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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
852 comments Add your comment
Hugh Jass
November 28th, 2012
7:40 pm
I have Braves tickets and it amazes me how dumb other fans are. B.J. Upton was the #3 overall rated free agent on the market this year and also had a lucrative offer from our rival Phillies. Bourn struck out a ton and is getting older. Upton has way more power, is younger, and is a right power bat in our lineup. Geez people are stupid.
NeverNeverLand
November 28th, 2012
7:40 pm
Wren never learns his lesson. Not his money…..what? Him worry?
kirkinga
November 28th, 2012
7:40 pm
It’s 2012 and people are still shocked that many FA’s are overpaid. I’m glad that Upton seems to want to play here. I thought for sure he’d just use the Braves to get the sweetest deal from the Philies. When is te last time a FA chose the Braves over the Phil’?
I’m not going to complain if Liberty decides to spend money. I still remember what it was like when we had to get by on $80+ million. We still have $$ left to go add additional players and that is more exciting than waiting for something “creative” to happen in order to address needs.
longtimefan
November 28th, 2012
7:42 pm
For those wondering if FW knows more about baseball and player acquisition than the average FedEx working JoeFan- It’s not even close. He has a long range plan for the team, how much the players make, which player he is going to extend long term etc. Same crew on here that this time last year was saying to trade Heyward for a bucket of balls and Chipper was washed up and wouldn’t hit his weight. Always complaining. Always criticizing. Never satisfied. Always forget when their armchair GM suggestions tank-look at blog several years ago slamming FW for not signing Jason Bay. How did that work out for the Mets?
Mr. P1nk
November 28th, 2012
7:43 pm
Hugh Jass….perhaps sane Braves fans pay more attention to the fact that in the past 4 years, BJ Upton has hit less than .250….that his career high in RBIs is 82 (he’s only knocked in over 70 two other times in his career)…than they do to what the so-called experts have to say about Upton’s ranking among current free agents.
The “experts” have been wrong so many times.
jimmy
November 28th, 2012
7:43 pm
No Nunna but I would to get Myers AND get the Royals to take Uggla, yes in a heartbeat, Francouer is just reserve in case Myers fails completely. We have more pitching. Medlen isn’t irreplaceable. We went a year already without him. I do like Medlen but you don’t get something for nothing
NeverNeverLand
November 28th, 2012
7:43 pm
If I am not mistaken, Victorino can catch anything, anywhere. Whats the odds of getting him? God knows he made the Braves look like little league when he plays against them.
Quack Quack
November 28th, 2012
7:46 pm
Good pick for the Braves. I think he will be a nice fit in the clubhouse.
I wouldn’t be looking for Bourn. Not enough money left after this signing.
Mr. P1nk
November 28th, 2012
7:47 pm
longtimefan…even though Chipper had a better year in 2012, than he did in 2011 and 2010..he still wasnt worth $14 mil we paid him in 2012.
14 homers and 62 RBIs in 2012 arent what I consider $14 mil numbers. Remember, he hit 42 homers and knocked in 178 RBIs during the 3 year/$42 mil contract. That’s 14 homers and 59 RBIs per year.
Maybe not “washed up”..but certainly not worth $14 mil a year.
tinman
November 28th, 2012
7:47 pm
a few things. 1. the highest salary in braves history for a .250 hitter. 2. Where is he going to hit? we have 5 players that are 2-5 type hitters: heyward, prado, freeman, mccann, uggla, and still no true leadoff hitter. 3. attitude problems. we’ve turned around players before (see gary sheffield), but the clubhouse is supposed to be one of our strengths. 4. HOW ARE WE GOING TO PAY FREDDIE, JASON, MARTIN, and BRIAN in the upcoming years. I like upton but this move goes against everything i love about being a braves fan. thats all.
henry tn
November 28th, 2012
7:47 pm
i would rather have BJ than bourn
Dudeman
November 28th, 2012
7:49 pm
I can see a groupie group out in Center Field, now…calling themselves BJ’s BJ’s…
Sambo 4 Rambo
November 28th, 2012
7:51 pm
@longtimefan, LOL! I was just thinking the same thing while reading these posts!
baseball wizard
November 28th, 2012
7:51 pm
Upton’s deal is fair market value for a 3.5-4 WAR player in 2012. You can rant against that all you want, nut themz the facts.
He’s 2nd in UZR (defense) among CF’er since 2007 (Bourn first)
He’s 5th in CF WAR since 2007
He’s 28, and played on some pretty lousy offenses the past couple of years, I think he’ll be much more balanced than he was last year (closer to his career avg of .255/.336/.422 which from CF is really good) plus he has 30/30 potential.
really? what’s not to like?
Dudeman
November 28th, 2012
7:51 pm
NeverNeverLand….Victorino is older and slower…not what he was a couple years ago. Todd Cunningham is our next possible lead-off hitter and a fit for LF.
TexanBrave
November 28th, 2012
7:53 pm
Now that this displaced Braves fan has both the new Junior Circuit Stro’s and my Braves to follow…….I’m interested in the “Moneyball” approach vs. the Braves approach of Pitching/Defense/3 run homer….. Have those elements now for 162 (a la the Cox era) but this gets mitigated in the postseason with similar top of the rotation starters but a team that can manufacture a late inning run….. Stro’s were totally blown up last year but may put some A’s like excitement on the field next year….swill be interesting to compare/contrast approaches the next few years….. Was really hopin for Hamilton as when I look at this projected line-up……can’t think of one guy that I’d “pitch around”…….and will lead the universe in rally killing K’s………..need a LF with high avg in LO……..bad…..
CanalStreetPete
November 28th, 2012
7:54 pm
Hate to see Bourn go. His presence gave hope for a more creative offense, instead of relying on the power game. I’d like to see Juan Francisco get a shot at playing everyday, maybe in left.
rhettt
November 28th, 2012
7:54 pm
Hugh Ass – or rather, “huge ass” – look at my post of the stats between Bourn and Upton for past two years. Your babbling reminds me of a parrot who mimicks what others say.
Mark
November 28th, 2012
7:54 pm
Toby
Pendleton and Maddux – Really
Pendleton was a great defender and a guy that had bat control, hit to all fields. He was a heavier version of Prado at the plate. Comparing his signing to this one is like comparing Red Lobster to Captain Ds.
And Maddux was no work in progress before coming to the Braves. He was a sure thing difference maker. This one today is far from that.
I understand the point you are attempting to make. But my comparison to this one would be Uggla, Kawakami, Glaus(just more years)
PackBack
November 28th, 2012
7:54 pm
I like the move but given the number of high-strikeout hitters we’ll now have scattered throughout the lineup it is imperative to get a solid contact and OBP guy like Span to lead off rather than another free-swinger. Trade for Span and use the leftover $$ to begin to lock up guys like Heyward and Prado for the longterm.
Span CF (L)
Prado 3B (R)
Heyward RF (L)
Upton LF (R)
Freeman 1B (L)
Uggla 2B (R)
McCann C (L)
Simmons SS (R)
Pitcher
Nunna Yobinnes
November 28th, 2012
7:54 pm
Ok, we got Ron Gant back. Who’s gonna be our Fred McGriff and David Justice?
SHOGUN
November 28th, 2012
7:55 pm
are you kidding me???? the guy is a total slacker…he’ll have days he won’t even run out a ground ball..the braves need to worry about signing heyward NOW..!! 5 tool player who plays hard every game,,every play…
Sambo 4 Rambo
November 28th, 2012
7:55 pm
@Mr. Pinky, i dont know if ive ever met a braves fan that would say CHIPPER wasnt worth 14 mill a year. Dude, or Mam, he was worth 14 mill a year just to be a living legend in the clubhouse!! Chipper IS the braves!
Gulf Coast
November 28th, 2012
7:55 pm
I’ve heard that inflation is a problem. We can see now that it has affected the Braves- this is all you can get for $15 mill a year? Wow . . .
rhettt
November 28th, 2012
7:56 pm
Huge ass – but then again one has to be able to interrupt stats.
Mark
November 28th, 2012
7:57 pm
Again, to make the move just ok we have to sign a real LF or CF depending on who we can get. Hopefully Upton will end up in LF.
rhettt
November 28th, 2012
7:57 pm
Gotcha….interpret stats. All joking aside, the Braves are making a huge mistake allowing Burn to go elsewhere.
Mick Dee
November 28th, 2012
7:58 pm
Kate Upton to Atlanta? No. Just wishful thinking.
fanwinorlose
November 28th, 2012
7:59 pm
It’s well worth the risk. #’s should improve with the AL to NL switch. Now trade some pitching to get Span and let’s play ball !
Jimiz
November 28th, 2012
7:59 pm
I just found out the news. I am not happy either. This is going to be bad.
Hey B.J do you know how to play abc baseball? Huh no.. B.J why are you no longer a lead-off guy? Well because i swing for the fence everytime so i strike out to much. But B.g you have speed why don’t you cut down on your swing and go the other way or slap a line drive in the gap more? Don’t tell me how to do my job anyway i can’t figure out the strike zone. But B.J we can help you with that we can get your average up that way. But Wren you hired me when you knew i don’t hit above .260. But B.J we are paying you 15 mil a year can you atleast try to hit for average? I don’t do so good with men on and i don’t hit behind base runners well. B.J we already have Dan Uggla for that we need you to be more consistent. O ok Frank i guess your right maybe i could do better.______________June 5 2013 B.J i thought you told Wren you would try to cut down on the strike outs. Freddi i am a home run hitter ok don’t bother me. But B.J you have 75 strike outs and we just started June. Don’t worry i will have 160 by the years end but so will my co-players Uggla, Heyward so what are you going to do about them? B.J we can’t win like this. @ 15 mil a year i could careless. I already have a ws ring.
Chief-strike-um-out
November 28th, 2012
7:59 pm
Pathetic Signing!
Zing
November 28th, 2012
8:00 pm
Not the big impact move I was hoping for (Hamilton), but totally understandable. Who would you all have preferred? Bourn @ $18M a year? Either the Braves had to pay this kind of salary for a guy like Upton or stick a Schafer or random unproven minor leaguer in CF. Upton has the potential to be very good for the Braves; here’s hoping he has a breakout season (or one like his rookie year).
Now, the Braves need to work on trading for Span or Fowler or somebody.
rhettt
November 28th, 2012
8:00 pm
I know, B”o”urn. Just one last attempt at a little humor, as my son would say, very little humor dad. Salutations gentlemen, got chores calling.
Tennessee Braves Fan!!!! Upton.. ( Still Undecided)
November 28th, 2012
8:01 pm
Worried about the deal unless we can get his brother or a good contact hitter like Denard Span..
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:03 pm
In case he ends up being an Uggla type bust who can come up with the best name for Upton?
Dumpton
Upnone
Tough one – I can’t come up with a good one!
Sabrematician
November 28th, 2012
8:03 pm
This move is pure genius. Though Upton’s overall WAR is 3.3, there are six full moons during the season and during a full moon (day or night games) it’s 9,8435.234345321! Plus his OBGYN is a staggering 69 and his FY is a .000000092342. As long as he keeps his ERA under 1.59, he’ll be the MVP.
NeverNeverLand
November 28th, 2012
8:05 pm
Thanks, Dudeman. All I know is he seemed so fast and caught everything; no matter where it was hit, he would run and catch it. But you are right, I guess he has slowed down.
northbeach Scott
November 28th, 2012
8:06 pm
While I don’t love this deal on the surface, it is reflective of salary trends for young free agents in MLB. Fundamentally, most MLB players are grossly underpaid their first 6 years under team control and then grossly overpaid afterwards as free agents. This is the system we have, but it sure makes you swallow hard to see the Braves grant a $75M deal to someone not named Chipper Jones or John Smoltz.
Nice move by Frank Wren to show patience and leverage Bobby Cox to seal the deal with BJ Upton. I thought he would be more interested in hitting in that Philly bandbox.
I have to believe the Braves now look to his brother Justin via a trade with the D-backs. Justin is owed $9.75M in 13, $14.25 in 14 and $14.5 in 15. They can make that work, assuming B-Mac does not come back after 2012.
Alternatively, Josh Willingham continues to look like an attractive trade option for LF with $7M due in 13 and 14 (plus a $1M bonus in 14, potentially for 525 PA in 13).
Lead off will have to be some combination of Prado and Andrelton–not ideal, but to have the Uptons or BJ and Willingham, that could work.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 28th, 2012
8:06 pm
Mark – bankrUpton.
Blazerdawg
November 28th, 2012
8:07 pm
RH power is EXACTLY what we need in a CF. Great move for this lineup.
Geechy Dan
November 28th, 2012
8:07 pm
Good move! The entire lineup will benefit,especially Heyward. Tired of seeing no-name southpaws pitching shutouts,and we beat out Philly for his services:) Let’s get Span (he hits lefties) and go to war.Barring injury,I like our chances to win it all.Would have liked to re-sign Bourn,but we would had to submit to Borass’s unreasonable salary demands.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 28th, 2012
8:08 pm
80 RBIs is a lot less than I would expect for $15 mil per year.
Seattle Brave
November 28th, 2012
8:09 pm
Now lets trade for Justin Upton….
dream on, right?
Seattle Braves
November 28th, 2012
8:10 pm
BJ stand for Buy Justin
Sabrematician
November 28th, 2012
8:11 pm
This move is pure genius. Though Upton’s overall WAR is 3.3, there are six full moons during the season and during a full moon (day or night games) it’s 9,843.234345321! Plus his OBGYN is a staggering 69 and his FY is a .000000092342. As long as he keeps his ERA under 1.59, he’ll be the MVP.
Tampa Gator
November 28th, 2012
8:11 pm
I watched him play the last few years and he can really play centerfield. Go right. Go left…and go back to get every ball hit to the outfield. Great arm, too. He will do a lot more than hit HRs and steal bases. He will save Brave pitchers a lot of runs with his defense in CF. Glad he is a Brave. Go Braves.
count_schemula
November 28th, 2012
8:11 pm
I hope BJ and Uggla develop a cool little twiddle finger elbow bump fist pump handshake thing…
longtimefan
November 28th, 2012
8:11 pm
rhett-check out 7;51 post. I believe you are the one who doesn’t know how to check out stats. Gms look at more than SO and BA these days.
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:11 pm
Nunna
Good one!
How about FrankieWren Took One Up a ton
That was a lame one
Geechy Dan
November 28th, 2012
8:12 pm
We definitely don’t need another Left-handed bat,which would be the case if Hamilton signed.Also,we didn’t give up any studs from our 40-man roster! GOOD MOVE WREN!
Tennessee Braves Fan!!!! Upton.. ( Still Undecided)
November 28th, 2012
8:12 pm
Ok DOB…. I know you are reading everyones comments.. Let’s hear ( truly) what you think about this move?.. And what you believe will be the next move?
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:13 pm
I wonder if Upton has started shaving his arms yet with Danny boy?
Josh
November 28th, 2012
8:13 pm
I like it that he’s younger, but they’d better hire Chipper to teach him how to hit.
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:15 pm
Danny boy may be hooking Upton up with his girl friends friends!
larry30
November 28th, 2012
8:15 pm
Career low on base percentage last year, career low walks, struck out almost as much as Uggla and meanwhile we have a situation looming where we are going to need money to sign legitimate stars like Heyward and Freeman. We should be doing everything we can to lock up Freeman and make him the next face of the franchise. So, instead we wrap up $42 million in three players, two strikeout kings with super low batting averages, and a fat a** catcher who has been a liability behind the plate for two years. Hey Wren, you can bet that cemented my decision to once again pass up season tickets this year just like last. I’m not plunking down 10 grand like I did in ‘09 and ‘10 to watch mediocrity. This is going to be an ugly year for the braves. Should be able to get some good seats cheap on stub hub around the first of July.
Geechy Dan
November 28th, 2012
8:16 pm
I think we’ve seen the last of run-of-the-mill southpaws like the gnats john lannan owning braves’ hitters:)
Mr. P1nk
November 28th, 2012
8:17 pm
,,longtimefan…what about RBIs (82 being a career high)? Do GMs look at that?
guy
November 28th, 2012
8:17 pm
Big boo boo! Spending money like the federal government.
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:20 pm
Im praying PHILLIES sign either Bourne or Hamilton, GO PHILLIES !!!!!!!!
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:20 pm
Im praying PHILLIES sign either Bourne or Hamilton, GO PHILLIES !!!!!!!!
Dan Schlossberg
November 28th, 2012
8:20 pm
Hope he works out better than the last outfielder named B.J. the Braves plucked out of the American League with high hopes. Supposed to be a savior, Surhoff turned sour the minute he donned an Atlanta uniform.
Amber Girl
November 28th, 2012
8:21 pm
Some of you say good. Some of you say bad. I say now: I don’t know. Too me we have too much pitching and not enough hitters We didn’t need more power we needed the guy that can hit that double with the bases loaded. I might be wrong but that is my opinion
kirkinga
November 28th, 2012
8:23 pm
At least give the guy a chance before you claim he’s a bust or not worth the money. Let’s see if the guy can raise his game now that he’s out of Tampa.
I think Upton was the 2nd best choice after Span, but we do not know how much Span would have cost. Would you rather trade Delgado, Tehran, and a couple of other prospects for Span, or pay Upton the money?
The Braves still have people to trade and money to spend.If you don’t like the signing you should state what you were expecting.
Geechy Dan
November 28th, 2012
8:23 pm
Heres hoping Phillies sign either Hamilton or Bourne or both!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark (another one)
November 28th, 2012
8:23 pm
Love the move. Prado, Heyward, Upton, Freeman is a great 2-5. McCann, Simmons, and Uggla have issues but I prefer our issues to Philly’s issues. We hope Wren continues to drive and finds us another proven player for LF or 3rd. Francisco, Gattis and Constanza are too questionable to count on at this point.
Tommy Boggs
November 28th, 2012
8:24 pm
I hope BJ and Uggla develop a cool little twiddle finger elbow bump fist pump handshake thing…
You will get tired of seeing it if they do it every time they strike out.
I would have traded for Span, signed Keppinger or Youkolis to Platton with Francisco, Signed role players like Reed Johnson, deserving players like David Ross and still had some $ left over.
This team is built for many K’s and a few 3 run bombs. Can you say 3rd place?
larry30
November 28th, 2012
8:25 pm
You’re right Amber Girl. Upton is another guy who has no clue what the term situational hitting means. Of course, this will delight the neanderthals who say all the braves need is another “big bat.” Well, now we have two Ugglas at the same price. What a deal!
bring back blauser
November 28th, 2012
8:25 pm
good mov Frank Wren, now sign Shane Victorino
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:27 pm
70+ Million and Prados contract is up after next year, I think.
Bummer of a deal to tie up that much money on this guy.
Around The Horn
November 28th, 2012
8:28 pm
OVERSPEND WREN
It seems like Frank consistently overspends, when he has money burning a hole in his pocket.
There was Lowe at 15 million per year.
Then Uggla was given the highest paid contract ever for a 2nd baseman at a cool 13 million per year.
And now Upton at an exorbitant 15 million per year. And yes, B.J. is most gladly thanking the now deceased Marvin Miller on twitter for making free agency possible.
So now Frank has spent almost 1/3 of the Braves annual budget on the two U’s — Uggla and Upton.
Eww! (This word is correctly spelled but phonetically sounds like an elongated uuuu!)
I’m glad Frank’s not in charge of reducing the national debt; he’s hardly spendthrift in his ways.
Yes, the word “overspend” does kind of rhyme with “Wren.”
You could have and should have used this money more wisely Frank!
But instead you went lusting after more home run power — and also got it’s accompanying trio of despair — high strikeouts, a low batting average and a low on base percentage — in the form of one B.J. Upton.
Buyer beware!
And for we fans — buyer remorse!
Geechy Dan
November 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
Must be FAIR-WEATHER-FAN NIGHT AT THE TED…rom the amount of negativity I’m seeing.
wisher
November 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
this really scares me but i will root for him
wisher
November 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
this really scares me but i will root for him
NickGranite
November 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
I hope we’re good with the strikeouts in an already strikeout laden line-up in the middle though admittedly Upton is replacing another strikeout guy in Bourn. This guy has struckout 160+ three consecutive seasons.
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:30 pm
Hey dadgumit
There is a Mark poser at 8:20
I hate the Phrillies
Hugh Jass
November 28th, 2012
8:32 pm
Okay, for anyone who thinks my real name is Hugh Jass that just proves your stupidity. The Braves are on a fixed budget. They needed right-handed power and a center fielder within a budget. Check and check. Bourn was terrible for the last month or so of the season. It is not how much you spend, it is how well your parts fit together. This move was not to replace Chipper and it was not to replace Bourn per se. It is filling needs with your money. Speed, right-handed bat, center fielder all filled with one player is amazing. If Upton hits .250 and provides a right-handed bat to stop managers from swapping pitchers when they get to our left-handed lineup then that is worth the money as long as he provides good D and decent power. Again, it is tough debating mongoloids.
Hugh Jass
November 28th, 2012
8:32 pm
Okay, for anyone who thinks my real name is Hugh Jass that just proves your stupidity. The Braves are on a fixed budget. They needed right-handed power and a center fielder within a budget. Check and check. Bourn was terrible for the last month or so of the season. It is not how much you spend, it is how well your parts fit together. This move was not to replace Chipper and it was not to replace Bourn per se. It is filling needs with your money. Speed, right-handed bat, center fielder all filled with one player is amazing. If Upton hits .250 and provides a right-handed bat to stop managers from swapping pitchers when they get to our left-handed lineup then that is worth the money as long as he provides good D and decent power. Again, it is tough debating mongoloids.
Hugh Jass
November 28th, 2012
8:32 pm
Okay, for anyone who thinks my real name is Hugh Jass that just proves your stupidity. The Braves are on a fixed budget. They needed right-handed power and a center fielder within a budget. Check and check. Bourn was terrible for the last month or so of the season. It is not how much you spend, it is how well your parts fit together. This move was not to replace Chipper and it was not to replace Bourn per se. It is filling needs with your money. Speed, right-handed bat, center fielder all filled with one player is amazing. If Upton hits .250 and provides a right-handed bat to stop managers from swapping pitchers when they get to our left-handed lineup then that is worth the money as long as he provides good D and decent power. Again, it is tough debating mongoloids.
tinman
November 28th, 2012
8:36 pm
@bring back blauser if we sign victorino to a short term contract, i will be ok with this move. otherwise, my previous comment stands.
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:36 pm
One click will do!
hit a single
November 28th, 2012
8:36 pm
Just hope he can be consistent and be a good situational hitter. That is why we can’t win in postseason. Too many free swingers with no approach at the plate.
tinman
November 28th, 2012
8:36 pm
@bring back blauser if we sign victorino to a short term contract, i will be ok with this move. otherwise, my previous comment stands.
Lakewood
November 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
I actually really like this signing. Unfortunately $15MM a year is the price you have to pay for a 28 yr old center fielder with power & speed hitting free agency right in his prime. He probably could have gotten $17-$18MM per if he waited it out a bit. Sounds like he likes the Braves & is ready to get to work.
There would not have been other teams (specifically our rival Phillies) aggressively pursuing this guy if he wasn’t a different maker with a ton of upside. Guy can rake & I honestly would not be surprised if the change in scenery helps him turn into a top notch player.
Nice job getting your guy, Frank.
Yuuup
November 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
I don’t hate this deal, but don’t care for it either. I would have preferred to see the Braves trade for Spahn or Fowler, then sign Swisher for LF. I just don’t see the point in giving a guy over 15 million per year to strike out over 150 times a year, have a batting avg south of .250 every year, and with questions above his head with hustling.
Now we have 2 Dan Uggla’s on the team that are taking up 28 million of the payroll. I guess with age and all that taken into consideration, Upton was the best fit free agent wise, but they could have went cheaper, a leadoff hitter, and more productive other than the possibility of hitting homeruns with a guy like Spahn or Fowler.
I havent really understood the Braves way of thinking the past 5 years, I guess that trend continues for at least another year. Who knows, maybe this all pans out, but history is definitely against that happening.
Geechy Dan
November 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
U tell ‘em Hugh Jass…. I got your back,bro!
least of the east
November 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
all FAs are overpriced and always will be. would you rather trade for a CF like Fowler and give up 3 good young players- plus also pay a high salary ?. we don’t lose player assets here.
Victorino has no power and is 32, Bourn is lefthanded and also has no power, Pagan wants to stay in SF. so Upton is best choice. we neeed a RH bat with power who can play CF.
Ross would help in LF now.
essentially, we lose a late #1 pick for a sandwich pick ( a wash) and have Upton instead of Bourn. we are better off with the slightly lower pick and Upton.
you’ll see what guys like Swisher get -and he can’t run, also strikes out a lot, is pathetic in post season and is a mediocre fielder.
Fats G
November 28th, 2012
8:40 pm
.246 batting average? Geez What’s the fuss about this guy? 75 million for that? No way..no how
Fats G
November 28th, 2012
8:40 pm
.246 batting average? Geez What’s the fuss about this guy? 75 million for that? No way..no how
bring back blauser
November 28th, 2012
8:41 pm
I think this is one of the best moves Wren has made, I just hope he will sign Shane Victorino as a leadoff hitter, then resign Reid Johnson then we have a left and right hand utility outfieder to go along with Janish and Francisco as utility infielders, Then this team will be able to compete with Philly and Washington. with Reid Johnson and Francisco as your primary pinch hitters and with Schafer and Janish as your primary subs for infield and outfield the Braves should do very well
South Bound And Down
November 28th, 2012
8:41 pm
Uggla now Upton = Wren is a dumb ass!
urban redneck
November 28th, 2012
8:42 pm
that’s a lot of money, especially for the braves. i don’t know how we intend to sign the next crop of kids long term. we don’t spend 3 million on d-ross, and now this? i’m not happy, but wren really can’t satisfy all the armchair managers like myself. the risk on this guy is just not worth it in my opinion. fifteen million is a lot of money for a few if’s holding hands. go bravos.
abby normal
November 28th, 2012
8:42 pm
Not sure I love this move but I’ll reserve judgement until oh, say July. Hopefully the Genius (FW) can find a lead-off hitter somewhere. Don’t like the idea of Prado or Simmons in the one slot. Span is the man if we can get him without gutting our pitching staff.
Dan Telvock
November 28th, 2012
8:47 pm
Go Braves? .247 BA and a strike out machine for 70 million plus? This is ridiculous. I mean, I pray he performs BETTER than he has with the Rays but this guy is not the answer to our woes.
Geechy Dan
November 28th, 2012
8:48 pm
Upton’s a 5 tool guy. I’m tired of seeing guys like this going to NYY….Even better with the fact we beat out the Phillies.Guys like lefty Cole Hamels won’t be as dominant against us.Uggla and Prado was getting pitched around,and Simmons was out for most of the year.In Uggla’s defense,he took a lot of walks as well.It’s hard to drive in runs when they won’t come inside.Won’t be the case now.
Amber Girl
November 28th, 2012
8:51 pm
Thanks for chating everyone. Sleepy time. Good nite from New South Wales. Go Braves!!!!
Braves New World
November 28th, 2012
8:51 pm
Upton strikes out a lot – about the same as Bourn. Upton has much more power than Bourn and is about as fast. Upton is a very good defensive CF with a better arm than Bourn. Could turn out to be a good move. GO BRAVES
Ron Roberts
November 28th, 2012
8:52 pm
Prototypical “Bobbyball” guy; pop in his bat, sub-par batting average, a lot of Ks. Meh. Maybe the batting coach(es) see something they can fix to get his BA up and his Ks down.
I’d just prefer to see the Braves pick up pieces that enable them to manufacture runs when the bats (always seem to) collectively go silent; hitters and pitchers slump. Speed and fundamentals don’t.
Atticus
November 28th, 2012
8:52 pm
Horrible deal. Sorry.
$15 million wasted on a guy at .286 OBP. Ugglas was .343, at least he walks.
Ralph
November 28th, 2012
8:53 pm
At least Wren did something, I don’t like it but at least he did something. I will be rooting for him to hit 333 with 33 HR’s and 33 steals but I fear this move will be another Uggla/Lowe signing they will live to regret, just hope i’m wrong.
Mark
November 28th, 2012
8:55 pm
To all the smart guys that dislike this deal, imagine this. What if those that push giving for Flabcisco to have a shot at 3rd everyday which would leave Teen in LF.
That would be a lineup of Uggs(who I dispise), Upps(Upton who I’m not a fan of), Freeman(who I like because hes a corner infielder with pop), Heyward(who I like alot because hes a great talent), Flabcisco( Would be a terrible everyday player)
5 position guys that’ll K over 150 times each with some pushing 180 to 190. Then you gotta factor in the pitcher – That’ll be 6 guys in the order with huge K numbers resulting in huge LOB numbers.
Sure hope Prado, Simmons and Bmac has a good year in 2013!!!
We’re gonna K an average of 15 times a game
I’m bummed out if they don’t do something else.!