Braves might trade pitching for lineup needs
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – The Braves again have more major league-ready starting pitchers than can fit into a rotation, and some are no longer viewed as next-to-untouchable by general manager Frank Wren.
The Braves seek a couple of hitters to fill out their lineup – a left fielder and a center fielder/leadoff man — and could use part of their pitching surplus to fill at least one of those needs
“There are clubs that recognize we may have some pitching,” Wren said Wednesday after talking with other GMs on the opening day of the general managers meetings that run through Friday. “Whether we’ve got enough to fill [other needs] or not, I don’t know.
“But we like the depth that we have, and we might be able to use it to get something that we need. And there’s some teams that have pieces that would be helpful to us.”
One of those teams is Minnesota, which needs pitching and is open to trading center fielder Denard Span, who has a .284 career batting average and .357 on-base percentage in parts of five seasons, and twice totaled 10 triples and 23 or more stolen bases.
Span, 28, is under contract for two more seasons at $4.75 million in 2013 and $6.5 million in 2014, with a $9 million team option for 2015.
The Braves haven’t ruled out re-signing free agent center fielder/leadoff man Michael Bourn. But his agent Scott Boras’ expected asking price could be at least $75 million over five years, figures that Atlanta would probably be reluctant to pay for a 30-year-old whose greatest asset is speed.
“Michael was a good fit on our ballclub, and continues to be a good fit,” Wren said. “Really, the ball is in their court. We served it over there at the end of the season, and it hasn’t returned. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Among free agents, Angel Pagan seems the best other center-field/leadoff possibility, but is expected to return to the Giants. There are others including the Rays’ B.J. Upton (28 homers, 31 steals) and the Dodgers’ Shane Victorino, but Upton’s career-worst .298 OBP in 2012 and Victorino’s career-wost .704 OPS raise caution.
The Braves could keep Martin Prado in left field and acquire a third baseman to replace Chipper Jones, but are more likely to move Prado to third and pursue a left fielder.
The Twins might also listen to offers for left fielder Josh Willingham, who has 64 home runs and 208 RBIs over the past two seasons, and hit .260 with a .366 OBP and career-best .890 OPS at age 33 in 2012. Since Willingham is signed at a relative bargain rate of $7 million each of the next two seasons, it might take an overwhelming offer to pry him from the Twins.
Span is available because Minnesota has 24-year-old speedster Ben Revere available to take over in center field. Wren said it’s not a prerogative that the leadoff man be a right-handed hitter, but the Braves would want the other acquisition to hit right-handed.
Span hits left-handed (like Bourn) and Willingham hits right-handed.
“Anybody that’s got numbers [of starting pitchers] or anybody that’s got a possibility maybe of having a lot of depth, then more than likely we have talked to them,” Twins GM Terry Ryan said, without naming specific teams. “They aren’t just going to distribute pitching to other clubs unless they can get something back that fills a need. Some way or another we kind of know who we match up with.”
If spring training began today, the Braves would probably have the first four spots in their rotation filled by Kris Medlen, Tim Hudson and left-handers Mike Minor and Paul Maholm, with the fifth spot being contested among Tommy Hanson and prospects Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado. Brandon Beachy is recovering from ligament-transplant elbow surgery and is expected back around or slightly before the All-Star break.
“I think you have to be realistic,” Wren said. “When you’re looking to fill needs, where do you have the most pieces to move if you have to move someone? And I think that’s how we look at our pitching – we’re not looking to move any of them, but if it helps us fill a need, we’re open to it. And that’s how we’re approaching it as we talk to teams. We like our pitching staff the way it’s constituted. We like the young guys a lot, but as we put our team together, if something makes sense we’re open to discussing it.”
The Braves could also get involved in discussions with the Diamondbacks about right fielder Justin Upton, who had 31 homers and an .898 OPS when he finished fourth in the MVP balloting in 2011, between a pair of 17-homer seasons. Arizona GM Kevin Towers said he’s not looking to trade Upton but confirmed he would entertain offers for the right-handed hitter, who is owed $38.5 million over the next three seasons.
However, the Diamondbacks would be looking for multiple players in return for Upton, including a quality major league shortstop or third baseman.
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318 comments Add your comment
myke hawk
November 7th, 2012
10:24 pm
willingham is basically another uggla.
myke hawk
November 7th, 2012
10:24 pm
willingham is basically another uggla.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2012
10:27 pm
willingham is basically another uggla.
Please compare their numbers over the past two seasons and explain what you mean. Not to mention their contracts.
TNScott
November 7th, 2012
10:33 pm
Thanks, DOB. You are the man. Would trade as much pitching and position players as possible for Chase Headley and leave Prado in LF. SH good average and power for a very pitcher-friendly ballpark
Matt
November 7th, 2012
10:35 pm
guys, dont hurt DOB’s feelings. You know he has a love interest with Josh Willingham.
Jack Clompus
November 7th, 2012
10:35 pm
Lohse. The 4th spot is questionable and we need a solid 5 guy for inevitable injuries. We have no fluff when it comes to pitching, but the illusion is there. Always a big mistake.
Unlikely
November 7th, 2012
10:36 pm
sounds like bottom feeding to me. oh well
TNScott
November 7th, 2012
10:36 pm
Hawk- Did you ever live in southeast Tenn? Knew someone with your name and spelled the same.
Brian
November 7th, 2012
10:39 pm
I think Headley would be the best fit IF the Padres would trade him. Obviously, based on their comments, he is staying in San Diego.
My next thought would be to get both Upton brothers to fill the needs in the outfield. But again, Justin is going to be tough to pry from Arizona as a lot of teams want him as well.
glord1
November 7th, 2012
10:40 pm
If Willingham is healthy he can hit. He always hits when on the field. He has been healthy for a couple of years now. I would take him to play left field in a heart beat.
TNScott
November 7th, 2012
10:42 pm
Brian- The only problem is he plays in maybe the most hitter-friendly park to a pitcher-friendly park. Just saying.
BraveDough
November 7th, 2012
10:42 pm
DOB – What do you think it would take to get J Upton? Think Simmons would have to be involved Realistic to make a big move like that?
David from Athens, Alabama
November 7th, 2012
10:43 pm
Thanks DOB… looking forward to next couple of days!
Buttermilk Tuesdays
November 7th, 2012
10:47 pm
“Think Simmons would have to be involved Realistic to make a big move like that?”
Nah, we could get Upton without dealing Simmons.
Glord1
November 7th, 2012
10:47 pm
Just say no to BJ Upton. Not a very good baseball player and a first class jerk. Now Justin Upton……that’s a different story.
wag
November 7th, 2012
10:48 pm
get spann. he hits lefties and righties the same and struck out 100 times less than bourn last year. you can still sign victorino or pagan to play left. go after speed and contact. giants did it that way plus great pitching which we have. giants were last in homers but near the top in obp and avg.imagine victorino, spann and heyward in the outfield. speed an defense. also leaves cash for bench and to extend prado. and yes i even believe uggla will hit 30 hrs and bat .250 next year. go braves!
Chop Chop
November 7th, 2012
10:50 pm
“…some are no longer viewed as next-to-untouchable…”
You’d have to be a damned moron to hold onto pitching prospects for years without getting much return from them. Wren might head into that territory if he doesn’t use these chips now.
BravesFanInNashville
November 7th, 2012
11:02 pm
Span seems like a great option especially considering his contract/age and better OPS than Bourn. If he doesn’t cost us more than one of Delgado, Teheran, or Gilmartin he’d be worth it. Even if Wren had to trade Hanson in the deal I think it would be worth it. The Braves would save over $10 million per year and have similar performance to Bourn. It would then be possible to go after a real bat in LF and move Prado to 3B.
Trading for Headly would be a dream and if Wren could pull that off it would be amazing. It would surely cost Delgado and Teheran and another great prospect but even at that it might be worth pulling the trigger on.
Oh'man
November 7th, 2012
11:09 pm
I really like the Denard Span trade if it goes down! He has really good numbers, better than Bourn and is a lot cheaper. If we can’t get Span then I will pursue Angel Pagan. I will take Span, Pagan, Bourn in that order. Bourn is overrated. He doesn’t do squat the second half of the season. Willingham sounds REALLY GOOD if, and that is a BIG if, he can produce like he has the past two seasons.
Doug
November 7th, 2012
11:11 pm
Really looking forward to hot stove baseball talk, you guys
Crime Dog
November 7th, 2012
11:13 pm
Agree with Wag ’s possible acquisitions to cut the team strike outs. Ideally an outfield with Pagan Victorino and Heyward. No to Headely, Willingham, Bourn, and to the Uptons. Trade Hanson, Venters, C. Martinez or Gearin- that’s your leverage.
Kennesaw David
November 7th, 2012
11:15 pm
Simmons should be nearly untouchable in my opinion.
Clint
November 7th, 2012
11:20 pm
Just for fun, here are Josh Willingham’s and Dan Uggla’s stats for 2011 and 2012:
Willingham (2011) .246/.332/.477 with 29 homers, 56 BB and 150 K.
Uggla (2011) .233/.311/.453 with 36 homers, 62 BB and 156 K.
Willingham (2012) .260/.366/.524 with 35 homers, 76 BB and 141 K.
Uggla (2012) .220/.348/.384 with 19 homers, 94 BB and 168 K.
Obviously, Willingham had a SUBSTANTIALLY better 2012, but I think Uggla has the potential to bounce back. I wouldn’t be completely shocked to see Uggla but up a line of .250/.360/.500 with 25 homers.
They both strike out a lot, but take a fair number of walks and hit for power in a pitcher’s park.
I’d love to have Willingham in LF next year for the Braves. Give the Twins Hanson and either Delgado/Gilmartin.
BravesFanSince80s
November 7th, 2012
11:20 pm
Dexter Fowler please! If I were a betting man, I’d think Colorado would move him for less (pitching) than Minnesota would for Span, who I wouldn’t really want anyway given his age and the fact he’d be switching leagues which doesn’t always go down so well…
Two things
November 7th, 2012
11:29 pm
I’d consider any trade for an everyday starter for Hanson to be an absolute steal!
I’d ask, cajole, beg, threaten Uggla to LAY OFF THE WEIGHT REGIMEN some this winter. He needs to get quicker arms, he’s lost an ability to catch up to good fastballs.
the truth...
November 7th, 2012
11:30 pm
Tough calls for Wren….Huddy is aging and will have to be replaced sooner rather than later so his aging out will create an empty spot in the rotation….And as we’ve seen with Medlen and Beachy (and Huddy a few years ago) injury can impact a rotation in an instant….
We’d all want to send Hanson packing and not touch Delgado or Teheran I’m pretty sure….but does Tommy have the trade value after his last two years and his disappearing fastball ?
Clint
November 7th, 2012
11:32 pm
Please, no to Fowler!
Check out his home/road splits. He doesn’t hit well at all away from Coors. Braves fans would be regretting getting him by the beginning of June.
bulldogbubba
November 7th, 2012
11:35 pm
Martin Prado will be an All-Star at 3rd base so put him there.I think if he stays in one position he will improve his hitting also.That leaves us with outfielders to get.If we get at least one good centerfielder and use Reed Johnson in left we would have a pretty good outfield.Now Johnson may not be an everyday player but platooning seems to be what our managers do for that position so it may work.Just thinking ……
BravesFanSince80s
November 7th, 2012
11:43 pm
yeah because everybody hits 50 home runs a year and .500 BA at Coors Field every year. Dan Uggla USED to kill at Turner Field you know. Fowler is a local kid, he’s young, he’s cheap, plays great defense, has a good arm (worlds better arm than Bourn) and has improved over the past 3 seasons. Home/road splits, geez…
Clint
November 7th, 2012
11:55 pm
Dexter Fowler’s home/away splits for 2012:
Home: .332/.431/.553 with 51 Runs and 10 Home Runs.
Away: .262/.339/.381 with 21 Runs and 3 Home Runs.
Do you think its just a weird coincidence that he plays so much better at Coors field? A player doesn’t have to hit 50 homers to benefit from the thin air.
If you can’t see the proof in his stats, you might need to go back to the 80’s and root for The Murph and Horner again.
Bigwheel
November 7th, 2012
11:58 pm
Has anyone gotten any word on Schafer dusting off his cyborg pitching machine?
Id say trade for J Upton (gilmartin, ahmed, hanson and throw in) court his bro to play center, and get a set up guy. Extend Freeman, JHey, Prado and see about Mac next year.
jj
November 8th, 2012
12:01 am
If Wren can get Span with fair trade do it..Span was the best defensive CF’er in AL and should have won the Golden Glove award. Braves wouldn’t miss a beat with Span in CF and leading off. Would also love to have J Upton if not to high a price.
Wren I hope will try to get Headley from Padres..would be 3 years for 12 million.
Move Uggla if possible in trade and put Prado back at 2b where he was a ALL-STAR…
If we trade pitching then maybe we could go after FA Ryan Dempster and Lefty RP Jeremy Affeldt who get righties out .My $0.02 worth…go Braves.
Virginia brave
November 8th, 2012
12:03 am
I’d gladly accept any two of the following: (listed in order of Virginia Brave preference) Justin Upton, Victorino, Span and Pagan.
Also, let’s trade Uggla for Infante.
Barry
November 8th, 2012
12:14 am
move prado to 3rd, get pagan for center, cody ross for left
KnightInATL
November 8th, 2012
12:18 am
See ya later Big Red!! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
-The most overrated pitcher in the NL.
jj
November 8th, 2012
12:23 am
D-Backs said it was 80- 20% they would trade J Upton..but 3 -r-4 teams talking per MLB-TV.
go Wren…
jj
November 8th, 2012
12:27 am
Cody and Pagen are over rated and will cost more than worth..per ESPN Insider..
Clint
November 8th, 2012
12:27 am
If the Braves wanted to trade Uggla, they’d either get nothing in return or have to eat his entire salary or both.
It doesn’t make any sense to do that. He could bounce back or he might continue to struggle, but either way, he’ll do it in a Braves uniform.
I’d like to get any two of the following outfielders: Pagan, Span, Willingham, or Torii Hunter.
And then have Prado move to 3B. Keep Reed Johnson and Constanza for backup outfield/pinch hitting duties.
BravesFanSince80s
November 8th, 2012
12:41 am
it makes perfect sense to trade Dan Uggla if Wren can get a team to cover any of his contract at all, because after the past 2 seasons, Braves fans in general are pretty sick of watching him. Trade him IF you can, if not, bench his sorry behind if he continues to not hit his weight for extended periods of time. As to Fowler’s numbers, I’d take those numbers in a heartbeat as long as he stays consistent with that and doesn’t pull the usual FA spiral that so many seem to do when coming into Atl…
gatorsc1
November 8th, 2012
12:42 am
DOB is another Uggla
BiggDawgK
November 8th, 2012
12:42 am
Scott Boras is the devil.
jj
November 8th, 2012
12:42 am
Clint–Dodger wanting to move Ether and his contract..could maybe swap Uggla’s contract for Ether’s…But Ether can’t hit lefty’s and not that great in field.
Do Agree T Hunter for 2 years in LF.
BiggDawgK
November 8th, 2012
12:44 am
DOB is the most consistent and probably best writer the AJC has.
gatorsc1
November 8th, 2012
12:45 am
i agree with previous posters, bourne is great during the reg season, then like chipper throughout his career, takes a crap in crunchtime. IE 1 WS title after some many chances. span is the best option IMO.
Kujohn
November 8th, 2012
12:48 am
Chipper is gone. He was a huge draw to get fans to the stadium I am one of them
Now to replace him with. The likes of willingham or over the hill Victorian or pagon Excites no one we have money this yr an prospects Hamilton would get fans to stadium. 7 yrs 25 per no But will most likely come down Lets see Victorian an willingham Or for the same price Hamilton
jj
November 8th, 2012
12:51 am
Walt Weiss just named new manager for Rockies.
Kujohn
November 8th, 2012
12:55 am
Or even better. Zack Grienke. To anchor a staff of Medlin beachy (mid season ) Minor An how a bout a# 5 starter like Hudson Terahn. Delgado An our bullpen this could be the best pitching staff in the league for years too come Atl is known for pitching Why not be the best.
Then we could fill in 2 outfield on the cheap.
Kujohn
November 8th, 2012
12:55 am
Or even better. Zack Grienke. To anchor a staff of Medlin beachy (mid season ) Minor An how a bout a# 5 starter like Hudson Terahn. Delgado An our bullpen this could be the best pitching staff in the league for years too come Atl is known for pitching Why not be the best.
Then we could fill in 2 outfield on the cheap.
Clint
November 8th, 2012
12:57 am
Bravesfan, you’d be fine with Fowler hitting .260/.340/.380? Wow. I think you’d be in the minority.
JJ, I don’t think Ethier is the answer. As you say, he doesn’t hit lefties well. I haven’t seen him play the field enough to say how his defense is, but I take your word for it.
David O'Brien
November 8th, 2012
12:58 am
DOB – What do you think it would take to get J Upton? Think Simmons would have to be involved Realistic to make a big move like that? — BraveDough
I don’t know if that’s what it would take, but I can assure you the Braves aren’t trading Andrelton Simmons for Justin Upton.
David O'Brien
November 8th, 2012
12:59 am
Matt: No, but I have an interest in banning blog trolls such as you.
Clint
November 8th, 2012
1:01 am
DOB – What do you think of Fowler? I just don’t see him being a good fit.
Kujohn
November 8th, 2012
1:05 am
So mr OBrien Any chance. Of a big pick up Or just a couple of average fill ins I think their first choice should be Grienke (Thoughts). ? See my last 2 posts
dylan
November 8th, 2012
1:13 am
I wouldn’t go for spann. I’d much rather have Dexter Fowler from Colorado. Faster, younger, and a switch hitter. Then trade whatever pitchers or players not named medlen minor heyward prado or freeman for David Wright. Then get Michael young from Texas, include uggla in that deal, and let young play 2nd and keep martin in left.
bravo-n-knoxville
November 8th, 2012
1:14 am
If anyone was watching Hanson pitch in 2011, they would know his trade value is the lowest it’s ever been …period! If the Twins would take Tommy Hanson, Todd Campbell, and Corey Gerrin for Denard Span, jump on it Frank! As far as LF is concerned, hold serve until the Winter Meetings when some of these $$$ numbers will start to fall.
Dav
November 8th, 2012
1:17 am
Uggla isn’t going anywhere, his contract isn’t wanted by other teams. The facts are we need a speedy CF and a mighty righthand bat or switch hitler. First option Atlanta might trade Hanson and Delgado for HEADLEY to play 3rd witch would be the best trade! Second option trade Hanson and Delgado for Spann! 3rd option trade Hanson and Delgado for Willingham. Atlanta also could sign a FA like Victorino along with one of these trades. We need to sign Ross and Durbin before someone else does or we’ll need another catcher and reliever too…
dylan
November 8th, 2012
1:26 am
And yes, willingham would end up like a much less paid, slightly better Dan uggla. DOB did you just forget how he was with Oakland and Washington? 2 years for a 30 year old should not be a gold standard for his talent evaluation.
Andrelton should most definatly be untouchable, I forgot to add him to my names of people not to be in a trade for d Wright
hmmmmm..........
November 8th, 2012
1:33 am
Any chance they tender Jurrjens and trade him? DOB seems to think minnesota deal?
dylan
November 8th, 2012
1:33 am
Uggla would have to be packaged with someone like mccann or beachy for him to have good trade appeal. Al teams would be more willing, especially teams with hr parks like Texas, so uggla could play dh and they could pray for a power resurgence. Honestly I’d deal beachy and delgado, along with someone like terdo tp the mets for David wright. Braves have plenty of pitching to make up the loss and there’s no telling if beachy El be the same after the surgery.
Mccann and gilmartin should be enough to net Michael young and a top prospect or 2, then sign pierzynski to split with Ross until bethancourt or gattis (preferrably gattis) is ready
michael
November 8th, 2012
2:00 am
It’s not trading pitching that’s the issue to me. It’s Mr. Wren’s talent evaluation skills that are the question.The trade for Maholm and Johnson was the only trade in recent memory that gave the Braves a decent return. And that trade was only made because the pitcher Wren wantred didn’t want to come to the Braves. Uggla, Kawakami,Lowe,McLouth….and before Wren…J.D. Drew… Texeira…the Braves don’t seem to have a sense of how to trade their talent for useful players. The Infante trade from the Cubs was a good one. Maybe they ought to stick to those type players and not their idea of “front line players”.
They shouldn’t trade Delgado or Teheran. The idea that all pitchers develop at the same rate is not a good way to evaluate talent.
Hanson could be traded for a useful second line player. As the Giants and Cards have demonstrated, there is value in versatile and/or skill players even if they are not “top of the line talent”.
The Braves need more players along the line of Prado,Johnson, Janish or the departed Infante and less like Francisco or Uggla.
Brave Miami
November 8th, 2012
2:06 am
The Padres are NOT going to trade Headley get over it people. For CF I like victorino or Revere (if we don’t have to give up too much to get him, he looks like he has potential and is cheap). Move Prado to 3B. And we need to find a power hitter LF via trade, most likely. I’ll like to see Gattis be our back-up C while Mac is out to see if he can bat in the bigs, if he does well send him back to AAA so that he practices playing LF. Mejia and Durango could be cheap, valuable bench players we should take a look at them instead of overpaying for old, burned-out players like we did this past season. Be efficient with the $$ we have
doggiedoodoo
November 8th, 2012
5:25 am
Braves may be overrating their starting pitching. Malholm has been little more than a journeyman, Hudson is one injury from ending his career and Medlen may be a one year wonder.
BobbyDawg
November 8th, 2012
6:05 am
Let Bourn go on down the road, pick up Span, and use Johnson and Constanza when and where needed. Our pitchers are too valuable to be messing around with. Uggla is and always will be a streak hitter. When he’s hot he’s hot and when he’s not he’s not. If we’re going to start trading pitchers Hanson should be the first one out the door and leave all our young pitchers alone.
Brave New World
November 8th, 2012
6:09 am
Justin Upton, maybe. BJ Upton, NO! We have enough regulars in our line up that strike out a lot – BJ would only add to that “feast or famine” approach to hitting. Justin strikes out a fair amount, but he hits for a higher average and gets on base more often, plus, he’s only 25.
WTF
November 8th, 2012
6:20 am
You can NEVER have too much pitching.
And PLEASE don’t trade Simmons.
BobbyDawg
November 8th, 2012
6:30 am
If Wren trades Simmons he needs to have his head examined. Any team in either league would jump all over trading for Simmons, he’s the best spark plug we’ve had since Constanza made a nice showing in the 2011 season.
Notso Fast
November 8th, 2012
6:37 am
Here we go again talking about all the Braves starting pitching. Where was that pitching last year? We have many that play that position but how many can you count on?
Bravo Uno
November 8th, 2012
7:13 am
If Simmons is gone from the Braves I’ll be right behind him !
BravesFanInMaine
November 8th, 2012
7:16 am
Nice artic;e DOB always look for your columns….. Look at the braves they were the best defensive baseball team this past year and I see this team can go to the world series if the braves can acquire a bat or two…. They have great pitching, strong defense and I feel that this team can do it if we have that extra big bat…. GO BRAVES!!
puff
November 8th, 2012
7:20 am
Over-stocking pitching is a crapshoot because young pitchers are a crapshoot. A couple of years ago we all expected a rotation built around JJ and Hanson. I’m ok with spending some arms for RH bats with some power who can play their position. But a deal that sends Simmons elsewhere would just be wrong.
Think about it
November 8th, 2012
7:26 am
It’d take some onions, but trading Medlen may be the best for the team. He’s not likely to have the same success next season and his trade value is probably the highest it will ever be considering his salary and recent performance. Might be able to get better talent return. What if the Braves traded JJ at the break when he was at his peak a couple of years ago? Medlen may never fall like JJ did, but both over performed.
GoTwins
November 8th, 2012
7:27 am
Longtime Twins fan here. I watch most of the Twins games and Josh Willingham is every bit as frustrating as Dan Uggla. It seems nobody strikes out with RISP more often than JW. He does hit a lot of home runs, but it’s usually when they’re way behind and the other team’s pitcher is grooving fastballs to get the game over with. You also need a late-inning defensive replacement for JW because he makes Matt Diaz look like a Gold Glover. On the other hand, Span is a great guy on and off the field, but he is an injury waiting to happen.
Fuzzzmeister
November 8th, 2012
7:27 am
Just get someone that can put the ball in play—– Hit the thing at least—- guys our pitching ain’t so great. Between bourn and ugly we had a gazillion strikeouts and that don’t include mac’s geez. let them all go and get someone that can HIT the BALL.
fan
November 8th, 2012
7:39 am
Why go after Span for 2 years. Let’s get the real prize of Revere. He would be under our control for a long time. He has a great average and more base stealing potential. He is also a home town boy.
Chief Knock-A-Homa
November 8th, 2012
7:41 am
DOB – seems like a familiar scenario setting up for the Braves with the release of Jason Bay from the Mets… With the Mets paying his salary out, and with his down time in NY, looks like Bay is going to be had on the cheap for someone willing to take a flyer on him…
Usually the type of situation the Braves jump into…
Gotta say it kind of intrigues me, if the contract is cheap enough… If he is healthy, Bay could be a surprise pick up that renews his power numbers…
Thoughts??
Humbug
November 8th, 2012
7:44 am
Why do we need Wren ? There are plenty of experts on this blog to bring on an unbeaten season. The only problem is they can’t agree about who we should trade or who we should go after. Wren does not have their expertise but he is the only one who can put any action in place. That’s why we need him.
Here We Go Braves
November 8th, 2012
7:48 am
DOB, why haven’t you mentioned…
Hamilton…Josh Hamilton…he’d draw fans and be the solid right handed hitter the lineup needs! Get him signed! Add a value CF/LF (do not over pay for anyone!) depending how where Josh plays. Span in CF with Josh in LF works for me!
Chief Knock-A-Homa
November 8th, 2012
7:51 am
Sign Bay for LF, trade for Upton and put him in CF, or keep him in right and move Heyward to CF… Prado to third and here’s a pretty decent lineup if Bay returns to even a little bit of the player he is:
CF Upton
3B Prado
C McCann
1B Freeman
RF Hayward
2B Uggla
LF Bay
SS Simmons
P
BravesFanSince80s
November 8th, 2012
7:52 am
I think we already have our quota for banged up, declining, under-performing, “clubhouse” players, no to Jason Bay….
Peter
November 8th, 2012
8:00 am
Really does anyone here BELIEVE in Fran Wren ? I am sure he will over pay for a player that will continue to build a softball type line up.
He may even trade away our best pitching prospect as that has been the case in the past.
Take me South
November 8th, 2012
8:02 am
What about trading pitching for David Wright whom the Mets will not resign and will be a FA. He would make a perfect replacement for Chipper.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jacks BBQ
November 8th, 2012
8:05 am
Nice blog DOB. Thanks for the update. A lot of interesting possibilities out there.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jacks BBQ
November 8th, 2012
8:05 am
Nice blog DOB. Thanks for the update. A lot of interesting possibilities out there.
Homer the Brave
November 8th, 2012
8:17 am
Wren assured us he’s not shopping at Walmart anymore. But he’s not shopping at Bloomingdales either.
Blk Ppl
November 8th, 2012
8:18 am
Hey yo – get both Uptons to shore da OF. Then da Braves be havin’ and all black OF yo! Only one in da league!!!
Jack Clompus
November 8th, 2012
8:31 am
Simmons is untouchable. If he’s not, there’s no hope for the organization. You can build around guys like this, just as the Cards did with Ozzie Smith. We don’t need a bunch of fat FAs and drug addicts. We need defense behind the plate………….
VinceVanGo
November 8th, 2012
8:37 am
If the Braves aren’t going to convert Ernesto Meija to outfield then he would be a perfect trade chip for a team looking for a 1st baseman. He’s been a force each of the last two years in the minors, is blocked by Freeman, and could help be a piece in a deal to net a ever day outfielder. Better to trade him than let him waste away in the minor’s. He’s hit his peak and is at his most value right now.
Falos Han
November 8th, 2012
8:39 am
How about dealing for someone like Mark Trumbo? Second in AL ROY in 2011, AS in 2012. Big power and could capably man LF. Big slump in second half of last season due to nagging injury. If Torii Hunter doesn’t re-sign with the Angels (doesn’t look like it, but depending on how the winter breaks down, who knows?), Trumbo could be dealt for pitching, which the Angels could need after letting Dan Haren go, trading Ervin Santana, and possibly losing Greinke to free agency.
sirluciouscp
November 8th, 2012
8:39 am
If the braves trade A. Simmons for anyone, ill never watch them again because they’re led by morons.
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
8:41 am
Here We Go Braves, Hamilton hits and throws left handed.
Chief Knock-A-Homa, there’s no reason for the Braves to settle for someone like Bay. They have enough freed up cash to go after someone better.
Dirty Harold
November 8th, 2012
8:43 am
And now for something completely different…. I heard from a friend who works as an ER nurse that Tim Hudson and his father fell out of a deer stand. Apparently Tim injured his glove hand and his father was also injured. I’m not sure I believe this… anyone heard anything about this?
Hardhat
November 8th, 2012
8:46 am
I think everyone agrees this is Uggla’s last year if he doesn’t produce. I can’t belive the Rockies dont want him. His swing would be faster in that air. For a guy who walks alot the strike outs puzzle me. I know watch him swing but strange. Uggla is among league leaders in pitches seen per AB. So it is not like he is not seeing pitches.
Yes strongly agree Boras is the devil ! Hanson is gone. Sorry to see that had such high hopes. And speaking of high what is with the Jordon Schaffer thing? Does Gwinnett need an everday CF. I know he is faster than Hinske and the way EH slumped I guess his BA (Schaffer) is higher. Can Scaffer compete and help the Braves?
Now this might sound crazy but this is a team and Prado if Wren finds a better 3rd baseman then LF guess what you stay in left. Unless you want Scaffer out there or Tyler Pastornickyin left field. We will see if the Pastornicky experiment comes to fruition. I think Pastornickyin will be able to hit big league pitching. The Braves have Gaint(s) size holes to fix if they want to compete. Yes pun intended.
Lets go Wren work some magic.
PascalsGhost
November 8th, 2012
9:07 am
Trade Hanson before his arm falls off. Headley would be great but don’t think he is available. In fact San Diego are moving their fences in to accomodate him and a few others.Forget Bourn. With Boras as agent he will be too pricey. The Twins centerfielder would be best bet for now. Jasaon Bay is 34 and can’t hit. Upton would be a clubhouse cancer.
Trade JJ, Hanson & Uggla
November 8th, 2012
9:08 am
It sure would be nice to never have to see JJ, Hanson, or Uggla in a Braves uniform again…..and while we are at it, see if we can get a bag of bats and balls for that worthless so-called manager we have…it would be nice not to have to ever see him in a Braves uniform again.
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
9:12 am
It amuses me the talk on this board. How does Simmons’ name even come up? And Mark Trumbo? Josh Hamilton? Idiots.
Sam
November 8th, 2012
9:18 am
I think Simmons is going to be a good player, but what has he shown in half a year that makes him untouchable?
I get so tired of hearing about HOT minor league prospects. They are in the minors and have yet to prove that they can play at the major league level. It’s insane not to trade them, if you can, for elite major league players/All Stars. (I’m stealing this rant from Colin Cowherd – who you can no longer hear on 680 The Fan)
Justin Upton would look mighty good the next 3 years playing LF and batting 4th or 5th for the Braves.
JNick
November 8th, 2012
9:18 am
…in addition to his Home/Road splits, Fowler is also one of the worst (if not the worst) defensive CF in MLB today…
The hole in Uggla'a bat
November 8th, 2012
9:23 am
Willingham is not the answer. He is one of those guys that gets his numbers playing in front of no one in games that do not matter. He can join the Francouer, Dimitri Young, Mark Grudazalanek club and go bat .300 in KC where no one cares. Those guys get put in pressure situations and fold. The game is changing and we need guys in line up that will make contact, hit to right field, bunt, play good defense. The game is going back to where it was in 80’s b4 steroids. We have too many 3 run home run guys that strikeout.Cant afford to pay Josh Hamilton 20 million in 2017-2019 when he is late 30’s and not producing. Need leadoff guy that can run (Span) and guys that can cover OF. I would almost take a hit and unload Uggla. Go get a Scutaro or someone that can field position and not strikeout or pop up everytime. Paying someone else to have Uggla would be worth it IMO. He is not going to get any better.
JPopNC
November 8th, 2012
9:24 am
I like the idea of Span and Willingham. It really shores up the outfield and provides hitting consistancy.
As for Uggla, despite his bad recent bad season the guy is a tremendous presence in the dugout and with the team leader gone, we’ll need someone to step up and fill those big shoes. Uggla has great team spirit and doesn’t let things get him down and that’s crucial for a team. I’m for giving him another chance.
P Rose
November 8th, 2012
9:26 am
Yeah but can Denard Span hit when he doesn’t have the stadium officials opening the air vents when he bats?
The hole in Uggla'a bat
November 8th, 2012
9:28 am
DOB, Can MLB trade Bud Selig this winter?
Falos Han
November 8th, 2012
9:29 am
Hey “Idiots”, how is trading for Mark Trumbo idiocy? 32 HRs, low salary, and could be available at the right price. It’s hot stove season and it’s just talk.
Bring the Lumber
November 8th, 2012
9:30 am
Well seeing that the write-up says AZ is looking for a major league readt SS or 3B we would have to trade Prado or Simmons. I don’t think they mean Janish or TP, but I hope we can swing something for Upton, he would be a perfect fit in the Braves line-up! I would love to get Span as well!! But to the guys saying get both Upton brothers that would leave us with no lead off man.
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
9:31 am
Sam, he’s shown that he’s already one of the best shortstops in the ML. Despite only playing 49 games, he was second among all MLB SS with 19 defensive runs saved. Also trading him just creates another hole to fill.
a fan
November 8th, 2012
9:32 am
lived in Tampa for last ten years we don’t want BJ Upton, decent power, low OBP and moody.
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
9:37 am
Falos Han. You kind of just answered your own question. He’s not available because he’s cheap and putting up numbers.
Lemke's Knuckler
November 8th, 2012
9:38 am
VinceVanGo…”If the Braves aren’t going to convert Ernesto Meija to outfield then he would be a perfect trade chip for a team looking for a 1st baseman.”
You mean a AAA team looking for a 1st baseman?
Falos Han
November 8th, 2012
9:42 am
It depends who the Braves could offer. It’s a give and a take…Angels have the funds to acquire free agents, but pitching is always at a premium. If they strike out on Greinke, Sanchez, Lohse or others, they don’t have the talent in the farm to promote to the starting rotation. Outfielders are much easier to replace than pitchers, so deal from a strength to replenish the rotation. I like Trumbo and I get your point about affordable players, but the Angels with the mostly the same offense but with quite a bit less pitching is a worse edition of 2012 and is not acceptable to the owner or GM.
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
9:46 am
OK Falos Han, you’re really cracking me up, but I think you can actually cause my spleen to rupture laughing so hard if you can give me your idea of what the Braves should offer for Trumbo.
Lemke's Knuckler
November 8th, 2012
9:51 am
I don’t think the Braves are any worse off with Span than they would be with Bourn or Pagan.
Span did have 38 doubles in only 128 games last year. Best of all, he only had 62 k’s. That would be refreshing to see our leadoff hitter make consistent contact. I don’t care if he gets out every time, I’d rather see that than another leadoff hitter with 150 k’s. And there’s only $11m invested in him over the next 2 seasons. The buyout for the 2015 team option is cheap too, only $500k.
I’m sold. Where do I sign?
Sam
November 8th, 2012
9:52 am
I think he is good, but I am not buying into your assessment that he is one of the best SS in the game already. Very good, but not at the level you guys are making him out to be.
Sam
November 8th, 2012
9:53 am
Why would the Angels want to trade Trumbo? The Angels would want to keep him for the very same reasons you guys want the Braves to acquire him.
Dwayne
November 8th, 2012
9:56 am
lets trade Medlin, just in case he is a one hit wonder, and JHey, just in case he has a 2nd sophmore slump.Trade Huddy, in case he gets hurt. Better trade Prado too, Fredi does not know where to play him. Geeez….I am the greatest GM ever!!!
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
9:56 am
Trade Hanson and and some minor leaguer for Willingham and Span. Done. Perfect deal for the economical situation for the Braves. Just because they have all this payroll coming off the books doesn’t mean you load up on Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami. Use the money to sign Kimbrel, Medlen, Freeman, Heyward, Prado, Minor and Beachy long term.
Falos Han
November 8th, 2012
9:57 am
Hanson (I’m sure most Braves fans want him to go and his salary will go up next year), Teheran, and Gilmartin.
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
9:57 am
Let’s trade Medlin in case he’s a one-hit wonder? OMG. Look at his numbers before he got hurt. He’s not a one-hit wonder. Jesus, please shut up.
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
9:58 am
Sam, the defensive stats support the argument. He also won defensive player of the month his first month in the majors.
Idiots, that’s an incredibly unrealistic trade scenario. Will probably take more than that to even just get Willingham or Span.
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
9:58 am
Yup Falos Han, spleen is ruptured. The Angels will gladly give us Trumbo for Hanson, Teheran and Gilmartin. Unbelievable. Thanks for the laugh.
Falos Han
November 8th, 2012
10:00 am
You think the Twins will deal Willingham and Span for Hanson a minor leaguer and you call me the idiot? Willingham and Span combined for 7 WAR last year while Hanson was a game below replacement average. Brother, your credibility is shot.
Joe Cool
November 8th, 2012
10:03 am
Why not try and get Ben Revere from MIN instead of Denard Span. Why do we have to settle for the guy they would want to get rid of instead of trying to get the younger and better player. Plus Revere is from Atlanta. No to Span, Yes to Revere!
Joe Cool
November 8th, 2012
10:03 am
Why not try and get Ben Revere from MIN instead of Denard Span. Why do we have to settle for the guy they would want to get rid of instead of trying to get the younger and better player. Plus Revere is from Atlanta. No to Span, Yes to Revere!
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
10:06 am
It’s more realistic than your idea the Angels will give away Trumbo for Hanson.
Falos Han
November 8th, 2012
10:10 am
It’s Hanson plus two good young pitchers that the Braves don’t necessarily need. Trumbo was worth less WAR in 2012 than Josh Willingham, which you had going with a 4+ WAR player (Span) straight up for Hanson and an unnamed minor leaguer. Come on, man!
BOB
November 8th, 2012
10:13 am
“figures that Atlanta would probably be reluctant to pay for a 30-year-old whose greatest asset is speed”
Every time this phrase is included in a story-and it has been in at least 4 by my count- there is a little less credibility to the point. First, Bourne is a gold glove center fielder-spped is an asset but skill and experience count jst as much. Second, Bourne is a quaility lead of hitter;again,spped is an asset but skill is just as important.
The continued use of the phrase sounds like it was created by Braves management as an excuse to not sign . Or maybe Bourne has decided he doesn’t want to play for the Atlanta deer hunting, Hooter’s waitress loving, snuff dipping organization AKA the Braves
urban redneck
November 8th, 2012
10:16 am
i would think simmons IS in fact untouchable. even if his hitting isn’t as good as it was this year, the glove and the arm are something we haven’t seen in a while. it’s like having yunel sans the crappy attitude. gilmartin should be pretty untouchable too i imagine. we could use another southpaw, and he is billed as being at least good as minor. we should deal hanson and JJ for a chicken sandwich. my dad wants us to get frenchy back…….but only to have the opposite OF described eloquently at 8:18.
josh hamilton? holy crap, he would be making twice uggla’s salary. he is one of my favorite players, but the risk is just not worth it. what happens when you have to pay 25 million for a guy that just hit the wall and broke a hip? any player comes with risks, but the risks on this are probably too much for liberty media.
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
10:17 am
BOB, history has shown that speed does not age as well as some other skills such as power. Bourn plays great defense, but a big reason why is his speed. He also already does not make great contact for a lead off hitter, so you can probably expect his AVG and OBP to drop as he ages. I’d love to have him back, but probably not at the AAV and years he’s going to be able to get.
BravesFanInNashville
November 8th, 2012
10:20 am
The Braves are NOT trading Simmons. He is the anchor of our defense up the middle. A future all-star and gold glove SS. Guys like him don’t come along often. He’s really young and not even filled out physically. He’ll be a foul line to foul line hitter with good gap power like Jeter. We need more contact hitters and less strike outs and we’ll be better with RISP next year. This team is on the brink of greatness. I’m excited about the potential moves this offseason.
Wren has already made it clear he wants the team to be more athletic and younger. Yes Josh Hamilton would put people in seats but winning baseball will too. If the Braves can put the ball in play with line drive hitters they will score enough runs with the pitching and defense we have. He’ll have a solid defender in CF before spring and a good bat in LF. Make it happen Frank..
John A.
November 8th, 2012
10:25 am
If Willingham is another Uggla lok for Frank to make the deal. He knows how to get the losers on the Brave team. Besides that he’ll give up some quality pitching that he doesn’t want.
Fols
November 8th, 2012
10:25 am
I think it’s pretty obvious, Wren needs a big move to replace a HOF leaving.
We’re about to save a fortune on trading extra pitching to pick up Span to replace Bourn. We have our lead-off, we have a good contract, he may not be the same tier of player but his numbers are just fine.
If we move Prado to 3B and you open up with Span/Prado we still need a #3 hitter. Should have been Uggla by now, but it’s not. Should have been McCann, but it’s not. Is Heyward ready for that spot, probably alright with a Heyward/Freeman combo for the next 10 years.
However, Wren is cooking up a stew and he’s not going out without a splash, he knows we have pitching. What we don’t have is a serious thumper at the plate.
CF – Span
3B – Prado
RF – Heyward
LF – Hamilton
1B – Freeman
c – McCann
2B – Uggla
SS – Simmons
P – Medlen
We saved all that money on Chipper, not signing Bourn, we dump Hanson onto Minnesota (with another pitcher to get Span) and dump the money on a true home run hitter. It’s a gamble, so you make sure to Gattis ready for LF duty when Josh misses time. It’s a gamble Braves fans will love when we have a 40+ HR hitter. It’s the polar opposite of riding the HOF Chipper tour. It may produce runs in the post-season however.
I like the gamble.
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
10:25 am
Can everyone please shut up about Simmons? I have no idea how or why his name is prevalent on this thread.
BravesFanInNashville
November 8th, 2012
10:30 am
Exactly…… Simmons is going NOWHERE!
David
November 8th, 2012
10:31 am
Span seems like a win win for us and the Twins. Would be nice to get Upton, but I’m definitely not giving up Simmons. Can’t fill a hole by opening up another.
jim
November 8th, 2012
10:34 am
When talking about Teheran/Delgado/Gilmartin we should more realistically note that:
Delgado > Teheran >> Gilmartin
Gilmartin is not a major piece in any trade for someone like Span or Wilingham, just a possible throw-in.
Beachy may come off the DL sometime around the All Star game next year, but the history of recuperations from Tommy John surgery suggests he will not be back to his pre-operation form until 2014. He will not be a top of the rotation starter next year and probably not better than Delgado.
I would much rather trade Teheran and someone like Hanson/Gilmartin or Cunningham to the Twins for Span and sign Hunter to play left field. There is not enough pitching depth for 2 big trades and Gattis might be capable of putting up similar numbers to Willingham at a much lower cost. The first priority for the Braves should be signing their core young players through arbitration into the first year or two of free agency. Once that is done use the money left over to add a left fielder.
The starting rotation has the following red flags for 2013:
1. Beachy will not be the real Beachy before 2014
2. Medlen has never pitched more than 130 innings in his career. He will either experience fatigue or require more rest in the last 2 months of the season
3. Hanson has lost speed on his fastball and is a big question mark as to how effective he will be and whether he is cfapable of lasting 6 or more innings in the majority of his starts.
Delgado haqs shown a lot of promise in most of his appearances in MLB and figures to be an important contributor to the rotation in 2013 ande beyond. He is much more than a placeholder for Beachy in 2013 and an equivalent to Hanson.
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
10:36 am
Fols, I don’t think Uggla or McCann were ever supposed to be the #3 hitter. I think Heyward is best for that role with his combination of speed and power.
David
November 8th, 2012
10:41 am
@jim I disagree about Gilmartin being a “throw in”. He’s a former top pick who has progressed well through the minors, plus he’s a lefty.
jim
November 8th, 2012
10:41 am
Chipper is a HOF player, but not based upon the stats he accumulated over the last 3 years. We are not replacing the 1999 Chipper or even the guy who led the league in hitting 4 years ago.
David O'Brien
November 8th, 2012
10:48 am
Any chance they tender Jurrjens and trade him? DOB seems to think minnesota deal? — hmmm
No. At least not as principle part of any deal.
Braves aren’t going to tender a pitcher who’s done what Jurrjens has done the past two seasons and would make about $7 million or more through arbitration, unless they’re sure he can be dealt. Because there’s almost no way they could then trade him without eating part of that salary.
Trading him alone, they’d get nothing in return, just dump a few million of the salary. Which would entirely defeat the purpose of tendering him to begin with.
Now, if he was part of a bigger deal, it’s possible. But even then, I think they’d have to eat part of JJ’s salary.
I think he’ll be non-tendered. But all I’m certain of is, he won’t be on the Braves roster at his arb-set salary.
Don
November 8th, 2012
10:54 am
Keep on acquireing high strike out hitters – and you will keep on failing at crunch time.
Don
November 8th, 2012
10:54 am
Keep on acquireing high strike out hitters – and you will keep on failing at crunch time.
Don
November 8th, 2012
10:54 am
Keep on acquireing high strike out hitters – and you will keep on failing at crunch time.
Don
November 8th, 2012
10:54 am
Keep on acquireing high strike out hitters – and you will keep on failing at crunch time.
Don
November 8th, 2012
10:54 am
Keep on acquireing high strike out hitters – and you will keep on failing at crunch time.
Don
November 8th, 2012
10:54 am
Keep on acquireing high strike out hitters – and you will keep on failing at crunch time.
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
10:55 am
Keep pressing the submit comment button – and you will keep posting the same thing.
64 year Ct. Braves fan
November 8th, 2012
11:04 am
I agree with Wag
Dwayne
November 8th, 2012
11:10 am
idiots..i was being sarcastic…
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
11:30 am
Well Dwayne, you did a pretty good job of blending in with this board. As you’ve already read dumber ideas from idiots who were being serious.
BravesFanInNashville
November 8th, 2012
11:34 am
I still believe there is another $13 Million in salary room the Braves aren’t talking about publicly because they could trade McCann to an AL team and solve our LF, CF or 3B problem. Could be a salary swap with a player that can help us now or a salary dump and prospects to help us later.
If Wren trades McCann for a LF, CF or 3B that’s $13 Million dollars that doesn’t have to come out of the $25 Million that are already freed up to spend on next year. So in essence he has $38 Million to play with if he can find a taker in the AL that wants Brian McCann over the long run. Seems inevitable that he will end up leaving Atlanta as sad as that is on a personal level because he profiles to be a part time catcher/DH as he ages.
Ralph
November 8th, 2012
11:43 am
If Teheran and Delgado aren’t ready to step up and be front line pitchers this year then they never be. I say Delgado is certainly ready but Teheran is only about a 50/50 chance of ever living up to his hype therefore if I were going to trade pitching for a position player I would try first to move Teheran and Hanson and not trade Delgado unless it involved a blockbuster deal. I believe Delgado is the real deal and a future Cy Young winner, will be better than Minor for sure.
Amber Girl
November 8th, 2012
11:44 am
@BravesFaninNashville You have got to be kidding. You are with out a catcher. Sign Ross Keep Mccann. Sign Swisher and victorino. Move Prado to third. Heyward to left. Let’s play baseball. Go Braves
jim
November 8th, 2012
11:44 am
David,
Jo Jo Reyes was a high pick who progressed through the minors and was lefty too, and he was judged to have a higher ceiling than Gilmartin is judged to have right now. If you are trying to aquire someone like Span, Willingham, Upton, or whoever with pitching, you would not be able to substitute Gilmartin for Delgado or Teheran and still make the deal.
yuuup
November 8th, 2012
11:45 am
Hope something happens soon. Dob, I thought now that teams know what they will have to surrender to sign free agents, that stuff would be happening by now? All I know is I am bored with the baseball off season.
Future Braves GM
November 8th, 2012
11:46 am
The people that like Headley and Pagan so much have a short term memory because they were not that great before last year. You would be buying high and probably overpaying (in $’s for Pagan and players in trade for Headley). I like the Span idea but there are much better choices in FA for a CF lead off man than for a right handed hitting LF. It makes more sense to sign a FA like Victorino who is likely to have a bounce-back year for fairly cheap (cheaper than Pagan and much cheaper than Bourn) and then trade for a RH corner OF such as Justin Upton. DOB, What do you think of a package of Nick Ahmed (SS), Joey Terdoslavich (3B) and one of our top SP prospects (Gilmartin, Delgado, or Teheran)
Teddy B
November 8th, 2012
11:46 am
Lets trade Tommy “mmMMM BOP” Hanson! It would be the best thing he ever did for us! I hope we don’t get a steaming hot round of Wren’s dumpster diving special this offseason. Lets make a couple bold moves and prove that we want to win this thing. Pick up a couple quality guys, and give them Hanson plus another young arm for a couple game changers.
Teddy B
November 8th, 2012
11:49 am
With all the young talent that we have, we need to make a move within the next 2,3 years to win it all before our window closes. The longer we wait, the more expensive Heyward, Freeman, Beachy, and Kimbrel are going to be for us. Next season is the best chance we’re going to have for a LONG time to take it all home. Chipper’s money and Lowe’s money are off the books now we can afford to spend a few bucks on some real talent.
Lets do it. Time to un-pinch those pennies Mr. Frank Wren!
Atlanta Braves Links of the Day For November 8, 2012 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
November 8th, 2012
11:52 am
[...] Braves might trade pitching for lineup needs [...]
Richham
November 8th, 2012
11:54 am
If I was Wren and since we know the Braves will go the cheapest route possible. I would go hard after Pagan. If you get Pagan, you trade Hanson to the rockies for Chris Nelson at 3b and leave Prado in left field. All your problems solved.
I would also strongly consider trading Uggla, but that’s just me.
Ralph
November 8th, 2012
11:55 am
BravesFanInNashville
I agree there was another $13 mil there but they blew that when they pick up Blind Mac’s option. I think it would be very hard to trade anyone with that salary coming off major surgery who has not played well the past two seasons and will be a free agent at the end of the season, they should not have picked up his option, big mistake.
Richham
November 8th, 2012
11:58 am
You could also trade Hanson for Span. Sign Hamilton to play left and move Prado to third.
Homer the Brave
November 8th, 2012
12:00 pm
I think it would be a good idea to leave Prado in LF for next season and trade for an inexpensive player to play 3B like Daniel Descalso or Ryan Roberts. Either one of them can platoon with Fransisco next year. That would save us money that could be used to sign Bourn. It would also clear the way for either Todd Cunningham or Jordan Parraz to take over LF in 2014 and Prado could move to 3B then. The danger of signing someone like Nick Swisher or Cody Ross to a multi-year contract to play LF is that it blocks our minor league prospects from progressing to the majors.
Ralph
November 8th, 2012
12:03 pm
Since we have some money to spend why not spend some of it by trading Uggla.
Richham
November 8th, 2012
12:03 pm
Let’s face it, the Braves will have another $12 mil off the books next year when BMac leaves. He is already the 2nd highest paid catcher in baseball and at age 30 for his new contract, he really doesn’t fit the national league anymore. I love BMac, but he isn’t going to get anywhere near Mauer type money from anyone. He should get some nice offers from AL teams that want him to catch now and let him DH more to preserve him as he gets older. Guy can hit with the best of them.
Teddy B
November 8th, 2012
12:03 pm
Amber Girl: Ross is the “best BACKUP catcher in baseball”. He thrives in that role because he isn’t exactly a young buck who can play every single day. He has even said that he doesn’t want to be a starter. We can’t have him catch every game. I hope we re-sign him as our backup though he’s pretty good when the starter needs a break or gets hurt.
McCann makes me nervous because he’s ALWAYS hurt. Now he’s had surgery. Always something with that powder puff. Word is if someone breathes on him too hard he breaks and cries. Wish we had a strong tough reliable catcher, not a glass ballerina. I was hoping we would let
TB
November 8th, 2012
12:12 pm
I was hopeful the Braves would get Willingham last year. I believe they should take a look at Jonny Gomes as well. Both of these players are in their 30s, but it’s a good start for a few years until the farm system can develop some more talent in the OF. Speaking of the minors, I’m also very surprised the Braves didn’t bring up “Dodge” Durango. In the few games I saw at Gwinnett, they batted him first & Constanza second, & that kid can really fly.
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
12:15 pm
Amber Girl, Heyward just won a GG playing RF. He’s not moving anywhere.
Richam, Hanson for Span straight up is not gonna happen. That’s basically nothing for Span.
jbill
November 8th, 2012
12:15 pm
Get Ben!..Ben Rever best bet!
Amber how is Whiskey River?
BravesFanInNashville
November 8th, 2012
12:15 pm
Amber Girl…. Love your posts in the past and have agreed with you many times but there are lot’s of available catchers out there. I believe the Braves will sign Ross and I also believe McCann will NOT finish his career as a Brave because he needs to be at least a part time DH to maximize his value and lengthen his career. The only other possible time for the Braves to get a return before losing him to Free Agency is the trade deadline next July. If they get any offers from an AL team now I think they should take a sure thing vs gamble that he’ll be healthy enough to increase his value by July. I don’t think he’s a long term gamble because he will eventually heal and be productive again the question to me is how soon?
His body type does not project to weather the catching position very long and he already has one knee giving him problems. His weight won’t help that get better. Freeing up the $13 Million on the books to me does more to help the Braves then keeping McCann and hoping for the best. The Braves have a 1 year window on Brian where as an AL team that trades for him would have a multi year benefit of having a DH that can spell the starting catcher and catch 2 to 3 games a week.
BravesFanSince80s
November 8th, 2012
12:19 pm
please, please, PLEASE do not sign Michael Bourn to an over-priced, BAD CONTRACT! Amber Girl, if we rely on Brian McCann to catch the majority of games next season that means we are STILL without a catcher, no, no ,no, no to Nick Swisher, low OBP high SO ratio, yet another Ugly Dan black hole in our lineup with an occassional “blind hog” home run. We have got to shift to small ball like so many clubs are doing. No more downtown league softball lineups…
Amber Girl
November 8th, 2012
12:20 pm
I agree with you Teddy B on Ross. Sign him as backup. There is nobody out there better than Mccann. You would have to trade. No one is going to trade front line catcher. If I am wrong please explain. Still trying to learn. You probably know more than me so help me out here. I still say sign Swisher, Victorino and David Ross and let’s not worry anymore. Let’s play baseball.
Amber Girl
November 8th, 2012
12:22 pm
@jbill If you paid attention you would know that Whiskey River is deceased. Go Braves!!!
BravesFanInNashville
November 8th, 2012
12:23 pm
If the Braves use the $25 Million wisely and also trade McCann they can put enough bats in the line-up to make the catcher position a defense first priority. This cuts down on runs scored by limiting stolen bases and passed balls. That means the offense needs to score less runs. It also takes more pressure off pitchers because there are less runners in scoring position due to stolen bases and passed balls. Pitching and defense wins. Teams must be solid up the middle defensively and that starts with catcher and SS because they see more plays than anyone else.
Patrick
November 8th, 2012
12:23 pm
This really worries me, I do not see Wren making a good trade at all.
He’s going back to talking to the media about his intentions, that didn’t work out so well in the past when he let the media know too much.
Also, I believe he’s too nice. He definitely did not learn any schrewdness from Schuerholtz. And let’s just say that Span and Willingham are dealt here. They will not make this team any better. Span is worse than Bourn and Willingham is a good player, but not a great player.
Wren said last month that “we just have to replace Chipper”. That’s impossible, Chipper was the best hitter on the team. He took the best approach, pitchers were still afraid to pitch to him last season, even though he wasn’t in his prime. You can’t just replace the heart and soul of your lineup.
Josh Willingham would not come close to doing that, they only player out there available that might be able to is Josh Hamilton and the Braves won’t pay him. Also, Willingham is very injury-prone, he had 1 good season and the Twins are very schrewd, they will use that and-figuratively-hang Wren upside down and shake his pockets until everything is taken from him if they do trade him.
Going back to Span, DOB pointed out stats that make him look like so much better of a player than he actually is. His career Batting Average is so front loaded from the first year and a half in the big leagues before pitchers figured out his weaknesses and since then, his average has dropped pretty significantly. Also, even his stolen base numbers are misleading. If you look at his Net Stolen Bases over the past 3 season, he’s swiped less than 20 bags. Even still, 23 steals per season is very mediocre for a leadoff hitter. He will not cause much if any havok on opposing teams defense’s like Furcal and Bourn did.
Also when a team is so eager to trade a player, that is NEVER a good sign. I remember how much the Yankees tried and tried to trade Melky Cabrera, and who took the bait on that?? Everything they said about him turned out to be completely bogus. He wasn’t a “clutch” hitter, he wasn’t good in the clubhouse and he was exposed for what he really was, a backup OF. The dude had to cheat to be productive.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. This is going to be a very disappointing offseason. The Braves brass will be exposed and we are going to have to suffer with the frustrations of losing our top minor leaguers for poor returns and we also going to be given a team to watch that will have virtually no chance of making the playoffs next year and have Absolutely NO CHANCE at winning the division. They cannot compete with Washington, they couldn’t last year either….plus, Washington is only going to keep improving their already young, impressive division winning team this offseason and the Braves, well will not. Washington’s focus is winning a World Chapionship. The Braves focus is staying within budget.
I’m sure that everyone on here will say that I’m being negative and that’s fine. I can handle all the smack talk and insults everyone will throw my way. But those things will not change the fact that what I’m posting is reality, plain and simple. The truth hurts. I know as Braves fans, many of us are very passionate about the team (I am and it’s probably why my posts are so negative, they are that way because it does really piss me off that we don’t have a true owner, one that actually cares about winning, and not about only how much money they make) and want to see a winning product put on the field. We all know that’s not going to happen, but hope it won’t. I’m one of the few that writes about the fact that the Braves will not be putting together a team that has any chance of a winning a championship. And things will stay this way and probably get worse. Let’s face the facts: Corporate ownership (which is the absolute worst), an awful TV deal, no new stadium to be built anytime soon, a mediocre General Manager. All of these facts point to one thing: A middle-of-the-pack team. Nothing will change until this team is sold to someone who cares about baseball, about winning.
I’ll always be a Braves fan, even though I hate the fact they have have killed all of the momentum this team had in the 90’s and early 2000’s and ripped out it’s soul. The day “America’s Team” died was the day that AOL became the teams owner. Nothing good has happened since then, nothing.
It is sad, but true.
Sorry to rain on everyone’s parade,
Darryl Blackberry
November 8th, 2012
12:23 pm
Prado at third, Fowler in center, Heyward in right…with Reed Johnson and whoever kills it in spring training out in left (hopefully Evan Gattis)…
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
12:32 pm
Patrick, I’m not sure what stats you are looking at on Span. Yes, he hit 294 in his first year in the ML, but then he still hit 311 in his first full season. He only hit 264 the next two years, but he hit 283 this year, which is only one point below his career AVG. He does not SLG as high as Bourn or steal as many bags, but he SOs a lot less and has a better OBP. He’s also a couple years younger and has a very favorable contract. If the Braves get their CF through the trade market, he’d definitely be my first choice.
TB
November 8th, 2012
12:33 pm
Teddy B., where do you get off thinking McCann’s a powder puff? Two injuries does not exactly add up to health problems. You must have been a Chipper hater too. McCann is probably one of the toughest guys on the team. Anyone will tell you that playing catcher is the toughest position out there & McCann has not only been doing it well, but putting up better numbers offensively his entire career.
Idiots
November 8th, 2012
12:34 pm
Patrick, I hope you don’t expect anyone to read that.
MLB Hot Stove Rumors 11/8/12 « SprungOnSports
November 8th, 2012
12:36 pm
[...] -Atlanta could trade pitching for hitting holes, with Minnesota’s Denard Span as a possible target. Josh Willingham could also be possible. B.J. Upton and Shane Victorino are also options, with Angel Pagan likely going back to the Giants. [...]
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
12:38 pm
And Patrick, if you want to claim the Braves are not going to be competitive next year with the players they may be targeting, then you should at least suggest some players you think they should pursue.
jbill
November 8th, 2012
12:38 pm
Amber Girl sorry to hear about Whiskey River..I’ve been out awhile with Yogi Berra who found out in August he had lung Cancer and died in late Sept. He was a friend of Whiskey also on blog and great Braves fan. (reason not paying attention)
Hope you are doing well and prayers for Whiskey’s family. RIP.
BravesFanSince80s
November 8th, 2012
12:38 pm
Hey I got a good one, how ’bout after making a reasonable trade with Colorado for Fowler, we pull off a blockbuster with the Mets where we send Uggla, Hanson, Francisco, and how ever many prospects it takes to get back David Wright and Jason Bay! Then keep Johnson as insurance in LF, and if Bay totally tanks as he well may, we have Gattis in AAA warming up! It’ll never happen, but that would be fun to watch play out and then Prado can go be a perennial all-star at 2B for the next several years:)
Amber Girl
November 8th, 2012
12:40 pm
Thanks everyone for your help. Schooltime Catch you later
Tumbledown
November 8th, 2012
12:42 pm
I read it. We can all find something else to watch next year, find some other team to support. All hope is gone. Patrick has issued his divine proclamations that there is virtually no hope of the team making the playoffs next year and that the Braves will be a mediocre team going forward.
Frank Wren
November 8th, 2012
12:44 pm
How did you like Omar Infante for Dan Uggla?
How did you like Mark Teixeira for Casey Kotchman?
How did you like Rafael Soriano for Jesse Chavez?
If you liked the value we got back in those trades, I think I got a blockbuster trade in the works.
Stay tuned !
BravesFanSince80s
November 8th, 2012
12:45 pm
TB, I wouldn’t use the words “powder puff”, but “dough boy” come to mind. To date: he has a chronic eyesight problem, stays at least 20lbs overweight, if not more, has chronic tendinitis in at least one knee, now a patchwork quilt for a throwing shoulder and is an oblique strain waiting to happen on a daily basis…
jbill
November 8th, 2012
12:46 pm
Bay is free agent but not worth a crap….
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
12:49 pm
BravesFanSince80s, for the millionth time, Uggla’s not going anywhere. And taking a risk on someone like Bay, with your fallback plan being a guy who’s barely played above A ball, is just not smart at at all.
On McCann, he’s stayed mostly healthy for his career until the last year and a half. Eye site problems aren’t exactly an issue of wear on the body either. He’s also been able to stay healthy while playing the most physically demanding position and putting up the best offensive numbers out of anyone playing it in that time. And when he is injured, he tries to play through it.
David O'Brien
November 8th, 2012
12:50 pm
I’m sure that everyone on here will say that I’m being negative and that’s fine. – Patrick (12:23 p.m.)
Negative? You? No way.
Tumbledown
November 8th, 2012
12:53 pm
jim – I would much rather trade Teheran and someone like Hanson/Gilmartin or Cunningham to the Twins for Span and sign Hunter to play left field. There is not enough pitching depth for 2 big trades and Gattis might be capable of putting up similar numbers to Willingham at a much lower cost.
I agree with your proposal and would not be unhappy with Span in CF and Hunter in LF. I definitely feel we will do one trade and one free agent signing for those positions. The Braves and Twins align nicely regarding a possible trade. I also feel the Braves’ brass will look to a short-term solution in LF in the hopes that Gattis will develop.
Hopefully, we will have enough $$ to sign Reed Johnson and otherwise fortify our bench.
BravesFanSince80s
November 8th, 2012
12:54 pm
I think the trade scenario was pretty obviously not something I think will or should happen dude, get over yourself. McCann is fat and slow, and these days at least, banged up almost all the time, deal with it…
jbill
November 8th, 2012
12:54 pm
agree DOB on Patrick..he didn’t rain on my Parade.
hmmmmm..........
November 8th, 2012
12:55 pm
I saw reported that the royals are willling to trade young position players to get starting pitching. Any chance the Braves could pry away Mousatkas? He’s young plays 3rd but he’s a lefty.
Mark (another one)
November 8th, 2012
1:01 pm
It takes value to get value. All of you that want to trade a non-preforming player for a star need to get over it. No GM is going to send a gift to the Braves.
The Spann trade idea is interesting and I think he is a good replacement for Bourn with a reasonable salary. Paying $15 million per year in a long term contract for Bourn is a mistake. He is fast and plays good defense but there are less expensive options with less risk. Bourn’s game is speed and leg injuries to 30+ year old outfielders are not uncommon. Plus he will simply slow down with age, wear and tear.
I think Prado at 3rd has all-star written all over it. He is great in the infield, hits for average and has good power. He is also the heart of this ballclub and leads by example. With Spann in CF, that would leave the Braves with a financial war chest to go for some LF, right handed power.
Constanza has so far not shown to me that he belongs on our bench. He strikes out about a third of the time and rarely hits for more than a single. His slash line for 2012 was 250/321/276. He is also not that sharp in the outfield. His career is 281/332/341. He’s also 29.
Schafer is 26 with a career 221/305/301 so I don’t see him as much from an offensive standpoint but his defense is better.
JOhnson is 284/340/411. I’d play that and keep looking.
cornjolio
November 8th, 2012
1:03 pm
hmmmmm….
I agree with you. KC does have young position players that could help our cause, and they don’t produce much pitching. Seems like natural trade partners waiting to hookup.
cornjolio
November 8th, 2012
1:06 pm
“No GM is going to send a gift to the Braves.”
With Frank Wren, its usually the other way around !
mpry
November 8th, 2012
1:06 pm
Thanks for the blog DOB. It’s been a while since my last post, but looking forward to frequenting this messy compilation of irrational, logical, and sometimes absurd posts of fellow Bravo fans. I trust the minds that have control over this organization. They have proven time and again to work tirelessly to put together a competitive, good-natured group of ball players to root for throughout the campaign. With the budget they have to work with, I believe Wren has done a remarkable job compiling this roster over the years and I trust he will do the same this offseason.
What I’d like to see:
Prado takes over 3B. The guy deserves a chance to find a regular position and continue to flourish. Think about it this way. You go in to work as a sales rep one day, then the next day they ask you to work on a marketing project, followed by the 3rd day to work in with the accounting department. Sure that analogy may be a bit of stretch, but Prado is the ultimate team-first guy and I would want no one other than him to take the place of the legend. He should also be re-upped with a long-term deal. I believe in rewarding hard work and dedication, and he has been a joy to cheer for and follow through his career.
I want Bourn to return, he was an integrel part of this team’s success. I think much more goes in to a winning team than just talent, it is about meshing the talent together to form a successful team. We can point at stats til we’re blue in the face (and most baseball people do) but I like how he fit in with the club. I assume it’s a waiting game if he’ll jet for greener pastures, although I like the pastures in Atlanta over any team in baseball, but that’s just because I’m a total homer.
Willingham in left? Jason Bay on the cheap in left? Klesko? We’ll see what Wren decides, I trust in the brass bringing in a valuable piece.
That’s not all I have to say about the Braves offseason, but it is all I am willing to share with you now. Enjoy the winter weather fellas, not too far off from spring training!
George Franklin
November 8th, 2012
1:07 pm
A few things make me worry about adding Willingham.
1. The last two years he’s hit righties significantly better than lefties. For his career, it’s around even, but I’d hate to see another fake right-handed bat like Uggla in the lineup.
2. Even more worrisome, he’s getting old and he’s had a history of back problems. Dude plays through a lot of nagging injuries, but he hasn’t been an iron man. Only 140+ games once in the last 5 years.
3. He’s not a particularly good fielder. If we assume Bourn is moving on, the Braves could go from having probably the best fielding outfield to one of the worst, depending on who fills CF.
4. For his career he’s been bad in September and October. Last thing the Braves need is a guy who breaks down physically or slumps then.
5. Mostly, I just don’t like idea of picking up a guy who will be 34 before the season starts and coming off a career year, playing the most games he’s played in since 2007. Guys like that always seem to flop for the Braves.
jbill
November 8th, 2012
1:08 pm
L Cain for cf from Royals?
Tumbledown, I too would be happy with Span in CF and Hunter in LF.
David O'Brien
November 8th, 2012
1:10 pm
Braves OF prospect Todd Cunningham is 5-for-7 with a double, two homers and four RBIs the past two nights in Mexican Winter League, batting .298/.441/.553 (.994 OPS) in 47 ABs over 14 games, with three homers and three steals.
Rick C
November 8th, 2012
1:15 pm
BravesFanSince80s, lol I need to deal with it? You’re the one who’s been complaining about these things nonstop.
what you eat for breakfast?
November 8th, 2012
1:23 pm
So again we are looking at people who will not put people in the seats at the ted. Sigh can we please go after Josh Hamilton PLEASE.
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
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!
benchwarmer
November 9th, 2012
1:05 pm
Juan Francisco, get lean dude and work on that swing. I like his upside and if he’s in shape, can field third well enough. Based on recent performance Wren will pull of a decent deal to fit our needs without emptying the store. Superstars? no, but ball players, yes and judging by SF’s championship this year that is how it is done.
Wiregrass Dawg
November 9th, 2012
3:49 pm
What about Todd Cunnigham, Delgado, and another lower tier prospect for Span, Willingham, and a reliever?
dylan
November 9th, 2012
8:00 pm
rick, 20- 25 homeruns is considered average. werth, zimmerman, desmond, harper, theyre all average homerun guns. surrounding the team with 4-6 guys who can hit between 20 and 30 makes your team a power threat, yes, but those guys are not “power” hitters. a power hitter, in baseball terms is a guy who hits 30 or more.
the success of washington actually emphasizes what im trying to say, don’d worry about going out and getting 30-40 homerun guys, surround yourself with good hitters who can get you 20-25. balance out your lineup so that pitchers dont reall have anyone to pitch around and it opens up more fastballs for the rest of your players. if you have a 30-40 hr guy, pitchers are going to pitch around him as much as possible. but if you have 5 guys who can hit 20-25 (generally they will be behind one another) it balances your lineup.
jonathan
November 11th, 2012
3:37 pm
Tommy Hanson has got to go, but we couldn’t get a new water cooler for him. I would put him on the field crew.
74bravesjersey
November 11th, 2012
6:50 pm
Couldn’t agree more Johnathan, He & Jair Jurjens gotta go. Resign Chad Durbin though, the guy was look’n sharp at the end there.
Preston Thompson
November 12th, 2012
8:55 am
Come folks, who in there right mind would come to Atlanta with Freddie still the manager? They would have to be crazy. Atlanta is going to become the Miami North.
Juan Franciscofor 3B
November 12th, 2012
10:54 am
TRUST in Frank Wren…he will field a team in 2013 that will again be competitive not only for the NL East, but the NL…NL East will be beastly with Washington, ATL, and Philly…TRUST in Frank Wren!
and give Juan Francisco a shot at 3B
g-braves
November 12th, 2012
11:56 am
Very simple, trade simmons, hanson and gilmartin to d-backs for j.upton. Then lure b.j. to atlanta for about 9-10 mil and the chance to roam the outfield will j-hey and his brother. Now we have 2 right handed power bats to balance lineup and call up ahmed to play short or give pastornicky another shot.
Ricky Grooms
November 12th, 2012
10:44 pm
Sign Matt Diaz to a lifetime contract before some other team beats you to it.
freebird13
November 13th, 2012
12:37 am
Keep Delgado,Teheran,trade Hanson.Should have resigned D.Ross for 2yrs.6million.Move Uggla to 3rd.Prado to 2nd.Let Bourne go.Bring in the late blooming catcher, give Schafer a shot in center.He doesn”t have to hit 30 homers to be very effective.Hope you geta rh bat for Hanson.Beachy will return in 2014.Main thing is to get everone healthy.Maybe some one else is in minors with something to prove in LF.
Ross exit adds to Braves’ expanding to-do list | Atlanta Braves
November 13th, 2012
6:58 am
[...] to take a deep breath and understand the team has both the cash and/or trade pieces (which they now seem willing to part with) to assure they won’t have to settle for picking up a scrap-heap player for left or [...]
Snarky
November 14th, 2012
1:40 pm
Is there any chance of getting Giancarlo Stanton now that the Marlins are going to field a AA team?
no1fan
November 15th, 2012
2:22 pm
with Hanson pitching and Laird catching , the base paths would look like I285…..VAROOOOM
James
November 15th, 2012
11:02 pm
Get both Upton’s. Brotherly love in Atlanta !
James
November 15th, 2012
11:05 pm
Get more HR. we’ve got K’s!
gern blanston
November 16th, 2012
8:41 am
If an Upton deal falls through, what do you all think about maybe dealing for minor leaguers like the Hamilton kid for Cincy?..He had 155 SB’s last year…or Houston has DeShields Jr., he looks promising, steals alot of bases and plays OF..I like Spann too…do ya think that we really need a high dollar player and more HR’s or that we ought to play small-ball more?
ALJ
November 16th, 2012
4:14 pm
I would love to see if the Triwns would take Hanson for Span. They need to make room for Revere and may take a look at a 26 year old pitcher that would at least eat up 180 innings. For left field, the Braves could inquire about Willingham, who I would give mid-level prospects, but not top prospects. Now for Stanton in Miami, I would not consider any of the Braves prospects off limits. If it takes Tehrand and Delgado to get Stanton, I’m for it.
74bravesjersey
November 18th, 2012
9:39 am
Stanton is mighty upset now that the fish brass has depleted the lineup, & good talent diminished, I think he’ ready to venture into new surroundings if you will. Fish have a stinch after sitt’n around a while.