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4,237 comments Add your comment
Trader Jack
October 8th, 2012
9:42 am
MFin04
Just playing the devils advocate, but consider the A’s spent $40 mil less this year to accomplish more than the Braves did.
You don’t think Liberty is aware of this?
BravesFanInMaine
October 8th, 2012
9:43 am
I just want the free agent frenzy to begin….. LETS GO BRAVES!!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
9:46 am
A’s got some good pieces by selling high. We can’t really do that. Should have traded JJ for anything we could have gotten last year, but… Hanson’s gonna be a loss this year. No one else can/should be traded.
SNEAKY PETE
October 8th, 2012
9:50 am
Juan Francisco will be given a lot of thought as our starting 3B. As a starter, he hit .265 with a .792 OPS Old Man
that was playing only against lefties. I refuse to believe that the will use him at third on a regular basis. They used him little at all the last month and left him off the roster. I don’t think he is all that much in the plans, at least I sure hope not.
Trader Jack
October 8th, 2012
9:52 am
TOBF
Keep in mind, with owners, it’s all about the money
Lew
October 8th, 2012
9:54 am
Uggla is – indeed – one of the streakiest hitters I’ve ever seen and when he gets into an extended funk, he can be as frustrating as can be imagined. However, maybe he shoud be judjed in relation to other NL 2B.
Even with his dropoff in HR (ist among NL 2B in 2011), he was still third in the league, second in RBI and second in OBP.
Streaky? Hell yeah. Frustrating? Hell yeah. Totally worthless? Not even close.
Lew
October 8th, 2012
9:59 am
If they play Francisco regularly next year it will because they’re platooning Prado in LF and at 3B. Better to find ither a full time LFer or 3B, but with the right RH platoon partner in LF, it could work if they need to go that direction.
Dadgum....
October 8th, 2012
10:00 am
Our current power hitters are considered Freeman and Heyward. Not Uggla and McCann, both are trending downward in stats. The only reason McCann’s option will be picked up is that CB ain’t ready. Ross is the better catcher right now. Maybe McCann rights the ship but what we have seen from Uggla for two years is about what we can expect for 2013 maybe worse. All I can say is that if we acquire a premium 3rd baseman of Wright’s ilk someone besides Uggla will man 2nd. Far and away though outfield is our big problem. If you don’t think so, look at the Nats then look at the Braves. Case closed.
Rock on….maybe Wren will roll the dice that McCann and Uggla will reverse trend. That would be a huge mistake.
Lew
October 8th, 2012
10:02 am
“Someone beside Uggla will man 2B.”
No they won’t.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:08 am
….if [Brian McCann isn't] motivated to become team leaders and start producing after this last season, then their careers are pretty much done. Gotta man up and start producing like they should. Do whatever you gotta do to become better overall players.
Brian McCann was a team leader this season and in previous seasons. He is a big part of that clubhouse. I’m surprised that is even in question. As for his on-field production, perhaps this article will help you fathom what was going on… I know Ef and scoots had their doubts when Ross started, but the truth is out…
McCann could miss 4-5 months for shoulder surgery
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
10:08 am
Platoon in LF, get a cheap young CF, where is the other 20mil spent? Not on a pitcher, like Greinke or Haren…
We can do better.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
10:10 am
I’ve always hated platoons. It just seems the cheap teams route to production. It’s ok at one position on the field I suppose, but with all the inconsistency up and down this lineup, let’s just put 8 guys out there every day that can hit and let them play.
I’m fine with the Braves bringing back Michael Bourn. I mean this team won 94 games with him as a full-time CF and leadoff guy and I don’t think it is a coincidence. The guy helped this team win in many different ways. His production in the 2nd half could always be better though.
That being said, I’m not sure if Willingham his cheap or not, wouldn’t think so after his monster year, but a guy like him would be a perfect fit in LF for the Braves, Prado at third, Bourn in CF and we are ready to compete. Righty who hits for power and can hit lefties and righties equally as well.
Trader Jack
October 8th, 2012
10:13 am
TennPaul
If the MRI reveals any structural damage to McCann’s shoulder, than all bets are off
Dadgum....
October 8th, 2012
10:13 am
Lew….the Braves are freeing up about 30 mil or so. They must spend high on an outfielder maybe two. If they do that and get Wright they simply aren’t gonna pay Uggla 14 mil. Uggla simply hasn’t passed the eye test over two years. Hell, maybe he sticks around so Wren can save face on a terrible trade. I’m sure Wren tries to get rid of him though. For me, the guy isn’t a very good all around player. Maybe it’s the curse of all Atlanta 2nd basemen. If so I’m glad Prado isn’t there:-).
Lew
October 8th, 2012
10:16 am
You only go with a platoon if you can’t find the power hitting LFer they’ve been looking for for how many years now? Not the best way to go, but when you have Prado who plays anywhere and Francisco who rakes against RHP, it could work pretty well if need be.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:16 am
Adam Dunn, in 2012, had 96 RBIs this season. He had 222 Strike Outs.
Mark Reynolds set the all time single season high in strike outs in 2009. he had 109 RBI that year.
Ryan Howard, from 2006 through 2011, averaged 133 RBIs and 182 strike outs a year.
I’m not a “get an RBI guy” chanter because it is an asinine chant. But I think, if one did the research, one would find that there is absolutely no correlation between RBI and strikeouts.
Dadgum....
October 8th, 2012
10:22 am
Ah! But there is a huge correlation between winning and the Rule of 64. Braves better get some power bats. Unless, of course, you are expecting the Braves to win more games next year without scoring an earned run.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:22 am
You only go with a platoon if you can’t find the power hitting LFer they’ve been looking for for how many years now?
Forever. And it isn’t that that player was never available. It is that this team never wanted to invest in that player. They’ve treated LF as the positional dumping ground. Try to field every other position, then dump whatever is left over, or whoever didn’t have a spot, in left field. This team even signed a third baseman, requiring them to move a hall of fame third baseman to left field, rather than sign a left fielder. They acquired and signed a second baseman and moved an all-star second baseman to left field…. I have serious doubts they will actually acquire and sign a “slugging” left fielder this off-season.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:22 am
I have a serious issue with using part timers in the outfield or at 3rd base and shifting Prado back and forth. That is not “premium players” and is certainly not going to be apart of a team that will need to focus on defeating a 98 win Nationals team for the NL East crown.
raleighbravefan
October 8th, 2012
10:23 am
My guess/opinion…Wren will not make a pitcher a top priority. He will likely stick with Huddy (ankle cleanout), Medlen, Minor, and a combination of Maholm, Delgado, Teheran, Gilmartin, and yes, Hanson. Depends on who steps up, and who gets traded (Maholm may or may have option picked up…I’m betting yes). Beachy back sometime in second half (looking at long term).
Uggla will NOT be traded
McCann will have option picked up
Prado will be extended
I find it hard to believe we will be able to re-sign Bourn. If so, he needs to cut down on his SOs. I don’t know if it’s possible (or practical), but the Upton brothers in the outfield would be intriguing. I’m slightly concerned with the BJ attitude factor, however.
Trader Jack
October 8th, 2012
10:24 am
Dadgum
Pick up an outfielder or two, plus add David Wright, ship off Uggla and eat at least half his salary?
I’ll have some of what your smoking
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:24 am
Braves better get some power bats
Power bats, generally, strike out a lot. I don’t have much of an issue with this if the team has other players who do more to put the ball in play.
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:24 am
Trade Uggla for one of the outfield needs and pay some of his contract.
Wren would have to pay more than “some” of Uggla’s contract to move him. Given the Braves’ budget, I can’t see that happening. And I’m not sure that team execs have soured on Uggla.
Frankly, I wish they could move Uggla. Rather have a better defender there and someone who hits to advance runners rather than swing for the fences (and whiffs a lot).
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:27 am
Power bats, generally, strike out a lot. I don’t have much of an issue with this if the team has other players who do more to put the ball in play.
Amen! Too much feast or famine on the Braves. The Bravos need more guys who move runners along with singles and doubles. The obsession with power baffles me at times.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
10:28 am
Platoon and save money, when we’ll need an ace soon.
I’d rather add another lefty bat, heck, 2 of them (Jay, Alex Gordon) who are both regular starters than do a platoon. If we’re gonna platoon in LF, we’d better be getting a top CF like Kemp or CarGo. That likely won’t happen.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:28 am
If they play Francisco regularly next year it will because they’re platooning Prado in LF and at 3B. Better to find ither a full time LFer or 3B, but with the right RH platoon partner in LF, it could work if they need to go that direction.
Francisco hit what vs. RHP? .245/.291/.477.
Man, this is really, really depressing. Most always, I’m excited about the hot stove season.
Premium players? Then I better not see Shane Victorino, Angel Pagan or Nick Swisher patrolling the outfield. Actually, no free agent other than Josh Hamilton.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:30 am
That is not “premium players” and is certainly not going to be apart of a team that will need to focus on defeating a 98 win Nationals team for the NL East crown.
Agreed. This team needs to not only replace what is leaving or declining, but also improve upon it. Having a “90 win team” isn’t necessarily going to win the division and this team needs to aim for the division. I don’t see the Nats falling back into Expos territory any time soon. A deep play-off run will simply encourage them to spend more on improving the team…. which makes it even more disappointing to hear Wren talk about not needing to address the rotation.
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:31 am
My guess/opinion…Wren will not make a pitcher a top priority. He will likely stick with Huddy (ankle cleanout), Medlen, Minor, and a combination of Maholm, Delgado, Teheran, Gilmartin, and yes, Hanson.
if Hanson goes, he goes as part of a package, I believe, or for a couple of mid-range prospects.
If the Braves retain Delgado (I think they should), he gets Hanson’s spot in the rotation. it’s time for Delgado to step up.
I think Teheran and, certainly, Gilmartin need more seasoning in the minors (Gwinnett).
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
10:31 am
Willingham, or a guy like him, is a PERFECT fit.
Check list:
Right handed
Left fielder
Hits lefties
Hits righties
Avg/OB/Slugging (.261/.362/.483/.845)
Cheap (2 years $14 million)
Good arm/Decent defense
Lew
October 8th, 2012
10:32 am
They aren’t gonna pay Uggla $14 mil? First of all, he’s owed $13 mil each of the next three years. In addition, how are they going to trade him without eating tons of salary? And if they eat that salary, then they haven’t saved a damned thing, have they?
Like I said – in power categories and OBP (this year anyway), Uggla has ranked 1st or second (third in HR this year) among NL 2B the past two years. He’s going nowhere.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:32 am
Then I better not see Shane Victorino, Angel Pagan or Nick Swisher patrolling the outfield. Actually, no free agent other than Josh Hamilton.
Ha! Some one is going to have to man center. Move Prado to 3B and the team needs a LF. I’m thinking Pagan is better than Biff.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:33 am
As for his on-field production, perhaps this article will help you fathom what was going on… I know Ef and scoots had their doubts when Ross started, but the truth is out…
Yeah, it’s unfortunate. 4-5 months of recovery sets him out until Spring Training, and perhaps later in Spring Training. It couldn’t be a worse situation in terms of trying to keep this guy. Gonna have to let 2013 play itself out. Sucks.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:33 am
And if they eat that salary, then they haven’t saved a damned thing, have they
You’re fighting the good fight Lew, but that point has yet to sink in for those advocating paying Uggla to play for an opponent.
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:34 am
I’d rather add another lefty bat, heck, 2 of them (Jay, Alex Gordon) who are both regular starters than do a platoon.
I don’t think Wren is aiming to platoon any position.
Trader Jack
October 8th, 2012
10:34 am
Efrim
After Wren’s comments, I’m not all that excited about the upcoming hot stove season
raleighbravefan
October 8th, 2012
10:34 am
TOBF – “we’ll need an ace soon” – Medlen, Minor, Beachy. MEDLEN, MINOR, BEACHY. (and maybe a blossoming of Teheran into a true ace).
I just don’t see pitching as our highest priority.
David O'Brien
October 8th, 2012
10:35 am
DOB–Thanks for a great season of Braves coverage! One question: Do you think Bethancourt could be ready at any point next season (Simmons-esque) — KnoxvillePaul
At some point in the season, yes. His development was slowed last year by injuries, and he was the youngest player in his league. So it’s tough to get a gauge on how soon he’ll take big step offensively at higher-level minor league pitching. Defensively, he’d already be one of the better catchers in the NL, at least in the catch-and-throw part of it. And game-calling is coming steadily.
Trader Jack
October 8th, 2012
10:37 am
Lew
Re:Uggla. It’s like banging your head against a wall with some here. Better just to stop – LOL
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:38 am
Agreed. This team needs to not only replace what is leaving or declining, but also improve upon it. Having a “90 win team” isn’t necessarily going to win the division and this team needs to aim for the division. I don’t see the Nats falling back into Expos territory any time soon. A deep play-off run will simply encourage them to spend more on improving the team…. which makes it even more disappointing to hear Wren talk about not needing to address the rotation.
Totally agree. Given that this organization usually loses in the postseason, let’s give ourselves as much breathing room as possible and square off in a 5 game series. “Must wins” hasn’t translated, and the coin flip always comes up sour on our Braves.
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:38 am
Like I said – in power categories and OBP (this year anyway), Uggla has ranked 1st or second (third in HR this year) among NL 2B the past two years. He’s going nowhere.
Maybe, gentlemen. But there are too many games for long stretches when Uggla produces next to nothing. Yes, he walks, but Uggla wasn’t signed to get on base (when he does) but to drive in runs and do so in more than fits and starts.
Uggla’s not going anywhere, granted.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
10:39 am
Willingham is a hitter we need. Check the last page, I posted some stats on him. Not all that great.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
October 8th, 2012
10:39 am
Total BS Game Friday Night…
I’m still Livid in that The Braves Yet Again Beat Themselves in a Big Game, The BS Call was Just a nail in the Coffin
Thanks Dud Selig for the Stupid 1 game Playoff Format! I Know Rangers fans can attest to that as well, Since I know a few of them from College
Shaun
October 8th, 2012
10:39 am
Amen! Too much feast or famine on the Braves. The Bravos need more guys who move runners along with singles and doubles. The obsession with power baffles me at times.
Well, power hitters are often the guys that move runners along. The guys who hit for some power are often the guys that can generally hit (and draw walks).
There should be an obsession with getting on base and power because that is offense. They shouldn’t be obsessed with strikeouts. Sure, use it as a tie-breaker. If it’s close in the on-base and power departments, go with the guy who strikes out less. But the name of the game, offensively, is getting on base and hitting for some power.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:40 am
Ya just have to set your expectations for Uggla and McCann. Can’t really check mark them down with an OPS+ of 120. Nope. Just way too much has changed within the last two years in their life-cycle as players.
Lew
October 8th, 2012
10:40 am
Actually, against RHP for his career, Francisco has hit .272, .320, .487, .807
Like I said – not optimal to platoon, but we’ve been looking for that elusive power hitting LFer for quite some time now and there doesn’t appear to be much available unless Wren pulls a deal out of his hat.
raleighbravefan
October 8th, 2012
10:40 am
Like it or not, Uggla will NOT be traded. Agree or don’t agree with that strategy, but you might as well get used to it, and move on. Period.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
10:41 am
Bourn .272/.339/.365/.704 lefty hitter 6.85 million
Pagan .281/.333/.424/.757 switch hitter 4.85 million
Bourn steals 50 a year
Pagan steals 30 a year
Bourn has better defense WAR
Pagan has better offensive WAR
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:41 am
Faster track for Bethancourt than I assumed. Not sure he can hit major league pitching yet.
But if Bethancourt makes it to Atlanta in ‘13, it should warm Lew’s heart.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
10:42 am
Willingham, or a guy like him, is a PERFECT fit.
Check list:
Right handed
Left fielder
Hits lefties
Hits righties
Avg/OB/Slugging (.261/.362/.483/.845)
Cheap (2 years $14 million)
Good arm/Decent defense
Hits lefties? Hits lefties?
2012 vs. Lefties .231/.356/.564/.920 w/ 15 HR, 37 RBI, 5 doubles, 30 BB, 40 K (188 PAs)
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:44 am
And I’m sorry, but a rotation of Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, and Hanson is solid, but I can think of 5-6 rotations in the National League that are better, and that isn’t a good thing knowing that our offense has finished back half the last two seasons and is losing the OPS leader and leadoff hitter.
But I guess it is what it is with the starting pitching and we’ll just have to deal with the current rotation. It’s a good one, but not Top Third in the NL, imo.
Lew
October 8th, 2012
10:44 am
Jeff R – Again, like I said, he’s frustrating as all hell. But when you view him against the other 14 NL 2B, he ranks in the upper 20% in power categories since becoming a Brave.
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:46 am
There should be an obsession with getting on base and power because that is offense. They shouldn’t be obsessed with strikeouts. Sure, use it as a tie-breaker. If it’s close in the on-base and power departments, go with the guy who strikes out less. But the name of the game, offensively, is getting on base and hitting for some power.
Well, the name of the game is scoring runs, however that’s accomplished. Power is certainly one ingredient. Not the only one, though.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:46 am
the coin flip always comes up sour on our Braves.
That coin flip on Friday can be laid squarely at the feet of the Braves infield. Watching that debacle go down was embarrassing. Only fitting the most controversial call in MLB history was an infield fly rule, called in the outfield, after the entire infield had fallen apart… They gave that game away.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
10:46 am
I’m not asking for Willingham’s career year. Just his career averages. Guy is a perfect fit for the Braves at a perfect price salary wise. Career averages: .261/.362/.483/.845 And has averaged 25 homers 80 RBIs the last 3 seasons. Hits for power and his right handed. And cost $7 million a year for the next two years.
DAP
October 8th, 2012
10:46 am
Juan Francisco will be given a lot of thought as our starting 3B
i think he will be given alot of thought as trade bait.
Shaun
October 8th, 2012
10:46 am
Jeff R, Bethancourt is a pretty big question mark at this point. It’s not clear from what he’s shown so far that he will ever hit Major League pitching. The good news is that it’s still very early in his development. But the signs haven’t looked good so far.
Deep Breath and Reload
October 8th, 2012
10:47 am
I whined and moaned most of last year and into the off-season about Fredi G.
This year, he won me over. He showed he was willing to make changes due to performance and NOT allow what someone had done last year or two years ago cloud his judgement. Sitting Uggla and McCann at times was what needed to be done. Starting Medlen in the play-in game is what needed to be done. Bobby would have allowed McCann to roll himself out there on a gurney and play if that is what Mac wanted. He would also have started Hudson in the play-in game instead of Medlen. Medlen pitched like a champ and Ross showed his worth when called upon by Fredi. (btw… I actually saw some idiots here blaming Medlen for not covering up for ALL the defensive miscues the hamhock hand defenders made)
Although some questioned the safety squeeze call by Fredi, I understood it completely. Fredi wanted that tying run and he wanted it then. Why? Because he has sat in the dugout and watched inning after inning of the Braves leaving runners on base all season long. Exhibit A is that sure enough, the Braves put runners in scoring position the 7th-8th and 9th and still couldn’t push the big runs across. Looks like Fredi knew what he was doing, even though actual execution of the squeeze was lacking.
The reason the Braves are sitting at home now is because of the players, not because of Fredi. Chipper was the last of the holdovers. He’s gone. Mac is fading but could be considered a transition from the holdovers. He’s on his way out. Perhaps with the addition of new blood in the off-season, the ‘”new” Braves can begin a new legacy of success that will translate into more than loads of division championships. This could be the result of not only new leadership in the club house, but leadership that stresses real results, not just getting close.
Gotta hope Freeman, Heyward, Medlen, Kimbrel and other guys in that clubhouse will be hungry enough to take over and push the other players.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:47 am
Uggla isn’t getting traded and McCann’s option is absolutely getting picked up. David Ross isn’t a starter at the major league level. Sample size is important to note.
Lew
October 8th, 2012
10:48 am
Betancourt would do nothing more than make McCann’s bad offensive season look pretty damned good.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
October 8th, 2012
10:48 am
Many of you will be Suprised That I was at The Chophouse and Did Not Throw anything onto the Field during the melee?
I was to Busy Yelling BULLS*** The Whole Time that the raining of the water/beer bottles was occuring!
Lew
October 8th, 2012
10:48 am
Didn’t Betancourt end the season with a broken hand? And he couldn’t hit before that injury.
Patrick
October 8th, 2012
10:48 am
One move could really help the braves offense, something that they would never do in a million years because they are CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP.
But it would be signining Josh Hamilton
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:48 am
Shaun, yes. I agree. But DOB is speculating that Bethancourt is a possible arrival in Atlanta in ‘13. That surprises me. I would have thought he’d be given a restart at Mississippi in ‘13 with a promotion to Gwinnett sometime in the summer, depending on his progress. Maybe a call up in September.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
10:49 am
“Hits lefties? Hits lefties? 2012 vs. Lefties .231/.356/.564/.920 w/ 15 HR, 37 RBI, 5 doubles, 30 BB, 40 K (188 PAs)”
I’m not sure what your point is with this statement? Is it a for or against him?
Either way, I’d rather talk about career splits. Year to year splits can go crazy either way.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:49 am
Guy is a perfect fit for the Braves at a perfect price salary wise
Unfortunately he plays for another team. This salivating over him is build up for depression. Pre-emptive Wren bashing for not getting him I suppose. I see little reason for the Twins to move him. Maybe they will, but I think it’s a long shot. It just so happens that he is a perfect fit for the Twins, and the Twins already have him.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:50 am
They gave that game away.
And others over the course of a 162 game schedule. It’s one game and anything can happen.
As I said yesterday though, isn’t it amazing how the Cardinals are in position to win their 3rd World Series in 7 seasons despite a 83, 90, 88 win seasons? I mean, they seriously take advantage of the opportunity when it presents itself – the exact opposite of the Atlanta Braves the last 15 years.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:51 am
Didn’t Betancourt end the season with a broken hand? And he couldn’t hit before that injury.
He’s a long way off. But we’ll know the off-season is going bad when we start hearing Wren talking him up as an option for 2013.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:54 am
Unless he grows up faster than Tom Hanks in “Big”, I really doubt Christian Bethancourt will be ready any time during the 2013 season.
I hope he progresses with the bat enough next year to have a sliver of a chance to play in 2014…
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
10:54 am
Jeff R – Again, like I said, he’s frustrating as all hell. But when you view him against the other 14 NL 2B, he ranks in the upper 20% in power categories since becoming a Brave.
My hope (without any foundation) is that Ahmed is converted to a second baseman. I’m pretty impressed with the kid. I think he could make it to Atlanta the last year of Uggla’s contract, caddy for him, and then take the position when Uggla’s contract expires.
Wishful thinking, most likely.
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:54 am
isn’t it amazing how the Cardinals are in position to win their 3rd World Series in 7 seasons despite a 83, 90, 88 win seasons?
More than anything, I think this speaks volumes to not handing Pujols a quarter billion dollars. How many teams can lose the greatest hitter of the generation and return to the post season?
TennesseePaul
October 8th, 2012
10:55 am
How many teams can lose the greatest hitter of the generation and return to the post season?
It certainly didn’t work out that way for the Pirates…
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
10:57 am
He’s a long way off. But we’ll know the off-season is going bad when we start hearing Wren talking him up as an option for 2013.
Better not hear that sh!t. Talk to me when he’s OPS’d at least .700 over the course of an entire Minor League season.
I get it on Bethancourt and Salcedo. Oozing with tools and potential and young for their level, but you still have to produce at some point and it absolutely has to be next year if there is any thought of either helping the Braves in 2014(mostly talking Bethancourt there).
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
10:57 am
That was against Willingham… not really a fan of trading for him. We’ll be paying for his career year, and likely that won’t be repeated. I posted all his stats on the last page. He’s turning 34, while he’s okay vs lefties, he hits righties better, falls off in 2nd half, especially Sept. Heck, Uggla almost outperformed him since August 1st. Also, Willingham hasn’t hit well in his 33 games at Turner Field.
Deep Breath and Reload
October 8th, 2012
10:58 am
All indications are that Betancourt isn’t ready yet. Mac’s option will be picked up and even though Wren says not, Mac seems to think surgery is a given for the shoulder.
First move has to be re-signing Ross. The Braves may even have to over pay for him. What other choice do they have? Start the season with Mac on the d/l and have an unproven catcher behind the plate for a couple of months? Ross may not be an every day catcher but he is the best back up in baseball and can pull the load for extended periods of time if he must.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
10:59 am
“They gave that game away.” I disagree with this. They gave away runs. But they put themselves into position to win the game in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. They had a couple of calls not go their way that really killed two rallies. For me, I’d like to see the game played out for a full 9 innings fairly before I say they “gave the game away”.
As for Willingham, Braves are going to have to trade for whatever player they acquire anyways. It isn’t like the Braves do Free Agency. They don’t have the money to do so. And I don’t care if it is Willingham, just a guy like him.
Left fielder, right-handed, .250/.350/.500/.850 kinda guy
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
11:01 am
The Cards are solid organization. They play as a team and max their players.
Arkansas Transplant
October 8th, 2012
11:03 am
As I’ve stated before, Uggla should got to Detroit for a return of Infante, Garcia and McCann. Even though we might have to include another piece to get it done but it should happen.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
11:04 am
Left fielder, right-handed, .250/.350/.500/.850 kinda guy
How many guys hit .850 over the last two seasons, were RH and played a corner outfield spot? It’s not easy to find these players – there just aren’t that many of them.
Jeff R
October 8th, 2012
11:04 am
“They [the Braves] gave that game away.” I disagree with this. They gave away runs.
IMO, the game’s dynamic changed after Chipper’s rock. Just wasn’t the same game after that.
And giving runs away on errors. Not really a good thing to spot the opposition runs through flubs in a critical game.
Pretty sorry example of baseball by the Braves on Friday. But the game is old news.
Arkansas Transplant
October 8th, 2012
11:06 am
How many teams can lose the greatest hitter of the generation and return to the post season?
Sure worked out okay for the Cards.
George_George
October 8th, 2012
11:06 am
Good morning all
My input on todays discussion. In my three years on the blog my biggest disappointment in a player has been UGGLA. He is a good team guy and gives 100% effort all the time which make the disappointment in him even worse. THE GUY CAN’T HIT A LICK FOR AVEAGE. He has not even come clos4e to his MIA numbers. I do agree the BRAVES will not get rid of him, he will be our 2ND BASE next year.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
11:06 am
” while he’s okay vs lefties, he hits righties better”
Garbage. Look at career stats and stop cherry picking small sample sizes.
Career:
Vs Lefties: .250/.369/.503/.872
Vs Righties: .266/.359/.476/.834
In 2008 and 2010 he had a .800+ OPS at Turner Field. 2009 he had a .100+ OPS at Turner Field. Not too worried about it.
Shaun
October 8th, 2012
11:08 am
Jeff R, seems like Bethancourt would have to do a whole lot to make it to Atlanta by 2013. Not impossible. He probably has the tools to make huge strides. But lots of development left and it’s still iffy.
More than anything, I think this speaks volumes to not handing Pujols a quarter billion dollars. How many teams can lose the greatest hitter of the generation and return to the post season?
A well-run team should be able to at least contend after losing one player, no matter how great.
The problem with the Pirates was the Andy Van Slyke’s production took at big hit in 1993, Doug Drabek left, Tim Wakefield lost it.
If it just came down to losing Bonds, and all these other players had remained intact and productive, while worse, they would have been at least a decent team in 1993.
They essentially lost Bonds, Drabek and most of Andy Van Slyke’s value from previous seasons.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
11:09 am
“How many guys hit .850 over the last two seasons, were RH and played a corner outfield spot? It’s not easy to find these players – there just aren’t that many of them.”
Well then we send some prospects to Minnesota it appears.
haggard
October 8th, 2012
11:14 am
Lew
While things are a bit slow I wanted to ask you: Where is McFann and what’s the reason for her disappearance? I miss her greatly.
Lew
October 8th, 2012
11:17 am
haggard – I’m not sure – I’ll email her and find out.
N8
October 8th, 2012
11:22 am
Efrim, to your 10:44 talking about the rotation and where it ranks in the NL. I pretty much agree with you. Though I think Minor’s development dictates where that ranking actually lands.
if Minor continues to do what he did in the 2nd half and Medlen can keep his ERA under 3.00 (I don’t expect him to have a Maddux like ERA over 35 starts)….. That’s as good of a 1-2 punch as there is. They were two of the top 5 in then NL after July 31st. Which makes Huddy a pretty good #3 and Maholm right where he should be…. a 4th or 5th guy. The last spot in the rotation is a horse a piece with either Hanson, or one of the kids taking the spot. At this point, I’m no sure Delgado or Teheran aren’t better optons than Hanson if he’s not healthy.
But my point is that whether the rotation is “good enough” or not, totally depends on what Wren does with the lineup.
If he somehow manages to plug the two holes (or god forbid finds somebody to take Uggla off our hands)? Then that rotation, while still likely not in the upper 3rd is certainly good enough to win a division with.
If the lineup remains as uninspiring as it is? Then yeah, Wren might be better off going after a Greinke or a David Price or somebody that might be available via trade to make the rotation more lock down.
But this time (for whatever reason), I believe that Wren is going to massively overhaul this lineup.
It wouldn’t surprise me if this surgery for Mac happens, for him to take the buyout, use Ross and Bethancourt (purely because of defense), and then go all out on the rest of the lineup.
Just not sure yet, what route he’ll take. Not sure if he’s sure. LOL.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
11:24 am
“But this time (for whatever reason), I believe that Wren is going to massively overhaul this lineup.”
Fine if you get to dream, I get to dream. Beltran and Jurrjens will be Braves next year.
Venice Jim
October 8th, 2012
11:24 am
haggard – McFann grew tired and frustrated by the constant disparagement of Mac, so, while she has popped in here a few times, she has confined herself largely to conversing on Twitter with Tom O’Hawke and several others who remain here (such as cab and me)…
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
11:25 am
Well then we send some prospects to Minnesota it appears.
No!
haggard
October 8th, 2012
11:25 am
Lew
Thanks. I saw her pop in briefly last week and had noticed her increasing absence before then.
It’s about time for a “Mama visit”, so I’m planning on lunch at the H & H next week with a swing by the campus to see how the stadium is coming along. I’ll send your hello to her and send pictures of the continued transformation of the south end of campus.
Lew
October 8th, 2012
11:27 am
Nathan – I’d say it all depends on who is available and what they have to pay for them. Not much in Free Agency, but never can tell on the trade front til they see how lots of stuff shakes out.
Lew
October 8th, 2012
11:30 am
TYhanks hag – wish I could go with you. I could use a good H&H meal. When you get on campus,do me a favor and go to the Art Dept. and see if you can find Sam Hutto and tell him to call me (email me and I’ll give you my phone number). Got lots to talk with him about and he’s hard to find – he’s a dinosaur when it comes to email.
raleighbravefan
October 8th, 2012
11:30 am
My guess is that McFann got tired of the numbnutz prattling on and an mindlessly about McCann being a fat overpaid underachiever, using injuries as an “excuse”. And I don’t much blame her. Easy to criticize when you don’t know schyt about schyt.
SNEAKY PETE
October 8th, 2012
11:30 am
not really a fan of trading for him. We’ll be paying for his career year, and likely that won’t be repeated..TOBF
7mil is dirt cheap for his career averages let alone his career year. the guy hits 850 constantly, 7 mil is a steal for that level of production. Now what it takes in talent to trade for him is another matter
Dadgum....
October 8th, 2012
11:32 am
Guys, unless you forget, the Cards are only in this thing due to one game play in. The new rule fell their way. Had they not made the wild card winner those fans would be crying foul again and lamenting the loss of Pujols as the reason. Cards fans are the most loyal of fans and they are still upset about losing Pujols. A lot!
Bethancourt may get a shot in ‘13 but most likely ‘14. Unless, of course, McCann has deeper issues.
haggard
October 8th, 2012
11:32 am
Venice Jim
Thanks. I was afraid that was the very reason she’d been absent for such long periods. Perhaps, as McCann is rejuvenated and on the mend, so will our McFann. She’s a breath of fresh air and I’ll be wondering about the wrens!
Plus, please give a warm “hello” to Tom O’Hawke, whom I’ve missed saying repeated “good nights” to for quite some time. Why the rare sighting of that one on these pages?
Who Me?
October 8th, 2012
11:32 am
4000 comments. I think it’s time to take this one down Dave. Really interested to get your take on Friday’s game and IFR call.
MFin04
October 8th, 2012
11:33 am
“7mil is dirt cheap for his career averages let alone his career year. the guy hits 850 constantly, 7 mil is a steal for that level of production. Now what it takes in talent to trade for him is another matter”
Exactly, not wanting that type of production in LF for that price for the Braves means you’re delusional or he was mean to you as a kid when you were growing up. Now if you want to argue that it will take too much to get him, fine. But the guy is extremely cheap and extremely valuable.
haggard
October 8th, 2012
11:36 am
Lew
I’d love to see Sam myself and I will certainly dust away the cobwebs as I make my way through the darkened corridors to his shrine / office. In fact, I’ll call ahead to make sure he’ll be there and ready for a photo shoot.