What's stopping Braves, Wren from trading pitcher?

Travis

July 27th, 2011
4:31 pm

You have to think that even if Braves were to offer Minor, Beltran would still be a Giant. 1.) Wheeler > Minor and 2.) Beltran/Boras preferred Giants.

Joey

July 27th, 2011
4:32 pm

First?

Let the Big Dawg Eat

July 27th, 2011
4:33 pm

I say let’s go strong after B.J. Upton.

Hoosier in ATL

July 27th, 2011
4:33 pm

Do you actually think the Braves will keep JJ? You do know who his agent is don’t you?

Hollywould

July 27th, 2011
4:33 pm

Where is Dan Kolb when we need him?

Joey

July 27th, 2011
4:34 pm

I’ve seen rumors involving either/both Denard Spann and Reed Johnson. Not in Beltran’s class but at this point they desperately need a right handed outfield bat.

Hoosier in ATL

July 27th, 2011
4:34 pm

Joey, you’re a douche……

Bryan G.

July 27th, 2011
4:34 pm

That’s bad news. They still need a bat and an extra bullpen arm other than O’Ventrel

cable guy

July 27th, 2011
4:35 pm

Mr. Wren NEEDS to come off the hip with a pitcher to get a stick in here that will hit. They’re doing us no good at AAA!!!

Joey

July 27th, 2011
4:35 pm

BJ Upton would arguably require parting with one of the aforementioned “untouchables” so if he (FW) wouldn’t deal one for Beltran, what are the odds he would do so now for Upton?

Reid Adair

July 27th, 2011
4:35 pm

Two words – Frank Wren.

Black Coffee & Bourbon

July 27th, 2011
4:36 pm

Beltran is over rated, glad to see Wren didn’t pull the trigger on that deal.

Seen (The Aints) This (get obliterated) B4 (by the only sub-.500 playoff team in the history of pro football)

July 27th, 2011
4:36 pm

If the Braves don’t move fast, here come the D-Backs on our heels.

PMC

July 27th, 2011
4:37 pm

They just drafted a duplicate of Mike Minor in Sean Gilmartin.

I’m wondering if the Mets just felt better about trading Beltran out of the division.

Thank God this is the last year with Nate. They’ll HAVE to go get better outfielders at some point.

DB

July 27th, 2011
4:37 pm

Beltran is an infield single from going on the DL.

Kudzu

July 27th, 2011
4:38 pm

Dude, I live in Tampa, Upton is a malcontent…The Braves have a culture, (like it or not) and he won’t fit…

G

July 27th, 2011
4:38 pm

Wren just seems lost as a GM… His history is way below average. He will go out and get some guy like Greg Norton and a right handed relief pitcher and this team will fade. He will then do what he did last year, “Injuries really hurt us down the stretch.” “It would have been good to have our full lineup.” All stuff other teams GM’s don’t say. They suck it up and do what they have to do.

Bob in SF

July 27th, 2011
4:38 pm

If Beltran had not had the “no arbitration” clause in his contract it might have been worth it but if they had pulled the trigger The Braves would have been out a young arm without any draft pick compensation once Beltran walked. But even with Beltran, I’m not sure they would have enough offense to beat the Phils and ultimately the Rangers, Yankees or BoSox in the post season. Gonzo, Heyward and McLouth are all out machines right now.

j

July 27th, 2011
4:39 pm

Completely agree with Jeff

Moxie

July 27th, 2011
4:41 pm

I’m not disappointed that they didnt trade for Beltran, cause he wasn’t worth it. But Wren seriously needs to make a trade. This team as it is, is okay but when other teams are getting better and the Braves are staying the same, there is a problem. But seriously why does it seem that everybody(Braves) get hot at the same time and they all get cold at the same time? What the heck is up with that?

the truth

July 27th, 2011
4:41 pm

Well, to all you knowledgeable Braves fans who didn’t want to trade Minor for Beltran, you better hope Minor wins alot of games for us in the future, and that Beltran doesn’t go on a tear that brings San Fran their second championship in a row. Now here comes Wren with a Marlon Byrd type telling us how we have all the pieces in place for a run. What a crock. Minor will never be anything. Hope y’all are happy.

The Ghost of Rick Camp

July 27th, 2011
4:42 pm

I believe if Minor were a righty, it would be easier for the Braves to part with him. As far as I know, we don’t have any top-prospect lefty starters at AAA, AA or high A.

I’d like to know how guys like Todd Redmond, JJ Hoover, Brett Oberholtzer, etc. would be ranked if they were in someone else’s system. None of them are on the Braves Top 10 prospect list. After some of the bad “blockbuster” trades, when we gave up the farm for JD Drew and Teixera, I can understand the hesitancy to trade our best prospects. If we ever want to trade the best pitching prospects, we’ll get more for them in the future than we would now.

I’d like to see us get a CF who can hit both L and R pitchers, a platoon OF who can play RF or LF and pinch hit against lefties and replace Heyward against lefites (and his .167 average against them).
Then, add an extra relief arm or give a new AAA pitcher a shot at that role… GO BRAVES….!

bobby's cox

July 27th, 2011
4:44 pm

hunter pence is the player we need!!!! and he won’t be a 3 month rental!!!!! i’d trade a young arm for him in a heartbeat. i’m sure the giants and boras already have an agreement in place to keep him in SF long term and the Bravos wouldn’t do that

Sutton's Fro

July 27th, 2011
4:46 pm

I’ve heard baseball writers and fans refer to the McGriff deal as the touchstone for the Braves’ history of great midseason acquisitions. The reason they bring up a deal nearly 20 years old is because most of the recent ones have been busts in terms of getting to the World Series (much less winning one): Derrek Lee, Alex Gonzalez (in the Yunel disposal), McLouth, Casey Kotchman (in the Teixeira disposal), Ryan Church (in the Frenchy disposal), JD Drew, etc. Even free agent signings of Uggla, Glaus, Cabrera, Sheffield didn’t elevate the offense.

Given the history of little-to-no improvement, and trouble acclimating to the Braves’ clubhouse midseason — why give up an A prospect for a B- to C+ position player that we’re only renting for a few months? If we’re going to give up a great prospect, let’s get a young guy on his way up the ladder that we can sign for a few years or more.

JEB

July 27th, 2011
4:46 pm

I think that Wren WILL make a trade!
If you are going to trade a top pitching prospect –
then trade for a player that will be of value to your team for a few more years.
NOW and for the Future.
I think THAT is what Wren will do.
Names: Hunter Pence – Carlos Quinton come to mind.

TomB

July 27th, 2011
4:46 pm

I agree with Wren. There is a smart way and a dumb way to get a bat. Trading away future pitching of this caliber for a two month rental is the dumb way in my opinion. Rebuild and reload in the offseason. Getting Beltran will not put the Braves over the top this year.

Keeper

July 27th, 2011
4:46 pm

“San Francisco, one of the Braves’ competitors for a National League pennant and a World Series just got better” — agreed (and very glad it wasn’t Philly). But would you risk making a key division rival better for 5 or more years by giving them a young, cheap, lefty starter? I wouldn’t. As bad as we’ve all felt the last few years while watching Wainwright thrive with the Cards, imagine how much more that would be compounded if we were competing head-to-head yearly.

Besides, as Travis pointed out, Beltran/BoreA$$ still would’ve gone with San Fran so he could pimp his numbers heading into free agency – the decision was almost certainly out of Wren’s hands. Like you said, let’s see what Wren has up his sleeve between now and Sunday.

Ken Shelton

July 27th, 2011
4:47 pm

It’s easy to see why some General Managers would be tempted to pull the trigger to get a big bat, but I never thought Beltran was the answer, seeing he while healthy this season has a long history if being injury plagued and there’s not a snowballs chance in (you know where) to re-sign the soon-to-be-former Met slugger, seeing who his agent is? Some may say the Braves have enough stock-pile of pitching to last many years, not exactly true? fact is, though still a while once both Hanson and Jurrjens contract is up they’ll flee to a highest bidder that certainly want be the Braves with Scott Boras as their agent! When you add to the elements Tim Hudson is age 36 and like most think Derek Lowe may be sporting something other than the Tomahawk Chop next year, and I think the verdict is still out on Brandon Beachy, as some games he has been sharp, and others nothing worth writing home about? As far s those top referred to prospects, they are prospects for a reason and have yet-to-earn their stripes in real battle? Overall, I think the Braves need to get a proven bench player and another worthy arm in the bullpen, and hope & pray Jayson Heyward and Dan Uggla comes through down the stretch, as they could carry the club, with the supporting cast around them!

Fan since '70

July 27th, 2011
4:47 pm

In hindsight of the Teixeira deal, Braves pitching prospects are worth more than Beltran. There are better trade options: Pence, Ludwick, etc.

Disgusted

July 27th, 2011
4:48 pm

With Brian out 2 weeks and Chipper, well you know, This really makes me angry,disgusted,and a lot more emotions that arent good. Im a braves fan. Mike Minor will never be a factor with the braves. Frank has let a chance slip by that is un-forgivable. If we had everyone healthy, diffrent story, but we dont. All us braves fans can do is watch everyone around us including the Nationals get better…thanks Wren!!!!

hirsutedawg

July 27th, 2011
4:48 pm

We couldn’t offer more than Edwin Jackson to the Cardinals for Colby Rasmus? Really?

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 27th, 2011
4:50 pm

Upton is hitting .160 the past two weeks. Hitting .240 over the past moNTH. The Braves have hit 20 something singles the past 2 games so Span and Bourn are not needed. They need a run producing bat.

Honestly I think Wrenn does not think the bats available talent wise warrant moving any of th epitchers mentioned. Pence may but you have to overpay to get him.

I would say Wrenn is itching to make a move, but will not make a move that may handicap the franchise down the road for a mediocore answer.

Also Jeff, Good morning to ya!!!!

Jeff

July 27th, 2011
4:52 pm

BJ Upton has 15 HR’s, 53 RBI, and 23 SB’s. That is a vast improvement over what we currently have in CF. Yes, his BA is pathetic at .227 but still much better than what we have. I also heard we might be going after Adam Jones.

ted williams head

July 27th, 2011
4:53 pm

Wren is going to come up with another 1 year wonder like McLouth, count on it

South Georgia Boy

July 27th, 2011
4:53 pm

Everybody talks about the Braves trading young pitchers and it is well known that is our strength in th minors. Nobody talks about our position playes in the minor leagues. Are they that weak?

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 27th, 2011
4:53 pm

Also go look at Ludwicks numbers. He is performing as bad or worse than Upton. He has 2 Homeruns in the past month to go along with a Uggla like .195 average. So again where is that benefitting the lineup?

the truth

July 27th, 2011
4:56 pm

Beltran was only “injury prone” over the last two years due to a knee injury. Having a fantastic year, leads league in OBP, only missed a few games this year because of the FLU, plays multiple outfield positions, switch hitter. You don’t want him for multiple years so you can go get your beloved Hunter Pence next year when the Astros are actually going to trade him (he’s not going anywhere before the deadline! Do y’all not keep up? And if he was, it would take a slew of your beloved prospects to get him, not just Mike Minor). We let the perfect deal pass us by, and I hope y’all are ready to eat crow, cause I’ll be here to feed it to you.

the truth

July 27th, 2011
4:57 pm

Enter your comments here

KennesawFAN

July 27th, 2011
4:58 pm

What about Medlen in all of this? Last year he was awesome before his arm blew out. He will be contending for a starting position next year im sure you can count on that. I say trade Minor get a bat and lets go for it

Mike Smith

July 27th, 2011
4:58 pm

I dont know Jeff. If we were talking Mark Texiera again, then I’d say yes. But Beltran? This guy has solid numbers…when he’s healthy. He’s had severe health problems in NY and has basically been their version of Mike Hampton (a lot of money for a player that stays on the DL more than on the field). This to me is not a good rental which is exactly what it should only be. Beltran is in his mid 30’s so there is no reason to want to sign him long term.

Jason

July 27th, 2011
4:58 pm

Beltran isn’t worth it, but the Braves do need to make a couple moves with all the injuries stacking up. McCann & Schafer DL, Chipper injured, J-Hey & Prado struggling with their swing, Gonzalez should be batting 10th or 11th. That leaves Freeman and Uggla as the only bright spots in the lineup. Not good.

Reality

July 27th, 2011
4:58 pm

JJ and Hanson Re Boras guys. When was the last time we signed a Boras guy? Maddux arbitration? That cost dearly. I believe we have given up without negotiating since then.

With Lowe and Hudson at/or near the end and JJ and Hanson on their way out as soon as they can become FAs, better be careful about giving starting pitchers to the Mets

Kudzu

July 27th, 2011
4:59 pm

Without B-Mac the Braves are down 3 bats….

Oh No

July 27th, 2011
5:00 pm

Beltran will become Derrick Lee if he comes here

Dawg fan in Grayson

July 27th, 2011
5:01 pm

two years in a row the Giants beat Wren to his apparent target. Last year it was Cody Ross who was a big factor in helping them win the WS. Have they done it again? Wren is a horrible GM, but we all knew that when he was hired. I bet he could get Ankiel again. Wren is not in it to win it.

JMar

July 27th, 2011
5:03 pm

I’d rather have Marlon Byrd than Carlos Beltran, he’s got a great contract for a third year, and he’ll be available for much less in terms of prospects.

PTC DAWG

July 27th, 2011
5:04 pm

The team seems to need another bat. I say we get one.

Atlanta87

July 27th, 2011
5:05 pm

A guy goes into a restaurant/lounge wearing a shirt open at the collar and is met by a bouncer who tells him he must wear a necktie to gain admission. So the guy goes out to his car and he looks around for a necktie and discovers that he just doesn’t have one. He sees a set of jumper cables in his trunk. In desperation he ties these around his neck, manages to fashion a fairly acceptable looking knot and lets the ends dangle free. He goes back to the restaurant and the bouncer carefully looks him over for a few minutes and then says, “Well, OK, I guess you can come in – just don’t start anything.”

the truth

July 27th, 2011
5:06 pm

Well, if you want Marlon McLouth more than winning then you deserve what the Braves have become: non-contenders.

Can it be true?

July 27th, 2011
5:08 pm

Go GET Pence. With Beltran off the market he’s the best available. A MUST and no longer an option

Dawg fan in Grayson

July 27th, 2011
5:08 pm

Did Cards really trade Rasmus for Edwin Jackson? Talking about a perfect fit for the Braves why did Wren not pursue him? If true we have about 12 prospects better than Jackson.

darren harper

July 27th, 2011
5:09 pm

Jeff, You have inside access that none of us has. Please report that Chipper should be incouraged and hopefully will retire opening $15,000,000 for nest year. If you add Mclouth and Kamakasi the Braves will have $25,000,000 million to spend in free agency. If we can dump Lowe on someone we are looking at $30,000,000 availiable. We should never trade a possible front line pitcher for a rent a player. If we didn’t do that before we would have Elvis at SS ABD Wainright in our rotation. I

Can it be true?

July 27th, 2011
5:09 pm

BREAKING NEWS… Braves pick up Pence of McLouth

Can it be true?

July 27th, 2011
5:10 pm

We can dream can’t we??????

blast from the past

July 27th, 2011
5:10 pm

JS
we could get Glaus back. . . he can play third you know.

Atlanta87

July 27th, 2011
5:11 pm

Don’t worry guys. We have Wil Nieves now for Cash Considerations. Way to go! Woooo Whooo!! Onto the world series!!

Mike Smith

July 27th, 2011
5:12 pm

I think the Braves have to look at Bourn from Houston for now. Shafer isnt getting the job done, and Bourn is at least young with a chance at a future here. The thing is, I wonder if they are setting themselves up for an offseason acquisition. Chipper may very well retire after this season if he keeps staying hurt, and I doubt Lowe will be here after next year. Thats a lot of extra money to sign some bats.

Atlanta87

July 27th, 2011
5:12 pm

@ the truth You do know that the Braves are 3.5 up in the wild card right? That’s what you call a contender!

Vain Jangling

July 27th, 2011
5:12 pm

So, do you mean that the cash purchase of Nieves is NOT going to put us over the top?

bobby's cox

July 27th, 2011
5:13 pm

what would rasmus give to this team that it doesn’t already have??? he’s not a proven player??? he’s a name only! 246/11/40 aren’t amazing numbers….HUNTER PENCE is the answer

boots

July 27th, 2011
5:13 pm

What exactly is our ownership situation anyway? I have read where the tax benefit that really pushed Liberty Media to buy the Braves in the first place is expiring, and they are likely to sell soon. That will have much more to do with Pence or any other significant trade than Wren doing one thing or the other. Bottom line for the Braves is we need a CF or SS and could probably use a decent late inning reliever to take a few innings off the arms of the relief staff. If we are going to do it, why not now? I have never understood this “wait until the last minute” thing teams do.

Mike Smith

July 27th, 2011
5:14 pm

Just noticed that Pence update. He would be a better trade than Beltran. Beltran is the hot bat on the market because there isnt anyone else out there

bobby's cox

July 27th, 2011
5:14 pm

It appears that nothing will happen with Pence now and the Astros will look to trade him in the offseason instead, reports Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. Knobler says the Phillies “almost certainly won’t get Pence.” By the way, Pence’s absence from the Astros’ lineup tonight is not the sign of a trade but rather just a day off……………DAMN

extremus

July 27th, 2011
5:15 pm

Why the seemingly single-minded interest in Beltran? First of all, he’s a rental, and while he could perhaps help the Braves make up a few games (or at least remain where they are) in the divisional and wildcard standings, even should the Braves make the playoffs it’s a crapshoot of who is hot at the right time. And he’d be gone as soon as the playoffs were over, be it after the World Series or a first-round exit, basically a two-month rental.

I’m sure that Frank Wren has been talking to a lot of teams BESIDES the Mets about OTHER potential players, possibly some big names. The Braves have the pitching talent accumulated to make such a deal happen, no question…if they WANT to. Looking at it from both sides, I can understand why Wren wants to hold out for the best possible deal before committing to let a promising young pitcher the Braves organization has worked so long to develop go elsewhere.

When the Braves got Texiera a few years ago, I cheered as much as anybody; I felt they were showing they were willing to do what it took to win THIS year. But what happened? THEY DIDN’T WIN. Texiera walked for the “bigger money” after the Braves didn’t even get into the postseason, and the Texas Rangers reached the World Series last year thanks in significant part to a lot of great young talent the Braves (and a lot of us fans) considered expendable at the time.

Those who fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Let’s be patient and hope that Frank Wren’s patience pays off big for the Braves.

Kurdt Kobain

July 27th, 2011
5:15 pm

If it wasn’t the Mets, they could make that trade. You don’t like to trade top prospects for rentals anyway, but especially not to division rivals.

Mike Smith

July 27th, 2011
5:17 pm

My only concern about Pence and Bourn…they haven’t been anywhere else really. Bourn got one season of significant play in Philly before being traded. He hasnt been a consistent hitter. It could be another McClouth situation. Uggla is coming around thankfully. I would like to see the Braves get some players who have been on teams in the thick of a playoff chase in cities where there is more pressure to win.

the truth

July 27th, 2011
5:19 pm

Oh my Lord, can we stop bringing up Tex and JD? We were trying to resign those players, and if you think Minor is going to be a Wainwright or a Feliz you have mental problems…oh well, I’m at the beach, time to go relax in the waves. Still love my Braves, hope Wren shocks me, but I think we missed a real chance here. Sorry to be so bitter/harsh towards my brother Brave fans who disagree, just love my team and want them to succeed (been suffering 34 yrs with 1 championship). Have a nice evening y’all…oh and to braves87, our wildcard lead was double that last week, WITH McCann. Contenders for the moment.

extremus

July 27th, 2011
5:22 pm

As rich as the Braves currently are with pitching in their organization, they’re just as impoverished with position talent. NOBODY stands out as a future everyday player, much less a superstar or “face of the franchise”. Having an overabundance of great young pitching talent is a super problem to have, but now that they have it the Braves would be foolish not to draft and trade for impact offense at several positions for their minor league system. Third base, shortstop, and the entire outfield are points of concern right now (third base primarily because Chipper could retire at any time and Prado, hard-nosed as he is, isn’t a natural third baseman). Hopefully between now and next season the Braves will have those needs addressed, because the need for offense and speed is already glaring at the Major League level; they need help, and ASAP.

Dave

July 27th, 2011
5:23 pm

The Braves need at least one guy who can really produce in the clutch, not another mediocre platoon player or guy who can’t make contact when we need an RBI. I have a sinking feeling we’re in for another Andile/Farnsworth type trade.

extremus

July 27th, 2011
5:24 pm

@the truth,

I’m not comparing Minor with Wainwright or Feliz; I’m just saying the Braves can do better than Beltran for him or most of their other young talent.

Columbus

July 27th, 2011
5:25 pm

First, like you said, you, nor we, know what Wren is doing or working on. He has ALL the info, contacts, offers, behind the scenes stuff we dont.

Second nobody in their right mind would make the Beltran trade for a couple months when a trade for a MUCH younger and LONG term player is a strong possibility. We need a RH outfielder for the next few years. SO I think Wren is looking to get a player that works for now and in the future and is wise to do so instead of losing Minor for this season only when we can lose Minor for a player that will be here for 10 years maybe.

Pitching is at a PREMIUM, so the possibility of getting such a player is very good so why lose our valuable asset and trade commodity for something so short term? It does not seem like the best course of action.

On another note, Rasmus was available also. I know he is a lefty but they were looking to move him for a RH pitcher and if we could have gotten rid of Lowe somehow it would have been awesome even if we had to part with Heyward or Jordan and pay some cash. He will be a FA soon and I hope we take a shot at him.

Chipper's ACL

July 27th, 2011
5:27 pm

Let’s re-phrase the thought that the team is loaded with pitching and they will only have two slots to fill. First, both JJ and Hanson are represented by Boras. Hanson switched over the winter. Neither will be a Brave in 2-3 years. History has shown a Boras agent will not play in Atl if they have the ability to walk. Second, we have four top arms but everyone should know all four will not pan out. I’m surely not sold on Minor but being a lefty, and understanding they sometimes take longer to mature, I’d give him a little longer rope. Third, everyone is betting that Beachy is the real deal. He could also be another Chuck James. Theres also been talk that Vizcaino will end up in the pen. So there could be a strong chance that the only hold over from this season’s rotation will be Beachy leaving four spots to fill.

CONservative Johnson

July 27th, 2011
5:28 pm

Don’t really like the idea of trading a top pitching prospect for a rental player; but I do like the idea of trading Lowe for a bag of balls or anything else we can get . . .

jerry

July 27th, 2011
5:29 pm

Let’s don’t f–k up the worst outfield in baseball. Let’s take pride in it.

Disgusted

July 27th, 2011
5:32 pm

I agree Jerry!!!

Supes

July 27th, 2011
5:33 pm

Jeff,

While you are correct that the Braves DO NEED help, and that prospects are “often over valued” by each organization…

The Giants gave up a former 1 pick (6th in the draft) for a 2 month rental in Beltran (who has been awful injury prone lately). There is no guarantee Beltran will sign with SF at the end of the season – the only way this deal works out “even” for both sides is if Beltran signs there or plays a key part in helping the Giants win a WS title THIS YEAR. Anything else…as in he signs elsewhere or they fail to win it all…the Mets will be the clear winner in this trade.

On the other hand….Colby Rasmus my goodness did the Cards sell “low on him”.

I have faith in Wren that he’s working on making a deal, multiple deals that will put the Braves in a very good position.

Acquiring a Heath Bell, or a Hunter Pence or both hopefully.

While Hunter Pence is a good (not great player), the appeal there is that he’s under team control for 2 more seasons…not just a rental. Something to consider.

On the “wish list” of it would be nice but won’t happen…how great would it be if Wren could wrestle away someone like an Adam Jones to play CF from the Orioles? Makes you wish anyways.

the truth...

July 27th, 2011
5:33 pm

@the truth

July 27th, 2011
4:56 pm

You sir, are an imposter…. I am the original…….

the truth…

on these blogs for several years. Please do not post using my name and confusing other bloggers with your opinions…. I speak for myself….right or wrong….they’re my thoughts…

NEW CARS

July 27th, 2011
5:35 pm

I like Pence, but would rather have Upton for less prospects, then get another arm and get rid of proctor

jmor

July 27th, 2011
5:39 pm

Wren was correct in not trading for Beltran…He is almost 35 and always injured. At this point in his career he is overpriced and his production is dropping. he can no longer play center field and they would never re-sign him. The best players on the Braves are the young, cheap, home grown guys like Freeman, Kimbrel, Venters, JJ, Hanson and McCann. Forget the overpriced rental free agents, and go with the young guys. If you are going to trade talent, trade for a younger guy that you can re-sign for the future. The Braves are not going to win the WS this year with or without Beltran.

John Galt

July 27th, 2011
5:39 pm

Some of you sad sacks wreak of desperation. We have the 2nd best record in the NL and you are ready to jump off of bridge.

Sometimes winning it all takes a little luck (the Giants are defending champs? Renteria was the WS MVP? Really?). But dependence on pitching and defense created an unprecedented run of excellence here in Atlanta; there is no need to throw away a piece of our potential pitching studs for a potentially gimpy outfielder (Beltran) or malcontent (Upton).

There is a Braves culture that needs to be maintained because it fosters winning. Most of the pieces for another long run are in place, in strong pitching, young future pitching stars, and young position talent. Admittedly, some of the young talent is struggling, but these babies (Heyward, Schafer, Freeman) are going to be cornerstones in the future.

Wren is building a system, not a one-hot wonder. I, for one, think he is going it right. If Chipper retires all we need is a power corner outfielder and maybe an upgrade at SS to be a powerhouse in 2012. For now, this battered team still has the 2nd best record in the NL and the 4th best record in all of baseball, despite a recent slump. Piching and defense wins.

All together now, take a big breath and relax.

the truth...

July 27th, 2011
5:40 pm

Bottom line folks….Detroit is still angry that John Smoltz was a Brave for all those years…If we had turned around and traded him in some trade deadline deal only to see him become the Hall of Famer he is….how would Atlanta fans feel about that deal?

Wren knows what he is doing….I never liked the idea of giving away young talented arms for a “maybe impatct” player like Beltran, with no future with us except 2 1/2 months….

So many here think we’re doomed in our chances this year anyway, why would we want to give away talent for a hopeless long shot?

Maybe Wren is working on a big deal and he wants Minor as a part of that one…. If he brings Pence in I’ll bet this Blog will light up like Times Square on New Years Eve….

El Bravo

July 27th, 2011
5:40 pm

Young pitching talent is probably the most valuable commodity in baseball. You do not trade a very promising young lefty for a 3 month rental. We do not have minor league depth at any position other than pitching so if we are going to trade a young arm it has to be for a long term solution at the outfield.

the truth for real, is that acceptable oh nerdy one?

July 27th, 2011
5:41 pm

Nobody thought it was you anyway, because my thoughts dont sound like somebody gave a monkey a keyboard, friend. P.S.- i use many names on here, was using this one for this subject, don’t think so highly of yourself that someone would try to “imitate you”. Get a life. Out of your Mom’s basement, preferably.

Tony

July 27th, 2011
5:47 pm

Hey Jeff…I don’t think B.J. Upton is in the lineup tonight either. Maybe, just maybe…Wren pulls one out of the hat for us longtime fans. Either Upton or Pence would be a welcome addition to the outfield, perhaps even Juan Pierre, especially with the guys we have in the 3-4-5 spots of the lineup. Good luck, and let’s go Braves!

John Galt

July 27th, 2011
5:51 pm

@extremus-

With all due respect, I stronly disagree about strong young position talent. Heyward is having a sophomre slump but was last year’s ROY, and Freeman may be THIS year’s ROY. Though many disagree. I think Schafer can be a gold-glover and if he is coachable, can be an outstanding LO hitter. Uggla is not a greybeard quite yet, and neither is McCann. Rumor is that Pasternicky (sp?) might be a stud SS.

Our problem may not be the lack of young talent but the degree oy youth that we have. Freeman appears to me mature and teachable, someone may have to come down hard on Heyward and Schafer. McCan and Prado are solid.

We will be fine without ANY move, though a corner outfleder and another bullpen arm might be nice (perhaps we need one of the young guns in the pen instead of Proctor and Linebrink- and after last night I want to see Christian get the ball more).

PS- I hope Nieves was obtained to give Gwinnet another backstop, not Atlanta.

John Galt

July 27th, 2011
5:53 pm

I spell just fine, I TYPE like crap.

kemp

July 27th, 2011
5:57 pm

with McCann & chipper out we lost a lot of offensive punch and only one outfielder comes to mind that the braves can maybe aquire that provide that much offense-Matt kemp. I think wren should offer mclouth, minor, vizcano and edward salcedo.

the truth...

July 27th, 2011
6:00 pm

@the truth for real, is that acceptable oh nerdy one?

You use many names here?…. that’s ok, just please don’t use mine.

pete

July 27th, 2011
6:01 pm

Heyward was NOT ROY

Can it be true?

July 27th, 2011
6:02 pm

I like the comment…. “who wants to break up the worst outfield in baseball?”…. what a true statement. WOW

Sad from any angle you want to inspect it.

Tony

July 27th, 2011
6:07 pm

Can it be true?…the outfield is quite pathetic at this point. And if Wren plays the “my way or the highway”, like some other group is doing right now, we are dead this season…but there is hope! LOL

falconfever74

July 27th, 2011
6:13 pm

we sound just like a bunch of fans who are not use to winning championships. im tired of playing for just a playoff birth. i want to win a championship this year. everyone is saying dont trade a prospect for a 3 month rental. well let me say that 3 month rental will get uggla, heyward and chipper better pitches to hit. i have never heard one brave fan say mike minor had or have the potential to get us to the world series this year or in 5 years. and hunter pence, yeah he is solid but people like teixera and beltran brings people to the ball park. hunter pence just makes what we already are. . . . playoff contenders

Travis Bickle

July 27th, 2011
6:26 pm

@the truth: As I recall, you wanted to trade Brett Butler and Brook Jacoby for Len Barker in 1981. History doesn’t repeat – it echoes.

BeegBoy25

July 27th, 2011
6:26 pm

No way around the fact that Liberty Media is killing us. We have to develop prospects and hold on to them more carefully because we cannot afford free agent replacements. Philly is lapping us in payroll. We must spend at least 10 to 20 million more yearly over next few years to have legitimate shot at title.

Bobby Bobby

July 27th, 2011
6:27 pm

Easy question to answer. Hansen and JJ are Boras guys. They are not trading pitchers for rental players. They might trade one for someone they can keep cheaply like Minnesota CF. Also Marlon Bird would come cheap so no need to trade pitcher for high priced oft injured in division player

Ridonkulous

July 27th, 2011
6:32 pm

Jon Heyman at SI.com just posted about a 1000 word update on all the deals currently under discussion around MLB. The Braves were not mentioned once. Not a good thing.

jfreak13713

July 27th, 2011
6:39 pm

Pence or Beltran? Easy, Pence!

Go Braves!

Jt

July 27th, 2011
6:41 pm

The holdup as I see it isn’t the failure to part with pitching prospects. The problem is filling holes in the lineup with available trade pieces. The holes are st SS and RF. You get a centerfielder and you have to put Shafer on the shelf ( despite his numbers he has been an asset). I am not sure the Braves are willing to sit either Gonzalez or Heyward- and those are the two glaring lineup holes.

AF DAWG in Va

July 27th, 2011
6:44 pm

Beltran – Why rent when you can own. Pence – Good player on a bad team, but not worth the rumored cost. There are teams needing pitching not in our division. Wren knows this and is acting wise. We’re still in it. So let’s enjoy the ride and hope we perform better with RISP.

Prince Fielder

July 27th, 2011
6:53 pm

Beltran sucks

Fredi Gonzalez

July 27th, 2011
6:55 pm

Jeff – just want to tip my cap to Jerry Means. Helluva game last night.

Just heard that Jerry was placed on the 15-day DL today with a strained OpticalOblique. Apparently, it doesn’t allow him to see the things that are in plain view.

Cheesehead

July 27th, 2011
6:55 pm

Pence has 85 Strikeouts in 393 at bats?

WREN TERMINALLY STUPID

July 27th, 2011
7:06 pm

If Liberty Media and Frank Wren continue to manage The Braves as they are – I had just as soon see them go the way of the THRASHERS and leave town.. I am tired of just a bunch of lethargic has-beens and a poor excuse for a manager masquerading as The Braves – and all that is laid right square in the lap of the TERMINALLY STUPID FRANK WREN.

South ga boy in the atl

July 27th, 2011
7:10 pm

This is just typical Wren. Of course, pitching is our foundation but my God Wren thinks we can win every game 2-1. It’s just ridiculous. For yrs now, he puts all his eggs in his pitching basket. We have, DESPERATELY, needed a RH power hitting outfielder and he has ignored it and ignored it. And don’t say Uggla to me either. Uggla just kept the balance where it was last yr because we were trading right handed power at 1st base for Freeman (left handed power) so Uggla did not correct our imbalance of left handed hitting with little to no power from the right side. Just keep sticking your head in the sand Frank. Good article Jeff

OldTimer

July 27th, 2011
7:29 pm

Frank,

Don’t let the AJC whine you into doing something you shouldn’t.
Sometimes the best deal is no deal.

OLD TIMER TERMINALLY STUPID

July 27th, 2011
7:33 pm

Old TImer you sound like the da*n Republicans in Congress. Why don’t you just sit down and shut up – you’re old and your time is up, past and gone.

dawg4u

July 27th, 2011
7:47 pm

As for Troy Glaus becoming a Brave again, he’s nursing a hammy right now and is listed as week to week.

the truth...

July 27th, 2011
7:53 pm

@Mr. TERMINALLY STUPID

Generally folks that run around c

the truth...

July 27th, 2011
7:55 pm

@Mr. TERMINALLY STUPID

Generally folks that run around calling everyone else stupid, is the one most guilty of the condition referred too.

Stinger2

July 27th, 2011
7:58 pm

The sky is not falling. Those who panic will just build up a lot of unneeded stress. The Braves will be what Wren believes they should be. No need for us fans to worry about something we cannot control.

Army Strong

July 27th, 2011
8:00 pm

I dont see B.J Upton fitting in with this ballclub. He seems a little too arrogant for the Braves’ clubhouse. Everyone knows his talent, tools, and potential, but the clubhouse attitude is such a big part of this Braves team, and I just don’t think B.J would quite ‘fit in’ to one of the best thing this club has going for it.

Scott

July 27th, 2011
8:03 pm

How about from now on, McCann just holds the ball when someone steals. It’s not like he ever throws anyone out. Not worth the risk.

Army Strong

July 27th, 2011
8:05 pm

And just an add-on Cheesehead… Pence also has 62 RBI’s and a .308 average with those 85 strikeouts. Even so, one strikeout per 4.5 AB’s is a fairly average ratio for a Major League hitter.

And that sir, is that.

the truth...

July 27th, 2011
8:10 pm

@OldTimer

I’m sure Frank Wren isn’t going to pay too much attention to the writers on the AJC or any of us bloggers….

All he’d have to do is read about 10 blog posts here and he’d know for sure this place not a repository of serious baseball knowledge…..more like ignorance gone to seed….

rally

July 27th, 2011
8:19 pm

You people that are angry and steamed just need to go out and buy the team. Geez. Quit your bitchin and moaning until you do something about it. Its a sad world we live in alll the people are sheeple who complain and whine about the poo poo that our country and sports world is in. Until you do something about it…you got nuthing to say. FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT!!!!

Liberty Media owns the Braves which again is for entertainment purposes only. They don’t have to give you a championship…they just have to keep the funds rolling in to fatten as many pockets they can while the people complain and whine. They love it. Its entertainment. Fundamentals be damned!!!

JMar

July 27th, 2011
8:19 pm

Y’all are whining about not trading for players that don’t even fit. Beltran can’t play center. Rasmus is another lefty and is hitting .246. You’re so desperate for a name you don’t pay any attention to whether the player actually FITS. And then you get brilliant comments like moving Prado to SS. Ridiculous.

Michael

July 27th, 2011
8:21 pm

I am not the least bit let down that Beltarn didn’t pan out. As a Boras player, he was not going to be here beyond this season. And lest we forget, he has been almost as fragile as Chipper lately. I think there are better options out there. Let the Giants take the 2 month risk. My bet? It blows up in their face, not ours.

Wayne

July 27th, 2011
8:21 pm

U all forget. Lowe is soon to be gone. Hanson won’t stay around and JJ we have for 2or 3 years and then he will go for the big money. Hence we need the arms we have in the minors. As for chipper, he has to take the blame for the braves not having a big time player in the line up. His huge salary could’ve been used last year already to secure a big time player. Instead we are stuck with a crock of a player who is going downhill quicker than the jamaican bobsled team. Plus he spends more time rehabbing than Amy wine house with the same results. He is the biggest drag on the braves team going forward.

Al Styne

July 27th, 2011
8:29 pm

The question is valid, does Frank Wren over value his prospects? The Braves have a problem, not enough hitting. My question to you all is this, is this a linear problem? If so, then the solution is easy . . . trade from your strength (pitching) and shore up your weakness (hitting). My contention is that the problem fundamentally is linear, but not with the Mets. I do not think trading a front line starting prospect in division is a smart business move. Jeff F was no longer seen as a front line guy, so he went to the Mets. But Minor is seen as frontline. Wren was correct not to trade Minor to the Mets. The next question which is starting to change the linear problem into a more complex problem is thus: What position do you trade for? I think most folks would agree that catcher, first base, and right field are sacred cows. Second base could use an upgrade, but Wren got him signed up and Uggla has been hitting better of late. I personally do not think Chipper can be counted on, but I doubt there is any way in hell Wren would trade for a third basemen. So we are basically looking for a left fielder or center fielder, and possibly a short stop. Prado can play third when Chipper is out. So provided we have a guy that can play center or left we are good. Is there a short stop that could play third when Chipper is out? I dont think so at this point.

I also think we need another arm in the pen. In a nutshell the question is, what do we need to add in order to beat the Giants, Phillies, and Cards in the playoffs? Dare I say that another arm in the pen is just as important as the right handed bat?

Al Styne

July 27th, 2011
8:30 pm

Value question . . . is a world series title this year worth Minor? Absolutely, but that is too much linear thinking for me.

Blaze

July 27th, 2011
8:32 pm

I am thankful he didn’t pull the trigger for Beltran as well……this is a waiting game. He is going after bigger fish……Pence is my guest. Remember you heard it here first……PENCE is coming to Atlanta….is my guess.

the truth...

July 27th, 2011
8:36 pm

Wow….this blog sounds more like last night’s call went against the Bravos…more like a group of unhappy campers….

Falcon Fan

July 27th, 2011
8:40 pm

Cheesehead he also is hitting 300..DA

Mike

July 27th, 2011
8:47 pm

Jeff…This may sound crazy but how about this…..?

My conspiracy theory for the day is that Wren wont move those 4 pitchers because he does not intend on extending JJ or Hanson and feels that he will need all 4 in a few years. He is GMing like he is trying to save money. $85 – $90 mill a year isnt THAT bad if spent right. Wren just hasnt spent it that well. He has made a few good trades (JJ and Uggla) but he has made more bad moves. Trashing Glavine and Smoltz like he did, the Yunel trade, Farnsworth and Ankiel (when we needed more), the prices paid for Lowe and KK, and finally the immediate hire of Fredi (thought that maybe he should have looked around a bit) and the idiotic hire of Larry Parrish, a guy who has never been a hitting coach in the majors to help a team that obviously struggles with hitting.

I agree, if he doesnt make a significant move to improve this club now and in the future, then his job security should come into question.

Alas I feel that we are doomed to miss the playoffs this year with this offensively, lefty hitting, fundamentally challenged bunch. And I dont think any significant changes will be made until we have an owner that gives a crap!

dawg4u

July 27th, 2011
8:51 pm

Now with both Chipper and McCann biting the dust it will be suicide not to bring in a bat. I know FW must have something going on because if he doesn’t it could be a long two months plus because at the rate this team is getting injuries to key people we won’t even be a wild card factor without a major move.

Bill Stanfill

July 27th, 2011
8:52 pm

The Braves have scored 2 runs in the last 34 innings.

Bill Stanfill

July 27th, 2011
8:56 pm

OOPS–I didn’t see the tag–1 run in the last 21 innings.

Skeezix

July 27th, 2011
9:00 pm

I’m

murf4hof

July 27th, 2011
9:01 pm

sometimes the best move is to NOT move. this is not fantasy league folks…. Wren said months ago he thought the pieces were already here, no need to panic trade

Mike

July 27th, 2011
9:08 pm

murf4hof…

Do you think all the pieces are here?

Maybe for the future, but now? This team that widely cant hit lefties? The team with multiple players hitting closer to .200 than where they should be? This team that is riddled with injuries continually? This isn’t May…this is almost August. Its put up or shut up time, and THIS braves team is doing the latter.

DetroitBraves

July 27th, 2011
9:10 pm

It’s neither true that Teheran is the consensus #1 nor is it true that the other 3 come in no particular order. In fact, the most consistent “consensus” (these things are fluid) is that Minor is the least of these prospects and was a reach based on slot, rather than ability, when he was taken in the first round. It is ludicrous to horde back-end starters when presumably (though I don’t know that this is actually true) they could be used to land a top flight bat. If Minor goes take your pick of Beachy, Medlen and Gilmartin to replace him in the depth chart.

the truth...

July 27th, 2011
9:15 pm

Let’s see….

Jason Heyward…… is sitting tonight….

and so is …

Hunter Pence

you think its a conspiracy ?

heartofdarkness

July 27th, 2011
9:29 pm

The analysis might run something like “do I think this player, under the proposed exchange formula where I must give up X, Y, or Z, gives me sufficient assurance of success that I pull the trigger, accepting that there is no other option which could give me equal or better chances of success”. If you will accept that, then the possible reasons Beltran is a Giant would include: 1) lack of confidence that Beltran is the answer, 2) the probability that the whole enchilada will be on my plate at the end of this season, even with Beltran, is much less than it will be over the next 3 years, as the Braves drop a lot of contract obligations and can build a stronger core with X, Y and Z all being possible parts of the Braves future. 3) the reduction of the bidding pool by one enhances the value of my assets to a much greater extent than it enhances the value of those with hitters similar to Beltran, 4) I want a longer term solution to the outfield lineup, and 5) taking a note from the US Congress, everyone appreciates your wizardhood more if you wait until the last minute to make a move.

DetroitBraves

July 27th, 2011
9:42 pm

Given that the Giants parted with Wheeler, I doubt that the Braves could have had Beltran for Minor. It would have probably taken Teheran or Vizcaino. While no tears should have been shed over Minor’s departure, trading either of those two for a couple of months of Beltran would be a much tougher pill to swallow.

Top Dawg

July 27th, 2011
9:57 pm

Don’t forget about Kenshin Kawakami!!!

DetroitBraves

July 27th, 2011
10:01 pm

If the Astros turned down Singleton and Cosart then the Braves have zero shot without giving up Teheran and/or Vizcaino. Those appear to be the parameters, assuming that the Astros are willing to deal at all. Given Houston’s track record over the last several seasons I thought for sure Linebrink and Proctor would be enough. I guess this means the Astros project both Teheran and Vizcaino to end up in the bullpen.

ET

July 27th, 2011
10:04 pm

If we trade one of our top ptiching prospects for Beltran we will have the use of him for a few months tops. We will have to face the pitcher we traded away to NY for the next 20 years. That would make it far worse than the Texieria deal. At least we are in a different league than Texas. It would be like facing Texas 20 times a year and seeing Feliz’s 100 mph fastball over & over again while we watch Elvis throw out all of our players from the hole. It’s foolish, inept & Wren is the one who knows what he is doing here. If you really want to trade one of our top pitching prospects to the Mets, you are nuts, totally nuts…

DetroitBraves

July 27th, 2011
10:33 pm

You’re assuming a lot about a pitching prospect to assume that he will be both effective and healthy in a rotation for one year, much less 20.

Kerryb

July 27th, 2011
10:41 pm

If anyone thinks that we should trade away Teharan and/or Vizcaino they are completely nuts and I am glad you are not the GM. I don’t care about this year. We will be completely dominating the NL east over the next 10 years when these two are on the rotation along with Delgado. Especially since Boras is Jurjjens and Hanson’s agent. We may not have one or both of them in about three years and will be glad we have these three great arms to fall back on.

Seriously

July 27th, 2011
10:42 pm

The wasnt trading for Beltran…the problem is Boras. Boras is the number one problem with MLB.

DetroitBraves

July 27th, 2011
10:47 pm

I never once said that they should trade Teheran or Vizcaino, though closing every door would be ill-advised. There is a big difference in the projections for those two and Minor. Delgado is less clear. I read recently that he may be headed to the bullpen, which would decrease his value, but the jury is still out there. And if the Braves don’t see a role in the near future for Gilmartin, why draft him?

retired

July 27th, 2011
10:54 pm

do not trade for a Boras REnt a Player

Hillbilly D

July 27th, 2011
10:54 pm

Not making the Beltran deal may be one of Wren’s better moves.

ET

July 27th, 2011
11:10 pm

DetroitBraves : “You’re assuming a lot about a pitching prospect to assume that he will be both effective and healthy in a rotation for one year, much less 20.”

Didn’t we get Smoltz from Detroit many moons ago…how did that feel to the Detroit faithful to watch John pitch for the Braves for 20 years instead of for the Tigers? The chance of that happening is too much to risk here…plus the Boros comments are spot on… I hate that man with a passion. Also we could not have traded for Beltran unless we offered a better pitcher than Minor. The Giants gave up Wheeler. The price was too high.

Big D

July 27th, 2011
11:10 pm

Beltran did not make the Giants better!!!!!!!!! He will get hurt and not finished the season with his gimpy knees!!!!! I am glad he is not a Brave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mister Frisky

July 27th, 2011
11:21 pm

Well put Jeff.You are the only one AJC who hasn’t drank the hoarding pitchers koolaid.Like I’ve posted several times before.One WS win since they came to Georgia.The Fish 2 titles in 6 years.Way to sac up and speak the truth,too bad that O’B left his in Fredi’s saddlebags while riding on the back of his Harley.

Big Braves Fab

July 27th, 2011
11:23 pm

Amen, Big D

Brian

July 27th, 2011
11:37 pm

We need those pitching prospects! Teheran could be an ace in a couple of years and the others shouldn’t be given away for a rental player. Jurrjens is going to want a lot of money soon and with his agent, there’s a good chance we could lose him. Lowe will be gone before long and while Beachy has been good so far, he hasn’t played long enough to where I would consider him a solid starter. Remember Chuck James? He really faded after a great start and Beachy could do the same. I like Brandon, but he hasn’t played for very long in the majors.

Dennis Reynolds

July 27th, 2011
11:38 pm

Nothing more to say, really. You covered it all, Jeff.

PENCE OR BOURN.

Brian

July 27th, 2011
11:47 pm

Pence would be great, but the Astros will want a ton for him. Let’s go after Quentin, Bourn or Willingham.

ueeediot

July 27th, 2011
11:55 pm

It seems pretty simple really. Wren is a gutless GM.
The only trade worth a dam is the one to get Jurgens.

Every other trade has been effectively for NOTHING.

Gregor Blanco had trade value…got nothing in return
Jeff Francuer was a starting right fielder and you traded him for NOTHING
Tell me about how hard Wren fought to get Oswalt here…
Tell me how hard Wren worked the budget to even TRY to get Cliff Lee here…
Wren traded the Rangers how many players for Texiera?

The real trade that needs to be made is for a GM with some stones.

ueeediot

July 28th, 2011
12:06 am

Oh I know what youre going to say….youre going to say, hey ueeediot, Wren has made some good moves too….look at how he managed to sign a 35 year old D Lowe to a 4 year 60 million dollar contract (and he only had to give up a draft pick to be so lucky to make this deal)
Or hey, what about signing that Japanese league pitcher sight unseen for only 23 million…
Or hey, at least he let Adam LaRoche walk away when he knew Adam Dunn would be available….

bravos007

July 28th, 2011
12:07 am

@jeff- thank god wren doesn’t listen to the writers at the AJC to make decisions. and it appears that most people strongly agree with the Beltran trade as well.

Athenzdawg

July 28th, 2011
12:55 am

Please don’t waste our time for Josh Willingham if we needed another outfielder who was a “platoon” player who batted .240 which is his average now….we might as well keep who we have. We have won or lost with the crap thats in the field now, might as well keep our pitching and not give it up for more crap

Ross

July 28th, 2011
1:30 am

Perhaps Wren realizes that no one wants to go see old prima donnas suit up and collect fat paychecks. Spending a pitcher for young speed and defense is fine, and will probably happen, but wasting them on some washed up steroid cases is of no interest to actual baseball fans. Whatever happens to the Braves, they are fun to watch because they have fun playing. The team chemistry is worth 3 sluggers.

Maybe you should catch some triple-A ball – you’d see that prospects like Minor are few and far between and SHOULD be hoarded.

one for all

July 28th, 2011
5:40 am

GM Wren you are doing great. Do not trade our talent away for rentals. Wish we had our Texas Rangers back. Oh yeah they went to last year’s World Series. Watch Beltran wash out just like the Mets found out. He was a one year wonder in 2004. 119 million for 7 years of DL. Remember some of the best trades are the trades you do not make. If Braves make a trade it must help us in the future as well as now. Our future is setting up fine. I think we should consider a six man rotation to prevent injuries. Jurrjens, Hanson, Beachy, Teheran, Minor, Vizcaino. Bullpen of Kimbrel closer, Venters set up/co closer, O’Flaherty, Moylan, Medlen, Delgado. Perez, Martinez, etc, in reserve. Freeman 1B. Uggla 2B, Prado 3B, Heyward RF, Schafer CF, McCann C, stud at SS, powerhitting LF. Bench Ross/Bethancourt, Hinske, Conrad, Hicks, OF? We will have another dynasty soon.

Shonuff

July 28th, 2011
7:46 am

I don’t think you can trade away a top pitching prospect. Lowe and Hudson are older. Jurgens may not be with Braves for the long haul. That’s three rotations spots. If you trade one of the top pitching prospects then you better hope that the ones you keep absolutely turn out to be productive pros. That’s why you need a pitching surplus…of those four top tier pitching prospects…one or two are certain to be busts.

tdc

July 28th, 2011
7:47 am

This team reminds me of an addict that don’t want to admit they have a problem. McClouth, Schafer, and Alex Gonzalez suck and would not be starting for any other team in the majors. Chipper Jones is old and is not worth the money (13 million) he is making. Larry Parrish is garbage, the offense was suppose to get better with Uggla not worse. Heyward is an outcast. God forbid Freddie Freeman struggle next year.

Lee B.

July 28th, 2011
7:51 am

Give up a left handed pitching prospect to rent Beltran for two months??? No thanks. Wren was smart not to pull the trigger on that deal. Long term help from a younger RH power bat would be a different story but dealing Minor for Beltran would have been stupid. Good job Frank Wren!

Atticus

July 28th, 2011
7:51 am

Why not Michael Cuddyear?

OZZIE VIRGIL

July 28th, 2011
7:53 am

I’m glad we did not get Beltran. We are still smarting from the Tex trade, and the Rangers are in another league. I think there has to be something the manager can do to shake up the bats we have. Juggle the lineup (let the fans pick it for one day), more hit and run, etc. We have some quality hitters who stink on ice this year.

tdc

July 28th, 2011
7:58 am

-The braves need to fire Larry Parrish and rehire Terry Pendleton so he work with Heyward.
-Get rid of Schafer and McClouth.
-Move Prado to third.
-Restructure Chipper contract or force him to retire.
-Trade for Pence or Carlos Quentin and a CF.

Arkie

July 28th, 2011
8:19 am

Wren, think before you trade any of our young pitchers. You have two under contract to Mr. Boras. You have two older ones. You have several relievers that are below average. Do not sink the ship with a rental. You know better than we the weaknesses. Prado will move to third leaving CF and LF still weak. SS is a get by. Be careful. If you trade – go for long term aquisitions – youth, speed, defense and some power.Get coaches that teach and stress fundermental ball – all players should know and bunt well, move runners in scoring position, play sound defense, hit and run more, etc. Go Braves!!

wardenerd

July 28th, 2011
8:45 am

I know this is premature but in the off season is there a third baseman available? Prado to Left Field, Chipper to the bench and farewell tour and a big hard hitting bat wielding sum bitch to go midevil on the Phillies.

Scott

July 28th, 2011
8:48 am

we got neives! he’s going to kick butt for us at aaa!

Gibb

July 28th, 2011
8:50 am

We need to get Rick Ankiel and Derrek Lee back! That will do it.

oliver

July 28th, 2011
8:59 am

I will wait and see what Mr. Wren is working on. Nobody on this gripe outlet knows what is in the works either, they just know, without having any facts, what he should do. Let the man and the organization do what they, having the facts, can do.

75years

July 28th, 2011
9:00 am

Last fall wE had an All Star 2nd baseman so we trade for another one – Now we need help and we have what some think is the future of the Braves in RF So Wren goes after Beltran – That did turn out so he is now after Pence – We have not had a true leadoff/base stealer for 5 years – Houston wants to trade Bourn – Wake Up Mr Wren and fill the holes needed

NickGranite

July 28th, 2011
9:01 am

Sheffield upgraded the offense big time-in the regular season. He stunk in the post-season.

Katherine

July 28th, 2011
9:05 am

What about going after hanley ramirez? There have been rumors of him wanting to leave florida….wouldn’t that be amazing to have a shortstop that isn’t hurting your team on a nightly basis?

jtmpapa

July 28th, 2011
9:08 am

All this talk about an outfielder, what we need is a shortstop that can hit.

jtmpapa

July 28th, 2011
9:10 am

Sorry Katherine, didn’t see your posting.

Gil In Mechanicsville

July 28th, 2011
9:12 am

Top pitching prospects are not pieces you squander away on short term rentals. Those are pieces you use for a Carlos Quintin or Hunter Pence. Players who would be around for more than two months.

Now, if you want to talk about picking up a guy like David Wright, then we can talk about being serious about trading top pitching prospects.

jtmpapa

July 28th, 2011
9:12 am

Sit Hayward down and play Henski

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
9:14 am

@Katherine

Hanley Ramirez is a cancer waiting to be spread….awesome talent, terrible attitude….
Fredi sat him down for lack of hustle when he managed there….don’t think he’ll be too receptive to bringing him to this team…

DetroitBraves

July 28th, 2011
9:14 am

There aren’t many third basemen worth much this year across baseball. The better ones have been hurt often, and underperforming when they’ve played. Chipper ‘11 is a far cry from Chipper ‘09 or prior but compared to the rest of the third basemen in baseball, he stacks up surprisingly well.

ET, I haven’t seen anything to convince me that Minor is the next John Smoltz. And while that trade did end up getting Detroit into the playoffs that year, I’ll tell you what – if Minor makes more than 3 all-star teams (I don’t think he makes any but since the qualifications have become something along the lines of “do you have a brother? Yes? You’re in.” I want a little bit of a buffer) I’ll eat my Braves hat and post it on youtube.

For the record, yes I would have dealt Minor for Beltran. No, that wasn’t really going to happen anyway because the Mets got a better offer in Wheeler but I agree with Furman. The Braves just drafted Minor V.2.0 in Gilmartin. Yes, I would trade Minor in a heartbeat for Pence. No, I doubt that would happen since they turned down Cosart and Singleton from the Phillies. Trading one or more of the projectable top end starters? That’s not an easy question to answer. I would be somewhat reluctant to deal Teheran or Vizcaino but at the same time I wouldn’t want to make the classic mistake of over-valuing prospects. The next several years of Hunter Pence are much more predicatable.

Dave

July 28th, 2011
9:16 am

I totally agree with Frank Wren: I would NOT trade a top pitching prospect for a two-moth rental, either! Now, if there was any chance of getting Beltran to sign a long-term deal, then that is a different story, but his agent, Scott Boras, almost always has his clients test the free agent market. The Braves learned that lesson with Mark Texiara.

Trading away ANY of the top prospects under those circumstances would be WORSE than what the Braves did when they gave Adam Wainwright to the Cardinals for J.D. Drew. Had we kept Wainwright, we might not have had the 3-year playoff drought.

If the Braves give up any pitching prospect, it should be for a hitter that will be with the club next year.

TR

July 28th, 2011
9:24 am

Avg .310 HR 9 RBI 38 Runs 57 SB 3

Yunels numbers.

Alex numbers

Avg .228 HR 8 RBI 33 Runs 39 SB 2

Another bad trade.

ET

July 28th, 2011
9:24 am

DetroitBraves-

I’m not talking about Minor. Minor wasn’t going to get us Beltran. The Mets took the Giants TOP pitching prospect. Minor isn’t going to get us anything more than what we already have on our team… Players who should be good but aren’t quite there right now. Wren doesn’t need to trade away any of the top prospects to get a rented bat. Several years from now when our rented player moves on and our top prospect, whom we shipped out, comes back & no-hits us, you will be one of the first to leave a comment on how Wren blew it when he traded away a top pitching prospect for a rented player. That’s how it works around here.

Katherine

July 28th, 2011
9:25 am

the truth..
July 28th, 2011
9:14 am

@Katherine

Hanley Ramirez is a cancer waiting to be spread….awesome talent, terrible attitude….
Fredi sat him down for lack of hustle when he managed there….don’t think he’ll be too receptive to bringing him to this team…

Well, that is what bobby thought about escobar..and what a horrible thing it was getting rid of him for the braves. Gonzo is actually hurting the braves almost every time he plays…I would hope they would at least consider getting ramirez…people can change.

Robert

July 28th, 2011
9:26 am

We have scored 7 runs in 38 innings against the Pirates! I think that proves we need some offensive help. Go get Bourn from Houston for Minor. Maybe the Stros will throw in a middle reliver too, and then if all the White Sox want for Quintin is Beachy you make that deal yesterday!

jtmpapa

July 28th, 2011
9:26 am

To tdc: Pendleton sucked as a hitting coach. Should have been fired not moved to first base. Heyward is not coachable. No coach is going to keep him from swinging at a pitch that’s 3 feet in front of the plate.

Katherine

July 28th, 2011
9:27 am

I just think that the more immediate need is a shortstop..not an outfielder.

jtmpapa

July 28th, 2011
9:30 am

We do need a shortstop ,but not Ramirez.

Katherine

July 28th, 2011
9:37 am

what about furcal?

Falcon Fan

July 28th, 2011
9:37 am

Robert you would give up Beachy for CQ and CQ will be a free agent at end of year..not to smart.

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
9:38 am

@ueeediot

Schuerholtz did the Tex trade, not Wren

Dnice

July 28th, 2011
9:40 am

I have a trade that could work for both sides. How about Hanley ramirez for Gonzo and Medlen. We give them a picture and they get rid of someone obviously they dont want and maybe just maybe Fredi can make him understand that he has a fresh start and he will not hold nothing against him that happened in FLA and also having a future HOF like Chipper and young studs like Heyward, Freeman, JJ, Hanson, etc… will teach him that he is not BMOC (Big man on campus) and he comforms and plays to his ability and we dont have to see Gonzo reminding us that Yunel is batting 300.

Katherine

July 28th, 2011
9:41 am

I like it dnice!

Falcon Fan

July 28th, 2011
9:43 am

jtmpapa..Hayward un- coachable..lol
J-Hey is very coachable..Greg Walker with White Sox is a very good hitting coach..just saying…

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
9:46 am

Furcal has been injured this year and is not the same Furcal these days that he once was.

I wasn’t a big fan of the Escobasr for Gonzalez trade, but since there was so much talk about how he had problems in the club house and other players weren’t happy playing with him….attitude problems….that those of us on the outside looking in did not know the full story.

Since then I have often wondered if Escobar would have benefitted by playing for Fredi, since he has the same Cuban heritage and speaks the language unlike Bobby. Clearly Unel is the superior bat…I wish he were playing SS for us but that isn’t the case and isn’t going to be the case….good thing or not Gonzalez is at SS now and his glove is great, just has holes in his bat..

Plate Appearance

July 28th, 2011
9:47 am

NEEDED RESTRAINT

I’m thankful that Wren didn’t trade a front line pitcher for a 2 month rental.

Well done Frank! You did a great job in showing some restraint!

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
9:49 am

Hanley’s problem is that his ego is so big it won’t fit into the clubhouse or dugout….plus he insists on being not only the SS, but the manager as well…

Not likely to happen….if he had a “head makeover” that would be another thing….but pride and ego are difficult things to manage, even for Hanley…

jtmpapa

July 28th, 2011
9:53 am

Why would Freddy want Ramirez who got him fired in Florida?

nobody

July 28th, 2011
9:56 am

I am amazed at the hate for Frank Wren. He is a great GM. He acquires quality players for hardly anything. It isn’t his fault that once they get here they suck. Mclouth was an all-star when we got him and we gave up absolutely nothing to get him. Gorkys and Morton? Big Whoop. Agon hit 15 homers before we got him. His team has created an amazing farm system full of players.

tdc

July 28th, 2011
9:56 am

jtmpapa

July 28th, 2011
9:26 am
To tdc: Pendleton sucked as a hitting coach. Should have been fired not moved to first base. Heyward is not coachable. No coach is going to keep him from swinging at a pitch that’s 3 feet in front of the plate.

This same offense without Uggla and Freeman was better last year.

nobody

July 28th, 2011
9:57 am

Why doesn’t Wilkin Ramirez get more playing time? Honest question. He is more of an offensive threat than Mclouth when Schaefer is in center

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
9:58 am

He doen’t want Hanley….folks that keep bringing up Hanley’s name just don’t know the history there as well as his apparent attitude problems.

tdc

July 28th, 2011
10:02 am

Wilkin Ramirez is garbage. Him, Schafer, and McClouth should be sitting on the curb waiting for pickup.

Carter

July 28th, 2011
10:07 am

Go after Adam Jones nobody is talking about it but I saw on ESPN.com in a conversation that it is thought that the Orioles would trade him in a deal centered around Minor. Why have we not done this yet I can’t think of a better fit Gold Glove Centerfielder with speed and power. Plus an A. Jones jersey would look good in centerfield again

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
10:09 am

I know that Mr. Wren is thinking back to the Texeira trade that cost him Feliz,Andrus,and another pitcher for a 2 month rental. But you don’t have to trade for a guy with a contract due to be renewed either. He needs to trade for a player with at least 2 to 3 years left on his contract like Pence. It is obvious that the big four in the minors will all never be starters on the Braves since Jurrgens,Hanson,and Beachy are set. Sure Hudson & Lowe will be replaced but it takes only two to do that not four. So choose two of them to trade for two good bats. If you can add McLouth or Gonzalez in the deal do that as well.

If Wren stands pat then he is saying without saying that he does not want to win this year.

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
10:12 am

What about Alfonso Soriano or Paul Konerko ?

STRETCH

July 28th, 2011
10:14 am

TYPICA ATLANTA GM,, MOVING SLOW ONCE AGAIN!!!

01HAWK

July 28th, 2011
10:16 am

Excerpts from sfgate.com on pitching prospect Zach Wheeler that went to the MUTTS from San Fran Giants. Kind of sickening in that the GIANTS did not giive up a top prospect for Beltran.

He is from East Paulding High School. He has control problems, He has averaged 5.8 walks per 9 innings. Does not seem like we would have had to give up any of our top pitching prospects.

WREN blew this one.

Excerpts from sfgate.com

Wheeler is no Madison Bumgarner. He’s not as talented or polished and isn’t on the fast track Bumgarner once was, so losing a Class A pitcher for someone who at worst should deliver the playoffs and at best could deliver another title is a necessary risk.

Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)

July 28th, 2011
10:17 am

Our Braves need depth, bullpen pitching, one big bat, help in the outfield, help in the infield, help at the top of the order, an improved bench etc. etc. etc.

Frank Wren’s a smart guy, so he already knows this to be true. I’m gonna put my two cents in for one last time, hopefully somebody in the Braves organization reads what I have been working on for days.

How to meet all the team needs without breaking the budget, stripping most of the pitching depth in our farm system and fitting it all into the 40 and 25 man roster’s. I keep coming back to the Marlins and I know those guys like to retool due to their small payroll. Here is what I came up with. The Fish will want pitching. I’m giving it too them without hurting our crop of young starting pitchers.

Trading Arodys Vizcaino, Brett Oberholtzer, Paul Clemens (all pitchers) plus Brandon Hicks, Nate McLouth and Julio Lugo if the Marlins want him. In exchange: Logan Morrison, Omar Infante, Emilio Bonifacio, Edward Mujica, and minor league outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

That’s three pitchers, two infielders, one outfielder in exchange for one outfielder, two utility players, one middle relief pitcher and an OF prospect. Six for five. Even up it’s a solid, fair, smart baseball trade. Plus we pick up the tab, all of it. Our Braves pay the remaining 2011 salaries for everyone. But here’s the beautiful part. It all adds up to under 3.5 million total. Even more exciting, all these guys are young. They can all be part of the equation for years to come.

We get our big bat, outfield and infield help plus a bullpen arm. The Marlins get three young arms, two infielders, one outfielder and payroll relief. It’s doable, it really is.

Infante and Bonifacio would impact our offense, defense, bench, depth, infield, outfield plus clean out the kitchen sink. The two would give Fredi Gonzalez all kinds options for his batting order. Both can hit at the top and bottom of the order, both play six positions, both can start, come off the bench, pinch hit, pinch run….basically everything we need. Morrison is the big bat everybody craves.

There is my two cents. Can Frank Wren come up with a better mouse trap? I sure hope so but it’s highly doubtful.

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
10:17 am

Trade Mike Minor & Nate McLouth for Jose Bautista (Blue Jays OF).

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
10:18 am

I’d be interested in trading a couple of major prospects for Pence…but then I don’t know what the Strohs are demanding. Philly was hot on the Pence wagon too, and probably still are there with their big checkbook out…so that makes anyone else have to perhaps ante up more than normal.

Plus with Houston’s pending sale, the new owners have as big say in any trades. I hope big time we get a Pence but do wonder what the plans would be as to where to play him since he isn’t really a CF…more the RF type they say.

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
10:22 am

@tdc

You don’t have to call people “garbage” to say you don’t think they’re players… that’s trash talk and people don’t deserve it…

Say what you want, Schafer’s toughness is pretty amazing….hit in the face with a ball one night and playing two days later. Then Tue. he comes off the bench and plays half the game before being disabled the next morning….lots of smart baseball folks like him….

….You know folks that make a living in the game, maybe as smart as some of the bloggers here….maybe anyway…

sc

July 28th, 2011
10:26 am

Anyone happen to notice what Yunel Escobar is doing. Hitting .310 with 9 homers. Talk about mortgaging the future….. So, Bobby didn’t get along with him. They knew it was Bobby’s last year so why didn’t the organization say put up with him for a few more months. Anybody have any idea whom our next “shortstop of the future” is going to be? Obviously Gonzo is on his last legs.

tdc

July 28th, 2011
10:35 am

@the truth..

Stop being so sensitive. I don’t think the guy is literally garbage. I just think he SUCK as a MAJOR LEAGUE baseball player. The only reason he is playing MLB baseball right now is because people like him. The guy hasn’t done anything since being busted for HGH in 08.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schafjo02.shtml

The numbers don’t lie.

tdc

July 28th, 2011
10:40 am

@ sc

Yeah notice that to. I think that is the problem with the braves. If a guy don’t fit in then he is shipped out while they keep likeable guys that hardly do anything on the field.

Robert

July 28th, 2011
10:47 am

Hey Falcon Fan stick to football. Quintin will be arbitration eligible in 2012 not a free agent until 2013.

Atticus

July 28th, 2011
10:48 am

Get Michael Cuddyer. He can play multiple positions and strikes out much less than Pence or Ludwick or Quentin.

Atticus

July 28th, 2011
10:50 am

McLouth’s OBP is MUCH higher than Schafer. Let Schafer play in the minors some more to see if he can get it together but he won’t help us here this year, he never walks.

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
10:55 am

Jeff Passan on Cardinals trading Rasmus to Jays :

“But until then, the Cardinals traded a nugget of gold for a couple pieces of silver, a chunk of bronze and a roll of tin foil.”

LMAO.

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
10:58 am

I agree about Yunel. So what if his attitude doesn’t jive ? He gets paid to produce which he does well. I think Bobby & Chipper had problems with Yunel. Well, Bobby’s gone and Chipper soon will be. All while Yunel hits .300 and plays dynamic SS for Jays while Braves have .195 hitting Gonzalez who will retire soon…

ShaunC

July 28th, 2011
11:02 am

MEDLIN!

chc4

July 28th, 2011
11:02 am

01HAWK — Wheeler is an elite prospect. Rated much higher than Minor. Not sure where you’re getting your info but it’s wrong.

Rasmus is a lefty bat. We don’t need that. Not sure why people are hung up on that deal. Plus he has pretty much sucked.

the truth...

July 28th, 2011
11:11 am

No one knows more about what Schafer means to the team than the ones on the team that are playing with him day to day. Chipper is hight on him and also was fine with Yunel as well.

Schafer’s defense is head and shoulders better than anyone on the roster….and he is learning and trying to adapt at the plate. His arm is so superior to McLouth’s that it isn’t even up for discussion….

The other night when McLouth was back in center and he threw to the wrong base AND missed the cutoff man it ended up costing us the game…two runs scored that wouldn’t have. If Schafer had missed the cutoff man he most likely would have had a chance to get McCutchen at 3rd…he is a real CF where Nate rates no higher than LF…

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
11:13 am

Rasmus is a 5 tool player. No we didn’t need him but it shows that other teams are trying to win while Braves are standing pat doing nada. That was my point.

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
11:14 am

That’s BS. Chipper hated Yunel’s attitude.

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
11:16 am

Just face it, Wren has gotten murdered on his trades. 3 stars traded to Rangers for 2 month’s of Texeira. Then Yunel to Jays for washed up Gonzalez.

the truth...

July 28th, 2011
11:17 am

Chipper made some comments this week as well as Prado that they had no problems with Yunel….I didn’t understand where the issues were, but he always seemed to sit alone in the dugout so I wondered what was going on with him….

It would have been nice to have him playing with a full deck…same as Francouer…now he is playing pretty well for KC…

Fact is sometimes it takes a wake up call to kick start some players….

the truth...

July 28th, 2011
11:21 am

Schuerholz made the Tex trade, not Wren….. look it up, it happened in the summer of 2007 and Wren wasn’t the GM until after the World Series of that year.

Here’s the story where Chipper and Prado made their comments on Yunel….

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/06/20/chipper-i-never-wanted-yunel-to-leave/

bummed

July 28th, 2011
11:23 am

if we are going after houston’s pence and bourn, get both!!!! give up a top pitching player, shafer, and mclouth and whoever else they want that is not in the mix for the next two years…..

tdc

July 28th, 2011
11:29 am

@ the truth…

Damn! Somebody has a man crush on Jordan Schafer. Maybe Nate should take HGH also to help improve that throwing arm. Like i said look at his stats since he was caught with HGH in 08. GARBAGE!

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
11:30 am

bummed

If only Houston would cooperate with tha trade idea…. I have been saying the same thing, but the reality is that Philly is hot on Pence too and that makes everything harder.

Pence isn’t going anywhere for that price…if he were Wren would have already made that trade….plus who wants McLouth anyway? This is the last year of his contract and won’t be a hot commodity next year anyway…..

Takes two teams to trade…

Boom-Boom

July 28th, 2011
11:33 am

You build championships with your draft. I am happy we didn’t trade one of our farm boy’s for a guy that only plays up to the gold standard during contract years. Jeff there is a big picture you should probably stare at for a few minutes.
Thanks
Boom-Boom

jeff

July 28th, 2011
11:35 am

to dawg fan in grayson… the giants got cody ross last year because of the waiver rules, not because frank wren screwed up. the giants had a worse record at the time than the braves, thus they claimed ross off waivers first. the braves never had a chance to get him.

pete

July 28th, 2011
11:35 am

Schafer is freaking awful. The only decent season he had in the minors he was popped for HGH. He hits .220 and has an OBP of .300

abc

July 28th, 2011
11:39 am

Why do people want bourn? He is a lefty who has similar numbers against lefties over his career as nate mcclouth.

bummed

July 28th, 2011
11:46 am

truth,

correct….however….bourn would be the lost soul we have been missing at the top of our lineup since otis nixon, he is only 28….and pence is worth two pitching prospects….he also would make our outfield look pretty good…..pence, bourn, and heyward…wow….give up what they want as far as prospects go…except for your top 2 pitching prospects….make the deal wren!!! you did not want a rental player and these two would be around for years….

tdc

July 28th, 2011
11:50 am

pete

July 28th, 2011
11:35 am
Schafer is freaking awful. The only decent season he had in the minors he was popped for HGH. He hits .220 and has an OBP of .300

Chill pete,

at least he is likeable and has a juiced up, I mean strong throwing arm.

bummed

July 28th, 2011
11:52 am

abc,

bourn is much better…….342 vs rhp in the last 3 years, .293 vs lhp the last 3 years….154 stolen bases the last 3 years….when is the last time you saw a brave with a .300 average and 50 stolen bases at the top of our lineup.

Falcon Fan

July 28th, 2011
11:56 am

Robert..You are right, CQ does have another year of arbitration. I was told wrong and repeated it without checking it out ..Sorry. Do agree on Bourn.
As for Falcon fan yes… I’m just as big a fan of Braves.

Bourn Fan

July 28th, 2011
11:59 am

abc..Bourn is hitting 300..who cares which side hits from as long as he hits. 38 sb…

Jeff C

July 28th, 2011
12:00 pm

I think going after a guy like Michael Bourn makes more sense than anything. You’d have to give up too much for Pence. With Bourn you could generate more runs with speed.

Atticus

July 28th, 2011
12:00 pm

What is Bourn’s OBP compared to McLouth? Look it up. Look up Cuddyer too.

pete

July 28th, 2011
12:04 pm

Would rather have Pence, but Bourn is much much better than McLouth or Schafer

Bill

July 28th, 2011
12:04 pm

I think the problem with the Braves struggle today is that they have traded away so many young, good prospects over the past years. If they had retained the infielders/outfielders in the system they would not be looking for that one player to put them over the top. It does not help for long, to give away a top prospect for a two month player as the Braves will not spend the money to retain that player. Then the next year they are in the same predicament.

pete

July 28th, 2011
12:06 pm

Bill, what infielders or outfielders have we given away besides Andrus that would help this team?

Howard

July 28th, 2011
12:14 pm

You have to realize that JJ will be a free agent in a couple of years and will not re-sign with the Braves. Why? Because his agent is Scott Boras and the Braves never deal with him. I think Wren knows he will lose JJ. If he is a free agent in a couple of years they will probably trade him before that to get something for him. I love JJ but I understand the business and the payroll issues. the Braves will lose Lowe probably after this or next season and Hudson probably only has a couple of years left. So, by the time these young guns are ready we are going to really need them. By my calculations we need three. since you never know about injuries, and we aren’t sure all four of the prospects will make it, doesn’t it make sense to be reluctant to trade them.
I truly believe that the way the Braves run their system most often they are better off not making trades. Especially some of the young pitchers we have given away, like Wainright.

PMC

July 28th, 2011
12:17 pm

Why wouldn’t they pay JJ?

The overpaid the hell out of Derrick Lowe didn’t they?

pete

July 28th, 2011
12:18 pm

Howard, we have won 1 title running the system this way. WHy not change it up? You can have the best pitching in the league, but if you cannot score you will not win

BAMA Dude

July 28th, 2011
12:18 pm

Holoman

July 28th, 2011
11:16 am
Just face it, Wren has gotten murdered on his trades. 3 stars traded to Rangers for 2 month’s of Texeira. Then Yunel to Jays for washed up Gonzalez.

You’re clueless. Yunel was traded for AGon and prospects, one of which, Pastornicky, is tearing it up in AAA at….shortstop. He will probably be here opening day 2012 (if not September)and won’t be eligible for Arb for three years. Tex wasn’t a fleecing at all, and they had him for two months plus another season (since the next season went down the tubes they dumped him at the deadline.) How about the old Jurrjens for Renteria deal? That seems to have worked out pretty well.

headley lamar

July 28th, 2011
12:21 pm

That’s BS. Chipper hated Yunel’s attitude.

I think the whole team did. Hence the standing ovation Alex Gonzalez received when walking into the clubhouse for the first time. They knew hey at least this guy is a pro and wont be pouting all day.

BAMA Dude

July 28th, 2011
12:22 pm

Bill, name the elite infield/outfield prospects the Braves have traded away. I have two for you: Andrus and Escobar… and we got Pastornicky back for Escobar in addition to Gonzo as a stop gap.

headley lamar

July 28th, 2011
12:22 pm

You can have the best pitching in the league, but if you cannot score you will not win

Giants did last year.

pete

July 28th, 2011
12:26 pm

Escobar is elite? LOL. LOL. LOL> LOL Giants traded for an offensive player last year in Cody Ross, who was MVP in the Playoffs for them

pete

July 28th, 2011
12:27 pm

Braves had the best pitching in baseball for over 15 years, how did that work out?

Smoove Criminal

July 28th, 2011
12:29 pm

The other night when McLouth was back in center and he threw to the wrong base AND missed the cutoff man it ended up costing us the game…two runs scored that wouldn’t have. If Schafer had missed the cutoff man he most likely would have had a chance to get McCutchen at 3rd…he is a real CF where Nate rates no higher than LF…
————————————————
@the truth, not calling you out but Schafer would have done the exact same thing McLouth did as far as throwing to 3rd base vs 2nd. And it would have been the same result as McLouth’s throw. Schafer has a good arm, but if you believe he would have had a chance to get McCutchen at 3rd then you have brain damage. Outside of Michael Bourn, he may be the fastest guy in the NL and the only person who would have thrown him out at 3rd the other night is Rick Ankiel.

LawDawg

July 28th, 2011
12:30 pm

Why are we all pretending that Beltran is a top of the heap talent? Even in his best years he was a second-class superstar (and that was with speed and baserunning prowess that is gone now).

Furthermore, his O/U for games played the rest of the season is probably about 10 with the way his legs have held up the last few years.

LawDawg

July 28th, 2011
12:31 pm

That is to say, maybe trading Minor for a bat is a good idea (though every time I think about that the name Wainwright starts skipping around my brain), but not for Beltran.

Bourn Fan

July 28th, 2011
12:32 pm

headley lamar..yes and Giants are making the deals now to win again..while the Braves fiddle..if you wish to win you got to make the moves…why wait till next year..we all may be dead.

l jones

July 28th, 2011
12:32 pm

Other than Tehran and maybe Beachy, I’d trade any single starting pitcher for Hunter Pence. I’d trade any second starting pitcher for a solid, productive shortstop. All these starters (the 4 minor leaguers and the major leaguers beside Lowe, Hudson & Medlen) are potential valuable trade pieces, but if I’m going to let some of them go, I want players who can help the Braves now and for the next few years.

NC Dawg

July 28th, 2011
12:35 pm

Pence will soon be a Brave. Minor, plus two minor leaguers to Houston…

unbelievable

July 28th, 2011
12:42 pm

Hunter Pence is not coming to Atlanta. PLEASE stop it. We’re going to get another Nate McClouth and a “we didn’t morgage our future, which is sooooo bright” from Frank Wren.

K. Conley

July 28th, 2011
12:53 pm

Hunter Pence is the only answer out there. We do not want Carlos Quentin or Josh Willingham. Make the deal and get Pence. Give up Minor and lesser prospects to make it happen. Only Teheran and Vizcaino should remain untouched. End of Story!

pete

July 28th, 2011
12:55 pm

Vizcaino is a middle reliever, why the hell is he untouchable

K. Conley

July 28th, 2011
1:00 pm

Additionally, you all that want a replacement at shortstop are nuts. We acquired Alex to play defense, and he does it better than any shortstop in the game. He has never hit and he’s never going to hit. That’s the one position on the field that I have no problem with playing a guy who can’t hit, especially when he plays the field as Alex does. Hell, 85% of the shortstops in baseball can’t hit. Troy Tulo, Han Ram, Reyes, Rollins, and Asdrubal Cabrera are about it. And Rollins and Han Ram have fallen quite a bit. The problem is that we have no production from our outfield and that is unacceptable. Gotta get some O in the outfield.

headley lamar

July 28th, 2011
1:02 pm

Braves had the best pitching in baseball for over 15 years, how did that work out?

A ton of wins and titles.

if you wish to win you got to make the moves

Not necessarily. This isn’t fantasy baseball.

Would I like to see the Braves pick up another bat. Sure.

Would I like to see them give up any of their pitching prospects. HELL NO.

K. Conley

July 28th, 2011
1:03 pm

That hasn’t been firmly established on Vizcaino yet as only being a middle reliever. Personally, I just wouldn’t give up difference-making arms. That’s what Teheran and he have. If it came down to giving up Vizcaino to get Pence, it would be a tough decision. I see your point pete. But, I certainly wouldn’t even discuss Teheran.

headley lamar

July 28th, 2011
1:04 pm

Vizcaino is a middle reliever, why the hell is he untouchable

Because he is a starter ( or will be in the majors ) and throws about 100 mph.

I personally saw him hit 99mph at Tiger Town this past Spring Training.

Robert

July 28th, 2011
1:04 pm

Falcon Fan no problem. Personally I would prefer Adam Jones, first and then Bourn. I would give Minor and mid-level prospect or two (or Schafer) for either one.

headley lamar

July 28th, 2011
1:05 pm

Minor has by far the lowest upside. I could see moving him.

Teheran and Vizcaino have unreal stuff and cannot be traded.

Robert

July 28th, 2011
1:06 pm

BTW i’m a long time Braves fan living oin Chicago, that’s how I knew about the Quintin contract.

joe

July 28th, 2011
1:09 pm

Do a deal with Houston for Hunter Pence…give ‘em Minor and their pick of McLousy or Shaeffer.

headley lamar

July 28th, 2011
1:09 pm

BTW Vizcaino has pitched in 60 games in the minors and 50 of those were starts.

Not sure how that qualifies one as a middle reliever.

He is averaging over a K per inning and 4 k’s for every walk.

Outstanding.

southgabrave

July 28th, 2011
1:32 pm

A Jones may be a better fit for our needs in the outfield. He is a true CF and if the Braves aquire Pence(nothing against him), where does he play? That is right RF. So we didn’t help ourselves much. We still dont have a CFer but we have 2 RFers. Yea maybe one could play LF but them Prado goes where? NO dont say SS! He is not a SS. He doesnt have the range and he doesnt have a SS’s arm. He is very good at what he does and a favorite of mine but he isnt a SS.

WE could probably get Jones for less than Pence also. I wouldnt give up Minor for Beltran but fot either of Jones or Pence I would.

I do have a question, if Pastornicky is doing so well why haven’t we seen him up yet? Anyone has to be better than Lugo. I guess the Braves want Pastornicky to play everyday, which he could if he is hitting well and Gonzo could be a late inning defensive replacement. If he is a help I hope he is up before playoff rosters are closed at the end of August. I have to rely on scouting on Pastornicky as I haven’t seen him play yet. I hear he is an above average bat but struggling at the field. Anyone have personal info on him?

Raw Onion

July 28th, 2011
1:32 pm

K. Conley – completely agree with your 12:53 post.

01HAWK

July 28th, 2011
1:33 pm

•The Braves are “hot” for White Sox right fielder Carlos Quentin, tweets Rosenthal, and the Sox love Atlanta’s young arms. However, one holdup is the thumb injury to Dayan Viciedo, who would replace Quentin in Chicago’s lineup.
•The Athletics’ Josh Willingham is on the Braves’ list of post-Carlos Beltran options, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Earlier we heard that the Braves are the last team in on Houston’s Hunter Pence and one of four teams in on San Diego’s Ryan Ludwick.

unbelievable

July 28th, 2011
1:34 pm

HUNTER PENCE IS NOT COMING HERE!!! Please shut up until your IQ rises above your shoe sizes! He doesn’t play center, and you think Mike Minor was too much for Beltran? Ed Wade said privately that it would take a “job saving offer” to part with him! It would take so many of your precious prospects you would think the Tex deal was NOTHING!

southgabrave

July 28th, 2011
1:37 pm

@ joe
Minor and Schaffer/Mclouth is not going to get you Pence.

Not Frank Wren

July 28th, 2011
1:39 pm

If the Braves want to add an impact bat, they need to call the Dodgers and make something work for Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier. The Braves certainly have enough young cheap high-end talent to at least have that conversation. That’s the kind of blockbuster magic the Braves used to work.

Don Green

July 28th, 2011
1:39 pm

The Braves could fill several needs if the Astros would part with OF-Pence, SS-Barmes, and RP-Melancon. Barmes might be a better starter than Gonzalez and he is definately a better back up than Lugo. Melcancon is a good young relief arm that could replace Proctor who has experience closing if you needed to give Venters or Kimbrel a rest.

How about SP-Minor and OF-Schafer

for

OF-Pence, OF-Bourn, SS-Barmes, and RP-Melancon

Raw Onion

July 28th, 2011
1:42 pm

Don Greeg – foolish post. Why would Houston make that trade? This suggestion is on par with trading McClouth for Pujols.

Not Frank Wren

July 28th, 2011
1:43 pm

And I think the Braves should be targeting Bourn, not Pence. Bourn is a true CF with great defense and wheels. Plus Bourn would give the Braves a better chance to manufacture runs with his speed. Pence is a good ballplayer, but Bourn would help more.

richie

July 28th, 2011
1:49 pm

i think we should go after Bourn and Queinton. Carlos was an all star and Bourn can run, play defense and get on base and steal. Another name not mentioned at all as a righty to STRICTLY help off the bench against lefties. Matt Diaz? hes hitting lefites only 286 this year but was notorious for doing it in the clutch as a Brave. just some thoughts. Oh and Minor alone wont get us Pence but he would get us Bourn, a true need on this team.

southgabrave

July 28th, 2011
1:51 pm

Like to see the Brave pick-up Marlon Byrd as a bench player and OF back-up, but only after adding a Top CF. I dont think Byrd who has been hurt a lot this year would require a top prospect. Probably a second tier pitching prospect and MAYBE a class A prospect

southgabrave

July 28th, 2011
2:09 pm

Byrd could be a perfect back-up OF as he can fill in for all positions and for Prado when he fills in for Chipper.

Columbus

July 28th, 2011
2:17 pm

You do NOT make a trade of a pitcher or good prospects unless it is for the right player and the RIGHT terms unless it is for a minor deal and you are making a good deal for now and the future. To make a trade just to make a trade is immature and foolish and incompetent. How many times must that lesson be learned?

John

July 28th, 2011
2:17 pm

Can someone explain to me why they thought Beltran was a good idea? Why would you have given away a top prospect to rent a player for the rest of the season just to watch him leave? Winning a world series would not be as simple as one more bat.

K. Conley

July 28th, 2011
2:24 pm

@ Don Greene, that is the craziest offer I’ve ever seen. If we offered that, Houston’s GM would hang the phone up and not speak to us for a decade.

I know this is crazy, but do we consider moving Heyward? I mean, if we offered Minor, Heyward, Schafer, and maybe a lesser prospect, could we acquire Bourn and Pence?

@ unbelievable, you’re probably right, but you can’t be sure, and if ATL. offered a couple of our elite pitching prospects, Houston would be dumb not to make the move. I mean Bud Norris and J.A. Happ are the pitching future for the Astros. Gotta add on to that fella.

@ southgabrave, I wouldn’t mind Byrd as well. He would certainly help vs. lefties.

Jay Dubu

July 28th, 2011
2:33 pm

Jeff,

THere’s nothing wrong with trading one of the pitchers that you named, but you have to get more than a player for 2 months.

THat’s just not good baseball sense.

BravesFan

July 28th, 2011
2:45 pm

Mark Bowden MLB reports..Rays had scout at Braves Pirate games to watch Braves..BJ has low average but could give Braves 25-30 homers, 35-40 sb, lead-off hitter, and best defense CF in league. He would be cheaper than Pence in arbitration year. Also Braves would be better off with Ludwick than Willingham as Ludwick plays better D. Both on Braves Radar…..MBL.

BravesFan

July 28th, 2011
2:46 pm

Mark Bowman..sorry

Hillbilly D

July 28th, 2011
2:49 pm

I could see a possible trade for B J Upton. Tampa has Brandon Guyer doing well in AAA, so Upton is expendable. Have to be careful, though, Tampa sure took the Cubs to the cleaners in the Matt Garza deal.

BravesFan

July 28th, 2011
2:53 pm

agree rays did great on that deal.. the way Fransworth has pitch this year I wouldn’t mind if he came back..1.98er..19 saves and hitting 97 on the gun…

Nate

July 28th, 2011
2:53 pm

“Mark Bowden MLB reports..Rays had scout at Braves Pirate games to watch Braves..BJ has low average but could give Braves 25-30 homers, 35-40 sb, lead-off hitter, and best defense CF in league. He would be cheaper than Pence in arbitration year. Also Braves would be better off with Ludwick than Willingham as Ludwick plays better D. Both on Braves Radar…..MBL.”

Wow. Management is really showing a commitment to win this year. All three guys hitting .240 or worse with OPS of .760 or lower. I feel sorry for Braves fans. That just sucks.

Mister Frisky

July 28th, 2011
2:56 pm

I would move Heyward without blinking an eye.Heyward,Schafer,Minor,and any one else Houston wants for Pence or Bourn or both.

oldmike

July 28th, 2011
2:57 pm

It doesn’t matter which of the second tier of available players (below Beltran and Rasmus) we get. We just need to make an impact move. It’s all about winning and getting bodies in the seat. What’s the attendance gonna look like with last night juggernaut lineup out there every night. I can hear the cavernous echoes reverberating around the Ted. Get Pence NOW!!!

BravesFan

July 28th, 2011
2:57 pm

BJ–CF
Ludwick–Platoon with JH
Fransworth..replace Proctor
I’d go with that Mr. Wren.

BravesFan

July 28th, 2011
2:59 pm

But I’d rather have Pence…

BravesFan

July 28th, 2011
3:02 pm

I guess its good Wren is GM’
Its hell if you do and hell if you don’t..
But I’ll still be a Braves Fan…

Nonfan

July 28th, 2011
3:05 pm

I agree that the Braves need a bat. Their offense is anemic, but I don’t think a two month rental of Beltran is the answer. He isn’t a miracle worker and even with him in the lineup I think the Braves are not strong enough to make it to the World Series this year, much less win it.

southgabrave

July 28th, 2011
3:12 pm

Much rather have Byrd than Ludwick or Willingham. All those players are bench players and back-up OFer’s on a WS team. Need that CFer then maybe a secondary trade for one of the above. I would still rather have A jones than Upton. Upton has all the tools but is a very moody player. He also strikesout a lot. Yea he has power but a hit at least 3times last night would have gotten Atlanta runs. When you make contact something is going to happen. The defense has to make a play. When you swing and miss the only people it effects defensively is the pitcher and catcher. Would I take Upton yes, but he wouldnt be my first choice

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
3:23 pm

TEXEIRA TRADE WAS NOT MADE BY WREN —– IT WAS JOHN SCHUERHOLZ’S LAST TRADE IN JULY 2007 BEFORE HE BECAME PRESIDENT AND WREN BECAME THE NEW GM…..

About time people get that straight….John Schuerholz had the GM spot all thru the Turner era when the budget was the ceiling….when the purse strings got tight when Liberty Media bought the team he wanted one last big splash…. He hoped Tex would be the piece that put us in the WS one more time on his watch…

k483

July 28th, 2011
3:29 pm

The Braves are in one of those rare team batting slumps, much the opposite of several players having career years that put a team into the championship. I think Wren is looking at the slump to end–which it will–somewhere in the final quarter of this season. If that is the case, why trade a potentially solid long-term asset to solve a temporary issue?

BravesFan

July 28th, 2011
3:31 pm

Just reported on MLB-TV..Braves would get one of these..Pence, CQ are Ludwick…Texas is also talking to Astros.

KB

July 28th, 2011
3:35 pm

Um…anybody remember Adam Wainwright for JD Drew? Or how about Elvis Andrus & Salty for Teixeira? Wren is smart to not panic and give up a hot pitching prospect, (especially Minor! Are you nuts, Schultz??). Beltran is in a contract year and there is NO WAY he would re-sign with Atlanta. This is not a Fred McGriff situation…

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
3:37 pm

I am so glad Wren is the one having to make the decisions on these trades. No one GM has a perfect record trading because it is not scientific and depends on human to either succeed or fail….

If Wren made his trades by reading these Blogs he’d be so confused he’d probably screw it up so bad we’d have no prospects left.

David Ross was on 680 the Fan radio an hour ago or so. He said that “the players”
hoped that a trade that would improve the team happened…but said he understood that to have a trade takes two trading partners and both GMs are going to want all they can get….
and that the GM has constraints like budgets that hold him back…

It just isn’t so simple folks..

I hope that Wren can make a trade and like Ross said earlier I want all the golden players too….but it is a little more difficult than that….

KB

July 28th, 2011
3:43 pm

The Truth: You obviously have not seen Minor pitch very much. He is a very, very good pitcher. Not only that, but he is a quality lefty, which the Braves rotation sorely needs. He was tremendous at Vanderbilt, (which has become a factory for quality pitching). Trade one of the top left-handed prospects in Major League Baseball – to the Mets, who are in our division – for a 34 yr old “superstar” in a contract year, (who also has a history of injuries)? Glad you’re not the GM.

Hillbilly D

July 28th, 2011
3:44 pm

I want all the golden players too….but it is a little more difficult than that….

It’d probably be really interesting to be a fly on the wall during some of the trade talks.

Steve

July 28th, 2011
3:48 pm

The Braves are hitting .240 as a team. Doesn’t that indicate they need help?

JerseyChoppin

July 28th, 2011
3:50 pm

You guys are so full of crap. If Wren traded Minor or any other pitching prospect, you people would be screaming for his head! You would blame him for trading a top young pitcher to a division rival for a 2 month rental. And if Beltran slumps; or gets hurt; you’d want his head on a stake.

Its so easy for you monday morning QBs to sit here an bash Wren, but the fact is that he has been a successful GM. With very little resources (a payroll that isn’t great) he has very little room to err. And so far he has made more good moves than bad.

I’m not saying that a Beltran deal would have been a bad move. I’m just saying that you guys on here are full of it, and just like to complain no matter the course of action. The Braves are one of the top teams in the game; and yet if you read these blogs you’d think they were the Astros. Wow.

Steve

July 28th, 2011
3:50 pm

The Giants and Indians have made moves. Fumbling Frank has done nothing but talk. I wish his salary was tied to how the Braves perform in the playoffs, then he would do something significant.

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
3:52 pm

@Smoove Criminal

No you are correct Schafer may have not done any different that McLouth….but he has an arm that is so superior to McLouth’s it is no contest. He is faster and covers more ground in the outfield much quicker thasn Nate.

But the real issue here was not to throw McCutchen out, but to prevent the batter from going to second…hit the cutoff man is the basic fundamental play there.

Nate blew it, and as a former All Star CF there is no excuse for that. I would wager that if Jason had been out there and made the same mistake this blog would have him drawn and quartered….

You McLouth lovers can do what you like….I am so sick of seeing him do his little crow-hop move as if he is going to cut loose with the ball and then fall back and lollypop the ball into the infield….he is not a Major League center fielder….

JerseyChoppin

July 28th, 2011
3:53 pm

Oh and a good point on the first page of this blog: I’d take Wheeler from the Giants over minor from the braves. And I wouldn’t give up Delgado or Teheran. none of you even know who the mets where asking; everyone just assumes it was minor because there were some scouts watching his start. And he sucked that start, so you think that’s all the Mets wanted??

I bet Wren would have given up Minor for Beltran. I just don’t think the Mets wanted just Minor.

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
3:55 pm

@Hillbilly D

Man are you right !!!

I’d love to watch the back and forth…don’t have any illusions that you just tell them what you want and they give it to you because you want it.

JerseyChoppin

July 28th, 2011
3:57 pm

Everyone knows the Braves needs. And now with McCann hurt, the asking price is going to get even higher. The bottom line is that you really don’t want to make it a question of winning now versus winning later. You want to be able to win now; and keep yourself stocked for the future.

And you don’t do that by giving up your top prospects. Which is what it was going to take to land a Beltran. It really annoys me that the assumption was Minor for Beltran; and that the Braves wouldn’t pull the trigger on that.

Steve

July 28th, 2011
3:57 pm

To those who think the Wren is a good GM. The Braves have been to the playoffs ONCE during his tenure.

Bravefan for life

July 28th, 2011
3:58 pm

Im glad Wren did not part with Minor for Beltran. Thats a 3 month rental for a potential #1-2 starter with years till free agency. Im sick of getting the rental players anyway. I mean come on. If your gona give up pitchers then get more then 3 months and the rest of his billion dollar salary.

Hillbilly D

July 28th, 2011
4:01 pm

the truth

Don’t know if you’ve ever read Leo Durocher’s book but he had some interesting thing to say about trading. He said when he would open talks with a team, they would usually give him a list of say 5 players, that they would give. He would probably also have a list of players he’d trade. He said when he got the other team’s list, if the player he wanted was on the list, he would just ignore that name and try to make them think he wanted one of the other players. His goal was to try to make it look like the player he was really after was his fallback position. I’m sure the mind games today are probably pretty similar. Just the contracts, no-trades, etc, probably make them more complicated.

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
4:02 pm

FLASH FLASH FLASH —-BREAKING NEWS

WREN TRADES THE BATBOYS AND TWO BUCKETS OF BALLS FOR PENCE, LUDWIG, BOURN, UPTON AND KEMP.

TRADE WAS FACILITATED BY THE GENIUSES ON THE AJCE BLOGS THAT WERE SO WISE THEY KNEW EVERY DETAIL AND GUIDED WREN ALL THROUGH THE PROCESS.

BRAVES NOW WORLD SERIES FAVORITE!!!!!

the truth..

July 28th, 2011
4:10 pm

@Hillbilly D

Yeah that was good … and I’m sure it is accurate for all the add on players assuming there is some interest in the main trade target(s)…there is definitely lots of strategy involved that fans like us have no idea about.

Plus today’s contracts are so complicated that even if the traders agree in principle there can be more information to make things work…

David Ross said today that as a player he was like…..”yeah let’s get Beltran, yeah that guy will put us over the top ….go for it, get them in here”…..but then he said “….we just want to do it and get on the field…but it doesn’t work that way”

Josh

July 29th, 2011
12:00 am

You can never have enough pitching- EVER.
–
Atlanta Insight: Top 5 Moments in ATL Sports History – http://bit.ly/atlblog

ScottBravesFan

July 29th, 2011
1:26 am

Zach Wheeler is a much better prospect than Mike Minor. Not sure where you are getting your information that the Mets would have taken Minor for Beltran straight up but if they took that deal over Wheeler then they would have looked silly.

Mike

July 29th, 2011
8:59 am

No way Wren wins in this trade or no trade situation. If he trades, half of you will say he has mortgaged the future and the other half will say he didn’t get enough in return. I remember the famous trade with TX.

SpiritofNokahoma

July 29th, 2011
9:03 am

I think it’s pathetic that the Braves minor league system hasn’t developed and promoted more outfielders that can hit.

showmekid

July 29th, 2011
9:26 am

I couldn’t disagree with you more. Too many times in the past, we have given away top prospects for the short term rental of an old has been (not that Beltran fits that discription other than being short term). Sure we are riddled with injuries right now, but I like the prospects of McClouth, Schaefer and Hayward in the outfield, if they can come around with their hitting prowess.
Maybe we have a lot of pitching prospects right now, but many things can happen-I don’t think that you can have too many pitching prospects. If we were to trade for someone who has great prospects and would be around for a long time, I would agree with a trade. Otherwise, let’s develop what we have and be a little more patient.

ane

July 29th, 2011
9:37 am

The prospect of mclout playing the OF in the future is frightening. His batting avg, mental mistakes and fileding leave alot to be desiresd. Especially his salary, if he made a million a yr. it would still be too much. He is the weakest of the OF. It’s more fun watching Prado or Hinske, they are both better offensively than mclout, what’s he make 7 m a yr? One of the major problems with the braves is lack of local ownership. Libery media out in CO. couldn’t give a rats ass about the braves. As long as wren keeps the team within the budget, he will keep his job.

braves are pretenders!!

July 29th, 2011
9:59 am

Why would anyone question the genius Wren? I mean this guy is the reason the braves are stuck with 3 over the hill veterens that make up half of the braves payroll. Thus, the braves have no money to make any bigtime moves, and this idiot will have to go out and get another washed up player on the cheap to try and put a bandaid on this huge sore the braves have called hitters.No G.M. in his right mind would have given Lowe a 4 yr. deal at over $15 million at his age. And no manager would have resigned Hudson after major elbow surgery to a 3 year deal. They would have maybe given him 2 years and see how he was going to holdup, and the chipper extention is the worst deal I have ever seen. Everyone knows this guy has been injury prone and that you are lucky to get 100 games out of him, yet this genius G.M. gives him 3 or 4 more years at $15 million or whatever the hell he is making. He should give back the braves half of his salary every year, because he only plays half the games. Dump these 3 clowns and the braves would have about 45 million per year to go get whatever bat or bats they need, and then they don’t even have to worry about the young arms. This is the worst managed team from the G.M. to the manager on the field Fredi the moron, in the N.L. Look what the Phils G.M. did with $45 million. He went out and bought the 2 best free agent pitchers the last decade(Haladay,and Lee), and these guys are legit, they aren’t inconsistent like the young braves arms(Hanson, and J.J.) and hey have won bigtime games in the playoffs. Braves=Pretenders, and always will be as long as they have current Management.

TC

July 29th, 2011
10:15 am

Put Minor in a package for Quinton. First round pick Gilmartin will be ready in a year or so, making Minor expendable. Work on signing Quniton long term and keep the young arms.

What’s stopping Braves, Wren from trading a pitcher?

Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC

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What’s stopping Braves, Wren from trading a pitcher?

Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC

324 comments Add your comment

About Jeff Schultz

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