Ten Braves become free agents
Ten Braves were among the 137 major leaguer players who became free agents on Monday, the day after the World Series ended. The Braves had the most free agents in the National League and were second in the majors behind the Yankees’ 12.
Free agents can negotiate and sign with any club beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
For the Braves, the free-agent list included Jeff Baker, Miguel Batista, Michael Bourn, Matt Diaz, Chad Durbin, Eric Hinske, Reed Johnson, Lyle Overbay, David Ross and Ben Sheets, who announced he was retiring at the end of the 2012 season.
The Braves are expected to re-sign backup catcher Ross, and also are believed to have interest in bringing back reliever Durbin and outfielder Johnson. The Braves have said since the beginning of the 2012 season that they’d like to re-sign Bourn, but the center fielder and leadoff man, who is represented by powerful agent Scott Boras, could be deemed too expensive by the Braves.
In addition, four other Braves are eligible for free agency pending 2013 options on their contracts: Tim Hudson, Paul Maholm, Brian McCann and Chipper Jones, who has retired. The Braves have until Wednesday to decline or exercise those options.
The Braves are expected to pick up the options on starting pitchers Hudson ($9 million) and Maholm ($6.5 million), while the status of former six-time All-Star catcher McCann is uncertain. The team holds a $12 million option on the contract of McCann, who had shoulder surgery after the season and is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2013 season.
Before he got hurt this summer, it was viewed as all but a foregone conclusion the Braves would exercise the 2013 option on McCann, then decide later whether to pursue a long-term extension. But the surgery to repair a torn labrum seems to have complicated the issue in regards to the 2013 option, and team officials have not commented on his status since the surgery.
Gold Glove award finalists
Bourn is one of four Braves finalists for National League Gold Glove Awards, along with right fielder Jason Heyward, first baseman Freddie Freeman and Martin Prado, who played five different positions in 2012 but was nominated at left field, where he made 111 starts.
Winners will be announced during a 9:30 p.m. show Tuesday on ESPN2. There were three finalists at each position except shortstop, where four were named.
Heyward already win the 2012 Fielding Bible Award recognizing him as the best defensive right fielder in the major leagues based on statistical analysis. He’s up against Cincinnati’s Jay Bruce and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Andre Ethier for the Gold Glove, as selected through voting by major league managers and coaches.
Cincinnati led the majors with six finalists, while the Braves were second in the NL with four.
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155 comments Add your comment
Chi Town
October 29th, 2012
11:08 am
1st?
Bravos4LYFE
October 29th, 2012
11:17 am
Good to hear the Braves want to bring back Durbin, the cornerstone of our bullpen.
Obee
October 29th, 2012
11:17 am
Sounding a lot less certain about McCann.
MikeY
October 29th, 2012
11:20 am
Expect the Braves to make a qualifying offer to Bourn.
From the MLB site:
In order to receive Draft choice compensation for losing free agents, Major League teams will have to make a qualifying offer of at least $13.3 million.
Teams have until 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the World Series ends to make the offer; players have 48 hours after that to accept. MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association calculated the number based on the average of the 125 highest existing contracts as determined by average annual value.
If a player rejects the offer and signs with another team before the June Draft, his former club will receive an additional pick at the end of the first round. The signing club forfeits its first-round pick. Exception: If that pick is in the top 10, the signing club gives up its next highest pick.
Prior to this season, compensation was based on a system of classifying players as Type A or Type B based on their statistics the previous two seasons. That format had been used since 1981.
BravesFanInMaine
October 29th, 2012
11:24 am
Trying to get all my braves info before i lose power up here in Maine!!
The hole in Uggla'a bat
October 29th, 2012
11:31 am
Only way I’d keep McCann was if we could play him at 1b and we have freddie so do not re sign him. Ross can play everyday until kid is ready. Thats another 12 million to add.Do not overpay for Bourn. Baseball is changing and the days of 3 run homer are in the past. Gritty players that hit ball to right field, bunt, steal bases, and field the ball are what is winning championships. Gregor Blanco (former Brave), Cody Ross (SF pickup 2010), and M Scutaro (2012 SF pickup) are what is getting teams over the top. Braves still relied on McCann, Uggla, Chipper 3 run bomb. SF did not let a ball hit the ground during WSeries. you can win with pitching , defense, and timely hitting. Braves have not had timely hitting in years.
John A.
October 29th, 2012
11:32 am
Did anyone notice that Omar Infante (2nd base for the Tigers) had a creditable season as well as eries? He makes a lot less than Dan Uggla, but who cares he fell out of favor with Braves Upper Management. I suppose he didn’t command BIG BUCKS.
No Durbin!
October 29th, 2012
11:33 am
Please no home run derby Durbin!
JHarber
October 29th, 2012
11:33 am
Guys And Gals, The next two months will tell you if you have a GM or just a pretender. His decisions in that time period will affect the Braves for years to come.
Largo
October 29th, 2012
11:34 am
Remember when most people wanted to hang Wren (myself included) for picking up Durbin? It seemed like every time he entered a game he gave up a home run. Now, in my mind, he is definitely a keeper. He did a good job after all.
No Durbin!
October 29th, 2012
11:35 am
Yeah I miss Omar.
No Durbin!
October 29th, 2012
11:38 am
Ehh better options out in my mind.
No Durbin!
October 29th, 2012
11:41 am
Ehh better options out there in my mind.
Charlie Kerfeld
October 29th, 2012
11:49 am
Bourn is a dynamic player, but his career suggests he will strike out alot and hit 280 at best. If we can’t resign him, go after Victorino or Angel Pagan. Let McCann go, and put those $ to use elsewhere. Resign Ross, and add another catcher- won’t be difficult to match McCanns production. We’ll need a LF, since Prado is probably going to 3B Sad to say, but even all the right moves probly won’t matter since this team chokes in big games. Please prove me wrong!!.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
11:56 am
I hope Wren reads everyone’s suggestions so he knows what NOT to do. Rossy can’t play everyday and he admits that. Infante is not a better option than Uggla. Please keep McCann. Durbin isn’t that bad (3.10 out of the pen ain’t too shabby). Like the Cody Ross talk, though. I also think he’s a free agent.
BravesFanInNashville
October 29th, 2012
11:57 am
Yes to Hudson, and Maholm. Bring back Durbin, Johnson and of course Ross.
No to Bourn (too much to pay for what he brings especially because he fades in August and September and is getting older). Much cheaper solutions in CF. Did anyone else feel that even though he stole a lot of bases he rarely stole one when we needed it most like in late and close situations?
I’ll bet the Braves pick up McCann and then hope they can trade him before the deadline to an AL team.
wesley
October 29th, 2012
12:02 pm
I’m suprised how many people are ready to let McCann go after a subpar season (with a torn labrum) To me its a no brainer, I believe he is still a cornerstone of the team!!
Bravos4LYFE
October 29th, 2012
12:07 pm
I think Verlander has proven he can’t win THE BIG ONE. Got shelled in the all star game and in game 1 of the World Series. Think the Tigers are looking to trade him while they still can? Should the Braves be interested?
GRAPHITE
October 29th, 2012
12:08 pm
Better make peace with the Indians over the winter.The curse is still on………..
alex
October 29th, 2012
12:13 pm
how to get rid from hanson and of course uggla. Paul Janish 12 mil. cheaper with same average but much, much better defensive. have wren solve this i,ll consider him genius
BravesFanInNashville
October 29th, 2012
12:14 pm
Wesley,
Don’t want to see Brian McCann go either but it seems his best payday opportunity will be in the AL. He can command a lot more money from a team that can DH him 2 to 4 times a week. Even if the Braves want to sign him it might not make sense to pay the catcher position $15 Million a year for a less than average defender who is slow and has had a history of debilitating eye problems not to mention coming off shoulder surgery and may eventually need knee surgery.
cdog
October 29th, 2012
12:17 pm
don”t waste time with michael “homerun hitter” bourne he’s a loser. let him walk.
BravesFanInNashville
October 29th, 2012
12:21 pm
The days of paying for past performance are coming to a close in baseball. Look at A-Rods contract. Even the Yankees are going to regret that one. Cliff Lee is looking like he won’t be worth near the money the Phillies are committed to him for. We can’t pay Brian McCann out of loyalty and then expect to have the money to be competitive. Wren has to make business decisions not emotional decisions. It’s hard when you love the man more than the player he still is.
Peter
October 29th, 2012
12:25 pm
John A. .. ……. Why did you write Omar Infante fell out of favor with Braves upper management ?
It seems the philosophy is the Braves want to play like a softball team…… they got Uggla, because he hit home runs, and they do not value the type of offense the Giants have, which is built on contact and speed with the occasional long ball.
They do not value speed, or use speed wisely.. as in Bourne had a very low stolen base record in his only full year as a Brave. Note he led the league before becoming a Brave and had ONLY 42 stolen bases last year……quite a drop off.
Braves management made a huge mistake trading the speedy Blanco who is now a world champion, for Rick Ankiel…… Why….. because they valued the “Pop” in Ankiel’s bat over the contact hitter Blanco was, and is.
We saw Blanco did quite well for the Giants during their Championship run. Plus he is young and VERY Cheap making $480,000 this year.
Another of the huge mistakes WREN has made… he basically ruined the Chemistry the braves had in 2010.
Also anyone who reads this and states Wren is handicapped by the Braves owners is totally incorrect….. As the GM in Baltimore Wren built the most expensive team at the time in baseball with a huge payroll….and the Orioles failed to play .500 ball that year..subsequently Wren was fired !
BraveOne
October 29th, 2012
12:26 pm
I would like to see the Braves package a deal around a starting pitcher and go after Justin Upton. Arizona needs starting pitching and relief pitching as well. The Braves could put him in Left and move Prado to 3rd. Then the Braves could go after a CF. Heyward in Right and Upton that has the makings of being a solid outfield.
MfG
October 29th, 2012
12:31 pm
Bmac is too expensive for my taste. gotta be a better option! Sign Pagon for center field. keep Prado where he is, put fransisco at third.. I know, he strikes out wayyyyy toooooo much, but he has prodigious power!
Ralph
October 29th, 2012
12:34 pm
Cleveland took Lowe off our hands, maybe we could work the same deal with Uggla and Hanson.
Brave Hokie
October 29th, 2012
12:35 pm
I hope they all go away ~ heartless bumbling loser…
Bravos4LYFE
October 29th, 2012
12:36 pm
BravesFanInNashville:
Why do you say that about Cliff Lee? He had a pretty great year if you don’t factor in wins and losses.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
12:37 pm
Screw it. Just sign Hamilton. He’ll make the entire lineup better. You get what you pay for. Prado to 3rd. I’d even entertain (dare I say) signing Ichiro as a fourth OF/platoon role; starting him against righties in LF and playing Johnson against lefties.
Erin
October 29th, 2012
12:37 pm
I wont be surprised if McCann gets traded. I have been hearing of a lowering contract negotiation or a sign and trade with an AL team vie. Yankees, Rangers, or Blue Jays
kbb
October 29th, 2012
12:39 pm
7 of the lowest 10 rated World Series have come in the last decade. This seasons was the LOWEST OF ALL TIME. I will quote this in every post that every Jethro from Honeybooo Georgia spews that “nobody watches the NBA”
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
12:39 pm
Or instead of Ichiro, you could sign Juan Pierre. There’s value there and he and Johnson would be a good two-head monster in LF.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
12:43 pm
JuanFran at 3rd = not the answer.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
12:45 pm
And me saying that signing Hamilton is the answer is a joke. No player is worth $25 mil a year.
Virginia Brave Fan
October 29th, 2012
12:46 pm
I echo BraveOne’s thoughts – trade for Justin Upton and stick him in center. Move Martin to 3B and find a LF (Reed Johnson?). WE WANT JUSTIN UPTON!!!
Kentavo
October 29th, 2012
12:47 pm
I’m hoping FW is paying attention to two things when assembling the 2013 and beyond roster:
1. Hitters with a proven track record for hitting left-handed pitching.
2. Players with post-season success.
Infield Fly
October 29th, 2012
12:49 pm
Give Uggla away
As much of a letdown as D. Lowe, and arguably one of Wren’s worst mistakes.
The Truth....
October 29th, 2012
12:50 pm
This team needs a new identity and philosophy…too laid back waiting for the big home run. Not gonna happen with this bunch…too many guys just making a payday…don’t really care if they win the WS or not. Not their fault tho cause that’s the way the front office thinks….Just want to sell tickets and make some $$$….So enjoy!
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
12:51 pm
Think about what you just said. Trade for Justin Upton. Really? The rumors that the D-Backs want to deal him are unfounded and if you are the D-Backs, WHY THE HECK WOULD YOU TRADE A 25-YEAR-OLD SUPERSTAR WHO YOU HAVE LOCKED UP TILL 2016?
JNick
October 29th, 2012
12:54 pm
I wouldn’t be against Upton if he wouldn’t cost us much more than Tommy Hanson and a mid-level prospect – as long as we don’t have to give up Minor/Delgado/Gilmartin/Spruill (and I guess Teheran, but I’m not big on him). He had kind of a down year, seems to be burnt out in AZ.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
12:54 pm
BTW, there is me “The Truth” providing rational commentary and some other “The Truth….” spouting nonsense. The team has an ID and everyone plays hard and cares. Idiot …
JHarber
October 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
The Truth 12:50——- I have never heard it said better
hmmmmm..........
October 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
I’d like to see the Braves make a run at Grienke, we need a dominate number one starter. They were interested before the deadline. The Braves could always go after a juan pierre he’d be a cheap bourn replacement and put up comparable numbers but he plays LF. I’d get Hanson a personal trainer this offseason or shop him and uggs.
TnJim
October 29th, 2012
1:00 pm
Did anyone notice Gregor Blanco in the World Series? Looked like a pretty decent option at left or center. Would need reliable bats at second and third, however.
hmmmmm..........
October 29th, 2012
1:00 pm
If the rumors are unfounded about Upton then why have they been out there for over a year. You trade because the team has no other talent so you stock up and start over
hmmmmm..........
October 29th, 2012
1:01 pm
If the rumors are unfounded about Upton then why have they been out there for over a year. You trade because the team has no other talent so you stock up and start over. The Reds traded Hamilton for Volquesz.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
Medlen has proven himself as a number 1. Hanson is fat and dropping 25 lbs would do him some good. Minor and Maholm are solid. I like the Braves rotation. BTW, Grienke will be seeking about 5 years at $100 mil. That’s WAY to much.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
1:04 pm
I’d prefer them to look into a guy like Anibal Sanchez
BravesFanInNashville
October 29th, 2012
1:04 pm
Bravos4LYFE….
The reason I said what I did about Cliff Lee is because of the length and money of the contract the Phillies are committed to. He had a losing season with Texas 2 years ago. He’s not the dominating pitcher you would expect from a $140 + Million dollar contract. Yes his ERA wasn’t bad this year but he needed a strong finish to end up 6-9 this year. No way he was worth the $21,500,000 the Phillies paid him last year. It’s only going to get worse as his contract increases as he gets older. He’s 34 now and will be 39 at the end of his contract when the Phillies will be paying him close to $25 Million.
The Phillies will regret that contract like the Yankees are regretting A-Rod’s. Also the Giants aren’t getting $136 Million dollars of value out of Zito either. Yes he won some key games but so did Bumgarner at league minimum. Just saying those large contracts usually end up backfiring and Clill Lee will be no exception.
JNick
October 29th, 2012
1:05 pm
For the last time, you’re not going to get anyone to take Uggla without the Braves paying $10 mil/season for the rest of his contract. We are FINALLY rid of every albatross on the books (Lowe, Kawakami, Jurrjens, McLouth) and not paying people to play for other teams/in the minors. We already have a full (if not over full) rotation we do not need Greinke at $18-20 mil a year. Makes no sense to pay someone that much (1/4 to 1/5 of our payroll) for someone who pitches every 5 days. Decline the option on McCann, offer him $6-8 mil for 2013 for a chance to prove his health/re-establish his value. Impact bat for LF/3B (one or the other, with Prado) and a CF (Span, Fowler, Pagan, etc)
Hanson already had a personal trainer last off-season, supposedly strengthening his shoulder to avoid surgery, and redoing his mechanics. Same result though…loss in velocity/command, still looks like he’s throwing darts…can’t hold runners. Show him the door.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
1:07 pm
hmmmm…… They’ve been rumors for two years about Upton. You’d think if AZ was that motivated to move him, they would’ve dont it already. And the Reds traded Hamilton before he was proven, though he did have a good season with them.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
1:09 pm
JNick — Well said. However, I think Span resigned with the Twins earlier this year.
The Truth
October 29th, 2012
1:11 pm
Span is signed through 2014 with a 2015 option.
Spud
October 29th, 2012
1:12 pm
Bourn is gone. He’ll be offered a lot and probably for too many years, so I can’t blame the Braves for letting him go. $15 to $20M for five or six years would be too long for a player that has speed as one of his primary assets. We all know that speed fades with age.
BravesFanInNashville
October 29th, 2012
1:15 pm
JNick… like how you think…
Scott
October 29th, 2012
1:18 pm
Anybody writing that the Braves “choke every year” or something similar should be calling for the entire nucleus of the team to be blown up. Keep only the young talent, and send everybody else packing. Otherwise, you don’t really believe what you’re saying. They held the WC lead down the stretch with no problem this year. Then they lost one game against an experienced Cards team who just happened to be defending World Series champs.
If you feel like they always choke, you better back it up. Personally, I’ll evaluate the talent in individual cases to determine whether McCann and others should be back. I’m not going to base that on postseason disappointment (the last three years).
hmmmmm..........
October 29th, 2012
1:22 pm
Upton had a great season 2 years ago and was average this year. 1/2 a great season hardly qualifies has a dominate starter for years to come, that can be said for Medlen and Minor. If they could land grienke then trade Malohm or don’t pick up his option. The Braves wanted Grienke before the deadlie but wanted to lock him up.
Bravos4LYFE
October 29th, 2012
1:26 pm
BravesFanInNashville:
Forget 6-9. Wins and losses don’t tell you anything about his performance.
In 2012, Lee was 3rd in the NL in WAR, 9th in K/9 and 1st in BB/9 among all qualified starters. He had the highest K/BB ratio by 2.5, the lowest walk rate and the 6th highest strikeout rate. And if you’re into $/WAR, then, according to Fangraphs, he was worth $21.9M this season. The Philly offense was terrible for most of the year, and the bullpen lost several leads after Lee came out of games. Ignoring wins and losses, Lee had one of the best seasons of any NL starter.
BravesFanSince80s
October 29th, 2012
1:27 pm
could someone other than the DA above me explain how we’re rid of all the “albatross contracts” when we still have Ugly Dan for 3 more years?
StingerSplash
October 29th, 2012
1:27 pm
I just don’t see most of those guys coming back. Would love to keep Ross and maybe Durbin and maybe even Reed Johnson. CF is a priority but I don’t know if the Bourn Price Tag will be out of reach.
And if the banner ad at the top is correct, methinks the costumes worn by the young ladies (hey, they’re just trying to pay their tuition, that’s all) at The Cheetah may not matter much since they don’t, um, wear them, yeah, for, um, uh, long.
So I’m told.
Bravos4LYFE
October 29th, 2012
1:29 pm
Does that mean that he’ll be worth what his contract will pay him in his later 30s? Not necessarily. But at age 33/34 there have been no signs of decline.
RetiredSoldier
October 29th, 2012
1:30 pm
Resign Durbin, Johnson and of course Ross. Left field, trade Hanson, Tehran, any reliever besides the big three and a minor leaguer for a big right handed bat. Do your best to sign Bourn and if he is gone move Heyward to center.
Ted M
October 29th, 2012
1:31 pm
they gotta sign Reed Johnson, David Ross and pick up Hudson & Maholm so it sounds like the Braves are doing all the right thing.
I love Brian McCann but its time to let him go. Bourn is way overrated for the dollars.
BravesFanInNashville
October 29th, 2012
1:34 pm
Bravos4LYFE…
I think you make good points about Lee’s year. My point is that I’m glad the Braves aren’t committed to his contract as I don’t think he’ll prove to be worth the money over the length of the deal. Also I don’t think the Braves should pay Grienke or any other pitcher anything close to what Lee and Zito got.
Remember Lee had a losing record on a Texas team that scored ton’s of runs and went to the WS. He was younger then. I for one don’t believe his deal will be a value over the long run.
I respect and appreciate your point of view though.
BravesFanSince06
October 29th, 2012
1:35 pm
This cheap franchise has only managed two playoffs in it’s history, and both were wild cards that we lost in the first round. When is the fanbase gonna get sick of it? We’re all just enabling this low standard of performance. The lack of loyalty is sickining.
Dadgum.....
October 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
It appears to me that Atlanta will not pick up McCann’s option. Simply way too much to pay given the surgery with no assurances we can keep him longer term after 2013. We have way more pressing needs besides catcher. 3rd base is now our most pressing need. Need a huge trade for a bona fide 3rd baseman. Sandoval/Wright type if you will. Follow that with a CF free agent or trade. Obviously moving Uggla would be ideal then Prado could return to his best spot but the Braves would need to eat half his salary. I don’t think the Braves would part with both Uggla and McCann in the same year but one of them is gone. Simply too much money tied up in them and we have bigger needs for that money. Again, I will be shocked if McCann is picked up.
jbailz23
October 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
Why would we want Justin Upton? He’s had one good year, only hit .300 once in his life, he’s mediocre at best and going to ask for more money than he’s worth.
Ted M
October 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
I never thought of Ichiro…I’d take him for the right price.
Ted M
October 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
Who is the Braves best outfield prospect?
I think the Braves are gonna be even younger next year.
knockahomerx
October 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
GM Wrenn Please do list; 1. Pick up options on Hudson and Maholm for 1 year only. Young Guns replace them in 2014. 2. Do not sign check or pick up option for Brian McCann. I love Brian. I just would not sign the check for an injured, declining catcher with eyesight issues. 3. Tradeable players, Tommy Hanson can not hit 90 mph, Dan Uggla is defensive liability and has not and will not earn his check, Jair Jurrjens ???. 4. Decide on Bethancourt to ML 2013 or July or 2014. Sign a catcher, and sign Ross to 1 yr. 5. Prado to 2B after Uggla trade, Martins best position. 6. With trades, spending FA money wisely, sign young, hungry, athletic, hitters for 3B, CF,and LF. Bullpen and Bench should not be a problem. Fans and yourself need to see if our farm system young, hungry pitchers are ready to perform. Braves need to have a 2013 MLB Draft filled with SS, CF, C, 3B who are 300+ hitters, and 30+ homers athletes. GM Wrenn get the offseason moves right. The team can take off and with our youth has staying power. Build the Minors Teams and fill with future Braves. Go Braves. I love you guys.
Rick C
October 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
jbailz23, although I am not in favor of trading for Justin Upton, he already has a guaranteed contract for the next three seasons.
Peter
October 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
John A. .. ……. Why did you write Omar Infante fell out of favor with Braves upper management ?
It seems the philosophy is the Braves want to play like a softball team…… they got Uggla, because he hit home runs, and they do not value the type of offense the Giants have, which is built on contact and speed with the occasional long ball.
They do not value speed, or use speed wisely.. as in Bourne had a very low stolen base record in his only full year as a Brave. Note he led the league before becoming a Brave and had ONLY 42 stolen bases last year……quite a drop off.
Braves management made a huge mistake trading the speedy Blanco who is now a world champion, for Rick Ankiel…… Why….. because they valued the “Pop” in Ankiel’s bat over the contact hitter Blanco was, and is.
We saw Blanco did quite well for the Giants during their Championship run. Plus he is young and VERY Cheap making $480,000 this year.
Another of the huge mistakes WREN has made… he basically ruined the Chemistry the braves had in 2010.
Also anyone who reads this and states Wren is handicapped by the Braves owners is totally incorrect….. As the GM in Baltimore Wren built the most expensive team at the time in baseball with a huge payroll….and the Orioles failed to play .500 ball that year..subsequently Wren was fired !
Mark (another one)
October 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
Bring back McCann and resign Ross. That would cover catcher for 2013. Freeman, Uggla, Simmons and Prado are the starting infield with Franciso and Janish as backups. I’d move Prado into third because I believe his defense is strong at third and it’s harder to find. LF is not as difficult a hole to fill.
I don’t think the Braves will resign Bourn, and will need to find two outfielders to start next season. Pagan would be a great first choice but Wren has to find two. I don’t think the minors have anyone pushing themselves into this role right now with the possible exception of Cunningham.
I’d have Pastornicky learning the outfield to become a utility player. He has the speed and might be able to play some CF. I know they say Fransico can’t play the out field but I’d give him some practice in left.
This approach leaves us with two questionmarks in the field, LF and CF. Letting McCann leave now creates another hole as I don’t think the Braves have an everyday catcher to bring in.
I’d pick up the options of Hudson, Maholm and resign Durbin. I think that puts us in solid with our pitching.
Bravos4LYFE
October 29th, 2012
1:47 pm
Wow, draft guys that are going to hit .300 with 30 homers? IT’S SO SIMPLE YOU GUYS.
AZBravoFan
October 29th, 2012
1:49 pm
J. Upton doesn’t hit that well away from Chase Field. I think it’s pretty obvious the types of players Wren should be looking at. We need guys that can put the bat on the ball. I love Michael Bourn, but when it came down to the Braves most crucial AB of the season, he couldn’t make contact. For all that cash, he needs to put it in play. Imagine if we had someone like Scutaro up in that situation? He swung and missed what, 14 times while with the Giants? Heck, we’ve got guys who can do that easily in a 3 game series.
Bravos4LYFE
October 29th, 2012
1:51 pm
Put the bat on the ball? Novel.
Rick C
October 29th, 2012
1:52 pm
knockahomerx, Uggla trade is not happening right now. The Braves have a limited payroll, and trading him would necessitate filling three spots in the lineup instead of two.
Guys like that in draft don’t just grow on trees dude. All the Braves can do is pick the best player available at each of their turns.
BravesFanSince06
October 29th, 2012
1:52 pm
Frank Wren needs to focus on pitching. Never in this team’s history have we had a stellar rotation top to bottom that could win games even when the offense was slumping.
Dadgum.....
October 29th, 2012
1:53 pm
Resigning Ross will be the first move Atlanta makes. They will then decline the McCann option and try to sign him to a three year deal until Bethancourt is ready. McCann will say thanks but no thanks and there you have it. Atlanta will bring in a cheaper Catcher to pair with Ross. That is how I see it going down.
teacher
October 29th, 2012
1:53 pm
Heyward already win the 2012 Fielding Bible Award. What kinda writing is this.
Dadgum.....
October 29th, 2012
1:55 pm
BTW…Infante did not fall out of favor with management. That is one trade Wren wishes he had a do-over.
BravesFanSince06
October 29th, 2012
1:56 pm
teacher:
Prolbalbly a tipo.
Person
October 29th, 2012
1:56 pm
I’ve not heard much about the potential that Jose Constanza could replace Bourn in center, or even have a spot on the team next year. Is that not an option? Seems like winning a batting title, even at the AAA level, would bode well for him. Good speed too.
Rick C
October 29th, 2012
1:57 pm
Peter, Bourn goes on his own most of the time, and given his SB numbers over the years I trust him to know when he’s comfortable. And he said that this season pitchers were paying more attention to him than ever. Even with his drop off from last year, he was still second in the NL in SB this season.
lol, trading Blanco cost the Braves’ chemistry? Just a laughable suggestion really. Yeah, he’s a WS winner now, but he hit 244/333/344 this year and only 235/339/412 in the postseason.
Rick C
October 29th, 2012
1:58 pm
Dadgum, why would they decline the option and then offer three years? That makes absolutely zero sense.
Rick C
October 29th, 2012
1:59 pm
Person, because he’s not a ML starter, pure and simple.
a fan
October 29th, 2012
2:16 pm
Alex: Check Janish OPB vs Uggla, not even close Wake up
braves10
October 29th, 2012
3:16 pm
Ross will be signed but cannot catch every day. Who do you get.
Puma
October 29th, 2012
3:35 pm
Prado deserves a gold glove for playing great D at 5 different positions, too bad there is not utility player GG
HAL
October 29th, 2012
3:55 pm
i have the off season figured just get both uptons and there 400ks per seson and malke all the ushers happy at turner
BravesFanInNashville
October 29th, 2012
3:58 pm
Here are the career stat of 4 pitchers.
Pitcher 1) Career ERA. 3.93 (160 Wins 132 Losses) Whip 1.31
Pitcher 2) Career ERA. 3.59 (128 Wins 78 Losses) Whip 1.21
Pitcher 3) Career ERA 3.77 ( 91 Wins 78 Losses) Whip 1.25
Pitcher 4) Career ERA 3.42 (197 Wins 104 Losses Whip 1.24
Pitcher 1 is Barry Zito who is in a $136 Million dollar contract. He had 5 straight losing seasons before 2012 on a team that won 2 WS and has been a contender almost every year.
Pitcher 2 is Cliff Lee who is in a guaranteed $120 Million dollar contract that the Phillies has a 2016 buyout of $12.5 Million or else pay him $27.5 Million. So he gets paid at least $12.5 Million even if he doesn’t pitch in 2016. Since he was with Texas in 2010 his record is 27-23 including 1- 1/2 losing seasons.
Pitcher 3 is Zach Grienke who is only 13 games over .500 and shows signs of not being able to produce on a big stage. There is talk of him getting a $100 Million dollar plus deal.
Pitcher 4 is Tim Hudson who the Braves paid $9 Million the past two years and we have an option for 2013 at $9 Million as well. The last three seasons Tim has a record of 49-26 easily the best record of any of these 4 pitchers.
Frank Wren deserves a little credit for securing a contract like this. Dollar for dollar when it comes to the near elite or elite pitchers in the game Hudson’s contract has been a steal. Not only is he almost 100 wins over .500 for his career he’s been 23 games over .500 in his current contract the last 3 years. All for under $30 Million dollars. The Phillies will pay over twice that to Lee for less results and the Giants have been getting nowhere near the value the Braves have gotten.
Great job Frank Wren and many thanks to Tim Hudson for being the player and person he is.
Let’s stay away from big long term contracts especially to pitchers and certainly to players over 28 years old. THEY AREN’T WORTH IT. !!!
cory78
October 29th, 2012
3:59 pm
cut mccann, he’s going to take a year to regain any strength in that shoulder and he’s going to be an aging catcher in the National League with a future All-Star at first. The Braves are more concerned with sentimentality than winning though so I expect them to resign him. I’d let Bourn go as well, he’s going to be vastly overpaid by Philly anyway. We need somebody that knows how to take a walk every now and then. We should be able to find somebody cheaper that can strike out every at bat in September.
SpaceGal
October 29th, 2012
4:01 pm
IMO Bourn won’t be worth what he’ll cost. Don’t get me wrong, he was worth the trade & did great things for us. But he battled Uggla for the worst 2nd half hitting. He had career high in homers but became a strike-out specialist. And how many bunt for base hit attempts did he have? That speed..just put the ball in play. If we had a larger payroll his defense would certainly make it easier. I’d just rather lock up Freeman, JHey & Prado & go cheaper in center. But what do I know..I’m a girl.
BravesFanInNashville
October 29th, 2012
4:05 pm
SpaceGal… Girl or not I agree with you. Let’s lock up our core players and add complimentary pieces with smart deals.
KYBravos' fan
October 29th, 2012
4:13 pm
I agree pretty much with Kentavo. We have to have hitters with proven track records vs left-handed pitching. However, having guys who exhibit this ability to hit lefties don’t have to be hitters who have postseason hitting success. Some haven’t even seen the postseason and some have too small of a sample size vs southpaws. We just need good big league hitters who can put the ball in play. We already have 3 or 4 solid run producers. We need to put the ball in play more, or as Terry Francona says, “Keep the conveyor belt moving.” Then with a good staff and solid D, we can take next step. Pitch it, catch it, and move runners along with the occasional blast.
benchwarmer
October 29th, 2012
4:20 pm
I can see the logic of keeping McCann and of letting him go. If option is not used the Braves will likely not out bid for him. If he is really wanted best do the option. CF, 3rd, are priorities. can be done in different ways. Not thrilled with Hanson but he looks like our car to drive until he breaks. His upside is better than what would be offered in a trade.
benchwarmer
October 29th, 2012
4:22 pm
Oops forgot to add LF as priority need.
Ron
October 29th, 2012
4:40 pm
You pick-up McCann’s option and re-sign cheaper if possible. You also resign D. Ross, R. Johnson, Maholm and Durbin. Those contracts are not that much and will not find comparable anywhere else for the money. Several have said sign Hamiliton, Greinke, or Bourn for that matter. All will be way too expensive for what Atlanta needs to stay competitive. They would be nice to have but not reasonable. Go after a cheaper and almost as good player such as Victorino, Pagan, or trade for a Span, Revere or other for CF. Sign a C. Ross, Fowler, Bourjos, or trade for a Willingham, Upton or other for LF. Prado would be best served at 3rd base. Uggla would be difficult to trade as his contract is too much for production he has shown ( maybe Dodgers would take him…) and Braves would have to eat too much too again stay competitve. Line-up as I see it and players I would like to see as follows: 1) Victorino Switch hitter CF 2) Prado R 3rd 3) Heyward L RF 4) Willingham R LF 5) Freeman L 1st 6) McCann/Ross L or R C 7) Uggla R 2nd
Simmons R SS 9) Pitcher. Rotation: 1) Medlen 2) Minor 3) Hudson 4) Maholm 5) Hanson/Delgado/Tehran (depending on trade). Beachy back after All-Star break. Bullpen: Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, Venters, Durbin, Avilian, Gearrin,C. Martinez. Bench: D. Ross, Francisco, R. Johnson, Pastornicky, Player to be determined. Janish( Do not need a player off of bench hitting .185), Moylan, Hinske, Overbay, Baker not brought back. 2013 Braves!!
Matt
October 29th, 2012
4:55 pm
Trade McCann and Uggla to Texas for D.Murphy A(another Murphy in Atl), Kinsler and a young pitcher.
Peter
October 29th, 2012
5:14 pm
Rick C ……. Yes Blanco is a world Series winner and I would rather have him than Bourne……we see how he performed in Pittsburgh with the division on the line…..and in the playoff game.
“lol, trading Blanco cost the Braves’ chemistry? ”
Perhaps you should have watched the Giants…that was chemistry !
Yup Chemistry something the Braves don’t have.. you must be speaking from the fact the Braves won 12 division championships in a row and have ONE yes one title to show for all that.
You keep rooting for a slow, fat, softball type team, and make sure you know all the batting averages like the hall of fame Chipper Jones……. who made the biggest error of the season at the wrong time….. but I would rather have the rag tag Giants team, that plays small ball, a speedy Blanco who helped gun down Prince in the field.
I would rather have Blanco who can hit with two strikes…like the triple he hit to drive in the fist run of the game….and then scored.. I LIKE THE BIG GAME PLAYERS… not the big average players making the big money who are all about me !
LAC
October 29th, 2012
5:17 pm
CHICKEN wren IS the problem here… And as long as he IS here, the Braves will NEVER win,
The Lying Chicken wren, MUST BE FIRED… I am sick of how little he knows about baseball, my granddaughter knows more…
But as long as he is calling the shots, The Braves are DOOMED to less winning and MORE LOSING !!!!
FIRE CHICKEN wren !
Peter
October 29th, 2012
5:22 pm
LAC .. Yup Fire Wren…
The folks around here say he was handicapped because the ownership doesn’t want to pay out big money…. BUT They don’t know when he was the GM in Baltimore he had unlimited funds, created the most expensive team at the time and finished under .500.
Yup look at the contracts, and see what we wasted last year like $10 million on Lowe for example.
bfred
October 29th, 2012
5:33 pm
Infante is a fine role player and I loved him as a super-utility man but about the best thing that can be said for him as an every day player is he’s cheap (sort of: $4 million this year). Sign a cheap 30 year-old, you get what you pay for. Yes he batted .300 in the post-season but with 0 home runs, 0 RBI and a .660 OPS. Sounds exactly like what the Braves DON’T need in the post-season.
Blanco batter .235 with a homer and five RBI in 15 postseason games. For the season he was .244/5/34 with a .676 OPS.
Just because these guys are on your TV with 24 other guys in the WS doesn’t mean they’re killing it.
Brownie
October 29th, 2012
5:42 pm
Lots of good comments/suggestions today, and also a lot of idiots who only want to complain and point fingers.
McCann: any GM who pays big $ to a player for PAST performances will be out of work shortly. We all love BMac, but his best days are likely behind him, and with injuries and vision problems, you can’t commit long-term to him. There will be an AL team who will overpay for his catching services for a couple years, then on to the DH. Betancourt is NOT ready yet, so pick up his option and then trade Mac.
Uggla: NOT tradeable. However, I would still make a suggestion: he profiles as a third baseman (power, limited range), so move him there (can’t play worse D than Chipper has the last couple years) and put Prado back at 2B – we’ll be stronger up the middle defensively.
LF: go get Willingham – have to trade some pitching, so it may be time to let Teheran and Hanson (and maybe another prospect) go.
CF: Let Bourn go, he’ll be way too expensive. Bring in Victorino – never have liked him, but only because he always killed us playing in Philly. He’s only 32, and despite a down year (after a trade) his career #’s are quite comparable to Bourn’s.
With Chipper, Lowe, Hanson, Jurrjens, Bourn, Diaz, Moylen and Hinske gone, they’ll have north of $40 million to spend next year. After account for contracted raises to some other players, they should have $20+ million to bring in the 2 outfielders, and still have room to start negotiating long term deals with Heyward, Freeman, Kimbrel, Medlin, Prado, etc.
Melvin at your job
October 29th, 2012
5:52 pm
Trade Uggla for Chase Headley of the Padres. Then Headley to 3rd, Prado to 2nd, sign power hitting left fielder, try to re-sign Bourne or go for Pagan or Cody Ross. Re-sign Ross and bring up one of our young catchers or Delgado to bring Salty back.
I like McCann but I’m afraid his time has come and don’t want to see them make the mistake of constantly overpaying for him because he’s popular yet not producing for the money he is making. Uggla is dead weight now. Fair thee well.
Peter
October 29th, 2012
6:34 pm
bfred says……..Just because these guys are on your TV with 24 other guys in the WS doesn’t mean they’re killing it.
YUP….. they are not killing it they are just winners…..a sense the Braves fans forget about.
Peter
October 29th, 2012
6:36 pm
Sign a cheap 30 year-old, you get what you pay for. Yes he batted .300 in the post-season but with 0 home runs, 0 RBI and a .660 OPS. Sounds exactly like what the Braves DON’T need in the post-season.
OK…… but the Braves are not in the post season and have been where under Wren ?
And how far did they go ? To the Golf course ?
Peter
October 29th, 2012
6:50 pm
World Series results for the Braves after winning 12 Division Championships…….
1999 New York Yankees Atlanta Braves 4-0
1998 New York Yankees San Diego Padres 4-0
1997 Florida Marlins Cleveland Indians 4-3
1996 New York Yankees Atlanta Braves 4-2
1995 Atlanta Braves Cleveland Indians 4-2
1993 Toronto Blue Jays Philadelphia Phillies 4-2
1992 Toronto Blue Jays Atlanta Braves 4-2
1991 Minnesota Twins Atlanta Braves 4-3
AS long as the Braves play baseball like a softball team……. the Braves won’t even get to the Classic !
Dadgum.....
October 29th, 2012
7:14 pm
Folks, the Braves aren’t picking up a 12 mil option for a guy not playing until May 1st. What they might do is decline the option then try to sign him to an extended contract with incentives the first year depending on how he comes out of the rehab. They ARE NOT going to give him 12 mil up front especially when he can walk after 2013. McCann has lost a ton of leverage due to bad timing on the injury and a poor year. I would be shocked if the Braves gave him 12 mil within the next three days. Seriously. Would you?
BillEGoat
October 29th, 2012
7:31 pm
McCann will probably recover from his shoulder problem, but this guy has chronic eye problems, has had them ever since his ill-advised Lasik surgery. If the Braves can work with him and a good eye specialist, yes, he might have some good years left. Otherwise, he will never be the player he was a few years ago. Ross is 36 and cannot be a regular, not even for a month, no way. Freeman should go to the best eye specialist he can find BEFORE trying Lasik surgery. Those operations have complications more often than is reported. The Braves should resign MOST of those free agents, athough Bourn on a long-term deal is not wise. I think he will be on the down hill after age 30. SOMEBODY should “encurage” him to choke up on the bat when he has 2 strikes and try to put the ball in play–150 K’s per year for him is not acceptable.
Derek
October 29th, 2012
7:50 pm
These trade Uggla/McCann deals are HILAROUS! Did some of these Braves fans just fall off the turnip truck?! McCann/Uggla for Kinsler and a young pitcher?! Yeah, TEX is going to pick-up a guy that’ll be a FA in 2014 (2013 if his ATL option is declined), just had surgery, and Uggla with $39 million left on his deal and his career-worst season. Guys, I know you’re not GMs – neither am I – please shut down your fantasy baseball team before thinking that those rules apply to real-life.
Derek
October 29th, 2012
7:52 pm
“McCann will probably recover from his shoulder problem.” – BillEGoat
Considering that “probably” is worth a minimum of $12 million (2013 option) not including an extension based on his 2013 performance, that’s an expensive “probably.”
Derek
October 29th, 2012
8:05 pm
Melvin at your job, Dan Uggla and his $39 million contract isn’t going to net Chase Headley and his controllable offense who was worth a 6.0 WAR in ‘12 in that gigantic Petco Park. That’s MVP numbers for arbitration. To a San Diego team with no other stars and not the budgets of their neighboring teams (SF, LAD, LAA), Headley is as good as it gets.
I would love Headley and I’ve been chanting it from the rooftops as our future 3B (leave Prado, who is a gold glove-nominee in LF). However, it’s going to take a great package to get Headley. Something including 2 top prospects and another B prospect could do it. Is that worth it for Headley who is a FA in ‘15? Especially considering we’ve got Salcedo and Terdoslavich and all their talent/questions at 3B coming up in the minors.
BravesFanSince80s
October 29th, 2012
8:25 pm
I would love to see this team next year, Wren will have to figure out how to put it together:)
C-Napoli/Ross
1B-Freeman
2B-Prado/Pastornicky
SS-Simmons/Janish
3B-Wright
LF-Gattis/Johnson
CF-Fowler/Constanza
RF-Heyward
Rotation-Huddy, Medlen, Beachy (Teheran until healthy), Maholm, Minor
Bullpen-Kimbrel, Venters, O’Flaherty, Durbin, Garren, Moylan, ?
that club would be fun to watch!
BravesFanSince80s
October 29th, 2012
8:27 pm
as I’ve said before, trade Ugly Dan to a mexican league team for a 3 legged donkey for all I care at this point…
Peter
October 29th, 2012
8:54 pm
Bottom line is this.
The Braves are really not that much fun to watch.
Like Ga Tech… Question…..Why go to a college game to watch a high school football type game….unless you want to see the other team ?
The Braves are too conservative, too slow, and the home run is the only excitement. Pitching duels are not exciting for fans who want to see excitement, but yes you need good pitching to win.
There is absolutely zero fire from anyone on the team…… yes I understand it is a long season….but really does everyone have to be so even keel, that it puts you to sleep ?
Attendance will continue to suffer, over prices will keep fans away…and the Braves under Wren will almost get there, then fizzle out.
Again if all you think Wren is handicapped by the payroll… Please look at his record in Baltimore, when he out spent all of baseball, and had an under .500 team.
The Braves if they do not focus on speed, because the steroid era is over, then they will continue flounder with guys like Uggla, Matt Diaz, a fat 3rd base replacement, a VERY slow and poor defensive catcher in McCann….all amounting too boring baseball.
Once Bourne is gone where is the speed ?
229BravesFan
October 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
Please let Bourn walk.
Dugoutdog
October 29th, 2012
9:24 pm
The fact that Gregor Blanco is a WS Champion may shed new light on the nonsense I keep hearing about an identical player, Jose Constanza. No pop sure, but contact, speed, grit and determination win championships for budget money. Blanco, who was on both ATL and KC’s scrap heap, became SF’s versatile WS Champion OF. Go figure. Play Constanza or try buying a WSC like everybody else. Good luck with that.
Dugoutdog
October 29th, 2012
9:24 pm
The fact that Gregor Blanco is a WS Champion may shed new light on the nonsense I keep hearing about an identical player, Jose Constanza. No pop sure, but contact, speed, grit and determination win championships for budget money. Blanco, who was on both ATL and KC’s scrap heap, became SF’s versatile WS Champion OF. Go figure. Play Constanza or try buying a WSC like everybody else. Good luck with that.
Dugoutdog
October 29th, 2012
9:24 pm
The fact that Gregor Blanco is a WS Champion may shed new light on the nonsense I keep hearing about an identical player, Jose Constanza. No pop sure, but contact, speed, grit and determination win championships for budget money. Blanco, who was on both ATL and KC’s scrap heap, became SF’s versatile WS Champion OF. Go figure. Play Constanza or try buying a WSC like everybody else. Good luck with that.
Dugoutdog
October 29th, 2012
9:24 pm
The fact that Gregor Blanco is a WS Champion may shed new light on the nonsense I keep hearing about an identical player, Jose Constanza. No pop sure, but contact, speed, grit and determination win championships for budget money. Blanco, who was on both ATL and KC’s scrap heap, became SF’s versatile WS Champion OF. Go figure. Play Constanza or try buying a WSC like everybody else. Good luck with that.
Rick C
October 30th, 2012
12:10 am
Peter, you’re missing my point. I am not advocating at all for the Braves to get bigger and slower. Your suggestion though that losing Blanco cost the Braves chemistry in 2010 though is just stupid. He’s just not that great of a player. As I pointed out, he didn’t put up great numbers this regular or post season. Even with his poor second half, Bourn still had a considerably better year at the plate. And criticizing his performance in the clutch doesn’t really make sense given Blanco’s post season numbers.
Dadgum, I could see the Braves not picking up the option, I just don’t see them offering a contract after doing that. That does not make any sense at all. If they decline the option, it would obviously be due to the injury and lack of performance this year. So why would they want to get trapped into a longer deal just because the AAV would be lower than the one year option?
Dav
October 30th, 2012
2:27 am
Guys, if we want to control McCann this year for possible trade we have pay him. If we trade Uggla we would have to pay part of his pay and find another bat. We are already looking for a bat for LF or 3rd and possiably CF and catcher. Offer Bourn a fair deal, ($45 for 4 yr with a option) let him go if he’s not interested. Bourjos CF or Tonni Hunter LF of the Angles would be available. Victorino or Pagan might be interested. Cody Ross? he turned down Braves offers last year so I don’t see Braves going there again. Our pitching should stay about the same, and I could see McCann and Hanson being traded in July. Our needs now are 1. A POWER Righthand bat, 2. Speed in CF, 3. Backup catcher.
Cecil34
October 30th, 2012
8:13 am
Nobody in their right mind would pay 12 million to potentially damaged goods in McCann.
What hs was may not jive up to what he will be.
Problem is, he plays catcher – so when he finally does step on the field with a repaired shoulder, he is one collision at the plate away from being out for a long period of time.
Not to mention he may never be the same. (Ray Fosse)
The other problem is that he can’t be moved to first with this team.
And it is in the best interests of his shoulder long-term to learn and move to first base.
Usually surgeries of this nature take a full year to heal to the point to where the player is back to some normalcy.
Everyone remembers the trials and tribulations of Mike Hampton and his multiple problems……cost a lot of $$$…..
Peter
October 30th, 2012
8:24 am
Rick C…….
Your suggestion though that losing Blanco cost the Braves chemistry in 2010 though is just stupid.
Well you can call names or what ever…losing Blanco was big getting Rick Ankiel instead was dumb.
Blanco is fast, he was clutch, and the braves won almost 70% of the games he started go check for yourself. Sometimes it is not the production you see in the box score that matters..thus the Giants win it all.
You are caught up in statistics..i am talking about winning….. BIG DIFFERENCE. The whole clubhouse was effected, and the Braves have not been clutch since.
Rick Ankiel is out of baseball, and Bourne will be gone……so the chemistry will keep changing.
Look at what all are writing we need a power bat….. isn’t that what Uggla was for instead of the sure handed Infante ?
The braves like it or not are built slow…..and will continue to lose especially in the post season…when manufacturing runs is a premium.
PLUS the Braves are Boring to watch. Call it what you want, I would rather have Blanco.
Brave New World
October 30th, 2012
8:51 am
Josh Hamilton and BJ Upton are not the “answers” for the Braves. We don’t need players who strike out excessively, and both in their own ways are head cases. If the Giants don’t re-sign him, get Angel Pagan. Get Shane Victorino as well. Pagan and Victorino do not strike out that much, both are switch hitters, and both are good defensively. Now that the Steroid Era is coming to a close, teams need to be built on good pitching,defense, and smart players. Overpaid “superstars” are for the cash drunk teams like the Yankees, Dodgers and Red Sox. GO BRAVES!
BravesFanSince80s
October 30th, 2012
10:19 am
I think the most common sensical post regarding what to do about McCann’s option so far is, the days of paying players for past performance are coming to a close. Particularly clubs with mid- to-lower market payrolls. The Braves can’t afford to pay Brian for what he USED to be. Paying him 12 million this coming season will be doing exactly that. I think it might still happen, but I hope not for the team’s sake in years to come. Please no more Mike Hamptonesque stories in Atl…
BravesFanSince80s
October 30th, 2012
10:21 am
Rick C, so by your logic, Francisco Cabrera shouldn’t have been on the Braves playoff roster in ‘92?
wayn-o
October 30th, 2012
10:31 am
Perfect time to re-up with McCann while his stock is low. 3 years for $21 Mil. It’s worth a shot. By then The braves can let Bethancourt & Gattis get some experience, when they are ready you got the option to trade McCann.
I think the surgery and time off will refresh ol’ Mac.
Atlanta Braves Links of the Day For October 30, 2012 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
October 30th, 2012
10:31 am
[...] Ten Braves become free agents [...]
Gene
October 30th, 2012
10:33 am
I think if Juan Francisco drops the weight the Braves want him to, then give him a shot at taking over at third (picking up an in-house power hitter) and leave Prado in Left Field. All these folks saying cut McCann – NO! He’ll come back healthy and once again be one of the best catchers in baseball. Find an affordable, quality Center Fielder and make sure Durbin, Reed Johnson and Ross all make it back on the team. A long as Pagan or Victorino would fit into the clubhouse chemistry, sign one of them instead of Bourn. Hopefully Fredi keeps up with Heyward and Prado swiping bases, and whoever ends up leading off. More of that equals more offense. Keep Hudson and Maholm to go with Medlen and Minor, let JJ walk and flip a coin on Hanson. We have plenty of young pitchers who can come up and bridge the time before Beachy is ready. I like the Braves chances in 2013, and I don’t think they need to tinker too muh with the team. My $.02
Rick C
October 30th, 2012
10:40 am
This year, Blanco hit 225/335/312 with runners on, 223/348/287 with RISP, 182/231/182 with bases loaded, 167/286/259 with RISP and 2 outs, and 235/339/412 in the post season. Peter, you and I must have a different definition of the word “clutch.” I would agree with you that the Giants had a lot of chemistry, but they weren’t winning necessarily because of Blanco. His numbers certainly do not support that. I don’t think Blanco, who was a part time player, leaving really affected the Braves chemistry that year. They were mostly affected by losing several key players due to injuries down the stretch.
Rick C
October 30th, 2012
10:48 am
Oh and Gregor’s numbers post-AS break: 231/325/293. Bourn still outperformed him there in SLG and OPS.
But yeah man, the Braves totally faltered down the stretch in 2010 because they lost Gregor Blanco. Not because they lost a future HOF player, a starter who hadn’t lost a game all year, their best hitter and AS second baseman, and their tough as nails closer. Blanco was fueling their success.
Derek
October 30th, 2012
11:34 am
It’s not financially responsible to pick up McCann’s $12 million option knowing what they know. They have through today to decide (3 days after WS). We know that McCann will miss at least the first month of the season (April). Factor in the fact that it’ll take some playing time for him to be 100% and you’ll be paying $12 million – if picking up his option – for less than 5 full months of play. Considering he wasn’t productive past August the in 2011-2012, ATL should not pick up his option. Use the time to renegotiate a deal that works best for both sides. If he thinks he’s worth $12 million for less than 5 months of play, then he’s ready for free agency and we should let him walk.
BravesFanSince11
October 30th, 2012
12:04 pm
If the Braves ever want to make a World Series they’ll stay loyal to there homegrown talent like Bourne and not be so cheap.
SMaC
October 30th, 2012
12:27 pm
I’m having a hard time understanding how this team is considered “chokers” based upon the 12 years back in the ’90’s and early 00’s. Now that Chipper has retired, there is absolutely no one left from those years, including GM and manager. Sure, they stunk up the WC game this year, but the operative word there is “game” and not “series”. Anybody can lose one game, as evidenced by the fact that Houston wins games sometimes, too.
Wanted, new Manger.
October 30th, 2012
12:32 pm
FIRE FREDI G.Let, him and Uggla, go back to the Marlins.And take Hanson ,with them.
bfred
October 30th, 2012
1:24 pm
Either BravesFanSince11 started following the team the year he was born and learned to type young, or that’s some good trolling. Bourn = homegrown?
Train Wreck Bystander
October 30th, 2012
2:12 pm
I wonder what the Braves are waiting for here.
Don’t you think the decisions have already been made?
Is there some hidden advantage in waiting to announce their decisions?
Will the available free agents from other teams impact who the Braves keep and who they let go?
Norm
October 30th, 2012
2:13 pm
@wesley who sais “I’m suprised how many people are ready to let McCann go after a subpar season (with a torn labrum) To me its a no brainer, I believe he is still a cornerstone of the team!!”
Well, paying for a catcher who is about to rehab from a torn labrum is a huge risk. His ability to throw hard and accurately will be a major question mark after rehab. Add to that declining offensive numbers, even when healthy, and its a big bet for 12 Million. This is a business and loyalty should not be a factor in making a 12 Million dollar decision. Will he have some good years, sure, he’s a class guy with something to prove. Do I want to take that chance at this particular moment knowing he’s a free agent next year and I may not be able to trade him? No. Did I want to see Dale Murphy, David Justice, Andrew Jones, Tom Glavin, and others go? No, but it was the right decision at the right time and so is this.
Braves' Nation
October 30th, 2012
2:35 pm
Too bad Dan Uggla isn’t a free agent.
Ron H
October 30th, 2012
3:55 pm
Just saw this…haven’t read to see if it was already posted:
BREAKING NEWS: The Atlanta Braves announced today that they have picked up the 2013 contract options on RHP Tim Hudson, C Brian McCann, and LHP Paul Maholm.
Jay Puskenalis
October 30th, 2012
7:36 pm
Move Prado to second base, put Francisco at third ( give him a decent shot), put Uggla,( who still runs pretty good) in left field. Nothing to lose with existing personnel. Try it in Spring training…costs nothing to experiment.
Jay Puskenalis
October 30th, 2012
7:36 pm
Move Prado to second base, put Francisco at third ( give him a decent shot), put Uggla,( who still runs pretty good) in left field. Nothing to lose with existing personnel. Try it in Spring training…costs nothing to experiment.
Jay Puskenalis
October 30th, 2012
7:36 pm
Move Prado to second base, put Francisco at third ( give him a decent shot), put Uggla,( who still runs pretty good) in left field. Nothing to lose with existing personnel. Try it in Spring training…costs nothing to experiment.
jj1990
October 30th, 2012
9:43 pm
Chad Durbin is a scrub and should be in AA for another team he sucks period and the cornerstone of our bullpen?? That’s a joke he shouldn’t even be in the majors
Mike Mangan
October 31st, 2012
12:42 am
Wave goodbye to Michael Bourn as greed sets in with he and Scott Boras who really is,nt that good for the game.Maybe he wii get Bourn to sigh with he Washigton Boras I mean Nationals with all his clients running up the payroll in DC.
Frank wren say hello to Dexter owler who would love to play here.A switch hitter with power speed ,outfield range and a good throwing arm.Pencil him in Centerfield everyday and give The Rockies Tommy Hanson,Jose Constanza who will hit over 300 in Denver.Toss in Tyler Pastornicky and pick up a bench player from the Rockies as well.A win win for both teams as Fowler comes home and we wave goodbye to Bourn as he waved goodbye at the plate 151 times with his never ending strikeouts.Frank Wren pick up the phone and caal The Rockies who need pitching and will have a new manager at the helm in all likelihood Jason Giambi..
charles m brown
October 31st, 2012
10:51 am
steal Wright
mace224
November 2nd, 2012
11:00 pm
To all you armchair scouts who are in love with Blanco and his 2 HR .220 average. Just because he gets into the World Series and hits .250 he should be Atlanta’s starting CF. McLouth, whom everybody hated, actaully helped Baltimore. So to all you Blanco lovers, don’t quit your day job.
mace224
November 2nd, 2012
11:02 pm
Francisco starting at third with his strikeouts and his other numbers. Must be that new math.
mace224
November 3rd, 2012
12:23 am
To all you Blanco slobberers: He got to the World Series because of superior pitching and guys like Posey. He had NOTHING to do with the Giants getting there. To perform well in the World Series (which he didn’t really) YOU HAVE TO GET THERE! And do you really think he’s the guy that can get you there? Wow.
mace224
November 3rd, 2012
10:10 pm
Gregor Blanco: lifetime .253 8 career HR. Impact Player. Must be that new math.
mace224
November 3rd, 2012
10:17 pm
If Blanco wasn’t in the World Series would his name even be brought up here?
Braves Free Agents: Pitching Edition « Brave Decisions
November 5th, 2012
8:16 am
[...] for $900K on April 3 after being released by the Washington Nationals a day before. Contrary to popular belief, Durbin was NOT the cornerstone of the Braves bullpen in 2012. Actually, I guess you could make an [...]