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Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,304 comments Add your comment
Nick
December 29th, 2012
1:36 am
Not really sure why Wren hasn’t offered Venters, Bethancourt, Ahmed, and Delgado for Justin Upton yet.
Ward
December 29th, 2012
1:36 am
Jack Reacher, still looks good to me, and worthy of seeing too. I like action movies, so I would buy it when it comes out.
Ward
December 29th, 2012
1:37 am
Nick – That’s way too much to give up!
Nick
December 29th, 2012
1:39 am
Ward – I kinda think its not enough, lol. One of Delgado/Teheran has to go anyway, Bethancourt hasn’t proved he can hit, Venters is starting to decline and Avilan has made him expendable. I would, however, be kinda bummed to lose Ahmed.
Nick
December 29th, 2012
1:40 am
But hes blocked by Simmons…
Mike
December 29th, 2012
1:41 am
Dave,
Love the blog and The Braves! Happy 2013!
My Top 29 of 2012:
29. Tame Impala – Lonerism
28. Here We Go Magic – A Different Ship
27. Frightened Rabbit – State Hospital EP
26. Mystery Jets – Radlands
25. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
24. Howler – America Give Up
23. The Vaccines – Come Of Age
22. Grizzly Bear – Shields
21. Of Monsters And Men – My Head Is An Animal
20. Muse – The 2nd Law
19. Morning Parade – Morning Parade
18. The Big Pink – Future This
17. Nada Surf – The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy
16. The Avett Brothers – The Carpenter
15. Two Door Cinema Club – Beacon
14. Maximo Park – The National Health
13. The View – Cheeky For A Reason
12. The Lumineers – The Lumineers
11. Mumford & Sons – Babel
10. The Killers – Battle Born
9. Feeder – Generation Freakshow
8. Keane – Strangeland
7. Snow Patrol – Fallen Empires
6. The Maccabees – Given To The Wild
5. The Enemy – Streets In The Sky
4. The Tallest Man On Earth – There’s No Leaving Now
3. fun. – Some Nights
2. Tribes – Baby
1. Jake Bugg – Jake Bugg
Ward
December 29th, 2012
1:55 am
Well, niether Venters, Bethancourt should be traded nor Amhed, but maybe One of Teheran, or Delgado with a lighter package. People are asking way too much in a packaged deal. In time Wren, will do some thing. Like sign, Trade, or the platoon? I’m patient, and can wait it out.
Ward
December 29th, 2012
2:01 am
All have a good one! Happy Mejia finally gets his shot. I’ve been campaigning for him to get it for a long time. It should be an interesting Spring Training again. Peace my friends, and talk tomorrow, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Half Full (DS1)
December 29th, 2012
2:38 am
Ward
The new James Bond movie starts off kinda slow. Then picks up after about 30 seconds…………
Good flick!
SNEAKY PETE
December 29th, 2012
4:53 am
Mejia can’t even play left let alone third from what I understand
ncgary
December 29th, 2012
8:08 am
saturday morning up up and away
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
8:19 am
Can Freeman play 3B? Mejia’s got 1B covered, he’s the next Pujols….
74bravesjersey
December 29th, 2012
8:50 am
Freeman wouldn’t be unfamiliar w/ the position; He had played it in the minors, possibly rookie league, but would he be willing? Love to see what Mejia could do as well, we probably have 2 Legit home grown Thumpers, then to put w/ Heyward & Freeman.
phil
December 29th, 2012
8:52 am
FF has the range of a pine tree…
He’s just fine at first.
74bravesjersey
December 29th, 2012
8:55 am
TOBF: How’s it going? Hope good, hope everyone you’re way is having great Holidays.
74bravesjersey
December 29th, 2012
8:56 am
Hello phil; Happy Holidays to you & you’rs.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
9:03 am
It’s been good 74braves, thanks… hope all of yours enjoyed it as well
still no snow though… boo
BravePack(FreeFan)
December 29th, 2012
9:06 am
Freeman saves too many errors at 1st base to move him. Plus he makes the plays around him and makes some spectacular ones at that.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
9:11 am
Say we move Uggla (cuz there’d be no room, he’s the oldest position player)
Prado 2B
Heyward RF
Upton CF
Freeman 3B
Mejia 1B
McCann C
Gattis LF
Simmons SS
Dang, that’d be a dangerous lineup if all those guys can hit well.
74bravesjersey
December 29th, 2012
9:19 am
TOBF; Agree Totally…..BOO; Phil,BravePack, come to think of it, there ain’t too many to be comparable to freddy’s defense at 1st, which are a dime a dozen, lot of times throw’n a comment to make ‘jest, yet know’n there’s no possible way they should move freddy, it would take him out of his element, & he is hard to beat w/ the way he picks ‘em on the bad throws over there.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
9:21 am
NFL Stats @NFL_Stats
The 49ers are the only division leader in the NFL that has yet to win 3 consecutive games #49ers
Win tomorrow, the divisional round game, and lose to the Falcons in the NFC Championship game… sounds good to me
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
9:30 am
Oh golly. I think it’s safe to say we are running out of things to talk about when we start talking about Freddie Freeman playing 3rd base just to get 26 year old non-prospect Mejia’s bat in the lineup at 1st base…. Oh yeah lets give LF job to Gattis while getting rid of Dan Uggla… lol We need some new rumors or something to come out, even if there bogus… Were truly getting way to excited about Mejia and Gattis, everyone needs to temper expectations on these guys or your in line to be highly upset.
Steve
December 29th, 2012
9:32 am
If Mejia gets a chance with the Braves, what does that do to Gattis? I know they play different positions, but will the Braves carry both, or send Gattis down to AAA?
74bravesjersey
December 29th, 2012
9:32 am
TOBF; Could possibly come to that; That Lineup looks pretty good to me for ST. Wonder how’d that would be if they had had a DH in the NL, then Mejia would be a comprable dh, freeman stay’s at 1st, like you say, hard to beat w/ the bad throws that he digs ‘em out w/. sounds sketchy, but only hoping Uggla really gets real w/ his hitting this time, if not, he struggles out of the gate this time, cut ‘em lose, may have to eat the rest of his contract, dang I hope not, It would be a waist. Like others have said on here before, to reckon w/ he & McCann have breakout years would propel this team. Here’s to Hope So, for both of ‘em.
BravePack(FreeFan)
December 29th, 2012
9:35 am
I’m still thinking some team caves in and Wren makes a deal for another outfielder. I think it will either be Fowler or Upton.
74bravesjersey
December 29th, 2012
9:36 am
VaBravesFan; Ya’ll got some snow up there yet?
74bravesjersey
December 29th, 2012
9:38 am
Steve; hope they can make room for both,I need to study this some more.
Lew
December 29th, 2012
9:40 am
Killer and Muse? What? No Green Day or Maroon Five? Gahhhhhhhhh!!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
9:46 am
Oh golly. I think it’s safe to say we are running out of things to talk about
Hah!
richbrave
December 29th, 2012
9:47 am
“……Steve
December 29th, 2012
9:32 am
If Mejia gets a chance with the Braves, what does that do to Gattis? I know they play different positions, but will the Braves carry both, or send Gattis down to AAA?……”
ST options include sending both to AAA, one or the other to AAA, or keeping both, sending no-one to AAA depending on results
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
9:48 am
Only thing we can really hope for at this point is contract talks with Heyward and Prado. I just don’t see a surprise move out of nowhere at this point. All remaining possible Free Agents options are clearly not really upgrades.
Scott Hairston for example is a more powerful version of Reed Johnson but he isn’t gonna for AVG/OBP as well as Reed.
Delmon Young, really shouldn’t have to say anything about him….
Grady Sizemore, Injury Prone big time and already slated to miss most of this season..
Austin Kearns, Darnell McDonald, Endy Chavez, Ben Francisco, Jeff Baker, Ryan Sweeney… Are all 4th OFer’s or worse…
Mediocre Trade Options… Basically guys we can consider “safe” options cause there “You know what your gonna get” types. But not sure fire upgrades over our in house options, just safer options.
David DeJesus, Coco Crisp, Jason Kubel, Gerardo Parra are the top 4 who come to mind.
So were likely going with the in-house options and I’ll say there is about a 95% chance of this.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
9:49 am
Wonder how’d that would be if they had had a DH in the NL
Would be nice… as of now, NL teams can’t really compete with those AL teams that are willing to spend more on a player as they enter their mid to late 30s…. this might cause us to lose McCann.
I wouldn’t mind it in the NL (and Ben Duronio agrees!)
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
9:52 am
I’m imagining it was worse last winter when all that happened was the hypeing of Pastornicky?
Jan1 needs to get here fast… start hearing some contract extensions talk on Prado, JHey, and maybe Medlen. But even that, there won’t be much to talk about, numbers won’t be leaking out every day for us to discuss…
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
10:03 am
I love NL Baseball, while pitchers are horrible at hitting it adds alot of strategy, and gets more players involved. Pinch hitting, double switches, bunting and so on. But having a DH spot is nice as well. Everyday players can be spelled. Extends careers and so on. More offense, funner to watch. But it leaves bench players and top pinch hitters, good utility guys not as valued.
Here’s my thing, I never got why each league was and has been different all this time. I don’t mind either way and slightly lean torward no DH, but I just think that the whole MLB should play by the same rule.
Think about the Braves actually having a DH and what that would mean. We could get McCann more playing time and rest at the same time, Uggla could DH some and if would give us options for a better defensive 2nd baseman, this whole Gattis/Mejia stuff would be easier. Alot of ways it would change us to the better.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
10:07 am
No snow here, just lots of rain. I doubt we’ll get snow this year, been way warmer this winter. Global Warming…
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
10:17 am
But I am a believer of some players not producing like usual when used as a DH. But being used as the DH keeps the player more rested throughout the season and still being positive overall.
Josh Willingham finally goes to the AL at the ages of 33 and 34 and now is a 30+ HR 100+ RBI guy… Cause he’s actually been able to play 140+ games in a season. But when he was used as a DH he flat out sucked. But in return when he did play LF he completely mashed..
Willingham’s younger days in the NL he averaged like 120 Games 20 HR 60 RBI…. Big Difference.
Player don’t tend to have huge breakout career years when there 32+ years old like Willingham did.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
10:21 am
Well atleast with some known discussions of Wren trying to lock Prado and Heyward up we know he’s trying to do something positive. He’s already missed the boat on LF, I doubt he’ll miss on some contracts with our own guys, who are more valuable than any trade target or free agent would ever be.
Lew
December 29th, 2012
10:35 am
I don’t think that Wren missed the boat on anything. I believe he was first looking for a CFer and when he signed Upton, that pieces like Pagan, Span and others no longer interested him as LFers – especially realizing that there were other ways he could go if no one he liked was available.
Not so sure I totally disagree. I’d rather have made a push for Swisher, but none of the others are all that appealing, nor do I think they add anything more than the in house options will.
I’m fine with it working out the way it has. Never been a BJ Upton fan, but since they signed him, I’ll concentrate on his power and speed and hope being in ATlanta with a different manager (never cared for Maddon) and a big contract push him to achieve his potenial.
I’m also fine with any combination of Gattis/Johnson/PradoFrancisco platooning or taking over on their own. NO problem letting Martin showcase his skills all over the diamond, either.
Lew
December 29th, 2012
10:38 am
And as for Wren locking up players – he’s said all along the process would be happening in January. Seems he’s pretty well on schedule.
TheDudeAbides...
December 29th, 2012
10:50 am
I see Frank Wren sitting back with whatever money he has left in his wallet and playing his hand. The way those two in the VL have played this winter, he may have the right mixture for greatness. These two, Gattis and Meija are playing on a pretty high level right now. Why not allow that to carry over right into Spring training? See if these two players can continue to battle it out – maybe they have found a groove, so maybe
Wren is riding it?
-They play different positions, so both can be on the roster.
-They are young(ish) and ready to get out of the minors.
-They are having nights, right now, like we have at the Ted on a September night. Loud crowds roaring their names and they are MAKING IT HAPPEN.
I think Wren really liked what he saw on his trip south this winter. I think Wren is sitting a little more comfortable with his mini bag of dollars and tapping his toes to this tune:
You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealin’s done.
JasonInFL
December 29th, 2012
10:53 am
I absolutely think FW (as with many other GMs) misjudged the trade market and the corresponding prices. I also believe those connected to the team that they were indeed (at some level) interested in Span and to a lesser extent Victorino and Pagan. They were obviously interested in Choo.
That being said, I don’t necessarily blame Frank. I mean how many teams would give up a top pitching prospect like Bauer for one year of a LF and put him in CF to boot? How many teams would give Victorino 13/mill a year?
I even think Frank is willing to overpay slightly in this market, but for the right player. He supposedly made an aggressive offer for Choo. I think he would make an aggressive offer for Upton or Willingham if they were available. He will also continue to check in on Fowler, but sure as heck isn’t going to give up two potential starters out of his rotation. I think he would probably trade either Delgado/Teheran + prospects for him, but why would he include his beloved Minor? I wouldn’t. The only way I include Minor is for a stud OF that is under control for years and with the money left to sign a pitcher. Neither option is available right now.
I am disappointed in this offseason just because I think the team is so close, but I don’t think it is from a lack of trying by Frank. My long-term concern is that the floor has been set and we will have to adjust accordingly. All in all, Frank has done a good job since taking over the team. I just hope he can pull a rabbit out of his hat for a LF because I am not at all comfortable with the Gattis/Constanza/Fransisco/Johnson platoon options.
Then again, Lord knows I have been wrong a lot. If one of the internal folks get the shot, I will be rooting like heck for them!
keyLargo.
December 29th, 2012
10:56 am
I thought of another blogger that has disappeared – Choppinmama. We’ve lost so many good, knowledgeable people.
BravePack(FreeFan)
December 29th, 2012
11:07 am
keyLargo.
December 29th, 2012
10:56 am
I thought of another blogger that has disappeared – Choppinmama. We’ve lost so many good, knowledgeable people.
No worries key…I’m not going anywhere so at least you’ll always have me here as a knowledgeable poster.
Lew
December 29th, 2012
11:07 am
Never understood all this talk about floors and ceilings – some act as if they’re construction foremen or something. There are no floors and ceilings in baseball – there’s only what you do on the field.
It’s been proven time and again that if you put a good team out on the field then anything can happen – kind of like the old “on any given Sunday” cliche. Sometimes the strongest teams don’;t compete as predicted (look at the Angels last year and even though they DID make it to the playoffs because of a weak division – the Tigers) and sometimes weaker teams (look at the O’s last year and frequently the Cards) surprise the hell out of us.
That being said – the Braves have a strong team even as already constituted. They have a good starting staff and quite possibly baseball’s strongest bullpen top to bottom. They will have – at the very least – five players capable of 20-35 HR (Mac, Heyward, Uggla, Upton and Freeman) in the middle of their lineup, a top ten hits leader in Prado, possibly the best defensive shortstop in MLB and could add yet another 25 HR or more with Gattis or Francisco breaking loose. Yeah, they’ll strike out a lot, but strikeouts only count as a single out and they’re going to give you three per inning no matter how you arrive there.
Maybe this is not the strongest team on paper right now, but it’s about time many here realize that the games aren’t played on paper or in some Fantasy League. This is a good team and they are going to be in the thick of the pennant race.
JasonInFL
December 29th, 2012
11:10 am
agreed KeyLargo. I met Choppinmama at spring training a couple of years ago. I miss Bat, McFann, Steve From OH, DiamondbackMac, and a lot of the really old-timers like JJS, Journalist Bob, etc.
Luckily, there has been a wave of some really cool bloggers to connect with over the years, but some definite blog all-stars are missed.
Lew
December 29th, 2012
11:11 am
A lot of the old bloggers are still around and on FB or Twitter – they just got tired of all the crap spouted here on a regular basis.
But they’re still in touch with some of us and are still Braves’ fans. I talk to many of them all the time.
JasonInFL
December 29th, 2012
11:11 am
Lew, I am talking the floor being set for free agent and trade prices. The floor was obviously raised this winter, and with the continued agreements of new TV deals; they will continue to rise.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
December 29th, 2012
11:14 am
Assuming there are no injuries complicating things, it looks to me that the chances of both Gattis and Mejia making the team are remote. If Gattis makes the team, that means having 5 outfielders is prudent, as replacing him for late inning defense might be a common occurrence. If 5 outfielders, then there is only room for 6 infielders, which leaves no room for Mejia, unless Francisco goes elsewhere. I think Francisco needs to stay, because there’s no one else to play 3B, thereby negating Prado’s talent for mobility.
You could gain space by going with an 11 man pitching staff, but they won’t do that. Or, you could go with 4 outfielders. That means you have to be able to live with Gattis’ defense all the time, your only CF backup is Johnson, and if someone gets hurt then you have to call up Biff of Cunningham from AAA (doesn’t Schafer have to be on the 25 man in order to stay?).
Lew
December 29th, 2012
11:15 am
Jason – I think after this winter’s dealings so far, you’d realize that there is no floor on deals, nor are there ceilings – just insanity personified.
Patrick
December 29th, 2012
11:17 am
Not really sure why Wren hasn’t offered Venters, Bethancourt, Ahmed, and Delgado for Justin Upton yet
Nick…
You and I know more than most on here that Wren is not an upper tier GM. I don’t know that he has the vision and/or creativity to pull off a trade for Upton without including Simmons. I have now fully come to believe they are not going to make another significant move the rest of the offseason. Wren is bascially a blackjack player betting against the house…and usually, the house wins.
I hope that when this whole things backfires, the Braves hire a GM that has some more guts to stand up to ownership to request more money (and not outrageous amounts, but a few extra million {that’s peanuts in baseball})to go after a player that could put the team over the top. So far, he has NEVER done that. They are always, 1 bullpen arm short, or SP and in most cases 1-2 bats. It’s always something and they (Wren and the Braves font office) never address it because money is more important that winning and giving the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and the millions of Braves fans around the country a true Championship calibur team.
What’s worse this year is that it’s public knowledge that the Braves have the resources (it was something the front office fed us fans that this time was the time when they would have the payroll flexibility to improve the team) so far, they have not. Upton was a great start and the Hanson trade was another pretty good move that opened up even more exciting possibilities and after that….it seems that we’ve all gotten punked.
And again, if the Johnson, Francisco and Gattis platoons with Prado fail, with 10+ million gone un-used. The better be come accountability and Wren should be gone. Plain and simple
Lew
December 29th, 2012
11:18 am
Enquiring MInds – There’s something to what you say and I’d imagine they’d go wth a Francisco/Prado/Reed platoon and let Gattis start the year in AAA.
As for the Schafer deal didn’t they pull him off of waivers? I thought it was only on RUle Five players where they had to put them on the 25 man all year or give them back. Shouldn’t apply to Peanut Butter Cup.
Patrick
December 29th, 2012
11:25 am
They will have – at the very least – five players capable of 20-35 HR (Mac, Heyward, Uggla, Upton and Freeman)
Lew, that’s true. But realistically. You have to be really concerned about Uggla and even more so with McCann coming over major surgery. It’s clear that you do not know what Dan Uggla you’re going to get, as a Braves, it’s been mostly bad.
Also, how can you say that srikeouts don’t matter, they are killer outs! Putting the ball in play can lead to so many things: Errors, moving runners over to set up Sac Fly, Sac Fly’s themselves, hit and runs, grounders to the right side to bring in a runner from 3rd with less than 2 outs. That’s…5 ways (and I’m sure there are more) to score runs the small ball way that will be eliminated if you strikeout.
Lew, you’re a smart person. I can’t believe you really belive that?…
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
December 29th, 2012
11:25 am
Lew, you could be right about PBC. (Hey, I like that! Think I’ll use that all the time.) I had it in my mind that he couldn’t be sent down, but I might be making that up.
keyLargo.
December 29th, 2012
11:27 am
No worries key…I’m not going anywhere so at least you’ll always have me here as a knowledgeable poster. BravePack
Thank you for your reassurance. It takes a real man (or woman) to stick in here year after year and avoid being brainwashed by the constant barrage of newbies that know far more about baseball than any of us.
Felix
December 29th, 2012
11:29 am
At present, the Braves have excellent pitching but the offense is not as good as 2012. So I hope FW isn’t done.
JasonInFL
December 29th, 2012
11:30 am
Lew, if you talk to Bob or get in contact with him, please tell him I say hello. I don’t have a Facebook account, so I am not connected with any folks that way. I have found a few on Twitter!
Venice Jim
December 29th, 2012
11:33 am
I hope that when this whole things backfires, the Braves hire a GM that has some more guts to stand up to ownership to request more money
I imagine you could provide of long list of such fearless (and still-employed) people…
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
11:35 am
Dan Uggla is a wild card in my opinion. Are we gonna get a guy with a 350 OBP and less than 20 HR or a guy with 30+ HR and a 300 OBP? Could he bounce back to his Florida days? Or could he completely fall off the cliff?
I’m not real worried about McCann, the man still put up some of the best power numbers among Catchers last season. He shouldn’t be bothered by the shoulder, but I would expect a delayed start to the season and likely a lighter work load with more days off unless he’s fully back like we hope.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
11:42 am
It’s all about Maintaining and Improving. We lost Bourn and Chipper. Now if Heyward, Freeman, and Upton all match 2012’s production were a worse team. These are 3 guys were expecting to be better and take a next step. If they don’t, and this platoon isn’t atleast solid were in trouble.
BravePack(FreeFan)
December 29th, 2012
11:42 am
Felix
December 29th, 2012
11:29 am
At present, the Braves have excellent pitching but the offense is not as good as 2012. So I hope FW isn’t done.
I hope he isn’t done as well but even if he goes into this season as is I’m not so sure that statement is true. Lots of ?’s but that can be said every season. If someone said the Braves would have 94 wins with horrible years from Uggla and McCann, Bourn doing nothing in the 2nd half I think we would’ve said no way as fans. Now I know Chipper is gone but I bet Upton, despite what many here think, will have a great year for our Braves. Also, I am very confident the twin towers of Freeman and Heyward will elevate themselves into superstar status this year.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
11:47 am
I can’t believe LaRoche is holding out on for a 3 year deal so long. Wouldn’t shock me to see teams stray away and reduce interest. If I’m the Nationals I’d pull my offer and offer a 1 year deal out of spite. You think at some point teams will start doing this and basically making a player pick his team with all the offers being the same. What’s the player gonna do? Not sign and be unemployed? lol
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
11:52 am
It would also be great for just a handful of teams to offer Rafael Soriano 1 year deal for less than 10 million. No team should be ok with surrendering a top draft pick to sign a older reliever. He’s the one who turned down his own 14 mil option, and also turned down the 13.3 mil qualifying offer, now stick it to him.
ccrider
December 29th, 2012
11:56 am
I am disappointed this morning after reading Ken Rosenthal’s Article about his wavering on the Hall of Fame voting.
I had planned to travel to Cooperstown with my adult son and daughter ( who have grown up as avid Braves Fans) for the induction of Bobby Cox, Greg Maddox and Tom Glavine, but I don’t know if I can stand to support the organization that allows the obvious steroid and other ped players entry into the Hall of Fame.
Everyone has an opinion on who used the various enhancing drugs. My personal guideline is: in the history of Major League baseball, players do NOT get demonstratively better after 35 years old or their prime (which usually is 26 to 33 year old, although their can be the occasional one year deviation.
This guideline applies across the spectrum of sports. Most football players are done by 35( with the exceptions of Quarterback( who normally doesn’t take the pounding that other position players do).
Basketball Players lose their Vertical hops and slow down defensively.Boxers, Soccer players, hockey players.
It is universal!
It saddens me to think, not only will these players have made Millions of dollars for their Fraudlent acts of cheating, hoodwinking the fans( thank you BUD SELIG), but will be honored for their deception. It will be a Sad Day Indeed!
Lew
December 29th, 2012
12:05 pm
Jason – I’ll see if Journalist Jimmy Smith knows about Bob. I do know that Bob’s wife of many years passed away a few years back and Bob – in his 80’s – might not have made it much longer afterwards, as many times happens in such situations.
JasonInFL
December 29th, 2012
12:09 pm
I would appreciate that Lew. I am sad to hear that and hope he is okay.
Heath
December 29th, 2012
12:13 pm
Good afternoon all. I hope everyone had a nice Christmas.
Lew
December 29th, 2012
12:13 pm
You know what? Even in their absolutely worst years, injury plagued and futile as they may have been, Mac and Uggla were in the top third in the NL at their positions offensively.
Mac was 4th in HR, 4th in BB, 6th in runs scored, 5th in RBI and only one other NL catcher with as many AQBs struck out less than he did.
Uggla was 3rd in HR, 1st in BB, 3rd in OBP, tied for 3rd in Runs scred and 4th in WAR )for all of you who think I’m clueless).
In their worst years, they were still in the top four or five in most offensive categories at their position out of 16 regular NL catchers.
Maybe it’;s time to realize what we have ain’ all that bad.
Lew
December 29th, 2012
12:20 pm
Hey Heath – Hope yours was good, too. Lots of snow up here – 11 inches the other day and it’s coming down very hard right now.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
12:27 pm
Lew
Very true, we have good offensive value at Catcher and 2nd base. It’s only bad when you factor in expectations. We didn’t get Uggla to be “not all that bad”. We got him to smash 30+ HR and to OPS 830+.
McCann’s season was killed by the shoulder injury but he still managed to provide good power among catchers. I think he’ll bounce back and do well. But we do have to look at the numbers. He’s seen his Runs, Hits, Doubles, RBIs, and OPS decline in 4 consecutive seasons. So I’m a little worried. Good thing he’s not locked up yet.
Blog Monitor
December 29th, 2012
12:29 pm
Lew, as always, a voice of reason on this blog…
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
12:32 pm
Another concerns is McCann’s first 5 seasons as the starting catcher he averaged 139 games a season. But the past two he’s only averaged 124. McCann’s health and durability are the biggest factor to me going forward and when looking at a possible contract extension.
keyLargo.
December 29th, 2012
12:34 pm
Uggla was 3rd in HR, 1st in BB, 3rd in OBP, tied for 3rd in Runs scred and 4th in WAR )for all of you who think I’m clueless).
And today on the blog I read that the Braves need to release Uggla and eat his contract.
Yeah, release a guy in the top third of 2nd basemen and be penalized $39 Million. That’s the ticket!
Heath
December 29th, 2012
12:36 pm
Lew:
We’ve got probably around 6 inches still left on the ground here in Cleveland…. We got a little more than that over the last week, but a couple of inches as melted away.
Joey G
December 29th, 2012
12:42 pm
PBC can be sent down, but must o through waivers as he is out of options. Houston tried sending him down and Wren made the claim
Joey G
December 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
If Wren can come to a deal with AZ for Upton, AZ has a catching prospect named Rossmell Perez. Switch hitter. Maybe Wren could get him included as an heir to Mac. He is blocked by Montero and looks better than Bethancourt.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
December 29th, 2012
12:50 pm
Thank you for the clarification Joey. I imagine the likelihood of him being claimed by some other team would depend on how well he played in the spring.
Joey G
December 29th, 2012
12:53 pm
It’s a shame PBC turned into what hw has become and not what he looked liked in his first deries against the Phillies. We would all be talking about extending him right now and never worried about a CF or leadoff hitter. I always thought he would be the next Grady Sizemore (hopefully without the injuries).
George_George
December 29th, 2012
12:54 pm
Good day y’all
Where is Bat?
Venice Jim
December 29th, 2012
1:02 pm
Bat has been around on Facebook – still taking care of his brother…
Heath
December 29th, 2012
1:10 pm
Facebook… people still do that?
ChattTownBrian
December 29th, 2012
1:12 pm
I think it was a ESPN power ranking on MLB teams for next season that was posted here and I don’t remember seeing the Red Sox listed in the top ten. I think they’ll be one of the better AL teams next year. They’ve added a lot to their team. Victorino, DRoss, Uehara, Hanrahan, Dempster, Drew, Gomes and maybe Napoli. I know they’ve lost some good ones too though in that LA swap.
David O'Brien
December 29th, 2012
1:24 pm
Here’s my thing, I never got why each league was and has been different all this time. I don’t mind either way and slightly lean torward no DH, but I just think that the whole MLB should play by the same rule. — VaBravesFan
Not going to happen in forseeable future. Isn’t even being discussed.
David O'Brien
December 29th, 2012
1:26 pm
Freeman isn’t moving to third, and Mejia can’t play 3B or LF, in the Braves’ view.
And a Day of Rain
December 29th, 2012
1:34 pm
Nobody seems to mention Cristian Martinez when talking about the 25 man roster. He went 5-4, 3.91 ERA last year yet everyone seems to assume he will be in the pen in 2013. I know he eats up innings but isn’t there any other option?
Zing
December 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
Although much of the focus is on LF/3B, I really think the biggest question mark the catcher position: Will McCann be able to bounce back from surgery on that shoulder? That’s a major situation that, if not resolved, puts the Braves in a bad way. Bethancourt doesn’t appear to be ready, Gattis is not being prepped for that position, and Laird is a backup catcher for a reason.
Juan
December 29th, 2012
1:42 pm
Mejias is the New Canizares for the Braves…good number in AAA but not enough for MLB.
BravesFanInNashville
December 29th, 2012
1:43 pm
Makes sense that Freeman wouldn’t move to third so with that being the case does Mejia have more value in trade than as a backup 1B and PH and possible DH against AL teams?
He probably won’t hit as well if he’s not playing everyday so maybe there is a team out there that can use a power hitting 1B that’s right handed.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
1:49 pm
Mejia’s only role would be backing up Freeman, and RH power bat off bench.
Gattis has a shot at the LF job, most likely will be decided after spring training. I feel like he should be the 1st option, with the platoon of Francisco/Johnson as the backup plan. Give Gattis every opportunity to succeed in the bigs. Even if he doesn’t pan out as a everyday player I think he’ll be good enough to stick on a MLB bench. With his ability to catch and provide some pop he’ll likely be 25 man roster worthy. I’m sure over time he’ll work on playing 1st base as well if being a bench player is his future.
I also wouldn’t rule out Francisco getting a ton of time a 3B, with his power he can atleast be a Mark Reynolds/Carlos Pena type hitter, which isn’t great but still quite productive.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
1:57 pm
Christian Bethancourt’s defense is top notch. He’s MLB ready in that department. But his bat is the question. Still think the guy will be on 25 man roster’s his whole career even if he’s just a backup. I think he’ll be ready sometime 2014. Don’t really want him in the big’s until you can get him enough playing time unless your settling with him as a backup. If we decide to let McCann walk, he’d be a upgrade on defense for sure, big downgrade with the bat. But depending on the progress of current players and how LF shakes out we could likely live with a defensive first catcher. Still would have Laird to mix in quite often as well.
David O'Brien
December 29th, 2012
1:57 pm
By the way, Mejia had SEVEN RBIs on Friday along with two homers, now leads Venezuelan league with 48 RBI and tied with Braves prospect Gattis for homer lead with 16.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
2:05 pm
Hey DOB
What’s your take on Brian McCann at this point? Mainly regarding his future. To me it just seems like regardless of how his 2013 season goes, he won’t be back in Atlanta. If he bounces back to normal All Star form, we likely won’t be able to afford him. If he has a so-so year or battles injuries and so on we likely wouldn’t want to invest in him.
Zing
December 29th, 2012
2:10 pm
I generally agree with that assessment VaB, though I do think that the Braves will make a legitimate offer if he bounces back. I don’t think they’d be able to compete with a 5- or 6-year offer from a team like the Yankees or Red Sox, though, and I think one of those big boys from the AL will do so, given the lesser risk with the DH available… IF McCann bounces back.
BravesFanInNashville
December 29th, 2012
2:11 pm
VaBravesFan.. Exactly on McCann. Unfortunately it seems his highest value is to an AL team that can DH him when he’s not catching so they keep his bat in the lineup as much as possible. This extends his career and gets him his biggest payday. Love Brian McCann so it’s sad to think of him leaving but the Braves need a great defender behind the plate that can throw out base runners and handle the pitching staff first and foremost and that’s not Brian’s strong suit.
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
2:15 pm
IF McCann bounces back and produces his normal All Star worthy numbers and shows no issues with the shoulder he’ll be getting a 5 year contract offer from a AL club. Also with the way salaries are going it wouldn’t surprise me to see him exceed the 5 year 75 million contract that Yadier Molina signed. Just have to wait and see.
Zing
December 29th, 2012
2:20 pm
I love McCann, too, but I think if I were him I’d be looking to move to an AL club for greater earning potential and HoF potential if he can lengthen his career. As a McCann fan, actually, I almost would want him to do that for his own benefit… though not as a Braves fan!
BravesFanInNashville
December 29th, 2012
2:24 pm
Zing….. agreed… Brian is too good a guy not to root for even if it’s not in a Braves uniform.
SNEAKY PETE
December 29th, 2012
2:28 pm
As for the Schafer deal didn’t they pull him off of waivers? I thought it was only on RUle Five players where they had to put them on the 25 man all year or give them back. Shouldn’t apply to Peanut Butter Cup..@ Lew
anytime you take a guy off waivers he has to go on the 25 man roster, which is where Schafer is right now
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
2:28 pm
BJ Upton wanted a 6th year or an option for a 6th year and Wren didn’t budge, and BJ is a athletic, durable 28 year old player. McCann will be 30 years old before the start of the 2014 season and has tons of wear and tear behind the plate along with vision issues, and now major shoulder surgery. No way Wren will offer anything longer than 3 years.
Wren did give Dan Uggla a 5 year deal, but the guy is a warrior. His whole career playing 150+ games a season. No worries about durability.
SNEAKY PETE
December 29th, 2012
2:30 pm
why would they need 5 outfielders if Gattis stays? Johnson could play late inning defense and Prado could go there if needed
VaBravesFan
December 29th, 2012
2:30 pm
If Jordan Schafer or Jose Constanza start the year on the 25 man roster or spend an extended amount of time on the roster at some point… This offseason would be a pretty big failure in my opinion.