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
297 comments Add your comment
Heap 16
October 16th, 2012
6:19 pm
Thanks again as always, DOB…was just trying to gauge the extent that this procedure today addressed the various issues Mac was having with the shoulder. Hopefully this will have him close to 100%, so we can benefit again from the production of the 1st half 2011 and prior Mac that would lengthen our lineup greatly.
reckingball
October 16th, 2012
6:23 pm
This guy that keeps wanting to get rid of McCann, bad mouthing the players, coming off like he is some kind of a GM guru, is a joke.
reckingball
October 16th, 2012
6:28 pm
Who paid for his surgery?
I don’t know for sure, and I could very well be wrong, but I heard about this thing called insurance
You see, the Braves might have insurance for that sort of thing, but like I said, I could be wrong about that.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
7:03 pm
Reckingball, I’m not gonna get into it at length with you again as we’ve been down that road before and it turned ugly then best I recall, but my views are hardly worthy of being considered a joke. EVERY prediction I had for the outcome of this season came to pass if you care to go back through the blogs which I don’t blame you if you don’t. So tell me, if that is the case and I predicted this season down to the wire, how are my views in turn ” a joke”? I live in the real world, where people who have major reconstructive surgery on their THROWING SHOULDER never really recover to original form. I like Brian McCann, but at 12 or 13 million dollars, that’s one hell of a gamble to take for a club that is desperate for offense and has relatively limited means to procure it. Call me a joke if you want, and maybe
Ken Stallings
October 16th, 2012
7:04 pm
I have very conflicted thoughts on this situation. It’s obviously not an easy decision for the Braves. But, I see in Brian McCann every objective indication that he is on the back side of his career and therefore this is one of those cases where you should cut loose a player you’d prefer not to cut loose.
With this surgery, McCann is not likely to be available next season until sometime in May at the earliest. That’s hoping that he has no complications in rehab.
Is it possible that with a repaired shoulder that McCann could return to All-Star form? Yes, it is and that is where the Brves organization has the advantage. If the doctors are all convinced McCann can return to his previous form, then it makes sense to pickup the club option and see where things stand after the end of the 2013 season.
One would love nothing more than to see McCann back to form. Unfortunately, my logical side questions whether that is still possible.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
7:05 pm
computer froze up
Wren takes that gamble and maybe he doesn’t, but one thing I feel pretty safe in predicting is this: Brian McCann will never catch a 130-140 game season ever again while maintaining numbers anything like those he did 3yrs ago….
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
7:08 pm
that’s what I’ve been saying all along Ken, I like McCann but at this point to me it makes more sense to let him go. If his option were for more like 6 or 7 million, maybe then I’d see the gamble….
David O'Brien
October 16th, 2012
7:15 pm
Wren takes that gamble and maybe he doesn’t, but one thing I feel pretty safe in predicting is this: Brian McCann will never catch a 130-140 game season ever again while maintaining numbers anything like those he did 3yrs ago…. — BravesFanSince80s
I think most teams would be more than happy with McCann’s numbers from a year ago: .270 with 24 homers, 71 RBIs, .351 OBP and .817 OPS in 527 plate appearances.
I agree, at 28 and after 7-1/2 seasons of catching in the big leagues, he’s not going to catch 138-145 games like he once did. And an AL team is probably going to offer him a lot more than NL, simply because he’s not played any position except catcher nor seems likely to be able to transition easily to another position on a part-time basis. Where in the AL he could DH some in the early part of a contract and more with each passing season.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
7:20 pm
sorry, I keep forgetting that he finished with decent numbers last year despite the tailspin at the end…
bfred
October 16th, 2012
7:44 pm
Why not decline the option and re-sign him at a reduced guaranteed salary with incentives that can get him back to the $13 million number, or close to it? It’s not as if teams are going to be lining up to sign him away from the Braves until they’re sure he’s actually recovering, and the Braves are sure to be at least slightly more generous than the next suitor. I think BMac understands the team can’t afford a $13MM gamble and no one else is going to pay him close to that number, or to a long-term deal.
jj
October 16th, 2012
7:51 pm
Breacher repor–Pirates rumor interested in Ross as there starting catcher..
jj
October 16th, 2012
7:57 pm
Insurance: I’m sure all players have Insurance for their family’s and self. Anyone making million would not depend on Obamacare to pay there bills. I hope…MLB & Union probably demands some type of INS.
I’m sure DOB could answer that question on Insurance.
Big John
October 16th, 2012
7:59 pm
Brian McCann & a Gold Glove
LMAO !
We need a catcher that can call a game & throw runners out !
Put Prado on 3B & lets get a LF that can HIT over .250 with POWER !
Frank Wren
October 16th, 2012
8:00 pm
I’m sure David Ross would consider a “hometown discount” if you catch my drift.
Carl Farvman
October 16th, 2012
8:04 pm
“I’m sure DOB could answer that question on Insurance.”
I hope he doesn’t. Why are we fascinated wth this issue. As a ballplayer the club is handling the medical stuff. It’s not hard to assume that this is being considered an on-the-job injury.
Carl Farvman
October 16th, 2012
8:06 pm
“I’m sure David Ross would consider a “hometown discount” if you catch my drift.”
He’s not the long-term solution. Perhaps we could trade Gerguns for Molina.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
8:07 pm
yeah, I’ve said for years that McCann was pretty suspect at calling a game, Ross gets way better results in that department. Some of the folks on here who think we need Mike Piazza at catcher need to take a long, hard look at our ‘91 and ‘92 teams, far and away the most electric, gut-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat teams we’ve ever had. Who was our “starting” catcher? Greg Olson. Yup, Greg Olson….
jj
October 16th, 2012
8:22 pm
Carl I didn’t start the Insurance crap..but thanks for your insight.
jj
October 16th, 2012
8:24 pm
Well said– BravesfanSince1980 @8:07
Mark (another one)
October 16th, 2012
8:25 pm
Rehab will start in the next week, and McCann should be able to play some in spring training. He’s also a rare skill player and Wren will have reports from rehab. I don’t see the issue at this point except the Braves will need to make their decision in the next couple of weeks. I bet McCann will be easing into full time duty by the end of April. If I’m Wren I pick up the option, and I’m usually wrong.
hit a single
October 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
I hope McCann is a lifetime Brave. No doubt you could tell he was hurt. One of the best hitting catchers in the game. Most guys would have shut it down so their numbers wouldn’t have suffered, not McCann. He is a pretty tough dude and the kind the Braves need. As good as Ross is you can tell when McCann is not in the everyday lineup. Get well Brian and hurry back.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
a “rare skill player”? I think you’re confusing sports there, or the player in question, one of 2. If McCann were one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, on top of being a pretty good hitter, (see St. Louis’ catcher for example), then maybe that term might apply. In reality, it does not…
Dadgum.....
October 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
McCann, until at least three days after the WS is over, is an Atlanta employee. He was hurt during the season under contract and thus surgery is paid for by Atlanta. All of it.
jj
October 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
Braves will pick up opinion and keep him till next year are trade him.
They can offer him a new contract for next year and beyond… If they buy him out and he signs else where they get a draft pick.
I believe they will pick up his option and if he does ok after surgery in ST etc they will offer another contract.
smallmouth6
October 16th, 2012
8:42 pm
Braves should pick up the option. I’m pretty sure 90 plus percent of Braves fans would want it that way.
Dadgum.....
October 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
Ask yourselves this, would you pay a player almost 13 million coming off shoulder surgery who probably misses the first month at least and is someone you aren’t going to sign after 2013 anyway? The Braves simply aren’t tying up that kind of money with their payroll. This ain’t the Yankees we are talking about. Today’s news I’m sure was tough for the Braves but lets face it, Aaron didn’t finish here. Murphy didn’t either and McCann won’t. His defense is subpar and game calling is average. His bat is trending downward although it is easy to put that on the injuries. Do you gamble the 13 mil that he will bounce back strong? I don’t. Especially when he will be gone in 2014 anyway. It would surprise me to see Atlanta pick up the option.
Rock on……
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
8:50 pm
@hit a single: in what way do you see a scenario where McCann can stay a lifetime Brave? I’m not saying I wouldn’t want that to happen, just that due to his stubbornness, he’s now at a point in his career where he should have already been transitioning to another postion in order to make that happen and to date, it hasn’t happened. McCann should have been working out in LF and getting a few games in out there (or something like that)….
Dadgum.....
October 16th, 2012
8:51 pm
The Braves aren’t picking up his option year and then trading him. They just won’t do that which heightens the situation so to speak. Braves have no contract to trade either this year or next if option is picked up. They aren’t signing him long term either. So basically they are just saving the option money to spend on 3rd base or outfield players. Nothing is pointing toward the Braves picking up his option after today’s news. Surgery is simply happening at the wrong time.
jj
October 16th, 2012
8:52 pm
Chipper finished here..lol
jj
October 16th, 2012
8:54 pm
If they pick up his option they can trade him if they wish..
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
8:57 pm
jj, what trade value does he have if he doesn’t recover well?
Dadgum.....
October 16th, 2012
8:58 pm
BravesFan……exactly why he will end up in the AL. Can DH and catch about 100 games. Braves have much better defensive catchers in the system which is what we need. Offense is a plus with catchers and Ross is better there anyway right now. I say pass on the option for McCann and save the money for bigger needs.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
9:00 pm
I’ve argued that all day, but plenty have acted as though THAT were the foolish line to take:)
jj
October 16th, 2012
9:00 pm
None, but thats a crap shoot..I agree pass on him..just giving options.
J-MAN
October 16th, 2012
9:33 pm
I personally think they don’t need to pick up the option. But that doesn’t mean they still can’t sign him. Just give him a 3 year 24 million deal. We have Gattis and Betancourt to go with along with Davis Ross. But besides his shoulder his knees and decrease in defensive mobility should draw more red flags than the Shoulder. We need to have players that can drive in runners McCann and Uggla failed to do that too many times now were stuck with Uggla but McCann can be let go so we can go after clutch players like Hamilton or Beltran. Also let’s just let Costanza get a chance to play CF and save the cash on Bourn and use it to get another big bat and resign Prado also lets dump Jurrjens and Hanson. Also if Uggla doesn’t produce replace him with Uggla and give Francisco a chance.
My dream line up
1. SS Simmons
2. 3B/2B. Prado
3. RF. Heyward
4. LF. Hamilton Or Beltran
5. 1B. Freeman
6. 2B. Uggla
7. C. Ross/Gattis/Betancourt
8. CF. Constanza
9. Pitcher
Pitcher
SP 1. Medlen
SP 2. Hudson
SP 3. Maholm
SP 4. Minor
SP 5. Teheran/Delgado/ Beachy/ Gilmartin
RP Venters
RP EOF
RP Avalian
RP Gerrin
CP Kimbrel
J-MAN
October 16th, 2012
9:34 pm
13 million is just way too much for a slumping catcher with a bad glove
hit a single
October 16th, 2012
9:50 pm
I am not sure you can call him a slumping catcher. I think you can call him a catcher that slumped due to injuries and also going back to last year teams could pitch around him. Alot of teams want him and if the Braves have a better option they should go that route. But they don’t have that option right now. Money will be the determing factor. It is up to the Braves and McCann, not just one of them.
hit a single
October 16th, 2012
9:52 pm
If Betancourt is ready I would love to see him in the lineup.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
9:54 pm
get real, it’s plainly obvious that the position he attempts to play has had an adverse affect on his overall performance. He can’t continue to play that postion for the majority of the season and perform at a high level. What is that if not slumping?
J-MAN
October 16th, 2012
10:03 pm
Next to Running back, Catcher is the most physically demanding position in Sports There is a reason we dont see many Catchers play past 32 and why many have to Change positions. And maybe McCann slump was attributed to injuries but its not like he wont get more injuries playing this position. All I’m saying is that 13 million is too much to pay a Catcher on the downhill. if we resign him at a heaper rate then great but 13 million is too much. Especially for a mid-market team. Remember how D Lowe and Kawakami strapped this team for so long and dont forget McClouth as well.
J-MAN
October 16th, 2012
10:05 pm
Cheaper
Let's Go
October 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
I think if the Braves don’t pick up the option for 2013 then they better make sure they can sign David Ross to a 2 year deal first. I personally think with a decent back-up that can catch once every five days (like an Eddie Perez) David Ross would be a great full time catcher on this team.
Clark Howard
October 16th, 2012
10:24 pm
With Dan Uggla’s contract strangling the payroll another three seasons, Frank Wren needs to be creative . Bringing back Brian McCann, who will not be 100% on Opening Day, if at all, @ $13 million, is not Clark-smart.
Re-sign David Ross, and pair him with a good, inexpensive catcher that can actually field & throw runners out. Use the dollars on a bigtime slugger (preferably in their prime) for LF or 3B.
Hopefully our catcher of the future, Bethancourt, will be ready by 2014.
Dave Ramsey
October 16th, 2012
10:30 pm
Derek Lowe. Kinchen Kawakami.Dan Uggla. Nate McLouth. Mark Texeira for Casey Kotchman.
Do you really trust this Frank Wren, when it comes to spending or acquiring legitimate talent to improve the Braves?
Picking up the option on Brian McCann would be to stimulate fan interest and ticket sales, not winning in 2013.
I say PASS !
Speedy Gonezalez
October 16th, 2012
10:39 pm
Resign both, it’s only 1 year to see if Mac can make it back, & he has earned it, then u can decide if he warrants a long term deal. Let Bourn walk, sign a big time outfielder & move Prado to 3rd, & if u can’t afford it platoon Johnson & Constanza in the other spot, gotta add a big bat FW!
Gil In Mechanicsville
October 16th, 2012
11:05 pm
The Braves will re-sign Mac and will be happy to have him for five months even at $13 million. Just the cost of doing business. DOB is right in Mac’s likely future being in the American League. The insurance premium will be a little high but they will pay it. They won’t give up Mac over a few million, to much potential will be lost. They will find someone to spell Rossy for two months. Maybe Mac will be fresher for the second half.
Busch Leaguer
October 16th, 2012
11:52 pm
How about signing one of the free agent catchers? A.J. Pierzynski would be a good choice would cost less than McCann’s option . A short term fix until Bethancourt is ready. Braves should be flush with cash ,just hope they spend some of it improving the club.I just have a feeling that Liberty will want to keep payroll low and fill roster spots with cheap retreads or inexperienced rookies.
Busch Leaguer
October 16th, 2012
11:52 pm
How about signing one of the free agent catchers? A.J. Pierzynski would be a good choice would cost less than McCann’s option . A short term fix until Bethancourt is ready. Braves should be flush with cash ,just hope they spend some of it improving the club.I just have a feeling that Liberty will want to keep payroll low and fill roster spots with cheap retreads or inexperienced rookies.
SouthGADawg
October 16th, 2012
11:54 pm
Some of you “experts” would have said do not resign Babe Ruth when he did not hit at least 50 homeruns in a season, but even though he had low years he was still the “man that built Yankee Stadium” Brian McCan is the veteran leader today of the Atlanta Braves. Also, listen to David Ross about McCann as a catcher because of his offensive ability. David Ross said he could see where McCann was calling pitches to opposing batters thinking as a hitter. No wonder our pitchers have been as successful as they have with him as the catcher. Pick up the option Braves the experience is needed and there is no better solution available without paying out the gazoo. Twelve million is cheap for the quality.
JimBob
October 17th, 2012
12:06 am
I kinda of hope Wren takes a look at Jordan Pacheo with the Rockies. He is a Prado clone that could be an Infante type super utility. He plays 3B, 2B, 1B, LF, RF and he Catches. RH hitter who could be very valuable and had 147 hits in 2012 playing part time. Not a lot of power, but drives the ball and is Prado through and through at the plate…….be nice to have a third catcher that knows how to hit.
JimBob
October 17th, 2012
12:13 am
My bad Pacheco doesn’t play LF OR RF
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
1:48 am
McCann hit 50 home runs this year? Whoa!
BravesFanSinceBirth
October 17th, 2012
2:08 am
if they do not pick up BMAC I am DONE with the Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Denny Lemaster
October 17th, 2012
2:45 am
I just love some of the stupid suggestions some of these people make here. Suggesting that the Braves give up a non-roster Single A player for some team’s best two players. Some of the suggestions here are simply stupid. These other teams are not about to GIVE the Braves their best players for nothing. It is the other way around with the Braves. They trade four or five good prospects for a broken down non-production types. Get real with your stupid suggestions folks. The Angels will not trade Trout for anyone. PERIOD! Why would they even consider that? Use your mind for something besides a pingpong ball.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
3:37 am
I know MCCann is popular and he will bring some attendance in but is he worth 13 mil given the production, and the position and the timing. The Braves could use the McCann money, the Chipper and D Lowe money and the Bourn money to make this team a favortie. But playing “Nice Guy” ball will result with the Cardnials beating us again. Lets win the division and not play in a playin game. Lets get Hamilton or Beltran. Lets put a new idenity on this Braves franchise and not accept justbeing there. Lets get a team that wants to win.
Bill M.
October 17th, 2012
6:46 am
McCann is a great guy but the right business decesion is to not pick up his option. Sign Ross and give Gattis, Boscan & Betancourt a chance. You can never tell Betancourt might hit major league pitching better than in minors. I still say the Braves need a power pitcher. I believe Greinke would sign with Atlanta, since he’s from Florida. By not picking up McCann’s option would go a long ways of improving the Braves.
K Conway
October 17th, 2012
6:49 am
He has seen his best days! This is a business! Let him go!! The money is too much!!!!!!!
hit a single
October 17th, 2012
8:04 am
The Braves have got to help their offense. We need a power hitting outfielder.
Cecil34
October 17th, 2012
8:14 am
Two things here to mention:
A shoulder problem for a catcher should be considered a major issue. (Remember Joe Fosse – although Rose really ruined it) He has now had surgery and the rehabilitation period begins. There are absolutely no guarantees that the rehab will be 100% successful.
This COULD be the type of thing that lingers for years, reducing effectiveness and production. Then what?
The option is a lot of money – in this day and age, that is too much to spend on someone that quite possibly will not be the same player he was.
The Braves have already been saddled over the years with the lame and hurt. Remember Mike Hampton?
Prudence would suggest looking at other options before laying out this size of an option.
If McCann was interested in preserving his health and career, he ought to start thinking about moving to first base. It won’t be with the Braves, but he could definately lessen the wear and tear on his already-old 28 year old body, and perhaps avoid re-injury that catching very well could do.
To naysayers: the man could play first, he has the ability. He may not be the best glove man to ever play it, but he could make it work. Anything to keep the bat in the line-up.
NCBravesFan
October 17th, 2012
8:18 am
I’m frankly a bit stunned that, after all McCann has done for the Braves and how he played hurt down the stretch, so many “fans” want to cut him loose in the last year of his deal.
bill
October 17th, 2012
8:27 am
BMAC is fat but everyone on here drools over fat Cecil’s numbers. Whats that all about?
Carl Farvman
October 17th, 2012
8:30 am
Yes ,cut him loose.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
8:33 am
@ NCBravesFan, how can you question Braves fandom for the people that that think its prudent to not pick the option up on Brian McCann. Nobody here is saying McCann hasnt been good over his career but its 13 million dollars on a mid-market team with a catcher with injury concerns and declining production. Also we have depth in the minor leagues at the Catcher position. Also I’m not opposed to resigning McCann but not at 13 million dollars especially since he wont be able to return until May. The Braves had a terrible time driving in runs last season and needed another right handed power bat in the worst way. With the 13 milion dollars to go along with the Jurrjens, Chipper, Lowe nd Bourn money can to signing 2 players to help filling out those needs.
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
8:55 am
most of us who think 13 million is too much to pay McCann would agree that if he had been working the past couple years (once it became OBVIOUS that catching was wearing him out) to learn another position, he wouldn’t look like nearly so much of a gamble, but like I posted yesterday, if he can’t catch 130 games anymore, where do you put him? I agree with Cecil34, he COULD be taught 1B, but that obviously ain’t happening in Atlanta…
submariner
October 17th, 2012
9:14 am
When a car starts giving you trouble, you either keep spending on it to keep it on the road or get rid of it. Time to trade this car in.
Chop shop tees
October 17th, 2012
9:30 am
Awesome site for new creative Bravos gear! http://Www.chopshoptees.com
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
9:35 am
Im all for keeping McCann at a reduced rate ut nt 13 mil a year. Just sign him to a 3 year 24 million dollar deal.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
9:40 am
Im all for keeping McCann at a reduced rate but not 13 mil a year. Just sign him to a 3 year 24 million dollar deal.
Heisenberg
October 17th, 2012
10:18 am
(Remember Joe Fosse – although Rose really ruined it)
Courtesy of Wikipedia…………………
Joseph Jacob “Joe” Foss (April 17, 1915–January 1, 2003) was the leading fighter ace of the United States Marine Corps during World War II and a 1943 recipient of the Medal of Honor, recognizing his role in the air combat during the Guadalcanal Campaign. In postwar years, he achieved fame as a General in the Air National Guard, the 20th Governor of South Dakota, and the first commissioner of the American Football League, as well as a career as a television broadcaster.
Pete Rose ran over Ray Fosse.
NCBravesFan
October 17th, 2012
10:47 am
In my opinion it is a one year option that he has more than earned. I do think the Braves should think long and hard about giving him a long term contract going forward (and frankly it’s probably in McCann’s best interest to head to the AL in the future). But for now, they have financial flexibility to get their existing needs filled – no need to cut ties with McCann just because he’s having surgery.
OldBravesBag
October 17th, 2012
10:57 am
In what universe would anyone think that the Braves were not paying for the surgery? He was injured playing baseball for the Braves. McCann belongs to the player’s union. For all you union haters, that’s why we have unions to protect people who are injured on the job and don’t have to fend for themselves or fight for worker’s comp when they are unable to work. That’s what you people are fighting to get rid of. I guess it’s okay for McCann to sacrifice his body for the Braves and then have to pay for the surgery himself in your minds. I just don’t get it.
David O'Brien
October 17th, 2012
11:04 am
In what universe would anyone think that the Braves were not paying for the surgery? He was injured playing baseball for the Braves. McCann belongs to the player’s union. For all you union haters, that’s why we have unions to protect people who are injured on the job and don’t have to fend for themselves or fight for worker’s comp when they are unable to work. OldBravesBag
Wait, that’s actually a topic of discussion here, who pays for surgery?
People, seriously….
Atlanta Braves Links of the Day For October 17, 2012 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
October 17th, 2012
11:09 am
[...] Braves catcher McCann to have shoulder surgery [...]
BravesFanInBama
October 17th, 2012
11:20 am
2 things: For those of you that keep mentioning Hamilton…Get over that dream. You sound silly.
Also, for those of you getting hyped up about people joking about getting Trout…It is called sarcasm…My goodness….
Some of these comments make my head hurt.
An awful way to start this season would be this: Ross takes a starting job somewhere and Mac is out to start the first month or so…
BravesFanInBama
October 17th, 2012
11:20 am
2 things: For those of you that keep mentioning Hamilton…Get over that dream. You sound silly.
Also, for those of you getting hyped up about people joking about getting Trout…It is called sarcasm…My goodness….
Some of these comments make my head hurt.
An awful way to start this season would be this: Ross takes a starting job somewhere and Mac is out to start the first month or so…
BravesFanInBama
October 17th, 2012
11:25 am
Apparently my comment was so awesome the AJC felt the need to post it twice….Sorry for the double post!
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
11:36 am
Catchers: David Ross, JC Boscan
Infielders: Freddie Freeman, Martin Prado, Andrelton Simmons, Paul Janish, David Wright, Lyle Overbay
Outfielders: Jason Heyward, Dexter Fowler, Evan Gattis, Reed Johnson, Jose Constanza
Starting Pitchers: Hudson, Medlen, Beachy, Maholm, Minor
Bullpen: Kimbrel, Venters, O’Flaherty, Durbin, Moylan, Garrin, Martinez
I know none of that will likely happen, but if we had that team, I like our chances:)
phoenix
October 17th, 2012
11:54 am
The AJC Braves beat writer, who obviously abhors covering baseball in October, is deadset in favor of Brian McCann as the Braves catcher for the next several years. His most recent brilliant tweet cites McCann’s stats from 2008-12. Well, my car ran better in 2008 than it does in 2012. It’s called “mileage.”
Kharma
October 17th, 2012
12:02 pm
If I were Brian McCann I would talk to me before he has that surgery. Big mistake. A dad of a Braves pitcher was smart enough to contact me. Perhaps Brian’s dad will be similarly smart.
Kharma
hebrews11
October 17th, 2012
12:06 pm
Mccann is a great player who offers great upside. He’s worth the risk. Both him and Uggla could bounce back and have huge years. Everything changes now that Chipper’s gone. The team will have a new dynamic. They had a great 2012 and there’s every reason to believe 2013 could be even better. The player I’m not going to break the bank for is Bourne; I love him but he’ll probably cost too much. Try Constanza or Reed Johnson in center and spend big on Josh Hamilton in left.
phoenix
October 17th, 2012
12:11 pm
McCann and Uggla, quite simply, are the reasons the Braves are not playing in October. They are well-paid (some might say overpaid) middle-of-the-order RBI guys. They failed, miserably. Yes, we can pick out a month by McCann when he was hot. Yes, for a few days, Uggla sizzled at a .250 pace. But for the past year, or really two, they have not delivered. Neither is supposed to be a .220 # 7 hitter. But that’s what they are. And that’s why we’re watching other teams play in postseason.
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
12:18 pm
phoenix@12:11, well-said…
Rick C
October 17th, 2012
12:25 pm
phoenix, where has DOB indicated even once that he thinks the Braves should extend BMac?
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
12:30 pm
So DOB do you think the Braves hould extend McCann? RickC and phoenix are debating if you do or not. Personally I dont excercise the option but I do extend him at a reduced salary 3 years $24 mil.
David O'Brien
October 17th, 2012
12:31 pm
phoenix, where has DOB indicated even once that he thinks the Braves should extend BMac? — Rick C
Was wondering the same thing. Where did I say or even hint at that? You pick up the option and go from there, evaluate Bethancourt’s progress when healthy this season, and even take another look at Gattis at catcher if you feel like he might be ready sooner as a bridge to Bethancourt, etc.
Tumbledown
October 17th, 2012
12:38 pm
I thought Fredi was to blame for all the Braves’ ills. Now the focus is on McCann and Uggla as the reasons the Braves are not playing right now. I think it is a little too simplistic to try to pigeon-hole the Braves’ fate on one or two things.
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
12:47 pm
focus GETS shifted really quickly when you find out your team may be about to throw away 13 MILLION DOLLARS OF PAYROLL on a catcher who as of yesterday had MAJOR SURGERY on his THROWING SHOULDER…
cdog
October 17th, 2012
12:48 pm
the braves should send him,dan uggla, eric hinski,michael bourne, johnny venters, and hanson packing
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
12:57 pm
Keep Venters cdog……dont be that short sided. Venters is still 1 of the best relievers in the game yea he had some rough spots but your comparing him to 2011 and thats unfair.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
12:57 pm
Keep Venters cdog……dont be that short sided. Ventes is still 1 of the best relievers in the game yea he had some rough spots but your comparing him to 2011 and thats unfair.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
12:57 pm
Keep Venters cdog……dont be that short sided. Venters is still 1 of the best relievers in the game yea he had some rough spots but your comparing him to 2011 and thats unfair.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
12:57 pm
Keep Venters cdog……dont be that short sided. Venters is still 1 of the best relievers in the game yea he had some rough spots but your comparing him to 2011 and thats unfair.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
12:57 pm
Keep Venters cdog……dont be that short sided. Venters is still 1 of the best relievers in the game yea he had some rough spots but your comparing him to 2011 and thats unfair.
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
1:00 pm
yeah I thought the same thing, Venters recovered and pitched pretty well down the stretch, at least he’s not suffering from velocity issues…cough cough… Hanson
Ralph
October 17th, 2012
1:01 pm
No matter how his surgery turns out he is still BLIND, the main reason for his in ability to hit, he swings hard with the bat and accidently finds the ball every once in a while. I know it is a cold thing to do after all he has done for the team but he has enough money to keep him off welfare the rest of his life and since this is a business I say let him walk.
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
1:07 pm
thank you Ralph! I didn’t want to be the one to finally have to point it out, but I’ve been thinking the same thing all along. Did anybody else notice when he got ready to pinch-hit in the final game that he had to doctor up his eyes in the dugout before he grabbed a bat? I agree, I think it’s an on-going problem that has never been over-come and probably never will…
Rick C
October 17th, 2012
1:21 pm
I’ve noticed his squinting as well, but it’s not like he was striking out more. His 15.6 SO% was his lowest since 2009 (15.1) and he put the same percentage of balls in play as that year. His BAbip went way down though to 234. His career mark is 292 and he his previous season low was 282. He never seemed to be able to adjust to the defensive shift this year.
panamajack
October 17th, 2012
1:22 pm
Ever wonder why B/Mac uses such a long bat, he uses it as a cane to find his way to the batters box.
kfww0244
October 17th, 2012
1:27 pm
All of you are ridiculous, you are nothing but “arm chair quarter backs”….you all think YOU have the answer, wonders to me why in the world NONE of you are on the payroll !! The Braves will do as they see fit and you might as well like it….or you could lump it, whichever. Just shut up.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
1:27 pm
The manin problem for McCann was not just him swinging hard but him tring to pull a HR every swing. to where teams would put that shift on him and he would still swing for the fences and would swing and miss or ground out to the SS or 2B in that shift. I said numerous times that he should bunt it toward 3RD base to keep the defense honest but he didnt do it except for maybe 2 times the entire season. Heck David Ross had something like 5 or 6 bunt hits including 1 in the play-in game. So Fredi did make the right choice in playing Ross. In fact in all my Fredi Bashing I made this ear he handld the play-in game as good as he could except for that safety bunt called for Simmons but the Braves got to emotional in the spotlight and made dumb errors and sadly Chipper did cost us the game. I hate that was his last image as a Brave.