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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,304 comments Add your comment
Mixxo
December 20th, 2012
5:25 pm
cool yer jets son.
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:27 pm
Sandra Golden @sportsandra
Congrats to @RealCJ10 for making #6 Nationally. Top 10 Moments in Sports in 2012 http://voices.yahoo.com/top-10-moments-sports-2012-11906494.html …
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:27 pm
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm
Cody Ross still looking for a third year offer….Phillies, Rangers, Braves, Red Sox amongst the teams still in conversations with him
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:27 pm
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
Sources: Pierzynski, #Rangers closing in on one-year contract. Deal will be pending a physical, not yet done.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
5:27 pm
never got reported b4 mixxy, your memory aint all that good either huh
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:28 pm
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm
Best fits for Michael Bourn in my opinion at this point? 1. Seattle 2. Texas 3. Cubs 4. Rockies (if they trade Fowler to Atlanta)
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:28 pm
ESPN’s Jim Bowden. Top Prospects likely to be traded. Julio made the list.
Teheran, 21, remains the Braves’ top pitching prospect, but until his command and control in the zone arrives, his stock remains static among evaluators. He’ll get the chance to compete for the fifth spot in the Braves’ rotation or might even start the year in Triple-A. The Braves continue to look for a long-term answer at third base or left field and will solve it through trade rather than free agency. So it might be only a matter of time before Teheran is offered for a middle-of-the-order impact bat.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:30 pm
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
Sources: Pierzynski, #Rangers closing in on one-year contract. Deal will be pending a physical, not yet done.
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm
Cody Ross still looking for a third year offer….Phillies, Rangers, Braves, Red Sox amongst the teams still in conversations with him
. Julio made the list.
Cool. Always said Teheran before Delgado
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:30 pm
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm
Best fits for Michael Bourn in my opinion at this point? 1. Seattle 2. Texas 3. Cubs 4. Rockies (if they trade Fowler to Atlanta)
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:31 pm
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm
Cincinnati Reds & Washington Nationals continue pursuit of LHR Mike Gonzalez who would fit in nicely with both post-season contenders in ‘13
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:32 pm
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm
Dodgers still “kicking the tires” internally on both Joel Hanrahan & Brian Wilson with goal of deepening bullpen…not in on Rafael Soriano
nolie
December 20th, 2012
5:32 pm
who would trade a middle of the order impact bat for Teheran at this point?
sometimes Bowden blows my mind
nolie
December 20th, 2012
5:34 pm
so do we prefer Fowler or Ross?
phil
December 20th, 2012
5:34 pm
Nolie, never “known” you to be either….was just enjoying your rant on whomever it was.
Efrim
December 20th, 2012
5:34 pm
who would trade a middle of the order impact bat for Teheran at this point?
sometimes Bowden blows my mind
No team. Bowden is lost.
Murph
December 20th, 2012
5:35 pm
Fowler? Ross?
Francisco? Gattis?
Crap.
cricket
December 20th, 2012
5:37 pm
sometimes Bowden blows my mind
sometimes?
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:37 pm
Cody Ross wouldn’t be a upgrade over the Johnson/Francisco platoon. But he would be a upgrade over Johnson in that platoon. But he’d be an awful expensive platoon player. It’s gonna take around 8-10 million a year to sign him and if that’s the case the Braves would be signing him to play everyday.
Francisco’s and Johnson’s roles would reduce a ton. But I’m sure after Ross is only hitting 250/320 after a month or so they’ll start to mix in the others. We’d be stuck with a expensive part timer. Even as a everyday player for us I bet he wouldn’t hit 20 HR. Fenway boosted his slugging…
Murph
December 20th, 2012
5:37 pm
so do we prefer Fowler or Ross?
At this point I’d rather go with Ross and keep the prospects. We’re gonna need ‘em.
Efrim
December 20th, 2012
5:37 pm
so do we prefer Fowler or Ross?
I’d rather trade prospects for Fowler than to sign Cody Ross so he can take up LF and block others. Just an overrated player. At least Fowler is 26 years old – entering his peak with good walk rates. But I don’t think Dexter is going anywhere. Be very surprised if Colorado decides to trade him.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
5:37 pm
Crap…Murph
I’ll second that
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:39 pm
He likely means Teheran would headline a package of somekind. But he’s still a idiot. There is a reason why he isn’t a MLB GM anymore. He sucked.
phil
December 20th, 2012
5:39 pm
I’ll agree that Francisco and Gattis are crap….
And with that, I bid you all a farewell for now.
Efrim
December 20th, 2012
5:40 pm
At this point I’d rather go with Ross and keep the prospects. We’re gonna need ‘em.
The outfield would be set for the next three years if we made that trade – LF Fowler, CF Upton, RF Heyward. And Fowler is cheap scheduled to make $4 million in 2013 through his 2nd year projected arbitration – Super 2. With Simmons at SS, Uggla at 2B and Freeman at 1B, you probably still only sign one of Mac and Prado, but again, you could theoretically sign both if you acquire Fowler for LF. Really wouldn’t have to worry about the OF for a while.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
5:40 pm
ah but Random made it his goal in life to rummage through the backfiles trying to prove folks wrong about things they said
Wonder what happened to him, I kinda miss him every so often
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:44 pm
Fowler is one of those “potential types”. He wouldn’t be a clear cut upgrade. We would basically be hoping he can hit well away from Coors and improve during his 26-29 ages. But for the right price I would definitely take a shot with Dexter instead of the in-house platoon.
Efrim
December 20th, 2012
5:45 pm
Fowler hit .262/.339/.381 away from Coors field in 2012.
Bourn hit .274/.348/.391 in 2012 and is a “great” leadoff hitter set to make over $15 million a year as a 30 year old.
Obviously Bourn is a vastly better defender than Fowler. But purely from an offensive standpoint, not terribly different.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:46 pm
Ross… need the prospects to try to trade for a pitcher
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:46 pm
I don’t miss Random or any of his ilk. Can’t stand people who come on this blog just to make trouble with others.
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:47 pm
All Cody Ross would provide is something around 250/320/430 12-16 HR that would be my estimation. He’d be much better just facing LHP in a platoon but the money isn’t right for that.
Murph
December 20th, 2012
5:51 pm
The outfield would be set for the next three years if we made that trade – LF Fowler, CF Upton, RF Heyward.
Sounds like it would take 3 years to get Cody Ross too… so we’re set for 3 years either way.
Fowler would make for one damn dynamic defense in the OF. I just worry about what would be sent the Rockies’ way in the trade. One of Teheran/Delgado, plus what? Sounds like it’s gonna be pricey.
Efrim
December 20th, 2012
5:51 pm
Ross… need the prospects to try to trade for a pitcher
Worry about that next year. Currently we have Reed Johnson and Juan Francisco set to hit 7th for the team. 6th for the first 2-4 weeks.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
5:51 pm
and speaking of MIA, Bat has not been around. I hope it is not because his family health problems have overwhelmed him
Norris Chuck
December 20th, 2012
5:51 pm
Atlanta Braves Rumors: Team Should Aggressively Try to Acquire Mark Trumbo
“If the Atlanta Braves want to get back into the postseason, they need to do everything they can to acquire Mark Trumbo from the Los Angeles Angels.
Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reported that the young player became available after the Angels signed Josh Hamilton to a long-term deal:
As the rest of the division improves, Atlanta has to keep getting better just to keep up. Unless they get another big-time hitter in the lineup, the Braves will have a tough time competing.”
Trumbo is the best option and the team should feel no concern mortgaging the future to win now.
By Rob Goldberg(Featured Columnist) on December 17, 2012
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:51 pm
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm
Rangers and A.J. Pierzynski have agreed to terms on a one-year contract pending tomorrow’s physical
cricket
December 20th, 2012
5:53 pm
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl–former-nfl-qb-jon-kitna-finds-%E2%80%98gold-mine%E2%80%99-at-a-school-where-other-teachers-only-saw-problems-194739063.html
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
5:55 pm
Well from past reports the Rockies wanted Mike Minor, and there is no chance of that happening. So Wren would likely wanna start with Delgado or Teheran and go from there. Probably would take a 3 man package.
Efrim
December 20th, 2012
5:55 pm
I am not a fan of Cody Ross. Product of Fenway and can’t hit RHP. 32 years old – three year deal worth $25 million? No thank you.
Again, why are folks excited to win the International League ERA title? I get that we need depth and lost some when we traded away Hanson, but I am shocked that we didn’t deal away some of our pitching prospects – when apparently we have so much depth. I’m not in the room, so I don’t know for sure, but it sure seemed like that was the route to go this winter.
Oh well. I’m out. Go Braves. Good conversation today.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
5:55 pm
Fowler is not a great CFer but should do real well in LF I would guess
I was mostly kidding Brava, though once in a while he did say something pretty insightfiul
Murph
December 20th, 2012
5:58 pm
and speaking of MIA, Bat has not been around. I hope it is not because his family health problems have overwhelmed him
Yeah, seems like over a month or two since he’s been around. Hope his brother is ok.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
5:58 pm
not sure how Trumbo is available now
and I worry some about the fact that he fell apart so much last season
Brava
December 20th, 2012
5:59 pm
Yes, once in while, when he wasn’t attacking someone in his condescending manner, nolie. His cons far outweighed his pros on this blog, IMHO.
brian
December 20th, 2012
5:59 pm
agree that I do not want Cody Ross – not a big upgrade from what we have currently and especially not for the money he is commanding right now
Brava
December 20th, 2012
6:02 pm
I’m the same way on Ross, brian. Too expensive for what he brings to the table. I wanted him last season when he wasn’t so expensive, but not now.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
6:03 pm
Ross hit well back in Florida, right? Had good home and road numbers back then I believe…
Rather him, than Fowler… given the costs. Similar production, but with Ross we keep those prospects which we will be needing, maybe even next year! Delgado or Teheran for Fowler is too much. Offer Gilmartin. Take it or leave it O’Dowd
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
6:03 pm
Ross hit well back in Florida, right? Had good home and road numbers back then I believe…
Rather him, than Fowler… given the costs. Similar production, but with Ross we keep those prospects which we will be needing, maybe even next year! Delgado or Teheran for Fowler is too much. Offer Gilmartin. Take it or leave it O’Dowd
Brava
December 20th, 2012
6:04 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The Rangers had to get some left-handed hitting, which makes A.J. Pierzynski a good fit for them. A DH option on days he doesn’t catch.
Bobby Cox
December 20th, 2012
6:09 pm
Jordan Schafer is tearing it up in the batting cage
Billy Marlin
December 20th, 2012
6:12 pm
“Teheran, 21, remains the Braves’ top pitching prospect, but until his command and control in the zone arrives, his stock remains static among evaluators. ”
Teheran & Delgado are way overrated by the Braves; others teams have minimal interest in either.
The Braves have little to offer anyone outside Simmons, Heyward or Freeman
Murph
December 20th, 2012
6:14 pm
Is Ross better than Francisco? Is he better than Gattis?
The shrugs and head shakes that I see around the room tell me all I need to know.
No Ross.
Puma
December 20th, 2012
6:16 pm
I didn’t do official count, but looks like pretty even split between those wanting Fowler or Ross. Personally, I’d rather have Fowler and would trade one of Delgado or Teheran to get him, but not Minor. Guy has pretty good OBP and I don’t think his numbers away for Coors are horrible. Besides, we could take solace in the fact that whatever pitcher we send in the trade will never amount to much in Colorado so at least the trade will always favor the Braves – no Tex like moaning would forthcoming.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:18 pm
the difference is that we know for sure that Ross will hit lefties at least, we have no idea if any of the Three Amigos will hit in the bigs at all, and if we wait and they don’t, we could be in deep doodoo
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:19 pm
I think I would rather have Fowler too , but either are a safer bet than internal, though internal might work out fine
Puma
December 20th, 2012
6:20 pm
I take that back, I looked at Fowlers home away splits a little more – there is a pretty big difference. That is concerning.
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
6:22 pm
Trumbo is the best option and the team should feel no concern mortgaging the future to win now.
That second part is a truly moronic statement.
JasonInFL
December 20th, 2012
6:24 pm
Fowler over Ross.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:27 pm
I’m not as concerned about the size of the split, most Coors hitters have very large ones, I pay more attention to his actual away numbers and he was a 780 and 720 hitter the last two years away. Not saying that is great by any means, but ex-coors guys often get a bit better as they stay away from Coors.
I certainly wouldn’t debate that he is a great pick up I just think he is a bit safer than internal options But safer enough than internals to justify the price? I don’t know.
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
6:27 pm
I looked at Fowlers home away splits a little more – there is a pretty big difference. That is concerning.
Fowler’s home/away splits are scary. The Rockies’ GM is delusional if he thinks Fowler is worth what he’s asking in return.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:28 pm
that guy who was being quoted is a dingbat most times I’ve read his comments.
Puma
December 20th, 2012
6:32 pm
Good point nolie on Fowler – I am sure there is always some adjustments for a hitter playing half his games in CO then other half away which lowers his numbers somewhat away from Coors Field. I think bottom line is, he gets on base both home and away and would be a pretty good to very good lead off hitter. I’d really like to know what Rockies are trying to get for him.
Lynyrd Skynyrd - "On The Hunt"
December 20th, 2012
6:35 pm
I said baby mama, I don’t know your name
But I said baby, sugar I can play your game
Every night when we leave the hall
I see you hanging around
You wanna ride in my big black car baby
Wanna go uptown
(Chorus)
I know who you are baby
I know what they call you girl
Never put you down baby
I’m just like you baby, I’m on the hunt
I know lady
People gonna talk about you and me
Let me say one thing mama, sugar I do as I please
And if you wanna love me baby, I’m your man
And all those high-falutin’ society people
I don’t care if they don’t undertand
(Chorus)
My daddy told me a long time ago
Said there’s two things son
Two things you should know
And in these two things you must take pride
That’s a horse and woman, yeah
Well both of them you ride
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:36 pm
if they are really wanting Minor, than …just say no
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
6:40 pm
if they are really wanting Minor, than …just say no
According to earlier reports, they were said to be asking for Minor+ Delgado or Teheran.
David O'Brien
December 20th, 2012
6:41 pm
I think Cody Ross, Fowler and Bourjos are still possibilities. Wouldn’t say likely for any of them, but possible. Particularly if no other team gives Ross the third year it’s believed he’s asking for. Braves would go two years with him, I’m pretty certainly. Bonifacio seems unlikely now that Toronto has already strengthened its rotation, but you never know.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:44 pm
Bourjos? I thought he was cemented in out there now?
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
6:44 pm
Come on Angels and Jays, hold on to your guys, please!
Murph
December 20th, 2012
6:47 pm
I think Cody Ross, Fowler and Bourjos are still possibilities
C’mon DOB! Now it’s at least another month of TOBF and his bromance with Bourjos.
Edit it, fast!
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
6:50 pm
Take the Bourjos name off your comment DOB!
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
6:50 pm
DOB keeping the Bourjos talk going… LOVE IT Chief!
Above, I wasnt saying that I want Ross over what we have now… but if Wren was going to make a move, Id take Cody over Dexter.
ChattTownBrian
December 20th, 2012
6:51 pm
I don’t want Cody Ross! I want Justin Upton, or Fowler, Trumbo.
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
6:52 pm
Too late…
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:54 pm
TOO LATE!!! Now ya dun it David. TOBF is back on Bourjos
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
6:56 pm
Dont worry Murph, I’m not going to emulate your bromance for Myers… no Murphing going on here!
any way the Cards move Jon Jay, any at all? Still would like to have him
cabravesfan
December 20th, 2012
6:57 pm
I hate to break it to TOBF, but the Angels are FAR less likely to trade Bourjos now that they have traded Morales. Sorry…
ChattTownBrian
December 20th, 2012
6:57 pm
I’m not trying to be silly here, but look at Bourjos numbers in a full, healthy season. They aren’t far off at all of what Bourn gave us.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:58 pm
I’d like to have a million dollars, should I repeat that 50 times a day here?
nolie
December 20th, 2012
6:58 pm
ONE full healthy season out of three, not such good odds
nolie
December 20th, 2012
7:00 pm
I agree cab, I don’t see them trading Bourjos for anything the Braves would be willing to offer….crossing fingers and taping them in place……
Tomas
December 20th, 2012
7:02 pm
Lew, Turner field is much more neutral than Pecto, I’m not saying it is a hitters park, but compared to Pecto it is much better.
It’s not a move just to make a move, he’s a good under the radar type outfielder, and I’m just comparing him to Fowler which is a move most of us would say is a great fit, and a lot of people knock it down because they’re afraid of the Coors field factor and the fact that he can’t steal bases and even with all of that Rockies are asking for the moon.
The answer of why is perception. Fowler came up with much more hype than Will Venable did, his overall numbers look great, awesome OBP, you look at his road stats and he is horrible. Venable’s overall numbers look okay, awful home numbers at Pecto park, understandable, very solid away numbers, and lets not forget he plays most of his games in the AL West at San Francisco, LA which are also pitchers parks, and his away numbers still look pretty good.
Dexter Fowler which I think is great I’ve got to say “OVER RATED”.
Will Venable is “UNDER RATED”.
The fact that he is under rated means two things, 1. He won’t make as much money as Fowler, and 2. the Padres aren’t going to ask as much as the Rockies are asking for. In either case common sense tells us the Braves are better off trading for Will Venable who is a good outfielder, steals more bases than Fowler, and judging by his away numbers he can get on base and hit for some power which makes him an ideal fit to be a leadoff hitter.
cabravesfan
December 20th, 2012
7:04 pm
nolie-
There was a lengthy article in the Times today about how Bourjos should be the Angels’ starting CF now…they will move Trumbo to mainly the DH
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
7:04 pm
I’d rather have Fowler instead of Ross as well. Not sure why the Braves have interest in Ross tho, he’s not a upgrade and is costing everyday player money, but a platoon guy. Guess we can pay em 8 million a year to platoon with Francisco…..
nolie
December 20th, 2012
7:05 pm
Venable is atrocious against lefties, why would we give up anything for him. No way!!
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
7:06 pm
Wren getting all giddy for a 250/320/430 15 HR guy for LF….. Cause that is what Ross will be.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
7:08 pm
depends on if they platoon him Va, if they do it will be a lot better than that, but yes he would be awful expensive even for a sometime platoon let alone a full time one
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
7:12 pm
Mike Minor now on twitter.
Disgusted
December 20th, 2012
7:15 pm
Cody Ross did have two 20 HR yrs with Florida in 2008 and 09.
He is more than just a Fenway hitter.
He also has been a good doubles man, I see him hitting between 16 and 20 HRS here and 30-35 doubles. His OBP can be expected in the .320 range.
Also helped SF to the 2010 WC, was a nice part of that team.
If it takes 8 to 10 mil, well, that is the price of MLB talent.
Its up to LM to get off the schnide and come up with some common sense that a 2003 payroll is not conductive to conducting business in 2013 and later if they really care.
The price is going up. Before long a hundred mil roll in MLB is going to be bottom ten, maybe lower.
nolie
December 20th, 2012
7:15 pm
anybody know what a twit is? Why would they call it twitter? are they insinuating something about the users???
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
7:16 pm
Exactly why I don’t see them signing him. If he does sign with us it’s to play everyday. Just can’t hand out a 2 year 16-18 million contract for a guy that will start around 80-100 games. Just doesn’t make sense when you factor our payroll.
My biggest beef with Cody Ross is the contract he’ll get. But I like him as a platoon player alot. He and Francisco would be a nice power combo, and it would allow Johnson to serve primarily as our 4th OFer and PH. But the money doesn’t work for the scenario.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
7:20 pm
so far, Schafer is the only twit I’ve seen among the players on twitter.
Someone tell Dipoto to give me a call please; 678-Bou-rjos
JasonInFL
December 20th, 2012
7:24 pm
No chance of Swish at all, huh?
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
7:25 pm
Ha!
Wes Jorga
December 20th, 2012
7:27 pm
Grady Sizemore is available, if he has fully rehabbed may provide what the braves can afford with low risk and Hail Mary reward!
old man
December 20th, 2012
7:31 pm
. . . that platoon based on Winter League performance.
Again? [Sigh.]
JC Brave
December 20th, 2012
7:34 pm
Someone tell Dipoto to give me a call please.
As long as he doesn’t get to talk to Wren, you can talk to him all you want!
old man
December 20th, 2012
7:34 pm
Cody Ross and Francisco would be a monster platoon. They won’t do that because of the money. But it would be.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
7:36 pm
platoon based on small sample size and higher than avg. BABIP…. in the Majors
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
7:39 pm
Tell Wren to listen in and agree to do what I propose…
JasonInFL
December 20th, 2012
7:41 pm
Oh, and I think this blog is another instance of Constanza being mentioned as a possibility…
VaBravesFan
December 20th, 2012
7:41 pm
I believe Ross and Francisco would likely combine for 25-30 HR in a platoon. Highly doubt they’d pay Ross all that money to platoon and I highly doubt he’d sign with the Braves for that role. It would be one of those situations where money makes the decisions. Even tho a Ross/Francisco platoon would be more productive, they wouldn’t do it cause Ross is being paid so much. So he ends up playing 140 games in LF even tho it makes the team worse.
old man
December 20th, 2012
7:44 pm
Hooray for you TOBF–at least I got the majors part in there!