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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,183 comments Add your comment
George_George
November 10th, 2012
12:46 pm
George_George Repost from bottom of last page.
November 10th, 2012
12:27 pm
David O’Brien
November 10th, 2012
11:33 am
Braves lose D. Ross to Red Sox
**************************
I hope DAVID has lost his mind or is kidding. I am sure we would resign DAVID ROSS, even more improtant we do so with BRIAN not going to be ready to start season.
Heath
November 10th, 2012
1:01 pm
Free Agent market really isn’t appealing to me… bad year for the Braves to have money to spend. Maybe they can compensate for lack of talent in trades by kicking in more money in trades.
CB
November 10th, 2012
1:02 pm
I know curiosity killed the cat but I wonder what Texas offered for Simmons,obviously not enough to entice Wren.
CB
November 10th, 2012
1:10 pm
Braves probably made a mistake by not being willing to offer David Ross a 2yr contract in Aug or Sept,he probably would have signed cheaper than what Red Sox paid him. They will miss his veteran leadership.
George_George
November 10th, 2012
1:13 pm
FRANK WREN must have been asleep or drunk at meetings to let DAVID ROSS get away.
Jeff R
November 10th, 2012
1:19 pm
Braves lose D. Ross to Red Sox
…but drum up a lot of conversation and banter… the Braves loss of Ross is the blog’s gain.
Jeff R
November 10th, 2012
1:20 pm
FRANK WREN must have been asleep or drunk at meetings to let DAVID ROSS get away.
Now Jorge_Jorge, don’t project…
Jeff R
November 10th, 2012
1:21 pm
Braves probably made a mistake by not being willing to offer David Ross a 2yr contract in Aug or Sept,he probably would have signed cheaper than what Red Sox paid him. They will miss his veteran leadership.
CB, we might be assuming Wren didn’t approach Ross’ agent then. May be did. But if not, your point is right on the mark.
Juan
November 10th, 2012
1:24 pm
The Braves know something about D. Ross health to let him go….How you explain that a team with a priority catching need let the best backup catcher in the MLB. go
Time let us know ….
Jeff R
November 10th, 2012
1:26 pm
The Braves know something about D. Ross health to let him go….How you explain that a team with a priority catching need let the best backup catcher in the MLB. go
Wren may know as much about the team’s budget, Juan. And Ross is getting older, pushing his late thirties shortly. Just didn’t want to match or best the Red Sox’ offer – if the Braves were given the chance, that is.
CB
November 10th, 2012
1:26 pm
Jeff R,he said he didn’t feel Braves were willing to give him 2 yrs. Mistake on Braves part to not get this done early.
Russell Bell
November 10th, 2012
1:32 pm
David Ross’ departure is unfortunate, but for 2 guaranteed years at over $3 million per for a 35 year old backup catch, this wasn’t a hard decision for Wren, assuming he was given the chance to match the Red Sox offer.
Ward
November 10th, 2012
1:47 pm
Hello everyone! I think Wren,knew it was coming, and it’s actually O.K. Now Braves can take a look at Gattis, and Bethan court, and bring them up. Also Braves will look for a vetran catcher in a trade. Keep in mind Ross is 36 years old, and catchers can decline in age. Not conerned, and good to miove on.
Ward
November 10th, 2012
1:49 pm
It’s good to move on, and let Gattis, and Bethancourt in. Ross was showing signs of his production going down.
Ward
November 10th, 2012
1:58 pm
It’s time to start bringing up Gattis, or Bethancourt. I think they could make the jump. I’m not worried like most.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
2:19 pm
no way Ross is worth 3mil+ for each of two years at his age,save that money towards a good starting position player.
beside we got Gattis, he will take us to the WS as the BU catcher
brian
November 10th, 2012
2:20 pm
Gattis may get his chance at catcher to start the year, be a LF part time as well. Can anybody think of a right handed batter that started in the majors as a catcher out of need the moved to LF because of his superb bat?????
brian
November 10th, 2012
2:21 pm
Enter your comments here
brian
November 10th, 2012
2:23 pm
I would love to have Ross but that is another $3 million for the next 2 years that can be used for CF, LF, or contract extensions
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
2:28 pm
they said earlier that they reached out to Ross immediately, since hearing more about it I don’t find it all that surprising that he left. Too bad, but not a major deal
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
2:30 pm
** nothing more**
Heath
November 10th, 2012
2:33 pm
If the Braves are able to go get a very good RH LFer and a good CFer/lead-off hitter, then the loss of Ross really is not that big of deal. Given the option, I’d rather have him, but if you don’t get the OFers, the backup C discussion is a moot point.
monty
November 10th, 2012
2:33 pm
What’s an extra 30,000 a week for the next 2 years among friends? Wren fell aseep at the wheel. Ross should have been approached with a new contract as soon as it was known McCann was going under the knife and would not be playable till June
Astral
November 10th, 2012
2:39 pm
Wren definitely did NOT fall asleep at the wheel, Ross is not worth that money as a backup. we are not losing comparatively all that much since most teams use cheap catchers there too
Ward
November 10th, 2012
2:40 pm
Yeah, right! Keep some one until they are 38 years old, and signs of knees going out. Save mony now the LF, and Center.
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
2:43 pm
Doom and Gloomers out in force today about Ross I see.
I like him and would have liked him back, but I see why they didn’t meet the deal.
Too bad, but not the end of the world.
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
2:45 pm
and at least he went to the other league
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
2:53 pm
If the Braves get a good player for LF and CF than the saving on back up catcher is fine.
Do I trust Wren to get a good player or is he forced to go on the cheaqp again like last winter.
We will see. What does he mean by Premium Players?????
If they do not cheap out on LF and CF we an live with it, but chances are we are cheaping out like we are doing on Ross and Bourn.
Thanks alot again Liberty Media.
Astral
November 10th, 2012
2:54 pm
refusing to pay more than a player is worth is not “cheaping out” in the minds of rational folks
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
2:55 pm
We overcame last winters cheap parade and if it happens again we might overcome it again.
Not as easy with Chipper’s OPS out of the lineup. Even playing a hundred or so games he was better than most at 40.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
2:57 pm
Ross would have played 80 to 90 games this yr — he might be worth that.
The RS saw it that way. And if Bourn gets multiple competitive offers around what Boras is asking for than he is worth it.
The entire market sets the player’s worth — not the austere corporate budget restraints of LM.
Jeff R
November 10th, 2012
2:58 pm
Jeff R,he said he didn’t feel Braves were willing to give him 2 yrs. Mistake on Braves part to not get this done early.
Yes, it was a mistake, then.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
3:00 pm
We might be lucky with Gattis — Mr Wren and Freddie & co are hoping for that for sure.
Got to wish the up and commers well — and wait and see.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
3:02 pm
Never to fear Constana and Schafer are here LOL.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
3:03 pm
Hard to complain about GT today — they just might find themselves in another Bowl.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:10 pm
the Red Sox have a whole lot more money to throw around than the Braves do, for them it is probably worth it since it will not hinder any other changes they want to make
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:14 pm
Good for GT, I always liked them.
And wow, look at that Florida score so far
BBraves
November 10th, 2012
3:14 pm
I hate too see Ross go that hurts. I can not blame him to take the money though. It could be his last two years and that really sets up him. Really smart on Red Sox part to bring in a good club house guy like Ross. That really should help them out there.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:26 pm
I prefer to think of it as a possible indication that they really are trying to pick up two good outfielders.
If they aren’t they might have spent the money on Ross.
That is my story and I am sticking to it, at least for now
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
3:32 pm
Gil said that up the middle defense is important. Hitting is just gravy. I agree. Get Bourjos…. better than Pagan cheaper than Span I bet.
And I gotta ssay for Lew being a guy who seems to like versatility and would yank Prado about on the field… to be against Doumit is weird man. Adds tons of flexibility to the team esp. if Gattis makes the team.
Webster
November 10th, 2012
3:34 pm
Matt Treanor is a FA and his wife is HOT
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
3:36 pm
You could be right Half Empty — for my thoughts I am clueless as to trying to read their minds.
Man, that GT game is fun to watch. 65 points — WOW!!!!!!!
Defenses just had a bad day on both sides. Coaches have plenty of cleaning up to do this week.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:37 pm
doesn’t Doumit make more than the just refused to pay Ross?
It is true that he plays several positions but he doesn’t play any of them very well., including catcher from what I can see.
So much for your defense up the middle?
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
3:41 pm
That extra 3mil will come in handy….. for Greinke!!! Lets go Frank
Upton or Pence for LF….
Losing Ross sukks as he was one of my favorite Braves (got the jerseys and autographs too)but we’ll be fine Just please dont have CBet or Boscan starting on Opening Day. Id rather Hanson be a Brave next year than that.
Webster
November 10th, 2012
3:41 pm
A catcher who mplays multiple positions is a nice luxury to have. In the Braves case it would enable BMac to pinch hit in the 5th or 6th inning and not worry about an injury or whatever later in the game. Dounit would be a nice bench player/platooon guy, but I say if going that route look into Wilkin Rosario. Could be BMac replacement in ‘14. Can play rd anr LF.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:42 pm
yes I am sure that most all of us are sorry to see him leave
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:45 pm
the options in the NL with backup catchers are not the same as the AL. If your regular catcher is starting most teams do not regularly play their backup catcher at other spots.
MFin04
November 10th, 2012
3:48 pm
Upton or Pence? No thanks. Upton, both of them are worthless. Justin being a product of his home field, and BJ well geez that guy is worthless.
As for David Ross, I didn’t figure they’d overpay for him but whatever. Hopefully we don’t go with a old veteran backup to start opening day.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
3:49 pm
I wouldnt mind seeing Mrs. Treanor at the ted…
Doumit isnt a great defender yes but he adds value with the bat. Id take that from a backup. 1B, both corner OF spots. We just get another OF who can play CF like Reed or Scahfer , Juan covers 3B, we got 2 spots left. Gattis, Mejia, Rev, and Janish to choose from.
Up the middle defense is for starters… I prefer backups who can hit. After all theyre there to pinch hit, not pinch defend.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:52 pm
they are there to do both and the Braves have shown a marked preference for good defensive backups.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
3:54 pm
Doumit had a real good yr last yr with 18/75 along with 34 doubles.
Did not realize he has that good a yr — and he can do some catching and play LF some.
I sort of like that move if they can work something out for Doumit and Span. CF is the bigger need.
Doumit is a SW hitter too. Could do worse.
Are we going to lose Reed Johnson too?????? I am guessing that another team will beat us out, it always happens.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:56 pm
you never know when your starter might go down for an extended amount of time, then you are stuck with bad D. that’s why they carry players like Janish
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
3:58 pm
It would not surprise me to see Johnson leave, the Braves are reluctant to pay top dollar for subs
VaBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
3:59 pm
Ryan Doumit makes a ton of sense now in my opinion.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
4:01 pm
I agree with that Half Empty and that would be unfortunate.
But, you can trade for subs during the season, though Ross and R Johnson are darned good ones.
@TOBF — Forget about Treanor — I’d just assume take my chances on Gattis. If its not Kelly Shoppach or Gerald Laird than forget it about BU catcher and keep what we have. There are some lousy players out there that are affordable. We are not spending for good guys.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
4:05 pm
If they went with Doumit they could forgo a good left fielder and use him some, but that pretty much lessens his backup availability and he is not all that good a hitter to be starting in left anyway IMO
and left is much more important than a backup catcher
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
4:06 pm
With a guy like Doumit you can work him into a rotation where you flip flop Marteen between third and left, get Francisco some PT and sometimes give Mac some rest too.
Not the hottest move out there but its better than nothing.
I assume they will get a cheaper but decent enough CF.
Is it enough to win 92 to 94 games again — maybe maybe not. Definitely a high 80 W team.
abeeeewright
November 10th, 2012
4:10 pm
Red Sox are paying Ross to start, Braves to back up. He’s worth more to the Sox than to the Braves.
Johnson will be a utility guy whereever he signs. Braves should be able to keep him if they are motivated to do so.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
4:11 pm
you never know when your starter might go down for an extended amount of time, then you are stuck with bad D. that’s why they carry players like Janish
Or he could be in AAA waiting for an opportunity to play.
Doumit did play other positions than just catcher when he was with pittsburgh. Good batting line, switch-hitter. 31 years old, making 3.5mil the next 2 seasons. For all the positions he can play, it makes a lot of sense to me. He’s DRoss and Hinske in 1 body. He makes 3.5mil, those 2 made about 3mil together. He’s younger.
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
4:12 pm
It is not that I have anything against Doumit, I would not mind getting him at all; but think the Braves have pretty much shown that they do not use their backup catcher in other position for the most part and I would very much prefer two good starting outfielders
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
4:18 pm
Upton or Pence? No thanks. Upton, both of them are worthless. Justin being a product of his home field, and BJ well geez that guy is worthless.
What about Pence then? Why are you against him?
brian
November 10th, 2012
4:18 pm
Sign treanor for our backup catcher and promote women’s beach volleyball (Stone Mountain?). Two spectator sports!
brian
November 10th, 2012
4:20 pm
Ross was a luxury for the Braves. At his price now and what we need to fill, he is a luxury we cannot affort
VaBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
4:23 pm
Doumit would split time behind the plate with a cheap free agent catcher until McCann returns. After that Doumit just becomes a utility type who can play LF,RF,C,1B. We still keep the other catcher on board.
This would be the bench
Cheap Catcher C
Ryan Doumit C,1B,LF,RF
Paul Janish SS,2B,3B
Reed Johnson (Hopefully) CF,LF,RF
Juan Francisco 3B,LF,RF
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
4:24 pm
Treanor’s career line: .221/.313/.305.618 and .175/.281/.282./563 over 122 ABs last year. A guy who’s OBP is higher than their slugging, but both numbers are bad. No thanks. Wife’s hot though.
He’s 36 as well
Half Empty
November 10th, 2012
4:25 pm
yes I see that Va, I still want two starting outfielders first, way more important than who backs up catcher
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
4:27 pm
It is not that I have anything against Doumit, I would not mind getting him at all; but think the Braves have pretty much shown that they do not use their backup catcher in other position for the most part and I would very much prefer two good starting outfielders
@Half Empty — I agree but — with this team its always about budget limitations and two good starting OF guys are going to cost you.
Even if they have a yr or two left on their current contract its one or two yrs and they are outta here cause of the revlving door corporate way this team is run.
That is beyone FW’s control. I do not envy his job. I like Frank and Fredi.
As a fan it is frustrating being a fan of this team but there is nothing we can do.
The window of opportunity is short — it really is. Got to go out and go 4 a 2 yr window of opportunity.
Liberty Media and the economics of today;s game keeps us from being a great baseball org again like it was in the 90’s.
We are still pretty good but not great.
VaBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
4:29 pm
Half Empty
We also can’t just assume that McCann is gonna come back strong, he could have set backs and miss more time, or possibly struggle and so on. Doumit would be good insurance in that case. Doumit would be worth the money, he would be more valuable to us than David Ross would be cause he can play other positions.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
4:30 pm
Treanor and Miguel Olivo suck, and there are similar guys who they will choose to afford.
In that case give Gattis a chance. He might belong in AAA though. Seriously, I want him to make it like all of em even the maligned Salcedo.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
4:31 pm
Back up catcher is more important this yr cause our regular catcher is expected to miss some time to start the yr. Could be as much as 30, maybe even 50 games.
VaBravesFan
November 10th, 2012
4:31 pm
But if Gattis can be ready there wouldnt be a need for Doumit.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
4:33 pm
We hope that Gattis can be our Simmons of last yr. But that is hope.
If Gattis can help now we can succeed in spite of LM.
BFChris28
November 10th, 2012
4:35 pm
I hope a vet back up catcher is gotten and Gattis isn’t relied on. If Gattis can help, then bring it on, but he isn’t a sure thing, yet, so I’d get a vet back up catcher before waiting on to see if Gattis can help.
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
4:52 pm
but they likely will not play him much in other positions if he is the back up catcher
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
4:53 pm
exactly, hope is not a strategy
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
5:01 pm
BF Chris — most of what is available for BU catcher is garbage.
And when Reed Johnson goes elsewhere that is going to be another drop off.
Cheap team — just cheap.
Sneaky Pete — Right on that hope is not a stategy but cheapness is not either. Well, I take that back — cheapness is a strategy, just not a very good one.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
5:09 pm
41 yr old Henry Blanco is available — how about that.
DS1
November 10th, 2012
5:28 pm
Leave the blog for less than 24 hours, and you guys let David Ross get away? What gives here?
I will sure miss Rossy, his skillset and humor. Wishing him the best in Boston. Can’t blame a guy for taking the dough. He’s probably going to platoon with Salty unless they get Napoli.
Dadgum.....
November 10th, 2012
5:37 pm
Today I am beyond shocked at the Braves for not locking up Ross. Total disbelief. Guess they are counting heavily that CB will be ready and maybe get a veteran at low cost too. Makes zero sense to me no matter how you slice it. The Braves are gonna need help at catcher.
BFChris28
November 10th, 2012
5:43 pm
It sucks to see Ross go, but I don’t blame either Ross or the Braves for not getting a deal done. I don’t blame Ross, because he has earned the deal he is receiving from Red Sox. However, I don’t blame Braves for not signing him to that deal because even though Ross is a great guy and an awesome BUC and arguably the best, they can’t afford the deal that Red Sox got him, especially since more dire needs are on the forefront with the OF.
I wish Ross the best, but it’s not the tragedy that some make it out to be.
Disgusted
November 10th, 2012
5:59 pm
What is painful is that there are no other real good alternatives.
Nothing suitable unless one of the kids is ready before schedule.
We are not getting Napoli — look at the junk out there. Plain junk.
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
6:04 pm
most all teams have plain junk as backup catchers, we will not be alone nor at any great disadvantage for the most part
Zing
November 10th, 2012
6:13 pm
I love Ross, but let’s get real here– we’re talking about a backup catcher in his middle thirties (says a guy in his late thirties) whose production would decline with heavy use. Sure, he’s great in the clubhouse, but the game is won on the field. Sorry to see him go, but the Braves can’t spend that kind of money on a backup catcher, albeit a good one.
DOB: Do the Braves get any draft compensation for Ross leaving?
Mark
November 10th, 2012
6:13 pm
I hate to lose Rossy but 6 plus for him over 2 years is too much money at his age. IMO
And even though I think its too much for Ross, its not so much the Braves would have let him go given Macs surgery, if they did not have a good plan/alternative in mind.
Zing
November 10th, 2012
6:17 pm
I’ve got to think that the Braves are thinking this will be a trial run for either Gattis or Bethancourt — and I’m thinking Gattis because of his age and the fact that he could be kept on to play occasionally in LF, especially if the Braves go out and get a CF and 4th outfielder, which is what I expect…
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
6:19 pm
they already have a good fourth outfielder in Johnson if they renew him
ncbravesfan90
November 10th, 2012
6:19 pm
The Braves are going to spend roughly $25 million dollars this offseason, its just a matter of when and to whom.
Mark
November 10th, 2012
6:22 pm
I think we’ll get one good to better sign and another player through a trade for some pitching.
BFChris28
November 10th, 2012
6:23 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Knowing Ross could get a lucrative 2-yr. deal elsewhere, Braves have spent past couple weeks talking to other backup catchers on the FA mkt
Bowman probably right. Braves probably have a back up plan for a new back up catcher.
abeeeewright
November 10th, 2012
6:25 pm
“DOB: Do the Braves get any draft compensation for Ross leaving?”
This was good for a great laugh! Had Braves offered Ross $13.3M and had he declined to take a $6.2M/2 year deal with the Sox, Braves would get a supplementary pick after the first round.
Alas, the Braves didn’t offer Rossy $13.3M.
Mark
November 10th, 2012
6:25 pm
Again, no way the Braves would have let Ross go for that amount of money, without another plan that does not include anyone else presently in the organization
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
6:26 pm
of course they have a backup plan for a backup catcher
abeeeewright
November 10th, 2012
6:27 pm
Couldn’t the Braves get Bryan Pena back? If they could just do that and then reunite him with Yunel Escobar, …
BFChris28
November 10th, 2012
6:27 pm
Yunel to back up Simmons, yeah
Lew
November 10th, 2012
6:29 pm
Dounit might make sense as a utility player, but if he’s a back up catcher, they won’t play him all over the place – just like now they don’t pinch hit whichever catcher is on the bench. The only way Doumit works as a utility guy AND a catcher is if he’s the third catching option.
Zing
November 10th, 2012
6:31 pm
abeee: Geez, glad to provide entertainment. Not being a professional baseball whatever, I didn’t know – there used to be rules about “class A” and “class B” FAs. I know they changed, and I was aware of the qualifying offer rule that would provide a 1st round pick, just wasn’t sure if there was later-round compensation for lesser FAs.
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
6:32 pm
I agree Lew
Lew
November 10th, 2012
6:34 pm
abeeewright – That reminds me of a comment I heard on XM Home Plate the other day – they were talking about some team’s need for middle infield help and mentioned a couple of players, including Yunel. His broadcast partner piped in with “Well, there’s going to be a certain level of humanity expected in his clubhouse and Yunel just doesn’t have it.”
Apparently it isn’t just Braves’ fans with a lack of appreciation.
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
6:34 pm
not anymore Zing, a team has to offer the minimum qualifying amount which thise year is 13.3 million dollars. that is really the only aspect there is anymore. The amount might differ from season to season
SNEAKY PETE
November 10th, 2012
6:36 pm
trade Yunel to Shaun’s team, he won’t even notice anything but the numbers