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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
165 comments Add your comment
They call me The Seeker
November 30th, 2012
11:40 am
DOB,
Any idea what Angel Pagan is seeking contract-wise, and do the Braves have any interest?
He’s 31, plays left, a switch-hitter, has speed and has a lifetime batting average of .281
Since he hits above .250 would that deter Frank Wren’s interest ?
Amber Girl
November 30th, 2012
11:40 am
Sorry on triple post but I think got point across.
dawg33
November 30th, 2012
11:44 am
try to make a package for stanton and then we could just out homer everybody
Rick C
November 30th, 2012
11:45 am
Amber Girl, you forgot to write in all caps
Dum-Bass
November 30th, 2012
12:09 pm
Great! Now that I know he hit .246 for average last year, we can all say we have the “Dynamic Trio” of “UGGLA, STRUGGLA, AND HUGGLA” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hate to break it to everyone but the Braves will do the same thing this year as this past season, as long as Fredi G is still the manager. Doesn’t matter who they get. Just look at the LA Dodgers.
Dum-Bass
November 30th, 2012
12:16 pm
***Delbert D**** agreed, Angel Pagan is the ultimate oxymoron. That would be a jinx for sure. My wife walked through the LR when they were showing him one day and she said, “oooh, he looks evil”. She didn’t even know who he was or his name. When I told her his name, she said, “I’m getting out of here” unless you turn it. Oh, and she said if the Braves ever got him she would not go to any games.
Amber Girl
November 30th, 2012
12:19 pm
Hello Dum-Bass Phillie Fans not welcome in Brave country. GO HOME TO PHILLIE.
Mr. P1nk
November 30th, 2012
12:24 pm
The kool-aid drinking has already begun. No amount of sugar-coating is going to change the fact that for the past 4 years, BJ Upton has FAILED to hit over .250. Nor has he ever knocked in over 82 runs in a year (only over 70 three times).
$15 mil a year for Upton? Combine that with the $25 mil that we’re paying McCann and Uggla….that’s $40 mil in 2013 for three players who, when it comes down to it…will end up missing a number a games…strike out a lot, hit a lot of solo runners….and leave a lot of runners on base.
It’s amazing how, if you work really hard at it, you can convince yourself that a lie is a truth. BJ Upton has had clubhouse and on the field issues. Yet all DOB could go on and on about saying..is how Upton got “rave reviews” from former teammates, clubhouse attendants, coaches, etc.
Still, I dont care what the clubhouse attendant says…what I care most about IS HOW HOW PERFORMS ON THE FIELD..and how it translates to the Braves WINNING!
If I’m wrong, I’ll be happy to admit it. Until BJ Upton shows me that he is anything other than the player he’s been the past 4 years…..I’ll keep spreading “the real truth” (that he SCUKS!!!!!!!!!).
Peter R.
November 30th, 2012
12:25 pm
I’m glad he’s happy about it! I would be ecstatic; more than I could even dream of spending. Just gotta hope that the Braves make the right moves and bust open the piggy bank and get a quality LF. I know they’re interested in Victorino, which makes sense. Even if they have to pay him 8 million it would be worth it. Gotta make headlines otherwise how the Braves going to put fans in the stands? Watching the braves lose games games 1-0 or 2-1 in 11 innings isn’t much fun. Moving on from the Jones is the right step. Wren said we’re going for 2 quality players, so he best make it happen. If Hanson doesn’t work out, then the Braves are going to need a backup 5th starter. Players get injured all the time, so not trading Delgado or Teheran makes sense. The Braves need another bench player, maybe they’re good in the bullpen. At least we have Big Juan as a backup and shift Prado to 2nd or 1B if need be. I think Victorino would be a good addition b/c he could play all the outfield positions. I don’t like Heyward in CF at all. Bad call having him as the backup there. Reed Johnson would probably be a good call. If the Braves have to go to 100 million again, then welcome to 2012 folks. It’s a changed game.
Amber Girl
November 30th, 2012
12:36 pm
@ Mr P1nk IT A NEW YEAR. A new Location. He is a BRAVE. LIVE WITH IT AND ROOT HARD HE DOES WELL. HE IS A BRAVE>WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. HE IS A BRAVE 1 more time HE IS A BRAVE LIVE WITH IT.
Brave New World
November 30th, 2012
12:39 pm
Mets fans ought to excited about this signing – they can replace “Larry” “Larry” with “Melvin” “Melvin.” GO BRAVES!
Tumbledown
November 30th, 2012
12:43 pm
Hey, it is ok if people want to complain. People have a right to voice their displeasure as long as they keep it civil and understand that such opinions will be debated. There are well-respected baseball people who praise the Braves’ signing of Upton as well as some expert dissention. The proof will be in the pudding over the next couple of years.
least of the east
November 30th, 2012
12:45 pm
Upton was the best option . All FAs are overpaid. they always will be. why trade young players for a CF when you get get one for a draft pick (that you are basically getting back -a few picks later- when Bourn signs elsewhere)
the guy Wash traded for Span was a #1 pick in 2011 who reaches 100 mph. with a wipeout slider. (see BA 2012 prospects ahndbook) this guy has huge upside. so Span wasn’t given away.
Klaus
November 30th, 2012
12:47 pm
Let’s wait until the team is finished before we write off the season. Wren could trade for Justin, Myers, Fowler (sounds less likely) or a guy with pop we never considered.
He can engaged in three team trades to boot (a former JS speciality) to make something significant happen.
New team, new coaches, etc can do wonders. Juan F may actually P90 his way into the conversation as well.
We have run many a Braves player out of town on a rail only to see them thrive somewhere else.
Perhaps for once this will happen for ATL versus to it.
Look we all would have preferred a fantasy scenario where Josh Hamilton signs a three year 17mm/yr deal in ATL with a 4-5th year team option and behavior exit clauses from day one.
Then trade Pastornicky and some scrub to KC for Myers or Gattis & JJ to AZ for Justin.
Not happening.
The FA market is lighter and teams are locking up good to great players more frequently.
So FA will cost more and trades will cost more. Welcome to the new normal.
Bottom line if Wren screws the pooch he and Fredi will be gone in a year and we can say I told you and good riddance. If they win it all then crow will be served.
Win-win.
Frank White
November 30th, 2012
12:47 pm
,,,,..Amber Girl…oh, I’ll be rooting for him to succeed as a Braves (I’m a Braves fan who wants to see them win).
However, the part of me who is a realist…doesnt expect him to live up to the $15 mil a year we signed him for (just like I didnt expect to win the Powerball Jackpot..even though I hoped I would when I bought $20 worth).
I base my realism..on Upton’s stats the past 4 years.
Richie
November 30th, 2012
12:48 pm
Tommy Hanson traded to the Angels
Dan Uggla
November 30th, 2012
12:48 pm
I like the signing; it’ll take some of the heat off me.
Its Friday so it must be pay day. I’ll hit the weights later on …
Tumbledown
November 30th, 2012
12:49 pm
Yet all DOB could go on and on about saying..is how Upton got “rave reviews” from former teammates, clubhouse attendants, coaches, etc.
The reason DOB reported this is because it actually happened. Upton undoubtedly did get rave reviews across the board. Are you skeptical that Wren did not perform his due diligence on this matter?
say what?
November 30th, 2012
12:54 pm
Richie – just saw the same think on MLB braves trade rumors …didn’t have any info who the braves go. DOB, any info?
JHarber
November 30th, 2012
12:54 pm
According to John Heyman Hanson gone to Angels, All I know now
Richie
November 30th, 2012
12:57 pm
Braves got Walden
say what?
November 30th, 2012
12:58 pm
anyone know the net savings on payroll, if any
say what?
November 30th, 2012
1:06 pm
basically looks like a push with both going into arbitration…
say what?
November 30th, 2012
1:11 pm
buggsy – it looks like your rumor was right … but i hope this isn’t the trade we are all supposed to be excited about
Whoa Nellie!
November 30th, 2012
1:12 pm
Hey Dan! you don’t get paid in the off season… silly guy…
Whoa Nellie!
November 30th, 2012
1:12 pm
Hey Dan! you don’t get paid in the off season… silly guy…
Whoa Nellie!
November 30th, 2012
1:14 pm
some tweets say it was a salary dump for Braves and the Angels desperate for starting pitching… salary savings between 3-4 M…
hebrews11
November 30th, 2012
1:15 pm
welcome to town mr. upton. i say his numbers improve playing at the Ted.
Richie
November 30th, 2012
1:16 pm
The Braves can now look at Pagan as well as Victorino
Amber Girl
November 30th, 2012
1:19 pm
Cleared 4 million. Question: Do I smell Victorino?
Kwajbraves
November 30th, 2012
1:24 pm
Hanson traded a year too late. At least we got something for him. We are not getting anything for JJ.
say what?
November 30th, 2012
1:28 pm
so do the braves have $10m or $14m left to spend with TH traded? in other words did the reported 10m remaining budget include the expectation of paying TH $4m?
BravesFanInNashville
November 30th, 2012
1:30 pm
Just because the Phillies made a lowball offer for Upton doesn’t mean his true value was 5 years $55 Million. As we’ve learned with Boras in the past it only takes one team willing to pay and that sets the market for a player that year. Wren probably valued having this wrapped up before the winter meetings so he could go about the business of solving the other needs for the team in Nashville. He solved two problems with one signing and still didn’t trade a pitching prospect. CF and RH bat with plus defense and plus power and speed. Not a great bargain on price but a great deal for the Braves considering they still have Teheran, Minor, Delgado and Hanson to use in a trade if needed. Can’t wait ’til next week.
Teddy B
November 30th, 2012
1:33 pm
I hope B.J. plays as well or better than last year for that much money. Now we can’t sign any of the other big guys, and we can only trade our young guys for other ok guys. hmmmm not too convinced this is the way to go.
My biggest question is this:
IF this guy cost this much to sign, how much will Heyward cost us? We won’t be able to afford our future superstar cause we signed B.J. ok Upton.
Teddy B
November 30th, 2012
1:33 pm
I hope B.J. plays as well or better than last year for that much money. Now we can’t sign any of the other big guys, and we can only trade our young guys for other ok guys. hmmmm not too convinced this is the way to go.
My biggest question is this:
IF this guy cost this much to sign, how much will Heyward cost us? We won’t be able to afford our future superstar cause we signed B.J. ok Upton.
say what?
November 30th, 2012
1:34 pm
BravesFanInNashville – value is what the market will pay and we paid $20M more than the closest bidder. the braves overpaid no matter how you break it down
rick p
November 30th, 2012
1:48 pm
I think this sucks. The kid can power the ball and cover a lot of ground in CF.But if you thought Bourn struck out a lot, just wait. This guy swings like he’s Adam Dunn and he’s only good for 25 max. Not to mention his frequent misadvemtures in CF. He’s Kenny Lofton.
They did have to find somebody to play CF, given the stupid choice to dump Bourn, but this clown isnt s Leadoff hitter other than his mediocre steal rate. Striking out isnt the look we’re after batting first
Pippa'sRoundMeatyBackside
November 30th, 2012
2:14 pm
Does anybody know what BJs WAR is regarding his high strikeout metrics?
Braves Fan Since 1966
November 30th, 2012
3:49 pm
Braves pay, out the yahzoo, and he will play. But can he be worth all that? He probably can’t hit above 250 so he will need to hit 30 bombs every year, and all the strikeouts we’ll just have to live with. Also a $3 million signing bonus to boot… Isn’t that special? All I can say is he better put up some strong numbers or this deal is a flop. Pressure … ? Nah … How could there be any pressure on him? Braves fans can be tough and un-forgiving just like the fans in New York and Philadelphia, as Upton will find out pdq if he doesn’t produce. Two top prospects in the minors
are also headed to Detroit and Tampa Bay because of free agent signings, so that’s another high cost to pay in addition to the big $$$ being spent. Should Upton flop or under perform you’re stuck with him for $15.45 million in ‘2016 and $16.45 million in ‘2017. Sure hope it works out, but I also remember the days of being at Braves games when there were less than 10,000 fans in attendence. Must be nice to get receive $3 million for spending money at x-mas.How much is our closer worth at these kind pay outs? A guy with 42 saves and then we pay a guy that can’t hit much above 250 this kind of money?
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2012
4:13 pm
Any idea what Angel Pagan is seeking contract-wise, and do the Braves have any interest?
Yes, they checked into him and would be interested, but not at his asking price, which I was told was five years at about $11 million. But that surely will come down, unless he finds the one team that will bite. Still think he’ll go back to S.F., but they won’t pay that price.
Braves Fan Since 1966
November 30th, 2012
4:17 pm
This guy Teddy B. also makes a very good point as to how we can expect to sign Heyward after giving away the farm to sign Upton. Then you have a 300 hitter,more-or-less, with Prado(not many or any guys like that on this roster any more). Guys that always hit 300 or better and play their positions well enough always win out over flash-in-the-pan guys that hit some bombs but stike out a lot. When will the Braves go with this simple truth about baseball? Also a guy that can save 42 games is something worth paying for, but our guy’s arm may be gone by the time his chance for a big free agent contract comes up, and the Simmons kid sure we’ll hang on to him for 5 more seasons and pay him peanuts. There’s no way he will hang around after going through that. There are onky so many $$$ to go around, and McCan,Upton, and Uggla now will
take up most of the payroll. Hudson does alright too, but he’s over the hill and nearing the end of
the line. Also the Braves should give Francisco a fair shot at 3rd base and see if he can play every day. To give him a fair shot is the only way to ever know. Keep Prado in left so he can stay rested and give us a break from Uggly at 2nd base every now-and-then. FR you’ve laid enough eggs for one off season.
Brandon
November 30th, 2012
5:22 pm
@rick p – calling somebody kenny lofton is not suppose to be an insult is it?
rharling
November 30th, 2012
6:03 pm
Sports 620 here in AZ claim that D-backs and Braves are deep in discussions for Justin Upton, and expectations are it will happen. I’m not sure how credible their sources are though.
David Jackson
November 30th, 2012
8:04 pm
I always thought these two brothers would be awesome in the same outfield I’m an arizona Diamondbacks fan and I bet the Braves trade there Short stop prospect the diamondback like for Justin Upton.
Mr Lee
November 30th, 2012
10:12 pm
Dump uggla. Move prado to second and get a left fielder
Nova Scotia Steve
November 30th, 2012
11:59 pm
I’ll still think the second half of my prediction comes true – I called Upton and Victorino.
If they sign the latter – I win a super cookie.
BravesFanInNashville
December 1st, 2012
1:36 am
Say What? …. value is what the market will pay and we paid $20M more than the closest bidder. the braves overpaid no matter how you break it down………
First of all the Braves don’t get to know what other teams bid necessarily until after negotiations are over. The Phillies could have been doing several things with that offer of $55 Million/5 years .. 1 is they were trying to steal Upton. 2 they wanted to drive the price up on the Braves.. 3. They wanted to try to lower the price for Bourn which is their real target. If they establish that they only offered $55 Million to Upton then they can justify why they won’t go to a really high number on Bourn. As it is I believe that Bourn is going to have to settle for a much lesser contract than he thought before the offseason started.
I think the Braves got a great player in Upton because he’s just now coming into his prime and he seems to have figured some things out late in the season this year. I’m thinking we will see a true breakout year for him this year and Wren will look like a genius next summer.
BravesFanInNashville
December 1st, 2012
1:53 am
either way you look at it, it seems the Phillies bid was a “purpose bid” and not a real bid for Upton. I also don’t think BJ would have signed for that amount so it’ s a moot point. Otherwise you could argue that the Braves could have signed him for $56 Million if your contending the Braves paid $20 Million too much. I think Upton would have waited to see how the market developed and the Braves didn’t want to take a chance on losing him. Imagine if Wren had known about Phillies bid and offered him $60 Million dollars and then we lost him to another team. People on this blog would have been calling the Braves cheap and there would have been negative backlash from that too.
I would want a GM’s job because somebody will always complain no matter what you do. Wren has put a winning team on the field every year and will do so next year. I for one commend him on keeping within a budget and hanging on to the most coveted pitching prospects in baseball. He almost slipped up and traded Delgado for Dempster. Thank God Dempster vetoed that trade. Nice mulligan for Wren. Let’s hope it’s the greatest trade never made.
longtimefan
December 1st, 2012
8:22 am
The truth is nobody knows the $ offered to BJ by various clubs except those in the know. The rest is speculation on our part. I believe FW is doing a great job this winter. He is being proactive before the FA/trade market dries up and clubs have to settle for what’s left. Cutting ties with JJ and Hanson freed up payroll and opened the 5th SP slot for Delgado or Teheran. Plus we got an affordable flamethrowing righthanded pitcher with closing experience to add to our big 3- easily the best pen in the majors. FW is not done. Expect the Upton brothers to be patrolling the outfield together on opening day. We have a real shot at the WS!
74bravesjersey
December 1st, 2012
8:40 am
I’m like a kid in a candy store during the winter meetings, hopefully things can really pan out like true Braves fan hope. I’m in a candy store, you buy a box of chocolates, hope’n you get mainly stuff that would taste like chocolate w/o too much xtra’ extravagant flavors on the inside, & feel yeah this is the ticket. Let’s see what happens.
74bravesjersey
December 1st, 2012
8:43 am
I’d like to see both Uptons, Jey Hey, soooooonnnnn!, that’s an outfield. Love to still be able to sign Victorino because he’s very savvy in the clutch. Boy, he murdered us w/ the phil’s.
fed up
December 1st, 2012
10:03 am
Its refreshing to see the Braves making moves and not sitting there and letting other teams make moves.Go Braves.
Posts about The Braves From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
December 1st, 2012
12:25 pm
[...] including their top prospect from last season, their last two 1st round picks, thi more… Newest Brave Upton excited about fresh start – blogs.ajc.com 11/30/2012 B.J. Upton finalized a five-year, $75.25 million contract with the [...]
MFG
December 1st, 2012
12:33 pm
I would be shocked if we acquired Justin Upton, asking price is tooooo high!
MFG
December 1st, 2012
12:38 pm
Far more likely, we get Cody Ross
RUNNING-LATE
December 1st, 2012
3:07 pm
Can someone tell me what link I would go to find a player avg.walks and stike-outs.Information like this.toronto has a leftfielder with over 200 steals (over last 4 years)and high walk rate.( can’t think of his name though.)
ncgary
December 1st, 2012
7:57 pm
the cubbies have starlin one starter one reliever and one pastornicky to cubs or salcedo braves get upton arizona gets starlin and gilmartin or spruill
DIPEN PATEL
December 2nd, 2012
8:18 am
It’s not even phillie fans that complain, it’s always been yankee fans and the team itself that have always WHINED and CRIED like their TYPICAL LOSER MENTALITIES when the opposing TEAM BEATS them or is TOTALLY BETTER than they are.Speaking of the BRAVES signing B.J UPTON I’m TOTALLY SHOCKED the BRAVES signed HIM because WE JUST ABOUT NEVER make FREE-AGENT SPLASHES and the only ones WE have made besides UPTON are TIM HUDSON in 2005 and DAN UGGLA in 2010 and THEYhave not even given us WORLD SERIES RINGS as of yet,and yet THEY have all been TOTALLY WORTH SIGNING [including B.J UPTON] GO BRAVESNATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
braveshoo
December 2nd, 2012
8:23 am
The Braves made a bold and I think good move in getting Upton. One more bold move can get us the pennant. Alex Gordon from KC to play LF and lead off would make our lineup really good. He is a great defensive outfielder; hit .294;365 obp. Excellent doubles power. Young and athletic.Could probably bat leadoff. KC has will meyers ready to play, and needs starting pitching. Give them Tehran or Delgado, Spruill, and an Salceledo or Terdo. With our starting pitching and bullpen, and that starting lineup, we will win the pennant.
BraveFan
December 2nd, 2012
9:09 am
I like Victorino. Tough out, good defender. Good base runner
74bravesjersey
December 2nd, 2012
1:34 pm
@braveshoo; Yeah, I like Gordon as well, be cool if Wren could pull out his bag of tricks to get both.@BraveFan;I’m cool w/ Victorino too. He’s been there, would be great clubhouse leader, knows how to clutch it up. I gots lots of anticipation about Wrens plans at the winter meetings, yet do we know really what deals he could pull off?
74bravesjersey
December 2nd, 2012
1:48 pm
I guess there will be only 5 spots for the Bench right? Out of any from this past year, I hope they could keep Reed Johnson. The dudes Blue coller through & through, he has passion, Victorino the same way, both clutch performer’s, wish to have ‘em both, don’t know how, just wish’n. mabey coach freddi give up one of the 7 or 8 pullpen spots for 1 more bench spot to make 6 spots, though I know quality bullpen is at a premium. Braves motto is can never have enough pitch’n or have too much. Just seems at times we get in those xtra inning games, may have one or two relievers left, but then we run out of bats on the bench. Those situations hard to manage at times, I’m sure freddi’s try’n to figure those type things out, in his mind.
Medawgu
December 2nd, 2012
4:34 pm
Go get Dexter Fowler!!
Jborodawg
December 5th, 2012
7:12 pm
At GM meetings: Bourn to decline qualifying offer
10:15 pm November 8, 2012, by David O’Brien
Other free-agent center fielders include Shane Victorino and B.J. Upton, neither of whom ideally fits the leadoff part of the job description any longer, Victorino because he’s slowed some and Upton because his on-base percentage has declined steadily as his home runs and strikeouts increased…”
November 29…B.J. Upton finalized a five-year, $75.25 million contract with the Braves makes him the highest-paid player in franchise history…”
Somebody who hit .246 and a career low .298 OBP last year gets a historic deal?
Please excuse my ignorance, but, I don’t unnerstan.
TEAM CAPS LOCK
January 23rd, 2013
5:46 pm
IT”s BACL