Braves priorities: CF and replacing Chipper
The Braves will have a couple of major needs to fill this winter and a good sum of money to throw at those needs with the cash they’ll free up from Chipper Jones retiring and the contract of Derek Lowe finally expiring (along another potential significant salary or two that could be dropped).
General manager Frank Wren said his offseason focus is narrower than it has been in some recent years: Re-sign or replace Michael Bourn in center field, and replace Chipper Jones with either a third baseman or with a left fielder if they move Martin Prado to third base.
“We’ve got to determine what we do it center field, and that kind of couples with leadoff,” he said. “And then how we replace Chipper. And beyond that, our club’s pretty solid.
“I think the exciting part for all of us is we’ve got a dynamic young core. We had three young guys that were in that lineup [Friday] that have a chance to be All-Star players and have a chance to be leaders of this team for a long time. Our bullpen’s intact, our starting rotation’s intact. There’s a lot of things that are real positive going into next year.
“And guys are going to get better. We’ve got a very young pitching staff, and we’ve got some pitchers who are just on the horizon who have a chance to be good. I’m very, very optimistic about where we sit as a franchise, with the thought of adding a couple of key pieces.”
For the first time, Wren revealed Saturday that he contacted Bourn’s agent Scott Boras in the spring about discussing a contract extension. Boras is known for taking almost all of his clients to free agency who are eligible, especially those who are in the last year of their contracts.
Bourn was no exception.
“We made contact with his agent in spring training to start negotiations, and they were not prepared to negotiate at that point, and said they would prefer to wait until after the season,” Wren said. “We made it clear to Michael that we want him back, that we’d love to have him back. We also know there’s a process in place.”
The Braves will have money to spend, but Wren indicated they wouldn’t spend the bulk of it on one player.
“We’re losing one Hall of Fame player, and the salary that goes with a Hall of Fame player,” Wren said. “And we’re going to be looking to replace him. And as we do that, it gives us an opportunity to add another big player. And we’ll see what happens with Michael Bourn. We’d love to keep him and hope we do keep him.
“That being said, there are not a lot of pieces out there in the free-agent market this year that are all that appealing, so we might have to look other places….
“We’re going to be looking for premium players, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. But a couple of things we’re always mindful of. We’re mindful of, we’re putting a team together. We’re not trying to put a player on this team. That’s our overriding philosophy of putting a good team together – if we think we can add two players that give us more than one player, we’re going to do that.
“So we’re not going to go outrageous salary-wise. We’ve seen that time after time how that can end up, so we’re not going to play that game.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
271 comments Add your comment
eskippy
October 6th, 2012
7:58 pm
1
VP
October 6th, 2012
8:04 pm
Need to resign Bourn & sign a LF.
nybravesfan
October 6th, 2012
8:05 pm
what free agent outfielders are out there excluding Hamilton who is too much of a risk.
phoenix
October 6th, 2012
8:06 pm
Yep, other than that we’re pretty solid. A no-range, scatter-arm, strikeout-prone .220 hitting 2nd baseman, and a broken-down, no defense, worn-out .230 catcher. That’s solid all right.
CGripp
October 6th, 2012
8:16 pm
I think a strong option would be to move Martin to 3rd and get a LF. What options are out there for that move? Also what are the chances that B Mac could be traded and make room for the young catcher in the minors?
Little Enos Burdette
October 6th, 2012
8:23 pm
Let Juan play 3rd, that’s 25 bombs easy
Metro Coach
October 6th, 2012
8:27 pm
Bethancourt’s not ready yet. Plus he was hurt at the end of the season. As for the OF, get used to hearing “Jose Constanza, CF” in the line-up. Somebody will pay Bourn more than the Braves can afford.
DAWG POUND
October 6th, 2012
8:33 pm
Bourn will be gone. He’ll sign for someone in the 15 – 18 mil per year range. No way the Braves pay that.
Robert
October 6th, 2012
8:39 pm
Phoenix: Your strikeout prone second baseman came in third on the Team for RBI’s With out the RBI”s you wouldn’t have been in the race at all. I wish people would learn batting avg. does not win games RBI’s do
Heath
October 6th, 2012
8:47 pm
If not Bourn, Victorino and BJ Upton might be the best of the affordable “premium” talents in the free agent OFers.
Go Chip!
October 6th, 2012
8:49 pm
Sign Scott Rolen for third base. He really produced the second half of the year. Sure, he will have to rest like Chipper, but its not like that wasn’t a problem for us with Martin on the team.
The benefit of signing a veteran is that we can wait until one of our prospects(Salcedo) is ready, or another, younger third basement appears on the market.
Plus, Rolen would piss off Philly phans!
Heath
October 6th, 2012
8:50 pm
For those wondering about trading Uggla and signing a 2B:
2B Free Agents
Jeff Baker
Robinson Cano *
Mike Fontenot
Orlando Hudson *
Maicer Izturis
Kelly Johnson
Adam Kennedy
Jeff Keppinger
Jose Lopez
Freddy Sanchez
Ryan Theriot
*Team Option for next year
Heath
October 6th, 2012
8:54 pm
BTW: What if the Phillies don’t pick up the option for Carlos Ruiz? Would Braves’ fans be happier with him over McCann?
Chop Chop
October 6th, 2012
8:59 pm
Frank Wren has won one playoff game since taking over.
Go Chip!
October 6th, 2012
8:59 pm
Kevin Youkillis is another stop-gap option in addition to Rolen.
I think Juan Fransisco would be awful defensively, and his average would kill us I think.
Ryan Ludwick might be somebody to look into he had a great power year in Cinci. I would like to swap Hinske with Andruw Jones(despite bad finish) as a bench outfielder, and so that perhaps he can retire as a Brave. Or he could possibly win a job as I think inconsistent playing time hurt him. He still has major power.
I prefer Bourn but BJ Upton would bring defense, power, and speed.
tim
October 6th, 2012
9:02 pm
try to get David Wright
Ken Stallings
October 6th, 2012
9:14 pm
The Braves need to either retain Bourn and sign another outfield or third base bat, or let Bourn go and sign two outfield bats and move Prado to third base.
Josh Hamilton is, in my view, a realistic free agent target. I don’t think he wants to re-sign with Texas given the acrimony he had there despite putting up monster numbers year in an year out. He would be an awesome addition to left field. If the Braves could sign him for around $18 million a year over five years, and then sign Bourn for around $11 million over five years, then they could move Prado to third base and be set for a World Series run.
Another option is to see what David Wright’s interest would be in joining Atlanta as a free agent. If the Braves could sign him, and resign Bourn, then leave Prado at left field and the Braves are looking good for post season.
Other options may be cheaper, but not better!
Ken Stallings
October 6th, 2012
9:22 pm
BTW: It is no cinch that a team would pay Bourn even $15 million a year, much less $18 million a year. The teams with the unlimited budgets are few and look at what happened to the Angels and Marlins. I don’t think Boras is going to get the inflated contract that he always insists it will take to get his guy signed. There have been many more instances of a Boras client getting a lot less than the asking price Boras gave the media versus those to got it or more.
Despite the Boras bravado, Boras knows there have been more than just a few of his clients who had to take steep discounts because the teams that really wanted them (and would have signed them for more than they eventually got) tired of Boras trying to inflate the price beyond rational bounds. Boras has burned many clients this way.
The Braves should offer something in the range of five years at $11 million a year and see what happens.
mpimentel
October 6th, 2012
9:25 pm
What about this: sign a sharp shoter with a night visions lens and put him in the lights tower…and with him we will prevent any other call like the last who ruins us!
nybravesfan
October 6th, 2012
9:26 pm
what about the Upton brothers? BJ is a free agent i believe and would fill in perfectly in Centerfield. Justin has been rumored to be on the trading block from AZ for a long time now – those guys would sure up the lineup – especially vs. Lefties – and you move Prado to third.
BJ Upton
Prado
Heyward
J. Upton
Freeman
Uggla
McCann
Simmons
Pitcher
Jimmy
October 6th, 2012
9:26 pm
Need to lock up Martin this offseason. 4 years $32M? No matter what juggling we do the next few years he can play 3B, LF, or 2B.
count_schemula
October 6th, 2012
9:48 pm
Someone out there has to think that Uggla is a “change of scenery” candidate and would not think the remaining 3 years of a deal everyone around here seems to think this is a steal is not too much to take one.
The Red Sox moved Crawford, the Hawks moved Marvin, the Braves need to step up and move Uggla.
Just give him away.
braveslover
October 6th, 2012
9:52 pm
Angel Pagan in center. David Wright at third. Hinske’s gone so Janish takes his place with Walker working with him everyday during the off season on hitting. Could Janish play 3rd or 2nd and put Uggie on the bench when he gets ornery about change again. I like Andleton a lot but think Janish is a steadier player after watching both. It just that Janish couldn’t hit the ocean with an oar.
BravesinTN
October 6th, 2012
9:53 pm
Somebody help me out here and set next year’s rotation for me? I think they should let Hanson go, personally – I really like the guy, want him to be dominant, but he’s just living up to his potential, I think.
BravesinTN
October 6th, 2012
9:54 pm
NOT living up to his potential
Heath
October 6th, 2012
9:54 pm
I’ve seen lots of posts where people are concerned Bourn will end up with the Phillies. I’ve watched a few Phillies’ broadcasts and I’m not all that certain that they would. That team has A LOT of money tied up already and have somebid decisions to make. The Phillies 9 highest paid players will make over $135M… for NINE players. While it’s possible, I don’t see Bourn in Philly. If Texas doesn’t re-sign Hamilton, Bourn could end up there…he’s from Texas afer all.
BravesFanInNashville
October 6th, 2012
9:58 pm
Bourn will not get $15-18 Million. No way. He’s going to top out at $10-12 Million at best. Even then he’s not worth it. He strikes out too much and his OBP is not good enough to command franchise player money. Remember THIS was his salary drive year where he had the most incentive to play for a contract. What happens AFTER he gets the money. Will we see a decline in a speed player who will be over 30?
I think we can get a young prospect to replace his batting average and OBP for league minimum or a younger player that we pay $3-5 Million. I’d rather see that and sign a legit LF or 3B with the money we save from Chippers retirement. Micheal Bourn is a good player but you could argue he might not have even been worth the money the Braves paid him THIS year much less a big free agent raise. Time to say good bye and build a team with an eye on every position we need to fix.
Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:05 pm
It would cost… but I’d like to see us trade for Fowler to play CF if we don’t re-sign Bourn. The Rockies can afford to part with an OFer.
Jake
October 6th, 2012
10:09 pm
Trade Uggla a/s/a/p, send McCann to the AL where he can DH and rest his overweight self, find a sucker to take Hanson off our hands. That’s a start. Now, about all those strikeouts, poor RISP averages, weak fundamentals (anybody besides Ross know how to bunt?) and pitchers who can’t field their position … hmm, I’ll get back to you later.
BravesFanInNashville
October 6th, 2012
10:09 pm
BravesinTN.
Next years rotation. Medlin, Hudson, Minor, Maholm, and Delgado/Teheran until Beachy comes back. Then whoever’s pitching in the 4 and 5 spots of the rotation that is not doing well will be gone. We could possibly trade Maholm at the deadline to a team that needs a lefty when Beachy is back..
Beachy, Medlin and Minor could anchor this staff for years and then when Delgado, Teheran and Gilmartin come on we could be in really good shape. In the meantime Hudson could be a stabilizer for 2 more years.
Jake
October 6th, 2012
10:09 pm
Trade Uggla a/s/a/p, send McCann to the AL where he can DH and rest his overweight self, find a sucker to take Hanson off our hands. That’s a start. Now, about all those strikeouts, poor RISP averages, weak fundamentals (anybody besides Ross know how to bunt?) and pitchers who can’t field their position … hmm, I’ll get back to you later.
Bravefaninok
October 6th, 2012
10:16 pm
Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:05 pm
It would cost… but I’d like to see us trade for Fowler to play CF if we don’t re-sign Bourn. The Rockies can afford to part with an OFer.
Wonder if Tommy can pitch in coors???
Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:18 pm
I’ve always liked McCann…but just like when we had Javy Lopez, I’ve not liked having to rely on a catcher for offense sinse they miss between 30-50 games. I won’t be upset if McCann is back next year, but I won’t be totally upset either, provided that we get another adequate guy to split time with Ross and use the money to drastically upgrade our offense.
ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Bravesfanikok -
I’d be ecstatic if we could get Fowler by using Hanson and someone else.
ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:26 pm
I’d trade Hanson while you can. His arm is about gone. While we’re at it I’d trade uggla, if you could get anyone to take his ridiculous contract.
Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:34 pm
ronaldh -
I’m obviously not in charge…but I definitely would use Hanson in trades this offseason. He still has some value for teams that need pitching–I think more value for other teams than the Braves.
Playoffs!!!
October 6th, 2012
10:50 pm
here’s what I’d like to see: Someone posting a comment only one time
Scottbravesfan
October 6th, 2012
10:56 pm
Justin Upton would be perfect and for some reason Arizona is willing to trade him. Dexter Fowler or Bj Upton would be great for center. Let Bourn walk he was horrible in the second half and his skills are speed based and those will diminish quickly once he is in his 30s.
Scottbravesfan
October 6th, 2012
10:56 pm
Justin Upton would be perfect and for some reason Arizona is willing to trade him. Dexter Fowler or Bj Upton would be great for center. Let Bourn walk he was horrible in the second half and his skills are speed based and those will diminish quickly once he is in his 30s.
PlayingWren
October 6th, 2012
11:06 pm
I don’t know about Fowler. He only hit .262 away from Coors, OPSing .720. Also, he’s only OPSed .561 at Turner. Given, 15 ABs is a small sample size, but it isn’t too promising. Also, neither BJ nor Justin Upton get on often enough to hit leadoff in my opinion, and I’m beginning to look forward to seeing Heyward and Freeman hitting 3/4 in either order. However, I’d be all for trading Hanson for Justin Upton and batting Upton 4 or 5. However, if we have an understanding that we’re getting BJ for his defense/speed when he’s on the bases and NOT to be really counted on as a leadoff man, then sure. Go for it.
Heath
October 6th, 2012
11:10 pm
Scottbravesfan -
Justin Upton, yes. BJ Upton, no.
Heath
October 6th, 2012
11:17 pm
PlayingWren -
Fowler would give the Braves approximately the same defense and probably a slightly higher OBP than Bourn (OBP more important for lead-off mand). The best part?…he’s A LOT cheaper and won’t be a free agent until 2016. If the Braves were going to spend the money on BJ Upton…they should go ahead and spend it on Bourn because the Braves do not need BJ Upton AND Dan Uggla in the same lineup.
anti-negative guy
October 6th, 2012
11:25 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
Fire the ignorant A-hole that wants to fire Wren
Crank My Wren
October 6th, 2012
11:27 pm
Uggla, Teheran for Justin Upton?
Crank My Wren
October 6th, 2012
11:31 pm
Fredi is in over his head. He has no business managing in the major leagues. Talk about being extremely lucky..
I would love to have a manager who knows what it is to win like Francona..too late for that though.
Heath
October 6th, 2012
11:38 pm
What do the Phillies, Red Sox, Angels, Marlins, Brewers, White Sox, Dodgers, Twins, Mets, and Cubs have in common?…
Heath
October 6th, 2012
11:42 pm
…These are teams that had higher 2012 payrolls (and for some considerably higher payrolls) than the Braves that DID NOT make the playoffs. The Fredi and Frank may not be perfect, but they aren’t doing that poorly. Let’s not over-react.
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.
DaveinNEPA
October 6th, 2012
11:52 pm
IMO it would be foolishness to pick up McCann’s 13mil option. Either let him go elsewhere or negotiate the option to about half that money. With his shoulder/eyes/excess suet/apparent diminishing skills hes not worth 13mil.
I would also look into signing Victorino to a 3 yr contract to play CF. Although he had a down year, he can hit leadoff, switch hits, has won a couple of GGs and would come far cheaper than Bourn.
Backdoor Slider
October 7th, 2012
12:00 am
THE PRIORITY
What’s the number one priority for the Braves this offseason? Hiring a truly competent manager!
Heisenberg
October 7th, 2012
1:02 am
I have not been much of a proponent of adding BJ Upton, but I must admit the concept of having both Upton brothers could work. Having his brother on the same team could help BJ with some of the maturity issues that have plagued him. Or it could totally blow up. But my initial reaction is it is worth kicking the tires on.
JamesH
October 7th, 2012
1:54 am
I think Justin Upton should be Braves top target and stick him in LF. it would take a lot to get him and D-Backs don’t seem to need pitching so not sure who we would have to give up but Im sure Wren could think of something. then either resign Bourn which personally not a big fan off he strikes out to much for a lead off guy with little power.Not resigning Bourn though leaves a hole in CF which could be filled with BJ Upton.Yes BJ isnt the star Justin is but being out of Tampa and on the same team as his brother could drive BJ to get better.If we cant land Justin then I say go for Chase Headley for 3rd then keep Prado in left then focus on a CF not sure who dont really want BJ Upton without his brother to go with him.
a fan
October 7th, 2012
2:06 am
Backdoor, you moron, Fredi won 94 games that’s more then Charlie Manuel or,Mike Scocia, who are considered two of the best.
Nokahomas Wigwam
October 7th, 2012
3:09 am
Here’s what you would get for Uggla: Soriano/Jason Bay. Bad players and huge contacts can only be traded for the bad players and bad contracts. Braves need a stud in the cleanup hole as they truly haven’t had one all year or really any since Sheffield that I can remember.
Note to the programmers: Do not allow duplicate posts for the same user. Mmmkay?
Bamaboy
October 7th, 2012
3:20 am
I think we should bring Chipper back for season number 20!
Bamaboy
October 7th, 2012
3:20 am
I think we should bring Chipper back for season number 20!
Ole Battle Axe
October 7th, 2012
3:30 am
Why don’t we give the bat boys a shot at playing CF or 3B before we do any more signings/trades. What’s the worst that could happen?
Puck
October 7th, 2012
4:19 am
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down
Did you notice how the first thing the announcers said after Simmons put down the bunt was that he made a rookie mistake. It was a very stupid play.
I always thought the Braves would make the playoffs and picked them to win over 90 games. They have a lot of talent and a no brainer team for any manager – but I could never get that up about it because I knew when the playoffs hit, Fredi would get involved and it would bring disaster sooner or later. I think he has learned and made some good moves during the season – the Braves will keep him cause he can guide a no brainer team to a winning season – but I just don’t see him making the right move under pressure in the big games.
Too bad really.
Chris
October 7th, 2012
6:32 am
Whoever thinks you can simply replace Bourn is idiotic. He had 171 hits, 40+ steals, and covered CF almost every day this season. He’s one of the few guys in the game that you truly do not want to see leading off an inning as an opposing pitcher. He worked counts effectively almost every AB and really set the pace for the offense all season. If he walks in the offseason, his presence will be missed in 2013. And any Braves fan that wishes for it will regret it circa next August when ATL is hovering around .500 because Constanza is hitting lead off.
Darryl Blackberry
October 7th, 2012
6:53 am
Don’t re-sign Bourn. Get a Dexter Fowler or an Emilio Bonifacio; they’ll work for half of what Bourn makes.
MikeY
October 7th, 2012
7:07 am
Chipper, Bourn, Ross, Hinske, Diaz, Wilson, Sheets, Johnson, Overbay, Baker, Bautista, Moylan, and Durbin are free agents or retiring, thus not on the 2013 roster unless re-signed. I hope we re-sign Ross, Johnson, Moylan, Baker, and Durbin. Bourn may be too expensive, I could see a Constanza/Johnson platoon in CF, freeing up a lot of cash for a LF or 3B. Key decisions: Options on McCann, Hudson, Maholm. I think the decision on these is pretty sson after the World Series. McCann’s is $12M w/ a $500K buy-out; Hudson’s is $9M w/ a $1M buy-out; Maholm’s is $6.5M w/ a $500K buy-out. Hudson and Maholm seem like no-brainers. A lot depends on McCann’s shoulder diagnosis.
The other big decisions seem to revolve around Hanson and Juurgens. Jurrgens made $5.5M in 2012 and will be in his 3rd year of arbitration in 2013. I think he will be traded, but we will not get much in return. Hanson will be in his first year of arbitration in 2013, look for a salary of around $2.5M to $3M. I think he is also trade bait. The Braves should have starting pitching depth (Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, Delgado, Teheran, Beachy (midyear)).
It will be an interesting off-season. The Braves look to have a lot of cash to spend, but not enough to sign replacements for their many free-agent primary back-ups/relievers AND Bourn AND a big bat for 3B or LF.
Ron
October 7th, 2012
7:29 am
Trade Uggla for the best offer, used popcorn bag or what ever. Move Prado to second. Get a center fielder who can hit leadoff.
BRAVES FAN 1957
October 7th, 2012
7:50 am
I think the Braves shoiuld hire Chipper to be their B/C, get rid of FG, Wren get a new P/C. And definitely trade Uggla, Hanson, McCann, Hinski..can’t even hit his weight,Overbay,Diaz. This would free up some good money for the Bravo’s….Enough said!!!!
moosedog
October 7th, 2012
7:55 am
keep bourne , put constanza in left, get david wright for third, get rid of uggla, prado at second…leave mccann alone, he will bounce back.
moosedog
October 7th, 2012
8:20 am
1.bourne 2.constanza 3.prado 4.heyward 5. freeman 6.wright 7.mccann/ross 8.simmons……..simmons and constanza could both hit 8….speed at top and bottom of lineup.
Jake
October 7th, 2012
9:14 am
Frank Wren is gonna do something boring like trade for Denard Span to replace Bourne. Declining Mac’s option would give Braves payroll flexibility.
eddie57
October 7th, 2012
9:27 am
Bourne, either Upton or any Rockie outfielder would all be overpaid under-performers for the Braves. Tampa’s Upton has been wildly inconsistent for a good manager, imagine him with Fredi the Freeloader. Arizona’s Upton has hit in a bandbox his whole career and would have even worse numbers for Atlanta. After a Bourne’s contract year of declining numbers OB, walks and steals with outrageous strikeout numbers thrown in Boreass (sic) will still want more years and way too much money for him. Trade Hanson if you can and try for a leftfielder who can stopgap for a couple of years.
MtDEWD
October 7th, 2012
9:35 am
Not really seeing a lot of good suggestions here.
1. Trade McCann: Horrible idea. A bad McCann is still a top five offensive catcher.
2. David Wright, Josh Hamilton? Come on. Did no one read the part about spending outrageous money on one player? Hamilton will get a stupid deal that whatever team signs him is guaranteed to lose on. Wright is staying in New York.
3. Bourn tanked at the end of the season. I think 15-18 million is out of his reach now.
4. Barring a Jayson Werth like deal, Nick Swisher is the way to go for an outfielder, regardless of whether or not they resign Bourn.
5. If bourn departs they will be seeking a leadoff type hitter. Dexter Fowley is the answer there.
6. RBI’s dont win games. OBP wins games.
Ideal lineup for next year: Bourn CF, Prado 3B, Heyward RF, Swisher LF, Freeman 1B, McCann C, Uggla 2B, Simmons SS
dewey
October 7th, 2012
10:17 am
bourne needs to go, disappeared down the stretch the last 2 years and everybody knows it. send pastronicky to winter ball and have him play centerfield everyday and give him a shot at center/leadoff in spring. uggla needs to go no matter what the cost. move prado to second. his bat is not suited for left field or third base. much as I hate to say it, somethings got to be done with mccann. banged up last 2 years and production is falling way off. so that would mean we would need left fielder, third baseman and catcher.
Nova Scotia Steve
October 7th, 2012
10:27 am
Everyone is so quick to throw Uggla under a bus – most power hitters have low averages and they strike out a lot. It’s a fact of life.
So what if Uggla bounces back and hit 30 + HR’s next season and hits .240. Frankly, I don’t care. We are paying him to hit HR’s.
He’ll bounce back. I guarntee it happening. Adam Dunn is a prime example of what can happen from 2011 to 2012.
On our sitation: Sign Bourn, Victorino for LF and Prado at 3B. Retain Reed Johnson and give Jose Constanza a chance of the bench. Keep Janish as back-up SS and 2B.
Juan Francisco for back-up 3B and a couple of BP pieces to round out the pen.
Okay, ready for Spring Training. Later.
Nova Scotia Steve
October 7th, 2012
10:30 am
I just can’t see Swisher leaving New York. He loves it in NYC.
On the flip side, I can’t see the Yankees letting him go to another team.
Atlanta Braves Links of the Day For October 7, 2012 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
October 7th, 2012
10:39 am
[...] Braves priorities: CF and replacing Chipper [...]
Tumbledown
October 7th, 2012
10:43 am
The real priority is for the whole Braves organization to get some type of counseling and figure out how to execute in the postseason. I know that sort of counseling does not exist, but this never ending period of post season failure is just too much.
mocam
October 7th, 2012
10:59 am
get swisher and release bourn
mocam
October 7th, 2012
11:02 am
if we pay bourn for 15-18 it is an overpayment for a player like him
MikeY
October 7th, 2012
11:04 am
CBSSports.com says, based upon statistics, Uggla was the 8th-best 2B in MLB last year:
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/playerrankings/positional/regularseason/2B
I agree, he was not worth $13M, but he walked a lot, still scored 86 runs (4th-best on the team), and tied with Bourn for 3rd-best OBP on the team. I’d say he was, at best, average defensively, but he seems to always hustle.
I do not see moving Uggla. Hanson and Juurgens, I see moving on, and there are teams that will trade for them. We might even package them and pick up a starting 3B or LF, for a team needing SP and willing to take a bit of a chance that they can turn them around.
steve
October 7th, 2012
11:04 am
Bourne is worth about 8 mil. a year, his average has dropped in the 2nd half of the season 2 years in a row, he strikes out a lot for a leadoff hitter.
MikeY
October 7th, 2012
11:05 am
when I say last year, I mean 2012…I’m already mentally in the 2012 season.
Mikey
October 7th, 2012
11:05 am
Maybe we can get joint counciling discount and invite the Texas Rangers who seem to have the same post season problem albeit with a much higher payroll.
MikeY
October 7th, 2012
11:05 am
I measn I am already mentally in the 2013 season. Need more coffee.
NW Florida Fan
October 7th, 2012
11:31 am
My thoughts…
Prado is at 3rd base. The best, mature infield glove man is playing left field. Makes no sense.
McCann will be okay. He played too long, hurt. Let him rest and heal, and he’ll be fine in the spring.
Throw a moderate pile of money and 3 years at Bourn, but don’t expect him to take it. He’ll be 30 when spring training starts. If you’re paying a guy to patrol center field and steal bases, don’t expect him to do it when he’s 35.
Starters are Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, and Delgado. Beachy will be back after the All-star break. Keep the pen intact.
Let Hanson go. Not worth the millions he’d get in arbitration (his win and K numbers are reasonably high.)
Uggla is not tragic, but is not doing what we wanted him to do – bat clean-up, clear the bases, and scare the heck out of opposing pitchers. His OBP is distorted by the fact that he bats so low in the order. Pitchers don’t pitch to him so they can get to the SS or pitcher. Plus, he’s no threat to steal or score from 1st on a single. So, he gets a BB. Personally, I’d prefer Omar, who – last time I checked – is still playing baseball.
So, you’ve got a decent, young infield that should get you through the next 3 years of Uggla’s contract: Freeman, Uggla, Simmons, Prado, McCann. Money needs to be spent on a left fielder and center fielder, preferably at least one with power.
So – if Heyward and Freeman continue to improve, if Uggla and Mac wake-up, and if Frank can hire some decent outfielders, the Braves could be a force for the next 2 or 3 years.
banned poster
October 7th, 2012
11:38 am
Justin Upton?? Are you people serious? Yeah there is a legit reason why Zona is looking to dump him. He has a bad shoulder and he has an attitude problem. Not what the Braves need. And the same for BJ Upton. He played well this year so he can get a contract. Otherwise, he has been a headcase too. I’d rather take my chances with Hamilton and having to hire someone to look after him.
banned poster
October 7th, 2012
11:40 am
And Paul Maholm brought back? Did you not watch his starts in August and most of September? Braves would be better served to cut ties with him. Let him go suck on someone else’s dime.
NW Florida Fan
October 7th, 2012
11:43 am
And please….let’s keep Wren away from the discount rack at FreeAgents R Us.
Diaz $2,000,000
Hinske $1,500,000
Wilson $1,000,000
Pastornicky $480,000
That’s $5,000,000 right there. Did we get ANY return for that?
Plus… pro-rated salaries to…
Jeff Baker $1,380,000
Reed Johnson $1,150,000
Lyle Overbay $1,000,000
Livan Hernadez $750,000 (huh?)
Miguel Batista $750,000 (huh-HUH?)
The pro-rated part has to be at least a couple of million, right there.
And did ANYBODY (besides the most optimistic fans) think Jurrjens would be dominant this year? $5,500,000 is a pretty expensive price to find out.
So that’s $13,000,000 of Braves salary this year, for almost nothing. What could we have purchased in the spring for $13,000,000?
And that’s not even mentioning the $10,000,000 the Braves paid Lowe NOT to pitch for them.
It’’s not entirely about how much money you spend. It’s how you spend it! The Braves need to spend wisely!
NW Florida Fan
October 7th, 2012
11:46 am
We could hire that guy who sat beside Kenshin on the bench to watch Hamilton. He seemed like a pretty cool guy, and he knows lots of folks in Atlanta.
TomTomClub
October 7th, 2012
11:51 am
Minnesota is in dire need of upgrades to their starting pitching and at 2B. Trade Dan Uggla-2B, Tommy Hanson-RHP and Julio Teheran-RHP for Ryan Doumit-C/OF and Denard Span-CF. Sign Cody Ross to play LF and moved Prado back to 2B. Decline option on McCann.
Mikey
October 7th, 2012
11:55 am
Let Bourn go, Constanza would give the Braves everything Bourn has at 20% of the price. Reed Johnson could fill in against tough L/Hers and the money saved could be used to finally get a power hitting, RBI producing, R/H bat in L/F.
nashvillewill
October 7th, 2012
11:55 am
I wonder if those who believe Uggla was ok (8th best 2B?) watched him play every day. K or pop up with RISP. Even if 8th best he is paid #1 money. Unload him please. Pastornicky is preferred. Francisco is a nono at 3B, please. Other priorities that Wren failed to mention: who to start in Hanson’s place? No more Hanson, please. Who will be bench players? Johnson and Pastornicky were the only productive bench players, excluding Ross who is really a starter. Hinske must goske; why overpay Overbay? Let him go. Decide what to do with Constanza. Play him or trade him. Who can we get to manage this team? I hear Chipper is available. Many questions entering the offseason. Given the talent level, front office, and management this team accomplished about what it should have. Is that enough for Braves fans? I want more.
NW Florida Fan
October 7th, 2012
11:56 am
Interesting web-site: http://baseballplayersalaries.com/teams/15_Atlanta_Braves
MarkB from Kennesaw
October 7th, 2012
12:39 pm
How about a new manager?….2 Years both FLOPS!
Mikey
October 7th, 2012
12:47 pm
NW: Excellent summary of how the Braves seem to make terrible decisions with their limited budget especially when you look how terrible our bench is. Raul Ibanez was available as a free agent and signed for 1.1m, much less then our dynamic duo of Diaz/Hinski
Alaska Braves Fan
October 7th, 2012
1:10 pm
It seems pretty important to me that both the Braves organization and Braves fans realize that there is zero chance of keeping Michael Bourn. Yes, he is a key player, and we do need just such a man. Nonetheless, Boras will get him a contract the Braves simply cannot afford.
Signing Bourn? Just not – definitely NOT – going to happen.
ABF
Mikey
October 7th, 2012
1:11 pm
Name the only manager with more wins then Fredie over the last 2 seasons?
Billy
October 7th, 2012
1:25 pm
David Wright would be perfect..he has not said he was staying in NY..he will test the market. He hits 300+ average plus power great defense.
@ 11:38..do your homework..what you said is BS.
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.
Dugoutdog
October 8th, 2012
1:58 pm
Trade Uggla for BJ Upton!
Rick C
October 8th, 2012
2:00 pm
There’s no way the Padres are going to make Headley available. Why do you people think that?
Brave New World
October 8th, 2012
2:03 pm
Forget Josh Hamilton – great 32 year old talent with a history of injuries and drug and alcohol abuse. I would rather have Angel Pagan and Shane Victorino for less money combined than what the Yankees or Dodgers will be paying Hamilton. Also, we do not need to drop $20 million per year on Greinke – our pitching is pretty good as it currently stands.
OFF SEASON MOVES
October 8th, 2012
2:04 pm
ok ,… Jones, Lowe, Hinske,Wilson,Diaz, contracts are gone.,….like 35 mdd free
time to sign a good outfielder , trade for chase headley , and sign 2 bench players,, and maybe another reliever ……
im not sure if the braves gonna sign Bourn , if not they should go for BJ Upton even if he’s a problem player…he knows how batting that it’s the important thing…
they need to try a deal with the padres for Headley … a good package for the NL RBI champion …
this package could include: Hanson, Francisco and Jurrjens and low prospect for Headley and A-AA prospect
about bench players the braves have : Ross, Johnson, Constanza , Janish and vacant spot…a power hitter it’s the idea
Scott Hairston it’s a good fit , Ibañez it’s a good fit too …
another option it’s sign Nick Swisher and Prado stay in left fielder.,,,
a good RH reliever option could be Joel Peralta or Jason Frasor and LH relievers could be Affeldt or Choate….
........
October 8th, 2012
2:08 pm
i mean move prado to 3b and swisher in LF
rfall
October 8th, 2012
2:17 pm
same old braves! this team needs heart. new manager,new attitude and less .200 hitters. desperately need a right handed bat for outfield
jim
October 8th, 2012
2:19 pm
Constanza is very fast, but noit a particularly good defensive outfielder. In the games he started in CF when Bourn was hurt Reed Johnson would take over in the late innings as a defensive replacement. He has neither the defensive skills nor a high enough OBP to be considered for a full time position. Heyward needs to stay in RF which maximizes his defensive skills and saves some wear and tear for his offense. The only in-house option for CF right now would be Todd Cunningham, but none of us really know what he is capable of providing.
I like the suggestion someone made of trading for Mike Oldt to play 3B, but we would need to include much more than Hanson or Jurrjens. There are two voices (often from the same people) on the blog right now — 1) this is a team of chokers who will always come up short, and 2) this team is one or two (name your favorite off-season acquision) away from winning the WS. I think a more realistic perspective is to say with the departure of Chipper, the decline of McCann, the Uggla question, and Beachy’s unavailability for 1/2 season and then his need to round back into form, that 2013 will be a transition year. Next year’s team will not be as strong as the Nats and Reds and has too many needs to fill to be able to do it all in one year’s time. I hope that Wren begins the process of putting the right pieces on the field with an eye toward bu8ilding the nucleus for 2014.
Mikey
October 8th, 2012
2:21 pm
Chipper Jones First Ballot Hall of Fame: Best offensive 3rd baseman in ML history: In top 3 switch hitter of all time.
ps. genius. Ted Williams won 0 WS titles and has a .200 ws BATTING AVERAGE
Frank Wren
October 8th, 2012
2:34 pm
Good times…ARE YOU NUTS? ..287 IS VERY GOOD WHEN YOU CONSIDER YOU’RE FACING VERY GOOD PITCHERS IN THE PLAYOFFS-admittedly jeter is a definite baller but the lineup he is in has always been better than the braves and he cannot usually be pitched around.
jim
October 8th, 2012
2:37 pm
I marvel at some of these trade suggestions — probably from some of the people who want to fire Wren: Francisco, Hanson, JJ, and a low level prospect for Chase Headly AND a AAA prospect.
Other have some combination of the above plus Uggla to get the likes of Will Myers or Justin Upton, or Nick Markakis. If other GMs would agree to any of these deals, then Wren must not be so dumb as you claim.
Wes
October 8th, 2012
2:45 pm
Jose Constanza batted .250. I hope no one here seriously thinks he can replace Michael Bourn at the top of the lineup.
Larry30
October 8th, 2012
2:47 pm
They have a $12 million team option on McCann with a half million $ buyout. Time to let him go and spend the money elsewhere. Should have traded him after the 2010 season when they could have cleaned up on a trade. But it takes guts to make a move like that. And I was suggesting the trade then and being called an idiot. Do you think the rangers regret the trade they made with the braves a few years ago?
Denny Lemaster
October 8th, 2012
2:50 pm
I’d ship out Hansen in a NY minute. Send him to the AL and say goodbye to him and his stupid walks. They can get a decent bat for him, though not a major bat. I think other teams are smart enough too see he is the best he will ever be. He is fat, out of shape and simply cannot pitch in big situations. As for CF, I think in the long run, giving Bourn $15 million a year for 5 years will be a Lowe sized mistake. He dropped way off when the Braves needed him late in the year. Strikes out way, way too much for a leadoff hitter. With his speed if he puts 75 of those strikeouts in play, he might get on base 25 times. That is a .333 improvement. But his K’s were well over 100 for a leadoff hitter. At his age, Jeter is a better LEADOFF man. I did not say speed, I said leadoff. As for third, Prado can do the job if they can find a decent bat for LF. Another BIG decision they have got to make is McCann. Was this big fall off this year just an injury filled fall or is his age behind the plate going to catch up to him in the next contract. You cannot give him $12-15 million a year for 5 or 6 years and HOPE he stays healthy. Maybe it is time to cast him off in a trade to the AL where he can at least DH and stay in the game.
Larry30
October 8th, 2012
2:54 pm
No one is going to trade for McCann. He doesn’t have a contract. It’s either pay him $12 million for next year or pay him $500,000 to let him go. They waited too late to trade him. He finished terribly last year, his defense has continued to deteriorate, and it has been obvious for 3 years that his future is in the AL. If the braves pick up his option, they’ve lost their minds.
Denny Lemaster
October 8th, 2012
2:58 pm
To all those out there saying trade Uggla to someone, anyone, you’d better be hopeful it is a GM as stupid as the one the Braves currently has. NO team in their right mind is going to take on that massive contract, for little results and massive strikeout totals of Ugly. Nobody! PERIOD! The Braves would have to eat 90% of that contract to have any hope of getting rid of him. He has had basically 1/2 of one good year and 1 and 1/2 bad for the Braves. Well over THREE HUNDRED strikeouts!!!! Man, you’d think he was Nolan Ryan or something with 300 k’s.
Rick C
October 8th, 2012
2:58 pm
Larry30, if they don’t pick up McCann’s option, who should they get to play catcher next year? Ross is not an everyday player, and besides that he is a FA now as well. Bethancourt is not ready for the ML.
gmg
October 8th, 2012
3:12 pm
After McCann’s diagnosis is cleared sign him to a smaller contract. He knows if we let him go his worth to other teams has gone down. I say we sign him to a contract then trade him and Hanson to the Rangers for Mike Olt. The Rangers will be letting Napoli go and need a catcher. This only works if McCann can get healthy, but in the AL the health risk is not as big for the rangers.
BravesFanInNashville
October 8th, 2012
3:14 pm
TomTonClub…..
I agree with everything you said except decline the option on Brian McCann. Instead we should pick up the option and then trade him to get some value for him. An AL team will surely see value in him as he can DH. This would be better than simply declining the option and getting nothing in return.
Dan Uggla's Swing
October 8th, 2012
3:15 pm
We have a solid young core, for now. Just because Chipper stayed here for 19 years doesn’t mean anybody else will be that loyal. Who here is crazy enough to believe that when the Yankee’s come a calling on Heyward/Simmons/Kimbrel/Beachy/Etc, that they are gonna turn them down. The Braves wont be able to afford to keep these guys, I hate it, but I believe its reality. Currency is the new currency of the realm. Free agency will kill this team down the road, it except for Chipper, and for a few years, Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz, it always has.
JoeBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
3:25 pm
If we can’t re-sign Bourn, put Heyward in CF and Constanza in RF…or vice versa. Constanza has proven he can hit at the major league level and we can use his speed in the leadoff position. Personally, I think Uggla needs to go. Put Prado back at 2nd base, then go look for a LFer and a 3rd baseman. I also don’t think the Braves should exercise McCann’s option for next year. Ross has proven that he’s a better starting catcher AND he costs less. McCann is going to cost too much to keep past next season anyway. He’s going to be asking for a lot more than he’s worth. He has trouble throwing runners out at 2nd and his bat is inconsistent. With Christian Bethancourt coming up through the minors, and Ross being a capable starting catcher, McCann is expendable and might be good trade bait as well. This will definitely be an interesting offseason. I really hope to see Uggla and Hanson shipped out.
Larry30
October 8th, 2012
3:28 pm
The braves had a hall of fame 3rd baseman and an all star catcher the past 7 years and made the playoffs twice (if you call this wild card play in farce a playoff). They can’t do much worse without them unless finishing second is the goal coming out of spring training. Why isn’t Ross an acceptable sub for McCann. He represents an immediate defensive improvement. And who knows about Bethancourt? They thought pastornicky was going to be the everyday ss because no one thought Simmons was ready for the majors. All I know is I would rather take that $12 million and look for my offense from someone other than McCann.
chc4
October 8th, 2012
3:32 pm
Bourn really wore down. His K rate is alarming. As good as he was early on, I wouldn’t even consider him at $15 million/yr. Let him go elsewhere.
Larry30
October 8th, 2012
3:33 pm
And do you guys really believe any team is going to trade for an overweight player with a balky shoulder and eye problems if he brings a $12 million contract with him?
mike in la
October 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
How bout uggla, jurrpens, Hanson, and a decent prospect for alfonso soriano? Then move prado back to second and trade Tehran for for David wright…then sign victorino to play cf
TomTomClub
October 8th, 2012
4:36 pm
BravesFanInNashville…..Declining the option on McCann frees up $11.5M in salary relief which can be used towards free agent upgrades and arbitration raises for current players. Therein lays the value of declining the option. What kind of trade return can you realistically expect for McCann? He is overweight, has a bum shoulder, knee tendinitis plus vision issues.
One Big Dummy
October 8th, 2012
4:55 pm
Gotta love the Cardinals radio broadcasters whining about Jon Jay getting a called third strike on a pitch that was barely out of the zone.
Teddy B
October 8th, 2012
5:03 pm
This may turn out to be the end of B-Mac’s run in ATL. Sadly, I can’t see us paying him mega-bucks after having a serious surgery like this. He may be fragile behind the plate from now on, can’t really tell for a good while what kind of effects this surgery will have on him.
I think its time to give Benthancourt a good long look behind the plate. He’s young, cheap, and pretty good last I heard. Pass the torch to the newer, younger guys. Sign Jason Heyward to a deal that buys out his arbitration years asap and save some money there too please. I do NOT want to see him walk. EVER.
Teddy B
October 8th, 2012
5:06 pm
Wow, what is it with David Wright? Does anyone really think we’d pay that much for a 30+ year old fading mediocre player? I hope not! His best years are behind him and now he will start to drop off every year for the next 10 years. He wants a huge contract too, let someone else be the sucker for that one like Miami or L.A. Dodgers!
I hope we can sign Bourn, if not oh well he didn’t exactly light it up the last half of the year. We need to start locking up our young talent who is heading towards arbitration like J-Hey, Freeman, Beachy, Kimbrel, all those guys. Unfortunately we have too many young super stars and I doubt long term we keep them all. I hope we can manage but it will be HARD.
NCFan
October 8th, 2012
5:41 pm
J-Hey in center? J Upton in right? Prado 3rd? Cody Ross in left? Let Uggs know he’s on thin ice. He played better after they threatened him with benching this year. Sign BMac for his one year, see if he straightens out. He’s been one of the best offensive catchers the past several years. Whoever said that Janish was steadier than Simmons needs to be smacked. Maybe slightly better defensively (MAYBE!) but offensively not even close. The reason he keeps gettin injured is that he plays so hard, he will ease up a bit not fighting for his spot anymore. Freeman is a given, obviously. Reed, P-nicky, Janish, and Fransisco on the bench. Get rid of Hinske, Overbay, and Baker.
Rotation- Medlen, Hudson, Minor, Beachy, Maholm (Delgado until Beachy’s back). If Delgado pitches good get rid of Maholm. Keep the pen except for Batista.
My opinion..
NC Fan
October 8th, 2012
5:43 pm
And for God’s sake, get rid of Jurrjens and Hanson.
Eugene
October 8th, 2012
5:52 pm
I think the Braves first priority should be in building upon their existing team chemistry. At this time, it is not clear which player on the current team’s roster (roosters) will fill the void in leadership now that Chipper has officially retired from the game. I believe currently McCann is the best candidate to fill this void.
I believe the Braves need greater flexibility in their line-up both defensively and offensively.Greater flexibility would make the team less predictable. For example, giving Simmons a tryout as their leadoff hitter and occasionally giving Prado the start at shortstop. I think other teams such as St. Louis would take immediate note of such moves and adjust their line-up(s) accordingly.
I also believe that Uggla will have a much better year next year. I am a great Chipper fan. However, if memory serves me correctly, I do not remember Chipper and Uggla playing their best baseball when both of them were in the line-up at the same time, except for relatively short periods of time.
Eugene
October 8th, 2012
5:52 pm
I think the Braves first priority should be in building upon their existing team chemistry. At this time, it is not clear which player on the current team’s roster (roosters) will fill the void in leadership now that Chipper has officially retired from the game. I believe currently McCann is the best candidate to fill this void.
I believe the Braves need greater flexibility in their line-up both defensively and offensively.Greater flexibility would make the team less predictable. For example, giving Simmons a tryout as their leadoff hitter and occasionally giving Prado the start at shortstop. I think other teams such as St. Louis would take immediate note of such moves and adjust their line-up(s) accordingly.
I also believe that Uggla will have a much better year next year. I am a great Chipper fan. However, if memory serves me correctly, I do not remember Chipper and Uggla playing their best baseball when both of them were in the line-up at the same time, except for relatively short periods of time.
Michael
October 8th, 2012
5:52 pm
Re-Sign Bourn+Josh Hamilton and move Prado to third will=Success!!!!!!!
Mike
October 8th, 2012
5:55 pm
Any chance they could trade Hanson for a case of Gatorade?
Rick C
October 8th, 2012
7:01 pm
Larry30, even Ross himself has said that he prefers the backup roll. He gets exposed when he plays everyday. I would rather take the risk with McCann and hope that he can return to form.
I guess you could compare Simmons and Bethancourt to a degree since they both are known more for defense than offense. There were some questions about Simmons offense in the minors, but he improved in that area. Bethancourt took a step backward this year it seems.
duke88
October 8th, 2012
7:19 pm
Keep juan let him play third. Terdo is not far from being ready I don’t think. Really should consider trading ugly, hanson and mccan. Bring up bethencourt to play behind Ross till he is ready to get the fill of the big leagues. Sign another big arm to go with beachy, medlen, minor, and melhom. And huddy. Then u could possibly get rid of malhom. Put Prado on second get a left fielder andthe big re
duke88
October 8th, 2012
7:20 pm
The big thing resign bourn!!
duke88
October 8th, 2012
7:21 pm
All in all u save money and have a great young team!!!
Buddy Landel
October 9th, 2012
10:33 am
Atlanta Braves Braves priorities: CF and replacing Chipper
7:50 pm October 6, 2012, by David O’Brien
The Braves will have a couple of major needs to fill this winter and a good sum of money to throw at those needs with the cash they’ll free up from Chipper Jones retiring and the contract of Derek Lowe finally expiring (along another potential significant salary or two that could be dropped).
General manager Frank Wren said his offseason focus is narrower than it has been in some recent years: Re-sign or replace Michael Bourn in center field, and replace Chipper Jones with either a third baseman or with a left fielder if they move Martin Prado to third base.
“We’ve got to determine what we do it center field, and that kind of couples with leadoff,” he said. “And then how we replace Chipper. And beyond that, our club’s pretty solid.
“I think the exciting part for all of us is we’ve got a dynamic young core. We had three young guys that were in that lineup [Friday] that have a chance to be All-Star players and have a chance to be leaders of this team for a long time. Our bullpen’s intact, our starting rotation’s intact. There’s a lot of things that are real positive going into next year.
“And guys are going to get better. We’ve got a very young pitching staff, and we’ve got some pitchers who are just on the horizon who have a chance to be good. I’m very, very optimistic about where we sit as a franchise, with the thought of adding a couple of key pieces.”
For the first time, Wren revealed Saturday that he contacted Bourn’s agent Scott Boras in the spring about discussing a contract extension. Boras is known for taking almost all of his clients to free agency who are eligible, especially those who are in the last year of their contracts.
Bourn was no exception.
“We made contact with his agent in spring training to start negotiations, and they were not prepared to negotiate at that point, and said they would prefer to wait until after the season,” Wren said. “We made it clear to Michael that we want him back, that we’d love to have him back. We also know there’s a process in place.”
The Braves will have money to spend, but Wren indicated they wouldn’t spend the bulk of it on one player.
“We’re losing one Hall of Fame player, and the salary that goes with a Hall of Fame player,” Wren said. “And we’re going to be looking to replace him. And as we do that, it gives us an opportunity to add another big player. And we’ll see what happens with Michael Bourn. We’d love to keep him and hope we do keep him.
“That being said, there are not a lot of pieces out there in the free-agent market this year that are all that appealing, so we might have to look other places….
“We’re going to be looking for premium players, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. But a couple of things we’re always mindful of. We’re mindful of, we’re putting a team together. We’re not trying to put a player on this team. That’s our overriding philosophy of putting a good team together – if we think we can add two players that give us more than one player, we’re going to do that.
“So we’re not going to go outrageous salary-wise. We’ve seen that time after time how that can end up, so we’re not going to play that game.”
.ShareThisPrint
..238 comments Add your commenteskippy
October 6th, 2012
7:58 pm
1
LinkReport this comment.VP
October 6th, 2012
8:04 pm
Need to resign Bourn & sign a LF.
LinkReport this comment.nybravesfan
October 6th, 2012
8:05 pm
what free agent outfielders are out there excluding Hamilton who is too much of a risk.
LinkReport this comment.phoenix
October 6th, 2012
8:06 pm
Yep, other than that we’re pretty solid. A no-range, scatter-arm, strikeout-prone .220 hitting 2nd baseman, and a broken-down, no defense, worn-out .230 catcher. That’s solid all right.
LinkReport this comment.CGripp
October 6th, 2012
8:16 pm
I think a strong option would be to move Martin to 3rd and get a LF. What options are out there for that move? Also what are the chances that B Mac could be traded and make room for the young catcher in the minors?
LinkReport this comment.Little Enos Burdette
October 6th, 2012
8:23 pm
Let Juan play 3rd, that’s 25 bombs easy
LinkReport this comment.Metro Coach
October 6th, 2012
8:27 pm
Bethancourt’s not ready yet. Plus he was hurt at the end of the season. As for the OF, get used to hearing “Jose Constanza, CF” in the line-up. Somebody will pay Bourn more than the Braves can afford.
LinkReport this comment.DAWG POUND
October 6th, 2012
8:33 pm
Bourn will be gone. He’ll sign for someone in the 15 – 18 mil per year range. No way the Braves pay that.
LinkReport this comment.Robert
October 6th, 2012
8:39 pm
Phoenix: Your strikeout prone second baseman came in third on the Team for RBI’s With out the RBI”s you wouldn’t have been in the race at all. I wish people would learn batting avg. does not win games RBI’s do
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
8:47 pm
If not Bourn, Victorino and BJ Upton might be the best of the affordable “premium” talents in the free agent OFers.
LinkReport this comment.Go Chip!
October 6th, 2012
8:49 pm
Sign Scott Rolen for third base. He really produced the second half of the year. Sure, he will have to rest like Chipper, but its not like that wasn’t a problem for us with Martin on the team.
The benefit of signing a veteran is that we can wait until one of our prospects(Salcedo) is ready, or another, younger third basement appears on the market.
Plus, Rolen would piss off Philly phans!
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
8:50 pm
For those wondering about trading Uggla and signing a 2B:
2B Free Agents
Jeff Baker
Robinson Cano *
Mike Fontenot
Orlando Hudson *
Maicer Izturis
Kelly Johnson
Adam Kennedy
Jeff Keppinger
Jose Lopez
Freddy Sanchez
Ryan Theriot
*Team Option for next year
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
8:54 pm
BTW: What if the Phillies don’t pick up the option for Carlos Ruiz? Would Braves’ fans be happier with him over McCann?
LinkReport this comment.Chop Chop
October 6th, 2012
8:59 pm
Frank Wren has won one playoff game since taking over.
LinkReport this comment.Go Chip!
October 6th, 2012
8:59 pm
Kevin Youkillis is another stop-gap option in addition to Rolen.
I think Juan Fransisco would be awful defensively, and his average would kill us I think.
Ryan Ludwick might be somebody to look into he had a great power year in Cinci. I would like to swap Hinske with Andruw Jones(despite bad finish) as a bench outfielder, and so that perhaps he can retire as a Brave. Or he could possibly win a job as I think inconsistent playing time hurt him. He still has major power.
I prefer Bourn but BJ Upton would bring defense, power, and speed.
LinkReport this comment.tim
October 6th, 2012
9:02 pm
try to get David Wright
LinkReport this comment.Ken Stallings
October 6th, 2012
9:14 pm
The Braves need to either retain Bourn and sign another outfield or third base bat, or let Bourn go and sign two outfield bats and move Prado to third base.
Josh Hamilton is, in my view, a realistic free agent target. I don’t think he wants to re-sign with Texas given the acrimony he had there despite putting up monster numbers year in an year out. He would be an awesome addition to left field. If the Braves could sign him for around $18 million a year over five years, and then sign Bourn for around $11 million over five years, then they could move Prado to third base and be set for a World Series run.
Another option is to see what David Wright’s interest would be in joining Atlanta as a free agent. If the Braves could sign him, and resign Bourn, then leave Prado at left field and the Braves are looking good for post season.
Other options may be cheaper, but not better!
LinkReport this comment.Ken Stallings
October 6th, 2012
9:22 pm
BTW: It is no cinch that a team would pay Bourn even $15 million a year, much less $18 million a year. The teams with the unlimited budgets are few and look at what happened to the Angels and Marlins. I don’t think Boras is going to get the inflated contract that he always insists it will take to get his guy signed. There have been many more instances of a Boras client getting a lot less than the asking price Boras gave the media versus those to got it or more.
Despite the Boras bravado, Boras knows there have been more than just a few of his clients who had to take steep discounts because the teams that really wanted them (and would have signed them for more than they eventually got) tired of Boras trying to inflate the price beyond rational bounds. Boras has burned many clients this way.
The Braves should offer something in the range of five years at $11 million a year and see what happens.
LinkReport this comment.mpimentel
October 6th, 2012
9:25 pm
What about this: sign a sharp shoter with a night visions lens and put him in the lights tower…and with him we will prevent any other call like the last who ruins us!
LinkReport this comment.nybravesfan
October 6th, 2012
9:26 pm
what about the Upton brothers? BJ is a free agent i believe and would fill in perfectly in Centerfield. Justin has been rumored to be on the trading block from AZ for a long time now – those guys would sure up the lineup – especially vs. Lefties – and you move Prado to third.
BJ Upton
Prado
Heyward
J. Upton
Freeman
Uggla
McCann
Simmons
Pitcher
LinkReport this comment.Jimmy
October 6th, 2012
9:26 pm
Need to lock up Martin this offseason. 4 years $32M? No matter what juggling we do the next few years he can play 3B, LF, or 2B.
LinkReport this comment.count_schemula
October 6th, 2012
9:48 pm
Someone out there has to think that Uggla is a “change of scenery” candidate and would not think the remaining 3 years of a deal everyone around here seems to think this is a steal is not too much to take one.
The Red Sox moved Crawford, the Hawks moved Marvin, the Braves need to step up and move Uggla.
Just give him away.
LinkReport this comment.braveslover
October 6th, 2012
9:52 pm
Angel Pagan in center. David Wright at third. Hinske’s gone so Janish takes his place with Walker working with him everyday during the off season on hitting. Could Janish play 3rd or 2nd and put Uggie on the bench when he gets ornery about change again. I like Andleton a lot but think Janish is a steadier player after watching both. It just that Janish couldn’t hit the ocean with an oar.
LinkReport this comment.BravesinTN
October 6th, 2012
9:53 pm
Somebody help me out here and set next year’s rotation for me? I think they should let Hanson go, personally – I really like the guy, want him to be dominant, but he’s just living up to his potential, I think.
LinkReport this comment.BravesinTN
October 6th, 2012
9:54 pm
NOT living up to his potential
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
9:54 pm
I’ve seen lots of posts where people are concerned Bourn will end up with the Phillies. I’ve watched a few Phillies’ broadcasts and I’m not all that certain that they would. That team has A LOT of money tied up already and have somebid decisions to make. The Phillies 9 highest paid players will make over $135M… for NINE players. While it’s possible, I don’t see Bourn in Philly. If Texas doesn’t re-sign Hamilton, Bourn could end up there…he’s from Texas afer all.
LinkReport this comment.BravesFanInNashville
October 6th, 2012
9:58 pm
Bourn will not get $15-18 Million. No way. He’s going to top out at $10-12 Million at best. Even then he’s not worth it. He strikes out too much and his OBP is not good enough to command franchise player money. Remember THIS was his salary drive year where he had the most incentive to play for a contract. What happens AFTER he gets the money. Will we see a decline in a speed player who will be over 30?
I think we can get a young prospect to replace his batting average and OBP for league minimum or a younger player that we pay $3-5 Million. I’d rather see that and sign a legit LF or 3B with the money we save from Chippers retirement. Micheal Bourn is a good player but you could argue he might not have even been worth the money the Braves paid him THIS year much less a big free agent raise. Time to say good bye and build a team with an eye on every position we need to fix.
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:05 pm
It would cost… but I’d like to see us trade for Fowler to play CF if we don’t re-sign Bourn. The Rockies can afford to part with an OFer.
LinkReport this comment.Jake
October 6th, 2012
10:09 pm
Trade Uggla a/s/a/p, send McCann to the AL where he can DH and rest his overweight self, find a sucker to take Hanson off our hands. That’s a start. Now, about all those strikeouts, poor RISP averages, weak fundamentals (anybody besides Ross know how to bunt?) and pitchers who can’t field their position … hmm, I’ll get back to you later.
LinkReport this comment.BravesFanInNashville
October 6th, 2012
10:09 pm
BravesinTN.
Next years rotation. Medlin, Hudson, Minor, Maholm, and Delgado/Teheran until Beachy comes back. Then whoever’s pitching in the 4 and 5 spots of the rotation that is not doing well will be gone. We could possibly trade Maholm at the deadline to a team that needs a lefty when Beachy is back..
Beachy, Medlin and Minor could anchor this staff for years and then when Delgado, Teheran and Gilmartin come on we could be in really good shape. In the meantime Hudson could be a stabilizer for 2 more years.
LinkReport this comment.Jake
October 6th, 2012
10:09 pm
Trade Uggla a/s/a/p, send McCann to the AL where he can DH and rest his overweight self, find a sucker to take Hanson off our hands. That’s a start. Now, about all those strikeouts, poor RISP averages, weak fundamentals (anybody besides Ross know how to bunt?) and pitchers who can’t field their position … hmm, I’ll get back to you later.
LinkReport this comment.Bravefaninok
October 6th, 2012
10:16 pm
Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:05 pm
It would cost… but I’d like to see us trade for Fowler to play CF if we don’t re-sign Bourn. The Rockies can afford to part with an OFer.
Wonder if Tommy can pitch in coors???
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:18 pm
I’ve always liked McCann…but just like when we had Javy Lopez, I’ve not liked having to rely on a catcher for offense sinse they miss between 30-50 games. I won’t be upset if McCann is back next year, but I won’t be totally upset either, provided that we get another adequate guy to split time with Ross and use the money to drastically upgrade our offense.
LinkReport this comment.ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
LinkReport this comment.ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
LinkReport this comment.ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
LinkReport this comment.ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
LinkReport this comment.ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
LinkReport this comment.ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
1. Fire the man who signed Lowe to that big contract that just expired.
2. Fire the man who made Uggla the highest paid second baseman in mlb and, therefore, the most overpaid player in mlb.
3. Fire the man who signed kamakazi to the money he was paid.
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down.
I say that it is way way past time to hold frank, the bird, wren accountable for throwing good money at bad players.
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:24 pm
Bravesfanikok -
I’d be ecstatic if we could get Fowler by using Hanson and someone else.
LinkReport this comment.ronaldh
October 6th, 2012
10:26 pm
I’d trade Hanson while you can. His arm is about gone. While we’re at it I’d trade uggla, if you could get anyone to take his ridiculous contract.
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
10:34 pm
ronaldh -
I’m obviously not in charge…but I definitely would use Hanson in trades this offseason. He still has some value for teams that need pitching–I think more value for other teams than the Braves.
LinkReport this comment.Playoffs!!!
October 6th, 2012
10:50 pm
here’s what I’d like to see: Someone posting a comment only one time
LinkReport this comment.Scottbravesfan
October 6th, 2012
10:56 pm
Justin Upton would be perfect and for some reason Arizona is willing to trade him. Dexter Fowler or Bj Upton would be great for center. Let Bourn walk he was horrible in the second half and his skills are speed based and those will diminish quickly once he is in his 30s.
LinkReport this comment.Scottbravesfan
October 6th, 2012
10:56 pm
Justin Upton would be perfect and for some reason Arizona is willing to trade him. Dexter Fowler or Bj Upton would be great for center. Let Bourn walk he was horrible in the second half and his skills are speed based and those will diminish quickly once he is in his 30s.
LinkReport this comment.PlayingWren
October 6th, 2012
11:06 pm
I don’t know about Fowler. He only hit .262 away from Coors, OPSing .720. Also, he’s only OPSed .561 at Turner. Given, 15 ABs is a small sample size, but it isn’t too promising. Also, neither BJ nor Justin Upton get on often enough to hit leadoff in my opinion, and I’m beginning to look forward to seeing Heyward and Freeman hitting 3/4 in either order. However, I’d be all for trading Hanson for Justin Upton and batting Upton 4 or 5. However, if we have an understanding that we’re getting BJ for his defense/speed when he’s on the bases and NOT to be really counted on as a leadoff man, then sure. Go for it.
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
11:10 pm
Scottbravesfan -
Justin Upton, yes. BJ Upton, no.
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
11:17 pm
PlayingWren -
Fowler would give the Braves approximately the same defense and probably a slightly higher OBP than Bourn (OBP more important for lead-off mand). The best part?…he’s A LOT cheaper and won’t be a free agent until 2016. If the Braves were going to spend the money on BJ Upton…they should go ahead and spend it on Bourn because the Braves do not need BJ Upton AND Dan Uggla in the same lineup.
LinkReport this comment.anti-negative guy
October 6th, 2012
11:25 pm
Here’s what I’d like to see:
Fire the ignorant A-hole that wants to fire Wren
LinkReport this comment.Crank My Wren
October 6th, 2012
11:27 pm
Uggla, Teheran for Justin Upton?
LinkReport this comment.Crank My Wren
October 6th, 2012
11:31 pm
Fredi is in over his head. He has no business managing in the major leagues. Talk about being extremely lucky..
I would love to have a manager who knows what it is to win like Francona..too late for that though.
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
11:38 pm
What do the Phillies, Red Sox, Angels, Marlins, Brewers, White Sox, Dodgers, Twins, Mets, and Cubs have in common?…
LinkReport this comment.Heath
October 6th, 2012
11:42 pm
…These are teams that had higher 2012 payrolls (and for some considerably higher payrolls) than the Braves that DID NOT make the playoffs. The Fredi and Frank may not be perfect, but they aren’t doing that poorly. Let’s not over-react.
LinkReport this comment.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.
LinkReport this comment.DaveinNEPA
October 6th, 2012
11:52 pm
IMO it would be foolishness to pick up McCann’s 13mil option. Either let him go elsewhere or negotiate the option to about half that money. With his shoulder/eyes/excess suet/apparent diminishing skills hes not worth 13mil.
I would also look into signing Victorino to a 3 yr contract to play CF. Although he had a down year, he can hit leadoff, switch hits, has won a couple of GGs and would come far cheaper than Bourn.
LinkReport this comment.Backdoor Slider
October 7th, 2012
12:00 am
THE PRIORITY
What’s the number one priority for the Braves this offseason? Hiring a truly competent manager!
LinkReport this comment.Heisenberg
October 7th, 2012
1:02 am
I have not been much of a proponent of adding BJ Upton, but I must admit the concept of having both Upton brothers could work. Having his brother on the same team could help BJ with some of the maturity issues that have plagued him. Or it could totally blow up. But my initial reaction is it is worth kicking the tires on.
LinkReport this comment.JamesH
October 7th, 2012
1:54 am
I think Justin Upton should be Braves top target and stick him in LF. it would take a lot to get him and D-Backs don’t seem to need pitching so not sure who we would have to give up but Im sure Wren could think of something. then either resign Bourn which personally not a big fan off he strikes out to much for a lead off guy with little power.Not resigning Bourn though leaves a hole in CF which could be filled with BJ Upton.Yes BJ isnt the star Justin is but being out of Tampa and on the same team as his brother could drive BJ to get better.If we cant land Justin then I say go for Chase Headley for 3rd then keep Prado in left then focus on a CF not sure who dont really want BJ Upton without his brother to go with him.
LinkReport this comment.a fan
October 7th, 2012
2:06 am
Backdoor, you moron, Fredi won 94 games that’s more then Charlie Manuel or,Mike Scocia, who are considered two of the best.
LinkReport this comment.Nokahomas Wigwam
October 7th, 2012
3:09 am
Here’s what you would get for Uggla: Soriano/Jason Bay. Bad players and huge contacts can only be traded for the bad players and bad contracts. Braves need a stud in the cleanup hole as they truly haven’t had one all year or really any since Sheffield that I can remember.
Note to the programmers: Do not allow duplicate posts for the same user. Mmmkay?
LinkReport this comment.Bamaboy
October 7th, 2012
3:20 am
I think we should bring Chipper back for season number 20!
LinkReport this comment.Bamaboy
October 7th, 2012
3:20 am
I think we should bring Chipper back for season number 20!
LinkReport this comment.Ole Battle Axe
October 7th, 2012
3:30 am
Why don’t we give the bat boys a shot at playing CF or 3B before we do any more signings/trades. What’s the worst that could happen?
LinkReport this comment.Puck
October 7th, 2012
4:19 am
4. Fire the man who hired the man who called for a safety squeeze with 1 out and the pitcher due up next when you are one run down
Did you notice how the first thing the announcers said after Simmons put down the bunt was that he made a rookie mistake. It was a very stupid play.
I always thought the Braves would make the playoffs and picked them to win over 90 games. They have a lot of talent and a no brainer team for any manager – but I could never get that up about it because I knew when the playoffs hit, Fredi would get involved and it would bring disaster sooner or later. I think he has learned and made some good moves during the season – the Braves will keep him cause he can guide a no brainer team to a winning season – but I just don’t see him making the right move under pressure in the big games.
Too bad really.
LinkReport this comment.Chris
October 7th, 2012
6:32 am
Whoever thinks you can simply replace Bourn is idiotic. He had 171 hits, 40+ steals, and covered CF almost every day this season. He’s one of the few guys in the game that you truly do not want to see leading off an inning as an opposing pitcher. He worked counts effectively almost every AB and really set the pace for the offense all season. If he walks in the offseason, his presence will be missed in 2013. And any Braves fan that wishes for it will regret it circa next August when ATL is hovering around .500 because Constanza is hitting lead off.
LinkReport this comment.Darryl Blackberry
October 7th, 2012
6:53 am
Don’t re-sign Bourn. Get a Dexter Fowler or an Emilio Bonifacio; they’ll work for half of what Bourn makes.
LinkReport this comment.MikeY
October 7th, 2012
7:07 am
Chipper, Bourn, Ross, Hinske, Diaz, Wilson, Sheets, Johnson, Overbay, Baker, Bautista, Moylan, and Durbin are free agents or retiring, thus not on the 2013 roster unless re-signed. I hope we re-sign Ross, Johnson, Moylan, Baker, and Durbin. Bourn may be too expensive, I could see a Constanza/Johnson platoon in CF, freeing up a lot of cash for a LF or 3B. Key decisions: Options on McCann, Hudson, Maholm. I think the decision on these is pretty sson after the World Series. McCann’s is $12M w/ a $500K buy-out; Hudson’s is $9M w/ a $1M buy-out; Maholm’s is $6.5M w/ a $500K buy-out. Hudson and Maholm seem like no-brainers. A lot depends on McCann’s shoulder diagnosis.
The other big decisions seem to revolve around Hanson and Juurgens. Jurrgens made $5.5M in 2012 and will be in his 3rd year of arbitration in 2013. I think he will be traded, but we will not get much in return. Hanson will be in his first year of arbitration in 2013, look for a salary of around $2.5M to $3M. I think he is also trade bait. The Braves should have starting pitching depth (Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, Delgado, Teheran, Beachy (midyear)).
It will be an interesting off-season. The Braves look to have a lot of cash to spend, but not enough to sign replacements for their many free-agent primary back-ups/relievers AND Bourn AND a big bat for 3B or LF.
LinkReport this comment.Ron
October 7th, 2012
7:29 am
Trade Uggla for the best offer, used popcorn bag or what ever. Move Prado to second. Get a center fielder who can hit leadoff.
LinkReport this comment.BRAVES FAN 1957
October 7th, 2012
7:50 am
I think the Braves shoiuld hire Chipper to be their B/C, get rid of FG, Wren get a new P/C. And definitely trade Uggla, Hanson, McCann, Hinski..can’t even hit his weight,Overbay,Diaz. This would free up some good money for the Bravo’s….Enough said!!!!
LinkReport this comment.moosedog
October 7th, 2012
7:55 am
keep bourne , put constanza in left, get david wright for third, get rid of uggla, prado at second…leave mccann alone, he will bounce back.
LinkReport this comment.moosedog
October 7th, 2012
8:20 am
1.bourne 2.constanza 3.prado 4.heyward 5. freeman 6.wright 7.mccann/ross 8.simmons……..simmons and constanza could both hit 8….speed at top and bottom of lineup.
LinkReport this comment.Jake
October 7th, 2012
9:14 am
Frank Wren is gonna do something boring like trade for Denard Span to replace Bourne. Declining Mac’s option would give Braves payroll flexibility.
LinkReport this comment.eddie57
October 7th, 2012
9:27 am
Bourne, either Upton or any Rockie outfielder would all be overpaid under-performers for the Braves. Tampa’s Upton has been wildly inconsistent for a good manager, imagine him with Fredi the Freeloader. Arizona’s Upton has hit in a bandbox his whole career and would have even worse numbers for Atlanta. After a Bourne’s contract year of declining numbers OB, walks and steals with outrageous strikeout numbers thrown in Boreass (sic) will still want more years and way too much money for him. Trade Hanson if you can and try for a leftfielder who can stopgap for a couple of years.
LinkReport this comment.MtDEWD
October 7th, 2012
9:35 am
Not really seeing a lot of good suggestions here.
1. Trade McCann: Horrible idea. A bad McCann is still a top five offensive catcher.
2. David Wright, Josh Hamilton? Come on. Did no one read the part about spending outrageous money on one player? Hamilton will get a stupid deal that whatever team signs him is guaranteed to lose on. Wright is staying in New York.
3. Bourn tanked at the end of the season. I think 15-18 million is out of his reach now.
4. Barring a Jayson Werth like deal, Nick Swisher is the way to go for an outfielder, regardless of whether or not they resign Bourn.
5. If bourn departs they will be seeking a leadoff type hitter. Dexter Fowley is the answer there.
6. RBI’s dont win games. OBP wins games.
Ideal lineup for next year: Bourn CF, Prado 3B, Heyward RF, Swisher LF, Freeman 1B, McCann C, Uggla 2B, Simmons SS
LinkReport this comment.dewey
October 7th, 2012
10:17 am
bourne needs to go, disappeared down the stretch the last 2 years and everybody knows it. send pastronicky to winter ball and have him play centerfield everyday and give him a shot at center/leadoff in spring. uggla needs to go no matter what the cost. move prado to second. his bat is not suited for left field or third base. much as I hate to say it, somethings got to be done with mccann. banged up last 2 years and production is falling way off. so that would mean we would need left fielder, third baseman and catcher.
LinkReport this comment.Nova Scotia Steve
October 7th, 2012
10:27 am
Everyone is so quick to throw Uggla under a bus – most power hitters have low averages and they strike out a lot. It’s a fact of life.
So what if Uggla bounces back and hit 30 + HR’s next season and hits .240. Frankly, I don’t care. We are paying him to hit HR’s.
He’ll bounce back. I guarntee it happening. Adam Dunn is a prime example of what can happen from 2011 to 2012.
On our sitation: Sign Bourn, Victorino for LF and Prado at 3B. Retain Reed Johnson and give Jose Constanza a chance of the bench. Keep Janish as back-up SS and 2B.
Juan Francisco for back-up 3B and a couple of BP pieces to round out the pen.
Okay, ready for Spring Training. Later.
LinkReport this comment.Nova Scotia Steve
October 7th, 2012
10:30 am
I just can’t see Swisher leaving New York. He loves it in NYC.
On the flip side, I can’t see the Yankees letting him go to another team.
LinkReport this comment.Atlanta Braves Links of the Day For October 7, 2012 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
October 7th, 2012
10:39 am
[...] Braves priorities: CF and replacing Chipper [...]
LinkReport this comment.Tumbledown
October 7th, 2012
10:43 am
The real priority is for the whole Braves organization to get some type of counseling and figure out how to execute in the postseason. I know that sort of counseling does not exist, but this never ending period of post season failure is just too much.
LinkReport this comment.mocam
October 7th, 2012
10:59 am
get swisher and release bourn
LinkReport this comment.mocam
October 7th, 2012
11:02 am
if we pay bourn for 15-18 it is an overpayment for a player like him
LinkReport this comment.MikeY
October 7th, 2012
11:04 am
CBSSports.com says, based upon statistics, Uggla was the 8th-best 2B in MLB last year:
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/playerrankings/positional/regularseason/2B
I agree, he was not worth $13M, but he walked a lot, still scored 86 runs (4th-best on the team), and tied with Bourn for 3rd-best OBP on the team. I’d say he was, at best, average defensively, but he seems to always hustle.
I do not see moving Uggla. Hanson and Juurgens, I see moving on, and there are teams that will trade for them. We might even package them and pick up a starting 3B or LF, for a team needing SP and willing to take a bit of a chance that they can turn them around.
LinkReport this comment.steve
October 7th, 2012
11:04 am
Bourne is worth about 8 mil. a year, his average has dropped in the 2nd half of the season 2 years in a row, he strikes out a lot for a leadoff hitter.
LinkReport this comment.MikeY
October 7th, 2012
11:05 am
when I say last year, I mean 2012…I’m already mentally in the 2012 season.
LinkReport this comment.Mikey
October 7th, 2012
11:05 am
Maybe we can get joint counciling discount and invite the Texas Rangers who seem to have the same post season problem albeit with a much higher payroll.
LinkReport this comment.MikeY
October 7th, 2012
11:05 am
I measn I am already mentally in the 2013 season. Need more coffee.
LinkReport this comment.NW Florida Fan
October 7th, 2012
11:31 am
My thoughts…
Prado is at 3rd base. The best, mature infield glove man is playing left field. Makes no sense.
McCann will be okay. He played too long, hurt. Let him rest and heal, and he’ll be fine in the spring.
Throw a moderate pile of money and 3 years at Bourn, but don’t expect him to take it. He’ll be 30 when spring training starts. If you’re paying a guy to patrol center field and steal bases, don’t expect him to do it when he’s 35.
Starters are Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, and Delgado. Beachy will be back after the All-star break. Keep the pen intact.
Let Hanson go. Not worth the millions he’d get in arbitration (his win and K numbers are reasonably high.)
Uggla is not tragic, but is not doing what we wanted him to do – bat clean-up, clear the bases, and scare the heck out of opposing pitchers. His OBP is distorted by the fact that he bats so low in the order. Pitchers don’t pitch to him so they can get to the SS or pitcher. Plus, he’s no threat to steal or score from 1st on a single. So, he gets a BB. Personally, I’d prefer Omar, who – last time I checked – is still playing baseball.
So, you’ve got a decent, young infield that should get you through the next 3 years of Uggla’s contract: Freeman, Uggla, Simmons, Prado, McCann. Money needs to be spent on a left fielder and center fielder, preferably at least one with power.
So – if Heyward and Freeman continue to improve, if Uggla and Mac wake-up, and if Frank can hire some decent outfielders, the Braves could be a force for the next 2 or 3 years.
LinkReport this comment.banned poster
October 7th, 2012
11:38 am
Justin Upton?? Are you people serious? Yeah there is a legit reason why Zona is looking to dump him. He has a bad shoulder and he has an attitude problem. Not what the Braves need. And the same for BJ Upton. He played well this year so he can get a contract. Otherwise, he has been a headcase too. I’d rather take my chances with Hamilton and having to hire someone to look after him.
LinkReport this comment.banned poster
October 7th, 2012
11:40 am
And Paul Maholm brought back? Did you not watch his starts in August and most of September? Braves would be better served to cut ties with him. Let him go suck on someone else’s dime
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
a 3.5 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP is horrible for a #4 starter?????
Buddy Landel
October 9th, 2012
10:34 am
How’d that^^^^happen?
Rob
October 9th, 2012
10:45 am
What the braves need are leaders as well as a third basesman, or left fielder depending on who we sign. David wright type would be perfect. Anytime you can help your team and take away from a rival. We also should go see if we could resign Omar infante. Let’s get him back where he belongs, in a braves uniform. We should apologize to him for trading him in the first place. This would fill our two biggest needs. Sign Bourne if you can. If you can’t, let him walk and let’s go to option b and find us a cheaper cf alternative. The key is to sign a leader. Chipper retiring will leave a huge void. I’m sorry but Hudson can not go talk to a struggling rookie about his batting issues . He can talk to a pitcher but not an everyday ball player. Maybe Mac will become our elder statesman.
TB
October 9th, 2012
11:09 am
Bring in Wright to replace Chipper at 3rd, move Prado back to 2nd & trade Uggla & Teheran for a monster outfielder with a Johnson/Costanza platoon in center.
Homer of A-town sports
October 9th, 2012
11:12 am
No need to waste 12 mil on Bmac. No telling how he is going to recover. Beth, la rosa, and gattis can do the job as a backup. Sign Ross. Upton not wanted in Atlanta. He is bad news. Braves need to find a way to get BEN REVERE. HE IS THE ANSWER.
Smart jay
October 9th, 2012
11:20 am
As usual the dumbest baseball fans in the world live here. Probably the people throwing bottles on Friday.
Homer of A-town sports
October 9th, 2012
11:46 am
Braves fans don’t take no crap anymore. Braves have Terdoslavich who could step in at 3rd base. Minus Bourn contract and 500,000 to buy out Bmac contract. Braves can make a real play for Ben Revere.
Glen
October 9th, 2012
1:20 pm
Bourn is a really good player, but the Braves would be foolish to over pay and/or over commit with a long contract. He is great defensively. On the downside he strikes out a lot for a leadoff hitter, he faded badly down the stretch, and he’s turns 30 in December. Imagine giving him a 5 year deal, and regretting it in years 3, 4, & 5. I imagine we’ll see a lot of Constanza, and maybe that’s not a bad thing.
carprog
October 9th, 2012
1:57 pm
How about this: convert Francisco to right or left field, Prado goes to third of course & convert one of the young guys like Pastornicky et al to play second, surely SSes can play 2B. then you’ve got a long term 3B, SS, 2B, 1B combo of young guys. KEEP Janish as insurance & instructor & job motivation. Let Hinske go & trade Uggla if possible.
carprog
October 9th, 2012
2:51 pm
Also keep Reed Johnson for his versatility. Don’t believe Overbay produced enough to be retained although Braves need a backup 1B & also another young backup catcher. Bourn may surprise everybody & want to stay with the Braves, he knows what he has with them & the team chemistry & that they SHOULD be a “contenda”. Will he be content as the best player on a second tier team? Of course a lot depends on what happens with him. Phillies may not contend again next year.
jboney
October 9th, 2012
5:26 pm
Enter your comments here
jboney
October 9th, 2012
5:27 pm
Let Bourn go.. Boras is going to have someone over pay for him.. I don’t want it to be us.. How about the home town kid Dexter Fowler in center? Could probably get him relatively cheap.
Bobby Cerasuolo
October 9th, 2012
5:29 pm
Freeman Delgado/Tehran to Angels for Trumbo and Hank Conger
Uggla and Lipka to Seattle for Figgins and Player to be named later
Move McCann to 3rd Prado back to 2nd and Figgins to Leftfield
Pastornicky Gilmartin and Salcedo to Marlins Bonifacio and Greg Dobbs
Teach Hanson how to throw an out pitch like a circle change or splitter to go along with that curve
Lineup for 2013
Figgins LF
Bonifacio CF
Prado 2nd
Heyward RF
Trumbo 1st
McCann 3rd
Simmons SS
Conger/Bethancourt/Ross Catcher
Carl Farvman
October 9th, 2012
7:14 pm
Reading this stuff is just plain crazy. People are spouting off names and salaries. Gosh, how useless.
tasman
October 9th, 2012
10:49 pm
What about letting Durango compete for cf? He looked great in st, is a great base stealer has a better arm than Constanza and bats from either side.
Jo
October 10th, 2012
4:51 am
I loved Chipper but his production, very poor at the end of the season, was just a little above mediocre with little power. I am sure we can replace that with someone who can hit at least 275 with good power 25 homers withe budget we have. we need more homers and rbi production. hopefully this will make people to pitch to Uggla and get him hitting for more than .220.
Ed Frymyer
October 10th, 2012
10:18 am
As a lifelong Braves fan. I think we should trade Uggla and Hanson. Do not pickup option
on McCain start Ross. Move Prado to second Francisco at third sign Hamilton to play left.Resign Bourn to three yr ten million yr contract.
Line up
Bourn
Prado
Heyward
Hamilton
Freeman
Gremlins
October 10th, 2012
11:59 am
Move janish to 3rd and GET HIM A HITTING COACH
bravesfan
October 10th, 2012
2:25 pm
Resign Bourn and pick up Josh Hamilton’s slumping free agent salary for the outfield and move Prado to 3rd.
Here is what you need to do....
October 10th, 2012
3:21 pm
Here is what opening day 2013 roster should look like:
1. B.J. Upton or Shane Victorino, CF (may end up with Constanza/Reed Johnson platoon)
2. Martin Prado, 2B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. David Wright, 3B (I think Mets have the option on him for 2013 ?) may not work
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. David Ross, C (re-sign him and let McCann walk. Betancourt can back up)
7. Evan Gattis, LF (shocker, I know but he can play 3B, LF and catch – and best of all – he’s cheap, just like the Braves) – (still not sure on Josh Hamilton – I’m affraid he’s another Dan Uggla waiting to happen)
8. Andrelton Simmons, SS
9. Medlen, Hudson, Minor, Maholm and Gilmartin (Beachy when he’s ready)
Bench: Betancourt, Constanza, Diaz, Reed Johson (re-sign!) Janish and start working in Mejia from AAA at OF. Freeman is way too good to me moved off of 1B.
Pen: Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, Venters, Aussie Pete, Christhian Martinez and consider Durbin or similar type low WHIP RH reliever.
Notice – no Uggla, no Bourn (can’t afford him) and no McCann. Get guys to put the ball in play, and start getting this team to be more run creating, small-ball players who can scratch accross 3-4 runs a game. Consistency- get on base, move over, get it. Basic. The 3 mentioned above are all stubborn, pull or high strikeout guys who are “too cool” to hit the ball the other way for a hit.
single white dove
October 10th, 2012
4:07 pm
Teddy B
October 8th, 2012
5:06 pm
Wow, what is it with David Wright? Does anyone really think we’d pay that much for a 30+ year old fading mediocre player?
On a braves vs mets series, the commentators compared jones with wright, saying they were almost the same in offense and defense…
Here is what you need to do....
October 10th, 2012
4:31 pm
People are forgetting we have a TON of ARB 1, 2 and 3 eligible players that will eat up cash quick. We need to lock up Heyward, Freeman, Kimbrel and Prado now. That will likely take Chipper’s money and perhaps a little more, like a total of $15mm. Hanson is arb eligible too, but I think he is AL bound, like McCann. Not sure if Braves will try to resign him or not. Arb would likley benefit Braves based on his down year. They may opt to do so – nevertheless, he will get $6mm range and wash our JJ’s money.
So, we re-up Hudson ($9mm), buy out McCann ($500k) and let him go. He is done. Catcher than is breakdown more than Tow-Mater.
We have this left to spend – Bourn’s ($6.84mm), JJ ($5.5mm – gone if you keep Hanson) Lowe’s ($10mm), McCann ($11.5mm) – That’s about $34mm to spend – and with FA market, not a whole lot to buy.
Give David Wright $15mm. Trade Uggla to MIN – eat half his salary – we’ve got that process down. Now we’ve got $9mm a year in David Wright. and $25mm left to spend on LF/CF and bench.
I really lean towards B.J. Upton and Shane Victorino. SV will be cheaper – can still cover the ground, switch hit and run. BJ has more power and raw speed but not a prototypical lead-off guy.
I keep hearing Greinke – that may be an option too.
Pitching & defense win championships.
Let’s trot this line-up out there and see what happens:
1. Bourn
2. Baker
3. Diaz
4. Uggla
5. Overbay
6. McCann
7. Francisco
8. Baker
9. Lowe or Kawakami
Here is what you need to do....
October 10th, 2012
4:33 pm
Pastoricky batting 8. my bad. For the record, a Braves insider confirmed that Medlen was never going to ammount to anything but middle relief. Thank God that has worked out differently.
jj
October 10th, 2012
6:12 pm
@ 4:07—Wright and Bourn are the same age ..
jj
October 10th, 2012
6:14 pm
Diaz is free agent..let someone else have that problem.
jj
October 10th, 2012
6:39 pm
Swisher wants 5 year 100,000,000..Good Luck..
Like Wren said trades may be best way to go. Padres rumor they may deal Chase Headley. That might work out. Also J Upton maybe traded but would be high. Royals also looking for pitching–Hanson for one of there good out fielders. Just throwing something out there.
I’m glad Wren is keeping all the coaches..great job.
pat
October 11th, 2012
10:03 am
I hope bud selig dies soon.
Tradem or Playem
October 19th, 2012
11:01 am
Simple…………………trade Hanson and Teheran to K.C. for Wil Myers and put him in left and move Prado to 3rd!
Tradem or Playem
October 19th, 2012
11:03 am
also…………………..sign Angel Pagan to be leadoff hitter and centerfielder!
ron
October 20th, 2012
4:07 pm
A-Roid is available for Huddie.
Gene
October 23rd, 2012
8:26 pm
Juan Francisco…give him a chance at third, then the LF (PRADO) and 3B positions may not be an issue…all Wren has to worry about then is CF
White
October 31st, 2012
4:24 pm
PRADO for third bar, no brainier!!!!!
MLB Free Agency: Why Michael Bourn Will Re-Sign with the Atlanta Braves | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
November 8th, 2012
7:36 am
[...] even discussed a new contract for the center fielder with Boras during spring training, as told to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: We made contact with his agent in spring training to start negotiations, and they were not [...]