, 2012
10:05 am
scoots – I hear you. I will now sit down and shut up.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:05 am
I think Hamilton, Bourn, Ortiz, and Swisher are locks for the qualifying offer. Perhaps BJ Upton, although if I was him, I’d take the 13.5 million.
I think Peavy, Lohse, Jackson, and Kuroda might get the offer as well.
Murph
September 18th, 2012
10:05 am
Where’s CraZy? I haven’t seen him on here in a while.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
10:06 am
Mets may trade Ike Davis soon, they aren’t real happy with him apparently. Would be a nice power bat, despite his down year this season. He’s a 1B, though he did play some RF in the minors. IF Bourn were to move to CF, I wonder if Davis could handle right. Or if he could even play LF.
The Mets are disappointed with Davis’ unwillingness to make changes based on coaching advice. Although he is personable and by no means a troublemaker, they also worry — fairly or unfairly — he is out too late after games, and that could influence other young players.
Davis reportedly had Valley Fever this past spring. According to people that have had it, it takes a few months to get back to normal. That time frame fits pretty well with Davis’ turn around.
9:00am: The Mets won’t shop either Davis or Duda aggressively, but they’ll be open to the right deal for either player, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports (on Twitter).
8:26am: The Mets will consider trading Ike Davis as a way of addressing other needs this offseason, Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports. There’s no guarantee Davis will be moved, but it’s at least “a very plausible option,” Rubin writes.
The Mets are disappointed with Davis’ attitude toward coaching advice and they worry that he’s out too late after games, according to Rubin. Trading Davis would open up first base for Lucas Duda, who’s viewed as an inferior defender to Davis.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:07 am
Dan Uggla is hitting .250/.366/.492 in his last 37 games, 142 plate appearances.
Atlanta BBQ festival
September 18th, 2012
10:07 am
ATlanta BBQ festival would like to thank DOB for his judging skills.. The man knows his BBQ !!!!
Go Braves..catch Nats and Win Division outright and avoid 1 game playoff!!!
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
10:08 am
Only four MLB teams have 85 or more wins: Nationals (89), Reds (88), Rangers (87) and Braves (85).
Not the Yankees (83).
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
10:08 am
He took the Meds and isn’t crazy no mo!
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:08 am
Duda is an inferior defender and player overall. Mets shouldn’t be trading away Tejada or Davis, imo. Those two are keepers.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:11 am
Bourn’s OPS+ is now at 99.
I’ll say it again, signing Michael Bourn to a five or six year deal worth 15-18 million would be one of the worst decisions the Braves have made in the last decade.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:11 am
15-18 million per year, of course.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
10:13 am
smaller sample size please, Efrim!
last 17 games: .296/.397/.537/.934, 9 BB vs 10 Ks Just 1 DP grounded into. He’s recorded at least 1 hit in 14 of his last 19 games, 3 of which he had multi-hit games
Atlanta BBQ festival
September 18th, 2012
10:15 am
Here’s why braves finish 1st in Division.. We have games against mia, philly mets and pit.. 2 easy 2 tough. Nats have Dodgers, Mil, Philly , StL. 4 tough teams — 5 games out with 15 to go. No inconceivable….
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
10:16 am
If Heyward were to move to CF, I meant in my 10:06…
Efrim: I agree that the Mets shouldn’t trade those 2, esp. Davis. Good young power bat. They’d be stupid to trade him.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
10:16 am
I agree with lowercase phil. There is no way the Braves should extend McCann beyond his current contract – next years option. There is nothing to indicate he will return to his form of the last several years. In fact, the trend is just the opposite.
The question remains: “Who do the Braves replace McCann with?
The point about McCann’s health and faltering production are well made, so I don’t think the Braves should pursue a long term deal with him. But for ‘13, what are the Braves’ options behind the plate? Ross? I don’t think Ross has the stamina for the everyday grind. Boscan? Of course not.
Absent a viable alternative to McCann, if I were Wren, I’d take a chance that McCann can at least produce as well in ‘13 as this season, maybe a bit better… maybe a bit healthier.
2014 is a different story.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
10:19 am
Not the Yankees (83).
Would love to see the Os push the Yanks out of first. The horse manure would really hit the fan in NYC if the Yanks had to play in the wild card match up.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:19 am
I’d play it out with McCann, unfortunately. Pick up the option and see how next year goes. His injury plagued year this year has been a bad situation for him, the Braves and the hopes that the two can connect on a long term contract that both are happy with.
It was going to be tough even before this season. Now it;s made it even harder.
TennesseePaul
September 18th, 2012
10:21 am
I think Hamilton, Bourn, Ortiz, and Swisher are locks for the qualifying offer. Perhaps BJ Upton, although if I was him, I’d take the 13.5 million.
Cracks me up how little respect you toss BJ’s way.
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
10:25 am
Prado tied career high with four hits (sixth time he’s done it). It was his NL-leading 55th multi-hit game.
Bat Masterson
September 18th, 2012
10:26 am
Where’s CraZy? I haven’t seen him on here in a while.
And Ease? Of course Ease said he was leaving……… pity
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
10:28 am
If it was my money, my team to invest in, I’d sign as many of these six as possible to multi-year deals: Kimbrel, Medlen, Beachy, Prado, Heyward, Freeman.
Simmons, you can wait at least year or two to try to sign long-term, since he’s not even going to be arb-eligible until after the 2015 season.
monty
September 18th, 2012
10:29 am
Totally disagree with what Yunel did. The guy just begs for attention of the wrong sort when all he has to do is keep his mouth and thoughts to himself and make a tremendous living that most of us on the blog would give our…. well..(you know)…for. Having said that, times sure have changed.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:30 am
Cracks me up how little respect you toss BJ’s way.
Just going off of industry speculation this point. I actually like him quite a bit.
So, why do you keep mistaking me for others?
On the Hanson stuff – clearly, MFin and TOBF are the ring leaders there.
On Upton, clearly, nolie has been the one to show little respect.
Again, mistaking me for thinking I have strong opinions on the two in a negative way.
TennesseePaul
September 18th, 2012
10:30 am
Prado at third should be solid next year, but Wren must get a masher. Prado at third is a down grade offensively, largely because of Chipper’s Hall of Fame caliber play…
For 2012
_________AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS_OPS+
Team 3B .301 .366 .482 .849 125
Chipper .297 .382 .477 .859 130
Prado.. .303 .357 .434 .791 112
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 18th, 2012
10:31 am
Jeff R McCann can at least produce as well in ‘13 as this season, maybe a bit better…
“Maybe” nothing—He WILL be better than this next year.
monty
September 18th, 2012
10:31 am
DOB
Absolutely!
abeeeewright
September 18th, 2012
10:32 am
I know people are hating on the one-game play-in game, since it looks like the Braves might have to play in it.
However, the new WC format has fundamentally changed the final weeks of the race. Both the Braves and Nats could be coasting, setting up their rotations, resting players.
In the divisions where the top WC is located (Oakland, Atlanta) both teams are still competing for the division, as is the top team in that division (Texas, Washington).
I’d hate it if the Braves lost the play-in game. But, the new format has made the end of the season much more interesting than it would have been last year.
TennesseePaul
September 18th, 2012
10:32 am
Again, mistaking me for thinking I have strong opinions on the two in a negative way.
Ha! Yes. I box you in with scoots and his morbid fear of short people. ( :
DAP
September 18th, 2012
10:32 am
If it was my money, my team to invest in, I’d sign as many of these six as possible to multi-year deals: Kimbrel, Medlen, Beachy, Prado, Heyward, Freeman.
totally agree, DOB. id probably wait a year on those pitchers, but prado heyward, freeman, absolutely. lock ‘em up. and im talking 10 years deals for heyward and freeman, if they would take them.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:34 am
If it was my money, my team to invest in, I’d sign as many of these five as possible to multi-year deals: Kimbrel, Medlen, Prado, Heyward, Freeman.
I’m down to go year to year with Kimbrel, given that he’s a pitcher and a reliever at that.
Maybe now is a good time to lock Medlen up to a five year deal worth around 25 million. I don’t know, the Braves rarely extend pitchers.
Completely agree on Prado, Heyward and Freeman. Really hope Heyward and Prado get done this offseason. Freeman by the next offseason.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:34 am
If it was my money, my team to invest in, I’d sign as many of these five as possible to multi-year deals: Kimbrel, Medlen, Prado, Heyward, Freeman.
I’m down to go year to year with Kimbrel, given that he’s a pitcher and a reliever at that.
Maybe now is a good time to lock Medlen up to a five year deal worth around 25 million. I don’t know, the Braves rarely extend pitchers.
Completely agree on Prado, Heyward and Freeman. Really hope Heyward and Prado get done this offseason. Freeman by the next offseason.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
10:35 am
I box you in with scoots and his morbid fear of short people.
You confuse disdain with fear.
raleighbravefan
September 18th, 2012
10:37 am
I would pick up 2013 option on McCann (no brainer, IMO). Depending on health and perfoprmance, I would make a decision late next year. Choices include 1) Work out reasonable extension. 2) Make a “qualifying offer” for 2014, and 3) let him go.
I believe you cannot make a long term decision now, based on unknowns.
TennesseePaul
September 18th, 2012
10:38 am
You confuse disdain with fear.
Ha!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
10:38 am
On the Hanson stuff – clearly, MFin and TOBF are the ring leaders there.
Not me… I don’t hate him. I’m not the guy who b!tches over him not going 6 routinely. That’s MFin and 10Paul.
I just look at his stats and obvious declining trend and wonder why should we expect better? Why would any GM trade a decent prospect for the guy? I can guarantee you that if we’re only offered a “Salary Relief” type prospect for Tommy (which is what I’d do if I was an opposing GM), Tommy will be back next season (unfortunately). That means that likely no upgrades to the rotation will happen.
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
10:39 am
If it was my money, my team to invest in, I’d sign as many of these six as possible to multi-year deals: Kimbrel, Medlen, Beachy, Prado, Heyward, Freeman.
totally agree, DOB. id probably wait a year on those pitchers…
Why? Two of them have already had Tommy John surgery. I’m not talking about offering 6-year, $100 million deals, but 3-5 years to buy out arbitration and a year or two of free agency.
Don’t know how many of those guys would take reasonable offers that give them some security and give the team affordability over 4-5 years, but I think you make them offers and find out.
If you go year-to-year with Kimbrel, he’s going to quickly become a HUGE salary in arbitration because he’s a closer. Saves = cash in arbitration. Same with Medlen. You go year-to-year with a guy who’s doing what he’s done so far in his career as a starter, and you’re going to quickly have a big salary after a couple of years of arbitration.
DAP
September 18th, 2012
10:39 am
just found this pic of scoots playing ball back in the day: http://tinyurl.com/8tk7mfx
and of course, this was his walk-up music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFmv22ghzQw
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
10:40 am
Kimbrel will break Papelbon’s records for salaries by a relief pitcher in arbitration.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
10:41 am
Papelbon made $6.25 million his first arb year, 9.35 his second, and 12 in his third. That’s the floor for Kimbrel.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
10:41 am
just found this pic of scoots playing ball back in the day:
Love it, love it, love it, LOL.
(Though, in truth, I was faster than that picture looks. Just sayin’)
phil
September 18th, 2012
10:42 am
David O’Brien
September 18th, 2012
10:08 am
Only four MLB teams have 85 or more wins: Nationals (89), Reds (88), Rangers (87) and Braves (85).
Not the Yankees (83).
***********
And yet who will win the World Series? Hasn’t it been one of the teams that’s last to the dance that won it all the past 3 or so seasons? Because said team “got hot” at the last minute?
DAP
September 18th, 2012
10:43 am
DOB Why? Two of them have already had Tommy John surgery
one of them hasnt even returned from TJ. not sure its the time for a long term deal. another hasnt started for a full season yet. kimbrel has one more year making the minimum, and if you wait, you can buy out more arb and free agent years with the same length contract.
but the position players? heck yes.
DAP
September 18th, 2012
10:45 am
kimbrel has one more year making the minimum
is that right, or is he a super 2 guy?
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:45 am
Jon Niese, Madison Bumgarner, Derek Holland, Ricky Romero, Jaime Garcia – I believe all of these pitchers got deals in the five year 25-35 million dollar range.
I’d consider it for Medlen.
phil
September 18th, 2012
10:45 am
TJ surgery will be a requirement for pitchers to even be drafted in about 10 years….sigh.
Lew
September 18th, 2012
10:46 am
What Prado lacks as far as matching Chipper’s numbers are easily offset by the fact he’s playing every day and Chipper isn’t. Certainly not a knock on Chipper, but he just isn’t able to go every day and Prado is and Martin’s numbers aren’t all that much off of Chipper’s. Not to mention that Martin is by far the better defensive player at this point in time.
We’ll definitely miss Chipper’s presence and his bat has been better than maybe we anticipated, but having that consistent presence in the lineup will compensate a good bit for what we are l;osing with Chipper’s retirement.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:48 am
Don’t know how many of those guys would take reasonable offers that give them some security and give the team affordability over 4-5 years, but I think you make them offers and find out.
Prado, obviously. Heyward and Freeman – they should. Like I’ve said, it would be a disappointment to not hear Wren make offers. If they don;t take it, that’d suck. But hopefully recent deals for position players will help guide the conversation for both Heyward and Freeman.
Lew
September 18th, 2012
10:48 am
I’d hold off on a Beachy extension until next winter, but it is time to lock the others up this year.
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
10:49 am
one of them hasnt even returned from TJ. not sure its the time for a long term deal. another hasnt started for a full season yet. kimbrel has one more year making the minimum, and if you wait, you can buy out more arb and free agent years with the same length contract. — DAP
You seen recovery rates for TJ surgery these days? With a pitcher that young, there’s not much risk.
As for Kimbrel, yeah, you can buy out one more arb year. But by the same token, if he does what he’s done the past two years, after one more year a long-term deal with cost far more than it might now.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
10:49 am
I’m all for locking Medlen up… the sooner the better. We all know he’s the next Cy Young. He’ll be expensive soon. Get it done now!
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:52 am
How about five years, $27.5 million for Meds?
2013: 2.5M 2014: 4M 2015: 6M 2016: 6.5M 2017: 7.5M 2018: 8M(1M buyout)
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
10:53 am
kimbrel has one more year making the minimum
is that right, or is he a super 2 guy? — DAP
No, he’s not going to be a Super 2.
He’ll be arb elgible for first time in 2014 (after 2013 season).
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:54 am
It’d be pretty bizarre for them to lock up Beachy this winter. Has there been a similar long term deal for a pitcher a few months removed from TJ surgery?
Arkansas Transplant
September 18th, 2012
10:54 am
I’d sign as many of these six as possible to multi-year deals: Kimbrel, Medlen, Beachy, Prado, Heyward, Freeman.
I’m hoping they are proactive on this issue as well. Specially since this year we’ll have the flexibility to such, plus this gives us a pretty good road map for down the road on how much and where our needs will be.
DAP
September 18th, 2012
10:54 am
DOB You seen recovery rates for TJ surgery these days? With a pitcher that young, there’s not much risk.
yeah, i guess it depends on how much money were talking about. one thing is for sure, the braves have lots of young talent, and lots of payroll flexibility. i really want to see them lock up some guys for stability’s sake. if they can keep most of the talent they have for seasons to come, we wont stop being competitive for awhile.
Venice Jim
September 18th, 2012
10:57 am
The Huntsville Missile
by Rob Neyer • Sep 18, 2012 8:15 AM EDT
Remember last month, when people were saying Aroldis Chapman deserved serious Cy Young Award consideration because of his strikeouts?
Strikeouts / 9 Innings
Craig Kimbrel – 16.8
Ar. Chapman – 15.8
The best Craig Kimbrel statistic of all, though?
Games this season in which he’s given up more than one hit:
Zero.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
10:58 am
It is time for some long term deals for young players to be worked out. Lots of younger guys on the 25 man approaching arbitration years. Near nothing on the books over the next few years. Now is the time to lock up some of the youngersters.
Arkansas Transplant
September 18th, 2012
11:00 am
But I’d also shy away from the big contract with Bourn. Qualifing offer would be just about it unless we could sign him for around 9-10/yr. which is extremely unlikely given the market value that will be placed on him. I really would like the addition of Gentry in CF, I think he could fill that void equally well compared to Bourn.
RC
September 18th, 2012
11:00 am
If you go year-to-year with Kimbrel, he’s going to quickly become a HUGE salary in arbitration because he’s a closer. Saves = cash in arbitration.
There is no question about that. However, I’m fairly sure that Kimbrel and his agent are well aware of that fact as well, so in order to get him signed to a long-term deal I’m betting the Braves will have to go a bit beyond what many here would consider “reasonable”.
Doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try though. Just means that it’s going to be mighty tough to find some common ground that assures Kimbrel won’t be taking too much of a pay cut and that the Braves won’t be extending their risk too much.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
11:01 am
Anyone have the full insider article? http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog/_/name/olney_buster/id/8394328/wild-card-roster-rules-allow-managers-experiment-mlb
Some of the San Francisco Giants spoke recently about how they view the Atlanta Braves as a really dangerous postseason team, because of their dominant bullpen pieces and the power in their lineup. It’s possible that the Braves will finish this season with the second-best record in the National League, a reflection of how well they’ve performed.
But it’s also possible that their postseason will last exactly one game. If the Braves finish as the No. 1 wild-card seed — and right now, that appears likely — then they’ll have to win the wild card game against the St. Louis Cardinals or Los Angeles Dodgers or one of the other five teams vying for the last NL playoff spot. “When it’s just one game, the worst team in baseball can knock out the best team,” a GM mused last week. “Anything is possible.”
The wild-card games will be conducted under circumstances we’ve never seen before in the postseason. The participating teams will set 25-man rosters for this one-game, winner-take-all extravaganza — rosters that don’t have to carry over to the Division series matchup.
Veer
September 18th, 2012
11:01 am
Playoff bench roster is a tough one. We have 9 candidates and only 6 will be chosen. Let us look at each of the candidates
1. Ross- is a gurantee as a back up catcher
2. Johnson- Solid right handed bat is a sure thing to be on the roster
3. Fransisco- Good power but a lot of strikeouts. In ability to cut down swings and move runners over. Prado can be 3B should he be not on roster. Provides good power off the bench but nothing else
4.Hinske- One of the fan favourites in clubhouse. A lot of key hits in the past but this season hitting below 200. Provides a LF power bat but he hasn’t produced much
5.Overbay- Solid career numbers, hasn’t done much as a Brave but has made more contact than Hinske. Probably him or Hinske gets chosen as LF bat
6.Pasternicky- Solid guy to bring in a bunt situation. Can move runners over. Has some pop. Defensive liability. At best will be a pinch hitter. Close call on Pasternicky
7.Constanza- Has speed can be good defense but can he get the ball out of the infield. Good option for late pinch running. Another close call
8.Janish- Amazing defense but no offense. Do you keep his defense for post season. You would think Braves will want to have a solid defensive guy. Again close call.
9.Baker- good RH bat but too much competition. I think he will have to show alot in last 3 weeks to be given a shot at the roster.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
11:02 am
The best Craig Kimbrel statistic of all, though? Games this season in which he’s given up more than one hit: Zero.
Nintendo.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
11:02 am
Not gonna lie, hoping for Heyward to get to 30 HR’s and 60 BB’s over these last 14 games.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
11:02 am
Craig Kimbrel has pitched 7 games this year of at least one inning, where he struck out every batter he faced. One more will tie the all-time record, set by…whaddya know. John Rocker of the Braves in 1999.
Lew
September 18th, 2012
11:03 am
The recovery rate for TJ surgery is phenomenal – no doubt about it – and few need the procedure twice. However, re: Beachy…..
Beachy has been surprisingly good since becoming a Brave – - again, no doubt about it – but he has only pitched on complete season so far and that only at 141 IP. His 13 starts this year were great, but next year in his thrid full season, he will still only have had one full performing year. Not as if he’s going to be able to go FA, so no need to lock him up quite yet. Let’s see how he comes back first, see whether or not there are setbacks in his recovery and then lock hi up next winter if all looks good. Really not seeing a need to hurry in Brandon;s instance.
Venice Jim
September 18th, 2012
11:03 am
TOBF – I was about to make the same request…
RC
September 18th, 2012
11:04 am
It is time for some long term deals for young players to be worked out. Lots of younger guys on the 25 man approaching arbitration years. Near nothing on the books over the next few years. Now is the time to lock up some of the youngersters.
Totally agree.
On the pitchers, I do think that if you are going to lock a few up Medlen and Beachy are fine candidates for it. The only thing that concerns me is the volatility of pitchers in general. If we were having this discussion 2 years ago, there’s a pretty good chance that people would have been clamoring for the Braves to lock up Jurrjens and Hanson to long-term deals.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
11:04 am
5.Overbay- Solid career numbers, hasn’t done much as a Brave but has made more contact than Hinske.
Saw him K looking on Sunday… Hinske hit a ball to right-center. Not impressed with either guy, as of now, neither would be on my roster.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
11:05 am
I love that folks are now saying that the Braves should not sign Bourn to a long term extension. Would of loved to seen these comments made in early June, when his career OPS+ was still around 94ish, yet he was having a career year at .320/.372/.469(June 10th).
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
11:05 am
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
You got it!
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
11:05 am
Kimbrel has already broken the all-time record with 14 games pitched where he struck out the side in one inning of work. He broke his own record that he set last year with 13.
cricket
September 18th, 2012
11:06 am
I’d kinda like the Phillies to be just close enough to the WC to tango with the Nats in their six left.
phooey..crush’m and knock’m out. all major leaguers are professionals, they will still bring it to tango with Nats in their remaining games..
Brave New World
September 18th, 2012
11:06 am
Efrim: I agree with you on Bourn. He’s a good to very good player, but not worth more than $10 million per year. His value as a leadoff hitter is suspect – he strikes out way too much and needs a better OBP to be paid elite leadoff hitter money. Will some team overpay for him? Yes, so let him walk (something he needs to do more of anyway).
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
11:07 am
I love Beachy’s potential, but I don;t think it makes much sense to extend him this winter. Gonna have to overpay for Kimbrel. Don’t see that happening.
Prado, Heyward, Freeman and maybe Medlen, I could see that happening.
UKUGA
September 18th, 2012
11:07 am
DOB @ 10:28
i agree
I feel much better about those guys, especially given what they already shown us in their careers, than I did about Francouer/McCann/Daviess, etc., 5 years ago.
Then again, hindsight is crystal clear.
Will someone with deep pockets please buy this team?
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
11:08 am
I love that folks are now saying that the Braves should not sign Bourn to a long term extension. Would of loved to seen these comments made in early June, when his career OPS+ was still around 94ish, yet he was having a career year at .320/.372/.469(June 10th).
Well, circumstances do change perceptions, in defense of those who advocated resigning Bourn.
I never thought the Braves would do so, given the price tag. So a nonstarter in my book.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
11:08 am
The participating teams will set 25-man rosters for this one-game, winner-take-all extravaganza — rosters that don’t have to carry over to the Division series matchup.
Wow, that could make for some fun stuff. One starter, five relievers, and nineteen position players? Why not? None of the other SPs even need to be on the squad. I guess you could carry more relievers, but if you find yourself in a situation where you need the seventh guy in the bully, you’re probably hip-deep in doo-doo, already.
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
11:08 am
Since his high OPS mark on June 10th(.841), Michael Bourn has hit .240/.328/.333 in 87 games, 395 plate appearances.
the truth...
September 18th, 2012
11:10 am
David O’Brien:
If it was my money, my team to invest in, I’d sign as many of these six as possible to multi-year deals: Kimbrel, Medlen, Beachy, Prado, Heyward, Freeman.
I’d agree with all of those for a core going forward. That leaves the BMac/catcher decision for later down the road and continue shopping for a McCann replacement and 3B, LF, CF…..
cricket
September 18th, 2012
11:10 am
Kimbrel is our Mo Rivera, pay him
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
11:10 am
Been saying all year, max contract I’d give Bourn is 3 years at 9mil each, with a 4th year option
Efrim
September 18th, 2012
11:11 am
Well, circumstances do change perceptions, in defense of those who advocated resigning Bourn.
I get that, but his career OPS+ was still below average and he is turning 30 years old in December of this year. Gotta recognize that folks are playing above their heads sometimes. Too often people here get caught up in the moment, and I understand that to a degree, but perhaps taking a breather is the better course of action than saying give Michael Bourn seven years and up to 18 million a year just because of his breakout 2.5 months at 29 years of age.
monty
September 18th, 2012
11:12 am
Haven’t looked up to see long term repercussions of tendenitis and if’s it’s curable. I have it in my elbows and they do fine as long as I don’t play golf much. Hope BMACS can be treated in the off season and he can get back to who he used to be but from talking to some friends in the medical field you just treat it you don’t cure it. The less you use affected body part the better off you are. Brian now says he can play 1st base or 3rd base. He may have to do something different because he can’t squat.
the truth...
September 18th, 2012
11:14 am
Bourn’s out of here….moot point….
I’m pretty sure FW has already moved on with that one….we might not like his decidions all the time but he is not ignorant of salary realities…
cricket
September 18th, 2012
11:14 am
One starter, five relievers, and nineteen position players?
how many do they have on bench now? marlins’ announcers were kidding about braves’ crowded bench yesterday. those announcers are pretty bearable when marlins are out of it.
TennesseePaul
September 18th, 2012
11:14 am
What Prado lacks as far as matching Chipper’s numbers are easily offset by the fact he’s playing every day and Chipper isn’t
I like Prado, but this statement just isn’t true. Prado playing everyday doesn’t make up for the lack of production found in Chipper’s playing time. Chipper’s presence on this team this year improves this team more than it “hurts” this team. When he is not here next year, it will be 100% performance at 3B without Chipper, which is less than total performance at third base this year including Chipper. Prado will not be making up for it as he is less than Chipper, and when Prado has his days off, which he’ll get, it will be a player less than Prado filling in.
The team needs to get some more thump because losing Chipper has a larger negative impact than any other offensive change this off-season… (ehm, not re-signing Bourn)
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
11:14 am
Been saying all year, max contract I’d give Bourn is 3 years at 9mil each, with a 4th year option
Well, when you make that offer, at least you won’t have to spit in his face, too.
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
11:16 am
Been saying all year, max contract I’d give Bourn is 3 years at 9mil each, with a 4th year option
Well, when you make that offer, at least you won’t have to spit in his face, too. – ncscoots
Yes, but Boras will laugh in his face when he makes it.
Veer
September 18th, 2012
11:16 am
I don’t see Phillies coming out as the 2nd wildcard but we need the Phillies to stay close so that they can play with sense of urgency aganist the Nationals. They have 6 games left aganist them. As long as they are close they might be helping out the Braves for the division. However we need to take care of business on our end. 5 down with 14 to go isn’t impossible considering Nationals will be playing those games aganist teams with sense of urgency.
I see the Phillies series as a big series for us as they are capable of ending our division hopes.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
11:16 am
For players with at least 50 innings pitched in a season, Craig Kimbrel has:
The highest strikeout rate (16.78/9 IP) of ALL TIME
The fourth-lowest WHIP (0.675) of all time
The second-lowest opponents’ slugging percentage (.177) of all time
The third-lowest opponents OBP (.184) of all time
The lowest opponents OPS (.374) of ALL TIME