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6,463 comments Add your comment
phil
October 23rd, 2012
11:06 am
I would let McCann walk if it was up to me…spend that money on someone who can maybe help us going forward instead of spending it on emotional attachment to damaged and out of shape goods that show little interest over the years in getting into excellent shape.
Of course, thank goodness it isn’t up to me, eh?
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:07 am
What about the Phillies with Howard and Utley? Those guys have suites at the DL Inn and Spa.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:08 am
how many games do you think he will play next year? And at what level? We don’t know the answers to those questions.
What you will know, if the option isn’t picked up, is that his replacement will hit small and will be unlikely to be able to make up the difference with defense. You hated Heap’s .230 last year? That’s likely to be the ceiling for any replacement. Exercise the option, and getting stud offense from C is at least a possibility. It’s actually likely, but I don’t think you’re gonna believe me on that.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:08 am
Seems to me that a catcher who plays a full season with the injuries McCann suffered last year and STILL hits 20 HR has a good bit of value – especially after being surgically repaired.
David O'Brien
October 23rd, 2012
11:10 am
Twins seek to add several starting pitchers, and indicated that no one except Mauer (full no-trade clause) is off-limits. Hmmm. Braves sure could use a Willingham or perhaps even Denard Span if can’t get a Pagan (or Bourn, or course).
Brandon Beachy throws for first time since elbow surgery | HardballTalk
October 23rd, 2012
11:10 am
[...] the Braves right-hander threw for the first time since going under the knife, telling Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution that he “felt giddy, like a little kid” and [...]
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:11 am
Scoots-
I think the .230 is kinda overdoing it….but yeah….I have come to the realization that even if Brian comes back June 1, we probably still win more games and get more production from him from that point on….
But he will walk….I just can’t see the Braves having the $ or being in the financial state of locking him up past his prime….I just don’t think its smart for a team on a Campbells soup budget to do so either….
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:14 am
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.
McCann swings four times a game. Beachy throws 100 times a game. It’s a slightly different mindset.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:14 am
I say we offer Hanson and Salcedo for Willingham and a signed confession that Hrbek pulled Ron Gant off of the bag.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:15 am
So….who takes the bigger package….Span or Willingham?
I say Span….Washington has been trying to get him for 2+ years now….there is obviously some reason they haven’t been able to do so….
Also, if we end up w/ Span, who do we then target for LF/3B…..
I’d still like to target Victorino, but I’m not sure where that leaves him if we trade for Span….
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
11:15 am
DOB, what’s your take on Buster Olney’s blog this morning? I’m guess you still believe the Braves will exercise the option, yes? Thanks.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:15 am
PTown – If the Braves are interested in signing him to an extension, then they’ll get it done. I see Mac as being quite a bit like Chipper in that regard. He’s a Georgia boy and lives in the area and I’d be willing to bet he’d give a Home Town discount.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:15 am
Can’t believe they made a freakin’ bobblehead of it…..
http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/08/05/11/Hrbek-bobblehead-is-a-hit-with-fans/landing_twins.html?blockID=544595
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:16 am
and a signed confession that Hrbek pulled Ron Gant off of the bag.
I might give them Matt Lipka and Todd Cunningham for that alone.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:17 am
I’d say that both Span and Victorino could play both LF and CF with no problems.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:19 am
DOB, what’s your take on Buster Olney’s blog this morning? I’m guess you still believe the Braves will exercise the option, yes? Thanks.
I found it interesting that Buster wrote that blog less than a week after writing a blog that talked about how McCann was in a “no lose” situation.
It’s kind of like Dracula vs. the Wolfman…..(if you don’t get that one, read/listen to anything Onley has written/said in the past week)
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:20 am
If Willingham, then I think it opens up to Bourn, Pagan, Victorino for CF
If Span, then more likely, Hamilton, Hunter, Ludwick, Swisher, Upton, Young for LF
If its Span, we will have slightly more money to obtain for the LF…not much but a little more
At least thats how I would perceive it….
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
11:20 am
I believe you pick up BMac’s option, and objectively evaluate him in 2013…then make the decision about extension.
I believe Delgado will be a solid 2-3 for a long time, and would hate to trade him…but you consider each move based on the rule of “does it make you better”.
Teheran may end up a bust….but what a bonus if he turns into a dependable stud…and it could still happen. 6 years control would be sweet. Much better than Greinke at $18M+, or 2 years of somebody.
Jimmy
October 23rd, 2012
11:21 am
jeffrey d – I know his accomplishments. I watched it all unfold.
But that sounds like what DOB said in one of his blogs. Something along the lines of “what he has done for the Braves, he deserves the option”. Something like that.
Paying him $12 mill for what has has done for us in the past?
And not even considering what he’ll do in 2013?
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:21 am
If Span, then more likely,
Hamilton, Hunter, Ludwick,Swisher, Upton, Young for LFI fixed it.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:21 am
If Span, then more likely,
Hamilton, Hunter, Ludwick,Swisher, Upton, Young for LFI fixed it.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:22 am
Lew-
But when Yadi gets what he got….do you really think Mac is signing for 1/3 of that….
I’m just not seeing it
And yeah, I think Shane would be a great LF as he was in LA, but does that fit bringing in 2 speedsters who cover the OF rather than a speedster and power bat for the middle….
Frankly, I think a lineup w/ both could be great….
Span/Victorino/Prado/Heyward/Uggla/Freeman/Simmons/Ross
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:22 am
Man, it seems that a bad year or a DL stint means a player is totally cooked, in the eyes of some. No chance of recovering from either.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
11:23 am
A hometown discount in $$ and years? after next year 3yrs at 10-12mil is probably as high as I go (assuming Mac performs well and is healthy)
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
11:23 am
I’d rather trade for 28 year old Denard Span and the two years, $11.75 million on his current contract than to give 31 year old Angel Pagan a five year deal in the $55-65 million dollar range + lose a first round draft pick in the process.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:23 am
But that sounds like what DOB said in one of his blogs. Something along the lines of “what he has done for the Braves, he deserves the option”. Something like that.
That’s kind of a strange stance to take, considering that the best thing financially for McCann could be for the Braves to turn down the option.
If he hits the open market, he’ll get more than $12 million a year, and for a lot more than one year.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:23 am
Hrbeck sells air conditioners now. In Minnesota.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:23 am
RC-
I would be fine w/ Torii Hunter for a couple years….
I don’t think he’s leaving LA though if both sides can help it
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:24 am
Scoots-
Hmm….isn’t that splitting hairs per Victorino?
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:25 am
I’d rather trade for 28 year old Denard Span and the two years, $11.75 million on his current contract than to give 31 year old Angel Pagan a five year deal in the $55-65 million dollar range + lose a first round draft pick in the process.
I don’t think you have to worry about it. Pagan is going to be resigned by SF after the postseason they’ve had, and if he’s not, he’ll definitely be out of ATL’s price range. SF will have money and not be afraid to spend it….I’m thinking Pagan and Pence are back in the fold next year.
After all, last time SF went to a WS they resigned Aubrey Huff and Pat Burrell, and Pagan and Pence are much better than they were.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:25 am
Efrim-
Good call and I agree….
Like I said, the question is, why did WSH strike out on obtaining him
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
11:26 am
Look people, McCann is not signing an extension with the Braves. He is going to sign what looks to be his final contract with a team that will pay him more than he is worth. Read: Yankees, Angels, Rangers. Some AL team. Even with a home discount it makes no sense to sign McCann or even pick up his option when you have a bona fide catcher in Ross and a young phenom rising through the ranks that could learn the ropes under McCann. It’s just my two cents obviously but I don’t see the logic in Bringing McCann back. The injury and his poor season simply has happened at the very wrong time. I understand the home boy thing and good clubhouse guy thing but that doesn’t make it worth the money.
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
11:26 am
P-Town – Braves will NOT persue Hamilton…they just won’t (and shouldn’t).
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
11:26 am
Ropes under Ross….
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:26 am
RC-
I don’t believe Pence is back there….
He has been an utter train wreck there….
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
11:27 am
2014 salaries: Miguel Montero 10mil; Joe Mauer 23mil; Molina 15mil
If Mac is healthy, he has to want to be payed between Molina and Mauer for sure… unless we’re gonna say that Molina’s D is worth an extra 4mil or something…
Montero and Molina both got 5 years I believe, Mauer got the ridiculous 8 yr deal.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:27 am
I’d rather trade for 28 year old Denard Span and the two years, $11.75 million on his current contract than to give 31 year old Angel Pagan a five year deal in the $55-65 million dollar range + lose a first round draft pick in the process.
Well, when you put it that way, LOL…
Though Span doesn’t strike me as the proto leadoff guy that Wren implies he seeks. Makes a few too many outs, no?
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:27 am
Raleigh-
It was a full listing of available starting talent….
You and I both know he’s not really an option
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:27 am
Dadgum, I’m not too sure I’d call Bethancourt a “phenom”.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
After all, last time SF went to a WS they resigned Aubrey Huff and Pat Burrell, and Pagan and Pence are much better than they were.
Yes, and despite them being in the World Series again, I still think Brian Sabean is a vastly overrated General Manager.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
Yeah, but Dadgum doesn’t like much of anything. Mac will be back.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
RC-
I would be fine w/ Torii Hunter for a couple years….
I don’t think he’s leaving LA though if both sides can help it
I would love Torii Hunter to join the Braves next year. The only reasons I can see that he MIGHT leave LA are:
1) They have an excess of OF. Allowing him to leave might be a way to clear up some space for them.
2) He’s from Alabama. This probably has no effect whatsoever, but I think there is a law written somewhere that anytime a player is from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, or the Carolinas, we are required to mention that they “grew up a Braves fan”, even if it’s not really true. For what it’s worth, Heyward grew up a Yankees fan, and Chipper was a Dodgers fan growing up.
Jimmy
October 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
Alright, you folks have expressed your opinon on the McCann option. And I have too. Neither has any impact on what the Braves will do. So, we’ll see after the WS.
Another question. Who are those losers on the overnight? Ward couldn’t even hang around long on there.
RC
October 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
RC-
I don’t believe Pence is back there….
He has been an utter train wreck there….
He’s the “emotional leader” of their playoff run, and Brian Sabean is the Giants GM. Pence will be back.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
Pence “saved” their season with his speech in the NLDS… if he has some good WS moments, he’s more than likely back. Wish he’d get to FA though… I want to sign him!
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
Scoots-
.284 .357 .389 .746
.272 .339 .365 .704
.281 .333 .424 .757
The 1st numbers are Span’s, 2nd Bourn’s, 3rd Pagan’s….
As far as outs, I think Span does just fine
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
He’s surgically repaired and has something to prove after last year. He’s going to put up a huge year – even if not a full one. Oh Ye of Little Faith.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:32 am
TOBF-
Why…?
For me he only strikes me as someone who is good enough to be your 4th best player but wants to be paid like he’s your best
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:33 am
Why is Torii Hunter not declining? Didn’t he get the memo? He’s going to be 37 next season.
Decline, dammit, decline!
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
11:33 am
Another question. Who are those losers on the overnight? Ward couldn’t even hang around long on there.
DumbAzz of A-Town Sports and Nobrains man…
George_George
October 23rd, 2012
11:34 am
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:08 am
Seems to me that a catcher who plays a full season with the injuries McCann suffered last year and STILL hits 20 HR has a good bit of value – especially after being surgically repaired.
********************************************
Yup, I can’t see how the BRAVES cannot pick up his option. They must pick it up or they will really upset a large majority of thier fans.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
11:34 am
Well, when you put it that way, LOL…
That’s the reality of the situation. Giants would be foolish not to make him a qualifying offer and he’s going to get a five year deal in the 10-13 million a year range, imo. He turns 32 years old in July of next year, the first year of the deal and will cost the team a first rounder. I do not believe the Braves are in position to keep giving away draft picks. In fact, they are in better position to trade assets, as they have a glut of pitching in the upper levels and a lack of impact throughout the system. Time to use the pitching glut and focus on adding impact level talent through the draft – which can be done with two Top 40 picks.
Though Span doesn’t strike me as the proto leadoff guy that Wren implies he seeks. Makes a few too many outs, no?
Span is a career .284/.357/.389, 104+ hitter. His power vanishes away from Minny.
He’s battled injuries a lot the last couple years, and that scares me the most about him. I can’t explain the splits away from Minnesota. Very good defender in CF.
He hits LHP well too. Unlike Bourn. Concerned a bit about the .271/.334/.367, 95 OPS+ line the last three years as I think it’s apart of the injuries too.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:35 am
Why is Torii Hunter not declining?
Who said he isn’t declining?
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:35 am
He’s surgically repaired and has something to prove after last year. He’s going to put up a huge year – even if not a full one. Oh Ye of Little Faith.
Are you talking about McCann or Beachy… or both?
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
11:36 am
I see 3 likely possibilties (and I’m assuming Braves pick up the 2013 option)
1 – BMac returns, is a bust, and doesn’t get offered big $$$ by anyone (highly unlikely)
2 – BMac returns, is at or near his old self, and signs a club friendly extension to stay in Braves
3 – BMac comes back strong, tests the open market. Braves can’t afford him, so they make a qualifying offer, and get the draft pick.
Considering the options, it seems that keeping him around in 2013 for $12M is a pretty good gamble (in my mind, it’s a no brainer).
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
11:37 am
Pence has great numbers vs. both lefties and righties… only 29. 25 HR a year power, 100 RBI potential. Great defender. The guy has good numbers in just about every situation. He’s a player I’d pay 15+mil to. Heck, I’d have traded both Minor and Delgado for him
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:38 am
Who said he isn’t declining?
His statistics said he isn’t declining. They called me this morning.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:39 am
They called me this morning.
Probably just his agent, masquerading.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:40 am
Probably just his agent, masquerading.
I thought the english accent sounded a bit forced and not legitimate, but it’s hard to say.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
11:41 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
This year’s free agent class is not good… Next year’s free agent class could be even worse, in overall quality. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/02/2014-mlb-free-agents.html …
And yet we’ll pass up a very good #2 SP this winter…. not really any good names next winter. We’ll be overpaying for a #3 or low end 2/ trading for a top pitcher next offseason
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:44 am
Efrim-
Guess I am more curious as to why his power numbers decline away from Minny as you’d think he’d have no power there….
I just like the thought of his salary and that he’d be a perfect replacement for Bourn in CF with how plus his D is and that he’s no slouch at the plate, but doesn’t strike out 130+ times….
Like you said, his injuries provide the question mark, but if you can keep him on the field, he’s a solid player to have….
Go get him Frank!
George_George
October 23rd, 2012
11:44 am
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:39 am
They called me this morning.
Probably just his agent, masquerading.
**********************************
Good comeback, but jeffrey d is the KING OF COMEBACKS.
CB
October 23rd, 2012
11:44 am
raleigh, option 4 should be Braves and Brian sit down Now and sign a reasonable long term contract for both parties.
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:46 am
not really any good [SP] names next winter.
Then they’ll just have to extend Hudson, hope that all three of their youngsters prove out as front-line, and have Teheran reach his potential. No biggie.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:46 am
raleigh, option 4 should be Braves and Brian sit down Now and sign a reasonable long term contract for both parties.
No no no no… not until the team sees how he does post-surgery. Due diligence.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:46 am
McCann – No one seems to be worried about Beachy – likely due to his age and the rate of success after the TJ procedure.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
11:46 am
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Elias says Giants are 2nd team to go the distance in 1st two postseason series in a season to reach World Series. 1st team was 1981 Dodgers
Dodgers won it all that year… go Giants.
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
11:47 am
CB – But for the injury, I would probably agree. However, I believe the prudent thing is to wait and see the 2013 results…Of course, sometimes you have to just jump in and have some faith…or at least, take a chance. Like Lew, I believe he will come back strong.
CB
October 23rd, 2012
11:48 am
Murph,he comes back strong it might cost a lot more than they could give him now. Braves need to trust the medical people.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
11:49 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
This year’s free agent class is not good… Next year’s free agent class could be even worse, in overall quality.
Tim Lincecum
Josh Johnson
Adam Wainwright
Matt Garza
Phil Hughes
I believe that’s really it for starting pitching. Braves will have to do it via the trade route, as usual.
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
11:49 am
Murph’s right – They won’t sign Mac to an extension until they see how he comes back this year – nor should they.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:49 am
I think I’m gonna root for the Tigers… I want to see what happens when Verlander gets the final out and Fielder comes running in from 1st base to jump on top of the pile.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:50 am
Efrim-
I’d buy low on Lincecum….
Just for the simple point of making him cut his hair first
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
11:50 am
I’m fine with Span in CF. Whatever, really.
More focused on getting a RH hitter for the middle of the order. That needs to be the #1 priority, not CF/leadoff.
Prado can hit leadoff for crying out loud.
raleighbravefan
October 23rd, 2012
11:51 am
Something to atleast factor in…and extension gets BMac into 10/5 territory. Not a problem if he doesn’t fall off a cliff, but we got no DH.
CB
October 23rd, 2012
11:51 am
Lew,remember what I said when he does.
Jimmy
October 23rd, 2012
11:53 am
TOBF – 1981 was the strike season. That’s why there were two postseason series. The first half winners vs. the second half winners.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:53 am
Murph-
Probably the same thing that happens when the side of Cleveland’s house falls off in Family Guy and he starts sliding out in the bathtub…
NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOO
ncscoots
October 23rd, 2012
11:53 am
More focused on getting a RH hitter for the middle of the order. That needs to be the #1 priority, not CF/leadoff.
Remind Frank, just in case.
George_George
October 23rd, 2012
11:53 am
I will be rooting for TIGERS because OMAR is with them, alss part of the reason SF is where it is is because of MELKY’s cheating.
Efrim
October 23rd, 2012
11:53 am
No way I root for the Giants. Tigers all the way. Get Leyland another ring and I’m rooting for an outstanding performance from Verlander in Game 1. He’s the best pitcher on the planet, and I hope he shows it Wednesday night.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:55 am
Murph,he comes back strong it might cost a lot more than they could give him now. Braves need to trust the medical people.
Medical people can’t predict how he’s going to recover with 100% certainty. That’s a big gamble to take with a limited budget team. If it were the Ted Turner days then sure, sign him up and take the risk. Not now though.
Did you guys read the articles yesterday about the Italian scientists who got 6 years in jail for not predicting an earthquake? An earthquake?? Despite hundreds of scientists around the world saying that earthquakes cannot be predicted, they still got 6 years… in JAIL…
I’m fine with signing McCann longterm based on the doctor’s recommendation, but if McCann doesn’t come back to pre-injury levels, I want that doctor to go to a federal penitentiary for at least a few years. If the doctor agrees to it, then let’s go for it.
Shaun
October 23rd, 2012
11:55 am
TheOnlyBravesFan, Pence has a career OBP of .339, a career slugging of .475 and a career OPS+ of 117. That’s not terrible but it’s nothing special for a guy who adds no value on defense and can only play corner-outfield.
Murph and ncscoots, who cares about Hunter’s stats, per se. I just care about what he’s done. And there is some indication, based on what he’s done, that last year was a bit of a fluke. His BABIP was .389, which is ridiculously high. His career BABIP is .307.
For a guy his age, he’s solid. But he’s nothing special. He could probably command, what, at least $12M for a year or two? I don’t know that I would bother considering his age. Nothing wrong with him as a player but you could probably find the same player for a lot less and without the age-related risks.
George_George
October 23rd, 2012
11:56 am
I will be rooting for TIGERS because OMAR is with them, also part of the reason SF is where they are is because of MELKY’s cheating.
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
11:56 am
Now wait a minute Lew….I like a lot of things. I like Prado at 2nd, Freeman at 1st, Heyward in RF, Bourn in CF. Beachy, Medlen, Minor, Hudson, Maholm, Delgado as SP’s. Love our bullpen. While I’m at it put Zeppelin, Skynyrd, Allman Bros., James Taylor, Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, Jason Aldean, DBT’s, Elton, Little Big Town, Sam Cooke, Elvis, Johnny Cash, The Eagles. Homemade peach ice cream. Pecan pie. Beer. Just to name a few things……
Rock on…..oh yeah, I do like to beeech now and again.
Jimmy
October 23rd, 2012
11:58 am
Murph -” I want to see what happens when Verlander gets the final out and Fielder comes running in from 1st base to jump on top of the pile.”
This, if for no other reason, is why I must watch the clincher.
George_George
October 23rd, 2012
11:58 am
Sorry for double post.
Don
October 23rd, 2012
11:59 am
Let’s see, just why was Uggla given the big bucks, long term contract?
It must have been his hitting?? Whoops – hit .208 for a significant part of the year and ended up around – what -..220.
Then it must have been his great defenese?? – Whoops
Or it must have been his great ability as a middle infielder to turn the double play?? – really Whoops
That leaves the Home Run – true he hits a few – but problem is – when a home run hitter is not otherwise also a good hitter, his home run production is not usually against the good pitchers or in close games or game determining situations.
If they think that he was a good investment – I wonder what kind or reaction they would get if they tried trading him and his contract to any other team?
Shaun
October 23rd, 2012
11:59 am
It actually may be a good time to work out an extension with McCann. Sure, there is a chance that he doesn’t bounce back from injury but he’s still fairly young and I wouldn’t bet against medical technology these days. The Braves could sign him between now and sometimes early in the season, while his value is at its lowest. That would be the plus side of trying to work out an extension this off-season or early next season. The downside is that he’s never the same after the injury and the surgery.
Murph
October 23rd, 2012
11:59 am
His BABIP was .389, which is ridiculously high. His career BABIP is .307.
Thus disproving my theory that luck does not exist.
P-Town Brave ©
October 23rd, 2012
11:59 am
Like I said Shaun, for a guy who plays like he’s your 4th best player, there’s no sense in paying him like he’s your best….
In fact, if you ask anyone in Phily, that is a lot of why they shipped him off….was asked to be the man when Utley and Howard were out and he choked….
Lew
October 23rd, 2012
12:01 pm
Don – None of the above. They knew it would piss you off and they desperately wanted you to keep posting how stupid the deal was to run the page hits up..
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 23rd, 2012
12:03 pm
Thanks Jimmy!
TheOnlyBravesFan, Pence has a career OBP of .339, a career slugging of .475 and a career OPS+ of 117. That’s not terrible but it’s nothing special for a guy who adds no value on defense and can only play corner-outfield.
Of the 6 position players who will be starting for us next season, Pence would be tied w/ Mac for highest SLG. 2nd in avg to Prado… worst OBP (near Uggla and Freeman), tied w/ Uggla for 2nd highest OPS.
Solid numbers vs. both righties and lefties, something we don’t have right now.
Shaun
October 23rd, 2012
12:04 pm
Don, first of all Uggla wasn’t as bad as folks like you think. He provided essentially league-average offensive production, thanks in large part to a very solid .348 OBP. But I get it. He was disappointing. Certainly we all want him to be one of the top offensive secondbasemen in the game.
What kind of reaction would they get if they tried to trade him? I would think there are at least a few teams who wouldn’t entertain it and wouldn’t laugh it off, as you seem to think. That doesn’t mean they would make it worthwhile for the Braves but I don’t think the Braves and the rest of baseball are quite as down on Uggla as folks like you.
Mixxo
October 23rd, 2012
12:04 pm
Rooting for the Tigers because of Leyland and Omar even though Fielder (ugh) is on that squad.
George is right, the cheatin’ Melky got them there.
Couch Tater
October 23rd, 2012
12:08 pm
On a positive note.
Troy Glaus had a torn labrum in ‘04. He was an all-star in ‘06. Vernon Wells had a cyst and labrum surgery in ‘07 and was an all-star in ‘10.
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/sports/story.html?id=62e20927-f133-4e16-8d39-5a2f07aa15f3
Dadgum.....
October 23rd, 2012
12:09 pm
Don….. I’m certain Wren would like to have a do-over on the Uggla trade. Yep, sometimes HR hitters hit meaningless homers in blow out situations. Not sure when Uggla’s were hit but the man simply doesn’t pass the eye test. Anyone that thinks this team is better off with Uggla on it is simply insane IMO. We aren’t and won’t be. Trading The Uggla whiff machine should be a priority. Eating the dollars to move him is the penalty Wren has to pay for being a dumbarse.
Shaun
October 23rd, 2012
12:12 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan, those were Pence’s career numbers. If Pence has a career-average season, he would essentially be Martin Prado, Jason Heyward without any defensive value or baserunning value. And I wouldn’t bet on him having a career year at this point.
Shaun
October 23rd, 2012
12:14 pm
Thus disproving my theory that luck does not exist.
Chance, randomness, whatever you want to call anything that influences results that isn’t related to skills is what most people are referring to when they say “luck,” as it relates to baseball players.
Tumbledown
October 23rd, 2012
12:16 pm
Thanks Dadgum. I have been looking for some incite on the recovery from a torn labrum surgery. Have any MLB catchers in the past tried to recover from a similar procedure? I know, google is my friend, but I feel lazy!