Teheran, Delgado available if trade ’significant’
NASHVILLE – The free-agent field thinned some and Braves general manager Frank Wren didn’t seem any closer to acquiring a left fielder after his first 24 hours at the Winter Meetings in Nashville. But he didn’t sound overly concerned.
Braves front-office officials spent Monday morning poring over (again) lists of all outfielders in every organization who could play left field and preferably bat leadoff, then narrowing it down to players realistically available.
The list was not extensive, and Wren said those remaining free agents who fit the description ranked below trade options for various reasons. That included price in some cases.
For example, the Braves have interest in free agent Shane Victorino, but not as long as the 31-year-old is asking for a contract as big as the four-year, $40 million deal that San Francisco re-signed Angel Pagan to on Monday. Pagan was another free-agent targeted by the Braves.
Wren didn’t name any specific trade possibilities remaining on the Braves’ board, but they’ve inquired about Arizona’s Justin Upton, Colorado’s Dexter Fowler, Cleveland’s Shin-Soo Choo and Kansas City’s Alex Gordon, among others. So far, the asking price for each was too high, either because it was too many young players or specific ones the Braves aren’t going to part with.
At or near the top of that list is shortstop Andrelton Simmons, a splendid defensive player who hit .289 with a .751 OPS in 49 games for the Braves as a 22-year-old rookie. Arizona wanted Simmons as part of a trade for Upton, and Atlanta wouldn’t — and won’t — do it.
“I don’t think anybody is untouchable, but I think he would be…” Wren said, pausing for the right adjective, “unreachable. Because he plays one of those skill positions in the middle of the diamond much better than your average bear. He’s a special player.
“The other thing is, we’ve seen him grow so much in the last two years, from the time we drafted him to rushing through the minor leagues and winning a batting title at the A-ball level. He just continues to get better and better. We may be just scratching the surface of how good he can be.”
The Braves took care of their top priority last week by signing center fielder B.J. Upton (Justin’s older brother) to a five-year, $75.25 million contract, and Wren said they’re working to round out their bench, with offers on the table to some players. They hope to re-sign free agent Reed Johnson, a superb pinch-hitter and fourth outfielder.
As for a starting left fielder, Wren was asked if he’d be comfortable going to spring training without acquiring another impact performer.
“Yeah,” he said. “Would I be satisfied? No. But I think I would be fairly comfortable. Because I think we’re in a position where we’re starting to have some options internally that are at least interesting for us, and would be fun to watch in spring training, see how they develop. So if we did nothing in that regard … I think there’s some interesting things that could develop from our own organization.”
Slugging minor league catcher-turned-outfielder Evan Gattis has emerged as potential option for left field, though he’s still learning the outfield after only making the move last season at Double-A Mississippi.
Wren also mentioned outfielder Jose Constanza and third baseman Juan Francisco as players who could get a crack at the lineup this spring if the Braves don’t add a left fielder, and Triple-A outfielder Todd Cunningham might also get a look.
Francisco could split time at third with versatile Martin Prado, who would move back and forth between left and third in that scenario. If the Braves acquire a new left fielder, the plan is to have Prado be the regular third baseman.
While the Braves aren’t interested in trading young starting pitchers Kris Medlen or Mike Minor, prospects Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado could be available.
“But] if we’re going to trade one of those guys it’s going to be a significant deal,” Wren said. “And I don’t know if that’s going to happen or not.”
Delgado and Teheran are currently penciled in as candidates for the fifth-starter job. The Braves traded starting pitcher Tommy Hanson on Friday for hard-throwing Angels setup man Jordan Walden, clearing a rotation spot for one of the Braves prospects.
Wren said ideally Teheran and Delgado will be around to compete for that spot, “But I think we have more than just those guys. I think we have [left-handed prospect Sean] Gilmartin and [lefty Daniel] Rodriguez who are quality guys we feel comfortable with.”
Braves promote strength coach
The Braves promoted Rick Slate to a newly created position as director of strength and conditioning for the entire organization, after seeing the results he had in his first year working with their minor leaguers in 2012. Slate has worked in baseball for more than 20 years, including eight years as strength and conditioning coordinator for the Mets and nine with the Marlin.
‘He’ll oversee all our strength and conditioning throughout the organization, from top to bottom,” said Wren, Florida’s assistant GM in the 1990s for much of the time Slate worked for the Marlins. “He’s obviously well qualified. Very passionate, and he did a terrific job for us in his first year with us. We’d like to have a top-to-bottom, consistent program. And so he’s going to oversee that.”
Phil Falco continues as the strength and conditioning coach for the major league Braves. Falco will be with the team home and road, while Slate will also work with the Braves at home and travel to minor league affiliates when the big-league team is on the road.
Auction for good cause
As part of Major League Baseball’s charity auction to benefit Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), the Braves put together three packages including a Home Run Special that features three home-run balls, one each signed by franchise legends Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones and Dale Murphy.
The Braves are also offering an All-Star Meet-and-Greet package with four tickets, four pregame passes and a parking pass to any 2013 Atlanta Braves game except Opening Day, along with a chance to meet and have pictures taken with the buyer’s choice of either Craig Kimbrel, Tim Hudson or Brian McCann.
There also is a package including four one-day “park hopper” passes to Disney World and four tickets to a Braves spring training game at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., along with a chance to meet and have pictures taken with manager Fredi Gonzalez and players.
The live auction began Monday on MLB.com and runs through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, with packages offered by every team.
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374 comments Add your comment
Chase
December 3rd, 2012
10:46 pm
First
atl29fan
December 3rd, 2012
10:48 pm
DOB, what would it take to get Choo from Cleveland?
Affirmative Action Is Waffle House
December 3rd, 2012
10:48 pm
The best trade target at this point is Shin Shoo Choo. High OBP, some speed and pop and defense. An all around player.
Eric B
December 3rd, 2012
10:52 pm
Well its not sounding very promising, already “pumping” up the “interal” options rhetoric.
mike
December 3rd, 2012
10:54 pm
Shin Shoo Choo would be awesome if the Braves can get a deal on him…
Wilson
December 3rd, 2012
10:56 pm
2013 Contract Status: 3rd-Year Arb Eligible (details) [*]
Service Time (01/2013): 5.119, Arb Eligible: 2013, Free Agent: 2014 [*], Agents: Scott Boras, previously: Alan Nero [*]
JT Heidrich
December 3rd, 2012
10:59 pm
DOB, whats the chance we actually do land the younger upton without parting with simmons…..or even chase headley for 3rd?
Wilson
December 3rd, 2012
10:59 pm
Shin Shoo Choo would be a Boras one year wonder. Trade away prospects to get him and lose him too. No thanks
Mike Lewis
December 3rd, 2012
11:00 pm
If Minnesota needed pitching so bad, why didn’t we have a great chance to get Span before he went to the Nationals?
Benji Blogspot
December 3rd, 2012
11:02 pm
The Battle of New Orleans
Johnny Horton
Columbia
Rank #
1
2
LADY
Kenny Rogers
Liberty
3
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE
Shania Twain
Mercury Nashville
4
ARE YOU LONESOME TO-NIGHT?
Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires
RCA Victor
5
RAINDROPS KEEP FALLIN’ ON MY HEAD
B.J. Thomas
Scepter
6
RHINESTONE COWBOY
Glen Campbell
Capitol
7
BREATHE
Faith Hill
Warner Bros/WRN
8
TOM DOOLEY
The Kingston Trio
Capitol
9
BIG BAD JOHN
Jimmy Dean
Columbia
10
HE’LL HAVE TO GO
Jim Reeves
RCA Victor
11
ISLANDS IN THE STREAM
Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton
RCA
12
HONEY
Bobby Goldsboro
United Artists
13
THE STREAK
Ray Stevens
Barnaby
14
STUCK ON YOU
Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires
RCA Victor
15
THE THREE BELLS
The Browns
RCA Victor
16
IT’S ONLY MAKE BELIEVE
Conway Twitty
MGM
17
ODE TO BILLIE JOE
Bobbie Gentry
Capitol
18
THE BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS
SSgt Barry Sadler U.S. Army Special Forces
RCA Victor
19
EL PASO
Marty Robbins
Columbia
20
BIRD DOG
The Everly Brothers
Cadence
21
BEFORE THE NEXT TEARDROP FALLS
Freddy Fender
ABC/Dot
22
9 TO 5
Dolly Parton
RCA
23
I LOVE A RAINY NIGHT
Eddie Rabbitt
Elektra
24
LAST DATE
Floyd Cramer
RCA Victor
25
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL
Charlie Rich
Epic
26
THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN GEORGIA
Vicki Lawrence
Bell
27
AMAZED
Lonestar
BNA
28
DON’T IT MAKE MY BROWN EYES BLUE
Crystal Gayle
United Artists
29
BABY DON’T GET HOOKED ON ME
Mac Davis
Columbia
30
ANNIE’S SONG
John Denver
RCA Victor
31
(HEY WON’T YOU PLAY) ANOTHER SOMEBODY DONE SOMEBODY WRONG SONG
B.J. Thomas
ABC
32
QUEEN OF HEARTS
Juice Newton
Capitol
33
HARPER VALLEY P.T.A.
Jeannie C. Riley
Plantation
34
LET YOUR LOVE FLOW
Bellamy Brothers
Warner/Curb
35
SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS
John Denver
RCA Victor
36
YOU NEEDED ME
Anne Murray
Capitol
37
I CAN HELP
Billy Swan
Monument
38
I HONESTLY LOVE YOU
Olivia Newton-John
MCA
39
PLEASE MR. PLEASE
Olivia Newton-John
MCA
40
HAVE YOU NEVER BEEN MELLOW
Olivia Newton-John
MCA
41
NORTH TO ALASKA
Johnny Horton
Columbia
42
CONVOY
C.W. McCall
MGM
43
SPIDERS & SNAKES
Jim Stafford
MGM
44
SOUTHERN NIGHTS
Glen Campbell
Capitol
45
THE WAY YOU LOVE ME
Faith Hill
Warner Bros/WRN
46
BLUE BAYOU
Linda Ronstadt
Asylum
47
WHEN WILL I BE LOVED
Linda Ronstadt
Capitol
48
WICHITA LINEMAN
Glen Campbell
Capitol
49
THANK GOD I’M A COUNTRY BOY
John Denver
RCA
50
LET ME BE THERE
Olivia Newton-John
MCA
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STEELY DAN MAN
December 3rd, 2012
11:02 pm
Gattis is starting to become intriging ….. And what’s up w/ Bourn …… could it be possible Boras misread the market as far as his client is concern …… I would love to have him back …. But Boras makes that almost impossible.
Benji Blogspot
December 3rd, 2012
11:05 pm
My bad, switching blogs two quickly. Please disregard or delete.
Benji Blogspot
December 3rd, 2012
11:05 pm
My bad, switching blogs two quickly. Please disregard or delete.
JHarber
December 3rd, 2012
11:05 pm
Did anyone believe Wren could swing a deal at the meetings that served a good purpose? He does not have the savvy. In my opinion.
Chop Chop
December 3rd, 2012
11:05 pm
Gattis can’t field. Klaw says so. I believe that guy.
STEELY DAN MAN
December 3rd, 2012
11:14 pm
WTH …. THIS DONE TURNED TO THE COUNTRY MUSIC REVIEW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wilson
December 3rd, 2012
11:15 pm
KLaw said Minor Could not pitch. KLaw has never seen Gattis field unless he caught a plane to South America. Maybe he is a Klesko fielder. I will take that if he hits
dylan
December 3rd, 2012
11:17 pm
gattis may not be able to field, but the kid can flat out rake. in LF, you don;t have to be a plus defender, just ask ludwick, manny, braun, willingham (sorry DOB
), morse, bay, etc.
hopefully wren blows our mind and nabs stanton
BravesFanInNashville
December 3rd, 2012
11:18 pm
well it’s almost inevitable that the Braves are either going to have to spend money or prospects to get a player of value. Who else would another team want besides our coveted pitchers. Of course the discussion will include Teheran, Delgado and if they have a good enough player to offer Minor and Medlen. I cringe at the thought of trading Medlen or Minor and I think it would take Stanton from Florida to make that happen but if Florida would do it I think we should trade Medlen or Minor for him and him only.
Martin
December 3rd, 2012
11:20 pm
Typical Frank Wren…Geez, c’mon you have to give up something good to get something good in return and in this case sure Andrelton has a bright future, but I can only make a case for him defensively, albeit the error he had in the wild card game, rookie nerve racks, i get it. But after 49 games what security can you have that he’s gonna be a good hitter? It’s not like were going to give him up for an old guy, we would be getting a 25 year old in Justin Upton that is definitely way better than his brother BJ, not only that, but both brothers will bring the best out of one another. We don’t have to have great defense, serviceable defense would be acceptable at shortstop with Paul Janish, and it’s better than serviceable, we witnessed that this past season when he filled that spot after injury to Simmons. Serviceable defense with the good pitching the Braves have should be enough because with that lineup if Justin is in it? It’s a dangerous lineup for any team that goes up against it, and it should keep us in arguable comparisons to washington’s lineup..Frank Wren, give us the fans something to go crazy over, and it would definitely help the braves market attendance wise and TV ratings, who wouldn’t want to see that tremendous lineup, outfield with two brothers playing together? IT WOULD BE HUGE! BRING J-UP TO A-TOWN! We want the best chance to win a world series in 2013, no later!!! you guys have tried every experiment since our last division win maybe even longer, Mr. Wren, give Braves fans what other team’s fans enjoy and that is something to give us to cheer about, this a historic franchise with a big following, I’m a huge fan from california, I’ve seen the Braves play since the early TBS superstation days, we deserve it!!! I’m tired of seeing us have to settle for what we have when can be much better… PLEASE BRING JUSTIN UPTON THE BRAVES!
jmart1951
December 3rd, 2012
11:24 pm
Prado is one of the best left fielders in the National League. With him out there the Braves defense is only marginally less than last year’s great defensive outfield (Bourne better defensively than Upton).
Why mess with left field?
Get a third baseman or give a chance to Fransisco. I personally believe that Fransisco has the ability to surprise all of you non believers.
Also I believe that Simmons or Prado could lead off as well as any left fielder that FW is able to sign or obtain in trade.
If it were up to me I would try to strengthen an already strong starting staff through free agency or trade. Here only talking about a premier pitcher, not a middle to lower end of the order pitcher.
If money is left over try and find a third baseman that rakes left handers. Gives some insurance in case Fransisco flops or continues to have difficulty hitting left handers. Still, I believe that Fransisco is going to be a complete ballplayer.
collegeballfan
December 3rd, 2012
11:27 pm
Would Arizona bite on Teheran or Delgado for Upton?
O'Ventbrel
December 3rd, 2012
11:29 pm
If KC cant get a current front-line starter for Gordon, then Teheran certainly falls into that potential front-line category. He looks like he has started to come into his own over the last two years, strong OBP, but perhaps not a leadoff hitter. I have seen some mixed feelings about him on this board tho.
Chris
December 3rd, 2012
11:29 pm
I’d take Fowler over Choo. They’d probably have to give up more to get him though.
PDOG
December 3rd, 2012
11:35 pm
Give the young guys a chance unless you can get Upton for a package of Ahmed, Terd, and one of the young pitchers or Mahlom. I would include Mejia if they wanted him also.
VinceVanGo
December 3rd, 2012
11:37 pm
With Hanson gone I think the Braves need to hang onto the rest of their starting pitchers, too many things can go wrong in spring training or during the season. Besides Maholm & Hudson may be gone after one more year. I’d be OK if Wren doesn’t get another outfielder during the Winter Meetings and let Gattis & Constanza see what they can do in spring training & see if they might make a good LF platoon. Get a couple of reasonably priced players that will produce for the bench and head to spring training. Just because there’s a little money in the cookie jar you don’t have to spend it all at once. If a need arises in spring training there would be a little cash to meet the need.
Klaus
December 3rd, 2012
11:42 pm
Well said Martin.
Let’s hope Wren recalls Braves history. They never won a WS with Furcal in his prime at SS.
Renteria won them nothing. Escobar in his amazing first 18mos also zippo.
They won a WS with Blauser at SS and not one since then. Ruminate on that for a minute. Jeff Blauser was the SS 17 long years ago when you last won a WS.
Special SS create special stats and web gems for ESPN but they don’t win WS or put an entire team on their back unless they are Ozzie Smith, Jeter or Arod in their primes. Is Simmons already in that company or on that trajectory?
Two years ago Wren said the same things about JJ and Hanson. Look what happened.
Both could have netted the Braves a kings ransom but instead one was released for nothing and the other traded for a pen arm they really dont need.
Sure I would love to keep Simmons but lets not go nuts. He would have to become Jeter or Arod to pass up the opportunity Wren has with an Upton OF along with Heyward in RF.
Again Wren – review Braves history. For as long as you and JS have put human bookmarks in LF or INF in LF you have won a total of zero rings, zero.
For fun – Name the last 5 SS of the WS winners without using Google or ESPN. Then check their stats.
OF and corner INF win rings, SS & 2B provide defense and if you are lucky a little offense.
JHarber
December 3rd, 2012
11:46 pm
Klaus—–First post i have seen with true logic. Thank you
Seattle Braves
December 3rd, 2012
11:46 pm
J. Upton has got to be the target out of the guys listed. Shoo from Cleveland no thanks, Boras will have him out on the next train out from Atlanta. Fowler maybe. I would trade Teh or Del for any of the guys listed, except for J. Upton.
Im trying to say is: Trade for Upton and do not get rid of Simmons. Teh or Del and maybe Ahmed or gilmartin could bring J UP’s to ATL.
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
12:02 am
Klaus…. not entirely true..
Jeter has won 5 WS.
Renteria 2 with the 1997 Marlins and the 2010 Giants. Was WS MVP. Also played in 2004 WS Cardinals Vs Boston
Furcal with the 2011 Cardinals
Rollins won with the 2008 Phillies
Also Elvis Andrus played in 2 WS
Tulowitski Played in one
So of the past 17 WS the above All-Star SS played in 13 of them. There are far few WS teams that had a no name SS than an All-Star.
This was easy to do in 5 minutes so the argument isn’t true.
kingdaddy
December 4th, 2012
12:05 am
I see no reason to trade away Simmons. We don’t have to make a trade at all cost. We covered our CF and we could tweek what we have, but why not look into the future while we are setting this team. Gattis is in our plans, so don’t sell the farm for a temp. Get good value that can be retraded in future and work from within. I like Prado/Johnson in Left and Prado/Fransisco at 3rd. We don’t have to concentrate on Left field…look at 3rd too…loots of options avalible…
Eric B
December 4th, 2012
12:12 am
Id still set my sights a little lower and aim for Lorenzo Cain, we def have the prospects to acquire him.
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
12:13 am
A great SS is very important unless you have a shutdown rotation like the Braves had with Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz and those kind of rotations come along exactly once. So until we have that kind of pitching that has a combined ERA of 2.50 we need some offense as well as stellar D from our SS. I can’t believe how many people here think Simmons is so replaceable. In my opinion he is far from that.
SportyNuts
December 4th, 2012
12:21 am
Yeah, Simmons is the Braves’ SS, end of story.
Klaus
December 4th, 2012
12:26 am
I also said the last 5 WS “winners” so just played in or from the 90s is not part of the test.
Look at the names and tell me which SS was THE reason they won apart from Jeter (Rollings maybe). The Rockies had one freak season with Tulo and since then purgatory.
No way we can compare to Simmons to Jeter after 180 at bats.
So the test stands.
Bob the Blogger
December 4th, 2012
12:26 am
Plan A should be to get a stud left fielder at a reasonable cost. However, I’d rather see the Braves give Francisco or Constanza/Reed a shot than give up a future starter for something less than ideal. Remember the Giants won the WS with Gregor Blanco in LF, who couldn’t stay in the majors until the Giants gave him a chance. If those guys don’t cut it, and Gattis isn’t ready, then they can make a trade in mid-season.
Klaus
December 4th, 2012
12:37 am
Thanks JHarber.
Look I would like to keep Simmons but Ahmed has great skills (ridiculous speed for one, as in bury Bourn in a foot race) as well and is not far away (from being ready) given he is a college player.
You lead Ahmed, you sweeten the deal with arms etc but if the Dbacks are about to pull the trigger with another team and putting in Simmons means you can hang onto more pitching you have to pause versus cover your ears and sing.
If you think Simmons is the next Arod or Jeter fine but most SS are not those guys and most have a short window where they have a high impact.
Rollins is an afterthought and Tulo is now more known for his ridiculous contract versus his performance.
OF “win” WS SS provide defense apart from a few If .
Again just playing in a series is nice, winning it is what the goal should be.
We will have to gut more pitching if we keep Simmons. If we do that then Simmons better be all that people think he is after 49 games.
SportyNuts
December 4th, 2012
12:40 am
I’m not sure I understand your argument… most World Championships aren’t decided by the play of a single player.
bravo-n-knoxville
December 4th, 2012
12:47 am
Shin-Soo Choo…162 game average stat line of: 90-R..38-2B..4-3B..19-HR..86-RBI..21-SB…370+-OBP..847-OPS..he has averaged a 3.85 WAR since 2008!!! All this for 1 season at $7.5 million (projected arb$$$)..and the Tribe could settle for J.T.Graham, Avery Moore or Aaron Northcraft, and Cunningham or Pastornicky.
If you want to win now, get Choo even though he more than likely leaves, you can offer him arbitration after next season securing at least a sandwich pick or a 3.85 WAR for $13.5 million in Choo in case he wanted to continue to win with the Braves. This guy has never competed for a wildcard, let alone a divisional crown. We never know…he could end up loving it here? He could leave, but at least we gave it a great opportunity by rolling the dice.
SportyNuts
December 4th, 2012
12:51 am
It’s J.R. Graham and Navery Moore. Graham should be off limits, as we just drafted him.
LAC
December 4th, 2012
12:59 am
Can we waive Chicken wren ??? Improvement by subtraction !!!!!!!!
Voice
December 4th, 2012
1:07 am
Things could be better. Bourn was replaced by Upton whose stats resemble those of Uggla and the lineup remains about the same except for the major loss of Chipper. Look for the GM to find an outfielder who used to be pretty good and is a candidate for rehabilitation. Maybe the Braves will get lucky.
Martin
December 4th, 2012
1:15 am
Does Paul Janish not have above average defense??? Simmons will be like an Alex Gonzalez w/ speed…I don’t think he’ll hit all that great..I bet on it
Brett
December 4th, 2012
1:22 am
I know its probaly a hell no, but, could a miracle happen and we get bourn back, and slide bj to left. SAY IT DID HAPPEN… would you be happy with it? I know its unlikely, but what if…
fordcobra
December 4th, 2012
1:42 am
Chase Headley is my choice. Need a production 3rd baseman to replace a production 3rd baseman
Dav
December 4th, 2012
1:44 am
Braves still have trade options if the want to give up one of the young pitchers. Gordon, Willingham and maybe Upton if we add Ahmed and another player. My guess the Braves will try to sign Reed Johnson and another bench player this week and wait to see how the spring goes with Gattis before the season starts. B.J. Upton added both the righthand bat and CF spot so we could go without making another major move unless its to our favor.
Martin
December 4th, 2012
1:51 am
How about a 3 team deal? Dodgers get Gilmartin and Pastornicky, D’Backs Get Teheran, Dee Gordon and Braves get Upton
Chris
December 4th, 2012
1:57 am
Martin- I agree. I think the Braves are overvaluing Simmons right now. Watching him hit, his swing has a few holes. The braves are hoping that he can become a Martin Prado and hit .300 with a little more speed and great defense. But in reality, he’s going to give you a .250 average, decent speed, and great defense.
lifelongbravesfan
December 4th, 2012
1:58 am
Delgado has to be the strangest pro pitcher I have ever seen. He can dominate in AAA but cannot pitch at the next level. He should go (along with Venters)
Brandon
December 4th, 2012
3:06 am
@Klaus – one player does not decide the outcome of the world series. I feel like you are really “reaching” to try to prove why the braves don’t need simmons. I was in awe every time I saw the range of simmons and how many balls he saved up the middle, and I don’t know any current shortstop with that kind of range and energy that simmons brings on defense.
Its funny how you can bring up hanson and jj to validate your point of wren waiting too long to trade…but you fail to mention kimbrel, heyward, or freeman(success stories). You win some and you lose some…and considering that hanson and jj faced injuries, it is something that can be understandable.
@Chris – what makes you believe simmons will only be a .250 hitter?
mace224
December 4th, 2012
3:23 am
Get Upton, Fowler, and Bourn. Keep Freeman as the token white guy.
No. 1 Braves Fan
December 4th, 2012
3:52 am
Maybe today will be the day that something happens. If not, I believe nothing of signifcance will happen in Nashville. I am in the group that would like to see the Braves get J. Upton. As for Simmons for Upton tough call. If Ahmed could be ready by next year and is a better hitter than Janish, trade Simmons for Upton and get by with Janish at No. 8 spor until Ahmed is ready. No to Choo. No more Scott Boras clients.
Infinite Poo
December 4th, 2012
4:16 am
mace224, you are what’s wrong with the world today.
Runnin
December 4th, 2012
4:21 am
Thanks, DOB!
Is it spring training yet?
Runnin
December 4th, 2012
4:23 am
Looking forward to learning more about Upton.
Kwajbraves
December 4th, 2012
4:58 am
We are not getting Upton during the winter meetings. However, we may be able to swing a trade in July providing that Ahmed continues to shine this season making him more palatable to DBacks.
jerry
December 4th, 2012
5:30 am
Wren is a great believer in sabermetrics when it comes to signing free agents. Cases in point:
2012 Major League RC27 rank: Uggla 90
Upton 104
come on
December 4th, 2012
5:53 am
I don’t understand why Simmons is viewed as so untouchable. He did ok in very little experience, and if we could trade him for proven talent we should. The braves always think they have some young great talent and they flame out, francoeur hanson, and then we are left with nothing. Trade him while he has value and we can get a real player out of it. The braves always seem to be managing for next year the last decade and eventually they are going to have to make the move to win now and not the moves we always make for next year. we all see how much winning the move for the future has gotten us.
dap01
December 4th, 2012
6:08 am
Try Ichiro or Justin, or just punt until a better deal is found. Give Juan a chance, give Gattis a chance. Just dont trade just to be trading.
Richard Nieh
December 4th, 2012
6:09 am
The best trade for pitching will be Dexter Fowler for Delgado/Teheran. Justin will need too much and Dback really is not desperate for pitching.
German Shepherd Dawg
December 4th, 2012
6:20 am
Klaus,
Rafael Belliard was the Braves SS in the 1995 World Series. Blauser wasn’t even on the post season roster. So much for your “no glove at short” theory.
MikeY
December 4th, 2012
6:35 am
@come on, I am with you. Trade Simmons for J Upton, a prospect or 2 (maybe Terdo plus another low-level prospect) for Dee Gordon, and voila, our lineup is solved. Gordon was the 26th-ranked prospect in all of baseball in 2011, was badly hurt last year. He has the potential to be a great leadoff hitter. 50+ steals potential.
space monkey
December 4th, 2012
6:38 am
I’m glad Wren is comfortable. But we have no leadoff hitter. And I’m not comfortable with that.
Swede
December 4th, 2012
6:45 am
Jerry, if Dan Uggla was a FA, why did we have to send Omar Infante to the Marlins?
cornjolio
December 4th, 2012
6:48 am
L-O-R-E-N-Z-O C-A-I-N !
yeah c'mon
December 4th, 2012
6:49 am
I believe I read that the Rockies wanted Minor for Fowler and DOB just said the Braves are not interested in trading Minor. So I am not sure the Dexter Fowler for Delgado/Teheran deal would suffice.
Mr Pitts
December 4th, 2012
7:14 am
“This was easy to do in 5 minutes so the argument isn’t true.”
Nashville, thanks. Can’t believe these guys advocating giving up perhaps a franchise SS while they obsess over LF. The Braves don’t have a God-given right to just find an all-star LF in the FA market. Giving away a bunch of talent to fill a hole elewhere just might not net out a positive for the club. But it appears many are enamored by the idea of having brother in the outfield.
JNick
December 4th, 2012
7:20 am
You’re ridiculous if you are considering trading Simmons – for anyone. As for Fowler, defensively, he’s one of the worst (if not the worst) CF in baseball. And again, look at his home/road splits. No thanks.
Given prices/trade demands, I’m good with going to ST with what we have now. Give the guys we have a chance to shine. Unless trade or contract demands come down, it’s just not worth it to overpay. And if Justin Upton is such a special player, why is Arizona so willing to trade him?
longtimefan
December 4th, 2012
7:23 am
Brandon@3:06-good post. Of course any blogger/fan is entitled to their opinion here, after all it is a blog, but some of the comments about Simmons are off base. “He did ok”, “he will be a .250 hitter” and even referencing a particular error he made in one game. If the real MLB evaluators of talent (yes,including FW and his band of cronies) believe they have seen attributes in Simmons that may make he a special player, then I am on board. After all, some of you guys are wetting your pants to get Upton- and guess who the other team covets to give up this 25 yo phenom?- yes, none other than A. Simmons. What does that tell you guys? Seems like other teams believe value him highly as well. A speedly SS who hits for average with some power while playing superb D is much harder to find than a LF. That is generally where you put the guy that can hit but has no real defensive position.
We have a guy like that in Gattis who just might tear it up in the majors. Francisco might be a very good option at third, keeping the excellent fielding Prado in left. We have options. I would like to see another big signing/trade to plug the one hole before ST, but not at the expense of gutting the farm or trading a key position player or one of the proven young SP. My two cents.
Mr Pitts
December 4th, 2012
7:37 am
Most teams have perpetual weaknesses in their lineups. The Braves are no different. In its current state the team will be competitive. Don’t understand this expectation that the Braves should give up talent at almost any cost in exchange for another outfield position player.
Braves' Nation
December 4th, 2012
7:44 am
DO NOT GIVE UP ANDRELTON SIMMONS !
HE’S A KEEPER !
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
7:54 am
WOW! Some of you guys need to show some patience! It’s ONLY day 2 of the winter meetings. Prado is more valuable to the Braves playing 3rd than LF. Third is a premium position that Prado can easily handle. Just ask the Yankees how valuable a good 3rd sacker will be. Going into spring training, the Bravos will need to find a hot hitting athlete to play LF. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a platoon out there.
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
8:03 am
Oh, and Simmons is a special player. Anyone that doesn’t recognize that, well your eyes are lying to you. He can bat lead off. He’ll probably steal 20+ bases and have close to 40 doubles. Batting lead off is over rated anyway. How often does the “lead off hitter” lead off an inning anyway? Bourn had a great 1st half last year, but he stunk up the joint in the 2nd half. It didn’t really hurt the offense over all.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
8:08 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
Samurai Squirrel
December 4th, 2012
8:29 am
Quick thoughts -
- Ichiro on a 2 year, $14 million dollar deal would be perfect. You get a (still decent) leadoff hitter and a LF. He is a leader in the clubhouse… plus, you still have a few million to play with!
- Wonder what the market is looking like for Ryan Dempster?
- Shin-Soo Choo is a good player, but a free agent at the end of the year. I wouldn’t deal with a Boras client
- If Anibal Sanchez gets anywhere near the $70 million experts are predicting he gets, some team is TOTALLY desperate to spend money.
- I think I’d rather have Minor over Medlen long-term
joebrave
December 4th, 2012
8:31 am
AND the dumbasses are still here
joebrave
December 4th, 2012
8:35 am
Simmons as has been stated repeatedly is NOT GOING TO BE TRADED!!!
Jose Contamza is a 4th outfielder there is a damn good reason he is a lifetime journeyman.
Evan Garrison has played one damn year in the OF.bsheesh at the sheer stupidity here!
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
8:36 am
Klaus…… Ok let’s do this your way. You confined it to the last 5 WS.
2008 Philadelphia – Rollins – Test fails here
2009 New York Yankees – Derek Jeter – Test also fails here
2010 San Francisco Giants – Edgar Renteria – Test also fails here you even mentioned him by name. 3rd WS for him. He was MVP in this series and almost won it in 1997 when he drove in the winning run for the Marlins in game 7.
2011 St. Louis Cardinals – Rafeal Furcal – Test Also fails here. You mentioned him by name too. The above 4 SS’s are all multi year All-Stars played very solid defense and are plus offensive performers at their position.
2012 San Francisco Giants – Brandon Crawford – have to give you this one as he’s a light hitter and still unproven. Played solid defense when it counted most and had a few clutch hits in the post season but I agree your test is good on him.
Overall 4 of the last 5 years as you suggested don’t stand up though as you have All-Star SS on the winning teams. As you look back and count all the teams that PLAYED in the WS win or lose there are far more teams with All-Star SS’s than not.
I understand why some people think trading Simmons for Upton is a good move. I’m not one of them because the network TV announcers outside of our Atlanta guys all say a player as talented as Simmons doesn’t come along very often. Some of the metrics point to him setting records for most runs saved and those count as much as runs driven in. Hard to argue that if Andruw Jones made a highlight reel catch with 2 outs and the bases loaded that he didn’t save 2 or even 3 runs often because with 2 outs the runners are off with the ball in play.
If Simmons were merely Paul Janish the D-Backs wouldn’t be insisting on him in return for a player who was the #1 Prospect in all of baseball just a few years ago. Upton was considered by almost every scout to be a can’t miss superstar like Heyward, Harper and Trout. The D-Backs wouldn’t trade that kind of chip for Simmons unless they think he’s that special.
Also you test doesn’t include that Elvis Andrus played in two of the last 5 series for Texas and he’s doesn’t pass the test either.
ijudgenot
December 4th, 2012
8:37 am
The promoting of Rick Slate to Strength and Conditioning director for the major leagues as well as minor leagues is a good sign for the Braves. During the Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones era the Braves have been one of the most out of shape teams in the league. The rash of muscle pulls up and down the lineup every year was a sign of that. I don’t blame Cox so much because he had to adopt a uniforn policy for all his players. That means if Chipper did not want to do the strength and conditioning workouts everyday then he could not require his other players to do it either. Chipper was a natural. He could sit in a dear stand all winter on his behind and not see a baseball until the first day of spring training and be able to hit a 99 mph fast ball 3 out of 4 times each day. So he really did not need the conditioning to do what he did best, hit the baseball therefore he did not think he needed it and did not do it. Only when at 39 and after knee surgery did he work the entire winter to get into great shape for the upcoming season, did he break that pattern. He was a great player but not a leader, so when guys like McCann did the same thing the team was overall not in great baseball shape. Great players who are blessed with great shils that come naturally have a hard time seeing that everyone else does not have that same ability. I remember the first comments Chipper said to the press about Fredi’s first Spring Training was that he(Chipper) wanted to see if he(Fredi) ran a tight ship on making the team do all the conditioning other teams did or would he be loose like Cox. When Fredi assured he would be like Cox then Chipper gave his verbal blessing to the press that Fredi would be a good manager. If Slate can devise a strength and conditioning program for the major league team, then guys like McCann and Francisco will be in better shape the whole season and as a team, we will see a lot fewer OBLIQUE injuries during the season.
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
8:47 am
ijudgenot…….. agree that conditioning is key.. I think it also plays into why the Braves have been so fatigued at the end of the last several years and possibly why the Braves didn’t play better in more postseason when they had their long run of division titles.. Most years they had the division wrapped up two weeks before the season ended and could coast so the fatigue might not have been as exposed those years. just a thought. but being in better condition all season can’t do anything but help.
Good Grief Charlie Brown
December 4th, 2012
8:51 am
@HAL: wow…just…wow. you should call the cleaners to see if your ’sheets’ are ready (and i don’t mean Ben).
we haven’t seen a full season of simmons yet. let’s at least give him a chance before we make him ‘trade bait’. besides, i still cringe every time i see andrus and the rangers on tv.
TeheranTime
December 4th, 2012
8:52 am
Have far they fall. Has anyone noticed that Ryan Dempster, who rejected a trade to Atlanta last season, has very few suitors? Has anyone noticed that the Braves aren’t one of the suitors? Dempster would likely welcome a contract offer from Atlanta at this point- which isn’t happening!
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
8:53 am
why trade Simmons for a player that a) has a attitude problem and adding him to the roster with his brother who also has a attitude an will ruin any chemistry for the team. b) a key defensive player at a crucial position that can hit and possible provide 20 home runs c) a player that is young and hungry compared to a player with the attitude of “been there done that”
no, never trade Simmons for Upton, not in any deal for Justin Upton, not even up……be patient, the right deal will come along once a team finds that what they are dangling is not worth what they are asking, and will then be ready to really make a deal
Joey
December 4th, 2012
9:01 am
Just play Prado in LF, Francisco at 3B.
Holt the cash for a “kicker” before the deadline.
Go Bravos!
Joey
December 4th, 2012
9:06 am
Boy the new S&C coach will have his work cut out for him trying to keep Francisco and Mac off the buffet line . . .
Joey
December 4th, 2012
9:06 am
Boy the new S&C coach will have his work cut out for him trying to keep Francisco and Mac off the buffet line . . .
Otis Nixon's catch
December 4th, 2012
9:08 am
Can’t you guys see what Frank is doing here? He is baiting the other GMs and holding out to see who gets antsy to make a deal. At some point one of them will back off on their trade demands and Frank will get the player he wants for less than the current asking price. Frank is a good negotiator. Throw out the bait and wait for a nibble. No way he gives up Simmons. If he does not get a deal now, I vote for waiting for spring training. One or more starting pitchers will get injured next year – it always happens. Then we will be glad that we have both Delgado and Tehran.
Larvell Blanks
December 4th, 2012
9:08 am
They won a WS with Blauser at SS and not one since then. Ruminate on that for a minute. Jeff Blauser was the SS 17 long years ago when you last won a WS.
That would be an interesting fact if it was true. Alas, Blauser was not on the World Series roster due to injury. We won the World Series with Rafael Belliard at short.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
9:10 am
personally I think Justin Upton would not help the Braves, but instead would be a detrement to the team go sign Ichiro, someone that can spark the team
Biff Pocoroba Fan Club President
December 4th, 2012
9:10 am
Braves need a left-hitting outfielder who can lead-off in front of Prado.
One word: ICHIRO
John, ducktown
December 4th, 2012
9:13 am
We don’t want upton. We already signed his brother. I’m guessing this might be awkward with both sharing the outfield. Choo is not a good option either. We’d love him until mid June, which is when he normally takes his annual nose dive for the rest of the year. We played well last year without chipper, better than past years, so the need isn’t completely warranted.
John, ducktown
December 4th, 2012
9:13 am
We don’t want upton. We already signed his brother. I’m guessing this might be awkward with both sharing the outfield. Choo is not a good option either. We’d love him until mid June, which is when he normally takes his annual nose dive for the rest of the year. We played well last year without chipper, better than past years, so the need isn’t completely warranted.
John, ducktown
December 4th, 2012
9:13 am
We don’t want upton. We already signed his brother. I’m guessing this might be awkward with both sharing the outfield. Choo is not a good option either. We’d love him until mid June, which is when he normally takes his annual nose dive for the rest of the year. We played well last year without chipper, better than past years, so the need isn’t completely warranted.
John, ducktown
December 4th, 2012
9:13 am
We don’t want upton. We already signed his brother. I’m guessing this might be awkward with both sharing the outfield. Choo is not a good option either. We’d love him until mid June, which is when he normally takes his annual nose dive for the rest of the year. We played well last year without chipper, better than past years, so the need isn’t completely warranted.
Ted M
December 4th, 2012
9:22 am
Triple-A outfielder Todd Cunningham…tell us something about him. I have never heard of him.
Carroll
December 4th, 2012
9:23 am
Not to mention that Blauser was a pretty darn good shortstop in his prime. Nothing overly special defensively, but solid If you think back on that time operiod (91-96ish), in the NL, there was Barry Larkin, and that was about it….and even he stayed injured half the time. So Blauser was just about one of the best SS options in the NL.
longtimefan
December 4th, 2012
9:27 am
Few teams go into ST With a proven ML player at every position, let alone an above average player. The Braves are set @ every position except LF and 5th SP, with 3 excellent prospects fighting for that role in ST, keeping the spot warm for Beachy. It’s not like the Braves don’t have options even if they don’t land a premium LFer this winter. I would like to see what Francisco and Gattis can bring to the table with some extended playing time. Few teams can have stars at all positions. Being a middle market club we need to continually plug young, inexpensive players at various positions and hope a few turn into stars. In several years it’s doubtful we can sign Heyward, Freeman, Simmons, Prado, Kimbrel, Medlen, Minor, Beachy etc-assuming they perform as expected. So signing additional expensive free agents may not be the best fiscal policy unless they feel the current team is a legitimate WS contender, in which case all bets are off, go for it now. That is the art of GMs dealing. Go for it all now, plan for the next few years or try to continually field a competitive team.
I would not like to see Simmons traded. I am not a scout and have not played professional ball, but I have been an avid fan of the game for decades and the guy is a wizard at short. Few rookies really excite me but he is one.
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
9:28 am
To everyone on this blog saying Wren should have traded JJ and Hanson while they still had value…..
Hmmmm…
How do you trade a pitcher that is leading the league in ERA and has record like 8-3 before the All-Star break and is in consideration to start the All-Star game? Do you trade them then when you don’t have the pitching on hand to replace them so you guarantee yourself a rebuilding year and give up on the season when you’re in play for at least a WC? Another team is not going to trade you pitching for pitching unless it’s a young arm that several years from being major league ready.
Or do you trade them after the All-Star break when they have an injury and are on the DL and never really return to form? Just what Crystal Ball was Wren supposed to possess to get the timing of those trades right? If he had traded Hanson early in his career with the Braves for Peavy as he had the opportunity to and then Peavy proceeds to get hurt like he did and goes on the DL this blog would have asked for Wrens head and certainly his job. But you still say in retrospect he should have traded him when in hindsight the BEST opportunity Wren had to trade Hanson was for Peavy. When we first traded for JJ from Detroit many thought he was so good it was Doyle Alexander for Smoltz all over again. Then he got hurt and his injuries seemed minor enough to not kill his career. Smoltz came back from several surgeries and had a HOF career. How was Wren to know that seemingly minor injuries would turn out to linger and take JJ’s career away when so many other pitchers have surgery and return to better than before performance?
Let’s let the man who has put a 94 win team on the field with a tight budget do his job. This is a storied franchise with tons of success compared to most of the league. If Chipper makes one routine play in the WC game and we turn 2 we could be talking about a team that played deep into the post season. Medlen was cruising before then and that’s a play Chipper has made hundreds of times but I guess that was Wrens fault too?
Get a grip folks there are lot’s of teams that would love to be in Wrens position to have several home grown budding stars Heward, Freeman, Simmons, Kimbrel, Medlen, Minor, Beachy, Delgado, Teheran and Prado too and have done it all on a budget.
Go Braves..
Rick C
December 4th, 2012
9:29 am
“Choo is not a good option either. We’d love him until mid June, which is when he normally takes his annual nose dive for the rest of the year.”
What are you talking about? His career splits do not show that. He actually has played better overall post AS break.
Semper Fi Braves Fan
December 4th, 2012
9:30 am
I think its funny that people are convinced that Justin Upton is the answer to all our problems.
A Simmons is going to be a year in and year out gold glove SS. He will end up with somewhere around 10 to 20 HR’s a season with a respectable OBP. Heck even looking at WAR’s Simmons 2.8+ in 49 games compared to J.Up 2.1 in 150 games?
As stated above, if a serviceable LF isn’t found for the right price then Prado has more than proved he is above replacement level player there. Along with the fact we have Fransisco and I would bet Ahmed would move to 3rd to get to the ML.
But comments like “IT WOULD BE HUGE! BRING J-UP TO A-TOWN! We want the best chance to win a world series in 2013, no later!!!” are just stupid.
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.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:49 pm
The only player who meets the conditions of being semi-young, able to hit over 40 hrs, 130 plus RBI’s , score over 100 runs and hits over .300 consistently:
Josh Hamilton…
The ghost of Joe Torre
December 4th, 2012
12:51 pm
Meanwhile, Brian McCann needs to learn how to play third base ASAP.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
12:52 pm
DOB- good reply last post, by the way what would you think about giving up Medlen or Minor for Stanton or Myers?
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:52 pm
Well as a braves fan we all know we cant shop at the same stores as the Yankees of the wold. We have to settle for the players just under Hamilton unless we strike gold like we did with Chipper.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
12:52 pm
Braves fan don’t want to wait a couple of years. We want it now.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
12:54 pm
veteran in the sense that what the Braves need is not years of service, but veterans with playoff experience and WORLD SERIES experience
ryan
December 4th, 2012
12:54 pm
Nats getting stronger Braves have to do something soon .
ryan
December 4th, 2012
12:55 pm
With the Nats getting stronger the Braves have to do something .
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
12:55 pm
And you think you’ll get there with Michael Young, Cody Ross, Ichiro, Victorino? I don’t and then we’ll be in the same predicament we’re in now.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
12:58 pm
yes Golden Sombreros, I think if the Braves make a move it should be one of those players
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:00 pm
J. Upton will end up in TX. Then will trade David Murphy to some team.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
1:02 pm
Golden Sombreros——-Agree with you 100%, we need a real impact player like Stanton and there is and never will be a better time to get him.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:03 pm
Young has playoff as well as WS experience as does Cody Ross. Both of them would fit right in with the Braves.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
1:03 pm
Those players will not put us over the top. I say no to all of them and go internal if they are the only options.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
1:04 pm
if Braves can get Stanton without overpaying, I say go for him
TN Braves Fan
December 4th, 2012
1:04 pm
Im not going to act like I know the money part of this business and still not sure what the D-Backs would have to have for Upton… Is there a chance however you send Hudson, and or Maholm (or a younger starter) and a young SS not named Simmons for Upton… And if so does that free up the money for Greinke?
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
1:05 pm
Stanton or Greinke seem like pipe-dreams to me, but I’m sure all Brave fans would be happy as hell with that.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
1:09 pm
Diamondbacks want to get rid of Justin Upton, there has to be a reason, he should be their cornerstone, otherwise why is it that every year they want to trade him and want too much in return. It is my feeling that Towers really wants him out of Arizona, be patient and Towers will almost give him away just to get rid of him
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:10 pm
So you mortgage the Braves future to get J. Upton for 2 years which is what is left on his contact. Just because his brother plays here does not mean he would re-sign. Didn’t the Brave learn from this with Texiera. We thought he would re-sign since he was a GT boy. That trade costs the Braves alot. TX benefited, went to WS with our former players and laughed all the way.
David O'Brien
December 4th, 2012
1:12 pm
Braves fan don’t want to wait a couple of years. We want it now. — skeeter
Couple of years? Many of them don’t want to wait a couple of days.
So easy a caveman could do it...
December 4th, 2012
1:13 pm
Janish SS
Prado 2B
Heyward RF
Upton J LF
Upton BJ CF
Freeman 1B
Francisco 3B
McCann/Laird C
Uggla+$10M and Simmons for J Upton
Ok, my work here is done, where is the bar?
TN Braves Fan
December 4th, 2012
1:13 pm
Not saying mortgage the Braves future… I sad Hudson and or Maholm.. and one young player
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
1:15 pm
Wren already made one mistake by signing one Upton, I just hope and pray he doesn’t double that mistake by getting the other one.
Seattle Braves
December 4th, 2012
1:15 pm
So its Ryan Ludwick Then, Right?
Or Should the Braves risk trading for Upton?
OR Sign whats left….
OR DO NOTHING?
Which one do you think is going to happen and why?
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:16 pm
Most people in baseball know J. Upton is clubhouse problem. It has been discussed numerous times with the commentators on ESPN in the last two weeks. Not worth the problem. Remember last August when Chipper said Melky was not on the team anymore, was because he was a PROBLEM. Braves want TEAM PLAYERS, not “me” players, those concerned with only themselves and their stats.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
1:19 pm
Well if you aren’t big on J-Up Ralph then how in the world do you think we could pull off Stanton? I haven’t heard anything from Miami about trying to shop him. Regardless oh how ticked off he is. I would be excited about that if it could happen though. Stanton is a beast.
Golden Sombreros
December 4th, 2012
1:22 pm
I’d be willing to bet that most coveted playes are “problems” in some way or another. It’s hard to find a guy like Chipper to build your organization around these days. He set the barometer pretty darn high for all us Brave fans. Sometimes a change of scenery is good for a player. Did you ever think tht J-Up needed some maturing to do like his older brother supposedly did this past season. Not to mention he has been aware that the Diamondbacks have been trying to get rid of him for a while now. Can’t imagine it would sit to well with you if you were him, regardless of the uber millions these guys make.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:24 pm
I can wait a couple of days. I just want a competitve team that will go to playoffs, hopefully to WS. Plus hoping we don’t get that bumbling umpire crew ever again. Cox and Schuerholz spoiled me during that long playoff run. I sat many of nights in an near empty stadium throughout the 70’s and 80’s. I am a true die-hard fan.
Ry
December 4th, 2012
1:25 pm
After seeing the contract that Pagan received from SF, I am surprised the Braves didn’t pursue him harder. I would much rather have him with a $40 mil/4 yr contract than they are paying Upton. That would have allowed for even more financial flexibility.
Larvell Blanks
December 4th, 2012
1:27 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.
Boy, what I wouldn’t give to see Uggla hit .250 with 30 homers and 90 RBIs!
Deep Breath and Reload
December 4th, 2012
1:27 pm
Isn’t it ironic that the Braves may have set the outfield salary bar a bit high due to what they gave Upton? This is a team who isn’t flush with money and has to be creative, yet they may have priced themselves out of the left fielder market due to signing Upton.
I still find it hard to believe that the Braves offered a full 20 million more than the Phillies did and it seems the Phillies were the main competition for Upton.
Say what you will about the Phillies…. they spend lots of money for top free agents and maybe even over pay for them…. but they aren’t going to over spend for upper-mediocre pieces like Upton.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
1:27 pm
Golden Sombreros
Well if you aren’t big on J-Up Ralph then how in the world do you think we could pull off Stanton? I
Carroll
December 4th, 2012
1:28 pm
As for Simmons, who knows how good he could be down the road. But sometimes trading a “could be” for a “sure thing” works out pretty well. (See e.g., circa 2004 the braves parley one good month by Chuck Thomas for a guy named Tim Hudson.) Anyone heard from Mr. Thomas lately? I think he may have delivered a pizza to my door last weekend.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:28 pm
Stanton is indeed a very good player just Miguel Caberra was when he played for the Marlins. I think he would fit very good with the Braves. Not sure the Marlins would trade him to us or any other divisional foe. Most likely will be dealt to AL. I know we got Uggla from them. But Stanton is different, really different. We can all wish for Stanton. I would take him over any player mentioned up for trade or being a free agent now.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
1:29 pm
Well if you aren’t big on J-Up Ralph then how in the world do you think we could pull off Stanton?
Because I would be willing to give something of equal value (Medlen or Minor) to get Stanton.
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
1:30 pm
I’ve said before another way to spin this is to sign Sanchez or Lohse spending that $10 Million or so per year there and then trade one of our pitchers Minor or Medlen for a young controllable OF like Myers or Stanton. Granted we’d have to add another player or two to get them but Minor or Medlen would be the centerpiece. This way we’ve kept our budget of around $10 Million and still got our OF covered and have a good rotation to go forward.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
1:35 pm
Pagan wanted to play in Frisco, he shopped around and waited for Giants best offer and took it
Remember when everyone thought Pete Rose was going to sign with Braves, Turner was going all out for him, the Braves, Cards, and Phils were in a bidding war for him, Cards dropped out after Turner made a big offer, when Phils heard the offer that Turner made they said no, fans in Atlanta were excited because Rose would come here because Turner offered him more. The next day Rose announced that he was going to take the Phils last offer and signed with them
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
1:36 pm
BravesFanInNashville——-If we traded Medlen or Minor for Stanton or Myers we could use Delgado and Teheran to fill the void until Beachy returns in July.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:47 pm
It will take a lot of players to get Stanton. We all think the owner and GM were dumb for that trade with Toronto. But they are not that stupid. Going to take multiple players to get just Stanton. Just one of our young starters, ie Minor, Medlin or Beachy (healthy) won’t cut it. Wishful thinking, just won’t happen.
Kris
December 4th, 2012
1:48 pm
Choo is a great player but will be costly for one year rental.
Get Granderson to play LF and leadoff, or Jason Kubel with his 30 homers to play LF and bat 5th in the order behind Heyward and Freeman.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
1:50 pm
skeeter——-Make the offer, if they turn it down then sweeten the deal.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:51 pm
With that comment on Rose, I wonder if Wren has made a formal bid to Hamilton and his agent. Both Josh and his wife said deal is not about money. He could sign for alot less than the highest bid. Maddux did that to stay with Braves. What could it hurt for Wren to initate talks and make an offer.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
1:52 pm
HINSKE SIGNS WITH DIAMONDBACKS
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
1:53 pm
you are right skeeter make an offer
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
1:54 pm
If I was GM I would make an offer for Stanton, then up the offer as much as possible without robbing our minor league system. Once is enough on that.
Has anyone heard Greinke’s name mentioned lately?
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
1:54 pm
Ralph ….. True but it would be good to have one more established pitcher to help Hudson and whoever remains between Minor and Medlen. I’d hate to have 3 rookies in the rotation.
Kris
December 4th, 2012
1:58 pm
Carroll, you mean Chuck James, not Thomas
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
1:58 pm
BravesFanInNashville————
Hudson
Maholm
Medlen or Minor
Delgado
Teheran
Only two rookies
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
1:59 pm
Really Delgado is not a rookie
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:00 pm
I personally think we need to leave our pitching and relief staff intact. We have the best pitching staff in baseball, why break it up. Trade some of our pitching prospects. If that isn’t an option, then you have to sign a free agent for LF or for 3rd. Doesn’t have to be a long contract, one or two year contract. Or if we want to stay in house, the only option is to sign Greinke, not middle of staff pitcher.
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
2:02 pm
So, let me see if I’ve got this right, some of you guys want to trade our good, young, CHEAP starting pitching (Minor and/or Medlen) for Mike Stanton (sorry I refuse to call him Giancarlo)??? I really don’t think YOU understand the VALUE of starting pitching. Most teams can only run 2, maybe 3 quality starters out every day. When Beechy returns, the Braves will have 5 quality starters! We’re going to again have one of the best bullpens. J-Hey and Freeman are going to continue to “fill out” their 6-5 frames. I think Braves management would love a guy like Stanton, but the truth of the matter is, this team will be dynamic offensively in 2013. Bmac will return to form….we’ll be fine.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:02 pm
Delgado is still basically a rookie. He wasn’t impressive when he pitched in majors. Yet he was better than Teheran.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:03 pm
I believe Miami will trade Stanton and KC will trade Myers, they are just waiting for the right offer, we are in the best position to make that offer.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:04 pm
Hinske has just signed with ARZ
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:05 pm
ppaddy123———-Just how long do you want to keep Delgado and Teheran in the minors?
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
2:06 pm
True Ralph…. but that’s turning over 40% of our games to Delgado and Teheran and that could turn out good or really bad… Kyle Lohse is a ground ball pitcher and he’d be really effective at Turner Field. We’d have the money to spend for the insurance since Myers or Stanton will be cheap for years. I’d hate to have the reverse problem we have now which is great line-up but can’t score enough runs and the bullpen gets over used when the back end of the rotation pitches. We have no idea how well either of them will do until they actually get on the mound and try. So if it were me I’d rather have another established pitcher that we know will keep us in games and not wear out the bullpen.
O.J.
December 4th, 2012
2:06 pm
Actually Kris, they meant Charles Thomas. Not Chuck James. James was a pitcher.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:08 pm
BravesFanInNashville———Perhaps Delgado and Teheran would be more comfortable and pitch better if they had an offense behind them.
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
2:10 pm
That’s assuming KC or Miami would trade us Myers or Stanton and as I stated earlier I would trade Minor or Medlen for ONLY Myers or Stanton and no one else. Then I would only do it if we had a plan B to replace them in the rotation without having to rely on BOTH Delgado and Teheran.
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
2:10 pm
pitchers pitch better with defense behind them, pitcher has nothing to do with offense
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
2:11 pm
Bring back Blauser… not entirely true.. pitchers pitch better with leads and knowing the offense can score runs so if they give up a run or two the game isn’t automatically lost.
Mike
December 4th, 2012
2:11 pm
I understand that we valued Simmons so much but then again, it was the same for Hanson, and see what happen to him, right now, There is two question, 1) If we can win the NL East 2) Can we get to the WS as a Wild Card. I hate to say this but NO on both accounts, sometimes you have to take risk and if Simmons can yield you a better player then do it because Nats has already got Spain and Harden plus they are not done yet.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:13 pm
DOB
What are your friends in Miami telling you about Stanton? Will he be traded?
bring back blauser
December 4th, 2012
2:14 pm
Nats have been building that team for years now, they had those terrible records and drafted very well and saved money, and at the right time things came together and now they have the money so they can make moves they would never have made as little as 3 years ago
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:16 pm
Mike——-Who are you talking about that is better than Simmons, hope your not talking about Justin Upton.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:16 pm
Looks like J Hamilton and Rangers are working on a 4 yr contract. That takes away one bidder on Greinke.
archie
December 4th, 2012
2:18 pm
The Diamondbacks have just signed Eric Hinske (what, Corky Miller and Greg Norton were unavailable?) Evidently they did not see him play in 2012, I guess they can’t afford advance scouts. Remember the game in LF, when he was incapable of well, playing baseball? At least it’s good news for beer and doughnut sellers in Arizona!
O.J.
December 4th, 2012
2:18 pm
Skeeter, heard the Rangers were going after Hamilton and Greinke, so you can squash that
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:19 pm
I might trade Simmons for Stanton because that would be a big plus in offense but no way would I trade him, nor will Wren, for Upton which would be a big loss in defense and not much gain in offense.
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
2:21 pm
ppaddy123———-Just how long do you want to keep Delgado and Teheran in the minors?
Well, if it were up to me, I keep them, and their VALUE as potential trade pieces until they can’t be kept on the farm anymore. Question: has either proven to be better than what we have now? No. How old are they? How does their “minor league clock” look as far as keeping them protected?
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:21 pm
Braves and ARZ have concluded a trade is not possible between them concerning J. Upton. Great.
Let’s work on other trade potentials.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:24 pm
skeeter———–Hope your right about that!
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
2:24 pm
All I can say, you guys wanting to trade Simmons……………….your eyes are lying to you! This kid will be one of the top SS’s for the next decade!
Mike
December 4th, 2012
2:26 pm
I dont mean just Justin Upton, i think we just overvalued these young players too much sometimes like Simmons, Hanson and other young players that was going to be something but didnt pan out here. Right now, the LF market is drying up very fast and we have to use a Journeyman and Rookie in a position that was a problem for many and many of years. We got the pieces to get a better player but we saying that Simmons is the next coming of Jeter so we cant make the deal.
James 123
December 4th, 2012
2:26 pm
What are the Royals asking for Alex Gordon.
kazoo
December 4th, 2012
2:26 pm
If Braves acquire a left-fielder, it’s got to be somebody who is very solid–good contact hitter, good OBP, good defense, especially now that they’ve got two guys–upton and uggla—or strike out a lot. Braves paid too much for upton.
braves fan in queens
December 4th, 2012
2:27 pm
Somebody mentioned packaging a deal to the cleveland indians for asdrubal cabrera.
Asdrubal at third, simmons at short, prado in left.
I second this!!
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:28 pm
ppaddy123—————I’m not one wanting to trade Simmons unless it would greatly improve our club, I agree totally on his value however trading him, Medlen or Minor for Stanton would greatly improve our club, forget Upton.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:31 pm
I would package BJ with Delgado and Teheran to get Stanton. Wouldn’t blink my eye with that deal.
BravesFanInNashville
December 4th, 2012
2:35 pm
Alex Gordon is not the answer. He hits Left Handed he doesn’t hit for power and he only stole 10 bases last year while getting caught 5 times. He made $6 Million last year and will get a raise next year. I’d rather have Prado play left and take our chances with Franscisco at 3B before I trade away a good pitcher for what Alex Gordon brings.
David O'Brien
December 4th, 2012
2:35 pm
Hinske signed with D-backs, will mostly PH and play a little 1B.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:37 pm
Wren could offer KC Delgado and Teheran for Myers now that KC is more open to trading him instead of Billy Butler.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:37 pm
skeeter———-Agree though it would mean using Gilmartin or some other unknown rookie until Beachey returns, I think it would be worth it.
O-my
December 4th, 2012
2:37 pm
Steeter would trade his mother to win!
ppaddy123
December 4th, 2012
2:40 pm
@Ralph, No one is going to trade Stanton for Minor or Medlen straight up. I think his bat would be a great thing to have, but history shows time and time again, starting pitching is the most valuable asset a team can have. And while I don’t think Medlen will repeat his awesome performance from last year, both he and Minor and Beechy are going to be the nucleus of the Braves starting pitching for the future. And I know it’s only my opinion, but I think Simmons WILL BE one of the best SS’s of his generation.
rico carty
December 4th, 2012
2:41 pm
Snakes making Kubel available.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:44 pm
ppaddy123————Your probably right, I just wish we were not in such a desprate need for offense, you are going to have to give up value to get value.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:44 pm
LaRouche should be re-signing with Nats very shortly. Nats keep on making deals while Braves sit idling in neutral.
bravesfaninnc
December 4th, 2012
2:45 pm
“Somebody mentioned packaging a deal to the cleveland indians for asdrubal cabrera.
Asdrubal at third, simmons at short, prado in left.”
I had been thinking that the Braves may be better off going after a middle IF to play 2B, move Uggla to 3B (where his lack of range won’t kill us) and keep Prado in LF. Think of the up the middle defense if Simmons is at short and Cabrera at 2B.
LF Prado
2B Cabrera
RF Heyward
CF Upton
1B Freeman
3B Uggla
C McCann
SS Simmons
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:47 pm
I think Gilmartin will be a better pitcher than Delgado or Teheran. He probably will win 5th spot in spring training whether those two are traded or not.
Ralph
December 4th, 2012
2:49 pm
rico carty
December 4th, 2012
2:41 pm
Snakes making Kubel available
Good,lets trade them BJ for him then they could have the brothers togather.
randy
December 4th, 2012
2:50 pm
Ralph…..keep the pressure on, you are absolutely right. Braves have to get Myers.
glorydays
December 4th, 2012
2:50 pm
Haven’t read all the blogs so pardon my ignorance. R the Braves in on Kubel? All he has to do is play the leftfield line and foul territory.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:52 pm
When Beachy returns he will put on a total innings program like Srassburg was with the Nats. Not a bad idea, protect for the future.
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
2:54 pm
ARZ wouldn’t trade us Kubel for BJ. Then they would stuck with two problems.
glorydays
December 4th, 2012
2:55 pm
Would like to have Parra, what a killer OF that would be defensively.
Seattle Braves
December 4th, 2012
2:59 pm
What are the Braves trying to accomplish here in the winter meetings? We have secured Janish, signed BJ “too much money” Upton, signed Laird, traded “Um Bop” Hanson for Where’s Walden, and Let Ross, Hinksie “im ok with” and JJ “bout time” go away.
Sooooo…. We still need a bat, perferrably a RH left fielder or 3rd baseman. Bullpen good, Starters are great, and the bench needs work. Assuming we re-sign Reed Johnson.
SO what now?
Coach D
December 4th, 2012
3:03 pm
“Significant trade” = Delgado & prospects to the Marlins for Stanton, G.!!!!! Get ‘er done, Frank Wren!! Right-handed bat with unbelievable power. Just what we need. Include Simmons if necessary….
Coach D
December 4th, 2012
3:03 pm
“Significant trade” = Delgado & prospects to the Marlins for Stanton, G.!!!!! Get ‘er done, Frank Wren!! Right-handed bat with unbelievable power. Just what we need. Include Simmons if necessary….
skeeter
December 4th, 2012
3:03 pm
It’s after 2 pm in Nashvile so Wren can’t checkout early to save a couple hundred dollars. Just means $200 less we can spend on a starting player or bench player.
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.