As Braves talk trade (Pence?), Ross says ‘We need a piece’
Teams like the aggressive Hunter Pence (sliding) but Phillies may have an edge on Braves.
Good morning. No trades yet.
The pursuit of Houston outfielder Hunter Pence by several teams, including the Braves and Philadelphia, is what’s creating a logjam in the trade market, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. From his latest blog (which requires an Insider subscription).
… It is clear that right now, [Pence] has the greatest market value of any available player. The Astros’ initial instinct seemed to be to play conservative and hang onto him, but they probably will never again get the kind of offers they’re getting for Pence — the Phillies’ package of pitcher Jarred Cosart and first baseman Jonathan Singleton, or Atlanta’s offer, which presumably includes young pitchers they would not consider trading for Carlos Beltran. For the Braves, the stakes are high, because they already are faced with a postseason in which they may have to face Beltran, and now their most prominent division rival appears to be the front-runner to get Pence.
… [Pence] does not fit the profile of an elite offensive player, with his unorthodox swing and playing style. But he’s a good player greatly respected for how hard he plays, and unlike Beltran — a pure rental — the team that acquires Pence could have him for the next two years and beyond. He’s the type of player the Phillies could use now; he’s the type of player the Braves could use now.
… At some point, the rest of the dominoes behind Pence will fall: Ryan Ludwick, perhaps to Cleveland or Atlanta; Coco Crisp, maybe to the Braves; Carlos Quentin, perhaps if somebody will pay to pry him away from the White Sox, although Kenny Williams wakes up today just three games out in a very, very winnable division.
You know where I stand: general manager Frank Wren would be playing a dangerous game if he did nothing of significance.
I spoke to Braves catcher David Ross after Thursday’s 5-2 loss to the Pirates and he did nothing to hide his belief that the Braves need help. The team’s run totals in the last six games are 2-3-1-4-2-2.
From Ross: “I think we all know we need a piece. I don’t think we’re desperate for a piece. But another presence in the lineup would be nice. Especially being as left-handed heavy as we are, a right handed bat [is needed]. [We hear] the rumors. Wren hasn’t actually talked to me. He’s not really blowing up my phone, asking my opinion.”
Chipper Jones acknowledged the team could use another bat but he cautioned against players being distracted by the trade talk.
“I’m confident that we’ll do something,” he said. “What it is? I don’t know. To what magnitude? I don’t know. I’m pretty confident we’ll better our ballclub in the next couple of days. But the guys in here need to worry about the Florida Marlins [the next opponent]. And we’re confident we can win games with what we’ve got. So everybody’s kind of been instructed to stay tunneled in on what our goal is every day and not worry about Frank Wren’s job.”
When asked if he believed the team needs to make a trade, Jones responded, “I’m not going to alienate my current teammates. All teams can probably benefit from an injection of new blood when it’s a quality player. But we don’t have 60-plus wins for nothing. We’re a pretty good ballclub. We do it our way. As long as we pitch, we’re going to win. If we don’t pitch, we’re going to struggle.”
David O’Brien weighed in on the benefits of the Braves dealing for Quentin, but some remain skeptical that Chicago is serious about dealing him.
That’s it for now. We’ll let you know if anything serious develops.
Who would be your first choice for the Braves? Pence, Quentin or somebody else?
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Earlier: Braves would be taking a risk without major move
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414 comments Add your comment
Larry
July 29th, 2011
2:12 pm
•The Astros want pitching for Pence, according to Heyman (on Twitter).
•The Phillies and Astros are exploring potential three-team deals involving Pence, according to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark. Jon Heyman of SI.com and Joel Sherman of the New York Post agree (Twitter links). The Phillies may be willing to trade Brown to a third team to get the prospects the Astros want for Pence, Stark writes.
•The Braves offered a package that included prospects they didn’t offer to the Mets for Carlos Beltran, but the Astros turned the offer down, according to Stark. The Braves may be moving on, which would leave the Phillies as Pence’s primary suitor. The Red Sox, Reds, Pirates and Indians appear to have peeled off, according to Stark
Trade Talk
July 29th, 2011
2:15 pm
Any chance the Braves are talking with Norton to bring him out of retirement…that would be a nice and unseen counter to the other contenders moves.
lobo
July 29th, 2011
2:15 pm
larry we already read that crap..no need to repeat.
What is Frank Wren Thinking?
July 29th, 2011
2:17 pm
Where are my twinkies? Why are there no twinkies in my lunch box?
And where are my tinker toys?
Larry
July 29th, 2011
2:18 pm
lobo
i was the one on here who said do not call schafer up from aaa,.230 avg.185ab i believe
i said release procter call up constanza give him a chance,also bring up gatrell.
both constanza,gatrell have never been on mlb roster.the posters who keep saying its a reason they still in the minors is bs.funny,how conrad was in the minors for 10 years before he got a shot.but i know nothing.lugo is here to give gonzalez a day off only reason.i said schafer had his chance he is not the aswer,go get bourn or someone else.
Larry
July 29th, 2011
2:19 pm
lobo
why not the bs being posted has already been repeated,no one is forcing you to look at it
Papadawg
July 29th, 2011
2:20 pm
At least we have a player who knows we need help and sorry folks but you’re NEVER going to see Chipper of the 90’s. Chipper needs to announce his retirement now and recieve all the atta boys the rest of the season. BEAT the Phils to Pence
lance
July 29th, 2011
2:20 pm
its official braves just traded for willingham
ENJOY LOSERS
lobo
July 29th, 2011
2:21 pm
Ok Larry..peace..I agree with @2:18
English Teacher
July 29th, 2011
2:22 pm
Gee Larry, does your computer have a SHIFT key? Your posts are not only mindless drivel but also difficult to follow.
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:23 pm
just love how the writer dob says heyward,and some others here needs to go back to aaa.If thats the case,load the dam bus for schafer,gonzo,prado,nate to join.Prado went 0/9 the other nite,send him as well.
lobo
July 29th, 2011
2:24 pm
bs lance
hunter pence
July 29th, 2011
2:26 pm
dam i been traded but to who?philly or atl.?I prefer philly i know they can hit,and only play 9 innings.
O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
2:26 pm
i do think Chipper should retire this offseason. Too many nagging injuries, and his salary would go a long way towards improving the rest of the team.
If we get a Hunter Pence or Quentin, Chipper’s retirement would free up the money to keep Pence or Quentin.
Did Falcons just take lead over Braves in title pursuit? | Jeff Schultz
July 29th, 2011
2:26 pm
[...] The Braves need to add some offensive power, preferably a right-handed hitting outfielder who can drive in runs. Wren has had talks for several different players, but he hasn’t pushed the button on a deal yet. He balked at letting go of a valued pitching prospect (Mike Minor) for a rental player (Carlos Beltran). [...]
lance
July 29th, 2011
2:27 pm
braves just put chipper on dl hicks has been recalled from aaa
enjoy losers
Mike R.
July 29th, 2011
2:28 pm
Pence has never hit more than 25 HRs, plays in a hitter friendly part and outside of this year is a .280 hitter, not a true .300 guy, to go along with mid-teen steals. If we get anyone from Houston, I’d prefer Bourne who at least brings a real asset to the table.
Do the Braves really need another “character” guy with marginal power? How about adding some real pop or speed, instead?
Look at McLouth’s numbers in Pittsburgh – that is essentially what you’re getting in Pence, and we all know how that worked out.
I’d much rather take a chance on Upton. Average is fickle anyway, but speed never slumps.
Mike R.
July 29th, 2011
2:29 pm
*Bourn
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:31 pm
JUST SO YOU KNOW HERE YOU GO ABOUT CHIPPER
Chipper Jones 3b
3 years/$42M (2010-12), plus 2013 option
3 years/$42M (2010-12), plus 2013 option
signed extension with Atlanta 3/31/09
$3M signing bonus (paid each Jan. 15, 2010-12)
10:$13M, 11:$13M, 12:$13M, 13:$7M club option
2013 option guaranteed at $9M with:
123 games in 2012, or
average of 127 games in 2011-12
2013 option price increases by $1M each for:
128, 133, 138, 140 games in 2012, or
averages of 132, 137, 138, 140 games in 2011-12
annual performance bonuses: $0.75M each for 135, 140 games
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:33 pm
chipper 2012-13 million
lowe 2012 -15 million
gl with that about retiring money is guaranteed pay me LOL
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:34 pm
Tim Hudson rhp
3 years/$28M (2010-12), plus 2013 option
3 years/$28M (2010-12), plus 2013 club option
signed extension with Atlanta 11/12/09, replacing option year in previous contract
10:$9M, 11:$9M, 12:$9M, 13:$9M club option ($1M buyout)
performance bonus: $0.5M with 600 IP in 2010-12
southgabrave
July 29th, 2011
2:36 pm
@ obrian
I never said get Byrd and a relief pitcher. I said we needed a top CFer and Byrd and the relief pitcher would not be needed as much. To address your questionas you put though, we could very well take San Fran but it would be a long shot against Philly. Everything would have to click. If we acquired A.Jones or Bourne plus Byrd I think we would take San Fran and take Philly in 6. We are 6 & 6 against them so far with out Uggla hitting at all and Chipper and/or Prado out. So as we are today, no trades made, I think you COULD win but would probably lose in 7. If we up grade with Bourne then the Stros will NOT trade Pence. They will not deplete their OF. Thus blocking that trade anyway. SO if we get Bourne and Byrd for what we give up for Pence, Yes I think we could take it all.
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:37 pm
Derek Lowe rhp
4 years/$60M (2009-12)
4 years/$60M (2009-12)
signed by Atlanta as a free agent 1/15/09
09:$15M, 10:$15M, 11:$15M, 12:$15M
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:40 pm
southgabrave
yes we are 6-6 with philly,and we swept sf at sf earlier
u really think philly is the same team,and sf?wow
braves would lose to both if played now
philly can hit now,and sf got beltran.
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:44 pm
and lets compare philly,sf pitching agains the braves since allstar break
our record is 8-9 since break era 4,57 starters,and lets not go there about our runs scored pathetic
as a passionate braves fan im not drinking the kool aid im stating the facts,philly will show us how its done by taking 2/3 of sweeping pittsburg
atl.needs help,and help bad would pence,quentin work?i think so look back at mcgriff trade,team ba was.246 you see?braves havent hit for 20 years
lobo
July 29th, 2011
2:45 pm
Falcon GM knows how to deal..just signed Ray Edwards to 5 year deal.Falcons wish to win. Wren needs to take lesson from Falcons.
also New post up by Jeff.
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:46 pm
1995world series title atl.braves team ba.246,we hit when it counted just like sf did last year.
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:48 pm
lobo thought u said u leaving?lol
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:50 pm
well im out go braves
i say over/under 3 runs for braves tonight
larry
July 29th, 2011
2:54 pm
we know its not quentin he is in the lineup tonight
jmor
July 29th, 2011
2:55 pm
Mike R. I agree…Pence has been built up to be a hall of fame player over the past week. I would trade Minor straight up for Pence, but if Wren gives up 2 or 3 prospects for him he will be sorry. Hanson will be auctioned off as a free agent to the highest bidder, Lowe and Hudson will be gone, Beachy is unproven…They will need those young pitchers in a year or 2.
pete
July 29th, 2011
2:55 pm
rangers just traded for bell
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
2:58 pm
Ross one of the few stand up guys on the team that is heavy on d bags.Nice to see him sac up and tell it like it is.Chipper needs to shut tfu.Only Mc Cann,Freeman,and Ross have produced this year.Everyone else is lucky they still have a job.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
2:58 pm
Right handed bat, right handed bat, right handed bat….
Enough of that. We need a guy at the top of the order who will get on base, steal some bags, and score runs. A catalyst. Schafer has not been that.
BOURN its hitting .290 vs. lefties this year with his overall avg. sitting at .306!!
Not to mention the guy leads the world in steals.
A RH bat off the bench who can play a few OF positions would be welcomed, but IMO the biggest hole is one of the most important slots in the lineup.
WE NEED BOURN.
pete
July 29th, 2011
2:59 pm
lowe hudson are here in 2012
we have control over hanson,jj for 2012,and 2013
only one gone in 2012 is lowe
hudson has a option for 2013
we also have medlin,beachy,minor
tell me which prospect comes up besides tehran for 2012?
pete
July 29th, 2011
3:00 pm
i meant lowe ony 1 gone in 2013 unless traded which i think he will which brings up tehran for 2012
superiorblogman
July 29th, 2011
3:01 pm
Ross thinks little of himself. He is a right hand bat that does not play everyday. He is the best utility RH bat we have. We don’t need to go giving away the farm for Pence or Quinton to get here and not be able to live up to the hype because they have never been put in a situation where they will be ridiculed for everything. We need to make a real move.
Minor, Beachy, Schafer, and a 2nd tier prospect for Matt Kemp.
pete
July 29th, 2011
3:01 pm
jj,hanson not elgible for fa till 2014
we have team control over both
BOURN IS THE ANSWER
July 29th, 2011
3:01 pm
Enter your comments here
BOURN IS THE ANSWER
July 29th, 2011
3:02 pm
GO GET BOURN
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GO GET CORN
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GO GET ORANGE
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GO GET BOURN
Greg Norton
July 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
I can hit lefthanders.
Will.I.Am.
July 29th, 2011
3:04 pm
Just thinking here that Frank may end up screwing this up. This maybe the decision that will be the face of his career as a GM. There is no right answer because if we dont get Pence we most likely will not get past 1st round of playoffs which is okay if the kids are going to turn out to be that good, but if they don’t then evryone will say why didnt Frank go for it?
My belief is Frank needs to go for it just because you never know what might happen and it looks as though we have a shot this year!! JMO
pete
July 29th, 2011
3:05 pm
hold onto all the prospects the pitching has sucked since the break,like i knew it would,hudson only one who has been decent.how the pitching do for u in the 90s?and last year all losses by 1 run games?gee im so sorry expect more to come,oh wait you just saw it in the pirates series,lol!!!! c more of hit tonite against fla,im looking for a sweep by fla.they just swept the nats,something this team will never do.over under is 2 runs i have 500 tonite for the under
FEAR
July 29th, 2011
3:05 pm
I saw we get Ax, Smash, and Crush. All 3 Demolition…….that’d win the WS
submariner
July 29th, 2011
3:05 pm
Making moves to improve your team is only half of the equation. Blocking teams from getting guys who can hurt you is also part of the strategy. If Pence goes to Philly, the Braves are basically conceding the division and probably a shot at going deep into the playoffs…..if they even make it. Wren will probably deal for Rick Ankiel and Kyle Farnsworth on Sunday afternoon……again.
Will.I.Am.
July 29th, 2011
3:05 pm
Dennis doesnt seem as though Bourn is avaiable, so what are you talking about?
Luv 2 Hate Me
July 29th, 2011
3:06 pm
I’m hoping the Braves pull out a surprise trade and get Matt Kemp from the Dodgers.
Tupelo Brave
July 29th, 2011
3:06 pm
We need a shortstop. That’s where the hole is. Chipper, Prado, or kid from MS Braves. Get Cal Ripken. I don’t care.
pete
July 29th, 2011
3:07 pm
this team has not made a world series since 2001 playoffs and lose nothing changes hug your dam prospects while teams with 3 starters and can hit will beat you again,just like sf did that to you with 3 STARTERS
Lance
July 29th, 2011
3:09 pm
astros are in serious discussions with the reds for bourn and pence.Astros want both to go,but philly,atlanta will not pull the trigger.