Braves or Falcons: Who’s taking bigger risk minus big move?
"So Chipper: What do you think we should do before the trade deadline?"
Over the next few days, how the Braves and Falcons are viewed could change significantly. Or not at all. Here’s the question: Which team would be taking the bigger risk by doing nothing?
The breakdown:
♦ Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline is Sunday. The feeling here is that the Braves need to do something.
Loading ...I wasn’t completely convinced of this. But when center fielder Jordan Schafer’s finger injury turned out to be a slight bone chip and not just a sprain, and Chipper Jones tweaked his quadriceps in his first game back from a knee injury, it raised the level of concern. Adding Carlos Beltran to the rotation of outfielders — he can play center or right field, possibly in a platoon with the struggling Jason Heyward — would be huge. I know some are pushing for Houston’s Hunter Pence instead, but given that Pence is a 28-year-old batting .308, logic says he would cost significantly more in a trade — and there’s no certainty general manager Frank Wren even wants to give the New York Mets pitching prospect Mike Minor for Beltran.
♦ The Falcons decided to go the route of offense at the top of their draft, taking Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. But now that the lockout is over and free agency is here, the defense needs to be addressed.
I know some fans were upset with the drafting of Jones, given that their last view of the Falcons had the defense getting dismembered by the Green Bay Packers. But the offense needed another game-breaker, somebody who can change the tone of a game. Jones does that
But now, the pass rush must be improved. There are increasing indications that the Falcons may be priced out of the market for the likes of Ray Edwards and Carolina’s Charles Johnson. General manager Thomas Dimitroff’s focus right now appears to be on keeping the bulk of the starting offensive line intact, particularly tackle Tyson Clabo and guard Harvey Dahl. That would be a positive. But to assume the defense is going to get better just because Peria Jerry will be another year removed from a major injury and other young players will be further along is risky.
Who would be taking the bigger risk by doing nothing? It’s close. But I’ll say the Falcons. The Braves showed their resiliency last season after a flurry of injuries. Adding Beltran or Pence turns a strong team into a potential World Series team. But if the Falcons don’t add a pass rusher, they’re banking on a lot of things going right, particularly with their front four.
Ideally, both franchises make a move.
What are your thoughts — who’s taking the bigger risk with no move?
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Previously: Blank will repay staff for payroll cuts during lockout
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186 comments Add your comment
the truth...
July 26th, 2011
2:16 pm
Reality
Some HUGE talent problems for the Braves, that ares NOT fixed with our minor league prospects for who knows how long….”
1. 3B….replaciing Chipper….face it is upon us
2. SS…replacing Gonzo with a bat …..UPON US SIX MONTHS AGO
3. RF….Heyward’s NO BAT….
4. Middle Relief….Moylan close, Medlen next Spring
5. CF….maybe Schafer makes it…..IF NOT ?
Someone pointed out last night that if is pretty safe to say that it is unlikely that ALL of our top prospects make the transition and become stars….
So do we roll the dice on some of what we do have (we have NO cash)….top prospects… and use them to purchase pieces for the future?
Lastly, there is considerable chatter that Liberty will sell the Braves next Spring when they can and not lose the tax advantage they got when they took te team in the big Time Warner swap….In that case it is likely there would be several buyers that would change the finances immediately if they bought the team…
In that case everything is on the table…maybe that is a sure thing and Wren, Schuerholz and McGuirk know it; that would make them want to stand pat as much as possible…
Burfod DAWG fan
July 26th, 2011
2:21 pm
CAN N E 1 HELP ME FIND OUT WHEN THE FALCONS CAMPS OPEN? I WANT 2 TAKE MY SON TO GET MATT RYANS AOUTOGRAPH. LAST YEAR HE SNUBED US BUT I PROMISED MY BOY WE WOUD GET AN AUTOGRAPH.
ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATFUL.
Trapper John
July 26th, 2011
2:23 pm
Do something, anything, for the love of God. This team is getting too painful to watch as constructed…
Columbus
July 26th, 2011
2:27 pm
Braves would be worst off by far if they do not make a move.
Colby Rasmus I know he is LH but he makes much LESS than NATE. Get Rasmus, Nate’s contract is up and that immediately gives us a power hitting good outfielder for a few years and maybe 10 years. The timing is not good but I say GET RASMUS and a lower level RH hitter to split time with Schafer. He is from Columbus, GA.
Rasmus has so much potential you have to look at what it would cost to get him since the Cards want to trade him. He would be a HUGE upgrade over all our outfielders including Heyward.
the truth...
July 26th, 2011
2:30 pm
@Jeff
Thanks for a great blog today….guess the evening idiot loons are not trolling with all their drivel and stupid trash mouth jokes…..bringing nothing to the table but dumbness, racism and ignorance gone to seed….
Here in the afternoon it seems that there is a legitimate exchange of thoughts, opinions, ideas and actual respect between posters as to the difference in ideas….
Refreshing!!!!
Steve
July 26th, 2011
2:31 pm
The Braves are fading from playoff contension, and coulod use a new face to jump start their offense.They are injury ridden and have 2 unachievers that were counted on to hit alot more than they have.Unless they get help, I don’t see them making the playoffs.
The Falcons went 13-3 with the players they have now, before running into the hottest team in football in the 1st round of playoffs. The Falcons defense is young and will only get better. Adding Julio will help the offense and keep the defense off the field. The Braves definately need more help than the Falcons, although I don’t think the Falcons will have as much success this year as last.
the truth...
July 26th, 2011
2:34 pm
Despite Lowe’s record of success in the playoffs maybe we should prioritize selling him and his contract for next year…..that would assure us we could take on more salary next year….
I was opposed to moving him until now….I think we can match up with Philly without him….
Hudson, Hanson, Jurgens….Beachy to boot….
Holy Devil
July 26th, 2011
2:34 pm
I must agree about Heyward,Gonzo,and McOut. They are just 3 automatic outs in the line-up. If 500 of us can see it why can’t Wren & Fredi G see it ? I trun the tv to another channel when these 3 guys are at-bat…
Don Green
July 26th, 2011
2:34 pm
Too Toough @ 2:11 pm: Sadly the Braves are dead last in sacrifice flies this season. They have 12. The New York Mets lead the league with 33.
Columbus @2:27 pm: I agree with you 100%. If you can steal Rasmus, you have to do it. The guy is a 24 year old, 5 tool star and is in the doghouse in St. Louis right now. Even though he is left handed he actually is hitting better against LHP (.256) than RHP (.241) this year. I think the Cardinals would take Lowe for Rasmus and I’d make that deal in a heartbeat.
Holy Devil
July 26th, 2011
2:36 pm
Bottomline, Falcons are a playoff team as constructed and Braves aren’t. So Braves need help.
Holy Devil
July 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
Who is on the radar as far as a bat is concerned Jeff ? Pence,Beltran,A.Soriano,A.Jones ???
Barry
July 26th, 2011
2:40 pm
Braves need to make a move and FAST. Wren also needs to get rid of Alex Gonzalez FAST. He kills rallies every single game. Most of the time he’s either taking pitches over the plate for strike 3 or he’s swinging at balls in the dirt around his ankles or in the left handed batters box to strike out and stranding runners in scoring position CONSTANTLY.
Holy Devil
July 26th, 2011
2:40 pm
I’d trade Gonzo,McOut,and Heyward to Royals for Alex Gordon & Mitch Mousakas.
Rob
July 26th, 2011
2:40 pm
why is EVERY FREAKING story about pressuring Wren to make some BIG DEAL? ugh so predictable and nothing more than a ploy for attention. sorry, but it’s true. schafer and chipper played last night. the title reads like they are out for the season. really?!
Stinger2
July 26th, 2011
2:40 pm
The Braves are fading fast and may not make the playoffs unless the make a move to shore up the bullpen. We only have O/V/K as reliable reliefers. These three can usually go only one or two innings at most. Also. the hitting is so spotty that they must get someone who can replace either Heyward, Gonzalez and/or McClouth. I don`t know the answers. That is up to Wren.
Holy Devil
July 26th, 2011
2:41 pm
Gonzo has won 3 games and lost 25 with his bat. He seems to ALWAYS be the guy up with 2 on and 2 out.
Holy Devil
July 26th, 2011
2:43 pm
Heyward is still very young but doesn’t need to be in MLB right now. Send him to AAA to get his stuff together then bring him up next year.
But Gonzo & McOut just plain suck.
El Bravo
July 26th, 2011
2:43 pm
the truth, you make good points but the questions is how to address them. Not all of our prospects will become superstars but I’m sure the brass feels pretty good about at least two out of Teheran, Viscaino, Delgado, Minor and Medlen developing into quality starters and the rest filling up the pen. Lowe will be in the last year of his contract in 2012 and should be easier to trade, opening a spot for one of them. Hudson will be in the last year of his contract in 2012 and I doubt he will be resigned after, opening a spot for another. Gonzo and Nate are in the last year of their contracts and will not return. Ditto for Chipper after 2012. That is over $50 million coming off the books and a very young, talented, inexpensive pitching staff for years to come. Hopefully, new ownership will be willing to spend a bit more, making us contenders for top free agents. Instead of wasting one (or more) of these young arms for a 3-month Beltran rental we should be looking at possibly moving Lowe to free up money. The only way you move one of the kids is for a young bat with a ton of upside.
Seen (The Aints) This (get obliterated) B4 (by the only sub-.500 playoff team in the history of pro football)
July 26th, 2011
2:44 pm
Much respect for mentioning Al’s Pizza House, even though it doesn’t technically exist any more. Fletcher’s Restaurant is continuing the legacy of the best hot wings and absolute worst service in the Great County of DeKalb.
Stinger2
July 26th, 2011
2:44 pm
Some one suggested A. Jones as a possibility and I heard Franceour mentioned on another blog. Reruns don`t usually work out.
Holoman
July 26th, 2011
2:46 pm
The Falcons should be ok on offense with the addition of a deep threat in Julio Jones to go with Roddy,Ryan,Gonzalez,and Turner. Let’s face it, Abraham has lost several steps with age and can’t pressure QBs like he used to. And Witherspoon looks like another injury prone Norwood. You would think that with Blank’s money and desire to win that Falcons will go out and get the DL and DE they need in free agency.
Air Zaza
July 26th, 2011
2:47 pm
Heyward is very talented but he’s not seeing pitches well at all. I think he needs a couple weeks in the minors but we need him in the lineup for now at least till a trade.
Holoman
July 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
I looked at the blogroll topica and I saw Awful Announcing. Chip Caray & Joe Simpson immediately came to mind…
Columbus
July 26th, 2011
2:52 pm
Believe me if we can get rid of Lowe, he will be gone but then we have to rush a young guy up next year if we trade Minor. Minor is still a question mark if you ask me. I do not see him as being nearly as good as Hanson, or Jair and maybe not good as Beachy, nor the other top prospects in the future. I say we trade Minor for Rasmus or another hitter that will be around a few years. Cards want a RH pitcher and we want a RH hitter. I still say gotta look at him hard. We need a long term fix in the outfield and Upton is on the decline big time. Pence or Rasmus I like. Maybe 3 trades in the works?
Larry
July 26th, 2011
2:59 pm
Braves need to stand pat and go back to fundamental baseball.Has this team ever heard of bunting before?How many times did pirates do this.As for other article,anyone really thought that chipper says this team is fine,per lineup is a idiot.
Larry
July 26th, 2011
3:02 pm
Also my sources tell me that wren will make a move this weekend,and not before.
cdog
July 26th, 2011
3:04 pm
the braves are a stupid team.its the attitude of the current players that i have questions about.the players have losing mentalities despite their winning record.slup teams like pittsburgh, colorado,washington, and cincinati have no business being on the same field as the braves. they throw games because of players like beachy, mclouth, hinski, derek lowe, chipper, and conrad are losers.jason heyward was doing good until he started hanging around chipper jones who is lazy and gets away with murder by taking gasmes off and pretending to be hurt.wren has to put his foot down if the braves are to be in the world series this year
Don Green
July 26th, 2011
3:04 pm
How about making two trades:
Trade 1 with the Astros:
OF Pence, OF Bourn, SS Barmes, RP Melancon
for
OF Heyward, SS Gonzalez, SP Minor
Trade 2 with the Cardinals:
OF Rasmus
for
SP Lowe, OF McLouth, RP Proctor
Larry
July 26th, 2011
3:05 pm
the truth,
this blog is better than the blog you are talking about.DOB runs that one and he is so in love with posters there.Isaid something i apologised for yet he banned myself.love to see that idiot in person but whatever he is worthless
Larry
July 26th, 2011
3:07 pm
These are what the braves are thinking….
a rh bat off the bench,that can platoon also with heyward.
a middle reliever
that is it.
Larry
July 26th, 2011
3:08 pm
THE BRAVES ARE NOT INTERESTED IN BOURN OR KEMP.WHY DO YOU PEOPLE KEEP TALKING ABOUT BOURN FOR/?
Larry
July 26th, 2011
3:12 pm
HOLY DEVIL
NATE 2/4 LAST NITE,WHAT DID PRADO OR MCANN DO?
ezra
July 26th, 2011
3:15 pm
I would make a move an give away tickets. Of course if their is enough well-to-do fans in Ga to fill the seats, then we will not have 75% of the games blacked out. How many games do you think will get blacked out due to the jobless in Ga?
Hedley Lamarr
July 26th, 2011
3:21 pm
Braves are toast regardless of what moves they make
ryan
July 26th, 2011
3:23 pm
From reading on ESPN it does appear we are moving away from Beltran maybe Coby Rasmus could be a fit man not a lot buzz with Atlanta sports teams these days .
Jt
July 26th, 2011
3:26 pm
Hey Jeff the Falcons are better prepared to win their division heading into their “spring training” than the Braves were into theirs. They can win the NFC South without outside additions, other than retaining their own free agents. The Braves MUST do something- they are 6 games back and who they are is who they will be. Therfore, they must do something- whether it is middle relief or right handed bat. Only problem with Beltran is that the biggest hole in the lineup (Gonzalez) will not be solved. Ironically the signing of Beltran is more of a Chipper insurance than right handed bat. Chipper is fragile (Prado plays 3rd)- Beltran is needed for that and to allow Philly to get him-fatal error!
braveshoo
July 26th, 2011
3:31 pm
I think the Braves should make a move only if it helps them out not only this year but in following years as well. So Beltran is not an option to me. Next year McClouth will be gone, and Chipper may be as well. At a minimum Chipper will be in the last year of his contract, and so will Lowe and Hudson. You need an outfielder not only for this year, but for next year and beyond. So you add Pence or Upton, and pair that outfielder with Schaffer and Heyward. My preference would be Pence, because I think he is better and you can sign him longterm. Prado moves to 3rd after Chipper retires and is a supersub who plays everyday in the infield or the OF until Chipper retires. You probably have to give up Minor and Delgado to get Pence, but I think it is worth it if you can sign him longterm. You still have JJ, Hanson, Tehran, Beachy and Viscaino/Medlin for your future rotation. I would use Viscaino in the bullpen this year instead of signing another relief pitcher, and I would trade or release Proctor. Maybe you throw him in the deal to Houston. You will still need a SS next year unless you resign Gonzo . I think another minor deal that would help would be to get back Infante. He bats RH, can play SS instead of Gonzo, and can play 2nd, 3rd, of OF if needed. I dont think he would cost much because he is having a down year for Florida, but he likes Atlanta and Prado, and he will hit better for us.
Tami
July 26th, 2011
3:32 pm
I think both teams need to make some moves. The Braves need a hitter and another relief pitcher, although they may get one of their wishes in the next couple of weeks if/when Moylan comes back from the DL. I’m with Wren: I wouldn’t want to trade one of the up & coming pitchers to a division rival. That leaves Pence or Upton as a possible add vs. Beltran.
The Falcons have a few needs on both offense & defense. Whether they can fill those needs in a rapid, short deadline and fierce FA market is yet another question.
ryan
July 26th, 2011
3:34 pm
I think if Braves loose this game tonight or if they loose the next game i believe Frank Wren will pull the trigger on a trade we are in a funk right now maybe its all the trade talk who knows .
jmor
July 26th, 2011
3:35 pm
If the Braves hadn’t done the terrible Mark Texciera deal, they would have a good hitting great shortstop(Elvis Andrus) another power arm in the Bullpen(Feliz) and a starting pitcher better than Lowe(Matt Harrison). That team would be very good compared to the one the Braves had. That trade killed the organization, and it’s not time to do it again with Beltran.
Jim Dixon
July 26th, 2011
3:43 pm
Jeff, if the Falcons felt a need to upgrade the DL with a pass-rusher/runstopper, GM Diitroff would have made a serious effort to land Julius Peppers last year!!!!!. Hmmmmm
Najeh Davenpoop
July 26th, 2011
3:47 pm
The Braves are taking a bigger risk. They are the second best team in the NL and are maybe one impact bat away from winning a World Series. The Falcons may be several pieces away, especially if the right side of their offensive line leaves in free agency.
saints suck
July 26th, 2011
3:51 pm
For those of you who are saying trade Heyward, you are stupid. I’m frustrated as well but i know that he is only 21. He will come around. But why trade him for Pence when we would only get a year and half out of Pence. Mean while the Astros will have one of the best up and coming outfielders in the games. It amazes me how stupid people are when it comes to baseball.
Linebrink for Cy
July 26th, 2011
3:53 pm
Ya know I was just thinking, Colby Rasmus may not have as good a numbers as Beltran but over the past 3 seasons he has had over 300 more at-bats than Beltran and his numbers are consistent. He does strikeout a bit but he’ll take plenty of walks (he’s got more than Prado/Schafer combined)
And another positive, you don’t give a top prospect to a division rival.
I’m not sure his contract situation but MLBTR says “He’s under team control through 2014″ which is better than half a year of Beltran. So if given the option of trading top prospects to the Mets or Cardinals … I’d have to pick the Cardinals
Jim Dixon
July 26th, 2011
3:57 pm
C’mon Jeff, what did GM Dimitroff do last year when JULIUS PEPPERS was available? He started hunting for a punter.
Don’t forget that luck was on our side to get a 13-3 regular season record.
The Packers were glad to not see Julius in red and black.
jd
Facons fan and unofficial analyst!
Seen (The Aints) This (get obliterated) B4 (by the only sub-.500 playoff team in the history of pro football)
July 26th, 2011
4:00 pm
Is Dimitroff gunning for Charles Johnson after all?
http://life.atlantafalcons.com/topic/3923706-cj-offered-a-contract/
KenDog
July 26th, 2011
4:02 pm
I’m surprised that the poll percentages aren’t even higher in favor of the Braves needing help! I have great respect for what they have been able to accomplish as a team this year, but there is no way that they have any chance in the post season without a big bat – and one that can hit left-handed pitching! The pitchers are starting to get tired, and the team e.r.a is climbing – some of the hitters are coming around – and Freeman is going to be a monster – but this lineup needs help. I good middle reliever would help, but a big bat is a must!
Seen (The Aints) This (get obliterated) B4 (by the only sub-.500 playoff team in the history of pro football)
July 26th, 2011
4:12 pm
More signs point to Falcons’ interest in Charles Johnson:
http://life.atlantafalcons.com/topic/3923687-yes/
TruthSeeker
July 26th, 2011
4:13 pm
Just heard the Falcons signed Noel Devine. Could be a diamond in the rough. Between he and Jacquizz Rodgers, the Falcons are going to have some serious speed at running back.
A Conservative Voice
July 26th, 2011
4:17 pm
You…….