You be the manager: Pick the new Braves’ third baseman
This would be the left side of my infield: Prado and Sea Bass. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Audience participation time. (Not that this audience is ever disinclined to participate, for which I thank you.) The Braves would seem to have three options at third base, and Bobby Cox articulated them yesterday: “We’ve got [Brooks] Conrad and [Omar] Infante and we should get [Martin] Prado back at the start of next week.”
OK, you be the manager. Pick one.
Being pushy, I’ll go first. I like the Prado option. I think Infante is better at second base than at third, and I think Prado can play either spot just fine. I’m not crazy about the idea of uprooting an All-Star second baseman, but it has to be said: Infante was an All-Star, too.
I’m less high on Conrad. He’s great at the end of games, less great when he starts them. He’s hitting .238, with more strikeouts than hits. (Both Prado and Infante have twice as many hits as K’s.) Besides, having Conrad in the lineup would diminish the full Conrad Effect: He’s the guy you need to pinch-hit with the game to be won. Indeed, he has more RBI’s as a sub than as a starter.
Oh, and since you asked: The notion of Troy Glaus as a starting third baseman was all but quashed by Frank Wren on Thursday. Said the general manager: “Based on the health of his legs, [I don't think] that makes a lot of sense to put him over there.”
There’s also the chance the Braves could try to swing a trade — Ty Wigginton and Chone Figgins are two post-deadline possibilities — but Wren also noted that the combination of Infante and Prado in the everyday lineup was powerful in itself. Quoth Wren: “I’m not sure we’ll find anything better than that out on the market place.”
Loading ...Reality check: Wigginton is hitting .260 for Baltimore, Figgins .253 for Seattle. Infante is hitting .330.
My batting order would be this: Infante, 2B; Heyward, RF; Prado, 3B; McCann, C; Glaus, 1B; Gonzalez, SS; Diaz/Hinske, LF; Ankiel/Cabrera, CF. Brooks Conrad would be my DH in Games 3, 4 and 5 of the World Series. (Just seeing if you’re still reading.)
But I’ve never been known for my lineup-making dexterity (or for anything else, come to think of it), so I invite your input. Pick the new third sacker. It will make you feel better about the absence of Chipper Jones. It will enable you to get in touch with that feeling that rests within all of us — to manage, if only in this space, a big-league team. And I can assure you Bobby Cox will take the results of this poll to heart.
OK, I lied about the last part.
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418 comments Add your comment
bob
August 13th, 2010
2:39 pm
Conrad gets to show if can do it everyday until Prado gets back.
Brock
August 13th, 2010
2:39 pm
I wonder if Pendleton, after seeing Chipper go down, was saying to himself…”well, there goes my job.” He has to know if Chipper hangs around in the dugout the remainder of the season(which I hope he does) guys will be coming to him behind TP’s back getting advise on hitting. And hopefully Chipper will eventually become the hitting coach and who knows, maybe manager one day. Be nice to see.
Bo jo Elis
August 13th, 2010
2:40 pm
Dunn would cost 4 minor leaguers. 2 would be good pitchers. Dunn is not worth it.
Fire TP
August 13th, 2010
2:42 pm
Players have been going to Chipper all year. just ask them. TP is deadwood.
JoKnows23
August 13th, 2010
2:52 pm
Mark I like everything that you said. I have too laugh at all the people that think Matt Diaz is a everyday player. Matt Diaz is good to have on your bench. Never has, never will be an everyday player.
J Wood
August 13th, 2010
2:53 pm
Your lineup is perfect. Prado has the pop for 3rd spot and pressure doesn’t seem to bother him. Heyward doesn’t need the extra pressure, especially to hit for more power. I’m also not convinced his thumb is 100% or he would be hitting better & for more power. Is Diaz that bad against RHP?
Clarence
August 13th, 2010
2:55 pm
Does Brooks Robinson have a son?
BRAVEHEART26
August 13th, 2010
3:10 pm
Chone Figgins would be a good addition to the team…he was an all star just a couple of yrs ago and he brings speed to the team.He got a bad rap for getting into that fight with his ex manager Wakamatsu, but the Mariners firing Wakamatsu goes to show that they dont feel like Figgins is a troublemaker, besides Figgins never had problems with Scioscia in anaheim. Figgins a good element to add to the team.
Herschel Talker
August 13th, 2010
3:22 pm
Hear ye, hear ye:
All those people who are advocating us trading for Figgins are braindead. The guy is getting $9MM per year through 2013. You want to dump KK’s wretched contract, but that comes off the books after next year. Meanwhile, we’d be stuck with Figgins for 3 more years. Have you looked at his stats? You think those are worth $9MM per year?!? Enough with the insanity.
How ’bout we save the bucks and go out and get a bat this offseason with the money we’ll get from insurance on Chipper’s contract?
HT
JeanE
August 13th, 2010
3:28 pm
Nobody can replace Chipper.
But, I guess someone has to for the rest of this year. I’m still holding out hope that after he rehabs he comes back next year so he can go out on this feet! But I’ll respect whatever decision he makes. Sad thing is, I was watching the Tom Glavine luncheon and Chipper seemed so relaxed and happy…then this happens. He is still integral to the success of this team, though, we need his presence big time so I hope he is around ALOT. I’d go with Martin at 3rd, Omar at 2nd and Brooksie rotating in relief of those 2 positions. Go Braves, I still think this team can do it.
DawginLex
August 13th, 2010
3:31 pm
Graig Nettles?
bigcalidawg
August 13th, 2010
3:37 pm
That was well written Mr. Bradley.
TTTT-Thumbody Thed Thats Thupid!
August 13th, 2010
3:38 pm
Personally think this team will be better without CJ in the L/U every day. Hate to say that but look at last Sunday. Based on CJ’s errors lately, he had become more of a DH. They looked hot and ready to reel off a streak, then BC inserts the “A team” back in on Monday and they lose. I would put Prado at first (let Glaus in just against pitchers he hits well), with Conrad at third(sits on the days Glaus is in, with Prado at 3rd), Infante at 2nd of course and E6 at SS (no choice right now). They will regret letting Blanco go and getting “Ankles”.
bigcalidawg
August 13th, 2010
3:38 pm
DawginLex
August 13th, 2010
3:31 pm
“Graig Nettles?”
I love it, but you’re way off.
Bob Horner
Coty
August 13th, 2010
3:42 pm
I’ve seen a lot of people talking about putting Heyward 3rd in the order. I don’t really like this cause you’re putting two lefties back to back making it easier on opposing managers late in the game. I’ve also heard a lot before that you always put you’re best batter 3rd. I believe that’s Prado hands down. Plus putting Heyward in the three hole could cause him to fell a greater need to hit homeruns and he could put too much pressure on himself.
My Order:
Infante
Heyward
Prado
McCann
Hinske/ Diaz
Glaus
Ankiel/ Cabrera
Gonzo
I also like the idea of sitting Glaus on occasion (or everyday) and then you could go Hinske at 1st, Conrad 3rd, and Infante in left. Also Ankiel’s gotta strt doing better or else they should go bck to Melky everyday.
John W.
August 13th, 2010
3:45 pm
Glaus back to third. Freeman to first.
nique
August 13th, 2010
3:45 pm
agree with infante at 2b (not a very good arm) and I like the lineup too!
StatsMan
August 13th, 2010
3:48 pm
Why are people still using batting average to make points when much better metrics exist? Figgins and Wigginton are better players than Infante. And adding one of them would enable Infante to contribute off the bench.
nique
August 13th, 2010
3:48 pm
it’s kind of a no-brainer at this point that an allstar hitting 330 should start at this point for us
simply said
August 13th, 2010
3:50 pm
I think its the last guaranteed contract year and they have to pay him?
StatsMan
August 13th, 2010
3:58 pm
We need to remember that Infante’s .330 BA means litte. In increased playing time, this figure would certainly regress to the mean. His career average carries more weight in this decision (.272). More importantly, his career OPS (.708) is nothing special.
David
August 13th, 2010
4:04 pm
The Braves may need to think long term on this one. If Chipper doesn’t come back and they do not have someone in there farm system who is ready to play at the major league level then we need to make a trade to get a proven, productive player. Infante could fill in at 3rd but may not be the answer long term. The winter meetings are going to be very interesting.
Laddyboy
August 13th, 2010
4:05 pm
I say dump Glaus, get a 3rd baseman that can hit for power via trade. Prado & Infante up the middle, Freeman on 1st and Gonzales to the bench to pinch hit.
DawginLex
August 13th, 2010
4:07 pm
bigcalidawg,
I was at horner’s first game. I remember the days when you could leave 3 tickets to a Braves game on someone’s windshield and come back and there would be 8 more.
Chuck “We are going to have a parade right down Peachtree” Tanner.
Joe torre gave us hope and we fired him.
I’m glad times have changed and now the Braves are viewed as the classy franchise. That is why Bobby Valentine would never fit in here.
Maddux, Smoltz and Glavine would never allow it.
NY Frenchy( for now) KC here I come
August 13th, 2010
4:07 pm
MB, Gonzo is NOT a option @3rd, hes a SS even tho we obviously dont like the errors thats what he is, Infante should play everyday @ 3rd, Glaus is not an option dude can barely run. Brooks needs to remain our bench weapon, Prado should stay @ 2nd, Infante is hitting 330., dont you think he should be starting everyday?? Bring up Freeman & play him some against rightys, lets see what he can do, obvious Glaus is not the answer
bobby
August 13th, 2010
4:11 pm
First, the Braves don’t need The disruption of Figgins. Even Escobar didn’t start a fight in the dugout. Second, what if Freeman is called up and he goes 0 for August, what then?
Still@theBAR
August 13th, 2010
4:12 pm
Just keep winning. Send Bobby and Chipper out in style.
Whosonthird?
August 13th, 2010
4:14 pm
I think everyone needs to get off of Glaus. He was a bargain when he was tearing it up and carrying the team and he’s still a bargain. We should have the financial flexibility to add someone now if that person is out there. We have that flexibility because of the Glaus deal. He has given us more than our money’s worth already and anything he can give us from this point on is a bonus. Now, that said, I think we have to add some power from somewhere….Who in this lineup scares the opposition? We need to add it somewhere….even if it’s the OF.
Bravesrock
August 13th, 2010
4:15 pm
It’s my understanding that Glaus has always been a 3rd baseman, and is now trying to adust to 1st base this season. Why not move Glaus back to his original position of 3rd now that Chipper is gone and bring on Freeman in a platoon with Hinske at 1st?
Mark Badley's Fan Club
August 13th, 2010
4:18 pm
I agree with Marcus Bradlius. Prado to 3B, Infante remains in the lineup at 2B, and Conrad to be a backup. If anyone gets hurt, though, the Braves will have some trouble. Especially if either Infante or Gonzalez get hurt, the Braves will be very thin.
Incidentally, why didn’t Diory Hernandez get called up instead of the other guy?
DawginLex
August 13th, 2010
4:18 pm
We don’t need a rookie trying to help us hold off the Phillies. We have one and that is the limit.
ReddJonn68
August 13th, 2010
4:21 pm
Switch Prado or Infante between 1 & 2 all you want, just put Jason where he will remain from now on, in the 3 Spot then let McCann bat in the 4th spot. Then whatever moves we make, whether calling someone up or going out & picking up whatever we can get, applies to changing the rest of the lineup. Keep it simple at the beginning of the order.
Manuel over in Philly has been juggling all season, but doesn’t do too much with the top of his order if they are healthy. I always thought one reason for the 90s Braves success came from a solid first 4 in the order. Good lead-off guys, followed by decent hitting & sprinkle in a little power in the first 4. Do that & you’ve got the same old southern recipe for winning, because anything later on in the lineup is the gravy on top !!!
Puppet Please!!
August 13th, 2010
4:22 pm
Morons!!….each and every one of you.
And Chipper sucks! He better retire!! Frank needs that money!!
Space Monkey
August 13th, 2010
4:24 pm
Prado. Bat him third. Before the injury, he was starting to hit with power.
MWC
August 13th, 2010
4:29 pm
For the last time, you will NOT see Glaus at third.
ReddJonn68
August 13th, 2010
4:39 pm
Well thinking toward the future, because I think the rehabbing will take a mental toll on Chipper. We better do something to address our future at 3rd, because down on the farm Donell Linares & Wes Timmons are not the answer so far. Unless the other minor league 3rd basemen, Nelson, Sime, or Kreke come out of nowhere we need to examine the future of 3rd base.
NickGranite
August 13th, 2010
4:45 pm
Unless I heard something out of context because I plugged in the middle of his live press conference, Chipper said he would be back next spring and will know whether he could do it again by the end of spring training. Correct?
J-Man
August 13th, 2010
4:47 pm
Bradleys ” 8 Reasons” CURSE is in full effect.
Matt
August 13th, 2010
4:52 pm
I am not sure about putting Prado at third. It was obvious when he was health that he and Gonzo have better communication that Gonzo/Infante. I am just thinking about all the errors that Alex has made since Prado went down and how many of those involved Infante. Either way, I believe it will work out for us.
Barry
August 13th, 2010
4:53 pm
1. Prado 3B
2. Infante 2B
3. Heyward RF
4. McCann C
5. Diaz or Hinske LF
6. Gonzalez SS
7. Glaus 1B
8. Ankiel or Cabrera CF
obee
August 13th, 2010
4:54 pm
When a player has season ending surgery, does insurance start covering the player’s salary?
Tribute To Chip Shot
August 13th, 2010
4:55 pm
Hey Mark can you ask Mac or somebody if he could get all the braves players who homer to use Chippers hand gesture that he does?
Wouldnt send a chill down your spine seeing that after every homer?
Doyle Alexander
August 13th, 2010
4:56 pm
I like the idea of Figgins. The speed would be a great addition at lead-off and let Prado hit behind him and use that high average and obp to set up big innings, and do hit and runs. He can play 2nd, or 3rd, and if Chipper comes back healthy next year, he’s a legit CF option for the next 2 years.
Still@theBAR
August 13th, 2010
4:57 pm
YOGA!! Chipper you need to try YOGA. If you did it maybe 5 years ago you would not have the lil nagging streches and pulls. The ACL thing will need to be flexible in the future if you want to keep playing.
Golf - one
August 13th, 2010
4:58 pm
Leave Prado at 2nd,Conrad at third,Omar at short and Gonselaz beanch player, and trade some minor league players for Escabar,Then move Omar back on beach
Chief Hittabatta
August 13th, 2010
5:04 pm
Mark: if you’re letting me be the manager, does that mean you’ve already fired Bobby? And Pendleton?
Sad Chipper Fan
August 13th, 2010
5:12 pm
I think Prado makes the most sense by far. Conrad has been valuable off the bench, but the upside to finally getting both Prado and Infante in the lineup at once far outweighs the upside to having Conrad in the lineup. I prefer seeing Conrad come into games as a late game pinch hitter. The option of having Prado and Infante in the middle infield and Gonzalez or Conrad at third doesn’t make sense to me; Gonzalez is better at short, and his numbers are significantly better than Conrads so it doesn’t make sense to take him out of the lineup (as long as his big-play errors don’t continue). Glaus at third makes no sense– he simply couldn’t defend against a bunt with his knees in the shape they are in.
Smitty
August 13th, 2010
5:24 pm
I have no problem with Prado at 3b and Infante at 2nd IF Prado is OK physically. Short of a trade for Zimmerman, Cuddyer (sp?) or Uggla, that would do allright. BUT, then the question is: Who replaces Infante in the very valuable role he has played for the Braves this year? A trade for Figgns could accomplish that. But trading away KK means, with Medlin hurting, a not-so-deep rotation. I would prefer to see a trade for a veteran thirdbaseman with some power who could bridge the gap until the farm system produces the next 3b (Leonard?) If Chipper comes back next year, Wonderful!
Mike
August 13th, 2010
5:52 pm
Jerry Royster
gtjacket81
August 13th, 2010
5:59 pm
Make a trade for now and the future. Go get Uggla for 2B and play Prado at 3B. Keep Omar and Conrad as utility players.