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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,254 comments Add your comment
tiger297
September 26th, 2012
9:19 am
here is hoping nolie got to watch the game last night…
Efrim
September 26th, 2012
9:22 am
15-6 in their last 21 games. Playing good ball down the stretch as a team, although I’d still like to see our hitters get going – mainly Bourn and Heyward.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
9:23 am
Can’t believe the Pirates are going to finish under .500 again. Really thought this year they’d have a winning mark. They need to get there before Monday or they’re doomed.
Certainly a letdown for Pirates’ fans. But I’m impressed with what the Pirates’ GM, Neal Huntington, has done in his short tenure to restock the farm system and improve the Pirates. The Pirates have some really good young arms in their system. Huntington needs to focus this winter on upgrading at a few of the positions (short, OF, for instance).
And I think Clint Hurdle is a capable manager.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 26th, 2012
9:23 am
And despite his struggles right after his trade and Maholm’s great start with Atlanta, Greinke has performed the best of the 3 pitchers traded.
Efrim
September 26th, 2012
9:25 am
I don’t think there is any chance Greinke signs with Atlanta. Especially after his strong performance with the Angels since being acquired by them. He’s going to get a six year deal for at least 20 million a year – and that’s going to be way too much for the Braves. He won’t be an option, at all, I think.
Philly Phanatic
September 26th, 2012
9:25 am
Did you ever think tou’d be bigger fans of the Phillies than their fan base? At this point the focus is on next year and whether this minor league phenom who actually hit more homers in the minors than Ryan Howard can look reasonably good under a lot of watchful eyes.
Aren’t you only 4 games out? We still play them 5 times and wouldn’t that put a pickle in what the baseball nation assumes is an NL East title? I think their time has come too fast and I’m not sure they will be playing with the same sureness that gave them a huge lead. Watch out, the Phil’s just may win you a NLEast title which would be 100 times better than that silly 1 game playoff. Hope you win the East as you deserve it with wins like last night. I turned to watch and as soon as I saw Chipper hit the double I’d have bet even money they win it in the 9th. Great win!
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
9:28 am
Philly Phanatic, I’m pulling for your boys to keep stompimg the Nats!
ncscoots
September 26th, 2012
9:28 am
A source familiar with the team’s thinking told me recently that he expects the Angels to cut ties with both Santana and Haren this offseason and focus their efforts on signing him to a multi-year extension
I’ve always liked Santana, but he’s maddening in the way that he doesn’t pitch up to his stuff. Good years, bad years, just seems to never get over the hump to sustained performance.
Efrim
September 26th, 2012
9:34 am
Yeah, I’d be much more interested in Dan Haren. Not sure what the market is going to be like for him, though.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
9:35 am
Is it fair for us to assume that Wren will have his sights set this winter on acquiring a front end free agent starting pitcher?
GTI in Brooklyn
September 26th, 2012
9:38 am
Sure it’s tough to accurately project pitching rotations 8 day in advance, but the Nats remaining mound opponents could look like this: KENDRICK, CLOYD, WAINWRIGHT, LOHSE, LYNN, KENDRICK, CLOYD, HALLADAY. It’d be nice if LEE & HAMMELS somehow found their way back onto that list, but it’s still a decent lineup of dudes to face.
The Bravos only have two imposing arms left: JOHNSON and NIESE, who’s been tough on the Braves, historically.
We need the Nats to lose at least 4 of their last 8 games to have a chance at the Division.
Trader Jack
September 26th, 2012
9:38 am
Jeff R
As crazy as it may seem, there are rumors that the Pirates may fire Huntington at the end of the season
Lew
September 26th, 2012
9:38 am
Jeff R – No.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
9:41 am
Trader Jack, didn’t know about the rumors. That would be incredibly dumb, letting Huntington go. Wonder if the Braves could use the guy? He’s largely been following the Braves’ model of building through pitching.
Hillbilly
September 26th, 2012
9:41 am
As crazy as it may seem, there are rumors that the Pirates may fire Huntington at the end of the season
I think that has more to do with his “Full Metal Jacket” training program doesn’t it? Seriously what was he thinking there?
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
9:45 am
Well, if that’s the case, the Pirates’ brass should just say, “Neal, let’s bag the training program. But carry on with improving the farm system and the major league club.”
GTI in Brooklyn
September 26th, 2012
9:48 am
Scenarios for the Bravos to win a Division crown are actually a little tricky.
If the Braves go 8-0 and the Nats go 4-4 win finish 162 with a tie. That would mean a 1-game playoff on the 4th in D.C. for the title. The loser would then return home to play the WC play in game the following day, the 5th. The WC game winner would then host the 1st game of the NLDS on Sunday the 6th.
I still want the Braves to go for and win the Division, but this possible scenario could be tough on our rotational lineups. Plus, without a day off for 12+ days in a row, we’d have to work with our full 5-man rotation into the first round of the postseason.
MFin04
September 26th, 2012
9:49 am
“He’s going to get a six year deal for at least 20 million a year – and that’s going to be way too much for the Braves. He won’t be an option, at all, I think.”
Yep. Now hopefully Bourn’s price is coming down and we can get him at $12-13 milllion.
Ray
September 26th, 2012
9:50 am
The Pirates have a former Braves scout in charge of scouting, tyrone brooks. A few years ago he left Cleveland as their MLB scout to become the Pirates Dir of Ops and then became head of scouting. Never surprises me how many teams have a braves touch in their front office.
tiger297
September 26th, 2012
9:53 am
my friends who are pirates fans are excited about the depth of the slide…if they aren’t making the playoffs they would prefer to keep the streak alive
Ray
September 26th, 2012
9:53 am
Did anyone see or hear Greinke’s performance last night. Unreal–13 k’s in 5 innings.
GTI in Brooklyn
September 26th, 2012
9:55 am
GREINKE also threw 110 pitches in those 5 innings and had 4 Ks in the 4th inning.
MEB
September 26th, 2012
9:56 am
Some cool and funny stuff this morning. Really have enjoyed this blog over the years with some really insightful reporting by DOB. Congratulations to Frank, Fredi, and all the Braves! I will be there Friday for Chipper’s tribute. Can’t wait!
GO BRAVES!!!
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:00 am
Ray, that does impress me. The Braves’ influence is everywhere. Schuerholz created the template back in the 90s.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:01 am
Yep. Now hopefully Bourn’s price is coming down and we can get him at $12-13 milllion.
Not sure Wren will spend even that on Bourn. Could be wrong, though.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:03 am
tiger297, I know a few Pirates’ fans. Can’t say they’re thrilled with going underwater again.
If the brass retains Huntington and sticks to his plan, I do think the Pirates will turn it around, sooner rather than later.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
September 26th, 2012
10:09 am
All the talk about signing an expensive free-agent pitcher makes no sense to me. Our pitching staff is very good, and could potentially be better if Beachy returns to form in the second half next year. I think all available dollars should be directed to re-signing (or replacing) Bourn in CF, and finding a power-hitting right handed LF. A reliable thumper needs to bat between Heyward and Freeman. Uggla ain’t that guy.
Ray
September 26th, 2012
10:09 am
With Boras being the agent for Bourn, I simply seeing him signing with the Nats for 15-18m a year. Way too much. That is off-season stuff. Its time to put the target on the division, even though its a far target and know the Braves return to the post-season for Chipper’s final year.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 26th, 2012
10:11 am
I might have to make the Angels my 2nd favorite team over the Rangers… There aren’t many top pitchers out there free that will be “easier” to get than Greinke… shame he might be out of our price range. Gotta hope that Graham, Beachy, and Medlen emerge for 2014. As it stands now, we’ll be “aceless”
Lew
September 26th, 2012
10:14 am
Enquiring MInds – Spot on. We have the fourth best record in MLB, the sixth best pitching staff overall (much higher than that since June), the third best relief corps, several minor league pitchers about ready for prime time and need to fill two outfield positions, extend several players and revamp the bench this winter.
Not sure where picking up another starter even comes into the offseason pitcture.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:15 am
That is off-season stuff. Its time to put the target on the division, even though its a far target and know the Braves return to the post-season for Chipper’s final year.
Two words: “Go Phillies.”
MFin04
September 26th, 2012
10:15 am
“GREINKE also threw 110 pitches in those 5 innings”
I’ll take Kris Medlen and his 92 pitches in 7 innings.
DAP
September 26th, 2012
10:15 am
efrim, do you like santana as a stater? i know you like Haren as an option, if he is out on the market. i do too, id even sign him to a multiyear deal. how about santana?
Ray
September 26th, 2012
10:17 am
Setting aside the biases against Fredi G, how many believe he deserves consideration for manager of the year?
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:18 am
Enquiring MInds – Spot on. We have the fourth best record in MLB, the sixth best pitching staff overall (much higher than that since June), the third best relief corps, several minor league pitchers about ready for prime time and need to fill two outfield positions, extend several players and revamp the bench this winter.
I second that motion. I would think from Wren’s perspective, the Braves have a wealth of pitching talent that is inexpensive and under control. Right now, I’d assume Wren will focus on beefing up the offense.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:19 am
Setting aside the biases against Fredi G, how many believe he deserves consideration for manager of the year?
I do, most definitely, though I think Davey Johnson has the inside track.
Ray
September 26th, 2012
10:20 am
Any pitcher is going to throw a lot of pitches in 5 innings when you strike out 13. Think about that for a second. That’s 13 out of 15 minimum batters A minimum of 39 pitches and that is if he struck out each batter on 3 pitches.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 26th, 2012
10:21 am
Greinke’s outing last night was Hansonesque…. minus the walks, stolen bases, and multiple runs and HRs allowed of course
.
It broke his streak of 6 consecutive outing where he went at least 7 IP, and 8 straight where he pitched at least 6 innings.
MFin04
September 26th, 2012
10:22 am
I’m not sure how many people read ESPN the Magazine, but it had an interesting article on WARP and safe ranges of salaries to pay certain free agents.
Angel Pagan was in the 13-16 million range. And Bourn was like in 9-12 million I believe. So anyhow not sure how they concluded everything, but it had a fancy graph if anyone wants to explain it.
Murph
September 26th, 2012
10:22 am
Setting aside the biases against Fredi G, how many believe he deserves consideration for manager of the year?
Just having a winning season after last year’s debacle should get him a few votes… add in a trip to the playoffs and I think he’ll get some real consideration.
I’ve decided to really lower my game at work for the rest of 2012, then crank it up a notch in 2013 and go for my company’s “Most Improved Employee” award.
Hope, like Fredi, that I don’t get fired first.
Lew
September 26th, 2012
10:23 am
Jeff R – And Wren is not going to trade either O’Flaherty or Venters – like some seem to believe.
MFin04
September 26th, 2012
10:24 am
Whoever wins the NL East should get manager of the year for dethroning the Phillies and Marlins. It is that simple. Everyone picked those two teams to go 1-2 in the division. The fact that the Nationals and Braves have been soo dominant has got to make the two managers 1-2 in the race.
Murph
September 26th, 2012
10:24 am
Angel Pagan was in the 13-16 million range. And Bourn was like in 9-12 million I believe.
Interesting. I’m a big fan of Pagan and hope the Braves pursue him instead of Bourn… but I also thought he’d be considerably less $$$ than Bourn.
I hope his agent doesn’t get ESPN the magazine.
DAP
September 26th, 2012
10:25 am
jeff r If the brass retains Huntington and sticks to his plan, I do think the Pirates will turn it around, sooner rather than later.
its time to compliment the team with some veterans who can keep from hitting a wall with 50 games left, right? plenty of young talent there. id say, a few players who arent that young, and who have been through playoff runs might do them alot of good.
chipontheroad
September 26th, 2012
10:25 am
TOBF three deuces and two tre’s beat two aces of couse a bat goes along way towards collecting
Lew
September 26th, 2012
10:26 am
I’m not as anti Fredi as some here by any means, but MOY? Fraid not. Got to go to Davy Johnson. Fredi shouldn’t even be in the conversation.
Arkansas Transplant
September 26th, 2012
10:27 am
Sure is funny how Greinke is able to perform in high pressure situations… wasn’t he unable to do that?
Efrim
September 26th, 2012
10:27 am
DAP, Ervin isn’t what we need, imo. If we’re getting a starter, he needs to be a Greinke, or a Shields, or at the least, a Dan Haren. Need a frontline guy.
Win One For The Chipper
September 26th, 2012
10:27 am
October 4th – Atlanta at Washington for NL East Championship; Meds on the mound
Can’t wait!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 26th, 2012
10:29 am
MFin04: Did it have an estimate on Greinke’s worth? Do say something like 12-14mil.
Brian from SC
September 26th, 2012
10:29 am
October 4th – Atlanta at Washington for NL East Championship; Meds on the mound
Medlen won’t pitch in that game on three days’ rest.
DAP
September 26th, 2012
10:30 am
i disagree with folks who think SP shouldnt be looked at by wren. its not something he MUST do…i mean he can fill out a rotation. but, even though the team is very good, theres always room to get a little better. if a really good starter can be gotten, i think wren should get him, and stabilize this rotation. i really like dan haren, and would offer him 3 years and $30million-ish. maybe mid 30s
Venice Jim
September 26th, 2012
10:31 am
Pandora @pandora_radio
“Moon river, wider than a mile, I’m crossin’ you in style some day” RIP Andy Williams
Retweeted by Matthew Kaminski
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:32 am
Jeff R – And Wren is not going to trade either O’Flaherty or Venters – like some seem to believe.
I agree, Lew. Birds in hand are worth…
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:33 am
DAP, yes. I think Huntington will move to add some good veteran talent this winter – if he’s around.
David O'Brien
September 26th, 2012
10:34 am
Freeman’s blast. . . Medlen. . . The guys’ faces as they waited for Freeman to round the bases. . . all amazing, but the clip I absolutely can’t get enough of is Chipper’s 90 foot trot from third to home with his fist in the air. LOVE IT!!! — SpideyMatt
He had the look of sheer, unfiltered joy, didn’t he? Man, the look on his face, and on the guys’ faces at home plate as they waited for Freeman, was the stuff that makes sports so wonderful, and so unlike anything else.
UKUGA
September 26th, 2012
10:35 am
Okay, so say we catch WAS and have to play there next Thursday.
Do you not consider throwing Maholm or Minor, and holding your Aces for Friday?
If we catch WAS and have to travel from Pitt to WAS, not only is it fortuitous to even be in the game, but the game itself is basically a crapshoot. In fact, both games are crapshoots.
But, since you’ve got a fallback game on Friday, why not take a chance that momentum will carry you (it’s not as if Minor and Maholm are bad), and then, just in case you don’t win @ WAS, you still can hand the ball to Medlen on Friday.
I think it’s taking the John Smoltz approach for Friday (which I don’t agree with) and applying it to Thursday (which I think makes a tad more sense).
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:35 am
Let me say it again: “Go Phillies.”
Brian from SC
September 26th, 2012
10:37 am
UKUGA, to do that, you would have to hold Maholm or Minor out of the Pittsburgh series. Do you do that while you’re trying to catch Washington? If the rotation holds as is, the only person that would be able to pitch the game is Hudson. Anyone else would require some more shuffling.
UKUGA
September 26th, 2012
10:38 am
I’d vote for Fredi if they overtake the Nats. Otherwise, it goes to Johnson. He gets some add’l points for managing the Strasburg situation and still winning the division. But, if the Nats fold, then while Strasburg was a factor, he looses points for letting it impact the team down the stretch.
DAP
September 26th, 2012
10:40 am
UKGA Do you not consider throwing Maholm or Minor, and holding your Aces for Friday?
no, you try and win the division. pitch huddy if you can. pitch minor if you must. i think medlen should stay on track to pitch on the 5th, though.
TennesseePaul
September 26th, 2012
10:43 am
Not sure Wren will spend even that on Bourn. Could be wrong, though.
$12M for Bourn is too much for me… unless we’re talking 1 year Qual. But in a multi-year deal, no way I’d go that high for him. He’s a $9M a year guy for me in a long term deal.
Still though, some team could drop a massive deal on his lap. Just hope it isn’t the Braves paying $16+M a year for 6+ years. No reason to make him the highest paid Brave in franchise history.
UKUGA
September 26th, 2012
10:43 am
Brian, I realize it’s a challenge. I might throw Delgado in Pitt for one game to hold Minor/Maholm for Thursday.
At the end of the day, assuming we win a couple of more games and clinch the play-in game at home, you always have game that as a fall back. It allows you to do something unorthodox if you get this unlikely chance at clinching the division.
I guess what’s tricky about it is that we set the rotation up assuming a Friday game. Now, if a Thursday game comes into play, it raises a whole new set of questions. But, since it would be so unexpected, I think you can take a slightly unorthodox approach.
That’s just me.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 26th, 2012
10:44 am
And Wren is not going to trade either O’Flaherty or Venters – like some seem to believe.
I wouldn’t mind that… we’d likely have 3 lefties in the pen thoughn (Avilan has earned a spot in my opinion), and if Gearrin makes it, a roogy.
Brian from SC
September 26th, 2012
10:44 am
Let me correct myself. The Braves actually have shuffled a little bit…Hudson is scheduled to go Friday night. That means his regular rotation spot would be the last day of the season. He would only pitch then if the Braves needed to win that game for the division. This Saturday’s starter has not been announced…seems like it could be Minor, which would put him on schedule to pitch a hypothetical playoff with Washington.
So the Braves do have some options.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 26th, 2012
10:47 am
He’s a $9M a year guy for me in a long term deal.
Co-sign!
UKUGA
September 26th, 2012
10:49 am
Okay, I see the rotation now. Hudson would be set to go on Wednesday @ Pittsburgh.
If you somehow have a one game lead, you pitch Hudson and clinch the division.
If you are one game behind, you pitch Delgado (maybe) and save Hudson for the unlikely Thurday game.
If you are tied? IDK, I say pitch Delgado, pray for the best. You might win the division that day. You might lose and still play Thursday. Or, you might win and play Thursday.
I think I only pitch Hudson next Wednesday if I am in the lead. Otherwise, I save him for Thursday.
And, having a one game lead next Wednesday is probably the most unlikely of scenarios.
UKUGA
September 26th, 2012
10:50 am
Brian, I was looking up and typing as you were typing.
Good thoughts and I agree.
(I’m mixed on what you do if you are tied next Wednesday).
ChattTownBrian
September 26th, 2012
10:51 am
Fredi shouldn’t be in the convo for MOY, Lew, I agree. This team is packed with talent and leaders anyways. Sorry, but he still has a screw up once a week. Improvement from last year for sure. He’s getting better and better.
Lew
September 26th, 2012
10:53 am
OnlyBraves – They’ve had three lefties in the pen for several years now.
Efrim
September 26th, 2012
10:54 am
But in a multi-year deal, no way I’d go that high for him. He’s a $9M a year guy for me in a long term deal.
What a hater of defense and baserunning you are….
ncscoots
September 26th, 2012
10:55 am
I think we might wait until the Braves are no more than three back before discussing possible rotation assignments for a tiebreaker. You guys are going to jinx it.
Efrim
September 26th, 2012
10:56 am
Would love to go get RH reliever this winter. Someone to pitch high leverage innings not named Kimbrel. Don’t want to use Gearrin in that role next year. And as much as he’s pitched well since May 1st, I’ll pass on Durbin.
Lew
September 26th, 2012
10:57 am
CTB – The Braves SHOULD win – no doubt about it. Davy (who never was a favorite f kmine to begin with) has taken a team that was hardly a consensus division winner, with numerous injuries (Zimmerman, Morse, their closer, etc) and kept them in first throughout the season despite losing his best pitcher with a month left and the press inferno it set off for a couple of months prior to Strasburg’s shut down.
Sometimes you just have to admit that the other guy had a better year and deserves the award.
Brian from SC
September 26th, 2012
10:57 am
The Braves will get someone to fill the Durbin/Linebrink/Saito role.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
10:58 am
Still though, some team could drop a massive deal on his [Bourn's] lap. Just hope it isn’t the Braves paying $16+M a year for 6+ years. No reason to make him the highest paid Brave in franchise history.
Just don’t think Wren will tie up that much budget for Bourn. And aren’t the Phils and Nats still likely suitors for Bourn’s services? I can see either of these teams meeting Boras’ terms.
P-Town Brave ©
September 26th, 2012
10:59 am
Is anyone not in the least bit worried if we could get to that game against Washington?
We would have Minor go on normal rest who has been about as good as you can get in the 2nd half including beating Washington head to head against Gio…
They would more than likely be pitching Zimmerman as Detweiler wouldn’t go and unless they alter their rotation greatly, Gio is scheduled to pitch in their final series against Phily.
At this point guys, even getting to that game is cake, and I’d just about match Mike Minor up against anyone…..he has come a LONG way since earlier in the year….
And btw….GREAT celebration last night….couldn’t have been happier for all the guys
Lew
September 26th, 2012
11:00 am
Efrim -when I say they won’t focus on pitching I mean starting. I could see them signing a reliever and you’re right – MOylan ain’t the answer and it’s doubtful Gearrin is either – though I feel he’s better than many give him credit for.
Ray
September 26th, 2012
11:00 am
I do believe that Fredi G will get some votes. Will he win MOY, probably not. Consideration, absolutely. I get the comment dethrone the Phils–defending division champs. How are the Marlins being dethroned? They have been a non-factor for a few years. And they are what some of us thought they were, a constant train wreck. Maybe derailed but dethroned?
MFin04
September 26th, 2012
11:03 am
“October 4th – Atlanta at Washington for NL East Championship; Meds on the mound”
Now this adds interest to the debate. Do you start Medlens in the play-in game vs Washington, play-in game vs St Louis, or game 1 of the division series.
I’d think the least important of all of them would be the game at Washington.
TennesseePaul
September 26th, 2012
11:03 am
That SI image is classic.
The entire team celebrating the victory as it appears Chipper is walking away…
Arkansas Transplant
September 26th, 2012
11:04 am
I mentioned long ago I didn’t believe Bourn was worth more than 9 a year and quite a few on here completely jumped my case. I was never fully impressed with Bourn’s hitting abilities but he did bring needed speed and defense.
UKUGA
September 26th, 2012
11:04 am
It’s interesting reading people say that the Braves SHOULD win. I fully agree, but after last year’s collapse, there were some in the media speculating that the “real” Braves were on display in September, and we would see more of that this year.
I never really bought it, mainly because:
A) Lowe is gone
B) Kimbrel is a year older
C) Heyward appeared to be fixing things down the stretch, and I though he would be better this year
D) A stretch, but I really though management would do a better job of keeping Chipper fresh for the stretch run
E) Freeman improvement
F) No staph infection setback for Prado
G) A full season of Bourn
H) Okay, so I’m wrong here, but I didn’t think McCann would get hurt again and play with an injury the last 2 months of the year
I) Wrong again, I didn’t think Uggla would stink all year
J) Wrong some more – Hanson or JJ should be healthy and bounce back – my vote was on JJ
Now, positives I didn’t predict:
A) Minor would be this good
B) Medlen would be this great
C) Even our crummy relievers would end up having solid years
There’s more, like Venters struggles, etc., but in general, I thought we would be better and that last year was an anomaly.
I’m glad the FO went for it this year and I hope they keep this thing rolling well into October.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
September 26th, 2012
11:04 am
DAP, there’s no question that the staff could be improved through a FA signing, but you have to look at the cost-benefit analysis. To wit:
Barring a trade or signing, the starting rotation at the beginning of next year looks something like Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, Hanson (or Delgado). Lets say you sign Haren for 3 years/$36M. Who does he replace? Hanson, probably, which makes Maholm the 5th starter. No doubt Hudson, Haren, Medlen, Minor, Maholm is a stronger staff, but it costs the team $11M/year to make that improvement.
Sorry, but unless we get a raise, that $11M has got to go to the outfield.
TennesseePaul
September 26th, 2012
11:06 am
What a hater of defense and baserunning you are…
Yes. Total hatred.
Toss me into that dinosaur bin again. I don’t think you pay a guy $16+M a year for baserunning a defense. I’m of the believe you pay a guy that much because he’s a “five-tool” type guy. Bourn is missing the hitting tools to earn that much, at least in my eyes. I’m willing to give $9M to a guy who can play defense, which is more than those players used to make.
Lew
September 26th, 2012
11:06 am
UKUGA- Well, there are some idots in the journalism business as well as posting on the blog. Anyone who felt the “real” Braves were what we saw in Spetember 2011 were just wrong and some of us realized it all along.
P-Town Brave ©
September 26th, 2012
11:08 am
Fin-
Meds get the ball on Sunday….
He wouldn’t be in line to start a Game 163 as they would never pitch him on short rest….
Minor is the guy lined up to do it as he is scheduled to pitch Saturday….and that would be his next turn….
IF Braves have no shot at division, I don’t expect Huddy to go again after his start Friday so he will be available in relief for that 1 game playoff (if needed) or to pitch Game 1 of the NLDS with a win….
Minor is the far and away logical choice for the Game 163 unless something crazy happens and Huddy is available….that said, I like my chances w/ Minor better…..sure he hasnt pitched in this big of a game in his life, but given what Ive seen from him over the last 3 months, I am not worried about that.
Jeff R
September 26th, 2012
11:10 am
I mentioned long ago I didn’t believe Bourn was worth more than 9 a year and quite a few on here completely jumped my case. I was never fully impressed with Bourn’s hitting abilities but he did bring needed speed and defense.
I do like Bourn’s speed and defense, and when he’s clicking offensively and Prado is coming up second, it’s pretty darn good. And solid up-the-middle defense is critical.
I just don’t think Bourn’s worth a long-term deal and big bucks. And he’s not going to sign for less and at a shorter term, IMO.
ncscoots
September 26th, 2012
11:10 am
The entire team celebrating the victory as it appears Chipper is walking away…
Photograph as metaphor.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 26th, 2012
11:11 am
I mentioned long ago I didn’t believe Bourn was worth more than 9 a year and quite a few on here completely jumped my case.
I remember that. It happened to me too. I was then told that he brings so much and fills so many holes that we should give him at least 13mil. To offer him 9mil would be completely disrespectful.
Mixxo
September 26th, 2012
11:11 am
“I think we might wait until the Braves are no more than three back before discussing possible rotation assignments for a tiebreaker. You guys are going to jinx it”
Yeah, lets just keep discussing what should happen in 2014 and beyond with this team before anything going on this year.
Bay Area Steve
September 26th, 2012
11:13 am
TP, you have a link?
Arkansas Transplant
September 26th, 2012
11:13 am
We need a front line starter this offseason.
next year looks something like Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, Hanson (or Delgado).
This doesn’t exactly scream consistency or confidence. Your truly most reliable starters right now are Medlen and Minor. Hudson has been unconsistent as well has Maholm. Hanson, well we all know what we’re working with here barring an improvement over the offseason, which is possible but shouldn’t be depended on.
MFin04
September 26th, 2012
11:15 am
Great video of last years collapse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJZ0kFoqKQE
Would be awesome to see this updated with the Braves making the playoffs this year. Sweet redemption.
Arkansas Transplant
September 26th, 2012
11:18 am
I was then told that he brings so much and fills so many holes that we should give him at least 13mil.
Much like all the finger pointing to Greinke’s mental state and how he couldn’t handle the big pressure of a big market team.
TennesseePaul
September 26th, 2012
11:19 am
BAS it’s on the si.com/MLB front page right now. Not sure how long they’ll keep it there though.
Hillbilly
September 26th, 2012
11:20 am
Let me correct myself. The Braves actually have shuffled a little bit…Hudson is scheduled to go Friday night. That means his regular rotation spot would be the last day of the season. He would only pitch then if the Braves needed to win that game for the division.
I don’t really like this. If Hudson goes Friday and the Nats clinch before Wednesday, then Hudson will probably be held back for the NLDS. That would put him going on 7 or 8 days rest in the playoffs. I would rather him be on regular rest, personally.
ncscoots
September 26th, 2012
11:21 am
Lets say you sign Haren for 3 years/$36M. Who does he replace? Hanson, probably, which makes Maholm the 5th starter. No doubt Hudson, Haren, Medlen, Minor, Maholm is a stronger staff, but it costs the team $11M/year to make that improvement.
More like $7MM, since you’re relieved of Hanson’s arb salary. Hair-splitting, though.
I think getting a front-line guy has more impact than just 2013, though. Even if you think Medlen and Beachy and Minor could front the rotation from a quality standpoint, they are still pitchers who will have relatively few ML starts by 2014. Hudson will be near 40 by then, heck, may not even be here. They’ll need a guy to be the guy, at least for a year or two.
A few years ago, the Reds were loaded up with stout young pitchers, the key word being “young”. That inexperience cost them dearly.
BravePack(FreeFan)
September 26th, 2012
11:21 am
WOW! What a game to clinch a playoff spot last night. And to top it all off a walk-off HR from my boy Freeman with Chipper to start it. I said in the beginning of the season this is their redemption from last year and the same guy who made the last out last year helped the team into the playoffs this year. This year just feels like something special and they need to take this momentum and stay hot going into the playoffs. Let’s get excited Braves Country.
MFin04
September 26th, 2012
11:22 am
Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, Teheran/Delgado/Beachy
Is a pretty nice rotation. Surely one of Delgado/Teheran will be ready by next year right? That or I’m giving up completely and never listening to prospect talk again.
Maybe the addition of a 4th or 5th starter.