Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,463 comments Add your comment
Lemke's Knuckler
October 23rd, 2012
9:25 am
Twins would be a strong trading partner, no doubt.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
9:25 am
They can have Hanson for Willingham…
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
9:27 am
Efrim-
Yeah, I just noticed that this morning as well….
And start the presses on everyone but Mauer being available….
Although by the way theyre talking, I don’t think they are in the market for Teheran or Delgado types…..sounds like they want someone established….
Hey, maybe they’ll take Tommy Hanson
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
9:28 am
Twins would be a strong trading partner, no doubt.
On the other hand, they might take the same route as the Braves did in a similar situation, and head to FA market for those guys. After all, it won’t do them much good to bolster the pitching if they have to gut their offense in trades to do it.
Finally the Cardinal's luck ran out!
October 23rd, 2012
9:28 am
Anyone up for Andruw in LF next year?
RC
October 23rd, 2012
9:29 am
ncscoots,
Didn’t know that about the multi-year offers. I thought that they simply could have two offers on the table: whatever they would be willing to pay him for multiple years, and also the “qualifying” one-year offer, just to make sure they get their pick if he leaves.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
9:30 am
Twins are willing to listen on every player except Joe Mauer.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
9:30 am
Anyone up for Andruw in LF next year?
I wanted that a year ago, and while I still would like it from the standpoint that he’s a guy I’ve always liked, his numbers this year were pretty bad. I don’t think adding that many strikeouts to a team that is already pretty K prone is a good idea.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
9:30 am
Any interest in Trevor Plouffe?
Right handed, some serious pop, and younger….and apparently can play just about anywhere you put him…..frankly, he seems like their Cuddyer 2.0
RC
October 23rd, 2012
9:31 am
Twins are willing to listen on every player except Joe Mauer.
Kind of surprised they aren’t willing to listen on Joe Mauer. I mean, if someone would take on that entire contract AND give them some useful pieces? They should at least entertain the conversation.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
9:31 am
I thought that they simply could have two offers on the table:
Could do that, also. Maybe the team is unwilling to pay above qualifying for multiple years, but would be willing to take a single year at the higher price. Gotta remember that the player could always take that one-year, so the team in question has to be prepared for that eventuality.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
9:32 am
Kind of surprised they aren’t willing to listen on Joe Mauer.
Mauer also has a complete no-trade clause, maybe that figures into it.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
9:32 am
Although looking at his defensive # I can see why they move Plouffe around….
He’s quite the butcher….
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
9:32 am
just to make sure they get their pick if he leaves.
They can do that as well, I believe. One offer needs to be made to the free agent of one year, 13.3 million. If that AAV is included in any offer, the Braves will receive a pick when he signs with another team.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
9:33 am
RC-
No way Minny trades their golden boy….
That would have been like the Braves trading Chipper back in 96-97
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
9:33 am
Morneau to the Rays for pitching is the no-brainer, IMO.
cricket
October 23rd, 2012
9:34 am
woo hoo, willingham is available..
mark the days on the calendar when you can throw harder than beachy …
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
9:35 am
After all, it won’t do them much good to bolster the pitching if they have to gut their offense in trades to do it.
Exactly. And to be honest, the player it makes the most sense to deal to bolster the pitching staff is not Josh Willingham, but Denard Span because of the presence of Ben Revere who can play CF.
Also makes some sense to trade Justin Morneau for pitching.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
9:36 am
Morneau to the Rays for pitching is the no-brainer, IMO.
Totally agree. That deal should of been done before Chris Young went to Oakland.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
9:36 am
I remember reading that the Twins will try to fill 2 rotation spots w/ free agents… the 3rd can be Tommy Hanson. It wouldn’t really make sense to trade a fan favorite and only run producer to get the rotation. They won’t be all that competitive anyway.
Then again, Willingham just had his best year, they’d be selling sky-high. They could steal Delgado or Teheran+ for him… His value won’t be so high again, esp. if they wait until the 2014 deadline…
RC
October 23rd, 2012
9:36 am
RC-
No way Minny trades their golden boy….
That would have been like the Braves trading Chipper back in 96-97
True, except it would be like that with the Braves current payroll levels, instead of the top 5 payrolls they were rolling out in the mid-90’s, and with Chipper signed to a contract at full market value, instead of the hometown discount he gave the Braves and nearly every contract he signed.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
9:37 am
Andruw back? No way. It’s been a long time since he was a viable full time player.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
9:37 am
Exactly. And to be honest, the player it makes the most sense to deal to bolster the pitching staff is not Josh Willingham, but Denard Span because of the presence of Ben Revere who can play CF.
Or they trade Revere and keep Span.
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
9:39 am
So glad the Cards choked it out. Just seems fitting to me this year vs. last year. They were only in it due to the new wild card format this year. Can’t fault them for that though losing the way they did was appropriate given the circumstances.
Now, I’m seeing the Tigers as a big favorite to win the thing. Even if history is not on their side (favors the Giants mightily. Game 7 LCS winners have won the WS over 70% of the time). Reason: most likely have to beat Verlander 2 of 3 including a game 7. Ain’t happening. Verlander wins games 1 & 4. Detroit takes it in 6.
Rock on…..still wouldn’t pick up McCann’s option or try to sign him long term.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
9:40 am
Andruw back? No way. It’s been a long time since he was a viable full time player.
I’m not sure the Braves would need him to be a full-time player. He could simply be a right-handed pinch hitter/platoon LF.
The problem with that is that American League teams with a DH are likely to pay him a lot more to fill what is basically the same role.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
9:41 am
I don’t think you’d be able to get a ton for Morneau though. One year, 15 million left on the deal – didn’t have a very good year.
But Alex Cobb for Morneau makes some sense.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
9:41 am
but Denard Span because of the presence of Ben Revere who can play CF.
I don’t know that Span or Revere could return even a back-end starter, though. Ya think?
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
9:41 am
Any interest in Trevor Plouffe?
Right handed, some serious pop, and younger….and apparently can play just about anywhere you put him…..frankly, he seems like their Cuddyer 2.0
He can butcher wherever you play him… and his offensive numbers all came in a 2 month stretch (June, July) when he was red-hot (hitting over .300). Hit under .200 for 3 other months, and hit .218 in Sept/Oct
Poor 2nd half numbers, didn’t hit for sh!t on the road. Struggles quite a bit vs. righties, and only played in 119 games last year.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
9:43 am
RC – The earlier question sounded like they wanted him out there full time. I’m not even sure I’d want him back part time either. I’d hope that we could do better.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
9:45 am
One year, 15 million left on the deal – didn’t have a very good year.
Makes him a good candidate for an extension on the cheap.
Though, with the Rays, maybe that’s not something they would consider. The guy isn’t gonna extend for $7MM a year or anything.
OK, maybe it’s not such a no-brainer as I thought, LOL.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
9:49 am
Andruw did OPS over .920 vs lefties 2 of his last 3 years (’10, ‘11)
Willingham just once (this year)
I hope we can do better than Andruw though. Great player a long time ago. Don’t want him back.
Gene
October 23rd, 2012
9:50 am
It’s too soon for me to get excited, but Beachy’s recovery is critical, and I’m pulling for Gattis.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
9:51 am
Hanson, Delgado, Ahmed, Salcedo, and 2 lower prospects for Willingham and Span. Offseason done. World Series here we come!
RC
October 23rd, 2012
9:53 am
RC – The earlier question sounded like they wanted him out there full time. I’m not even sure I’d want him back part time either. I’d hope that we could do better.
That’s fair. My desire to have him back at this point is less from an analytic standpoint (although it was a year ago), and more from a “he was once one of my favorite players” standpoint. I realize that decisions aren’t made that way, but if he did find his way back and perform well, it would be the ideal situation in my mind (although I don’t find either of those things likely).
RC
October 23rd, 2012
9:55 am
Hanson, Delgado, Ahmed, Salcedo, and 2 lower prospects for Willingham and Span. Offseason done. World Series here we come!
That’s quite a package!
And I don’t think I would have any problem with it.
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
9:55 am
Cards lose 3 straight…badly. I guess they just didn’t want it enough. No heart. All the other stupid things some here have said about the Braves.
OR…maybe the bad karma of “infield fly” got them.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
9:55 am
I know it’s cliche around here, but getting Beachy back after the all-star break really will be like trading for a frontline starter to carry the team to the playoffs. And he won’t have any inning limitations coming back as late as he is.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
9:56 am
That’s quite a package!
That’s what she said.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
9:59 am
That’s quite a package to give to the Twins… but for both Span and Willingham (even w/ Span not being a fave of mine for CF), I could live with that.
I know it’s cliche around here, but getting Beachy back after the all-star break really will be like trading for a frontline starter to carry the team to the playoffs.
Eh… Let’s not forget, the man has made all of 41 starts. And I doubt he’ll be completely sharp when he returns. He won’t be pitching how Greinke/Shields/Medlen did down the stretch.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
Here’s another name….
How about Gaby Sanchez for a RH bench bat…..
Could backup Freddie at 1b, replace Hinske’s productivity, and even w/ his horrid 2012 campaign, he still has these splits against LHP:
.291 .385 .484 .869
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
TOBF – 471? WOW! Do you ever take time to go to class, or are you a “student athlete”?
When do you sleep?
phil
October 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
Looks like the Cards are collectively human after all….
So now the Giants have won 6 straight elimination games and last night ended the Cards run of 6 straight elimination contests. Not bad on both counts.
No, Raleigh, I would say that at least some of the “stupid” stuff being said here is right on the mark when you consider that the Braves haven’t won an elimination game in how long now? I have no idea, it’s been so long. 2002?
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
I don’t know that Span or Revere could return even a back-end starter, though. Ya think?
Span? Wow. You that down on him? I think he’d get them a solid return.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
10:04 am
but getting Beachy back after the all-star break really will be like trading for a frontline starter to carry the team to the playoffs
I hope no one in the FO is thinking this. Bad notion. You only have to look at any of hundreds of starters coming off TJ to know that almost all of them are somewhat tentative when returning to game action. It takes a while to forget the scar’s there and to throw everything with conviction.
Me, I hope Beachy only starts in case of injury to someone else or after the Braves clinch.
Klaus
October 23rd, 2012
10:04 am
The Giants and the Cards are infinitley better teams than ATL in 2012. No way on earth ATL rallies back like the Giants or dominates early like the Cards.
Watch those two teams play along with the Tigers it is clear the Braves need a lot of work to go all te way.
The offense is not one but likely 2-3 bats away from contending deep into the post season.
We also lack a Verlander who can pitch in two games and shut the other team down. Medlen showed flashes but not against the Cards.
The Braves have a very good core in Heyward, FF, Prado and likely Simmons but after that its ?marks on the field and bench.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
10:05 am
You’re killing me, Buster. You. Are. Killing. Me…..and McFann.
Buster Olney Blog
Braves face tough call on Brian McCann
Many executives planned to tune into Game 7 last night, but a lot are already deep into their winter’s work, preparing to restructure their rosters. Some clubs face some really interesting negotiations in the weeks ahead, and among the most compelling decisions is one the Braves have to figure out, about a guy who has been the heir apparent to Chipper Jones as the face of the franchise.
Three months ago, the question of whether the Braves would pick up Brian McCann’s $12 million option for next year was something of a no-brainer, given his history as a power-hitting All-Star catcher. But circumstances have changed a lot, and now this is a situation Braves officials must really puzzle over as they weigh all the factors involved. Consider:
A) Although a lot of teams have seen their revenue streams and payrolls rise significantly, the Braves’ budget has been mostly stagnant in recent years, in the $85 million to $95 million range. When they made their midseason deals for Paul Maholm, Reed Johnson and Ben Sheets, the additions were made on the cheap. More and more, GM Frank Wren has been required to get maximum return on his dollars.
B) McCann’s recent shoulder surgery was more extensive than expected, and although there are no concerns about whether he’ll be able to throw next spring, it might take him a little longer to get back his full, aggressive swing with its high-torque one-handed finish. The Braves don’t really know whether he will be back in April or June, and even if he is on the active roster, there’s no telling when or if he would give them pre-2012 production. McCann hit .230 with 20 homers last season, and by season’s end he was limited to platoon duty.
C) Even if the Braves chose to pick up McCann’s option for next year, he almost certainly would be gone in 2014.
D) The Braves have other priorities in how they use their money this offseason, most notably in their effort to re-sign Michael Bourn. They’ve already got some payroll flexibility with the retirement of Chipper Jones, the likely non-tender of Jair Jurrjens and other moves, but if they let McCann go, they’d be in a better position to pursue Bourn or others.
The Braves could try to negotiate a lower salary with McCann, but that seems really unlikely to happen because he’ll draw significant interest elsewhere; he’ll have other options.
If the Braves decide they don’t want to keep McCann, they could simply not pick up the option, or they could try to recoup some value by exercising the option and trading him to a team that could use him as a DH part time, such as the Rangers, the Yankees, the Rays, etc.
The bottom line: The Braves are in a position, with their budget and payroll, in which they need to greatly reduce risk. And McCann’s shoulder surgery represents great risk.
abeeeewright
October 23rd, 2012
10:07 am
“Twins looking to add three starting pitchers this offseason:”
Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami, and Javier Vazquez are all available for the right price.
Mixxo
October 23rd, 2012
10:10 am
Jeffy D
I’d rather have a catcher who can play some D, hit now and then and one who isn’t fat.
Mac’s hitting days are long behind him. Shoulder or not. Never could play D. Never will be ‘in shape.’
Deal with that.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
10:10 am
He’s usually a reasonable man. Buster that is. I almost feel like I need to sit down and talk with him. Or have him sit with the smarter ones on this blog as a greater group.
Sometimes, even though that route might not make 100% sense, you have to go that route. Because the uncertainty of the unknown – our catching situation without McCann – is too up in the air. And while he probably won’t be worth the 12 million from a production standpoint, the Braves organization really doesn’t have any other choice.
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
10:10 am
phil – Braves have come up short…yep. They have failed to get big hits, made inopportune errors, and sometimes just been out played. Absolutely! Maybe you could even say they have “choked”, in spite of what Shaun may say.
But “don’t want it enough”, lack heart, aren’t trying, etc.? THAT’S TOTAL CRAP.
Mixxo
October 23rd, 2012
10:11 am
“…The offense is not one but likely 2-3 bats away from contending deep into the post season….” – Klaus
Thank you!
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
10:12 am
Good report on Beachy. He should be a in solid form after the break and getting some rehab starts in late June. Medlen, Beachy, Hudson, Minor, & Maholm make for a pretty solid group no doubt. With Delgado or Teheran getting that 5th spot until Beachy returns. However, more than a good chance one of them will be dealt in some trade in the off-season. Braves have at least two big deals to pull off to get a CF/LF and 3rd baseman. We need 20+ homer potential from both acquisitions and solid defense.
For me, getting Prado back full time at 2nd and acquiring a bona fide 3rd baseman is gonna be huge. Sign a CF or trade Uggla eating some dollars along with Hanson for said outfielder and there you have it. Ross with Bethancourt as the understudy can handle the catching which would free up some money we would save by not picking up McCann’s option. You immediately improve the catching position, 3rd, and 2nd. Gonna be interesting to see how Wren plays it but as he said there are two premier moves to make. I know what mine would be. Suck it up and get rid of Uggla.
Rock on……Drive By Truckers in Richmond Friday and Sat. Very nice!
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
10:13 am
Efrim, I think it would take Span and at least one decent prospect to return a solid SP. It’s not that I’m down on Span, so much, but I don’t see him as having that extra value that makes one perk up and take notice. Twins will be the buyer in a Span trade for pitching, I think, so they have to ante up.
Mixxo
October 23rd, 2012
10:15 am
Oh, we ‘want’ it. We just don’t have the tools to get it yet. Haven’t had them (the tools) for several years and we’re probably a couple years away.
I’ve waited 17 years (29 before that.) I guess 19 years isn’t too much longer.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
10:16 am
scoots, yeah, if they want three #3 starter types. And maybe they do. But I figured they needed young starting pitching as well. Guy like Randall Delgado, for example.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
10:17 am
Buster is… wow
When do you sleep?
Just about never. In class at the local university, but I do find time to talk baseball… and homework, college apps, etc.
cricket
October 23rd, 2012
10:19 am
Hanson, Delgado, Ahmed, Salcedo, and 2 lower prospects for Willingham and Span. Offseason done. World Series here we come!
phooey..with that done, braves shouldn’t even have to play WS, it should be handed to them..
abeeeewright
October 23rd, 2012
10:20 am
Since we’ve been talking about Gattis, I wanted to post a link to DOB’s great story from back in February 2012.
Gattis Has a Story, Man Does He Ever
One of DOB’s all time top blogs. If Gattis follows through and becomes the man, DOB might get a gig as his biographer.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
10:20 am
Re Beachy: I also really hope that our 5th starter won’t be so bad that he gets replaced by a guy coming off the DL. Granted, if Hanson is retained, that may have to happen….
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
10:21 am
I’d be pretty livid if the Braves decided to decline Brian McCann’s option and follow it up by giving Michael Bourn a five or six year deal. That’d be all sorts of awful.
cricket
October 23rd, 2012
10:21 am
sign and trade Greinke to twins
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
10:23 am
sign and trade Greinke? no no no. If we sign him, he stays.
Efrim: What if the Braves decline Mac’s option and give Greinke 18-19 mil? Okay with that?
Not saying they should do that, but it’s possible
Jimmy
October 23rd, 2012
10:24 am
Buster nailed it on the McCann situation. He covers baseball and is not a Braves fan. So, he can see it as it really is.
We need three position players. 3B or LF, CF and a catcher.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
10:27 am
What if the Braves decline Mac’s option and give Greinke 18-19 mil? Okay with that?
No. Not okay with that at all. And I want a frontline starter badly, but I still don’t want to see that happen – even from a baseball perspective.
Jimmy
October 23rd, 2012
10:28 am
Efrim – If the Braves did that, they’d be wasting their money. Bourn didn’t impress me very much this past season. And that being his contract year – which most players excel in.
Brave New World
October 23rd, 2012
10:30 am
In the highly unlikely event that Adam Wainwright reads these Brave Blogs: Don’t understand why you and your stupid Cardinals were celebrating after beating the Nats – it’s not like you won a championship or something…..Ha ha ha Great to see Cards lose 3 straight after being up 3 games to one. Congratulations and way to go Giants. Would have loved to see Braves in WS, but Bochy and Giants (except Melky) are class act (I remember Bochy leading the team over to salute Bobby Cox even before they celebrated in the playoffs).
Brave New World
October 23rd, 2012
10:33 am
Jimmy @ 10:28 am: I’m with you. Bourn struck out over 150 times and his propensity to strike out may explain why he has never had a 100 run season. Let him walk (something he should learn to do more) and let some other team (Nats, Phillies, etc.) overpay for a good but not great player. GO BRAVES!
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
10:35 am
We need three position players. 3B or LF, CF and a catcher.
Even assuming that the team could actually fill all three of those positions, it’s likely that you end up with some light-hitting C. That puts the C, Simmons, and the pitcher at the bottom of the order, and doesn’t exactly lengthen the lineup. McCann, even at less than his best, is still a strong enough offensive presence to make a difference, even hitting at, say, 7. On the other hand, his returning to form, the addition of a strong RH bat, and Uggla reviving, and the offense could be lethal.
That’s worth $12MM any day, anywhere.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
10:35 am
What if the Braves decline Mac’s option and give Greinke 18-19 mil? Okay with that?
Who is he going to throw to? Boscan? Ross can’t, or at least shouldn’t, be the club’s starting catcher.
I wish Bethancourt could hit. It would make all of this so much easier. One catcher who isn’t all that great behind the plate but can hit (when healthy), another who can’t hit at all but is amazing behind the plate.
What to do, what to do?
Send ‘em both packing and get Napoli.
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
10:36 am
Jimmy….bingo! Co-sign. Almost. I happen to believe that Ross & CB can handle the catching. Defense would be a huge improvement over McCann in a position that favors defense over offense. I don’t think the drop off offensively would be noticeable if at all. Agree tremendously on needing that 3rd baseman so Prado can move back to 2nd where even Wren acknowledges is his best position. So we now have upgraded C, 3rd, and 2nd defensively and improved all three positions offensively and only added one player. Gotta love that. Obviously gotta find that outfield bat. Wren said he would. Guess we’ll see.
phil
October 23rd, 2012
10:37 am
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
10:10 am
phil – Braves have come up short…yep. They have failed to get big hits, made inopportune errors, and sometimes just been out played. Absolutely! Maybe you could even say they have “choked”, in spite of what Shaun may say.
But “don’t want it enough”, lack heart, aren’t trying, etc.? THAT’S TOTAL CRAP.
************
I agree completely.
But, while obviously we want it, we haven’t had whatever it is that it takes.
And Buster’s notion above that it might be time to say goodbye to McCann does make sense. We don’t need an out of shape catcher who’s starting to break down eating up 25% of our pitiful payroll going forward.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
10:39 am
another who can’t hit at all but is amazing behind the plate.
Catching is more than just pop times. Bethancourt isn’t known for his game-calling or pitch-framing, and it’s said he needs better footwork.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
10:39 am
I think I’ll wait and see how the rest of Beachy’s rehab progresses and we see if there are any setbacks due to scar tissue breaking up befoe we pencil him in to carry us to the playoffs. He may well make a contribution, but it may not be as big of a contribution that some believe it will be.
Then again, maybe so – but let’s wait a while and see first – and think twice about trading all sorts of our “extra” pitching.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
10:43 am
Then again, maybe so – but let’s wait a while and see first – and think twice about trading all sorts of our “extra” pitching.
I hope we trade that extra pitching. I do not want to see them invest in this years crop of free agents. No thanks.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
10:43 am
Aren’t pop times partly a result of good footwork?
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
10:45 am
I don’t know who he’d throw to Murph… Yepez? Paulino? Napoli?
That’s why we have to keep Mac… hopefully he rebounds and has a strong year. If he does, we may be able to keep him. If not, he moves on, and we have to find a C, and 2 SP next winter. Weak market for catchers though…
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
10:45 am
Scoots….if I’m Wren I’m not betting on a Mac or Uggly revival when we have better options currently on the team at those positions. #1—I let Mac walk to the AL. We would be better off at C all around. #2— I would attempt mightily to trade Uggla even eating some dollars(lots). Again, we have better players to fill those positions. Gotta get a 3rd baseman and outfield. I have watched Uggla for two years and he has been a huge disappointment period. Mac is about 99% gone after next year even if we pick up his option. Why give a guy 12 mil for less than a year knowing he is gone when you have better catching options right in front of you. Makes no sense to retain Uggly and Mac “hoping” they revert to old form.
Brandon Beachy (Braves) — BaseballMoves.com
October 23rd, 2012
10:45 am
[...] Source: ajc.com [...]
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
10:47 am
Aren’t pop times partly a result of good footwork?
Setting and throwing, yes. I believe that report had more to do with his ability to shift and block, cover plays at the plate, etc.. Kid has a great arm, no doubter, but you know who else had a good arm? Saltalamacchia. Groucho Marx could call a better game, but the guy could throw out baserunners. Didn’t make him a catcher.
Jimmy
October 23rd, 2012
10:48 am
“That’s worth $12MM any day, anywhere.”
Sorry ncscoots, I don’t agree with that.
We don’t know when he’ll be back. Late April – June.
We don’t know what level he will perform.
Picking up a $12mill option on a aging, injuried catcher is not in the best interest of the club.
See, and I didn’t call you a doodie-head or nothing.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
10:48 am
There are better catching options right in front of us? Do tell, I sure as heck don’t know who they are…
jeffrey d
October 23rd, 2012
10:49 am
Picking up a $12mill option on a aging, injured catcher
He’s 28. You’re talking like he’s pushing 40
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
10:50 am
a aging, injuried catcher
The guy will play at 29 next year, Jimmy. Not like he’s David Ross. And he just had surgery, remember? He’s not injured, anymore.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
10:51 am
Ok, so I’m confused Efrim….you’re not ok w/ signing Greinke or Bourn, but you’re perfectly ok w/ exercising an option on a guy that more than likely and i’d put it at 75% that he won’t be here in 2013….
I guess maybe I just need to be explained why….
Me, I am ok w/ the option, but thats simply because I know there isn’t much out there as far as catchers go, and well, I’m resigned to the fact that I think he walks after next year……but to suggest thats better than signing Greinke….thats got me confused….
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
10:51 am
Anyone know how of any other MLB players (or even QBs in football) that have had this surgery? It’d be interesting to compare how long those players actually took to recover.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
10:52 am
Hey, Salty’s dWAR is .1. That’s better than zero.
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
10:52 am
I’ll take Ross and CB right now behind the plate over McCann. That’s who’s better. IMO. Forget McCann. Let him walk. We lose nothing going forward. Ditto Uggla.
jeffrey d
October 23rd, 2012
10:55 am
Anyone know how of any other MLB players (or even QBs in football) that have had this surgery?
Didn’t Smoltz have about 8 shoulder surgeries?
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
10:56 am
Hey, Salty’s dWAR is .1. That’s better than zero.
Don
October 23rd, 2012
10:57 am
DO YOU REMEMBER how great JJ was before his first injury???
DO YOU REMEMBER how great Hanson was before his first injury???
DO YOU REMEMBER how great Beachy was before his injury???
DO YOU REMEMBER how great Medlen was before his injury —- he, of course did come back great.
BUT at least 2 of the other 3 DID NOT (the jury is still out on Beachy).
HOW GREAT could the Braves pitching be if they still had JJ, Hanson, and Beachy at their best???
Three great young pitchers.
Has any other team has this kind of injuries???
Why do the writers refuse to even address this problem???
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
10:58 am
A torn labrum surgery is a 6 month timetable depending on the tear length. Had two of my former players with it in college. They both lost their starting jobs and scholarships. It’s a very tough injury to bounce back from. Again that is why we don’t pick up Mac’s option for less than a year or extend him. He is strictly an AL player at this point. Time to part ways.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
10:59 am
Efrim – There’s quite a difference in trading some of the extra pitching and trading all of it like some seem to believe we should. Seems to me that we use about seven or eight (or even nine) starters every year. That extra pitching might be really valuable and they certainlan’t count on a pitcher barely a year off of surgery to come in and make a significant contribution.
So unlerss you think the crop of kids at AA are ready to make the jump to the bigs, maybe we need to be wary of trading the whole bunch of them some think are expendable.
jeffrey d
October 23rd, 2012
11:00 am
You had 18 question marks in that comment, Don
jeffrey d
October 23rd, 2012
11:01 am
Has any other team has this kind of injuries???
All of them!
Why do the writers refuse to even address this problem???
What problem?? Is DOB supposed to write something like:
“Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez injures another pitcher after wrestling bout”
Jimmy
October 23rd, 2012
11:01 am
Ok, the “29 year old recovering from surgery” catcher.
Look, how many games do you think he will play next year? And at what level? We don’t know the answers to those questions.
Do you think the Braves were thinking of signing him to a five-six years deal after next year?
It’s a money / baseball decison. Not a fan favorite.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:02 am
You can’t “ditto” Uggla….
We can’t just let him walk or let him GO….
He has another 3 years….its not even remotely in the same ballpark as McCann.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:03 am
So, Beachy isn’t expected to come back and contribute at all, even though by most accounts he’ll be able to in July/August.
Meanwhile, McCann is expected to come back and contribute at a high level, even though he could be out of the lineup until May/June.
I get that they are two different surgeries and all, but to say one will have emotional scars to overcome while the other should just jump right in and start hitting HR’s… not sure I see it.
jeffrey d
October 23rd, 2012
11:03 am
It’s a money / baseball decison. Not a fan favorite.
It’s Brian McCann not Brooks Conrad. He has 6 Silver Sluggers and 5 All Star appearances. He stunk this year but still hit 20 HR. And he just had surgery to fix his problem.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:03 am
“Has any other team had this kind of injuries?” I don’t know – how about the Nationals with Strasburg and Zimmerman? I’m certain that others here could name several more, too.
Patrick
October 23rd, 2012
11:05 am
Twins looking to add three starting pitchers this offseason:
The Twins can just pick up Jurrjens off the waiver wire: and I’m sure that once the Braves let him go for nothing. He’ll go back to form for whichever team he plays for That just the way it goes for the Braves.