Braves sign utility infielder Pena

Why?

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Will this team play at Turner Stadium or Coolray Field?

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From all that I am reading Frankie Wren is not in on any deals. Little tired of the Braves poor mouthing. Ticket prices don’t seem to be going down. Spent some money and put a first class team on the field.

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How many bench players does one team need? Getting tired of hearing the Braves have signed another back up player, sign someone who really can help the team. If you don’t want to, then sell the team to someone who actually gives a poo.

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With Hinske gone, what’s the plan for a backup first baseman?

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Sign Swisher – he can backup 1B when he’s not in the OF.

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I like what Wren is doing. He made his splash with Upton, now he is letting the market show itself. With Hamilton’s signing by the Angels, other teams will need to look at their rosters and consider a counter. No telling who will become available. The Rangers are now on the clock. Watch for things to pop. Wren is in a good position. Shoring up the bench makes sense in the meantime.

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Joe Casey they won 94 games!!!

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Didn’t DOB, for the past month, kept saying we needed TWO bench players. With the signing of Reed Johnson that took our bench needs to ONE because 2 – 1 = 1. Now, with this signing, we don’t need anymore bench players because 2 – 2 = 0. Come on guys! Stop complaining every darn post.

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Since Josh Hamilton signed with the Angels, we should definitely be trying to trade for Mark Trumbo. Stick him in at third base and keep Prado out in left.

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I think that Wren is loading up for a big and interesting trade deal

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Looks like Bourne will sign with the Rangers now.

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@ John Boy I am not your HONEY. Iam an alcoholic. Not Drunk. Just trying to get you fools to realize that your GM is going to do NOTHING!!!

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If not Trumbo then maybe Peter Bourjos to play left and lead off?

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I love people who think they know more about the business dealings in baseball then Wren. News flash, you don’t! Oh you have your right to express your opinion but remember, Opinions are like a**holes and some of you are just that, a**holes.

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hey, Janish has played a little 2B and 3B (and even pitched in two games!). He has not logged that many games or innings at those positions though.

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That puts us over the top, atleast 100 wins next year.

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We’re loading up – we can do these utility player deals like no one else…..

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With Hamiltom, Puljos, and Trout. They have instantly became the most feared line up in MLB. Move over Detroit, the Angels are know #1

Oh nice pick up Wren, thx for the last piece of the puzzle.

Now that the remaining dominos are going to tumble. Maybe we can pick an opportunity to sneak in a good deal for a LF or 3rd Baseman.

Next few days will spark some interesting rumors…

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Angel Eyes – Sorry buttercup, just do us a favor and put the bottle of jack down for a few minutes, go outside and have a smoke, and once you’ve calmed down come on back and we’ll talk some baseball.

Wren knows what he is doing. The Braves WERE in the playoffs this year, we just lost in the wildcard round. I dont know what you were thinking the Bravos were going to do this offseason, but you dont mortgage the future of your club just to appease crazy fans. The braves had what, 96 wins last season. 96 WINS. 99/100 times you win your division with those kind of numbers.

I await your eloquent, intelligent reply.

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Rick C:

SNARKY PUPPY to you sir.

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Seems like people are being traded almost daily, people that the Braves could use to plug that outfield abyss. When I hear that Denard Spann went for a prospect, I’m thinking couldn’t we have offered two? The kid from Cincinnati went yesterday, Drew Stubbs, I think it was for ole Choo Choo from Cleveland. Neither of them good enough? Stubbs would have been a great lead off. Choo could play left and hit. Guess I’m just being too critical, Wren always comes through for us, right! Maybe he can sign Manny Ramirez for comeback number 3.

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First of all MR JOHN BOY I am not Female. If you are gay go away. I do not drink. I do not Smoke. I do not do drugs so MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. I am talking baseball and telling you that your so called GM will do NOTHING!!!!

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We get Peña….after seeing the Hamilton deal go down, I’m not amused…

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Wren is addicted to dumpsters, can’t get enough of those things, must be the smell that keeps him going back.

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This guy might be better than Pastornicky, but its not what we need.

Don’t expect much the rest of the way. Sky not falling yet — this is still a competitive team.

Too bad we have such cheap ownership.

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Dont forget that prado can backup at first base.

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Angel Eyes – My apologies, your manly name on here was so obvious. I dont know what I was thinking.

In order to do nothing, you have to do nothing. Wren did something, so how can he have done nothing? See? Your argument just doesn’t hold water. I ask you, Mr. Angel Eyes (lol), what exactly would Wren have to do to improve our NINTEY SIX win baseball team?

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This signing has NOTHING

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Ry – The way their structured now they wont win playoff games?? You do realize that MLB requires them to actually play these games, right? If you’re done with your time machine I have some lotto numbers I’d like to get.

Here’s why I think we will win Playoff games, and why we continue to compete with the best:

PRADO
HEYWARD
FREEMAN
UPTON
McCANN
SIMMONS
ALL THE PITCHERS
BULLPEN

Plus the Bravos have excellent depth and in house guys that always come up and surprise us, so just chill guys. It’ll be okay.

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The Angels sign Hamilton, the Dodgers sign Greinke, the Braves sign Mexican Dude with decent glove but no bat. Sounds about right.

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MR John BOY LF after LF has slipped right thru in fingers time after time. No deal. WHY? Because they were somebody that might help him win. Don’t need them because they don’t PITCH. LOSER LOSER AGAIN AND AGAIN.

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The Braves bullpen will be the strongest part of the team Besides Hudson and Prado the rest of the team is unproven. Sure Medlen and Minor had great 2nd halfs of the season and Heyward bounced back. But what if they tank this year. On paper they are the 3rd best team in the division. But hey last offseason they were the 4th best team on paper and we know how that played out. I’d say this team could win 80-90 games but we’ll see.

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Sign Swisher. I agree. He can back up at 1st and play either corner outfield position. We will have to settle for Simmons or Prado to leadoff. Swisher is a gamer. Can hit, catch, and throw and get the dugout pumped up. Just do it Frank!

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Sign Swisher. I agree. He can back up at 1st and play either corner outfield position. We will have to settle for Simmons or Prado to leadoff. Swisher is a gamer. Can hit, catch, and throw and get the dugout pumped up. Just do it Frank!

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World Series here we come!!!

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GM FW, Braves could use a Super Star to lead our current star players to The Promised Land of World Series Champions. Just Saying. I remain patient. We are loaded for special times, we just need one Really Special Player to be Our Guy. The Man. The One. Someone who will be a difference maker. It is time. No more average guys like Uggla has become. Braves need A Champion, the fans will feel will be confident to say, Our Champion will Win this Game for Us.

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They way I see it, we have Prado, Heyward, Freemand and the pitching staff. Here is why we will not win playoff games (absent a significant signing for LF or 3B)
– Upton is a below avg. offensive player and strike out machine
– McCann will be rehabbing to being the season and may not return to former self next season
– Huge offensive hole at 2B
– Huge offensive hole at 3B
– Huge offensive hole at C (pending McCann proving he can get back to form)

A team can’t have that many question marks offensively and be considered a playoff team (at least one that will compete and go far into the playoffs).

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Go get Bourjos

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Get Cory hart!

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Could we get Kendrys Morales or Peter Bourjos from the Angels??? If so, could Morales play 3B or LF?

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Ted, again they said that Trumbo is not available.

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@JHarber Thats too good for him. Let him clean up the dog pen

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Ted Striker…… Trumbo is not on the market to be traded. Angles have made that clear to all clubs

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I would like to see the braves give Grady Sizemore a chance to lead off and play left bc he will b cheap and they may get lucky and get a steal, If not trade for a LF at the break.

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Frank Wren, Freddi G -Put any holiday plans on hold until you trade for Mark Trumbo of the Angels

Protect Simmons,Freddy ,Jason,Martin.Kimbrel,Medlin,-everybody else can go for Trumbo- his numbers are great -lots better than the new CF Braves overpaid for,he is 26 plays OF 3B and 1B-
Braves Management get moving or move out

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Can AJC make a rule to prevent poster’s projected Braves lineup cards? They take up too much cyber space!

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“Angel Eyes – My apologies, your manly name on here was so obvious. I dont know what I was thinking.”

Yeah, Angel Eyes doesn’t seem to fit the image of a dumpy, sweaty and hairy 50s+ guy in 15 year-old boxer shorts with Cheese Puffs next to the keyboard.

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DOB, If my math is correct after our two huge signings of Janis and Pena this week, wouldn’t we still have around 7.5 left to spend?

There is no argument that Pena is an amazing find given he’ll fill in our #4 slot on the depth chart at SS nicely. I assume they are going to teach someone to play 1B to back up Freeman. Maybe Scott Hatteberg is available.

Based on the article earlier last week on AJC it seems that Wren isn’t willing to even consider allowing any more of the Braves pitching to walk and the FA market is getting pretty thin for the budget we have left. Is it possible Wren thinks Jordan “It feels good to be a gangster” Schaffer is the lead off answer they are going to try to sell?

Man I wish Liberty Media would sell this team to an actual owner.

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Wren should go get Bonafacio in a trade. Bonafacio leads-off, plays left but fills-in around the infield when needed. He would be a great addition…Make it happen Wren!

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Good pitching, good defense will win a lot of games, don’t jump off the ship. Power hitting clubs with no pitching or defense lose in the end. Patience, Patience, and a lil Patience or ask your docs for a script of Nitro.

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Forget trumbo, angels would want way too much even if he was on the market. Instead get Cory hart from the brewers. Good avg, good power, can easily play left field, and shouldn’t take too Much to get him

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It dosen’t matter how many games you win, it all starts over in the post season. They just can’t do it in the playoffs because they dont’t have anyone that can get them over the hump in the hitting dept. Pitching has never been the problem. You have to have SOME offense, and that is what has been lacking. I just wish someone in the ATL would put together a team that would get what it takes to win a championship. When the pressure is applied they just seem to fold. We shall see.

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Angle Eyes— You must be kidding. How do you know that Wren would not give up this package. You have to give up something to get something better. They need hitters. There’s plenty of Delgado’s in minor league system that could be ready, soon.

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Once again Wren proves he is the king of the NO DEAL and DUMPSTER DIVING!

He is the General Manager of CRAP.

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I really like Donald Trump’s hair.

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The Angels sign Josh Hamilton to add to Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo. We sign Chico “Beseball been berry, berry good to me” Esquela. Lord, it’s good to be a Braves fan.

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The article about Hamilton on the homepage says Trumbo might be available. He is still an arb guy and is a power bat that plays outfield. Anyone have a clue what it might take to get him? The Angels said they want bourjos to play center

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*yawn*…. I’m sorry, this team bores me now. Hurts to watch our “moneyball” efforts every year since Wren has been at the helm. Johnny Schuerholz, you were a wise man to take the front office job when they offered it.

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after the tex trade he should have been fired. one of the worst trades in the history of baseball. js is over rated

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Are they paying Pena in Peso’s?….What a deal…

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oh boy… this makes me feel so much better… big freaking deal… FW, this move will surely save our season…. yes thank you for this big news… cheap freaking scapes

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Is Uggla in any winter league anywhere learning how to hit or has gone huntin’ with Chipper.

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Dobwhat do you think about giving up someone like terdo and a pitcher or giving up Ahmed for Cory hart? Seems to fill a lot of needs for the braves and the brewers really aren’t looking like they will contend.

He’s a RH bat who can hit anywhere from 2 to 7, has good pop, good avg, plays a good of, good arm, and is fast enough.

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Would love to have Cory Hart but he is a “one and done “player..will be free agent in 2013. Unless Braves could resign him.

Now watch Texas get J Upton or Bourn.

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Not to mention we’re a lot closer in terms of championship than milwaukee

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To every one of you who have made complaints and dissed Fran Wren: You should be thankful the Braves have a GM who did not spend 125 mil to sign Hamilton and who has not made trades that will not make the team better. Signing Upton for 75 mil
and letting Bourn walk was not a bad move considering the fact that Bourn`s performance has dropped off and the amount other FA`s have got this off .

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DUDE CAN HIT TOO!!!

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@ NORRIS CHUCK Never happen. Bourjos doesn’t pitch so Wren dont want him.

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LOL….GOOD POINT ANGEL!

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This Angel Eyes character sure doesn’t know what he/she is talking about. I usually don’t go looking to argue with anonymous, fellow Braves fans, but this person hasn’t posted one logical comment in…well as long as I’ve ever seen that screen name on this site. It’s weird. And senseless.

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ok frank wren go get dexter fowler now it will put us in the world series now so don’t even think of sitting around make the move now you have trade pieces to trade now and he isnot a scott boras clinte.would not cost us much

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Well, Supper with my “Angel Eyes” and of to work See you tomorrow, Bye

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@ dumb, I agree completely. I think he felt the pressure to make a bog signing and took a huge gamble on Upton, offering him way more than anyone else just to assure he’d sign. In my opinion he really should’ve waited until others started signing and teams needed to move people. If he’d waited, we would still have all that money, and with greinke signing elsewhere, would’ve feasibly been able to resign Bourne to a smaller contract, and perhaps traded pitching depth to Texas to acquire olt, or maybe Nelson Cruz.

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Austin Jackson what would it take to get him from detroit?

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Angle Eyes— Don’t know what in the hell you are talking about. Are talking about Angles don’t have anything to offer? Now I know you are crazy.

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Pretpuma, Frank Wren didn’t make the Tex trade. The president of the Braves did.

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Well maybe the braves can work a trade for Adrian beltre! . I can dream can’t I?

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Because swisher is not the answer. Avg hitter, no power outside of NY, can’t play defense, and apparently is a bit of a clubhouse problem

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Enter your ridiculous comments here.

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Not to mention Swisher and Walker used to butt heads in Chicago together.

Plus “Swishalicious” is just a complete tool.

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Or how about maholm and one of our lower prospect pitchers for Lorenzo Cain? Move Upton to left, prado to second, trade uggla to an alteam ( yes while eating a big portion of his contract, but sometimes you just have to admit when you make a bad move) for a pitching prospect, or position prospect (second tier of course) then call up joey terdoslavich and platoon him with Francisco.

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Somebody licked the red off most of these bloggers candy. Braves won 94 games last year. Lost in a screwed up one game playoff because of uncharacteristically bad defense and blown infield fly rule. The starting pitching will be better with more experience and minus the awful starts of JJ and Hanson. The BP will likely be tops in MLB. We have some budding stars who will only get better. Francisco might surprise you. And McCann is 5 time all-star, one of best offensive catchers in baseball who played hurt last year. By reports should only miss a couple of weeks. Uggla’s average can only go up and his OBP is already decent.

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Here are the players we will be able to choose from for lead-off, outfield and third base if no other players are added.
To me we already have three possible guys for lead-off.
1. Constanza. The guy deserves a shot. He has speed good defense can bunt and steal. The main drag on him is he can’t hit MLB pitchers for avg. I think he could and hope to see him get a chance.
2.Jordan Shafner. Unfortunately he has made us forget about his ability because of his mistakes. But he can flat out run has good defense some pop if we want some power at the top. The only draw back is he hasn’t proven himself to be dependable and consistent. I think if he really tried hard we might see the guy we all thought he would be.
3. Reed Johnson. He is a candidate and i think he would be ok. But i don’t see him as a everyday lead-off guy. Although depending on what Wren wants to do he may share time at lead-off
I know that Prado is a option but to me he has more value in the second hole. And alot have said well we can throw Simmons into the lead-off spot. My opinion is we could do that but he needs time to get settled at this level he is so young that we shouldn’t put him under that pressure until we are sure he can handle it. So if he continues to do well he would be a candidate maybe later in the year.
@ third base we have Prado backing him up is Fransisco
I also would like to see Gattis have a shot we could use him if Prado or Simmons are used as a lead-off in the games gattis starts. The guy is a beast he is in his prime should be an easy transition for him to LF because of his age and experience.
If we can get through this year without a set lead-off guy. We have Cunningham coming up quickly.
I think we have the players to compete we just need to figure out the best way to use them. I hope we use whatever money is left to start getting control of our young star players. Go Braves

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Bourn will not play for the Braves next year.

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www i know that and that is why i said js should of been fired after the tex trade. he set the braves back big time with that trade

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Shafer can’t get his hat to look right….how can he play left and lead off

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All of the red is now off the candy. Ken, I disagree with you on this one. Pitching and defense win; we have plenty of hitting if the team collectively plays to career average. Hamilton has too many question marks for a middle tier payroll team to tie up 125M. Look at A Rod. The Yankees couldn’t find a taker with that salary.

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He does look weird in a ball cap. Maybe if we let him play with an over sized foam finger it will help. lol

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THIS AIN’T ABOUT WINNING,IT’S ABOUT MAKEING MONEY.JUST PUT A GOOD ENOUGH TEAM OUT THERE.YES I KNOW IT’S NOT MY MONEY THAT PAYS THE BILL,BUT IT IS.IS IT ANY WAY A CITY COULD OWN THE TEAM.BECAUSE LIBERTY WHAT EVER THE NAME IS DON’T GIVE A HAM SANDWICH.

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Thank you, joe, for misspelling the word making so I knew right away you were illiterate and I didn’t have to read anymore of your post. Which I honestly did not do.

When did this site become overwhelmed with idiots? I guess this is a reflection of the vast majority of Braves fans, sadly.

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I feel like i’m not an idiot but what do i know.

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i just posted the same thing twice i guess i am an idiot.

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Has anyone noticed how Angel Eyes signs off at the same time Amber Girl used to sign off for “sleepy time”. Angel Eyes started on this blog almost the same day Amber Girl went away. Hmmmmm?

Now Angel Eyes signs off to go to work every night around the same time. They are both Wren bashers. Could they be the same person?

This IS entertainment!

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BravesFanInNashville…I’ll warm up the Mystery Machine..

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if the braves move prado to third base and look inside the organization for a left fielder, look for a kid named todd cunningham to be out there and leading off in the batting order

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jbill….. Don’t really care if they are the same person or not…. It’s just funny how Amber Girl used to sign off with that goodnight from New South Wales routine and said it was “sleepy time” when it was around noon in Austrailia. Once we called her out on that she was gone and Angel Eyes appeared almost the same day. Their posts read so similarly that it’s hard to believe the two aren’t somehow related! Funny stuff!

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Cunningham is not ready, still needs a little more time to completely develop.

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don’t let a kansas grad tell us what we think

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True Cunningham is not ready but Gattis is, this team is built with grinders, the Angels will have problems with ego’s, and the Gnats have the Teddy curse and the phillies we show them what up on opening day

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Cisco losing wt. and is a stud and fits our MO we K our hit Hr’s and I am like Dexter on Showtime,,,,,I like it

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DAV, they said he may sign a 1 yr day,,,Let’s do it

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The problem is Dav u said 13m i think our great Braves only have 10 to work with

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Upton and Uggla do right and it is on, bring it on LA and the Angels,,,we don’t back down if they are on point. Bmac come back ready and Beachy ready at the all star break,,,,,,,,,, bring it!!!!!!!!!!! lot of if’s but we roll the dice and hope not to hit snake eyes

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$3M is nothing, we offered Bourn $13.3M already and turn Braves down thinking Phillies, Nats or Rangers would pay him more? If Rangers don’t want him? What options does he have? Seattle? LOL

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STEELY DAN MAN

December 14th, 2012
12:37 am

Jim

December 14th, 2012
12:07 am

Question: since we made Bourne a qualifying offer at $13.3, I believe, is there any chance he could show up in Atlanta and say, “I accept” for next year? Does this explain why FW is going slow on LF? ——————————————————————————————————————————————– DOB or Anyybody …… Plz shed some light on this Bourn situation …. It would be great having him at lead-off again ….. even if it’s for just one year !

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Boras get a 1 yr deal with us and it is over we win it all,. that simple but i don’t think our 10 m can get him for a 1 yr deal

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Gattis, Johnson, Cisco,,,,,,,,,,with Prado taking the losing position,,,,,,,Braves are all good, I just worry about that lead off spot, Simmons or Prado,,,,,,,,,,,,none are pure for the lead off spot

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Span with the Gnats and Revere in phili???????? Please make us laugh, lets get it on cause they don’t scare the Braves

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At the play in game i saw Turner dump that Jane fonda communist witch for a sexy american girl, and he was chopping,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,hey left wing joker Turner your politics are a joke but your ownership is top shelf……..willl you take us back please?

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Coach Richt teach that clown Aub fan Oliver the deal and a Fish reject turn Braves blog champ who by the way is from Kansas,,,,,,,,,,boy oh oh boy it went bad fast

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DOB WOULD LEAVE US IN A SECOND TO REPORT KANSAS BASKETBALL AND U CLONES STILL BELIEVE IN HIM……….HEY DOB WOULD U LEAVE US TO REP KANSAS?

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I bet DOB thought he was down we he went to little 5 pts, vortex to get a burger, FYI the yuppies won at that pt and little 5 points was not the same at that point we lost yuppies won

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Why do we always sign these guys who are out of options? Then we’re stuck with them taking up space on the rosters even when we don’t use them (Francisco last year). This always bugs me, and they did it again.

Seems like the major players of this winter are settling down and we’re stuck with what we got….plus B.J. Upton and all his mental problems.

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It’s obvious that the Angels signed Hamilton knowing they will need all the offense they can get with Tommy Hanson pitching.

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Matt Diaz is a good option in left field.. Give him a chance.. He attacks the ball and plays his best all the time..

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The Braves don’t have any interest in trading for Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano, tweets David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Cubs are willing to pay $26MM of Soriano’s remaining $36MM salary in a trade and have shopped the veteran to the Astros and Phillies this offseason.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#EpXfzIVcvtmvIda1.99

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before we panic remmember it was an NL team that beat the big hitting AL team who actually had a couple of good pitchers. We need a third baseman or an outfielder and we will get one in the next month or so. I think it might be a game changer for us. Hamilton will blow up in LA before two years pass by. LA is not Texas and the temptations are iresistable.

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DOB, what are the chances Wren ring the Angels chimes? Peter Bourgos is not gonna get much playing time with the addition of Hamilton to go with Trumbo, Wells and Trout.

The Angels are looking for pitching, something Wren claims you cant have enough of, but the Braves got lots of pitching. They need another guy that can get on base and get around the bases.

This is still a station to station team in my opinion. Put Bourgos with Heyward, Upton and Schafer on the base paths, that is trouble. Bourgos is a really good player from what i hear in LA so why not try him out?

What do you think?

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This is gonna put us over the top for sure. We’ve got Yanni in the minors, and now the mighty Pena. Both can really play D – neither can hit their way out of a paper sack.

Dumb move, unless they are getting ready to trade Simmons for Upton

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Good signing of Pena – guy can pick it and is not quite as helpless at the plate as Janish.

But the disturbing thing is Wren seems hellbent to opening the season with a .230 something strikeout machine at 3B in Francisco. Caribbean leagues are a lot like spring training, lots of AAAA players flourish.

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Francisco’s AVG is so low because of his horrible PH numbers. Last year he hit 262/293/497 as a starter, but only 140/229/209 as a sub. If he can get the OBP up a little I think he’d be fine.

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[...] Braves sign utility infielder Pena | Atlanta Braves Pena, a former New York Yankee who has played shortstop, 3rd base, and second base, provides the Braves another backup shortstop given the uncertainty of when Paul Janish might return. Janish, whom the Braves also signed to a one-year deal, … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

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[...] Braves sign utility infielder Pena [...]

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Why didn’t the Braves hold Hanson and work out a trade with the Angels including outfielder, Peter Bourjos? The haste to get rid of Hanson, now projected as the Angel’s number three starter, was a typical Wren mistake. Instead, he dumped hanson and got nothing, absolutely nothing, in return.

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Teams need Players like Pena-always did and always will,I guess-injuries happen and unless Team has exceptional Minor Leaque prospects ready to actually PLAY MLB, Pena’s will be needed

-if anybody really cares, look over the World Champs Team roster-Solid Pitching,Outstanding Fielding, great small ball , CLUTCH hitting , ONE SUPERSTAR and ONE Hellava GOOD MANAGER-BOCHY

- Braves seem to match up well with Giants except at Catcher-maybe BRAVES Management ?????

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Rather have Pena than Janish…anytime..

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Dont deal for bourgous (sp) just because you can. A better option will be available at some point. If nothing else emerges, then grab him in ST

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we need to make sure we get our money’s worth out of bossman junior. my car needs washed. anyone got his cell number? go bravos.

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haha…oh my…you just can’t make this stuff up!! I bet this guy comes up and hits 50 HR’s….LOL! I heard this patience junk 5 years ago!! Same ‘ol Braves…just good enough to sell a few tickets.

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The cubs are willing to pick up 26 mil leaving only 10 mil for 2 years. He only made 1 error last year has always been a good fielder maybe not good range.

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So, Anibel Sanchez, he of the 48-51 career w/l record and 3.75 ERA signs for 16 mil per year over 5 years with Detroit. Never pitched 200 innings. Had 2 major arm surgeries earlier. What is wrong with that? Things are really weird in baseball money land. And Greinke gets 147 million over 6 years. Are the Dodgers crazy or what?

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Well I see Pretty boy Wren Has done NOTHING . LOSER again.

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another shooting?? what is wrong with people??? keep those kids in your prayers. this is so upsetting.

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Someone asked now that Hinske is gone, what are the Braves plans for a backup first baseman? I will answer this one for Wren.

Wren: Well, we like the team that we currently have, so we are planning on Freeman to play 162 games this upcoming season, and if some unforeseen injury pops up, we will put Prado at 1st base, or maybe sign Lyle Overbay to handle the every day job. We only have about the most money that we have ever had available to work with, so we can’t be getting ahead of ourselves here. We believe Gerald Laird can handle those duties as well, just ask him, he will tell you.

Or maybe Pena can handle that as well. Then they wonder why attendance is down. Most fans go go see the team play, but a lot go to watch their favorite players. Chipper Jones was that one guy that put fans in the seats, and what do they do to try and get fans excited in this team with Chipper retiring? They sign a CF that is not as good as the one we had last year, they sign a fat backup catcher to replace the fan favorite Ross, and they sign the backup to the backup SS in Pena. Yes folks, this is what the Atlanta Braves do to get the fans excited. Is it working yet? I would have to say no.

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Randy..Diaz for LF….lol are you crazy? Maybe just kin to Wren.

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Watched news on CNN, Fox and MSnbc..different story on each..only one talking about gun control msnbc…what a joke talking about gun control while so many are dead and hurting.

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@Brown Very well said. I agree. If they insist on shooting someone try us. At least we can defend oueselves. This is just stupidity. Oldest child was 9. Just a baby. DEFENSELESS. I am glad that jerk is DEAD. May he burn in hell. I pray for all the families and may God bless them and they can rest in peace.

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Yeah – the right pitcher like R.A. Dickey. Not a prospect. The Angels are in it to win it now

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@Brown At least they have a GM that does something.

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You would have to give up two of your top pitching prospects for Granderson….

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Angels Likely To Trade Outfielder

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 14 at 1:38pm CST]

The Angels have a surplus of outfielders following their agreement with Josh Hamilton, and there’s reason to believe GM Jerry Dipoto will make a deal to balance out his roster. The Angels are “very likely” to trade an outfielder such as Peter Bourjos or Mark Trumbo for a pitcher, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). Depending on the return, either player could be moved. Trumbo seems less available than Bourjos, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).

The Mets seem like a natural trade partner for the Angels given their willingness to listen to offers for R.A. Dickey and their need for outfielders. However, it doesn’t sound as though Trumbo or Bourjos would be an ideal fit in a deal for Dickey based on reports out of New York yesterday.

Both Bourjos and Trumbo will remain under team control through 2016 and won’t be arbitration eligible until after the 2013 season. Earlier today, Dave Cameron of FanGraphs explained that Bourjos closely resembles Cameron Maybin and suggested he’d be a worthwhile pickup for a team in need of a center fielder.

Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#0zFwMj4sELcML3bi.99

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How about Hudson to the Angels for Trumbo? I realize Hudson is a 10/5 vet and can veto any trade but maybe he has interest in pitching for a World Series contender before his career is over and would accept the trade. Thoughts?

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Frank Wren is the Bobby Valentine of GMs. Nobody knows why he is able to keep jobs in MLB. He ruined the O’s and now he’s doing his best with Atlanta. We’re stuck with the two most likely to lead the NL is strike outs paying out insane contracts. $31M for .250 50 hr and 320+ strike outs for just two guys. Couldn’t we find two ML players for $800k to do the same thing?

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Mark Trumbo to the Braves? http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/mlb-rumors/21402445/report-mark-trumbo-on-braves-radar

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frank

how bout Jimmy Johnson’s hair?

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We need to trade for Peter Bourjos NOW. This guy has some serious potential. He didn’t have a great year in ‘12, but that was mainly due to not getting enough consistent playing time. He has a quick bat with some decent pop, makes contact, LEADS OFF, and is blazing fast. Many Angels fans thought he was the second coming before Trout. Now he’s sort of of the back burner.

Wren, if there was ever a time to show your aptitude in being a major league GM, it’s now. Redeem yourself for BJ Upton, Uggla, Lowe, KK…..go get him. Teheran for Bourjous straight up should def get it done.

1. Bourjos
2. Prado
3. Heyward
4. Freeman
5. Upton
6. Mac
7. Ughla
8. Simmons

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Frank needs to make a hard push for Trumbo!! Christmas would come early if we had a lineup of:
1. Simmons
2. Prado
3. Heyward
4. Trumbo
5. Freeman
6. Upton
7. Uggla
8. McCann
9. Pitcher

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Trumbo hits monster home runs. That’s it. Smart baseball fans aren’t only impressed by how far a guy can hit a ball….

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Frank say who don’t want the skin off they chicken? I ain’t gonna spend no money.

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8 | Comments

The Braves have Angels outfielder Mark Trumbo on their “radar” according to David O’Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Braves have been in the market for a corner outfielder all offseason to fill a gap in the field left by Chipper Jones’ retirement. If the Braves did acquire Trumbo, Martin Prado would move to third base with Juan Francisco either heading to the bench or to the trade market. Prado played 119 games in left field this past season but has widely been assumed to be Jones’ replacement at third.

Trumbo, 26, hit .268/.317/.491 (126 OPS+) last season and has 61 home runs in his first two major-league seasons. After beginning his major-league career at first base, the Angels transitioned him to third base and then the outfield for 2012. He played 67 games in left field and 45 in right field for Los Angeles last season.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the latest rumors from bloggers Chris Cwik, Jack Moore and R.J. White, follow @MLBRumorsCBS.

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Not the place for that kind of serious discussion, Yuuup.

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Wren ought to be in the Braves’ lineup. He swings and misses a lot.

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@ pitts

basically, trumbo is a prototypical power hitter. lots of strikeouts, 30+ hrs, but in all honesty belongs at 1st base in terms of defense, and not in a freeman or pujols way, more like a prince fielder way

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Mark Trumbo would be an excellent acquisition for the Braves provided the price is reasonable. He would fill that position very nicely and give the Braves an excellent outfield. I would be willing to part with one of our top two pitching prospects for him.

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I have been working out with mark redmond in his basement and we are both well prepared and ready to play

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Trumbo,Bonafacio,Hart,Hairston(superutility),anyone of the first 3, & Hairston, the Braves would engage w/ the Nats for the division I believe.

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Hearts & prayers out to those kids families in Conneticut. & the 6 adults families as well.

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Skippy- I think he spends all he is able and tries to be very smart with what little he gets. Wish the government would budget our money half as well, as Wren does with his!

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“@ pitts

basically, trumbo is a prototypical power hitter. lots of strikeouts, 30+ hrs, but in all honesty belongs at 1st base in terms of defense, and not in a freeman or pujols way, more like a prince fielder way”

Dylan, that’s what I’m talkin’ bout. Bottom line analysis, like you would hear in a meeting with a bunch of baseball scouts. This is what we need on here!

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Would love for Wren to have me eat my words. Trumbo would be excellant choice. Time will tell but don’t count on him making the deal.

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DOB seriously with all the pitching the Jays have gotten you have to think they have to be the favorites because they have had on of the leagus best offenses for the past 4 or 5 years but could never turn that page because the Starting pitching was insufficient. Now that definately isnt question.

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@ Steve…..Its not even on the GM.
Its all on Liberty Media they have took his purse and he isnt gonna spend on anyone. But I will say he did waste money on an injured, declining Catcher by picking up the $13 million option on Brian McCann because he is such a nice guy but they dont even care that he wont be available until May at the earliest. But the Braves might as well save their pennies because when they spend money it usually doesnt work out, McClouth, D BLOWE, Kawakami, and Uggla. But it was a smart move trading Hanson though because he is done.

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Phillies sign MIKE ADAMS, this is FACT, PHILS LOST 16 GAMES LAST YEAR WITH THE LEAD AFTER 7 INNINGS, AND LOST DIV BY 10 GAMES, PROBLEM SOLVED ADAMS IN 8TH AND PAPALBON IN 9TH NO ONE SCORES IN THOSE INNINGS, PLUS YOU HAVE HOWARD AND UTLEY FOR THE WHOLE YEAR, SIGN EITHER CODY ROSS OR SWISHER TO GO ALONG WITH HAMELS, LEE AND HALLADAY WS HERE WE COME, AND YOU ATLANTA PUKES KNOW IT. PHILLIES 2013 WS CHAMPS BRAVES AND NATS 2013 CHUMPS !!!!!!!

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PHILLIES NEED 2 SIGN CODY ROSS AGREED????? HE HITS GREAT AT CITIZENS BANK PARK, REGARDING CAPS STOP BICHING YOU SOUND LIKE A OLD CRANKY WOMAN!!!!!!

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So you like to use Caps and you double post…………Your getting annoying man.
Your better than that, whats the matter with you man.

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I cant see anyone beating the phillies this year, PHILLIES over the ANGELS in 5 games as pitching wins champiomships!!!!!!!!!

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JOE DIRT, GO VACUME OR DUST AS YOU ARE PMS ING YOU CRANKY OLD WOMAN

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Mr. Pitts you are correct sir. Really with that extra 13 million available we could have gone after anyone along with getting BJ Upton. But I just dont see how McCann can play Catcher for much longer……Something DOB has said as well. McCann would be great as a DH in the AL

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poor little Steve… did you miss being in the playoffs last year? Your capped comments show how little you know about baseball. You really believe that a middle reliever puts you as the NL East champs. I bet Papelbon (that is the way to spell his name by the way) is glad to see Chipper go after throwing that fastball to him in the bottom of the 9th which the Braves came back to win 8-7. And Papelbon probably doesnt want to talk about the save he blew when the Braves won earlier 15-12 after the Phillies blowing a 6-0 lead. And finally, even with Adams, the Phillies and/or no team in the either league can touch what Kimbrell, Venters, and O’Flaherty have done for the last 2 years… Get a life Steve…

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Steve come up with an intelligent thought. Well I suppose that would be too much to ask. But I cant tell your just a bitter little man that hasnt had a woman in a very long time since you think all women do is Vacuum, dust, and have PMS. You better be careful because you can develop Carpal Tunel syndrome from jerkin it that much. But I guess thats why you keep the CAPS BUTTON ON because it would require extra effort from your hands and wrist to use proper typing techniques and we know you have better things to use your hands and wrists, like watching BangBros just make sure you dont get any on your computer screen because that stuff is tough to get out of electronics man.

I’m only here to help

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I ONLY PRAY CODY ROSS DOES NOT SIGN WITH NATS OR BRAVES AS HE KILLS THE BALL AT CBP

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BRAVES AND PHILLIES BOTH SCREWED UP NOT TRADING FOR DAVID WRIGHT WHEN THEY HAD A CHANCE LAST YEAR, NOW ITS TOO LATE, IM THINKING IN A BY NEXT YEAR LONGORIA WILL BE AVAILABLE HOPEFULLY RAJ PULLS THE TRIGGER

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Phillies To Sign John Lannan

By Mike Axisa [December 15 at 9:42am CST]

The Phillies have agreed to sign John Lannan, reports Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com (on Twitter). It’s a one-year contract worth $2.5MM with another $2.5M in bonuses according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (all Twitter links). The agreement is pending a physical. Lannan is represented by Brodie Van Wagenen at CAA Sports.

Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#hB7jPmAj7rII4uK4.99

Man the Nationals and Phillies are serious while the Braves are still fiddling their hands and relying on a “good pitchin staff” to carry them once again.

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What bother’s me is Wren and the Braves are in ambulance chasing mode. Every time a team makes a substantial trade/FA signing to chase a ring ATL is suddenly interested in their potential left overs.

It looks like to the fans that they have no plan and are just running around trying to find the ultimate deal like the ebay shopper he loses his nerve as the auction peeks. He then starts bidding on the same item (in a new auction) hoping this time it goes for less.

In the end those people tend to over pay for a lessor thing.

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“In the end those people tend to over pay for a lessor thing.”

Perhaps I’m a bit old school. I would be less enthusiastic if ‘my team’ has a 180m/yr payroll and wins. Then it’s just an accomplishment based more on buying a bunch of overpriced talent. If you have that money to spend….well how much leadership talent does it take to win when you’re just writing checks? I’d rather my team to be somewhat constrained by economic reality and have talent, leadership, and team chemistry,and a little luck play important roles; it’s more fun and gratifying.

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Why is it that Wren is always close to acquiring players, but never pulls it off? Does he overvalue the players he has? By the way, please do not confuse me with “All-Caps” Steve.

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They were in the 90s. Now they are more aligned with league avgs 80 something in Ws with some peak years in the low to mid 90s.

Not something to complain about but it is not a trend, yet.

Doing something right is addressing a nagging problem. For the Braves the nagging problem is getting to and making some serious noise in the post season.

Getting to a WC is a step but it is not the destination.

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Angel Eyes is correct. The Braves have regressed in a tough division. They have questions in either left or third, depending on where Prado plays.

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THE WORLD IS FLAT! see, all capital letters make me right, regardless of the idiocy of the statement. go bravos.

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Have the Braves regressed……..I would say they have to the extent they havent replaced Chippers bat just yet. But where I find fault with is the Braves picking up the $13 million option on McCann and th Fact McCann is declining and will not even be ready until May at the earliest. But the other moves like getting Upton and dumping Hanson were good moves. But I just think they are gonna let Constanza, Gattis, and Francisco fight it out for that last position spot. And we might as well hold on to the Cash and maybe when McCann is a FA we can go after an elite player probaby through trade and dump Uggla off on somebody.

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If a team avgs 90+ wins when you drop their high and low totals that is a successful team. Successful teams get a chance to make the post season and from there it is a combination of skill and good fortune.

ATL is a weaker team on paper bc of intangibles re: the loss of Chipper, Ross and ? mark that is catcher until May 1st.

They have upped their SO potential which is not good etc.

But if they win 90+ games again they are going to be considered a successful team bc some many teams are stuck in the 80s and keep missing the post season.

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I think Simmons will lead off actually or Constanza could if he get the LF job

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Minor Uggla and Christan Martinez for Bonifacio

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Bourjos has no power. Rather have Constanza, since we already have him. Need to look at Kubel,Swisher or Trumbo. Maybe Staton w/marlins. Very unhappy player with great upside.

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nc82. What are you smokin?

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nc82. What are you smokin?

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Only 6 days left according to the Myan’s………… Everybody prepped up for the big title wave of chaos everywhere? We’re celebrating Christmas on the 20th. But I’ll check back next Saturday to still see if the Blog still runn’n & wondered if Uncle Frank’s pulled out all the stops shock’n the world w/some monster deals before then.

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Overpaid for Lowe. Drained the bank account to sign an unproven KK. Should never have signed McOut. Overpaid for Uggla and now paid too steep a price for Upton. Wren is a man who just doesn’t learn.

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Gonzales, or tulo, & fowler for Teheran, GilMartin, Pastornicky, Cunningham,

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Did I read someone post that the Phils and Nats are serious while the Braves are “folding their hands.” I don’t think either of them have signed anyone on the level of BJ Upton this offseason. The Braves don’t need starting pitching and further solidified their bullpen with the earlier trade with the LA Angels. They have one position of need and by all accounts they have been aggressive in their pursuit of outfielders. On the other hand, the Phils sign John Lannan and they are much more serious than Atlanta? For real?!

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Felix, the Braves didn’t sign “McOut,” as you say. They traded for him. At the time, Frank Wren was applauded for making a deal for an all-star outfielder. So, it didn’t pan out. If he hadn’t made the deal, he would have been criticized for folding his hands. Likely by fans like you.

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Seriously if that deal was good enough just for cargo or tulo straight up the Rockies would be commuting the worst trade in history

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Urban Redneck, I heard that the Braves offered the Braves Fowler for Minor straight up. I would have to seriously consider that one. Fowler’s numbers (.330/13 HR/53 RBI/ 12 SB) look good at first glance but isn’t he being looked to as a leadoff hitter? If so, wouldn’t you think that the traditional leadoff hitter would have more than 12 SB’s? Martin Prado had good numbers compared to Fowler’s (.301/ 10 HR/ 70 RBI/ 17 SB). Jason Heyward had almost double the steals that Fowler had (21). Is it worth giving up a young left handed pitcher who has made improvements in his game for an average player? I guess you have to give something to get something but it does seem like a lot to me.

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why doesnt atlanta trade one of their young sp,Prado, and something and try and get Mark trumbo to play outfield/3rd

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@BravesFanInNashville Completely agree that we have pitching. Sometimes you have to come off of that pitching to get what you want. Fowler for Minor staight up. Make the deal. Have got Teheran or Delgado or both that could replace Minor. You have to give up something to get something. Wren doesn’t do that. That is why he will get left out in any deal

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Another National Championship for my local college team.
Valdosta State Blazers dominate in the win this afternoon.
Too bad the lack of local support for them. High school football dominates this town. The Wildcats and Lowndes Vikings are all the rage.

The Blazers don’t even have their own stadium. They play their home games at Valdosta Highs football field. It is astro turf, and the Wildcat logos are in both end zones and midfield.

Sad and embarassing. If they were a professional team, they would have left years ago. No love in this town…until they win the championship. Big deal in the paper tomorrow.

Anyway, good job Blazers!!! Third Division II National Championship!!

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OK I can buy that. Good point. What happens if minor has a bad year. Either way you are taking a chance. IMO i take a chance with a hitter before a pitcher. That’s just my opinion. So you are saying go with what we got? 94 wins last yr. We do that in2013 that will be only good enough for 3rd place

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So much in this world hitt’n the fan, you gotta have a little humor to withstand the negatives, so I try.

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Angel Eyes…. I’m not saying we should be shooting for 94 wins and there is no guarantee that would put us in 3rd place either. We should be shooting to put the best team on the field to give us the best chance to win the most games and be set up well for a post season. I think the Phillies way overpaid for Revere and so do most analysts. They will regret not having Worley as the summer wears on. It’s not likely that all three of Halladay, Hamels and Lee will go the entire season without a DL Stint or two. Their team is getting older and they lose Ruiz for 25 games to start the year. The Phillies haven’t replaced Victorino and Pence and Utley and Howard are a year older and slower. Utley has had a history of injuries and Polanco is a free agent. They aren’t the same team they were 2 years ago so I don’t see how they win more than 94 games. Who else in the division will win more than 94 games besides the Nats to put the Braves in 3rd place if they were to win the same # of games as last year?

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J. Johnson
B. Morrow
M. Buehrle
R. Romero
J. Happ

Add R. A. Dickey to that staff and they are (Blue Jays) are good!

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BravesFaninNashville. Maybe Braves win 94 games maybe not. My personal opinion-not. No Chipper no Bourn. No Ross, No Mccann until July No Beachy.. I really don’t think we got anyone to replace them. Upton is OK but no Born. Prado a star but can only play one position at a time. When Phillies got well last year, they really finished strong. They got better. 95 wins-2nd Nationals- very very much better 100 wins or more-1st. Braves no improvement. Got worse 90 wins at most 3rd place. IMO need to get this team some help. They are young. They are good. Need leadership. Upton is not the answer. Need a leadoff man. A good LF. Whatever it costs. Do that Braves win division and might win it all. If you have to trade pitcher, do it. Have plenty of young arms to replace them. Try it . they might like it.

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Dylan, you say that about BJ Upton but you would like Atlanta to trade for Peter Bourjeous? Look at Bourjeous’ stats.

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According to MLBTraderumors, Atlanta is targeting Dexter Fowler. The post went on to say that there had been no discussions with Colorado this weekend. Wasn’t it said that Atlanta is targeting Mark Trumbo? They sure have a lot of targets for Frank Wren to be sitting with his hands folded. No?

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Whats everybody’s take on kimbrel pitching for the US in the World class tournament. Dang, if he comes in sore armed, shoulder, etc… or any problems in this season, ya’ll remember he’s taxing out his elbow try’n to blow 98′ to 100′ mph by hitters in a tournament that doesn’t have anything at stake compared to the Braves season. I think he’s risking injury when he needs to prep up exercising, on schedule in spring training, w/ everybody else, so he can remain strong for the next 6 months after. Hope it won’t be regrettable, his competitiveness may overtake his preparation. We’re sunk if he goes down, & that high comodity will digress.

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@wigwam, sorry, but I never said I wanted bourjous. I’ve been crying Cory hart this whole time…

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the difference in kimbrel is that he has pride for his country. He wants to play for the United States team. Sounds like the way Americans used to feel. Now they only care about their pockets

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@74

Exactly. Second half medlen minor reminded me of maddux glavine.

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@El Oso Blanco Great idea, But you have to wake-up Wren first. Good luck

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Wren, make the move for Peter Bourjos. This guy is about as legit a leadoff hitter you are going to find in this market. Not to mention his potential is through the roof. Might even be a little better than Bourn. Seriously. Maybe a little less speed, obviously. Not many guys are as fast as Michael Bourn. But this dude is a burner and plays GREAT D.
Teheran⇔Bourjos straight up. G.

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in other words if the Braves get an outfielder to hit lead off he needs to be a really high OPB guy because he will probably have little pop and therefor not a strong RBI man. (Remember the leadoff hitter comes up often later in the game with runners on base) so we are taking those at bats away from Francisco who would be respected for his power. I think unless Wren can get a leadoff hitter that has an OBP of .350 or better he’s better off to let Prado or Simmons lead off and keep Francisco’s bat in the line-up. If we had to go into a postseason series with this team as is I’d feel confident that we could play with anyone.

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Lobo it doesn’t take a genius to find better moves for the braves. Fist, don’t spend 75 million on a clubhouse cancer who has a worse obp than uggla. For that amount they should’ve just resigned bourn. Should’ve waited until Hamilton and greinke signed before doing the angels deal, if he’d waited he could’ve used Hanson and prospects together in a package for trumbo, who without uptons K’s in our lineup, would be a great fit.

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did you hear what wren had to give up to get trumbo
?

prado,francisco and delgado
personally i think thery mugged him analy assaulted =im and bludgeoned him too

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lets say theres a national carry law where all adults over the age of 17 and medically sane are given 6 months of gun training and a gun, we aint talking about no tragedy then
not to mention all the money that could be saved when 90 % of useless protectors and servers are severed

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i mean come on lets us those noggins for something else other than hatracks.whose gonna try and rob someone knowing everyone on the scenne is carrying? sure there will still be crimes of passion, but even if you take away the guns you dont think there will be a need for more window instALLERS LIKE CHUCK MORTON

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One word can sum up this off-season for me, that word being BORING.. I am about as disinterested in this team than I have ever been. After losing the Braves Icon Chipper Jones to retirement, the best leadoff hitter since Furcal, and the best CF this team has seen since Andruw Jones in Michael Bourn, the fan favorite and one hell of a catcher in Rossy, and only getting a CF who is not as good as Bourn, a backup to the backup SS in Rivera, and the trade of Hanson, no way this team will win 90+ games next year. I really thought with having all that money to spend that the Braves would bend over backwards to get at least 2 guys in here to make fans want to come to the stadium. Fans only came out last season because it was their last chance to watch Chipper play. I will bet anything attendance is way down next year. Who wants to watch a high priced free agent strikeout all the time? Not this guy. Unless Wren pulls a horseshoe out of his ass, this off-season is going to go down as a huge disappointment.

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Will everyone stop comparing us to the Angels and Dodgers? We aren’t them, don’t have the TV deal to spend 20+ million on every free agent. Wren will make a deal to make us better before the Spring (two months from now) starts. If we trade for Trumbo everyone will cry about the K’s and overlook the 30+ HR’s and 100+ RBI’s. You fair weather fans drive us real fans crazy! It’s the middle of December, take a friggen chill pill

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again even IF we get Trumbo which is a BIG IF because the Angels have stated they don’t want to trade him there is no guarantee he’d hit 30HRs and drive in 100Runs. Then if the Braves did trade for him we’d certainly have to give up at least one of Delgado/Teheran or Minor or Medlen. We could get similar production out of Francisco so why give up a good pitcher for Trumbo? The cost just doesn’t make sense. The ONLY trade that makes sense is if we get a true leadoff hitter with a high OBP but then why not just re-sign Bourn? The reason is he’d cost too much so we can’t afford him. I believe Wren made the right move with Upton because at the time it was believed that Bourn would cost over $100Million and he’s not worth anywhere near that. I like this team and would rather have Francisco and ALL of our pitchers in tact with money to spend at the trade deadline than Trumbo and be down a good pitcher and no flex at the deadline..

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I would say that most teams/fans in MLB envy what we have here in Atl. We all want the present day “big” names but we already have them in the making. When you look at Heyward, Prado, Freeman, Simmons, Mac, Medlen, Kimbrel. Holy smokes! Most teams dont have 5 or 6 names to mention as possible 2013 All-star canidates. Sure is nice to only worry about LF, when 98% of all the other teams are worrying about multiple positions right now. Lets be jacked at where we are!

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Do you think we could get Trumbo or Gordon for Delgado and Minor?I think I would trade these two before I would give up Medlen and Teheran.If Wren insists on a true lead off hitter I suppose Fowler’s name will continue to be mentioned. Just waiting for Wren to make a move.

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All the ridiculous cheap shots at Wren and The Braves would be more meaningful if The Braves had not won 94 games and made the playoffs in 2012. Saying stupid things does not make a point stronger, it just makes the person who said it look less intelligent. GO BRAVES!

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The division is getting better? I would like to see your facts on that, steve. Now the Nats are getting better no doubt. But the Phils are getting old, the once feared pitching staff they had is no longer feared and there postion players are on the back end of there careers. Mets have David Wright and are shopping Dickey (they were a two player team last year). Marlins are selling out. The Braves are loaded with young talent and big bats with defensive skills. I mean we are spoiled in having multiple guys that can drop 30+ bombs a year but that comes with a cost at having lots of strikeouts. Thats just the numbers on all big bats around the league. Also, NO WAY you give up Delgado and Minor for a position player when your somewhat limited in starting pitching due to age and inexperience. Minor was our best pitcher down the stretch besides Medlen, while Delgado will be a productive #5 pitcher for us in 2013. Maybe a Teheran and Venters package but not two starters.

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I didn’t mention the strike out machines at second and the new centerfielder, who hit under .250 last year.

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Good luck to all you Brave fans who are happy with your 500 ball club. Losers again.

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Fans have been told the limited budget is the problem with acquiring quality players. This year, millions have been freed up due to contracts rolling off the books. What will be the new excuse?

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I personally think Constanza could be a good lead-off hitter if given the opportunity, and I think Francisco could hit 30 HRs if given the opportunity, and I like Gattis. Why rade a prospect for a player that isnt gonna be that much better than these guys and I doubt Dexter Fowler will do better playing in Atlanta than he did hitting in Denver, and he only had 12 HRs and didnt steal bases all that much. Trumbo has upside but the Angles want a Proven starter and unless we give them Hudson or Medlen they aint gonna part with him. I think we should roll with the Gattis, Francisco, Constanza trio and if Uggla sucks again we can move Prado to 2nd base and allow another member of the trio to play. But lets save the money and use it to extend Prdo, Medlen, and Hudson.

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But you cant listen to “analyst”. All they do is love on the Greinke’s and Pujols of MLB. When was the last time an “analyst” praised a team for bringing up a player through there organization and keeping him through his trials and tribulations til he succeeded??

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Steve would you have rather had Victorino for $13 Million per year for 3 years? That’s what the Red Sox paid him. Remember the Phillies let him go and could have bid on him but chose not to the Phillies did however bid on Upton. There just aren’t deals out there on power hitting outfielders. Willingham’s contract is attractive but the trade price to acquire that contract is really high and now that the Twins have traded Span and Revere they won’t trade Willingham.

What’s interesting is if Wren had not bid on Upton and someone else signed him especially the Phillies or the Nats this blog would be all over Wren for not spending the money he had to spend and on and on. Now that he’s acquired a 28 year old coming into his prime that plays plus defense with a plus, plus arm that has a legit chance to be a 30/30 player most of you are saying he way overpaid for him and will be a clubhouse cancer when every teammate of his I heard interviewed since he signed with the Braves have said he’ll be missed in Tampa and he’s a great teammate. They all said he has so much natural talent and that his long strides can make it look like he’s not putting out max effort when he’s running down a ball but he is and he gets to many baseballs that most outfielders have no chance to catch. People just be happy we have such a bright future and that Wren has managed to keep our coveted pitchers together.

Young high quality pitching like Beachy, Medlen, Minor, Delgado and Teheran that are under team control for several years are of HUGE value. Don’t believe it just look at what Grienke and Sanchez signed for. They make Upton look like a deal. Wren is doing this the right way. This team will be really good next year. Kudos to Frank for not giving in to the D’Backs and trading Simmons for Upton. We are a much better team with Simmons and our pitchers than we would be without Simmons and one or more of our good young pitchers and Justin.

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Bravesfan that’s a flat out lie. Maybe you missed where he stopped giving any sort of effort on the field and longoria got in his face and bj started trying to pull his best zambrano right in the dugout? Not a single person down there will miss bj. Not for his glove, his sub .250 avg, or his 160k’s.

Some people need to stop falling in love with the home run. 30 home runs doesn’t make a .240 avg OK. It means more than 7 times out of 10 you are a liability at the plate

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Joe 12-Pack. Wren added Walden to the bullpen and traded Hanson’s contract at the same time. Picked up a power arm to pitch the 6th or 7th inning and got rid of $4 Million worth of liability in Hanson who is in serious decline and can’t hold runners. This also allows us to promote one of Delgado or Teheran because it’s almost certain they can will 12 games for us to replace Hanson’s production for league minimum. He also added a really good CF in Upton who will impact games with his bat and glove and speed.

Personally I’d rather have Upton over Bourn even if they are paid the same money. The overwhelming word from the baseball professionals is that Bourn would get the biggest contract of all the position players out there. Upton can end a game with one swing and he can steal a base when we need it most. Bourn didn’t seem to run when the game was on the line very often. Also Bourn’s second half 2 years in a row is not a good sign. It was hard to tell the difference between Bourn and Constanza in September last year and he didn’t look like a $100 Million player to me at all.

I believe Wren really tried to engage in trades with KC for Myers or Gordon but the Royals liked the package they got from Tampa because they wanted Shields. That’s just the way it goes sometimes because Wren didn’t want to trade Minor and I respect that. Time will tell if Tampa got a future star in Myers or not. They probably did and the trade will probably look really good for the Rays in 2 or 3 years but KC chose them over us. I don’t think that’s Wrens fault. Just like Upton chose us over other cities, you win some you lose some.

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dylan….. before you call people liars maybe you should ask what interviews they’ve heard? One was with Wade Davis the day after BJ signed and he was interviewed on MLB channel XM radio. He gave a glowing review of BJ. Didn’t have one bad word to say about him and said the felt like the last half of the year something clicked in BJ and in Wade’s words “he figured it out” his strikeouts started coming down as he started laying off more pitches and he was driving the ball with authority because he was being more selective and thus swinging at better pitches.

Didn’t we watch the same transformation in Heyward? Once he started to lay off more pitches and exercised better strike zone recognition he started to drive the ball and his OBP went up too. I think Jason and Freeman will be good for BJ to be around. The other interview I heard was with James Shields. He said he loved having BJ playing behind him because he saved him a lot of runs with his defense. Ironically both Davis and Shields are now Royals but those interviews were soon after the BJ signing while they were still with Tampa…

Dylan lighten up… it’s only baseball..

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dylan….. c’mon are you saying the other 23 players didn’t like BJ. just because they weren’t interviewed? Also where have you been dude? The Rays model is to keep payroll really low and develop young players who are cheap but talented so signing BJ doesn’t fit their model at all. I know your going to say what about Longoria but he gave them serious discounts because he wants to be a lifetime Ray. His first extension was similar to McCann’s for the Braves. He could have been paid a lot more if he went out onto the open market like Crawford did.

Why do you think the Rays traded Shields and Davis for Myers and others? Because the Rays won’t be able to pay Shields or Davis when they become free agents and they have control of Myers for 6 years. That’s the Rays way of doing business. They didn’t sign Crawfrod and they didn’t sign Upton just like they wouldn’t sign Shields and won’t sign Price when it’s time.

Poor argument. Next….

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i didnt say all 23 of the rest didnt like him, but i guarantee more didn’t like him than did. you know longoria for 1. and yes, i know the rays model, its almost identical to the a’s, but that doesnt change the fact that, regardless of longoria giving a chipper discount, he still got a huge contract, as will david price. the fact is, longoria got that contract because he is a game changer. if bj were as good as you purport him to be, they would’ve at least thrown an offer out there. the facts are he has a lot of potential, but has never produced the way he should. he has a horrible attitude, strikes out a lot, doesn’t hit 30+ hrs, or hit for any sort of average, and he doesn’t walk.

it’s not like hes new to the league, he’s been around for 8 seasons man. hes just a headcase. you can keep arguing all you want about how great he his, but the facts are hes just never going to live up to his massive potential. in football terms hes a bust

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Dylan…. I’m not claiming that BJ is great. Bourn wasn’t great but is going to get “great money”. It’s just how the game is now and that’s a little disappointing as a fan. I think BJ was a better choice than Victorino or Bourn or Swisher or Pagan but I don’t consider any of them to be great either. We need a solid defender in CF and he has a speed and power component to his game that should be of value too.

By the way Price will not sign with the Rays. I agree he’ll get a big contract but it won’t be in Tampa. The Rays simply cannot have almost 1/2 their payroll committed to 2 players with what Longoria will be due and Price will certainly eclipse the Grienke contract it’s not a fit in Tampa.

There are too many teams willing to pay him huge money like Texas, both LA teams the Nats, Cubs, Red Sox and others. How are you privy to be able to guarantee what the other 23 Rays would say. Longoria had a beef with him for sure but are you certain they didn’t’ mend the fence? Maybe that woke BJ up a little and actually helped him. I remember Chipper calling out Heyward a couple of times last year and who knows that might have actually helped Jason in the end.

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i know theyre working on a budget, and thats fine, but you have to make smart choices when youre budgeting. upping the phils offer an extra 20 mill to get bj upton was just not smart, when patience wouldve rewarded you with better options and cheaper to acquire options. getting hamilton here was nothing more than wishful thinking, as he really didnt fit this club to begin with.

greinke was very gettable until they dropped 75 mill on bj upton. as ive been saying for a while now, they shouldve resigned bourn with the money they dropped on bj, although on a 2 year deal (probably a 2 year, 25 mill) and then go after cory hart from the brew crew, who we could realistically get for a top tier pitching prospect (delgado before teheran). or if they didnt resign bourn they could up that package to be hart and carlos gomez and add in maholm, delgado, and another top prospect, maybe mejia or joey t.

then with the extra money we have left over, turn around and grab shaun marcum with a 2 year deal, maybe worth 15 mill with a player option for a third year

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ncgary,

Not sure what you’re trying to achieve here on a blog reserved for Atlanta Braves discussions.

I will add just this and move back to the theme of this blog.

I am a life member of the NRA and the NRA would never support any law requiring the ownership or possession of firearms. The NRA simply wants to preservation of liberty to choose!

In short, the policy of the NRA is to preserve liberty for all citizens except those who choose to abuse their liberties through violation of law. For those few, society should reserve strict and harsh prosecutions. Some call that a “law and order” mentaliy. I choose to call it preservation of liberty for all citizens who cherish such liberty with morality and responsibility, and removing from ability to harm society those few who are deemed by competent authority to be a threat to society.

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@angel eyes

im not trying to be a dick here, just trying to show that just because they are a gm doesn’t mean they know whats best or make the best moves. there are still plenty of options left to turn this offseason into a decent one, but wren needs to make smart moves the rest of the way in order for the braves to have a better product than last year. you can’t replace chipper jones, and i do think fransisco can be a decent replacement if he follows what the coaches ask, but it doesn’t matter who they get for 3rd, he will always live in the shadow of chipper for those who had the good fortune of watching chippers entire career.

instead of people looking to find a replacement for chipper, the braves instead need to look to solidifying the outfield and covering those holes. if we finally solidify our outfield and turn our outfield into one of the most solid out there, the hole at 3rd base won’t seem quite so big. thats why i keep saying get cory hart. he fills a lot of the holes the braves have left. while not great at anything, hes good at everything, and a perfect complement to heyward and freeman. hes a RH bat with good power, while still being able to hit somewhere around .285 and hit you 25-30 (on the high side) hrs, drive in 75-85 rbi, and play solid defense while being able to hit anywhere from the 2 hole to the 7 hole. yes he’ll be a free agent next offseason, but he’s not represented by boras if i remember correctly, and seems like the type of player who will resign with this team. he’s 30 years old, but has shown no signs of decline, and is actually a very good leadoff hitter; a lot faster than you’d think coming from a 6′6 guy (had the fastest 60 yard dash of any brewer, including rickie weeks), and is almost as versatile as martin prado

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Hahaha! Sounds like dylan has talked to Longoria on the reg, along with the rest of the team. What a reliable source you are. You definitely missed your calling as a GM! Absolutely a baseball wizard! I had no idea that soley 30+ homeruns doesnt make a .240 hitter. Wow you missed your calling!

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Chipper played in 112 games hit 14 hrs and had 62 RBI. In less than 1/2 Chippers at bats Francisco had 9 Hrs and 32 RBI. Chippers production the last 2 years is not hard to replace. His leadership will be replaced by players who are producing like Heyward and Freeman. Last year was Chippers final season so out of respect for that players like Heyward , Freeman and McCann didn’t step forward. Now that Chippers gone others can and will step up.

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bravesfan, MY ideas suck? youre touting bj upton at 5 years 75 million as a great signing! trying to tell everyone hes a great player just entering his prime! are you serious? get out of here with that. anyone who watches baseball knows bj upton is as overrated as they come. and as of right now, YES bourn could be enticed to sign a 1 or 2 year deal because, guess what? THE MARKET ISN’T PAYING WHAT HE THOUGHT. now thanks to wren blowing his load too quick, there isn’t enough money to even explore that possibility.

please explain how my ideas suck or “don’t add up”, because if you knew anything at all about the game, you’d see that they do. upton is NOT the RH “power bat” that our of needed. in fact, the only stat he has better than cory hart is steals, which won’t matter in the slightest because the braves are not a high volume running team. and why is that? wait for it…..BECAUSE THEY STRIKEOUT SO MUCH. so you tell me how adding another 160 strikeouts next to the 160 of uggla, 150 of heyward and freeman, and the probable 150 of fransisco, along with uptons career .255 avg and career .336 obp to go along with ugglas sub .240 avg does this team any good? oh and he isn’t even a power bat, seeing as he hasn’t hit a single homerun against the top 1/3 pitchers in the al. oh, and upton doesn’t bat leadoff, and is quite possibly the worst brave for the 2 hole spot, which leaves him where?

compare that to hart with his career .277 avg, and the fact that hart plays more positions, and can legitimately bat leadoff, and is a legit 2-7 hole hitter, while being cheaper and much better in the clubhouse and PLEASE explain how my idea doesn’t add up?

what does bj offer that the braves currently don’t have? the zambrano effect?

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Angel Eyes … Wren will make a trade when it benefits the Braves. I would NEVER agree with trading Minor for Fowler. Big mistake! We have lots of pitching and as we’ve seen with Hudson, Medlen , Beachy , JJ and Hanson who’ve all been on the DL (3 of them for a year with TJ surgery) you need depth at pitching .. That’s an Atlanta Braves recipe and it works. How many times have we heard the best of the best say when you think you have enough pitching get some more?

Next summer Wren will look like a genius when has has a pitcher to trade or to call up in case of an injury. He won 94 games as a GM last year how about you?

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Dylan .. I never said Cory Hart was a bad idea. I like him! I said Bourn would not have signed for $25 Million for 2 yrs. because I said your idea about that doesn’t add up to me doesn’t mean I think your ideas suck. You’re putting words out there I didn’t say.

Look none of us has a crystal ball and we can’t predict what will happen for sure. Lots of people thought the Giants, Phillies and Nats were going to make a big push for Bourn. They all choose other options which means they didn’t value him as much as Boras thought . His best option might turn out to be the offer he passed on from the Braves? Who knows maybe the Cubs , Rangers or Mariners will get in on him and he’ll get his money after all. Last year everyone was stunned by Prince Fielders deal with the Tigers.

Dude it’s just baseball we can talk and even disagree without being nasty!

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As long as he hold on to the pitching, The Braves will not make the deals they need B.J. (strikeout upton was not the answer. Francisco is not the answer. Pena is not the answer. Laird not the answer. No leadership’ Mccann, Heyward, Freeman are NOT leaders. Yea they won 94 games. Where did that get them. No where. They relied on the pitcher to throw a shutout. You saw what happened. This team has been weakened. No Chipper, No Bourn No Ross, They are done unless get some help. Piching is not the answer. 81 wins at most and no playoffs unless you get some HELP.

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you got nasty first man, but ok. all i pointed out at first is that tampa obviously wasn’t sorry to see the back of him, based on the fact that they didn’t even speak to him about an extension before the season was over. even if teams know the player is going to test the waters, they will usually talk extension first, if just to show the fanbase that they tried. i don’t blame teams for not paying 100 mill for bourn, that was an outlandish number to begin with, and i believe teams are just tired of dealing with boras. but i would much rather given bourn the contract we gave upton because hes a much better fit for this particular team than bj upton.

honestly i would’ve preferred to let bourn walk, not sign bj, and try work a trade with mil for hart and gomez. would’ve filled all three spots the braves needed most, and would most likely have been cheaper.

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Never said Chipper was going to be easy to replace. I said his production the last two years could be replaced. There’s a big difference! Chippers HOF career numbers might never be replaced. He had more RBI than any 3b in history so that’s obviously not easy to replace. Wren needs to replace and improve upon last years team that won 94 games. We are in the very fortunate position to be bringing back most of that team. It won’t be hard to replace Bourns second half production, Hanson’s contribution or JJ’s and we have Medlen and Hudson all season this year.

We’re in better shape than all of this negative talk suggests.

Dylan I would never boil Chippers career down to an unfortunate error at the end. I simply stated that he wasn’t Chipper in his prime at the end and that’s a fact. Replacing the Chipper of the last few years is far more doable than his MVP calibar years.

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Dylan .. It’s not nasty to say someone’s ideas don’t add up to me .. It is nasty to call people moran’s.

There’s a difference!

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bravesfan

i agree chipper’s numbers the past 2 years, in and of themselves aren’t irreplaceable, but even declined as much as he was, he was still the only brave i would want to see with the game on the line. chipper’s numbers weren’t as important as the leadership and stability he provided. he really was a player coach. that clutch gene is just one youre born with, and i don’t see that in any braves hitter yet, though jhey and ff may prove me wrong in the next couple years

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Some things we agree on is teams are growing tired of Boras and that Bourn is not worth $100 Million.

I can’t agree that I would want Bourn back for the same money as Upton. He disappeared at the end of the year and if he’s not on base he’s next to worthless because he has very little power. Upton is still on the upswing of his career and Bourn is not. It’s ok to disagree and still root for the same team!

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bravesfan

agreed, i wouldn’t have even wanted to give that much to bourn, i just think he’s a better fit with the braves. upton will give you more hrs, but bourn gives you a much higher avg, and much better defense. either way, i don;t think either are worth that money at this point, i just feel upton is a horrible fit for this team, other than hes RH

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I agree that Upton is probably not going to be worth his contract but what would the fans have done if the Phillies or Nats signed him? It was almost a necessary signing at that point for Wren.

If Upton had gone to the Nats and we ended up with Victorino this blog would have called Wren inept and Liberty cheap. It’s hard to please everyone.

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dylan, its the market that players are going for this off season. I mean there giving a drug addict a 5 year – 125 mill deal! Its not even about the numbers it seems like. If your slightly a mid-high profile player your getting paid! I cant explain it cause when i heard about the Greinke deal it made me shiver. Hes now the second highest paid SP in MLB behind CC, and your telling me he deserves that? No way! Its just how it is this year..

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“………..you think it’s that easy to replace the braves record holder in almost every category?”

Chipper is not the record holder in almost every category. That distinction belongs to Aaron and, in many categories, by a significant margin. Chipper worshipers conveniently forget that Aaron existed. And, yes, Chipper was clutch, but I’m not sure from where this ‘leadership’ tag comes. Perhaps it’s a simple re-writing of history, like Chippers stats.

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Mr. Pitts I think people are referring to Atlanta Braves. My folks lived in Milwaukee for a few years when Hank played there and said he was unbelievable to watch play. Really good RF with a strong arm and good contact two strike hitter too even though he had such strong wrists to generate that great bat speed. No doubt Hank was the greatest Brave ever but Chipper was the best Atlanta Brave..

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BJ Upton has many cases in his past where his teammates called him out for lack of hustle. I’ll never forget the time that Bobby Cox yanked Andruw Jones for loafing on the field. Jones got the message.

It is said that Upton has learned from his past transgressions. So, I think we ought to give him the benefit of the doubt on that score.

I’m more concerned about the man’s lack of on base average and strikeouts. If he fails to hustle on the field, then the Braves are truly in a bad situation.

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Mr. Pitts… I just agreed with you saying no doubt Hank Aaron was the greatest Brave ever. I am just simply making room for those who point out Chippers stats since the Braves moved to Atlanta. In fact they’re both right. Hank led most categories all time and Chipper has his place in Atlanta Braves history.

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On trade possibilities: Peter Bourjos for Julio Teheran would NEVER happen straight up. Frank Wren would and should be ran out of Atlanta if he pulled that one. Bourjos is a .220 hitter. I don’t see him as any kind of an option. If they go that route, I say stay with what you have and give some of the youngsters a shot. Mark Trumbo would come with a hefty price tag. I would say both Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado plus a top position prospect who plays catcher. He is definitely someone I would love to see Atlanta have. He hits for average, has good power and drives in runs plus is young and is under team control for a couple more seasons. Corey Hart will likely never happen. While I would love to see Hart in a Braves uniform, a deal for him would see the Braves giving up slightly less than what they would give for Trumbo plus Hart is essentially in a walk season. Hart would likely want his contract renegotiated and the Braves may require it though the new contract would likely be prohibitive for Atlanta. I think if anyone is traded for, it would be Dexter Fowler. His contract is much more amenable and he has some of the tools the Braves are looking for. Ultimately, I don’t see Atlanta giving up its top prospects for anyone so it could be wait and see.

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Chipper is a sure HOF’er, but to those who say his “leadership” will be missed, I ask “What leadership?” At the end of the day, Chipper was mostly all about Chipper. If he was such a leader then why was he never made team captain? Great player, but not the leader type. This is not a knock on Chipper’s playing abilities, again, he will clearly be in The Hall of Fame.

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I guess Chipper will have to live with the knowledge that some bloggers doubt he was a team leader. I suppose he’ll just have to settle with the unanimous view of MLB players, coaches, managers, GM’s, and team owners that he was.

I suppose he’ll get by on that.

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dont understand why people say we can fill left field with what we got in triple A???? I would be open to this if there were any that were good enough to try and fill that position. Castanza is not the answer.
220 average with speed. thats pretty much available anywhere…

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Yuup— I agree 100%, I for one will not be at Turner Field. Money gone no one extended. Still need 3b or lf. Total lack of diligence is all can be said. Let nats and phillies out smart him, sad

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WigWam….. I never said Wren did or should do his job based upon what the folks on this blog think. I agree he wouldn’t last long that way. I simply mentioned what I did because there are some people on here that will complain no matter what happens. If he doesn’t make a move because he’s playing a different strategy they complain because he isn’t doing anything.. if he does make a move they complain and say he should have waited even though they would have complained about that too… It’s hard to be a GM as it is. There is no question though that some signings are meant to sell tickets and we see here that some people are expecting Wren to replace Chipper and not just the Chipper of the last two years, they want him to replace the MVP Chipper and that’s easier said than done.

I do however believe that some signings are done because a team wants that player and also to weaken a division rival. Take Josh Hamilton for example.. Strengthens the Angels and weakens Texas.

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With Chipper retired, there will be a lot of empty seats @ Turner Field in 2013. Fans don’t want to see a lot of strikeouts and solo home runs.

On paper this Braves’ roster can’t compare with the Nationals, who are built to be the class of the division for years to come.

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“Chipper is a sure HOF’er, but to those who say his “leadership” will be missed, I ask “What leadership?”

I agree. Over time, I’ve read many statements that annoint him a great leader. How does a fan come to this conclusion? Because players seek his advice on hitting? He’s a great hitter. Why would you not ask his advice. So, this is a great hitter giving thoughs on hitting. I’m very good at some things and if I were to pass some of this along I wouldn’t walk away with the idea that this is a sign of great leadership. And leadership in the clubhouse? Exactly how do we come to that conclusion? I’m in the stands slamming a brew, so how would I have any sense for how he is in the clubhouse? And for those who proudly remind us that baseball folks at all levels espouse his great leadership abilities…….imagine a microphone near your mouth and the ATL sports nitwit asks: And what do you think of Chipper Jones and his ability to lead this Braves club? What do you expect to get in return? C’mon folks,I fall asleep within the first 10 seconds of a Chipper interview. It is what it is.

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Providing that Mark DeRosa is all right physically I wished we had signed him instead of Janish and Pena. He can play more positions then either one of them and hit a lot better than they can. He is also a beloved Brave.

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Everyone is an expert on a blog. We have expert GM’s, pitching coaches, scouts, morality counselors and more! This is your one stop spot for experts on everything. You do know what “expert” means don’t you? “Ex” means “used to be.” “Spurt” means “a drip under pressure.”

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same old same O…

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BravesFan Whatever you are drinking or smoking. I want some. You have got to be kidding. You are dreaming!!!

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Angel Eyes……. let’s let it play out on the field… My prediction is simple Heyward and Freeman will take steps forward this year #1. Simmons will hit better than Pastornicky or Janish #2 Uggla will hit closer to his career average than to .220 #3 and Upton will have a better second half than Bourn #4.
McCann’s year will be based more on recovery from surgery than anything so that’s more wishing he’s healthy because when he’s right he’s a ballplayer.

Let’s check back next September and see how right or wrong I am…

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Your show, Good luck. I complety disagree. This team is NOT better but we will see. IMO best can do is 90 wins and 3rd place. That is stretching. I hope you are right. I will be first to congratulate you. I don’t think will happen. Again No lead off man. Lost Chipper, Bourn, Ross, Hinske, and Mccann Hurt till July. No replacements. No leadership. Too young to have any leaders Heyward, Freeman,good but not leaders. Prado-a star,but needs help. Mccann-done Upton-not even close to bourn. No LF . 2nd base- just another popeye. Where is your improvement? Team got worse not better,

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Angel Eyes,

Third place?

Barring a miracle I concede 1st place to Washington. They are well-stocked and well-managed.

No way we are worse than Philly, Miami or NY Mets.

Second place at best with a shot at the wild card.

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Phillie improved. Pitching, Outfieder, 3rd base, bull pen. Braves no improvement. Got worse #rd place no playoffs…..

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Enter your comments here

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Nobody is scared of the Phillies. Nobody is scared of the Gnats. Go to bed with that talk…

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Braves’ need to place some emphasis on position players so they don’t have to pay the piper via free agency or trade to acquire some. All this pitching development hasn’t gotten them a division championship since 2005.

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Borrowing from Paul Simon’s Mrs. Robinson: Where have you gone Mister Wren?…a lonely Braves nation turns its eyes to you.

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“An Observer, last year the Nats were 5th in HRs in the NL, and 8th overall. They also had less sac flies and sac hits than the Braves.” – Rick C

Rick, where did the Nats finish in the NL East ?

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