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1,698 comments Add your comment
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
1:26 pm
Victorino for 2 years, option for a 3rd maybe.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
1:27 pm
I agree, the window to get Headley for a reasonable cost is prolly closed
P-Town Brave ©
October 9th, 2012
1:27 pm
DS1-
Pardon my french but you’d have to get Sanduskied to pry Headley away from the Padres
DS1
October 9th, 2012
1:27 pm
Gutierrez is only marginally worse than Bourn, for half the money. Wouldn’t cost much. Send a big package to SD for Headley.
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
1:28 pm
I could see a scenario where Willingham is traded. Harder for me to see it with San Diego/Headley.
abeeeewright
October 9th, 2012
1:29 pm
Hanson’s value right now is higher than it was to start the season. He’s got some issues with fastball command and endurance. But, nothing point to him being “not healthy.”
As long as he can start the season as no worse than a fifth starter, there’s every reason to believe that he will end the season with very high value.
Hanson’s situation is utterly not comparable to Jurrjens’s situation. JJ, a pitcher known for injury concerns from his Detroit days, ended a season on the DL. In his come-back, he only rarely demonstrated the ability that had led him to a sub-3 era in his first couple of seasons.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
1:29 pm
not sure why Shane would sign something that short TOBF, I would think it would take 4 guaranteed, maybe more. Prolly does not want to hit FA again in his mid-30s if he does not have to.
P-Town Brave ©
October 9th, 2012
1:29 pm
TOBF-
I’d be ok with that….
You’d get him at his age 32, 33, and possibly 34 seasons….and the thing about him….he is a plus plus defender if put him in LF and he is still stealing bases at a great clip (39 of 45 last year)…oh and he doesn’t get thrown out stealing quite near the levels of Bourn….
Like I said, if we could add him to another speed threat in CF, we’d have one heckuva upgrade on the basepaths that could help our ability w/ RISP and manufacturing runs
Tumbledown
October 9th, 2012
1:30 pm
Nolie, Touche.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
1:30 pm
What’s the deal with Pence? I’ve heard that he may be too costly for the Giants, don’t know if it’s true. If so, he may be a target.Hits lefties pretty well for his career and even home/away splits. 20-25 HR a year power.
DS1
October 9th, 2012
1:30 pm
How about Teheran, Bethancourt and …………. brace yourselves, ………………… Simmons.
P-Town Brave ©
October 9th, 2012
1:30 pm
DS1-
Only marginally worse….
Thats like saying Mac is only marginally worse than Rossy at defense….
As I said before, you can’t steal 1b….and he doesn’t get on so….
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
1:31 pm
not sure why Shane would sign something that short TOBF, I would think it would take 4 guaranteed, maybe more. Prolly does not want to hit FA again in his mid-30s if he does not have to.
He picked the wrong year to have a stinker, nolie. I’m not seeing four guaranteed years for him.
P-Town Brave ©
October 9th, 2012
1:31 pm
Nolie-
I really cant see anyone giving him a 4-5 year deal at his age…
DS1-
Don’t make me smack you through the PC…..Simmons is BEYOND OFF LIMITS!
DAP
October 9th, 2012
1:32 pm
too soon, p-town. it probably always will be.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
1:32 pm
I could see a scenario where Willingham is traded
After the year he just had, hopefully not the Braves. Not at the cost of Graham,Delgado,Teheran. Spruill/Salcedo, yes.
Tumbledown
October 9th, 2012
1:33 pm
Anyway, I believe my posting regarding the Braves is generally positive and constructive, although I have no tolerance for posters who state there is no hope for the Braves.
It seems like Todd Cunningham is a good centerfield prospect, but he is probably at least a year away. Hopefully, the Braves will go after someone like Victorino to at least help their toughness quotient.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
1:33 pm
Guiterrez is onea those guys who could easily drop a 230/280 type season on you and his CF defense has dropped off quite a bit since his 2009 super year
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
1:34 pm
Pence has been a good enough player, it’s a really tough call on whether they’ll tender him a contract – it was a really bad year for him too. I still see them doing so. They don;t have many outfield options.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
1:34 pm
at 31? I can see 4 years. I sure don’t see him taking 2 even with an option.
DS1
October 9th, 2012
1:35 pm
P
We played quite well w Janish at SS
David O'Brien
October 9th, 2012
1:35 pm
Amen to that. I don’t want a Yunel but echo hearing enough on how great these guys are in the clubhouse(no knock on DOB) but hear this a lot through the organization. — Frankie
First of all, nobody I know is advocating bringing back Hinske. Quite the contrary, I said he hadn’t produced past two seasons to warrant it.
Secondly, I have already mentioned Victorino at the top of my list of guys I’d go after if I were the Braves and Bourn isn’t re-signed.
And finally, this has to be stated because some on this blog have a entirely irrational obsession with Yunel Escobar: Nevermind that, as the world has finally realized — even some of you skeptics who mocked the Braves’ standing ovation for Alex Gonzalez, I think, finally have your heads out of the sand on this one — Yunel just isn’t a good teammate and has worn out his welcome in Toronto just as he did in Atlanta.
But forget his character issues. Let’s pretend he’s a motivator of men and a fiery team leader. (I know, it’s a reach but work with me here.)
Please explain to me what is it about a player who had an anemic OPS of .655 in 2010 and .644 this season, who has averaged roughly 8 homers and 50 RBIs the past three seasons, who is 29 years old yet has never had more than 26 doubles, six stolen bases or 145 games played in a season in his entire career , who hits for little power, doesn’t draw walks and isn’t a Gold Glove-caliber defensive player, what about that player is it that you want on your team? Or that even leads you to mention his name at this point. Please, do tell.
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
1:36 pm
I’d like to shoot for more than Franklin Gutierrez. Wouldn’t mind him if we were focused more on a starter and a LF banger…but based on yesterdays comments, it seemed like Wren wanted to place more importance on CF/leadoff.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
1:37 pm
Victorino went from .279/.355/.491/.847 (130 OPS+) in 2011, possibly his best year ever, to .255/.321/.383/.704 (91 OPS+) in 2012.
That has to give a GM some pause, I’d think.
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
1:38 pm
at 31? I can see 4 years. I sure don’t see him taking 2 even with an option.
32 on opening day next year and I think the poor year are going to scare a lot of teams. I see three years guaranteed as the max.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
1:38 pm
you are assuming that my comment was about you Tumble, it was much more generalized about the glut of negativity from dozens of posters the last few days
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
1:40 pm
I wouldn’t mind Victorino or Pagan…..I just wish the funds were allocated towards a frontline starter instead.
DS1
October 9th, 2012
1:40 pm
Efrim My idea exactly. Headley is the banger.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
1:45 pm
I just wish the funds were allocated towards a frontline starter instead.
As do I. That’s why I like Jay/Bourjos so much… good CF, both with good D. 1 hits every year, 1 hit well in the year he started. Both are cheap.
David O'Brien
October 9th, 2012
1:47 pm
Just one more thing for the remaining members of the Yunel fanclub: Of the 193 major leaguers who had at least 400 plate appearances this season, his .644 OPS ranked 181st.
Frankie
October 9th, 2012
1:47 pm
“But forget his character issues. Let’s pretend he’s a motivator of men and a fiery team leader. (I know, it’s a reach but work with me here.)
Please explain to me what about a who had an OPS of .655 in 2010 and .644 this season, who has averaged roughly 8 homers and 50 RBIs the past three seasons, who is 29 years old yet has never had more than 26 doubles, six stolen bases or 145 games played in a season in his entire career , who hits for little power, doesn’t draw walks and isn’t a Gold Glove-caliber defensive player, what about that player is it that you want on your team? Please, do tell.”
LMAO, what was that? DOB, my point was everybody in Braves Country is tired of the good guy chemistry BS and want producers man. Nobody ripping you hear about advocating for Hinske?????
I despise Escobar more than anybody and have stated frequently. Still Hinske played a role, big role in 2010. Nothing since, see you later.
Folks here want guys who contribute with their bats and make plays with their gloves to win game. No to Escobar, no to Hinkse.
Not sure I understood your diatribe there my man.
Frankie
October 9th, 2012
1:48 pm
Again who the hell is advocating Escobar??? Maybe I am missing something.
Fairbrave
October 9th, 2012
1:49 pm
I think Headley is the answer even if he cost a lot. We have depth. Headley producing 20-30 hmrs and over 100 rbi’s is hugh. Leave Prado in left and get BJ Upton for center. Now you have at least six guys with over 20 home run power and with our pitching hard to beat.
TennesseePaul
October 9th, 2012
1:49 pm
32 on opening day next year and I think the poor year are going to scare a lot of teams. I see three years guaranteed as the max.
He could get all crafty and play the one year deal in hopes of a longer deal next off-season. If I’m not mistaken, there would be fewer CF next off-season on the market.
Would love to see Headley and Sheilds on this team with who-ever they wish in CF. Get those two and I’ll tolerate Biff dining on his bat.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
1:49 pm
I despise Escobar more than anybody and have stated frequently.
I think you’re gonna have to stand second-in-line to O’Brien on that one, my friend.
P-Town Brave ©
October 9th, 2012
1:51 pm
DOB-
If it were you, would you be looking at Victorino for LF or CF?
While he played a lot of CF with the Phils, it seems he’s more natural of a LF as he ages…..would be a GG caliber LF with the ground he covers, but IMO just an above average at best CF….
How do you feel about Denard Span or Ben Revere?
Frankie
October 9th, 2012
1:53 pm
Hah, scoots I have brought up that piece of garbage out of the blue(not O’Brien) relishing how bad of a season he was having and enjoying it immensly. Maybe worded it wrong and he obviously didn’t take it the way intended.
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
1:56 pm
Would love to see Headley and Sheilds on this team with who-ever they wish in CF. Get those two and I’ll tolerate Biff dining on his bat.
Hah! I wish we had the prospects to pull that off…….
P-Town Brave ©
October 9th, 2012
1:57 pm
DAP-
Yes too soon, but you get my point on what it would take to net Headley….
I think we’d be seeing another Tex like haul….
And no….don’t get me wrong guys, I’d love to see the guy in a Braves uni, I just cringe at the package it would probably take
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
1:57 pm
How do you feel about Denard Span or Ben Revere?
Not a Revere fan. Doesn’t walk or hit for power. Entire offensive game is tied into BA. He’s a lot like Juan Pierre.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:01 pm
Not a Revere fan. Doesn’t walk or hit for power.
Sooner or later, you’re gonna have to decide how ugly a girl you’re willing to take home, ’cause Miss America usually ain’t around at closing time.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:02 pm
Braves staff was one of the best in baseball the last few months, not sure why some of you think that they would spend money on another pitcher
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:03 pm
We’re already missing out on Miss America… the Angels may keep him.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:04 pm
Get those two and I’ll tolerate Biff dining on his bat.
Sorry, but there are some things that cannot be tolerated while there are mirrors into which a man must look. Bat-licking Biff-diners must be rooted out before they become a pox on America.
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
2:04 pm
Braves staff was one of the best in baseball the last few months, not sure why some of you think that they would spend money on another pitcher
I can understand if Wren decides to put all of the money in the outfield. Doesn’t mean it’s what I’d do or I think it’s the best way to create a stronger run differential for 2013.
DAP
October 9th, 2012
2:05 pm
ptown would you be looking at Victorino for LF or CF?
you didnt ask me, but i say CF, no doubt, no question.
efrim Not a Revere fan. Doesn’t walk or hit for power. Entire offensive game is tied into BA. He’s a lot like Juan Pierre.
pierre has been a pretty good player. putting the ball in play and running it out has worked pretty good for him. if revere hits like pierre, he’ll do alright for himself. especially since he apparently plays better defense.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:05 pm
not sure why some of you think that they would spend money on another pitcher
Because I said they should, dammit.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:05 pm
Frank don’t wait for no closing time, he is more of a wham bam kinda guy
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
2:05 pm
Sooner or later, you’re gonna have to decide how ugly a girl you’re willing to take home, ’cause Miss America usually ain’t around at closing time.
Hey, I’m talking about Shane Victorino joining the Braves here. It’s bad, scoots. Anything to keep them from overpaying for Michael Bourn. Sure, bring in Ben Revere to hit .290/.320/.340.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:07 pm
I find it hard to believe that 20mil will be spent on 2 OF and a vet bench bat.
flange1
October 9th, 2012
2:08 pm
Efrim,
I think that the Braves will either get a really good LF/3B or a really good CF. Don’t think they can get both.
I would rather spend the money on the LF/3B guy and get a Revere or Bourjos for center.
In my mind, go for the defense in CF with some speed. IF their BA is 99% of their OPB, ok it is what it is.
It just gets too expensive to get a better offensive player out of CF.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:08 pm
Frank don’t wait for no closing time, he is more of a wham bam kinda guy
That’ true. He obviously subscribes to the theory that, if you’re gonna go ugly, best to get it over with while you can still get a decent amount of sleep.
Braves Junkie
October 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
On paper the Braves look solid; however, in reality no one is intimidated to play the Braves. We scare nobobody. It’s time to bring in a Fred McGriff type of player. Something that will add excitment and real hope for winning a pennant. I would not trade the last 20 years of winning baseball for anything due to the fact the previous 20 years were a nightmare.
Please go get Jose Bautista from Toronto and put Prado on 3rd.
flange1
October 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
TOBF,
Your obsession over Greinke is getting almost scary.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
obsession is always scary
DAP
October 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
flange1 It just gets too expensive to get a better offensive player out of CF.
i kinda feel the opposite of you. because, i think its easier to put together a decent/good LF option than it is to get a CFer. defense is a must in CF, so if you can get a pretty good hitter that is competent in CF, that goes along way. LF? platoon that sucker. get me jonny gomes and seth smith. i have no problem with that.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
mayhaps we can bring back Klesko and Ice
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:15 pm
the best way to create a stronger run differential for 2013
I just want folks to consider this: the loss of Bourn and Prado in the OF is going to amount to a fairly serious number of defensive runs saved going away, assuming they actually get a banger for LF (an .850 guy who is also a great defender? Sure. You bet.) and actually get a decent defensive replacement in CF. Without really putting a pencil to it, I’d estimate that the run-prevention loss would be just about equal to…
a stud starting pitcher.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
I’m just obsessed w/ an ace… be it Greinke, Shields, Price. Greinke is the easiest to get. Haren and McCarthy are probably good #2s, but not as good as Zack.
defense is a must in CF
Bourjos! Bourjos! Heck, even Jay is a good defender.
Tumbledown
October 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
Braves Junkie – I would not trade the last 20 years of winning baseball for anything due to the fact the previous 20 years were a nightmare.
I have been a big fan since the mid 70’s. The twenty years before 1991 was not a completely bad. Life was good in 1982 and 1983 when the Braves were competitive, and players like Dale Murphy, Phil Niekro, and others were great to support. I do understand what you are saying, though. Many other teams would gladly trade their last twenty years with the Braves.
Getting Baustista does not seem feasible, as we would have to part with much of our young talent. The Braves need to maximize their young talent going forward, and I would not advocate any more Texeira-like trades.
Shaun
October 9th, 2012
2:23 pm
DOB, I agree that Yunel shouldn’t be at the top of any wish lists, purely for the distraction factor. But if we were to assume he’s a great clubhouse guy, I think a team could justify playing him at short.
He actually is a very solid defensive player at the shortstop position. No matter how bad he hits, there’s value in that. He was no worse offensively this season than JJ Hardy, Alexei Ramirez and Mike Aviles. So I think he’s good enough, on a pure performance level, to hold down shortstop for a major league team. It’s a matter of the distractions he brings.
CB
October 9th, 2012
2:23 pm
I believe Revere would be a great get for Braves, 24 years old and pre-arb. He is a good contact hitter who can learn strike zone with proper coaching. I would offer Delgado and feel good about it as a fair trade,Twins in dire need of pitching.
VaBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:24 pm
Could we land Josh Willingham for Tommy Hanson or Paul Maholm plus 1 prospect?
Tumbledown
October 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
I like the Braves’ starting staff going into next season. I think Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, and either Delgado or Teheran can put us in a playoff position by next year’s trading deadline. I agree with the sentiment that our limited resources should go into upgrading the outfield and third base. Wise choices in that regard can keep us competitive with the NL elite. People far smarter than me have made great recommendations on this blog as to who to add.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
lets just pass on Revere
CB
October 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
Hey, make it a Willingham and Revere and problems are fixed on offense.
Hillbilly
October 9th, 2012
2:27 pm
I think you’re gonna have to stand second-in-line to O’Brien on that one (Escobar Disdain), my friend.
A-HEM!! {Cough, Cough}
Tumbledown
October 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
Shaun – But if we were to assume he’s a great clubhouse guy, I think a team could justify playing him at short.
I think the ship has sailed on this assumption.
Murph
October 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
Revere struck out 54 times in 553 PA this season.
Bourn struck out 155 times in 703 PA this season.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
Hey, make it a Willingham and Revere and problems are fixed on offense.
Shoot, in that case, give ‘em everybody.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:29 pm
Simmons is even better on D and will hit at least as well
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:30 pm
don’t care Murph
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:31 pm
Could we land Josh Willingham for Tommy Hanson or Paul Maholm plus 1 prospect?
Doesn’t really fix their longterm pitching needs though… I’d like that trade though, esp. if the prospect isn’t a major one.
Shaun
October 9th, 2012
2:32 pm
Tumbledown, right. I was addressing DOB’s post about assuming Yunel was a great clubhouse guy and why a team still might not want him.
My argument is that he’s good enough to at least hold down a job, on a pure performance basis (or at least was even in his rather poor 2012 season). It is all about the distraction that Yunel creates, which I’m fine with at this point. The eye-black thing was definitely the last straw.
David O'Brien
October 9th, 2012
2:33 pm
Hey, someone needs to tell Alex Rodriguez there’s no such thing as a great hitter being terrible in the clutch. Right?
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
2:33 pm
I believe Revere would be a great get for Braves, 24 years old and pre-arb. He is a good contact hitter who can learn strike zone with proper coaching.
Revere in CF and Trumbo in LF for CB. That’d make him happy.
Murph
October 9th, 2012
2:35 pm
don’t care Murph
You should.
I know nothing about Revere other than what I just gleaned from 30 seconds on baseball dash reference dot com, but he seems like a decent young player. Add in the fact that he’s an Atlanta native and he could be a good fit. Depending on the cost, of course.
CB
October 9th, 2012
2:36 pm
Efrim, I would be dancing in Atlanta with that combination.
Trader Jack
October 9th, 2012
2:36 pm
I believe that the Twins would have to be really wowed to move Willingham. Keep in mind he’s one of the big three that puts butts in the seats, and even though they finished last in their division out drew the Braves in attendance by 350K
And by wow I’m talking about more than a pitcher who is considered damaged goods, plus some mid level prospect
VaBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:36 pm
Tommy Hanson and Randell Delgado
for
Josh Willingham and Ben Revere
Not sure if the Twins would like the overall deal but they need Starting pitching bad. But this deal would only cost the Braves around 4 million after salaries are swapped. We’d still have around 17-20 million to work with. Or we could have interest in Denard Span as well which of course would change the deal. But in terms of team needs were a great match to get some kind of deal done.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:39 pm
why should I care, Ks are not that big a deal, and a leadoff hitter usually comes to the plate with nobody on, so as long as his OBP is Ok what does it matter about Ks?
Revere has a relatively poor OBP which is much greater sin that a lot of Ks
and 19 extra base hit? even at leadoff doubles and triples are a big help, stuff Revere!!!!!!!!
CB
October 9th, 2012
2:40 pm
Va, would need more that that I believe. scoots and I would give them more. lol
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Tommy Hanson and Randell Delgado for Josh Willingham and Ben Revere
I don’t know that many teams would trade two everyday position players for two pitchers, straight-up.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
That’s intruguing… I don’t want to trade Delgado in a deal for Willingham, but if Span is added maybe. I don’t want Revere though.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
It might take Hanson and Deldago to get Willingham alone. two years left, if he moves it will take some talent to get him I think
Shaun
October 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
Revere struck out 54 times in 553 PA this season.
Bourn struck out 155 times in 703 PA this season.
Revere has a career OPS+ of 79, a .319 OBP, a total of 57 walks in 1,064 plate appearances, a .323 slugging with 0 homeruns.
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
I don’t know that many teams would trade two everyday position players for two pitchers, straight-up.
Not gonna happen. We’d need to add more to the pot.
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
CB, the thing is, neither team is likely to maximize its assets in a single, all-purpose trade like that one. Mitigates against blockbuster trades, all the time.
MiaBchBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:45 pm
Another indictment on Frank Wren’s inability to evaluate hitting: while we sign the Garrett Anderson’s and Troy Glaus’ of the world, players like Raul Ibañez and Carlos Beltran are viable contributors to their respective playoff teams, to say nothing of their clutch performances down the stretch.
If those players would have failed as Braves… well, you cannot speculate on such things. That said, the fact that Atlanta is the place where Hitting goes to die needs to be something that people much smarter than Wren must hunker down in a bunker somewhere and really, REALLY examine, so that mistakes like Dan Uggla do not happen again.
This team will NEVER be a viable playoff team so as long as they hit .230 – with putrid RISP numbers – in September baseball.
Murph
October 9th, 2012
2:45 pm
nolie, look at Bourn’s numbers when he was 24.
CB
October 9th, 2012
2:46 pm
OBP can improve in young players with proper coaching, I do agree he lacks power but good contact hitter.
nolie
October 9th, 2012
2:46 pm
I doubt they would have much interest in Hanson either
Efrim
October 9th, 2012
2:46 pm
Ya know what team will be fun to watch this winter? Texas. Lots of moving parts. Lots of depth. Sort of like St. Louis.
I’d rank the Rangers and Cardinals as the two most talented teams in baseball when considering major league and minor league talent. Both are loaded.
Shaun
October 9th, 2012
2:46 pm
Hey, someone needs to tell Alex Rodriguez there’s no such thing as a great hitter being terrible in the clutch. Right?
Okay…I’ll bite…Rodriguez in the postseason: .271/.380/.484 in 70 games and 309 plate appearances.
Where’s the evidence that he’s not clutch?
VaBravesFan
October 9th, 2012
2:46 pm
To me Josh Willingham is the perfect fit. He’s RH power hitting LFer who makes sense for our payroll. But he is 34 years old and would be a big step down defensively in LF from 2012. So we can’t go overboard trying to get em.
Deep Breath and Reload
October 9th, 2012
2:46 pm
It has to be some type of curse or something. If something bad is gonna happen, it’s going to happen to the Braves. I’m not talking about getting to the playoffs or just getting close. Those factors alone are enough to make lotza people pull their hair out. I’m talking about infield fly rules. I’m talking about a future Hall of Famer’s defensive blunder opening the floodgates in a game that had win written all over it. I’m talking about Eric Hinske hitting a go ahead homer late in a playoff game and having it taken away the next inning by Brooks Conrad. I’m talking about Lonnie “Skates” Smith not being able to pick up the ball and not scoring in 1991 which SHOULD have been the A Braves first World Series Championship. IT goes on and on and on.
And who’s fault is it? Damn if I know! I don’t think it’s any individual’s fault. I think it’s a curse or something. Too many bad things happen at the wrong time year after year after year.
Which leads to my point. I don’t care if the Braves get a middle of the road free agent or a superstar like Hamilton. I don’t care if the Brave sign Greinke or Joe Blow. I don’t care if they trade for a real “difference maker,” I don’ t think it will make a difference. I don’t think it really matters. The Braves can lose with mediocre players and the Braves can lose with superstars. They have done it in the past.
Someone in the organization needs to find out which spirit they have whizzed off and get a witch doctor to come in and make peace. Obviously players don’t seem to have the ability to make that “Peace.”
ncscoots
October 9th, 2012
2:47 pm
It might take Hanson and Deldago to get Willingham alone. two years left, if he moves it will take some talent to get him I think
More likely a package, yes. That’s eight years of club control for Willingham’s two, and his contract number makes that equitable.
Frankie
October 9th, 2012
2:48 pm
I personally would like to see a straight up trade to the Blue Jays involving Yunel Escobar for Simmons. Rumored Yunel does a great “Gangnam Style” and would lead the team to their positions on the field with this dance. I think it would spike attendance.
Shaun
October 9th, 2012
2:48 pm
Efrim, it’s going to be very interesting to see what goes on with Andrus. I think he’ll be traded. I think it’s Profar’s time.
Also I think Ron Washington is gone.
CB
October 9th, 2012
2:48 pm
scoots, agreed in most cases but Twins are pitiful in pitching and may be willing to go for more of a blockbuster than most teams.