McCann faces 6-month rehab after shoulder surgery (updated)
After playing while hurt for much of a career-worst 2012 season, Braves catcher Brian McCann had shoulder surgery Tuesday that will likely require a recovery period of at least six months and force him to miss the beginning of next season.
The Braves haven’t said if they will pick up the $12 million option on McCann’s contract for 2013. It was generally assumed they would, then decide later whether to offer a contract extension to the six-time former All-Star catcher who would otherwise become a free agent.
Dr. Xavier Duralde, Braves orthopedist, did the surgery on the posterior portion of the right shoulder, which should prevent further subluxations (partial dislocations) like those McCann endured frequently while hitting during 2012. A tear in the labrum was larger than an MRI had shown and was repaired arthroscopically.
Noted specialist James Andrews and two others also studied the scan from a contrast dye-injection MRI on the shoulder last week and concurred on a surgery recommendation.
McCann, 28, was an All-Star in six consecutive seasons and a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner as the best-hitting catcher in the National League before 2012, when he hit .230 with a .300 on-base percentage and .399 slugging percentage. Those were easily his worst marks for a full season, far below his previous career slash line of .286/.358/.486.
His 20 homers also were his fewest in a full season since a career-low 18 in 2007, and his 14 doubles, 67 RBIs, 121 games played and 487 at-bats were career lows.
An MRI exam in August showed what was diagnosed as a frayed labrum and cyst, which hindered McCann only while hitting, not throwing.
The dye-contrast MRI last week showed the injury in greater detail, and when Duralde operated Tuesday he found the labrum tear was “slightly larger” than the exam had indicated, the Braves said.
A team official said McCann is expected to return to light baseball activities in four months and, if rehab goes as planned, should be able to return to full baseball activities in six months, around mid-April. That timetable would likely sideline McCann for at least the first month of the season.
Braves general manager Frank Wren hasn’t commented on whether the surgery or McCann’s rehab period would have any effect on the pending decision regarding the 2013 option.
McCann said on Oct. 6, the day after the Braves lost to St. Louis in the NL Wild Card game, that has “pretty sure” he needed surgery. “We already basically know what is going to happen, what needs to happen,” he said.
Wren said that day it hadn’t been determined if surgery would be necessary and that a contrast dye-injection MRI later that week would give a better indication. He said McCann got a standard MRI in August, not the dye-injection type, because the latter would have required McCann to miss more playing time during the season.
“From what we know, it would not be a surgical repair,” Wren said Oct. 6. He added, “We may find out with the MRI with contrast that there’s more going on in there.”
McCann made $11.5 million in the final guaranteed year of his contract in 2012, and veteran backup David Ross had an increased role in the last two months of the season while McCann missed time to rest the shoulder. He got two cortisone shots at different times after the All-Star break, which provided only temporary relief.
McCann also dealt with knee tendinitis that affected his movement behind the plate for a brief period late in the season. An MRI of the knee showed no damage and that inflammation subsided.
The Georgia native, who has spent his entire career with the Braves, struggled with his swing in the first three months of the season, likely a carry-over from 2011 when he came back too soon from a mid-season oblique strain and fell into bad habits trying to protect his side. The shoulder also began to bother him during the 2012 season.
Soon after McCann got his swing problems ironed out this season, hitting .308 with nine homers in an 18-game stretch in July, the shoulder injury worsened and the joint began “biting” when he extended on some swings or got out in front of off-speed pitches. McCann hit .201 with two homers, 11 RBIs and 29 strikeouts in 134 at-bats over his final 39 games, and Ross got the start over McCann in the Wild Card game.
Ross completed the second year of a two-year contract and is eligible for free agency. Both he and the Braves have indicated a desire to bring him back in 2013, but he’ll be 36 in March and is not considered a starting candidate on an everyday basis.
McCann could have shut it down when the shoulder pain persisted instead of taking cortisone injections and possibly risking further injury, but said that wasn’t even something he considered.
“I’ve got 24 teammates that show up here every single day,” he said on Oct. 6, after the playoff loss. “I’ve been battling with them since February and I wanted to see this thing to the end. Whether that puts me behind a little bit, it was something I was willing to do.”
Wren said Oct. 6 that the Braves would discuss contract options and other matters during their organizational meetings, held in the past week outside Orlando at the team’s spring-training headquarters.
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297 comments Add your comment
flange1
October 16th, 2012
12:45 pm
Get well soon BMAC!
Kid Handsome
October 16th, 2012
12:48 pm
Good luck, B-Mac. Hope everything goes well.
Bravos4LYFE
October 16th, 2012
12:48 pm
If the Braves decide to not pick up MacCann’s option, does that mean he has to pay for the surgery himself?
Steve
October 16th, 2012
12:54 pm
I’d be more concerned with this news if we didn’t have David Ross.
Braves catcher McCann to have shoulder surgery – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Cosmetic Surgery
October 16th, 2012
12:54 pm
[...] Braves catcher McCann to have shoulder surgeryAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)After playing while hurt for much of a career-worst season, Braves catcher Brian McCann will have shoulder surgery today that will likely require a recovery of four to six months and could affect his availability for the beginning of the season. The …Report: Braves catcher Brian McCann to have shoulder surgeryCBSSports.com (blog)Brian McCann to Undergo Shoulder Surgery, Expected to Miss 4 to 5 MonthsBleacher ReportMcCann undergoes right shoulder surgery TuesdayAtlantaBraves.comKFFL -Talking Chop -NBCSports.comall 10 news articles » [...]
Dan_in_NC
October 16th, 2012
12:55 pm
Something tells me this won’t end well for all parties involved.
Quack Quack
October 16th, 2012
12:56 pm
Hey DOB, thanks for the update. Does this mean he will come back better than ever, like after TJ surgery for a pitcher?
Either way, best of luck for speedy recovery. Get back soon.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
October 16th, 2012
1:03 pm
GET WELL SOON. HEURRY BACK B-MAC!
UPGRAYEDD
October 16th, 2012
1:07 pm
McCann is a toe injury away from being a children’s song:
“Head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes)
Head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes)
and eyes and ears and mouth and nose,
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes!”
MikeY
October 16th, 2012
1:07 pm
Steve, we don’t have David Ross. He is a free agent, unless we re-sign him. There is a very short window that teams have to re-sign their free agents after the World Series, after that they are free to sign with any team. Here is an excerpt from the mlb site:
Immediately after the World Series
Eligible players become free agents
Sixth day after completion of World Series
First day that Major League and Minor League free agents may sign contracts with teams other than their former clubs
Bravos4LYFE
October 16th, 2012
1:10 pm
If the Braves _do_ have to pay for MacCann’s surgery, is there some kind of money back guarantee if he doesn’t perform well in 2013? With a healthy shoulder he should at least hit .320 with 25 homers and 100 RBI’s right?
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
bball fan
October 16th, 2012
1:11 pm
Do not pick up the option. Over weight and a bad defensive catcher.
Braves bobblehead44
October 16th, 2012
1:17 pm
Get well Big Mac,we need ya brother!!!
Bravos4LYFE
October 16th, 2012
1:18 pm
Hey bball fan we’re not sure of your opinion on the matter could you repeat it again for us haha lol!
Steve
October 16th, 2012
1:32 pm
David Ross will be re-signed. Especially now.
Caseyatthebat
October 16th, 2012
1:36 pm
They knew what was wrong with him a couple of months ago. We all saw the results of it in his performance continually. One wishes he ” didn’t go to work every single day”. “He wanted to see this through to the end” and ” he was willing to do this”. Don’t do us any more favors. If he’d been willing to go under the knife months ago we wouldn’t have suffered his poor production and he’d be ready for next spring. I still contend that the performance of McCann, Uggla and Hanson cost us the division.
Klaus
October 16th, 2012
1:37 pm
What FA catchers are on the market this winter? Wren likley has a list bc this does not sound like a good situation.
4-6 mos recovery, then getting your swing back in shape. Could be May before the Braves know what they have in Mac.
Ross and some write in behind the plate for the whole month of April (with no Chipper) could put them in an early hole.
Fastball
October 16th, 2012
1:38 pm
Just don’t resign Bourn
BobDawg
October 16th, 2012
1:39 pm
Pick-up the option…. He is young; hits like crazy when healthy and Rossy can handle it until B-Mac is back full time…
Hose
October 16th, 2012
1:39 pm
Ask the Angels for a trade. Give them some young arms for Mike Trout. The trade will help both teams.
David O'Brien
October 16th, 2012
1:45 pm
Ask the Angels for a trade. Give them some young arms for Mike Trout. The trade will help both teams. — Hose
Congrats. That made me laugh out loud.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
October 16th, 2012
1:55 pm
OOPS, MAKE THAT HURRY BACK!
Klaus
October 16th, 2012
1:58 pm
I doubt the Angels would trade Trout under any scenario. He could be the next Mikey Mantle.
Mac will not be here past 2013 nor is he all that young for a catcher. He needs to move to the AL to get a long term big money deal and he will. Mac has catcher/DH/back 1B written all over him.
The question is will the Braves benefit by that move via a 2013 trade or will they watch him walk out the door with nothing to show for it.
Also let Bourn walk and stay away from Pagan and Willingham. Two guys in or moving into their mid 30s having career years. That is not how you build a winner or properly leverage trade prospects.
Cody Ross does not want to be a Brave nor should the Braves want him. He is a decoy and like Willingham in MN is very happy with his current team.
MikeY
October 16th, 2012
1:59 pm
Free Agent Catchers:
* – player whose current contract includes 2013 option.
Rod Barajas, PIT *
Henry Blanco, ARI *
Koyie Hill, TEX
Gerald Laird, DET
Russell Martin, NYY
Brian McCann, ATL *
Jose Molina, TB *
Mike Napoli, TEX
Wil Nieves, ARI
Miguel Olivo, SEA *
Ronny Paulino, BAL
A.J. Pierzynski, CWS
Humberto Quintero, MIL
David Ross, ATL
Carlos Ruiz, PHI *
Brian Schneider, PHI
Kelly Shoppach, NYM
Chris Snyder, HOU *
Yorvit Torrealba, MIL
Matt Treanor, LAD *
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/?page_id=177
AGTFan
October 16th, 2012
2:03 pm
Considering his non-injured history as a hitter, you pick up the option.
Strikeoutlookin
October 16th, 2012
2:05 pm
Wow hose, REALLY?!? Maybe while frank is at it he can trade the bats and balls we threw away for Kerry lightenberg to Washington for Bryce Harper and Steven strasburgh…
nj steve
October 16th, 2012
2:06 pm
Hope all goes well for Brian he played hurt busted his tail all year.. He is pure class when he heals he will be back on his game. Hope braves pick up option and take it from there.
alanfalcon
October 16th, 2012
2:07 pm
BMac has given the Braves a lot over the years and during that time was the best overall at his position, it would be stupid not to go with him in 2013 and see where he stands, hell, look at the money we shelled out on Lowe and KK alone with little or no return at least we know Bryan is capable, use the option.
ChipperisGod
October 16th, 2012
2:07 pm
The Angels would never trade Mike Trout. That…. is the most absurd thing I’ve heard on the blog in a long time.
Hope Mac gets healthy and we can resign Ross as well. Mac would be out until March at the latest. Don’t know how he’ll do, but if he’s FINALLY healthy, then hopefully he can put together another good year. Health is the thing that has plagued him over the last two years.
He needs to drop some weight, and get into shape so that the excess weight doesn’t put more stress on his body. Nothing wrong with being a big guy, especially if you’re a catcher, but he can definitely be more fit. Pulling for you B Mac! Get better soon!
Homer the Brave
October 16th, 2012
2:11 pm
Keep Ross. Dump McCann. Sign Napoli.
Too Big Mac
October 16th, 2012
2:26 pm
Maybe a little liposuction while you’re in there.
blaine with the blue scarf
October 16th, 2012
2:29 pm
bring back that big, fine, handsome muscular hunk Javier Lopez!
Steve
October 16th, 2012
2:30 pm
Well, if we’re going to trade for Trout, we should have the Angels throw in Pujols while they’re at it. Think they’d take Hanson, Martinez, and Jurrjens?
NO MORE FREDI
October 16th, 2012
2:38 pm
I wish mac well but if Braves want to show they are serious about winning they let him walk or trade the guy. he is on the downside of his career and is not on a Chipper level for reason to keep him. Hope Frank makes the right move for this TEAM and not another individual.
Klaus
October 16th, 2012
2:38 pm
If Mac is on the 6mo end of the recovery you are looking at mid April for his return. I don’t know if that means he is ready to start or ready to go to extended ST. If it is the latter he won’t be back until late April.
dean
October 16th, 2012
2:40 pm
This is probably a dumb question: Anybody on the farm who might be able to handle the call up?
Larry
October 16th, 2012
2:42 pm
Hey Hose! Why not ask Seattle about King Felix as well.
Heisenberg
October 16th, 2012
3:00 pm
While the Angels do have a crowded house in the OF, trading Trout is laughable. 2 guys without a position as the result of signing Pujols are Trumbo & Morales. It would take more than Braves could or should offer for Trumbo but I suspect Morales could be trade bait for pitching. Not sure if he can play LF though.
Skeezix
October 16th, 2012
3:05 pm
I’ve had shoulder issues that got so bad I couldn’t use my right arm and thus ended up in the OR. Shoulder pain is no fun folks and I can’t imagine playing baseball with a bum shoulder. Mac doesn’t need to convince me that he’s tough. No wonder he had an off season.
Don’t trade him now FW as next year he will likely return back to being his normal self – or better.
My best to Brian. Get well soon!!
cornjolio
October 16th, 2012
3:09 pm
DUMP HIM ! MOVE ON ! DAMAGED GOODS !
NCBravesFan
October 16th, 2012
3:09 pm
I appreciate Brian’s commitment to the team and think the Braves should absolutely pick up the option year. He’s earned the right to play out this contract with the Braves.
That said, I wonder why the Braves did not go ahead and get the dye-based MRI done in season. The Braves were almost certain to be one of the WC teams and, player dedication or not, there’s a time for the organization to step up and figure out what the heck is going on with the shoulder.
I know hindsight is 20/20, but it’s not like BMac was hitting much in September anyway.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
3:11 pm
Just let him go. I know, I know, local kid, he’s performed well in the past, but honestly, even IF the guy recovers from this reasonably well he’s a DH at this point. We’d be far better off with a platoon of something like Ross/Gattis, Ross/Boscan, etc. than to watch McCann struggle through yet another sub-par defensive season behind the plate. Just let him go, it’s not like the American League won’t come knocking at his door…
Big John
October 16th, 2012
3:11 pm
He couldn’t throw anybody out before he injured his arm.
Pass on the 2013 option and let McCann go to the AL and be a DH.
Warm & Cuddly
October 16th, 2012
3:15 pm
“Don’t trade him now FW as next year he will likely return back to being his normal self – or better” – Skeezix
You gotta love the dreamers !
Jimmy
October 16th, 2012
3:18 pm
You have to decline that option. And not because you think there is a better catcher on the market but because you can take that money and think much bigger for LF and CF. Go with solid defense behind the plate and put the money into some solid outfielders, who will play more than a catcher, and make an impact. McCann has been solid but even if they pick up that option he won’t be back long term. Time to move on.
Jimmy
October 16th, 2012
3:18 pm
You have to decline that option. And not because you think there is a better catcher on the market but because you can take that money and think much bigger for LF and CF. Go with solid defense behind the plate and put the money into some solid outfielders, who will play more than a catcher, and make an impact. McCann has been solid but even if they pick up that option he won’t be back long term. Time to move on.
Ima Knutt
October 16th, 2012
3:18 pm
Hey, YEAH Hose! Great idea! We could re-sign Hinske, Overbay and Batista. Then, throw in McCann to the Angels for Trout. That’s a 4-for-1 deal. Heck, we’ll even pay half of Trout’s salary. Great deal!
You know, if that works, maybe we could re-sign Smoltz and Glavine and trade them to Detroit for Verlander. Wow! You’re a genius!
a fan
October 16th, 2012
3:30 pm
The smart move is to pick up the option, let insurance cover time missed and then see how he is. Perhaps a trade in July if neccesary.
Durham Pete
October 16th, 2012
3:31 pm
Enter your comments here
Do not pick up the option. It is too much to pay for someone so damaged.
jvcope
October 16th, 2012
3:36 pm
We wish you the very best with your surgery today Brian. Looking forward to you and David Ross returning next year. Go Braves!
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
3:37 pm
I’m still trying to figure out why so many were so surprised at the defensive misques in the “play-in” game. I realize we supposedly had the “best defense” in the NL, but seriously, our infield consisted of a 40 yr old with basically one leg under him, a season-long revolving door at SS, a muscle-bound boob at 2B, and the pillsbury doughboy behind the plate. Either there was some hell-acious home town scoring helping them out exponentially, or MLB has REALLY tightened up the criteria for what can now be scored an error. It was no surprise what happened in that game to me at all…
dean
October 16th, 2012
3:38 pm
I’m betting “a fan” knows what he (assumption) speaks of.
Brave New World
October 16th, 2012
3:39 pm
Hope all goes well, B-Mac!
Willie Montanez
October 16th, 2012
3:41 pm
I heard a rumor we are trading Hansen and Jurrjens to the Angels for Trout!
Mikega1965
October 16th, 2012
3:41 pm
Evan Gettis deserves a shot hits for average monster power and good defensively as well. He is playing winter ball and doing great.
MikeY
October 16th, 2012
3:43 pm
a fan, I agree 100%. I think the Braves will pick up the options on McCann, Hudson, and Maholm, and all three could be trade bait at next year’s deadline if the Braves are out of it.
But I HOPE we are a better team next year, and I think with the cash that we will free up, the potential is there.
Go Braves!!
The Accountant
October 16th, 2012
3:44 pm
Who paid for his surgery? If the Braves did then obviously they are planning on picking up the option.
Heap 16
October 16th, 2012
3:49 pm
DOB – Thanks as always for all the hard work and very extensive coverage…it’s very much appreciated…hope you have a great offseason…
Just for some clarification on Mac’s surgery, you mentioned that the procedure today was in the posterior portion of the shoulder and would prevent some of the subluxation issues Mac was having. Do you know if the procedure today repaired the frayed labrum and/or addressed the cyst that was found in the MRI he had in August. Just wanted to get some clarity since you specified that any procedure that went into the front part of the shoulder could have jeopardized part or most of his 2013, so I wasn’t sure if the frayed labrum could have been in the front part and it was decided that it was too extensive a procedure to address that based on the extent of his damage. Thanks.
Rodney Derrick
October 16th, 2012
3:50 pm
What is wrong with the collective memory? No mention of the heralded defensive prospect in the farm system. Use Bethancourt to alternate with Rossy until Mac returns and tell him no worries about his hitting. He is already fabulous defensively and will throw out opposition runners. Then send him back to AA or AAA to work more on the hitting stroke. He would be the catching equivalent of Paul Janish.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
3:54 pm
dean: you do realize that while in the minors and still trying to play SS, Chipper’s team had to hand out hard hats to fans not protected by the screen behind 1B because he was so prone to let throws sail into the stands? After a 19 yr career, it’s not like we didn’t know what we had there. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Chipper fan, but let’s call a spade a spade. The guy was never that great on D. He lead all NL third basemen in errors more than once if I recall correctly, back when he could still move well enough to TRY to get to more balls. Ugly Dan is what Ugly Dan is, a LF who insanely insists on playing 2B, once again, we knew what we had there. SS was primarily handled throughout the year by 2 good glovemen, but the almost constant switching around due to inconsistent hitting and/or injuries is never a good thing for a well-gelled infield. McCann was a very average defensive catcher at his absolute best, and that we ain’t seen in about 3 yrs now. Like I said, that play-in game just proved a microcosm of all the problems the Braves have refused to deal with for the past 2 yrs and they all came home to roost at once…
FBGuy
October 16th, 2012
3:54 pm
Well, BravesFan, so glad there were no surprises in the wild card game for you. Since Ross played a lot of the last two months behind the plate, not sure if you are calling him doughboy. Sorry you’re so very upset over the Braves’ loss, but there’s always next year. Maybe they’ll play to your expectations.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
3:58 pm
Bethancourt isn’t projected to be part of the big league club’s plans that soon, he’s still too raw in his hitting approach is the word out on him to date…
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
4:01 pm
Ross was one of the bright spots in that game and he didn’t play THAT much last year. McCann still played the lion’s share of the games even when it became horribly obvious he shouldn’t have…
Chipper's ACL
October 16th, 2012
4:03 pm
I say let him walk with this length of injury rehab. Shoppach would be a good option with Ross. Rumors also have Soto being non tendered by Tex. Seattle also may be willing to deal Jaso. Plenty of options out there that will be a lot cheaper and provide better defense and cut down on the running game. Other than Ross I can see the Braves resigning Johnson, possibly Dubin, Moylan to a minor league deal. I also expect big plays for Headley, Pagan to be signed for CF, and offers for a strong LF. Prado? With the funds saved this off season and the fact Wren has now shown the willingness to change previous bad moves, I would not be surprised if Uggla is pushed on and most of his contract absorbed by the Braves. Hey, anything is possible.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
4:07 pm
I for one, would like to have seen Chipper moved to 1B about 5-6 years ago, and Freddie Freeman should have then been developed as a 3B in the minors (the guy has great hands and one of the strongest arms in the organization). Hell, if MC can “play” 3B for Detroit, just how fleet of foot do you really have to be?
dean
October 16th, 2012
4:09 pm
BravesFan,
Possibly, you misinterpreted my question. Because I really don’t know, I was asking if there was anybody who might be able to handle the job.
Tokto Tom
October 16th, 2012
4:10 pm
Exercise the Option.
Those of you who say “let him go” will be the same ones saying “Fire Frank Wren for letting BMac go”
when he hits 25-30 homers, gets 90+RBI’s, and leads his team through the playoffs while the Braves sit at home & watch.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
4:12 pm
Tom if McCann hits for those kinds of numbers EVER again, it will be as a DH…
Ricky Grooms
October 16th, 2012
4:14 pm
Quick!!! Where is Biff Porcoroba???
Heap 16
October 16th, 2012
4:20 pm
Dean – No, there isn’t anyone in the system currently who would be able to help at the major league level next year. Bethancourt could very well be ready defensively right now and even be an asset shutting down the running game, but just turned 21 and has only had maybe 250 AB’s above A ball. He needs more AB’s at the AA/AAA level to further develop offensively and so the FO will be able to assess whether he will be able to hit enough at the big league level.
Gattis bat is very, very intriguing (huge RH power bat) and there’s an outside shot he could help offensively as soon as in the spring. However, it definitely appears he’s going to be moved from behind the plate (he kinda even has already – prob LF). He is off to great start in VZ winter league (he’s been DHing down there).
Heap 16
October 16th, 2012
4:23 pm
So to further address, anyone who was talking about Ross/Boscan or Ross/Gattis platoons next year that just isn’t realistic, if you were thinking Mac’s option should be declined in favor of one of those scenarios.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
4:28 pm
what would be so bad about Ross/Boscan? Both are great defensively and Ross when hot hits for as good a power as McCann. We’ve been too relient on C for offense for too long, going all the way back to Javy. Good defense up the middle, power on the corners, that’s how you win and that’s what we need to get back to (sorry Ugly Dan)…
smallmouth6
October 16th, 2012
4:35 pm
Good luck Brian. We need you in Atlanta! You’re a great player.
dean
October 16th, 2012
4:36 pm
Heap. Thanks..from a lifelong casual, rabid (if there can be such a thing) baseball fan.
Big John
October 16th, 2012
4:40 pm
Get a rent-a-catcher for 2013 to allow time for Bethancourt to season in the minors.
Picking up McCann’s option after major arm surgery is a disaster in the making !
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
4:42 pm
I agree Big John, especially when you consider what that extra money might mean for a big bat for 3B or LF…
Mikey
October 16th, 2012
4:43 pm
I guess if I follow the illogic of this blog, San Francisco should have dumped Posey because he broke his leg and would never again be what he was???? Get serious, McCann when healthy is one of the top catchers in baseball and in the prime of his career turning 29 in Feb.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
4:48 pm
Posey was what? 22 or 23 when he broke his leg? Stupid comparison, not even remotely the same thing, plus Posey is an ATHLETE, he could play anywhere on the field. Illogical, geez…
Puma
October 16th, 2012
4:49 pm
This is good news, big confirmation that something was physiologically wrong and cause of Macs hitting woes. Anyone who says not to pick up option needs to take another look at that FA list above, and don’t say “sign Ruiz.”
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
4:54 pm
Puma, whay do we need a big bat behind the plate? What IF, that freed up money not signing McCann meant the difference in landing somebody like Wright for 3B of Hamilton for LF? Not saying either of those 2 will happen, but still, hypothetically, what if?
DIPEN PATEL
October 16th, 2012
4:57 pm
It’s a great thing BRIAN McCANN is having his shoulder surgery now instead of later because this way he will be TOTALLY READY by OPENING DAY in 2013.Speaking of the POSTSEASON,tonight’s GAME is a MUST-WIN GAME for the yankees,ESPECIALLY about the FACT that the yankees have a ZERO SHOT at WINNING the FALL CLASSIC or even getting to the FALL CLASSIC–not to mention they no longer even have derek jeter available in their lineup.
Mikey
October 16th, 2012
4:58 pm
6 time allstar, 5 time Silver Slugger turning 29, his career is not over and we have NO ONE to replace him. Not an athlete???
Puma
October 16th, 2012
5:04 pm
BravesFan – because it makes more sense to have Mac next year at $13 mil vs someone like Hamilton for $20-25 million. If they could get Wright…well that’s may be a different matter. Plus, picking up option for 1 year is not a huge risk vs. signing Mac to extension. If they bring in someone like Hamilton or Wright they will have to extend 6+ years to get them…now that is what I call risk @ $20mil+ per year.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
5:06 pm
Where else on the diamond, with the current team in place, could McCann play other than catcher(which is obviously wearing him down and shortening his career)? That’s what I mean by athlete. Posey could play either corner outfield spot, or either first or third. Athlete. In fact, they didn’t know for sure what they were gonna do with him when he first came up because he could play any of those on top of catching and they weren’t sure about the wear and tear and his body from catching, but Posey got a bug in his ear about catching and then after breaking his leg, didn’t want the entire league thinking he was a pansy by moving to 1B or wherever, so there you go. He’s an athlete, McCann is a DH…
Heap 16
October 16th, 2012
5:06 pm
You’re very welcome, Dean
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
5:08 pm
ordinarily I wouldn’t go in for a big contract, especially after the Ugly Dan fiasco, but if David Wright were willing to play in Atlanta for 5-6 years, I say, where’s the dotted line!!!!!!!!!!
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
5:10 pm
Mikey, how many gold gloves are there on McCann’s shelf?
Puma
October 16th, 2012
5:13 pm
Would you sign Wright for 8 years $160 mil? That is a long time. 5-6 years at $100-$120, I could see that, maybe, but still an awful lot for a team with <$100 mil in payroll.
BravesFanSince80s
October 16th, 2012
5:17 pm
no, not for that much, if closer to the 120 figure, yes, in spades…
Teddy B
October 16th, 2012
5:20 pm
This might be it for Mac in ATL. He had a heck of a run, but honestly he’s got health problems already and he’s only 28! I think it might be best off for everyone to skip his option and let him sign with an AL team next season. He could switch to a part time catcher role and hit in the DH spot when he’s hurt which is way too often for his age.
I wish the stupid National League would just adopt the DH, guys like Chipper who can’t field very well anymore but still have some offensive production left in the tank could stick around another couple years. The way its set up now, all the aging stars sign with the AL to extend their careers a couple years and the NL gets shafted.
Bravos just need to start locking up some guys headed towards arbitration and we’ll be set for years. The Gnats claim they are going to be good for quite some time and they almost expect to win the Division every season from here on out, well we might have something to say about that and I hope we prove them WRONG! We have a whole lot of young guys like Heyward and Freeman who can play as good as anyone. Also, Uggla needs to get his stuff together and snap out of this 2 year slump next season.
Get well B-Mac and no matter what, good luck bud.
David O'Brien
October 16th, 2012
5:22 pm
Just for some clarification on Mac’s surgery, you mentioned that the procedure today was in the posterior portion of the shoulder and would prevent some of the subluxation issues Mac was having. Do you know if the procedure today repaired the frayed labrum and/or addressed the cyst that was found in the MRI he had in August. — Heap 16
Haven’t gotten specifics yet, but I’m sure they wouldn’t go in without removing cyst or getting rid of it in whatever manner. Fraying of labrum isn’t fixed like a torn labrum, not stitched together. From what I’m told, at least. But I’ll let you know what they say after the procedure, and make sure that was what the dye-contrast MRI showed last week.
Carl Farvman
October 16th, 2012
6:08 pm
“Who paid for his surgery? If the Braves did then obviously they are planning on picking up the option.”
We should assume that the injury was incurred while in the employ of the Braves. So, I don’t expect that much can be concluded from the fact the team is paying for his medical care. OK?
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.
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
1:28 pm
The main 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.
beekay
October 17th, 2012
1:34 pm
Sign Tommy and trade him to the Yanks for A-Rod. Have the Yanks pay all but 30 million of the contract. We get our 3b who needs a change of scenery, the Yanks get rid of A-Rod which they desperately need to do to . They may be willing to pay 80 mill to save 30 mill and pick up a young pitcher just to get rid of the clubhouse cancer. I would pay 30 mill over 5 years for that risk
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
1:34 pm
don’t ya just love the guys who come on here to make one horrible, “trashing everybody because I think their opinion stinks” comment as though that justifies THEIR opinion?:)
Posts about The Braves From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
October 17th, 2012
1:37 pm
[...] trade. Milt Pappas for Frank Robinson. Any time Billy Beane called Steve Phil more… Braves catcher McCann to have shoulder surgery – blogs.ajc.com 10/16/2012 After playing while hurt for much of a career-worst season, Braves [...]
Posts about The Braves From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
October 17th, 2012
1:37 pm
[...] trade. Milt Pappas for Frank Robinson. Any time Billy Beane called Steve Phil more… Braves catcher McCann to have shoulder surgery – blogs.ajc.com 10/16/2012 After playing while hurt for much of a career-worst season, Braves [...]
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
1:39 pm
I have NO interest in seeing A-ROID in a Braves uni…
Cecil34
October 17th, 2012
1:42 pm
Heisenberg – thanks, I knew that once!
Chipper's ACL
October 17th, 2012
2:33 pm
Look this is a huge transition year for this team. Millions off the books and only a few holes to fill. Starting pitchng is huge question. I imagine Huddy and Maholm’s options will be picked up. With Medlin and Minor, Beachy will be back around mid season, questions surround Hanson and our top two pitching prospects. Does one break the rotation out of spring training or do both get packaged up for Headley or a LF? Venters may be a trade option as well. Is there really a need for 3 lefties in the pen plus he has dropped to the 7th inning man anyway and will demand a nice raise during arb next year. Let Mac walk, sign someone to share time with Ross, and lets see some surprising moves to solidify this team for ‘13.
David O'Brien
October 17th, 2012
2:42 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. J-Man
If I had to guess today, I’d say they pick up the option but do not sign him after next season.
MIdtown
October 17th, 2012
2:44 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=21102975&c_id=mlb
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
2:45 pm
Only way I would trade for A-Rod is if the Yanks eat up 25 million and take Uggla off our hands. Buth that aint gonna happens so its a moot point
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
2:45 pm
Only way I would trade for A-Rod is if the Yanks eat up 25 million and take Uggla off our hands. Buth that aint gonna happens so its a moot point
J-MAN
October 17th, 2012
2:45 pm
Only way I would trade for A-Rod is if the Yanks eat up 25 million and take Uggla off our hands. Buth that aint gonna happens so its a moot point
Mikey
October 17th, 2012
2:56 pm
“Let him walk” ???? Do you realize if you pick up his option there may be 10 teams in the AL that would be willing to trade a quality player or players for a guy that will be 29 years old and when healthy can hit. The Yankees would take him in a second considering their lack of production at catcher as well the numbers McCann would put up in that sandbox as a D/H.
phoenix
October 17th, 2012
3:08 pm
After watching McCann struggle to catch, hit, throw and run the past couple of years, I’m still amazed at the number of Braves fans who think he still has some gas in the tank. He’s a great guy, a great team player for sure. So are Murph, Knucksie and the Hammer, but I don’t want them out there on the field any more either.
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
3:26 pm
Mikey, if the Braves pick up his option, that does not make him trade bait on any level whatsoever. Why would a team give up ANYTHING for someone in the final year of their contract (see Texiera fiasco)? IF the Braves pick up his option, and at that price unless the docs think his shoulder is gonna be better than new, I really don’t think they will, then McCann gets a good send-off to his next team in the American League nothing more. Why would any prospective AL teams interested in McCann give up something for a player they can just sign during the off-season? The logic just doesn’t follow. And that’s only IF McCann recovers well enough to play at anything like his previous capabilities, and given the fact that this is his throwing shoulder, AND the front shoulder on his swing which pulls the bat through the zone, that’s a really big IF…
jl
October 17th, 2012
4:09 pm
Let’s see~ Brian hit for better average than Uggla, Hmmm! What the heck does that say about Uggla? He has a torn batting style! Wonder if surgery could fix that? Nahh! He just sucks~
reckingball
October 17th, 2012
4:12 pm
The Braves will pick up McCann’s option, if his operation is successful.
He will have about the same numbers in 2013, that he has had in seasons prior to 2012.
Ralph
October 17th, 2012
4:30 pm
$13million???????????????????????????????????????????
Mikey
October 17th, 2012
4:44 pm
Assuming he is healthy, (big if) you exercise his option, there will be a market around the trading deadline (July 31) that would get something of value as opposed to nothing if he walks. Dempster,
Victorino, Reed Johnson all brought value to their respective teams despite the fact they had 2 months remaining under contract.
BravesFanSince80s
October 17th, 2012
5:18 pm
if you say so Mikey, now even Mark Bradley says they should pick up this ridiculous option, I guess the Braves have Yankees money to throw around nowadays, geez…
jojo
October 17th, 2012
6:25 pm
Good Luck BMAC. And to the powers that be: pick up the option on Brian and David Ross. You got a terrific backup catcher just waiting to be asked—- Martin Prado. He’s played anywhere he’s been asked to play and done a fine job.
knockerhomerx
October 18th, 2012
1:23 am
Braves fans which l am a fanatic fan, l love Brian McCann. l love Georgia boys playing for our hometown team. l am still disappointed we had to let Jeff Francouer go to the Mets. lf the Braves had Jeff’s arm in RF and Jason’s arm in LF, no one would run on us or tag up either. As a Braves fan, l want decisions made that are best for my team. Nothing personal just business, BMc. l can not sign your option. l could not before surgery, and certainly not after surgery. Now we get you for 3/4 of season, maybe 2/3 really healthy. 12 million in this economy. Sorry, l truly love you. l can not sign that option. GM Wrenn, bring up the kid, Bethancourt with Ross on a 1 year contract to mentor him. Best of luck Brian, heal and come back strong.
Playoffs!!!
October 18th, 2012
7:37 am
Wren didn’t think he would need surgery. Wrong!
jim
October 18th, 2012
10:42 am
The focus of the discussion is what to do about McCann’s option with the assumption that Ross can be had for another year and could assume a platoon role or more as needed. Ross will be 36 next year, octagenerian for a starting catcher. He certainly realizes that he has few years left in the game and that this will be his last best opportunity to sign a multi-year contract with decent money. As much as he would like to remain a Brave, he will not likely sign a one year contract for anyhing less than 5 million dollars, if at all. If the Braves need a catcher to play 70 or more games next year in the event that McCann is not ready to start the season or will not be productive or able to play on a regular basis, is Ross the guy to assume that load? Ross will likely get some very tempting offers to be a back up on several teams during the FA period this winter. Will the Braves be likely to go as many as three years for a 36-year old catcher? It is not a given that the Braves will or should retain Ross given the cost and needs the team may have.
Nick N' Richmond
October 18th, 2012
11:20 am
DOB, I read somewhere that the Royals may listen in on talks for Moustakas, or even Wil Myers for a Starting Pitcher. Any chance the Braves would entertain trading Me
Meds, Delgado, Teheran, or even Minor for one of these guys? Both can fill the holes we have in the field. IDK, just sayin.
jim
October 18th, 2012
11:46 am
Two days on and still no word about McCann’s surgery or prognosis.
jim
October 18th, 2012
11:56 am
Nick,
From a Royals perspective it would take Medlen, (possibly Minor AND Delgado) to get Myers. Moustakas might be had for Teheran and some combination of Hanson, Graham, and Gilmartin.
The first trade idea is very tempting, but would not give up Medlen for the potential of Myers. If the second trade could be arranged without including Delgado, I would jump at it.
David O'Brien
October 18th, 2012
12:08 pm
Two days on and still no word about McCann’s surgery or prognosis. – Jim
Not sure how you missed it, unless you just didn’t bother reading the story. The prognosis was made immediately after the surgery, and reported here that night, in blog that’s still posted — the VERY BLOG YOU’RE COMMENTING BENEATH.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/10/16/braves-catcher-mccann-to-have-shoulder-surgery/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_braves_blog
From said blog:
Dr. Xavier Duralde, Braves orthopedist, performed surgery on the posterior portion of the right shoulder, which should prevent further subluxations (partial dislocations) like those McCann endured frequently while hitting during 2012. A tear in the labrum was larger than an MRI had shown and was repaired arthroscopically….
The dye-contrast MRI last week showed the injury in greater detail, and when Duralde operated Tuesday he found the labrum tear was “slightly larger” than the exam had indicated, the Braves said.
A team official said McCann is expected to return to light baseball activities in four months and, if rehab goes as planned, should be able to return to full baseball activities in six months, around mid-April. That timetable would likely sideline McCann for at least the first month of the season.
Braves general manager Frank Wren hasn’t commented on whether the surgery or McCann’s rehab period would have any effect on the pending decision regarding the 2013 option.
Jim, what more “prognosis” are you expecting?
jim
October 18th, 2012
1:08 pm
Sorry DOB,
I read the post McCann to have surgery earlier and thought at the time it read surgery to be done on that day. Did I misread the original post or was there an later update? I thoght your reply to Heap 16 was written before the details of the surgery were available and didn’t see a later reply.
J-MAN
October 18th, 2012
2:15 pm
So when is the deadline for the Braves to pick up the option on McCann
David O'Brien
October 18th, 2012
2:29 pm
Jim, no problem. Yes, the story was updated that night, after the surgery.
J-MAN
October 18th, 2012
2:53 pm
I said back in May that the Braves shouldn’t pickup the option on McCann because of the numbers and the gradual decline since his best season in 2009. And the Shoulder and following surgery either serves as a reason or excuse (Depending on how you view it) on why he Struggled but look at his defense in fielding pitches and blocking pitches, he was awful plain and simple, and that has nothing to do with his shoulder. His approach has also contributed to his struggle and IMO his shoulder problems. He always trys to swing for the fences on every pitch and has gotten away from driving the ball the other way like he did from 2005-2010. Teams know this and put that shift on him and he fails to make adjustments If he would bunt on that shift he would be a .300 hitter because he would keep defenses honest. But as much as I like Mac 13 million is way too much. Plus DOB you even say no to an extension well if thats the case just save the 3 mil this season as well because he aint gonna be ready until May.
Braves catcher McCann to have shoulder surgery | The Surgery Alternative
October 18th, 2012
2:59 pm
[...] McCann, 28, was an All-Star in six consecutive seasons and a five-time Silver … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) This entry was posted in Shoulder Surgery Specialist and tagged Braves, catcher, McCann, [...]
David O'Brien
October 18th, 2012
3:29 pm
But as much as I like Mac 13 million is way too much — J-Man
Not sure where $13 million came from or why so many folks use that as the amount, but it’s wrong. The option is $12 million. Not $13 million, it’s $12 million. Never was $13 million, don’t know why anyone though it was $13 million, but it’s $12 million regardless of whether 150 people say it’s $13 million. Twelve. Million.
Felix
October 18th, 2012
4:24 pm
Love McCann but $12 million is just too much.
jim
October 19th, 2012
9:25 am
McCann’s 2013 option poses a problem for the team and the player. The team has the problem of paying McCann $ 12 million knowing he will miss at least a month of the season and is coming off two injury plagued seasons with declining production since the AS break in 2011 or letting him walk with no ready alternative replacement in 2013. McCann has the problem that if the team declines the option he enters his FA year coming off his worst season in his career and a major surgery. His value will be nowhere near what it was a year before or possibly a year after. The best solution for the two parties would be for the Braves to decline the option and negotiate a two yeat deal at a much lower rate with incentives that allows McCann to make back a good portion of the $12 million if he has a productive year. If he doesn’t the Braves get him for one more year with a similar deal that gives him a year to regain strength in his shoulder and prove he is still a productive player for the FA market in 2015 or indicate to all concerned that he is at the end of his good years and no longer will merit the big pay day. This is not an ideal situation for both parties, but it gives the Braves another year for Bethancourt to develop in the minors and McCann a chance to increase his FA value albeit one year older than he would like.
Kyle
October 19th, 2012
10:24 am
DO NOT PAY MCCANN. YOU MIGHT AS WELL FLUSH YOUR $ DOWN THE TOILET.
JW
October 19th, 2012
10:24 am
Personally, I’d pick up the option and then see how it goes from there. The team leader (Chipper) has just retired. The “next” team leader, from what I understand, would be BMAC. I think it would be good for him to be around next year, that it’s too much of a shock to the system to have arguably your top two team leaders leave at the same time. Plus I have faith he can get back on the horse if healthy. Have him come back, next year will unfortunately likely be his last in Atlanta, and hopefully some combo of Prado, Freeman, and Heyward will transition into team leader roles.
Granted, this is just an outsider’s opinion, I’m not familiar with the clubhouse. I’ll leave that to DOB to comment on.
AdirondackDave
October 19th, 2012
11:05 am
Mac is likely to lose all of next april and if he is re-signed will sit 20% of the balance of the season. I can’t see Wren paying $12m for what will amount to 110 games IF Mac stays healthy all of ‘13.
My guess is they decline the option. After that, who knows. Maybe they agree on a 4 year deal for $40 plus option year with Mac or maybe they trade for a stop-gap to share catching with Ross (who very like will re-sign for 2 years) until Gattis or Bethancourt can take over.
BravesFanSince80s
October 19th, 2012
12:13 pm
guys, guys, guys, McCann is pretty much done as an “every day” catcher performing at a high level. Even if he comes back from this surgery relatively healthy, his body has more than proven itself incapable of handling the grind of catching 130-140 games a year. It’s not gonna happen. He is far better off going to the AL where he can extend his career, possibly exponentially (provided he can still hit after this) so pretty much any possibility of his being a Brave after 2013 is all but nonexistent….
JNick
October 19th, 2012
12:26 pm
Why on earth would they decline a $12 mil option, then throw $40 mil at him, when they have Bethancourt (Braves #2 prospect) waiting in the wings? Given a healthy 2013, the Braves will get a better idea on Bethancourt’s prognosis as the opening day catcher in 2014. It makes no sense to sign McCann to a contract extension unless A) he has a remarkable return to health/renewed dedication to TAKING CARE OF HIMSELF PHYSICALLY and B) Bethancourt regresses severely/is significantly injured for all of 2013. Even then, McCann has declined in health and production every year since he signed this original contract, and of course he’ll be motivated this year to “return to form” and “put up good numbers” – it’s a contract year!!! Once he signs on that guaranteed line, he can go back to being the slowest runner in MLB, being a stubborn all-pull-or-nothing hitter, and force the Braves to eat money in order to trade him to an AL team when his production really tapers off….
BL: decline option, offer him $6 mil for 2013 to re-prove himself and re-establish his value. If he declines, wish him the best of luck, and re-sign Ross along with someone like Napoli or AJ Pier and platoon them in 2013. Take the money saved and get a LF or 3B.
Oh…and stop with the “Trade Uggla” talk…no one will want him or give anything of value in return….
BravesFanSince80s
October 19th, 2012
12:55 pm
if Wren could get Cleveland to take Lowe, SOMEBODY might be willing to take Uggla, sure, we won’t get anything for him and will have to pay him quite a sum of money NOT to play for us, but at this point, I’m fine with that. Cut your losses, no use in sending him out there another year to “see” if he miraculously turns it around. Hell, at this point, if he managed to hit .250 with 25 HR’s and 75RBI’s, who cares? The last 2 years over-shadow that by a HUGE margin…
BravesFanSince80s
October 19th, 2012
1:01 pm
Ugly Dan would have to hit something like .300/40/120/.650 next year before I would say keeping him made sense…
jim
October 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
Prado doesn’t need to transition into a team leader role. What make McCann the team leader over Prado? Seniority? Prado certainly leads by example more than anyone else on the team and where has this veteran leadership taken us in the past? Who is the team leader on the Tigers or Cardinals? Verlander and Carpenter? They certainly would be among the names mentioned. What about Hudson for the Braves? Team leaders provide a good example for younger players. That’s Prado and Hudson. Heyward and Freeman are also ready to step into leadership roles and Simmons seems to have the confidence and bearing to be a leader also.
JNick
October 19th, 2012
1:34 pm
@BravesFanSince80s, there are like 3 guys in all of baseball who might put up those numbers. Paying $30mil over the next 3 years for Uggla to NOT play for your team is stupid. Sure, we got someone to take Lowe, because we paid 2/3 of his salary (for ONE year). But look at Soriano – even with the Cubs offering to pay most of his contract, no one wanted him…same with Uggla. We’re stuck, deal with it, and hope he does something different this off-season, shows up to camp locked in, less bulky, and not trying to hit the ball to South Carolina every time he comes up.
JNick
October 19th, 2012
2:25 pm
The Braves are finally rid of all of the albatross contracts (Lowe, Jurrjens, McLouth, Kawakami), where we’re no longer paying guys millions to play minor league ball, or play for someone else. Give Fletcher and Walker a chance to break down Uggla’s swing and rebuild it, the way they did with Heyward.
jl
October 19th, 2012
2:32 pm
Seriously “JNick” ? Uggla needs to rebuild his swing with another club! He will swing at anything..
Rebuild?? How about build one in the first place, never seen him have a re-buildable swing. He just sucks!
Has the worst eye for pitches, I have ever seen!
JNick
October 19th, 2012
2:40 pm
I’m not claiming to be a professional scouting director or hitting coach, but hey, if you have more insight on the subject, I’m sure the Braves are anxiously awaiting you to submit your resume…
JNick
October 19th, 2012
2:44 pm
…when you are hired as Wren’s #2, and you find a team dumb enough to take someone with $36-ish mil left on his contract, while getting something of value in return, I’ll applaud you.
southgabrave
October 19th, 2012
3:38 pm
TheMarlins are “talking” with the Yankees about Alex R for a lot more per year than Ugga, but I reall doubt you find any takers on Ugg’s. As far as Mac goes, is it the money or lack of producton? I believe his production will return. It may not be to the same as before, but better than most catchers.
If you let him go, what starting catcher do you get for decent money? BTW, get the same normal Mac production, average 285-300, HR’s 25-30, RBI’s 85-100!! Yea, that is what he usually gives you when healthy. You guys ready to take a chance an say Mac, is done at 29y/o? If you just let him walk, I hope you are right.
Take the option and if he can’t come back strong, he can be traded to the AL to DH. If not, you dont resign him the next year. Which mistake is the worse? Let him go to soon or spend too much money for 1 ONE year?
Man you guys are loyal to your players arent you? Six all-star years and you get hurt and play hurt for the team, dont produce, and you get booted! I sure dont want to play/work for you!
Help is close by
October 19th, 2012
3:51 pm
Estrada is down in Newnan running a restaurant. Mac sent him out of town, maybe he can come back
ala Sheets!
The Man
October 19th, 2012
4:10 pm
You pick up his option because of several reasons:
A) allowing him to leave is akin to selling low, but with a limited return as you receive no draft compensation without a qualifying offer ($12.5 mill, which is less than his option), so you lose him and get nothing in return
B) due to his position, even if he hits .250/.340/.420 he’s going to be worth more than his contract price
C) if potential free agents see that you reward your star players by dumping them when they get injured , your franchise becomes a less appealing destination
D) He’s only 29, and still in his prime, if he was 34 this would be a different argument, but he’s much more likely to have a good year than a bad year
E) the posterior labrum doesn’t affect throwing like the anterior labrum does, so this shouldn’t hurt his catching ability (which is above average regardless of what your highly biased “eyes” tell you
As far as Uggla goes, he was the 7th most valuable 2nd baseman in baseball this year (when you combine hitting, fielding and baserunning) but I fully expect all of you to reject this as this isn’t exactly the home of forward thinking ,modern baseball statistics.
Who the heck ever said we should trade Uggla for A-rod is crazy. The Yankees might throw in $80 mill but A-rod has played 212 games the last 2 years, is 37 AND has 5 more years on his deal, you want to be paying him $6 mill a year to be below replacement level at ages 40-42?
Batting average is really the single worst way to judge a player. you have to look at their total contribution. Uggla may not be playing as well as we had hoped, but he has been equal to the cost of his contract so far.
The Man
October 19th, 2012
4:13 pm
i meant MORE THAN HIS OPTION, my bad
southgabrave
October 19th, 2012
4:44 pm
@ the man
I can agree with you for the most part on McCann, but Uggla, nah! Uggla is the highest paid 2nd baseman per year in MLB, aboveUtley. You say he ranks 7th in value in 2B. I would say he doesnt rank that high. He is the worst starter in the everyday line-up, with the seond highest salary, below only Chipper. Now he is the top salary per year starter! A good value? I think not. If his value was that high, a trade would be easy to make. That isnt possible. The Braves would have to eat part of his contract I believe the Braves would like to rid themselves of that contract.
southgabrave
October 19th, 2012
4:46 pm
As for A-Rod and Uggla comparison, both are HIGHLY overpaid!
David O'Brien
October 19th, 2012
4:58 pm
For those wondering about Justin Upton, this from our notes network man in Arizona:
Dbacks GM Kevin Towers seemed to set the price in any Justin Upton deal, indicating it would take a high-level position player and a pitcher, both presumably available to plug right in, for the D-backs to consider a move. Towers, like managing partner Ken Kendrick, said he expects Upton to return in 2013, although also said he will field calls in case he gets a deal he cannot refuse.
MikeY
October 19th, 2012
5:41 pm
Note that the Braves have to pay a $500K buy-out if they decline the McCann 2013 option. So the net cost of accepting the option is only $11.5M. And they may get some insurance money to cover the first month of the season.
Teddy B
October 19th, 2012
5:47 pm
Thanks for your service, B-Mac but I think its time for us to move on. No telling if he’ll bounce back from this surgery. Also, catcher is a very physical position and I’d be worried that he may get hit pretty hard and have problems all over again. The article says it all….injury after injury. We just can’t bank on a guy like this, he always misses the important games!
Let him go and begin searching within and outside the organization for our next starter.
Teddy B
October 19th, 2012
5:54 pm
I think what most people don’t understand is that if he gets popped real good trying to make a play behind the plate, his shoulder might give way again and he may have trouble swinging the bat again. He’s had so many trips to the DL the past few years, I just can’t see him staying healthy in 2013 at all.
His knee is going to give him problems again sending him to the DL, then he’ll come back and strain his stomach muscles trying to throw out a runner sending him to the DL, and then he’ll come back and get in a nasty collision at the plate and fray his shoulder again sending him home for the year. Not worth the $12 mil AT ALL to take a gamble on his health when we know how thats worked out the past few years!! I like B-Mac as a player and as a person, I really do….BUT he needs to be on an American League team that can coddle him and offer up a safe cozy DH spot when he’s got boo boo’s.
David O'Brien
October 19th, 2012
7:12 pm
Gattis just keeps hitting wherever they send him. In 7 games in Venezuela, he’s 9-for-27 with 4 doubles, 1 HR, league-leading 8 RBI, .593 slugging and .947 OPS in 7games.
If he stays healthy, gonna be interesting to see the numbers he puts up in Triple-A next season — and even more interesting to see how long he stays there before getting his first shot in big leagues.
AZBravoFan
October 19th, 2012
8:05 pm
How’s Gattis’s fielding coming along. Do they have him in the OF in Venezuela or still 1B?
sigh.........
October 19th, 2012
8:34 pm
@southgeorgia
Uggla is 3rd in 2B salary behind Utley ($15.285 mill) and Cano($14mill)
Ken Stallings
October 19th, 2012
9:21 pm
That Justin Upton notice from the Diamondbacks GM is just another case of a GM trying to rake in a pidgeon! Upton is not worth two good players for him. If their GM is serious about demanding that, they Upton stays with the D-Backs next season.
Ken Stallings
October 19th, 2012
9:23 pm
Seems more clear than ever …. Braves need to save that $12 million. Hate to see McCann go, but that is too much money to spend on a player with two seasons prior of injury woes — not short term, but long term and season-impacting.
BravesFanSince80s
October 19th, 2012
10:09 pm
@the man: I bet tons of teams throughout baseball history wish they had “sold low”…
chipontheroad
October 19th, 2012
11:43 pm
Gattis is gonna save us
Rufio
October 20th, 2012
9:58 am
When do the Bravea have to exercise the option on BMac? If he is progressing well and the surgical reports are promising then I would say the Braves need to exercise the option year
Another option is buy out his contract and offer him a two year 17 million dollar (9 million per year with buyout) contract. Again, it depens on the advice of the surgical team reports and the advice of the in house medical staff. This is why the Braves were smart having Dr. Chandler on staff after his hand issues stopped him from being a surgeon. Plus, they need to sign David Ross right away! He has been the best back up catcher in baseball in the last 3 years. In 10 years, he will be the Braves manager!
jim
October 20th, 2012
10:07 am
If the Braves decline the option, McCann is in a very bad position. He will enter what becomes his free agency year coming off a serious injury and the worst year of his career. His value on the open market will be at it lowest, and this free agency will be his last best chance at his biggest payday. He needs another year to prove he still has value before entering free agency and the Braves need another year before Bethancourt and/or Gattis are ready to take over the job. It is smart for the Braves to decline the option and offer him a $6/7 million dollar contract with incentives that could earn him closer to the $12 million in his option and for McCann to accept such an offer to make himself more attractive in what would be his free agency year of 2014.
jim
October 20th, 2012
10:17 am
David Ross is another difficult question for the Braves. He has been the best backup catcher in the game over the past 3 years with the club, but a backup catcher only catches once or twice a week– 30-40 games per year. With McCann coming off an injury and not being ready until mid May, the 2nd catcher will have to catch considerably more than 40 games in 2013, and may be a platoon or the primary catcher. At 36 years old, that role might be too much for Ross. Also this free agency is probably the last contract he signs and if a team offers a 3-year deal he would be very tempted to take it. The fact that Ross has been the best backup makes him very valuable to other teams, some of whom will be willing to overspend for his services. Should the Braves overspend to kieep him?
Option Play
October 20th, 2012
10:32 am
Sign McCann for the option year and see how things progress, duh…
BravesFanSince80s
October 20th, 2012
10:51 am
I just love all these people who think 12 million dollars is nothing to a team with a 90 some-odd million dollar payroll. You guys who say “just pick up his option and see how things progress” do realize that would mean the Braves are tying up roughly 15 PERCENT of their payroll on one player who you are then “seeing how he progresses”? THAT IS RIDICULOUS…
JoeFan
October 20th, 2012
12:47 pm
Although Wren has thrown millions and millions away on the likes of Lowe and Kawakami can’t believe he would be willing to just toss another $12 million at a player he personnaly knows has had two consecutive bad seasons and may or may not be serviceable in 2013. As a business decision this one is a no brainer, he lets McCann walk, signs Ross plus a another veteran catcher to share the load until Betancourt or maybe Gattis is ready for promotion.
Yankeedawg
October 20th, 2012
12:54 pm
$11.5MM, pick it up. See how Gattis does in Spring, decide then to either trade B-Mac to AL for Corner OF prospect, or most likely/wisely he’s a Brave one last year and see how the young ones do in 3A. Hopefully they don’t regress. I recall us all feeling this high and confident on both Pastro and Terdo last October.
Hot Stove at its finest.
Negative Creep
October 20th, 2012
2:04 pm
We should get “hose” as the Braves GM!
Hose
October 16th, 2012
1:39 pm
Ask the Angels for a trade. Give them some young arms for Mike Trout. The trade will help both teams.
southgabrave
October 20th, 2012
2:50 pm
@sigh…………
I stand corrected, you are right. It still doesnt change the worth of Uggla verses his contract.
Denny Lemaster
October 20th, 2012
2:59 pm
A 29 year old catcher with major arm/shoulder surgery just became a 36 year old catcher. McCann has physical problems with arm and knees. He is a injury liability for a catcher. He will be better served as an AL player so that he can DH 3 or 4 days a week. He is too large a gamble for the $$$ he will want after next season. Even if he came back and hit .260 with maybe 15-20 HRS and 60-70 RBI (all reduced because of missed injury recovery time), I still would not give him a big $$, long term contract. Catchers and pitchers are the firsts to go down physically. For those dreaming of ARod, get a life. The braves do not need a broken down, cannot hit HRs any longer because he is no longer juiced, head case, woman chaser from the dugout, bum like Arod. I got to see him in Seattle for several years. This Arod, is not the early Arod. Fame and $$$ have gone to the guy’s head. I did not say brain, cause I think it is Roid burned up.
BravesFanSince80s
October 21st, 2012
9:11 am
JNick, I think I made it pretty clear in that original statement that I was well aware we wouldn’t get anything for Uggla and that we’d have to pay a lot of his contract, NOT to play for us, but I made it quite clear that I was fine with that. If you’re not, ok, your opinion. I’m sick of having to watch the guy struggle day in and day out and it makes watching the Braves not nearly as fun as it would be, plain and simple…
SC Brave
October 21st, 2012
10:23 pm
I say don’t pick up the option, sign Ross and get Napoli to catch. If Gattis or Bethancourt reach major league level they can always use Napoli as B/U at first and third and a third catcher off the bench. He is a pretty versatile player and would be good on the bench for the difficult positions.
BravesFanSince80s
October 22nd, 2012
9:09 am
@ SC Brave: GREAT point! I’d forgotten Napoli was versatile! He was tops on my list for a FA catcher anyway, the combo of he and Ross (provided we can sign Ross back of course) would be a great tandem behind the plate for at least one year. Then, if Gattis winds up in LF or wherever, and Bethancourt isn’t ready again in 2014 (a possibility given his age and lack of hitting thus far) you can go with the same tandem in 2014 as well and not be any worse off for it…
what of it?
October 22nd, 2012
10:48 am
“McCann could have shut it down when the shoulder pain persisted instead of taking cortisone injections and possibly risking further injury, but said that wasn’t even something he considered.”
Instead he played hurt like he did last year and pulled down the team’s averages in almost every category. If he’d simply gotten the surgery when he should have he wouldn’t be missing any time next year. As it is, I’d pay a stop-gap catcher a fourth of what we give McCann and who will be ready opening day.
benchwarmer
October 22nd, 2012
12:19 pm
Partially dislocating on swing extention. Sounds like BMac was flirting with physical disaster. Luckly to come through all right. If surgery has fixed the problem and BMac can come back to his old self that is great. At thirty he should be in his prime and that is very good.
benchwarmer
October 22nd, 2012
12:25 pm
jim, I think your idea has merit.
David O'Brien
October 22nd, 2012
12:38 pm
Partially dislocating on swing extention. Sounds like BMac was flirting with physical disaster. Luckly to come through all right. If surgery has fixed the problem and BMac can come back to his old self that is great. At thirty he should be in his prime and that is very good.
I’m told by someone who should know that surgery went real well and he SHOULD be able to return to a high level. He was playing through serious pain last season. He’s young enough that surgery should take care of the problem. Of course, until he gets through rehab and then really starts to stress it every day through rigors of regular baseball activities, we’ll not know for certain.
Claudell Washington
October 22nd, 2012
12:46 pm
I’d say pick up the option and put him at 1B, but I heard that Julio Franco and Greg Norton are both looking for invites to spring training :0
BravesFanSince80s
October 22nd, 2012
1:02 pm
if he were a pitcher, he’d be all but untouchable to all teams after that surgery, why do so many seem to think he’ll come back with a strong throwing arm that can catch every day at the major league level? I just don’t get it. It’s too big of a risk with the amount of money involved, and for all the folks who keep pointing out the silly insurance thing: It doesn’t matter much in the long run if insurance covers any of his contract that he misses while hurt because you have already COMMITTED that much of your payroll to him, so it is wasted money in terms of payroll regardless. We can spend 12 million dollars far more wisely than this, even Frank Wren can pull that off…
Mike D
October 22nd, 2012
5:36 pm
I have had the same injury. Twice in fact. Easily the most painful thing I have ever experienced. When you stretch your arm out, either to make a swing or catch a ball…ouch!
Beachy working on patience as he begins throwing program | Atlanta Braves
October 22nd, 2012
9:11 pm
[...] picked up, but we’ll see how that goes. In case you missed it, here’s DOB’s story on McCann’s shoulder surgery and Mark Bradley’s take on the Braves’ upcoming [...]
John A.
October 23rd, 2012
11:24 am
I don’t get it….Upper management has known for a long time that BAMC needed surgery so why did they wait to have the operation done? Does anyone else understand how this management team functions? They are continually asleep at the switch!!!! The future looks bleak as long as this bunch (Wren, Fredi, and John) are at the helm.
David O'Brien
October 23rd, 2012
11:31 am
I don’t get it….Upper management has known for a long time that BAMC needed surgery so why did they wait to have the operation done? — John A.
Either you’re indulging in some bold revisionist history or you merely missed the interview with Frank Wren the day after the Wild Card loss, when the GM still was of the belief that McCann would be able to avoid surgery.
In case you missed it, here’s the link to the whole interview:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/10/08/wren-discusses-braves-future-offseason-to-do-list/
You can scan about halfway down to the question, “Do you think McCann is going to be fine after surgery?”
Wren: “I think we first have to determine if surgery is necessary. And that hasn’t been determined yet. So I think there will be some testing to determine if surgery is necessary.
And there were 2 more follow-up questions about McCann later in interview:
Going back to McCann and the cyst in his shoulder, so there’s a possibility that can heal without having it removed surgically?
Wren: “From what we know today, it would not be a surgical repair. But because during the season we can’t do the MRI with [dye] injection — because you’re [sidelined] too long — once he has the MRI and we know totally and we get the medical report on it… But for what we know now, the prescribed treatment is rest.”
Between the shoulder and the knee he really struggled this season.
Wren: “He had tendinitis [knee]. He had an MRI the other day and the knee was clean. It was tendinitis, and if you get raging tendinitis in a joint, it can be very painful. And so he was battling that and he was battling the shoulder, and unfortunately with the shoulder, the only thing that can help it is rest. And during the course of the season you’re never going to get enough rest to get it turned around. We may find out with the MRI with contrast that there’s more going on in there. So that’s one of the things we need to find out.”
John A.
October 23rd, 2012
11:42 am
There seems to be a number of peole that think Uggla is worth the money he is being paid…….well I for one don’t think that way. Ever since he put on a Braves uniform he has played substandard…..his skills have deteriotated since the start, and with another years age on him, I believe we will see even lower numbers from him next season. I say get anything we can for him……he i a loser that gets a fat paycheck.
K Conway
October 23rd, 2012
12:48 pm
Cut him losse! Braves can’t afford him!!
Braves’ Brian McCann Needs Six Months of Rehab | Next Level Sports Network tMff53P1RHhjuuBwypsBz5mAwyU
October 23rd, 2012
1:56 pm
[...] was injured worse than previously thought and that he will need six months to rehab his labrum, Dave O’Brien [...]
Bobby Cerasuolo
October 23rd, 2012
2:24 pm
No I say pick up his option then trade him and trade him fast and get what we can get for him. I say trade him along with Hanson and Pastoa to NYY for a catcher like Austin Romine ad Justin Maxell
Bobby Cerasuolo
October 24th, 2012
10:58 am
Heres what the Braves do pick up his option then send Him Uggla and Hanson to Texas for for Craig Gentry and Micheal Young. Then you take Uggla money and whats in the bank and you go after Upton signing him to a 5 year deal worth 98 million. Place Gentry in Left Upton Cf and Young at either 3rd or 2nd
TLane
October 24th, 2012
3:09 pm
I had surgery for a torn labrum on June 7. I have been through all of my rehab and cant imagine trying to swing a bat or play catcher at this point.
Kemp, Garza lead key NL players returning from injuries | Hit and Run - SI.com
February 19th, 2013
11:20 am
[...] on his right shoulder to repair his torn labrum and remove a cyst; the shoulder was actually prone to subluxation (partial dislocation) while hitting. The recovery period for such surgery is typically six months, [...]