Braves might trade pitching for lineup needs

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318 comments Add your comment

hmmmmm..........

November 8th, 2012
1:24 pm

Cody Ross is out there too! Isn’t funny that a few years ago Hanson was untouchable, we could have gotten Peavy but wouldnt put Hanson in the deal. Now everyone wants him out of town. I’d say hire him a personal trainer this offseason. Ryan Ludwick also is a FA

willie g hates liberty media

November 8th, 2012
1:24 pm

the braves need to get kevin youkalis , for 3rd, put prado in left, then sign, jason bay, for nothing but a minor contract give him incenitives in the contract, then sign MR , HAMILTON FOR 2 YEARS ., AND PLAY TO WIN THE WORLD SERIES.

southgabrave

November 8th, 2012
1:25 pm

I totally agree with getting Ben Revere over Denard Span. Who ever they get to lead-off needs to strike a lot less than Bourn did. A lead off guy needs to be a contact hitter that K’s around 45-65 times per 500 AB’s.

hmmmmm..........

November 8th, 2012
1:28 pm

I think everyone wants Josh Hamilton’s talent here. But it’s the baggage, price, and uncertainty of his health.

hmmmmm..........

November 8th, 2012
1:30 pm

The thing is the Twins want to move Span to give Revere playing time.

Rick C

November 8th, 2012
1:30 pm

what you eat for breakfast, I’m sure the Braves would love to if you can give them 100 million or so to cover his contract. They can’t take on a guy like him with their payroll, especially with the other risks that Hamilton carries.

willie g, have you looked at Youkilis’ stats this year? There are much better options for LF and moving Prado to third.

cdog

November 8th, 2012
1:31 pm

gone are the days of excitment when you had leadoff hitters that was really fast and made exciting things happened.the maury wills, matty alous, ralph garrs, lou brocks are gone.with less african americans, the game has become boring and dull.i look at players like michael bourne. he didn”t have a clue as to what was expected of him.everytime he went to the plate, he was trying to pull everything and hit a homerun. thats why he went into a slomp. the game now has become boring .the braves need hitters but where are they. we are in the age of the so-called, sweet swinger which has slowed the game down.maybe one day baseball will become exciting again.

what you eat for breakfast?

November 8th, 2012
1:39 pm

I just think that if we can swing it let, go for broke and sign Hamilton. If not then we will always be a wild card team and then having to sweat another one and done game next year.

Its time for this team to become a game changing team again. We need popples that make fans want to come to the game again.

southgabrave

November 8th, 2012
1:39 pm

Hey DOB, it is afternoon and rumblings from the GM meetings at all?

@ cdog
I sooooo agree with you on the state of the game now. The days of a Lou Brock may be gone, but I too hope they come back.

I wouldn’t mind Spann in CF but I would rather sweeten the deal and get Revere. A Torii HUnter in LF would be fine with me too. He isn’t the player he was 5 years ago, but he still can hit with a little power and for a good average. His obp is good. His defense isn’t what it was 5 years ago either but he is still a good OFer. He can play a pretty good LF.

Rick C

November 8th, 2012
1:43 pm

what you eat for breakfast, signing Hamilton just because you think it will bring more people to the games is a terrible argument. The Brave have been very competitive the last few seasons and won over 90 games this year. If people still are not coming to the games, then it is on the fans, not the team.

NORRIS CHUCK

November 8th, 2012
1:48 pm

•Jason Bay didn’t produce with the Mets, but he lived up to his billing as a hard worker and good teammate. Sherman expects the outfielder to take a low-salary, change of scenery deal (Twitter link).

Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#qDK5ZUB2g94E3W6Q.99

Seems like a move Wren would make. So folks dont be surprised to Bay in LF and Span in CF.

Rick C

November 8th, 2012
1:51 pm

NORRIS CHUCK, there’s no reason to think the Braves will decrease their payroll by that much. They have the flexibility to get someone better than Bay.

southgabrave

November 8th, 2012
1:52 pm

Speaking of the state of the game,if you ask anyone who likes sports but doesn’t like baseball, why? They will tell you it boring. It is too slow and too many pause with no action. That is not just because batters step out and adjust every piece of equipment and clothing they have, but because there is no action between pitches. No one runs much because, they don’t want to get thrown out. That might mess up the 3-run HR!

Put the speed game back into motion and you have something happening anytime someone is on base. Not just a guy standing on 1st while the hitter adjust himself between EVERY pitch. Let the runners run!! Put motion back in the game. Players have to move in reaction to a runner attempting to steal. Something is demanding the fans attention. Close plays on attempts and at least 4 players moving besides the runner and pitcher. Otherwise you have ONE player moving and that IS the pitcher. You don’t have to have rules to speed up a dull game, just put speed back in it. It will natuarlly speed up and enthusiasm will too.

keyLargo

November 8th, 2012
1:54 pm

How about looking into charges against the scout that said Pastornicky was a MLB SS last year and left the position in turmoil the entire year? AT least demote him to washing and folding clothes.

Colorado Braves Fan

November 8th, 2012
2:03 pm

To me it makes more sense to see if the Rockies might deal Fowler for a pitcher. Fowler’s from ATL, a Switch-hitter, can play CF, hit .300 last year…. The Rockies are desperate for pitching and might over pay. Shoot we might even get Cuddyer and Fowler for Hanson and a bag of cheetos.

Vijay

November 8th, 2012
2:06 pm

What y’all think about the braves tryn to sign bj upton to play CF n victorino to play LF prob the same or cheap then Bourne n prado plays 3rd

Vijay

November 8th, 2012
2:06 pm

What y’all think about the braves tryn to sign bj upton to play CF n victorino to play LF prob the same or cheap then Bourne n prado plays 3rd

Larvell Blanks

November 8th, 2012
2:06 pm

Denard Span seems a fine young man — doesn’t curse, abuse, or litter.

Rick C

November 8th, 2012
2:16 pm

Colorado Braves Fan, Fowler’s home/road splits are very concerning through. He does not hit nearly as well away from Coors.

Vijay, I wouldn’t necessarily mind either of those guys, but neither would be my first choice on the FA market for those positions.

Whopper

November 8th, 2012
2:36 pm

Please trade Burger King!!!!

Carroll

November 8th, 2012
2:53 pm

Bourn is a waste of money. Yes he had a decent first half, but the law of averages prevailed, and he underperformed in the second half such that his season-wide numbers matched his career norm which is: has never hit .300, 150ish K’s; scores fewer than 100 runs, low OBP (.340 compared to .400ish for a Jeter). This man is NOT the solution as leadoff. Yes he is solid in center, but we could find plenty of speedy, defensive outfielders if we are not going to demand a strong bat in addition.

Carroll

November 8th, 2012
2:56 pm

As for BJ Upton, as someone who lives in tampa and follows the Rays regularly, believe me when I say you do NOT want him. Another enigmatic hitter with immense potential and ability but perpetually high High strikeouts, low energy, perception of laziness/aloofness….imagine Andruw Jones without the charming smile.

dylan

November 8th, 2012
3:00 pm

Willingham would be a bust. Strikes out a lot, and never hits for a good average. That would basically be a cheaper uggla with a slightly higher avg.

I’d rather have Fowler over spann because spann has reached his potential and peaked. He’ll start declining within 2 years. Fowler is very young and has monster potential. Plus he’s a fast switch hitter. Defense can be taught (to a degree) yes his splits are concerning, but I’d take a chance on Fowler before settling for spann and watching him deteriorate into mark kotsay.

And get David wright!! And Michael young from Texas.

The game isn’t won with power, Its won with good hitting. Just ask Washington and fsan Francisco

eskippy

November 8th, 2012
3:03 pm

The Braves need to do whatever it takes to get David Wright and Shane Victorino,beef up the bench with hitters and let Prado move from left only if there is an injury. Problems solved.

Rick C

November 8th, 2012
3:08 pm

dylan, what makes you think Span is about to fall? He put up better numbers this year than the past two seasons. In terms of WAR, it was his best season period.

You are right on the Giants, but the Nats had lots of power. Second in the NL in HRs and third in SLG.

No. 1 Braves Fan

November 8th, 2012
3:11 pm

The good news is from the comments made by Wren. Sounds like he is now willing to trade pitching for the position players we need. I am hopeful that is the case. If it is, I trust his judgment to make the right moves.

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
3:19 pm

The beat outfielder that might be available is Cespedes. Oakland loves young pitching.

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
3:21 pm

Cespedes & Victorino. Gattis can fill in if/when Cespesdes is on the DL.

Teheran & Gilmartin for Cespedes

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
3:21 pm

Cespedes & Victorino. Gattis can fill in if/when Cespesdes is on the DL.

Teheran & Gilmartin for Cespedes

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
3:21 pm

Cespedes & Victorino. Gattis can fill in if/when Cespesdes is on the DL.

Teheran & Gilmartin for Cespedes

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
3:21 pm

Cespedes & Victorino. Gattis can fill in if/when Cespesdes is on the DL.

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
3:21 pm

Cespedes & Victorino. Gattis can fill in if/when Cespesdes is on the DL.

Teheran & Gilmartin for Cespedes

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
3:23 pm

Yikes sorry for the multiple posts. Phone went berserk

Bob the Blogger

November 8th, 2012
3:32 pm

If the Braves had moved Pastornicky to CF upon demoting him to Gwinnett, they might have their center fielder now without trading a future star pitcher.

Rick C

November 8th, 2012
3:41 pm

Bob the Blogger, first off, Pastornicky would not be a guarantee in CF defensively, or offensively as a starting player. Second, they still don’t need to necessarily trade anyone. They have enough money to fill both LF and CF through free agency if they want to.

Brave New World

November 8th, 2012
3:45 pm

NORRIS CHUCK November 8th, 2012 1:48 pm Jason Bay didn’t produce with the Mets, but he lived up to his billing as a hard worker and good teammate.

So let’s get Jason Bay because he’s a hard worker and good team mate – there’s been a real void since Nate McClouth left.

David O'Brien

November 8th, 2012
4:39 pm

I wouldn’t mind Spann in CF but I would rather sweeten the deal and get Revere. A Torii HUnter in LF would be fine with me too. He isn’t the player he was 5 years ago, but he still can hit with a little power and for a good average. His obp is good. His defense isn’t what it was 5 years ago either but he is still a good OFer. He can play a pretty good LF. — southgabrave

While I don’t think this would be a bad tandem at all if team had budget constraints, I think at this point if they were to trade for Span then they need to spend more of their available funds at get a better hitter to play LF or 3B than Hunter.

One alarming stat about Hunter, which won’t go unnoticed by Braves or other teams that now use all the sophisticated stats in addition to the traditional ones in evaluating players: His BABIP (batting average on balls in play) was a gaudy, highly unusual .389 in 2012, nearly 100 points higher than the previous season (.297). That’s likely to have a major correction in ‘13, back closer to his career .307 or lower I would guess.

Jack Clompus

November 8th, 2012
4:43 pm

Hurry up and decide which fat FAs we’re going to overpay for……

dylan

November 8th, 2012
4:46 pm

He plays in a dome. Totally different when you don’t play in a dome.ask Carlos Pena

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
4:51 pm

Hey Dylan. Back from school. Any tades happen today?

dylan

November 8th, 2012
4:53 pm

And my point with Washington still holds. They have maybe one person (laroche) who’s a 30 hour. Guy. The rest are 20 to 25. Which isn’t considered “power” hitters

dylan

November 8th, 2012
4:53 pm

And my point with Washington still holds. They have maybe one person (laroche) who’s a 30 hour. Guy. The rest are 20 to 25. Which isn’t considered “power” hitters

dylan

November 8th, 2012
4:54 pm

And my point with Washington still holds. They have maybe one person (laroche) who’s a 30 hr. Guy. The rest are 20 to 25. Which isn’t considered “power” hitters

dylan

November 8th, 2012
4:56 pm

sorry for the triple post, guess my phone doesnt wanna work today.

Frank Wren

November 8th, 2012
5:02 pm

I think I’ll trade Beachy to Baltimore for McLouth.
I miss McLouth. He is my favorite type of hitter—a solid .230 hitter.

Rick C

November 8th, 2012
5:07 pm

dylan, that doesn’t mean anything. If I’m not mistaken, only three teams had 2 guys with 30+ homers: Yankees, Rangers, and Tigers. Plus, two of the Nats’ bigger HR threats (Zimmerman and Morse) spent time on the DL and/or played through injuries that sapped power. Even with that they still had the 2nd highest HR total in the NL and third highest SLG. They were also third in XBH. Just because they had only one 30 HR hitter means nothing. Their lineup is loaded with guys who hit for power. They were a modest 7th in the NL in stolen bases (only 4 more SB than the Braves), 15th in sacrifice hits, and 11th in sac flies. You are kidding yourself if you don’t think they heavily utilized the long ball.

No. 1 Braves Fan

November 8th, 2012
5:11 pm

If the DBacks want what David say they to for Upton along with the contract he has, I would pass. Too much for too little.

Ralph

November 8th, 2012
5:15 pm

Jack Clompus

November 8th, 2012
4:43 pm
Hurry up and decide which fat FAs we’re going to overpay for……

Wren has to dig all the dumpsters first and that takes time, by the time he finishes digging all the good players will be off the market, BET ON IT.

Frank Wren

November 8th, 2012
5:16 pm

Josh Willingham and all those strikeouts intrigue me. What a strikeout pair he & Uggla would make !

We could have “fan nights” at Turner Field; giving out hand fans with Willingham & Uggla’s faces on them.

I need to call the GM in Minnesota …

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
5:19 pm

You guys sure do love Wren. He gets big bucks for what he does.

Bigwheel

November 8th, 2012
5:34 pm

DOB, while I like the idea of trading for premium players, have you heard any specific FA we are looking closely at? And do you think there is a chance we sign or trade for a set up guy?

David O'Brien

November 8th, 2012
5:41 pm

To the guy at 5:16 p.m.: Josh Willingham had 35 homers, 110 RBIs and an .890 OPS in 2012, and the thing you’re worried about is the 141 strikeouts? Really?

Willingham struck out 11 fewer times than Jason Heyward, 14 fewer times than Michael Bourn, and 27 fewer times than Dan Uggla.

With 35 homers, 110 RBIs and an .890 OPS.

David O'Brien

November 8th, 2012
5:46 pm

One more note for the astute observer at 5:16 p.m.: 28 major leaguers struck out as many or more times as Willingham, and the only two of those 28 who had an OPS as high or higher than Willingham were Josh Hamilton and Giancarlo Stanton. And the only two of those 28 who drove in as many runs as Willingham were Hamilton and Chase Headley.

Ron

November 8th, 2012
5:54 pm

Does anyone here pay any attention to baseball at all? The Padres are not going to move Headley and the Mets are not going to trade Wright in their own division. I do not like either Upton brother as they come with too much baggage. The smart move would be to get Span through trade or Victorino through free agency for CF. The best bat for LF I think would be Willingham, he is right handed and coupled with Uggla they would make each other better hitters. Uggla has always needed a right handed bat to help out. Line-up: 1) Span/Victorino CF 2) Prado 3rd 3) Heyward RF 4) Willingham LF 5) Freeman 1st 6) Uggla 2nd 7) McCann/Ross/Gattis 8) Simmons SS 9) Pitcher. Rotation: 1) Medlen 2) Minor 3) Hudson 4) Maholm 5) Delgado/Tehran/Hanson/whoever. Bench: D.Ross, Francisco, Mejia, Pastornicky, Schafer. Bullpen: Kimbrel,Durbin,Venters,O’Flaherty, Avilian, Gearrin, C. Martinez. Gattis will take McCann’s spot until healthy then back to minors. All others such as Moylan,Janish, Hinske,Baker,Diaz, etc… Gone! 2013 Bravos!!!!!

cornjolio

November 8th, 2012
6:01 pm

Hey, DOB.

With Chipper gone, who will you be getting those insightful, daily interviews with in 2013, Dan Uggla ?

Rick C

November 8th, 2012
6:10 pm

DOB, are you not concerned with Willingham’s past health issues though? I know he has a very favorable contract even considering that, but he has also been able to spend significant time as a DH the last two seasons. The Braves will not have that luxury.

jbill

November 8th, 2012
6:38 pm

DOB
Why would Twins trade Willingham as he was their MVP, leading hitter in homer,rbi and has a very good contract? I know everything has a price but how high would Braves go?

I do like Ben Rever or Span for center field…
3rd Victorino.
DOB is Willingham your 1st choice for LF?

Bravo Uno

November 8th, 2012
6:40 pm

Nobody but DOB wants Josh Willingham in a Braves’ uniform. He must be a Johnny Cash fan or something.

He’ll be 34 in February; in the NL he’ll be oft-injured and swinging for the fences.

How about some contact hitters like they have on the Cardinals or Giants?

cornjolio

November 8th, 2012
6:41 pm

I’d give the Twins Uggla, Hanson & Schafer, & even eat half of Uggly’s contract, for Willingham.

GTRay

November 8th, 2012
6:41 pm

First, let me say that I like Uggla’s grit and dugout presence, reminds me of Lemke and Hubbard in those respects, but I never liked having to give up Infante for him (imagine the flexibility the Braves could have if they had both Infante and Prado). Here’s the dilemma: can the Braves afford to keep him at 2nd base? For the possibility that he hits a home run now and then? I truly believe that his best days are behind him (you know he’ll be 33 before the beginning of the next season, right?), and he’s more of a liability than a plus in the field. I would love to be a fly on the wall of Freeman’s brain when he realizes that Uggla’s about to throw to him. I would trade for McClouth before I would keep Uggla.

My fantasy for the outfield? Austin Jackson. A young guy (he’s only 25) with a ton of talent. Yes, I know, Detroit would demand a lot for him (and they might consider him untouchable), but the Braves could lock him up with a good contract, they would have a premier centerfielder for years to come. And what’s all this talk about Shane V.? I love this guy, a real ballplayer’s ballplayer, but his best years are behind him. And even though I like Boune, and he’s so valuable at the leadoff spot, Boras will make sure his cost will simply be too high for the Braves – more than his true worth and what the Braves will be willing/able to pay.

My fantasy for third base? David Wright. Yeah, I know, I know. But you can’t help but admire the guy and he would be the perfect replacement for Chipper, in every aspect. And just like with Austin Jackson, the Braves would have a premier 3rd basement for a long time (he’s only 29).

P.S. Wouldn’t it be great if the Braves could get a young Felix Millan for 2nd base?

Bill M.

November 8th, 2012
6:45 pm

If teams are inquiring about McCann, now is the time to trade. How about McCann to Yankees for Romine & Mason Williams.

AZBravoFan

November 8th, 2012
7:03 pm

Hey Dylan, this is not 1991. There is no Metrodome. Target Field is an open air stadium. Span will be just fine anywhere. He led the AL in fewest swings and misses last year. Just as Scutaro led the NL…(Prado was #4)

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
7:05 pm

@jBill Sorry for being so derogatory, I was not aware that you were away because so was I. I was moving to another country,

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
7:06 pm

IMO Span will not hit in NL.

Big Twins Fan

November 8th, 2012
7:07 pm

Wow. Ok, I’m going to give you guys the breakdown on these trade scenarios. Span will require, in this order Medlan or Minor or Delgado&Gilmartin or Delgado&Hanson. Span is a HUGE value at $4.750m, $6.5m, and $9m for the next 3 seasons. You’d be getting a gold glove caliber defender, THE ideal leadoff man, a first-class citizen, and IMO a future NL All-Star and we’re not even asking for your best pitcher or prospect. The reason why he’s expendable is because we badly need pitching and we’ve got Span’s replacement in Ben Revere and prospect Aaron Hicks knocking on the door.

Willingham is a late-bloomer and professional hitter and a RH power hitter is a hot commodity these days. The Twins would actually like to keep Willingham because it’s nearly impossible to replace 30-HR’s these days without spending $20+ million a year on a player. I don’t really envision the Braves offering up anything that could get Willingham unless you’d give up a Minor or Medlan with Delgado or some combination of Medlan or Minor with Bethancourt and Gilmartin.

Someone on this blog really wants Ben Revere. I think Terry Ryan (Twins’ GM) would be intrigued because we all value Span and would like to keep him. I’d say a deal similar to Span’s but also kick in Bethancourt might get the job done.

Compared to what you guys have been offering up in your posts, you might think these all sound like too much to give up but a trade only goes down if it makes sense for both teams. The Twins are looking to compete this year and won’t accept any non-MLB ready players unless they’re throw-in pieces. Also, we’re not stupid and won’t accept Tommy Hanson unless he’s the secondary piece to Medlan, Minor, or Delgado. In fact, you might as well keep him, his trade value has to be at an all-time low.

jim

November 8th, 2012
7:09 pm

I don’t think we have enough pitching to trade for both Span and Willingham. We can’t afford to lose both Delgado and Teheran (and Delgado is probably a better long term contributor than either one of the two Twins.) For all those who think we are going to get Willingham for Uggla, Hanson, and Schafer or Span even up for Hanson forgetaboutit!

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
7:24 pm

@jim What do you think about both Upton boys in same outfield?

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
7:24 pm

@jim What do you think about both Upton boys in same outfield?

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
7:24 pm

Have we traded Uggla to the Dodgers yet?

jbill

November 8th, 2012
7:25 pm

Amber it ok. Why did u move down-under..do you have family there?

Bobby's Cox

November 8th, 2012
7:26 pm

I’ve mentioned Ben Revere a few days after our season ended, but there’s no way Minnesota is parting ways with him.

David O'Brien

November 8th, 2012
7:28 pm

LaRoche is 6th NL first baseman to win Gold Glove & Silver Slugger in same year.

David O'Brien

November 8th, 2012
7:30 pm

DOB
Why would Twins trade Willingham as he was their MVP, leading hitter in homer,rbi and has a very good contract?
— jbill

They probably won’t.

jbill

November 8th, 2012
7:32 pm

Bobbys’ Cox..That depends how bad Wren wants Revere.

AdirondackDave

November 8th, 2012
7:33 pm

Sam — What makes Simmons untouchable? You mean other than (1) one of the very best defensive SS in baseball, (2) he can hit for average and maybe some power too, (3) has better than average speed, (4) has probably best SS arm in baseball, (5) in 22 or 23, (6) is good in the clubhouse (7) has good work ethic, (8) is under team control for another 6 years at a very reasonable price… Other than that, I can’t think of any reason not to trade him.

jbill

November 8th, 2012
7:35 pm

DOB..How long before Todd Cunningham will be ready for Big team? Maybe next year?

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
7:45 pm

@jbill My biological father lives here and my mother and him are going to reckencile and get back together. That is the good part. When Uncle Whiskey passed, Mom could not make it financially and dad wanted me so the agreed to get back together. BTW I knew Yogi Berra. Sorry for his passing. My prayers go out.

David O'Brien

November 8th, 2012
7:58 pm

Bourn will decline his qualifying offer from Braves, which was a foregone conclusion. “The market for him is going to be much greater than a one-year contract,” Boras said when I asked him in the lobby here a few minutes ago.

jbill

November 8th, 2012
8:02 pm

Amber
Glad for your mom & Dad and you are back together. You sound happy. Yogi was my brother and best friend. Cancer is some bad stuff…hope one day they find a cure. Guess you now a Australian .. not many Braves fan down there I bet.

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
8:17 pm

jbill I am happy that my parents are back together but don;t particularly like the country,but it is OK. I know about cancer. Uncle whiskey had cancer, Not good. I was with him when he passed and he did not really no me. Sorry about your brother Yogi’ I talked to him some and learned a lot from him. He was good blog buddies with Whiskey. Not many Brave fans here. You are right. I found 2 Me and mom. Anything that you can help me to learn about our Braves, I will appreciate.

David O'Brien

November 8th, 2012
8:24 pm

Wren said Braves haven’t given up on Juan Francisco, will have opportunity to compete in spring training:

“We need him to show a commitment, by coming into spring training in better shape,” Wren said. “We also need to see him continue to work on the swing corrections that Greg Walker put in place at the end of the season and sent him back to the Dominican with. And we’re following up. We’ve had a number of meetings with him in the Dominican to reinforce all those things.

“He’s hired a personal trainer. He’s working out every morning for a couple of hours. And he’s serious about getting himself in the best possible condition coming into spring training.”

jbill

November 8th, 2012
8:25 pm

You know alot already..Maybe you can return to USA one day.

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
8:30 pm

Dad says maybe 2014

jbill

November 8th, 2012
8:30 pm

DOB
That sounds great..hope Juan will do it because he has the power and ability.

jbill

November 8th, 2012
8:31 pm

sounds good Amber.

Amber Girl

November 8th, 2012
8:32 pm

@jbill Have to go. Thanks for chatting. Hope to catch up with you tomorrow. GO BRAVES!!!

Frank Wren

November 8th, 2012
8:44 pm

I miss Melky. I think I will go see if I can get him back.

David O'Brien

November 8th, 2012
8:45 pm

Anyone holding out hope or still buying the Greinke rumors or asking about other starting pitchers, here’s Wren on subject:

“We’re not in the pitching market. We may need a bullpen arm, but other than that we’re out of the pitching market. We’re happy with our pitching.”

jbill

November 8th, 2012
9:09 pm

A good lefty in the pen that can get righties out too is Jeremy Affeldt….that would be a great pick-up.

Speedy Gonezalez

November 8th, 2012
9:30 pm

Quit with the David Wright bs, he already resigned with the Mutts. The infield is set, & surely Ross will be brought back. Reed Johnson should be kept, as well as Constanza. Let Bourn walk, not worth it. Beachy will not be productive next year, he needs longer to recover, see Medlen. Trade Hanson, Delgado, Tehran & whoever & get a couple of legit outfielders in here, not any retreads or bargain deal duds, we want a REAL shot at winning FW!

jed

November 8th, 2012
10:01 pm

i’m not saying the braves should re-sign jurrjens, but if i’m GM of another team, and i could sign him at a reasonable salary, i’d definitely take a shot with him. he was an all-star the first half of 2011–a stellar pitcher. he had knee trouble after that, and then had a terrible 2012, but i wouldnt be surprised to see him make a comeback if he’s fully healthy.

NC

November 8th, 2012
10:31 pm

Pay Josh Hamilton as much of the available budget and pick up a center field prospect that is close. Hamilton plays center next season and puts butts in the seats. Play Gattis or whoever (maybe a super cheap Jason Bay) in left. Move Prado to third. Don’t worry about the bullpen…fill in the gaps with some projects like Durbin was last year. Spend every bit of your money on Hamilton for 3 years at 30 million a year if that is what it takes to get a 3 year deal. Hamilton would be embraces by Braves country. People would come out to see him in droves. I wouldn’t go more than three years on him. If he falls off the wagon you are only sunk for three years and you can rebuild.

Plate Appearance

November 8th, 2012
10:32 pm

David, where do the Braves currently see Juan Francisco fitting in? It seems like his power numbers were good enough this season to warrant a shot at third.

jed

November 8th, 2012
11:37 pm

why would anyone want jason bay?

Ted

November 9th, 2012
12:23 am

DOB, thanks for the post about Francisco, I thought he showed some potential last season and hopefully he will come into the spring in good shape and rake.

STEELY DAN MAN

November 9th, 2012
1:01 am

Oh Yeah ….. Boy it’s good to get some spirited hot stove talk going again. I don’t post much, but I read every word. And I’d like DOB to know ” he’s da man ” ….. And I’d like him to see his way thru posting one of my fav group songs. It’s obvious who it is ….. THANKS

dylan

November 9th, 2012
1:16 am

David wright hasn’t signed a long term contract, they just picked up his option…

Just win a championship ATL sports

November 9th, 2012
3:17 am

just get the upton brothers sign bj trade delgado and tehran for justin. bj leadin off, he does strikeout alot but so did bourn plus he stole 30 bases with tampa this year. if we got the upton brothers imagine that outfield one of the best in baseball they would bring the swagger we need since chips gonna be gone. I just want them to win a championship and if we got the upton brothers we could do something speacial with that pitching and we stayed heathy

coachx

November 9th, 2012
8:53 am

Go after Justin Upton. The 3 years and $38.5 mill remaing on his contract is a fair price for him. He is entering his prime and just turned 24 years old.

We need a right handed bat that will hit between .280 – .300 with 20 – 30 HRs. The fact that he just turned 24 and still has 3 years under contract means I would have no problem giving up multiple prospects for a known commodity like him with more up side.

Can he play CF is the question ?

Perhaps having 2 young African American allstars will bring out more of the AA fans too.

Jack J.

November 9th, 2012
9:29 am

Braves, start with a new manager; give C. Jones a year off and then sign him as hitting coach or possible manager!
I know the coaches or manager can’t play for them BUT need someone who can do some strong leadership to the players!
Build their confidence up to their potential if its there!
No pride or self respect in the desire to be a professional!

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