Bradley’s Buzz: SI’s Heyman calls Braves’ offseason ‘cheap’
I apologize. I've used this picture before, but it's too good. (AJC photo by Phil Skinner)
I don’t always agree with Jon Heyman of SI.com. He seems to believe Bobby Valentine invented the game of baseball, while I’m of the opinion Bobby V. only perfected the art of preening. But I can’t quibble with this assessment of the Braves’ offseason.
Heyman lists “eight teams that struck out this winter by not spending enough.” The Braves are No. 8 on that list. (The Mets are No. 1, intriguingly enough.)His rationale:
“[The Braves] were remarkably cheap this winter, and the result is a rotation diminished by the loss of Javier Vazquez and a lineup that still needs another big hitter. Melky Cabrera was the only immediate help received for Vazquez, who was brilliant last year. Troy Glaus could prove to be a $2 million bargain, and Eric Hinske seems to be a lucky charm [he played for the AL champion the past three seasons]. They also got former All-Star closer Takashi Saito. Meanwhile, the real goal had been to trade Derek Lowe so they could free up money for the much-needed impact bat. Unfortunately for them, there were no takers. Billy Wagner is a fair replacement for Rafael Soriano [though at this point, I'd take Soriano]. But overall, there was no discernible improvement.”
My two cents (hey, I’m cheap, too!): Even if the Vazquez trade helps the Braves down the road — I’m thinking of prospect Arodys Vizcaino — there was no way they should have surrendered the man who might well have been their Opening Day starting pitcher without getting a starting position player in return. (Cabrera is seen as a fourth outfielder.) And I don’t buy the argument that the Braves’ rotation will be just as strong without Vazquez.
With Vazquez, the fourth and fifth starters would have been Lowe, who even in a down year won 15 games, and Tim Hudson, who had Tommy John surgery in 2008. Without Vazquez, those two must move up a slot and Kenshin Kawakami, who won seven games last season, again becomes the No. 5 starter. I’m sorry, but that’s a downgrade.
And, since parsimony is today’s theme, I’m wondering about the money the Braves apparently saved in dumping Vazquez. He was scheduled to make $11.5 million. Cabrera will earn $3.1 million. Glaus will make $2 million, Hinske $1 million. That’s $6.1 million in new salaries. Where’d the other $5.4 million go?
I asked Chipper Jones that question last week. I said: “Will they just give that $5 million to you?” He, you should know, just laughed.
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294 comments Add your comment
Daniel
February 8th, 2010
12:58 pm
$95 milion dollar payroll is certainly not the Red Sox or Yankees, but it is FAAAARRRR from doing things on the cheap (see Marlins, Royals, Pirates, Padres, etc…) just keep the hyperbole down a little.
what a joke
February 8th, 2010
12:59 pm
how can any one preddict the playoffs for the braves? who is going to be driving in runs
bubbly
February 8th, 2010
12:59 pm
DeBrave, if you knew anything about minor league ball then you would know that Heyward most likely saw better pitching in AA than he will ever see in AAA. AAA ball has become the place where players who will never be major league material spend their entire careers.
n
February 8th, 2010
12:59 pm
Andrew: Braves can sign Dunn as a free agent after this season or trade at midseason if they need help. They really needed a rh bat though so thats why we have Glaus.
Daniel
February 8th, 2010
1:01 pm
Yeah Andrew, I was hoping Wren would have traded KK for Alber Puljos, too, but dang Wren was just too short sighted to make that trade.
n
February 8th, 2010
1:01 pm
What a joke: Ummm, the 2nd half of last year once pieces were in place Braves scored plenty, look up the numbers for runs scored versus allowed (they were in top 5 in baseball in the 2nd half). 1st half was a distaster because you had no cf, rf, 1b, 2b etc
DeBrave
February 8th, 2010
1:01 pm
Mark Bradley—- you’re one sour dude, aren’t you? You trying to get people riled up so they don’t go to Braves games or something? You’re not being controversial, you’re being dumb! You ever think that Wren and Co. have raises to give players, etc? I’m sure they have a little more cash than what they want you to believe, but $5.4m? Gimmie a break.
By the way, who gives a flyin f*!@ who’s the opening day starter! They can pitch Kenshin Kawakami for all I care. I’m just ready for some baseball!
Reality Check
February 8th, 2010
1:02 pm
MB,Point number one is that we basically swapped one of the top two or three pitchers in NL last year for a older pitcher that is coming off major Surgery. Those two or three starts he got last year mean nothing. Who knows what will happen to Tim Hudson after ten or fifteen starts.
Point two, the Braves are significantly weaker at First Base, and the corner outfield spots are major question marks that have not been addressed. We have one proven full time outfielder on the roster in Nate McLouth, and he is a concern with injuries if last year is any indication.
You are right, these offseason moves scream CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP. Does this make sense?
Steve
February 8th, 2010
1:02 pm
thickfreakness -
I agree that Vazquez’s production probably won’t be near what it was last year, but I think if he had remained with Atlanta in the NL his numbers would have been close to those. I also do think that Lowe will pitch much better this year though so hopefully he can do a good job this season and somewhat salvage the disappointing offseason we’ve had.
DeBrave
February 8th, 2010
1:03 pm
bubbly— boy, are you stupid or something? More AAA pitchers have tasted MLB and have been lectured to by MLB pitching coaches and faced the best of the best. They have an idea, it just hasn’t been harnessed enough or, in some cases, they are on a rehab start. See many of those in AA ball?
bubbly
February 8th, 2010
1:06 pm
The majority of Braves rehab starts take place at either Rome or Mississippi.
kurula
February 8th, 2010
1:06 pm
i don’t feel that the current GM is on the same level as the former GM. he is taking on contracts he can’t trade out of and trading the ones that don’t need to be traded at all. it’s as if the braves have suddenly become the new york knicks. seriously, i feel as though the franchise is headed down the path of the florida marlins. they will always have good, young talent, but once they are eligible for free agency, they will be traded. do you honestly think that the braves are competitive in free agency with players in their prime? seems to me that they are only able to afford players that they are HOPING have a little something left. also, is anyone else regretting the bounty we gave up in the teixiera trade? man, i miss watching the home team win….
thickfreakness
February 8th, 2010
1:07 pm
Steve-
I thought the offseason was impressive. You get a 33yo 1st baseman that will hit 35 HRs. You upgrade your bullpen significantly with 2 veterans (Soriano, Gonzo 17 blown saves = headcases) Your bench has power and versatility with Infante, Hinske, Ross. Your outfield, while not dominating, will compliment the overall team. Starting pitching is still the best in the NL.
Steve
February 8th, 2010
1:08 pm
Reality Check -
Hudson’s play last year did mean something, it meant a lot. He looked as if he hadn’t missed a single start the whole time. It’s very encouraging when a player comes back from TJ surgery and immediately makes such a contribution as he did.
Also, do you not feel that Diaz is a proven full time outfielder? In my mind there’s really not much more he could have done to prove he deserves his own spot out there. After his contribution last season I think we can forgive him for getting himself thrown out at 3B.
AndyC
February 8th, 2010
1:08 pm
Mark
You are assuming that Javy would have the same kind of year that he had last year. No guarantees on that especially considering that this was a career year for Javy. Would he have been the same pitcher as 2009, maybe, maybe not but I do think it is worth mentioning that his stats in 2009 were somewhat of an anomaly. I do agree that the Braves should have gotten a starting position player in return for him though. I think he goes to NY and is barely a .500 pitcher with an ERA in the mid to upper 4’s.
Thrashville
February 8th, 2010
1:09 pm
Anything positive that can be said about the Braves … looks like they are rebuilding, give them some time … weren’t we spoiled as it was having 15 or so straight playoff appearances? Geez
Cecil34
February 8th, 2010
1:11 pm
Andrew – he looks miserable because he knows what he is in for in his last year of managing….
DeBrave
February 8th, 2010
1:12 pm
Thrashville— NO….. we want,want,want! Me need champions
thickfreakness
February 8th, 2010
1:12 pm
DeBrave-
The most promising, most talented Minor Leaguers play AA ball not AAA ball. AAA is for veterans, while less talented than AA players, get a call to the Majors based on experience. Most are there to replace a Major Leaguer for his 15 day stint on the DL.
Ray Pugh
February 8th, 2010
1:12 pm
DeBrave,
There’s no point in arguing w/ these morons–most don’t know anything about the game and just lap up whatever Bradley feeds them. We’ll see what tune they’re humming in midseason when the Braves are rolling…
bubbly
February 8th, 2010
1:13 pm
Steve, on this Braves team Diaz is definitly starting material. He is better than Cabrera, McLouth and Hinski. That said, on just about any other major league team he is a 4th outfielder at best.
Larry
February 8th, 2010
1:14 pm
What a complete wasted of words here!
It matters not who we sign and what we pay them, with Bobby Cox as the manager should we make the playoffs the odds are overwhelming and convincing that we will watch an opponent celebrate on the pitcher’s mound as we have in 13 out of 14 opportunities.
“In the end…
it will not matter,
with Bobby Cox…
as the manager.”
1-14 all time record in the last game of the postseason. That’s an 0.067 winning percentage!
Focus your energy on the 2011 season with a new manager!
Steve
February 8th, 2010
1:15 pm
thickfreakness -
Well said. I’m really not displeased at all with any of the acquisitions we made this offseason. I just couldn’t be anymore displeased with how we did it. We do have a solid team but there was so much more that could have been done that wasn’t. Glaus is a beast and should provide us with a great bat, but what I’m more concerned with than his bat is his glove. Who knows how he’ll make the adjustment to the 1B bag. After having 3 of the 5 best defensive 1st basemen in baseball over the past few years, it makes me nervous to now have a guy that has played, what, 6 games at that position. And I’m thrilled to have both Wagner and Saito, but remember, we’ll have to address both of those roles again after this season since they are both signed to 1 year deals.
Either way, we’ll probably be good enough this season to do just about what we did last season…we’ll be in the mix, but it’s hard to have much faith after the potential improvement that we didn’t make while the Mets and Phillies both got better.
n
February 8th, 2010
1:19 pm
Bubbly: Are you serious. On any other team Diaz is a backup. Is that what a .313 avg gets you these days?? I can think of a lot worse starting corner outfielders.
Steve
February 8th, 2010
1:20 pm
bubbly -
As much as I love Matty, you’re right that he’d probably be a 4th OF on many other teams, but McLouth certainly is a starter about anywhere he goes. For a leadoff guy his average is a bit low, but he still knows how to put himself on base plenty and has great speed, power, and defense. Definitely our most skilled outfielder if you ask me. The guy was an All-Star just two seasons ago.
All I'm Saying Is...
February 8th, 2010
1:20 pm
They didn’t trade Vazquez because of his salary. They traded Vazquez because the rest of the Major League wasn’t stupid enough to take Lowe in any trade. And rather than sit and wait until the 2010 trade-deadline when Vazquez would have attracted even more suitors due to another excellent pitching performance, Wren decided to deal now. He obviously did not want to assume Heyward would win the job and take over an outfield spot and still does not see Diaz as an everyday player and, furthermore, he did not fully believe in his trade for Nate because if he did he would not have traded Vazquez for Cabrera but would have publicly proclaimed how happy he was with our projected outfield of Heyward, Diaz, and Nate. Wren also obviously did not have any money to pursue Jason Bay as that signing alone would have solved our outfield production issues and alllowed us to keep Vazquez. Corporate ownership is rarely better than a lead owner (although with the Oakland Raiders, it might be an improvement).
LET’S GO BRAVES!
PMC
February 8th, 2010
1:20 pm
They sold Vasquez for what I guess they believe will be at least as good or a better pitcher later. Generally the organization moves pitchers at the right time. They measured Hudson vs Vasquez and they feel they are better with Huddy that’s ok. We knew they were cheap and they are going to be remarkably cheap becuase the ownership situation is a disaster.
Tomahawk Dudes
February 8th, 2010
1:20 pm
Check out our Braves songs on YouTube our first two are now available on iTunes. The album is “Atlanta Braves Tribute” and artist is “tomahawkdudes” Hope you enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/user/TomahawkDudes
Ted M
February 8th, 2010
1:21 pm
If Melky is starting in the Braves outfield, they’ll be worse then last year. He’s not worth 3.1 mil.
They will trade Lowe as the TD approaches and eat very little if any of his salary.
Schafer is going to be a really good player. I hope its for us.
Chipper is going to get hurt and play in only 50 games. But I hope not.
Glaus will have an OK season. 3rd base defense will improve greatly when moves over. Chipper defense was horrid last year.
I don’t know what to make of McLouth. I thought he was going to be better then was last year. Still much rather have him out there then Melky.
I hope they trade Melky.
My guess is the last time Turner owned the team the Braves payroll was 25 million.
PMC
February 8th, 2010
1:21 pm
Losing Vasquez is a direct result for overpaying Lowe.
thickfreakness
February 8th, 2010
1:22 pm
Steve-
The Phillies traded Lee for Halladay, signed Polanco to play 3rd (same player as last years 3rd baseman). Theyre bullpen is weaker, who knows about Lidge. The Mets signed a guy with questionable knees to play in the biggest stadium in the Majors. I don’t see any improvement IMO. You’d be astonished at the number of players who have moved to first without difficulty.
SpiDogg
February 8th, 2010
1:22 pm
They’re starting to remind me of the Braves of the late 1970s and even mid-80s. I guess its only a matter of time before we start bringing Willie Montanez, Len Barker (only if we trade away Heyward for him, tho), and Craig Nettles. Could Mike Marshall and Andy Messersmith be far behind?
bubbly
February 8th, 2010
1:22 pm
Guess that explains why the other teams have been beating down the Braves door to get him.
Will
February 8th, 2010
1:23 pm
Have to agree with Dave in Buford. You knew that this was going to happen as soon as it was announced that Liberty Media was interested in buying the braves a number of years ago. As disloyal as this sounds, the worst thing that could happen to the Braves over the long term is to be successful this year. If that happens—and it is unlikely that it will—management/ownership will have an excuse to do everything on the cheap again and again. Really wish Arthur—-or somebody—-would buy Braves and show them how it’s done.
bubbly
February 8th, 2010
1:25 pm
Steve, McLouth made the All-Star team because MLB said that Pitt had to send someone and he was the best they had that year.
Aldous Huxley
February 8th, 2010
1:27 pm
Hopefully, the Braves are not done making offseason deals and it’s a little premature to call them cheap. However, if a 25 man roster must be selected from the current stock of players, we’re in for another long season and will, yet again, be on the outside looking in come playoffs time.
Steve
February 8th, 2010
1:28 pm
1) LaRoche only took that one year deal because all other teams he could go to were full up. The Braves couldn’t afford to wait around and see how the LaRoche deal would work out. MB was dead on accurate that LaRoche would not have taken that with the Braves. He only took it from Arizona out of sheer desparation.
2) The other $5 million. Let’s not forget the two minor league pickups, Cody Ross, and the fact the Braves are purposely avoiding bringing on any extra payroll so they can lockdown a few guys next year most likely. I have to think they are seriously looking to get JJ signed long term and they have to have some wiggle room to do that.
n
February 8th, 2010
1:28 pm
Diaz: 371AB’s, 13 HR’s, 12 SB, .313 average, OPS .878.
He led the team in average and he is not worthy of being a starter??? A full season his HR’s would be closer to 20.
Steve
February 8th, 2010
1:29 pm
Spot on n. I love Matty D as a full time starter. He should have been that two seasons ago but we kept giving Frenchy too many chances.
Not only are his stats good, but his energy is infectious and helps the whole team.
ATLFan
February 8th, 2010
1:30 pm
Yeah, Daniel, and what about the Norton for A-Rod deal that Wren didn’t make?? Wren sucks, etc, etc….
Steve
February 8th, 2010
1:32 pm
bubbly -
That’s one reason he made the All-Star team…another is that he hit 26 HRs, scored over 100 runs, and won a Gold Glove that year.
…on a side note, I think people underestimate what Melky will do for us. Did you know he led MLB in walkoff hits last year? His numbers aren’t much more than mediocre, but the guy is one of the most clutch hitters in the game, is an excellent fielder, and has not even fully developed yet. I definitely would be a happier camper if we had gotten someone better, or even if Melky had come at a cheaper price, but there’s no reason not to be positive about having him on our team.
Mark Biles
February 8th, 2010
1:34 pm
Didn’t the $5 million go to settle arbitration cases for Diaz and Moylan and raises for others or were those costs already in the budget?
hawesg
February 8th, 2010
1:41 pm
The money they saved by trading Vazquez went to Glaus and Hudson. And Hudson is not a #4 starter on ANY team. He had Tommy John Surgery. That’s the equivalent of hangnail removal surgery this day. He’ll be a top of the rotation arm again this year.
Oh, and Mark, how’s that Super Bowl prediction wearing….Are there any consequences for journalists being repeatedly wrong?
smooth
February 8th, 2010
1:41 pm
I would like to know what kind of baseball backround What A Joke has. I bet it is ZERO, just like the worthless remarks being made by him.
Brave's clearance sale
February 8th, 2010
1:41 pm
Heyman is right on the money in his article….The Brave’s are the Clearance Kings of the South…the only difference between them and Pittsburgh is the fact that Brave’s management tries to fool the fans into thinking they are trading players for the “GOOD OF THE TEAM”…when in fact they are dumping players who have the potential to be stars in MLB…with this stardom comes higher salaries so they try to move these players a year or so ahead of them getting arbritration or huge salary increases.Hanson and Jurrjens will be on the trade list in a few years…mark my words.The Braves also like to give up good prospects for players who have a year and a half or less left on their contracts…eg..JD Drew,Mark Texeria…then they let them walk in most cases at the end of their contracts….THEY ARE IN EFFECT RENTING PLAYERS!The Brave’s management doesn’t care how good the product is,they just want to try and maximize their profits….this will lead to an average team at best and attendance will continue to drop and salaries will dumped.The Brave’s will be back in the basement within a few years…..just watch or in their case don’t as many fans will.Liberty Media has started a CHAIN REACTION that will continue until they they themselves DUMP THE WHOLE TEAM!
Ted M
February 8th, 2010
1:41 pm
The Braves need power and Melky has none and now he’s in a bigger park.
I think Bobby looks old and tired in that pic because he is old and tired. But who knows, we could end up with a really crappy manager in 2011.
jmarable
February 8th, 2010
1:44 pm
mark i dont think u can call what the braves did over the off season as moves.i say they gave away things, had a garage sell,but it certainly cant b called moves.we got nothing 4 something.back to the braves of old, c u at the bottom of the division,tell the nationals here we come save us a seat.
darrell starks
February 8th, 2010
1:45 pm
Braves last place this year.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!
hawesg
February 8th, 2010
1:45 pm
Reality Check: Hudson is only one year older than Vazquez and he’s coming off Tommy John Surgery. Unless you’re Mike Hampton, you come back from that stronger than before. And Hudson’s in great shape.
Vazquez has already started talking about retiring…
Ted M
February 8th, 2010
1:48 pm
Larry – I think Cox is overrated too, but your stat is just a clever way of making one WS champ in 14 tries look a lot worse then it really is.