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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,357 comments Add your comment
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 15th, 2012
11:02 am
Murph
But we found out from Wren the Braves have more $ than originally thought. I say go big or go home. Plus I don’t a bad clubhouse guy in the Braves dugout. Although I think Uggla would tear him apart if he saw Upton not hustling. I say let the Phillthies have him and go all in for Hamilton.
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
11:02 am
I wouldn’t want to get into a bidding war w/ the Phils, but frankly at this point, I’m not sure thats a battle they can afford to lose either….
The Nats probably aren’t going anywhere and the cushion w/ the Phils will be all but gone again….
So like what Frank said, I hope Frank does….we need impact bats and we need them not just to compete but WIN the division….as we all found out just how impactful the 1 game playoff can be.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:04 am
Buster Olney – Marlins trade a bad sign for CBA
There will be a lot of angry feelings expressed at the owners’ meetings about the amount of revenue-sharing dollars given to the Miami Marlins through the years, some executives predicted. There will be a lot of opinions rendered there about the recklessness with which the Marlins executed their plans, regardless of their true motives — whether it be a complete cash grab, or about setting up the club for future sale, or whether they actually want to win.
But two high-ranking club executives had a different take on what the Marlins’ massive sell-off could really mean, in the big picture. “A couple of years from now,” said one official, “we might look back on this as a warning sign.”
He was talking about the split between the Haves and the Have-Nots, which is increasingly becoming a concern for some of the smaller-market teams. Officials from some of the Have-Nots were furious about the terms of the labor agreement that went into effect this year, believing that it really hurt the efforts of the small-market teams to compete. Not only did the agreement fail to provide additional draft picks or spending stipends for the international market for the Have-Nots — but with the draft and signing caps, it essentially put clubs like the Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays under the same rules as the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox.
Some executives from the Have-Nots feel like that not only don’t they have access to the best players in the free-agent market, but as the cost of arbitration-eligible players continues to rise, they are forced to consider trading their own drafted and developed players much earlier than they want. (An example is David Price, who could be shopped this winter.)
The Marlins are, in the baseball-world, a Have-Not. They looked at the landscape and decided that they probably wouldn’t contend, and took the draconian step of slashing their payroll to the bone. They may have done it clumsily, or arrogantly — take your pick — but the two officials say that as clubs like the Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers and Dodgers gain more revenue through local television deals and the gap between the Haves and Have-Nots grows, other teams will be faced with the same choice as the Marlins very soon.
“The Marlins made the decision that they would make money and not really worry about competing,” said an AL official. “You might see other teams do the exact same thing — unless the rules change.”
As the current labor deal runs its course, some baseball executives predict, there will be significant in-fighting between the two camps — the Haves and Have-Nots — and the Marlins’ sell-off may have been the precursor for all of that.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:05 am
I was listening to XM Home Plate the other day and the topic of Bravs and available pitching came up when a caller mentioned trading a package of pitchers for a big bat. The XM Dudes (forget which ones) were claiming that the Braves would not trade two pitchers in the same deal.
I’m not 100% positive, but I pretty much agree. They aren’t going to trade all the pitching on a single deal like some are proposing and I still believe that they will not trade one of our relievers.
N8
November 15th, 2012
11:05 am
Mabye scoots. Big difference though.
Heyward was young and still had upside. Uggla? Not so much.
Oh, there’s that big contract too.
I’m actually a fan of Uggla. I like his attitude and his work ethic. I like his hustle.
Also, one of my biggest gripes with Heyward was that he either had regressed so much, or he was hurt. And publicly wasn’t saying much about the injury. Thought it was silly with how much he was struggling, that if he was playing through an injury, it was being selfish.
But you know where i stand on the whole playing through an injury thing. I don’t buy for one second that “60 percent” of a superstar is better than the next guy. Especially depending on the injury.
if the injury hinders said person from doing what makes them great (example – if Bourn lost his speed due to leg injury – he’d be pretty worthless)….. then take the time off and get right.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
11:05 am
Hamilton does just fine against lefties. 808 career OPS, (.481 slg), .853 last year (.520 slg). Not an issue at all.
I’d still prefer a RH thumper though. But what if we got both… Look out NL!
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
He’s the Upton we need to be chasing after… not BJ
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
11:06 am
beekay I agree, losing Ross really hurts. I loved watching him play. great teammate, great part time catcher. I will miss his bunt singles… he was great at that. Braves will really miss him a ton even though he didnt play much.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
11:06 am
If you want to get any value at all for EOF, this is the year to do so. Package him for an OF if we can’t get a decent prospect. No Type A/B free agents anymore. And with the deals that Affeldt and League got, he won’t be back next year.
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
11:07 am
Murph-
We shouldn’t have to throw in Bethancourt….he should NEVER be a throw-in, especially when our C is only signed through the rest of the year….
I wouldn’t however mind a trade giving the Royals some pitching for Myers and then signing Upton….I’m not sure how the lineup would work but it’d sure as hell make us more balanced….
Oh, and Im not sure who asked, but yes, I’d still take Hammy, the big contract and all and the potential for greatness over Upton….
Fact is, anyone who has seen Hammy play as much as I have over the last few years know that some of his injuries are from him busting his *ss all over the field…..guy plays hard, and just like I like Prado and Uggla because of that, I appreciate it from him as well….
Still don’t see it, but the fact Frank brought his name up multiple times in a short convo and stated that theyve had conversations at length w/ his rep tells me they have a bit more than a passing interest
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
11:07 am
He shut a lot of people up.
Eh, more like another mediocre on-base-showing permanently lowered everyone’s expectation about that particularly “skill set” of his.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:07 am
Well, we could either win the Division or actually go out there this time around and WIN the freaking play in game and not look like a Little League Defense while doing it.
Patrick
November 15th, 2012
11:09 am
Sign Bj And Trade For Justin…….
Bama: My thoughts exactly. That would be a fantasitc scenario and it could very well bring out the enormous potential in each of them it they were on the same team.
If Wren could pull that off, I would take back all of the negative things I’ve said so far this offseaon.
But…can he do it? Is he a good enough GM?…we’ll see…we know he won’t give up Simmons, which I understand-to a point-but getting Justin Upton who is a potential MVP is worth trading for IMO
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:10 am
I’m not 100% positive, but I pretty much agree. They aren’t going to trade all the pitching on a single deal like some are proposing and I still believe that they will not trade one of our relievers.
I agree, I don’t think they’d give up all of the pitching in one deal. Certainly not Teheran and Delgado in one deal.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:11 am
I fail to see how EOF’s value as a trade piece exceeds his value to us as a set up man all because he’s set to make a mil more than last year (IF that much).
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
11:11 am
Certainly not Teheran and Delgado in one deal.
Even if it were Stanton?
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
November 15th, 2012
11:11 am
Wren’s interest in BJ Upton is disinformation. I believe it is designed to motivate a recalcitrant trading partner by giving the impression that the Braves might be headed in a different direction. And if it has the effect of causing Philly to overpay for a poison player, so much the better.
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
11:12 am
Mabye scoots. Big difference though. Heyward was young and still had upside. Uggla? Not so much.
Come on, man, LOL. A player has a bad year, you treat him like he’s your mother-in-law, regardless of the back of the bubblegum card. Young, old, frozen like Ted Williams’ head, makes no difference. You’re an in-the-moment guy, is all. I’m used to it. I just like to razz you about it, every once in a while
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
11:12 am
I fail to see how EOF’s value as a trade piece exceeds his value to us
That’s hard for anyone on this blog to see as no one knows what is being offered or is available for EOF.
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
11:14 am
Wren’s interest in BJ Upton is disinformation. I believe it is designed to motivate a recalcitrant trading partner by giving the impression that the Braves might be headed in a different direction. And if it has the effect of causing Philly to overpay for a poison player, so much the better.
As good an explanation as any.
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
11:15 am
didnt know hamilton was that good against leftys but still a middle of the order of heyward, hamilton, freeman would be too suspect to the lefty relievers at the end of a game Im afraid. to spend the money to get someone like that i would want him to be the perfect fit
Murph
November 15th, 2012
11:16 am
What if the Upton brothers don’t get along?
I can see it already… ball hit into the gap, both Uptons have a bead on it and call the other off, both stop and the ball drops in between them. Upton brothers start to argue, meanwhile the runner rounds second. Uptons throw down their gloves and start wrestling around on the ground, punching each other on the arm… runner scores. Braves lose. Uptons refuse to play next to each other.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:16 am
Especially since I can’t see a team working a deal with us centered around Teheran, Delgado, Hanson, Gilmartin, etc, telling us that the deal hinged on the inclusion of Eric O’Flaherty.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:16 am
Eh, more like another mediocre on-base-showing permanently lowered everyone’s expectation about that particularly “skill set” of his.
What a hater…
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:18 am
Even if it were Stanton?
Well, I mean, realistically we won’t be dealing Teheran and Delgado in the same deal. I’d throw in Graham as well for Stanton…..
And my mother-in-law…..
What?
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:19 am
As good an explanation as any.
I would love to believe that. And if it gets Ruben to commit six years, $90 million to Bossman Junior in addition to giving up a draft pick for a team with an awful system already – I’ll be delighted.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
11:20 am
And my mother-in-law…..
I can see the papers being served up now…
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
11:21 am
What a hater…
Merely disputing the “elite walker” title.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:22 am
TenPaul – Yeah, whatever.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:22 am
The Mariners covet Billy Butler….
So they think Montero can be a catcher? Because Butler isn’t a 1st baseman or left fielder..
And with Mike Zunino on his way, that seems strange. Oh well. That team needs offense in bunches.
Man, people(Hamilton, Upton, Swisher, Bourn) are going to get seriously paid this offseason. Big time.
jfp
November 15th, 2012
11:22 am
Efrim,
Thanks for sharing the articles with us. It definitely helps to keep us informed.
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
11:22 am
I would trade the farm for stanton but it aint gonna happen
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
11:23 am
That’s hard for anyone on this blog to see as no one knows what is being offered or is available for EOF.
What’s not hard to see is that he’s a setup reliever. Setup. Reliever. In numerical terms, he’s a less-than-2 WAR player who could be part of a package to return a 4-or-better WAR player, and he could be replaced at a lower price, almost in your sleep.
I like the guy as much as anybody, but he’s hardly critical to next season’s success. If he’s here, great, happy to see it. If some other GM has a man-crush on him, then offer him up.
And be replaced
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:24 am
By my count, the Phillies have four positions legit locked up – C Ruiz, 1B Howard, 2B Utley, SS Rollins.
I mean, I’m assuming Brown and Mayberry will be apart of a platoon in one outfield corner. But that still means they need to fill CF, LF/RF and 3B. Just a lot of needs on the Phillies position player wise and not a lot of prospects to fill through trade. Amaro really has no choice but to spend big in free agency, and with the Pence deal, they have about $35 million to fill those needs if they match last seasons $175 millionish payroll.
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
11:26 am
Setup. Reliever. In numerical terms, he’s a less-than-2 WAR player
A victim of managerial usage.
Patrick
November 15th, 2012
11:26 am
On another matter, it’s a damn shame that Kimbrel did not even make the final 3 for the CY Young.
Dickey had a fine season on a bad team.
But come on!…Kimbrel had more historical records that he set and broke this season. I really think that he he got the short end of the stick.
Mitchie-sand
November 15th, 2012
11:27 am
My word. If the Braves were able to sign Hamilton AND trade for Jupton, I’d eat my hat and wash Wren’s car, mow his lawn and paint his house.
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2012
11:28 am
Nick Ahmed is Braves’ latest rising shortstop prospect
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/11/15/ahmed-is-braves-latest-rising-shortstop/
uptonupton
November 15th, 2012
11:28 am
my dream team would be heyward and stanton batting 3 and 4 and sign them both to 10 year 100 mil deal at an even 10 mil per season
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
11:28 am
I really think that he he got the short end of the stick.
What he got the “short end” of was IP.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
11:28 am
I fail to see how EOF’s value as a trade piece exceeds his value to us
A team like AZ or the Twins may take him on to shore up their BP in the process as they give us our player. They can always flip him at the deadline for something that helps them. EOF is a useful trade piece who can help us secure an even better one as part of a package. He’s a 1-2 WAR player and can be an addition to get us a 5-6 WAR player like Justin Upton or Willy. Maybe even Olt/Martin.
Due to lack of compensation, there’s not a huge reason to keep him. Be glad if he’s back though, but he’s easily replaced. Avilan is next in line. Got called up up, stepped in and earned a BP spot just like Venters did in 2010. Making the min. right now.
wheelz007
November 15th, 2012
11:29 am
I’m hoping the Upton Free Agent rumors turn out to be disinformation. Let Wren float that info out there and drive up the price for Philly.
Sign Josh Hamilton and trade for Span.
I can be hopeful, right?
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
11:30 am
Buster’s CBA bit you posted up there Ef doesn’t make a strong case for more revenue sharing. The Marlins are the key of his premise. The knock on that team forever has been how they take the money given them and do not reinvest it. I’d like to see the CBA changed in the drafting area so that small market/last seasons losers have larger spending abilities in the draft and international markets.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:32 am
scoots – Even you don’t really believe that he’s going to be the lynchpin to a deal to bring such a paragon of offensive might to the Braves.
And replace him with who? Name another reliever that’s put up his numbers for four years that we could replace him with.
And as to importance to the Braves – there’s a constant hue and cry about not having pitchers to go 8-9 innings on a regular basis, yet the Braves continue to have one of the more effective pitching staffs in the league. The reason for this is a lock down bullpen – in particular the back end. I don’t want to see either Venters, EOF or KImbrel gone until we literally can lo longer afford them.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
11:34 am
“Whether it’s play shortstop, whether it’s play second base – I’m not sure what their plans are for me. But hopefully I’ll get up there soon, whether it’s with the Braves or someone else.”
He’ll do whatever the Braves need, but Ahmed admits his preference is shortstop.
“That’s the position I’d like to stay at,” he said. “I feel like I’m a pretty good shortstop and continue to improve, and go out there and make all the plays. And I feel like I would be almost selling myself short if I moved to a new position.”- Nick Ahmed
I really like that kid.
BravesFanInMaine
November 15th, 2012
11:36 am
what about moving ahmed to 3rd base?
Rick C
November 15th, 2012
11:36 am
“he could be replaced at a lower price, almost in your sleep.”
I disagree with this comment. Although his WHIP and OAA didn’t crack the top 50, his ERA was 6th best in the MLB among all relievers, min 40 IP. He was tied for 10th in runs allowed. And we all know about his historic ERA in 2011. Those results are not easy to replace.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:36 am
And heard the DBacks’ owner on Home Plate the other day, too. He claims that Justin Upton is not being shopped.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:36 am
Thanks for the Ahmed article, DOB.
Barnes, Ahmed, Olt, Springer – those UCONN Huskies……
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
11:38 am
Buster Olney – Marlins trade a bad sign for CBA
Interesting take, but Loria’s history as an owner (Expos?Marlins) clouds what may be the truth. In fact, even with more favorable terms for the “Have-nots,” Loria would still be an awful owner.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
11:38 am
I hope Ahmed can stick at SS – sounds like he is a good defender, although I’ve gotten conflicting reads on that.
Murph
November 15th, 2012
11:39 am
If Ahmed is as good as advertised, and Simmons could be traded to bring in Justin Upton… well… hmmmmmm.
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
11:41 am
Those results are not easy to replace.
A turn of phrase, on my part. You’ll have to sue me for hyperbole.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:41 am
If the Braves considered Ahmed either as good as or ready for prime time, then Simmons would already be a Ranger and Olt would be penciled in at third for the Braes in 2013.
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
11:42 am
So you’re telling me that in the same breath that Frank said we were close on a backup C (truth) he stated that BJ Upton was one of our top targets (false)…..
BTW, its nice for Ahmed to think that but if thats the case, then he’s gotta go when his value gets high enough to do so…..Simmons isn’t going anywhere….I think thats pretty obvious by now
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
11:43 am
Where does that leave Ahmed, who’s only six months younger than Simmons? The Braves have discussed moving Ahmed to second base, which might seem almost a waste of his strong arm and range. But if he’s going to play in Atlanta, he’ll presumably need another position as long as Simmons stays healthy.
Move Ahmed to second. Could be quite a tandem up-the-middle defensively, Simmons and Ahmed.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
11:44 am
Avilan was just about as good this year as O’Flaherty was. He’s about 3mil cheaper. I wouldn’t say that EOF is irreplaceable.
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
11:45 am
Move Ahmed to second. Could be quite a tandem up-the-middle defensively, Simmons and Ahmed.
Buncha Punch-And-Judy lightweights.
Rick C
November 15th, 2012
11:52 am
Avilan was very impressive, but he doesn’t exactly have the track record that EOF does.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
11:52 am
Avilan was good, but in a limited role for a limited time – and he won’t be $3 mil cheaper. First of all, they’ll actually have to pay him and the MLB minimum is around a half mil. In addition, as usual, the Braves and arb eligible players will settle on a mid point deal (they almost NEVER go to arb) and EOF will likely settle for a deal at about $3 mil a year and maybe even sign a couple year extension for the same. So MAYBE you’re dealing with a difference of $2.5 for a proven pitcher and would still have Avilan for use like last year.
But it appears I can’t make you underestande the importance of a bullpen to a pitching staff like the Braves have, so might as well quit wasting time and effort in a meaningless pursuit.
N8
November 15th, 2012
11:53 am
scoots, i’m very much a “what have you done for me lately”. And lately…. Uggla hasn’t done much. Unless you truely believe Wren signed him to take walks.
but I specifically remember making the statement repeatedly with Heyward….
Either he can’t/won’t adjust or is playing through an injury far worse than he’s leading on.
Both scenarios were bad signs. I ragged on Prado for a couple years for not staying healthy too.
P-Town Brave ©
November 15th, 2012
11:54 am
Pending physical the deal w/ Laird has been reached per Rosenthal
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
11:57 am
n8, I guess what I “truly believe” is that Uggla is who the bubblegum card says he is, and that he’ll return to form. Other folks are welcome to think otherwise, even if their short-sightedness annoys me, LOL.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
11:59 am
Move Ahmed to second. Could be quite a tandem up-the-middle defensively, Simmons and Ahmed.
Buncha Punch-And-Judy lightweights.
“Float like a butterfly; sting like a bee.”
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
12:00 pm
2 years on Laird
Slowhiteguy
November 15th, 2012
12:00 pm
Laird gets a two year deal.
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
12:02 pm
“Float like a butterfly; sting like a bee.”
Yeah, yeah, win by anaphylactic shock, there’s a plan, LOL.
“Lumber like a rhino, beat into bloody submission like King Kong.”
Ali would have used that one, if he’d thought about it.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
12:04 pm
EOF made 2.5mil last year… a raise of 1.6mil from his 2010 season. I’d bet he tries to get to 4mil. Definitely not under 3mil. 3.5mil (3mil more than Avilan) sounds about right. And I can’t see him signing a long-term deal… with what Affeldt and League just got.
I know how important the BP is, but the Braves (apparently) have never paid big money to someone who isn’t a closer. And with us not getting compensation when he leaves doesn’t make him completely untouchable. And I can’t see how losing 1 guy who isn’t a closer destroys the ‘pen. We still have JV, Avilan (I think he’s the real deal, always liked him), Gearrin, Kimbrel, and some power RHP I bet. We’ll be just fine. More worried about the rotation than the ‘pen to be honest.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
12:04 pm
I’m hoping it’s like $1.25 million a year. Something in that range.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
12:04 pm
Well hell – no one hits for power in the midst of anaphalctic shock.
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
12:06 pm
Move Ahmed to second. Could be quite a tandem up-the-middle defensively, Simmons and Ahmed.
Or we can trade him, since Uggla is locked in at 2nd base for 2013-2015 and Simmons is really, really valuable.
I always felt like Ahmed was our most tradeable position player prospect. I mean, he’s the only one whose hit and stayed healthy. And of course, it’s 2-3 years older than most of the other kids in his league.
Murph
November 15th, 2012
12:08 pm
Gearrin sucks. I don’t want him playing a bigger role in the bullpen. He’s not up to it.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
12:08 pm
Well, you’ve proven yourself penny wise and pound foolish up til now so I don’t suppose looking for change will be worth my time.
The Braves bullpen as currently constituted (even needing to replace Durbin) is one of the best in the NL – if not in all of MLB – and is one of our major strengths. We may not be able to afford to bring in $15-20 million pitchers like you seem to believe, but we can certainly compensate by paying a mil or two more for that bullpen and accomplish the same exact thing – less runs given up and more wins for the Braves.
Of course, it won’t make you as delerious as acquiring a pitcher we can’t possibly afford, but will be every bit as effective at games’ end.
Nowhere man
November 15th, 2012
12:09 pm
two yeas for Laird but not for Ross??
Venice Jim
November 15th, 2012
12:14 pm
Happy (one day belated) birthday to long-time Brave favorite Gerald Laird!
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
12:15 pm
A lockdown BP sure comes in handy when down 6-0…
Very different salaries I’m quite sure nowhere (do I have a brain) man. And Laird is younger.
Venice Jim
November 15th, 2012
12:16 pm
Melvin Laird always looked like he might have been a catcher…
Juan
November 15th, 2012
12:19 pm
Wikepedia say one year deal for laird and also he’s a Boras client…Are the Braves dealing with Boras?…..
N8
November 15th, 2012
12:19 pm
Uggla returning to bubble gum card form would be a good thing scoots. No doubt about that.
hell, I’ll settle for a monster april until Mac comes back.
Ahhh. who am i kidding? If Uggla has a monster april and then sucks after that? I’ll still bitch about it.
Lew
November 15th, 2012
12:19 pm
There’s a tad of difference in their ages. At the end of the two year deals, Laird will be 34 (almost 35) and Ross 37 going on 38
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
12:20 pm
“Lumber like a rhino, beat into bloody submission like King Kong.”
Ali would have used that one, if he’d thought about it.
Ah! Not Ali! Maybe Chuck Wepner…
Lew
November 15th, 2012
12:24 pm
Well, if our offense were actually consistent enough and our pitching staff studly enough to make all games 6-0, then we wouldn’t need a bullpen at all, would we?
Unfortunately, realty is a bitch. Fortunately, our bullpen makes th reality considerably more palatable.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
12:25 pm
Move Ahmed to second. Could be quite a tandem up-the-middle defensively, Simmons and Ahmed.
Or we can trade him, since Uggla is locked in at 2nd base for 2013-2015 and Simmons is really, really valuable.
I always felt like Ahmed was our most tradeable position player prospect. I mean, he’s the only one whose hit and stayed healthy. And of course, it’s 2-3 years older than most of the other kids in his league.
With Ahmed’s stock rising, he might be attractive to Arizona, who’s looking for a shortstop, huh? Don’t know if AZ would be willing to give Ahmed another season in the minors, though, which he likely needs.
Uggla’s certainly under contract through 2015, but we’ll see what happens. Perhaps 2012 was an anomaly for Uggla, perhaps not. We’ll see.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2012
12:27 pm
In fact, there’s a little bit of a resemblance between Dan Uggla and Chuck Wepner.
Brave New World
November 15th, 2012
12:40 pm
Laird seems like good signing. GO BRAVES!
ncscoots
November 15th, 2012
12:40 pm
Ahhh. who am i kidding?
I wouldn’t have it any other way, brother.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
November 15th, 2012
12:41 pm
I wonder if Simmons and Delgado would be enough for Stanton? If not, how much more would it take?
Veer
November 15th, 2012
12:44 pm
This is pathetic that we keep hearing about BJ Upton. Another guy who will hit .240 with tonnes of strikeouts and OBP less than 300. We have Teheran and Delgado who are overated. Might as well trade them now and get some value. BJ Upton of all people is our free agent target? His contract will be worse than Uggla’s. The guy will be the next Alex Gonzalez. I rather stick with Contzana than get a 230 hitter like Upton.
cabravesfan
November 15th, 2012
12:45 pm
The Fish are not going to trade Stanton. There is zero reason for them to do so
David from Athens, Alabama
November 15th, 2012
12:47 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Folks who covered Laird in DET and TEX say he’s a great clubhouse presence. Ross will be missed. But sounds like Braves got a similar guy
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
12:48 pm
Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
In MVP debate, consider the closing argument: Miguel Cabrera 1.079 OPS from Aug. 24 through end of season; Mike Trout was at .824.
Something I’ve said all along… Take that Shaun!!!
Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
Of course, games in September count the same as games in April. But the pressure is absolutely different.
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
12:48 pm
I enjoy reading through the transaction history of a player. Guys get drafted twice or three times. Eventually sign. Get traded. Granted Free Agency, resign with the same team. It’s a mess. You get stories like Jose Bautista:
June 5, 2000: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 20th round of the 2000 amateur draft. Player signed May 19, 2001.
December 15, 2003: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2003 rule 5 draft.
June 3, 2004: Selected off waivers by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from the Baltimore Orioles.
June 28, 2004: Purchased by the Kansas City Royals from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
July 30, 2004: Traded by the Kansas City Royals to the New York Mets for Justin Huber.
July 30, 2004: Traded by the New York Mets with Matt Peterson (minors) and Ty Wigginton to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Kris Benson and Jeff Keppinger.
August 21, 2008: Traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later. The Toronto Blue Jays sent Robinzon Diaz (August 25, 2008) to the Pittsburgh Pirates to complete the trade.
Sometimes it isn’t much to read, like Derek Jeter. Spent his whole career as a Yankee:
June 1, 1992: Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 1st round (6th pick) of the 1992 amateur draft. Player signed June 27, 1992.
November 1, 2010: Granted Free Agency.
December 7, 2010: Signed as a Free Agent with the New York Yankees.
Then you get to Chipper Jones and it’s just awesome:
June 4, 1990: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 1st round (1st pick) of the 1990 amateur draft. Player signed June 4, 1990.
October 29, 2012: Voluntarily retired from the Atlanta Braves.
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2012
12:51 pm
I’m told by someone who’s seen him play a lot in recent years that Laird is a real good guy, but might be exposed a bit in the NL at this stage of his career.
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2012
12:51 pm
I’m told by someone who’s seen him play a lot in recent years that Laird is a real good guy, but might be exposed a bit in the NL at this stage of his career.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
November 15th, 2012
12:52 pm
Cab, if they think they have a disaffected player, and they think they can get a good return, the Fish may well consider trading Stanton. It appears they’re trying to clean house. No, they don’t need to trade him, but they might be enticed. And if they do trade him, their fans are already po’d. How much worse would it be?
Roman Gal
November 15th, 2012
12:52 pm
Very interesting story about Turner Field.
I’ve always thought it’d be a great idea to develop some of the land around the Ted. People would be more willing to pop in to a Braves game if there were something else drawing them there, like restaurants or pubs or whatever. Plus, you might draw more people in for no other reason than they feel a little bit safer.
TennesseePaul
November 15th, 2012
12:57 pm
I’ve always thought it’d be a great idea to develop some of the land around the Ted. People would be more willing to pop in to a Braves game if there were something else drawing them there, like restaurants or pubs or whatever. Plus, you might draw more people in for no other reason than they feel a little bit safer.
Yes. It’s what I love about going to Petco. There’s so much to do around that Stadium. Turner Field could be like that. No reason it couldn’t other than needing to invest in the area. Improving the Marta to the stadium would help, even if it’s just a bus or something. That would have a stronger case if there was more to do in the area. I’ve walked to Turner Field from downtown a few times. It’s hot. It’s concrete and asphalt forever. There’s nothing along the way.
I walked from downtown Pittsburgh to PNC park and it was awesome. Still humid and hot, but so much to do and see and then you’re at the park. No reason Atlanta can’t do that.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 15th, 2012
1:00 pm
Plus, you might draw more people in for no other reason than they feel a little bit safer.
A lot safer… that area is wretched. And dull. The city needs to invest in the areas around both the Dome and Turner Field. I mean, they aren’t moving them up to Cobb.
Rick C
November 15th, 2012
1:00 pm
Enquiring Minds, they are just moving guys to lower their payroll. No reason to trade Stanton when he’s still making the ML minimum.
Patrick
November 15th, 2012
1:01 pm
I’m real curious as to who much he’ll be receiving per season….
DOB, do you konw about when we can expect to see htose figures to be released?
Efrim
November 15th, 2012
1:02 pm
June 4, 1990: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 1st round (1st pick) of the 1990 amateur draft. Player signed June 4, 1990.
October 29, 2012: Voluntarily retired from the Atlanta Braves.
That’s awesome.