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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,698 comments Add your comment
Chop Chop
October 9th, 2012
2:11 am
We can replace Bourn with Ankiel and call it a day.
Rowsdower
October 9th, 2012
2:59 am
There is no leverage for a guy that has had shoulder problems for 18 months and needs surgery. The Braves would get pennies on the dollar for a premier player (when healthy). Better to take your chances this year and see what you have. I don’t mind losing him to free agency if someone wants to overpay. With this talented, young core, there is no reason to make rash decisions.
Sorry, but I think you’re stuck with Mac for at least one more year.
N8
October 9th, 2012
3:02 am
“Sure you would… 2nd most errors among 2nd baseman, and a .300 obp for the year. Uggla was top 5 defensively, and top 3 in OBP i believe.”
I don’t think anybody doubts that the “upside” to Uggla is higher than Omar Infante.
That being said. 13 million vs. 4 million……
Is Dan Uggla 9 million dollars “better” than Infante?
No.
Dick Dodge
October 9th, 2012
3:06 am
I have always believed that when it comes down to it…people say more by their actions..than by what they strictly say.
I give Fredi Gonzalez credit for starting David Ross in the play-in game. He made the absolute correct decision. The Cardinals would have ran all over McCann. Privately, McCann (if he’s worth his weight in being a competitor) had to be seething at being benched (again, if he’s healthy enough to pinch hit…he can play..especially with it being a playoff game).
McCann says that he’s going to need surgery. Frank Wren says that he thinks McCann can play in 2013 without surgery. Why would McCann and Wren seemingly appear to not be on the same page when it comes to something like whether a player is in need of surgery or not? I see nothing but jockeying for spin control should McCann be moved (whether traded or option declined).
I suspect that McCann is not happy with what Gonzalez decided to do. If McCann really wanted to play for the Braves in 2013, why not wait until after the Braves decide to pick up his extension..before announcing that he needs surgery? Why risk the Braves not picking up his 2013 option (kind of like how the Braves cut Ron Gant after his motorcycle accident)?
My take is that he really wants to play for another team…who believes in him as a full time catcher. I suspect that deep down, he believes that by playing in the American League, the DH will prolong his career as a catcher.
It just doesnt make sense to pay a catcher $15 mil a year in the National League (unless you’re Yadier Molina..whose durability is pretty amazing). Dude’s career has taken off in the past couple of years…while McCann’s been injury riddled…and has regressed defensively.
knockerhomerx
October 9th, 2012
3:12 am
Frank, Com’on man. Trade Uggla, Hanson. If you pick up McCann’s option 12 mill, ouch. B Mc is declining and has been. Bring up our AA catcher. Prado to 2B. Get a stud with the stick for 3B and LF. Speed in CF/leadoff hitter. Freeman @1b, Heyward @RF. Pitchers and Bullpen fine. Unload underachievers add on overachievers. l love my braves. Nothing personal against uggs, red, bmc. just business. Move on
Dick Dodge
October 9th, 2012
3:15 am
Rowsdower, when healthy, McCann can still hit. McCann’s trade value to an American League team would get far more than “pennies on the dollar” (as you suggest). The Braves would get good value in return if a team like the Yankees or the Red Sox got involved. You’re not even factoring in how the DH can help prolong a player’s career. If the Breves were an American League team…McCann would have been our DH, while Ross started the play-in game.
Paying McCann $15 mil in the American League makes perfect sense (even with the risk of injury) because he can catch 110-120 games a year..while DHing 30-40 games a year. However, our lineup has been hurt by not having McCann’s bat in our line-up for big chunks the past couple of years..due to the effect his injuries has had on his availability and ability to produce.
For a number of years, we counted on Chipper and McCann to be our number #3-#4 hitters. How many other line-ups have had their #3-#4 hitters miss the amount of time that Chipper and McCann has missed (even though both were dropped in the order at times the past 2 years..they were both paid like they are 30 homer/100 RBI guys)?
N8
October 9th, 2012
3:16 am
I don’t think McCann’s defensive ability has regressed. I don’t think it was upper half caliber to begin with and the injury bug has made it worse.
He was never that good at throwing. Never that good at blocking balls and often out of position when blocking the plate. Mac made his money with his bat. If he can’t hit….. he’s of very little use to the Braves on the field. That being said, he’s a “draw” at the gates and with Chipper gone, i suspect his jersey will be the top seller next year. Or at least up there with Heyward and Freeman.
The “safe” thing to do is pick up the option and if it turns out to be the wrong decision you cut him loose. Wren can always go trade for a veteran (defensive) catcher if Mac can’t play in 2013.
The bold thing to do would be to cut him loose now and use that 12 million on two everyday players for CF and 3B/LF (depending on Prado), that will play in 155+ games. When you think about “pro-rating” Macs games started with his salary, he’s more like a 16-17 million dollar player since he’s only going to start about 130 games or so.
The Braves are just fortunate to have the best backup catcher in baseball for when he’s down.
Not sure what to do about Mac. Guess it depends on what options Wren has in mind for the other two positions. If he’s going Willingham/Cody Ross kind of route? Then he best pick up Mac’s option and cross his fingers the old Mac shows up.
If he wants to be bold and trade Teheran or Delgado to get somebody better than a Cody Ross/Willingham type guy? Say in a crazy world he goes all out after Josh Hamilton? Then I suspose you could afford “defense only” behind the plate.
To me it’s all relative depending on the other moves what to do with Mac.
But like Paul Maholm….. I think it’s a no-brainer to pick up the option. Because SOMEBODY would trade a prospect for a gamble year on Mac (just like Maholm is VERY tradeable if Wren chooses to do so), if he became available. So why wouldn’t you at least pick up the option and see where it goes?
Rowsdower
October 9th, 2012
3:42 am
@Dick – I know what you’re driving at, but his option isn’t $15M. It’s $12M. Not chump change, but i’m not worried about what he makes on the open market. I’m worried about what the Braves could get THIS offseason for a player that needs surgery. We’re not getting much in return, and if he comes back strong, i’m would be pissed.
Nothing to be gained this offseason. Let’s see where we’re at closer to the deadline. If we’re not contenders and he’s not performing, deal him for whatever you can get. If we are and he is…
jj
October 9th, 2012
4:21 am
WeBurn makes some good points,but I would do all I can to trade Hanson.He and JJ were to be our next stars on pitching staff but that boat has sailed and Medlen,Delgato,Minor,Beachy,and Tehran are next in line with ole man Hudson still hanging on.I would also keep the veteran Maholm until we are sure some of the youngsters are ready to roll.I also hope the Braves give Franscisco a chance at 3rd.He did good with the limited time Chipper allowed him to play this year.A left handed power hitter at the corner could be interesting.I hope he and Betencort play winter ball and are given every chance to come North next year.I think there are some trades that could be made to help our OF and Bench. I Like that CF in Colorado and their extra OF Michael Cuddyer.He was good in Minn and I think he would fit the bill as our extra OF with Reed Johnson.This is a BIG OFFSEASON and I hope Wren is up for it.GO BRAVES
knockerhomerx
October 9th, 2012
4:35 am
GM Wrenn and fellow Braves fans, l present our 2013 Atlanta Braves
SS Simmon
2B Prado
RF Heyward
1B Freeman
3B Olt TEX
CF Upton TB
LF Morales LAA
C Bethancourt
1P Medlen
2P Maholm
3P Hudson
4P Minor
5P Delgado/Teheran
CL Kimbrel
LR O’Flaherty
LR Venters
RR Martinez long relief
LR Avilan
RR Gearrin
RR Graham power
Bench
IF Jannish
OF R Johnson
IF Francisco
IF Baker
C Ross
susie wells
October 9th, 2012
5:37 am
i hope to hell frank wren does something this year at the winter meetings besides sitting on his ass and playing with his toes take his big salary and get a good player or better yet new glasses for the blind umpires.
Same old stuff
October 9th, 2012
5:46 am
Should ask Framkie Wren Uggla can’t do it we blew it ..after all why was Frank Wren not roasted for sayin this team is good enough go all the way to world series…and same as chipper mouth runs..by his words ..Just want say u atlanta fans are the best and we are far better then any other Natl. league team here….Nice clipboard for wall to see…idiot!You should said How come Baltimore won wild card and could be in world series oh wait…Frank wren Knows he trade are farm system to there….chipper did not want win wildcard are go all way….he proves it 2000 season 2outs 6-2 lead rocker on mound ground ball to him oops i over threw first base we lose st.louis we play we get swept 3-0 in wildcard series….yet no one blame him….2012 now routine ground ball oops over threw uggla and poof…and now crys if been best of 3 play-in game what next best of6 oh wait 12..Get over it Frankie u lied n all the bull fart you say it be like all winter meetings U go dallas sit in Motel with some vodka fall asleep do nothin…are walk by MLB studio folks and fall in Pool! 74-88 record for 2013!
longtimefan
October 9th, 2012
6:55 am
DOB-Thanks for the season blogs. I’ll be back next year. I, for one, believe in FW and trust that he will provide FG with the pieces to make a run at the division championship next year. We have a great nucleus of young players to build around. The sarcastic pessimism spewed by so many fans on this blog absolutely amazes me. There are very few teams that wouldn’t trade their last 2 decades for the Braves. Our young players under control for multiple years are the envy of most GMs. I look forward to the winter season chess match.
K Conway
October 9th, 2012
7:07 am
Wait til next year! What a joke!!
Rick in Macon
October 9th, 2012
7:11 am
So Frank is very optimistic where we stand…well folks, get ready for another letdown next season. With him feeling that way, we’ve not got a chance. If he wants to improve the team he’ll fire Fredi, McDowell and get rid of Uggla. Get rid of them and you’ve fixed half the problem.
GRAPHITE
October 9th, 2012
7:19 am
Maybe Frank should be told of the Indian curse that is on Capitol Av. sacred grounds.
Mark
October 9th, 2012
7:24 am
I see the braves in the same position as the hawks. Nice young core and a lot of flexibility. Personnel/finance wise. Go Braves
NORRIS CHUCK
October 9th, 2012
7:28 am
Rufio
October 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
“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.
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
I AGREE BROTHER!
Black Boortz
October 9th, 2012
7:35 am
Here’s a thought: cut the MLB season from 162 games to 140. Then begin the playoffs in mid-September. There’s no reason to play 162 games and a one-game playoff. Every playoff series should be 7 games.
Black Boortz
October 9th, 2012
7:39 am
And forget the Indian Curse! This team is/was cursed by Mark Wohlers’ 3-2 slider to Jim Leyritz in the ‘96 World Series. Nothing good has happened to this team in the Post Seaon since then. Kill the Wohlers Curse and we’ll see Post Season success. Until then, it’s either one and done, first round exits, or crushing, demoralizing defeats deep in the Post Season.
Couch Tater
October 9th, 2012
7:52 am
Nice young core and a lot of flexibility.
The Gymnastic Strategy!
Dead Weight
October 9th, 2012
7:57 am
FIRE FREDI G. Release or make trade bait of Tommy Hanson, JJ. THEY NEED TO GOOOOOOO.
Gary O.
October 9th, 2012
8:03 am
Efrim,
I remember you were high on Beltran last year, and he would have been a great addition for this team. With Beltran in LF, Prado would have been our super sub, and would get plenty of PT filling in at 3B, 2B, and LF.
NORRIS CHUCK
October 9th, 2012
8:08 am
Black Boortz,
Ive been screaming that for years now. It would seem like common sense, but MLB is making money. As long as the people still come, that wont stop. The season could be 200 games and the people will still come.
Makes sense to me that a 90 win team have more than just one game to play. Typical St. Louis Cardinals, barely win 85 or so games and run the table a few years ago and about to do it again.
MLB made up this one game playoff to pacify some teams but it clearly not working.
NORRIS CHUCK
October 9th, 2012
8:09 am
By the way, trade McCann, JJ and Hansen and maybe a youngin’ for Napoli and Hamilton!
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
8:11 am
Napoli and Hamilton are free agents….. I’d like to have Napoli, but he’s turning 32 and will probably want to start.
As for catchers being defense first, I agree. That’s a bit part of the game. However, when you have one who can hit, while providing adequate D, you keep them. That’s why Mac will/should be back next year. If he gets his shoulder healthy, I can’t see him struggling again.
Gary O.
October 9th, 2012
8:16 am
I am not sold on picking up Mac’s option. 2 seasons ago, he got hurt, and he struggled big time after the all-star break. Last season, he got hurt, and struggled big time.
And now he is another year older, and playing arguably the most demanding position in baseball. $12 mil is a lot of money to spend with your fingers crossed, hoping that BMac stays healthy AND returns to form offensively.
alanfalcon
October 9th, 2012
8:23 am
To The FAN, you sure have an odd approach to this game and thank god no one will listen to someone like you and your ideas.
WOW
October 9th, 2012
8:24 am
And the A-hole brings the band back together for another disappointing season, AGAIN. What a bunch of asscrocs.
richbrave
October 9th, 2012
8:31 am
Lot of last night about JUAN FRANCISCO and how bad he was last season.
I’m sorry but I just don’t see it. Yes his swing’s too long, but getting rid of that drawback before he tries to murder air molecules, and getting the muscle memory to swing at the same tempo all the time can correct that problem. If he learns to do that, and I saw flashes where he was attempting to do just that, we’ve got a power-hitting 3B. He has great potential if he’ll just even out his swing.
The kid’s a work in progress. Give him a chance to prove out. Keep him on the bench. Insert him in the line-up against his strengths for the time being. and let the two hitting coaches continue working with him. Get him some work in the Caribbean Leagues over the winter.
Troy Of Toy
October 9th, 2012
8:32 am
1) Don’t resign McCann unless its for about half his salary since he takes 1 game off per week (plays 100 games max).
2) Get a .300 40 hr. 100 rbi bat no matter where he plays. Preferably LF.
3) The actual problem with the pitching was that Braves depended on Medlen who was in AAA in June to be the saviour. That’s showed the lack of starting pitching.
Your oatmeal your eating
October 9th, 2012
8:35 am
Are we hanging a flag in the outfield for “wild card play in participant” WOW that sounds so bad like a fifth place ribbon for field day.
Troy Of Toy
October 9th, 2012
8:37 am
I’d go with Bethancourt & Ross at catcher. Free up the $10 million to sign a full time healthy player instead of part time catcher with injury problems like McCann..
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
8:37 am
Yes [Francisco's] swing’s too long, but…He has great potential if he’ll just even out his swing.
I have to disagree, rich. There’s much more wrong with his swing than just his length, from what I’ve seen.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
8:37 am
Get a .300, 40 HR, 100 RBI bat… because those guys just grow on trees
Troy Of Toy
October 9th, 2012
8:39 am
Trade for Ryan Braun.
Carroll
October 9th, 2012
8:47 am
I have said the same things about Chipper for years. In fact, I remember being at game 6 of the 1998 Braves-Padres debacle…you may recall that after storming back from a 3-0 series deficit and bringing the NLCS back to Atlanta, there was renewed excitement that maybe they had shaken off the negative playoff Karma that began when that idiot umpire Tim Welke stepped right in Jermaine Dye’s way of catching a routine pop foul fly in the 1996 WS… so I bought two premium tickets to personally witness it all finally come full circle for the Braves. My reward? Two friggin hits in a shutout loss to a no-name nobody (Sterling Hitchcock). One moment in that game stands out in my memory…we finally had the chance to get a little something going when Chipper hit a hot shot that trickled off the SS (or maybe 2B) glove….in one instant I rejoiced “FINALLY!!” …then I looked down the line to see that Chipper wasn’t even running at all…thrown out easily. I ran down the steps to the dugout to let him know how I felt. So for me, this is a microcosm of his legacy…an underachieving loser who never appreciated the opportunity he was given enough to rise up to the occasion. The team which has always excelled at finding new ways to break our hearts is a reflection of its leader, and that was never more apparent than last Friday. Good riddance. I can only dream of what Dale Murphy might have done with all the opportunity that Chipper was handed on a silver platter..to play behind such pitching talent like may never be seen again on one team….and the co-sluggers he had protecting him in the lineup. I, for one, will not pander to this underachiever.
DaltonBrave
October 9th, 2012
8:49 am
Forget Bourn. Bring in Josh Hamilton and move Prado to lead off. We need a lead off man that can put the bat on the ball. One that doesn’t strikeout every other at bat.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
8:51 am
So what’s the over/under on “days the blog is overrun with doofus posters before they switch to football and leave us in peace”? Anybody?
bill
October 9th, 2012
8:55 am
DOB I missed the question about Fredi calling a bunt with one out and men on second and third with a nohitting pitcher up next. The announcers were apologizing for Simmons because he made a rookie mistake by bunting. We now know it was that always will be a nonothin rookie manager with 7 years of experience.
Evil Chuck Dowdle
October 9th, 2012
8:59 am
Two years in a row we have had players wear down toward the end of the season and in some cases even earlier. Suggest adding a strength and conditioning coach that knows how to prevent this. Maybe it is because I don’t follow other teams but how is it that we continue to have this issue and other teams like the Cards seem to peek at the end of the season? Lay off the twinkies boys.
Gene
October 9th, 2012
8:59 am
Good article Dave. Do we still get a Wild Card flag for our stadium collection? Maybe a parade?
Chop for Chip
October 9th, 2012
9:01 am
this isn’t fantasy baseball… these trade proposals are crazy. wouldn’t be shocked to see bourn back and a left fielder. everything else the same
Chop for Chip
October 9th, 2012
9:01 am
this isn’t fantasy baseball… these trade proposals are crazy. wouldn’t be shocked to see bourn back and a left fielder. everything else the same
Cecil34
October 9th, 2012
9:01 am
Amusing to see so much fawning over the wild-card – fact is, that was created for nothing more than extra revenue, and for baseball purists, it really just means that they were the first loser in the division.
Wren has been selling the same snake-oil for several years but the results are poor.
Whether he is truly competent at his job will never fully be ascertained as long as a detached, sanitized and non-comitted ownership like Liberty Media is involved.
All Braves management are aware they are behind the 8-ball with this ownership and it’s restrictions in place as far as expenses and long-term strategy is concerned.
But, just like the old Soviet Union, they are going to portray the situation as a positive even though it is apparent to all that Liberty Media’s involvement is a negative to this franchise.
Shoot, Tim Tucker’s interview with McGuirk confirmed everything you would want to know about Liberty Media’s long-term strategy with this franchise.
Attendence is in decline as well, so there appears to be a lesser interest in just qualifying for “wild-card” every year.
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:04 am
It’s going to be a long offseason – especially on the blog. The idocy has started already – or is it that it never ended?
Randal Patrick McMurphy
October 9th, 2012
9:04 am
A lot of ‘interesting’ lineup configurations here… bottom line, you could have Murderers Row penciled in… it’s STILL gonna be that Jackass Havana Fats doing the penciling… SEE the problem, and remove it… period… end of Story…
If not… you do the Math… NO calculator required… |-)
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:06 am
Actually, attendance went up this year over last and is about as steady as any teams’.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
9:08 am
Trade for Ryan Braun.
Sure… the Brewers are just waiting to trade their franchise player who’s under contract through 2020.
Try again.
Double Zero Eight
October 9th, 2012
9:13 am
Rumor has it the Braves were cursed after winning
the 95 World Series, then abruptly trading Grissom
and Justice, even though both made significant
contributions to winning the pennant.
DS1
October 9th, 2012
9:13 am
Sorry folks, but I am tired of people telling me that Liberty Media is the problem, when the spend 90-95 million per year for this team.
90 MILLION!!
That’s a lot of clams.
As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lowered that somewhat this next season, with some of the big salaries coming off the books. I wouldn’t even blame them.
We are a mid market team with a mid market payroll.
Get over it!
DS1
October 9th, 2012
9:15 am
TOBF
Hey, maybe Milwaukee would pay part of his salary too! We could send them Uggla and Hanson for Braun!
And while we’re at it, maybe we can deal Detroit Gorkys Hernandez and Jair Jurrjens for Justin Verlander.
can you believe some of these folks?
DaveinNEPA
October 9th, 2012
9:18 am
12mil is a lot of coin to dish out for a player as ‘iffy” as McCann will be in 2013. Considering his shoulder/knee/eyesight/excess weight, he’s just too much of a gamble. I think they should cut ties with him and move on. It would make more sense to resign Ross as backup and then find another, younger, cheaper, experienced defensive catcher to play most days until Bethancourt might be ready.
As for CF, Victorino is a FA, switch hits, can hit leadoff, has speed and a couple of GGs and had a down year. He would probably come far cheaper than resigning Bourn. (and IMO Victorino is a more “complete” player than Bourn)
I say give Uggla 1 more season to see if he can work out his issues and if not then they should try to find a taker, even if that means eating a big chunk of his salary.
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:20 am
Y’all continually bitch we don’t have enough money, yet constantly clamor to eat millions of dollars of salary. Sheesh.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
9:22 am
can you believe some of these folks?
I believe they are crazy and foolish!
beachcomber
October 9th, 2012
9:24 am
With all the talk about new CF and LF/3B, one thing the Braves must do is tie up David Ross. There simply is no better number two catcher in the majors and he’s probably better than as many as 10 starters.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
9:27 am
and [Ross is] probably better than as many as 10 starters.
Since the chance of Ross being able to catch 130 games in a season is probably less than zero, he actually isn’t better than one starter, let alone ten.
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:32 am
What Ross is is the best back up catcher in the league..
Jeff R
October 9th, 2012
9:33 am
Go Cards…
ncgary
October 9th, 2012
9:33 am
90 million aint chump change but 110 million would have added more than 20 million worth of selling value
TennesseePaul
October 9th, 2012
9:33 am
Y’all continually bitch we don’t have enough money, yet constantly clamor to eat millions of dollars of salary. Sheesh.
C’mon Lew. It just makes sense. If the team can dump Uggla and pay, say, $10M a year the Tigers would gladly hand over Infante… So the team would have Infante at $14M a year instead of Uggla at $13M a year. It’s a win/win!
Jeff R
October 9th, 2012
9:33 am
What Ross is is the best back up catcher in the league..
Yes.
DonofAcworth
October 9th, 2012
9:34 am
Look at Baltimore… they have some castoffs and no “stars” except those that they put in place and allowed them to develope. What they have is an strong urge to win and they don’t read the newspapers to find out if they can win. A good manager (like old Cox) who knows how to develope players and if you don’t have gobs of dollars pay the guys that produce and stand back and allow them to do just that. When a player comes to Atlanta they know they have to produce from day one and some good players who are now producing on other teams are players we threw away before allowing them to develope.
Develope what you have and a TEAM will occur before you eyes. A team of players who will believe in each other and pick each other up when the need comes. I just don’t believe you can set down and buy players and expect them to meld and win without a heart that beats together. Yes, have a talk with each player and tell them the improvement you need to see in them…smart young men can react to positive suggestions like that.
DS1
October 9th, 2012
9:34 am
The Braves and McCann should probably know in a week to 10 day whether he will need shoulder surgery or rest. That should make things a bit easier going forward. If the Braves think they will need someone more capable of starting a large number of games, they might be more inclined to get a catcher that is capable of starting over 100 games in 2013.
I agree with scoots that Ross is probably not capable of catching that many games, and still performing to the levels we are accustomed to him providing.
Even if we get another catcher, I would still hope we would lock up Ross for another couple of years.
DOB
Is there any indication that FW wants to hang onto any of the group of Reed Johnson, Lyle Overbay and Jeff Baker? How about Chad Durbin in the pen? (I’m guessing a lot might depend on what kind of contract they are looking for)
Jeff R
October 9th, 2012
9:35 am
As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they [Liberty Media] lowered that somewhat this next season, with some of the big salaries coming off the books. I wouldn’t even blame them.
That would surprise me.
Jeff R
October 9th, 2012
9:37 am
McCann will be re-upped, IMO. He’s a bridge to Bethancourt. At least that’s how team execs may think through it.
DS1
October 9th, 2012
9:38 am
10Paul
Somebody last night wanted to send Uggla plus 11 million to some other team, and have Pastornicky play second base.
For whatever reason, they couldn’t seem to decipher that it would be Uggla at 13 or Pastornicky at 11.5.
Duh……….
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:38 am
For all of those who actually think Christian Betancourt should be in Atlanta this year -
A – .269, .293, .366
A+ – .271, .277, .325
AA – .245, .275, .291
In addition, Betancourt is recovering from a broken hand so he’s absolutely certain o improve those numbers, right? And you think McCann on a bad year is not good enough?
Rick C
October 9th, 2012
9:39 am
Troy Of Toy @ 8:32
1. McCann played in 121 games this year.
2. Easier said than done. Who do you think they should get? Your suggestion of Braun is not realistic at all. Why would the Brewers trade him?
3. Pitching would not have been an issue had Beachy not needed TJ surgery.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
9:39 am
I’m expecting a lower payroll next year. We’re not getting pitching (or so he says) and there’s not really any combo of 2 OFers worth spending 20-25 mil on. I’m expecting about 14-15 mil at the most; that includes getting a veteran bat for the bench and ‘pen.
NotYou
October 9th, 2012
9:40 am
@Disgusted – Please never consider yourself a Braves fan. I can’t stand this moping three year old, “this is the worst day ever” bs. You sound like such a child. Get over yourself and support the team. They did better than last year but I understand that’s not enough for you. They could go all the way every year and you and your type would still find something to complain about. I feel sorry for those that live with you.
DS1
October 9th, 2012
9:41 am
Jeff R
Think of it this way. You replace Chipper with somebody like Josh Willingham at 7 million per and then add a CF for 3-4 million per.
Then you have to figure for raises and maybe signing a couple of players long term. In the end, what if the salary number came up to 85 million. Would you automatically think you MUST go out and spend the extra 5 million just to get to 90??
I sure wouldn’t. I’d use that flexibility to resign our young players in future years.
Powder Blue
October 9th, 2012
9:42 am
Great interview, DOB.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
9:42 am
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=18585
The league’s 30 clubs drew 74,859,268 over 2,423 games this year: an increase of 2 percent. ……it was the league’s largest year-to-year growth since the 2007 season total rose 4.6 percent over 2006. Nine clubs drew more than three million in paid attendance this season, while 13 clubs eclipsed the 2.5 million mark. In addition, this is the second consecutive season that total attendance increased over the previous year and marks the highest attendance since 2008. When things are all said and done, 2012 will rank as the fifth-best single-season in MLB history in terms of attendance.
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:42 am
I heard from McFann yesterday (for those who actually care) and she has left the blog – at least for the time being because (in her words ) “I found myself getting more worked up over the And Idiot’s comments than they’re worth.”
She also says hello to noile, haggard, jeffrey d and “a few others”.
Hope y’all are inmordinately proud of yourselves – you drove a teenage girl away. You should be proud of yourselves.
Jeff R
October 9th, 2012
9:44 am
DS1, that’s a good point.
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:44 am
OnlyBraves – You notice he also spoke of extending Prado and they will extend a few others, as well, taking up the rest of the available money.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
9:45 am
McCann will be re-upped, IMO. He’s a bridge to Bethancourt.
Except that Bethancourt has shown absolutely no ability to provide even the minimal catcher offense needed to play in the bigs. Zip. If he repeats at AA next year, that will be his age 21 season and suddenly he’s not the “youngest guy in his league”, anymore. A failure to up his offensive game to at least the point of projectability in 2013 would be a really bad sign.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
9:45 am
I really do hope that the Braves save whatever money they do save… it may come in handy later on.
Cecil34
October 9th, 2012
9:46 am
Actually the high water mark in attendance in the last 13 years was 2000, with an attendance of 3,234,901. This was the last year the Braves eclipsed 3 million in attendance.
The late 90’s were very consistent for them to draw over 3 million.
The attendance in 2012 was 2,420,171.
Obviously attendance is in decline.
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:48 am
No, the attendance declined over ten years ago and has remained very steady since then – between 2.3 – 2.8 mil a year.
BravesFanInMaine
October 9th, 2012
9:50 am
caleb….. thanks for posting that article about the braves ownership….. The braves can win a championship on 90 million dollar payroll the big thing is not to throw money at bad players for instance I love chipper jones and he was the face of the franchise but the last four to five years he has cost the braves alot….. Uggla will be if not already another player that is going to eat alot of payroll…… I just hope the braves make good financial moves with allowing flexibility at the trade deadline to add another bat or pitcher if need be
Cecil34
October 9th, 2012
9:50 am
But it has declined…
Jeff R
October 9th, 2012
9:51 am
Except that Bethancourt has shown absolutely no ability to provide even the minimal catcher offense needed to play in the bigs.
Wouldn’t argue with that. Yet, team execs are high on the kid, or so I’ve read. My guess is Bethancourt restarts at Mississippi next season, and if he improves, advances to Gwinnett in the summer. Maybe he gets to Atlanta in September.
This is just a projection. Plenty of stuff can happen to intervene to change things.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
9:51 am
I don’t think extending Prado and Heyward next year cost a lot more than offering them arbitration. There will still be money available.
http://www.talkingchop.com/2012/10/9/3478006/atlanta-braves-off-season-questions-part-2-whos-on-third
Mentions using Juan against righties, Prado vs. lefties. Says that Juan should un-Melky (duh), but that he’s a solid option nonethless. May hit 30 HR out of the 7spot.
That may be fine, though I disagree, but I really don’t want a platoon in LF, unless we’re getting Greinke or another top pitcher. I’d rather have an every day LF out there
DS1
October 9th, 2012
9:52 am
Lew
Thanks for the update on McFann. I do not blame her for taking a break from the blog; whether it be temporary or for good. I have felt the same way from time to time.
After an absence, I usually return for the bennies of having insider access w/ DOB.
Hopefully she is on the twitter thingy (I might have to figger out how to do that one day).
cowdogit
October 9th, 2012
9:53 am
Since the braves were in last place hitting with runners in scoring position, I would suggest the best clutch hitter available would be the number one priority. I repeat that the best move made in the winter meeting was when the cardinals decided not to spend all their available money on Pujol’s. I know that Fredi is sure glad to get Chipper out of his hair, maybe now the team will be his to manage.
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:54 am
Braves attendance since 2000 (rounded off)
01 – 2.8 mil
02 – 2.6
03 – 2.4
04 – 2.3
05 – 2.5
06 – 2.5
07 – 2.7
08 – 2.5
09 – 2.4
10 – 2.5
11 – 2.3
12 – 2.4
DS1
October 9th, 2012
9:55 am
The folks that want the Braves to go after some big name free agents are the same folks that will whine that we need to eat salary to get big salaries off the books a few years later.
P-Town Brave ©
October 9th, 2012
9:55 am
Gotta say, apparently the crazies not only come out at night on here, but some people smoke way too much or drink way too much…..
The fact that ANYONE thinks we will get ANYTHING for Hanson is crazy logic….
Even crazier is thinking that we will get Alex Gordon for NOTHING….
Some of the trade proposals and logic on here are quite comical…..
In fact, theyre Jim Hendry worthy
Lew
October 9th, 2012
9:55 am
And something else that has declined since 2001 – f’an’s Income.
ga gator
October 9th, 2012
9:58 am
Bite the bullet and break the bank and get rid of Uggla. Prado to second, Josh Hamilton to left and David Wright at 3rd. See how simple it is?
Cecil34
October 9th, 2012
9:58 am
2000 attendance – 3,234,901
Since 2000 – less than 3 million.
2000 vs. 2012 – a drop of 814,730 in comparison of those two years.
I see steadiness but general decline overall.
Jimbo
October 9th, 2012
9:59 am
Why cant the wild card team with the best record have a one game advantage in a 3 game series. Play the series as a double header and if the first place wild card team wins then series over but the second place team would have to double dip (win both). Now that would be fun!!!
Jeff R
October 9th, 2012
10:00 am
The fact that ANYONE thinks we will get ANYTHING for Hanson is crazy logic….
Why don’t you think the Braves can get anything in return for Hanson, P-Town Brave ©? Or do you mean anything of real value?
Lew
October 9th, 2012
10:01 am
No, the decline came and went – over ten years ago.
And one thing that has NOT declined like attendance and income – the cost of going to a game. It was those 3 mil + seasons that were the aberration – not the attendance we’re pulling in now.
cowdogit
October 9th, 2012
10:01 am
For thirteen million dollars,I believe the braves could find a better clutch hitter than McCann. Give me a break – Last place with RISP.
Ron
October 9th, 2012
10:03 am
go get sombody that can hit, you can’t teach hitting
Ron
October 9th, 2012
10:03 am
go get sombody that can hit, you can’t teach hitting
DS1
October 9th, 2012
10:03 am
Lew
Primarily since 2009.
http://www.sentierresearch.com/pressreleases/SentierResearch_PressRelease_October_10_2011.pdf