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6,304 comments Add your comment
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
9:46 am
Add a SO to GATTIS’ total from last night’s game.
LHRP LUIS AVILAN also blew a save and lost the game he was in.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
9:46 am
uga
Oh I agree, I was just listing our questions going forward.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
9:47 am
I think we know what we have in a Juan Francisco and Reed Johnson platoon. I’m intrigued by Evan Gattis tho, while I’m not optimistic about it, I’d almost rather just give Gattis the job if he plays well in Spring.
Also there’s a part of me that say’s hell with it, play Francisco at 3B everyday cause I think he’ll hit 25-30 HR… He could be a Mark Reynolds type hitter…
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
9:49 am
brian
“……December 21st, 2012
10:58 pm
I would offer freeman, Delgado, ahmed, Gattis, and Gilmartin for Stanton.
I would then get chipper to call Laroche to recruit him for a 3 year deal……”
Heh!
Real Talk
December 22nd, 2012
9:52 am
Brian that might be the all time dumbest trade prposal by a fan on here ever!!!
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
9:53 am
When it comes to Francisco and Gattis, a few months ago I would have said that I HIGHLY doubt Wren will factor them much when it comes to getting a Everyday Left Fielder. I mean we have some pitching depth and plenty of money… I guess I was flat out wrong on that. Wonder how things would have played out if Francisco didn’t get into better shape and was struggling and same with Gattis…
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
9:55 am
Bourn is ‘rebourn’ in Atlanta at 14 million plus 1 mill in incentives for a reprise season before moving on after a CONSISTANTLY excellent 2013.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
December 22nd, 2012
9:56 am
It’s December 22nd and the world didn’t end……..dang! Proof my creditor’s are still in cahoot’s with Satan!
Frank Wren got us B.J. Upton, fortified the bullpen, bench and we still don’t have a leaf off hitter. But Luis Durango is still around
Lew
December 22nd, 2012
9:58 am
If Gattis hadn’t performed well and Francsico has not lost weight, then Wren would now be freaking out ALMOST as much as many here are.
Real Talk
December 22nd, 2012
9:58 am
rich brave first Seattle will probably sign Bourn and as far as as him being consistent, you need to look at his 2nd half numbers before you put it in all capitols, just sayin!
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
10:02 am
He’s performing well at a moderate AA level…. don’t get too carried away with those stats. And if he does tank, teams will be able to take advantage of us… not that our prospects are all that good anyway.
Sure it may work out, but we can still aim higher than using guys winter-ball stats for comfort.
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
10:03 am
With UPTON, BOURN, HEYWARD and JOHNSON roaming the OF, and PRADO, SIMMONS, UGGLA, and FREEMAN around the INF, the good guys bash NATS and PHILLIES pitching into submission in 2013 and cruise to a World Championship.
Heh! Sorry guys, just got carried away after the Brian hypothesis from last night..
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
10:03 am
he has had 1 bad second half in his career. 1!
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
10:03 am
But even with positive signs from Francisco and Gattis, still a huge let down overall. Also I’d really like to see Prado play more than 111 games at 1 position over a full season for the 1st time in his career. He’s already 29 years old, likely won’t stick to 1 position unless he gets out of Atlanta.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
10:07 am
My idea about Stanton would apply to anyone. If we get a “premium” LFer, that makes Francisco expendable. And, some of his splits, his weight loss, his winter league play, and our hype about going with him in a platoon might be valuable to someone. Maybe some other team has a stud OFer we want, and a hole at 3B, or a 3Bman who crushes lefties, but is dominated by RHP . . . . For such a team, Francisco is a valuable secondary piece in a trade. And if we get our LFer, he’s surplusage for us, especially with his pinch hitting stats.
Miami matches up in that way, but the stud OFer they have is almost too good to make that deal work. Maybe you guys know of some other team that matches up like that. The Twins sure do, but you sure can’t see them trading their entire OF in one off season.
Lew
December 22nd, 2012
10:10 am
They’ll be able to take advantage of us? You mean as opposed to what they’re already trying to do?
Lew
December 22nd, 2012
10:13 am
And if Prado gets out of ATlanta, he’ll still end up playing mulitple positions, because it’s a talent and one that is going to be utilized wherever he plays. I still fail to see what the problem is. There are plenty of players MLB wide that play multiple positions and what it is is a strength – not the perceived weakness that it is on this blog.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
10:23 am
Lew
Not a weakness, I just think that if Prado knew he was playing just 1 position that he’d be better at the plate. Of course it’s a strength that we have a guy who is a everyday player that can play a different position each night. It’s give us another reason to be cheaper and so on as well.
For me atleast when I played 8 years of little league, I was our top CFer and was great at it, I could also play pretty decent at 2B too, but whenever I was told I’d be playing 2B it totally threw me off my game and mindset at the plate. We had plenty of Outfielder only guys and were short on infielder’s quite often so I was called upon 2nd base quite a bit.
When I played CF, my coach batted me leadoff. When I played 2B I batted 8th or 9th lol
brian
December 22nd, 2012
10:25 am
no – the all time dumbest trade proposal was the Tex trade – trade to get him #2, trade to the Angels #1.
Anybody wants Stanton you have to make a huge offer. Never happen and there is a reason that none of us here are GMs. I am biased towards Stanton after watching him for a year in minor leagues. Awesome power, good fielder, good arm, good speed.
brian
December 22nd, 2012
10:25 am
no – the all time dumbest trade proposal was the Tex trade – trade to get him #2, trade to the Angels #1.
Anybody wants Stanton you have to make a huge offer. Never happen and there is a reason that none of us here are GMs. I am biased towards Stanton after watching him for a year in minor leagues. Awesome power, good fielder, good arm, good speed.
brian
December 22nd, 2012
10:25 am
no – the all time dumbest trade proposal was the Tex trade – trade to get him #2, trade to the Angels #1.
Anybody wants Stanton you have to make a huge offer. Never happen and there is a reason that none of us here are GMs. I am biased towards Stanton after watching him for a year in minor leagues. Awesome power, good fielder, good arm, good speed.
Lew
December 22nd, 2012
10:30 am
VaBraves – Better at the plate? Dude’s already a .300 hitter and top ten in hits in the league. He hits well in any position in the order and whereever he plays. Let’s just be really pleased we have a player who hits no matter what and can play anywhere they put him to do so with class and a good bit of ability.
Lew
December 22nd, 2012
10:33 am
Re: Stanton – it would take a Tex-like package of players to get him and honestly, we don’t have that level of talent left in the minor league system.
Let’s just forget the pipe dreams here, y’all – Stanton will not be a Brave.
Angry acworth man
December 22nd, 2012
10:34 am
I think Frank Wren still has something in the works. His and Fredi G’sjobs are on the line if the team doesn’t produce this year. I’m seeing too many rumors that keep mentioning Fowler coming to us…
Lew
December 22nd, 2012
10:36 am
Fredi’s job is on the line? Seriously? Didn’t they just extend his contract less than a month ago?
74bravesjersey
December 22nd, 2012
10:36 am
Stanton is massive! It would rock all of mlb, but too much to try to get back, is he a Boras client? I’m w/ VaBravesFan, would love to see Gattis ba a steady thumper, good Ab’s,very reliable in the clutch, become the piece that was long sought after, works hard to stay polished, making everyone from the outsidelooking in ask where did this young stud come from, A Big Hope So……
Zing
December 22nd, 2012
10:42 am
Y’all might bash his trade proposal, but old man is on the right track. Nobody is going to give up something good for the Braves’ current group of prospects. We either trade a guy like Freeman or Simmons or stand pat. (Gives a reality check to those pushing for a trade for a “premium” player).
The other trade scenario that everybody hates would have Simmons going to Arizona for Upton. Most guys here don’t like that, and I don’t really particularly either, but there is something to be said for it. Namely, Simmons’ value is really, really high but he’s barely played at the ML level. Upton’s been up for, what 3-4 seasons? And he’s a righty, fits a need, bla bla bla.
Naaah, no worth it.
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
10:44 am
,
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
10:48 am
“……Lew
December 22nd, 2012
10:36 am
Fredi’s job is on the line? Seriously? Didn’t they just extend his contract less than a month ago?……”
The proverbial ‘vote of confidence.’ A sure sign he’s on the skids.
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
10:50 am
“…….Naaah, no worth it…….” Zing
Agree.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
10:52 am
I really don’t consider making the wild card the playoffs anymore. If Fredi can’t get us to the real playoffs he should be fired, or Wren should take the fall. After all Fredi manages the roster that Wren gives em. Playing 1 game isn’t the playoffs…. Gotta do better than that. Eventually have to say let’s be great for a change, and not just good but not good enough every year.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
10:54 am
Win the wild card game to go to the actual playoffs or win the division. Anything else is considered a failure to me.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
10:55 am
Let’s replace Michael Bourn and Chipper Jones with BJ Upton and Reed Johnson/Juan Francisco/Evan Gattis while not using 10-13 million.
Lew
December 22nd, 2012
10:55 am
richbrave – Yeah, but they gave him more time and not a vote f confidence – which as you say is the Kiss Of Death.
And let’s stand pat. Freeman is pretty damned good. Yeah, it would take someone like him to get Stanton, but what would your total gain be at that point? I’d much rather have Freeman AND Stanton – then we’re really better and not just incrementally so.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
10:56 am
Seems like a winning a plan to me… Sorry but I just had to go off a bit and now I feel much better.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
December 22nd, 2012
11:04 am
This talk about Liberty Media giving orders to slash payroll is wrongheaded. I think comments made by both Liberty and Braves officials, as well as the actions of both indicate this:
McGuirk, Schuerholz, and Wren are on their own. Their directive from Liberty is “maintain or expand shareholder value,” which is another way of saying “make the franchise worth more so we do well when we sell, and don’t lose money in the process.” A crappy team, no matter what the payroll is, does not accomplish this goal.
Wren and company have more than once talked about a “sweet spot” in terms of payroll being (for the Braves) around $90M. By this they mean that amount, if they spend wisely, should be enough to field a team that has a real chance of winning, without putting red ink on the P&L. This is a function of the realities of the Braves income. If the front office really thinks that the addition of player X will increase the probability of increased revenue I think Liberty would have no problem with it. Cash, they’ve got. But if that player is signed, and it doesn’t result in increased value of the team, then Wren’s credibility is damaged and maybe his job lost.
So when you see lack of activity this winter don’t blame Liberty Media. This is Frank’s job, and his career is on the line.
abeeeewright
December 22nd, 2012
11:13 am
Surely the Braves could give up some prospects down the list from the Latin Duo to get something in LF better than Schafer or Constanza.
You’d think there would be a team with an out fielder who was starting to get expensive that would part with him just for salary relief. Some one better than Jordanza but not in the league of J Upton.
I guess we have to get past the arb deadline to find out who that might be.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
11:14 am
Simmons > Freeman
Stanton > Justin Upton
abeeeewright
December 22nd, 2012
11:16 am
Swisher is prolly the bet LF fit. I suspect that the Braves don’t want to commit the years required to bring him in.
Lew
December 22nd, 2012
11:20 am
They aren’t going to put Schafer or Contanza in LF – I just don’t know where that’s even coming from. They have at least three better options than that they way things already stand. 1. They can use Prado in LF and Francsico at third. 2. They can use a platoon of Gattis/Prado and Francisco/Prado in LF/3b or 3. They can use a platoon of Prado/Johnson in LF and Francisco/Prado at 3B.
That’s three options that don’t include either of Georgie or Peanut Butter Cup in LF. If we get to the point of wither of them in LF starting for any amount of time, the Brave’s season has already gone irretrievably south.
abeeeewright
December 22nd, 2012
11:21 am
Wren took a bad ML team and a good farm system to a good ML team that has competed for a play off spot every year he’s been GM. 2009-2012 have been pretty good seasons.
Compared to the 90s they’ve sucked. But compared to the 70s and 80s, they’ve been primo.
With Chippers retirement, the last tie to the 90s is gone and we can truly look to the future.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
11:22 am
Most of you guys know more about other teams out there than I do. If you think of Francisco as expendable if we obtain a LFer, then our perfect trading partner is a team:
1. That has a RHB OFer we covet
2. Needs a 3Bman
3. Needs pitching
4. Has a RHB heavy lineup, needs a lefty bat. (If their crappy 3Bman is a RHB, this point would be moot, unless they needed two LHBs, in which case we might really match up well. )
I still love the Francisco/Johnson platoon idea. But I’m always willing to upgrade.
Anybody know a team that matches up like this with us?
chipl1960
December 22nd, 2012
11:25 am
Frank wren ranked #10 on list of best GM’s. Just one writers opinion but the sky is not falling folks. This team is set up to be very competitive for years to come. What else can a fan ask for? High payrolls and big splash signings do not equal WS titles. That is a proven fact. The rest is just fluff and opinions of people who have little or no knowledge of the game, or, people who are never satisfied. These are the same people who would complain if after winning the lottery that they had to pay 50% in taxes.
This list was from 2011-2012 and was found with a mouse click. Look at the GM’s ranked below FW. I, for one, trust the front office with capable people making decisions they believe best for the long term success of the Braves. I fully expect another 90+ win season and a chance to win in October. How many fan bases can say the same?
old man
December 22nd, 2012
11:30 am
Lot of negativism historically on this blog. A lot of FA boards had BJ ranked VERY high, even higher than Bourn.
Here we are with a surplus of starters, the best bullpen by far in MLB, one of the best fielding teams in MLB, and we all have our bloomers in a twist because the final spot in the lineup is currently an unsexy platoon that might be great but might be disappointing.
Three fourths of the league would kill to have our problems. And it’s unclear to me how many of the remaining fourth would refuse to trade their team for ours, straight up.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
11:31 am
As far as I’m concerned, we can sure cherry pick any deals that come up, and that’s exactly what Wren is doing.
Heath
December 22nd, 2012
11:33 am
old man:
Trading Teheran/Freeman/Francisco for Stanton would be a good deal for both teams. Even the baseball world would lay off the Marlins for that one, no?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
December 22nd, 2012
11:34 am
Just to be clear, Fredi had his 2014 option exercised. And if things go badly enough (i.e., Bobby Valentine), you can get dumped with a year left on your deal.
Heath
December 22nd, 2012
11:39 am
Hugo:
The way the Braves operate, the team would have to be epically bad or Fredi would have to do something to embarrass himself pretty bad to let him go after next year. They aren’t the Marlins.
Ozzie
December 22nd, 2012
11:40 am
32yo Scott Hairston in a LF platoon = WS ring for ATL, riiiigghhttt
Wren is putting lots of eggs in the DR basket in terms of stats. I think everyone who is not a life long Durham Bulls player hits in the DR.
Gattis has DH’d most of his time there getting very little field experience. As a result I am not sure why people think he will be given much of a look in ST as a LFer even in a platoon.
If you are not deemed field worthy in the DR don’t expect to start or platoon in the field in the ML.
Meija has a better chance of making the roster bc they actually let him field his position.
Gattis screams trade me to an AL team as a 4th OF/3rd C/DH guy. He can swat that is about it and to be realistic his swatting is against suspect pitching in the DR league.
Anyway having platoons at 3B and LF is a recipe for disaster with Fredi at the helm. He is never going to win Mensa Mgr of the Year. Giving him that many moving parts to manage plus the normal pen stuff and possibly having to use Laird more if Mac stumbles, ugh.
I can only imagine the potential mess the line up cards will be if he has to juggle. Having “lots” of options only works if the guy using those options has the skill. Fredi does best when he tinkers very little.
Teams that win WS don’t typically have two platoons at key positions. Unless you are the Cards under vintage Larusso good luck making that work.
Add in ? with Uggla and 150K SO from BJ on a new team where he will be expected to play his best BB in years…. I want to believe things will go according to plan but the initial plan needs fewer ?marks bc people will get hurt and or slump.
Not knowing who will get the bulk of starts in two spots and saying that is a good thing is being quite optimistic.
chipl1960
December 22nd, 2012
11:46 am
another doomsayer. I will take wagers with anyone who wants it. The Braves will win 90+ in 2013.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
December 22nd, 2012
11:47 am
Heath, I said “if things go badly enough.” And this is the team that just paid Derek Lowe 10 million to go away. If they want Fredi gone, his 2014 salary isn’t going to stop them.
chipl1960
December 22nd, 2012
11:55 am
braves 16-1 to win WS in Vegas.
74bravesjersey
December 22nd, 2012
11:59 am
Alot of Hope-in’ for our ATL to have Great – “Shock The World” – Success w/what we got to go w/roster, & our GM pleasing LM, and probably w/limited contraints, may the guys we have now just bring on the “Gusto” , work,live,& play to make this year be a year dynamic, unforgettable, some doin’ of what’s not expected of them, pull’n another Rabbit out of the hat. Rally behind a prado personality, a prado persona if you will, Let’s get to work, keeping you’re heads down well focused at the task at hand. Some young Bucks want to proove they got what it takes to make the roster, to make a Big Impact, to become such that every one else was looking over you to some one else, you were the answere ALL ALONG! Keeping the nose to the grindstone, w/ strong Clutch play, it’s well worth the tough grind when you found success in all the hard work to prepare ‘13 when nobody expected you to. It’s worth it all. There’s alot to prove, some who’ve soured the last couple of years, need now breakout years this year that’s been expected of ya, that you’re capable of. Be a fighter, a Bull charging, can’t be stopped, so c’mon Bravos, rally behind the bull, Prado’s the Bull charging! A charging bull can’t be contained & can Inspire! play
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
12:02 pm
Lew:
Sarcasm meter – read, “full on” in my comment. Heh!
All this commentary has little to do with factual events, or coming events with the BRAVES.
I’ve been thinking how the farm system is operating as an example. ‘It’s terrible;’ ‘One of the worst in baseball,’ and one of the best I’ve seen, ‘the BRAVES used to have a great farm system, but not lately,’ are typical comments here.
Since it typically takes several years to develop players at the ML level let’s look back two years and look at the players drafted between 2006 and 2010, that;’s five drafts.
2006
KRISTOPHER MEDLEN
‘Hasn’t really established himself as a top of the rotation player.’ ‘Flash in the pan.’
CORY RASMUS
2007
JASON HEYWARD 1st round
FREDERICK FREEMAN – 2nd round
CORY GEARRIN – 4th round
‘Trade ‘um while they have value.’
2008 – CRAIG KIMBREL 3rd round
No negative comments amazingly enough.
2009 – MIKE MINOR 1st round
‘Trade him while his value is high. We need a # 1 pitcher at the top of the rotation.’
2010
ANDRELTON SIMMONS 2nd round
‘Let’s trade him while he’s worth something.’
2010 – EVAN GATTIS 23rd round
‘He hasn’t proven anything yet.’ ‘A good AAAA player.’
2010 – TODD CUNNINGHAM
‘He’s rated as a fourth outfielder max.’ ‘Never will hit in the ML’s.’
And as for scouting, how about FA BRANDON BEACHY.
To my eyes, that’s seven solid ML players in the five year span.
Reading through these comments makes me wonder how many positive BRAVES fans really exist.
However, with the dirth of negative comments about KIMBREL there is a glimmer of hope for us fans who post here……..at least we’re not completely brain-dead.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
12:04 pm
A Stanton deal means the Marlins would need to replace two OFers, Stanton and Pierre, who they have lost to FA. One would be Logan Morrison, now tagged for 1B. What about the other?
Their OF prospect, Yelich has been fantastic, but only to A+ level last year, and a standout in AFL this fall. So instead of Teheran, maybe a different pitcher, plus an OFer who will bridge them one year to Yelich. Cunningham? Gattis? Reed Johnson? Our cupboard is sort of bare in that respect.
Just spitballin’
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:05 pm
DiamondBacks to sign Cody Ross to 3 year deal. Looks like the Justin Upton rumors will start once again. They have a Top Prospect slated for CF duty, Justin Upton in RF, Jason Kubel in LF, Now Cody Ross, and Gerardo Parra…
74bravesjersey
December 22nd, 2012
12:08 pm
“Inspire the play!” 2013, play for each other, (That’s what the Giants showed this past year).
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:09 pm
Parra a LHB, is a gold glove caliber LFer, with a OK bat. 30-35 XBH guy with around 15 SB and 280 hitter.
Kubel a LHB, is below average defender but is a good bat with 20+ HR power
And of course we know Justin Upton very well on the ole blog lol
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
12:09 pm
VaBF:
PARRA currently batting .264 ahead of MEJIA and GATTIS in the ZULIA line-up.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:10 pm
Despite trading Chris Young earlier this offseason, the Diamondbacks still have a very crowded outfield. Ross joins the incumbent Justin Upton, Jason Kubel, and Gerardo Parra, and the club also has Adam Eaton and A.J. Pollock knocking on the door. Upton is a perpetual trade candidate of course, though Kubel or Parra could also be moved to clear up the logjam.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:12 pm
JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
Cody Ross finally got his 3rd year guaranteed…not from Bos,Phil,Atl,TX…but ARIZONA as he gets to stay home #surprise!
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:12 pm
JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
With the Diamondbacks signing of Cody Ross does this mean that Jason Kubel gets traded…or maybe even Justin Upton? hmmmmmm
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:13 pm
Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
D-Backs’ reported agreement with Cody Ross sets them up to move an outfielder — Jason Kubel? Texas would be a perfect fit; NYY, too.
richbrave
December 22nd, 2012
12:14 pm
Later.
George_George
December 22nd, 2012
12:14 pm
FRANK WREN got us BJ UPTON and the world did not end, but maybe it should have.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
12:14 pm
Wow. Interesting development regarding Ross-DBacks-Upton.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:14 pm
I’m guessing it’s 3 years 27 million.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:16 pm
1. Giancarlo Stanton | RF | Miami Marlins
Stanton is the No. 1 young right-handed power hitter in game, and he already has 93 career homers despite turning 23 just last month.
But Stanton is no one-dimensional slugger. He is also an above-average right fielder with an above-average arm. He studies the game as well as any young player and has terrific work ethic and baseball instincts. If he stays healthy, he’ll have a chance to join the 600 home run club someday.
The Marlins won’t contend until at least 2014, so the prudent move would be to trade him and maximize the return for a player of Stanton’s caliber.
What’s next: The Marlins have said they won’t trade Stanton, realizing that he is not only their best player and a future superstar but, more importantly, also their only drawing card. But if he shows up to camp and continues to be unhappy, the Marlins will have to listen to trade proposals come July. There is not a young position player in baseball who has more trade value than Stanton, and with the rebuilding Marlins, if a team such as the Texas Rangers wants to empty the farm for him, the Fish will have to listen.
Angry acworth man
December 22nd, 2012
12:16 pm
It’s time for FW to give the Dbacks GM a call and make an offer for one of the surplus of outfielders!! Maybe Parra or even Upton??
Venice Jim
December 22nd, 2012
12:21 pm
From Adam Kilgore story this morning:
At the winter meetings early this month, Nationals officials talked about their hope to have free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche signed or not by the end of the year. With that situation remaining unresolved, one official familiar with the team’s thinking said General Manager Mike Rizzo could press the issue soon, not quite an ultimatum but something close to it.
Under that scenario, Rizzo would tell LaRoche the Nationals would like him to accept their two-year offer, but if not, then they would like to move on with their offseason and commit to Michael Morse at first base. Rizzo could not immediately be reached to comment.
Any kind of deadline would, by its nature, be tentative. The Nationals could always change course so long as LaRoche remains unsigned. But they do want to settle LaRoche’s situation sooner rather than later.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:21 pm
With the DBacks signing Cody Ross, I believe this gives the Rangers a second chance to acquire Justin Upton. To me it really seems like they want Upton gone, they just want a top return at the same time. If I’m a DBack’s fan I’d probably be going bonkers, just imagine Jason Heyward being in trade rumors for 2 years…. What are they doing?
The DBacks now have 4 starting caliber OFer’s to go along with 2 top OF prospects…. While the Braves have 2 starters and confusion after that LOL.
ncbravesfan90
December 22nd, 2012
12:23 pm
Arizona had a surplus of OF’s before the signing of Cody Ross, now they have to trade Upton, Kubel, or Parra.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
12:25 pm
Unless I have not kept up with their off season moves, Cody Ross for Kubel leaves AZ with only 2 LHB in the lineup, plus 1 weak hitting SH. Ross as a replacement for Justin Upton leaves them with 3 LHB, which seems pretty balanced.
Interesting.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:28 pm
This will definitely trigger Justin Upton rumors throughout the rest of the offseason into spring training. If I’m Wren I make another phone call and see what’s up. They already landed a shortstop so Simmons wouldn’t be coveted now.
Kubel isn’t an ideal fit, cause he’s a LH power bat. But I’d consider him a upgrade still.
Parra to me belong in that potential category. Not really sure what your getting. (Fowler/Bourjos)
Upton, we still likely don’t have enough but it doesn’t hurt to open up talks again.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
12:28 pm
Same with Parra. Of the three–Kubel, Parra, Upton, Upton is the only RHB. If they keep Upton and Ross, they are left with only 2 LHB.
I could have missed a deal, so someone might want to double check if Ross and Upton together leaves them RHB heavy.
brian
December 22nd, 2012
12:30 pm
Lew – you are right on. Stanton is a pipe dream. A good dream but a dream nonetheless
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:43 pm
Wow, I was so close. I guessed 3 years 27 million. He really got 3 years 26 million with a 4th year option (1 mil buyout) So they’ll most likely pay him 3/27.
The Blogger Formerly Known as Billy
December 22nd, 2012
12:44 pm
I have to laugh at some saying Wren misjudged the market. Even if he judged it right we’d be in the same position.
David O'Brien
December 22nd, 2012
12:44 pm
If Dbacks’ signing Cody Ross puts one of their other OFs on trade block, you gotta wonder about Parra (I still think Upton price tag will be too high, both in terms of salary and especially in what the Dbacks want in return).
Parra and Kubel both are LH hitters, but Braves said left-handedness isn’t an issue if it’s a leadoff hitter. Parra had nearly half of his 2012 ABs from leadoff spot, batting .307 w/ .374 OBP in 153 ABs at the top of the order. He won a Gold Glove in 2011 and has an incredible arm.
When I asked about him during Winter Meetings, was told the price tag was high. Don’t know if that might come down some now that they’ve added an OF, or whether they are set on keeping him and maybe trading Kubel (who’s most assuredly not a leadoff hitter).
OVentbrel
December 22nd, 2012
12:46 pm
Dave Schoenfield just wrote this in a ranking of all 30 MLB teams: At least the Twins have a direction as they wait for young position players to reach the majors. I have no clue what the Rockies are doing, intend to do, want to do, wish to do or hope to achieve.
And I agree. Look at this starting rotation:
Jorge De La Rosa
Jhoulys Chacin
Juan Nicasio
Drew Pomeranz
Jeff Francis
Talk about being in serious need of pitching. I guess thats the plan: keep Dexter Fowler and enjoy the National League cellar.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:47 pm
I bet BJ has already given Wren a phone call, “go get my brother” lol
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:50 pm
The Rockies are in a good position to change there plans. If they were announce that Carlos Gonzalez, Tulo, and Fowler were available they would be able to stock there farm system as well as bring back some useful MLB players for 2013 all while removing so much salary off the books. If I was them I’d be trading everyone, seriously. Sometimes you just have to start over from scratch.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
December 22nd, 2012
12:52 pm
“The price tag was high” for a player with a career OPS+ of 93? Those nutty DBacks!
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:53 pm
JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
D-Backs could go RF UPTON CF ROSS LF KUBEL OF Parra OF Eaton OF Pollock or this could open deal w/ Braves, Mets or Rangers w/Kubel or Upton
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
12:54 pm
JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
Time to speculate…..Kubel could be going to Rangers, Mets, Yankees, Orioles, Braves
David O'Brien
December 22nd, 2012
12:54 pm
I’m an older reader (age wise) but I always looked forward to DOB’s CD list. Led to some good finds: Carolina Chocolate Drops, Mumford & Sons etc. But this year’s list seems dominated by hip-hop. Nothing against it but it’s not for me. Anything on this list beside Dylan and Leonard Cohen? — Preston Hannatized
If 5 out of 50 albums constitutues being “dominated by hip-hop,” I guess you have a point.
And by the way, if you’re looking for the good finds like Carolina Chocolate Drops and Mumford from previous lists, then why do you ask if there’s anything on this one “beside Dylan and Leonard Cohen,” two guys who’ve been around for close to a half-century?
You might want to actually listen to a few of the albums if you’re looking for finds. That is, if you can get past the 5 out of 50 that are hip-hop.
mgl
December 22nd, 2012
12:54 pm
to all the naysayers re mid season trades, Wren traded for Bourn at 2011 deadline for a hot dog (shafer) and 3 glasses of water. Paid a couple of $M and a bag of peanuts
chipl1960
December 22nd, 2012
12:55 pm
I could live with Parra. We would have 3 of the strongest outfield arms in the majors. Not too many 1st to 3rds and scoring from 2nd on a single. Improves the run differential I think. And that equals more wins. Cost would be less than Justin Upton and less than what they just gave Cody Ross. Rather have Parra @ say 3/21 or Ross @ 3/26. May even get Parra for less. Not sure what his current contract status is. I have seen his throwing arm and he is a good hitter. He’s a better avg. & OBP guy than Cody Ross but has less power.
OVentbrel
December 22nd, 2012
1:01 pm
I agree VaBravesFan. They have some great everyday players, but that lack of pitching needs to be addressed badly. Otherwise Tulo, CarGo and Fowler are essentially in limbo for another full season.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
1:03 pm
Parra is a interesting target. Defensive Guy with awesome arm who can hit a little. Not much XBH power but has had some success in the leadoff spot. Not sure why the DBacks would put a huge price tag on him when he’s slated to be there 4th OFer
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
1:05 pm
JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
Nick Swisher giving serious consideration to 4-year $52mm offer from Indians….preferred LAD,LAA,NYY because of wife acting but not avail
old man
December 22nd, 2012
1:08 pm
Right now, Parra’s their 5th OFer, right?
Wes Jorga
December 22nd, 2012
1:09 pm
May help the Braves to get Parra, but it makes Gattis’s case much stronger as they both play for same Winter league team and Gattis is without question the better hitter.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
1:13 pm
Parra’s L/R splits are not huge.
220 ABs at lead off:
.298 .356 .460 .816
He would give us 4 lefties in the lineup.
Great defense in LF.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
1:13 pm
Parra’s L/R splits are not huge.
220 ABs at lead off:
.298 .356 .460 .816
He would give us 4 lefties in the lineup.
Great defense in LF.
DS1
December 22nd, 2012
1:16 pm
Unless we get a serious upgrade for LF, I’d prefer to not pay much and give our youngsters a shot (Gattis and Francisco).
But Parra would be a good pickup as he can play all 3 OF slots. Though I thought that was why we resigned Reed Johnson??? I don’t see Reed being more than a platoon guy if Gattis isn’t ready.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
1:16 pm
Parra’s splits, only 172 PAs, last year only:
.307 .374 .464 .838
Justin Upton, last year:
.280 .355 .430 .785
Justin Upton, career:
.278 .357 .475 .832
Parra don’t look half bad.
You gotta trade Francisco as part of that deal. He would officially be obsolete for us, although I love him right now in a platoon, with what we have on hand.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
1:19 pm
Parra, a 4th lefty in the lineup as lead off, not as big a deal. 1st year arb in 2013. Cheap and controlled.
I’m wondering if I don’t like him better than Justin Upton.
old man
December 22nd, 2012
1:19 pm
Parra, a 4rth lefty as lead off, not as big a deal. 1st year arb in 2013. Cheap and controlled.
I’m wondering if I don’t like him better than Justin Upton.
VaBravesFan
December 22nd, 2012
1:19 pm
old man
Really depends if they are going with Eaton in CF or not. Signing Ross mean’s he has a starting spot locked down in my opinion. Ross can play any spot, so that makes OF they want to trade really up in the air. Upton, Parra, and Kubel will all interest other teams and they will likely pick the best deal. To me they have to make a trade and start Eaton in CF.
Alot of scenario’s still have Parra as there 4th OFer even after a trade is made. Weird situation. Unless they plan on Eaton starting in AAA and making a trade later.