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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,183 comments Add your comment
Efrim
November 9th, 2012
8:27 pm
EOF isn’t going to be a Brave past this season, imo. They certainly would not pay him three years, $15-20 million like the Giants could pay Affeldt.
jeffrey d
November 9th, 2012
8:29 pm
Fun fact: about 2 months ago to the minute, I posted something stupid.
VaBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
8:31 pm
Josh Willingham isn’t as valuable in the NL, his production and salary would be awesome but I bet we’d get maybe 120 games out of him at best. He DH’ed 30 times each of the past 2 seasons.
5 seasons as regular in NL (average season)
127 Games 20 HR 66 RBI 845 OPS OPS+ 121
2 seasons as regular in AL (average season)
140 Games 32 HR 102 RBI 851 OPS OPS+ 133
NV049
November 9th, 2012
8:31 pm
Nolie you know the ole saying you cant walk your way off the Island you got to hit your way off
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
8:33 pm
and here I though command/control soft tossers were such a good thing. best pitchers in the league
VaBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
8:34 pm
EOF is much better than Affeldt also…
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
8:37 pm
I’d take those number from Willy. Still good to have, even if he misses 40-50 games as I expect. Just wouldnt be worth a top prospect and I wouldnt choose him over Pence or J. Upton.
Efrim
November 9th, 2012
8:39 pm
I think they are pretty equal. I don’t think the Braves can afford to pay set up relievers $4-6 million a year on a multi year commitment.
CB
November 9th, 2012
8:40 pm
Any chance Braves won bid on Hyun-Jin Ryu? Probably not.
Jeff R
November 9th, 2012
8:46 pm
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Is that a player or a car?
nolie
November 9th, 2012
8:46 pm
yeah but that saying started back in the dark ages when OBP was not recognized as perhaps the best aspect of hitting ability. Francisco is sorta Francouer from the other side, and most everybody here maligns Frenchy. more pop than Frenchy I guess
VaBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
8:48 pm
Hell the most we’ve payed any reliever is Billy Wagner 6.75 million… If Kimbrel continues to dominate for the next 4 years he will likely be gone as well. He’s gonna get expensive threw the ARB process regardless, By the time he’s a free agent he’ll command 15 million a season, possibly more…. Rafeal Soriano just opted out of his 14 million salary in 2013 and also declined the 13.3 million qualifying offer and Kimbrel is easily better than he’s ever been.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
8:49 pm
are you insinuating that was the onliest time, Jeffrey? cause personally I don’t know how you could count so high being just an itinerant carny and all
nolie
November 9th, 2012
8:50 pm
we spent near 10 mil on Gonzo and Soriano one season but that is very rare
NV049
November 9th, 2012
8:52 pm
Nolie ,Yep Francisco seems to have more pop than Frenchy .. Be interesting to see how Juan does this Winter & in Spring Training. I still like taking a low dollar chance on G.Sizemore
cabravesfan
November 9th, 2012
8:52 pm
Any chance Braves won bid on Hyun-Jin Ryu? Probably not.
The winning bid was more than $25 million, so I would eliminate the “probably”
(Jon Heyman @JonHeymanCBS
#cubs said to have bid aggressively on Ryu but they did not win the bid at $25.7M)
Efrim
November 9th, 2012
8:53 pm
Any chance Braves won bid on Hyun-Jin Ryu?
Hoping no.
Jorge Soler would of been awesome. I’m down to spend money on position players – this system needs it.
VaBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
8:57 pm
Our best hitting prospect is a 26 year old… Yeah were in trouble in that department.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
November 9th, 2012
8:58 pm
Happy blogday!
Thanks, jeffrey d!
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
9:00 pm
spend money on position players….. get DH (Disgrace of a Hitter) stone hands Salcedo. As long as we do better than that!
soler woulda beem great… could use him in the future. Whats his ETA, late 2014?
cabravesfan
November 9th, 2012
9:02 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Other teams suspect the Dodgers won the bidding on Hyun-Jin Ryu, the pitcher from South Korea who drew a winning bid of more than $25m.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
9:02 pm
it is hard to justify spending those kinds of millions of dollars when the return rate on many is just not that great
NV049
November 9th, 2012
9:05 pm
Agree Nolie too much money for players whohave never played a dayin MLB ,its a expensive crap shot at best ..
NV049
November 9th, 2012
9:05 pm
Agree Nolie too much money for players whohave never played a dayin MLB ,its a expensive crap shot at best ..
VaBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
9:06 pm
Edward Salcedo has been downhill, can’t hit or field.
Cunningham is hitting well in the minors and is 23 years old but isn’t a option in CF at all for 2013, most people see him as a 4th OFer
Bethancourt can play some defense behind the plate for sure, but can’t hit a lick. But still very young.
Terdo was completely outmatched in AAA this past season after mashing the hell outta AA, most say he was overhyped and so on. 24 years old.
Overall just about all of our top positional player prospects major question mark is hitting.
Efrim
November 9th, 2012
9:06 pm
Here’s how I’d look at the Braves system. If we were splitting it up between pitchers and position players.
Pitching – Braves rank within the Top 10. Position players – Bottom 5.
So the system overall, somewhere between 15-20.
Efrim
November 9th, 2012
9:07 pm
The free agent crop’s best leadoff hitter is also one of this winter’s most popular players. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that multiple teams are interested in Michael Bourn, including the Nationals, Phillies, Reds, and Red Sox. The Dodgers are considered a very long shot to sign the speedy outfielder.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:08 pm
I have my reservations on International players — the return on most of em is no that good.
Sometimes you get a Yoenes Cespedes, but when you spend that kind of $$$$$$$ in this kind of budget you need to be more assured of a sure thing.
I am thinking that Frank gets nothing done at these meetings but that is not the end of the world.
They could make their move at a later time.
NV049
November 9th, 2012
9:09 pm
Agree VA Braves usely draft strong on pitching then develope the pitchers & trade them to fill the hitting positions
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:10 pm
Terdo is as bad as Salcedo, at least Salcedo did hit a few HRs last yr — did not do much else.
Terdo is a bust who deserves to be Booed.
Nowhere man
November 9th, 2012
9:10 pm
Whatever happened to KK?
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:13 pm
Francisco at third, Prado in LF and Schafer is CF.
At least there is one sure thing out there in Marteen.
NV049
November 9th, 2012
9:13 pm
This weeks meetings usely just sets up the December meetings & thats usely when the trading gets accomplished
jeffrey d
November 9th, 2012
9:13 pm
Thanks, jeffrey d!
Hey….I’m lookin out for you McFann.
Efrim
November 9th, 2012
9:13 pm
And maybe it’s more Top 12 with pitching. Around 10-12 rank.
NV049
November 9th, 2012
9:16 pm
I think KK is back in Japan baseball
nolie
November 9th, 2012
9:16 pm
meeting is over, and its unusual for much to actually happen, but it often sets the stage for later deals
nolie
November 9th, 2012
9:18 pm
KK is back with the same team he was with B4
VaBravesFan
November 9th, 2012
9:21 pm
Efrim
Do you think Nick Ahmed could be our best position player prospect after another season?
NV049
November 9th, 2012
9:24 pm
yep his orginal team KK back with Chunihi Dragons
NV049
November 9th, 2012
9:26 pm
I think Ahmed is trade bait with Simmons being Braves SS for years to come .
Powderfinger
November 9th, 2012
9:31 pm
nolie—”itinerant carny”? Isn’t that redundant? But I gotta admit that since I travel most of the week, that is what I feel like…
Powderfinger
November 9th, 2012
9:35 pm
I can almost predict with certainty that there is no way Schafer will be a starting OF and Francisco will be the starting 3B on Opening Day 2013. God, I hope I’m right…
Efrim
November 9th, 2012
9:38 pm
Do you think Nick Ahmed could be our best position player prospect after another season?
Sure. At this point, anything is possible with the current crop of position players.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:40 pm
I was sort of kidding about Schafer but its not out of the realm to see Francisco be the third baseman.
The organiation has a decent regard for Juan Fran and he did make some progress at times so do not be surprised.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:42 pm
Those refs are screwing over the Hawks tonight.
They are competing vs the Heat and the refs.
NBA refs — the worst piece of scum of the earth.
cabravesfan
November 9th, 2012
9:43 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Good to hear Mike Hampton will be the Angels Double-A pitching coach next year. Great guy w/ bad luck. Could never question his desire.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
9:43 pm
I will not only be surprised but disgusted, Disgusted
NV049
November 9th, 2012
9:45 pm
I think Juan F wil be given a shot at 3B in ST if not traded and then its up to him to win the position.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:46 pm
Hampton has alot to offer– very brainy pitcher with a real track record of success before injury.
Some big yrs with Houston, the Mets and contrary to perception he did have two decent yrs for us in 03 and 04. Then he got hurt and could not come back.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
9:47 pm
how can they give him a shot at third in ST if they sign a LFer and a CFer? There is no way he starts ahead of Prado.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:47 pm
Nolie — I would not be totally disgusted if Francisco did have the 3B job.
If we do not get a CF than that is zero excuse
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:48 pm
Nolie — We might get nothing — we have not gotten a LF and CF yet.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
9:48 pm
I would be totally P.O.ed
nolie
November 9th, 2012
9:50 pm
they can not wait until ST to make that decision, if they do they are stuck with him there. I just do not believe they are willing for that to happen
McFann's date
November 9th, 2012
9:54 pm
Hey….I’m lookin out for you McFann.
YOU don’t worry about her mister!
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
9:55 pm
Of course 99 pct of the Braves fans would be POed if that happens.
Its their decision. They are talking but I have learned to believe something if and when I see it.
ATL teams have disappointed me plenty of times in the past so being positive scares me. I have learned to expect the worse.
The Heat beat us in our own bldg — hard to win when you have to beat the WC Heat, the officials and half the crowd yelling Lets Go Heat.
They gave it a run but it was not enough.
Powderfinger
November 9th, 2012
9:56 pm
C’mon guys. I’m sitting here waiting for moves to happen, and you keep planting in my peanut-sized brain that Wren will just go with the status quo. Can we just give it some time? Otherwise, my meaningless life has little hope and/or purpose…
Mixxo
November 9th, 2012
9:56 pm
“Those refs are screwing over the Hawks tonight.
They are competing vs the Heat and the refs.
NBA refs — the worst piece of scum of the earth.”
Meh, the world champs always get the calls.
or
….just another Pro Atl. team choking under pressure.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:00 pm
Nick Ahmed could be with the big club by ‘15 and the second baseman of the future??
I know there are things that would have to be worked out with Uggla, and other stuff but having Simmons and Ahmed up the middle is a thought in late decade.
Venice Jim
November 9th, 2012
10:04 pm
Did not know it was possible for NBA teams to choke in the first 77 games of the season…
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:05 pm
You got that right Mixxo — we always do choke.
The Falcons could be the rare exception this yr but have to give that time.
The Hawks were not that bad the last few yrs but we got ungrateful and change is what we got for what its worth.
Danny Ferry — great intentions but with all that cap room you cannot force anyone to come here.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:08 pm
You likely did not see the game tonight VJ, so——–.
Another typical ATL sports team result vs an important opponent. No surprise.
The refs suck. No integrity from those scummbags. They ref like they are on the Heat;s payroll.
NV049
November 9th, 2012
10:08 pm
Pastornicky might be a good 2B
keyLargo
November 9th, 2012
10:09 pm
If Francisco can hit enough to stay in the lineup, I honestly think he has the type of power to allow him to hit 30+. I’m not sure who can outright hit the ball the farthest, but if it’s Uggla, it’s not Uggla by much.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:11 pm
yeah yeah the games are always sooo important when they lose and so meaningless when they win, no matter the sport or how many games remain. Football mentality rules!!!
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:12 pm
He is a project and if he can go 30-100, I can live with the low OBP. I’ll take a .310 OBP if he gives me 55-60 XBH a yr
HRS and RBI’s produce runs. All the time.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:14 pm
I really fail to see how anybody believes they can wait until spring to know what to do at third, If they get an LFer F’risco is not starting and if they don’t, he will be starting no matter how he hits in ST, even if he is crappy they will have no other real option. I can’t believe that the Braves will let themselves open to such risk
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:14 pm
Did you see this game tonight Nolie ????
It was winnable vs the WC and the chief division rival. That is what is iritating about this game.
A blow out I can laugh about — not this one.
Fredo
November 9th, 2012
10:16 pm
25.7 million just for the opportunity to sign the guy to a contract (and more money) … that sounds like money the Dodgers would spend
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:16 pm
HRS and RBI’s produce runs. All the time.
home runs do not correlate nearly as high with team runs scored as OBP does. not even close really
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:17 pm
Nolie @10:14 — You never know what they are going to do.
The Francisco thing is contingent on them making a deal for a LF. We’ll see.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:21 pm
Okay Nolie — have it your way. No real debate from me.
But with a HR and an RBI you get a run or more on the board.
You get 2 runners on base and no one drives em in for innings on end you get a bunch of LOB’s.
I’d take the HRS XBH and Ribbies anyday.
You can have your new school way of thinking and I will stick to my old ways and will steadfastly refunse to change. I’d rather have a tooth pulled with no novacaine than change.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:22 pm
thats what I said, if they don’t get one Frisco will start no matter how crappy he does because they will have no other option. I refuse to believe that Frank is that big a fool
Mixxo
November 9th, 2012
10:23 pm
“…A blow out I can laugh about — not this one. – Disgusted
Exactly.
…and Josh Smith has yet to show up this year.
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:23 pm
what change? it has been known for decades now that not making outs if the best approach
NV049
November 9th, 2012
10:26 pm
Sign Reed Johnson ,trade for CF , use some of the 25 mil to sign Prado & Heyward long term .. My guess Juan gets a chace he fails he goes to the bench ..
brian
November 9th, 2012
10:27 pm
Swisher is not a bad fit for the braves though this is the last team that needs to be giving up draft picks. Getting span or fowler in CF would give more payroll flexibility
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:27 pm
if he fails, who exactly is gonna replace him Wayne? most likely if he fails he keeps playing anyhow
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
November 9th, 2012
10:27 pm
jeffrey d Hey….I’m lookin out for you McFann.
For sure…
keyLargo
November 9th, 2012
10:29 pm
I really fail to see how anybody believes they can wait until spring to know what to do at third, If they get an LFer F’risco is not starting and if they don’t, he will be starting no matter how he hits in ST, even if he is crappy they will have no other real option.
Why is it so difficult to comprehend? Nolie, I know you remember I saw Pastornicky make one play in an EX game and declared he was no MLB SS. ONE BATTER and I knew we had to have another option. Pastornicky was no MLB SS. What is so different this year? We have a guy who may make the Alll Roookie Team or may be in Gwinnitt in May
NV049
November 9th, 2012
10:31 pm
Prado goes to 3B if Juan fails .. They can get an outfielder might not be a quality hitter but defensive
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:34 pm
the difference is that last year we had no money and this year we have 25 million dollars to spend. If Frank does not get a Lfer he is gonna be in for a tremendous amount of second guessing after saying for months that he will. And you are absolutely dreaming if you think JF would make the all-Rookie team with his crappy plate discipline and poor pitch recognition
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:35 pm
they are gonna get an OFer after the season starts? That outta be a good one. How can y’all be satisfied with kinda risky approach when we finally have some money?
brian
November 9th, 2012
10:36 pm
I still think there is a chance that the braves will trade Prado this offseason. Not likely but a possibility. For example to Rockies along with a pitching prospect for Nolan arenado and fowler. Nolan can then either play some 3B with Francisco or be bait to try and pry Headley from San Diego along with Teheran or Delgado leading the package
nolie
November 9th, 2012
10:36 pm
oh well, I gotta go. see y’all. take care
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:36 pm
…and Josh Smith has yet to show up this year.
@Mixxo — If Josh does not show up soon maybe its time for Danny to pull the trigger on a deal for him too.
He is crucial for this team to even hit the top 8 in the confrence. Too early to tell, but Danny and the boys above him cannot force him to extend here.
Josh has given us some good yrs if he has to move on well, no hard feelings. I am through with feelings on these teams.
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:38 pm
I hope they do not move Prado Brian — gee, he should be one of the keepers of the future.
He has done so many different things.
Dexter Fowler he is not that great a hitter though he did have a good yr this past yr.
Half Empty
November 9th, 2012
10:38 pm
Prado would have to bring back a huge return. Pretty unlikely I think, .just too versatile and valuable
NV049
November 9th, 2012
10:41 pm
Prado stays …
Disgusted
November 9th, 2012
10:43 pm
Headley is a good ballplayer but he might have had a career yr this past yr.
Does he put up those numbers again??? And is SD really interested in moving him.
New ownership there and they should have some new energy.
As for Nolan Arenado — he is not MLB talent as of yet — still a prospect and his numbers dropped this yr. The Braves need to win now, not later.
Half Empty
November 9th, 2012
10:43 pm
night noles
Mixxo
November 9th, 2012
10:46 pm
@Disgusted
True that!
Mixxo
November 9th, 2012
10:47 pm
…and to your last sentence at 10:43 too.
Half Empty
November 9th, 2012
10:55 pm
I sure hope that Frank gets us two outfielders like he has said that he will.
Heath
November 9th, 2012
10:59 pm
Ugly game from my cats… but a win is a win. The title defense has officially started. Next up… Duke on Tuesday.
Russell Bell
November 9th, 2012
11:05 pm
thats what I said, if they don’t get one Frisco will start no matter how crappy he does because they will have no other option. I refuse to believe that Frank is that big a fool
I refuse to believe that Frank is capable of sitting around without making some deals.
Venice Jim
November 9th, 2012
11:20 pm
Disgusted – my comment had nothing to do with a single game in a meaningless league that plays meaningless games for 6 months, and then 2 months of playoffs that only people who enjoy boring sports care about…85% of the NBA regular season is a worthless exercise to determine the 2 (if that many) surprise teams that make the playoffs and lose in the first round…
Venice Jim
November 9th, 2012
11:22 pm
On the other hand, Heath and I have a meaningful contest against each other next week…
NV049
November 9th, 2012
11:23 pm
I would take some of the 25 mil & sign Prado & Heyward long term ,simular to what they did with McCann a few years ago..