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4,357 comments Add your comment
old man
November 15th, 2012
9:00 am
Those wRC+ numbers I just posted make me think even more that replacing the Chipper/Francisco and Bourn bats is very, very attainalbe. We could easily exceed them, based on 2012 stats.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:03 am
Always been a fan of Jay and Gordon… those would be 2 great gets in my opinion even if they are lefties. Good defenders as well..
numbers on BJ don’t surprise me, Pagan is average, always said so. Span isn’t great, but he fits our needs. He should be a decent enough defender who doesn’t K often. Good speed. Swisher would be nice, except that we lose a draft pick and I bet we have to go 5 years to get him. I’d go 3max. Melky will perform well for someone next year, but he’s already burned his bridge to ATL. Kinda sukks. He’d be a cheap talent.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
9:06 am
Uglla gets paid to hit homers & drive in runs but walks a lot. That’s like hiring a QB to pass to 2 Pro Bowl wide receivers then all he does is hand the ball off to running backs…
Not a bad analogy but it overstates it a bit.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:06 am
Those numbers do put an interesting perspective on things. Was always told that getting Gordon, Ludwick, Swisher… whoever wouldn’t replace what we lost with Bourn and Chipper. But the numbers appear to disagree. I still would like to see a big bat added to the lineup. I’m sure that Heyward and Uggla can be that for next year, but boy, I’d feel really good if we added 1 RH thumper.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
9:08 am
I’d feel really good if we added 1 RH thumper.
Willingham-ster
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:08 am
Peter Bourjos’ wRC+ is 2011 was 113… he’s a solid 105-115 producer in the minors. He’ll be a good one for the Halos.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
9:09 am
Upton shows the fan base (the average, casual fan), that management is “trying” and willing to spend.
Try some other way. Trade prospects for players. I’ve repeatedly said that I’d go that route if I were Wren. I have no idea who is available beyond the rumored players. Going the free agency route rarely works. Upton’s positive feature is that he is young and has tools. That’s a tough sell. I’d rather Upton for five years than Bourn for five years, sure – but that isn’t saying a ton.
God, some of you just f’n crack me up. Bitch, bitch bitch about signing Upton because we might lose a first round pick.
yet it seems like the same group of people bitching about picks like Gilmartin with our first round pick.
Moreso the trend, N8. That would be four draft picks in seven years, with the other first rounders being Minor(2009), Gilmartin(2011) and Sims(2012).
But at least Upton isn’t a one year deal for an aging player. Or a four year contract for a 36 year old mid rotation innings eater. Again, his youth is the most positive feature about Upton. Still a tough sell.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:09 am
Or Justin Upton, Olt, Pence… I really think we should see what else Texas would take for Olt that isn’t Simmons. They sure seem interested in Upton
The Braves are close to reaching an agreement with catcher Gerald Laird, reports MLB.com’s Mark Bowman (on Twitter). He’s a CSE client.
Sounds like the Braves are close to reaching an agreement with veteran catcher Gerald Laird.
I believe Efrim suggested this
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
9:10 am
The Braves are close to reaching an agreement with catcher Gerald Laird, reports MLB.com’s Mark Bowman (on Twitter).
Wish we got Shoppach. Oh well. Laird is fine.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
9:12 am
I’d rather Laird than Olivo or Paulino – so that is a positive. Shoppach, to me, was the best option.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:13 am
They (Texas) sure seem interested in Justin…
Laird, 33, hit .282/.337/.374 with two homers in 191 plate appearances for the Tigers last season, his best offensive year since 2008. He’s a career .244/.303/.359 hitter in the big leagues and has thrown out approximately 27% of attempted basestealers over the last three years.
35% CS for his career… Mac is at 24 for his career, 25 for his last 3. Laird is a .639 hitter against RHP, .713 vs LHP
RC
November 15th, 2012
9:14 am
But at least Upton isn’t a one year deal for an aging player.
While I agree in theory, that one year deal for an aging player turned out pretty damn well. Considering the role that “aging player” played in the Braves first postseason appearance in 5 years, and the literally historic season he put up, I’m ok with giving up the draft pick that year.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:15 am
Well he did hit pretty decently last year, gotten better his last 3. Good defender and handler of a staff. Wish it was Doumit coming along with Span. Now on to who that 2nd C gonna be, CBet? Gattis?
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
9:16 am
The Braves are close to reaching an agreement with catcher Gerald Laird, reports MLB.com’s Mark Bowman (on Twitter). He’s a CSE client.
I heard it was for $6.2 million for two years.
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
9:16 am
Good morning all…
I see its a stop the presses Thursday because we got our catcher….
27%…..I sure hope we didn’t bring him on for defensive purposes
Thats frankly not much better than BMac
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
9:18 am
I see its a stop the presses Thursday because we got our catcher….
27%…..I sure hope we didn’t bring him on for defensive purposes
Thats frankly not much better than BMac
Ain’t too many Rosses waiting in the wings, unfortunately.
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
9:19 am
TOBF-
I think they either pick a scrap heap type of guy (Ex. guy like Boscan) or they go w/ Gattis and keep him on as a PH and backup OF….
I cant see Bethancourt being an possibility as they wouldn’t want to start his clock and send him down
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
9:20 am
Jeff R-
Sad but true….sad but true
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:20 am
I hope for 1yr 1.1mil, maybe with a 2nd year option w/ a slight raise. But a 2yr deal wouldn’t be bad either.
He’s also been in the last 2 world series… hopefully the magic works this time, it sure didn’t with Hinske
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
9:21 am
I’m ok with giving up the draft pick that year.
It turned out fine, but if I recall correctly, couldn’t we have just kept the pick and gone with Sori who accepted arbitration? I am pretty against giving up a first rounder for any player in their late 30’s, especially a reliever on a one year deal. Just not ideal for a mid-market team that needs as many draft picks as they can get.
Couch Tater
November 15th, 2012
9:21 am
I’m on the Shin-Soo Choo train. When a man gets blue, he grabs him a train and rides…
Merle Haggard – ” Train Whistle Blues”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwxjt4gqHQ8&feature=related
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
9:21 am
I guess I can at least see this as a good sign that I got to listen to Frank yesterday on the radio….
What he said about being really close to finalizing on a Catcher was true….
Too bad for some of you that means the thought of Upton and Hamilton being top targets is actually real
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
9:27 am
I’d rather give up a pick for Upton than Swisher. In fact, out of all the free agents available associated with a draft pick, Upton and Hamilton are the two that make the most sense to me. Hamilton especially. If you’re in free agency and you have to lose a pick – go big or go home.
old man
November 15th, 2012
9:27 am
I wrote off Dexter Fowler because of his home/away splits. But that dang wRC+ is allegedly park adjusted.
Can someone explain how he had such a high number in 2012? Do park adjusted stats fully adjust for Coors Field? Rockies had a team wRC+ of only 93 (well below average) so that certainly suggests the stat DOES fully adjust for Coors.
I love that he is a switch hitter. Maybe we should put him back on the CF list.
BravesFanInMaine
November 15th, 2012
9:28 am
I think the gerald laird deal is good… he is a good catcher… Im happy with that signing
Lew
November 15th, 2012
9:29 am
ncgary – About time you had something going your way. Hope the improvement continues.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
9:30 am
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/first-free-agent-signing-torii-hunter-to-detroit-tigers-sends-ripples-through-hot-stove-season-111412
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2012
9:31 am
From the list of veteran backup catchers emerges what was probably the best overall player in Gerald Laird. Sounds like he’s close to signing with Braves.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:31 am
If we’re signing a FA who may go bust on us, definitely go big. Hamilton. He’ll provide 2-3 monster years before falling off… no other guy will do that.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
9:35 am
ncgary – About time you had something going your way. Hope the improvement continues.
I second that.
reagan
November 15th, 2012
9:37 am
old man…………………where did you get those stats? What was it for Victorino?
Dadgum.....
November 15th, 2012
9:41 am
Again, it doesn’t matter who we get as catcher as long as they are cheap. Real cheap. We already have catchers that can play a month until Mac is ready. A million bucks should get us a serviceable catcher from the heap. Laird ain’t no Ross so 1 mil should get him but frankly I would look to some combo of Gattis/CB for better defense until Mac is ready.
Rock on……and for God’s sake man, no more Asian players on the Braves. Boo on Choo.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
9:43 am
Cody Ross in left, and Wren deals for Span?
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:43 am
I see Victorino as being worth 94 wRC+ last year… got it from fangraphs
Lew
November 15th, 2012
9:44 am
In essence, they gave up that draft pick and got a mentor for KImbrel as well as an excellent year from their closer. I think it was a worthwhile deal, but could see where not everyone agrees.
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
9:45 am
Efrim-
Exactly….
And for some reason I get the thought that Frank is going exactly that way….
I mean he before said “premium players” and just yesterday on the air he discussed at length about players who were LONG TERM solutions and not stop gap types….
AND he discussed Hamilton and Upton…..just seems he’s pointing that way for at least 1 spot….
Frankly, I think either would slot well in LF and allow us to go out and deal for a CF….
I think if you sign Hamilton, you have to go out and get a RH CF simply for balance reasons, but if Upton is signed, it points clearly in the direction of Span to me….
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
9:47 am
Jeff R-
I know they’ve liked Cody for some time now, but Frank didn’t even steer that way in the convo….either he is trying to appease the fan base and say big things….OR he’s doing exactly what he says he is and shooting for the high dollar long term options….
And frankly, after getting Laird now (which he said he was — not by name) it makes me feel better about hearing the long term solution statement and tying it to Upton and Hamilton
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:48 am
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
Thing about Laird is that he hits righties far better than lefties, which doesn’t make him an ideal fit with #Braves McCann….
Good enough for a month though… he’ll be facing more righties. After that, well, I guess Mac only has to start against all LHP!
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
9:50 am
No matter if we get Hamilton or BJ, unless Justin Upton, Willingham, or Mike Olt is coming to the team, I want Span in CF.
RC
November 15th, 2012
9:51 am
Anyone listen to ESPN’s Baseball Today podcast? They put out a new episode yesterday that included an interview with Fredi Gonzalez. I’ve probably complained about Fredi as much as anyone over the past couple of years, but I was really impressed with his answers and the things he talked about related to the Gold Gloves and defense. I think Fredi works harder at learning the “new stats” more than anyone realizes, and his thoughts really show an understanding of advanced metrics.
Worth a listen, especially if you are someone who doesn’t like that Gold Gloves have been awarded more for offense than defense in the past.
old man
November 15th, 2012
9:53 am
reagan
Victorino was 94. Fangraphs “leaders” tab, you can sort by several different things. Or just go to a players page, “advanced batting.” Here is Victorino:
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1677&position=OF#advanced
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
9:54 am
Keith Law’s NL MVP ballot:
National League
1. Buster Posey, C, San Francisco Giants
2. Andrew McCutchen, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates
3. David Wright, 3B, New York Mets
4. Ryan Braun, LF, Milwaukee Brewers
5. Chase Headley, 3B, San Diego Padres
6. Yadier Molina, C, St. Louis Cardinals
7. Jason Heyward, RF, Atlanta Braves
8. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
9. Michael Bourn, CF, Atlanta Braves
10. R.A. Dickey, RHP, New York Mets
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2012
10:00 am
By the way, Laird has played in the past two World Series with St. Louis in 2011 and Detroit in 2012.
old man
November 15th, 2012
10:01 am
Dexter Fowler’s wRC+ home/away split is 155/85. I see no OPS+ split for home/away.
Two explanations: (1) the sRC+ stat is really not very good at park adjustment, or (2) Dexter Fowler REALLY likes to sleep in his own bed. A third explanation is that I don’t know what I’m talking about.
Rockies had the best wRC+ at home, 121, and the worst on the road, 85. How is this park adjusted???Any help guys?
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:03 am
CF Upton
3B Prado
RF Heyward
LF Willingham
1B Freeman
C McCann
SS Simmons
If we were to sign Upton and trade for Willingham, I’m not sure how else to fix the lineup. I mean, I guess we can go with Upton 2 and Prado at leadoff.
But I mean honestly, who would think Fredi would not bat BJ Upton leadoff if he signed here? I’d bet good money that’s where he would hit.
Couch Tater
November 15th, 2012
10:06 am
Dadgum –
Boo on Choo? I don’t care about his ability. It’s the blogging possibilities. The blog, man. The blog.
Choo will not be graded.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
10:08 am
Even with the power numbers? I’d bet he goes 2 or 3… and that’s not good.
Prado/Upton/Heyward/Willingham/Freeman/Uggla/McCann/Simmons
or Simmons/Prado/Upton/Heyward/Uggla/Freeman/McCann/Simmons
Tumbledown
November 15th, 2012
10:08 am
Laird will replace Hinske as the pickup who played in the most recent World Series. When we picked up Hinske, hadn’t he just played in three straight WS?
raleighbravefan
November 15th, 2012
10:08 am
Cal Ripkin was on XM first pitch this morning…He favors Miggy over Trout for MVP. He said the “tipping point” for him, was the positive effect Miggy had on the rest of the lineup, RE how the guys ahead and behind him were pitched to. In essence, the other guys saw better pitches, and this raised the BA of the entire lineup.
Of course, Cal doesn’t know much about the game, but this is a perfect example of an intangable (his word) that the Sabre guys disregard. Advanced stats are valuable, but are not the black and white be all and end all that some here would have you believe. Just saying…
Dadgum.....
November 15th, 2012
10:09 am
Efrim….so I assume you still have Uggla on the team batting 7th?
Dadgum.....
November 15th, 2012
10:11 am
Hinske played with two teams -Rays and Yanks.
reagan
November 15th, 2012
10:11 am
Thanks olf man…(and tobf)
monty
November 15th, 2012
10:11 am
DOB-”By the way, Laird has played in the past two World Series with St. Louis in 2011 and Detroit in 2012.”
So where Laird goes, so goes the WS. Sweet! Worth an extra bit of money to have him here.
Couch Tater
November 15th, 2012
10:12 am
Laird’s 2012 splits..
http://www.fangraphs.com/statsplits.aspx?playerid=1698&position=C&season=2012
DAP
November 15th, 2012
10:14 am
efrim, upton really makes too many outs to bat leadoff. but that is probably where he would end up.
monty
November 15th, 2012
10:15 am
Tumbledown-”When we picked up Hinske, hadn’t he just played in three straight WS?”
If that’s the case then obviously 3’s the limit,right?Laird still has 1 left. Who says you can’t buy a WS. Get him Wren!
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
November 15th, 2012
10:15 am
Laird as the Backup???
I will Roll with it…Good Move Frankie Wren…Liked Laird when I saw him a lot during his early days in Texas….
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
10:15 am
By the way, Laird has played in the past two World Series with St. Louis in 2011 and Detroit in 2012.
Wasn’t this a selling point for Hinske back in the day?
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:20 am
Efrim….so I assume you still have Uggla on the team batting 7th?
Yes, my bad.
CF Upton
3B Prado
RF Heyward
LF Willingham
1B Freeman
2B Uggla
C McCann
SS Simmons
Upton definitely makes too many outs there. So I guess, the only other formation is:
3B Prado
2B Uggla
RF Heyward
LF Willingham
1B Freeman
CF Upton
C McCann
SS Simmons
Obviously it’s all based on acquiring Willingham as well….and ya know, signing Upton to a five year $75 million dollar deal. But those are the two options I see.
Oh well. It’s just lineup formation. Just get the bats first.
Murph
November 15th, 2012
10:22 am
If the team signs Upton then I’d want Gattis in LF. If they sign Hamilton, then I think they need to deal for a proven CF like Span.
1. Prado
2. Heyward
3. Upton
4. Freeman
5. Uggla
6. BMac
7. Gattis
8. Simmons
or
1. Span
2. Heyward
3. Prado
4. Hamilton
5. Uggla
6. Freeman
7. Simmons
8. BMac
Man, that’s a hard lineup to balance with Hamilton/Heyward/Freeman/BMac… but it’s a good problem to have.
Rick C
November 15th, 2012
10:25 am
Even if they get BJ, I’d still love to get Span and just move one to LF.
Span
Prado
Heyward
Upton
Freeman
Uggla
McCann
Simmons
CB
November 15th, 2012
10:27 am
Laird is a good signing if salary not too high, reserve my happiness until I see that.
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
10:28 am
Efrim-
You know BJ Upton is never going to bat leadoff right?
2 maybe at worst…..but I’d probably peg more in the 4 hole….
And I really can’t see Frank going out and getting Upton and Willingham….Upton and Span maybe, but Upton and Willingham really just fill the same hole
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2012
10:29 am
During an 11-game stretch June 8-20 when Alex Avila was hurt, Laird made 10 starts and hit .306 (11-for-36) with a .375 OBP. The Tigers went 7-3 in his 10 starts during that period.
Laird also started six out of 12 games during a September 8-20 stretch in the heat of a pennant race, hitting .364 (8-for-22) during that period.
Brave New World
November 15th, 2012
10:31 am
Span
Victorino
Prado
Heyward
Freeman
Uggla
McCann
Simmons
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
10:32 am
Signing Upton and trading for a LF “masher” will certainly leave Scoots in the right pane. Just the other day I had listed how if the team failed to acquire a true lead-off hitter it would be a failure on the part of the front office, Upton is neither a true leadoff hitter or a “masher.” Bring him into the fold and some other “masher” in LF and Prado, by default, becomes the most apt option at leadoff. That is where the FO failure lies. An entire off-season to accomplish its stated objectives and again it comes up short. “Premium Player”, Leadoff/CF.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
10:33 am
Nice! A Laird fan already… gonna have to get a jersey.
If Fredi’s smart, he’d bat Uggla leadoff before Upton…
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:33 am
You know BJ Upton is never going to bat leadoff right?
Maybe they get crazy and hit him cleanup and go after a player like Span for leadoff. That would very much surprise me.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:34 am
I’m also Murph & Rick C but I know its obvious to you.
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
10:35 am
braves need to get the upton brothers…. they finally have some money to spend this offseason and this is a move to get excited about and it would also fix the lefty problem they have… man what a young athletic outfield that would be. upton/upton/heward
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
10:35 am
braves need to get the upton brothers…. they finally have some money to spend this offseason and this is a move to get excited about and it would also fix the lefty problem they have… man what a young athletic outfield that would be. upton/upton/heward
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
10:35 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The way the negotiating stars are aligning, B.J. Upton is moving into the vortex of a Braves-Phillies competition for a center fielder.
Those Phils better win… 6years/106mil
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:36 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The way the negotiating stars are aligning, B.J. Upton is moving into the vortex of a Braves-Phillies competition for a center fielder.
I thought this yesterday. Amaro specifically said that he would look to free agency to fill needs, and Upton is young and RH hitting. Phils need RH bats and Upton is exactly the player Amaro would perhaps even give six years, $90 million to.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:37 am
Overlook me. I’ve got Span & Upton already as Braves. Living with my mom does this to me…
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
10:37 am
Upton is neither a true leadoff hitter or a “masher.”
Totally agree. He’s a ‘tweener, who might suddenly remove his head from his rectum and go beast, just because he’s out of Tampa. Right.
I’ve said, in the past, that the possibility does lurk that this Upton might find stardom on a team where he doesn’t have to be a star, and this team qualifies. But planning to hit this guy any higher than 6 or 7 until he actually does go beast? That’s dreamland. Or nightmare-land, maybe.
DAP
November 15th, 2012
10:38 am
dadgum Hinske played with two teams -Rays and Yanks.
and red sox. 3 WS teams.
Hillbilly
November 15th, 2012
10:38 am
Efrim-
You know BJ Upton is never going to bat leadoff right?
Efrim knows he shouldn’t, but Efrim also knows that Alex Gonzalez hit in the 2 hole. So Efrim can justitiably fear the worst. Right, Ef?
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
10:40 am
An athletic outfield with a total a-hole in CF…. no thanks
The problem is, and it’s a big one, is the fact that BJ strikes out way too much. Not only does he strike out, he does by looking at a called third strike on a pitch right over the plate. Then he glares at the Ump in disbelief. It would drive me nuts. Most of the time it would happen with runners on and kill rallies. Personally I’m happy to see him go. As per the contract he’s seeking, no way he’s even close to being worth it.- Rays fan
Murph
November 15th, 2012
10:42 am
Is Upton and his horrible OBP a safer gamble than Hamilton and his amazing numbers/health issues?
150 games of good production vs 120 games of great production….
$15mil vs $20-25mil….
Seems hard to justify paying an additional $5-10mil per season for a player who is going to play less games and likely have less impact on the team’s fortunes…. but man o man, Hamilton is a hard player to not get excited about.
Given the Braves’ payroll and limitations the answer is pretty clear on which direction they should go, although those of us who are in the “go big or go home” camp won’t be ecstatic with the outcome.
HillbillyEfrim
November 15th, 2012
10:43 am
Yeah, we are one in the same.
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
10:45 am
Not cool at all. DOB attention please to the douche who stole my screen name at 10:40am.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:45 am
Efrim knows he shouldn’t, but Efrim also knows that Alex Gonzalez hit in the 2 hole. So Efrim can justitiably fear the worst. Right, Ef?
Exactly.
Someone is a trollin’ this morning……
Hillbilly
November 15th, 2012
10:47 am
Alright d!ck head, we see you. Simmer down.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
10:47 am
I guess the only good things about BJ is that he turns it up a bit in Sept/Oct… his OPS for any month outside of April. It’s .805 in Sept. He had a .902 last Sept…
But he totally sukked with RISP and when hitting with 1 or 2 outs. OPS under .670 for those 3 situations.
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
10:48 am
Given the Braves’ payroll and limitations the answer is pretty clear on which direction they should go, although those of us who are in the “go big or go home” camp won’t be ecstatic with the outcome.
This is just a WAG, but maybe they’ve come to a conclusion that a suitable big RH bat just isn’t available through trade, regardless of what they can offer. If that’s the case, maybe they see BJ as the most legit FA option available for that hole.
I hope that’s it; otherwise, the FO seeing BJ as a leadoff option means somebody put mescaline in the water cooler.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 15th, 2012
10:48 am
So with the Wren interview P-Town told us about yesterday when can we expect some major signings to occur? It seems things are moving quicker this year than years past. I think the Hunter signing is triggering things a little but I would assume the big signings like Hamilton and Upton might not happen until the Winter meetings. Man it would be nice if the Braves could get it done by Thanksgiving though. I’m getting tired of all these names being discussed and the only thing we get is Jordan Schafer and Gerald Laird. I am happy to hear that Wren has had extensive talks with Hamiltons reps. Like I said weeks ago I really feel his bat in the line-up would help offset the loss of Chipper and Bourn. Upton is alright but his attitude and inconsistant play scare me.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:48 am
Living with my mom does this to me…
I bought my parents house….but she has made sure to knock or ring the doorbell before coming in. She’s even called to make sure it was cool if she stopped by. She doesn’t want to intrude….although it’s really only been 3 months since we moved, so we’ll see if that continues.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
10:49 am
sukked in those spots in 2012…
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
10:49 am
lineup of upton, prado, heyward, j upton, freeman, uggla, bmac, simmons would be the best in the NL. I dont mind bj upton batting leadoff with that lineup
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
10:51 am
Buster is right(of course, not knowing at all if another team is in on it) – Phillies/Braves after Upton makes a whole lot of sense. And Amaro likes to work fast – faster than Wren – so we’ll see if they make an offer Upton can’t refuse before Turkey Day.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
10:54 am
I know they’ve liked Cody for some time now, but Frank didn’t even steer that way in the convo….either he is trying to appease the fan base and say big things….OR he’s doing exactly what he says he is and shooting for the high dollar long term options….
<i?And frankly, after getting Laird now (which he said he was — not by name) it makes me feel better about hearing the long term solution statement and tying it to Upton and Hamilton
P-Town Brave ©,
Interesting if Wren is willing to make a bold move. Prefer Upton (AZ) to Hamilton, though.
N8
November 15th, 2012
10:55 am
Yeah Uggla leading off would be brilliant.. Automatic out to start things off ?”
There was a tinge of sarcasm there directed at all the people that defended Uggla when he was ripped upon, claiming “he’s not that bad because he’s taking walks and getting on base”.
So my question was to those people. If he’s such and “on base machine”….. why not leadoff?
Believe me, if Dan Uggla is our leadoff hitter next season, I’m not going to be excited about it. But to be honest, I’m not really excited that Uggla will be anywhere in the lineup. “WHERE” he hits is just nitpicking the details. LOL.
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
10:57 am
I would love for the braves to get hamilton if he were a righty… I just see the lefty heavy lineup as being a huge problem in that case
One-Eyed Mac
November 15th, 2012
10:57 am
If Hinske doesn’t come back as expected, who is going to back-up 1B?
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
10:58 am
nathan, aren’t you just recycling last year’s rants, substituting “Dan Uggla” for “Jason Heyward”?
beekay
November 15th, 2012
11:00 am
I would have rather given Ross the 2 yr 6 mill then Laird, I don’t care how old Ross is. He was a clubhouse leader and played very well last year.
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
11:00 am
justin upton just seems like he would be the perfect fit for the braves to slot in between heyward and freeman for the next 3 years at least
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:01 am
nathan, aren’t you just recycling last year’s rants, substituting “Dan Uggla” for “Jason Heyward”?
N8 was on Heyward pretty hard after last season. Many were. He shut a lot of people up.
Murph
November 15th, 2012
11:01 am
The Rays like top-prospect Will Myers, though the Royals are conflicted about moving him even for a pitcher like Jeremy Hellickson or Matt Moore.
What about for a cadre of pitchers like Hanson, Teheran, and Venters, with a future superstar catcher like Bethancourt thrown in to catch them and sweeten the deal??
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:01 am
But to be honest, Nathan won’t be excited no matter wht happens.