Braves target Upton, while weighing other CF options

(more...)

2,505 comments Add your comment

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
9:45 am

But I think I’ll wait and see what he does in AA or at Gwinnett and not rely on a few winter ball AB’s.

I’m trying to do the same with Juan Fran… but what he’s doing down there…. impressive. Still would be nice to see him cut down on the Ks down there though. His Ks are gonna rise, and his avg. fall when he’s facing MLB competition again.

richbrave

November 23rd, 2012
9:47 am

TOBF:

True dat.

Jeff R

November 23rd, 2012
9:48 am

If that Doesn’t Hit (DH) and stone hands Salcedo can get moved up to AA.

The old Peter Principle: “Rise to the level of your incompetence.” As I recall it.

richbrave

November 23rd, 2012
9:50 am

1.6 mill says a lot. Lot of opportunity built into that ball of wax.

richbrave

November 23rd, 2012
9:51 am

YOBF you’re here in VIRGINIA aren’t you?

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
9:54 am

Nope, Georgia

VaBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
9:54 am

Yep, I’m totally wrong….

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
10:04 am

richbrave – I’m a better artist than a cook, but I can cook poretty well. I can make the entire Thanksgiving spread from scratch and have done it for decades.

VaBraves – well, you;re right most of the time.

VaBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
10:06 am

Simmons was regarded a defensive first shortstop, he’s so good at defense that it wouldn’t matter how much he hit. His biggest question mark going forward was his bat, and arguably still is since he’s played so little. Simmons best attribute as a hitter is his knack for making contact, you could put him in the Juan Pierre tier when it comes to that, extremely tough to strikeout. But many still seen a guy who would easily hover around a 700 OPS, but so far he’s exceeded expectations with the bat.

Christian Bethancourt is rated our #2 best prospect and he can’t hit a lick at all. Were talking Jack Wilson type bat. So were really screwed if he’s our 2nd best youngin… But his defense is so good for his age he will only get better.

I’m just saying both are/were regarded as great defensive prospects, and regardless of minor league stats, the major question with both is how much would they hit going forward.

While Simmons might have projected to make tons of contact, he never walked much in the minors and were some concerns about his approach at the plate, many said he’d make tons of weak contact and likely be a singles hitter.

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
10:09 am

OnlyBraves – On thing this new wave of “It’s all about the OBP” crowd need to understand going in is that most power hitters are going to strike out a lot. It’s just part of who and what they are and there’s just no getting around it.

VaBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
10:13 am

If Frank Wren does sign BJ Upton, to me were really not filling a need. He’s not a leadoff man and certainly not a 4/5 guy. Essentially were adding another Dan Uggla to the lineup. While I agree we need some RH power, not the RH power that produces a 240 AVG 320 OBP… How on earth can that be worth 15 million a season is beyond me. And I’m sorry this is atleast the 10th time I’ve commented on this.. LOL

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
10:19 am

Where did Upton hit in the Rays’ lineup? He had a fair number of steals and you usually don’t see that from a 5-6 hitter. Not advocating here, just curious.

jim

November 23rd, 2012
10:20 am

The downside to Mejia’s winter ball stats, besides the high number of K’s, is 5 errors already at 1B. I assume he will be the right-handed Hinske in the scheme of things for the Braves this year and won’t see much of the field anyway so the errors just point out that he is a likely pinch-hitter-DH candidate for next year’s bench.

northbeach Scott

November 23rd, 2012
10:21 am

I think we may see Bethancourt start the season in Atlanta as Laird’s back up, until BMac returns. He has already been added to the 40-man, so I just costs an option and starts his clock. That way he can get his feet on the ground and he can get some MLB experience to work from when he goes back down to the minors.

I have to believe the Braves need to get a handle on if he is a viable 2014 starter, which will influence what they do with McCann.

jim

November 23rd, 2012
10:28 am

Lew,
That most power hitters strike out a lot points to the fact that we need an OBP guy more than anoher power hitter. Uggla was supposed to be the power hitter who could give us 100 RBIs, but has been less than anticipated in that role. We should be getting more power going forward from Heyward and Freeman and might hope for a better return from Uggla and McCann. Right now there are a lot of strikeouts already in the lineup/bench — Heyward, Freeman, Uggla, Francisco, Mejia, Schafer and last year from McCann. We need a contact hitter more than another power bat with 150+ Ks.

VaBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
10:31 am

Lew

Upton batted in the 2 hole 81 times in 2012, with 25 hitting 3rd and 13 times at cleanup.

Career Starts

167 at Leadoff
195 at 2
145 at 3
82 at cleanup
62 at 5
128 at 6
71 at 7
59 at 9
51 at 9

VaBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
10:34 am

But we gotta factor that Upton has been around a 242/316 hitter who averaged 162 strikeouts a season for the past 4 years. But also averaged 32 Doubles, 20 Homers, 38 Stolen Bases, and 149 Games.

CB

November 23rd, 2012
10:34 am

Checking the schedule and assuming McCann is out for 1st 2 weeks of regular season 2nd string C will probably be used 1 or 2 times at the most. Why would we start Bethancourt’s arb clock for that? I don’t believe that will happen,use minor league for that.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
10:36 am

Last year, he hit mainly in the 2-hole… but Maddon does move his guys around a bit, he did also get over 100 ABs hitting 3rd. In 2011, he mainly hit 5-6, and in 2010 he hit most in the 6spot, but with some considerable time leading off. Can’t really think of a time when he’s kept 1 lineup spot for the majority of the the season.

Also, looking at his career numbers, he has the majority of his ABs hitting 1,2,3 or 6.

1- 766 PAs
2- 863 PAs
3- 636 PAs
6- 521 PAs

VaBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
10:36 am

Really weird combination, hard to believe he could produce the XBH numbers and steals with being such a terrible hitter and also not even putting the ball in play around 25% of the time.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
10:38 am

David O’Brien ‏@ajcbraves
@bravesfanjulien Still think it’s unlikely Bethancourt is OD backup. But arb clock not concern ’cause he’d be sent down once McCann ready.

Apparently the Braves aren’t concerned with his (or any minor-leaguers) arb clock…. Gattis more likely to be the backup (and find a way to stick on the roster)

CB

November 23rd, 2012
10:43 am

Maybe arb clock doesn’t start for a couple of weeks, need an expert opinion on that one.

keyLargo

November 23rd, 2012
11:11 am

McCann never AVGed, .300, OBPed .400, or SLGed .500 in the minors. Hopefully our minor league catchers will come along next year.

Pippa's Meaty Backside

November 23rd, 2012
11:19 am

Forget the fat, overpaid and underperforming FAs. And no immature drug addicts needing constant babysitting. It’s not worth it. The team is far from playing in the big series so why add a couple numbskulls making 15+M/year? No field player is worth that money unless he’s a consistant .300/100/30 guy; useless waste of money for barely above average players that give you a few extra wins per year.

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
11:21 am

And yet another expert analysis from yet another stupid poster name.

Blind Squirrel

November 23rd, 2012
11:52 am

Who comes up with these weird names?

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
11:59 am

Some general managers believe the secondary starting pitching options are incredibly overpriced, Olney reports.

It’ll be worse next year… just about every free agent SP is a secondary pitching option.

The Giants aren’t sure they’re willing to commit to Angel Pagan for as many years as he’s seeking, Olney reports.

They need to get him back… otherwise, the Braves may sign an overrated CF for 10+mil over 4 years.

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
12:07 pm

Only Braves – Who besides Greinke, Bourjos and a handful of unproven prospects do you NOT consider overrated?

Tron

November 23rd, 2012
12:09 pm

Braves doing nothing worth reporting while idiots blog non stop. Sad.

Weird Names

November 23rd, 2012
12:11 pm

Its weird people that do it. Unemployed weird people.

Weird Names

November 23rd, 2012
12:12 pm

Your included too Lew. Get a job.

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
12:13 pm

I have a job – I make my living as a Free Lance illustrator and portrait painter and am published as an author and an artist.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
12:18 pm

anyone who can produce at a decent level near while not being massively overpaid for it

Mixxo

November 23rd, 2012
12:19 pm

“Braves doing nothing worth reporting while idiots blog non stop. Sad.”

lol

They’re waitng on their ‘I told you so’ moment when the aquisition/s come down.

Idiots indeed!

:facepalm:

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
12:21 pm

If those are your criteria, you need to find something else to interest you. There will never again be a player NOT overpaid in MLB. Even the rookies make a half mil a year – five times what is considered Good pay in the private sector..

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
12:30 pm

I don’t know if they are overpaid or not but the other day Dwayne Wise, your prototypical example of what you might call the “replacement level player” just signed a one yr deal for $700,000 with the White Sox.

The price is going up — but I have been parroting that over and over as of late.

Lew at 12:21 is right. At least Braves tickets are reasonably affordable in this market. I cannot afford the Falcons anymore.

And our team is not that bad for now.

I just hope the system can keep up feeding the good prospects — we need some of these kids drafted later to overachieve. It does happen. If so we can stay reasonably good.

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
12:35 pm

I want to see Bethancourt is ST and see what he can do.

Some guys do better in the majors than they do in the minors though C-Bet’s offensive numbers at this point is a red flag.

I hope he can hit at least .230-.250 with a .300 to .320 OBP, at least do that much. He will have to to keep a reg catching job regardless of what his glove is.

We know why Salcedo is so touted — they have alot invested in him and they are not ready toadmit making a mistake yet, so he will be given a couple more yrs till he is at least 23. .

Bigdawg

November 23rd, 2012
12:39 pm

Why not re-sign Bourn and know what you are getting?

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
12:42 pm

Well, Bethancourt is till young, so there IS still hope. Still and all…….If people are freaking because Mac, even in a very down offensive year puts up the fourth best power numbers of the NL league catchers, I just don’t see many sitting there saying ” But he throws out 35% of all base stealers and he’s not fat so we’ll accept that .298 OBP”.

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
12:42 pm

Disgusted– with the new math and the way players are getting paid this year…wouldn’t it benefit the Braves to trade for a CF and LF instead of Free Agents…Woudn’t it be cheaper to trade for Justin Upton and Span or Flower are ??
About C Ross..he has his good and bad points but he still wants to go back to Red Sox …Bowman was the one that said that about CR.

@jbill — I agree that is makes business sense to trade for one of the three above guys — its a matter of if the pieces we have to trade is attractive and suitable for the other teams like Minnesota, the Rox and the D-Backs.

I do thing that AZ is going to want more for J Upton than the pieces we have to offer. Just my $.02, not saying I am right or wrong.

I would not object to ANY of the above three. And I would not object to a “good” trade.

Some of us overvalue to prospect pitchers we do have to offer in trade. So its a wait and see. Wen might be able to do it.

As for C. Ross, he may sign later if he finds out he cannot get a 3 yr deal. Heck I don;t know what those guys are worth, its what the owners say they are worth. The business of the game is beyondd me now, I just look forward to ST and may the best team win

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
12:45 pm

We reall do underappreciate B-Mac don’t we.

He has been better than alot of the blog gives him credit for. And he played hurt — I hope he gets right again and if it turns into a big payday somewhere after 13 else best wishes to him.

George_George

November 23rd, 2012
12:46 pm

VaBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
10:13 am
If Frank Wren does sign BJ Upton, to me were really not filling a need. He’s not a leadoff man and certainly not a 4/5 guy. Essentially were adding another Dan Uggla to the lineup. While I agree we need some RH power, not the RH power that produces a 240 AVG 320 OBP… How on earth can that be worth 15 million a season is beyond me. And I’m sorry this is atleast the 10th time I’ve commented on this.. LOL

*****************************************************
WELL SAID, please no BJ

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
12:50 pm

I really doubt that the DBacks are going to trade J. Upton. There continue to be rumors, yet the owner keeps telling everyone who will listen that they aren’t looking to trade him. Heard him say it again this past week on XM Home Plate.

The rumors have been going on for three seasons, now. I think they would have gotten a package they’d settle for by now if they had any intention of trading him. It’s not as if the NL West has been out of the DBacks’ reach recently. Even the Dodgers with all of those moves didn’t come close.

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
12:56 pm

Bethancourt did not have that bad an offensive season in 2011, he OPSed in the .700’s at 2 levels and had a .289 BA.

He is never going to be a high OPS guy cause he does not have much power, so OPS is not where his value is.

IF he plays outstanding D, cuts runners down and hits .250-.260, and get the OBP to the .300 neighborhood, that is all I am going to ask.

My first guess in that he should be in AAA for this yr to start, but who knows, he might progress beyond that.

He did hit .243 this past yr — its not like he hit .190.

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
12:59 pm

I have a hunch that the Dodgers, fo all the $$$$$$$$ they are throwing around might turn to fools gold.

Too early to tell, but its a gut hunch. I think they played the fool taking on Carl Crawford. I can understand Adrian Gonzalez and even the 2 yrs left on Josh Beckett who goes good yr, bad yr, good yr bad yr.

Next yr is a scheduled good one for Beckett. He showed he still has something left late in the yr. Don; think he is done.

The RS got an early Xmas gift with them taking Crawford.

George_George

November 23rd, 2012
1:00 pm

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
12:21 pm
If those are your criteria, you need to find something else to interest you. There will never again be a player NOT overpaid in MLB. Even the rookies make a half mil a year – five times what is considered Good pay in the private sector..

************************
I sure do AGREE WITH THE ABOVE, in the good old days the team owned the players contract for life. the players are takeing such advantage of FA that it is a wonder any team makes a profit.

jbill

November 23rd, 2012
1:01 pm

Disgusted..I’m disgusted also…….
Agree on where Wren can pull-off a deal but money wise we would come out better I believe..but thats me.
Lew you prolly right on J Upton being traded..Rangers may over give. Lew how may we see some of your works..I’ve heared how great you are and would look to see some.

jbill

November 23rd, 2012
1:03 pm

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
1:05 pm

jbill – Great? I’m not so sure of that, but I am pretty good (if I do say so myself). Check LewHartman.com and make your own evaluation.

Shaun

November 23rd, 2012
1:05 pm

OnlyBraves – On thing this new wave of “It’s all about the OBP” crowd need to understand going in is that most power hitters are going to strike out a lot. It’s just part of who and what they are and there’s just no getting around it.

What is this “it’s all about the OBP” crowd of which you speak?

Also, just because a hitter strikes out what we would think of as a lot of times, doesn’t mean that hitter is going to post a low OBP. In fact a lot of times more selective hitters that take more pitches than most are going to post high OBP’s, but are also going strikeout more than most.

Look at hitters like Adam Dunn, JD Drew, Jason Heyward. Selective, high on-base guys with solid-to-great power. They also strike out a good bit.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
1:12 pm

Jason Heyward has a .329 OBP the last 2 years…. not really what I’d call high.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
1:14 pm

I understand that players will be overpaid… I can live with that. But to give Pagan 10+mil when he’s an average hitter and fielder, or BJ Upton 15mil when he’s just an average player… insane.

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
1:14 pm

I did find it interesting – I was about to paint a small toy chest for a Braves’ fan and wanted to paint a version of Sid Slid on the lid of it, I Googled “Sid Slid Photos” and the thrid one that popped up was my Skip/Sid Slid drawing.

George_George

November 23rd, 2012
1:15 pm

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
1:14 pm
I understand that players will be overpaid… I can live with that. But to give Pagan 10+mil when he’s an average hitter and fielder, or BJ Upton 15mil when he’s just an average player… insane.

*****************************************************
YUP

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
1:16 pm

OnlyBraves – That’s what mid level players are making these days. Unl;ess you have Mr. Peabody’s Way Back Machine, I don’t see that changing – unless the Mayans were right and we have about a month left.

Shaun

November 23rd, 2012
1:19 pm

TheOnlyBravesFan, a .352 OBP is fairly high.

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
1:20 pm

I suppose if you live long enough, you’ll hear of almost everything happening sooner or later. Yesterday, our cable (and related services) were out ofr ten hours (not that often an occurrence in VT). Found out this morning, some hunter shot the main power grid and blew it out.

jbill

November 23rd, 2012
1:25 pm

Thanks Lew..I’m going to do that..get back with you later got to go thru Wal-marts protest. Pray!

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
1:33 pm

Shaun – I’m still waiting for you to ignore me.

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
1:36 pm

But you’ll never do it – you’re all about running your opinion out there and bludgeoning we unbelievers with it. Genetically, I don[t think you CAN ignore something you disagree with without putting in your two cents or passing up the opportuntiy to be self righteous and to prove how knowledgeable you (think you) are.

brian

November 23rd, 2012
2:08 pm

If I had the choice, I would rather give pagan 3 years $30 million than give Upton 5 years $75million.

Shaun

November 23rd, 2012
2:09 pm

Lew, I’ll ignore your comments that are essentially about me. I’ll continue to respond to comments about topics, ideas, etc. As I’ve said, I’m flattered by the obsession of me that some folks have but I’d rather discuss ideas, topics, arguments, etc. that relate to baseball.

Patrick

November 23rd, 2012
2:13 pm

Look, for those of you that are hating on the idea of B.J. Upton go ahead and give. it up. Unless Hamilton comes off his asking price, we’re not getting him. Not to mention that if we were to give him what he’s asking for that would leave little to nothing left to get a Left Fielder or Third Baseman.

brian

November 23rd, 2012
2:13 pm

The braves biggest chance to make a splash will be through the trade market. How big do they dream and who would the give up for the right player. I would go into the trading season just having Medlen, Heyward, and kimbrel off limits. Everyone else can be had for a price.

Freeman, minor, and Simmons would be virtually untouchable but I would listen. Beachy’s value would be too low after TJ and he also has shown he can be an elite pitcher

brian

November 23rd, 2012
2:15 pm

Patrick – the $25 million per year does not scare the braves nearly as much as a contract longer than 3 years for Hamilton

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
2:52 pm

Note that agents are taking the expected tax increase comming up and trying to drive up the price of MLB talent.

Saw that on one of the web pages. The good players will get that part of it covered, hence, more inflation for the price of MLB talent.

As long as the owners buckle and pay, so be it — the owners set the salary scale.

Pagan, Bourn and BJ will get their $$$$$$. Or darned close to it.

I still cannot see a team giving 6 or 7 yrs to a soon to be 32 yr old Josh Hamilton — No more than 4 yrs. The 25 mil per yr is not the problem.

Its the history of both physical injury and the past substance problems that will hold off the most aggressive owners.

The length of some of these deals given to 32 yr old guys is not sensible — Pujols, A-Rod, are examples.

I would not give an age 32 guy any more than 5 yrs. But its the owners game.

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
2:58 pm

Brian — I would also keep Minor, Freddie and Simmons untouchable.

Especially Simmons.

One guy I’d like to lock up during the yr is Hudson who has at least 3 yrs left. And we might get a hometown discount on him.

Hudson is better than any of the current FA pitchers and I would even take him for 3 yrs over any of what is out there this off season save for Grienke whom we will not afford — too much $$$$$$ too many yrs for him.

Loshe is the second best guy out there and I think he was a product of a fine STL Cardinal team and way of doing things.

Not that impressed with Annibal Sanchez or Edwin Jackson for what those guys will ask for. Middle of the road guys

90 mil for Annibal Sanchez is more ridiculous than 5 yrs 75 for BJ Upton.

jim

November 23rd, 2012
3:11 pm

If you were a player (or any other employee) you would not long for the days that a team (employer) owned you for as long as they wanted you. As for players taking advantage of Free Agency, they are taking no more advantage than what an owner is willing to pay. The Braves and other teams have been making a profit most years, and the big payoff for an owner comes when he/she/it sells the team for 3 times or more the price they paid for it. The biggest reason salaries are going up is because a lot more new media money is coming into the sport next year. The Braves unfortunately have one of the worst TV deals after years of benefiting from the national exposure of TBS.The main task the Braves should set for themselves these next two years is to lock up their young talent beyond the arbitartion period.

Joey G

November 23rd, 2012
3:24 pm

Disgusted

Would you sign Kyle Lohse in order to trade an extra pitcer in a package to obtain both Span and Willingham.

abeeeewright

November 23rd, 2012
3:28 pm

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving yesterday and is having a good Black Friday.

Some of y’all should save a little of this acid for digesting your leftovers rather than spewing it on each other.

Frank, all I want for Christmas is a trade or a free agent signing. Please don’t go into Spring Training with Jordan Schafer in CF and Jose Constanza in LF. Sign/Trade soon so that the blog doesn’t digest itself.

matt

November 23rd, 2012
3:45 pm

what part of vermont Lew

James

November 23rd, 2012
3:56 pm

Let’s see some brotherly love in Atlanta with both Uptons. Justin & BJ.

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
4:27 pm

Would you sign Kyle Lohse in order to trade an extra pitcer in a package to obtain both Span and Willingham.

Joey G — That is something to seriously consider. Which pitcher are you thinking about? Minor? Because he is the one pitcher I do think that Minnesota would be interested as the centerpiece of a deal for those two.

Minor and Hanson for Span & WIllingham? And as for Loshe it prolly would take 4 yrs for $60 something mil? Just a guess. I would not be uncomfortable with Loshe cause he is a good NL pitcher and the pitching enviroment here is good.

But I also want to have enough jack in the budget to be one hundred percent sure to extend Huddy. He deserves to finish up as a Brave — as a fan that would mean something to me anyway so long as he is still good.

For those who are thinking of a package of Delgado, Teheran, Gilmartin, Spruill for proven talent I don;t think it would do the trick to get one of the 3 coveted CF’s we want in trade (Span, Fowler or J Upton)

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
4:29 pm

Let’s see some brotherly love in Atlanta with both Uptons. Justin & BJ.

We can only wish James. IF we can get both??????? Can always hope for it,.

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
4:32 pm

Jim @ 3:11 —-

That could not be better said — that local TV deal is going to stifle us and our payroll is likely going to be flat while every body goes up.

Where does that put us in late decade into the ’20’s. Reality will set in. Unless some big business changes are made we are in for some real lean yrs next decade if not sooner.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
4:38 pm

If I’m signing a FA pitcher to be able to trade an extra arm to get my pieces, I’m only interested in Greinke. He’s a difference maker. Maybe Haren, but there seem to be questions about his health.

Plus, Lohse costs a draft pick.

Venice Jim

November 23rd, 2012
4:58 pm

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
5:09 pm

matt – Central. Randolph – about 30 miles SW of Montpelier.

Shaun – Your ego will never let you ignore anything that you feel your point of view can make you look superior. I’d be surprised if it were a physical impossibility – almost like an autonomic nerve response.

Lew

November 23rd, 2012
5:10 pm

Wouldn’t be surpirsed, that is.

chipl1960

November 23rd, 2012
5:19 pm

better to stay quiet and be thought an idiot than to speak and remove all doubt

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 23rd, 2012
5:34 pm

The Rockies would like to obtain a starter who can provide consistency and stability in the rotation- Troy Renck, Denver Post

Hanson- Nah, Minor- Yes, Gilmartin- Yes, Maholm- Yes.

Which one y’all want for Fowler? :)

chipl1960

November 23rd, 2012
5:43 pm

If Hamilton is not an option, why not a switch hitter with power that produces runs and is a serviceable fielder? Nick Swisher.

chipl1960

November 23rd, 2012
5:45 pm

Then you don’t have to worry about the lineup being too righty or too lefty. A younger healthier version of Chipper with less credentials of course but still a good ballplayer.

matt

November 23rd, 2012
5:45 pm

Lew im about 30 minutes from rutland on new york side

richbrave

November 23rd, 2012
5:55 pm

MINOR is not going anywhere. He and MAHOLM give the rotation balance. If MAHOLM lasts another year or two, GILMARTIN should be ready to take over.

MEDLEN, HANSON, and HUDSON until BEACHY is back second half. DELGADO in ready 5.

Two LH in the rotation and three in the pen, O’FLAHERTY, VENTERS, and AVILAN.

All we need is a fourth RH arm in the pen.

Resign DURBIN, and add one to go with KIMBREL.

VARVARO and C-MART are shaky, PETE MOYLAN is done I think, and JUAN JAIME is at hand, but was inconsistant last season. I’m not sure GEARRIN is up to the task just yet. I don’t think RASMUS is the answer now, and may never be.

richbrave

November 23rd, 2012
6:04 pm

TOBF:

The BRAVES will trade RH’ers not lefties for FOWLER or there will be no trade. Not to my way of thinking anyway. ALEX WOOD may be in the mix by the time MAHOLM has run his course here in ATLANTA, but not at this point.

Disgusted

November 23rd, 2012
6:08 pm

@TOBF — I wish we could move Hanson straight up for Fowler.

I don;t know if they would be interested — he is so homer prone that he would be a flop in that ball park.

Would Minny do Hanson for Span — we should jump all over that.. Might even throw in prospect used to be Teheran. I doubt that Teheran is even going to be as good as Todd Van Poppel was.

Throw in Salcedo too.

As frustrating as Hanson is he does have a decent K rate when he is right.

He just disapperas after the 4th of July.

matt

November 23rd, 2012
6:21 pm

john rauch would be huge in our bullpen

jim

November 23rd, 2012
6:22 pm

OK, we should trade all or some of: Hanson, Teheran, Salcedo, Schafer, Uggla, JJ, the Rev, and Varvaro for
A. Justin Upton
B. Span & Willingham
C. Fowler
D. David Wright
E. All of the above

jim

November 23rd, 2012
6:23 pm

At 6-11 John Rauch is huge in any bullpen

Bobby H

November 23rd, 2012
7:28 pm

i stuck a wedge on # 3 and drained and maid it, — uga-brave (from last night)

I might be finally figuring out uga’s late-night code.

He’s talking about Gov. Schwarzenegger’s illicit affair, right?

Joey G

November 23rd, 2012
8:01 pm

Disgusted

No I would not trade Minor. He showed so much improvement the 2nd half. He probably will never be an ace but a very good midddle of the rotation guy. Plus having 2 LH is great for te rotation. If lohse could be signed it could free up Hanson (obviously) Jurgens (obviously), Delgado, Teheran Spurill and Maholm (although I would keep him)

I would package Hanson Teheran/Delgado, Gilmartin/Spurill and Cunningham for
Span, Willingham and Doumit
I’s a lot of pitching, but we need 2 solid OF’s. and if we can sign Lohse we can afford to give up the 3rd pitcher if tha=t’s what it takes to get it done

Vabravesfan

November 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm

Span, Willingham, and Doumit would be a impressive offseason for Wren. We have 2 everyday players that fill our lead off and RH cleanup need, with Doumit providing insurance behind the plate, 1st base and Corner Outfield. The move would add about 12 million in payroll if Hanson is involved in the deal. Doumit would likely see time in LF with Willingham probably only able to play 120 games. But Doumit wouldnt be needed if they believe in Gattis.

Vabravesfan

November 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm

Span, Willingham, and Doumit would be a impressive offseason for Wren. We have 2 everyday players that fill our lead off and RH cleanup need, with Doumit providing insurance behind the plate, 1st base and Corner Outfield. The move would add about 12 million in payroll if Hanson is involved in the deal. Doumit would likely see time in LF with Willingham probably only able to play 120 games. But Doumit wouldnt be needed if they believe in Gattis.

Vabravesfan

November 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm

Span, Willingham, and Doumit would be a impressive offseason for Wren. We have 2 everyday players that fill our lead off and RH cleanup need, with Doumit providing insurance behind the plate, 1st base and Corner Outfield. The move would add about 12 million in payroll if Hanson is involved in the deal. Doumit would likely see time in LF with Willingham probably only able to play 120 games. But Doumit wouldnt be needed if they believe in Gattis.

Vabravesfan

November 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm

Span, Willingham, and Doumit would be a impressive offseason for Wren. We have 2 everyday players that fill our lead off and RH cleanup need, with Doumit providing insurance behind the plate, 1st base and Corner Outfield. The move would add about 12 million in payroll if Hanson is involved in the deal. Doumit would likely see time in LF with Willingham probably only able to play 120 games. But Doumit wouldnt be needed if they believe in Gattis.

Vabravesfan

November 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm

Span, Willingham, and Doumit would be a impressive offseason for Wren. We have 2 everyday players that fill our lead off and RH cleanup need, with Doumit providing insurance behind the plate, 1st base and Corner Outfield. The move would add about 12 million in payroll if Hanson is involved in the deal. Doumit would likely see time in LF with Willingham probably only able to play 120 games. But Doumit wouldnt be needed if they believe in Gattis.

Vabravesfan

November 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm

Span, Willingham, and Doumit would be a impressive offseason for Wren. We have 2 everyday players that fill our lead off and RH cleanup need, with Doumit providing insurance behind the plate, 1st base and Corner Outfield. The move would add about 12 million in payroll if Hanson is involved in the deal. Doumit would likely see time in LF with Willingham probably only able to play 120 games. But Doumit wouldnt be needed if they believe in Gattis.

Vabravesfan

November 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm

Span, Willingham, and Doumit would be a impressive offseason for Wren. We have 2 everyday players that fill our lead off and RH cleanup need, with Doumit providing insurance behind the plate, 1st base and Corner Outfield. The move would add about 12 million in payroll if Hanson is involved in the deal. Doumit would likely see time in LF with Willingham probably only able to play 120 games. But Doumit wouldnt be needed if they believe in Gattis.

Vabravesfan

November 23rd, 2012
8:14 pm

holy cow LOL

Add your comment