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If Braves don’t add an Upton, Gattis could get look in LF

11:49 pm January 10, 2013, by David O'Brien

Now that Arizona outfielder Justin Upton has rejected a trade to the Mariners – Seattle was one of four teams on his no-trade list – and the Rangers reportedly moved on from Upton after deciding the price was too high, maybe the Braves have more leverage and could pull off a trade for the second Upton brother (ATL already has center fielder B.J.) without giving up such a bevy of young talent as Seattle agreed to part with.

But unless the Braves get the younger Upton for less than what Arizona GM Kevin Towers was asking earlier this offseason – Towers sought a package centered around shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who the Braves won’t trade – then Braves GM Frank Wren seems willing to go to spring training with the players they have now and see how things shake out before determining whether a big addition is necessary.

Justin Upton, 25, is signed for three more years – he’s owed $38.5 million over that period – and showed his huge potential in 2011 by hitting .289 with career-highs of 31 homers, 88 RBIs and an .898 OPS, finishing fourth in the NL MVP race. But that was sandwiched between 17-homer seasons with fewer than 70 RBIs.

Also, the younger Upton has an alarming disparity in his home/road splits — a .924 OPS at hitter-friendly Chase Field and .670 OPS on the road last season, and for his career a .937 OPS at home and .731 on the road.

Still, the talent is tantalizing and the thought of an fleet-footed outfield of Upton, Upton and Jason Heyward is intriguing. That trio could reasonably be expected to combine for 80-90 homers and perhaps 70-75 stolen bases.

Are the Braves prepared to give up a bounty for Upton that would put a dent in the team’s farm system and probably cost them at least one or two solid young pitchers? That remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, part of the reason Wren says he’d be willing to go to camp with what he has is Evan Gattis, aka “El Oso Blanco” (The White Bear), a nickname he got in the Venezuelan Winter League while pounding 16 homers (tied for the league lead) in 195 at-bats and hitting .303 with a .365 OBP and league-high .595 slugging percentage.

Gattis came home before the last few games of the Venezuelan season, as planned. He’s skipping the winter league playoffs and resting and preparing for spring training.

As you may know, Gattis is 26 and has yet to play above Double-A in the minors. That’s not a typical description of a major league prospect, to say the least. Most good young players have already shed the prospect label and put in at least a few seasons in the majors before their 26th birthday.

There are plenty of exceptions, however. The 2011 World Series champion Cardinals had a few of them — David Freese, who’d been a 27-year-old old rookie in 2010; and Allen Craig and Jon Jay, who each debuted at age 25 in 2010. I covered a 1999 Marlins team that had 27-year-old rookie Kevin Millar, who had been 25 when he spent a second full season at Double-A.

None of them had a background as unusual as Gattis, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound Texan who was was  out of baseball for nearly four years, a period he spent searching for the meaning of life, or at least what he was going to do with his.

You’ve probably read or at least heard a little about his colorful past, but for those who haven’t, here’s the link again to the story I wrote last spring about his journey that included a brief stint in drug rehab and some almost-Kerouac years when he worked an assortment of odd jobs including janitor and ski-lift operator.

The Braves see Gattis — a catcher who began playing left field at their request last season — as a legitimate prospect. His body hasn’t taken the beating of most 26-year-old players, and Wren said the way the Braves figure, his peak years are ahead of him and the only thing his age really means is that his career might not be as long as it would have been had he never left the game.

He’s certainly making up for lost time.

Gattis received a non-roster invitation to big-league camp last spring after totaling 22 homers and a .986 OPS in just 88 games at Class-A Rome in 2011. And after getting off to a blazing start at Class-A Lynchburg in 2012 — .385 with nine homers, 29 RBIs and a Bonds-ian .821 slugging percentage in 21 games — he missed nearly half the season with a wrist injury.

He was hurt soon after his promotion to Double-A Mississippi, where the Braves moved him to left primarily to hasten his potential path to the majors.

“He was on the verge of doing some amazing things, putting up some serious numbers,” Double-A manager Aaron Holbert said of Gattis, who struggled initially after returning from the DL, but still ended up with nine homers, 37 RBIs and an .865 OPS in 49 games at Mississippi.

He kept working on his catching on the side and in some games last season and this winter in an effort to prevent those skills from eroding. With veteran catcher Brian McCann expected to miss at least part of April recovering from shoulder surgery, there’s a chance the Braves could use Gattis some behind the plate if he were to have an impressive spring.

Gattis isn’t going to win any Gold Gloves catching, but he’s improved to the point where some in the organization believe he could play the position as a backup and help enough with his bat to offset any defensive shortcomings. The Braves also have his antithesis, 21-year-old catching prospect Christian Bethancourt, a cannon-armed Panamanian who might win Gold Gloves someday, provided he hits enough to become the Braves’ starting catcher.

In an injury-slowed 2012 season, Bethancourt’s first above Class A, he hit just .243 with two homers and a .566 OPS in 288 at-bats at Double-A, but still was selected to play in the prestigious Futures Game that was held during All-Star weekend in Kansas City. That’s how good Bethancourt’s defense is. But the Braves need to be careful and not rush him to the majors, even on a temporary basis, until they’re confident he can contribute and not be entirely overmatched offensively.

McCann will play in an option year of his contract in 2013 and then be eligible for free agency, and the Braves and McCann have agreed to put off any contract discussions until after the season. The team wants to see how he rebounds from major shoulder surgery, and you can bet they also want to see how Bethancourt develops in 2012 before determining their catching needs beyond next season.

If Gattis shows that he can play a decent left field, he could figure into the mix at that position if the Braves don’t add Justin Upton or another outfielder. The Braves also could still add either a platoon type to split duties with some combination from the group of Martin Prado, Reed Johnson, Jose Constanza, and possibly others including Jordan Schafer.

Based on reports they’ve gotten from their scouts and others in Venezuela, and what they saw from Gattis last year when he wasn’t hurt, the Braves think they might have something special on their hands. But until he does it at the big-league level, there are going to be at least as many skeptics as believers.

So far, Gattis has answered every challenge, pounding pitchers wherever the Braves have sent him during a minor-league career that’s included just 222 games and 933 plate appearances. He did the same against a motley assortment of Venezuelan pitchers that includes everything from raw youngsters to crafty has-beens.

“The only thing you can say is, he hasn’t stopped,” Wren said. “No matter what level we’ve put him at, he hasn’t stopped hitting. Just keep giving him an opportunity.”

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263 comments Add your comment

Matt the Brave

January 11th, 2013
12:01 am

So, the Mariners were going to send their #1 pitching prospect, plus one major league ready SS, another hitter, plus another pitcher. Why can’t the Braves do this exactly?

Matt the Brave

January 11th, 2013
12:02 am

Oh, and first.

Barack Odrama

January 11th, 2013
12:03 am

How competetive is the Venezuelan league really? Gattis would be great for added depth but Upton is potentially the type of player that has Atl deep into the post season. Sure Gattis would be cheaper and there’s no gamble on trading away a top prospect, any fan who remembers the Tex trade is naturally wary of making the move. But to me Upton is a game changer, and Gattis seems overhyped I’m sorry to say. Meija had nearly identical stats as Gattis, correct? Where is the hype around him? Just because his nickname isn’t as cool?

If Braves don’t add an Upton, Gattis could get look in LF - Atlanta SportsToday

January 11th, 2013
12:06 am

[...] deciding the price was too high, maybe the Braves have more leverage and could pull off Source: Atlanta Braves – Dave OBrien AJC Blog Share this: Atlanta Braves, Evan Gattis, Justin Upton Cancel [...]

DOB Defender

January 11th, 2013
12:08 am

Bold flavors you guys. Why would we need a lazy outfield when we can go with the White Bear? Who cares if he is already older than Justin Upton? His story is so much better.

David O'Brien

January 11th, 2013
12:09 am

Meija had nearly identical stats as Gattis, correct? Where is the hype around him? Just because his nickname isn’t as cool? — Barack

In case you’ve missed it, Mejia plays one position. First base. Not left field. Not third base (I asked Braves official that question specifically; they won’t consider him for LF or 3B, can’t move well enough to play either of those).

Braves have a first baseman. Mejia will compete for a bench job or possibly be trade material.

Rafa Bustamante

January 11th, 2013
12:12 am

I’m a season tickets holder in Venezuela and the league is pretty competitive, there are very good pitching prospects here (Maddux, Halladay played here for example) and like the article say, some experienced “has been” pitchers who still have nasty stuff. Mejia has always been a strong hitter but just playing 1B is blocking him. Obviously the league is not MLB level but i’d say that is good for improving young players.

Rafa Bustamante

January 11th, 2013
12:12 am

I’m a season tickets holder in Venezuela and the league is pretty competitive, there are very good pitching prospects here (Maddux, Halladay played here for example) and like the article say, some experienced “has been” pitchers who still have nasty stuff. Mejia has always been a strong hitter but just playing 1B is blocking him. Obviously the league is not MLB level but i’d say that is good for improving young players.

Matt the Brave

January 11th, 2013
12:12 am

DOB, who’s out of options for this year that got invited to camp? Anybody who would be trade fodder?

Jack

January 11th, 2013
12:13 am

What in the world makes you think Gattis wouldn’t be a major defensive liability in the outfield? DOB once again over-hyping a old prospect. Terdo 2.0

Jack

January 11th, 2013
12:13 am

What in the world makes you think Gattis wouldn’t be a major defensive liability in the outfield? DOB once again over-hyping a old prospect. Terdo 2.0

Iowa Brave

January 11th, 2013
12:18 am

its kind of a shame to see talent waste like that but i mean with freddie already at first meija isn’t worth battling over time there i could see im being a piece for trading and then maybe through in delgado or someone pitching wise

MIBravesFan

January 11th, 2013
12:20 am

And what in the world makes you think he would be, “Jack”? Nice job repeating yourself, btw.

Art Vandelay

January 11th, 2013
12:21 am

What in the world makes you think Gattis WILL be a major defensive liability in the outfield?

JK

January 11th, 2013
12:24 am

Would Gattis be comparative to Henske in OF? His bat is worth a spot in the lineup.

JK

January 11th, 2013
12:27 am

Hinske sp

Rafa Bustamante

January 11th, 2013
12:28 am

Gattis seemed a little lost sometimes in LF, i didn’t always watched his games but the ones that i attended seemed to be very uncomfortable, needs a lot of more experience there! I don’t know how can we name him as an option for a starting LF job in a MLB team with so little experience defensively

JuanFrancisco Treat

January 11th, 2013
12:30 am

I can’t imagine he could be any worse than Hinske in the OF.

Jack

January 11th, 2013
12:31 am

Can’t believe people would buy into this tripe hype again after the Terdoslavich disaster. Old more physically mature guys are going to do well in these lower leagues. Stop buying into the foolish over-hype.

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
12:33 am

Towers is really perplexing.. Why does he try to trade his star player to a team that is on his no trade list? He obviously put the Mariners on that list for a reason. Seattle has to travel more miles than any other team because of their remote location and they probably don’t have the likelihood to compete with the Rangers and Angels long term.

I can see why Justin didn’t want to go there. Maybe this will give the Braves a real shot at him. It’s good to see us still trying to make a run at him.

Gattis deserves a shot though as he has too much raw power to ignore. If we don’t get the other Upton I’ll be excited to see what Gattis can do.

Brava

January 11th, 2013
12:39 am

BravesFanInNashville, I guess he knew how desperate Seattle was to add some offense and used that to inflate (and set) the market for Upton. Surely he didn’t think Upton would waive his no-trade clause to go to a losing team like the Mariners.

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
12:41 am

@Jack. There is almost zero comparisons with Terdo and Gattis. Joey T is a 24 year old “average” prospect who played four years of college ball and two in the minors. “We” the fans hoped he might be a suitable replacement for Chipper but he has not panned out as a decent 3b. Gattis is much more comparable to Josh Hamilton. Do a little research, or better yet read the article you are commenting on. The link DOB embedded tells you all you need to know!

Brava

January 11th, 2013
12:42 am

Jack, thanks for the advice, but I’m sure most of us can make our own opinions about Gattis once we’ve actually seen him play.

Chris

January 11th, 2013
12:43 am

Rangers are out, Mariners are out. Mariners put a solid package for Upton, but nothing to what Towers was asking for last month. This package that Towers was going to accept, is equivalent to a package of Teheran, Ahmed, Venters/O’Flaherty, and Graham. If Wren offers that deal to the DBacks. There is no reason why the DBacks would not accept that package…..

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
12:45 am

Brava……. Good point on setting the market with Seattle as a pawn. I guess in the end Towers will make the best deal he can for him.. I believe the more time that goes by the more that favors the Braves or any other trade partner because they will know that Towers doesn’t want to start the season with all those outfielders.. He needs to trade one and Justin has been unhappy there for a while now.

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
12:47 am

Brave in Nashville. Saw you fighting the good fight on an earlier blog, keep up the good work!!

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
12:48 am

Chris if that package would work and I agree that something close to that should get it done I hope Wren wraps that up ASAP..

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
12:51 am

I for one, am excited about the 2013 season and the future. They have assembled a tremendous crop of young talent that will all be hitting their primes at the same time and will be a force for the next 5+ years! Over 25 teams drool at the youth and talent combo we have!

Ben

January 11th, 2013
12:52 am

I love the idea of Upton, but definitely not interested if its at the expense of losing Prado next year.

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
12:53 am

AVL-Brave…… Thanks… sometimes this blog can be a lot of work…. I mostly just want to enjoy talking about the Braves with other Braves fans. We’re supposed to be in this together but some of these guys just want to insult each other. I wonder how bold some of these guys would be to each other if they were sitting in the same room. Anyway the days are getting a little longer and spring training is getting closer. Can’t wait to see this team on the field.

jbailz23

January 11th, 2013
12:54 am

Whoa Whoa Whoa AVL – That kind of positive talk won’t get you anywhere on this blog… *sarcasm included*

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
12:55 am

Ben… I don’t see losing Prado over having Upton. Prado plays 3B and Francisco either is a backup or is gone.

glorydays

January 11th, 2013
12:55 am

ANy chance the Upton(s) have attitude issues such as “I’m good enough”. I am willing to sacrifice some talent for desire and hustle personally.

jbailz23

January 11th, 2013
12:58 am

I tend to think that them being on the same team would cause a little friendly brotherly rivalry… Could bring out the best of them both…

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
1:00 am

I don’t post on here very much for that reason. I tend to lean towards blogs that have some sort of login (or Facebook comment app) that at least eliminates some of that anonymity.

I don’t think Wren pulls the trigger on Upton. The “tease” of Gattis. The option of the Prado/Johnson/Francisco platoon and the probable need for both Tehran and Delgado after 2013 (Huddy and Malholm probably both gone) makes me leery and probably all of our management too!

I say roll with what we have, save the money and make in-season deals as need be!

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
1:02 am

AVL Brave….. exactly… most teams including the Yankees and Red Sox wish they had the young talent we have coming up. The Yankees are aging and have long term big contracts on players that are long past their prime. I’d be surprised if they are as good next year as last year. Mike Minor just turned 25 on Dec 26th or the Braves would have had 5 players in the top 25 players under 25 years old.
There are lots of teams that didn’t even have one and none with more than two. That sets us up for a pretty good future.

Ben

January 11th, 2013
1:06 am

BravesFanInNashville- I know Prado will have a spot on the field, but I’m not sure if the payroll can take that kind of hit while all the others guys get arbitration raises.

I really don’t know if the brothers being on the same team would work out long term. Could be drama. Look at the Jackson family. I really think we’d get .265/ 25 hrs from Gattis next year. I think the smart money would be to use him and save the $. However, if the Upton’s kick ass in Atlanta, it’ll be great for ratings and attendance. I’ll be happy either way.

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
1:08 am

AVL-Brave… I tend to agree with that thinking too that we need to consider the whole cost to acquire any player and if Upton has another year like last year and hits 17 Hr and under 70 RBI then we could almost be sure to get that much out of rotation of Francisco and Gattis. I also love keeping both Teheran and Delgado for the reasons you mentioned. Even if Hudson stays which would be great if he’s healthy and pitching well Maholm isn’t going to be worth what he’ll cost. The rotation could be Beachy, Medlen, Minor, Teheran and Delgado if we are without Hudson too.

Anyway I appreciate your positive outlook and that you are respectful of other viewpoints. It’s a rarity around here.

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
1:10 am

Ben, you are right on with the payroll. I would rather invest in Prado, Heyward, Freeman, Kimbrel, or Medlen then Upton.

My biggest fear is 3/4 years down the road when Upton and Heyward are hitting free agency in back to back years. There is no chance or payroll can support both of them.

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
1:14 am

Ben…. I’m with you…. I see upsides to both outcomes. My hunch is to be conservative and hang onto our pitching and see how good Gattis and Francisco can be before we make a move. I’m actually pulling for Gattis to get his shot. But if both Uptons are wearing a Braves uniform I’ll be rooting for them. There is as much of a chance that them both being on the same team is a good thing as a bad thing. It’s a real risk/reward scenario that could go either way.

Frank from KS (now in CO)

January 11th, 2013
1:15 am

Personally, I hope Wren doesn’t sit on his rear-end, & goes and grabs Justin!

That would be a helluva OF with Heyward and both Uptons!

Ben

January 11th, 2013
1:17 am

AVL-Brave- That would be too terrible to contemplate.

jbailz23

January 11th, 2013
1:18 am

AVL – I would love to find a Braves blog with a facebook login, This is pretty much the only one I look at simply because I don’t know of any others. I think if Frank does trade for Upton we will see an extension for Heyward in the near future. That would be a helluva OF to watch though.

Don’t get me wrong though Prado is no slouch out there..

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
1:24 am

Ben and AVL-Brave….. the down the road considerations is why it’s really hard to be a GM that does well over a long period of time. I tend to think like you guys and want to be sure to be able to keep the nucleus of this team together as long as possible. As seasons go BJ had a much better year than Justin and Justin had the advantage of playing in a hitters park. We got one Upton for more money but cost no prospects which down the road can save payroll because the young players we keep can contribute at league minimum and arbitration salaries vs. free agent money.

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
1:31 am

Jbailz- Talkingchop.com has that method of commenting. It is a decent blog, mostly hardcore and educated Braves fans. You can also search a few on Facebook. There is one called Tomahawk Take, I believe. I host on on FB called Braves Banter, we have fun, good discussions.

jbailz23

January 11th, 2013
1:35 am

AVL – Are you the closed group Braves Banter?

Simpson's Homer

January 11th, 2013
1:38 am

If you want to see what Mejia and Gattis did to Carlos Zambrano in Venezuela, watch this – specifically, from 1:40 until 2:05:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc-S4TvLun0

It’s not the best video of Gattis — the best is his walk-off 3-run homer, with the 2 minutes of dramatic build-up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gABm2sAh2go

jbill

January 11th, 2013
1:41 am

Come on Wren get the trade done for J Upton..go for the WS this year instead of just the wild-card.. You will never have a chance to get him 3 years for 38 million again.

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
1:43 am

yes, I believe you can ask the “group/page” to be invited then I will accept.

jbailz23

January 11th, 2013
1:47 am

AVL – Sent the invite.

Simpson’s – Zambrano may not be the guy he used to be but he pitched in the bigs last year, I think hitting the tar out of him says something about the potential of these two…

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
2:04 am

One thing I don’t understand about Bourn and Boras.. How did they think they would get a contract approaching $90 Million dollars or more after he hit. .225 after the all-star break, only scored 36 runs and struck out 81 times? He’s a career .272 hitter and though he only played in 53 games as a Brave in 2011 he struck out 50 times and hit .274 for Atlanta. That means he struck out 205 times in 1-1/3 seasons or 208 games played as a Brave.. His body of work in Atlanta is only impressive for 1/2 of 1 season and the rest of the time he resembled Jose Constanza more than a $15 Million /year player.

By the remote chance he comes back to Atlanta which I put at less than 10% they shouldn’t pay him more than $10 Million per year and no more than 4 years. I think he way overvalued his services. Boras could prove me wrong because the Cubs, Rangers and Mariners are still kicking the tires on him and it only takes one team to overpay to make Boras look like a genius but I hope this is one time Boras has to regroup because he misread the market.

Simpson's Homer

January 11th, 2013
2:08 am

Having watched several of the video clips of Gattis homers in Venezuela, the ball just jumps off of his bat. I only played high school ball, but the guy just looks like he can hit. If we can’t get a legit lead-off hitter (Bourn Ultimatum, perhaps), we might as well let the guys in camp compete, and if Gattis earns it, let him play LF. Then, the extra budget money can be spent for a mid-season acquisition if our hitting or pitching needs a boost.

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
2:09 am

If Bourn goes to Seattle it will be Chone Figgins v2.0

Jack

January 11th, 2013
2:10 am

Just remember it was a year ago all you fools were getting hyped for Terdo and he is 2 years younger than Gattis. Don’t be brainwashed again. Gattis is a power bat off the bench at best and will be a major defensive liability if/when in the field.

jbailz23

January 11th, 2013
2:11 am

Homer – I don’t see us getting Bourne with the teams that are still very desperate for an OFer, I have this gut feeling that JUpton is headed to Atlanta but I hope that we have money to sign our future stars. I don’t want JUp if it costs JHey.

I think Gattis will show a thing or two come ST… Only a little over a month!!!!!

jbailz23

January 11th, 2013
2:12 am

Jack – No worse than Hinske was I’m sure.. LOL

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
2:14 am

I hope Simmons develops into a lead off hitter. His minor league numbers and small big league sample lead me to believe he can do it. Wont be the 50+ SB threat like Bourn but should K a lot less and keep a solid OBP. He showed great contact and plate discipline for a rookie, throw in the fact that he spent most of his time hitting in front of the pitcher, I think he might earn that job by mid season if we don’t find a “true” lead off man.

AVL-Brave

January 11th, 2013
2:21 am

Not sure where you get your info from but any realistic projections or rankings never said Terdo was a top prospect. He has never displayed anything near the power of Gattis, and since when did we start placing so much value on LF defense? I seem to remember a Garret Anderson out there for way too long for us, and guys like Dunn, Berkman, and Carlos Lee spending time out there because there bat demanded they stay in the line up. It’s LF, the least valuable defensive position on the field. Give me 30/100 and I don’t care if you can’t run down squat!!

Barack Odrama

January 11th, 2013
2:36 am

Hey DOB,

Thanks for the reply. Any thoughts or grapevine rumors what a realistic package for Upton would be? Other than Simmons, is anyone untouchable? I just feel that a trade would make sense: an impact right handed bat which the braves lack for pitching, an area where Atl has more flexibility. Not to mention the instant ticket draw from an OF of Uptons and Heyward!

Oh well, that’s my hope as a fan with fond memories of seeing the Jones “brothers” rack up divisions year after year.

Jim Edwards

January 11th, 2013
3:29 am

I’m afraid the brother dynamic would have a negative result.. I still would much rather have Bonafacio or Fowler. Also, the Upton price tag would seal Macs departure for sure.

You Will Learn

January 11th, 2013
6:50 am

One Upton is too many !

Dawg Patrol

January 11th, 2013
6:51 am

My main concern with Gattis is at age 26 and 6′3″ — 235, is he fast enough to play left field? I love his ability as a hitter, but wonder how fast he gets around the bases. Maybe bring him onboard as a utility man at catcher and LF and a pinch hitter and let him earn a starting position.

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
7:09 am

“I’m afraid the brother dynamic would have a negative result.”

Well, at least 1 person understands this brother thing is not a good idea. Thank You. I’ve been waiting for somebody to show they understand the implications of having the super duper brother duo on the same team. I’m glad these guys are just virtual GMs.

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
7:11 am

“DOB, any thoughts or grapevine rumors what a realistic package for Upton would be?”

I’ll answer that: Too much. Next!

darrell starks

January 11th, 2013
7:18 am

Bring Upton 2 the Braves and they become a power house.

Beachy, Delgado for Upton.

GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

January 11th, 2013
7:24 am

1. SIMMONS SS

2. PRADO 2B

3. J. UPTON LF

4. HEYWARD RF

5. FREEMAN 1B

6. B.J CF

7. UGGLA 2B

8. MCCAINN CATCHER

BEST BATTING LINEUP IN BASEBALL

GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob the Blogger

January 11th, 2013
7:27 am

The Braves have some good options available with Johnson, Constanza, Gattis, and Cunningham, along with using Prado in left and Franscisco at third. Ideally, Gattis and Cunningham should start the season at AAA, but could get their shot if the others falter. I just don’t see any reason to give up good prospects when we have this many options and the rest of the lineup is set.

Frank Wren

January 11th, 2013
7:46 am

I’ve got Jordan Schafer pencilled in for LF.

Play ball !

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
7:48 am

Why does anyone expect the Braves to have all-star caliber players at each fielding position? Organic development of talent must be a substantial part of success for middle-market payroll clubs. All this gloom and doom of finding a star for LF. The Cards always find success from talent within the organization. The Braves have to suck it up and find depth from within.

Obee

January 11th, 2013
7:48 am

Schafer could still come through and answer the lead off question.

spaceman109

January 11th, 2013
8:05 am

avl….you speak of being unable to keep both juston upton and jason heyward because of the payroll. this is why i find it tough to wholeheartedly support a team which is owned by a faceless corporate entity. in that entity’s view, the braves are little more than a section of the balance sheet. i would love it if we could get a group like the one in l.a. who is not afraid to splash the cash. the faceless corporate entity does not understand a basic business principle: you have to spend money to make money. they keep putting decent teams out there which, as a group, really do not move the excitement meter.

yes, we do have some young players with bags of potential. when it comes time for those players to hit free agency, the faceless corporate entity will likely dump most of them to save a few nickels and dimes.

until the faceless corporate entity is replaced by active owners with faces and ongoing interest in being solidly competitive and keeping young free agents, the braves will continue to be an organization which flatters to deceive.

Horn's dad

January 11th, 2013
8:06 am

What’s this “If the Braves get J Upton” talk? It’s obvious that Kevin Towers doesn’t want him playing for the DBacks anymore! Frank Wren needs to get off his butt and get his deal done!

spaceman109

January 11th, 2013
8:15 am

horn’s dad…..i for one would not want j. upton if we have to give up andrelton simmons, who is a once-in-a-decade talent at shortstop.

spaceman109

January 11th, 2013
8:15 am

horn’s dad…..i for one would not want j. upton if we have to give up andrelton simmons, who is a once-in-a-decade talent at shortstop.

spaceman109

January 11th, 2013
8:15 am

horn’s dad…..i for one would not want j. upton if we have to give up andrelton simmons, who is a once-in-a-decade talent at shortstop.

Bob the Blogger

January 11th, 2013
8:18 am

Mr Maggot – my point exactly – why draft and develop young players if you’re not going to give them a chance, even when they perform well at all levels? Our left field situation is the perfect opportunity to see if one of several players can become productive major leaguers.

The Braves have done a good job developing talent so far – McCann, Freeman, Simmons, Prado, and Heyward are all home grown. They’ve had similar success with the pitchers. We gave them a chance. Why not do the same with left field.

bill arp

January 11th, 2013
8:19 am

Sure wish Gattis could play 3rd. The only draw-back on him is, he seems to be hurt a lot..

David O'Brien

January 11th, 2013
8:36 am

Just added this to blog I posted last night about Upton and Gattis, etc:

Most good young players have already shed the prospect label and put in at least a few seasons in the majors before their 26th birthday.

There are plenty of exceptions, however. The 2011 World Series champion Cardinals had a few of them — David Freese, who’d been a 27-year-old old rookie in 2010; and Allen Craig and Jon Jay, who each debuted at age 25 in 2010. I covered a 1999 Marlins team that had 27-year-old rookie Kevin Millar, who had been 25 when he spent a second full season at Double-A.

adam

January 11th, 2013
8:45 am

DOB: Do players requests these limited no trade clauses like Justin Upton did? How does that work?

DawgLink

January 11th, 2013
8:47 am

Freddie came up as a 3rd baseman. They could put him back, leave Prado in left, and bring Meijia up to play 1st. What do you think? I think Freddie will soon win a gold glove at first however.

Robert ( chi-town)

January 11th, 2013
8:48 am

Note to Frank Wren …your in the same division with the Washington Nationals! Unless you are content to compete for the one game wild card playoff again, you need to make a serious effort to trade for Justin Upton! Towers has backed himself into a corner with this Seattle deal. So wake up and take advantage of it, before some other GM does!

Ralph

January 11th, 2013
8:58 am

It would absoluely break my heart to see Gattis in some other unform hit 45 HR’s, gotta give him a chance to show what he can do, we already have one more Upton than we can afford.

steve brown

January 11th, 2013
8:58 am

Hey lay off Gattis as a left fielder – catchers are great athletes and leaders whose bodies get worn out from the beating they take year after year. Left field is a walk in the park in comparison.

JoeBravesFan

January 11th, 2013
9:19 am

So, if Mejia was traded, who would back up Freeman if he got injured or needed a day off? We don’t have Hinske anymore. I think it best to keep Mejia and put him on the bench as a pinch hitter and 1B backup.

I also believe Constanza deserves a shot to platoon with Reed Johnson in LF. He’d be a LOT cheaper than J. Upton and can get on base pretty consistently, plus his speed is incredible. Granted, he doesn’t have the pop that Gattis appears to have, but Wren and Fredi said they were trying to get the speed element back in the Braves lineup, and with the loss of Bourn, Heyward and Constanza are our best shots for base stealers.

Wny?

January 11th, 2013
9:20 am

Robert ( chi-town)

It makes too much sense not to. I have a feeling Wren is working behind the scene.

Nuh Uh

January 11th, 2013
9:25 am

Joe- we don’t need a backup 1st baseman. Prado can play 1st if Freeman needs a day off.

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
9:26 am

“DOB: Do players requests these limited no trade clauses like Justin Upton did? How does that work?”

Part of the contract negotiations.

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
9:31 am

“Towers has backed himself into a corner with this Seattle deal. So wake up and take advantage of it, before some other GM does!”

Seattle made an offer that got Tower’s attention and, as such, he floated it to Upton’s agent in the hopes that JU might bend on the no-trade. Apparently he didn’t and now Tower will consider other options…….and there wil be others. Always clubs out there willing to give up too much.

Jimmy

January 11th, 2013
9:31 am

3 words on Justin Upton – NO THANK YOU

Rick C

January 11th, 2013
9:37 am

DawgLink, I don’t know what positions Freeman played in high school, but he only saw time at 3B in five games in his first year of rookie ball. He made 3 errors in 14 chances.

JoeBravesFan, I guess Prado is their only other 1B backup.

mike from the coast

January 11th, 2013
9:39 am

I believe all teams get an extra 25 million next year from TV revenue. DOB is that annually? If so, gives us some flexibility in locking up Prado, giving Heyward a contract etc. I “assume” the money stays with the team and doen’t go to the corporate office.

Patrick

January 11th, 2013
9:42 am

If you read between the lines Justin has done just about everything he can with dignance to put himself into position to be traded to the Braves. He has handled this entire process smartly.

This is THE defining moment in Frank Wren’s career. HE HAS THE ABILITY to pull off a trade for Upton. Does he have the stones to do it? Personally, I’d give up Simmons to get him. But, it’s clear Wren will not. I do believe that he could still trade for Upton without Simmons in the deal though.

The biggest reason that I would do EVERYTHING I possibly could to make this trade is because both BJ and Justin has enormous potential. Both of them have shown flashes of what they are capable of. If you were to put them together in a market that isn’t crazy (like Philly or New York) it should ease their stress level and then just allow them to make each other better. I really believe that is the key to unlocking how to bring the best out of both of them. You are talking about 2! 2 potential MVP’s. You would have to be a complete idiot not to do whatever is necessary to make this deal.

I know Towers is a tough GM and I worry about that because Wren isn’t Schuerholtz. He’s not going into the hall of fame (though he could give himself a chance if he pulls this deal off) but he and Towers did come to an agreement on Jake Peavy a few years ago and Peavy declined it. That won’t happen this time. I believe that Atlanta and next to his brother is where Justin wants to be.

I would trade Teheran or Delgado or both for him and our other SS prospect and Gattis, Bethancourt, etc…do what it takes to vault the Braves into serious contenders. Pulling this trade off would also vault attendance, two of the most exciting players-brothers-playing next to each other in the same outfield. That will put people in the seats and sell season tickets.

I would fire Wren at the beginning of the season if Upton isn’t our staring left fielder. Some might say that is ridiculous, but I think that passing up on a potential future MVP that has fallen into your lap is ridiculous. How can you justify to anyone that you passed that up for a “prospect” that clearly has some serious mental issues, committment to the game issues and should be in the prime in the majors but is still toiling away in the minors and you went with him because he had a good winter league season in Venezuela? That’s crazy.

Well, I could keep ranting but I it will not do anything. I DO HOPE THOUGH THAT THE MEDIA: DOB, MARK BOWMAN, JEFF SCHULTZ, MARK BRADLEY RANT AND KEEP RANTING AND PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE BRAVES TO TRADE FOR JUSTIN UPTON-BECAUSE THAT DOES WORK!
Everything that the media and fans can do should be done. Constant calls to Altanta sports radio, petitions (like the one that was started {AND WORKED!} that got Skip Carey back). Campains. Daily articles from every Atlanta sports writer clammoring for Wren to make this deal happen. Radio broadcasters constantly talking about how bad a move this would be all the way around if they do not trade for Justin.

These things work. Like I said before, it worked for Skip Carey and it worked in Chicago to get Lovie Smith fired. Everything should be done to get him, everything! Otherwise, no one should complain when this team doesn’t win the division, make the playoffs or lose in a playoff game, get eliminated in the first round, etc…cause that is what will happen if we don’t have 2 Uptons in the outfield on opening day. GET THIS DONE FRANK!

Let's Go

January 11th, 2013
9:44 am

DO NOT give up more than 1 top prospect for this overrated outfielder, especially considering he is owed 38 million for the next 3 years. Here’s a guy coming off a bad year and has really only had one somewhat good year, who has never gotten 90 RBI’s, Strikes out a lot, is about 60% in stolen bases. And on top of everything else he has a terrible differential between his home and road stats.

Actually if you look at his carrer last year was not a bad year but an average year for this guy so is it a good move to give up multiple prospects for 17 HRS and 67 RBI’s? NO it is not. And if you only hit 17HR’s playing half your games in a hitter friendly ballpark how many home runs do you think this guy would get playing half his games at Turner Field? Maybe 10. I’m sure Dan Uggla would love for the Braves to bring him in so some of the fans would stop screaming at him.

Arizona messed up when they signed him to the multi year deal and now they are looking for someone to bail them out.

Warhead

January 11th, 2013
9:44 am

J. Upton would be nice, but giving up Teheran or Delgado plus EOF or Venters, plus Nick Ahmed and another good/great prospect …? I don’t know. At this point, I’d go to spring training and let Francisco and Gattis battle it out to see who will play most days — with Prado playing one spot or the other almost all of the time. Save the money to use in season and to try and lock up Heyward and/or Medlen and Freeman to long-term deals that buy out a couple of arbitration years.

I think what gives me most pause is the inclusion of Venters or O’Flaherty, which is one of the rumors I read somewhere last night. I really like the flexibility the bullpen has right now and how the Braves can shorten games when needed. Can’t have enough pitching in today’s game.

Warhead

January 11th, 2013
10:07 am

While my opinion definitely has its holes, I hope I speak for most in Braves Country when I say I’m very, very glad that Patrick is not our general manager.

Wait 'till next year

January 11th, 2013
10:11 am

I can see it now, the outfield would be…Up, Up and a Hey!! I know it’s cheesey but I had to do it.

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
10:26 am

Patrick: “This is THE defining moment in Frank Wren’s career. HE HAS THE ABILITY to pull off a trade for Upton.”

First, I don’t read beyond 50 words. Nobody on this board has thoughts interesting enough to waste my time beyond 50 words. I got to your quote above and bailed out. Defining moment? Do tell us from where this drama comes?

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
10:26 am

Patrick: “This is THE defining moment in Frank Wren’s career. HE HAS THE ABILITY to pull off a trade for Upton.”

First, I don’t read beyond 50 words. Nobody on this board has thoughts interesting enough to waste my time beyond 50 words. I got to your quote above and bailed out. Defining moment? Do tell us from where this drama comes?

Johnny Damon

January 11th, 2013
10:26 am

I’d love to be a Braves this season. Frank Wren, give me a call!

Johnny Damon

January 11th, 2013
10:26 am

I’d love to be a Braves this season. Frank Wren, give me a call!

And a Day of Rain

January 11th, 2013
10:27 am

How can you justify to anyone that you passed that up for a “prospect” that clearly has some serious mental issues, committment to the game issues and should be in the prime in the majors but is still toiling away in the minors and you went with him because he had a good winter league season in Venezuela? That’s crazy. – Patrick

serious mental issues :eek:

Evan Gattis (Braves) — BaseballMoves.com

January 11th, 2013
10:30 am

[...] Source: ajc.com [...]

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
10:31 am

I’ll conclude that Patrick has a crush on the Upton brothers.

braves1in13

January 11th, 2013
10:32 am

“J. Upton would be nice, but giving up Teheran or Delgado plus EOF or Venters, plus Nick Ahmed and another good/great prospect …?”

Upton has the capability of belting 25-30 HR and driving in 90-100 runs while playing EVERYDAY. Teheran and Delgado will only help the Braves every fifth day. Venters or EOF would be tough, but they don’t pitch every day and the Braves still have a solid pen without one of them. Finally, prospects are prospects and Ahmed won’t sniff SS while Simmons is around.

I think most people on here are too focused on the future and are failing to see just how positive an impact J Upton would have on an everyday basis.

Don’t sell the farm, but in my opinion, the Braves have the players to get a deal done and be very competetive in 2013 and remain competetive in the years to come. Get it done, Frankie!

Patrick

January 11th, 2013
10:45 am

Mr Maggot

You think that Evan Gattis is better than Justin Upton. That the Braves will be a better team with him playing left field?

rico carty

January 11th, 2013
11:04 am

Are you kidding?
An outfield of Upton, Upton, and Heyward? The Braves need something to boost attendance and this will do it. I live in Upstate NY but will travel this summer to watch these guys. Imagine the PR possibilities for this trio.
We must get it done. Chances like these don’t come along often. Well worth the risk of giving up young pitching talent. Who knows whether Julio or Randall will amount to anything. No guarantees with young arms.
As for Gattis, move him back to catcher. He can be McCann’s understudy in 2013, let McCann walk and have Gattis start in 2014.
Trade Bethancourt for other prospects.

Big B

January 11th, 2013
11:06 am

Here’s the short-and-sweet….. Any DECENT owner, coach, or GM will tell you that you if you have a chance to put yourself over-the-top THIS YEAR,,, YOU DO IT AND YOU DON’T THINK TWICE. You let “next year” work itself out while you celebrate a championship THIS YEAR… With that in mind,,,, if you have a chance to get Justin Upton.. YOU DO IT! Here is the deal:

Braves Get: Justin Upton
Arizona Gets: Choice of O’flarhty, Venters, or Avilan
Choice of Tehran or Delgado
Graham
Ahmed
Salcedo

The stipulations are that if AZ decides that they want Ahmed AND Salcedo,, they don’t get to choose the lefty reliever they get.. they have to take our choice (Avilan). If AZ wants Tehran AND Delgado, they have to choose between Salcedo and Ahmed… This CAN be done and NEEDS to be done… Prado needs to start at 3rd, Upton, Upton, Heyward needs to be our outfield and Simmons NEEDS to be our SS… This team CAN win it all THIS YEAR if they are bold enough to make the move THIS YEAR to do it. I would gladly take a Championship THIS YEAR and worry about Mac, Prado, long-term contracts,, blah blah blah,,, all when they arise instead of always trying to “plan for tomorrow” while being “competitive” today.. I’m tired of “competing.” It’s time to WIN! WREN!! GO WIN!!! GET JUSTIN UPTON!!!

Bench

January 11th, 2013
11:09 am

With attitudes coming into question in the past with both Upton’s, it seems a unnecessary risk to have he both on the same team. Glad the Braves didn’t have two Yunnel Escobar’s at the same time.

Razorback Red

January 11th, 2013
11:10 am

Big B thats way too much. Arizona has lost a lot of leverage. I believe you’re giving up too much there.

mrnatural

January 11th, 2013
11:19 am

Inquiring minds would ask why D’back GM Kevin Towers is so intent on shedding his team of the awesome talent that is Justin Upton. Why did he jump at Cody Ross before he had a trade in place for Upton, the player many of you would like to give up the farm for to play LF for our Braves? Something is rotten in Denmark.

Rick C

January 11th, 2013
11:20 am

Patrick, I don’t think anyone is saying that, but it doesn’t mean that Upton is necessarily worth the package of prospects it would take to get him.

rico carty, the Braves already had arguably the best outfield in baseball last year. The suggestion that we need to get someone like Upton to boost attendance is stupid. The low attendance is all on the fans, plain and simple.

Fantasy Baseball Blog at beondeck.com | Fantasy Baseball Advice

January 11th, 2013
11:21 am

[...] in the never ending Justin Upton trade talks, but that option too is a long shot. A more realistic option for the Braves is Evan Gattis an opportunity in the outfield. At 26 years old, Gattis is not a typical minor league prospect. He provides power and if he can [...]

Big Time

January 11th, 2013
11:26 am

Well Matt the Brave we tried that trade one time before : #1 pitching prospect, plus one major league ready SS, another hitter, plus another pitcher for Mark Texeria and see where it got us & where it put the Texas Rangers. I don’t think so. Even though Upton is signed for three years & we just rented Texeria. Just say no Braves.

David O'Brien

January 11th, 2013
11:28 am

“DOB: Do players requests these limited no trade clauses like Justin Upton did? How does that work?”

Of course they request them. Or their agents advise them to, and they do. Some teams give them. The Braves don’t.

JoeFan

January 11th, 2013
11:29 am

Wren is not going to sell out for Upton. The Braves under JS and Wren have been burnt to many times on trades and free agent signings. Wren is going to see what he has in Gattis before he even considers trading for another outfielder.

Let's Go

January 11th, 2013
11:33 am

Big B @ 11:06 am

Stick to fantasy baseball. You are over paying about 10 times too much for a guy that in the last 4 years averaged .283, 23 HR, & 77 RBI’s while playing half his games in a hitter friendly ballpark. If the Dbacks would take Tehran and Pasternicky and maybe a AA player then yes make the deal but anything more than that is too much. Plus with HGH testing now on the table every team better be worried about trading for any player who had that one big “contract” year.

Big B

January 11th, 2013
11:39 am

Razorback Red,,, I think that if you acquire a guy like Justin Upton from AZ, you’re going to have to part with pieces you don’t want to give up so you can keep other pieces you don’t want to give up even more…. I think LHRP, SP, Minors SP, Minors SS, and Minors 3b prospects are what it’s going to take if you don’t give up Simmons (which I would NOT do).. You look at the package that they could have gotten from the Mariners and it screams “over-pay.” Unfortunately,, if you want Upton (and I DO,, very badly),, you’re going to have to overpay some. I’d be interested in seeing what you think a “reasonable” package is for Justin Upton. Just because Upton rejected the trade doesn’t weaken AZ’s stance.. They,, like the Braves,, are just a capable of going into the season with what they’ve got and letting things ride til’ the trade deadline. It doesn’t make it a good idea,,, but they can do it… I’ve said from the start of this mess,, if the Braves want Upton (and they should), they have to give up a lefty reliever, young major league SP, 3b prospect, and a SS prospect because those are the areas that AZ has stated that they want in return this offseason in any trade talks with other teams… They satisfied the SS position with Cabrera in a prior trade and can now afford to sit back and sure up the rotation, pen, and minors. Remember,, AZ’s minor league pitching is very good and they don’t HAVE to accept junk from anyone for a high-performance-player like Upton.

Big B

January 11th, 2013
11:46 am

Let’s Go,,,, Are you kidding!? He has negatives just like any other player in baseball but he is arguably the best available outfielder in the trade market with Stanton. If you think you’re going to get a PROVEN high-production, high-quality-stud outfielder for peanuts like Pastornicky and “a AAA” player then I think we all know who’s really playing “fantasy” baseball.. Upton is a proven ballplayer who is young, under control, marketable, and produces! You don’t just stumble on these guys. They are hard to find. Reasonably speaking, the overpay to land him from AZ is exactly what it would take to get him. If you think he could be gotten for less,,, I’d love to see your plan because I doubt it would get done… unless you included Simmons which I would NEVER do.

Justin Upton Rumors: Friday - Unofficial Network

January 11th, 2013
11:46 am

[...] price for Upton, the Braves seem willing to proceed with players already in the organization, David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution writes. The Diamondbacks wanted a package centered around shortstop Andrelton Simmons earlier in [...]

bvillebaron

January 11th, 2013
12:02 pm

Adding Justin Upton would be great, but it depends on the price. My comment to one of the posters who claims adding Upton would reduce the Nationals advantage over the Braves is that the Braves are not inferior to the Naionals as presently constiuted–their main advanatage is, hard to believe, superior starting pitching and a bullpen which is almost as good. Since pitching and defense wins championships (see how poorly the Yankees’ vaunted lineup did in the playoffs last year), Justin’s boost to the offense would not IMHO offset the hit to the starting pitching staff if they traded more than one or at most two of their premier pitching prospects to acquire him. To me posters who would trade Teheran, Delgado and Graham for Upton are foolish.

ALJ

January 11th, 2013
12:05 pm

Matt the Brave

January 11th, 2013
12:01 am
So, the Mariners were going to send their #1 pitching prospect, plus one major league ready SS, another hitter, plus another pitcher. Why can’t the Braves do this exactly?

Matt, why not, because that would be overpaying.

Yickitty

January 11th, 2013
12:14 pm

DOB,

Is there anything that prevents the Braves from a sign and trade deal for Bourn? Seems like Texas wants him but doesn’t want to give up a 1st round draft pick. Maybe Braves could trade his rights for a lesser pick/player/cash or some combo? Or is that allowed under the CBA?

74bravesjersey

January 11th, 2013
12:14 pm

I’m all in for Upton(2), if done crafty & carefully, & good Diggs on your’e read “Big B”. I love to see the outfield w/a J-Hey Degree at Upton university.

least of the east

January 11th, 2013
12:22 pm

Seattle is lucky Upton refused to go there. they offerred too much. Baves can’t afford to trade 2 top pitching prospects. maholm has 1 yr left. Hudson is getting old. we dealt hanson already. beachy is coming off TJ surgery.
Upton is more potential than talent. I am not sold on him. if we can’t afford an OF like Ross or even hairston, how do we pay for Upton ? the guys Towers wants back are all cheap. we would need to dump a big contract on them. deal makes no sense !

The Scout

January 11th, 2013
12:33 pm

Nationals have a better manager and a more balanced lineup than the Braves.

The Uggla Factor also benefits the Braves’ opposition.

braves1in13

January 11th, 2013
12:45 pm

Not that projections are entirely accurrate, but here’s something to chew on:

Bill James proj. for Upton in 2013: .289/.372/.492 with 26 HR, 86 RBI, 106 runs, and 19 SB.

The main internal candidates of Francisco and Johnson in a platoon with Prado:

Francisco: .272/.308/.502 with 12 HR, 41 RBI, 31 runs in 246 AB
Johnson: .272/.325/.382 wit 4 HR, 27 RBI, and 35 runs in 296 AB

And then, there’s the unknown in Gattis, but will he seriously project anywhere near the numbers for Upton above.

Upton will vastly improve our lineup and make it pretty solid from top to bottom. The question is, are the Braves willing to part with some talent to get a very talented outfielder who will help in 2013?

74bravesjersey

January 11th, 2013
12:53 pm

DOB; Thanks for the good reads, man, I’m gett’n stirred up, we know Frank’s weighing his options. I’ve been pull’n for Gattis since last spring; Would College ball count for somethin’, considered in his maturation process for Minor league experience?

PDOG

January 11th, 2013
1:03 pm

Upton would be great but only for the right price. I would give up Ahmed, Terd, Gerrin and the D Backs choice of Delegado or Mahlom and a pitching prospect from A ball or below.

74bravesjersey

January 11th, 2013
1:03 pm

Be awesome havin’ a already formidable lineup become that much more, & he’s still maturing, & who’s to say Walkn’fletch might bring that strong plate discipline philosophy to the lineup, that 6 to 7 hitters in the lineup that would battle the count. Possibly cutting down the strikeouts would be tremendous.

74bravesjersey

January 11th, 2013
1:08 pm

Good Deal there PDOG; I’d go w/ that! Keep Gattis, Hopefully a spot for Mejia, man, what a team, Fired up Bravos! Fired up Falcons!

Rick C

January 11th, 2013
1:10 pm

“The Uggla Factor also benefits the Braves’ opposition.”

The Nationals have their own Uggla at 2B with Danny Espinosa. 247/315/402 line last year with 189 SOs.

WigWamWisps

January 11th, 2013
1:29 pm

I don’t even know if I am comfortable with dealing for Justin Upton if the deal includes multiple pitching prospects. I would imagine that a player like Graham, maybe Ahmed and our big two pitching prospects are what Kevin Towers would ask for IF he dropped his demands for Andrelton Simmons. I don’t think I like the deal at all.

in Wren we trust

January 11th, 2013
1:38 pm

Having a young slugger in LF could be a great thing.
Having a young slugging 3B could be a great thing.
Having Prado NOT be an everyday player would NOT be a good thing.
Whatever happens, I think Prado should either have the starting LF or 3B job. Period.
He also needs a contract extension for about…forever!

in Wren we trust

January 11th, 2013
1:38 pm

Having a young slugger in LF could be a great thing.
Having a young slugging 3B could be a great thing.
Having Prado NOT be an everyday player would NOT be a good thing.
Whatever happens, I think Prado should either have the starting LF or 3B job. Period.
He also needs a contract extension for about…forever!

Submariner

January 11th, 2013
1:42 pm

New Flash: Frank Wren pulls off a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets. The deal sends Kenshin Kawakami and Jair Jurrjens to NY for Tim Tebow and a bucket of orange Gatorade. In the deal the Braves get a brand new insulated bucket filled to the brim with tasty orange flavored G2. Tebow will be used to deliver high-end corporate bubbas to their luxury boxes behind home plate at Turner Field. Adding left handed depth to the 20 man usher roster. The deal is seen to be a major win for the Braves, while New York gets Kawakami and Jurrjens to park cars for Jets players when they arrive to MetLife stadium. Woohoooo!

Submariner

January 11th, 2013
1:47 pm

In unrelated news….The Braves continue to search for a left fielder that can hit for power and defend in the metro area thrift stores.

bravesbudfan

January 11th, 2013
1:57 pm

You would have to be an idot to give up the two best pitching prospects that are major league ready, a shrt stop that has a very high upside, plus Gattis and Bethancourt. The last time Atlanta did a trade like that it put tha Rangers in the World Series and we have nothing to show for it today! NO THANKS. We will need the extra money to lock up Prado, Heyward and others so we do not lose the young nucleus we have moving forward.

Brown

January 11th, 2013
2:11 pm

Hi David,

Is Dexter Fowler still on the Braves’ radar?

Since he fits the leadoff mold better, I tend to think Fowler is a better option (and perhaps less costly in terms of trade pieces). Thoughts?

Thanks

Brown

January 11th, 2013
2:13 pm

*as compared to Upton

Rick C

January 11th, 2013
2:18 pm

Brown, the Rockies were reportedly asking for Minor and either Delgado or Teheran for Fowler.

jbailz23

January 11th, 2013
2:27 pm

Did I really see someone offering Beachy, Delgado and another prospect for JUpton?

I want JUp don’t get me wrong but even Beachy for him straight up we lose on. Beachy has crazy potential, and don’t give me that Tommy John crap, they’ve got the recovery from that down to a science…

Mark (another one)

January 11th, 2013
2:56 pm

Any thought to putting McCann in LF and protecting is shoulder and legs? We know a healthy McCann can hit, and we have some defensive depth at catcher. Laird, Bethencort and Gattis can all play there and the first two are on the 40 man roster.

Brown

January 11th, 2013
2:59 pm

Yeah – don’t think McCann is quite mobile enough for the outfield. More likely to end up in the AL as a DH

AdirondackDave

January 11th, 2013
3:25 pm

A couple things I like about Gattis don’t get much attention but are important. First, for a slugger, he doesn’t strike out a lot. Closer to Chipper and Mac than Uggla, etc. in that regard. Second, he won’t steea a lot of bases but I notice Gattis gets more than his share of triples which tells he he won’t clog up the bases and has good running instincts. These are positives that Mejia and most other sluggers don’t typically bring to the table.

DOB … Do the Braves control Simmons for 6 more years or just 5? Thanks.

Let's Go

January 11th, 2013
3:26 pm

Big B @ 11:46

Upton may be the best that is still available but that doesn’t mean you overpay for his services. Is he going to make the Braves better? Maybe, but how much better? Not enough to give up 4 quality players. At this point of the year if you can’t get a player for what he’s worth than you don’t make a trade. This is not July where one guy for 2 months gets you info the playoff. Unless the Dbacks lower their demands for Upton he will still be available come late March and by then everyone will know if the Braves really need a LF or not.

Roy Hobbs

January 11th, 2013
3:27 pm

I know that J Upton is supposed to make less this year than the next two years of his remaining three years. I think years 2 and 3 are about what Bourne is rumored to be asking for.

I think the lineup is much better, 1 through 8, with the return of Bourne than it would be with J Upton, and we dont have to give up 3 or 4 prospects to get him.

I would much rather see them find the money to bring bourne back than trade a bunch of prospects for Upton. Bringing Bourne back gives Atl the best outfield in baseball, a legit leadoff hitter (instead of hoping that Simmons or Prado can do it), and again, we dont lose several of our top prospects.

Lukewarm Stove: The Justin Upton Package, and Where the Diamondbacks Go From Here | Bleacher Nation | Chicago Cubs News, Rumors, and Commentary

January 11th, 2013
3:29 pm

[...] they’ve got the need. Plus, the Diamondbacks are obviously incentivized to move Upton. But David O’Brien says the Braves aren’t willing to give up a package of talent in the range that the Mariners were, [...]

AdirondackDave

January 11th, 2013
3:40 pm

And for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t trade Simmons (5-6 years of control) even up for Upton’s 3 years of control. Braves have one of the biggest bargains in baseball with 2-3 more years of Simmons for next to nothing.

Rick C

January 11th, 2013
3:50 pm

Roy Hobbs, Upton is owed 9.75MM next year, 14.25 in 2014, and 14.5 in 2015. Bourn was looking for a bit more than that, it would be a longer contract, and he’s 5 years older.

phoenix

January 11th, 2013
3:52 pm

I look for the Braves to remain in “neutral” this year, after all Uggla is still the heart of this team. And what he lacks in hitting, he makes up for with his limited range.

Finklestein

January 11th, 2013
3:54 pm

What the heck is going on with Bourn?
Looks like his greedy, smart aleck agent screwed up and has taken Bourn down the river.

Finklestein

January 11th, 2013
3:57 pm

Michael should never have messed with that fancy pants agent.

Roy Hobbs

January 11th, 2013
4:07 pm

Rick, I guess what I am saying is maybe with the way the CF market has fallen apart on Bourn and Boras, maybe he would take a 3 year, 42 to 45 million dollar deal at this point. Then the question becomes is the difference between 10 this year for J Upton and 14 this year for Bourne worth 3 of our best prospects.

I think the change to free agency with the draft pick now attached has really hurt Bourn, and its very possible that his asking price has come down.

Given the choice between three years of Bourn and three years of J Upton, I would pick Bourn, at least for this team, as it is put together today.

Samurai Squirrel

January 11th, 2013
4:14 pm

Do BJ and Justin have any more brothers? If McCann doesn’t return, we could possibly need a new catcher next year. Heck, I’d even take one of their athletic sisters…

single white dove

January 11th, 2013
4:16 pm

JOHNNY DAMEN? why not?

Disgusted

January 11th, 2013
4:27 pm

With both Uptons you are paying for potential and upside.

With BJ all it cost was $$$$$$$$ and a first round prospect.

For Justin even if it takes two pitchers (none of them named Randall Delgado) and two more mid range prospects than so be it — just do it.

I really perfer they keep Delgado as the Number 5 SP. Teheran is no big loss. Would give Teheran and their choice of any other prospect in the system.

Disgusted

January 11th, 2013
4:28 pm

They won’t have to trade Simmons now, AZ got their shortstop prospect in the trade they made — his name slips my mind right now.

Disgusted

January 11th, 2013
4:29 pm

I do think the Braves will be looking for catcher help cause Laird is just not very good.

He was a good defensive C but that was three, four yrs ago.

Horn's dad

January 11th, 2013
4:30 pm

Hey spaceman109. I never said they should trade Simmons to get Upton! I said that Towers has made it obvious that he wants to trade Upton and Upton has said that he would like to play with his brother. The Braves have plenty of pitching depth in the minors and that’s what the DBacks would want…

Disgusted

January 11th, 2013
4:31 pm

I want JUp don’t get me wrong but even Beachy for him straight up we lose on. Beachy has crazy potential, and don’t give me that Tommy John crap, they’ve got the recovery from that down to a science…

Because of Beachey’s crazy potential that is all the more reason not to rush him. He is worth waiting for even if its waiting till 2014.

Plate Appearance

January 11th, 2013
4:37 pm

GO WITH GATTIS

I hope Wren does give Gattis a chance in LF.

Leave payroll flexibility and go with Gattis!

Disgusted

January 11th, 2013
4:38 pm

I really don’t know if the brothers being on the same team would work out long term. Could be drama. Look at the Jackson family.I really think we’d get .265/ 25 hrs from Gattis next year. I think the smart money would be to use him and save the $. However, if the Upton’s kick ass in Atlanta, it’ll be great for ratings and attendance. I’ll be happy either way.

@Ben — That is asking an awful lot from a 26 yr old guy who has never played above A ball.

Not saying it cannot be but wow, the Braves are kind of in a win it now mode so if they can add J Up and his known talent and upside for a collection of prospects you got to feel positive about it.

As for saving the $$$$$, J Upton does have a favrable contract and the price for big league talent goes up. It ain’t going down if you want em to win you have to spend some. LM can afford it — the dollars are there if they want to find em.

Gattis is an outside shot to be a big time player.

Joey

January 11th, 2013
4:41 pm

“and I worry about that because Wren isn’t Schuerholtz.”
********************************************
True. Wren definitely is not Schuerholz – you know, the one that traded about 5 future MLB starters(at least 2 AllStars) for 12 months of Tex?

Not to say Schuerholz didn’t make some good deals – he did – but, with the 2nd largest payroll in MLB in the 90’s. When the Braves and Yankees first met in the WS, the big story was that it was between the two biggest spenders in MLB.

Wonder why Schuerholz retired a short few years after Ted sold the team? Cause the plug got pulled on his checkbook balance, and he was no better than anybody else without Ted writing BIG PAYCHECKS.

I think Wren has done very well with the budget he has to operate in.

Disgusted

January 11th, 2013
4:41 pm

As for prospects remember, every June you have the opportunity to restock the system every year.

Most prospects are replacable. Most do not make it. Even if one gets away that is the price you pay for trying to compete and put a team together.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Disgusted

January 11th, 2013
4:46 pm

I will second that Joey @ 4:41.

At the time the first Texiera deal was done with the right intentions. And we did get one strong year out of him — as for the prospects that went to Texas well, sometimes that just happens.

Its not that none of em got replaced.

Sure we let Andrus go but we had a young Yunel and later developed the better Simmons.

Neftali Feliz is darned good but hey, today we have Kimbrell.

Now Harrison, that was a mistake — they rated Jo Jo ahead of Harrison and that was a big time SOUR MONEY BOO BOO.

Salty is a journeyman with some power and the other pitcher I don;t think made it.

The second Tex deal for Kotchman sucked. Might have been better off taking back the draft picks instead of Kotchman and Marrek.

We have had two excellent GM’s since 1991. And Bobby Cox was not so bad as a GM putting the roots of the contending yrs together.

Joey

January 11th, 2013
5:10 pm

It was done for the “right intentions,” but the truth was, that Braves team needed more than one slugger at the time – our pitching had become pretty bad, and nobody could drive in a run, other than Tex, Escobar and Chipper.

I do think Wren is gonna sit on that $8M til about June, just to see if Gattis, or Francisco breaks through – if so, we shouldn’t need another player, with Reed, Prado and those two.

Another defense of Wren I always give is, a few of his acqusitions, who, if they had only just hit their career averages (no better) after joining the Braves, probably would have put another Big Pennant up on the wall by now – Nate McLouth, Dan Uggla, and Michael Bourn. But some guys are better off just playing with a really bad team, who by June, has no shot at the playoffs.

No pressure, no worries. But put them in a pennant chase, and they can’t hit the ball out of the infield.

Hope BJ is ready for that pressure.

Angel Eyes

January 11th, 2013
5:27 pm

Well I see typical Wren is sitting on his Duff and not made the deal.

Russell Bell

January 11th, 2013
5:28 pm

JOHNNY DAMEN? why not?

Because at this stage of his career, he would most likely add little if any value over internal options.

JoeBravesFan

January 11th, 2013
5:31 pm

Prado is already going to be going back and forth from 3B to LF…and you want to add 1B to that, too?! That’s not realistic. Prado had better get that extension offer this month if the Braves plan on playing him everywhere.

Mr Maggot

January 11th, 2013
5:42 pm

We need Trumbo and Wren better get going on this.

Lead off

January 11th, 2013
5:42 pm

If we get the other Upton, we still have an issue at lead off. Why spend that much for someone that doesn’t fit as well as everyone seems to think.

Angel Eyes

January 11th, 2013
6:14 pm

Somebody take a mallet and wake Wren up. Make the deal stupid.

Bobbymahlon

January 11th, 2013
6:21 pm

I think we could get Mike Morse on a better deal than Upton and he is a better hitter.

Bobbymahlon

January 11th, 2013
6:33 pm

What about making a deal for Mike Morse now that the Nats have signed LaRoache, a .300 hitter with close to 100RBIs and 25-30 dingers.

Ken Stallings

January 11th, 2013
6:49 pm

What the Mariners were willing to offer for just one player was WAY too much to pay for any one player!

Anytime you are looking at a four-to-one ratio of players in a trade, Prospects are not just prospects. To a team with a limited budget for free agents, your prospects are vital to your future. Three players of the right talent mix I might trade, but not four.

MIdtown

January 11th, 2013
6:49 pm

J. Upton is a gamble at best with a hefty price tag. Do not like it. Brothers playing together in what should be the ultimate professional environment only adds to distraction in my view.

Plus I hope Wren is not even thinking about moving O’Flaherty or Venters. With our bats not exactly providing fireworks, watching O’Ventbrel was half the fun for the season.

David O'Brien

January 11th, 2013
6:54 pm

Is there anything that prevents the Braves from a sign and trade deal for Bourn? Seems like Texas wants him but doesn’t want to give up a 1st round draft pick. Maybe Braves could trade his rights for a lesser pick/player/cash or some combo? Or is that allowed under the CBA? — Yickitty

No way baseball would approve of that deal, as it would clearly be done to circumvent the rule.

Angel Eyes

January 11th, 2013
6:57 pm

We need OFFENSE. No Matter what it costs. Make the deal NOW!!!!

Norris Chuck

January 11th, 2013
7:10 pm

DOB,

The guys from the MLB Network are SCREAMIN for Arizona and The Braves to come to some kinda agreement in a Upton trade.

What in your opinion do you think is gonna happen?

The Blogger Formerly Known as Billy

January 11th, 2013
7:10 pm

I do not see the Braves pursing an OF’er until at least the end of spring training and would more inclined to think the trade deadline in July. I think DOB is just giving the masses something to talk about for another month.

The Braves have to see where they are with in house options. Gambling on Upton is no different than gambling on the prospects that would be traded and/or play for the MLB team at this juncture..

Upton is a gamble for the talent Towers is asking for as unless he turns out to be anything less than an impact bat the trade will be failure. We do not know he can be that consistently and will just pay more to gamble than with the prospects. Besides, there is no rush for any team other than the Mariners to add Upton, he’ll be available at the deadline if need be.

David O'Brien

January 11th, 2013
7:21 pm

We’re making the bold move, folks. Moving to a new page at ajc.com, and to a new blog format that requires — wait for it — registration. That’s right, the cloak of anonymity wont’ be quite the same anymore, which hopefully will help us build a less-hostile environment and the kind of conversation that so many of you have pined for on days when things have gotten particularly nasty.

Beginning now, this blog is moving to a new home within AJC Sports, and we are making some other changes we hope the members of this blog community will enjoy. Things should be a lot easier to access from your mobile devices, by the way.

Game stories, features and articles and player profiles will move from the blogs into our sports news pages. The blog will focus on the issues you and others are talking about, with opinion and analysis front and center.

Readers will now be asked to register before posting comments in the blogs and stories. We value the spirited discussion and debate, and believe this change will improve the interactivity for everyone.

Bookmarks and RSS feeds: If you visit the blog from a bookmark or use an RSS reader, you will need to update those links. Thanks for being patient with us as we ease through the transition. The old blogs will stay up in the old format for a while longer, but all new ones will be written in the new format and this last blog written in the previous format is being moved to the new one.

Here’s the link:

http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/atlanta-braves/2013/jan/11/braves-could-add-another-upton-or-gattis-might-get/

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
7:23 pm

Loved the comments about bringing Bourn back because he’s a better fit for our lineup and he costs Zero prospects. If he signed for 4 yrs $48 Million we could be guaranteed to keep our rotation cheap until his contract is up. He’d only cost $10 million more than Justin Upton but we’d have him for 4 years instead of 3. If we have even 2 prospects that stay with us for those 4 years vs. having to pay even what we are paying Maholm this year( $6million) Bourn would pay for himself with the money we save by keeping and playing our young prospects. Upton costs $38 million AND prospects which will leave us having to replace them with more expensive and only serviceable players like Maholm.

Re-signing Bourn is looking more and more like the move to make. Don’t get me wrong I would love to see Upton playing left field for the Braves but he would cost a lot more than Bourn overall and he doesn’t solve our lead-off issue.

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
7:26 pm

Love it DOB! Most of us just want to talk baseball with other Braves fans that can respect other people’s point of view!

Mr. Snarky

January 11th, 2013
7:33 pm

Gattis ain’t getting any younger…let’s give him a shot.

Angel Eyes

January 11th, 2013
7:38 pm

@BravesFanInNashville First of all love your posts and respect you very much. Now question: Just how do you think it is possible to get Bourn. I don’t think possible. Please explain your thoughts

CJ

January 11th, 2013
7:43 pm

1. SS – Simmons / LF – Constanza
2. 3B – Prado
3. RF – Heyward
4. CF – B.J. Upton
5. 1B – Freeman
6. 2B – Uggla
7. C – McCann
8. LF – Constanza / SS – Simmons

Wes Jorga

January 11th, 2013
7:45 pm

I would feel more comfortable with an Upton trade if I knew when the TV contract revenues were availale for payroll. If the payroll went up to 115 to 120 million then it would relieve the concerns about not being financially able to keep the team together.

chipl1960

January 11th, 2013
8:19 pm

All signed up and ready to go!!

chipl1960

January 11th, 2013
8:20 pm

Thanks DOB

Angel Eyes

January 11th, 2013
8:33 pm

@DOB Won’t let me in. Say wrong display name. Help please

the truth...

January 11th, 2013
10:59 pm

DOB….

What are requirements for display name? The message says the name will not register but no explanation?

Maybe in our society “truth” is really not a reality anymore?

BravesFanInNashville

January 11th, 2013
11:17 pm

Angel Eyes.. Hey thanks for saying hi and for having your wife say hello on the blog last night! As for Bourn I don’t really have a plan I just think he’s going to have a lot fewer options than he thought he would at the start of the off-season. He may come back to us by default! This could be one of the few years that a Boras client wishes he had taken the offer given to him by his former team at the beginning of the off-season. He may have in fact, held out for less.

Word is that several teams do not want to sign him or Kyle Lohse because of the draft pick compensation. It’s not hard to picture one of two scenarios; one that Bourn comes back and signs a one year deal to try to reestablish his value, or two that if he is given any kind of a reasonable multiyear offer now he takes it in case he has an injury next year that could cost him tens of millions later! ESPN is saying his most likely landing spot is back with Atlanta which surprised me!

Disgusted

January 12th, 2013
8:09 am

What if you do not have facebook or the other links.

Oh well, guess I have to retire from posting on this blog — Good luck all and lets look forward to a great 2013.

Disgusted

January 12th, 2013
8:10 am

Its been a fun ride posting on the blog — the change sucks but that happens.

Will miss some of yall. Go Braves.

Posts about The Braves From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog

January 12th, 2013
12:37 pm

[...] to get a general sense of how good the team was in order to figure out what di more… If Braves don’t add an Upton, Gattis could get look in LF – blogs.ajc.com 01/11/2013 Now that Arizona outfielder Justin Upton has rejected a trade to [...]

Angel Eyes

January 12th, 2013
3:11 pm

WELL I guess only the “ELITE” get to speak there mind” Everyone has opinion. Right or wrong. If you don’t agree with someone you don.t get to speak This sucks, YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW. It’s called FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Sal

January 12th, 2013
4:43 pm

DOB,

I am sure the subject has come up somewhere along the line – so, what do the Braves and Schafer say when the subject of Matty Alou, Harry Walker, bottleneck bats, pounding the ball into the ground, taking full advantage of his best asset, speed, and winning battle titles comes up? With Schafer you could add stolen base titles to the mix if he could get on base enough(and stay healthy too I know).

Do they just think Schafer is not as good as Alou? He is incapable? That he can’t learn how to stop using a homerun swing to get a single or double?

I am serious. No one who hits as few homeruns and has the speed of Schafer should be striking out much at all.

I think he can be as exciting on the bases as Medlin is pitching, but he has to get on base. First base would be a good start.

But do the Braves and Schafer just scoff at this sort of thing? I know Alou was an excellent talent but seems like unless Schafer has eye problems, he could learn how to hit better with a change of style also.

your pal,

Sal

Barack Odrama

January 12th, 2013
9:32 pm

comment

Dan Uggla's Swing

January 14th, 2013
11:30 am

Most of the comments on this blog are making me realize just how bad the “Steroid Era” really was for baseball. The love for the homer really stop, it will not win us a WS. The Braves won the ‘95 series with pitching, yes, Justice hit a game/series winning homer, but think about it. That was the only run scored in the whole game, the key was the pitching. The Braves need to focus on scrappy contact hitters with good OBP, not high strike-out power hitters if they ever want to win another championship. Go back and re-live the one game wild card playoff game again if you think I am wrong. Lots of men on base, lots of men left on base. Watch the ‘12 WS again, Tigers are a solid power hitting team, yet were beaten by a team with better pitching and better contact hitting. I would much rather spend less money on two decent BA, high OBP hitters than one power hitter who is going to strike out with RISP and the game on the line. It wont take a power hitter to fill the seats, it will take wins and a championship.

Virginia Brave Fan

January 14th, 2013
9:09 pm

When are the Braves announcing the Justin Upton trade?

BravesFan

January 14th, 2013
9:46 pm

Why not try Gattis? Good hitters are good hitters. The Braves will be wasting a shot at a player if they don’t give him a chance.

Chipp4Prez

January 15th, 2013
3:08 pm

The Nats reportely just signed Rafael Soriano to a 2-year $28 million dollar deal. First of all, that’s stupid money for a game that isn’t consistent and is getting up there in age for a flame throwing closer. Secondly, DOB – Where do the Nats get their money? I live in DC and the games don’t often sellout. They also inked LaRoche, Span and Haren. Did Magic Johnson buy the Nats too?? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills. Any hope Atlanta tries to snag Morse for LF?

Disgusted

January 15th, 2013
5:57 pm

The Nats want to win — that is the difference in ownership between our corporate people and the Nats ownership who have built something nice up there.

We used to have ownership that gave a dam. No more.

As time goes on the Nats build payroll while the Braves keep payroll flat or for that matter cut the $$$$ spent.

Disgusted

January 20th, 2013
6:10 pm

Falcons follow in the Braves footsteps and choke again.

Matty Lice gives it away — again. Big stats, big loser.

If Braves don’t add an Upton, Gattis could get look in LF FEATURED POST | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog

January 24th, 2013
5:22 pm

[...] The rest of the article can be found here: Atlanta Braves [...]

ijudgenot

January 25th, 2013
8:08 am

I do not know why new blog on Upton trade is not up but I wanted to express my support of this trade. I was initially against it because of Prado lost, but when it was reported that Prado had declined to discuss long term deal then it became a no brainer.

74bravesjersey

January 26th, 2013
4:10 pm

Well, I miss this, the old way ’cause I can’t even get on the new one, it’s an act of congress. I digress.

74bravesjersey

January 26th, 2013
4:13 pm

@Ijudgenot; Welcome to the “old way”, I miss this so, the new blog will not allow me to put in my blog name, why did they think the new way would’ve been better? sheesh!

74bravesjersey

January 26th, 2013
4:16 pm

I support the J.up trade, glad he’s here, & I believe there’s new life in Brave Country again! I’m all Fired Up!

Disgusted

January 29th, 2013
1:38 am

I miss the old way to blog too — I am not using the new page.

And I am not registering with all that information.

As for the Upton trade — I am behind it all the way — we gave up a bit but you have to give upsomething to get something.

J Upton actually does have a decent career OPB for a slugger type. And BJ has done better than .28 OBP in the past — should be an exciting yr.

If we could only take back the Ross for Laird signings, it would be an excellent off season.

I rate this off season a solid B to B+

Disgusted

January 29th, 2013
1:39 am

The new blog is not reader friendly — there was no need to change.

This way was easier to read.

Angel Eyes

January 30th, 2013
7:13 pm

This way is better. New way just fot the elite. Should post a blog just for us. @Disgusted I agree with trade. Bench not too strong but I think it is going to be a great year. Little concerned about Teheran but it is time for him to step up

Dog4Life

February 1st, 2013
9:23 am

Mr. Obrien–just a question. I have played the game at a higher level than most fans. I never made it high enough to be considered for the show. So, i have some credibility concerning my inquiry. How good is Meija at first base? The reason I ask is because even though Freeman’s numbers are good and his defense is excellent, I am still concerned that sooner rather than later the major league pitchers are going to find his weakness in that different swing of his. I have noticed when a pitcher gets him easily it is under his hands or down and out (Cutter or change). That swing doesn’t allow him to readjust his hands in the hitting zone with much efficiency. This almost always places him out on his front foot and he has to wrist flip to make connection. If his wrists were equal to Henry Aaron, no problem. Just a question from an old has been and wanna be–who loves the game

Disgusted

February 4th, 2013
6:57 pm

@Angel Eyes — There is still time to strengthen the bench though Reed Johnson is not bad as 4th OF, and Pastornicky just may develop into that super sub that the org might see him as.

Janish is there though his contribution is limited strictly as a defensive shortstop.

There are a few guys left out there. I wonder who is going to sign Theriot, maybe there is not room for him here but he is still not a bad player at all.

I miss the old way of blogging — we all had a good thing & I really do not care to share too much personal info.

74bravesjersey

February 9th, 2013
4:25 pm

I agree disgusted;

74bravesjersey

February 9th, 2013
4:27 pm

Man, what a time it was under this old blog.

74bravesjersey

February 9th, 2013
4:29 pm

Man; let’s see if the old bloggers will come back. Ya’ll hang in there.

Angel Eyes

February 9th, 2013
4:42 pm

Ready for DOB to give us our own blog. The new way sucks. You can’t say anything derogatory or they won’t let you in.

Atlanta Braves 2013: the streak begins again

February 17th, 2013
5:18 am

wow i can’t wait for the opening day !!!!!!! :)

my 25 roster prediction for opening day:

Catchers: Laird and Gattis
Infielders: Freeman,Uggla,Francisco,C.Johnson,Simmons,Janish
Outfielders:J.Upton,B.J.Upton,Heyward,R.Johnson,Constanza

Starters:Hudson,Medlen,Minor,Maholm,Teheran
Relievers:Martinez,Gearrin,Walden,Avilan,O’Flaherty and Venters
Closer.Kimbrel

Janish will win the last spot for IF over Ramiro Pena, both have under average Bat,,,but Janish had some clutch at bats last season, both have good defense, but i will take Janish for his experience at MLB Level

Gattis deserves the backup spot for catchers until McCann returns… im sure he’ll hit some homers and clutch at bats,,,,

Constanza definitely it’s a key player in braves roster,,,the perfect fit for 3 reasons

-he could hit ,he could run ( the fastest player in the team no doubt), and he can fielding very well

a good option after Reed Johson for pinch hit , and the best option for pinch run in the late and close games…

about relievers Avilan and Gearrin won the bullpen spots with the last season performance,, too young and too talented guys,,, Avilan eating innings and making outs vs left and right handed batters very impressive,,and Gearrin with submarine pitching style forcing a lot of groundballs , the perfect guy for men on-base situation in the late innings before O’Ventbrel trio enter to the game..

my opening day lineup prediction

1-BJ Upton 8
2-Simmons 6
3-J-Hey 9
4-Freeman 3
5-J Upton 7
6-Uggla 4
7 Francisco/C.Johnson 5
8-Laird 2
9-Hudson 1

when B-Mac comeback…

BJ Up. Simmons, J-Hey, Freeman,J-Up.McCann, Uggla ,Francisco/C-Johnson, pitcher…

GO BRAVES….

Angel Eyes

February 17th, 2013
3:29 pm

I like your lineup. Only 1 thing wrong. They’re LOSERS AGAIN!!!!

74bravesjersey

February 23rd, 2013
3:14 pm

Anybody? How the Bravos doin’ against dem’ yanks? Last I checked they were down 5-1, 6th inning.

74bravesjersey

February 23rd, 2013
3:16 pm

Ya’ll keep this bloggin’ goin’, mabey some more’ll a show up.

Angel Eyes

February 24th, 2013
11:03 am

I douby it because we are no t the elite. Only those who have no complaints and get in other peoples business are welcome

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
11:53 am

Well there ya go Angel Eyes, mabey our o’l friend Tobfin will show up. old man, rich brave etc…..

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
12:07 pm

Well, I go back & recruit some of the old posters back. I’ll be back in a li’l while……….

Disgusted

February 24th, 2013
12:57 pm

Hello 74 Braves Jersey — just want to check in — man it was a reall fun time when we could post this way.

There were some real charachters the old way — the new blog just does not have the old energy.

So far a little slow in ST but its good to see Gattis getting a little power yesterday.

ST is for tuning it up anyway — tough time for Walden yesterday. He is better than that.

BTW — Good luck to Micheal Bourn in Cle and when will we see a Kyle Loshe and Ryan Theriot sign. That is the best of the rest of FA class of ‘13.

Loshe might have to settle for a one yr deal — this time Boras beat himself at his own game.

Disgusted

February 24th, 2013
1:02 pm

Ready for DOB to give us our own blog. The new way sucks. You can’t say anything derogatory or they won’t let you in.

@Angel Eyes — the new way is so vanilla and not that readable. Oh well, let em have their own way. There has to be some blogs out there that are fun and expressatory.

And sometimes there are good things to say about the team and other times not so good. Letting your baseball emotions out on a baseball blog is a fun non threatening thing to do — of course within some reason.

Angel Eyes

February 24th, 2013
2:19 pm

Hello Disgusted There are other blogs out there but you can’t be derogatory to them either. Must follow straight and narrow. Still would like to have a blog of our own where the elite could have their fun and we could have ours. Oh well stay around buddy. Might want to talk some more about this SORRY team

Angel Eyes

February 24th, 2013
2:20 pm

WE NEED SAMANTHA BACK. That was fun

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
2:46 pm

Hey Disgusted, sorry I took so long to get back, & yeah I’m disgusted at the new way, yeah, this way was more livelier, you could dialogue w/ more effect than the new way.

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
2:54 pm

Yep Angel Eyes, she was fun, I went to the new blog(as Bravesfeather) & told them to check out the blogs old format for the month of January 13′, & said there’s a few straggler’s still posting on there, & to join in. We’ll see, Dang! you, Disgusted & me are the only survivor’s of this old format apocalypse, like the other posters have been hijacked by the new format, eatened up by the new DOB blogformat Zombies & have turned into zombies themselves Huh?lol

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
3:08 pm

Hey can either of ya’ll blog on it, not that ya’ll would prefer to, but see if we can talk it up, call ourselves as the DOB Archive bloggers, or “O’l format Bloggers”, or like ya’ll said, see if they let us have one of this format for us. What a ya’ll think? Angel Eyes? Disgusted? Anyone? Buehler? Buehler?lol(Ferris Buehler’s day off)-movie. I gotta feel’n I spelled his last name wrong, I stand corrected if either of you chime in. I gotta take care of a task, will be back soon. Could one of ya’ll give me an update of the Braves score/inning when you get a chance, Thanks!

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
3:14 pm

Hey, quickly, Disgusted, would be cool if Wren did pull out the stops to get Loshe, man, what a staff. & I hope they’ll crank it up soon. Ya’ll know I left a few messages on all these old Format DOB’s from the Jan. 13′, check em’ out.

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
3:15 pm

Angel Eyes, what a you think?

Angel Eyes

February 24th, 2013
3:20 pm

@74bravesjersey Hey buddy How are you? Pitt2 braves 1 end of 6. Same old braves No offense I tried to get in to new blog but was refused because of my derogatory statements That is why I say Elite only. Hope some come back. My wife(Honey Bee) wnts on here too’ If she comes on will you two talk to her? WHERE IS SAMANTHA WHEN WE NEED HER

Angel Eyes

February 24th, 2013
3:20 pm

@74bravesjersey Hey buddy How are you? Pitt2 braves 1 end of 6. Same old braves No offense I tried to get in to new blog but was refused because of my derogatory statements That is why I say Elite only. Hope some come back. My wife(Honey Bee) wnts on here too’ If she comes on will you two talk to her? WHERE IS SAMANTHA WHEN WE NEED HER

Disgusted

February 24th, 2013
3:40 pm

Hello Disgusted There are other blogs out there but you can’t be derogatory to them either. Must follow straight and narrow. Still would like to have a blog of our own where the elite could have their fun and we could have ours. Oh well stay around buddy. Might want to talk some more about this SORRY team

@Angel Eyes — its gotten to the point where people take things too personal and get overly sensitive and its not just about spots.

Hey, I disagree with you that its a sorry team at least to this point but if they are not producing runs late in ST, to me that is a red flag. And I do have some concerns about the potential SO’s. But the XBH power is intriguing.

So I will give it a chance for a while at least but if it does not straighten out soon, some guys will be called BUMBS and will deserve to be Booed. LOL.

I will talk to Honey Bee, hey I will talk to anyone who does not act like the Elite who truthfully were among the lesser tolerant. I remember her stuff — good posts.

I sort of liked being the blog contrarian especially with the music debates. Or the debate over the Blues stuff that alot of folks do not listen to. I really stirred up the pot on some of those blogs but some of it was tounge in cheek. Some really took me seriously and I was getting a good laugh out of it.

Disgusted

February 24th, 2013
3:46 pm

@74 Braves — If Teheran does turn out to be disappointing say, around mid May and attendance does pick up & Loshe is not signed by then — who knows???????

I do guess that he will find a team before March is over — but with Scott Boras who knows.

Angel Eyes

February 24th, 2013
3:47 pm

Time will tell buddy. Hope they come out of this swoon and get off to a good start. Off to work. Honey bee will be onj if you want to talk. See you later

Honey Bee

February 24th, 2013
4:10 pm

Bad news guys Pitt 9 braves 1 top 9. I guess you knew Angel Eyes and I are newlyweds. Christmas eve 2012. I am here you want to talk

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
4:27 pm

Dang! Whats goin’ on, I know it’s just spring, thanks for the report, I know they got pretty much 3rd stringers in there, but scoring 1 here 1 there late in the game ain’t cutt’n it. well Heck, just get through spring, but get some offence goin’. @Disgusted; true that on Scot Boras, I wish all his clients sell out on him cause he’s cause’n more harm than good for them, which is good to see.

74bravesjersey

February 24th, 2013
4:29 pm

Gotta run; ya’ll hang in there w/ the o’l format, see ya.

Disgusted

February 24th, 2013
9:08 pm

Congrats Honey Bee & Angel Eyes — hope you make it a long time.

So far Me and my Mrs have made it 13 yrs — got a 6 week old puppy to replace our Dog who left us last yr and she is keeping us busy and happy. That is how we spent the Valentines’ day weekend. Sort of a valentines/anniversary celebration but we are big Dog people.

Its going to get better as far as the Braves go — hey, it is only game 3 of ST and as 74 Braves said, its mostly third stringers out there.

Have to like what Teheran did today — step in the right direction.

I wonder who is gonna get Theriot who is a pretty good player.

Who is going to be the chief U infielder this yr — Ramiro Pena or Pastornicky????? My guess is on Pena — the low OBP is not of a great sample size. Got to wait and see.

Honey Bee

March 1st, 2013
6:48 pm

Hi guys. C’mon and talk to me. Wathed a couple of brave games. They don’t look too bad Pitching will come around(i hope) Keeping scoring runs. Will be OK.

Johnny Damon

March 2nd, 2013
3:36 am

Korver is a bborderline All Star and makes our Hawks a nicer complexion.

Honey Bee

March 2nd, 2013
3:37 am

So what if I have a mangina Go Yankees

74 bravesjersey

March 2nd, 2013
3:39 am

YAHNKEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Angel Eyes

March 2nd, 2013
3:40 am

Atlanta is for losers, but loves the Mandinko men here

Angel Eyes

March 2nd, 2013
10:42 am

Guys I complained about site to AJC, So now we have a troll. That was NOT Honey Bee or my comments. We are Brave fans thru and thru. I complained at the suggestions box. You see results. That last statement insinuates that Angel Eyes is female. You know that is not true. So belive me, we have a troll

Matt the Brave

March 2nd, 2013
6:50 pm

Angel Eyes and I are male lovers at the site Gayties.com

Honey Bee

March 2nd, 2013
7:09 pm

Hope you have fun with Angel Eyes. Maybe he will get you pregnant like he did me. YOU ARE A JERK TROLL

Honey Bee

March 3rd, 2013
11:03 am

Sorry Angel Eyes and Matt, I was jealous because you told me it would be a 3Some, and where were you last night, I went to Swinging Richards and couldn’t find either of you..
See me at my new sports site….Hocckey Inside/Out I am Timo over there!!

SAMANTHA

March 3rd, 2013
1:16 pm

Hey Matt, baby you want to come play with me. I love you Matt,baby

New Mexico Lee

March 3rd, 2013
2:26 pm

Take your meds Samantha. MATT is GAY

Angel Eyes

March 3rd, 2013
2:30 pm

C’mon Honey Bee lets go home baby

SAMANTHA

March 3rd, 2013
6:08 pm

I only like girls fella Vist me at Puck Daddy site for a good ime, dollar bills there too.

SAMANTHA

March 3rd, 2013
6:34 pm

THe guys are there to see your gay but. I give special shows for special GUYS ONLY. It sure is not gays that come to my shows

SAMANTHAS HUSBAND

March 3rd, 2013
9:42 pm

There you are, you Who@#re..Dont mess with my He-She at Hockey Inside Out site Im Timo there.

SAMANTHA

March 4th, 2013
7:42 am

IM Not married jerk. Just a special stripper for special guys, If you weren,t gay, I might be interested

New Mexico Lee

March 4th, 2013
7:44 am

C’mon Samantha. Lets get you back to hospital and take your meds where you will get away from QUEER

New Mexico Lee

March 20th, 2013
1:35 pm

Samantha, No offense, but you arent my type, I prefer a big wanker with hairy balls.

Disgusted

April 5th, 2013
9:23 pm

The new way of blogging has been slow — shows that majority of old bloggers do not like the new sytem of registration, etc.

It is not working.

What is working is the nice 3-1 start for the Braves. Also a feel good that Philly is starting out 1-3. But its early.

Got to see BJ get it together — he is due at some point.

Come on — bring back the old fun way of doing things. It did work. The people were interested.

Backfilling Bucket

April 7th, 2013
10:13 pm

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