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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Braves Fan In Maine
November 17th, 2012
1:08 pm
The braves being quite is making this offseason kinda boring… wish something would happen!
Jim Hertel
November 17th, 2012
1:10 pm
There’s no sure thing to be had anywhere, but if I ran the Braves this is what I think I would do. I’d try desperately to resign Bourn and hope that his signing doesn’t break the bank or turn Uggla. He is a far superior centerfielder and a better fit to leadoff. Then I’d stick Gattis in left and hope to find lightning in a bottle. Maybe with the White Bear and Brown Bear platooning with Prado shuttling betwen left and 3rd we’d have a winning combination. Then I’d hope that Hanson fools everybody with a strong first half, and I’d trade him at the deadline. This is built on a lot of hope, but what is baseball if not hope to get us through the winter.
Gary O.
November 17th, 2012
1:26 pm
I’m curious. What do you guys think about the season Adam Dunn just had?
(AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS/WAR) .204/.333/.468/.801/0.9
Oh by the way, 41 HR, 96 RBI, 2 SB, and 222 strikeouts (wow). Good season? Bad season? In between?
old man
November 17th, 2012
1:30 pm
BJ Upton probably means Prado or Simmons in lead off. I though Simmons looked terrific at the plate, and i have no problem with him in lead off.
I like Alex Gordon as a compliment to BJ in CF. This means Francisco is pretty useless as a platoon player (there would be no platoon) and he has more value right now as a trade piece than a bench player.
David O'Brien
November 17th, 2012
1:31 pm
Still don’t have exact contract figure for Laird, but hearing it was about $3.3 million for 2 yrs. (Ross got $6.2 million for 2 yrs from Boston.)
Jeff R
November 17th, 2012
1:33 pm
Heath – Like I said last evening – never been a BJ Upton fan, but if they decide that’;s the way they need to go, I’ll just hope we come to love him for his offensive prowess and he becomes a sterling citizen while in ATlanta. I suppose we could do worse – he has talent and maybe he’ll achieve his potential, though I’m a bit leery it’s taken this long to have potential meet performance.
Fowler just seems like a good fit – decent player with youth on his side and an Atlantan (his wife, too). He could be a worthwhile acquisition.
Upton doesn’t excite me, either. Span or Fowler or more to my liking.
But the Phils have Upton in their sights, too. How badly do the Phils want Upton? They can very likely outbid the Braves if they really want to lock up Upton. I hope they do.
Mixxo
November 17th, 2012
1:39 pm
You guys pick us a lineup yet?
:facepalm:
jus checkin’
will check back later.
Jersey Gil
November 17th, 2012
1:44 pm
Jeff:
Phils want Upton? They can very likely outbid the Braves if they really want to lock up Upton. I hope they do.
Disagree…Phillis & there GM Amaro not have the same Financial flexibility than before, the phillis payroll is so high with there three Pitcher & a big contract to howard that problaly going with Mayberry at CF & Brown in LF, also they need to fix there bench also , same problem than the Braves has.
tony austin
November 17th, 2012
1:48 pm
But the Phils have Upton in their sights, too. How badly do the Phils want Upton? They can very likely outbid the Braves if they really want to lock up Upton. I hope they do. – Jeff R
I second that. Upton is a risk/reward type of player and I think the risk is just way too much. He may come to ATL and finally live up the hype and be an outstanding teammate and citizer, or he may come to ATL and end up being one of the worst contracts in ATL history. The risk is just not worth it.
David O'Brien
November 17th, 2012
1:58 pm
Just going through B.J. Upton’s unusual stats in 2012. Get this: He hit 17 of his 28 homers during power surges lasting seven games in August and 25 games in September.
Had five homers in seven games Aug. 11-17, and 12 homers in 25 games from Sept. 3-30. In his other 114 games and 444 at-bats, he totaled 11 homers and 50 RBIs.
In his first 96 games in 2012, through Aug. 10, Upton hit .242 (91-for-376) with 10 homers, 108 strikeouts, 32 walks, 43 RBIs, a .298 OBP and .378 slugging percentage (.676 OPS), with 21 stolen bases and 45 runs scored.
In 50 games after Aug. 10, he hit .254 (50-for-197) with 18 homers, 35 RBIs, 61 strikeouts, 13 walks, 35 RBIs, a .299 OBP and .599 slugging percentage, with 10 steals (in 11 attempts) and 34 runs scored.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 17th, 2012
2:07 pm
Yep… hes just another Uggla… but worse. He doesnt walk. But I got folks on twitta and elsewhere calling me a hater…. sigh. The dude sukks. Ive seen it, nolie who I trust greatly says it, and Rays fans have said it. Why would we want him at all? For those 30 games that he does well while he plays worse than Constanza in the others???? Stay far away.
Jersey Gil
November 17th, 2012
2:10 pm
Here an article on Phills Payroll situation for 2013….This article was in March 2012 before the Season but also mention about 2013 and they has to extend Ruiz this year.
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/understanding-payroll-and-luxury-tax.html
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 17th, 2012
2:12 pm
Just because I dont agree with your opinions Lew that doesnt mean I dont get reality. We just have different views on what the team needs to do.
Love all the shots taken at me though… I’ve been nothing but respectful to you guys.
Joey G
November 17th, 2012
2:18 pm
DOB
In your opinion is BJ going to be a Brave?
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 17th, 2012
2:22 pm
I hope BJ signs with the Phils or gNats (or any other team for that matter) by Thanksgiving. I wanna be thankful that BJ is not an option for our Bravos, and will give thanks to those teams big pockets and not-as-smart GM’s
Jeff R
November 17th, 2012
2:23 pm
Jersey Gil, Phils gained some budget leeway when they shed players back before the trade deadline. The Phils have the money to snag Upton, if they really want him.
Trader Jack
November 17th, 2012
2:23 pm
JerseyGil
The Phillies will go to $200 mil this year, if they have to, and pay the tax. They are literally printing money at that stadium
There is no financial problems there,
Playoffs!!!
November 17th, 2012
2:24 pm
DOB—re: Laird’s salary——doesn’t the players’ union release contract figures?
Venice Jim
November 17th, 2012
2:24 pm
Obviously there are no GMs as smart as you…
Jeff R
November 17th, 2012
2:26 pm
B.J. Upton in 2012: 169 strikeouts and only 45 walks. Makes Uggla look discriminating.
Couch Tater
November 17th, 2012
2:27 pm
Jersey Gil –
You don’t seem to post as much as you used to. I always remember your service on Veterans Day.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
2:30 pm
That was a little too much for Laird — for a measly one and a half mil per we could have kept Ross.
Cheap — Cheap — Cheap. The drop in quality is not worth it. Like an extra million and a half is going to get anything of real quality.
What are they going to get for that — another Jack Wilson type.
Oh well, Liberty Mediocrity does thir thing.
Jersey Gil
November 17th, 2012
2:31 pm
I don’t think the Phillis going to be crazy on the FA this year, that what i hear here lately….Phillis will play Utley at third and Galvis at second with the Ruf kid in LF with Mayberry/Brown….They going to expend money in the bull pen & Bench.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 17th, 2012
2:31 pm
or nolie, Efrim, Jeff, etc.
I’m not alone in this.
still didn’t get your thoughts on him VJ. Facts have been presented. Would you want him?
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
2:34 pm
GA Southern giving a scare today — getting worried about this game.
No excuse having so much trouble with them.
Jersey Gil
November 17th, 2012
2:35 pm
Couch Tater…no i don’t post much lately…I retired last year…expend much of the summer traveling between my home & my Kids home in Woodstock Ga….also i been having some health isuue that was correct last week in the VA Hosp in Philadelphia.
Bill Clinton
November 17th, 2012
2:35 pm
I want BJ, how about you, Monica?
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
2:37 pm
I am surprised that Laird is getting a mil six per yr — its alot of $$$$$$$$ for a one dimensional defensive catcher who does not throw out runners like he used to.
And he has not been a good offensive player in hos whole career for the most part.
Thought he would be in the mil two range. Oh well, its only a few hundred thousand. Peanuts in baseball sense.
And Murray gets sacked — someone missed his block. Dogs underachieving today.
Venice Jim
November 17th, 2012
2:38 pm
I usually never even think about whether I want someone – I don’t know anywhere near as much as the people making the decisions, and I’d rather avoid being disappointed if we don’t get someone I want or get someone I don’t want…I am happy to sit back and see what happens, while occasionally poking fun at those who seem overly passionate with their dislike of or infatuation with players…
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 17th, 2012
2:42 pm
Only some bench and pen work for the Phils??? Must be planning on fighting the Mets for 3rd place and a barely .500 record. They shoulda traded Hamels. Greinke woulda been ours for just Delgado+ I bet. And we woulda re-signed him.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 17th, 2012
2:44 pm
Okay… you don’t find any fun in playing GM… must be boring!
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
2:45 pm
GA Southern > UGA — Unfreaking believable.
No way that this yrs Dogs deserve to be in the BCS championship game after this debacle vs GA Southern, This game is a disgrace.
Heath
November 17th, 2012
2:47 pm
Braves could surprise…could sign Bourn and trade for Willingham. Though I doubt it.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
2:47 pm
UGA defense back to their old bad ways.
Trader Jack
November 17th, 2012
2:48 pm
JerseyGil
The Utley at third tryout was canned.Galvis for now is a reserve, same with Ruf. Trust me Gil, they are going to spend a sh!tload of money, if they have to.
Venice Jim
November 17th, 2012
2:49 pm
must be boring!
Wow – coming from someone who says the same thing 50 times a day. Maybe someday you’ll grow up and have an actual life…
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
2:51 pm
Why re-sign Bourn and trade for Willingham when you have Francisco and Schafer around for cheaper?
And what is failed prospect Julio Teheran going to bring in return after this past season and his flop in winter ball. Looks like he is done unfortunately.
We really do not have much to trade. If Frank strikes out in Free Agency oh well — whatever.
David O'Brien
November 17th, 2012
2:52 pm
DOB—re: Laird’s salary——doesn’t the players’ union release contract figures?
Ha. If only it were that easy. No, they do not. And neither do teams.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
2:53 pm
Okay… you don’t find any fun in playing GM… must be boring!
Keep up the GM playing TOBF — you are no morre wrong than the pundits that get trade rumors wrong everyday. At least its better than sitting back and wait, be patient, blah blah blah.
Its more fun to be wrong than bland.
nolie
November 17th, 2012
2:59 pm
Erik Karabell ESPN
Atlanta Braves: Well, everyone wants to know about Kris Medlen. He’s not among my top 10 pitchers, but he should be solid enough for 200 innings, a 2.90 ERA, 165 strikeouts and 14 wins. Can’t complain about that, right? And Julio Teheran makes the rotation and provides 140 worthwhile innings.
Ozzie
November 17th, 2012
3:02 pm
1.6mm per year for two, yikes.
So Wren saves a 1.4mm per year for two years and has to hope Mac comes back early and very effective.
Wren has squander that much/yr on a faded Hinske the past two years (apart from a few ABs where he was clutch).
He paid that much to Diaz to be terrible and if I recall didn’t Wren sign a former Yankee bullpen guy while he was on the DL (for over a 1mm) and the guy never was healthy enough to play in ATL.
Money must be very tight or Wren is trying to save every nickel for major players in starting positions.
Alas if he never traded for Uggla Prado would have been happily putting up better numbers at 2B. In terms of the post season it would be at worse a wash since we missed it in 2011 and face planted defensively in 2012 (WC playoff).
So really what did Uggla do for ATL that spending 12mm on someone else could not have done?
Waste of money and will look even more terrible going forward.
Ward
November 17th, 2012
3:15 pm
Hello everyone! Phillies met with B.J. Upton a week before B.J. Upton met with the Braves. B.J. met with the Braves after on Thursday like reported. Nats, are interested too, but just interested. I think by the reports the Braves still have the egde. We will see?
JoeBrave
November 17th, 2012
3:15 pm
Just trade for Billi Butler and resign Bourn
Ward
November 17th, 2012
3:16 pm
Let’s don’t be too hard on TOBF. We all have our favorites.
Puma
November 17th, 2012
3:19 pm
DOBs observations on BJ Upton make him sound almost exactly like Uggla at the plate, bad for 80% of the time, goes through 1 or 2 really hot streaks that make his overall power numbers look not that bad, but almost invisible man the rest of the time. I just can’t see that he is worth $14mil plus per year over the next 5 years based on the hope that he will finally reach that potential.
Heath
November 17th, 2012
3:20 pm
I’m sure some people think my ideas are crazy… I’m just spit-balling on what I think is tangible, not necessarily what I “want” to happen. Nothing wrong with that I don’t think… Nothng wrong with sitting back and just waiting, and nothing wrong with throwing hail mary’s out for what you want to see either. It’s all n good fun. It still is, right?
CB
November 17th, 2012
3:20 pm
Bowman doesn’t believe an offer has been made to BJ Upton and it may be a couple weeks until he decides anyhow. Why stress?
stamper
November 17th, 2012
3:20 pm
What’s the availability of Jeff Keppinger? He hasn’t been signed by anyone yet, right?
Seems like he’d be the perfect utility player for our bench.
Ward
November 17th, 2012
3:23 pm
I read B.J. Upton coud be signed before the winter meetings, but yes it might be a few weeks.
Ward
November 17th, 2012
3:24 pm
We just hang back, and be cool. Read the reports,and wait.
Couch Tater
November 17th, 2012
3:27 pm
Why stress?
VT 17 BC 16 4th.
Ward
November 17th, 2012
3:28 pm
I’m excited that Wren, is talking, and that makes it an interesting off season, and not a boring one!
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 17th, 2012
3:29 pm
Since Bowman said that, an offer has been made and BJ will decide in under a week. Oh boy!
Ward
November 17th, 2012
3:30 pm
All, not matter what happens I feel we will get some that wren has on his list now, and I’m within hope. Talk later My friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
nolie
November 17th, 2012
3:34 pm
so who is the LF lead off hitter we will trade for after we sign BJ??
ncbravesfan90
November 17th, 2012
3:35 pm
“so who is the LF lead off hitter we will trade for after we sign BJ??”
Fowler, or we sign Pagan or Victorino.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
3:35 pm
“Just trade for Billi Butler and resign Bourn”
That is not bad — could do a heck of alot worse.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
3:38 pm
Why would any team want a injury plagued washed up Grady Sizemore who clearly cannot play anymore.
ITs a shame his career fell to pieces so quickly — he was great for a few yrs.
I would not take him — would take my chances on Schafer right now.
At least Schafer has healthy legs — Sizemore is a tripp to the DL now.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
3:39 pm
That was a fumble — No excuse for that Tavaris King.
They had a chance to take over the game and they do not do it.
ncbravesfan90
November 17th, 2012
3:40 pm
I’m a 195.5% sure Schafer will not be the starting CF on opening day this year.
jim
November 17th, 2012
3:41 pm
If it comes down to B J Upton or Schafer, I would rather just go with Schafer. Better defense, equal or better speed on the bases, and much cheaper with no long term commitment. If (when) he stinks, he can easily be let go with little or no liability. I have never been in a clubhouse with either one (or anybady else) but Schafer brings a swagger to the field that apparently Up-ton leaves in the locker room. When Schafer last played with the Braves, his runs scored/games started was higher than Bourn’s during his year+ with the team. Certainly not an ideal situation, but a cheap mediocre/bad player is better than an expensive one with a long term commitment.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
3:41 pm
The faster guys choose a team the better — who wants to wait?????
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 17th, 2012
3:41 pm
someone with defense definitely… Alex Gordon and Span seem to fit that list. Maybe Victorino if the Braves dont think he’s done; probably a better fit in the 2 hole though.
We’d still need a true power hitter if we get the guy… Olt, Justin, or Willy. Prado leads off, BJ hits 7
jim
November 17th, 2012
3:45 pm
who wants to wait?
The guy fielding offers that might make him an extra couple of millions or an added year of security.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
3:47 pm
Stamper –
Keppinger is pretty good — the Braves might now want to pay him what he can get.
They sort of set what they want to spend on reserves with what they did on Ross.
Keppinger is a step above that of a bench guy. He should command some interest.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
3:48 pm
Typo — I don’t think the Braves will pay Keppinger what the market can get him.
JoeBrave
November 17th, 2012
3:54 pm
Billy Butler in LF would suffice resign Bourn 4@62 million They in Rf.
Why Butler? He is an above average bat that can play Lf Rf&1b hits. 300 or close with clean up power.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
3:55 pm
Now — the second half is more like it — Go Dawgs.
JoeBrave
November 17th, 2012
3:57 pm
Mucg better option than Josh freaking Willingham
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
3:57 pm
I like that idea Joe Brave — that has not been bandied about but its better tham most.
brian
November 17th, 2012
3:57 pm
Olney says he would be surprised in the Marlins don’t tradeStanton in the next 20 months. Stanton will not signa long term contract with the Marlins. Offer them Minor, Delgado or Teheran, Ahmed and see if the marlins will talk
Heath
November 17th, 2012
3:57 pm
So, the wife has us going to a Christmas tree fest this afternoon at 5… It’s not even Thanksgiving. With my wife, arguing anthing against Christmas is an exercise in futility. Happens here with some people and some topics too
brian
November 17th, 2012
3:58 pm
Joebrave – would not surprise me a bit if we go for billy butler
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
4:01 pm
who wants to wait?
The guy fielding offers that might make him an extra couple of millions or an added year of security.
The poker game is a PIA — they should have a deadline and if a player does not sign by New yrs day they lose the right to free agency and the players former team renews their contract if they want to.
That would speed up the process for the top tiered guys. The union would not go for it — stupid legalities in contracts and the boring business of the game. Ties things up.
I am looking at it from my perspective only. Just being a fan first and to hell with the stupid business of how its done.
JoeBrave
November 17th, 2012
4:01 pm
Or kill 2 birds in one deal and call the Angels about Bourjos and Morales..and Yes Morales can play Lf switch hitter at cleanup with plus power
ncbravesfan90
November 17th, 2012
4:02 pm
Billy Butler has played LF 6 times in 5 years. He is pretty much strictly a DH player now. In 2011, 11 games at 1B, 148 games at DH. In 2012, 20 games at 1B, 141 games at DH.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
4:02 pm
Brian —
I don;t think I want to trade Minor even for a deal for Stanton.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
4:03 pm
Here goes the Bourjos stuff again LOL.
CB
November 17th, 2012
4:03 pm
Butler hasn’t played OF since 2007,not saying he can’t but very good hitter.
Disgusted
November 17th, 2012
4:04 pm
They really need to just bend and make the DH final for both leagues.
Get it over with once and for all.
JoeBrave
November 17th, 2012
4:05 pm
Nc Butler is only 26 years old damn he must be useless
nolie
November 17th, 2012
4:05 pm
they should have a deadline and if a player does not sign by New yrs day they lose the right to free agency and the players former team renews their contract if they want to.
yeah like that is really gonna happen
ncbravesfan90
November 17th, 2012
4:07 pm
Same for Morales, only played the outfield 18 games out of 451 in his Major League career.
Heath
November 17th, 2012
4:08 pm
JoeBrave -
A trade for Butler wouldn’t be bad for the Braves… The contract is Atlanta-friendly too. It’s also KC-friendly. I wonder what KC would want for him in a trade. I like him, but for the right trade. By trading for Willingham or Butler, since you’d still need a leadoff guy, you pretty much have to sign Bourn, Pagan, or Victorino for CF I’d guess. Of the three, Bourn might still be out of the Braves financial reach (by desire at that point) and I’d rather Pagan than Victorino. So, whether the Braves trade for Willingham or Butler, I think the Braves are most likely to end up with Pagan for CF… This is Bourn’s best chance at a big contract, I don’t see the Braves out-bidding other teams (don’t forger the Rangers could nab him too if they don’t sign Hamilton).
nolie
November 17th, 2012
4:09 pm
no they do not, I don’t want the damn DL in the NL and Bud has said it is likely to stay the same as it is
CB
November 17th, 2012
4:09 pm
Morales is still limping from last injury.
JoeBrave
November 17th, 2012
4:09 pm
Willingham>>>Uggla. No thanks!I would rather have Butler or Morales in LF
nolie
November 17th, 2012
4:09 pm
DH not DL obviously
nolie
November 17th, 2012
4:10 pm
the 28th best career hitter on all current players and you wand Morales or Butler instead? sigh
Couch Tater
November 17th, 2012
4:10 pm
uga – I don’t think we can count on the Trojans.
ncbravesfan90
November 17th, 2012
4:11 pm
“Willingham>>>Uggla. No thanks!I would rather have Butler or Morales in LF”
We should just put McCann out there in LF then if you would rather have Butler or Morales out there.
JoeBrave
November 17th, 2012
4:19 pm
I dontI want anymore park adjusted sluggers ala Damn Dan Uggla
Heath
November 17th, 2012
4:20 pm
I still think Span and Upton seem likely for the Braves (and maybe the best combo). Definitely defensivey (I’d put Upton in LF).
2012 for Span: .283/.342/.395/.738
Career: .284/.357/.389/.746
Last 3 yrs against LHP: .280/.355/.350/.705
Last 3 yrs against RHP: .267/.325/.375/.700
I think that’d be good for lead-off.
ncbravesfan90
November 17th, 2012
4:20 pm
“I dontI want anymore park adjusted sluggers ala Damn Dan Uggla”
Yeah I mean he only hit a career high 36 homeruns in his first year with Atlanta. So much for park adjusted slugger.
Playoffs!!!
November 17th, 2012
4:21 pm
Doubt we sign BJ Upton—Phillies have made him their TOP priority. Their GM really wants him. They will outbid us.
JoeBrave
November 17th, 2012
4:22 pm
36 somewhat useless homeruns what is Uggla now! A waste of roster space…Willingham is the same player
nolie
November 17th, 2012
4:24 pm
Uggla was not park adjusted b4 we got him, and he had ghit well here as a Fish. Even just using OPS which is not park adjusted Willinghamfas th 38th best numbers of all burrent players in both leagues
ncbravesfan90
November 17th, 2012
4:25 pm
“Doubt we sign BJ Upton—Phillies have made him their TOP priority. Their GM really wants him. They will outbid us.”
BJ Upton is getting alot of attention for him to not be much of a player, as some on here say. All the GM’s and scouts must be seeing a totally different and more realistic picture than some here are. Let’s not fool ourselves, whoever gets BJ Upton will be getting a tremendous, high caliber ball player who will be a difference maker.
jbill
November 17th, 2012
4:28 pm
Some GM’s like BJ….Braves, Phillies, Nationals, Rangers, Reds, and Boston all have interest in signing BJ. but we have 35 pages of hate for him. Some even like 2 time loser Schafer better. I don’t believe Braves will get him anyway because other teams have more money to give him. So you can stop the bitching and look to the cheaper players. Some of the same people have said it a dozen time are more…we heard you! I don’t think Wren does..
nolie
November 17th, 2012
4:29 pm
Let’s not fool ourselves, whoever gets BJ Upton will be getting a tremendous, high caliber ball player who will be a difference maker.
bullcrap. just how many games have you watched him play, and just how do you see his mediocre numbers as being a difference maker and his crappy defense either.