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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
313 comments Add your comment
Yuuup
December 6th, 2012
12:36 pm
So much for that. Revere is now a Phillie and Span is a National. So what we desperately need, our rivals go out and get. Ok, so don’t offer up our studs for a high OBP player, I don’t fault them for not giving up the farm, but I think the Braves could have done something on this trade front. Hope they have something up their sleeves now. If you think fans were pissed off before and attendance was down, just wait until you see no Chipper Jones, Francisco at 3rd, or perhaps a platoon in LF with a couple of nobody’s. Shall be interesting. Nice to know though that two of our division rivals now have legit leadoff hitters who will be tormenting Braves pitching for years to come.
NORRIS CHUCK
December 6th, 2012
12:37 pm
Oh yeah, they can go after Corey Hart too, cause the Brewers needs pitching as well.
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
12:38 pm
seems everyone wants out of Seattle,strange Mariners being the highest bidder, but I think the second half of last season hurt Bourn
Nick N' Richmond
December 6th, 2012
12:38 pm
Norris Chuck,
Swisher is over-priced right now, Ross stinks outside Fenway, and who knows if Bonifacio is even available. The latter is the best option for the Braves at this point, for their cost.
Why?
December 6th, 2012
12:40 pm
I agree that second half hurt Bourn.
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
12:42 pm
try and sign Alex Gonzalez to play third base and use Francisco as trade bait
NORRIS CHUCK
December 6th, 2012
12:42 pm
Or, maybe Bourn will come crawling back to the Braves.
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
12:44 pm
now i like that scenario Norris Chuck, who knows anything is possible
NORRIS CHUCK
December 6th, 2012
12:47 pm
Red Sox To Sign Koji Uehara
By Tim Dierkes [December 6 at 11:44am CST]
The Red Sox agreed to a one-year deal with reliever Koji Uehara, according to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#kqM63MsltH883Kgs.99
The Red Sox are really serious this off-season!
AZ Brave fan
December 6th, 2012
12:47 pm
Guys, believe me when I say you DON’T want Justin Upton….I have watched him since he came to the Diamondbacks and he is a pouty, self-centered, and egotistic person that doesn’t hustle and posesses poor baserunning skills. Yes, he has some power and hits majestic home runs, however, not a very consistent hitter. Please bang this drum as I don’t want him on my Braves team.
2hotscott
December 6th, 2012
12:48 pm
Okay, Span and Revere are off the market, so where does Wren go from here? If the asking price is too high in a trade, I guess we are paying the waiting game until the other teams start getting desperate. Alot of things can change in the next 60 days before camp. I do not believe the Braves are planning on having Julio or Randall spend more time in AAA, especially since Gilmartin and Spurrill have nothing more to prove in AA.
Also, are 1 year stop gaps in left such as Free agents Scott Hairston, Ludwick, Delmon Young or Ichiro not viable, so that Gattis and Cunningham can play a full year at AAA and be ready for 2014?
Why?
December 6th, 2012
12:48 pm
NORRIS CHUCK
You think Bourn would be open to playing LF? There’s no way Upton is moving to LF. I’m sure that was mentioned during negotiations.
Bud
December 6th, 2012
12:54 pm
I don’t want J Upton either. I say go for Stanton, bat Simmons lead-off.
JHarber
December 6th, 2012
12:55 pm
When you snooze you lose. Wren snoozes alot
PABraveFan
December 6th, 2012
12:56 pm
It isn’t as easy just throwing people out there as some would believe and expect other teams to jump on them. Some of these GM’s have RIDICULOUS asking prices that Wren should not meet just to satisfy those of you who think he should make a move to get someone. Also, we have no way of knowing what other GM’s covet. For example, a report out of Colorado is that Rockies were asking for Minor and one of either Teheran or Delgado. Obviously, Wren should laugh at them. So before you criticize him as doing nothing, unless you are in the room and know what is being asked for, just don’t sound dumb criticizing. Revere would have been nice, but maybe they preferred Worley to either of our UNPROVEN guys of Teheran or Delgado.
Nick N' Richmond
December 6th, 2012
12:58 pm
AZ Braves Fan,
Funny, because the Tampa Bay Rays fans said the same about his brother, and we gave him $75M!
PABraveFan
December 6th, 2012
12:58 pm
Sorry, didn’t say but that ridiculous asking price was for Fowler, who isn’t even close to being worth that!
Rev Buddy Greene
December 6th, 2012
1:01 pm
i cant believe philly got revere for wurley! would have traded delgado for him who has to be higher ranked then wurley! but i am good with other peoples money/lives that way
Why?
December 6th, 2012
1:03 pm
JHarber
Yeah…..Wren is sleeping in his hotel room. It’s called Wren isn’t giving in to high trade demands.
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:04 pm
did you stop to think that Wren has a deal in the works, and did not want the Phils blocking it so when Revere was available the Braves let it be known that they wanted him just to make Philly pay more to get the Braves to drop out, you know these things do go on in baseball
ALJ
December 6th, 2012
1:04 pm
If I was Boros I would give Texas a call in case they do not re-sign Hamilton or get Justin Upton. Bourne needs a job.
oldmike
December 6th, 2012
1:07 pm
DOB- Isn’t Constanza a clone of Bonafacio?
Bobby for GM
December 6th, 2012
1:08 pm
Frustration is looking at these pages every day to see what the Braves have done
Rick C
December 6th, 2012
1:09 pm
Reb Buddy Greene, the Phillies overpaid. They gave Worley and their second best pitching prospect. It would be the rough equivalent of the Braves giving Minor and Delgado.
JHarber
December 6th, 2012
1:09 pm
To All Above. Yes I thought out all above But track record is not good. Name me Just one Deal Wren worked out that worked for the Braves in a decent time frame.
steve
December 6th, 2012
1:11 pm
Frank Wren strikes again!
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:12 pm
Paul Janish, Juan Francisco, Ben Sheets, David Ross, Alex Gonzales Eric Hinske
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:13 pm
Dubin Martinez O’Flaherty
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:14 pm
Javier Vasquez
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:14 pm
is that enough JHarber?
Why?
December 6th, 2012
1:15 pm
Paul Janish – Great defender, Juan Francisco – could be could if given at bats, Ben Sheets- gave us quality starts, when we needed them, David Ross- best backup in game, Alex Gonzales- great glove Eric Hinske – would have won us game 3 if not for Conrad
Real Talk
December 6th, 2012
1:15 pm
@jHarber dont have to go to far Michael Bourn was a good one because we got what we wanted out of it and it cost us very little!!
JHarber
December 6th, 2012
1:17 pm
And How many of those are Braves now? Give it some thought.
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:17 pm
all of those contibuted and all were great finds by Wren, but best deal of all times for the Braves was pulled off by Bobby Cox
Why?
December 6th, 2012
1:17 pm
Real Talk
Plus we have Schafer back (not that he’s going to see any time) but still
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:18 pm
that was not your question, now what is it that you really want to know?
Why?
December 6th, 2012
1:18 pm
JHarber
And How many of those are Braves now? Give it some thought.
How many of those players are past their prime? Wren got the best out of them, then let them go.
USAF92
December 6th, 2012
1:20 pm
The key piece to the trade with the Phillies is not Worley – it’s Tervor May. In 4+ seasons of A-AA ball the kid is averaging 11.8 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched. He’s probably a couple of year’s off from a call-up but it seems likely that Worley was secondary to the main object of the Twins desire in this case.
USAF92
December 6th, 2012
1:20 pm
The key piece to the trade with the Phillies is not Worley – it’s Tervor May. In 4+ seasons of A-AA ball the kid is averaging 11.8 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched. He’s probably a couple of year’s off from a call-up but it seems likely that Worley was secondary to the main object of the Twins desire in this case.
Bobby Cox
December 6th, 2012
1:23 pm
So what happens when the Braves pass on deals and Francisco proves to be the strikeout machine and low OBP guy that most of us believe he is?
Who cares, as long as he hits a home run whenever he doesn’t strike out.
USAF92
December 6th, 2012
1:24 pm
My bad – the kid’s name is Trevor May.
JHarber
December 6th, 2012
1:24 pm
My point guys used up vets and in most cases paid a high price in prospects, He waited too long on Bourn extension talks. Please put some serious thought into it.
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:26 pm
personally, with all the constraints in place, I think Wren is doing a great job, if Ted Turner or someone else owned the team and did not hold tight purse strings Wren could sign the top tier players. so when Liberty sells the team at least the Braves will be known to have all the key personel in place in management of the orginization, not just a bunch of robots that make moves dictated by rich owners
Real Talk
December 6th, 2012
1:27 pm
@JHarber I am just LOL and falling at my chair when you speak now….too funny….yell upstairs and tell your mom I said hey :}
Why?
December 6th, 2012
1:28 pm
JHarber
The Braves approached Boras about Bourn and were told to wait until the end of the seasson. Do you really think Boras would let a client sign, without testing the open market? Thats where he makes his money!
Teddy B
December 6th, 2012
1:30 pm
I can’t believe we paid what we did for the older Upton brother, PLEASE don’t make the mistake of overpaying a 2nd time for an Upton this off season, Wren. Why do we need both of them to complete our OF? Why? Do people think that if they are on the same team they will automatically turn into the prospects they were supposed to be all along and be great all of a sudden? Doesn’t work like that. Sure they might enjoy playing together and get a slight boost in their numbers from friendly brotherly competition, but they won’t turn into super stars overnight.
Lets be realistic about this. We are the Braves, not the Yankees we can’t just buy anyone we want. We have a budget, and that budget better be getting ready for the shock of resigning Heyward, Freeman, Kimbrel, and all our other good young guys like Beachy in the coming couple years.
bring back blauser
December 6th, 2012
1:33 pm
extension talks with Bourn were not going to happen, his agent is Scott Boras, he does not negotiate extensions, he waits them out then auctions his players to the highest bidder
Yuuup
December 6th, 2012
1:33 pm
Oldmike,
No, Constanza bats lefty only and Bonifacio is a switch hitter. Bonifacio imo, is a more concistent player.
Rick C
December 6th, 2012
1:33 pm
Wren said they expressed in an interest in resigning Bourn before the season started. Boras clients typically wait until the offseason, and he tends to drag out the process through December. Wren said they approached him again at the end of the season, and Boras never came back to them.
Teddy B
December 6th, 2012
1:34 pm
In other news, I think its funny that nobody has signed Bourn yet. Now the Phillies and Nationals don’t even need him, we can’t afford him. I look for him to sign a 1 year deal with someone (maybe even us) if his super-agent can’t get someone to overpay for him this season, theres always next off season to look for a mega-deal. Bourn is getting old though, so who knows.
It would be funny if every team passed on him this season just because of Boras.
Teddy B
December 6th, 2012
1:34 pm
In other news, I think its funny that nobody has signed Bourn yet. Now the Phillies and Nationals don’t even need him, we can’t afford him. I look for him to sign a 1 year deal with someone (maybe even us) if his super-agent can’t get someone to overpay for him this season, theres always next off season to look for a mega-deal. Bourn is getting old though, so who knows.
It would be funny if every team passed on him this season just because of Boras.
Rick C
December 6th, 2012
1:35 pm
And JHarber, please tell us the deals where Wren paid a high price in prospects.
JHarber
December 6th, 2012
1:39 pm
Real Talk— That would be one hell of a shout being she passed away in 2007, Me being 70 myself. I hope you LOL till you give this more thought.
Real Talk
December 6th, 2012
1:44 pm
@JHarber well hopefully she is still upstairs my friend, but your thoughts on the Braves are hillarious!!
JHarber
December 6th, 2012
1:46 pm
Just to name 2 KC–Astos
Rick C
December 6th, 2012
1:51 pm
What specific trades are you talking about?
JHarber
December 6th, 2012
1:52 pm
Glad to make people laugh. I do not mind if it is my expense. I have been laughed at before and I laughed all the way to the Bank.
Real Talk
December 6th, 2012
1:54 pm
@JHarber yeah me too been coaching 20 years and I have made tons laugh with my decisions and have laughed to alot of great moments!! We have given no propspects to the Astros or Royals that have been costly so what are you talking about?
Real Talk
December 6th, 2012
2:03 pm
In the trade with the Astros for Bourn we gave up Schaffer who is back with us and three sucky pitchers, their stats from last season….Oberholtzer 5-7 4.22 E.RA, Clemens 11-10 5.73 E.RA, and Abreu 2-3 6.80 E.RA…..so what are you talking about Jharber:}
JHarber
December 6th, 2012
2:05 pm
Maybe not costly too Date. Ankeil and reliever to KC–Bourn and all those pitchers to Astros. But lets get Serious this team has tremendous talent A leadoff man Left field or third baseman and they will play with anyone but as they are no. Bad trades deplete farm. Good use of farm system builds teams. I understand deals will go bad but if they are bad at get go, no chance. I knew Uggla was a bad deal up front as was upton.
Rick C
December 6th, 2012
2:25 pm
None of those guys traded away in those deals are significant. I guess you could argue the value in having Blanco over Ankiel, but he’s still not an impact player by any means.
Homer the Brave
December 6th, 2012
2:36 pm
Reed Johsnon agrees to a new contract with the Braves. Financial details not disclosed.
The Truth....
December 6th, 2012
2:40 pm
Frank has proved over the past 5 years he can’t wheel and deal for players. He’s better at shopping at K-Mart.
Liberty Media Is Trash
December 6th, 2012
2:50 pm
Braves should look into under the radar options. Since trash LM is the owner of the Braves, we have to shop in the bargain bin and roll the dice looking for diamonds in the rough. Prob is you’re going to be wrong more than you will be correct. Trayvon Robinson, for example, though not sure if they O’s would part with him. Also Kyle Blanks. Hasn’t done much in SD, but a change of scenery and a ballpark that isn’t as big as the Grand Canyon might work wonders. If nothing else you could platoon him/use as a power bench bat.
Point is, when you have filth like LM running the team, you have to look outside the box for solutions. Find top prospects who haven’t been given a chance or who are underperforming with their current teams, and get them at a discount.
And to add a bit more to my soapbox for the day- is anyone really sick and tired of this city and it’s completely laughable and joke performances ACROSS ALL SPORTS? for a big city we are a COMPLETE joke. When’s the last time we had a championship, or even SOMETHING TO CHEER FOR? I effing hate this cesspool. Dawgs- choke. Braves – cheap owners, choke. Hawks – 1 and done in the playoffs, and were just gutted via trades during the offseason. Falcons – 1 and done in the playoffs, choke; hopefully this season will be different, but we say that every year, dont we?
I dont see how anyone could be a sports writer in this town. DOB do you have “choke” templates that you use for Atl teams? Save yourself time for an inevitable result. I don’t know how you endure this craphole; I would have taken my writing experience and bolted for a non-joke town’s newspaper a long time ago. Props to you for sticking it out.
ALJ
December 6th, 2012
3:15 pm
Hey Liberty Media is Trash, I am a Braves Fan in Philly and I know alot of people here that will send you the Eagles for the Falcons. It could be worst.
Nookah
December 6th, 2012
3:23 pm
ALJ,
Thatwould mean we have to take back Vick? heheeh
ALJ
December 6th, 2012
3:44 pm
Nookah, Excellent point
cornjolio
December 6th, 2012
4:13 pm
LORENZO CAIN IN LF !
David O'Brien
December 6th, 2012
7:14 pm
Braves re-sign Reed Johnson, but leave Meetings without big moves
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/12/06/braves-leave-meetings-without-lf-but-not-worried/
Josh
December 6th, 2012
7:47 pm
Ay thoughts on getting Lomo for LF? Always seemed like a high OBP guy which the brave could use. I guess he can’t lead off but you could always have Prado lead off.
It’s not like we don’t have speed anymore with Upton and Heyward able to steal25+ each.
BravesFanForever
December 6th, 2012
8:05 pm
Frankly I think they should forget the idea of trying to get a “lead off hitter”. that usually means a watered down one dimensional player. I would rather have the Braves get the best possible player for the money in LF and forget about getting “speed” because that’s basically all you are going to get. If I know the Braves, they bring in one decent player then skimp on anything else after that–and the rest is for LF and the bench.
Ggs
December 6th, 2012
8:36 pm
If you sign BJ Upton for that kind of money then you must be serious about winning next you so it makes no sense to possibly start the season without a proven LF. I think the options are limited if we have to have a LF who happens to be a true lead off hitter.My choice has been Alex Gordon all along and I don’t think we would have to raid the farm system to get him.If not Gordon then I suppose Cody Ross would suffice but definately a distant second choice to Gordon.
JC Brave
December 6th, 2012
9:20 pm
If the Braves trade for Bonifacio, this will be the worst offseason EVER.
ATLcracker
December 6th, 2012
9:47 pm
Of the names I’m seeing Bonifacio interests me the most.He is 27 years old. He was hurt last year but look at his 2011 stats .296/.360/.393/.753 with an oWAR of 3.1 (higher than Upton). Also just the subjective opinion that he scared me to death whenever he came up late in a one run game against the Braves.The guy can fly. Also his ability to play shortstop would probably put Yanish in the minors and give us room for another bat.
STEELY DAN MAN
December 7th, 2012
12:00 am
DOB …Wonder what ….. Chase Headley at 3rd ….. Prado in left …. would cost ? …. and could work ?
Swede
December 7th, 2012
9:55 am
@fansince66: “Fransisco, Freeman, Uggla, Upton, and Heyward 700 strike outs. Thats a scary thought. Lots of 1-2-3 innings. Better keep pitching staff healthy.”
Fransico, Freeman, Uggla, Upton and Heyward 150 HRs. Thats a scary thought. Lots of 3-run innings. Better keep the bubbly within reach.
Steve
December 7th, 2012
11:08 am
Wren hints at getting top quality players, he insinuates he wants to win, but then does nothing, yet the Braves have the pitching and cash to pull any top FA outfielder out there. The brutal reality is Atlanta will NEVER play in another World Series while Frank Wren is calling the shots. Good job at the winter meetings, Frank. You’re a waste of carbon.
Steve
December 7th, 2012
11:08 am
Wren hints at getting top quality players, he insinuates he wants to win, but then does nothing, yet the Braves have the pitching and cash to pull any top FA outfielder out there. The brutal reality is Atlanta will NEVER play in another World Series while Frank Wren is calling the shots. Good job at the winter meetings, Frank. You’re a waste of carbon.
Steve
December 7th, 2012
11:08 am
Wren hints at getting top quality players, he insinuates he wants to win, but then does nothing, yet the Braves have the pitching and cash to pull any top FA outfielder out there. The brutal reality is Atlanta will NEVER play in another World Series while Frank Wren is calling the shots. Good job at the winter meetings, Frank. You’re a waste of carbon.
Rick C
December 7th, 2012
11:17 am
Steve, what exactly does their pitching have to do with getting FAs? And they certainly don’t have the money left to sign any of them. Hamilton and Bourn are two that they obviously do not have enough left to afford.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2012
12:21 pm
DOB …Wonder what ….. Chase Headley at 3rd ….. Prado in left …. would cost ? …. and could work ?
Padres have been saying for weeks they have no plans to trade Headley. New ownership doesn’t want to move one of the few players they have with any real appeal to fans, especially since he’s still cheap.
If they did move him — and again, they say they aren’t going to — then it would multiple young players/prospects in return. And not mediocre players or mid-level prospects, either. Top talent.
Posts about The Braves From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
December 7th, 2012
1:30 pm
[...] Holliday and Brad Sloan, as special assistants to general manager Frank Wren. more… Braves balk at some trade ‘ask’ prices – blogs.ajc.com 12/06/2012 NASHVILLE – They still were working several possibilities, but [...]
Posts about The Braves From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
December 7th, 2012
1:30 pm
[...] Holliday and Brad Sloan, as special assistants to general manager Frank Wren. more… Braves balk at some trade ‘ask’ prices – blogs.ajc.com 12/06/2012 NASHVILLE – They still were working several possibilities, but [...]
mace224
December 7th, 2012
6:32 pm
I think every major league player has been mentioned here.
mace224
December 7th, 2012
6:35 pm
Why didn’t we go after Michael Young? Missed the boat there.
mace224
December 7th, 2012
8:59 pm
Get rid of Uggla. We already got a white guy at first base.
mace224
December 7th, 2012
9:04 pm
Great suggestions…start Costanzo,Francisco,sign Alex Gonzalez. Where does that add up to first place?
Big 10
December 8th, 2012
11:54 am
Keep prado in left and get Michael Young. A good veteran with good leadership skills.
longtimefan
December 8th, 2012
2:14 pm
Steve, your comment is somewhat offensive-especially when posted 3 times.
longtimefan
December 8th, 2012
2:18 pm
And Steve if you haven’t been paying attention FW was the first GM to pull the trigger on a big name FA, an outfielder. He has also made several other moves. The majority of MLB GMs have done very little and if you where paying attention the biggest news out of the winter meetings was there was no news.
74bravesjersey
December 8th, 2012
3:14 pm
Bonifacio! I like ‘em, book ‘em.
74bravesjersey
December 8th, 2012
3:14 pm
Bonifacio! I like ‘em, book ‘em.
David
December 8th, 2012
3:35 pm
I know the Scott Boras gets his players a lot of money but only from a few teams, what will happen when those teams no longer want to pay for Boras players?
longtimefan
December 8th, 2012
4:54 pm
I actually believe giving one of the young guys/rookies a chance at third or LF is a great idea. Every elite player in MLB started out as a rookie. You don’t known if you have a budding star unless you give them a chance. Building from a strong Farm and continually having a few low payroll homegrown players on the team is a great way to keep a perennial winner on the field. Chasing a lot of high priced FAs or trading for players with a high salary absolutely doesn’t guarantee a winning product on the field. Look at Miami, Boston and the Yankees.
mace224
December 8th, 2012
6:25 pm
This fascination with the Upton brothers is making me sick.
mace224
December 8th, 2012
6:31 pm
Francisco 192 AB 70 K. Ok all you geniuses, how does that spell potential?
mace224
December 8th, 2012
6:39 pm
Phillies got Michael Young for a prayer.
mace224
December 8th, 2012
11:52 pm
start Constanza, Francisco, Bethancourt, get Cabrera, start pitchers Tehran and Delgado. If the team sucks, move them to the Dominican Republic.
74bravesjersey
December 9th, 2012
11:32 am
I’m putting a plug in for Scotty Hairston; OF/2B/PH, 20Hr. for parttime player, not too shabby, Super utility.
nc82
December 9th, 2012
1:56 pm
My feelings are I say trade Pastornicky Uggla and Delgado to the Dodgers for Dee Gordon and Mark Ellis then flip Ellis Fransisco and Spruill to the Jays for Bonifacio and Edwin Encarnacion. Here is the line up for next year
Bonifacio LF
Prado 2B
Freeman 1st
Upton CF
Heyward RF
Edwin Encarnacion 3rd
McCann Catcher
Simmons SS
then for bench help I would sign Figgins to go along with Johnson Janish