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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
374 comments Add your comment
Farnsworthy
December 4th, 2012
3:04 pm
Regarding a previous post–Savvy is not a word I associate with Wren. Thus my expectations were low and I didn’t expect much to come from the winter meetings. Despite many millions of dollars of Payroll being freed up, and knowing for many months that we would be in this position, we are left holding the bag.
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
3:06 pm
@ randy, who is Ralph going to pressure? We all come here to speculate as to what moves the Braves will make (or not make) in an effort to make the team better. I seriously doubt Frank Wren is sitting in Nashville monitoring this blog to find out what moves he will or won’t make. Today is the 2nd day of the winter meetings. Spring training starts in March. Some of you guys need to take a “chill pill”
ggs
December 4th, 2012
3:09 pm
Alex Gordon is the best option for Braves LF spot.He is just now developing as a very good hitter and is a two time gold glove winner.If Andrelton Simmons can leadoff,this is the best guy for the Braves to get to be our next LF.No attitude problems with this guy either.
ALJ
December 4th, 2012
3:10 pm
If Wren listed to this blog BJ would not be a Brave
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
3:10 pm
Wouldn’t hurt for Wren to occasionally read Braves’ blogs. Technically we are playing his salary, whether it is from attending ballgames, watching tv and buying goods from those who pay for commericals or buying anything with the Braves logo.
Time
December 4th, 2012
3:13 pm
@DOB – You know what happens when you assume things right? I’m just saying that Simmons hasn’t shown me that he is a irreplaceable middle infielder. I concede that he was a rook and will get better. But is he going to be good enough to turn down a opportunity at a proven 25 year old middle of the order bat? My opinion is he is not. I think his upside is Edgar Renteria. Certainly a good player, a all-star in some years maybe, but not a elite guy.
Skeezix
December 4th, 2012
3:13 pm
Andrelton is the real deal. He is a keeper. Exciting to watch play too.
Braves' Nation
December 4th, 2012
3:18 pm
Simmons was a much-needed spark to this lineup, both in the field & at bat.
Replacing him to get another Upton would be a huge, long lasting mistake, like Uggla …
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
3:19 pm
Really skeeter?
I still think the Braves will opt for a platoon in LF if an affordable yet productive solution can’t be found.
Carroll
December 4th, 2012
3:24 pm
Kris–no I meant Chuck Thomas (actually Charles Thomas). He was the centerpiece of the trade for Hudson.
Halbert
December 4th, 2012
3:25 pm
You guys crack me up saying Ichiro is a clubhouse leader. hehe……yeah ok. He’s been here how long and still uses a translator.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
3:26 pm
ppaddy
I wouldn’t platoon Schafer and Costanza even in Miss. Most Braves fans would agree.
randy
December 4th, 2012
3:26 pm
thanks pp, just lost my head there for a minute. i’m ok now.
Royster
December 4th, 2012
3:28 pm
Let’s go with Cunningham. The kid can hit, he’s a real student of the game, he’s got great speed and is an excellent defender. Just because he doesn’t hit for much power yet isn’t a good reason to hold him back. Prado couldn’t hit it to the warning track when he was coming out of the minors.
Seattle Braves
December 4th, 2012
3:29 pm
Learn from someone who watched Ichiro. He is worth a 1 yr deal. The real question is….. Is he the Braves answer?
My vote is for Stanton. Reel him in and lets play ball.
Seattle Braves
December 4th, 2012
3:31 pm
@DOB
After todays failure to better our club. What do you think is on the horizon for tomorrow?
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
3:35 pm
@skeeter, I NEVER suggested that platoon. But I think it’s a safe statement to make. Based on the Braves history of play in LF, they have often used a platoon system to match up “lefty-righty” Again, I’m not saying I wouldn’t love to see a big bat in LF. All I am saying is I’m realistic and I have watched the Braves moves in the off season long enough to realize they won’t over reach to fill the spot.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
3:37 pm
According to John Heyman two teams are in the running for Greinke. Schuerholz told him not to count the Braves out. Sounds like the Braves have a 1 in 3 chance.
steve
December 4th, 2012
3:40 pm
The Braves’ excuse has been lack of money. Now, they have money and are less than last year’s team. Does anyone think Francisco can replace Chipper, or a combination of players will replace Prado in left? The Nationals improve while the Braves do exactly what?
dogman
December 4th, 2012
3:45 pm
I totally agree with Mike Lewis @ 11pm.How did the Nats get Span for little of nothing when the Braves had some pitchers or pitcher they could trade for him? That trade makes no sense to me. It seems the Braves lost out on that deal. He would have been a great addition to the outfield and it seems Minnesota got little to nothing for him. Am I wrong or am I missing something here?
O'Ventbrel
December 4th, 2012
3:47 pm
I seriously doubt the Braves sign Greinke unless the guy has no interest in money whatsoever. The Dodgers alone have already suggested they are going to fight for him, so that contract will likely be very big.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
3:52 pm
I am hoping Schuerholz is right. Heyman thought it was between Rangers and Dodgers. But Schuerholz told him Braves were still in. Heyman thinks Braves are dark horse. This 2nd time Schuerholz has said not to count the Braves out. Maybe he will doing the negiotating instead of Wren. He almost always got who he wanted.
ALJ
December 4th, 2012
3:52 pm
The Dodgers will offer Grienke in the neighborhood of 150k. The Braves will not and should not try to match that. There are other more pressing needs.
ALJ
December 4th, 2012
3:55 pm
Sorry, meant 150 million
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
3:57 pm
Greinke has an anxiety disorder. Pitching in LA might be determential. Should be no pressure here in ATL and he would be #1 on the staff. In LA he would either 2nd or 3rd. Same way in Texas. Just maybe it is not all about the money. He already said he wants to bat so that would rule out Texas. Plus he likes Atlanta and is from the South. Signing him would allow us to trade safely for say Wil Myers in KC using 2 of our pitching prospects.
Rowsdower
December 4th, 2012
3:58 pm
First!
BravesFanInChi
December 4th, 2012
4:01 pm
Still surprised that anyone would suggest trading Simmons at this point. Alex Gordon is best fit IMO. KC looking for pitching, not SS. Make it happen Wren.
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
4:01 pm
Not trying to pour gas on the Grienke fire, but it has been mentioned on MLB Tonight he lives in Orlando and his decision will be made less on a paycheck but what he felt was the “best fit for him”
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
4:03 pm
Wren said just before the trading deadline the Braves could offer Greinke $20 mil a year then. Now that Chipper’s, D.Lowe’s, Hanson’s and Kawakami’s salaries are not being paid there is money for Greinke.
FEATURED POST: Teheran, Delgado available if trade ’significant’ | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
December 4th, 2012
4:03 pm
[...] The rest of the article can be found here: Atlanta Braves [...]
ALJ
December 4th, 2012
4:05 pm
If they do get Grienke, which I do not see happening, they better get someone line Myers or Stanton with the prospects, and not another Upton
Billy
December 4th, 2012
4:06 pm
I see a three team trade between the Braves, D-Backs and Marlins… Braves get Justing Upton, Marlins get a few Braves Prospects (Delgado as centerpiece) and Diamondbacks get newly aquired Yunel Escobar from Marlins. Thus satisfying each team’s needs without relinquishing Simmons.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
4:06 pm
Maybe we can slip Bobby Cox into Greinke’s room and let him talk with him. Worked with BJ.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
4:08 pm
Arz has already said they were not interested in Yunel. More than likely he will be wearing pinstripes next year. Plus both Arz and Braves have said all talks are off with each other.
BravesFanInChi
December 4th, 2012
4:08 pm
Multi team deals don’t happen very much…this isn’t the NBA
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
4:10 pm
I agree ALJ. Either get Stanton or Myers with the prospects. Definitely not Upton!
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
4:12 pm
why is everyone so enamored by Justin Upton, he is nothing but TROUBLE WITH A ATTITUDE why have the Dbacks been trying to get rid of him the last 3 years
Jeff Blauser
December 4th, 2012
4:12 pm
I AM the greatest Braves s/s!!!! EVER!!!!
ATL Insider
December 4th, 2012
4:12 pm
Looks like Red Sox will land Victorino for 3/38. It would not surprise me Bourn or Hamilton fall in our lap at a deep discount after most of the other OFs sign. Not predicting it will happen, just saying it could.
ATL Insider
December 4th, 2012
4:14 pm
My prediction is the Braves will land Alex Gordon with Delgado or Teheran as the center piece.
Billy
December 4th, 2012
4:14 pm
Got it… didn’t know Arizona’s perspective on Yunel. Understanding that it was a long shot either way though. However, I do think it is too early to rule out a a possible three team trade at this point. Activity levels so far would suggest that GM’s are looking at creative ways to bolster.
RJB in DC
December 4th, 2012
4:15 pm
I bet Wren makes no deals coming out of these meetings. Frankly, i thing we are in solid shape going into Spring Training. There are only two real question marks in my mind…1) who will step up to be the number five pitcher, and 2) will Juan Francisco have a good enough ST to keep Prado in LF. Cincy rated Francisco very highly in their system, but he was stuck on the farm with Votto and Rolen anchoring the corners–and was being pinched out by the up and coming Todd Frazier to ultimately replace Rolen at third.
He has certainly showed that he can put decent power numbers up from his time off the bench here in Atlanta. And is continuing this trend in winter ball. If he comes in at the weight that management wants, and continues his power numbers, I think he gets the nod and we keep Prado n LF.
Worse case scenario, Prado takes over 3B, and we plug LF with Constanza and Schafer for a for a months to see if Gattis or Cunningham can prove they are MLB ready at Gwinnett.
And we still have a surplus of young starting pitching prospects (as well as cash) to make a move at the trade deadline if necessary.
BravesFanInChi
December 4th, 2012
4:15 pm
Stanton isn’t going anywhere, unless it’s for at least 3 top tier prospects. Should probably start giving up on that pipe dream now.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
4:16 pm
Maybe Bourne but not Hamilton. Rangers and his agent are finalizing a contract at this moment. Last I heard Bourne more than likely will sign with Seattle.
bravesfaninnc
December 4th, 2012
4:17 pm
“It would not surprise me Bourn or Hamilton fall in our lap at a deep discount after most of the other OFs sign. Not predicting it will happen, just saying it could.”
I’ve never seen “Scott Boras” and “discount” used in the same sentence, so I’m thinking that this would be highly unlikely.
BravesFanInChi
December 4th, 2012
4:18 pm
A deal involving Teheran/Delgado for Gordon…get it done.
ALJ
December 4th, 2012
4:32 pm
Sounds like too much money for Victorino. I would rather had Pagan.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
4:39 pm
Dealing with these GM’s and Agents is like playing in the World Series of Poker, my only hope is that Wren is playing with a winning hand and has a good poker face and is bluffing when he says he might just stand pat. In the end he might just lay down four aces and walk off with the Jack Pot (Stanton)
O'Ventbrel
December 4th, 2012
4:39 pm
Good point skeeter, I recall having read that Greinke has anxiety issues. That would be a huge steal if the Braves pulled him away from the huge markets and brought him to Atlanta. We will have to wait and see.
While I dont really want to see Francisco starting at 3B at this point, it wouldnt be the end of the world if he ended up earning that spot in ST and letting Prado stay in LF.
how to piss money away
December 4th, 2012
4:46 pm
Vegas has them 14-1 to win the WS. Any takers?
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
4:49 pm
Would rather have Prado in LF than Schafer or Constanza. Wonder if Pastornicky could play 3rd or it would bother him like it did to Hanley in Miami. I know Chipper, A-Rod and Cal made the move easily. Would Fredi try Pastornicky there in spring training. Maybe platoon with Francisco if he falters.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
4:52 pm
looking lime Justin Upton going to Phily for Cliff Lee
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
4:52 pm
Philly is in talks with ARZ trading Lee for Upton plus sending alot of money.
Jason
December 4th, 2012
5:37 pm
I know everyone is high on a lot of other options, but I think the best fit for us, is Ben Revere. He can play all 3 outfield positions, he hit’s for average, .294, with a .333 obp., was second in steals in the al with 40. He would obviously give the Braves a leadoff hitter. Also, he’s only 24. I have no idea about his contract.
The only downside I really see is, I am betting it would take 1 big pitching prospect, and another above average one. But the Braves have those in spades.
Jason
December 4th, 2012
5:37 pm
I know everyone is high on a lot of other options, but I think the best fit for us, is Ben Revere. He can play all 3 outfield positions, he hit’s for average, .294, with a .333 obp., was second in steals in the al with 40. He would obviously give the Braves a leadoff hitter. Also, he’s only 24. I have no idea about his contract.
The only downside I really see is, I am betting it would take 1 big pitching prospect, and another above average one. But the Braves have those in spades.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
6:22 pm
Ben has no power, 0 HR 6 tripples and only 13 doubles, not worth a Delgado or Teheran in my book.
O'Ventbrel
December 4th, 2012
7:02 pm
Now that the Twins have traded Denard Span, Ben Revere is essentially their CF for the foreseeable future so the chances they trade him are next to nothing. But he has a ton of potential and is already an elite playmaker in CF at the age of 24.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
7:34 pm
Looks like J. Upton will be going to the Indians.
Angel Eyes
December 4th, 2012
7:41 pm
Well ,While I guess while I was asleep you let Wren sleep. You should have sent him home, He is wortless.
mace224
December 4th, 2012
7:44 pm
Franciso, Costanza as staters? That’s the best you can do? Geez, it’s going to be a long and painful season.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
7:52 pm
Wren is watching the waiver list so he can add players to the roster
Angel Eyes
December 4th, 2012
7:55 pm
Why did we even send that piece of junk?
seadog
December 4th, 2012
8:08 pm
Ahmed does not have great speed, scouts rate hi above average. He does not have the range
for SS, will likely be our next 2B, yet is at least a year away, Uggla or not, Uggla
could become a very high priced PH.
Teheran is bait, as in an odd way parallel to Hanson Front Office has doubts about his
mechanics and disclipline.
Delgado and Gilmartin are valuable as Hudson ages out, others perhaps Maholm are
not extended due to $.
Wren is in a good position. Earned a wild card with injury to SS and Beachy. Strengthened
pen, signed Upton who may have more staying power than Bourn. Can audition Gattis
and Cunningham during ST if unable to trade for a LF on his terms. Trade later on if needed.
Jimiz
December 4th, 2012
8:25 pm
OMG the options are dwindling Shane Victorino to Red Sox 4 yrs. @ 39 million. I think we are about to see Cody Ross in a Braves uniform. With what we have left in the piggy bank Cody might be the best we can do. If only wren would have started low on B.J like 5 yrs. @ 60 million we would have saved like 3 or 4 million a year. I have about give up on Wren this year i think we might as well let Gattis play LF. Let Prado lead-off.
1. Prado
2. Heyward
3. uptnone/Ross
4. Freddi
5.Gattis/Ross
6.McCann
7.Uggla
8.Simmons
mudcat47
December 4th, 2012
9:13 pm
Jacoby Ellsbury might be available for pitching. The Red Sox are desperate for pitching. I wonder if FW has checked in on this one?
NORRIS CHUCK
December 4th, 2012
9:19 pm
mudcat,
I was thinking the same thing. The Braves are willing to give up either Delgado or Tehran. So something CAN happen.
LF Upton
CF Ellsbury
RF Heyward
That sounds good to me.
Liu
December 4th, 2012
9:26 pm
Why not Ichiro?
NORRIS CHUCK
December 4th, 2012
9:27 pm
He sounds good too!
N8
December 5th, 2012
4:04 am
Some of you guys kill me. WTF do you want Wren to say publicly?
“Yeah…. we’re pretty desperate for a LF that can hit leadoff. Without one, we’re pretty much screwed. So if anybody out there has somebody to offer, we’d love to ridiculously over pay via trade (or free agency – Victorino) for one.”
The answer is in the quote. He said he’d be comfortable, but NOT SATISFIED if they go to spring training as is.
Some of you guys act like he should give up Delgado, Simmons and Teheran for a guy like Fowler.
Patience. Season doesn’t start for 4 more months.
Kashi
December 5th, 2012
9:25 am
DO NOT TRADE young arms for LF. We have Jose, Schaffer, and Gattis, Prado/Francisco combo, Reed Johnson. Beauty here is Jose and Schaffer can play any outfield to give rest to Upton, Heyward and Prado. I am worried about who would be our permanent 3rd base after next season?
playem or tradem
December 5th, 2012
9:28 am
Wren is finally making sense when he says that Medlen,Minor and Simmons are not even being considered for trade….he should put Freeman,Heyward and Kimbrel on that list too!
playem or tradem
December 5th, 2012
9:30 am
Just heard that the Red Sox might consider trading Ellsbury.If he can play left the Brave’s should make a deal!
Angel Eyes
December 5th, 2012
11:33 am
FIRE WREN NOW!! Waste of money for someone who doesn’t do his job.
geo
December 5th, 2012
11:57 am
Teheran or Delgado will not get Alex Gordon or Wil Myers. Minor or Medlen might.