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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,686 comments Add your comment
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:21 am
Jim Duquette @Jim_Duquette
GM #Braves Frank Wren – we haven’t closed the door on Bourn, we have the financial flexibility AND player talent flex to improve our club
He’s signing for 7-8mil? Cuz, we were told that we only had 10mil left…
Mr Maggot
January 6th, 2013
11:26 am
Still keeping up with the financial statements, I see.
Horn's dad
January 6th, 2013
11:28 am
Could Frank Wren possibly have something up his sleeve?? Offering Bourn a 1 yr contract or did he forget to call Kevin Towers on Christmas? and when he called him the other day to wish him a Merry Belated Christmas, did he happen to ask hm what it would take to acquire Justin Upton? I guess it’s always nice to wish…huh??
74bravesjersey
January 6th, 2013
11:31 am
Someth’n how things turned out for Bourne it’nit?sheesh!
JasonInFL
January 6th, 2013
11:31 am
Semantics…doesn’t mean that FW hasn’t talked to someone else in the AZ front office or that someone else in the Braves front office hasn’t talked to KT. Happens a lot before things get serious.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:33 am
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Wren tells MLB Network Radio that he thinks Julio Teheran is probably front runner for 5th spot at this point given strong finish in DR
Why? Delgado performed at the MLB level, Teheran didn’t at AAA. And the DR is AA level.
Lew
January 6th, 2013
11:34 am
TOBF – NOP you one track, one trick pony little twit – I don’t even follow the Gwinnett ERA title – but what I DO realize that apparently you, with your continual reliance on garbage formulae don’t even vaguely undestand is that the Braves use (year aftert year), eight to ten starting pitchers to make it thorugh a seaoson and if you keep trading everyone you think we shgould, that we’ll be left with Christhian Martinez starting games in August and September.
JasonInFL
January 6th, 2013
11:34 am
You never know, but I wouldn’t read too much into what Frank is saying. I mean, what’s he supposed to come out and say, “Hey, we don’t have any money to improve our team nor do other teams like our prospects. We are desperate to find the right deal, and if we don’t; we think our internal options suck.”
74bravesjersey
January 6th, 2013
11:37 am
TOBF; Dang; what’s up w/ that? I believe Delgado should toe the rubber 1st until he struggles.
dylan
January 6th, 2013
11:39 am
Lew calm down. Its not every year, especially as the staff gets younger, that we’ll use “8 to 10″ pitchers a year. There is no point having talent like that waste away in the minors if you can get a great return and balance your team. No need to hate on tobf for loving his stats. He was right, that’s all they are going to do if you leave all of them down there: pad stats and waste their prime years toiling away in gwonnett
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:39 am
if we really are looking at Bourn, guess payroll has to be between 95-100mil as Frank said early in the offseason, right? Means we have 12-17mil more to spend
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:41 am
Pretty interesting that Wren would even make a comment about Bourn like that. He and everyone involved already said BJ Upton is our Center Fielder, period. We really don’t have the financial support to get Bourn signed. Even if he were to accept a lower salary for 2013, it would certainly mean McCann will be gone after this season. Wren would also have to ask BJ about it, I’m sure BJ would move to Left Field for a addition like this tho.
74bravesjersey
January 6th, 2013
11:44 am
Lew; in back of my mind, I’ve wondered what martinez could do in a starting roll. Wasn’t there onetime he came in to eat up some extra inn(s) & held the opponent shutout for 6 inn(s) I believe if not mistaken was the muts(?), when it was a long extra inn. game.
JasonInFL
January 6th, 2013
11:44 am
Not necessarily, TOBF
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:48 am
Martinez in a starting role…. hmm. Opponents hit him at a .277/.319/.426/.745 clip last year…. still a long relief only guy, that we’re paying 400k or so more than league min. for. Not too trustworthy in high leverage situations
flange1
January 6th, 2013
11:51 am
I agree that the Braves feel JT is in the lead for the 5th spot.
The Braves have always liked JT better than Delgado, he spent last year working on mechanical changes and the DR trip showed that he has a good feel now for those changes.
Lew
January 6th, 2013
11:51 am
dylan – ESPECIALLY with younger pitchers – Meddlen and Beachy are young and what happened to them the past couple of years?Maybe you should actually go look at how many pitchers we actually use before telling me to calm down.
Lew
January 6th, 2013
11:54 am
And NO, I don’t want Martinez starting (but 74Braves is correct, he was a starter and has gone 6 in a MLB game), but you can’t just keep trading all of our starters or up and coming starters and make it through a MLB season.
And not to mention that if payroll remains static, we want to sign Freemn, Prado, Heyward, McCann, Kimbrel, etc. more long term, then we’re going to need that cheap, young pitching.
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:54 am
If Wren could either Michael Bourn or Justin Upton, we’d have one of the most dynamic Outfield’s in baseball. Still also have to think about Dexter Fowler as well. I really can’t believe Bourn has taken this long to sign, and the DBacks seem set on trading Upton finally but won’t pull the trigger. At this point anything can happen, but I doubt we get either of them.
FlaBravesfan
January 6th, 2013
11:55 am
Alaska Braves Fan
Was wondering what you locals think about tv series of Gold Rush and how authentic these series are.Seems like a lot of made for tv drama to me. Go Braves!
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:55 am
TOBF; Dang; what’s up w/ that? I believe Delgado should toe the rubber 1st until he struggles.
Agree… did pretty well for us last year,… and then they sent him down and traded him for Dempster… sigh
Lew
January 6th, 2013
11:56 am
Maybe it’s time some of y’all realize that we already pretty much traded our excess starting pitching – Hanson. They MAY trade one more of either Teheran or Delgado (but the more time that passes, the less I’m seeing that as an option) or ONE from the minors. But they are not going to start adding two or three young pitchers to make ANY deal.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:57 am
sign Vasquez, he will be cheap, keeps him from the Nats… throws hard. We need a guy who can throw hard and rack up the Ks.
Find a strikeout pitcher for next season too
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
11:57 am
I think Wren is gonna push hard to Justin Upton, but if we come close to a deal the Rangers will cave and beat our offer. They just have so much young talent..
Lew
January 6th, 2013
12:00 pm
IF we even have Martinez make the team – they could let him go and put either Teheran or Delgado in the pen as long relief and spot starter if necessary – Teheran in my estimation.
George_George
January 6th, 2013
12:06 pm
Good day all
Lew, Thank you for the “be kind to George” post on your FB page.
flange1
January 6th, 2013
12:06 pm
Lew,
I agree with your 12:00 post. I think CMart will be traded and Delgado will be the long guy in the pen at least at the beginning of the season.
Shaun
January 6th, 2013
12:07 pm
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2013/1/3/3832868/atlanta-braves-batting-practice-logo-indian-native-american-logo-racist
“Why, yes: We are looking at the same logo. When I look at this screaming (or laughing) Brave, I do see someone who’s probably violent and focused, for the moment at least, on war. Or at least was intended to represent those thoughts, when the image was first conceived. Considering how much work must still be done to help lift our Native American citizens, I think there are better images for an organization that does, I suspect, have the best intentions.”
Lew
January 6th, 2013
12:07 pm
Javy Vazquez – since he left the Braves a few years back, had a terrible year in New York (big surprise there) a decent year for the Marlins and then set out last year and is attmepting a comeback at age 36.
I’m not trading young pitching to give him a shot in Atlanta. or using him as an excuse to trade young pitching on the basis of a (maybe) one year fix.
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:09 pm
I’m still surprised Wren would comment that much on Bourn. Saying we havent closed the door is fine. Why say more? “We have the financial flexibility AND player talent flex to improve our club also says that it would be a toss up on who would play center field and who would play left field” Pretty big tease right there. For what most of us see as a 1% chance this could happen he sure did say alot.
All around the web we keep seeing the Braves in on Justin Upton along with the Rangers, but Wren says he hasn’t talked in 2 weeks with Towers. Haha… Boy I tell ya. Good chance Wren is lying about both Upton and Bourn. Posturing, talking alot about a guy we 99% won’t get and saying nothing is going on with Justin’s team who fits.
Horn's dad
January 6th, 2013
12:14 pm
I’m not a Frank Wren fan, but its beginning to look like him not rushing into getting a left fielder could possibly work in our favor. Bourn doesn’t have too many suitors left and Dbacks and Rockies are lowering their asking prices for Upton and Fowler….
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:14 pm
Bourn is a free agent who is looking at a 1 year 15 million deal or a 5 year 75+ million deal, Upton is a trade target only making 9.75 million in 2013. So either Wren get’s more financial support or he comes up with a good package.
Now it’s already been reported that the Rangers have a package around 3B Mike Olt + Top Pitching Prospect + A Lesser Prospect. So What would the Braves have to offer to be in the thick of things? Mariners are a great fit for Justin as well, but he’s on there no trade list, everywhere says Rangers/Braves.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:14 pm
had a terrible year in New York (big surprise there)
Not to me… and he’s throwing hard right now, 93+, and scouts say that he looked like the Vasquez of ‘09. Law is clearing a spot on the CYA for him. Worth a shot, 3.69 ERA in his last season, good periphs, could possibly provide Maholm’s production, for 2-3mil less, and throw harder/strike out more doing so. At worst, he’s a veteran 6th starter. And the Nats, who have the best rotation, may go sign him. Don’t let that happen!
Lew
January 6th, 2013
12:17 pm
George_George – Huh? Not from me, Dude. I have no problem with you personally, though I think your attacks at DOB are over the top and uncalled for, but I didn’t post it – nor have I even seen it. If you mean on the DOB/MIB FB Page, I haven’t been there for a couple of days – trying to get ready for an art show in Chattanooga in a couple of weeks. I’ve got to make some bucks.
Horn's dad
January 6th, 2013
12:17 pm
Wren could offer Delgado, Francisco, Ahmed, and possibly another prospect for Upton. I think this could get it done.
Lew
January 6th, 2013
12:21 pm
We’re talking about putting pitchers in the pen so we don’t send them back to AAA after trading Hanson to make room for one of them – why would we sign more starting pitching? And NO, so Washington doesn’t get him is not a reason.
Don’t get me wrong here – I like Javy and was one who advocated keeping him the year he was sent to NY. However, that was several years ago, he’s getting up there in age and just missed an entire year. Maybe IF we needed pitching it might be a smart move, but not in our current circumstances.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:22 pm
Teheran over Delgado…. Peraza, Ahmed, and EOF/JV or maybe Spruill gets it done.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
12:22 pm
Frank Wren is full of crap. He said he was looking to add ” premium” players and all he got was BJ Upton. I like BJ, but I’m sorry, the kid isn’t a premium player. Bourn isn’t coming back and they’re not getting Justin Upton either.
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:22 pm
Wren has the flexibility to sign Bourn to the same deal as BJ Upton or slightly more. Only hurdle would be the 2013 salary. Also gives a clear indication McCann most likely isn’t returning. But to be honest I wouldn’t be on board with this option. I wouldn’t want Bourn after 33 years old… Any decline in bat speed would kill his offensive value cause he’s already a high strikeout/low power guy, he wouldn’t even produce Juan Pierre type numbers in his mid 30s. Any leg injury kills his value. If he stay’s healthy he’ll always be great on defense, but he’ll lose speed as he ages too.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
12:27 pm
Juan Francisco isn’t going to be in a Justin Upton deal because the Braves are the only team that thinks he’s any good. Arizona is going to want legit players back, not Francisco and a bunch of A ball guys.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:29 pm
According to Towers, Didi reminds him of Jeter…. maybe Juan is like Robinsn Cano to him
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:30 pm
njbraves
I didn’t think BJ was premium either. It’s obvious Wren’s definition of premium is a little different from ours. Look at it from this point of view. Wren signed the youngest CF on the market. Also after how things have played out I believe we got a bargain contract wise. Plus check this out.
Were getting BJ from ages 28 to 33. So I really think were gonna get great value for the full contract. Now to grading him… He’s great a 2 things. Power and Speed. The questionable one is defense. Opinions vary from great to terrible… Wren obviously views him as a great defender. Already a guy with Power/Speed that’s a premium combo. Wren believes BJ is a guy who will provide Great Power, Great SB Ability, and Great Defense.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
12:36 pm
Like I said, I like the Upton signing. I think he’s still got great potential. My problem is that this team needs a legit middle of the order hitter who can be counted on to drive in runs, preferably a righty. BJ is not that guy and hoping Uggla turns it around is way too risky for me. I honestly believe this team is one big time bat away from being a very, very good squad. It just bothers me because they talk a big game, but never back it up. Payroll is actually down from last year after all their big talk of financial flexability.
Mr Maggot
January 6th, 2013
12:44 pm
“George_George – Huh? Not from me, Dude. I have no problem with you personally…….[fill in the blanks with nonsensical comments].
This board sounds like a bunch of women cat fighting. Weird stuff.
Mr Maggot
January 6th, 2013
12:44 pm
“George_George – Huh? Not from me, Dude. I have no problem with you personally…….[fill in the blanks with nonsensical comments].
This board sounds like a bunch of women cat fighting. Weird stuff.
Mr Maggot
January 6th, 2013
12:44 pm
“George_George – Huh? Not from me, Dude. I have no problem with you personally…….[fill in the blanks with nonsensical comments].
This board sounds like a bunch of women cat fighting. Weird stuff.
Mr Maggot
January 6th, 2013
12:44 pm
“George_George – Huh? Not from me, Dude. I have no problem with you personally…….[fill in the blanks with nonsensical comments].
This board sounds like a bunch of women cat fighting. Weird stuff.
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:45 pm
njbraves
Well with Wren talking about Bourn, and everyone still viewing the Braves as a landing spot for Justin. He’s trying to do something without going overboard. He was interested in both Span and Revere, hot on Shin Soo Choo, and Dexter Fowler. It’s clear Wren isn’t overpaying for anyone, he will wait and wait for prices to drop.
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
12:49 pm
Wonder if it’s possible for Wren to talk Bourn into a 1 year deal with a “No qualifying offer” clause in the deal? That would definitely make it more possible.
George_George
January 6th, 2013
12:52 pm
Lew
January 6th, 2013
12:17 pm
George_George – Huh? Not from me, Dude. I have no problem with you personally, though I think your attacks at DOB are over the top and uncalled for, but I didn’t post it – nor have I even seen it. If you mean on the DOB/MIB FB Page, I haven’t been there for a couple of days – trying to get ready for an art show in Chattanooga in a couple of weeks. I’ve got to make some bucks.
***************************************************************************************************
Lew, I am not upset, thought it was kind of cute. Check your facebook page.
ncbravesfan90
January 6th, 2013
12:58 pm
Im just curious as to why everyone seems so surprised that we still have 12-15 million left to spend?? The payroll will be 95-100 million just like Wren said and we sit at around $82.5 million right now. And with the Braves being a middle market team in terms of payroll, theres no way that Wren sits on $15 million dollars until the trade deadline. Won’t happen.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
1:01 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
If he returns now, I’m told he would play left. “@kjchamp: @ajcbraves Bourn in left??
Sigh.
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
1:08 pm
Wren says “Hey Boras, we’d still like to sign Bourn… But you’d have to come down on your contract length, salary demands, oh and he has to play LF.”
No deal is happening folks after that. Maybe a 1 year deal for 13-15 million plus a “no qualifying offer” clause. If thats possible.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
1:10 pm
Ncbraves…You really don’t think Wren will sit on that money?? Do you follow the Braves? Big talk, not big signings.
ncbravesfan90
January 6th, 2013
1:14 pm
“Ncbraves…You really don’t think Wren will sit on that money?? Do you follow the Braves? Big talk, not big signings.”
I follow the Braves. They haven’t had this kind of money to spend in the offseason since Ted Turner days so that is why you rarely see big signings post Ted Turner era. Oh and they made a big signing in BJ Upton, incase anyone missed that. Also, a team payroll will not drop 15 million in one year, not with a team making the playoffs and an increase in attendance.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
1:17 pm
Braves GM Frank Wren told Jim Duquette (Twitter link) and Jim Bowden of SiriusXM that the team and catcher Brian McCann have agreed to table contract talks until the end of the year. McCann is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $12MM.
Good.
VaBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
1:19 pm
Maybe Wren will make another big splash who knows. I think we have around 10-13 million total to spend. I believe that 8-9 million figure DOB told us was what Wren would likely only spend to save some for a mid season addition.
Ray
January 6th, 2013
1:33 pm
I know this may be shocking to SOME of you but there is a pretty good chance that Wren knows what he is doing and is a lot more qualified to doing his job than you, including evaluating talent.
Mr Maggot
January 6th, 2013
1:35 pm
“I think we have around 10-13 million total to spend.”
Are ‘we’ French?
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
1:37 pm
I’ll believe they have more money to spend when I see it.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
1:37 pm
I’ll believe they have more money to spend when I see it.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
1:42 pm
Bourn isn’t going to take a one year deal, so where are they spending this $12 million they supposedly have? LF is the only position they need to fill unless they were to get a 3B. Justin Upton makes all the sense in the world, but I’m sure Towers will ask for a ton, and Wren values prospects more than most.
ncbravesfan90
January 6th, 2013
1:49 pm
“I’ll believe they have more money to spend when I see it.”
Payroll was 92-95 million last year. Wren says it will be 95-100 million this year. Any legit reason why you think it won’t be?
keyLargo.
January 6th, 2013
1:49 pm
I still think that by trading a package leading with Prado, we could field a team capable of hitting 200 HR’s in the starting lineup. Here’s a projection that produces 215.
McCann 20, Freeman 25, Uggla 30, Simmons 15, Francisco 25, Heyward 30, Upton 30, Stanton 40.
Ray
January 6th, 2013
1:49 pm
Everything I have read, Boras is holding firm on the 90-100m range for Bourn. I don’t want to see Wren make a bad trade to get Upton. Would like him here of course but not over pay for him.
David O'Brien
January 6th, 2013
1:52 pm
If you heard secondhand what Wren said on Bowden radio interview this a.m., you shouldn’t read much into it. Nothing’s changed, Braves haven’t been talking to Boras. That was just Wren saying that nothing is ruled out, no door has been shut or ever was shut. I just spoke with Wren about the interview after I saw all the Twitter comments with people jumping to conclusions.
“They asked me if Michael Bourn fell in our lap, would we be interested,” Frank told me just now. “I said yes, we’ve never closed the door on that… That wasn’t where I went in the interview…. Nothing’s changed. If we got a call and there was a deal to be made, we’d be open to it.”
David O'Brien
January 6th, 2013
1:54 pm
Frank also said McCann was very excited about his rehab, said he hadn’t felt this good in years. The Braves and McCann both hoping for early April return.
They’ll not talk contract again until after the season, per agreement by both sides.
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
January 6th, 2013
2:01 pm
It is my belief that Wren has as much money as he needs to do his job. LM is awash in cash. BUT, you have to remember what his job is:
1. Maintain or increase the value of the asset (the team). Winning helps this. Winning it all is the goal, but not absolutely necessary.
2. Do not produce a negative cash flow in pursuit if job #1.
Wren knows what revenue the team will produce if it wins a little. He has a good idea of what it will produce if it wins a lot. He thinks he knows what the payoff would be if it wins it all. So he spends money accordingly, never losing sight of the fact that if he loses money his butt is on the line.
74bravesjersey
January 6th, 2013
2:06 pm
Hey anyone? Was Kevin Towers ever a GM w/ the padres back in the early mid 90’s?
David O'Brien
January 6th, 2013
2:06 pm
WBC possibilities from Braves (rosters to be finalized later this month): Kimbrel, Medlen (USA); Francisco, Constanza (D.R.), Prado, Avilan (Venezuela), Freeman (Canada; his parents Canadian), Simmons (Netherlands), and Salcedo (Spain).
Birdhair
January 6th, 2013
2:07 pm
The Braves have done as well as they have because of John Schuerholz’s past moves. Jason Heyward, Martin Prado, Kris Medlen, Tim Hudson, Chipper Jones, Tommy Hanson (up until he started stinking), Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann..these guys are primary contributors. Frank Wren walked into a gold mind
Michael Bourn had 1 decent half and then he was garbage. (He even reverted below his career mean OBP in the second half). Dan Uggla? Kenshin Kawakami? Derek Lowe?
When you spend millions of dollars poorly, especially given a middle market budget, you obviously inhibit the team’s production, but also exponentially hurt our flexibility to right the wrong.
And now BJ Upton? I think many Braves fans will finally begin to wake up and smell the coffee. Ive been saying it for 3 years. Wren is killing us and should be fired immediately.
dylan
January 6th, 2013
2:08 pm
lew, the point of having great young pitching is to either use them, or use them to acquire valuable assets.
yes we need to extend prado, jhey, and freeman, and clearing macs 12 mill, trading a couple young pitchers, and bethancourt all adds up to having more money to extend them. if you keep every young guy, you will have 2-4 every year for a while that will need to be extended.
as it is, the rotation for a long time will feature
medlin
minor
beachy
then likely teheran, and wood.
delgado will more than likely be dealt, as he has no room in this rotation. he’s a middle to lower end rotation starter who looks better than teheran right now because he has such a high fllor, same as gilmartin, but neither has any upside. delgado might be a 3 at best, he just doesn’t have the stuff be a high rotation starter.
teheran struggled so mightily because they changed his mechanics before the season, and going 12 years pitching one way and suddenly changing is a bit difficult. for a better comparison look at their numbers 2 years ago.
so as it is, for the forseeable future, 3 spots are locked up, leaving Teheran, Delgado, Wood, Graham, Gilmartin, and Spruill to battle for 2 spots and perhaps a long relief spot. at best 3 will make it to the bigs. what do you propose doing with the other 3? holding them in the minors on the off chance that they are needed? why do that when you have 3 very good trade chips (everyone wants pitching) along with guys like joe t, mejia, gattis, bethancourt, cunningham, and salcedo, who are good or great trade chips in their own right, with 3 or 4 being blocked?
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
2:11 pm
Delgado has #2 upside!!! Same as Teheran… Bowman even said it… and some other scouting sites…
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
2:12 pm
yes 74braves… from 1995 to 2009
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
2:14 pm
but yea, your point is very valid dylan, and I agree with it… we have surplus pitching, more right behind the current crop, and the guys at the majors are young… move some of the AAA guys for something we can use.
ncbravesfan90
January 6th, 2013
2:16 pm
One of Delgado or Teheran will more than likely be dealt. While we will need one of them for the 5th starter spot to start the year, but when Beachy comes back, assuming no one gets hurt, neither one will be in the rotation. And a 3rd year at AAA for either of them would not be good for them or for their trade value.
Birdhair
January 6th, 2013
2:18 pm
If Delgado has #2 upside then why did wrentard offer him to the cubs for two months of an aging pitcher?
dylan
January 6th, 2013
2:19 pm
teheran has #1 potential.
sorry, but delgado does not have that high of an upside. his fastball is decent, but hittable, his changeup is pretty good, but no minor or medlen change, and his curveis either brilliant or crap, and his control, like everything else so far, is decent, but not spectacular. if you can’t burn it, you have to be able to hit spots, and so far delgado can’t do that consistently.
granted, teheran wasnt exactly spectacular last year with his control, but that can be attributed more to mechanics than anything else, and teheran has that heavy heater to fall back on.
thats not to say delgado might not surprise me and be the medlin to teheran’s tommy boy, but id rather take the chance on teheran, as we already know what we have in delgado; and thats a pitcher who is a solid middle rotation guy, with decent stuff, but nothing overpowering, and with limited upside.
personally im more excited for alex wood than either of them
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
2:22 pm
Ncbraves…the Braves will end up platooning in LF and 3B with Prado jumping back and forth…I guarantee it. It’s what the Braves do. If they feel they can do something on the cheap, it’s almost always the route they take. Using Francisco, Gattis, and Reed Johnson instead of going out and getting a legit, power hitting LF is the Braves way. McGuirk and Wren always say they have money to spend, but rarely spend it.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
2:25 pm
personally im more excited for alex wood than either of them
Agree. But I do remember Efrim posting a scouting report earlier this year that stated that Teheran is down to #2 upside now… his poor year scares some, plus his curveball supposedly still has a lot of work to go.
ncbravesfan90
January 6th, 2013
2:28 pm
“Ncbraves…the Braves will end up platooning in LF and 3B with Prado jumping back and forth…I guarantee it. It’s what the Braves do. If they feel they can do something on the cheap, it’s almost always the route they take. Using Francisco, Gattis, and Reed Johnson instead of going out and getting a legit, power hitting LF is the Braves way. McGuirk and Wren always say they have money to spend, but rarely spend it.”
It’s what they’ve done in the post Ted Turner era becuase they haven’t had the money to spend in the offseason like they have this year. This offseason is different in that sense and also in the sense that you lose Bourn, Chipper, and McCann for a month and not sure how healthy he will be then, so therefore you have to spend to make up for those losses.
Ray
January 6th, 2013
2:29 pm
nj tell me a trade you want? You have to remember there is the other GM in the mix, not just Wren.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 6th, 2013
2:32 pm
http://baseballprospectnation.com/2012/08/21/scouting-report-julio-teheran-rhp/ … this has him as a 3, but you get the idea
Scouting Report: Julio Teheran (RHP)
Expectations have to change and he looks more like a number three starter with a tantalizing FB-CH combination.
The Player: Julio Teheran (RHP, Atlanta Braves) – Signed for a large bonus out of Colombia in 2007, making his debut in the rookie-level Appalachian League in 2008. Made six starts that summer, posting a 6.60 ERA with 18 hits, four walks and 17 strikeouts in 15 innings. Returned to Danville to start the 2009 season and notched a 2.68 ERA across seven starts before being promoted to Low-A Rome. Allowed 42 hits in 37.2 innings with 28 strikeouts in his first full-season experience. In similar fashion to his 2009 performance, he improved while repeating Low-A Rome to start 2010, finishing with a 1.14 ERA in seven starts. Continued to excel with a 2.98 ERA and better than a strikeout per inning after a promotion to High-A. Braves promoted him again that summer, giving him seven starts at Double-A where he posted a 3.38 ERA, less than a hit per inning and nearly a punch out per frame. Moved to Triple-A in 2011 and his overall performance was excellent with a 2.55 ERA in 144.2 innings with 123 hits allowed, 48 walks and 122 strikeouts. Has struggled with a 5.48 ERA in 24 starts this season. Made his MLB debut in 2011 with a 5.03 ERA across 19.2 innings, allowing 21 hits and eight walks while fanning just ten batters. Has made one MLB start this year, giving up four runs in 4.1 innings.
Basis of Report: Compilation – Personal Observation (Instructional League 2009 and 2010, International League 2011 and 2012), Industry Contacts
Scouting Report
Body (6-2, 180): Lanky frame with long legs and a high waist. Wiry strength. Appears projectable but body hasn’t changed in 2-3 years. He is what he is and he has a solid-average body.
Delivery/Mechanics: Drops low on the back leg and loses some angle to the plate in the process. Lightning quick arm. Unbelievable arm speed. Has some effort at the end of his release but typically follows through well. Doesn’t always finish in a position to field the ball, thanks to occasional recoil. No definitive red flags but you wouldn’t teach it either.
Fastball (FB) Velocity (Wind-up): High – 97, Low – 91, Average 92-94, Grade – 60/60
Fastball (FB) Velocity (Stretch): High – 96, Low 90, Average 92-93, Grade – 60/60
Fastball (FB) Movement: FB gets on hitters and is deceptive because of arm speed. Good natural life. Ball doesn’t have consistently similar movement but always seems to move, either with sink or run. Could still improve ability to move ball on command, possibly helping his raw movement play up. Grade – 60/60
Overall Fastball: Easy plus pitch that plays up because of his knowledge of how to use it and move it around the strike zone. Lacks FB velocity projection but still a legit plus pitch that will get outs. Grade – 60/60
Curveball (CB): Extremely inconsistent and unreliable. Some reports indicate he toys with a SL as well but when I’ve seen him, it looks more like a CB that he dropped his elbow on and got around. CB lacks consistent movement and is even less frequently located. Below-average pitch. Seems to lack feel for spinning the pitch and using it as a reliable offering. Lack of progress over several seasons is concerning. Grade – 40/40
Change-up (CH): Outstanding pitch. True plus offering that induces ridiculous swings from experienced hitters. Tremendous arm speed that adds to the deception of solid sink and fade. Shows occasional well-above average “Bugs Bunny” CH and could get there on a consistent basis. Tremendous secondary pitch. Grade – 60/70
Control: Even with some effort upon release, consistently pounds the strike zone with FB and CH. No trouble throwing strikes and working around the zone with ease. Grade – 70/70
Command: Has had consistent plus command projection over last two years. Struggling a little more this year but still locating FB and CH. No command of CB. Not consistently working as low in the zone as he has previously, elevating the ball when he doesn’t want to. Still has plus projection, particularly moving side to side. Grade – 40/60
Summation: Plus FB. Plus CH. Both pitches are reliable and can miss bats. FB command must come back, particularly with loss of angle as a result of drop and drive delivery. CH has excellent deception and could be one of the best CH by an RHP in the big leagues. Lack of CB development is alarming. No progress and shows no feel to allow projection. Lack of breaking ball projection limits overall projection. Very intelligent pitcher that knows how to set hitters up and work through a lineup multiple times. Good feel for craft. Very mature and poised on the mound. Excellent presence. Had vaunted “ace” tag on him for a while. Without consistent breaking ball, looks more like a number three starter with slim chance at number two status. Occasional scout still sees him as a Trevor Hoffman-type FB-CH reliever.
Relative Risk: Low. Risk is low provided long-term expectations are altered to match current grades. Will be a big league contributor with role up in the air.
Future: Inconsistent 2012 season has left some questions surrounding his readiness for 2013. Has been coming on of late and could still be in the mix for a rotation spot next season.
dylan
January 6th, 2013
2:33 pm
tobf
im not worried about teheran, they changed his motion, and you have to expect bad results right away from that. just watching him in the DR (yes im aware its not exactly top notch) showed more towards him being comfortable with his mechanics and being able to locate his fastball and changeup, which to me is more important anyway. the breaking ball will come
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
2:35 pm
I want Justin Upton. Teheran or Delgado are the starting point of a trade I would assume. The other pieces don’t really matter to me that much. The Braves have a young team at almost every position, trading minor leaguers isn’t going to really hurt. I would do whatever it takes, within reason obviously, to get the Upton brothers together in Atlanta.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
2:37 pm
Ncbraves…I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, they should spend the money. I’m just saying that they won’t. I hope I’m wrong.
Birdhair
January 6th, 2013
2:37 pm
njbraves, did you read the blog by DOB? See the home/away career splits for Justin Upton? Who the f cares about having the brothers play together?
Ray
January 6th, 2013
2:38 pm
okay nj, you want upton, What if Towers wants Teheran, Delgado, Gilmartin and Minor. You are the Braves GM and that is what it will take to get Upton.
Birdhair
January 6th, 2013
2:40 pm
If you’ve followed Wren the past 5 years u can rest assured that he will spend the money and spend it poorly. Even spent big and poorly in his 1 season in Baltimore before getting fired. This guy has to be fired immediately.
BravePack(FreeFan)
January 6th, 2013
2:41 pm
How could Freeman play for Canada if he was born in America? Just because his parents are from Canada shouldn’t allow him to play for them? I guess the WBC doesn’t have strict rules on that stuff. Born in America means he’s American.
Jerry
January 6th, 2013
2:44 pm
In regards to Bourne, I really don’t see him “falling into our lap”. But if that were to happen, I would feel more enthusiatic about the upcoming season. And I really would doubt that Upton would play center ahead of Bourn. That makes no sense. And if we were fortunate enough to have that outfield, poor ole Reed Johnson would never get a chance to play. But that’s just dreaming I think. We have a better shot at getting another Upton.
Ray
January 6th, 2013
2:44 pm
@Bird, who do you want as GM? Its funny by most experts in the game, Wren is considered one of the top 10 GM’s in the game.
Birdhair
January 6th, 2013
2:50 pm
If we had ownership that cared Wren wouldve been fired three years ago. We need to bring in a real GM. I’d pay Andrew Friedman whatever it took to hire him.
nolie
January 6th, 2013
2:50 pm
I think the unrelenting blog problems and the IT department pretty much washing their hands of it and blaming us is the biggest reason why so many have left and the blog hits went down so much.
I guess AJC no longer cares much about that since they get hits in other venues like twitter (I assume anyway).
Too bad , this was a great site at one time filled with a passel of interesting and knowledgeable posters.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
2:51 pm
Ray…that’s ridiculous and you know it. Towers is a pain, but he isn’t going to ask for 4 starting pitchers for Upton.
Birdhair
January 6th, 2013
2:52 pm
And please keep in mind that many of these pundits like Jim Bowden and Dan Duquette who rate Wren highly were fired for their awful GM work. They did the same things that Wren is doing…so of course they relate and rate him highly.
Ray
January 6th, 2013
2:53 pm
@bird, AF is not available. I want Evan Longoria as our 3B and Trout to play CF but guess what they are not available. Please be a little realistic.
cabravesfan
January 6th, 2013
2:54 pm
BravePack-
In most international competition (nearly all but the Olympics) you can represent a different country if your…I believe it goes back to grandparents- were from there. But yes, the WBC has slightly more relaxed rules mainly as a way to allow more countries to play & hopefully build up programs of their own.
njbraves
January 6th, 2013
2:55 pm
Birdhair..,Its not about the Upton brothers playing together, it’s about upgrading the team. Justin Upton is an upgrade over a Fesncisco, Gattis, Johnson platoon. I know everyone thinks Gattis and Mejica are going to be Ruth and Gehrig because they tore up a winter league, but I’d like a player who has shown something at the ML level.
nolie
January 6th, 2013
2:55 pm
If he returns now, I’m told he would play left. “@kjchamp: @ajcbraves Bourn in left?? DOB
not surprising since I have always thought that they had to promise center to BJ to get him to sign, but what a mess defensively sigh