Braves, Wren whiff on Greinke — and this is getting old
Zack Greinke: On his way to Angels. (AP)
Frank Wren: Looking for help. (Curtis Compton)
(UPDATED: 9:10 p.m.)
The first pitcher they went after (Ryan Dempster) said no. He prefers Los Angeles.
The second pitcher they went after (Zack Greinke) was traded to Los Angeles (no, not that L.A. team, the other L.A. team).
The Braves are trying to get better before Tuesday’s trade deadline. We think. But this journey is turning into some weird nightmare, or at least a Randy Newman retrospective. (“I Love L.A.!”)
Remember when the Braves used to get what they want? Remember when 90-plus-win seasons and playoff games seemed as plentiful as potato chips?
General manager Frank Wren said Friday night that he didn’t believe the Braves were close to a trade for a starting pitcher of significance. No kidding. I’m not sure how many are left.
When Wren was asked if he was balking at parting with a coveted prospect like Julio Teheran for a rental player like Greinke, he responded: “I really don’t want to go there. We’ve had a sense for what [teams] are looking for with all these big guys. Some may be a little cost prohibitive.”
And there it is.
At some point, maybe it will be about this season, not next year or the one after that. But right now it’s not looking that way.
The Braves still have a few days until Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline to fix their starting rotation, which has been dropping engine parts for the past several miles. But if they don’t succeed, it will be because Frank “You’ll Get My Prospects When You Pry Them From My Cold Dead Hands” Wren is focused on tomorrow, not today. Again.
Try to explain that to the players in the clubhouse. They believe the team needs a boost to catch Washington in the East (or survive a six-team wild-card cage match with all limbs intact.)
Even Tim Hudson, the current No. 1 starter, said of the team’s attempts to get a starting pitcher: “Everybody’s encouraged by it. It’s an area that’s been inconsistent for us all year. We’re here to win. There’s no reason to take it personally – unless I’m being bumped out of a job.”
It’s obvious where Chipper Jones stands. This is his last season. He wants another shot at the World Series.
When word circulated the other day that Florida had exploded another dumb-bomb and traded Hanley Ramirez to the Dodgers, signaling a housecleaning, Jones was sitting on the Braves’ team bus in Miami. On walked Wren. Jones began his mock throat-clearing and in a humorous hoarse tone said, “Josh Johnson!”
Wren smiled. But he didn’t make a move.
Wren satisfied the Cubs in a potential trade for Dempster, so we can’t put that one on him. (Dempster still hasn’t been traded to the Dodgers, so there’s at least some possibility he could change his stance.) But Wren generally has been resistant to parting with top young pitchers Teheran and Randall Delgado for a potential rental player.
The Brewers traded Greinke to the Angels (for shortstop Jean Segura and two prospects) because Wren wouldn’t give up enough for a pitcher who potentially could lead them to a World Series. The Marlins are asking for the moon and the sun for Johnson, as they should. He’s not only good, he’s signed through next season. He might be worth more than even Greinke. Great players don’t come for cheap.
Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci reaffirmed the upside for teams that acquire starting pitchers at the deadline. He noted that over the past five years, contenders have traded for 19 starting pitchers in July. Those pitchers accumulated a record of 94-45. Nine pitched in the postseason. That includes Edwin Jackson, who went 6-3 (including playoffs) with St. Louis last year following a trade and helped the Cardinals to the World Series. Verducci referenced other recent “sudden-impact” pitchers at the deadline: Cliff Lee (Texas, Philadelphia), Roy Oswalt (Philadelphia), Ted Lilly (L.A. Dodgers), C.C. Sabathia (Milwaukee) and Joe Blanton (Philadelphia).
Friday did not pass without the Braves making a move. They signed 41-year-old Miguel Batista, who was just released by the New York Mets, to a minor-league contract.
Wren doesn’t necessarily see Batista being called up and becoming a factor for the Braves down the stretch. But you never know. It was worth a shot. Batista comes cheap. And isn’t that what’s most important of all?
By Jeff Schultz
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445 comments Add your comment
Brooks
July 27th, 2012
9:37 pm
Agenda for 2012-2013 offseason:
1. NEW OWNERSHIP
2. fire wren (do like what the hawks are doing)
3. Sign josh Hamilton and a top starting pitcher (like the angles with pujos and Wilson)
4. Resign bourn and McCann
5. Chipper for manager 2013???? (hey, a man can dream…)
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
9:37 pm
With Janish and Uggla in the lineup you only have 6 dependable bats in this line-up. Also how did Uggla start in the All-Star game SMH
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
9:38 pm
I’m glad your finally attacking Liberty media
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
9:39 pm
Crowd chanting “U-S-A”. … Did we beat Bolivia in something?
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
9:40 pm
J-Man — Sure, Braves could bench Uggla or send him to minors. But you still have to pay him.
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
9:42 pm
Random comment: It’s strange to look down at first four batters in Phillies lineup tonight and see .253 (Rollins), .253 (Victorino), .257 (Utley) and .244 (Howard).
Mike
July 27th, 2012
9:42 pm
Jeff,
I’m not kidding when I say this but I think Atlanta is off the hook in terms of all Olympic celebrations forever. London managed to squeeze in a Mr. Brean/Chariots of Fire live act.
Mike
July 27th, 2012
9:42 pm
Mr. Bean even.
FSUBrave
July 27th, 2012
9:43 pm
wren is doing what his mastah’s tell him to
G
July 27th, 2012
9:45 pm
Venters is a train wreck. This team better score 6 runs a game. They can’t pitch
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
9:45 pm
Mike — I also heard London’s mascot actually worse than “Izzy” if that’s possible.
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
9:46 pm
Schultz no the Crowd just like “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan that why their chanting U-S-A.
But at this point you would think it would be more beneficial to just have Uggla bat out of the line-up with the way he is going. Maybe a trip to the Minors could benefit him. I fear were seeing another Nate McClouth situation. But batting .100 since June is unacceptable and he leads the Majors in strike outs so he isnt even giving you productive contact outs like a Janish gives you. I think Pastornicky or Constanza with Prado @ 2nd deserves a chance to start.
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
9:47 pm
Venters strikes out Ryan Howard with bases loaded. Still 6-1.
Mister Frisky
July 27th, 2012
9:48 pm
Braves are irrelevant to the games best players.When they sign a 20 million $ a year regular, then I know they want to win.Until then it’s the AJC as usual doing the bidding for Wren.They were never close to getting anyone to put them over the top.More of the Janish and Wilson’s from the dumpster to come.
Brooks
July 27th, 2012
9:50 pm
Doesn’t liberty cheapskate media know that you have to spend some money to make some. Imagine how many more people would be at the park watching the game if we had superstars like pujols and Hamilton in the field and in the lie up. I’m no business major, heck I’m only in high school but obviously liberty only cares about there money, and I’m showing them how to make even more..
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
9:52 pm
Mister Frisky — I do hereby take personal responsibility for every bad thing that has ever happened to the Braves, and also traffic and Spaghetti-os — those are my fault too.
Zach Irwin
July 27th, 2012
9:54 pm
There are usually consequences for trying to contend for a championship on the cheap.
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
9:55 pm
Well your invention Speghetti O’s makes up for all the bad things youve ever done in fact you can now kick a puppy and you would still have extra Karma points left. I love Sphegetti O’s
Buddman1939
July 27th, 2012
9:58 pm
Can not wait for Big Ben to finish his spring training. Then look out. Number ONE starter.
Josh
July 27th, 2012
9:59 pm
This team needs a left handed starter and bench help. I truely believe James Shields would be much better for the Braves than Dempster and possibly even Greinke if they can lock him up for a couple of years. Plus, he is a proven big game pitcher unlike Dempster or Greinke. Make it happen Wren. Lets get real without a guy like Shields and another right handed bat this team is going nowhere in the playoffs.
kral
July 27th, 2012
9:59 pm
mister frickasee you and j man have provided much inspiration and hair-pulling ..lately..and idiot blogs ..THANK-YOU
l jones
July 27th, 2012
10:00 pm
Only an idiot would trade Tehran for a two month rent a player.
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
10:02 pm
Hey Kral you have provided nothing of any merit and add no positive quality whatsoever to any post you ever post……….
SPANK YOU
Andy
July 27th, 2012
10:02 pm
Julio Teheran is looking like he might be a bust. Take a look at hims numbers this year. He is destined to start next year at AAA again. That will be 3 years at AAA. How many guys do that and go on to have great careers? I would trade him in a second for Josh Johnson along with 1 or 2 other middling prospects. .
TampaGator
July 27th, 2012
10:03 pm
People who come to Turner Field…..notice I did not say baseball fans……are just clueless when it comes to understanding how to act at baseball games. They continue to insult all true baseball fans in Chicago, St. Louis, New York, Boston, San Francisco and other place where they actually go to watch…..baseball being played. If Braves fans are not texting in a key inning, they are doing the wave on a 3-2 count with the bases loaded, or trying to look at themselves on camera phones and waving at their freinds at home, or trying to make a business deal…..or impressing the new girl at the office…..or chanting USA USA USA…..but…..most of the time…they simply have no idea what the ball strike count is or what inning it is…..or even who is pitching for the Braves. Braves fans were great in the old Fulton County Stadium….when most knew recognized such names at Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays, Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, and etc……and actually watch the games. Today….they would think those people were members of a law firm. I do not miss going to games at Turner Field. I remember going to the WS in the mid 90s and Smoltz was pitching in a duel vs. the Yankees……and the count was 3-2 with the bases loaded. I stood up to cheer Smoltz on….and the people behind me said….”You need to sit down….we can’t see where the peanut man is.” I will never ever forget that. I did not know at the time that they would clone themselves and become most of the current Braves fans at the ballpark these days.
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
10:03 pm
J-Man– I loved Spaghetti-Os when my birthdays were in single digits. Not since 9.
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
10:05 pm
Andy — I’m not ready to declare Teheran a bust or a future Cy Young winners. He’s a prospect. A great prospect, but just a prospect.
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
10:05 pm
We still need a real starting pitcher because Hanson, Jurrjens, and Minor are awful to inconsistant. And even Huddy seems to throw a stinker every 3rd start
TampaGator
July 27th, 2012
10:06 pm
Andy….
Braves management would make that trade as well…right now…..but the GM for the Marlins would fall out of his chair laughing at the Wren……and even a louder laugh while reading your post.
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
10:06 pm
Hey I grew up on them and when your a 20-something single bachelor then their truly the food of kings.
TampaGator
July 27th, 2012
10:08 pm
Jeff….
If the kid is such a great prospect in your opinion….then why is he getting pounded in his second year at the AAA level. If he is hurt, then that is something else. If not, then I would say he is in a big downward move towards being a bust. Have you seen him pitch at Gwinnett lately? If so, what is his deal….in your opinion….or based on what you have heard from anyone in the Braves system or on the AJC?
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
10:09 pm
Ok Schultz if your gonna call out the Fans for chanting U-S-A then you gott to definately call them out for doing the “Wave”
TampaGator
July 27th, 2012
10:10 pm
J-MAN….
I am not 20 something…..and I have no clue what you just posted (meaning or sense wise). Are you at the ballpark texting or something?
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
10:10 pm
Newsflash——Prospects do not make it to the Bigs or have the impact people thought they would.
Remember George Lombard, Wilson Betemit, and Andy Marte
Don Waddell
July 27th, 2012
10:11 pm
The Braves are moving in the right direction.
Norman Cochran
July 27th, 2012
10:12 pm
The only way for Atlanta Braves to get any better is get another owner! One who cares about winning and willing to do what is necessary to win. Right now the team is nothing more than a tax write off for them!!
one for all
July 27th, 2012
10:12 pm
GM Wrenn dont let the mudslingers get to you. Set a plan. Build through drafting and development. Okay. Stick to your plan. Next year when the money frees up, spend cash wisely. Dont blow it on the wrong players. Braves have great young team. Be patient. Fill needs in off season as easy as now.
kral
July 27th, 2012
10:12 pm
I am sorry j-man not into spanking..but your quality of blogs are unquestionable of high merit..pat your self on the back..ell you have raised my level of respect for people who say a lot of stuff about things in which in reality they do not have a clue about
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
10:14 pm
TampaGator: Schultz was talking about Speghetti O’s and the Fans chanting USA randomly on at the game. But its ok your from Tampa I’ll let it slide.
TampaGator
July 27th, 2012
10:15 pm
I am amazed by Ben Sheets….what a pick up he has been. I hope he continues to pitch well….and the Braves have enough sense to put Medlen into the rotation very soon. In all honestly, I would rather have Medlen than Shields from Tampa. He has not been a consistent starter this year for the Rays. He has been like a box of chocolates this year.
Dawg'88
July 27th, 2012
10:17 pm
For once Schultz hits a homerun here. He is spot on with his analysis and has every right and reason to rip Wren and the Braves front office here. When indeed will the Braves ever worry about now…instead of later.
If no move is made to shore up this staff, then they are thumbing their nose at the fans, the team and most of all Chipper. All deserve better than these wait til later philosophies.
Lets be blunt here…when Chipper goes and possibly McCann as well as Bourn (and thats looking like a good possibility because the Braves are cheap), then there won’t be a team good enough to have those young starters pitch for to win.
But most of all….Chipper deserves better. He stuck it out with this organization and sacrificed more than the majority of major league players do normally. Too bad the Braves don’t want to return the favor.
Wait til next year? When will next year actually mean something?
TampaGator
July 27th, 2012
10:17 pm
I also do not have access to the game….I am watching opening night in London…and following the Gamecast on ESPN….and they were making fun of the Braves fans as well.
Delaware Dawg
July 27th, 2012
10:18 pm
Since we can’t trade for another starter – KRIS MEDLEN is the answer. Let’s bring him into the rotation as 4th starter, move Minor into 5th and roll to take the division! Go Braves!
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
10:18 pm
Its ok Kral its not your fault you mom could write the name Carl on your birth certificate correctly. And your name sounds like flem hacked up by a chain-smoking tuberculosis patient. So I forgive you and your bitter ways.
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
10:19 pm
Braves win. Braves win. Braves win.
mace224
July 27th, 2012
10:19 pm
Hey we got Miguel Batista. Nobody should EVER complain this team doesn’t have minority representation.
Justin
July 27th, 2012
10:19 pm
I say we move Medlin to the rotation and trade for Wade Davis.
J-MAN
July 27th, 2012
10:20 pm
Ok
Jeff Schultz
July 27th, 2012
10:20 pm
Nationals are losing 6-0 to Milwaukee in 7th. If that stays, Braves will pick up a game and sit 4 back in the East.
Delaware Dawg
July 27th, 2012
10:20 pm
TampaGator – go back to sand land you troll. Can’t wait for my Bulldogs to come down and trounce your gator snouts this fall.