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852 comments Add your comment
low OBPers
November 29th, 2012
11:33 am
a perfect analysis by Sad, Sad Braves Fan above. We stated and supported. I must exist in the same vacuum as you do. Can we invite Frank Wren in?
Sad, sad Braves fan
November 29th, 2012
11:36 am
I’m not a Braves hater; I grew up watching the Braves when they were such a joke that Ted Turner thought he could manage them. And sure, I want the team and Upton to do well. But that doesn’t mean I or others can’t view this as a heartbreaking signing — heartbreaking because of the money, the years, and the metrics that don’t support either. Again, the Braves needed a power hitter and a second baseman years ago, and they got Uggla. They now have the same version of the same player at a different position. Does that make you feel better or worse, as a fan who watches them play every day?
That’s my point, and that’s why I’m a sad, sad Braves fan. Sure, I hope he does well and I hope he proves every team that wouldn’t pay this much wrong. But just because I don’t think that will happen, based on his SIX YEAR career so far, doesn’t mean or anyone else who thinks the same way likes the Braves any less. It just means we think they’re on the wrong track, 94 wins last year or not.
Braves Fan
November 29th, 2012
11:39 am
Not a good move at all. Now way he is worth that kind of money. Spend a little more and keep Bourn who is a much much better FIT for the Braves.
Denny Lemaster
November 29th, 2012
11:39 am
Uggla: .235, 26 hrs, 84 RBI; Upson: .256, 24 hrs, 65 RBI; Heywood: .265, 28, 96 RBI. McCann: .245, 15 hrs, 56 RBI. All combined: probably around FIVE HUNDRED STRIKEOUTS. Enjoy another looser of a season Atlanta. This is another Uggla and Lowe contract. In two seasons, they will be trying to get rid of him.
wardenerd
November 29th, 2012
11:41 am
better as a Brave McGriff, Chambliss,and that guy who sunglehandedly at least to himsef won the 1995 world series for us. Maddux, and two or three of the Danny Neogles we picked up for 4th or 5th pitchers
Peter
November 29th, 2012
11:41 am
Well after reading all……….. I am back to my original theory……..
FIRE ……. FRANK WREN !
Josh
November 29th, 2012
11:42 am
Why is no one talking about KC’s Alex Gordon for us in LF? .380+ OBP and 20+ SB potential, and he could be had for a reasonable amount of money.
Sports Blogs...
November 29th, 2012
11:42 am
where grown men go to whine like teenage girls!
Hoosier Aaron
November 29th, 2012
11:59 am
Garrett Jones, Pirates, for left field.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
November 29th, 2012
12:00 pm
I’m ok with the move, gets you faster and a bit more pop. I can see Martin going back to lead off as more of contact leadoff bat. I actual think they may go after Cody Ross or go platoon with a guy(s) like Sizemore & Gattis. Gattis may me playing some 1B as well to spell FF.
Doesn’t matter where your base stealers are in the lineup, it is that you steal when the situation is condusive.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
November 29th, 2012
12:01 pm
@ Hoosier Aaron
Might be a decent fit, still too much of a lefty heavy lineup though. Maybe good in a platoon situation though.
GaryinBham
November 29th, 2012
12:03 pm
Hahaha, Sports Blogs, I agree. We’ve had disasters, bad trades and poor signings. There is always risk. But we’ve also had plenty of good ones through the years, we didn’t trade a single piece to pick him up, so all the talent is still available or can be pieces in a trade. The rest is beyond anything but speculation about personality, fit, chemistry, future, and what will happen. After a year in which our offense was so frustrating and inconsistent and so incredibly left-handed that everybody in the league just lined up their leftys to drive us crazy, this a a potentially great move. Not that it can’t fail–no such thing. But I like us being the first big deal of the offseason rather than the last for a change…
reason
November 29th, 2012
12:03 pm
5 years? Wow, the Braves can such throw good money away on a bad deal.
Unreal, the front office is not paying attention, to a players history. Upton, is NOT on the top 20, he is not worse more than 6 to7 mill a year.
The Brave never seem to get the right man to complete the team.
It is the same thing year after year.
I hope the front office is not listening to Bobby Cox, if they do, they will be in deep trouble.
reason
November 29th, 2012
12:03 pm
5 years? Wow, the Braves can such throw good money away on a bad deal.
Unreal, the front office is not paying attention, to a players history. Upton, is NOT on the top 20, he is not worse more than 6 to7 mill a year.
The Brave never seem to get the right man to complete the team.
It is the same thing year after year.
I hope the front office is not listening to Bobby Cox, if they do, they will be in deep trouble.
O'Ventbrel
November 29th, 2012
12:04 pm
Josh, The Braves will most likely be talking to both KC for Gordon and Minnesota for Span over the next month. Either option would be a solid addition IMO.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
November 29th, 2012
12:06 pm
I would also sign Brayan Pena to minor league deal as Catche security. He’s switch hitter, and plays 1B as well and has a decent arm. Seemed to hit better as he got more playing time with Royals.
wardenerd
November 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
sambo fo rambo Chipper mailed in last season and pissed away our wild card game by oleing a ball he should have centered and then lazily threw he ball and our season away. I loved Chipper but he was uninterested in Baseball his last three years. He looked bored and uninspired and he played that way. He was a great Brave who stayed for the money and who can blame him for that. He also pissed away a playoff game when he lost a grounder in the lights. He was an MVP sort of uneven ain’t it.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
November 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
Although they gave up pick to get Upton, will get one back when Bourn finally signs.
wardenerd
November 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
sambo fo rambo Chipper mailed in last season and pissed away our wild card game by oleing a ball he should have centered and then lazily threw he ball and our season away. I loved Chipper but he was uninterested in Baseball his last three years. He looked bored and uninspired and he played that way. He was a great Brave who stayed for the money and who can blame him for that. He also pissed away a playoff game when he lost a grounder in the lights. He was an MVP sort of uneven ain’t it.
Return of Brooks Conrad
November 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
Great to see the Braves pursuing and signing several talented Black baseball players
Nunna Yobinnes
November 29th, 2012
12:12 pm
Maybe Upton hasn’t had his physical yet. There would still be hope that the deal would fall through! Bourn is not worth $15 mil/yr. Upton is not worth $15 mil/yr. Everyone keeps talking about Upton’s power. To me power is 30+ HR and 100+ RBIs. He’s never even come close to those numbers. $15 mil/yr for a .250 hitter (if we’re lucky) with 20 HR and 75 RBI (Turner Field is not a power hitter’s park). We would have been better off to pay someone a substantial chunk of that money to take Uggla off our hands, and then got some younger less expensive players.
Yuuup
November 29th, 2012
12:16 pm
94 wins is not a disappointment in the least. What is a huge disappointment is when they consistently get bounced from the playoffs in the first round, or when they have a 10 game lead in September in the wild card standings, and don’t make the playoffs on the final day of the season.
Here it is people, Upton either will turn it around and have a good season next year, or Wren and company will possibly be looking for work come 2014. That is a win/win situation in my eyes. I hope he does break out and has one hell of a season, I also hope they can land a Victorino or Span for LF. This team needs a legit leadoff hitter, and the switch hitting Victorino could be the perfect candidate.
Skokie Dog
November 29th, 2012
12:22 pm
Doubtless, Fredi is tipping his cap to Frank today for this signing. Maybe the Braves’ hitting coaches can help Upton find ways to reduce his K’s. If that works out, maybe they can offer similar advice to Uggla. I hope this deal works out for the Braves, but I certainly understand Sad, Sad Braves Fan’s points above.
Yuuup
November 29th, 2012
12:24 pm
Nunna,
Has never come close to 30 Homeruns or 100 RBI’s in a season? Last year he had 28 Homeruns and I believe 85 RBI’S? Last time I checked my math, that was 2 less Homeruns, and roughly 15 less runs batted in. That is pretty close in my eyes, especially when he has increased his homerun totals in each of the past 5 seasons. Next year he could very well hit 30 Homeruns and drive in 100 runs in this lineup. Remember, a lot of that depends on the players ahead of him getting on base. Not that I am defending the signing, just pointing out the facts.
P Rose
November 29th, 2012
12:28 pm
In 2000, they signed BJ Surhoff.
Now they sign BJ Upton.
The Braves general managers seem to like BJs.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 29th, 2012
12:28 pm
Yuuup – 78 RBIs last year. Best season thus far 82 RBIs. 28 HR with 78 RBIs means that he hits a substantial amount of solo homers.
Pippa'sRoundMeatyBackside
November 29th, 2012
12:31 pm
Sad,Sad just posted a several hundred word stat love fest. Would somebody read it and summarize in 30 words or fewer?
Nunna Yobinnes
November 29th, 2012
12:34 pm
Sorry Pippa. I’m ADHD. Can’t read long posts without getting bored or snoozing.
JRasor007
November 29th, 2012
12:35 pm
After a long night and morning to mull this signing, I have to say I am ok with it. Am I REALLY EXCITED, no, but Upton IS only 28, entering his prime, he has a PLUS arm, PLUS speed, and PLUS power in comparison to his HR numbers. 30/30 guys don’t fall out of trees and they don’t make less than this amount of money. His sub 250 average and K numbers are alarming, but perhaps a change of venue (TB is a HORRIBLE park for hitters) and a new approach by Fletcher and Walker will help with his OBP. Bourn wanted same length with more money, which we would not do and I agree. Look at his production in second half’s the last three years and his only PLUS are on offense is speed. I mean look at his K numbers, they were not reminiscent of a great leadoff hitter. Upton gives you right handed power and another speed presence in our lineup, which in my opinion is huge nowadays in baseball with the decline of the long ball. You now have Upton, J Hey, Simmons, Prado, Uggla and (assuming we sign/trade for) LF TBD who will all provide 15 plus SB threats. So everyone just relax and let’s see how it works out. If we are able to sign Victorino or trade for Span I think our lineup will be vastly improved next year with a healthy McCann in a contract year. Oh and to you all who want any part of Hamilton, you are kidding yourselves if you think he has another four to five years that look like his previous four.
BravesFan79
November 29th, 2012
12:38 pm
Braves overpaid for Upton. Id rather have a high on base % speedster like Bourn.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 29th, 2012
12:40 pm
Maybe we could get Grissom and/or Nixon to come out of retirement.
BravesFan79
November 29th, 2012
12:42 pm
Reason: Id much rather the front office listen to Bobby Cox than Frank Wren, just compare resumes.
mark
November 29th, 2012
12:45 pm
I don’t get Wren, we over spend for Upton but Bourn was is too pricey? Just b/c you have a 90 to 100 million dollar budget dose not mean it all has to be spent. I would rather have an average guy that gets on base than a strike out guy who dose not. That has been our problem the last two years, Uggla has been an unmitigated disaster and now we use Chipper’s money to get the same type of guy from the right side. The braves need new management, Wren is capable but not very bold or creative. Look at Ferry or Dimitrof at least they are willing to make major deals to shake things up. Wren has done a great job of keeping the farm system well stocked but at the end of the day I would like to compete for a world championship not have plenty of pitching, I would love to see him use that pitching to get a lead off guy, if not offense will be a problem again.
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
12:46 pm
“20 HR and 75 RBI (Turner Field is not a power hitter’s park).”
Neither is Tropicana Field.
Philly
November 29th, 2012
12:47 pm
@Tinman:
Reading from the comments from this blog, I do not see much “educated” talk as you put it. I see alot of unhappy fans. There are some who love the idea of Upton with the Braves but majority seem to be unhappy. It is true that Upton is making a lot money but he is making average what CFer be making and certainly less what Bourn will make. Upton is the youngest out of the FA CF player worth mentioning. The Braves now have a CF position player in the coming years and a threat to steal with decent power. In my mind, you guys got what you wanted. However, I could be wrong in assuming that is what fans wanted. I’m confused as to what the fans wanted as an alternative to Upton. Someone with better batting average? or on base percentage? He can change the OBP but I doubt will be a .300 batter.
By the way, love Chipper. You guys are going to miss him in the locker room. A Braves fan told me that Atlanta was rated #1 worse sports city according to Forbes. Is this true?
I can see maybe for professional sports but I see GA as a BIG college sports town.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 29th, 2012
12:47 pm
I bet Grissom and Nixon could still hit better than .246 at their age.
P Rose
November 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
Look, I like BJs, too. We all like BJs. But the Braves paid way too much for BJ Upton, considering his sloppy play in the outfield, just as they paid too much for BJ Surhoff in 2000, considering his sloppy play in the outfield.
The Braves general managers have a tendency to overpay for sloppy BJs.
DUFFERDAWG
November 29th, 2012
12:52 pm
so….the Braves pay $75M for a guy who has averaged 80 RBI’s…25 HR’s….strikes out 4 times more than he walks (don’t we have enough of those players already) and has an OBP last year of .298
AND didn’t address the leadoff spot….sounds about right for Frankie.
Severely over spent….wow
Real Talk
November 29th, 2012
12:53 pm
Crazy how these blogs get but I guess some people are so miserable they have to down everything. First can we stop with the strikeout thing last year BJ struck out 169 times while the great Bourn as a leadoff hitter Struckout 155 times so almost the same. Their averages and OBP’s are close enough because BJ will hit 6th and thats who you compare him to while Bourn is a leadoff hitter. Third stop saying we could of got these guys at the same price because the market is on a uptick by 15% so Bourn will sign for 18-20 mil for 5-6 years so in the long run we may have saved the team 30 million dollars which can be spent on Heyward and Freeman. The next step is a leadoff hitter with Span or Victorino, trust me when I say this!!
The Truth....
November 29th, 2012
12:53 pm
Oh…its true…we now have TWO UGGLA’s. Someone explain to me why the Braves would want that? And for 5 years! I’d rather have a 300+ hitter! Someone that can get on base and not make all these trips to the bench.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
I think Wren is allergic to .300 hitters.
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
1:01 pm
You know how many qualified players hit 300 or better last year? 25. Not even enough to have one on every team. You guys act like superstars just grow on trees.
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
1:01 pm
Oh and the Braves already had one of them.
jax
November 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
BA -.246- B. Upton -2012 Tampa Bay-American League
RBI- 74
HR – 28
K -169
R – 79
BB – 45
SALARY -Tampa Bay – 2012 – $7,500,000.
– Braves 2013 – $15,000,000. X 5 = $75,000,000.
WHAT IS WRONG HERE ? Uggla, Lowe, Japanese sort of Pitcher, etc., etc.
jax
November 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
BA -.246- B. Upton -2012 Tampa Bay-American League
RBI- 74
HR – 28
K -169
R – 79
BB – 45
SALARY -Tampa Bay – 2012 – $7,500,000.
– Braves 2013 – $15,000,000. X 5 = $75,000,000.
WHAT IS WRONG HERE ? Uggla, Lowe, Japanese sort of Pitcher, etc., etc.
Real Talk
November 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
@ The Truth so i am guessing you wanted Dexter Fowler because he was the only one of the CF’s who hit .300, but who is to even sayColorado wanted to trade him and then at what price….THIS IS A GOOD MOVE for us folks!!
Real Talk
November 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
@ The Truth so i am guessing you wanted Dexter Fowler because he was the only one of the CF’s who hit .300, but who is to even sayColorado wanted to trade him and then at what price….THIS IS A GOOD MOVE for us folks!!
Mark's for the Braves
November 29th, 2012
1:05 pm
Simmons for lead off hitter. Upton will bat clean up.
Real Talk
November 29th, 2012
1:05 pm
@ Rick C and he may end up hitting leadoff:}
@ The Truth I am guessing you wanted Dexter Fowler but reports from Denver are the Rockies really are wanting to keep him!!
ALJ
November 29th, 2012
1:05 pm
Rick, How many players had a O.B.P. of over .300?
Real Talk
November 29th, 2012
1:06 pm
@ Jax Problem=fans like you!!!
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:07 pm
this is a waste of money i guarantee hank aaaron pushed this deal, upton does not know national league, he will be like other people change leagues, and struggle, frank wren and the braves will never win a world series again until liberty media sells braves to a good owner like arthur blank, this braves team is absolutely stupid, josh hamilton is sitting there waiting give him 2 years and let him prove himself better, this braves team just got weaker with this 75 million upton , this is why washington is on rise and braves last place , well 4th marlins sold there i forgot.
Braves' Nation
November 29th, 2012
1:08 pm
FIRE FRANK WREN !
Nunna Yobinnes
November 29th, 2012
1:08 pm
Upton better not bat cleanup. You need a dependable run producer to bat cleanup. At this point our best bets are Freeman or Heyward.
Bill Clinton
November 29th, 2012
1:08 pm
$75 million is a bit pricey for a BJ !
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:10 pm
the braves need to get cody ross or if they do not get kevin yokalis at 3rd i will not spend a dime on these idiots ever again.
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:11 pm
kevin yokalis you IDIOTS
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:14 pm
YOU NEED HARD NOSE BALLPLAYERS , GRIITY GUYS, YOU HAVE ONLY 2 THE 2ND BASEMAN , AND YR CLOSER, THATS IT.
Nunna Yobinnes
November 29th, 2012
1:15 pm
Insert McKayla Maroney”I’m not impressed” photo here.
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
1:15 pm
“Rick, How many players had a O.B.P. of over .300?”
129. Overall Upton was 87th in OPS. For comparison Bourn was 99th. As I said earlier, Upton would not have been my first choice of the available FAs. But all you guys seem to talk about is AVG, OBP, and SOs while ignoring everything else.
JRasor007
November 29th, 2012
1:15 pm
@willie g, “give Hamilton two years…” There is ZERO, NONE, NO CHANCE Hamilton takes a contract any less than four to five years guarenteed. What world are you living in? And he will make 20-25 mill PER YEAR. If we did that we would have ZERO money to do anything else. I agree Liberty SUCKSSS!!!!, but come on let’s stay in the real world.
@jax Upton’s salary was a pre free agent extension. No one this side of Pujols, Longoria, etc gets more than that before they turn free agent. It’s the market price for a good CF and yes Upton is a good CF. Not great, but he provides a great arm, good range, plus speed and power combo. His OBP is alarming, yes, but there aren’t other options. Bourn is two years older, struck out at nearly the same clip, struggled in second halves of seasons and will demand at least a few more mill per year. It’s not the best deal, but it IS NOT Kenshin Kawakami
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:16 pm
the braves sux, the haven,t won a playoff game in how many years.
bvillebaron
November 29th, 2012
1:19 pm
Rick C.
Yeah, they also conveniently overlook that Bourn’s career OBP is .339 while Upton’s is .336. That Upton is a far better fit for the Braves than Bourn is a no-brainer.
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:20 pm
put youkalis at 3rd get him in atlanta , keep prado in left , get another starter till beachy comes back, and resign johnson, and the others and lets roll ,but upton come on man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:24 pm
media says but philles wanted him when did phillies make a good move the past couple of years, this contract is a joke, bill shanks said yesterday, on his show maybe 12 or 13 million, i mean largest contract in braves history think about that a minute, braves fans, all we gave away , because we could not pay, now this piece of whatever you call the strikeout king.
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
1:27 pm
Press conference will be aired live here http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=16646230&c_id=ATL&content_id=25508827
ALJ
November 29th, 2012
1:27 pm
Enter your comments here
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:27 pm
this guy won,t hit 20 homers this year in atlanta , he will be at bottom first half of year, as he will struggle merously.
ALJ
November 29th, 2012
1:28 pm
Rick, I did not ask O.P.S. I asked O.B.P., as the Braves still do not have a lead off hitter.
Prado For Prez
November 29th, 2012
1:30 pm
Don’t know if you guys are true Braves Fans????? C’mon we just singed one of the best CF FA available and everyone is in here complaining! Look at it this way, other than the bust FA of Lowe and not a total bust yet of Uggs, we spent some money! I’m happy about that cause we normally get the washed up OF (Anderson) and don’t spend the money. Give the Braves some support and lets bring the other Upton to the ATL as well. PRADO FOR PREZ…..
willie g hates liberty media
November 29th, 2012
1:33 pm
i will not waist my electricity to watch the braves throw money in the trash can.this guy is a complete waiste of money braves the hunger places need tons of food for homeless people for christmas give them 75 million dollars,and fill the pantrys .
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
1:37 pm
And I said 129 players had an OBP of 300 or better.
We will have to see what happens with LF. If whoever they get there can’t lead off, I don’t see any reason why Prado can’t be moved back up. He hit 322/362/521 from that spot in 2010 and has a 298/340/469 line in his career. He has hit 290/341/421 batting second. I’d also be fine with giving Simmons a shot there. If it doesn’t work out just move him back to 8th and everyone else moves up one spot.
GimmeAbreak
November 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
Wren will build the Braves into the number 1 team in the NL: number 1 in strike-outs (when teamed up with Ugla and Heyward), last in walks (same reference), first in solo, meaningless home runs and highest price per hit!
So, you field a team with no legitimate lead-off hitter, a player who plays many positions well and does anythiong asked for the team (thank you, Prado for going back to 3rd where you really should play) and leads the mojors in strike-outs…
I’ve been a Braves fan since ‘66 and survived all the boring/poor play with the exception of the Bobby Cox/John Shurholtz years, and here we are again!
Where are you Ted Turner? This franchise needs you!
jmart1951
November 29th, 2012
1:58 pm
After reading the varying opinions of the experts, not this blog, but the baseball press I believe that BJ Upton has decent upside going forward. Many baseball players hit their stride in their late 20s and early 30s.
Considering that Longoria was injured last year Upton was probably asked, or at least felt like he needed to step up his power game to compensate. When a player goes outside his zone things do not generally go well.
He and Heyward seem to already have a decent relationship and respect for each other. Upton will be asked to contribute to this club not be the sole highlight reel
Another thing that Upton has been criticized for, his lack of maturity / sometimes uninterested approach, is often overcome with maturity. Many men do not fully mature (emotionally) until their late 20’s.
All in all I believe that next October Braves fans will look back at this signing and say that it was a great piece to add to the players the Braves already had. I am not predicting a career year for Upton but believe he will have a very good year.
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
1:59 pm
“last in walks (same reference)”
They were second in walks last year.
drew
November 29th, 2012
2:00 pm
Isn’t the nature of signing free agents is that you overpay for someone (unless the player is clearly on the downside or a big risk)?
the truth...
November 29th, 2012
2:00 pm
I read that Freeman was also a third baseman…wonder how he is or more accurately was in that corner of the infield?
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
2:01 pm
I think some people are overvaluing the lead off hitter role. The 10 teams that reached the postseason collectively hit 265/329/399 out of the lead off spot. That is barely better than the MLB avg of 261/323/392.
Shane
November 29th, 2012
2:01 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Enjoy the Ray’s leftovers! Carl Crawford 2.0! Get used to watching Upton walk back to the dugout shaking his head, and loafing it in the outfield! $15 million? FOR THAT???
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
jmart1951
November 29th, 2012
2:03 pm
Now that Upton is signed the Braves need to concentrate on obtaining a high on base percentage player. If a reasonably priced player (trade or free agent) cannot be had then I would put Prado in left field and start Fransisco at third base
I personally believe that Fransisco is a star just waiting for an opportunity. Freddie and Walker turned his attitude around last year and gave him specific instruction for his winter ball. He has apparently taken all of that to heart and is transforming himself into a very good player.
N8
November 29th, 2012
2:03 pm
I’m going to reserve judgement on who is the better “fit” for the Braves between Upton and Bourn, based on who Wren gets to bat leadoff.
The way I see it, Bourn and Upton are about the same player, except on steals more bases and the other has more power. Bourn is better defensively, but in 4-5 years will Bourn STILL be better defensively? Unlikely. So short term, we might be downgrading defensively. Long-term probably a wash.
But if Wren gets a guy like Span to leadoff (probably a better leadoff hitter than Bourn if healthy), then Upton is a GREAT fit because of him being RH.The balance of the lineup just got better. But him and Bourn strikeout about the same, so what’s the difference?
But just envision it if Span is traded for:
Span
Prado
Heyward
Upton
Freeman or Mac
Uggla
Mac or Freeman
Simmons
Thats the all so often RH-LH balance that teams seek in a batting order. I think good hitters are good hitters. But that lineup SHOULD limit how worthless this team is against LHP.
And like it or not, that would give us a lineup where EVERYBODY in the lineup other than Dan Uggla (32) is 28 years old or younger and for the most part, under team control (other than Mac).
Is the best lineup in the world? Probably not. But it’s pretty damn decent and then with the pitching and bullpen?
The team will be set up to very much be “in the mix” over the next few years.
If Wren were to get Span? That’s a pretty damn fine defensive outfield with plenty of speed and ability to cover some ground.
So pending on who Wren gets for LF, this has the opportunity to be a very nice addition.
Rick C
November 29th, 2012
2:03 pm
the truth, I don’t know if Freeman played there in high school but he hasn’t played 3B professionally since rookie ball. Over 5 games he had 14 chances and made 3 errors.
Don
November 29th, 2012
2:04 pm
Victorino for $6-7M a year? That’s funny! He’ll want, and should get, close to what Upton got (and Bourn should get)
a fan
November 29th, 2012
2:06 pm
Gimme a break you need one Uggs walked 75 times pay attention
Yuuup
November 29th, 2012
2:13 pm
Nunna,
My bad on his RBI’s last year. Like I said, I am not for, nor against the signing of Upton. All I know is that the Braves better sign or trade for a LF who has a higher OBP so that Upton at least has a chance to drive in more runs.
I am not expecting much from Upton next year seeing as though players usually push to hard to impress their new teams, but hope he proves me wrong. I have to think that with Freeman and Heyward batting around him, that he will see better pitches and hopefully hit more homeruns and drive in more runs. I think the Braves could have traded for a cheaper option, but as far as free agents go, Upton was the best option.
Dudcreek
November 29th, 2012
2:14 pm
I still say trade for a young player like Brantley ,, he can play left.
Powder Blue
November 29th, 2012
2:17 pm
“The Braves general managers seem to like BJs.”
I love BJs.
SOLO HR
November 29th, 2012
2:19 pm
think of the team strikeout totals if Juan Francisco plays 3B !
Bill Clinton
November 29th, 2012
2:19 pm
I love BJs, too.
beachcomber
November 29th, 2012
2:22 pm
N8 – Agreed if we can land Span or a clone, our line up will be as good or even better than last year’s.
Real Talk
November 29th, 2012
2:31 pm
strikeouts guys are just another out, they are no different than pop ups on the infield or weak ground balls to the pitcher and corner infielders with men on base, so you need to get all of those numbers to see where players truly stack up. LEARN THE GAME or GET OFF THE DAMN COMPUTER!!!
PDOG
November 29th, 2012
2:43 pm
I like the move, I hope that they give Cunnigham and Gattis a chance at LF before signing anyone else. Braves need to keep some money to sign there own players.
JRasor007
November 29th, 2012
2:43 pm
N8, totally agree, this deal hinges on our ability or inability to fill the leadoff role. If we nab Span or Victorino we now have a good, well balanced, deep lineup. Rick, thank you for pointing out about the walks, some of these guys have no idea what they are talking about. If you don’t like the trade, fine, that is your right, but to sit there and say he is unequivocally the worst free agent signing, or is a bad player just doesn’t know anything about the game. PERIOD.
GT Tampa
November 29th, 2012
2:44 pm
Upton will be a bust. It’s sad, the guy has all of the talent and he’s seems to be intelligent, but watching him here in Tampa has been painful. Everybody groans when he comes to bat late in the game with a runner on base. Kinda similar to Uggla. BJ is not a clutch performer. His batting average is pitiful, and that’s the BEST he could do in a CONTRACT YEAR. True he gets a few home runs – mostly in games when it doesn’t matter. He swings for the fences on every pitch, regardless of the situation – how many strikes, etc.(sound familiar?) It’s agonizing to see how LAZY he is getting out of the box after he gets contact on a pitch – it’s 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, oh, I think BJ’s starting his jog to first base now – woo hoo ! He is the exact opposite of a Pete Rose type player. No hustle, no average, no worries! He is a good center fielder with a mediocre arm. My prediction for this season: People will be throwing stuff at him before the end of the season. Frank Wren’s days should be numbered.
Sad Reality
November 29th, 2012
2:46 pm
As long as 2.5 million + folks a season pay to see the Braves’ @ Turner Field, win 85-90 games a season, and turn a modest profit for Liberty Media, Frank Wren will always have a job.
This fan will no longer invest my money @ Turner Field until Liberty gets serious about putting a 1st rate product on the field, and hire a GM a bit more creative with the money he is allocated. It seems in recent years teams like the Marlins, Rockies, Giants & Cardinals made the World Series with payrolls less than the Braves. They weren’t tying up their payrolls with clowns like Lowe, Kawakami, Uggla & Upton.
atlrf44
November 29th, 2012
2:53 pm
hope I’m wrong but another large investment in a sub 250 hitter who strikes out way too much…sound familiar????
Robert
November 29th, 2012
2:53 pm
On the one hand, he is a better player than Michael Bourn – career adjusted OPS of 105 vs Bourn’s 90
He is also almost two years younger than Bourn
On the other hand – $15 million a year for a .240 hitter with a career OBP of under .340
It’s a bad signing, but it’s better than if they had resigned Bourn
MIdtown
November 29th, 2012
2:54 pm
Bring in Kate Upton. Talk about the excitement factor!!!!!! Could you imagine an SI swimsuit model hitting cleanup and playing center for a big league team?!! Won’t be good baseball, though, I suppose.
JRasor007
November 29th, 2012
2:55 pm
I didn’t realize everyone had the gift of foresight. Wow, you can see into the future??? I may not know whether Upton will work out or not, BUT NEITHER DO YOU! SO SHUT UP! Jeez…
Oh and GT Tampa, ask anyone IN baseball, Upton does not have a “mediocre arm” he has a GREAT arm. For someone who supposedly watches the Rays play you seem to know very little. Imagine you are really a Braves fan who hates the deal and wants to act like you have some inside info. Please
Robert
November 29th, 2012
2:56 pm
“strikeouts guys are just another out”
No, they are not. Not only does the defense not have to execute nearly as much on a strikeout, but there is next to no chance to advance any runner. The strikeout is the cardinal sin of hitting