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
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,698 comments Add your comment
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
7:31 pm
Gotta love the Cardinals depth. Matt Carpenter could be a regular at 3rd base for a lot of teams and he’s on the bench. Joe Kelly, Lance Lynn, and Shelby Miller throwing mid-90’s out of the pen.
Great major league roster and a great minor league system. Just a really strong franchise.
ccrider
October 8th, 2012
7:36 pm
Efrim, Maybe a trade with the Twins(which are nowhere close to contending), Ben Revere and Josh Willingham for Young starting pitching and a position player. Both players will earn about $10 million together next season, leaving money for a signing of Greinke or trade for either David Price or James Shields if the Rays make them available. Price would be my choice.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
7:39 pm
I’d trade Delgado, Hanson, and Salcedo (if it takes that much) for Gordon…
Braves said they won’t be getting a pitcher, so I expect to see at least 13mil spent on the OF this winter. And, since we’ll still have money, get a good bench bat (for about 4-5mil)
Ralph
October 8th, 2012
7:40 pm
I think Been Sheets will be a Yankee next year, they will make him an offer he can’t refuse, what do you think?
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
7:45 pm
Not sure how some folks see the Braves as having $30 million to spend. If they are sticking around a $90-$93 million dollar payroll, it’s probably more like $20 million.
Ralph
October 8th, 2012
7:46 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
7:39 pm
I’d trade Delgado, Hanson, and Salcedo (if it takes that much) for Gordon…
Who the heck is Gordon????????????
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
7:50 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
I would think so. RT @OVentbrel789: @ajcbraves Trade of Hanson more likely next yr when closer to beachy return rather than this offseason?
I guess there is a chance he gets better after a strengthening program. But that salary will climb, and those peripherals need to get better, with the scouting reports backing it up. 89-90mph with poor command ain’t gonna get it done.
There goes Beltran with his 2nd HR of the game…..isn’t he suppose to be broken down by now? Of course…..
Dawgdad (The Original)
October 8th, 2012
7:52 pm
Carrot Flowers, right on! How hard is it to run hard for 90 feet, especially if it is the last time. How many of our best and brightest military men would love to once again run at top speed. This memory will always come to mind when I think of Chipper, didn’t need to be that way.
Difference between us and St Louis for the past 4 years of so, Matt Holliday, the left fielder. For some reason right handed batters that can hit for average and hit for power are few and far between anymore. I am sure there are a few out there other than Holliday and ARod, but can’t think who they are. The Braves need to find a Matt Holliday clone.
BusterBrave
October 8th, 2012
7:52 pm
Trade Tommy Hanson for CF Peter Bourgeous…..a fast,young centerfielder for the Angels,where Mike Triout will reside for years to come……..or for Lorenzo Cain,young,fast centerfielder and hitter with some pop…..the Royals need startin’ pitchin’……….or maybe Raicha Davis,anyfield,stole as many bases as Bourn,and as good defensively……..plenty of great alternatives to overpayin’ Michael Borne…….Liberty Media bought the Braves as a tax right off Crackberry,and gives us an allowance,and expects the Braves to at the very least pay for itself,don’t need to make $$$ off the Braves,know what the “heck” you are talkin’ bout’ if you gonna’ come on this blog…………
BusterBrave
October 8th, 2012
7:54 pm
and I’ll try to learn to spell……….
No Hope 4 Braves
October 8th, 2012
7:54 pm
DOB asked some good questions, but Wren skirted around everything like he always does. I am so sick and tired of being lied to, but people just can’t seem to answer honestly to save their souls. Fg is not the manager he thinks he is. This teams chokes like no other. Chipper should be totally ashamed of dogging it to first base in his last at bat. We won’t even talk about the error that lost the game.
No Hope 4 Braves
October 8th, 2012
7:54 pm
DOB asked some good questions, but Wren skirted around everything like he always does. I am so sick and tired of being lied to, but people just can’t seem to answer honestly to save their souls. Fg is not the manager he thinks he is. This teams chokes like no other. Chipper should be totally ashamed of dogging it to first base in his last at bat. We won’t even talk about the error that lost the game.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
7:55 pm
Alex Gordon of Kansas City
Ralph
October 8th, 2012
7:56 pm
BusterBrave
October 8th, 2012
7:52 pm
Trade Tommy Hanson for CF Peter Bourgeous
.220BA w/3HR, seems we have had a few of those in the past 5 years.
Frankie
October 8th, 2012
7:56 pm
“It brings to mind George Brett’s famous quote, when asked what he wanted out of his final AB:
“I want to hit a ground ball to second,” Brett replied, “bust my butt down the line and be out by an eyelash.”
Yep, Chipper may have better numbers but I would take Brett in a heartbeat on my team and Chipper backing him up. CJ had a great career, there’s no doubt he’s in the Hall. Brett had intensity and just a pure hitter. The guy was absolute MONEY in the playoffs and a great and somewhat underated player really.
Enough of blaming Chipper though. Terrible game and flat out no excuse for not running out at very end. Really disappointing.
Still no way this team should have had to depend on a 40 year player though. Blame many but not Jones directly. Ideally would have been great if he batted 6th all season long but Mac and Uggla dropped the rock. Blame there before putting Jones as scapegoat.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
7:57 pm
Uggla – 13.2
McCann – 12
Hudson – 9
Maholm – 6.5
40.7 million guaranteed once options picked up.
Prado – 7.5
O’Flaherty – 3.5
Heyward – 3.5
Hanson – 3.5
Medlen – 3
Venters – 2
Martinez – 1.25
24.25 million for arb. eligible players.
Total of about $65 million for 11 players. Even with minimum salaries to fill out the 25 man roster, and given that the team usually is in the $90-$92 million range, I’m still only seeing around $20 million to spend. Plus, not everyone is making league min. – Ross, Reed Johnson types making 1-2 million per year.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
7:59 pm
Didn’t the Braves make LM a profit this year? They may get a bit more to spend. I believe payroll was at 84mil this year +the 10mil for Lowe. Add in another 3-5mil (I believe that was the profit) and we’re near 100mil. As it stands right now, Braves will have a payroll in the upper 60smil if they non-tender JJ and somehow trade Tommy.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
7:59 pm
Didn’t the Braves make LM a profit this year? They may get a bit more to spend. I believe payroll was at 84mil this year +the 10mil for Lowe. Add in another 3-5mil (I believe that was the profit) and we’re near 100mil. As it stands right now, Braves will have a payroll in the upper 60smil if they non-tender JJ and somehow trade Tommy.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
8:01 pm
Oh yeah, and Trevor Rosenthal coming out of the pen throwing 97mph. 2013 is just as bright….
Wainwright, Carpenter, Garcia, Westbrook, Lynn, Miller, Kelly, Rosenthal, Martinez, Wacha.
Incredible amount of pitching depth this team has from majors to Double-A.
MiaBchBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
8:01 pm
To add to my 2:57 post on the previous blog: allowing Heyward & Freeman to develop naturally is at best difficult when you are a contending team. Howard and Utley played on some gnarly Phillies teams before they both blew up and became superstars. Heyward and Freemnan are both under 25, and I do not see them becoming superstars (hopefully!) until they are over 25, probably 26-27. I do not expect them to be able to carry a team next season, or even 2014, for that matter.
I do not think Josh Willingham or any other like-type player (i.e., same age) is worth Hanson and either Delgado or Teheran. Yet, I am resigned to the fact that if the Braves make a move, not only do I insist that Hanson be part of the package, but that either Delgado or Teheran or even Gilmartin, must go. No one is worth parting with two of the young three, and Hanson MUST go.
If the Twins are willing to take Hanson, and a lesser pitching prospect for Willingham, I would pull the trigger, with the hope that such a move buys time for either Gattis or Terdo to develop and take over LF sooner than later. I agree that Josh Willingham will NOT replicate his 2012 number; however, I would take under 25 homers from him in exchange for clutch-slugging doubles and around 100 driven in from the cleanup spot between Heyward and Freeman, with Uggla in the six hole, thus providing the lineup with much better balance.
The question then becomes: is Willingham a lynchpin? Because that IS what the Braves need. The Braves need the second coming of Fred McGriff, Andres Galarraga, or Gary Sheffield – nothing less will do.
NYbravesfan
October 8th, 2012
8:02 pm
I’m not saying he should be top target but i live in NY – and watch the Yankees daily – Nick Swisher would be a fan favorite in our outfield – he produces wins, and is the ultimate clubhouse guy. Ive interviewed him before as i work in NY sports TV – he is one of the good guys in the game.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
8:02 pm
Rosenthal just hit 100mph.
Rufio
October 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
I am sick and tired of Braves Management giving the umpire team, Joe Torre the benefit of the doubt for the call on Friday. Yes, ” The Call” did not cause the Braves to lose. However, it costs the Braves the opportunity to get back in the game.
MLB would rather support the myth that the umpires are infallible than get the call right. Wouldn’t it be easier to announce a winner in the first inning? Seriously, it is no fun watching much less dropping $ 300 to take the family to watch a conspiracy to protect a bad call.
Freddi Gonzalez was a huge mistake. We chose the wrong Bobby Cox protege. Freddi needs a spine. The umpires have no respect for him whatsoever. I dont believe he has been ejected as a Braves Manager. If Friday wasn’t a good reason then there will never be one. In fact,part of me wanted MLB to go through with the threat of forfeiting the game. I believe that action alone would have sent a huge message to Baseball that we are tired of it.
Rufio
raleighbravefan
October 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
MiaBch – YOU “INSIST”. Are you Wren’s boss? Express your opinion all you want, but you don’t have the power to insist anything.
Goober McBrave
October 8th, 2012
8:11 pm
Chipper 13.0. mil Lowe 10.0 mil
Jurrjens-5.0 mil
Bourn 8.5 mil
Diaz-2.0 mil
Hinske-1.5 mil
Ross 2.0 mil
EOF 2.5 mil?? doubt seriously they pay this cat another raise to about 4.0 mil
Livan-750 k
Wilson 1 mil
that would be about 46.25 mill there.
raises are not going to be 26 mill so yes the total is closer to 38 to 39 mil to spend depending on Hudson and his option, take away the possible arb raise to Hanson (he gets dealt IMHO) and you will have about 42.05 mill to spend. nice chunk if you ask me.
jim
October 8th, 2012
8:12 pm
There is a lot of enthusiasm for big trades, but not a lot of suggestions of whom we would traded. Please — Hanson, JJ, Uggla, and the assorted bench players that the fans want to get rid of will not bring back much in return. Someone on the earlier blog mentioned Mike Olt as a player blocked at Texas at 3B by that would be a right handed power bat that would be cheap and under contract for the next 6 years. Texas needs pitching and maybe it would take a Teheran or Graham to get him.
Assuming that Heyward, Freeman, Prado, Simmons, Medlen, and Kimbrel are untouchable, the only people that other teams would want in a big trade are Minor, Teheran, Delgado, Venters, and to a lesser extent Avilan,Bethancourt, Cunningham, Gilmartin, and Gattis. There is not a lot of talent left in the farm system after the arrival of the young core players the last 3 years. To have a healthy franchise the system needs to be used judiciously to fill immediate needs, but not gutted to mortgage the future.
Wilson
October 8th, 2012
8:14 pm
Brava this is a blog mind your own nosy business you creep
Wilson
October 8th, 2012
8:15 pm
Never liked Brava much. Drinks too much. Military should can her sorry ass
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
8:21 pm
Maybe the Cards will take Hanson and give us one of those good arms? Can only dream…
Willingham just had his first 100 RBI year, had 98 last year. Closest he was before that was in ‘07 when he had 89… I think he’ll probably get 75-90 RBIs if he were with us next year. He’ll be 34. Slugger. Decline.
We’ll be paying for him based on his career year. Not the best idea. Would have been better to sign him last year.
Wilson: Keep it to yourself.
Wilson
October 8th, 2012
8:21 pm
Sorry Brava this is a blog, DOB blog and you are entitled tou your obnoxious opinion
Goober McBrave
October 8th, 2012
8:22 pm
Gattis,Salcedo, Ahmed, Lipkaetal gfarm is pretty solid not great but solids
Wilson
October 8th, 2012
8:24 pm
Bring it pencil necks
Wilson
October 8th, 2012
8:26 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan keep out of this you are out of your pencil neck depth maroon
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
8:29 pm
Oh! brother!
richbrave
October 8th, 2012
8:31 pm
Nice interview DOB. Thanx
Chop Shop Tees
October 8th, 2012
8:33 pm
All Braves and Braves fans should buy an Infield Fly tee.
http://Www.chopshoptees.com
Wilson
October 8th, 2012
8:33 pm
Richbrave I second that. Excellent stuff from DOB as usual. Always produces in his interviews.
Ken Stallings
October 8th, 2012
8:40 pm
An idea of the split-doubleheader is a good one. Another I have heard is to reward the top Wild Card team by having all three games played at their stadium. That would make this whole three-game series doable in two days, barring weather delays.
That would have the division winners sit for three days (with one day allowed for any game 163’s). That’s only one day more than is currently the case.
John
October 8th, 2012
8:42 pm
Our best player just retired. We’ll never re-sign our leadoff hitter. A cheapskate company still owns us. From now on we’re a second tier team, just competing for an occasional wild card and quick exit.
richbrave
October 8th, 2012
8:42 pm
Hey WILSON:
Zip it, or you get the ‘Alert status red’ treatment from the platoon in the barracks. BRAVA is our platoon Drill Sergeant. U gop after her, you go after all of us in the platoon. Hooah!
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
8:43 pm
CF Victorino
3b Prado
Rf Heyward
LF Kendrys Morales
1B Freeman
2b Uggla
ss Simmons
c Napoli
or
SS Simmons
CF Bourn
3B Prado
RF Heyward
lf Upton
1b Freeman
c McCann
2B Keppinger
Brava
October 8th, 2012
8:43 pm
Wilson, do you know me? No you don’t. I’m honorably discharged and retired from the Army and I very seldom drink.
If you think you can come on here and attack everyone personally for voicing their opinion, I think you’re going to find you are highly mistaken.
Brava
October 8th, 2012
8:46 pm
Hey, rich. Good to see you back to your old self. The ghost is in the closet now, huh?
Any good news on Mrs. rich? I’ve been praying for you two every night.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
8:48 pm
let’s see how close I get!
ss.Simmons
cf Victorino
3b Prado
rf Heyward
lf Gordon
1b Freeman
2b Uggla
c Bethancourt
starters
Medlen
Hudson
Maholm
Minor
Delgado
Pen:
M.Adams
Martinez
Rodriguez
Venters
Capps
Kimbrel
BrandonLee49
October 8th, 2012
8:49 pm
I think Frank was trying to get away with Not revealing any Secrets…. NSS… we got nothing but stand-in comments…. No mention of Francisco; FG, already asked to be back(?!), That’s just another Hole Frank doesn’t Need on his Plate for the next 4 months… Not that there aren’t Two Dozen Minor League Mgr’s who have beyond a 1st grade viewponit of Running a BallClub into FIRST, Winning the Division… Not being happy with second place. BobbleHeads lackluster playoff could’ve been ‘emotional’ maybe that’s why he didn’t get any days off… Something really Stunk with that… Bad Base running by Simmons ??? what was that about, did he not see the Coach, or was the Coach Caught Sleeping??? Sure Argue the Format Stinks all year, but Torre Likes it, so far the Braves are the Only ones got Bit, so it will be here next year.
Tough article for DOB, so let’s give him a break, There’s No secrets gonna come out today or the next week… “Heyward (in RF) is where he’s Best”…that’s a given challenge for Spring Training, or Winter Talks…
Bama Braves
October 8th, 2012
8:49 pm
joe- There Is No Way Marteen Should Bat Third!
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
8:50 pm
Wilson is an Idiot!
Ward
October 8th, 2012
8:50 pm
Hello everyone! I say sign Swisher, and move Prado to 3rd base, or sign Bourn, and David Wright, and keep Prado in LF, or move Prado to 3rd base, and Sign Victorino, and Swisher. I like all these moves…..
Brava
October 8th, 2012
8:51 pm
If Victorino comes to the Braves, I’ll have to find another team to watch. I despise him.
Brava
October 8th, 2012
8:51 pm
If Victorino comes to the Braves, I’ll have to find another team to watch. I despise him.
Ward
October 8th, 2012
8:51 pm
Trade Hanson for some prospects…..
richbrave
October 8th, 2012
8:53 pm
BRAVA:
Thanx for asking. Prednisone is stabilizing things a bit. They have to balance treatment against other nasty side-effects. Don’t want to create permanent damage to the patient in the process of trying to cure her. But this is a seriously long-term thing. Doc is saying prolly a couple years from here, and we’re already six months in. One day at a time.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
8:53 pm
maybe Wren could wrestle CarGo from the Rockies nest…
Simmons
Prado
Heyward
CarGo
Freeman
C. Ross LF
Uggla
Bethancourt
Brava
October 8th, 2012
8:54 pm
Trade Hanson for anything, Ward.
Just so we don’t ever have to watch him labor through another game.
Ward
October 8th, 2012
8:55 pm
Brava – Victorino is a solid player, and has patience at the plate. I would be O.K. with that if we lost Bourn. Swisher, Victor, and Heyward, or Prado LF Victor CF, and David Wright at 3rd base, or Prado LF, Bourn Center, Heyward RF, and Wright 3rd base. I like these moves, but it’s all cool….
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
8:55 pm
Swisher…. no no no
Trade Hanson for a 5 year supply of seeds and big league chew. I’ll be happy!
Brava
October 8th, 2012
8:56 pm
Well, a little stabilization is progress of sorts, rich. Y’all hang in there. Lot’s of people are pulling for you two and wishing for her speedy recovery.
Ward
October 8th, 2012
8:56 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan – It’s good to be talking about trades, or Winter Meetings again…..
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
8:58 pm
not as good as talking about NLDS matchups though… I was looking forward to analyzing our sweep of the Nats on Wednesday
Brava
October 8th, 2012
8:59 pm
Ward, really, I’d rather anyone but Victorino come to the Braves. I hate the guy. Can’t even stand to look at him.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
8:59 pm
Uggla, Hanson,Teheran to Rockies for Carlos Gonzalez, sign Cody Ross for LF, and Jeff Keppinger for 2b grab a couple relievers Scott Hairston, and let’s goooo.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
9:00 pm
Rich… many prayers will be going up for your Family.
Ward
October 8th, 2012
9:03 pm
Enter your comments here
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
9:03 pm
One thing I do hope for is that Wren’s rolodex with Hinske, and Diaz numbers on it will get stolen , lost er sumpin like that.
BrandonLee49
October 8th, 2012
9:06 pm
The Nats beat us out of FIRST by Four games, zDo we bet against them Winning another 96 Next year? I’d say chances are good they do, no signs of them faltering. The Braves came out an got theirStaters Flustered just enough to pull out some one-run games, and that One Shutout. but they are Set for next year, no noticable weak links, The Monkey is on the Braves, either we get major help, or Frank looks through his “rose-colored glasses” and says”don’t worry, be happy”… Ever Notice Frank and Gonzo are “two peas in a pod”. Again, Nice try there David, but it’s a lost cause trying to field any vision from a far-sighted grasshopper… Let’s see i’ve got all the food i need right here in front of me.
No Hope 4 Braves
October 8th, 2012
9:06 pm
Brava…As I recall Victorino appears to be everywhere when the Braves were at bat. That man can catch any ball hit any place. He may be an asset here. Rich…I pray the wife progresses quickly and God touches her and heals her.
Brava
October 8th, 2012
9:06 pm
Me, too, JoeBrave. Those two have no value to the team. None.
Chop Chop
October 8th, 2012
9:06 pm
I’d rather pay Victorino a little less to play center than bring Bourn back. I’d also be willing to sign Swisher and put him in LF. That would certainly up the grit/scrap quotient on the club. These guys are also used to winning and would bring a little extra to the clubhouse. I hate to talk like that (I’m more of a stathead type), but this team does need something. If Greinke isn’t a possibility, we might as well go for the “load up on solid, ‘winning’ ballplayers” route and see if that makes a difference.
Ward
October 8th, 2012
9:07 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan – I’m not picky, just want to the Braves to be improved, and could accept Greinke. Just feeling for offense this year, but what ever happens I’ll be O.K. with, as long, as the Braves do some kind of improvement. Just thinking about offense…..
DS1
October 8th, 2012
9:10 pm
I think you can safely say that Diaz and Hinske will not be on the Braves next year. Remote chance that Diaz could be signed to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training, depending on his thumb.
I was never 100% convinced that we saw the real Matt Diaz this year. He might be finished, but a minor league offering would be a low risk offer.
Brava
October 8th, 2012
9:10 pm
I just don’t see Wren going for any more pitching. That wasn’t our weakness, lack offense was.
DS1
October 8th, 2012
9:11 pm
I have always liked Swisher, but I think the Yankees would be crazy to let him get away.
No Hope 4 Braves
October 8th, 2012
9:11 pm
As I recall, Victorino could catch any ball hit anywhere when playing against the Braves. He could be an asset and not cost as much as Bourne. Shake things up a bit, and see what falls out. The way it is obviously is not working.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
9:11 pm
One thing Frank should keep in mind after the bed wetting the Braves pulled, NO dadgum Dumpster diving, leav scrubs like Diaz, Hinske, Wilson, Overbay,etc right where they are, so damn far away from Atlanta a GPS couldn’t bring em to the TED!
Brava
October 8th, 2012
9:12 pm
of
richbrave
October 8th, 2012
9:13 pm
CUNNINGHAM and HANSON for LF ALEX GORDON
DS1
October 8th, 2012
9:14 pm
Agreed Brava. But I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a slight change or two in our staff due that are precipitated by other moves.
I also think FW is always thinking about ways to improve the club overall, which means if a deal for a pitcher presented itself that would improve the team, I think he’d listen.
But at first glance, I am happy with Medlen, Hudson, Minor, Maholm and Hanson as the first 5. Then you still have Teheran and Delgado as backups. And Beachy near the end of the summer. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Beachy come out of the pen if we have 5 decent starters when he returns.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
9:14 pm
Bring back Ross, Johnson, sign Hairston.and Keppinger to go with Janish or Pastornicky, and roll with that bench. I know we are stuck with Uggly, but the rest of the team can and must be improved.
richbrave
October 8th, 2012
9:15 pm
Thanx JOEB
DS1
October 8th, 2012
9:16 pm
So JoeBrave, who are you going to populate your bench with if you don’t go for sub type players. If a player is good enough to start, he’s going to be starting for somebody else.
richbrave
October 8th, 2012
9:17 pm
OF OSCAR TAVERAS is a AA CARDS prospect I like.
DS1
October 8th, 2012
9:18 pm
Brava
I hear what you’re saying about Victorino, but if that guy had been on our team the past 5 years, you’d of loved him. Guy goes full out.
After Bourn’s collapse in the second half, do you think his value will drop enough for us to afford him?
richbrave
October 8th, 2012
9:18 pm
DS1:
Heh! Unless he’s named DAVID ROSS.
DC3
October 8th, 2012
9:19 pm
trade uggla and hanson and prospects to arizona for justin upton sign bj upton and jeff keppinger and try to sign kyle lohse.
1 keppinger 2b
2 prado 3b
3 heyward rf
4 j upton lf
5 freeman 1b
6 bj upton cf
7 mccann c
8 simmons ss
1 medlen
2 hudson
3 lohse
4 minor
5 maholm
richbrave
October 8th, 2012
9:19 pm
I’d give up SPRUILL and LAMM for TAVERAS.
Thadsdad
October 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
Count me among those dumbfounded by this fascination with Constanza. The guy is OK for a fourth or fifth OF, but realistically, he came up as a rookie, had two or three good weeks, then has been mediocre or worse since – and suddenly he’s an everyday centerfielder? The same goes for Francisco. OK for a bench player, but he doesn’t make enough consistent contact to be an everyday player.
In retrospect, the trade that didn’t happen – Jurrjens and Prado for Adam Jones – would have been a good one, eh?
Still would like to see Lorenzo Cain or B.J. Upton wind up in Atlanta, although Upton is another guy who doesn’t put the ball in play often enough. Like his power, though, and even though Heyward hit the long ball this year, the Braves haven’t gotten enough power from their OF in three or four years.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
Ross, Johnson,Hairston,Keppinger,Janish/Passtornicky/Francisco… just gave the bench DS1, no more trash diving for the likes of Diaz/Hinske/Wilson etc. not a fan of those guys no more than I am a fan of Uggla(should have been left right where he was) Wren has an opportunity to make the club better, he needs to forget his friendships, throw away the Topps collection and get it right.
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
OF OSCAR TAVERAS is a AA CARDS prospect I like.
It’s just an absolute embarrassment of riches. Top 5 farm system. Top 5 in terms of talent at the major league level. I’m sure they are ecstatic that Pujols left. Financial flexibility and friggin Allen Craig to replace him at 1st base.
Couch Tater
October 8th, 2012
9:22 pm
These guys took alot of heat. Nice interview…
They knew that this was going to be a more contentious negotiation. They said, “you have to make a choice.” As the NFL was putting out feelers for interested officials, the supervisors put out a notice that if you choose to make that decision, then obviously you’re sacrificing your college season – and probably your career.
Read more: http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/09/28/my-life-as-a-replacement-ref-three-unlikely-months-inside-the-nfl/#ixzz28lCSHgBv
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
9:22 pm
I’d give up SPRUILL and LAMM for TAVERAS.
Yeesh, rich. He’s a Top 10 prospect in the sport and I really don’t think they are gonna give him up. Plus, they don’t really need pitching. They are us….with offensive depth and pitches that actually break 92mph.
Heath
October 8th, 2012
9:22 pm
Only 2 trade pieces are needed….
Willingham for LF
Fowler for CF
A lot of good reasons to look elsewhere, but I think McCann and Uggla are on the team next year too.
CF Fowler (S)
3B Prado (R)
RF Heyward (L)
LF Willingham (R)
1B Freeman (L)
2B Uggla (R)
C McCann (L)
SS Simmons (R)
SP Hudson
SP Medlen
SP Minor
SP Malholm
SP Delgado
(Those are the 5 until Beachy returns the second half of the season. Hanson out as part of a trade for either Willingham or Fowler.)
RP EOF
RP Venters
RP Durbin (Bring him back as FA)
RP Avilan (Surprised me, did well)
RP Martinez (Good for long relief)
RP Gearrin (Did well and will be RH Sidearmer)
RP Kimbrel
C Ross (Has to be back doesn’t he?)
1B Baker (No more Hinske, would be a good 1B Back-up, especially as RH)
SS/2B Janish or Pastor…both? Not sure.
OF Scott Hairston Perfect 4th OFer for Braves
If not carrying Janish and Pastor…wouldn’t be surprised to see Francisco as 3B backup on the team for one more try.
Those or my thoughts based on Braves money constraints. I think that’ll be a balanced, competitive team.
If Braves play good defense, their still playing… so wasn’t THAT far off to begin with…
DS1
October 8th, 2012
9:23 pm
What we saw on average from Michael Bourn is the true numbers he has put up over his career. Since I haven’t followed him, I really don’t know if he has always had a hot first half then a slow second half, or if he is more consistent normally, but he is what he is: 270/340/370
So in the grand scheme of things, this is the sort of player we are hoping for in CF for next year. A hitter than won’t embarrass you and will play really good defense in CF. But we just don’t need to be paying 15 million a year for 270/340/370.
Heck, we could find 2 CF’ers with better platoon numbers for a lot less than that.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
9:26 pm
Wayne you are correct see Dexter Fowler/Lorenzo Cain/Brett Gardner/Leonys Martin, no way Bourn is worth more that 10-11 per for four years.
JoeBrave
October 8th, 2012
9:28 pm
Josh Willingham had a nice year but he is on the decline…no thanks
Ward
October 8th, 2012
9:28 pm
All, have a good one, and talk later…..Monday Night football, and Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Efrim
October 8th, 2012
9:32 pm
I don’t mind Fowler, but they value him quite a bit and he isn’t a great defender. Could be that Colorado makes it hard to be a great defender, but the defensive metrics don’t give him too much credit. Offensively, I don’t mind him too much. Probably a guy who could hit at least .750 for the year as a Brave. He hit .720 outside of Coors. But I’d expect better than that as he matures.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 8th, 2012
9:33 pm
Hanson and Cunningham for Gordon? I’d bet it will take more than that, they want good, controllable pitching. Delgado or Spruill at least. Would like that though, Gordon’s a .300 hitter with good D.
Cards aren’t giving up Taveras, which is why I hope we can get Jay. Gives you a .300/.359/.414/.773 line every year and a 113 OPS+. His RangeFactor (per BBRef) is near Bourn’s
Brava
October 8th, 2012
9:34 pm
I agree, Wayn. Don’t see him passing up a good deal on a pitcher, if it comes up, but just don’t think he’ll be actively seeking one. We have much greater problems.
Like you, I’m happy with the rotation, although I wouldn’t keep Hanson if he can be traded. I’ve never liked him and after this season, I do even less.
DS1
October 8th, 2012
9:35 pm
Joe
Take a second look at that bench of yours. Personally, I don’t like to get into the name calling (dumpster diving as an example) because every single one of these “dumpster” people you are slamming were incredibly good major league players at one point in time. That’s why they are still hanging on in 2012.
But take a look at Keppinger. No range. Substandard fielder. Pastornicky: unproven, poor arm. Juan Francisco: power against righties, but not much else now. Potential though. And the best one is Janish! He’s the reincarnation of 2012’s Jack Wilson. Great fielder (we’ll cut Jack some slack on the D this year, as we really didn’t see much of him) but can’t hit worth a lick.
So in reality, over half your bench would be considered “dumpster” material.
Now, I’m not slamming those guys, but just pointing out that you are putting them in a different category than their skills so far have failed to live up to.
Does that make sense?
Brava
October 8th, 2012
9:35 pm
Sorry, Wayne, my keyboard must need fresh batteries.