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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
271 comments Add your comment
Billy
October 7th, 2012
1:31 pm
Sorry about that..David Wright has a club option with Mets for 16 million which he said he would void if traded. Mets up till present have not expressed they would. Buy out is 1 million.
bobbymahlon
October 7th, 2012
1:48 pm
Robert- Players who hit in the 3-6 spots have more chances at batting runs in than do the others and thus they usally have more RBIs. So don’t knock players like Prado,Bourn and Simmons.
Dirty Dawg
October 7th, 2012
2:46 pm
I’m afraid we’ve seen the best of Dan Uggla. This is as good as he gets…under pressure. Sure he hustles, but to what end. He’s an even worse second-baseman than Kelly Johnson. He can’t make the play behind the bag and make an accurate throw with anything on the ball…Prado’s the man for that job. Don’t know who would take him – maybe Miami would want him back – and you might have to eat some salary (where have we heard that before)…plus if it weren’t for Freddie Freeman the guy would lead the league in errors. And don’t get me started about how stubborn he is about adjusting his approach at the plate. He’s, apparently, incapable of accepting coaching.
Joey
October 7th, 2012
3:05 pm
Yeah, Bourn fit right in with the veterans on the Braves – choke in the pennant race. Let him go choke for the Yankees.
Bring up the young players – they haven’t been tainted with the choking of the past Braves.
Did anybody really expect any different from Chipper Fri night? 0-5 (with any other scorekeeper), and a throw 20′ high on a sure DP grounder.
Just go deer hunting Chipper.
Now . . .
mtdewd
October 7th, 2012
3:09 pm
I cannot believe I am hearing names like pastorinsky and constanza in center field. Those are moves you make in a rebuilding year. Sorry for short text I am on my phone. Anyhoo, those options are flat out ridiculous. Mccann and uggla aren’t going anywhere. First, to trade uggla we would have to eat salary. Second, high obp! Mccann killed his f.a. value this year, so he is now affordable. Plus, with Ross as a backup I feel any potential injuries are worth the risk. Getting victorino and keeping bourbon is how do you say, stupid. That would give us two leadoff hitters, meaning shane would bat 7th I.e. waste of money. Finally, the rotation is solid! In fact, its great. Hudson, medlan, beachy (eventually), minor, and Hanson. I say sign a low risk veteran to pitch until beachy is back and trade Hanson to pick up outfielder/third base. Give teheran a chance in the spring.
ZoomSports
October 7th, 2012
3:10 pm
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
45 195.313 49.03 0.000 14 2150 [+]
2
Jamie McMurray
45 195.500 48.98 0.128 0 744 [+]
3
Casey Mears
45 195.401 49.01 0.249 0 533 [+]
4
Kyle Busch
45 195.413 49.00 0.258 6 911 [+]
5
Jeff Gordon
45 195.389 49.01 0.354 0 2133 [+]
6
Clint Bowyer
45 195.472 48.99 0.356 2 2156 [+]
7
David Reutimann
45 195.429 49.00 0.459 0 367 [+]
8
Dave Blaney
45 195.425 49.00 0.462 0 388 [+]
9
Sam Hornish Jr.
45 195.393 49.01 0.538 0 – [+]
10
Jeff Burton
45 195.429 49.00 0.565 0 745 [+]
11
Martin Truex Jr.
45 195.277 49.04 0.646 0 2131 [+]
12
Kevin Harvick
45 195.449 49.00 0.661 1 2127 [+]
13
Aric Almirola
45 195.484 48.99 0.738 0 689 [+]
14
Marcos Ambrose
45 195.102 49.08 0.769 0 827 [+]
15
Kasey Kahne
45 195.532 48.97 0.810 9 2137 [+]
16
Paul Menard
45 194.971 49.12 0.880 0 841 [+]
17
Regan Smith
45 195.516 48.98 0.905 0 655 [+]
18
Kurt Busch
45 195.544 48.97 0.978 0 574 [+]
19
Juan Pablo Montoya
45 194.852 49.14 0.984 0 693 [+]
20
David Stremme
45 195.417 49.00 1.086 0 219 [+]
21
Travis Kvapil
45 194.979 49.11 1.132 1 498 [+]
22
Matt Kenseth
45 198.249 48.30 1.167 11 2086 [+]
23
Trevor Bayne
45 191.604 49.98 1.238 1 – [+]
24
Landon Cassill
45 195.413 49.00 1.292 0 480 [+]
25
Brad Keselowski
45 198.150 48.33 1.330 0 2155 [+]
26
Michael McDowell
45 194.039 49.35 1.441 0 158 [+]
27
Greg Biffle
45 190.438 50.28 1.662 0 2108 [+]
28
Bobby Labonte
45 194.737 49.17 1.681 0 644 [+]
29
Robert Richardson Jr.
45 194.773 49.16 1.822 0 – [+]
30
Michael Waltrip
45 195.640 48.95 1.865 0 88 [+]
31
Terry Labonte
45 192.645 49.71 2.034 0 79 [+]
32
David Ragan
45 196.230 48.80 2.182 0 501 [+]
33
Ryan Newman
45 196.479 48.74 2.311 0 841 [+]
34
Tony Stewart
45 196.157 48.82 2.586 0 2120 [+]
35
David Gilliland
45 196.033 48.85 2.715 0 500 [+]
36
Jimmie Johnson
45 195.912 48.88 2.861 0 2145 [+]
37
Denny Hamlin
45 198.060 48.35 3.502 0 2133 [+]
38
Joey Logano
44 192.328 49.79 1 Lap 0 791 [+]
39
Carl Edwards
41 183.280 52.25 4 Laps 0 841 [+]
40
Cole Whitt
17 196.037 48.85 28 Laps 0 – [+]
41
Joe Nemechek
13 187.434 51.09 32 Laps 0 – [+]
42
Timmy Hill
9 190.226 50.34 36 Laps 0 3 [+]
43
Josh Wise
6 190.822 50.18 39 Laps 0 127 [+]
Canton Dawg
October 7th, 2012
3:19 pm
When you consider that we started the year off with Huddy and Hanson hurt, Meds and Moylan on the DL and Minor still in need of some time in AAA then look where we wound up, I would say we had a good year. I think these guys pressed too hard in the play-off game and made some emotionally charged errors. They had a good run when you consider Mac was hurting all year, Chipper missed what? 60 games and Uggla didn’t hit much for average.
The team has a fine young core of players and I think they’ll be good next year. They have the money they need to upgrade the bench, give a few players some raises and bring in some free agents. Mac’s option may be problematic, if he is expected to be healthy, the Braves may have no real choice but to pick it up, same with Hudson. It will be tough to find a guy who’s going to win 15 – 18 and give you mostly quality starts for what his option year costs.
Still leaves us with about 30 million to address needs. They should be able to bring in either a good third baseman or move Prado (or Uggla?) to third and get a left fielder. I think center field will see a youth movement with Constanza and we have a decent looking kid (Gattis) that might provide some pop at catcher.
While I remain unconvinced we’re ready for a World Series run, I’m still looking forward to 2013. I think it will be a rocky start without Chipper but hot finish challenging the Gnats. Go Braves!
Choppinmama
October 7th, 2012
4:36 pm
I’ll bet the Braves wouldn’t touch Josh Hamilton with a 10 ft. pole. Great producer but too much of a gamble in his personal life. Hard to imagine he won’t have a few relapses in his future no matter how hard he tries, or how hard his “handler” works with him.
I’d throw money at someone else.
harry taylor
October 7th, 2012
4:42 pm
So one of the priorities is to replace Chipper. Hell he should have been replaced at the first of the season. Too slow to be playing at the hot corner. Especially since his error led the way to 3 runs. He is more of a liability than a asset.
At least we will get a decent fielder who can play the whole year for the next season.
jim
October 7th, 2012
5:06 pm
Posey for comeback player? He just recovered from an injury. He was not having a bad year when he was hurt. I’m not necesarily advocating Heyward for that award, but he came back from a very down year in 2011. Sheets briefly came back from two years off. Strasburg came back from injury like Posey. How about Beltran coming back from a disappointing 2011?
JNick
October 7th, 2012
5:30 pm
MikeY – congrats on misspelling Jurrjens’ name twice, and in different ways, in the same post.
Bob
October 7th, 2012
5:39 pm
How ’bout replacing Wren and Freddi as our top priority? Time to get rid of the Bobby Cox culture of above average medicority. Just my opinion.
Bob
October 7th, 2012
5:40 pm
That s/b MEDIOCRITY…sorry
braveshoo
October 7th, 2012
5:41 pm
We cant afford Bourn. Exercise option on Hudson-9m and Hanson and Maholm-6.5m. Trade Hanson and Maholm to a team who needs pitching: K.C. for Will Meyers-LF and L.Cain-CF or Minn.-J. Willingham-LF and D. Span-CF. Sign Greinke for 20m for 5 years. Rotation becomes the best in baseball; Greinke, Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Delgado. Beachy takes Hudson’s place in 2014. Exercise McCann for 2013 only. Use the following money to sign our corp players longterm; 9m from Hudson and 12m from McCann in 2014. Uggla goes after 2015-13m. Corp players to lock up include Heyward, Freeman, Prado, Simmons, Kimbrel, Beachy, Medlen, and Minor.
ATLcracker
October 7th, 2012
5:55 pm
DOB Are we 100 % sure that Frank Wren will be the guy making these decisions? His performance as a GM has been worse than Dan Uggla and Derek Lowe’s play and his contract would be a lot easier to eat.
Jeff
October 7th, 2012
6:01 pm
Get Cody Ross for LF. Hamilton is too much of liability and needs too much baby sitting, plus he’ll command more $$$ than Ross for not a whole lot more production. Plus he’s the right side bat the Braves need. Plus he’s on the Red Sux and who wouldn’t want out of that zoo. Then IF you can get David Wright interested you move Prado to CF. Keep Bourne if you can and teach him to put wood on the ball. If you can’t get Wright then Prado plays 3rd and bourne CF.
Melvin at your job
October 7th, 2012
6:29 pm
Trade Uggla and an add on for Chase Headley at 3rd. Re-sign Bourn. Move Prado to 2nd and sign a left fielder. Fire Roger McDowell. You’re welcome.
John w
October 7th, 2012
6:34 pm
Boras has already let it be known that the bidding starts at 5yrs 100mil so move on!
Joe 12-Pack
October 7th, 2012
6:43 pm
Trade Uggla
chris
October 7th, 2012
6:46 pm
Id love to see Andrew Jones come back and retire as a Brave. B.J. Upton would be a great addition….Im not so sold on Bourn, he really struggled at the end of the season. No matter how fast you are you can’t steal first! Got to get us a proven lead off hitter that gets on base and hits..We get exposed every post season because of our offense. Got to get some bats to go with this young pitching staff that is very solid. I hope we keep Maholm, I feel he did a hell of a job down the stretch. I like Reed Johnson too..
Paul
October 7th, 2012
6:55 pm
How about a second baseman that will work on hitting rather than body building.
mtdewd
October 7th, 2012
7:22 pm
O
Dave
October 7th, 2012
7:58 pm
Todd Cunningham @ Mississippi. Switch Hitter, good CF Hit over 300.Steals bases.
Luis Avilan Should be in the rotation in 2013.
Brave New World
October 7th, 2012
8:19 pm
Let Bourn go – we do not need to get into a bidding war for a guy who has never scored 100 runs in a season because he strikes out too much to have a high OBP. Sign Victorino and Pagan and move Prado to third.
Andres Thomas
October 7th, 2012
8:54 pm
1. Constanza
2. Prado
3. Heyward
4. David Wright
5. Uggla
6. Freeman
7. McCann
8. Simmons
9. Pitcher
Hudson
Medlen
Hanson
Maholm
Delgado until Beachy comes back as the #1
Bullpen – best in the bigs
Jake
October 7th, 2012
9:05 pm
Get josh Hamilton and let Juan Francisco have a shot at 3rd full time.
reckingball
October 7th, 2012
9:08 pm
I would like to see them get a couple of players with high BAs with RISP.
That would be a good thing.
JamesH
October 7th, 2012
9:31 pm
People who say Constanza should start in CF are idiots he would be worse then Bourn was in second half He’s not a starter period and won’t be. Best option is to get Swisher for LF and either Bourn or Victorino for CF its not.given NY will keep him I heard they need to cut payroll so he could walk love him or hate him Braves could use his bat and leadership in.the clubhouse
MtDEWD
October 7th, 2012
9:37 pm
your feedback is worthless…
charles
October 7th, 2012
9:39 pm
Let’s trade uggla ,hanson and jurrjens to colorado for tulowitz and tyler colvin
Kujohn
October 7th, 2012
9:39 pm
Note too Wren
Gone Mcann. Hanson
Sign Bourne
Trade for upton
Line up
Bourne. Or bj upton
Prado
Heyward
Upton
Freeman
Uggla
Ross or Bethancourt if ready
Simmons
This line up is young an athletic Golden gloves at every base. Except uggla
Perfect for young pitching staff
1 thru 5 hitters best in NL. Best outfield in league
Pitchers
New young guns
Medlin
Beachy ( when ready)
Minor
Hudson for 1 yr
Mulhalm. Tehran Delgado Gilmartin
Great strong line up
Bullpen
Same as this yr
(This is the best team in our division top 5 in the league
Gonzales. Ok. Getting better
This team is within our budget easily
JimBob
October 7th, 2012
9:43 pm
I have seen Jordan Pachceo name mentioned a few Braves sites as a player Wren should look in on. Plays all five infield positions and plays and hits like Prado. Be nice to have a third catcher and a Prado clone on the roster.
Kentavo
October 7th, 2012
9:51 pm
Decline McCann’s option; sign Mike Napoli.
Sign Youkilis short-term; or Rolen for 1-year.
See if Dodgers will take Uggla off our hands for a prospect or bullpen arm. Move Prado to 2nd.
Move Heyward to CF, sign Swisher to play LF and sign Torii Hunter for RF, short-term.
darrell starks
October 7th, 2012
10:09 pm
Go get Josh Hamilton.
Braves need a superstar with a bat, Chipper is gone now they have money to spend.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
October 7th, 2012
10:11 pm
Josh Hamilton 6 years 120mill
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
October 7th, 2012
10:12 pm
Let Bourn Go to save money and move Constanza in center field.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!
aburtch
October 7th, 2012
10:12 pm
I’d like to add replacing Dan Uggla to this list. He’s not going to get better anytime soon.
darrell starks
October 7th, 2012
10:15 pm
1. CONSTANZA CF
2. SIMMONS SS
3. PRADO 3B
4. JOSH LF
5. HEYWARD RF
6. FREEMAN 1B
7. UGGLA 2B
8. MCCANN CATCHER
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
October 7th, 2012
10:23 pm
STARTING 5 ROTATION
1. KRIS MEDLEN
2. TIM HUDSON
3. MIKE MINOR
4. JULIO TEHERAN
5. RANDY DELGADO
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pratt
October 7th, 2012
10:23 pm
Put Heyward in CF until Lipka is ready. I like what I read recently, quotes from Lynchburg coach, Bobby Moore on Lipka’s switch from SS to CF.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the past year has been Lipka’s transition from shortstop to centerfield, which he undertook late last year. With much more space to work with, it didn’t take long for the speedster to make himself at home.
“It took me about a week until I really felt natural out there, and I felt like I was an outfielder and that I really belonged out there,” Lipka said. “I think I’m an above average defender already. The top for defense is a Gold Glove in the major leagues, so you keep working on everything until you get there.”
The importance of a good centerfielder in the outfield goes without saying, and Lipka has shown his willingness to take charge.
“It’s his first year playing centerfield, and he’s doing a superb job,” Moore said. “He’s taking good routes on balls, being a captain in centerfield and controlling it. He’s been an all-around captain out there. He’s always learning, always wants to get better.”
Rafael
October 7th, 2012
10:23 pm
How TRUE when Frank Wren said “so wr’re not going to go outrageous salary-wise”!!!!!!
Frank Wren’s favorite term is “AFFORDABLE.”
The Brave’s 2013 starting OF will consist of “Double-Play” Matt Diaz (Fredi’s nephew) in LF, Reed “NO upside” Johnson in CF, and our beloved son Jason Heyward in RF.
Diaz + “Journeyman” Johnson = AFFORDABLE to Skinflint Wren and Liberty CHEAPIA.
norris
October 7th, 2012
10:40 pm
one of the reasons the Braves had NO chance in the playoffs this year is because they didnt have the starting pitching to win a world series.
We dont have any dominant pitchers to go into a playoff series with.
Yes we have some solid pitchers but no dominant ones. This becomes very obvious when our offense takes a vacation.
Train Wreck Bystander
October 7th, 2012
10:43 pm
Of course the Braves will address the vacancy at 3B… but they will never replace Chipper.
P Rose
October 7th, 2012
11:11 pm
Zac in Tempe
October 6th, 2012
11:51 pm
Lock up Kimbrel, Medlen, Heyward, Prado, McCann, and Freeman. If not with contracts this winter then set aside the money for later. I prefer to Constanza and Francisco to another big contract that’s gonna blow up in our faces.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Good post. I agree, except I’d sign Ross over McCann at this point, and I’d prefer to see Prado at third full-time — he’s earned it. And don’t forget to lock up Simmons and O’Flaherty long-term, too.
gmg
October 7th, 2012
11:23 pm
LET BOURN GO strikes out way too much for leadoff and wont get better with age.. try to trade uggla and hanson for a third baseman prospect like the mets minor leaguer bc they already have d wright.. go get josh hamilton the off field issues dont matter you cant make an argumnt against 130 ribbies and 42 bombs the braves need the one big bat that puts fear in pitchers.. if uggla is traded that clears up enough for a third baseman move prado to second .. sign cody ross for the last outfield spot..
lineup
Simmons SS
Prado 2B
Heyward CF
Hamilton LF
Freeman 1B
dRoss C
cRoss RF
3B
P
good rotation when beachy comes back and best pen in the league
better team than in the 90s!!
chipper
October 7th, 2012
11:31 pm
Sign two outfielders and put Prado at 3rd batting leadoff
BusterBrave
October 7th, 2012
11:56 pm
Tom Hanson for Pete Bourgeous fast,young outfielder of Calf. angels…..Trout’s position……..or look at Rahchia Davis……as many stloen bases as Borne and great outfielder…….Lorenzo Cain-KC….young,fast,good hitter and fielder……..3 good replacements for Bourn at a lot less than $13-20 mill a year……..really…….let the Phillies pay up.!!!!!!
ryan
October 8th, 2012
12:07 am
Sign BJ Upton and trade for Justin Upton then trade Hanson and Maholm .
Alaska Braves Fan
October 8th, 2012
12:19 am
Ahhhhh! Ain’t Fantasy Land wonderful! In Fantasy Land, Constanza is a great center fielder. In Fantasy Land, the Braves can afford the salary Bourn will command. In Fantasy Land, anything is possible!
Truly, we can field a very good team next year. Medlen, Hudson, Minor, and Beachy, when he’s ready. Delgado or Teheran will be a good number five by then.
Position players: Heyward, Freeman, Prado, Simmons. Then, we have to go to work. McCann will not be a wonderful full-time catcher ever again, I suspect. So, keep Ross as a backup, and work to get someone else behind the plate. We need a left fielder, a center fielder, and, truly, a second baseman. Uggla may work out for one more year, though I’m skeptical about that. Reed Johnson may be able to handle LF for some time. Francisco is not the answer at 3B, but he may have to be there, at least for a while. Francisco won’t be as bad as some expect. He’ll hit .265 or so, with 20+ homers, but we need more at that position. I have no idea about center. Constanza isn’t enough. He can fill in, but as a regular, he doesn’t have the firepower, either in the field or at the plate.
Wren is very good at what he does, despite the inane comments on these blogs. He’ll get us ready to go, but he never will fill the roster with the super high priced players some Fantasy Land fans want. Even if he did, we would have about as many guarantees as Boston had this year, eh?
ABF
Old Batting Coach
October 8th, 2012
12:42 am
Bourn, Uggla, Freeman and Heyward are high strikeout guys and Prado is our only hitter for average. We need to be able to put the ball in play even when getting out so pass on Bourn, Hamilton, Upton and Youkilis. Would love to see the Braves make a play on Victorino, Markakis or Wright. Trade Hanson and Jurjens if you can. Winter Ball and Jenny Craig for Constanza and Francsico should make a big improvement.
gmg
October 8th, 2012
2:15 am
What about trading for one of the texas rangers young 3B Mike Olt or Joey Gallo. Both are big bats at third base and Texas has a good starting 3b already. Olt 288 avg and 28 HR last year in minors. Gallo 272 avg with 22 homers in 2011. Both look like a young franchise third baseman to me.
j-brave
October 8th, 2012
3:12 am
Who cares about Bourn. For awhile, I was enamored of him too and thought he was the key to our success. But alas, he is not. We folded last year after acquiring him at the deadline. This year he faded down the stretch. Did y’all know he led the league in getting caught stealing? (13 times). He batted a respectable .274 and played lights out defense, but is that worth $18 million? No, no it’s not. ESPECIALLY because he is now 29 years old, and speed does not age well.
jj
October 8th, 2012
3:15 am
I think the Braves will stay far away from Josh Hamilton. He does not fit “the Braves way” and is too big of a risk, even with the drug addict discount that he may have to accept.
clay
October 8th, 2012
4:23 am
Why the hell would anybody be worrying about catcher position? We have Ross to fill in for McCann who is by far the best backup in the league.
clay
October 8th, 2012
4:25 am
How about we get Wright and Victorino. Leave Prado in LF. Uggla is not going anywhere because the Braves would have to eat atleast half of his salary.
Ted
October 8th, 2012
6:39 am
Bourn was 7 th in the NL for Strikeouts. Way too many lost opportunities for a leadoff. Many power hitters way below that.
BFAN
October 8th, 2012
6:52 am
What they need is to get rid of Ugli and get a 2nd baseman. The Most Overpaid Overrated Player cost them too many games. No bat, no glove, no arm, no range, it would be hard to find someone else that bad. A good defensive 2nd baseman that hits 260-270 all year and the braves win the divivion.
Armchair Observer
October 8th, 2012
7:31 am
*Uggla going nowhere
*Say no to Uptons
*Sign Victorino for CF
*David Wright (even if you overpay)
*BMac would be $13 million thrown away
*Unfortunately Fredi going nowhere but would have won the division but for him.
bill
October 8th, 2012
7:41 am
I like Prado but he plays the outfield like Lonnie Smith. He should have caught that ball against the fence in the Cardinals game and he misplayed several other balls this year. He is a good third baseman but we need to either resign Bourne or get two outfielders. Josh Hamilton has to have a babysitter but if the price is rught we should talk to him. Will Simmons come back from his debacle Friday night? He seems to be mentally fragile and that performance will not be easily forgotten by fans. Uggla is with us for a long time and we need to write off his contribution and bat him 8th and forget about it. Dwelling on his play does not help the other needs and we can do nothing to fix it. If Fredi really called for a safety squeeze in the Cardinal game HE SHOULD BE FIRED because he is a worse game manager than Bobby Cox. You will see him disappear from the game because noone else would hire him except Bobby Cox.
bill
October 8th, 2012
7:45 am
clay, noone would pay Uggla 6.5 million to play for them which is half what we pay him. We would have to eat 10 million to get rid of him and we just got rid of 10 mil on that pitcher who will be unnamed.
alex
October 8th, 2012
8:24 am
@armchair, spot on..NO UPTONS-detrimental to the team, malignant egotists…
daSarge
October 8th, 2012
8:48 am
2nd base is Prado’s natural position. Move Prado to 2B and bring in big bats at 3B, LF and BJ Upton in CF.
Bulldawgman49
October 8th, 2012
8:52 am
If only David Wright wasn’t tie up in a multi yr contract. that guy would be the one of course .
But the option of moving prado to third not bad . Get a nice LF in his place.
Red Pants
October 8th, 2012
9:26 am
Would someone please tell me why the Padres would be willing to trade Chase Headley? Anyone? Anyone? No? It’s because they wouldn’t, so let go of that ridiculous pipe dream.
harry taylor
October 8th, 2012
9:45 am
Make Uggla the bat boy
No Flag Since Lemke
October 8th, 2012
9:47 am
Chances are the Braves go the economy route in CF. Someone will be willing to overpay for Bourn; Upton can be a cancer and most folks agree that Victorino has peaked and will be on the downside in his next contract. Hamilton simply does not fit the Braves profile. Someone like Cain or even Constanza and then really load up at third or left.
PMC
October 8th, 2012
9:52 am
Maybe a CF that isn’t getting way to expensive expensive for a guy that strikes out with the bases loaded and the season on the line?
PMC
October 8th, 2012
9:54 am
Regular Season wins do not matter anymore. The Cardinals have been average for the last two years.
NObody cares, because they are winning the tournament.
The hallmark of this team the last 2 times that they have been in the playoffs…. they wet themselves and forget how to play baseball.
PMC
October 8th, 2012
9:57 am
Bourn has fallen flat on his face 2 years in a row to end the season. Sorry, paying that guy 100 million dollars is ludicrous.
He’s awesome when he’s playing well, but if you’re going to spend a ton of money on this team it had better be to a consistent ball player. Way too much is tied up in Uggla already and he can’t be counted on at all.
DIPEN PATEL
October 8th, 2012
10:12 am
Now this article reads BRAVES priorities:CF and replacing CHIPPER, the BRAVES priorities should be start winning WORLD SERIES TITLES/start winning the BIG ONES in OCTOBER forget about who is going to replace CHIPPER and who is going to play centerfield.Start winning WORLD SERIES RINGS and start winning the BIG ONES in OCTOBER POSTSEASON because that’s what tis organization needs to be doing starting in 2013 and TOTALLY BEYOND.GO BRAVESNATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm the Slime
October 8th, 2012
10:26 am
I wonder how much money Boras cost Bourn by refusing to negotiate in the spring. Let’s face it, 155 K’s from a lead off hitter is not so good. That doesn’t even include the K in the 8th on Friday night.
David O'Brien
October 8th, 2012
10:37 am
DOB Are we 100 % sure that Frank Wren will be the guy making these decision — KnoxvillePaul
I can’t speak for you or others, but I’m 100 percent sure, yes.
Chipper Jones
October 8th, 2012
10:38 am
Now that I’m retired, Dan Uggla SUCKS !
Frank Wren
October 8th, 2012
10:40 am
Ryan Langerhans is a viable option in CF.
How about Josh Willingham on third?
Bernie
October 8th, 2012
10:51 am
Remember what failed you this year Mr. Wrenn Hitting so what are you going to do about that. Let McCann go and keep Ross and resign Bourn.
Arizona Brave
October 8th, 2012
10:59 am
How about Chris Young for CF.Dbacks are going to let him go.He is a pretty good centerfielder and a good bat.
Patty Boy
October 8th, 2012
11:06 am
I dont know how it can be done because their trade value isn’t much… but they need to part ways with Uggla and they need to see if they can get something for Hanson…
DonofAcworth
October 8th, 2012
11:14 am
Haffa ta say… the Braves bloggers ARE THE BEST! Lot’s of good suggestions. As an old timer I need to say you must remember that there are young stars everywhere – - -somewhere and we must always look to the farm clubs for who might be ready to give it a try. As for me I like Prado NOT in left but on the infield at 3rd or second. If he was at 2nd all year he is an all star. He does not complain but he should the way Freddi plays him. I want a taller more athletic guy in left. Anyone will out produce Chipper at third and as for Bourn he is a player but not if the money demands are too large and they will be. Of course you keep McCann where he is because he is a core to the team now. With the right kind of manager he is, or can be, the team leader! Fire Freddi! Sorry but someone had to say it. Get a manager like Bobby Valentine who with control can bring Atlanta into the post season with a purpose of hanging around! There’s more but later man…the ham and eggs are calling. Salah
Braves priorities: CF and replacing Chipper LINK | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
October 8th, 2012
11:21 am
[...] The rest of the article can be found here: Atlanta Braves [...]
PMC
October 8th, 2012
11:24 am
I’m pretty confident in Frank Wren. As far as a GM, losing a pitcher like Beachy early, finding Sheets, I mean Wren had a tremendous year, he put toegther a 94 win club. Playing ball well in the playoffs doesn’t really reflect on the GM.
Wren has done a solid job since it’s been his.
Judi
October 8th, 2012
11:35 am
Once our immediate needs are met, we need to concentrate on developing players in the minor leagues.
Felipea Achoouaboo
October 8th, 2012
11:49 am
So Wren’s gonna put a bandaid on it and sign twoscrubs ? Nice. What about Josh Hamilton ?That’s right, he’s a scrub gatherer. I forgot.
Rick C
October 8th, 2012
12:02 pm
Felipea Achoouaboo, the Braves don’t have the payroll to take on a player like Hamilton. He has the ability obviously, but he has other issues that need to be considered. I’m sure if they actually got him though and he turns out to be a bust in a year or two you’ll say they made a good decision though, right?
RickinWarnerRobins
October 8th, 2012
12:16 pm
Need new manager, coaches and most of all, get rid of Uggla.
Mikey
October 8th, 2012
12:36 pm
“Hire Bobby Valentine” ???? The mega-maniac lost 93 games finished last in his division and his players hate him.
DIPEN PATEL
October 8th, 2012
12:45 pm
HEY rickinwarnerrobins a new BRAVES staff is not at all the answer to ATLANTA’S OCTOBER HEARTBREAK this organization has always been the one that needs to be TOTALLY ANGRY and HUNGRY during the POSTSEASON , especially when you have always been TOTALLY JUDGED in OCTOBER.
Brave New World
October 8th, 2012
12:55 pm
PMC: I agree with you that Wren has done a solid job. I can’t wait to see what we do to upgrade the team over the winter. GO BRAVES!
Don
October 8th, 2012
1:14 pm
I’ve read most of the stuff & have given a lot of thought to the future of our Braves. Here is my suggestions:
1. Don’t sign Bourne. Forget him. He strikes out too much & can’t hit a curve. At 18M he would be too over-priced.
2. Let’s give Constanza a chance at CF. After all, he won the International league batgting title last year.
3. Get Prado signed up to a 5 year contract & make him our 3rd baseman.
4. A LF then would become a MUST. Either Upton would be great.
5. As bad as I hate to say it, Tommy H is a 1/2 year pitcher. That’s all he will ever be. Tehre are teams that need that; not the Braves. Trade him.
6. Don’t know about Jerrigans (msp). He was once so promising. Anybody know anything?
7. Let’s not be too hasty about McCann. It was just a year ago that too many wanted to unload Hayward & now he is once again the fairhead kid. McCann had a bad year. Thank the Lord we had the best back-up catcher in baseball.
74bravesjersey
October 8th, 2012
1:17 pm
@ Canton Dawg; Good digs; I was in the midst of writing this one earlier, & crazy me wanted to get facts right on Mejia, ’cause I went to check on his numbers offensively, not bad, though he whiffed 132 times over 500 at bats, consider’n how many in the lineup did whiff over 500 times, but yet he hit for good avg. nice thumper, Gattis, I think he has the stuff, to perform, everyone read his stats, great ratio, doesn’t whiff much in % of PA’s, numbers real decent, some knock about his age(26,going on 27) but heck, spent time in college, nice thumper, can play OF/C or vice versa, hope Uncle Frank & Brass really give him a considerable look, put em on the 40 man roster this time fredi, could’ve used the big stick!
74bravesjersey
October 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
Info check;meant to say consider’n how many whiffed over 150 times in that lineup,
74bravesjersey
October 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
Info check;meant to say consider’n how many whiffed over 150 times in that lineup,
Hal J
October 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
Biggest priority/worry is the right shoulder of one Brian McCann. Get it fixed right. Then, because nothing is certain, give David Ross a raise and resign him. And get Bethancourt back on track. He plays next season at age 21, already with 6 minor leage seasons behind him, and he may be a future all-star. But get catcher position solid!
Third base? Chase Headley. He’s probably available, but expensive. Pay the price.
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/mlb-rumors/20464794/report-padres-ownership-could-try-to-sign-chase-headley-to-extension
With all-star Headley, I’m willing to let Uggla get away, and pay some of his salary. Move Martin Prado to second base where he’s an everyday all-star, with potential all-stars Freeman and Simmons completing the infield. Sign FA Jeff Keppinger who with Paul Janish gives us a very solid, deep infield.
My outfield has two places set: Jason Heyward is in RF and Reed Johnson is the fourth outfielder. Michael Bourne is a longshot, and probably too expensive, and grade B+ to me. I’m hoping for better, but don’t yet know who or from where. LF is up for grabs, maybe for Evan Gattis or Todd Cunningham, or someone we trade for, maybe a kid from this year’s AZ Fall League.
Pitching seems strong, plenty strong, but it did going into 2012 too. Injuries, declining performance — difficult to forsee, but for anyone hoping for Brandon Beachy to be much help in the second half — better wait, nurse him all the way to 2014 and get a Medlen-like surprise then. The strength we have with Medlen, Hudson, Minor, Maholm, and Teheran, Delgado and sleepers like smooth Sean Gilmartin, and a great solid, returning bullpen, we seem to have the depth we’ll need. Finding a good return for the departing Jurrjens and Hanson may be difficult, but they are both due to leave us. Hate to see both go, Hanson for two reasons — he’s going to be productive even with his lack of stamina across the long season, and the unknown: don’t know how much his departure will affect his longtime good friend Kris Medlen.
So, my priorities are 1) Fix McCann (and Catcher position); 2) Get Chase Headley; 3) Maintain pitching strength; 4) Infield: Add Headley, Prado, and Jeff Keppinger, keeping Paul Janish; 5) Outfield, two openings: defense important, but so is offense, with one power hitter and one leadoff hitter being the ideal we’re seeking. Busy winter for the Braves staff, and the organization everywhere, to be ready for 2013.
74bravesjersey
October 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
Info check;meant to say consider’n how many whiffed over 150 times in that lineup,
Big Rumba
October 8th, 2012
1:32 pm
We do not need to live in Lala land. The Braves are a good team with some good young talent. The options on Brian McCann and Tim Hudson will be picked up, and Michael Bourn is most likely out of our price range (I also agree that it is not a good idea to sign a 30 year old speedster to a long term deal, especially since his production has already dropped off some). While signing Josh Hamilton would be great (I have faith in this guy, I know that he has his issues, but the risk is worth the reward) it is not likely to happen. i would love to dump Dan Uggla, but if I were a GM I wouldn’t trade a rotten egg for him. I believe that Martin Prado is the best option at third, and that Jason Heyward does not need to move to center field. So, that leaves the lineup with two holes to fill, LF and CF. Due to the “surprises” of Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen, I think it might be time to dangle some of those top pitching prospects in the trade market to fill some needs. Teheran had his worst professional season and is still in need of seasoning.
Josh
October 8th, 2012
1:34 pm
Chase Headley at third would be good enough. Then add a RH bat to play center.
Mikey
October 8th, 2012
1:39 pm
ABF: Constanza can do everything Michael Bourn can do for 80% less salary. I guess winning AAA batting crown gives the guy a chance along with Reed Johnson against tough L/H to give Braves an affordable replacement in CF. Juan Francisco is a K machine (he hit 1 hr. after July 31) with limited range and hands at 3rd and a terrible P/H. There was a reason Cincy cut him last spring.
farmer
October 8th, 2012
1:43 pm
we will not sign Josh Hamilton.. forget about that.. too much money and the off-fiels issues will always be there.. I love the guy but too much of a risk. got to resign Bourn but not at the detriment of the payroll where we could fill other needs with that money. need to resign Baker, Johnson, Durbin and Ross.. two guys that shold be on the radar for CF are Victorino and BJ Upton. wouldn’t that really piss off the Phillies if we signed Victorino? yes it would. also I would love for them to bring back Andruw for the bench. if they made him a decent offer to be a role player bench elder statesman type, he would jump at it to come back to the ATL..
farmer
October 8th, 2012
1:43 pm
we will not sign Josh Hamilton.. forget about that.. too much money and the off-fiels issues will always be there.. I love the guy but too much of a risk. got to resign Bourn but not at the detriment of the payroll where we could fill other needs with that money. need to resign Baker, Johnson, Durbin and Ross.. two guys that shold be on the radar for CF are Victorino and BJ Upton. wouldn’t that really piss off the Phillies if we signed Victorino? yes it would. also I would love for them to bring back Andruw for the bench. if they made him a decent offer to be a role player bench elder statesman type, he would jump at it to come back to the ATL..
good times coming up for the braves
October 8th, 2012
1:45 pm
i dont care if the braves fans gonna crazy with my comment but thank god Choker Jones it’s retired now…..
ok he played all his carrer with the braves ,, ok he had 450+ HR, 2500+ hits, over ,300 average , 500+ 2B , 1600+ Runs scored, 1600+ RBI,, he was a classy ballplayer bla bla bla ,,,,,
but what about playoffs?ok i made a research and look that.
POSTSEASON STATS:
Batting average: .287,,HR: 13, RBI ; 47, 58 RUNS, 97 HITS in 338 AB 61 K, 93 games
WS TITLES : 1
NL PENNANTS : 3
NO EXACTLY A CLUTCH PERFORMER IN PLAYOFFS…. SORRY BUT IT’S TRUE
BUT THE WORST PERFORMANCE IN HIS ENTIRE CARRER IN PLAYOFFS WAS THE LAST FRIDAY…..HE THREW THE ENTIRE SEASON TO THE TRASH WITH HIS ERROR AND THE UGGLY 5-1 IN THE PLATE ( a damn infield hit???? ) ……
YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT CLUTCH PERFORMER???? HIS LAST NAME IS JETER…
.308 20 HR 59 RBI 193 HITS 109 RUNS SCORED IN 153 GAMES
WS TITLES : 5
AL PENNANTS: 7
and IM BRAVES FAN, I HATE THE YANKEES AND METS …BUT I KNOW TO RECOGNIZE A GOOD PLAYER …..
EVEN Javy Lopez was a better clutch perfomer than Jones
rangers fan also loves braves
October 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
You get Josh to put fear in the pitcher? Feed him 3 big curves a foot out of the zone and automatic out.