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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,183 comments Add your comment
Murph
November 12th, 2012
4:19 pm
Will post it from airport in a couple of hours (got to head over there now) or, at worst, from the air assuming they have wi-fi on flight.
Given the blog’s technical issues lately are you sure that’s a safe thing to do? Somehow I see the blog code getting into the navigational system and rerouting you to Mexico City or something.
David O'Brien
November 12th, 2012
4:19 pm
Do those wondering if Salty could return realize how bad he is against lefties?
.203 w/ .591 OPS career vs. LHPs in 509 plate appearances.
Not the ideal backup to McCann.
Efrim
November 12th, 2012
4:21 pm
Do those wondering if Salty could return realize how bad he is against lefties?
I hope folks aren’t serious about that. Salty is going to make near $4-5 million in 2013 and that is way too much for a backup who is also a free agent after 2013. Plus, he isn’t even very good. Doesn’t make any sense.
Ward
November 12th, 2012
4:24 pm
Hello everypne! Just got today off Veterans Day! Hot Stove has reported that Braves will look inti the Free Agent Market for a Veteran catcher. Doesn’ look like a via trade will happen. Torri Hunter says he will make up his mind in a couple of days. He want’s a winning team, and Braves were not mentioned.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
4:25 pm
I thought he’d make 4mil, but I think MLBTR has him projected to take a cut to 1.6… that surely has to be an error.
Not my 1st choice at all, but he does have power. Hits righties decent enough (.453 SLG, .774 OPS)
Really low babip against LHP… but it can’t be bad luck anymore
RC
November 12th, 2012
4:25 pm
Jason Parks is doing a really good job over at Baseball Prospectus taking over for Kevin Goldstein, who left for the Houston Astros. Really good reads on his Top 10 lists for the Astros, Cubs and Rockies so far.
Good to know. Goldstein’s articles were the only reason I even kept a subscription, and last year I decided that the price simply wasn’t worth it just for his Top 11 lists. I hope Parks continues the good work, but it’s unlikely that I’ll go back unless their subscription price drops substantially.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
4:25 pm
Salty ainta gonna happen
nolie
November 12th, 2012
4:27 pm
said all along that they will not likely trade for a catcher alone, cheap FA like Shoppach most likely. He would likely give us 2/3 of Ross performance for half the cost
Ward
November 12th, 2012
4:28 pm
Hello everyone! Just been watching The Hot Stove, and They say Braves will gp after a Free Agent catcher, and Torri Hunter will make up his miond ina couple of days. He say he want’s a winning team, and Braves were not mentioned.
Efrim
November 12th, 2012
4:28 pm
Goldstein was also the only reason I kept it, RC. I will hold on this year and give Parks a chance, but if it isn’t worth it – I’ll most likely decline to extend it as well.
Ward
November 12th, 2012
4:29 pm
We Can scratch Torri Hunter off the list.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
4:30 pm
we don’t need a catcher who hits righties we need some folks who can hit lefties
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
4:32 pm
Shoppach? .202 avg, .371 SLG, and .665 OPS the last 3 years
Good if used effectively, can’t hit RH….
RC
November 12th, 2012
4:33 pm
We Can scratch Torri Hunter off the list.
Did he sign already? I haven’t been around today, so I missed any rumors.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
4:33 pm
what is the subscription price there now Ef? I gave up a few years ago
Ward
November 12th, 2012
4:34 pm
It’s still early for Wren to do some thing, but if you follow his trend. I’m starting to think he’s not going to spend much at all. Even his trade talk has been sketchy.
Ward
November 12th, 2012
4:35 pm
Torri Hunter – Has been talking to Dodgers, and the Tigers.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
4:35 pm
his talk is always sketchy ward, c’mon you are a big boy, man up and tough out the wait
Efrim
November 12th, 2012
4:36 pm
I do $4.95 a month, noles. Less expensive than Baseball America online, I believe.
Ward
November 12th, 2012
4:38 pm
nolie – I’m manning up , but this trend doesn’t look good. When you don’t even try to sign Hunter.
Efrim
November 12th, 2012
4:38 pm
If you’re into the draft, Baseball America is golden. They do great draft coverage. I wish they were a bit better on the International front. Ben Badler does his best though, but I’d like to see more content up there. Braves apparently have signed the most international free agents since last July 2nd – other than Venezeulen RHP Yeralf Torres and Dominican 3B Kelvin Esteves, I have no idea on any other signs they’ve made. That stuff should be documented and easy to find, but it isn’t.
VaBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
4:40 pm
Kelly Shoppach would be a solid option, Not real big on Torri Hunter at this point in his career unless its a 1 year 7 million deal.
RC
November 12th, 2012
4:41 pm
I do $4.95 a month, noles. Less expensive than Baseball America online, I believe.
When viewing it as a monthly price that’s not as bad I a remembered…until I converted that to annual and realized it’s $60 a year.
Which is certainly less expensive than BA, although I’d argue it also serves a different audience. To me BP comes across as a “premium” version of Fangraphs, yet one that I actually enjoy reading significantly less than Fangraphs. There’s a lot of great information there, but at times things can get TOO technical, and at the time I quit subscribing the writing simply wasn’t on par with what Fangraphs is putting up. Maybe it’s changed, and I don’t mean to be as negative as I think I’m coming across. It’s simply not for me at the current rate.
Rick C
November 12th, 2012
4:42 pm
Ward, how do you know if they are trying or not? The fact is that he wants to stay in the AL, and the Braves probably aren’t going to be trying to outbid AL teams with large payrolls like the Tigers and Rangers, especially over a 37 year old player.
Shaun
November 12th, 2012
4:43 pm
nolie, I’m just going on as much reliable information as I have relating to how players create and prevent runs, not assuming he’s bad because of simplistic things like batting average and strikeout totals and no consideration of defensive position, etc.
phil
November 12th, 2012
4:43 pm
Just sign any ole bum from the minors to play CF, LF and 3B…..
Heyward, FF and Simmons can carry us regardless. And Prado.
Well, not CF since we already have Schafer…
Efrim
November 12th, 2012
4:44 pm
Goldstein was really the only reason I stayed with them. We’ll see how Parks lists look and then I’ll decide. But I agree, Fangraphs is much better. Dave Cameron’s articles are worth checking the site out alone.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
4:44 pm
draft and yearly top 10 skills are my faves at BBAmer
Web subscription is $66, mag is around $92 now I think
Efrim
November 12th, 2012
4:45 pm
Yes, Top 10 lists are great. Braves are up on December 10th – the Monday after the Winter Meetings. Looking forward to it if we have any prospects left…..
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 12th, 2012
4:45 pm
Oh shyt! Now Ward is being negative…this is not a good sign. When Ward is pessimistic then we know all hope is lost. Looks like Wren isn’t going to anything but get Schafer.
RC
November 12th, 2012
4:47 pm
My big baseball media related expenditure each year is the Baseball America Prospect Handbook. It’s like freakin’ Christmas when that thing finally comes in the mail.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
4:48 pm
I bought that rag religiously for years and years B4 the web stuff became available. Just can’t really justify the mag price anymore and will prolly drop either ESPN Insider or BBAmer this spring.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
4:49 pm
What I want to know is….. when do nolie and Efrim start their own baseball analysis sites. I bet you guys would do great at it.
Ward
November 12th, 2012
4:49 pm
Rick C – Follow Wrens trend, and you tell me. It’s almost like the same thing as last year. We will have to see? I wouldn’t get my hopes up too much. I think Wren, will get us a player just enough to get us by.
Murph
November 12th, 2012
4:50 pm
Screw it, then… make Gattis the backup C and call it a day. Use Boscan as his backup to start the season and just see what happens.
What’s the worst thing that could happen? We’re pretty used to getting zero production from the position for months at a time. A healthy Gattis can’t be that much worse than a broken BMac.
Ward
November 12th, 2012
4:50 pm
Sorry guy’s, but right now it’s not looking too good.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
4:53 pm
Fantasy Baseball Fandom
You folks gotta exhibit a tad bit of patience.
Rick C
November 12th, 2012
4:53 pm
Ward, “Wrens trend” is generally to stay pretty tight lipped about their dealings. The Braves were not looking for any big FA names or trades last offseason so I’m not sure how you can compare them. He has already said that the payroll will actually be going up a little bit next year.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
4:54 pm
similar position here. 2 of Gattis, CBet, Yepez, Boscan can’t be all that much worse than Shoppach or Laird for the first 1-2 months. Cheaper too.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
4:55 pm
If I had to guess on a backup catcher, I’d say Frank signs Shoppach. He has a little pop in his bat and hits lefties well. We do see a lot of lefties.
Rick C
November 12th, 2012
4:55 pm
Ward, we are not even a month into the offseason.
VaBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
4:56 pm
Ward
Don’t worry we picked up Jordan Schafer so were basically set, play ball.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
4:56 pm
I really don’t see them going with our minor league catchers.
Disgusted
November 12th, 2012
4:57 pm
Shoppach is not a bad option but do not want to pay him more than a mil. 1.2 maximum.
He is not worth half of what Ross brang. None of the BU catchers are worth half of what Ross brought to the table.
Most of em are hardly worth 500 to 600 K, close to minimum by today;s standards. Sadly they might get in the mil or so range — slim pickins.
Murph
November 12th, 2012
5:00 pm
Shoppach will cost, what, $2mil or so?
Gattis will cost the minimum, and I would bet that he’d do better than .203/.276/.342/.618.
Don’t forget, you’re not just looking for a backup catcher, you’re also looking for a guy who can start for the first month+ of the season.
I don’t think Shoppach is that guy.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
5:01 pm
Shoppach made 1.14 mil last year. He’ll get a bit more than that I’d guess.
Ward
November 12th, 2012
5:04 pm
I’m just saying be careful, and don’t get hopes up! We could end up with DeJesus, or some one like Juan Rivera. That what could happen? , and that’s cheap! All be good, and be cool. Not being negative, but being realistic. Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!” Talk later tonight. It’s all been good.
VaBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
5:04 pm
Keith Law on Torri Hunter
Hunter is one of the most respected players in the game by both fellow players and members of the media, so it pains me to rain on his free-agent parade. But what you saw from Hunter in 2012 isn’t at all indicative of what he’s going to provide on his next deal.
He’s been losing bat speed for the past few years and compensated this season by being much more aggressive earlier in the count, even if the pitch in question wasn’t one worth swinging at. His power is diminished, and he’s not going to hit .390 on balls in play again, so what you’re likely buying is a .330 OBP guy who plays a very good right field and has great makeup. That’s a solid player — an everyday guy — but nothing more, with the downside risk of any position player in his late 30s. (Torii Hunter is in his late 30s. That sounds very, very wrong to me.)
I’d take him for a year without hesitation, but if the .313 average makes someone go three years or more, they are asking for trouble.
RC
November 12th, 2012
5:04 pm
He is not worth half of what Ross brang. None of the BU catchers are worth half of what Ross brought to the table.
Most of em are hardly worth 500 to 600 K, close to minimum by today;s standards. Sadly they might get in the mil or so range — slim pickins.
I guess that depends on how you value “what Ross brang”. Are you considering Ross worth the $1.6 million he made last year, or the $3.2 million the Red Sox will pay him the next 2 years?
DS1
November 12th, 2012
5:04 pm
Murph
We need someone with a bit of experience catching a major league pitching staff. Not sure Gattis is ready for that much responsibility right now. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 12th, 2012
5:06 pm
DS1
The Braves could always have Fredi call the game from the dugout. He’s a pretty smart guy.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
5:11 pm
Catching and pitching are the two hardest positions to play on the field. Catching requires so many skills just to be acceptable. Yes, the manager or the pitching coach could call the pitches for a catcher. But he still has to do all the other things required of him behind the plate.
I just don’t see the Braves going young with the backup catchers slot until Mac gets back. WAY too much at stake in the early part of the season.
Murph
November 12th, 2012
5:14 pm
We need someone with a bit of experience catching a major league pitching staff.
I see what you’re saying, but I also think it’s one of the most “controlled” positions on the field. If the coaches decide to they can call all of the pitches, they can tell Gattis when to go talk to his pitcher, etc.
I know there’s more to it than that, but the guy has been catching for a long time, and I’m sure he’s got a basic grasp of what’s needed to play the position…. that along with the coach’s help should be enough to get him through 1 month of starting.
Worse thing that could happen is he drops every 3rd strike and goes hitless. Not all that different than what BMac did down the stretch.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
5:23 pm
If you guys talk about it long enough, maybe you’ll convince yourselves that Gattis is quite capable of being the backup catcher until Mac returns.
I’m not buying it.
Gerald Laird is also a pretty good receiver.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
5:26 pm
I’m still holding out for Chase Headley or David Wright.
The eternal optimist.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
5:27 pm
Carlton Thompson @yourboyCT
Got a question for Jim Duquette? #chattingcage http://atmlb.com/Oo0kSS via @MLB
Wednesday @5pm EST.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
5:28 pm
And some writers are still saying that the Braves have some level of interest in Josh Hamilton. I guess that’s kinda like saying that Angelina Jolie would probably like me, because she likes men.
(C’mon Angie, give me a call!)
Bat Masterson
November 12th, 2012
5:32 pm
I’m just saying be careful, and don’t get hopes up! _ Ward
I remember when Ward was fairly new here and had high hopes!
I guess too many Ankle and Farny types have made Ward a bit cynical.
Disgusted
November 12th, 2012
5:33 pm
I guess that depends on how you value “what Ross brang”. Are you considering Ross worth the $1.6 million he made last year, or the $3.2 million the Red Sox will pay him the next 2 years?
RC — For 2013, have to base it on the 3.2 mil he gets from the RS.
No way is Shoppach or any of the BU catcher list worth $2 mil.
He got 1.14 mil, guess he might get 1.25. Might want to give him that but not a cent more.
Those guys are just not that good.
Murph
November 12th, 2012
5:36 pm
If you guys talk about it long enough, maybe you’ll convince yourselves that Gattis is quite capable of being the backup catcher until Mac returns.
I’m already convinced. In AA Gattis gunned down almost 40% of basestealers… BMac in AA was around 30%.
Gattis has 3 seasons of catching in the minors… BMac had 3 season of catching in the minors before he was called up.
Gattis’ hitting stats were better last season than BMac’s were his last full season in the minors.
BMac got the call early because of injuries, so why can’t Gattis do the same?
richbrave
November 12th, 2012
5:45 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
SS NICK AHMED 2-3, 2 R, 1 RBI [10], 1 BB, 1 SB [5], 1 SO.
17 G, 65 AB, .292 BA, 12 R, 19 H, 3 2B, 1 3B ,1 HR, 10 RBI, 8 BB, 8 SO.
3B ED SALCEDO 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [6], 2 SO.
20 G, 77 AB, 11 H, 6 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 5 BB, 20 SO, .143 BA, .195 OBP, .247 SLG, .422 OPS. At least he hasn’t made an error in the field his last few games.
Jeff R
November 12th, 2012
5:47 pm
SS prospect Nick Ahmed with a leadoff in Phoenix third inning, then steals 2nd base.
Nick Ahemd: The Future.
Seriously, I like this kid.
reagan
November 12th, 2012
5:47 pm
Everyone keeps talking about Stoppach……………what about Paulino?
Jeff R
November 12th, 2012
5:48 pm
3B ED SALCEDO 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [6], 2 SO.
Wow. Just wow. What a stud.
Bat Masterson
November 12th, 2012
5:48 pm
And some writers are still saying that the Braves have some level of interest in Josh Hamilton. I guess that’s kinda like saying that Angelina Jolie would probably like me, because she likes men.
I was gonna go with its like me being interested in having sex with Salma Hayek. I mean damn
…… Santanico Pandemonium …….. Uh, yeAH! But really, come on, I’m interested but I’m not gonna stop going to the grocery store here
richbrave
November 12th, 2012
5:48 pm
DS1
November 12th, 2012
5:28 pm
“…..And some writers are still saying that the Braves have some level of interest in Josh Hamilton. I guess that’s kinda like saying that Angelina Jolie would probably like me, because she likes men…..”
You sir are a funny man.
Murph
November 12th, 2012
5:50 pm
Should have traded Salcedo after he hit that double.
Jeff R
November 12th, 2012
5:51 pm
I think Wren will want a seasoned backup for McCann, one with a solid rep for handling pitchers.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
5:51 pm
what about Paulino?
He’d be better… .844 OPS vs lefties. Better than Shopach (but still not good vs righties). Possibly cheaper.
richbrave
November 12th, 2012
5:51 pm
Jeff R:
If you’re comparing AHMED to SALCEDO, I like AHMED too.
richbrave
November 12th, 2012
5:54 pm
Jeff R
November 12th, 2012
5:51 pm
“…..I think Wren will want a seasoned backup for McCann, one with a solid rep for handling pitchers…..”
I understand DAVID ROSS is available. And he’s got a favorable 2-year deal. Trade for TEHERAN straight up. HEH!
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 12th, 2012
5:55 pm
Go get ‘em Murph! Must be afraid to let Gattis start; he may steal BMac’s job
I can’t find any info on LaStella… no winter ball for him? Shame
Jeff R
November 12th, 2012
5:59 pm
richbrave,
I like Ahmed for Ahmed. I know more than a few on the blog project him as a bench player, but I’m not convinced. I think his ceiling must be higher.
richbrave
November 12th, 2012
6:01 pm
Can’t remember exactly, but I think SALCEDO has 6 E in 20 G, and AHMED has 4 E in 17 G. Just can’t be sure. I’ll go through the AFL last few games ’till I find an error on each. They keep a running total.
richbrave
November 12th, 2012
6:03 pm
Jeff R:
People project what they’ve see to date. Most don’t make much allowance for improvement until it happens. I see some of that [improvement] in AHMED.
richbrave
November 12th, 2012
6:05 pm
I was right on SALCEDO’s fielding, but 100% wrong on AHMED only 2 E in 17 G.
Murph
November 12th, 2012
6:10 pm
Too much emphasis on experience or being “seasoned”… all HoF players were rookies at some point in their career. *
* Disclaimer – No, I’m not saying Gattis is a future Hall of Famer
Jeff R
November 12th, 2012
6:11 pm
My wishful thinking has Ahmed moving to second base and eventually replacing Uggla.
Jeff R
November 12th, 2012
6:12 pm
I’m not sure that Wren wants Braves’ pitchers in the untested hands of Gattis, particularly if McCann is out longer than anticipated or is limited in his play.
Murph
November 12th, 2012
6:17 pm
Maybe Gattis calls a better game than Brian “6 Curveballs in a Row” McCann… maybe not. Only one way to find out.
richbrave
November 12th, 2012
6:24 pm
Murph:
You uh-h-h, don’t particularly like McCANN’s play then?
Murph
November 12th, 2012
6:31 pm
rich, I like McCann for his offense, but I’ve never liked him behind the dish. The baserunning numbers are one thing, but I’ve watched him make some pretty questionable pitch calls over the years.
I hit my breaking point this last season when he called for 6 curves in a row out of Hanson, the last of which was deposited someplace in north Georgia.
Of course I hope for a speedy recovery from the guy and for him to resume his spot in the starting lineup as soon as possible… the mad tears that he’s gone on over the last couple of seasons are some of the most impressive displays of hitting I’ve seen from a Braves player in all my years of Braves fandom.
Anyways, my debate is more about giving Gattis a shot rather than signing some castaway backup from another team… I don’t want to turn this into a big anti-BMac campaign. We’ve had enough of those this season.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
6:53 pm
on the other hand Smoltz praised him lavishly for his pitch calling, course what the deuce would he know?
nolie
November 12th, 2012
6:54 pm
two words almost always for Braves subs…CHEAP VETS
Disgusted
November 12th, 2012
7:06 pm
Mc Cann’s game calling skills are beter than some give him credit for.
His D is too. We will miss him after next yr.
Mc Cann is getting his shoulder fixed so we should see the good Mc Cann again.
As for CHEAP VETS — that is about what the Braves are going to go for this off season and its not just the subs.
Scrooge for team mascot.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
7:09 pm
6 curves in a row for Hanson one game means Mac calls a bad game. Never mind what all the pundits say, that Mac is one of the better game callers in baseball.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
7:12 pm
everybody has a bad game, or another way plus the odds of the guy thinking it is bound to change go up with every curve. he is a good game caller, most all in baseball agree.
Bat Masterson
November 12th, 2012
7:15 pm
he is a good game caller, most all in baseball agree.
I’m not in baseball but I agree.
Ward
November 12th, 2012
7:19 pm
Hello everyone! Bryce Harper wins National League Rookie OF The Year, and Congratulations to the Kid, and well done!
DS1
November 12th, 2012
7:19 pm
Bat, the “yes” man!
nolie
November 12th, 2012
7:19 pm
It is not the first time by any means that I have seen a catcher call for the same pitch 5 or 6 times in a row if they think the hitter has trouble with it. Might have done it myself a time or two usually successfully
Ward
November 12th, 2012
7:21 pm
Bat – Like the post about me. Well said……. Too many disappointments.
DS1
November 12th, 2012
7:22 pm
I can understand Harper getting the ROY for the NL, but I personally thought Miley was a bit more deserving. But the hustle and the hype helped Harper. Kinda rhymes, huh.
Nowhere man
November 12th, 2012
7:22 pm
A new blog?? It’s only been ten days.
Bat Masterson
November 12th, 2012
7:23 pm
Ha, not always, Wayne.
Bat Masterson
November 12th, 2012
7:27 pm
Ward_
Good to know, my friend.
nolie
November 12th, 2012
7:27 pm
so?unless something new happens we will just go back to complaining about the same ol’ stuff
nolie
November 12th, 2012
7:29 pm
yeah I can see Harper
Ward
November 12th, 2012
7:30 pm
Mike Trout wins American League Rookie OF The Year, and congratulations to Mike Trout, and well done!
Ward
November 12th, 2012
7:32 pm
Sources say Tingers are in the lead for Torri Hunter……