Braves’ spring training: What do you think is No. 1 issue?
Nate McLouth and the situation in center field is one of the Braves' questions this spring.
Spring training officially opened this week, and that always means two things: 1) Hope; 2) Questions.
I’ll be heading down to Orlando in less than two weeks to examine a few issues but I figured this blog would be more appropriate today. Some national media outlets, like FoxSports.com, are locking onto the loss of closer Billy Wagner as the No. 1 issue facing the Braves. It’s a worthy topic. But I figured I would let fans weigh in.
Loading ...Here are a few areas I believe most folks are looking at, along with my view. Let me know what you think and vote in the accompanying poll. That way we can come to some highly scientific conclusion, which I’ll pass along to general manager Frank Wren, who’ll quickly move to resolve the matter. (Slight sarcasm.)
What is the biggest issue in your view?
– 1. Billy Wagner’s retirement: It takes a special mindset to be a closer but I believe Craig Kimbrel and/or Jonny Venters can get it done. Being able to work with Wagner for a season should have helped.
– 2. Chipper Jones’ comeback: I’m not as confident here. Jones was starting to hit the ball well when he was injured last season, and there’s zero reason to question his determination. But asking a player to come back from a torn ACL at the age of 39 (come April 24) is an iffy proposition.
– 3. Black hole in center field: Nate McLouth is back, but it’s not because the Braves are oozing with confidence in him. It’s because they’re obligated to pay him $6.5 million. (McLouth also will receive a $1.25 million buyout after the season, assuming the Braves don’t exercise a $10.65 million team option.) Jordan Schafer still has potential but he’s regarded less of a prospect now than he was two years ago, given injuries and confidence issues. Help is needed.
– 4. Defense: The signing of second baseman Dan Uggla should significantly improve the lineup. But Uggla has his deficiencies in the field — his 18 errors placed second among major league second basemen — and the Braves were tied for third in the majors with 126 errors. Some of the team’s problems, however, can be attributed to injuries and backups (like Brooks Conrad) playing too many innings.
– 5. Freddie Freeman: First base has long been a Braves’ problem area. But Freeman is just keeping the spot warm for Albert Pujols. (Hey, a guy can dream, right?) Seriously, Freeman could be the real deal after crushing Triple-A, but it’s dangerous to just assume he’ll be a smashing success. Jason Heyward seemed a safer bet, in that regard.
OK, now it’s your turn.
By Jeff Schultz
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Earlier:
– Jadeveon Clowney picks South Carolina: Is the SEC East theirs?
– Georgia wins but looks like far from an NCAA tournament team
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231 comments Add your comment
Wright
February 14th, 2011
11:48 pm
With the retirement of Wagner the Braves find themselves back in a familiar black hole, no closer. Until Wagner came along this had been the Braves Achilles heel since Wohler’s demise in the 90’s.
count_schemula
February 15th, 2011
2:17 am
Uggla. No doubt he is a huge upgrade offensive upgrade, but consider this… the Marlins also traded Cameron Maybin to the San Diego Padres. If the Braves traded for Maybin, then we would have 3 scraps to stick in center field (Maybin, Schafer and McLouth). We also leave Prado at 2b which gives us better defense. I’m still mad about Yunel (mad at Yunel is more accurate), but it is what it is. With the hypothetical Maybin trade (Pads got him for 2 relievers) we might still have Infante, which gives us better coverage for Chipper. By not trading for Uggla we would still have the $62M and would not be tied to his defense for all these years. I don’t hate the Uggla trade, but there is some opportunity cost there, and a team built on pitching and defense can win. Right now the Braves have pitching and sketchy defense and spotty offense. Lastings Milledge was also out there for cheap. I’m not saying Maybin, Milledge, McLouth or Schafer are the answers in CF and LF but they are all cheap (not McLouth but we were stuck with him anyhow), and they all add some speed. With Uggla’s $62 never spent, KK and McLouth coming off the books, then we could solve CF or 3b properly in 2012. I’m guessing Chipper will retire after this year. He just had to come back this year so his last play was not laying on the ground. We owe him that, and WHATEVER he does this year, I will treasure seeing it.
count_schemula
February 15th, 2011
2:24 am
BALCOclown “Henry will always have an asterik [sic] next to his name.”
Please.
count_schemula
February 15th, 2011
2:28 am
I think this closer business is overrated, but regardless, we have 3 pieces (Kimbrel, Venters and Sherrill) that can cover the 9th with the hot hand.
count_schemula
February 15th, 2011
2:31 am
Hopefully the Pirates can’t afford McCutcheon in a few years and we can throw the bank at him. McCutcheon and Heyward in CF and RF for 10 years. One can dream.
Stinger2
February 15th, 2011
4:49 am
My main concern is that there will not be enough power
(hr/rbi) produced by the CF/LF positions regardless of whatever combination(s) of present roster players are used. Seems to me that the Braves have ignored this problem much too long.
Ron E.
February 15th, 2011
6:53 am
The Braves made the playoffs last year with Nate and Melky in CF, so that can’t be the biggest issue. Similarly Troy Glaus was their first baseman for most of the year, so Freddi is off the hook. The key issue then is Chipper. If he falters in spring training, that leaves a huge hole in the offense.
Satchmo
February 15th, 2011
7:01 am
Team speed, we are really slow from a MLB standpoint.
Rbrave
February 15th, 2011
7:05 am
Anybody else getting tired of hearing how great Heyward is ? He had a good season but not the hype he received. At times looked lost in the field. I think they are just playing this guy up for some reason ?
Atticus
February 15th, 2011
7:17 am
Looking at this list, it is the same as it always is…..too many ifs! It is a good team that will be as competitive as anyone but there is no way this team wins the division. With Infante gone, if Chipper goes down or Freemen can’t hit or McClouth doesn’t come back, they will lose more that you think. This team is the worst defensive team in the league too.
Coyote
February 15th, 2011
7:40 am
Let’s not fool ourselves, what the Braves are paying for McLouth’s services far outweighs his production and contribution since joining the ballclub. Whether injury or lack of productivity there’s better ballplayers in the majors to fill the CF spot. For instance, the game he ran into RF Jason Heyward resulting in him being knocked silly with a concussion and almost injuring our young phenom. To me he just doesn’t look as polished as I expect a Major Leaguer to look, especially with his experience. He needs alot of improvement both hitting and fielding. I’d be shopping him around if the Braves aren’t doing so already.
Bring Back Panama Jack !
February 15th, 2011
7:46 am
Best movie in a long time : Sanctum.
It’s really a three-way tie between Chipper,McLouth,and new closer). All are equally important. The biggest question mark of the three IMO is McOut. We know Chipper can be an all-star when healthy. We know Venters & Kimbrel have great arms. But we don’t know if McOut’s bat is done or not.
Bring Back Panama Jack !
February 15th, 2011
7:50 am
If the Giants,Padres,and Reds can go with no-name rookie closers then why can’t the Braves. The message to Venters and Kimbrel, NO DAMN WALKS ALLOWED PERIOD.
TLanceB
February 15th, 2011
7:54 am
outfield production
Heyward missed games and his production was good not great in his rookie year. I think he’ll get better, but will he?
Nate hit .190 in his sixth season. Show me a dude that’s done that and rebounded to be good, not average, but good, in the history of baseball. Who is playing left field. Really playing left field. The Braves will be the only team in the bigs with questions at all 3 outfield positions.
The second biggest issue is how healthy and how productive is Chipper? death, taxes, Bon Jovi sucks, and Chipper in the 3 holes are the only 4 definites in life. He’s going to be 39. I turn 41 this year and I can’t go to the gym on back to back days without needing help getting out of bed.
Go Braves
DoninAcworth
February 15th, 2011
8:14 am
As an optomist I’m believing in Nate (he has the tools), Chipper (a real pro with a burning desire to achieve again), Freeman (prove us right), Jason (he’s a leader starting this year) Uggla (next step up), McCann (an achiever), Prado (the man), and Gongalez (the great one shows up again). Pitching? This can be our true strength and yes, our new closer responds to the great trainning
from Wagner. I’m heading to Florida first of March and I’ll file a report as I see things in person.
Bring Back Panama Jack !
February 15th, 2011
8:15 am
Heyward’s supposed to be another Hank Aaron but so far looks like another Ron Gant to me.
I agree about Nate. After 6 years you are who you are.
braveshoo
February 15th, 2011
8:16 am
to Prado4President: I think your predictions are right on. Hope you are correct.
doc
February 15th, 2011
8:20 am
none of the above, reliable leadoff hitter to set the table.
chipper is done, he shouldnt be out there. i sincerely hope i am wrong.
reebok
February 15th, 2011
8:29 am
has chipper gone on the DL yet?
old fart
February 15th, 2011
8:46 am
Chipper ain’t gonna play this year or ever again. It doesn’t matter who plays LF. The Braves haven’t had an all star in LF since moving from Milwaukee.
donny ballgame
February 15th, 2011
8:54 am
1) Lack of speed
2) Lack of speed on defense
3) Lack of solid baserunning
4) Poor situational hitting
5) Homer beat writers
Ed F
February 15th, 2011
8:59 am
This is an Easy Answer. What do the Braves need. For YEARS OFFENSE. ALways they need to score more runs. Two many one run games. They were Lucky with all the come from Behind wins last year. With what left and what has joined this year they still need Offense. I’ll say it again Offense!!!!!!!
ChillyMutt
February 15th, 2011
9:01 am
I don’t have a lot of hope for McLouth to rebound. It wasn’t just his batting that stunk last year, his defense was just awful. He has the speed to cover the ground but he was just taking bad lines to balls – even the ones he caught. I think something else is up … could be a vision problem.
MitchC
February 15th, 2011
9:09 am
Jeff, in addition to all the problems you mentioned, the Braves have another issue: Age.
Derek Llowe is 37, and Hudson is 35 and a year removedf from TJ surgery. Both will hopefully win 15 games.. but.. it would seem that except for Tommy Hanson, our starting pitching is rather.. long in the tooth.
I think Venters or Kimbrel can get it done in the closer role. The biggest questions to me are Freddie Freeman, and the defense.
We wont catch the Phillies. They have the best starting four since.. Maddux.. Glavine.. Smoltz.. Millwood.. and Neagle/ Avery were in their heydays. However, I still think we can win the wild card again,, if everyone stays healthy, and performs up to their capabilities.
George
February 15th, 2011
9:12 am
Braves need more power and speed to be a true contender good season sticking with the tradtion baseball hotdogs and cold beer go Braves. Freddie is a good man he can get it done.
Jeff
February 15th, 2011
9:13 am
Issue number one for the Braves is our crappy ownership. Until the Braves have new owners they will not be world series contenders.
robert troup
February 15th, 2011
9:17 am
The braves are going to need alot of spirit to be competitive and alot less injuries. Pravo and Mccain have the spirit and are winners. This could go along way to off set first base and centerfield. I see real problems here-Where is Adam Laroch? The braves need to get another proven centerfielder somehere. Pay the money and do it. The pitching should be adequate eventhough Wagner’s absence will be missed. Go Braves and get another hitter. This is a top priority to avoid a boring time this summer.
Keith
February 15th, 2011
9:18 am
Jeff,
It was really difficult for me to choose between Mclouth or our Defense. I guess that is because I was at the playoff games at home and couldn’t remember more of an emotional experience (highest with the homer and lowest with the errors) than any other game.
But I think in the end, Mclouth edges the defense. Mclouth actually was sent down to AAA last year…wait….a second….let it sink in. He was in AAA after a dismal performance over the last 1.5 years.
Other concerns are good, but these take the cake.
GO BRAVES!
idot
February 15th, 2011
9:21 am
Did the WS champs of 2010 have a lot of speed and power?
Matt
February 15th, 2011
9:23 am
No legit game changing threat in the lineup and sketchy D.
idot
February 15th, 2011
9:26 am
I believe that a new manager is going to help this team tremendously.
I think that both McLouth and Shafer will comeback, and each one will have a great season.
Matt
February 15th, 2011
9:27 am
Idot- no they won it with strikeout pitchers and getting hot at the right time.
I realize they won a playoff system butthe Giants were FAR from the best team in baseball last year.
idot
February 15th, 2011
9:30 am
I predict that the lineup will probably wind up with McLouth LF, Shafer CF, and Prado 3B.
I also think that each of these players will hit +20 HRs, this season.
BALCO Investigator
February 15th, 2011
9:31 am
And the haters are instantly cornered with no counter-argument.
Bonds seasons are the most validated seasons ever, and everyone BUT Bonds was got taking steriods. Palmeiro was blackmailed by a federal judge according to Wikileaks.
BALCO Investigator
February 15th, 2011
9:31 am
BAM EDUCATED!
BALCO Investigator
February 15th, 2011
9:33 am
Barry Bonds is the victim of a race driven witch hunt controlled by the liberal media, as evidenced by NPR’s firing of Juan Williams.
BALCO Investigator
February 15th, 2011
9:34 am
And the haters respond with typical name calling rather than valid arguments.
idot
February 15th, 2011
9:34 am
You are correct Sir!
The best teams don’t always win it all.
Somtimes the teams that are only “good”, win it. Look at the N.O. Saints.
idot
February 15th, 2011
9:39 am
BALCO……I have a nice piece of real-estate that I would like to sell you. It is down in the middle of south Fla. It has crystal clear streams and a scenic mountian view. Great get away spot.
deekslater
February 15th, 2011
9:44 am
Scott Thorman at 1st is bad, but Chipper not healthy has more weight. If Chipper is out, Prado is in, and our outfield is nothing but a 2nd year potential and 2 busts.
Chief Pitchanono
February 15th, 2011
10:08 am
Honestly, I don’t see any of these issues as being “major”. This is the most complete Braves team we have had in years – top to bottom. The only major issue we have, like every other team- is how healthy can we stay throughout the season? The rest are just questions that will answered in ST. I guess the biggest of course will be chipper, he is a difference maker, and while this lineup will be good even without him, if he is able to be productive, it could elevate the offense to another level. He doesn’t have to win another batting title, but we can’t have him hitting 200 either. Assuming health is reatively good his performance will probably be the difference in us shocking allot of people and winning the division, or ending up in another dog fight for the wildcard like last year. Either way though, this should be another great season, can’t wait – Go Braves!!
Matt
February 15th, 2011
10:16 am
Balco- Liberal and racist don’t usually go hand in hand. Considering he is the only high profile African American to be accused of steroids I don’t think it’s a witchhunt. Palmeiro, Big Mac, Clemens, Petite, Sosa, Rodriguez, white and hispanic. Just because there’s 1 black guy doesn’t make it a personal racist witch hunt. Is it a racist witch hunt with Clemens??? Oh that’s right, he’s white so it can’t be.
The guy who put on 40 lbs of muscle in the offseason, whose defense is “never knowingly took steroids”, whose personal trainer who is a steroid dealer is in jail rather than testifying, and also just happens to be the last of the big HR guys during the “steroid era” is innocent?!?!?!?!
beachcomber
February 15th, 2011
10:32 am
I voted Chipper’s health but there is a deeper problem – no true third baseman anywhere near the bigs in our system. So this means short term moving Prado again – maybe Uggla. Neither is really a third baseman.
Chief Pitchanono
February 15th, 2011
10:34 am
All the questions that surround this team were problems last year, and we won the wildcard and 91 games. That should be great news for Braves fans. Plus we’ve added a 30 hr guy in the middle of our lineup. The only real question is how will we close out games without Wags. We had a bad offensive outfield last year, we played most of the season with little help from chipper, we had a black hole at firstbase, for most of the season. As long as we stay healthy and Gonzo finds a combo that works for the ninth inning, this team has to better than it was last year. Again we won 91 games. I’m not saying that were going to beat the phillies, I’m not sure that if they stay healthy that any team out their will win as many regular season game as they are going to be capable of. But I think we will make it a race, and as long as we get in to the postseason we will have chance. Go Braves!
jwilli120
February 15th, 2011
10:36 am
blah blah blah put the best eight players on the field
and play ball (ie cannizares he won the cab ws MVP he
did something right and maybe freddi will see this for
what it is!)
Ed Zachary
February 15th, 2011
10:51 am
Looks like the poll results are pretty clear
Ypistol
February 15th, 2011
10:53 am
The Braves have no speed and they hit a great amount of homeruns. They need a legit lead off batter who can steal 30 to 40 bases
damail
February 15th, 2011
10:56 am
Center field, defense and lack of team speed.
Jp
February 15th, 2011
11:08 am
Team defense is the biggest issue for the Braves. Right now, as a team we don’t have a gold glove caliber player and committed the third most errors last year.
The issue of staying healthy for the braves, as a team, is another concern. We lost star players through out the whole season, starting with JJ, K. Melden, N McClouth, J heyward, Chip, Prado, and Wagner. Some of these players either missed little time or a significant amount of time. Yes, Chip is coming off knee surgey at the age of 39 and a fast healthy recovery from him is vital for the braves. Staying healthy as a team through out the season will be crucial.
Speed is something the braves have lacked for the past couple of years. McClouth and Heyward are the only threats, who both could top out at 20 SB each at seasons end. Who knows what kind of season we will get from McClouth, so 20 SB from him would be an early Christmas gift. Having speed can change the game and it never goes in a slump.
Issues we should not be concerned about are starting pitching, bullpen, and depth.
Concerned Fan #1
February 15th, 2011
11:35 am
Please look at a more stable player for centerfield.