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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
374 comments Add your comment
Larvell Blanks
December 4th, 2012
9:33 am
German Shepherd Dawg……Blauser was on the post season roster on 95 team…….he was the starter, Belliard usually came in around the 7th inning for defense.
They have this stuff on the internet, you know, for those whose memory is faulty. He didn’t play an inning in the 1995 World Series, because he wasn’t on the roster. He did play one game in the NLCS that year — went 0-4 with 2 Ks. (Went 0-6 with 3 Ks in the NLDS, by the way).
For the record, we also didn’t win the World Series with Blauser in 1991 (mainly a late-inning offensive replacement), 1992, 1993, 1996, or 1997. So the only year we won it was the one where he didn’t play. So yes, by all means, use Jeff Blauser as an example of the type of shortstop that wins you a World Series.
JR in VR
December 4th, 2012
9:38 am
I dont understand why we let Luis Durango go he was a good minor league outfielder at Gwinett who hit .289 and stole 46 bases seems just what the Braves would need if they cant sign a free agent?
Angel Eyes
December 4th, 2012
9:38 am
Just got off work. I see Wren didn’t even go to work. Send him home. He is a LOSER. See ya later
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
9:39 am
Simmons will lead off next year. There hasn’t been a situation he was placed in that overwhelmed him. He can hit!
anotherlongtimefan
December 4th, 2012
9:46 am
well said, longtimefan
jbill
December 4th, 2012
9:47 am
Angel where you work….we missed your blog.
Fols
December 4th, 2012
9:56 am
I didn’t recognize the name but was either of our pitchers up for grabs better or worse than what the Twins got for Span? I don’t get why Span isn’t in our CF and you put Upton in LF, done and done.
reckingball
December 4th, 2012
9:56 am
In my humble opinion, the people on this blog calling for the trade of Simmons, are way off base.
go braves
irocnek
December 4th, 2012
9:56 am
John, ducktown – except Choo’s numbers are better second half in his career than first half, so what you said but the opposite.
reckingball
December 4th, 2012
9:56 am
In my humble opinion, the people on this blog calling for the trade of Simmons, are way off base.
go braves
RWill
December 4th, 2012
10:06 am
I know this won’t sit well with the “experts” here, but this is what you people need to understand.
The questions on Andrelton Simmons in the minors were about whether he’d hit enough. He obviously is great defensively. The Braves would have been happy if he hit .250 last season while playing great defense. Long term, there’s no guarantee he’ll ever hit for a high average or OBP. A lot of you guys are taking a half season of success and projecting him to hit like that forever. Not likely. He could become a solid, .280+ hitter, but it’s not guaranteed. Did you not learn the lesson of Jeff Franceour?
With that said, it then depends on what is more valuable. Him at short or Justin Upton in left. I happen to think the Braves to stay where they’re at. No reason to make any more big splashes. Look at the bench options currently: 3B Francisco OF: (need to sign) Reed Johnson, OF Schafer, OF Gattis, IF Janish. I’m sure I’m leaving someone out. Consider these lineups.
3B Prado
SS Simmons
RF Heyward
1B Freeman
CF Upton
C McCann
2B Uggla
LF Johnson/Schafer/Gattis
Or
LF Prado
SS Simmons
RF Heyward
1B Freeman
CF Upton
C McCann
2B Uggla
3B Francisco
I think a lot of you guys, and maybe even Frank Wren, need to step back and realize that as of now, those two lineups are strong. Not much need to keep dealing. The bench isn’t bad, either.
Now to the more controversial. If the Braves want to make a trade for another position player, offer Brandon Beachy to anyone interested. He will command a high price right now. He is at his most valuable. He will always be injury prone. Can’t stress that enough. Keep him if you’re okay with him missing every second or third year. Otherwise, deal him like they did Arodys Vizcaino. See what the market will bring for him. Might be able to get a Maholm-like piece for either LF or 3B.
leftrecursion
December 4th, 2012
10:10 am
My biggest concern with trading Simmons is defense, his offensive numbers are a plus but it’s his defense that makes him indispensible. The Indians are looking to trade Asdrubal Cabrera maybe Wren can work something out with them and the Diamondbacks. I wouldn’t be upset if we traded Simmons for J Upton and Asdrubal Cabrera ended up being our SS.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
10:12 am
try these lineups
3b Pastornicky
lf Prado
cr Upton
rf Heyward
1b Freeman
2b Uggla
c McCann
ss Simmons
or this
ss Simmons
lf Prado
cf Upton
rf Heyward
1b Freeman
2b Uggla
c McCann
3b Francisco
Tumbledown
December 4th, 2012
10:13 am
Reckingball – In my humble opinion, the people on this blog calling for the trade of Simmons, are way off base.
I agree. Reckingball, what do you think about Choo? If we can him without trading either Delgado or Teheran, I am in favor of this one-year rental especially since Gattis may develop into a viable LF down the road.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
10:15 am
I do do not want Justin Upton on this team, one Upton with attitude is too many already, 2 would tear the team apart
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
10:18 am
sign Ichiro for 2 years, you borrow 2 years for Gattis or Cunningham to develop and you have a spark for the team, and don’t forget Ichiro will fill the stands,. remember many in NL have not seen him, and Japanese TV will expose him to Japanese people in southeast and they will be there to see him
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
10:18 am
sign Ichiro for 2 years, you borrow 2 years for Gattis or Cunningham to develop and you have a spark for the team, and don’t forget Ichiro will fill the stands,. remember many in NL have not seen him, and Japanese TV will expose him to Japanese people in southeast and they will be there to see him
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
10:32 am
why jump on any trade, make the other team overwhelm us, after this team is building around Freeman, Heyward. Simmons and a pitching staff, both starters and relief, no way do you break up the blueprint, the right trade will come along, let things happen, don’t force it
Time
December 4th, 2012
10:33 am
I like Simmons and all, and understand there are many within the organization and in the fanbase that believe he is going to be special. They could be right of course, but I also remember that not too long ago everyone thought Yunel Escobar was the next great SS for the Braves.
Don’t want any part of a mediocre injury prone Choo one year rental. Don’t want any part of the eternal wait for Dexter Fowler to emerge. Upton is the only one worthy of trading any talent for, and if they want Simmons, then the Braves need to jump on it now.
RWill
December 4th, 2012
10:34 am
@bringbackblauser: No offense, but those lineups suck. Why put extra pressure on Simmons, who may not hit better than .250 anyway to lead off? He can make contact, move Prado over in the two spot and have protection. Also, why drop all the high OPS guys (Heyward/Freeman) below a low OBP guy like Upton? Why would you essentially put a guy with tendencies like Uggla in the three spot? That’s who you want to take Chipper Jones’ place in the lineup?
RWill
December 4th, 2012
10:37 am
@bringbackblauser: Not to mention, in a lefty heavy lineup, your lineups put three right handed hitters in a row at the top. Why?
haze
December 4th, 2012
10:38 am
Klaus, it’s actually really easy to name the last five SS WS champs. Crawford, Furcal, renteria, jeter, and rollins. One is young and very good defensively, between the rest of them they have 11 gold glove awards, and one of them won the mvp of those world series wins. That’s not to mention all of the all star appearances. So unless your post was sarcastic….
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
10:40 am
“Yunel Escobar was the next great SS for the Braves.” Escobar is a great SS. He is also a knucklehead. It’s because he’s a knucklehead the Braves traded him. If he had half the character as he has talent, he’d be talked about as one of the best SS’s in MLB.
Bob the Blogger
December 4th, 2012
10:43 am
I would sign Cody Ross. He can play all three OF positions, not great but serviceable. He averages 22 HRs and 80+ RBIs over 162 games over his career with an OBP of around.325. His career OBS+ of 107 is exactly the same as BJ Upton’s. He’s a free agent, so you don’t have to give up a good prospect for him, and he hits right handed. Plus, he’s projected to be quite affordable. That would give the Braves 20 HR players at nearly every position.
Answer This
December 4th, 2012
10:43 am
First things first……..DOB I have begged you to please loosen your filter so those of us who ride the MARTA in from work have the chance to respond on the blog with our smart phones. As a Fan who has lost his patience with your filter please do us the favor! If not wow, thanks for showing us respect to those who follow your blog.
Now as for all these trade scenarios……please grab a clue. The answer sits with Ichiro if he will sign with us. Stop trying to trade off the future for an immediate fix that may not work. For those who are crying about trading Simmons you are off your rocker! SS is one of the fixtures in MLB and a good one can take you a long way. This kid is young and his ceiling is HIGH!!!! Catch a clue!
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
10:47 am
Why hasn’t anyone mentioned Michael Young (Rangers)? He can play any infield position and corner outfield positions.. Realize he isn’t a leadoff batter. He has a good bat and doesn’t strikeout often, 70 times last year. You can play at 3rd, relieve Simmons at SS, Uggla at 2nd and Freeman at 1st. Has a very good glove. Texas is shopping him around. He doesn’t complain where he plays. Texas shuffled him around last season.
bvillebaron
December 4th, 2012
10:49 am
Martin, Klaus and others:
Trading Simmons would be idiotic. Several teams wanted to draft him as a pitcher since he can throw 98 mph. His arm and defensive skills are universally rated as an 80 (on a scale of 20 to 80) by scouts. He is as good defensively right now as any shorstop in the major leagues. He also won a batting title in the minors in case you guys forgot. Unlike Escobar who was always a head case, Simmons has great makeup.
I simply can’t understand the logic that says Simmons who has already played well in the bigs is “expendable” because Ahmed who has only played at lower levels in the minors is “as good”. There are a lot of scouts who will tell you (1) Simmons has a chance to be a special player; and (b) Ahmed is nowhere near the player Simmons is.
haze
December 4th, 2012
10:51 am
Klaus, it’s actually really easy to name the last 5 WS SS champs.Crawford, furcal, renteria, and Jeter. Over 10 gold gloves, multiple all star games, and 1 who was in his second year. Plus one of them was the world series MVP. So unless I’m misunderstanding or you are being sarcastic…
wesley
December 4th, 2012
10:52 am
I would’nt mind seeing filling the need internally and using the extra cash to trade/sign a legitimate #1-2 type starting pitcher.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
10:52 am
Yunel had(has) the potential to be a very good SS. Problem was he got lazy and quit giving any effort. Bobby sat him down like he did to Andruw. Andruw paid attention to the benching, Yunel didn’t care, so Bobby and Schuerholz sent him on his way to Canada.
wesley
December 4th, 2012
10:55 am
i would like to see us feel the need internally or cheaply and trade/sign/package for a legitimate #1-2 type starting pitcher!
Let's Go
December 4th, 2012
10:57 am
DOB
Is it know many players are the DBacks are wanting for Justin Upton? Are we talking Simmons and a Pitcher or are we talking Simmons, a Pitcher and 2 or 3 more prospects?
I like Simmons a lot but I like Justin Upton in Centerfield a lot more. The Braves still have Pasternicky and Janish and I know combined they still are not as good as Simmons but I like the option of these 2 playing SS better than the option of Fancisco or Constanza as everyday players.
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
10:57 am
@bvillebaron………I totally agree with you. Simmons reminds me of a young Derek Jeter. If he ends up being half the ball player as Jeter, Braves will be delighted!
Let's Go
December 4th, 2012
11:00 am
Correction…….I like Justin Upton in Left Field……………..
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
11:04 am
Only Greinke is only #1 starter on free agent list. Sanchez and rest are #3 or #4 starters. Not many #2 available, if any, to get by trade. TB isn’t going to trade any of their starters. Dickey is a #3 or #4 starter on most teams, doesn’t matter that he won Cy Young this year.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
11:06 am
if Ariz wants to offload Justin Upton so badly, trade Pastornicky for him, sounds like the Diamondbacks want to have their cake and eat it too, we do them a favor and take a attitude off their hands and they take a shortstop of out picking
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
11:08 am
They say all planes stop in ATL. Reckon ATL is in GOD’s plan. If so, maybe Hamilton will land in ATL. He and his wife have repeatedly said money is not the issue, most of what he gets will go to charity.
jax
December 4th, 2012
11:09 am
-Prado gets better every day in LF-OF is now set IIF Upton can reduce K’s and raise BA
-Francisco is more than capable to playMLB 3B , if in-shape ,body and brain but has got to learn to hit LHP consistently
-with Braves Pitching, Prado,Freddy,Jason,Simmons and hopefully the new CF ,they shold be in Play Offs again but how deep will they go ?????
-2013 brives look as good or better than SF Giants-could it be The Manager ??? Bochy is great.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
11:11 am
Breaking news: Nats about to sign Dan Haren. Their GM is making their starting rotation even stronger. Wild Card is only option I am seeing for our Braves.
Brandon W
December 4th, 2012
11:17 am
Jeff Blauser was hit by a pitch in the knee against the Reds in the NLCS …he was awesome at the HBP…honestly he did not mind getting hit…in 1996 was replaced by Chipper at SS when TP was brought back via trade. Belliard made some sensational defensive plays against the Indians and a crucial squeeze play to ice a game. Loved Blauser though
chris
December 4th, 2012
11:17 am
Skeeter- if the braves do not get a left fielder by opening day, this offense might be worse off than last year and we might be desperately hoping to land a wild card spot…
Semper Fi Braves Fan
December 4th, 2012
11:20 am
Let’s go is another of those drinking the coolaid.
Janish can’t hit a lick, and Pasternicky was the worst defensive SS I have ever seen play. Janish was resigned for 1 year as a back up defensive SS, and thats all he will ever be.
Do I believe Justin is a good player? Absolutely, but at the same time I do not think the Braves give up 2 of the players in their top 3 prospects for him (Simmons and Tehran/Delgado).
A quick look at their 1st MLB season numbers… take from it what you will
Upton
YEAR TEAM GP AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS WAR
2007 ARI 43 140 17 31 8 3 2 11 11 37 2 0 .221 .283 .364 .647 -0.6
Simmons
YEAR TEAM GP AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS WAR
2012 ATL 49 166 17 48 8 2 3 19 12 21 1 0 .289 .335 .416 .751 2.8
braves fan in queens
December 4th, 2012
11:25 am
Breezed through the comments here. I’ve got to say, I like where the Braves are at this point in the off season. They have multiple pieces in place( strong pieces) and multiple equally as strong options to make moves. If Justin Upton can be had, that’s the best acquisition and makes this team a viable World Series contender with equally strong parts in all facets of the game. Offense. Defense, Pitching, Bullpen.
-D. Fowler would be interesting. He’s a gamer and would be a better long term investment as well. Kids from the area, graduated from Milton High School and fills the whole at leadoff which makes this deal just as enticing as trading for Justin Upton. His games been consistently improving. His numbers, .271AVG. .364OBP .427 SLG .791 OPS. are solid. I see him scoring alot of runs with his ability to run the bases and hit for extra bases.
-Shin Soo Choo is a solid candidate as well and Id actually take him over Ichiro. Choo’s got a career line of .289AVG. .381OBP .465SL .847OPS. He’s a quite guy who goes about his business.
-Ichiro is interesting and would be equally enticing this year at the front of the lineup. But its only one year and i’m not sold on Gattis or Cunningham’s potential beyond.
Lineups are fun when santas involved, so here we go.
Fowler L Prado R Prado R Simmons R
Prado R J. Upton R Choo L Prado R
Heyward L Heyward L Heyward L Heyward L
Freeman L Freeman L Freeman L J. Upton R
Uggla R Uggla R Uggla R Freeman L
McCann L McCann L McCann L Uggla R
BJ Upton R BJ Upton R BJ Upton R BJ Upton R
Simmons R Simmons R Simmons R McCann L
Couple things after doing these line ups..
Does anybody see BJ Upton hitting anywhere but 7th?
Heyward and Freeman wont be hitting back to back…
McCann possibly hitting 8th? no way…
The whole lefty/righty thing is overblown and distracting…
randy
December 4th, 2012
11:26 am
forget all the others and trade for WILL MYERS. he will be a stud, and is probably major league ready NOW.
jbill
December 4th, 2012
11:35 am
Yes, the Nationals keep on keeping on…damn we lose Chipper and Bourn and only get Upton.. Nats best team in ML and they keep adding without subtraction.
Maybe no new is good new in Nashville.
ALJ
December 4th, 2012
11:37 am
Choo is 30 years old and struck out 150 times last year. This team already has enough 150 strikeout guys.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
11:37 am
why force the hand, we have quality to trade, not necessary to over trade quality for a 1 or 2 year rental
O'Ventbrel
December 4th, 2012
11:37 am
Kevin Towers is being stubborn because he and his Arizona associates know that Simmons is far better than the other options in the Braves organization. Ahmed needs more work with the bat and Pastornicky plays average defense. Simmons simply has more talent and upside.
In fact, somebody asked Keith Law last night how close Nick Ahmed is to Andrelton Simmons and he tweeted: About as close as my room here is to the lobby #notclose. And even if you dont care for Keith Law, he is not alone in his opinion of Simmons as a valuable player.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
11:38 am
If we covet Simmons SO much then I’d like to see a 3 way deal with the Indians for Asdrubal Cabrera and ship him off to Arizona for J-Up.
don
December 4th, 2012
11:40 am
Ryan Ludwig can’t fill the leadoff spot but he would look good in leftfield.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
11:40 am
Towers will come to his senses once he sees Braves not desperate, but are willing to make a trade that benefits both teams and not a one way street
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
11:42 am
Ludwin is about to sign with Reds………………….Cabrera has to ok almost any deal that is made for him, he can select his no trade options
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
11:42 am
Also to Semper Fi, J-Up by all accounts had a down year last year. You act as if this guy is a scrub. Go look at his WAR values from 2009-2011 and tell me he wouldn’t be great to have. I would like to keep Simmons as well….I’m just saying.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
11:47 am
Blauser…that’s true, but suposedly only for 6 teams. I think something could possibly be worked out.
http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2012/12/03/source-no-trade-wouldnt-impact-red-sox-chances-of-landing-asdrubal-cabrera/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
11:49 am
in that case trade for Cabrera, and play him at third , Simmons at short and Prado in left, to hell with Towers and Arizona
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
11:50 am
I wouldn’t necessarily be againts that either. I actually like Cabrera a lot. Good defender with good hitting technique and some pop. Still prefer J-Up over him though.
Jay
December 4th, 2012
11:51 am
Why is Simmons off the table? I’d trade him for 3 years of Justin Upton without giving it a second thought! Sure, Simmons is a great defensive SS, but I’m not convinced he’s going to be any great hitter. Simmons and Teheran or Delgado for Justin Upton — pull the trigger Wren!
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
11:52 am
Braves do not need 2 Upton attitudes
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
11:54 am
Hell I’d even be all for trading Simmons straight up for J-Up and then trading for Asdrubal. I do like Simmons though and would hate to see him go, but we wouldn’t lose much if anything with Asdrubal IMO. Simmons still has a lot to prove, but I also trust in the brain trusts that are MLB “insiders” to know more than me on the subject.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
11:56 am
Blauser…some of the best players in baseball have had attitudes at one time or another. Do you remember Miguel Cabrera in Miami? Good lord he’s a totally different player with a different mindset in Detroit. Change can be good for some guys.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
11:56 am
I still remember when Braves traded Grissom and Justice for Lofton’s attitude, he almost single handedly ruined this team with his attitude, just imagine what 2 of these attitudes will do
coach13
December 4th, 2012
11:57 am
Put Gattis out there. Manny Ramirez was an awful defensive OF and could mash.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
11:59 am
Yea well many people forget that Justice had a bit of an attitude issue himself. However…Lofton was on BAD APPLE for sure. No denying that. Just because Lofton stayed a terd doesn’t mean the Uptons will. Even Joe Maddon on MLB Network last night talked about how much BJ has grown up over the past year and plays hard and does the right things. Sometims you have to take “incidents” for what their worth.
Yuuup
December 4th, 2012
12:02 pm
I like Constanza for LF, but don’t think he is consistent enough to be our everyday leadoff guy or outfielder. If the Braves really want to turn the page, I think they have to make a trade or sign a free agent. Also, I don’t even want to see Francisco given a chance to be the everyday 3rd baseman. You don’t lose Chipper and replace him with a Juan Francisco, sorry.
bravesfaninnc
December 4th, 2012
12:03 pm
Things have been extremely quiet on the Braves front so far in the Winter Meetings. Makes you wonder if Wren has something no one is expecting up his sleeve.
Mark (another one)
December 4th, 2012
12:05 pm
I view the Braves’ planned lineup as:
McCann – C
Laird – backup C
Freeman – 1st
Uggla – 2nd
Simmons – SS
Prado – 3rd
Janish – infield reserve
Francisco corner infield reserve
Heyward – RF
Upton – CF
Johnson – LF
Constanza(?) – outfield reserve
Shafer(?) – outfield reserve
That’s 13 position players and they will probably carry 14, so one slot to fill. A trade would be great but wouldn’t give up the core from McCann to Johnson. Johnson could become a reserve if we get a starter and we know Prado’s versatility. The question marks are Constanza, Shafer and the open slot.
When you all are considering trades with Simmons, also consider that the Braves are going to be paying him the minimum as a starter. Trading a $500k SS for a $5-$10 million outfielder doesn’t do us much good. We create an infield hole that is much harder to fill, and we increase the financial commitment, losing flexibility.
Gattis, Cunningham or Franciso becoming a major league player is possible. Constanza and Shafer showing they can play every day is possible. Johnson playing everyday doesn’t even seem a stretch. If any of these guys step up, we can cover left.
I much prefer this year’s hole in LF and outfield reserves to last year’s questions at SS and backup SS.
Joe Nuxhall
December 4th, 2012
12:05 pm
I too, feel good about the Bravos already for next season. Whatever they seen in Simmons is also seen in other scouts eyes and teams. He is coveted. So keep him. Personally I’d rather we go the free agent route to acquire a LF player than to lose a pitcher via trade. We know not who may break down in the middle of the season. That leaves the FA market of Victorino or Ichiro.
Posts about The Braves From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
December 4th, 2012
12:06 pm
[...] still worth pointing out a few quotes or points. These are from DOB’s AJC a more… Teheran, Delgado available if trade ’significant’ – blogs.ajc.com 12/04/2012 NASHVILLE – The free-agent field thinned some and Braves general [...]
bvillebaron
December 4th, 2012
12:07 pm
Thanks Paddy. I don’t know if Simmons will ever be the offensive player Jeter was, but he is already a far superior defender at a position where defense is critical. Good to see that Wren and Braves’ management shares our view on Simmons’ value and future too.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:08 pm
Word in Dallas is two teams talking with Rangers on Young, maybe Wren is one of those players. S. Drew is available, we could put him at 3rd, I know he is represented by Boras. Just sign him for 2 yrs.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:12 pm
I’d say no to Michael Young….doesn’t exactly fit the bill for “younger and more athletic”, but he has a good career and a veteran. I still say no though.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:12 pm
Oz didn’t have that great of a bat, lifetime avg around .260. St Louis didn’t care, his glove was worth it. Simmons will be the same for Braves.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:14 pm
I also don’t get all the love for Stephen Drew. He has been a monumental failure IMO with all the hype coming up. I don’t see him adding any value to a team except one that desperately needs some sort of SS help.
haze
December 4th, 2012
12:15 pm
Sombreros, No budget for both J Upton and Cabrera
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:17 pm
Yea I thought about that…..We would have to dump someone in order to take that on. I was thinking about a McCann trade to be honest. His time here is coming up anyhow.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
12:18 pm
McCann could be a mid season move. by then maybe Bethancourt would be ready to assume that position
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:19 pm
Not saying a trade such as that would be easy with the shoulder injury, but I believe he’ll be gone after next year. That scenario is highly unlikely, but something to ponder on. I still see a 3 way trade with the Indians and D-backs sending asdrubal there and getting J-up here is viable though.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:21 pm
You are only get Young for a year or two. Why is everyone so fixed on young and athletic. He is athletic considering all of the positions he has played. He played 2nd when A-Rod was in TX, played SS when A-Rod left, played 3rd until Beltre arrived. Plus he only struck out 70 times last year. Heck Heyard and Upton did that before June. Being athletic sure didn’t help with their whiffs. Maybe it did with walking back to dugout. Awful lonely walk back to face the team.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:22 pm
The main reason being the Indians would love to get some pitching help (braves have it) and the D-backs I’m sure would love to hold onto Kennedy and crew that it would take to acquire Asdubal themselves.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:24 pm
Braves are not going to make trade for J. Upton. Might as well get over it. Won’t happen whether straight up or in 3 team swap.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
12:24 pm
love Michael Young wish Braves would get him
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:24 pm
I think it’s more young than “athletic”…athletic makes people feel warm and fuzzy inside. But Michael Young was born in 1976 so he’s no spring chicken. He has had a good career, but I don’t think we need him. I say pass. I would rather get someone we could have years of control with that is also an impact player. And of course “athletic”
….There are better avenues for us to persue in my opinion.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
12:24 pm
love Michael Young wish Braves would get him
what of it?
December 4th, 2012
12:27 pm
why did Gattis move to outfield? was catcher not working for him?
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
12:28 pm
2 words ……McCann Bethancourt
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:28 pm
Wel we don’t know what the Bravos are going to do. I believe J-Upton could be had even in a 3-wayu scenario which is more difficult and takes longer to pull off. It really just depends on how valuable FW and the organzation feel he would be to have on our club. We will never know what they are thinking. I mean hell we might stand pat and platoon like the Cox era. I’m not a big platoon guy and would rather see an every day player personally. Who knows….if that happens….maybe Gattis will surprise?
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:30 pm
What do you consider athletic: ability to hit 30 hrs, strikeout 150-200 times in season and bat .250 for year. Plus drive in less than 90 runs. This makes you fuzzy.
Oopps, Those figures are close to Uggla too. At least he walks alot and gets on base. Definitely can not say that about Upton brothers .
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
12:32 pm
I would give up Medlen or Minor for Stanton or Wil Myers.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:35 pm
Grattis moved to outfield just like Murphy. His arm is too strong. Overthrows second plus release time is not good at all, too many runners advanced to 2nd due to him.
least of the east
December 4th, 2012
12:35 pm
there are 3 free agents that could help-Victorino, Ross and Ichiro. all are too pricy for a team that has strict budget limits even after getting Chipper, Lowe off the books.
so, we’ll have to lose more assets, and make a bad trade instead.
who knows if any young OF was available for Hanson from another team. I like Walden, but we need an OF more than a relief pitcher.
I hope Wren is just trying to blow smoke, but who knows. Cunningham should be a better option than Gattis. he’s going to be 24 in March, is a switch hitter with gap power and has speed. he had a solid year at AA.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:36 pm
Like I said…I put more emphasis on being young and taltented (call it athletic if you want) then 2 years of a declining veteran that has produced. Just my opinion. Look I don’t think J-Upton is the answer to all the Braves problems, but he is a dynamic player that can help out team. I’d also be open to Alex Gordon or Wil Myers. I like the idea of having a young foundation with talented players over aging veterans. We already have a nice core now. For some reason a LOT of people put too much stock in the word “veteran”. I mean damn…BJ has been in the MLB system for 8 years.Isn’t he a veteran now? Also there will still be veterans present in other areas such as pitching and etc. I’d like to see a new nuclueus of talent that we can lock up here in ATL.
Time
December 4th, 2012
12:36 pm
I’m still not sure why everyone thinks Andrelton Simmons is the second coming of Derek Jeter. He’s a very good defensive SS who might, and I repeat the word might, turn out to be a decent hitter. Hit .289 in limited AB’s last year, which isn’t bad. But no pop or speed to go with that. Of course he can and probably will develop some more, but I don’t think we’re looking at young Jeter, or Arod or Ripken here.
If you can trade a prospect for a proven impact bat that is under control for a few years, as Justin Upton is, you do it. The Nats aren’t standing pat. If the Braves want any chance of competing with them in the next few years they’re going to have to be aggressive and they’re going to have to have a very strong offense. There’s no Smoltz’s or Glavine’s on this staff anymore, the old formula of pitching and strong defense up the middle just isn’t going to cut it in this division anymore.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
12:37 pm
I would give up Medlen or Minor for Stanton or Wil Myers, do it Frank!
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:38 pm
Going to take at least four or five top tier prospects or good MLB players to get Stanton in trade with Miami. Won’t be like the Toronto trade where the Marlins wanted to dump salaries.
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
12:38 pm
Ralph agreed and for ONLY Stanton or Myers.. No one else..
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:44 pm
Being young and athletic sure didn’t help KC last year. How many years in a row have they finished in last place. They are loaded with the youth and where they go. Nowhere. That is why they are shopping some of their “youth” so they can get veterans(pitchers) to get them over the hump
Name a team that went to WS that was completely young. Check all you want, it hasn’t occurred. You have to have a blended team.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
12:45 pm
BravesFanInNashville——-I don’t think Miami or KC could do any better, there is a real possibility this could happen because we have the pitching to make up for the loss of Medlen or Minor.
David O'Brien
December 4th, 2012
12:47 pm
Name a team that went to WS that was completely young. Check all you want, it hasn’t occurred. You have to have a blended team. — skeeter
That was what I pointed out last spring, when I asked people to name the last World Series winner, or even a pennant winner, that had three full-time lineup regulars aged 23 or younger. It had been several decades since it happened, and only a couple of times ever.
David O'Brien
December 4th, 2012
12:48 pm
I’m still not sure why everyone thinks Andrelton Simmons is the second coming of Derek Jeter. He’s a very good defensive SS who might, and I repeat the word might, turn out to be a decent hitter. Hit .289 in limited AB’s last year, which isn’t bad. But no pop or speed to go with that. — Time
I’m just going to assume you didn’t watch more than a few games in which he played.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:49 pm
Bro…I’d give you some credit on your argument, but KC has never had any rotation worthy of supporting that young and talented offense. Also Hosmer is still trying to figure some things out. Like I said….You want to use the term “Blended” to mean “Young and Veterans”….no reason you can’t have veterans on the pitching staff and young in the batters box. McCann…veteran and still somewhat young. Prado veteran IMO. A verteran doesn’t have to be 36 with hopes of a 2 year deal. No one said these moves would take us to the series next year either. I’m simply saying that if we can construct a good nucleus to anchor this team for years then they can grow with each other and be the team we al envision. Who knows….if we’re lucky maybe it will happen within 2 years. I’ll be more than happy to wait on that then sign a veteran for hopes of being more balanced and then barely make it to the wild card and wash rinse repeat.