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4,816 comments Add your comment
Ray
December 5th, 2012
8:48 am
Sound familiar? yankee fans are going crazy and criticizing Cashman for not making any moves so far or being “involved” with any of the trade talks or free agents. yeah I am sure Cashman, Wren and about 20 other GM’s are just sitting at a table talking about everything but baseball.
Mixxo
December 5th, 2012
8:49 am
I know that he’s not………….very good artist, but……..I like his music but I never bought into the BOSS schtik……I’ll decide who my Boss will be, but not a 5′6″ guy weighing about 130 lbs. Too many great rock groups during my young years to have him in the top tier. – Mr. Pitts
Same here, I never bought into his schtik either. Generic, homogenous crap actually. Also, I liked Fleetwood Mac way more before the Buckingham/Nicks era. Just my .02.
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
8:50 am
Personally, I would like to see Juan Francisco brought back. I think he would be a tremendous asset on the bench with his great power from the left side, and he can handle 3B fairly well. Can Paul Yanish play any 2B? If not, then Bonafacio (as a super sub type) would be necessary to make sure we have enough middle infield help. Francisco, Janish, Bonafacio, Johnson and Laird is a really good bench. Power, speed, reasonably good overall defense. But under this scenario, is there enough for LF (Cody Ross type player)? And does that leave Simmons to lead off…which I think may be a little of a stretch this early in his career?
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
8:52 am
I’m at the point where I think there are some options out there for Wren on the LF question, so I’m content to wait for his choice. Moving on to the bench, LOL….
I’d like to see them overpay, if necessary, for Reed Johnson. From all reports, they’ve loved the guy for a long time, they’ve had him in the clubhouse, and he has a good skillset.
He doesn’t provide any power from either side, though, so I’d be looking elsewhere for that component. And if the team decides to go with something like Francisco from the left side and Mejia from the right side (two guys with power but limited in their defensive flexibility, that is to say, they have none), them Johnson becomes even more attractive as the 4th OF who can cover all three spots.
I can’t say that I’m sold on that Francisco/Mejia thing, but they’ve been crushing it enough that I’m at least open to getting sold on it. That’s progress for the two guys.
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
8:53 am
Could the Braves be aquiring some of this catching depth with a thought of potentially moving Brian McCann during the season if he is hitting well? With Upton’s contract, plus some of the other contacts they are going to have to delve out, I just cannot see B-Mac in a Braves uniform next year. And he would be worth a lot more as trade bait than a simple draft pick if they lost him as a FA.
old man
December 5th, 2012
8:53 am
I’m puzzled. What’s wrong with Bonifacio if he gives you his 2011 line?
.300/.360/.390/.750, 40SB??? And switch hitter?
chipl1960
December 5th, 2012
8:53 am
VJ-let me guess on the 2 songs you referred to. Jungleland and Thunder Road?
Dadgum.....
December 5th, 2012
8:53 am
Gonna be interesting to see who (if anybody) the Braves acquire. Regardless, the second-guessing will consume the next 35 blog pages minimum:-).
Brava
December 5th, 2012
8:54 am
As I’ve stated here before, I’m no fan of Springsteen. I know that’s blasphemy in some circles, but he just doesn’t do it for me.
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
8:56 am
old man,
I agree! That line would be just fine as a LF and leadoff hitter. And at $3 million, quite a bargain. I guess the question we have here is will we see a 2011 line or a 2012 line? I am a little skeptical of all the injuries. Bad luck? Or is this a trend?
Lew
December 5th, 2012
8:57 am
Ray – They’re sitting around talking about BBQ, college football and the last Drive By Truckers’ show, right?
Brava
December 5th, 2012
8:57 am
Doesn’t look like McCann will be her past this season. From Bowman’s article:
The Braves have also addressed another need by signing catcher Matt Pagnozzi to a Minor League contract. Pagnozzi will serve as Atlanta’s backup catcher while Brian McCann misses at least the first few weeks of the season while recovering from right shoulder surgery. Gerald Laird will be the primary catcher while McCann is out.
When McCann returns, Pagnozzi will serve as a catcher with Triple-A Gwinnett. This signals that the Braves intend on giving Christian Bethancourt a chance to enhance his offensive skills while playing for Double-A Mississippi. One of the game’s top catching prospects, Bethancourt is targeted to begin the 2014 season as Atlanta’s starting catcher.
Brava
December 5th, 2012
8:57 am
here, not her
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
8:58 am
What’s wrong with Bonifacio if he gives you his 2011 line?
As opposed to every other year he’s played, you mean?
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
8:59 am
It is going to be interesting to see how the Braves approach long-term deals after the first of the year. It has been said they are looking to lock-up Prado. Will they try to do the same with Heyward? With Kimbrell? O’Flarerty? Medlen? And in doing so, does it better position them to consider what to do with guys like McCann? With Jurrjens and Hanson off the table, all of a sudden there seems to be more money available than we thought this time a year ago,
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
8:59 am
One of the game’s top catching prospects, Bethancourt is targeted to begin the 2014 season as Atlanta’s starting catcher.
Considering it’s Bowman, that’s code for “Bethancourt might start for ATL in 2014, if the charter goes down.”
Lew
December 5th, 2012
9:00 am
Mixxo – I saw them right after Peter Green left the band with Jeremy Spencer on guitar – Good show,but wish I had seen them when Green was still around.
A buddy just sent me a cd called Rattlesnake Guitar – tribute to Green with guitarists from Foghat, Snowy White and a bunch of other notable guitarists doing Peter Green tunes.
old man
December 5th, 2012
9:00 am
None of the guys we want are gone yet. Wren is just sitting and waiting. Cool customer.
Dadgum.....
December 5th, 2012
9:00 am
RC……I think it’s a given by almost everyone including McCann that he won’t be a Brave in 2014. If CB can even get better with the bat a bit he will take over. Braves would control him for 6 years cheaply and we would get better defense to boot. I’m pretty surprised the Braves picked up his option. Don’t think they will part with him by trade deadline unless something like injury occurs elsewhere that opens up a huge need.
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:00 am
Laird, Janish, Johnson, Francisco and Mejia wouldn’t be too bad of a bench, I guess. Lots of power from Juan and Ernesto. Just not much else from either player. Probably end up being a $5-6 million dollar bench.
Lew
December 5th, 2012
9:01 am
Well, I certainly hope that Betancourt actually learns to hit by 2014. He certainly hasn’t learned to hit minor league pitching yet.
Ray
December 5th, 2012
9:03 am
@Lew, exactly. Because we all know if the bloggers don’t know about a conversation then its not happening.
jmart1951
December 5th, 2012
9:03 am
The Diamondbacks now want shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera from the Indians. What do the Indians need that the Braves have to trade in order to do a 3 way for Justin Upton?
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:03 am
Personally, I believe McCann gives you a great chance to re-tool the farm system with some prospects that have a little seasoning on them…which is, of course, a little more reliable than drafting someone. And it sure looks like Bethancourt is our man after this season.
Joe
December 5th, 2012
9:03 am
DOB, is the Braves interest in Bonifacio as a LF or super utility? Thanks
Dadgum.....
December 5th, 2012
9:05 am
Again bottom line, BJ, McCann, Uggla need to have better years or who we get in LF will be a mute point.
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
9:05 am
Lots of power from Juan and Ernesto. Just not much else from either player.
That would have been my take previously, also. Now, I’m not quite as sure of that.
I think it’s a given by almost everyone including McCann that he won’t be a Brave in 2014.
He’s in line to take down some godawful big bank, considering salary inflation this winter. But I think the assumption that Bethancourt will be a better option, just because of the money, is presumptive.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 5th, 2012
9:06 am
Id like to see Juan traded, along with Georgie… not have him come back
As for Bethancourt, I’m looking forward to seeing him do great things this year, and prove his naysayers wrong. He could very well play like Yadier did for his first few years and I won’t mind. All about the gamecalling and defense. We can get offense from other positions, it isnt necessary at catcher. Gets us to save 13+mil for 2014 and beyond. He just needs to OPS .730 at AA through July 1 for me.
Dadgum.....
December 5th, 2012
9:06 am
Moot…damn.
BravePack(FreeFan)
December 5th, 2012
9:06 am
So we went from Upton, Gordon, and Myers to Bonifacio? Great I really hope Wren goes in a different direction. Bonifacio seems like he’s made of glass.
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:06 am
Considering it’s Bowman, that’s code for “Bethancourt might start for ATL in 2014, if the charter goes down.”
Honestly, he was in early on B.J. Upton being Atlanta’s primary target and them having a very good chance of getting him….
He’s making some blanket statements about McCann and he has for a while said that 2013 will be his last year. I have to imagine he’s hearing from some sources inside the organization that it’s up in the air. With the presence of Bethancourt and him knowing the Braves feelings about him, Braves concern that McCann could break down, Mac’s asking price, etc. I don’t know….
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:08 am
So, am I the only Ken Rosenthal twitter junkie this time of year??? Because I may be starting to get a complex about it!
Dadgum.....
December 5th, 2012
9:08 am
Jmart……pitching.
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:09 am
I think McCann coming back depends on a lot of things and it’s probably too early to know one way or the other. It is surprising that Bowman has made so many “no doubt about it” comments regarding Mac’s future. He truly believes that it’s the last year with him and the Braves. I’m not sure. Probably too early for any of it, I guess.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 5th, 2012
9:12 am
What do the Indians need that the Braves have to trade in order to do a 3 way for Justin Upton?
Pitching.
I hate to admit it, but I really do expect next season to be McCann’s last as a Brave. If he doesn’t produce, he’s gone, if he does, he still would need to take a pay cut to stay here. And if CBet does get any closer to being MLB ready, that further decreases the likelihood of Mac coming back.
jmart1951
December 5th, 2012
9:12 am
It seems that one of the things that the Indians need is pitching. Could the Braves offer a good enough pitching package to get Cabrera and possibly a high level prospect and then flip them to the Diamondbacks for Upton?
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:12 am
Rays got Escobar last night after I went to sleep. Giants sign Scutaro to a three year contract.
Rays have Escobar at SS, Zobrist as the Martin Prado position – playing anywhere from SS, 2B, 1B, RF, LF. Ryan Roberts will probably get a lot of PA’s too.
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:14 am
Efrim,
I can’t see how McCann gets less than Molina ($15 million per)…and that’s even if he takes a hometown discount. I just cannot imagine the Braves commiting $30 million to two players. That would be a return to a couple of years ago with Lowe and Chipper. Of course, McCann is certainly the caliber of Chipper when it comes to value to the team (clubhouse, hitting at a key position when he’s healthy). But again, Bethancourt is the wildcard here.
DAM
December 5th, 2012
9:14 am
Bonifacio has a career .329 OBP. I can’t see how it makes sense to want to plug him in at the top of the lineup.
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
9:14 am
Probably too early for any of it, I guess.
Not too early to make a prognostication on the probability that his coming season will be one of a broken-down, busted-out catcher who is old before his time, or one of a player who has been the best-hitting catcher in the bigs for five or six years. I’m going with the latter.
The man gonna get paid in 2014.
playem or tradem
December 5th, 2012
9:15 am
Wren needs to quit farting around and trade for Wil Myers.KC says they want a veteran pitcher but then why are they wanting to get rid of Chen?Trade Teheran,Delgado and Walden/Avilan for Myers.Throw in Ahmed if you have to.
Dadgum.....
December 5th, 2012
9:15 am
Why do I have the vision of a few hundred scribes darting about the Oprland lobby, 4th cup of coffee in hand, recorder on ready for any maybe-it’s-true rumor? Doesn’t somebody at some point say “man, a little tic tac wouldn’t kill ya”. Have a nice day!
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 5th, 2012
9:16 am
The D-backs and Indians have discussed the framework of a deal centering around Cabrera and Trevor Bauer, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports. The sides have been talking about the deal for two weeks, but talks have picked up at the Winter Meetings. There’s no indication that a deal is close to completion at this time, however.
And supposedly they have that 4-team framework… been suggesting this for weeks though. Do that trade, add ATL as the 3rd team, send Teheran and EOV/JV to AZ, we get back Upton.
David O'Brien
December 5th, 2012
9:17 am
DOB, is the Braves interest in Bonifacio as a LF or super utility? Thanks — Joe
Would be for LF, but can obviously move him around, which is one of the big appeals. When he stayed healthy and got to play on regular basis in 2011, he showed what he could do. Check his stats that year.
jmart1951
December 5th, 2012
9:18 am
Some of you more knowledgeable bloggers when it comes to prospects tell me.
Would Tehren, Gilmartin and Ahmed get Escabar and a high level prospect and then would that high level prospect and Cabrera be enough to get J Upton
chipl1960
December 5th, 2012
9:19 am
The schtick you are referencing has been consistent for 40 years now. I’m 52 and seen every relevant band you can name since 1977.Since 1977, I’ve seen Springsteen 64 times. Every show is different with different setlists. In my travels I’ve talked to folks who were seeing him for the first time and were always amazed and had the time of their lives. Name a band for me that continues to make new music not just play the hits to make a buck after over 40 years of being together. Not hating on you guys at all, it is your opinion and I respect it, but, go to one show and then tell me what you think. For instance I don’t care for rap or hip hop but…….to each his own. Also, look at all the money he donates and raises for homelessness and hunger. Just my 2 cents. Again, I’m not judging but to say it is a schtick is a bit of a reach. He really puts all his energy into every show. He doesn’t need the money I’m sure. He must really enjoy his job. Not a bad aspiration in my view.
playem or tradem
December 5th, 2012
9:20 am
another option is Giancarlo Stanton………Miami would listen if the Brave’s offered Teheran,Delgado,Avilan and another prospect.They would be fools not to!
Lew
December 5th, 2012
9:20 am
IF Betancourt learns to hit better this year? And what, exactly, indicates this miracle will happen all of a sudden?
jmart1951
December 5th, 2012
9:23 am
Does anyone know: what percentage of home runs are solo.
How did the Braves solo homeruns on a percentage basis to their total home runs compare to the average.
Also, does anyone know where to get an individual break down on any players homerun total and the number of home runs he hit. Trying to identify a long term trend to see if their are certain players that hit more home runs with men on base than is typical.
Rick C
December 5th, 2012
9:23 am
“Bonifacio has a career .329 OBP. I can’t see how it makes sense to want to plug him in at the top of the lineup.”
Although I think there are several better options than Bonificaio, that OBP isn’t much worse than Bourn’s 339.
Dadgum.....
December 5th, 2012
9:24 am
RC….the Braves will have to pay handsomely to extend Prado then Heyward too. McCann does not figure into the budget IMO. Hudson may or may not come off the books in 2014 but regardless McCann can get a lot more elsewhere for longer in the AL. Nothing makes sense for him to stay in Atlanta. Hell, it barely made sense to pick him up this year. Jury is still out on that too.
jmart1951
December 5th, 2012
9:24 am
oops…
homerun total and the number of solo home runs he hit
Mixxo
December 5th, 2012
9:25 am
…A buddy just sent me a cd called Rattlesnake Guitar – tribute to Green with guitarists from Foghat, Snowy White and a bunch of other notable guitarists doing Peter Green tunes. – Lew
Wow, I’ll bet that’s nice! While I love the Peter Green stuff, my favorite FM era is the Bare Trees, Future Games, Mystery To Me run. A poignant time in my life. Peter Green was a huge influence in my playing style though.
P'cola Brave
December 5th, 2012
9:26 am
Like the idea of Bonafacio. Another do everything man and can straight fly.
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:27 am
The man gonna get paid in 2014.
Oh, I agree with that. Look at what players are getting this year. Again, I think Victorino’s deal is an absolute joke and I feel even better than I felt before regarding Upton’s deal. I wasn’t even concerned about the years or dollars for Upton and more the draft pick. Now it’s just looking like a golden deal and Wren looks smart for striking early with him.
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:27 am
Dadgum,
I agree with everything you are saying…which is why I believe McCann’s bigget value this year could be as trade bait…unless he is having a monster year and leading the Braves to the best record in baseball or something. I was a little perplexed when they picked up the option too, but I suppose there was no one else to take his place to put up comparable numbers, PLUS they were not going to go out and try to trade for someone with Bethancourt high in the system.
Ray
December 5th, 2012
9:29 am
@playem, Marlins are not moving Stanton bottom line unless someone just completely blows them out of the water type offer. The Royals want a LOT for Myers. Multiple teams have asked about Myers and no one to this point has been able to pry him from KC.
Patrick
December 5th, 2012
9:29 am
I love McCann but he’s already showing that his body is beginning to break down and signing him to another long-term deal (which will have to be substantial, around Yadier Molina money) is a very poor decision. As unpopluar as it will be, the would be smart to let him walk away.
He’s not worth the 12mil he’s making this season
Dadgum.....
December 5th, 2012
9:30 am
Lew….this is a big year for CB at hitting. He should show definite improvement. Doesn’t have to be Bench type good. Just enough for the Braves to know he is their guy opening day 2014. His defense will make up for a less than stellar bat early on at minimum salary to boot.
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:30 am
I like Bonafacio because he is fast, switch hitter, leadoff type guy AND he can be had for $3 million! That leaves money to invest in Reed Johnson and the bench. And that bench is so crucial…because you never know when it is going to be needed! I mean, does anybody really want to be stuck with a .175 hitting Rick Ankiel type player as your starting CF for the entire month of September and in the playoffs again? (see 2010)
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:30 am
Bonifacio is scheduled to make a little over $2 million, I think. I really hope he’s for a bench spot and they continue to look for an everyday outfielder. They can and should be able to afford it unless they are slashing payroll.
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:31 am
He’s not worth the 12mil he’s making this season
I think he’ll have a good year and will make at least $14 million a year on the open market next year on a multi year deal.
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:32 am
Just because Bonifacio is a bargain does not make him a bad choice in LF.
Mixxo
December 5th, 2012
9:32 am
@chipl1960 -
Oh, it’s not a ‘hate’ thing at all. I totally respect Bruce’s devotion, hard work, etc. His music just doesn’t do it for me. Thunder Road is a pretty good tune though.
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
9:33 am
homerun total and the number of solo home runs he hit
The average runs value of a homer is approximately 1.4, so you can see pretty clearly that the vast majority of homers are solo shots. The runs value of all other combinations of home runs (2-run, 3-run, grand-slam) adds only 40% more value to the average runs created by homers if they were all solos.
unbelievable
December 5th, 2012
9:33 am
When he stayed healthy and got to play on regular basis in 2011, he showed what he could do. Check his stats that year.
He also carried a .372BABIP that season thats not likely to be repeated. This whole search for a leadoff hitter crap is depressing. We have funds available and we have trade pieces to go get an impact bat for LF and we want to plug in a guy that SLG’d .316 last season. He’s got a career .329OBP. Bench role is fine, but this offense needs to improve on its production from last year. We arent close to replacing Chipper and Bourn with Upton and Bonifacio. A lot of people here probably hate advanced stats, but he’s basically been a replacement level player every year except for 2011.
bring back blauser
December 5th, 2012
9:34 am
my guess is that Braves will bring up Bethancourt at mid season and trade McCann to an american league team, otherwise he will be gone through free agency at the end of the season, and at midseason, the Braves will take the gamble of Bethancourt even if he still is not hitting
Rick C
December 5th, 2012
9:35 am
“Does anyone know: what percentage of home runs are solo.
How did the Braves solo homeruns on a percentage basis to their total home runs compare to the average.”
Last year there were 2,822 HRs hit with bases empty and 2,112 with men on, so 57.2% were solo shots. Braves had 86 with bases empty and 63 with men on, so 57.7% of their HRs were solo shots.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 5th, 2012
9:35 am
CBet doesn’t need to replace Mac’s numbers, that’s what the rest of the offense is for. Y’all expect BJ to get better, and surely Heyward and Freeman will improve, Prado if he’s kept, Simba should be doing well… maybe Uggla is still here in 2014 and he will be able to carry the load as well. Even if Bethancourt hits just .220, if his gamecalling and defense are good, I’ll take that. He’s only costing 500k. Mac will likely be 15-16mil+ and a commitment of at least 5 years. That’s a bit rich for me.
Now if Bethancourt can’t do anything against AA pitching this year, then I guess we’re sorta boxed into a corner (unless we want to get one of the other poor catchers on the market that winter). But my hope is that Mac’s production isn’t so necessary to our offense, rather, that he’s just gravy. If he has to be the main cog, that means that everyone else if failing miserably.
unbelievable
December 5th, 2012
9:36 am
Although I think there are several better options than Bonificaio, that OBP isn’t much worse than Bourn’s 339
There is and he’s already on this team. Prado can put up a .350OBP from that spot and he can steal you 15-20 bases. This team desperately needs an impact bat added in LF, especially looking at our current bench options….Constanza, Schafer, Pagnozzi, Pastornicky, Janish…
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
9:38 am
He also carried a .372BABIP that season thats not likely to be repeated.
Thanks for not making me look that up, LOL. I had a memory tickling me that he had an insane BABIP that year.
P Rose
December 5th, 2012
9:42 am
Marriage scam? WTF is a marriage scam??
Chop It Up
December 5th, 2012
9:42 am
DOB, not sure if you have covered this already, but are the Braves looking at Granderson?
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:43 am
DOB, are meetings over now, or at the end of the day? When will people be leaving?
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
9:43 am
Even if Bethancourt hits just .220, if his gamecalling and defense are good, I’ll take that.
That’s backup-catcher territory, not a starter. And, if memory serves, game-calling, framing pitches, etc., aren’t his strengths. Bazooka arm and inhuman pop times, sure, but he’ll throw to 2B a few times a game; he’ll call and catch 150 pitches. Which do you think is more important?
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:46 am
1. Atlanta Braves
They want to win now and Ellsbury would be perfect for their every day lineup, placed at the top. The Braves could stack up this way, with Ellsbury:
CF Ellsbury
3B Martin Prado
RF Jason Heyward
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Dan Uggla
C Brian McCann
LF B.J. Upton
SS Andrelton Simmons
The Braves have the pitching talent to deal to make it happen in Randall Delgado, or Julio Teheran.
Sigh…..Buster. They aren’t moving Upton to LF after signing him to a five year contract. If Jacoby is a Brave, it’s as their LF.
TennesseePaul
December 5th, 2012
9:46 am
So, now that the Marlins need a third baseman, time to start greasing the wheels. Juan Francisco for Giancarlo Stanton straight up works right? ( : Maybe the fish toss in a low level prospect to even it out.
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:49 am
I also don’t believe they are paying BJ $15 million to hit 7th either!
RC in the ATL
December 5th, 2012
9:49 am
I also don’t believe they are paying BJ $15 million to hit 7th either!
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:49 am
“They want to win now” and trading for Emilio Bonifacio and the $2 million he is owed to be the everyday LF isn’t in the same ballpark.
old man
December 5th, 2012
9:49 am
I agree we would prefer an impact bat. We have two guys who can lead off already.
Upton has HR and XBH power, but his home/away splits and OBP scare me.
Gordon and Choo have better gloves/arms, and have XBH power, so I qualify them as impact hitters, compared to Bonifacio. Bonifacio is a singles hitter if he returns to 2011 form.
I am not double checking stats on all this, it’s just from memory and my reading the blog.
Until Upton, Gordon, and Choo are gone, or those teams fill needs by other means, we should not get our bloomers in a twist. You never want to be the first to blink.
I think one silver lining of going cheaper–as in Choo and Bonifacio–is that you tend to not block Gattis, Ahmed, and Francisco so much. It’s easier to bench a rental or a slap hitter to play the guy who looks like a surprise ROY candidate in May. If they all flop, go shopping in next winter. Not ideal, but a silver lining.
P Rose
December 5th, 2012
9:50 am
I think the “clubhouse leader” thing is extremely overrated, especially when it defaults to a guy who frankly doesn’t have very good character, and fails to practice what he preaches. That said, I can see a guy like Heyward eventually being a great guy to lead this team by example.
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
9:50 am
I also don’t believe they are paying BJ $15 million to hit 7th either!
Agreed.
unbelievable
December 5th, 2012
9:51 am
“They want to win now” and trading for Emilio Bonifacio and the $2 million he is owed to be the everyday LF isn’t in the same ballpark.
Agree.
TennesseePaul
December 5th, 2012
9:51 am
And, if memory serves, game-calling, framing pitches, etc., aren’t his strengths.
Nope. But that is McCann’s strength, coupled with his bat.
The Art of the Frame
According to a model developed by Max Marchi of Baseball Prospectus, these are the catchers who saved their teams the most runs from 2008 to 2011 via their ability to frame pitches.
Player___________Runs savedBrian McCann..... 79.3
Russell Martin... 70.0
Jose Molina...... 62.8
Ryan Hanigan..... 46.6
Yadier Molina.... 42.8
David Ross....... 33.2
Miguel Montero... 32.2
Joe Mauer........ 31.4
Jonathan Lucroy.. 29.8
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/23009/russell-martin-a-key-to-yankees-success
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 5th, 2012
9:51 am
I like how Buster has BJ hitting 7th and playing LF… as he should be doing. Alas, since he’s our highest paid FA, neither will happen.
Which do you think is more important?
Gamecalling by far, but I thought I read that he is a good game caller… even if he’s just adequate, at 500k vs 15mil over 5 years…
As for his average, I can take .220 for his first year. He’s likely going to improve on that over the years, just like Yadi did. Our offense shouldn’t be so bad that we need our catcher to be the main producer.
bring back blauser
December 5th, 2012
9:53 am
if he was not injury prone, I would say go for Ellsbury even if it is a one year rental, but his injury record for the last 2 seasons scares me to death
monty
December 5th, 2012
9:56 am
I think it was silly to commit 15 mil to a guy with the nickname “Bossman”. THat right off the bat doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. The guy is a lifetime 249. hitter who swings hard in case he hits it. Not exactly what we needed to go with a certain 2nd sacker who does the same. Now there’s talk of not being able to commit to McCann and Upton both in 2014,”too much money for just 2 players.” Well, if I had to put money into either McCann or Upton, guess who it would be. Now if Liberty frees up some dough to get a McCann deal done, forget what I just said. If McCann has a bounce back year (and he should), and he decides to go somewhere else for alot more than the Braves can fork out, more power to him. BUt please don’t tell me the BRaves can’t afford to make a decent deal for McCann(after next season or before) because we got Upton.
Rick C
December 5th, 2012
9:56 am
“Upton has HR and XBH power, but his home/away splits and OBP scare me.”
Are you just looking at his 2012 home/away splits? He played in a pitcher friendly park in Tropicana Field so I think that was just coincidence really. His career home/way splits are very even. 252/336/442 with 106 2B, 9 3B, 60 HR, and 218 RBI in 2048 PA at home. 258/335/422 with 96 2B, 11 3B, 58 HR, and 229 RBI in 2015 PA away.
raleighbravefan
December 5th, 2012
9:58 am
I hope a big move happens for LF. I also think we really need to re-sign R Johnson.
If Francisco or Gattis continue to develope, it could be big. If both do, it could be huge. Dan’t count on either yet. (The Dali Llama traveled half way around the word to ask Gattis the meaning of life).
Majia has great potential, but his worth to us is currently limited to backup 1B and PH. NL has no DH. May eventually be valuable as a trade piece.
ncscoots
December 5th, 2012
9:58 am
Our offense shouldn’t be so bad that we need our catcher to be the main producer.
As long as you think of McCann as the “main producer”, you’ll continue to be wrong about his value vs Bethancourt.
Patrick
December 5th, 2012
9:58 am
Speaking of leadoff options. I was really shocked to see what Alex Gordon is making and even more surprised that the Royals aren’t trying to move him more with that Salray. The have Myers.
It really makes sense for the Braves to trade Delgado or Teheran to them for Gordon. It makes perfect sense. And generally when those types of deals do look (to the outsider fan) like a perfect trade for both teams, they don’t happen
Murph
December 5th, 2012
10:00 am
Problem is that Frank can’t see beyond “leadoff hitter” in his search. He’s singularly focused on getting a leadoff hitter who can also play LF rather than on getting the best hitter who can also play LF or 3B.
He’s missing out on some golden opportunities here. I can tell you this much, if the team goes into ST with Upton as their only big offensive player addition, this offseason will be 100% failure.
A bucket of trade chips, 20 bags full of cash, and both Chipper’s and Bourn’s production to replace….. and Upton as the only offensive add? Horrible. Awful.
That’s fighting to not lose 2nd place in the division, not fighting to win the division.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 5th, 2012
10:00 am
Bethancourt’s arm is a true 80 on the scouting scale, and often cited as one of the best in the game. In previous seasons, his blocking and game calling have come under fire, but he was vastly improved in those areas this season and is considered one of the best defensive catchers in all of baseball.
Just waiting on the bat now…
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
10:00 am
Mac is gonna get paid….
A few teams with potential opening at C after 2013: Texas, New York, Boston, Chicago, LA, among many other teams. Mac is going to get a big deal.
jmart1951
December 5th, 2012
10:04 am
RC,
Thanks for the homerun break downs
Where are you able to find those statistics
TennesseePaul
December 5th, 2012
10:04 am
He’s likely going to improve on that over the years, just like Yadi did.
So you think he’s the next Yadier Molina? Are they cousin’s or something? The Molina gene pool is the crème de la crème of catching genetics.
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
10:06 am
Really hoping the NHL deal gets done this week so we can start playing some hockey by January.
Murph
December 5th, 2012
10:07 am
Why does the scouting scale only go to 80? Why not 90? Or 100?
Efrim
December 5th, 2012
10:07 am
Julio Teheran with another solid outing last night: 5 IP, 0 hits, 0 ER, 3 BB’s, 3 K’s.