No deals, but Braves say GM meetings productive
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Braves officials left the general managers meetings without crossing off any items on their offseason shopping list, but that didn’t mean their three days at a desert resort weren’t productive.
“Overall it was beneficial to sit down with clubs and discuss possibilities,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said before boarding a flight Friday afternoon out of nearby Palm Springs, “and we were able to advance some discussions.”
The Braves seek a center fielder/leadoff hitter and a power-hitting left fielder. At the GM meetings Wren and his top assistants, including Bruce Manno, John Coppolella and Jim Fregosi, got a better idea of what might be available and affordable on the trade and free-agent markets during discussions with various player agents and officials from other teams.
The groundwork for deals rather than deals themselves are generally what happens at the annual GM meetings, with the notable exception of the Braves’ trade for Dan Uggla at the 2010 GM meetings. Those type of deals usually happen closer to or during baseball’s Winter Meetings, to be held Dec. 3-6 in Nashville.
To the surprise of no one, Michael Bourn rejected the Braves’ one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer before Friday’s deadline for the nine free agents who got such offers to accept or decline them. The Braves made the one-year offer to assure they would receive a compensatory draft pick between the first and second rounds if Bourn signs with another team.
Bourn’s agent, Scott Boras, is believed to be looking for a contract of at least five years and more than $15 million per season for Bourn. The Braves haven’t given up on possibly re-signing him, but are looking into all other options in anticipation of Bourn’s cost exceeding the length and price of any deal they’re willing to offer.
Bourn was the Braves’ best offensive performer in the first half of the season, but tailed off significantly. He hit .311 with 30 extra-base hits and a .366 on-base percentage in 85 games before the All-Star break, and .225 with 15 extra-base hits and a .325 OBP in 70 games after the break, including a .195 average with 36 strikeouts in his last 34 games.
After leading the NL in steals for three consecutive seasons, including 61 in 2009 and 61 again in 2011, Bourn had 42 in 2012 and was caught stealing 13 times, second-most in his career.
Among potential replacements, Minnesota’s Denard Span tops a list of center fielders on the trade market, and the Twins need precisely what the Braves have in abundance: starting pitching. Wren said this week they might use some pitching in a trade to fill a lineup need.
Span, 28, has a .284 batting average and .357 on-base percentage in parts of five seasons. He’s twice had 10 triples and 23 or more stolen bases, and he’s under contract at an easily affordable $4.75 million in 2013 and $6.5 million in 2014, with a $9 million team option for 2015.
Colorado’s Dexter Fowler, an Atlanta native and Milton High School graduate, is another potentially available center fielder/leadoff hitter who could be a good fit for the Braves.
Among free agents, San Francisco’s Angel Pagan is the best of the center fielder/leadoff variety. Most industry insiders believe he’ll re-sign with the Giants after having one of his best seasons for the World Series champions, batting .288 with a league-high 15 triples, eight homers and 29 stolen bases in a career-high 154 games. He added two homers and six RBIs in the postseason.
Shane Victorino and B.J. Upton are among the other free-agent center fielders, but neither is well-suited for leadoff at this point. While not a requirement for the Braves that their center fielder also bat leadoff, it’s preferable because they don’t want to have to fill the leadoff spot elsewhere, and they don’t plan to move Martin Prado from the second spot where he thrives.
Boston center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury is another trade option, but the Red Sox would demand a lot in return for a player eligible for free agency after the 2013 season, when he will almost certainly go on the free-agent market with Boras as his agent.
Among corner-outfield possibilities, Arizona officials say they aren’t trying to trade Justin Upton but will listen to offers for the immensely talented brother of B.J.
One NL team official this week said Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers would ask for a trade bounty similar to the five-prospect package the Braves gave up years ago for Mark Teixeira. In 2011, Upton hit .289 with 75 extra-base hits (31 homers), 21 stolen bases and an .898 OPS to finish fourth in MVP balloting.
His OPS has been just below .800 in the two seasons surrounding that one, and Upton hit .280 with a modest 17 homers, 67 RBIs and 18 stolen bases in 150 games in 2012. He’s owed $38.5 million over the next three seasons, including more than $14 million in each of the last two years of his contract. At this point, it’s unclear how much, if any, interest the Braves have in either Upton.
Minnesota left fielder Josh Willingham is another potential good fit in a trade, but the Twins would demand plenty for the 33-year-old because of his recent production and a club-friendly contract that will pay him $7 million each of the next two seasons.
Willingham had 64 homers and 208 RBIs over the past two seasons with Oakland and Minnesota, and cranked out 30 doubles, 35 homers, 110 RBIs and an .890 OPS in 2012 for the Twins while playing home games in a pitcher-friendly ballpark.
MacPhail made Bobby Cox a manager
Lee MacPhail, the former Yankees executive who got Bobby Cox into managing, died Thursday at home in Delray Beach, Fla. MacPhail was 95.
The longtime baseball executive was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. MacPhail was the Yankees’ general manager in 1970 when he asked Cox if he wanted to manage the Yankees’ Class-A team in Fort Lauderdale the following year.
At the time, Cox was finishing out the season as a player with the Yankees’ Triple-A Syracuse affiliate, and planned to retire and head home to California to become a high school coach. But when MacPhail flew down to Richmond during the season-ending series to talk to him about managing, Cox jumped at the opportunity.
Cox spent six seasons as a minor-league manager and took over as Braves skipper in 1978, beginning a major league managing career that lasted 29 seasons including 25 in two stints with Atlanta before he retired in 2010. Cox ranks fourth all-time with 2,504 wins — 2,149 with Atlanta and 355 with Toronto.
Etc.
Journeyman center fielder Luis Durango signed a minor-league deal with the Kansas City Royals, after hitting .289 with an International League-leading 46 stolen bases in 62 attempts for Triple-A Gwinnett in 2012. He last played in the majors in 2011, when he got in two games with Houston.
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180 comments Add your comment
Stephen
November 9th, 2012
3:54 pm
Thank you for the update! We shall see
Derek
November 9th, 2012
3:55 pm
This Jacoby Ellsbury idea is ridiculous. Pay top prospects for 1 year of a guy with an injury history, with Boras as his agent, and underperforming in 2012. Ellsbury shouldn’t even be looked at as a last resort. I really like Span, who is controllable and a sure-fire leadoff hitter that plays his best in bigger parks like Turner Field. He’s younger than Bourn and costs a lot less, while we should be able to get him for considerably less than most of the other trade options considering how much pitching MIN needs. Our lower-level prospects could be some of their top prospects going into the season, and I say with all due respect to both organizations.
ChipperisGod
November 9th, 2012
3:56 pm
Good to test the waters, I’m banking on a Span, Revere or Pagan to be signed. Leaning heavily on Span, the Twins will likely want to hold on to Revere, but they need us and we need them. We need their outfielders, they need our pitching. Don’t think we’ll get either Upton. BJ because of attitude and his low BA, and Justin because he’s just way too expensive. I can’t stand Victorino, although he’s a good player, can get that Phillie taste out of my mouth.
DOB, any update on Rossy or Reed Johnson being resigned?
Jay Puskenalis
November 9th, 2012
4:00 pm
Ever think of UGGLA in left, Prado at 2nd (where he was an allstar), Fransisco at third. Fowler or Span, (or both) for center/left duty. Uggla can still run pretty god and would solve a right handed hitter in left field problem. As long as we have to pay him……use him.
Derek
November 9th, 2012
4:05 pm
ESPN’s Eric Karabell just put out his bold predictions for 2013 in an Insider access and, to paraphrase, he mentions that Simmons will win a gold-glove and hit .280 with 20+ SB as our leadoff hitter for 2013. He also mentions that we trade Uggla midseason for a catcher, move Prado to 2B after McCann flounders and finishes with only 7 HR in all of 2013. Don’t see that happening. Though I do like flipping Uggla and moving Prado back to his original position.
Derek
November 9th, 2012
4:08 pm
Uggla’s fielding stats would suggest he wouldn’t cover much ground in LF and I don’t even know if he’d consent to moving. Honestly, moving Uggla to LF from a gold glove-effort of Prado in 2012 would be one of the biggest defensive downgrades possible, but if wouldn’t be much different if we moved Prado to 3B and acquired Josh Willingham to play LF – who is terrible in the field.
Rick C
November 9th, 2012
4:09 pm
Jay, what’s the difference? Uggla would be in the lineup regardless, so why does he need to learn a new position that Prado already adeptly plays? There would be absolutely no point to doing that.
hmmmmm..........
November 9th, 2012
4:11 pm
Uggla wants to play 2nd base that’s why he did the sign and trade.
I like the Span idea. Cody Ross and Ryan Ludwick are out there has FAs for left.
If Uggla struggles this year will the Braves trade him? How much salary will they eat?
hmmmmm..........
November 9th, 2012
4:14 pm
I hate to say but I could see that happening to McCann and then the Braves let him walk or he bounces back and the Braves don’t wanna pay him and he walks. Which would really suck because he’s been a great Brave
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
4:20 pm
Why are we worried about Mccann? With Chipper gone,he is Mr Brave. Sign him long term and let’s play.
BRAVESFAN
November 9th, 2012
4:23 pm
Leadoff hitter doesn’t have to be a center fielder. I would sign Bourn but he’s asking too much for a player who only plays half a season.
JNick
November 9th, 2012
4:26 pm
Please stop listing Dexter Fowler as an option…..please.
Rick C
November 9th, 2012
4:29 pm
Amber Girl, isn’t it obvious? The last year and half he has had increasing injury issues, and this past season was not very good. As he gets older, catching will continue to take a toll on his body, but he doesn’t play any other positions and the Braves don’t really have anywhere else to play him anyway. He would be better suited for the AL where he can DH.
Bill M.
November 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
Amber Girl—I’d hate to have you as GM. McCann is just about done being a catcher. With his injuries & vision problems it would be insane to sign him to a long term contract. He’ll be going to American League as a DH in 2014 or sooner.
Dav
November 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
Uggla isn’t being traded or moved! BOURN may not get the money he thinks if Philly and Washington pass on him so we still have a shot at him?
We have Hanson and one of the Gwinnett young arms to trade. The options are, SPANN, WILLINGHAM, FOWLER, or Free agents Victorino, Ludwick, or Ross. We need a sign David Ross soon or we will need a catcher, Salty from Boston could be available??
MikeY
November 9th, 2012
4:44 pm
I’m worried about McCann (or more specifically, about the catcher position) because right now we have no catchers on our 40-man roster who will be healthy on opening day.
We need to re-sign David Ross plus find a 3rd catcher to get us through April.
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
4:51 pm
OK Guys thanks for info. Please guys. I am just giving my opinion and hope I do not offend anyone. I am still new at this.
Derek
November 9th, 2012
4:53 pm
Dav- PHI and WSH aren’t passing on Bourn, even then, that’s not the only ones that would want Bourn. But, PHI and WSH have the money to spend on Bourn, and PHI seems to love signing guys past their prime though they are still shouting how they keep “getting younger”.
I don’t know how people keep thinking Fowler is a possible option. COL has been trying to extend him and considering his breakout 2012, COL would want a lot more for him than MIN would want for Span who is controllable for longer (through 2015 w/ an option), while the numbers aren’t that different.
JNick
November 9th, 2012
5:03 pm
I don’t know how people keep thinking Fowler is a possible option because he is terrible defensively and his stats away from Coors Field are awful….
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
5:17 pm
Just for the record JNick. Your opinions and knowledge are very much respected by me, I am still learning and accept any knowledge. Thank you very much.
Bro
November 9th, 2012
5:19 pm
I have heard that Freddi Freeman can play third-if so move him and put B-Mac on first–less chance of injury and bring up Batencourt(sp). If Salty is available he would be a good fit at first or catcher–maybe leftfield. Time to make some changes. Trade Uggla–ASAP. Another year of hitting 220 will about wipe out his usefulness-if there is any. If he would just hit 260 or better, there would be some production. Now all he is good for is taking a spot of someone that is ready to play and provide some production. What a waste of space. But trade him to the American League, just in case he begins to hit.
Puma
November 9th, 2012
5:24 pm
Are Rick C and Bill M the same person?
From those options, Span does seem to be the best fit, especially if Pagan wants to stay in SF, and frankly why wouldn’t he. If we did trade for him, that would leave a lot of extra cash to sign the RH power bat for LF or 3B. This should be an interesting winter.
Humbug
November 9th, 2012
5:30 pm
I still think Constanza could fill one of the outfield slots as well, or better than, most of the players mentioned in this blog. It makes no sense for the Braves to keep ignoring that fact.
Rick C
November 9th, 2012
5:33 pm
Bro, Freeman has not played third base since rookie ball. He played there in five games and made three errors in fourteen chances. McCann has never professionally played any position but catcher. Neither is going to move from their positions now. Bethancourt isn’t ready either. Uggla’s not going anywhere without the Braves eating most of the contract, which they simply can not afford to do.
Rick C
November 9th, 2012
5:35 pm
Humbug, yes it does make sense to ignore it. Constanza is simply not a ML starter.
lee maye
November 9th, 2012
5:35 pm
Freeman is 20 lbs or more removed from playing 3B and McCann can never play 1B. Come on, McCann can’t even move to block pitches. He is an American League DH.
Francisco is a much better prospect at 3B than Freeman. Francisco has a gun for an arm and is not really much worse than Chipper was a the end of his career. Francisco was told to lose about 20 lbs. Let’s see if he does.
No. 1 Braves Fan
November 9th, 2012
5:41 pm
DOB`s blogs are good to keep Braves fans up with what is happening. The GM meetings (as Wren said) provided them with valuable information as to what should be the best move for management to make. All of the suggestions by fans result from opinions which are only based on public info. available such as statistics, media stories, etc.Nohting wrong with that. Just poining out the difference.
So, my point is its fun to hear all this good stuff. I`ll keep listening. Maybe Frank will listen too and some of the wishes of the fans will come true.
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
5:43 pm
@Rick C You must be a Brave fan from way back. Very knowledge. Love to listen to you and would love to pick your brain
Ken Stallings
November 9th, 2012
5:46 pm
Well, Arizona in the fall is never a bad thing!
Hope what was discussed pays off in the near future.
NocaHoma
November 9th, 2012
5:51 pm
Amber, sweetie, your not going to learn anything thing here hun. Just file most of it under wackidoodleness and bantha foder:-)
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
5:52 pm
IMO Ken I really think Wren is interested in Span.
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
5:53 pm
Ok NocaHoma. I hear you but not listening. Go back to sleep.
Brovathusiast
November 9th, 2012
5:54 pm
Trade for Span or Bourjos PLEASE. Sign Swisher to play LF. See if you can get Youkilis for cheap. Play Prado at 2nd or 3rd when Youk needs to give his old body some rest. Uggla can ride the bench.
hmmmmm..........
November 9th, 2012
6:01 pm
Uggla and Hanson need to switch offseason trainers.
Bob
November 9th, 2012
6:10 pm
Just read where Soriano rejected the Yankees’ $13.3M offer…is his agent Boras? Are they both living in fantasyland? Maybe this is what’s wrong with our country. Just asking.
Chipper's ACL
November 9th, 2012
6:29 pm
Span will be the man. I like the Swisher thoughts and with his selective hitting style the NL’s strike zone may work to his advantage.
Heard rumors that teams inquired about possibly dealing for JJ.
If the Braves are struggling by July next year I could see a few players moved. McCann, possibly Uggla if he hits around .250, Hanson (if he’s not dealt this winter), and Maholm. I’m still going on record that Venters will also be dealt. Lots of teams would give up plenty to have him close plus he’s no longer the 8th inning guy. I’m expecting lots of moves over the next 8 months.
Rick C
November 9th, 2012
6:33 pm
Amber Girl, not really actually. I’m only in my mid-twenties and moved to Atlanta in 1993 when I was a kid. I just love baseball for the stats and I try to back up my opinions with them as much as possible. But thanks for the compliments anyway
Brovathusiast, have you looked at Youkilis’ numbers last season? You could make the argument that he was worse than Uggla.
Bob, it’s possible Soriano won’t get that high of an AAV on the free agent market, but there’s no reason for him to settle on a one year deal.
Colorado Braves Fan
November 9th, 2012
6:43 pm
Please keep listing Dexter Fowler as an option… please
Colorado Braves Fan
November 9th, 2012
6:44 pm
Span’s stats do not compare to Fowler’s.
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
6:51 pm
@Rick C OK but if I am not sure about something, Is it Ok to ask. Also if I am wrong . Please correct me. I will not be hurt. I don.t know if you know that I am in a foreign country and very young(14) So I want to learn because I love our Braves.
hmmmmm..........
November 9th, 2012
6:52 pm
I like the Youlk idea if you could get him cheap. He’s been really solid so he had a bad year and he’s getting older, he could rebound from last year. Also it’d been nice to have a veteran player who’s won in the clubhouse.
hmmmmm..........
November 9th, 2012
6:58 pm
Span’s career average is 15 points higher over their careers so far…..other than that they are very similar
hmmmmm..........
November 9th, 2012
7:05 pm
Juan Pierre stats 2012: .avg 307 hr1 rbi25 obp.351 sb 37
Michael Bourne .274 9 57 348 42.
If the Braves can’t make a deal. I’d bring Pierre for 1 or 2 years and he’s cheap too. Only thing is they’d still a CF unless they move Heyward over or stick Prado out there.
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
7:08 pm
@hmmmmm I don’t like Pierre attitude. He would not fit with Heyward and Freeman. That is just my opinion
Ben
November 9th, 2012
7:15 pm
Prado to 3rd
Deal for Pagan in center and Willingham in left.
Heyward, Pagan, and Willingham is a stud outfield
Activate Roger Dorn to replace Uggla.
Drew
November 9th, 2012
7:38 pm
I’m not giving up on Ugla. He had a bad year. So what – a lot of players do. Why not figure he’ll be better next year? I’d prefer him over McCann as far as having a bounce back year.
-
I say we don’t do any business with Boras clients.
Glord1
November 9th, 2012
7:39 pm
Here is my idea. Trade for Spann and offer Hamilton 5 years for $100 mil. Hamilton scares the heck put of me too but I want to see a true power bat back in the Atlanta line up again before I die. It is one big risk but could pay off big time.
Spann
Prado
Heyward
Hamilton
Freeman
Mac
Uggla
Simmons
That line up could win a world series if it stayed healthy. Sometimes you have to take a risk.
raffy
November 9th, 2012
7:39 pm
Lots of Uggla haters but even though Uggla struggled he scores more runs and drives in more runs than Prado or Infante- for 2b pretty good production- Infante stats are actually pretty weak- Uggla makes a lot of dough but for 2b not too many teams get the production in runs & rbis he gives the Braves- plus he seems to be a tough guy which are always good to have on your team
we need to hang on to the pitching – you can count on a couple of guys getting hurt – we had lots last year and then had to add Ben Sheets –
Go Bravos!
Drew
November 9th, 2012
7:54 pm
Hang on to pitching to me is the right move. In fact, upgrade our pitching. Unless Medlen can continue his crazy pace, we still don’t have a #1 and questionable if we have a #2.
We can pencil down all kinds of awesome lineups, but out of the last 3 years, our lineup was better than that of the Giants who won it twice. It’s clearly not all about the lineup. The Giants have better pitching – but that is my point of upgrading the pitching.
AA
November 9th, 2012
7:56 pm
I am starting to warm to the idea of trading for Span or Fowler, finding a one year fill-in for left (would prefer Ludwick), then hand the job to Gattis in ‘14. So much of what the Braves do in the next 2-3 yrs depends on how/if McCann comes back.
Quack Quack
November 9th, 2012
8:01 pm
At least we can afford to shop at Target instead of Wal-Mart….;-)
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
8:07 pm
Hello Mr Quack Quack
Rick C
November 9th, 2012
8:10 pm
Drew, the Braves finished the season with a 3.42 ERA (4th in the NL), while the Giants had a 3.68 ERA (5th). The Giants had a tiny advantage in SP (3.73 vs 3.75), but the Braves had a far more dominant bullpen (2.76 vs 3.56). Also worth mentioning they ended the season with the same record (94-68).
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
8:13 pm
Was it a matter of getting hot at the right time?
Quack Quack
November 9th, 2012
8:24 pm
Hey Baby Girl!! I guess I missed it, so Happy Birthday….
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
8:29 pm
what are you talking about. My birthday is tomorrow. A whole 15 tomorrow.
Quack Quack
November 9th, 2012
8:32 pm
OK then Happy Birthday tomorrow. I thought you were 13??
Virginia Brave Fan
November 9th, 2012
8:34 pm
DOB,
Have we re-signed Ross and/or Reed Johnson?
Rick C
November 9th, 2012
8:35 pm
Amber Girl, the postseason is just a crapshoot really. Any team that makes it has a chance at the championship. The Giants had chemistry and ability but also a lot of luck. They faced 6 do or die elimination games and won them all. Several could have just as easily gone the other way, especially game three against the Reds when they won on an error in extra innings.
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
8:39 pm
No when I talked to you stateside I was 14. Be 15 in about 3 hrs. Sorry if I misinformed you. So how are you? Where you been? Be glad when Braves baseball starts. Got a whole 2 fans over here. Me and mom I hope I am waiting for a big trade. Get Span Go Braves. BTW Computer is my birtday present from my father. GO BRAVES!!
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
8:40 pm
Thanks Rick. Maybe Braves luck will change fot the better.
Quack Quack
November 9th, 2012
8:44 pm
Cool!! Yeah, I keep hoping things will click for our Braves. Every year it’s always something. I’m going to write a new country song about all GA sports, “There’s always next year” ;-(
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
8:48 pm
Remember buddy. They now have fans all over the world. Go Braves!!! Put some down under music and maybe that will change our luck. BTW school sucks here too.
Quack Quack
November 9th, 2012
8:53 pm
It does all over, but it is SO important. You are our future, so work hard and maybe you will be the Braves General Manager some day.
I know you would do the right thing….
Amber Girl
November 9th, 2012
8:56 pm
OK Guys Got a bithday party to go to. Thanks to everyone for chatting with me. Sorry if I offended anyone. It is Saturday here ,So maybe catch up with you on your Saturday. Bye for now fron New South Wales GO Braves
Quack Quack
November 9th, 2012
8:59 pm
Happy Birthday Amber Girl!!
GO BRAVES!!
urban redneck
November 9th, 2012
9:02 pm
happy bday amber girl!
Brave Miami
November 9th, 2012
9:12 pm
DOB, what are the chances of the Braves going after a 3B/LF prospect (almost major league ready) like Nick Castellanos (Tigers)?? Personally I think it makes sense cause he could be a cheap, young, long-term solution. The only problem is that he is not major league proven
urban redneck
November 9th, 2012
9:20 pm
is b-mac having anything done on his eyes in the offseason? it amazes me every time he makes contact with the ball. guess it is make-it-or-break-it for him this year. if he has a good year, i think we will offer him a five year deal (hopefullly with the ol’ hometown discount). with chipper gone, it’s mac’s team. i think the torch will eventually be passed to heyward and freeman, but not yet.
marteen to third. sign torii hunter for a year in LF. i’ll leave it up to wren to pick our CF. he doesn’t care what i think anyway. although we have the money to pick up a big free agent, i bet he pulls off some kind of trade. he’s not perfect, but he does purty well with what liberty gives him. speaking of trades, we should deal hanson for a five-pack of miller lite. go bravos.
Bob the Blogger
November 9th, 2012
9:42 pm
The Braves are not trading Hanson or Uggla. There is no market for either of them. I just hope they don’t trade a future star pitcher for an outfielder who will be gone in a few years.
Tip O' the Cap
November 9th, 2012
10:13 pm
Living in AZ and watching the DBacks (as my 2nd club to the Bravos, of course!), I would say that we should pass on Upton. There just are too many “ifs”. I gotta believe FW is already in tune with that.
jbill
November 9th, 2012
11:24 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER!!!!!!!!!!
BravesFanInNashville
November 9th, 2012
11:31 pm
Happy B-Day Amber Girl.. Hope you are having a great one with people you love….
jbill
November 9th, 2012
11:35 pm
If Braves could pull off a big trade with Twins for Span and Willingham it would be great…you would have two damn good players cheap for 3-r-4 years. Then you would have money to get relief pitcher, and some to sign J-Hey, Freeman Prado long term.
Just say no to Boras’s players ex. Ellsbury.
BravesFanInNashville
November 9th, 2012
11:42 pm
I’d prefer Fowler over Span. He’s a switch hitter, has a higher OBP, is from Atlanta and might be more motivated to stay long term if he can play at home. We need some right handed bats to counter the lefties we face in the NL east like Hamels, Lee, Santana, Niese, Detwiler and Buerhle. As it is we might have Fransisco at 3B if we trade for Span in CF we’d have 5 of our 8 regulars be left handed hitters. On base percentage is hugely important for a leadoff hitter. Fowler’s is excellent.
jbill
November 10th, 2012
12:23 am
I’d take either one “faninNashville”..not much difference in obp. Flower is 389 and Spans 342..Flower K’d 128 times and Span k’d 62 with 100 more ab’s. Span in top 3 in AL in CF defensive stats and should have got Golden Glove if not for Trout.. I know he bats L but so did Bourn.
Like I said I like both..Fowler from Atlanta is cool..Ben Revere is also from Atlanta and I’d love to have him.
Wren has some tough decisions to make…God Bless USA and all our troop around the world.
jbill
November 10th, 2012
12:42 am
K’s..not K’d sorry about that.
doggiedoodoo
November 10th, 2012
1:26 am
Put Tony Baloney at 3n and Mike the Dyke behind the plate.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
1:46 am
Check out the license tag of this guy I was behind on the 55 Freeway today in Orange County:
https://twitter.com/ajcbraves/status/267079816929497088/photo/1
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
1:49 am
DOB,
Have we re-signed Ross and/or Reed Johnson? — Virginia Brave Fan
No, Braves haven’t re-signed any of their free agents. I still think they’ll re-sign Ross, but there are other teams interested including possibly the Yankees. So maybe it’ll take a little more negotiating than originally thought.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
1:51 am
Just got to my Phoenix hotel, after driving from Indian Wells back to Orange County airport (usual 1:45 drive took 2-1/2 hours with traffic) and waiting around for my 7:15 p.m. flight out of Calif.
Going to AFL game tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll get to see Ahmed play Saturday or Monday, and Salcedo. Maybe see Spruill pitch.
bwell
November 10th, 2012
2:12 am
It is very sad that our belove Braves have falling so much. This use to be a proud organization who would spend what needed to be spent to keep a winning team. Since Ted Turner sold his soul and his teams to the devil (Time Warner) We haven’t been able to keep great players, now it seems like our organization is going to let Bourn go…….. what else is new. Then try and replace him with a second or third tier player. What happen? TW don’t care they only in it for a profit.
Tommy Boggs
November 10th, 2012
5:11 am
Bourn is not worth the big $ long term deal. He sucked the second 1/2 of the season, and is a sucker for the high fastball. I would put that money towards Josh Hamilton to play left.
Have to bring back Ross and Reed Johnson.
Also would rather have Schafer and the Pastor instead of Hinske and Diaz.
Bill M.
November 10th, 2012
7:34 am
What’s this rumor about?? Rangers wanting to trade for Pastornicky. What do the Rangers have that the Braves could use ???
papadawg
November 10th, 2012
7:53 am
I’d rather take a chance on one of our young guys in the minors than pay Bourne any more than the offer sheet.
happy hunter
November 10th, 2012
8:03 am
DOB, What would it take to get with the Twins for Span and J. Willingham? I think that could solve all of our OF needs if the price is right. Thoughts?
jbill
November 10th, 2012
8:24 am
Bill M said “What do the Rangers have that the Braves could use”???
Everything!!!!!
Thanks DOB for crossing the Country to bring us new info on our beloved Braves….Watch our for the crazy people in Orange County.
Ralph
November 10th, 2012
8:30 am
I am predicting Nick Ahmed will be included in some type trade, possibly to the D/Backs for Upton and that Gattis will start the season as our back up catcher.
MikeY
November 10th, 2012
8:46 am
Just saw that David Ross signed a 2-year deal w/ the Red Sox.
OUCH!!!
Al
November 10th, 2012
8:50 am
Thought Ross was pretty much a done deal for Atlanta. Damn!! I liked Ross
Thanks alot Wren!!
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
9:02 am
Will Mccann be ready at start of season? I guess now we have to get backup. How about Napoli?
danny
November 10th, 2012
9:13 am
I am of the opinion to not give up on uggla just yet. But McCann has to go. You can’t hinge your offense around a bad eyed, bad kneed over weight catcher. I hope he comes back and does just enough so we can trade him for anything but I don’t even see that happening. Can you imagine what the braves would have done last year if their opening day 3 and 4 hitters has even performed average? (Uggla, McCann) I don’t know of any team that would have won as many games with the lack of production from 2 of their biggest bats. Tough to say but Freddi G deserves a lot of credit last year
Yuuup
November 10th, 2012
9:14 am
Wren better get creative now that he has dropped the ball and David Ross is with the Red Sox. This just blows my mind, with all the question marks with McCann, how in the hell can signing Ross to a extension not be a priority? Sometimes I seriously wonder about this team.
erm016
November 10th, 2012
9:16 am
I’m very disappointed in the Braves for letting Ross go. Not even making him an offer. They dropped the ball on this one.
Tommy Boggs
November 10th, 2012
9:23 am
Not signing Ross- Do they have a plan or just caught napping?
Will miss Ross, won’t miss that dumb ars commercial with him and B-Mac lighting the fireworks off.
That sucked almost has much has Bourn did in the 2nd half.
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
9:28 am
Losing Ross hurts. Anybody got any idea what we do now? I don’t know is Mccann is ready?
Norman
November 10th, 2012
9:32 am
What the hell is Frank Wren doing? Losing Ross is losing a big chunk of this team, on and off the field. I’m very angry right now.
Fastball
November 10th, 2012
9:33 am
I’m telling you Wren ruin the Baltimore Orioles. …and now the Braves, no matter what short term success he might have. …and YES please let Bourn go. They should have traded him last July. It’s too bad about Ross. He must have seen the writing on the wall to not wait for the Braves offer, but then why should he have to wait. They should of signed him when McCann went TO surgery. A hollow feeling inside.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
9:51 am
I haven’t talked to David Ross yet, but I’m betting Red Sox guaranteed him not just more money, but more playing time. Don’t know yet if the second year that Kenny Rosenthal is reporting Boston is giving him is something that held back Braves, because of his age.
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
9:54 am
This really sucks. Saw on MlB network that GM’s were in lobby deciding who had prettiest hair. Wren won. He could havw taken that time to sign ROSS.
Orlandobravefan
November 10th, 2012
9:55 am
Man, letting Ross get away with McCann hurt is troubling. Here’s hoping that Wren has got some contingency plan if this were to happen, he is the GM of frigging pro baseball team. I think you could consider the fact that though Ross was a awesome backup to McCann he is a back up. However, there was not much drop off at the plate or defensively when McCann was out.
Kev4braves
November 10th, 2012
9:58 am
So DB what do the braves do now? Have extra money
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
9:58 am
D.Ross, who’ll be 36 in March, goes from making $3.25M over past 2 yrs w/ Braves, to making $6.2M over next 2 yrs w/ Red Sox.
That is just not something you see from a 36-year-old catcher.
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
10:06 am
Is Anyone really surprised, Does it take an earthquake to see Wren is not good at his job. The Front office needs a Major shake up. Too much talent with the Braves to let JS @ wren doodle it away. Take care of the small pieces and large pieces will take care of them selves.
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
10:12 am
Hi Mr JHarber. Do you think they will trade now or will they waste money on a worthless back-up
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
10:24 am
If trend continues Amber, Wren will snooze and lose. Hope you and mom are well, By the way Happy Birthday Sunday many happy returns.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
10:29 am
Braves valued Ross a great deal, but weren’t going to go two years guaranteed at that kind of money for a backup catcher who’ll be 36 in March.
Don
November 10th, 2012
10:35 am
ESPN is reporting that David Ross is now a Boston Red Sox catcher signing a 2 year deal for 6.2 million. WOW!! Frank maybe needed to spend a little more time looking in his own back yard as now they are in a fix.
Don
November 10th, 2012
10:35 am
ESPN is reporting that David Ross is now a Boston Red Sox catcher signing a 2 year deal for 6.2 million. WOW!! Frank maybe needed to spend a little more time looking in his own back yard as now they are in a fix.
Bill M.
November 10th, 2012
10:36 am
I don’t blame the Braves for not giving 6M & two years. Now is the time to trade McCann. As I said on another blog, the Yankees or Tampa will take him. Trade him to the Yankees for Romine & Mason Williams. Romine is ready for the majors.
Atlanta Braves Links of the Day For November 10, 2012 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
November 10th, 2012
10:37 am
[...] No deals, but Braves say GM meetings productive [...]
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
10:40 am
@JHarber Thanks for birthday wishes. Mom and DAD are well. Not very good birthday present with Wren screwup. I guess he will spend millions on a piece of junk. Hopefully give Gattis a try,but beginning to wonder if he is thaty smart
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
10:41 am
DOB Do you honestly belief they can replace Ross? The way he knows Braves pitching, great clubhouse guy, keeps everyone loose, then comes into ball game and produces. I do not. I appreciate the job you do keeping us informed But I do not believe Wren can handle the job. You have to look beyond stats at times and I believe this was 1 of those times.
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
10:45 am
Amber I agree on all except Gattis not sure he is ready for the big leagues maybe by allstar break. But Ross creates a very large hole in the Braves roster. WILL BE VERY HARD TO FILL.
phil
November 10th, 2012
10:52 am
Good grief….they let Ross walk?
Now down to zero catchers.
TomTomClub
November 10th, 2012
10:53 am
Good for Ross! The Braves would have been far better off offering that deal to Ross instead of picking up McCann’s option. Between Wren and Gonzalez, it won’t be long before the Braves are basement dwellers! Dumb and Dumber!!!!
least of the east
November 10th, 2012
10:54 am
Braves are good at losing free agents and poor at signing them. they would rather make a trade and lose assets than sign a comparable player for nothing. the main idea is to save money even though Wren denies money is a problem.
they have their #1 catcher coming back from surgery and they let their backup (Ross) sign elsewhere a week after he is a free agent ? at his salary is a 2nd year that much of an issue ? this is stupidity.
so now we already have another hole to fill.
incompetence, poor judgement.
urban redneck
November 10th, 2012
10:57 am
holy frickin cow. 2 years for 6.2. braves should have paid that not only for a backup but for an insurance policy. wren screwed the pooch on this one. i generally give him more credit than the average braves fan, but he just peed in my raisin bran.
add catcher to our list. it’s not even on the wish list; it is now a must have. who the heck is gonna catch at the beginning of the season? i bet marteen could do it. he can do everything else. all kidding aside………this sucks. re-signing rossy should have been one of our top priorities this offseason.
amber girl, you got wittier since yoú’re all grown up now!!!!
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
11:01 am
Maybe Wren quits trying to win prettiest hair contest, he will do something. I DOUBT IT. My hair is prettier than his,so let us take care. We lost Bourn, now Ross. Who;s next. Do your job Mr Wren.. Go get Russell Martin or Napoli or make a trade NOW! Get off your behind and get us a catchert. Then get Span and sign Victorino and give us our team back.. I want a birthday present from you Mr Wren. I want you to do your JOB. Quit worrying about your pretty hair and dfo something. NOW!!! Go Braves. Sorry for this but he has m,ade me mad now
Homer the Brave
November 10th, 2012
11:10 am
DOB,
One of the Cardinals’ sport writers said that the Cards are shopping Shumaker and Descalso since they have an abudance of infielders. And he said the Braves are one of the teams that is interested in acquiring Descalso as a super-utility guy. Have you heard anything about this?
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
11:10 am
Thanks mr urban redneck Got to go. Be back soon. Give me a great big birthday present by getting our GM off of his behind and getting his JOB done
N8
November 10th, 2012
11:18 am
“Braves valued Ross a great deal, but weren’t going to go two years guaranteed at that kind of money for a backup catcher who’ll be 36 in March.”
But they’ll gamble 12 million on a guy coming off of a major surgery, who might miss the first month?
Too many people forget that April counts too. The ONLY reason Braves are able to have Mac be the guy that he is in the middle of the lineup and miss much time as he does (even before this injury), is because D-Ross was the best backup in baseball and only guy that could provide reasonable replacement numbers when Mac was out.
Now if Mac isn’t ready, we’ll have Boscan or somebody of that nature (I think he was released). Which is perfect.
Wren better have bold moves in place. Losing Ross means about 30-40 games next year we’ll be like every other team out there……. weak offensively at catcher.
They’ll pay KK 6 milion per year to sit at AA. They paid JJ whatever he made last year to stay away. They pay Chipper 13 million to play in 2/3 of the games. Mac will likely start arount 110 or so games next year at 12 million. Uggla gets 13 million to do what he does. The Braves payed 10 million last year just to make Lowe go away.
But 6.25 million over two years is too much for the best possible insurance policy over a Mac injury?
Not a great way to start the off-season Mr. Wren.
urban redneck
November 10th, 2012
11:19 am
mister urban redneck? that’s hilarious. i’ll start calling my wife mrs. urban redneck. she will love it!
Furman Bitcher
November 10th, 2012
11:19 am
You pay Ross the 6.2 because this yr with McCann hurt he would play more. BAD MOVE
N8
November 10th, 2012
11:23 am
That being said, I’m one of the guys that has said trade mac, sign another defense first catcher to split time with Ross, and spend the money filling the other positons on the field with some offense.
If Wren gets impact bats for CF and LF/3B. Things will be fine. Whatever Mac provides will be a bonus.
But i’ll believe that Wren gets impact bats when i see it. I think he’ll try. But with Ross leaving? I now have doubts he’ll close the deal.
klaus
November 10th, 2012
11:26 am
Losing Chipper, two holes in the OF and being stuck with Uggla. That plus a little more money and contract length = easy decision for Ross.
You have to wonder if their is much team chemistry and if the players believe in Fredi. Again have we heard anyone say lets wins one for Fredi or I would do anything to win one for Fredi.
He is not a bad guy but he doesn’t seem to motivate or inspire that dugout.
Ditto can be said of Wren and the FO. Most Braves say nothing about him or them which is telling IMHO.
Chipper was the only one and usually it was “i hope they get us abc player, wink wink”
Anyway here is hoping Mac doesn’t repeat or decline from 2012 and Bethancourt learns to hit but quick.
N8
November 10th, 2012
11:29 am
Also, why would playing time come into play? Every blogger on here spouted for two years that Ross was good because he “knew his role” and was playing as much as he could and still be productive.
Ross allegedly even admitted this. If he truly thought that, why would more guaranteed playing time sway him? Are you telling me that he didn’t let the Red Sox know that he’s not good enough to play that often?
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
11:31 am
N8 I agree whole hearthedly. Just do not believe in the Front Office any longer. Just too many moves that are unthinkable. Dempster comes to mind quickly among others. Makes me wonder out loud.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
11:33 am
Braves lose D. Ross to Red Sox
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/11/10/braves-lose-catcher-ross-to-red-sox/
Tranny Granny
November 10th, 2012
11:40 am
Entered winter mettings needing LF & CF. Left winter meetings needing LF, CF,and backup catcher. Wake up Frankie Wren…
Lance
November 10th, 2012
11:42 am
I do not pretend to be a GM a manager or anything other than a passionate fan of baseball. That being said, I have followed the Braves since the time TBS came into existence and you could see almost every Braves games all year – and that is a long time ago. (Still seething over the Brett Butler debacle.) I think that allowing Ross to be signed by anyone is a huge mistake. As others have said, the games in April are important and having Ross was a pillar of strength for the first part of the season. Also as mentioned, one of the things that made Mac the catcher he was able to be was the off days he got because Ross could play any time under any circumstance to give Mac a rest (something I think is very important for every catcher). Throughout the season, listening to the pitchers talk about how good Ross is as a receiver and game-caller (especially the high praise coming from Medlen) the concern rises even more. I’ve looked over the minor league options and I just don’t see anyone who is ready to take on that role and do it well. I understand the financial risk of a 2 year deal for a backup catcher who is 36 but, when it comes to Ross, I think you through out the “business as usual” mind-set and you sign him. If he wants more playing time, give it to him. I think Ross made Mac a better catcher and I think the Ross and Mac together made the rotation better. I’m very interested to see what the solution Wren comes up with. I hope, as someone predicted, that we don’t overpay for a catcher that ends up hurting us in other areas.
Ozzie
November 10th, 2012
11:48 am
Yes but Wren has no problem throwing away 50-60+mm on a lifetime .250 hitter bc he hit HRs in meaningless games in FL. Or an over the hill starter or an over the hill Japanese pitcher, etc….
News flash Uggla will be 35-36 making 13mm a year at the end of his deal. Ross has an ROI that is through the roof, while Uggla’s is through the floor. Let’s not defend Wren to hard on this point.
Wren is a dart thrower partially blind folded on most of his moves and the results are the same. False hope and then the inevitable stumble at or right before the finish line.
For a team that has not advanced in the post season (usually missing it) past the first round, since what? 1999, why they keep the FO around.
BC Liberty doesn’t care, just like TW/AOL didn’t care about winning a ring or winning. Heck no one from Liberty could even take the private jet to honor Chipper when he hung them up. That speaks volumes. Even lollipop stealing politicians would show up for a photo op like that but not one person from Liberty? But I digress.
The FO hides behind payroll issues (which they profess are totally under their control, insert chuckle) when all they do is make foolish moves with payroll (Uggla, Lowe, KK, McOut) that can ill afford.
Yet Wren is a viewed as some kind of shrewd GM who pulls off unexpected hits. The problem is the trade goes from being well regarded at the time (mostly by his peers) to the same gone fishing results in October. Wren gets a “tough luck boss” pat on the back from industry and moves on to undershoot another day.
In traditional business you cannot guarantee a face plant YoY and not eventually get fired. And yes we know most teams watch the postseason from a hunting lodge or a golf course but the Braves use to be the model for winning and championships. They are now part of the herd hoping luck breaks their way and they can steal a big moment.
Liberty, the FO and FG will all need to go or this team will be a decoy.
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
11:53 am
Very well said OZZIE.
Tranny Granny
November 10th, 2012
11:53 am
Wren went to winter meetings to eat and drink with hid brethren and forgot the purpose of why he went. Like a kid that is given $20 to get bread & milk from the store but returns home empty handed…
Lance
November 10th, 2012
11:55 am
I agree — very well said Ozzie
Franklin Wren
November 10th, 2012
12:03 pm
A lot of 2¢ wannabe gm’s on here I see ? After I sign a couple big name OF’s Ozzie & others will be all over my jock praising me. David Ross was not worth $ 3.5 million to play one game a week. Take your legiance to the Red Sox if you like David Ross so much. I can surely make it without fans like you…
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
12:06 pm
i COULD LIVE BETTER WITHOUT YOU FRANK WREN
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
12:07 pm
In blog, meant to write best BACKUP catcher in baseball. Fixed now.
Ozzie
November 10th, 2012
12:30 pm
FW – More like fans of a team for over 25yrs who know what a purposefully built team looks like never mind a GM with a vision.
Wren will not go down as a shrewd or supreme chess player as a GM. Whether is a poor gut instinct or lousy and over the hill staff he zigs when he should zag and if he flops its bc he doesn’t have a 120mm payroll (which is a weak excuse when you are sitting on 90-94mm to spend)
It is beyond time for the Braves FO to hang them up.
Let a new team come in with a new approach (with no excuses) and get this team back to its former glory versus stumbling through each off season and season hoping the cards fall their way.
They are not getting back to anything at this point. Just more piece part teams and ill conceived moves.
From the silly hiring of Fredi to the poor use of payroll Wren and company need to be shown the keys to the street IMHO.
Ozzie
November 10th, 2012
12:31 pm
Thanks Harber and Lance
Tron
November 10th, 2012
1:09 pm
It pretty sad that D.Ross numbers are better than Fat Mac’s numbers if you project Ross numbers same amount of games as Fat Mac’s.
Chase Davis
November 10th, 2012
1:13 pm
You arm chair gm’s need to get a job instead of blogging 24/7…
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
1:16 pm
Chase Davis——–Come back on here in a year and tell us about dumb we are OK.
Chase Davis
November 10th, 2012
1:17 pm
Hey Ozzie,the old folks home in Decatur is hiring bedpan changers starting at $4 bucks an hour. You need to apply.
Chase Davis
November 10th, 2012
1:19 pm
You provide all the proof of being dumb with your misworded blogs…
Chase Davis
November 10th, 2012
1:28 pm
I agree. Very well said Tranny Granny!
Ralph
November 10th, 2012
2:03 pm
But we still have J.C. Boscan, doesn’t get much bettet than that does it?
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
2:14 pm
We in the media are also in mourning — loss of best interview in baseball (Chipper) and one of the next-best (Ross).
Cracker
November 10th, 2012
2:17 pm
Happy b’day, Amber Girl! After digesting the parts of this that would go down, it seems that the Braves have too many holes all at once. The biggest of all might be in the clubhouse. The biggest on the field is, as Drew said, starting pitching. Medlen’s run was a lot of fun, but can he be that hot pitching a full year in ‘13. Nuttier things have happened, but I’d settle for 80% of what he was during his streak. His control and that killer change-up are attributes you don’t find very often in a generation. Minor has come of age; he’ll be fine. Hudson is a gamer and can still pitch. After that, we don’t have much. Maholm isn’t a long-term answer, Hanson and JJ look to be done. Delgado may or may not be ready; Teheran doesn’t appear to be so. You don’t win at this level without a solid starting rotation; look what the Braves did in the 1990s when they had one.
Somebody mentioned Constanza. This isn’t Oakland. It’s still a team with the Bobby Cox/Earl Weaver mindset: power hitting wins. Chipper knew better when he emphasized the need for ABC players. We let Willie Harris go. We let Gregor Blanco go. We’re wedded to .260 hitters who might hit 30 homeruns, not .285 singles and doubles hitters. We need more people like Prado, of whom Constanza is one, with a lesser bat and more speed.
Ozzie
November 10th, 2012
2:18 pm
Not a geezer Chase. Happily in my mid 40s. Nice try at redirecting the conversation…
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
Had planned to write a new blog this morning before coming to AFL game. Then woke to the Ross news, spent morning doing that before heading over here to Phoenix Muni Stadium.
Just talked quite a bit with Nick Ahmed and Edward Salcedo. Both very impressive, mature guys. Salcedo has struggled with the bat this fall, but coaches love his attitude and he’s working on swing adjustment. Ahmed has opened a lot of eyes, strong defensive player and he’s hit out here, too.
Watching Spruill pitch for the PHX Desert Dogs against Salt River Rafters.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
After leadoff hitter reached on an error to start game, Spruill picked him off at 1st. Nice move for a righty.
Frank Wren
November 10th, 2012
2:56 pm
I use both a conditioner and hair spray on my pretty hair.
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
3:00 pm
@Mr Frank Wren I do to jerk, But mine is still prettier than yours. DO YOUR JOB jerk.
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
3:03 pm
Glad you maintain something frankie boy
Amber Girl
November 10th, 2012
3:24 pm
@JHarber His hair can’t compete with mine. I do my job by going to school. Now he needs to do his job. WREN IS A JERK. Draws all that money as does nothing. I got pretty hair can I not go to school. He gets away with not doing his job. I can’t. He is stupid and a JERK. Sorry to be this way on my birthday but he has made me mad. I love our Braves and want them to win. He definitely doesn’t care about them. All he wants is the MONEY. JERK BIG TIME!!!!
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
5:01 pm
It’s way early, I realize. Nevertheless, the Big 12 looking pretty good today in Tuscaloosa.
Wait, A&M not a Big 12 team anymore? Well, technically I guess that’s correct, but….
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2012
5:10 pm
DOB Do you honestly belief they can replace Ross? The way he knows Braves pitching, great clubhouse guy, keeps everyone loose, then comes into ball game and produces. I do not. — JHarber
Going to be very difficult to replace what Ross brings in terms of intangibles, in the clubhouse, working with the other catcher and the pitchers, etc. Not to mention how well he plays and the big hits and defense he contributes.
JHarber
November 10th, 2012
5:46 pm
DOB—–Thanks for the reply and keep up the good work. Most of us really do appreciate your work. Thanks again
Dan
November 10th, 2012
6:35 pm
(Sean Gilmartin for Denard Span) and (Hanson,Delgado,Pastornicky and Juan Francisco for Justin Upton!) Geta done!
Wren-a-player
November 11th, 2012
8:59 am
Ross wanted over 3 Mil a year and we wern’t willing to pay that and he knew it!We have an excellent catching prospect in Bethancourt and he will be in camp at spring training.Ross is 35 years old and on the verge of being washed up so we decided to go with youth or as Joe Pesci calls them…..The Youts!We need to save money because we are expecting a lower attendance this year and we have to pay those 2 over priced players McCann and Uggla so we had to let Ross walk………Oh and don’t expect Bourn around either.Bourn’s agent Scott Boras has priced him right out of our Ballpark!
Wren-a-player
November 11th, 2012
8:59 am
Ross wanted over 3 Mil a year and we wern’t willing to pay that and he knew it!We have an excellent catching prospect in Bethancourt and he will be in camp at spring training.Ross is 35 years old and on the verge of being washed up so we decided to go with youth or as Joe Pesci calls them…..The Youts!We need to save money because we are expecting a lower attendance this year and we have to pay those 2 over priced players McCann and Uggla so we had to let Ross walk………Oh and don’t expect Bourn around either.Bourn’s agent Scott Boras has priced him right out of our Ballpark!
BirdBrain Wren
November 11th, 2012
9:07 am
Wren had to take a dump and while he was sitting in his outhouse for 10 hours contemplating his next move Ross decided that he would rather play for the Red Sux then play for his Hometown team the Braves.
Angry acworth man
November 11th, 2012
9:57 am
Just curious about who said they were “productive” GM meetings? If it was Frank Wren, then it’s not worth believing!!!
Frank Wren is an idiot
November 11th, 2012
3:48 pm
Productive? Frank must have had his best round of golf ever out there. Thats right though, havent you heard Freddy Gonzo will be ptroling center field next year, Terry Pendleton is going back to 3rd and Eddie Perez is going back behind the plate. Not to mention Bobby Dews is going to be our 5th starter. Frank Wren is an idiot.
mike mangan
November 11th, 2012
4:24 pm
Centerfield should read Dexter Fowler,Package Hanson.Pastornick and Constanza for Fowler and Denvers back up catcher.We need to make this deal now/Walt Weiss are you reading this?
Gone Viral
November 11th, 2012
7:40 pm
Losing Dave Ross makes this team several games worse in 2013.
I could never express in words how much I loathe Liberty Media.
mike mangan
November 11th, 2012
7:58 pm
Catchers,Catchers and more catchers.Let us look back Gregg Olson,Ozzie Virgil,Damon Berryhill,Bruce Benedict,Javy Lopez,Del Crandall,Earl Williams,Henry Blanco just to mention a few of tecievers past Now add David Ross to that list……
A-Ville Ranger
November 11th, 2012
8:10 pm
Span is a lefty, we need to add right handied bats to the lineup. He also has no particular strength as a hitter. He has no power, doesn’t walk much and has a so so OBP.
Chris
November 12th, 2012
3:05 am
Braves will never again have a legit shot year after year until new ownership arrives willing to spend money…I mean we can’t even hold on to our backup catcher…pathetic.
Bob the Blogger
November 12th, 2012
7:32 am
I hope the Braves can get Denard Span. Comparing Span to Bourn lifetime:
Average Bourn .272 Span .284
On-base Bourn .339 Span .357
Slugging Bourn .365 Span .389
Plus, Span strikes out 12% of the time, vs Bourn’s 20%. And Span is much cheaper. Bourn is better on defense and SBs, but it’s not worth the price differential.
Dan Uggla's Swing
November 12th, 2012
11:24 am
Really sick of the Braves constant obsession with going after a “power” bat. Enough already. It might have gotten them 14 straight titles, but it only got them one world series, and it wont win any in the near future. This team needs to be far more balanced, contact hitters who can put the ball in play. OBP and RBI’s will win far more championships than the 3 run homer will. Better pitching in the playoffs gives up far fewer homers. Power hitters = strike outs, strike outs lead to runners left on base and left in scoring position. This has been the plague of the Braves for the last two seasons. I know, the home run is so much more impressive to watch…….
gern blanston
November 12th, 2012
5:14 pm
Do you think this could be done?….Dexter Fowler in CF, Chase Headley in LF?…or would Carlos Gonzalez in CF work?…I think Fowler and Headley are possible and give the Braves alot of flexibility….Gonzalez would be a coup!!!
74bravesjersey
November 12th, 2012
6:33 pm
@gern blanston; Awesome! It would be a major impact move if the Braves were to pull off the deal of Chase headley & Carlos Gonzales. A MAJOR WOW FACTOR of a move. Those 2 could catapult our lineup in a serious way. You’re Cool on these Diggs man, Keep goin’ brother, like you’re thinkin’ man.
74bravesjersey
November 12th, 2012
7:01 pm
Hey gern; I wasn’t bein’ smart either, I’d give anything if FW would get the fan base back on his side if he were to get 2 sticks like Headley & Car-Gonzo, ’cause those dudes are a couple of Rake’n Thumpers.
Mitchell
November 12th, 2012
10:05 pm
MacPhail made Bobby Cox a manager
Where’s my time machine?
freebird13
November 13th, 2012
12:48 am
This the year Frank Wrenn proves he got the mojo.
John A.
November 13th, 2012
10:20 am
The Braves lucked out by Frank not giving away the farm for has beens. As for Uggle…..don’t give him a choice…go to LFor it his butt on the bench and suck pine. His talent at 2nd has dimished as well as his hitting. We have to pay this bum so why not treat him like the bum he is. Prado’s talent is being wasted, and by screwing with him, may cause his downfall. He was the ALL STAR 2nd basemen and Frank decided to improve the 2nd base position…..I DON’T GET IT. Uggla wasn’t even on the All Star Team….see what I mean?
Now that Chipper has retired I suppose we’ll see all kinds of magic at 3rd if Fredi and Frank play their normal game. DUMB…DUMB…DUMB.
Tuck Daddy
November 13th, 2012
11:54 am
I’d like to put Gattis in LF and move Prado to 3B. I’d prefer Span in CF but really don’t care as long as they can play D and run. I think Simmons will be a star and be our leadoff hitter.
Simmons SS
Prado 3B
Heyward RF
Freeman 1b
Uggla 2b
Gattis LF
Platoon to start with Salty and minor leaguer with Gattis as added protection
CF Let Constanza and Schafter battle it out.
I don’t like any of the above CF to over pay or trade away young prosects. We have some guys coming up that are a year or two away. Freeman and Heyward need to make that jump to elite status and Uggla needs to play they way we are paying him for. If you add the emerence of Simmons and the consistency of Prado our lineup is fine. I think Gattis will be a stud. I watched him in spring training and loved how he played. Keep Francisco, Pastornicky, Janish all as back ups. But I do think Maholm and Hanson are getting traded. Medlin, Huddy, Minor, Beachy, and Teheran as our starters. Delgado will start the season until Beach is ready. Just don’t think the Braves are sold on Hanson any longer.
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November 17th, 2012
2:52 pm
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