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283 comments Add your comment
single white dove
November 15th, 2012
5:24 pm
DOB, This guy sounds like a real doucher, even for a backup. We had it made with Ross as backup….
Amber Girl
November 15th, 2012
5:27 pm
Ok Wren eat your cookie and comb your pretty hair, and keep going. Don’t stop or they will be all gone.
kingdaddy
November 15th, 2012
5:30 pm
We were spoiled having David & Mac. Laird will be fine. Now let’s get busy with LF /CF. Try not to be so impatient…
Ray
November 15th, 2012
5:32 pm
We’re talking about a back up. A back up. Ross was a back up and not a starter. A back up. Laird fills the position nicely. Not as good as Ross but again we are still talking about a back up. (In my best Allen Iverson voice)
kingdaddy
November 15th, 2012
5:35 pm
We all want to see the impact trade. The Braves are sitting pretty, give wren credit for last year and realize with two big moves, WE WILL TURN THAT CORNER! If you are a Bravo fan,,,, have faith. So many teams wish they were us…
longtimefan
November 15th, 2012
5:36 pm
I realize this is a blog and everyone is obviously entitled to their opinion. But, If they think they know more than a very good MLB GM whose full time job it is to put together a ML baseball roster-then you/they are delusional. FW is privy to all kinds of information about player availability, financial considerations, future deals etc that the average fan is unaware of. The expectations of some on this blog are unreasonable. They expect every free agent signing or trade to work perfectly and for all the prospects to pan out. It doesn’t work that way. Look at the NY Mets unloading Jason Bay-they took a bath. Look at A Rods contact-talk about an albatross! The major leagues are full of player signings that went south for any number of reasons. The Braves have one player inked to a long term contract-Uggla, for three more years. They are in a great position to lock up the good young players on the team to long term deals and see which of the young pitchers they want to keep. I have been following the Braves for more than 40 years; the last 20 they have done as good a job as any organization of putting a team on the field with a real chance to win. I think FW has positioned the Braves to have a really good team the next 5 or so years. Those of you getting all worked up over not resigning a 36 year old back up catcher aren’t seeing the big picture.
kingdaddy
November 15th, 2012
5:38 pm
Amber Girl,
What’s wrong with cookies and I wish I could get my oldest to brush his Mane, he’s 25, lol…
Ray
November 15th, 2012
5:41 pm
@longtime.. you are correct. I often challenge those that say sign this one or sign that one or trade for this player etc. Then I challenge them to play GM and they either change the subject or disappear completely. Easy to make trades and sign a player if there isn’t the OTHER side.
kingdaddy
November 15th, 2012
5:42 pm
LT fan
Great Post…Braves fans need PATIENCE & TRUST IN THE ORG…
longtimefan
November 15th, 2012
5:46 pm
Rafael- I think Matt Diaz has apologized for ignoring you and not signing your baseball 2 years ago. I think you can give it a rest. I doubt he will ever play for the team again. Time to find a new target.
Amber Girl
November 15th, 2012
5:47 pm
@kingdaddy Nothing wrong with cookies. I gave him a cookie for doing a good job. He won the best hair contest at Gm meetings. Just thought he might want to look good. I will give him some hair spray. I will give him a big kiss and hold his hand if he continues to do the right thing. I just don’t want him to stop. They might be all gone. Get a LF, CF, and a solid bench and let’s play ball.
Once again Wren shows......
November 15th, 2012
5:49 pm
Once again Frank Wren shows why he SUCKS as a General Manger…….once again signs a low rent ball player for a no spirit team…..this off season is going to be just as bad as the regular season ended…..a total bust – Only bright spot, we don’t have to look a Gimper Jones goofy smile any more.
Nail in the Road
November 15th, 2012
5:49 pm
Looks like McCann has someone to go to the buffet with now.
Yuuup
November 15th, 2012
5:55 pm
DOB,
How about Koyie Hill, or Rod Barajas? Aren’t they both better defensively than Laird? I could be mistaken on that, but it seems they are both better at throwing out base runners. What about Jose Molina from the Rays? He is pretty sound defensively and probably not costing that much.
Chop Chop
November 15th, 2012
5:57 pm
Regardless of Ross’s price, this is a significant downgrade at the backup catcher spot.
kingdaddy
November 15th, 2012
5:58 pm
AG, For some reason, I feel confident that they can see how close they are to that corner I’m talking about turning. We’re very close. I am ready for spring, lol…
Amber Girl
November 15th, 2012
5:59 pm
@Yuuup Give it up buddy. Wren did good this time. He is the best fit.
Disgusted
November 15th, 2012
6:00 pm
Actually the Braves could have done worse. If they got him in the 1 to 1.2 mil range that is not that bad.
A few yrs ago he was a real shut down defensive catcher and in the past had a high throwing out runners attempting to steal.
Also knows as a good handler of pitchers — saw alot of him in Detroit a few yrs ago.
I don;t know if he will be the catcher he was in 2009, but there were worse options out there.
My first choice was Shoppach but this one will do.
Rick C
November 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
“Why don’t Braves ever go after players that can hit above .270?”
You know how many FA catchers this year have a career avg over 270? Two: Paulino and Pierzynski. And only Paulino is a back up catcher.
“Why did the Braves only want Ross for one year, but plan to sign Liard for 2 years?”
Well for one, Laird is two years younger.
dbbraves
November 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
I think all of the anger is more about fan love for D Ross than anything else. As fans we love the guy. Solid ballplayer, great attitude and funny as hell. He’s become one of our guys. But im sorry, as a 36 year old backup catcher, the amount of money Boston is willing to pay is a lot more than is sensible for the braves to pay with a 95 mil dollar payroll. And enough with this good guy in the clubhouse stuff. Good guys dont win pennants, good players do. And maybe, just maybe with the little extra cash the braves have from not overspending on D Ross, FW can go get a couple of them. Although im not holding my breath.
Amber Girl
November 15th, 2012
6:02 pm
@kingdaddy I think we will be OK. He just needs to finish the job where Yankees, Red Sox or Phillies don’t get them first. DO IT NOW. I will even hold his hand and guide him thru. I hope he is still awake.
Disgusted
November 15th, 2012
6:03 pm
“Regardless of Ross’s price, this is a significant downgrade at the backup catcher spot.”
No one will debate that Chop Chop. Now if they go cheap on replacements for Chipper and Bourn than we will have a real beef.
And I have no love for ownership at all — I think they should pursue Bourn over some of what is out there. Unless they choose not to spend the alleged 25 million.
We will see.
This is not bad – see my above post.
mr baseball
November 15th, 2012
6:20 pm
Congratulations to Tim. The only person to offer up a potentially better option than Laird. Not surprisingly, not a soul who has opined since picked up on it.
Laird can’t hit. Olivo can, at least for a catcher. Not sure about his defense, and he is reputedly a candidate for slowest man in baseball. But he would have given the Braves a power bat when McCann is out of the lineup. Laird is a quality backup on a team that does not rely on its catcher for offense.
There is a large dropoff offensively between McCann & Laird. Wasn’t much with Ross and wouldn’t be that much with Olivo.
And let’s not forget. Braves will need another catcher to back up Laird until McCann returns. Prognosis for return from injury is often wrong, and the Braves need to have some protection in that case. Fortunately, baseball is filled with Corky Miller types.
Game Changer
November 15th, 2012
6:26 pm
Wish this was an april fools joke. Does not matter where the Braves take this future traveling circus if the players are all clowns. Gerald Laird is unwanted by all except Wren. One strikeout every five at bats. PLEASE STOP THE INEPT MANAGEMENT OF THE BRAVES.
Seattle Brave
November 15th, 2012
6:26 pm
For the people who dont understand Baseball Politics and MATH!
1. Ross cost too much for a back up.
2. Laird is a quality back up for the cost.
3. Cant improve that position if Ross was the best.
4. Signing someone cheaper can free up that crucial 2-6 million needed to land that RH Bopper.
5. Plus Wren is just making sure that the players only plays 6 innings every game in a week. This is equal to working 28 hours a week. Reason is to not pay for health inurance. Smart Guy if you ask me.
I would be happy with both Upton brothers here, but not at the price of Simmons or our entire pitching prospects.
Rick James
November 15th, 2012
6:36 pm
Since being purchased by Liberty Media the Braves are no longer in the business of building champions just the business of keeping Atlanta fans entertained and buying tickets.I admire Frank Wren for playing the hands his bosses deal him yet it bothers me that with Derek Lowe and Chipper Jones coming off the payroll the Braves are already out of the running for Michael Bourne.Where will that money go? Somebody please buy this team!! What about David McDavid and and his Time Warner settlement?
Ralph
November 15th, 2012
6:43 pm
DOB
I would have thought about who I was going to get for a back up catcher before I let Ross walk, The games Laird catches count just as much in the standings as the ones that B/Mac catches and with Ross we didn’t miss a step when Ross was in the game. As I see things Wren has taken two steps backward, one step for the loss of Ross’s defense and and a second with the loss of Ross’s offense. Not a good start for the off season.
P Rose
November 15th, 2012
6:43 pm
“Laird played in two games in each of the Tigers’ three postseason series this year and went a combined 1-for-20 at the plate. Detroit was swept by San Francisco in the World Series.”
He’ll fit right in here!
Just kidding, go Braves.
Ralph
November 15th, 2012
6:47 pm
Seattle Brave
Do you know how much Laird cost, I don’t, please tell me.
Ralph
November 15th, 2012
6:49 pm
Seattle Brave
4. Signing someone cheaper can free up that crucial 2-6 million needed to land that RH Bopper
Don’t hold your breath!
Chris
November 15th, 2012
6:51 pm
Was 1 for 20 in the playoffs. Should fit right in.
So Impressive That.......
November 15th, 2012
7:01 pm
Evidently this guy is so impressive(NOT!) , he didn’t even merit a mention on WSB TV’s 6:00 pm News Sportscast……..way to go Pretty Boy Frank for getting another solid underachiever – Wren is an absolute waste as a GM.
Dan Uggla
November 15th, 2012
7:05 pm
“Was 1 for 20 in the playoffs. Should fit right in.” – Chris
That’s not bad at all !
Frank Wren
November 15th, 2012
7:07 pm
“Evidently this guy is so impressive(NOT!) , he didn’t even merit a mention on WSB TV’s 6:00 pm News Sportscast”
Our theme this year is to stay under the radar as much as possible. Let the other teams make a big media splash with trades & free agent signings while we quietly do our work to improve the team..
ugaaccountant
November 15th, 2012
7:09 pm
Between David Ross and Cody Ross for our team needs right now, I’d take David Ross. I just don’t like trusting in an earlier than projected recovery for McCann.
kral
November 15th, 2012
7:17 pm
I have wish..I wish some of you whiney azz complainers..would go to sleep tonight an dream you were a die-hard cub are marlin fan..and wake up in the morning in a cold sweat..and then smile and say whew it was all just a bad dream…Braves fan for 40 years also..you do not know bad times or bad teams..or bad managers.or gm..
Seattle Brave
November 15th, 2012
7:20 pm
@Ralph
Obviously you know what your talking about when comes to DOB articles, I respect that. No I dont know how much he is getting paid, but I can assume its not more than 2 mil a year.
Signing a RH Bopper: Its possible, but is it likely, probably not. The Braves have struck out on the last RH hitters Uggla, Glaus, Tex, and Lee. But who knows with the Upton Brothers, who are young and can be locked up for years to come. Could possibly be the break through the Braves need. Imagine that Outfield of Uptons and Heyward….. That makes me a happy Braves fan after Chipper era. (Which I will always be)
Frank Wren
November 15th, 2012
7:29 pm
Diaz, Schafer & Heyward.
That’s an outfield we can rally around.
Sambo 4 Rambo
November 15th, 2012
7:33 pm
Good pick! Been with good/winning organizations which shows me that he has the ability to conduct a good game. Thats all he needs to do. Having a good hitting catch is just a bonus. Which we have in Mac when healthy. Still biting at the bit to just hear atleast rumors of Bourns, LF or 3B news…
jbill
November 15th, 2012
7:33 pm
Yuup–DOB said under 5 million….those don’t cut it.
Amber Girl
November 15th, 2012
7:40 pm
@jbill I have been complaining about him not doing anything. Give him credit. It might be wrong but at least he did something. Sorry to say buddy but it is my sleepy time, Good nite from New South Wales. Love you guys. Go Braves!!!
Screwball
November 15th, 2012
7:44 pm
In other words, DOB, we should be quiet and praise Wren for a panic response to losing Ross – which must have come like a knee in the crotch to the uber-smug GM. Laird is a solid backup catcher, but losing DR was a big blow. Wren is on the clock – use the Chipper, Lowe, Bourn money wisely. Troy Glaud has had a year plus to rest those knees.
jax dawg
November 15th, 2012
7:47 pm
Enter your comments here
jax dawg
November 15th, 2012
7:49 pm
the more i think about it, the more im ok with us most likely not signing bourn. he’s a great value on the base paths obviously, but his steals were down because his avg. was down and his OBP was down. his home tuns happened mostly in the first half. SIGN DENARD SPAGN! GO BRAVES!
kissstealinwheelindealin
November 15th, 2012
7:59 pm
waste of money…bring up one of the young catchers and let them get their feet wet for the future. This is another Damon Berryhill or Eddie Perez move….zilch impact
Frank Wren
November 15th, 2012
8:18 pm
Span won’t be coming here.
Neither Upton will be coming here.
I’m saving that money for a blockbuster trade in July.
For the time being we’ll go with Prado on 3B, Diaz in LF & Schafer in CF.
Our roster is now complete.
Play ball !
Sam The Swami
November 15th, 2012
8:31 pm
Enough about Liberty Media as an excuse. A $95M payroll is very, very healthy. If you want a bigger payroll, go to more games and spend your money!
This signing is fine. We’re not looking for a back up catcher to put up great numbers. Handle the staff, don’t kill us at the plate…do enough.
We’re all impatient right now for something big. Wren will come through.
Jimiz
November 15th, 2012
8:32 pm
This move was an insurance policy if Gattis doesn’t have a good sping or if they try to use him in LF. He has been a good catcher for a while. I think they will give him a shot as starter until Brian comes back. The Braves want to see him against big league pitching. I am sure he would do a nice job given the chance. His bat would be a welcome site over laird and an upgrade from JC Boscan.
I have been trolling through the free agents and to tell you the truth i dont see anyone that would fit salary and talent wise. We got a couple that will go for big contracts and everyone left isn’t that great. I feel the Braves will make a trade for someone. I see a multiteam multiplayer deal going down and the Braves will probably end up with Justin Upton if we are lucky.
Backup
November 15th, 2012
8:34 pm
Bethancourt still the starter for first month. Other note…..sign BJ Upton!
Not Understanding
November 15th, 2012
8:34 pm
The Braves blew it by not resigning Ross. It’s really that simple. The best backup catcher in baseball who was going to be called on to catch every day early in the season due to the McCann situation.
But hey! 3 mil a year for a backup catcher! Who ever heard of such a ridiculous prospect? Unless of course that backup was David Ross, who is the best and who is going to have to produce like a every day catcher. and do it for a month to 6 weeks of the early season.
The Braves would much rather pay some other under achiever that extra 1.5 mil that Ross got per year from the Sox to walk away from the Braves.
Anyone who generalizes that you can short change the contract on Ross because he is just a “backup catcher” really doesn’t have what it takes to be a decent baseball mind.
It’s about a holistic approach to what a player contributes to a team and the teams’ ability to win. Ross brought much more than what some players who make MUCH more than he made brought to the team’s efforts to win games.
Thats all. I’m just disgusted with the efforts by the Braves to fill out their 95 million payroll by paying too much for UNDER achievers.
Not Understanding
November 15th, 2012
8:40 pm
Bethancourt has proven he has a great arm and that he can’t hit.
He is still nothing more than Jeff Francouer in catching gear. Maybe he’ll be a monster one day but as is the norm, he is being over-hyped by the Braves organization.
Show me you’re Yadier Molina or better before I praise you as he next great Braves prospect.
nadya
November 15th, 2012
8:41 pm
great person to have as a backup catcher
andersja
November 15th, 2012
8:53 pm
Downgrade at catcher. Cheapskates wouldn’t give David 2 years. He’s proven what he can do. Invaluable player to lose.
don
November 15th, 2012
8:56 pm
Dud. Zero added to zero still equals zero.
BravesFan79
November 15th, 2012
9:12 pm
Thanks to D Ross for being a great role model, and good solid player for the Braves! Cant blame the man at all for taking the money before hes 2 old to play.
hit a single
November 15th, 2012
9:16 pm
Catching is the least of our worries. Offense is the concern especially if Uggla continues his inconsisitent ways. We have to improve in situational hitting. The Giants won because of pitching and good situational hitting. Congrats Buster Posey!
Steve
November 15th, 2012
9:18 pm
The reality is that there are ‘better’ options, but most are coming off injuries or would cost significantly more.
As I posted on the blog when we lost Ross, the Braves had to have someone they could count on for the first couple of months as a starter next year. With nagging injuries hitting Ross last year as well as quite a few of the free agents they were far from sure things as 4 out of 5 game starters.
For the money that he will likely get, this is a decent signing. He is definitely a step down from Rossy, but the $2 million or so per year we will save can be spent on positions of greater need.
Long time fan
November 15th, 2012
9:19 pm
The Braves need to get the cash together to either try to resign Bourn or make those big deals. Diaz and Hinske arent coming back. As for Liberty Media, people need to spend bucks at QVC.
Long time fan
November 15th, 2012
9:20 pm
BTW—>How would you like to be a Marlins fan?
Peter
November 15th, 2012
9:30 pm
He’s great as long as our pitchers don’t allow a hit !
Peter
November 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
Or allow a walk…. I forgot to add……. Brilliant, and in the big games he hit 1 – 20 wow he fits right in with our clutch hitting scheme !
Bob the Blogger
November 15th, 2012
9:32 pm
Most of Laird’s defensive numbers are MLB average. His career caught stealing percentage is 35% vs 27% for MLB catchers for the same period. Plus he’s almost 3 years younger than Ross. Offensively, Laird is a little weak, with a career OPS+ of 74. There was no other David Ross out there, and at least we didn’t have to trade for him.
Peter
November 15th, 2012
9:34 pm
BTW—>How would you like to be a Marlins fan?
At least they are making changes…..and by the way they have more World Championships then the Atlanta Braves….. so what makes them so terrible as compared to all those Braves teams that couldn’t win in the big situations ?
Please, No
November 15th, 2012
9:36 pm
Since it appears we won’t get a real leadoff hitter, this would be my ideal lineup:
1. SImmons
2. Prado
3. Heyward
4. Upton
5. Freeman
6. Fellatio Upton
7. (Ugh)la
8. Laird
Peter
November 15th, 2012
9:36 pm
We’re talking about a back up. A back up. Ross was a back up and not a starter. A back up. Laird fills the position nicely. Not as good as Ross but again we are still talking about a back up.
YUP and what is wonderful ………we now have TWO guys who can’t throw a runner out……watch the fast teams kill us with small ball, manufacture runs……. and negate our pitching !
Peter
November 15th, 2012
9:38 pm
Please, No,,,,, Are you kidding me…….. we hare Shafer in center and leading off… We will scare allot of teams this year !
Peter
November 15th, 2012
9:39 pm
He is definitely a step down from Rossy, but the $2 million or so per year we will save can be spent on positions of greater need.
You mean UGGLA ????
Yuuup
November 15th, 2012
9:52 pm
Jbill,
Hill nor Barajas is a 5 million a year catcher anymore.
BraveDan
November 15th, 2012
9:53 pm
OK, then who’d you have in mind. As a backup, mind you. Not a $5-6 million catcher who’s penciled in for regular or platoon duties. A backup.
I AGREE totally!!!!
Dum-Bass
November 15th, 2012
9:59 pm
It’s always amazing at the number of people who say “yeh good pickup”, “great signing”, or “good deal” during the off season when it’s done, and then about two weeks into the season, those same ones are “why did they get him”, “he stinks”, or “dumb move”. Never fails. Braves are great at this very type signing. Mediocrity gets you, well,………mediocrity! SMSASDFSR42013= SAME MANAGER, SAME ATTITUDE, SAME DAMN FANS, SAME RESULTS 4 2013
Rick C
November 15th, 2012
10:05 pm
Not Understanding, generally catcher is not a big offensive position, unlike the OF. And Yadier wasn’t exactly known for his offense until 2011.
Peter
November 15th, 2012
10:09 pm
can’t throw them out catchers we have……
Laird 2011 with Cards .200 % in 2012 with Detroit .192 % thrown out
McCann 2011 .218 % 2012 .240 % thrown out
Ross 2012 with Braves .441% thrown out.. never mind the clutch hitting ! He deserved the money…… but UGGLA has it.
Funny when you read all the folks saying here is the 2013 line up…. Uggla batting 7, or 8th……
WOW.. the guy is going to be our highest paid player ? What the heck….. Gosh WREN is sooooooo smart !
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
10:10 pm
We need to go for it and sign Hamilton. If not just resign Bourn
Peter
November 15th, 2012
10:13 pm
Rick C .. BUT Yadier is the best at stopping the running game…… which is exactly where baseball is today without steroids.
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
10:16 pm
We will see Bethahcourt as the Catcher before the end of 2013 because nobody else will be able to throw out runners
Peter
November 15th, 2012
10:22 pm
Joe Dirte Bourn has an agent we all love to hate and wants way too much for him……. this is a corporate team and a Josh Hamilton will not fit in…….
Remember we have Shafer !
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
10:28 pm
Shafer you mean that little head guy that got busted wth Weed and Roids several times and can hit over .240 and is not that good…..That Shafer
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
10:28 pm
Shafer you mean that little head guy that got busted wth Weed and Roids several times and can hit over .240 and is not that good…..That Shafer
Rick C
November 15th, 2012
10:45 pm
Peter, I’m aware. I was replying to Not Understanding’s comment about Bethancourt being over hyped and contrasting him to Molina. My point was that Molina had not been that strong of an offensive player either until a couple years ago.
Peter
November 15th, 2012
10:55 pm
Joe Dirte. YES that Shafer was just re signed after being released from Houston ! On heck of a pick up….. Gotta love Wren…. he is amazing !
Peter
November 15th, 2012
10:56 pm
Rick C. I do agree with oyu……. Molina was mostly all glove……. and what a glove….
He must be really working hard, because he is well rounded, plus he is not fat like McCann and has some speed for a catcher.
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
11:01 pm
Braves so far are having a terrible offseason so far.
Peter
November 15th, 2012
11:01 pm
Well folks bottom line……… we have two catchers that can easily be run on…….. 80 % success rate.
Good luck to the pitchers now……. If you don’t think they will know this and try to be perfect ???????
Peter
November 15th, 2012
11:02 pm
Braves so far are having a terrible off season so far.
YUP #1 mistake not firing WREN !
He got run out of Baltimore, and landed here……. so what have we done under his tenure ?
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
11:07 pm
The Braves need to trade tommy Hanson also
He gets lit up and cant hold any runners and we have no catchers that can hold them on base.
Use Tommy, Teheran, Salecedo, and Nick Ahmed to get Justin Upton
bostonbravo
November 15th, 2012
11:18 pm
why not Choo Choo Coleman???
Billvillebaron
November 15th, 2012
11:23 pm
Did I miss something or is this November 16th? Did the Braves not spend most of the day meeting with B. J. Upton? Are any of you armchair GMs aware of the fact that this “mediocre” team Wren assembled won 94 games last year and is loaded with young talent, especially pitching? Some of you are clueless, totally clueless.
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
11:38 pm
Are you aware that Chipper Jones is gone and the 40+SB Bourn will give us will be gone as well. Also to assume the Phillies will be as bad as they were this season is shortsided. So yea I think the “Armchairs GMs” do bring up a valid point. Remember that Ross is better than Laird and our bench needs some help. But its ok Billvillebaron AKA lobosolo
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
11:38 pm
Are you aware that Chipper Jones is gone and the 40+SB Bourn will give us will be gone as well. Also to assume the Phillies will be as bad as they were this season is shortsided. So yea I think the “Armchairs GMs” do bring up a valid point. Remember that Ross is better than Laird and our bench needs some help. But its ok Billvillebaron AKA lobosolo
Joe Dirte
November 15th, 2012
11:41 pm
a 94 win team that choked in one game and allowed the Cardnials toadvance just like in 2011
ugaaccountant
November 15th, 2012
11:42 pm
not understanding – Nobody intelligent is trying to hype up Bethancourt as some superstar answer. They are saying he’s got a decent chance to be an everyday player. Not an all-star, not a great hitter, but a good glove. If you saw him in another organization you’d think he’s pretty decent and then move on with your day without thinking much about it.
Just because the hype media will hype him up doesn’t mean much. Remember, not all prospects are created equal. Plus, don’t just read the Braves top 20 prospects. Look at the overall prospect list and see where he ranks in the overall scheme of things.
Chop Chop
November 15th, 2012
11:54 pm
Gerald Laird is a piece of crap. Welcome to Atlanta.
Tree rollins
November 16th, 2012
12:15 am
Decent backup catcher – now what was wrong with the one we had again???
O'Ventbrel
November 16th, 2012
12:42 am
Trolls and pessimists…smh
It doesn’t matter who Wren gets in free agency. He could sign 2 top-tier FAs and these people would find something to complain about. Even the popular opinion of a move for Denard Span and Josh Willingham would be ripped apart the minute it was announced.
Wren isn’t even close to being done this offseason, so I’ll reserve any irrational whining for when he actually screws something up.
Howdee Doodee
November 16th, 2012
12:51 am
Great pick up, Frank. Keep up the good work.
Murph's Mormunz
November 16th, 2012
12:57 am
Billvillebaron and O’Ventrbrel–agree with you 100%. Too many of our armchair GM’s and so-called “fans” will criticize every signing, forgetting how we won 90+ games last year with a mid-market payroll. Wren will put a competitive team on the field next season. Everyone take a breath—free agency has just begun.
Just Wanna Say
November 16th, 2012
1:16 am
Apparently, B Upton was here visiting today. Definitely fills CF and RH bat need. Just need to get the avg up. Guess that means we now have to fill the leadoff spot with LF? Span is still an option there. I think that would be a pretty solid lineup.
Just Wanna Say
November 16th, 2012
1:20 am
@Tree rollins
Did you miss the entire conversation about Ross getting a lot more money? Back up catcher is not worth that when we have other needs to fill.
Joe Dirte
November 16th, 2012
1:46 am
The Braves will win 85 games regardless but to expect this currently constructed Braves team to win 94 games next season considering that Chipper Jones is gone and the Phillies will be better is short sided. The Braves do have plenty of pitching and that’s good but with McCann and Uggla in the line-up accumulating outs and killing rallies force the Braves to need another power bat that can occupy the 3 or 4 spot. That’s why we need Hamilton IMO to drive in runners. If we get Hamilton we will be the favorites to win the NL plain and simple. Plus we have the money, that’s why I don’t see why more fans are not banging down the doors to make this deal. Remember the Tigers got Fielder and he helped the Tigers get to the WS Well Josh Hamilton is a complete 5 tool player and is maybe the best player in baseball. And if we sign him we can still have our prospects to use in another trade.
Just Wanna Say
November 16th, 2012
2:37 am
@Joe Dirte
It’s about using all our money on one player. That’s where the problem is. Also, we need a RH power bat. I love Hamilton, but just not sure if he’s the right fit. Plus, comparing us to Detroit is not fair. Bigger payroll.