Rasmus gone. Beltran going. And the Braves get … Nieves?
It was a painful night/early morning: Jordan Schafer after getting plunked. (AP photo)
Busy afternoon, eh? Colby Rasmus, often listed as a Braves’ target, has been traded to Toronto for Edwin Jackson, who’d just been traded from the White Sox and is now a Cardinal. ESPN is reporting that Carlos Beltran, listed as a target for every decent team, is all but ticketed for San Francisco.
And the Braves themselves? Well, they just bought catcher Wil Nieves from Milwaukee. For cash.
About Nieves: He’s 33. He’d made the Brewers’ opening day roster but got sent to Class AAA after hittting .140 in the bigs. He then hit .170 for Nashville. Which means he might wind up batting cleanup tomorrow night at Turner Field.
OK, I exaggerate. Actually, the Braves will send Nieves to Gwinnett. But this is getting grim.
Today the Braves placed both Brian McCann and Jordan Schafer on the disabled list, and Chipper Jones is again available only to pinch-hit. Tonight’s outfield: Martin Prado in left, Nate McLouth in center, Wilkin Ramirez (summoned to take Schafer’s roster spot) in right. Jason Heyward isn’t starting because the Pirates are throwing lefthander Paul Maholm.
Nieves is cheap insurance in case David Ross and/or J.C. Boscan can’t catch every inning these next two or three weeks. And there now seems little doubt that Frank Wren will indeed make some sort of big(ger) move before Sunday’s deadline. This roster in July 2011 is starting to bear the look of last season’s team in October, which isn’t what you’d want.
There’s a buzz around the clubhouse as we speak, and it’s not just because of the 19-inning game only recently concluded on a terrible call. All the Braves aren’t even here yet, manager Fredi Gonzalez having told them they didn’t need to report until 5:30 p.m. (Usual time is before 4.) Nobody’s taking batting practice. A few guys are playing catch. Everybody else on hand is sitting around wondering what can happen next.
Stay tuned, won’t you? Back soon.
By Mark Bradley
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168 comments Add your comment
MatthewH
July 27th, 2011
5:17 pm
This is like a flashback to a lineup from the Braves of the mid-80s
Mark Bradley
July 27th, 2011
5:23 pm
Roger that, MatthewH.
D-MAN
July 27th, 2011
5:25 pm
I’m available for duty. Yes, I stink, but I could probably put up a buck – seventy batting average. Heck, I will play for the league minimum…how about it Braves?
J.J.M.
July 27th, 2011
5:25 pm
whats wrong with atlanta teams?
Mr. Pappagiorgio
July 27th, 2011
5:25 pm
Better get Pence..better get Pence.
NorCalBrave
July 27th, 2011
5:26 pm
I long for the good old days when the biggest concern was Uggla’s slump. How things have unraveled since the All Star break.
Martin
July 27th, 2011
5:26 pm
The feeling as a Braves fan is horrible right now….I’m starting to think we are cursed…And for Frank Wren not to do anything is almost making me puke…
Thames
July 27th, 2011
5:27 pm
Hearing specific names floating around, Mark?
bruce
July 27th, 2011
5:28 pm
wasn’t Nieves with the Nats until recently?
TMAC
July 27th, 2011
5:28 pm
so now Heyward has been relegated to a platoon role? Give me a break. I guess it was too soon to compare him to Aaron.
SABAN > Richt
July 27th, 2011
5:28 pm
Why doesn’t Jason Heyward show any heart and play with pain?
Cal Ripken, he is not.
Mark Bradley
July 27th, 2011
5:28 pm
Let me reiterate: Wren will do something. It might not be the right something, but he’ll make a move.
missouridawg
July 27th, 2011
5:28 pm
egads, it’s the wrenergizer bunny striking again.
Mr. Pappagiorgio
July 27th, 2011
5:29 pm
I think Wren will make a move, just hope it isn’t Upton..we dont need another strike out machine..we alrady have Gonzo.
Eddie Perez
July 27th, 2011
5:29 pm
I think they could activate me from bullpen catcher to bat .170 at Gwinnett!
TMAC
July 27th, 2011
5:29 pm
I think Alphonso Soriano or Pence would be a great addition.
Thames
July 27th, 2011
5:29 pm
PS. I’m a Braves fan and dont feel terrible. Last night was tough to watch and injuries are tough, but we built this wild-card lead and it is coming in handy. I hate that McCann is out but we literally have the best case scenario backup in Ross and this almost certainly puts pressure on Wren to go get a legitimate bat. Things are tough in late July for the Braves… but they certainly aren’t grim.
DHD
July 27th, 2011
5:30 pm
That was an idiotic response to Wren picking up a quick insurance at catcher. He wasn’t getting him for the offensive answer and you know it. Why do I even read here?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 27th, 2011
5:30 pm
Yeah Soriano and the 60 million left on his deal. Good grief…
j
July 27th, 2011
5:30 pm
How much is Pence going to cost ATL? Minor and what else?
ETerp
July 27th, 2011
5:31 pm
Nothing has “unraveled.” We just haven’t hit with RISP. We’ll be fine. Just hang on until BMac returns, and hope that Prado finds his stroke.
Mr. Pappagiorgio
July 27th, 2011
5:32 pm
Pence=Minor plus another prospect..if I were to guess. But we get Pence for the remainder of this year and next.
Columbus
July 27th, 2011
5:33 pm
First, 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 then. He grew up on the GA/AL border where Hudson did also and would be close to home. Not to mention I think he might a MVP in the next 3 years. Better chance than Heyward at this point. But we probably would have needed to give up starting and relief pitching and/or Heyward or Jordan for a deal and we are looking for relievers ourself. He will be A FA soon so Heyward better get on the right track.
TMAC
July 27th, 2011
5:33 pm
So sorry about that Lowcountry D-bag. (Just like a bulldog fan to answer like that). Didn’t know about his salary just the fact that the cubs said he would be available. Sheeeesh.
Stockdog
July 27th, 2011
5:33 pm
We should have traded Lowe for Granderson back in May, when the Yankees wanted Lowe. Should have traded Minor for Beltran last week. Woulda, coulda, shoulda! Wren makes great off season moves but he refuses to pull the trigger during the season regarding young pitchers. I would trade Minor, McLouth, and a bag of chips for Pence today. Just saying!
SABAN > Richt
July 27th, 2011
5:34 pm
Yes, Mark, I agree with you about Wren making SOME type of move.
The only decent move Frank “Wrong Again” Wren will make is a BOWEL MOVEMENT.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 27th, 2011
5:34 pm
Just like a moron to toss out a name without having a clue. Just shows how much of a informed fan you are.
bro
July 27th, 2011
5:35 pm
If you don’t want to trade within your division or league, go to the other league. Which is what you should do in the first place. Why do the Braves always play a few players short when there are injuries that may take 1-6 weeks to heal. If Jones can’t play-put him on the DL. A spot on the bench is just that a spot on the bench. Why would you want a catcher that is hitting under 200. We have enough of those already. The ability to judge talent-not a job for Atlanta scouts and brass. Call an average hight school player for help.
TMAC
July 27th, 2011
5:36 pm
sorry that REAL JOB thing gets in the way. Try it sometime.
jerry
July 27th, 2011
5:37 pm
MatthewH
This is like a flashback to a lineup from the Braves of the mid-80s
All is needed is the gawky Kent Tekulve to come in and shut the Braves down.
bro
July 27th, 2011
5:37 pm
Of all the trades made by the braves in the last few years. Can you name a really good one No.
Ryan
July 27th, 2011
5:38 pm
I’m sorry but with no Chipper or Mccann, I think Heyward has to play every day…..none of this platoon crap.
TP
July 27th, 2011
5:38 pm
We have a very good catcher in our bull pen, if he can still get up and down, and I can fill in at third base. Our lack of hitting will fit right in. Mr. Wren, please get us some help before that happens.
TMAC
July 27th, 2011
5:38 pm
by the way, cubs are willing to eat large amount of salary left on soriano’s contract. Just a little info there.
Ryan
July 27th, 2011
5:38 pm
Sure I can. Rentaria for JJ. Great trade
Who Me?
July 27th, 2011
5:39 pm
Agreed. What an absolutely stupefying response to the players today….Every contender in the league is moving forward except this mgmt team. What message is being sent not to the fans – we do pay the freight – but to the Braves players. Hey you’re good and we know you need some help but tough crap….
Lame as* management with this franchise. C’mon Arthur Blank, find a spot for the Braves too….
Robert
July 27th, 2011
5:39 pm
“This roster in July 2011 is starting to bear the look of last season’s team in October, which isn’t what you’d want.”
There’s still one HUGE difference between this year and last year.
Look – it would be nice to make a significant move. And personally I think they shouldve jumped on Minor for Beltran.
But unless they bring back Bobby Cox, we still have a viable chance.
Reality
July 27th, 2011
5:40 pm
It pains me to make this prediction but….Our Braves will collapse and NOT make the playoffs. First, we are poorly coached as hitters. We make too many errors and our pitching will prove to be subpar
over the next few weeks. By labor day or earlier, we will have lost our wildcard lead and forget about catching Philly.
This revelation is not new. A couple of our pitchers can’t survive the heat (weather) and Jurjjens can’t possibly match his first half. Our three stout bullpin lefties are wearing out and the others are returning to their career norms.
We’ll miss the PO’s….you can count on it!
jerry
July 27th, 2011
5:40 pm
Has Fredi given up on Heyward vs lefties? I damn well have.
Glenn
July 27th, 2011
5:40 pm
Maybe Wren’s working on a deal for Troy Tulowitzki from the Rockies; if we have to dream, dream big.
ted williams head
July 27th, 2011
5:40 pm
Wren will get another McLouth just watch
kbrab
July 27th, 2011
5:41 pm
Everyone should realize that this is certainly not the only move the Braves are going to make…just one to get us through a few days. I fully expect us to make a bigger move.
Why would we give up a major prospect for a 3 month rental? if you’re going to give up a major piece, you need to get someone back who’s going to be around next year too.
Robert
July 27th, 2011
5:41 pm
“Of all the trades made by the braves in the last few years. Can you name a really good one No.”
In years past, it made no sense to trade prospects for a stretch run or a playoff drive, because even if the Braves made the playoffs, Bobby Cox was going to screw it up
Cox is gone. This team has an honest to goodness CHANCE. It would be a shame to waste it
Brave Hokie
July 27th, 2011
5:42 pm
Brightside:
when baseball goes to an 8 man pitching rotation in a couple years… the Braves will be ahead of the curve
for once…
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 27th, 2011
5:42 pm
Nice comeback, props to you. Hope you feel better about yourslef with that “job” comeback…
Tony
July 27th, 2011
5:42 pm
Mark, one word…Wow! And there is no one in our farm system that could fill in if needed? Wasted money. This is the time to get gutsy as the Yankees and Red Sox always do. Grab an outfielder and part with a good prospect in return. The Braves must rid themselves of this old mentality of playing it cheap, and adopt the “it takes money to make money” mentality.
jerry
July 27th, 2011
5:42 pm
Robert ……….Due to his playoff experience, Bobby will be brought back if they make it.
Tim
July 27th, 2011
5:43 pm
Ross is a better defensive catcher and pitcher handler than Brian, IMHO. We love Brian but that is what I think. I think he will have a good two weeks. he looks like he is in shape and can handle the heat.
Heyward is turning into Fancoeur before our very eyes.
I wish that the Braves could work out a Reyes deal. Lot of speed, scary batter. i think the entire lineup would thrive with someone like that in the order. Nobody is scary and anyone in the existing lineup can be pitched around the way it is now.
BL
July 27th, 2011
5:43 pm
At least teams will have to turn down the “auto-steal” with Ross behind the plate. (McCann did have one heck of throw last night)
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 27th, 2011
5:43 pm
Soriano is 35, they better be willing to choke on about 55 million of it for a buyer. You think the Braves have a hard time trading Lowe? Try and move Soriano….
Robert
July 27th, 2011
5:44 pm
“Robert ……….Due to his playoff experience, Bobby will be brought back if they make it.”
To do what? To fulfill the prophecy that it wasnt worth it to get Beltran?
Dirtybird98
July 27th, 2011
5:44 pm
The Braves need to go out and get Ichiro. The Mariners aren’t going anywhere,so they could use the prospects.Lord knows the Braves need some speed to manufacture some runs since they don’t have much power,plus he can play good defense.
Wren
July 27th, 2011
5:46 pm
I am open to suggestions. Must be an excellent player…..and cheap.
Breaking News |Breaking News
July 27th, 2011
5:46 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Discard Proctor In Spite Of Last Night
July 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
Carlos Quentin… do whatever it takes to get him.
TMAC
July 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
I feel much better. THWG. Enjoy that pre-season national championship lowcountry.
SAL
July 27th, 2011
5:49 pm
If there is a trade to be made at least get somebody that will be around for more than couple of months. McClouth won’t be back in 2012. Shafer is decent defensively but is horrible offensively (not seen improvement yet). Will Chipper be back? If he is, does history says maybe 100 games. With OF unsettled next year & beyond get somebody that will be in Atlanta for a couple of years. I like Carlos Quentin from White Sox (got 2012 before free agency). Beltran is NOT a solution to problems.
Dennis Reynolds
July 27th, 2011
5:50 pm
HAVE to go after Pence. If the Braves even CONSIDERED a Minor for Beltran trade then they need to go all in for Pence.
Offer them Minor, Delgado,Hoover, and Bethancourt for Pence.
You cant sit on prospects forever just to say you have them. These are the reasons you stockpile young talent (esp if your already overstocked with quality pitching).
You just HAVE to do this. Wren has GOT TO do this.
Terry
July 27th, 2011
5:51 pm
Butch Davis out at North Carolina.
Tony
July 27th, 2011
5:52 pm
Oh yeah SAL, Carlos Quentin is another one. Upton, Pence, or Quentin.
Ryan
July 27th, 2011
5:52 pm
We need them both though. Bourn and Pence. Expect Prado to play 3rd, Pence LF, and Bourn CF
Buzz me
July 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
gotta get rid of Liberty MEdia and get an owner who cares like Mr. Blank or Mr. Marcus
john
July 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
We’ll be alright-don’t panic–David Ross is an excellent catcher and will need to get timely hits–He can do. Still have our pitching to get us thru. Could use a extra pitcher in the late innings. Don’t give up the farm to get someone–alot of talent on this team–normally people step in and hold down the fort. I expect the Braves will get it done!
GLE
July 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
CAN U SAY WAIT TIL NEXT YR?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 27th, 2011
5:54 pm
TMAC, do not be so oversensitive. You got called out on a post and now you result to jibberish. If they whole thing works for you knock yourself out. I busted you. Sorry you cannot handle it maturely. I am here to discuss the Braves. You can move on or move out. Your choice big guy…
jonny
July 27th, 2011
5:55 pm
come on guys lets be realistic here no matter what the braves do it is only gonna hurt us name all of the big trades we have made for all star hitters the last couple of years and then you will realize that they stink once on the braves something must be going on…. we thought getting rid of terry pendelton as our hitting coach would help… not really
kevkat
July 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
The question is do we want to have an opportunity to win now and possibly get to the World Series. All this commenting about don’t get a Beltran rental and let’s get someone for the long term cause we’re looking down the road crap has run it’s course. Would Beltran guarantee a World Series berth,heck no, just like Tex didn’t get us there, however, it showed we were trying to get to the World Series. But hey, let’s just hold on to all that great pitching potential and get an average or maybe slightly above average outfielder or reliever and keep looking down the road!
TOMY FOURNIER
July 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
I wrote a few days ago…that Atlanta is a “PRETENDER”…NOT A “CONTENDER”…AND TAHT’S THE TRUE…NO MATTER WHAT WREN DO IT…NOT CHANCE…NOT FIRST PLACE AND NOT WILD CAR…YOUI WILL SEE…THIS TEAM IS PATETIC, NOT GOOD HITTER, NOT BUNT,NOT STEAL BASES, NOT MOVE THE RUNNERS…THE WORST MANEGER AND COACH STAFF.WITH FOUR OR FIVE OUT ON THE LINE UP…HOW YOU THINK THAT’S A CONTENDER TEAM….COME-ON…HELLO!!! .
Tony
July 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
Buzz me…so, so true about Liberty “ME”dia. Bring back the old Turner days in Atlanta!
Tom
July 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
Ok, now we all know Beltran is going to SF,along with newly acquired Keppinger(.300 hitter), kinda makes them favorite with Philly! Pence is a RF, not a part-timeCF or LF, he is not coming here to split time with Heyward! McCann and Schafer now on DL, with Chipper hurting< we have no chance to make WC now. 33yr old reserve catcher obtained hitting .170 in minors, WOW!!!!!!!!!
kirkinga
July 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
Well if the bats are gone, I guess I could live with acquiring a very good arm for the pen. I think Adams would be worth the cost especially given the lineups the Braves might face in October.
Dennis Reynolds
July 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
If Wren has anything hanging down there he will go all in and quit making these silly Farsworth/Ankiel deals. That LF revolving door has been almost a bigger joke than 1st base. Now we got Freeman for years to come. We need Pence to hold down LF for years to come as well.
We are SO close to being a Championship caliber team for not only this year, but the next 5-7 years. Look how the Phillies did it. They have had a core group of players for years now and theyre all very good players.
Freeman=Howard
Uggla=Utley
HOLE=Rollins
Prado=Polanco
Mac=Ruiz
PENCE=Ibanez
HOLE=Victorino
Heyward=Werth
Were just a few moves away from having a team that will rival that group of players.
Columbus
July 27th, 2011
6:00 pm
Yeah dream BIG Tulowitzki! That would be BIG and appropriate!
jonny
July 27th, 2011
6:01 pm
whydidnt my comment get posted
Casey
July 27th, 2011
6:02 pm
I bet Mike Hampton is ready for the call..
keith
July 27th, 2011
6:02 pm
Mark,
I still like Bourne a lot for this Braves team….of course, pence would be ok, too. Other than that, I say keep their pitching…I was really hoping for Beltran. this business of 2nd and 3rd with 0 outs and 0 runs is a MAJOR problem…has been most of the year.
GO BRAVES!
Mister Frisky
July 27th, 2011
6:02 pm
We need Bourn,Pence,Ichiro,JJ Hardy.Prado to 3rd full time Chipper to ph.That’s should just about do it.
jonny
July 27th, 2011
6:03 pm
As much as we need a bat its not gonna help us
we will turn him terrible like mcclouth, uggla, and like evry other bigname player we trade for that then turns awful
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 27th, 2011
6:04 pm
Go get a bat like CQ that gives you power this year while not limiting you for what you can do next year. Postionally it may be tough to work it out but Chipper cannot be counted on at this point. He can play 3-4 days a week, and Prado can fill in for him. Or Prado can sub Uggla 1-2 times a week. Keeps all the players fresh heading into October.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 27th, 2011
6:04 pm
Hardy just signed a extension in Baltimore.
Wren
July 27th, 2011
6:04 pm
Stop worrying. I intend to deal Proctor and rest my case.
Dennis Reynolds
July 27th, 2011
6:06 pm
Bourn>Schafer
Pence>Any other alternative (Ludwick, Willingham, etc.) and Scafer
If we get Pence, I think we should put him in CF while Chipper plays and LF when he doesnt. He more than capable of providing good D in CF.
Aardvark Base
July 27th, 2011
6:06 pm
Word is that Pence is not in the starting lineup tonight in Houston.
Chicken Little
July 27th, 2011
6:08 pm
The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!!!
Skyrider
July 27th, 2011
6:09 pm
Don’t be so sure the Braves are going to get Pence either. CBSsports.com is stating that the Astros will now keep Pence and look to deal him in the offseason.
rabiddawg
July 27th, 2011
6:09 pm
Why wait until Sunday at 11 pm to pull off a trade? It’s obvious what we need(ed) all along. Pull the trigger before we are 10 back. who cares about keeping a mike minor.
Adam Jones JR
July 27th, 2011
6:11 pm
I still think Wren has something up his sleeve. Rumors have been very minimal over the past three days and what exist has no legs…..
Adam Jones might be the sleeper here, he’s young (25), a righty, above average defensive centerfield, bats .290, hits for power (currently 18 hr) and has ability on the base paths. Oh, and he is under team control for two more years. Orioles are not anywhere close to competing in the AL East and have very little pitching support. Perhaps we could spare a few of our attractive pigeon holed prospect pitchers to aquire a high potential centerfielder such as Jones. Sure would be nice to see the name Jones in centerfield again!
Its Worth a call Wren.
SAL
July 27th, 2011
6:12 pm
B.J. Upton has the stats to be the right handed version of Nate McClouth or Rick Ankeil. I hope he isn’t the target to fix Braves woes. His .227 batting average would make him a perfect fit with what we already have in the OF.
Law Dawg
July 27th, 2011
6:15 pm
Any chance Wren goes out and gets a short stop? Hell, could Prado play SS if we trade for an outfielder?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
I was anti-Upton but if you look at his home/away spilts he is raking it on the road. So a poster menioned a change of scenery may do him good may have been right. Upton is hitting close to .280 on the road with 9 homers and a .360 OBP%.
Mister Frisky
July 27th, 2011
6:19 pm
Think of the bright side we have all those pitching prospects that the Braves are hoarding.For what I have no idea.
Athenzdawg
July 27th, 2011
6:19 pm
I’m so tired of the Braves always having platoon players is it too much to ask to have a roster of 9 solid people(8 excluding the pitcher) that we can feel confident in? Over the last 5 or so years how many times have we had platoon at positions where everyone can see we needed upgrades but no one made a move. This was a huge problem with Bobby when he was here at second base with Keith Lockhart. I just want a team you can throw out there realize that they are not hitting less than 2.40 and we except this. Quit with all these players who can’t play…..If you can’t hit then don’t bring them up.
Discard Proctor In Spite Of Last Night
July 27th, 2011
6:21 pm
We need Carlos Quentin. Mike Minor is perfect trade bait. Do it now Wren!
Adam Jones JR
July 27th, 2011
6:21 pm
Low Country,
I’m with you on Carlos Quentin, defense would be skechy though. Non the less, an upgrade from McOut…….
Im surprised Wren isnt targeting Wiggington, we did last year at this time. He plays third and corner outfield which would address concerns of Chipper and right handed outfiled option. Not a superstar, but solid contributor with versaitility at positions needed most.
Lets go Wren…
Bobby Bobby
July 27th, 2011
6:22 pm
Forget Pence. Marlon Bird or CF from the twins. Braves do not need a corner outfielder. Also some relief help. I think Moylen and his summer vacation/tweets to Disney World and NYC may have put him in dog house with management.
Scooter
July 27th, 2011
6:22 pm
Why the #$@!!@## do any of you want Heyward to play at all (hurt or not) Heyward and Gonzo are just AWFUL right now. Also, If we make another move like we have the past few years I’m done with the management/Ownership. We have a surplus and should be VERY active.
Time
July 27th, 2011
6:25 pm
BJ Upton
Brett
July 27th, 2011
6:28 pm
Is Julio Franco available?
jonny
July 27th, 2011
6:29 pm
Is Julio Franco available?
YESSSSSSSS we need julio the key to our success plus we need matty diaz back he was so clutch for us
jmor
July 27th, 2011
6:31 pm
“There is no doubt that Wren won’t make a deal” The double negative is confusing. Do you think he will or won’t make a big deal?
Rilo
July 27th, 2011
6:32 pm
We can blame the players (and they should take a hit for horrible hitting). We can blame Wren (an obvious Target) but with this ownership we will continue to struggle. Liberty Media ONLY cares about $$$$. Other teams in our position could justify flexing up with a few major pickups since we have a lot of money coming off the payroll in the offseason. It should happen but it won’t.
Mark Bradley
July 27th, 2011
6:33 pm
I have no doubt that Wren WILL make a deal.
bob
July 27th, 2011
6:34 pm
Were the Yankees really willing to trade the Grandy Man for Lowe? If so, how did the Braves not pull the trigger on that one? And, why did they not pull the trigger on that one?
I would flip Lowe for Gardiner…I like the speed and it solves the left field situation. Bat Gardiner first and JS second and leave JS in center.
Let’s face it…CJ is good for about 100 games a year and a team can not build a lineup around such a situation. Remember the days of Bob Horner when everyone wondered when the wrist would explode and he would be out again.
I would consider a trade for a SS this year. I would like to add more speed. Any ideas.
In short, let’s move away from the big inning home run plan to the speed and run production plan.
Any comments?
NEW CARS
July 27th, 2011
6:34 pm
I think Wren is will to give someone besides Teheran and Vizcaino up, but not for a 2 month deal. We have a hole in our system, a RH bat in the outfield for the next few years. Prado will move to third next year and we need to fill a spot for more than two montsh
Rilo
July 27th, 2011
6:35 pm
I hear ya Mark but the ownership won’t allow the deals we NEED to make.
fred
July 27th, 2011
6:35 pm
Discard Proctor..You would give Minor for Quentin? What a joke..CQ will be a free agent in two months..Not to smart. Adams Jones wake up!
Tom
July 27th, 2011
6:35 pm
Tim,@543p – “Heyward turning into Franceour before our very eyes”. I take exception to that comment, perhaps you should know certain facts before you make that comment.. Frenchy 2nd season – played in 162 games, 29HRS, 103 RBI’s, .260BA, his 3rd season – played in 162 games again, 19 HRS, 105 RBI’s, with .293BA. Think about that for a moment, played in every game for 2 years back-to-back! Ok, the next thing some of you guys like to say is he strikes out alot and will swing at anything? As of the other nite – Pence, Bourn and Franceour all had approx 400 AB’s this season, this may surprise you – Pence – 84SO’s, Bourn – 83SO’s, and Franceour – 73SO’s. No, I’m not trying to get him back, hell, he probably would not want to come back, I hear he likes it in KC. But truth be told his stats this year are better than Heyward, Schafer and McLouth added together. We are in serious trouble and one bat will not help much even it was Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron ! I just ask you real baseball fans to quit bashing him every chance you get, he is a good young man and a fine baseball player ! Thanks!!
heartofdarkness
July 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
Did I miss the instruction in MB’s column to construct a trade scenario, that should it actually occur would represent a 6- to 10-sigma event against the full history of baseball transactions.
Bill
July 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
Per MLB The Braves have started talking to Astros about Pence..Houston turn down the Phillies offer for Pence..The Braves have a chance..lets see what happens.
Ronald Millsaps
July 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
Your blog’s more professional than David O’Brien’s.
Atlanta needs not a trade but instead the guy on the bench tonight to step up. If he regains his swing, it’ll be better than a trade.
I think this team would do well to skip batting practice for two or three days; everyone seems to be pressing.
T.J.
July 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
Bill where the hell have u been the past 6 hours. We all know that.
John Galt
July 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
I have grown sick of all of the man crushes on Hunter Pence. Houston’s owner does NOT want him moved-
Adam Jones JR
July 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
Fredster,
I would not give up Minor for Quentin. But would consider mid level prospects such Jairo Ascenio or Hoover….
Does us no good to have talented prospects rotting on the farm because they are pigeon holed behind Jurrjens, Hudson, Hanson, Beechy, Vicaino, Teahran, Minor, etc…..
oasisbraves
July 27th, 2011
6:46 pm
Just do Minor and Delgado for Hunter Pence.
bigbrave
July 27th, 2011
6:47 pm
Suit up Ron Gant and John Smoltz!! Bring up the future with 3B Brandon Hicks and speedy outfield Jose Constanza from Gwinnett for some valuable playing time during these injuries.
Adam Jones JR
July 27th, 2011
6:49 pm
Fred I suppose you are content with McOut and Wilkin Ramirez. Or better yet, Lugo playing third because Prado has to play outfield while CJ gives himself ultrasounds?
This team is not better than they were last year, thus expect the same quick exit again with a stockpile of arms wasting.
Mike
July 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
Braves have so many weak spots ,no one trade would make any difference !! They should attempt to improve miserable run producing offense in any event !!!
Steve
July 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
Frank Wren is a reason to root for another team.
braveheart8
July 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
Why wouldn’t you leave Heyward in against a lefty so he can adjust? The future phenom needs reps against pitchers if he is ever going to reach his potential.
Ray
July 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
we would have had to outbid the Giants for Beltran. Wheeler is rated a better prospect than Minor. so Minor alone may not have been enough.
I’m not interested in trading top 7 picks for a 2 month rental (who can’t be offerred arbitration even if the Braves wanted to ) who doesn’t guarantee you anything.
you can get anyone if you overpay !. we did that wth Teixeira and Drew. how many times do you want to get ripped off ?
panic deals do not work. Colby Rasmus is not that great if you look at his nos.. his younger brother Cory (our supp #1 pick in 2006) is injured again in A ball. 5 yrs later, he’s in A ball. we need to chase after his brother ?
Keith in Macon
July 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
Okay I”ve had it with Jason Heyward. It’s a joke that your manager can’t even start you when a THIRD of the starting line-up is missing.
Time for him to grow-up or get gone.
Time is up. He HAS to be the stud he supposedly is NOW!! I don’t give a crap how young he is.
Mets Are Best
July 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
How much did the Braves pay that plate umpire last night? What a joke. Stooping to bribery. Go Pirates! Go Mets!
T.J.
July 27th, 2011
6:58 pm
Keith first of all STFU and secondly, this is just his second year in the bigs, now if he struggles this bad next year, then I will jump on board with you, but you and som many other stupid Braves fans have to realize he’s 21 and is going through a sophmore slump. People do it all the time in every sport.
Elmer
July 27th, 2011
6:58 pm
The good trade–JJ for Renteria
BehindEnemyLines
July 27th, 2011
6:58 pm
One move isn’t going to fix the problems this lineup currently has. The middle infield has been an offensive black hole, the outfield is better than that but still offensively unproductive, and Brittle Jones can’t stay in the lineup. This isn’t a situation fixed by the acquisition of a single bat (and certainly not an overpaid aging one).
Keith in Macon
July 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
Mets fans … scientific proof of how destructive inbreeding is.
don
July 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
The process has entered its most dangerous stage- Wren in panic mode. Fortunately for the good of the team Beltran is out of the picture. Still, Wren is sadly capable of unloading a boatload of talent for a mediocre player like Pence.
If the Braves want to make a move, why not get some much needed speed. Go after Upton or Bourn. But, in doing so, don’t grossly overpay as has been Wren’s mode of operation for years. Wren would make a great Democrat congressman because of his tendency to give away everything and get little or nothing in return.
Bill Goldberg
July 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
Braveheart, you don’t put him in against lefties because he has shown he can’t adjust. He will strike out or weakly ground to second.
detroitchris
July 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
Mark care to make a prediction for us?
Upton? Quentin? Pence? Or will the front office go cheap again and land a Ludwick/Willingham type who will make for a marginal if any improvement.
Adam Jones JR
July 27th, 2011
7:02 pm
Mets Are Best,
Tough times eh? Its pathetic you have to concern yourself with the Pirates these days. Shouldnt you be more worried about your team and what additional players get shipped out of your scum bag city?
IlliniBrave
July 27th, 2011
7:05 pm
It’s up to Uggs, Prado, and Freddie – those guys have got to carry us for at least a few days until Chipper is back at 90% (we know we’ll never have him at 100%).
Then hopefully someone finds Heyward on some playground and returns him to his rightful owner. Cuz that guy currently out in RF is obviously an imposter.
NcBravesFanatic
July 27th, 2011
7:05 pm
@ DOB I too believe Wren will make a deal I just think it’ll still be for Ludwick, Willingham or someone of that caliber instead of the deal we need to make. The Phillies reportedly wanted Pence pretty bad. I’d offer the Astros Minor, and some combo of Gearrin, Wilkin, Young or Gartrell. The only player Id hate to lose is Minor but we just drafted a Lefty with similar make up and we could always acquire one if thats what we lacked this offseason.
Tim
July 27th, 2011
7:06 pm
Tom, @635. You kind of made my point about Frenchy. He did not seem to decline until after the two years you cite but he did have a significant decline. I really like him (I still have the bobbblehead). Heyward is far too talented to drop off like he has. Could it be the team climate? batting coach? mentoring? I’m 60 years old and i still like being coached up at work (sales). Those who fail to adapt are prone to fail. This has been a tough year for the team with Bobby leaving which had to upset the stability to some extent. I think they have done a great job under the circumstances. I still curse the TV like I had Tourettes when things dont go well but I still love the Braves. I love the guys who are intense about winning but have fun. I love the guys who compete. My wife and I love to watch guys like Hinske and Ross who always seem READY. They battle, they adapt, they challenge themselves and are not ever satisfied with mediocrity. I always want more.
stephen
July 27th, 2011
7:06 pm
Bring back Jeff F.
Adam Jones JR
July 27th, 2011
7:06 pm
Elmer,
JUrrjens and Infante for Renteria was a solid move by Wren. In all actuality, it turned into Jurrjens (our Ace) and led us to Uggla (yet to be detrmined how he turns out) for 1.5 years of Renteria who absolutely sucked while in Detroit. This trade helps to offset the Texeria debacle….
stephen
July 27th, 2011
7:08 pm
He is hitting better than any of out outfielders are with more power, rbi
and obp. I thinik that he grewup
freshd
July 27th, 2011
7:12 pm
Wil Nieves, what? Corky Miller wasn’t available?
Tychus Findlay
July 27th, 2011
7:15 pm
Maybe we trade for Big Z….to hit.
PMC
July 27th, 2011
7:15 pm
If they get Pence where does he play? Still in right? Move Heyward to Left?
ryan
July 27th, 2011
7:17 pm
Frank Wren does nothing we are screwed McCann injured and Shaffer injured i mean it almost like we throwing in the towel Chipper Jones not 100% i mean Will Nieves come on man .
todd grantham
July 27th, 2011
7:20 pm
Mark, how’s the weather at the Ted?
todd grantham
July 27th, 2011
7:22 pm
we all thought, “hey, Chipper’s coming off the DL, we got Prado back, and the world is ours!!” fast forward to today.
katherine
July 27th, 2011
7:23 pm
its a new day…anything can happen so lets go braves!
katherine
July 27th, 2011
7:25 pm
i just hope gonzalez can do something other than pop up, ground into a double play or strike out but im not holding my breath
todd grantham
July 27th, 2011
7:26 pm
if Sir Frank doesnt buy a bat, we may as well go back to worm farming.
todd grantham
July 27th, 2011
7:28 pm
table tennis is on channel 420 if anyone is interested.
todd grantham
July 27th, 2011
7:33 pm
is it wilkin or winkin in right field?
Rilo
July 27th, 2011
7:34 pm
ugggghhh…
Stinger2
July 27th, 2011
7:39 pm
Does anyone who has made a negative comment about Wren think he will ever see it or, if he did, care the least bit about what fans think about him?
Fred Herring
July 27th, 2011
7:40 pm
Maybe we can sign McGriff again!!!!! He still can hit better than most of the team
Dawg'88
July 27th, 2011
7:42 pm
Don’t know about you guys but I feel great that we still have Minor and Delgado and Tehren in the minors. It will help us win the WC or the division or maybe even the WS this year. SF or Philly will be scared stiff that we have those guys for the future if we face either one in the playoffs.
Beltran couldn’t possibly help SF beat us in this year’s postseason with those guys waiting in the wings. We had a better offense than them anyway before this deal. We couldn’t give away our future to win a WS or at least make it to it. We have to able to be in the same position two or three years from now when those young pitchers are in the rotation with no offense to support them. Then we have no chance of winning the WS then either or the WC but at least we’ll be competitive. Don’t want to be more than that…better to watch other teams celebrate big victories than those wonderful regular season 2-1, 3-2 games that those pitchers will give us.
See how stupid it sounds….it should always be win now! Not wait around for years to come.
The organization has shown that the only thing they want is a product to make a little profit by winning marginally but don’t expect to have any offense to help us win anything major. The organization is stagnant in its approach.
Don’t look for any championships in ATL anymore. We have to accept the joy that 2nd place brings with regular season winning records. Anything else is not the priority. Sad. ATL fans don’t warm up to this team more because of the front office acceptance of being a fringe team with no serious ideas or strategy to do more.
2 Messages from Beltran going to SF:
1) Other MLB teams want to win a WS for their organization and their fans now. They’re not willing to sacrifice winning today and making lasting memories for keeping prospects to win regular season games tomorrow.
2) Expectations for the Braves each season should be low from here on out. And tthat should make plenty here and in the stands angry and stay away from Turner Field until the philosophy changes!
Breaking News |Breaking News
July 27th, 2011
7:51 pm
[...] they have, although they'd like to upgrade the Raul Ibanez-John Mayberry Jr.- Brown …Rasmus gone. Beltran going. And the Braves get … Nieves?Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Beltran, Upton tops among trade rumorsVirginia Tech Collegiate [...]
Matt from MN
July 27th, 2011
7:53 pm
Dear Liberty Media:
Please, please, PLEASE sell this team. Your ownership is in danger of reaching ASG levels of ineptness.
Thanks.
Atlanta Braves Fans
gcs
July 27th, 2011
8:01 pm
WATCH OUT PHILLIES! The Braves have Wil Nieves! BOOM!
.
longtimefan
July 27th, 2011
8:19 pm
I believe many of you Wren haters are confused about his trades or lack thereof. It was Scherholz who pulled the trigger on the ill-fated Teixeira trade, but it was Wren who fleeced Detroit in the J Jurrgens for Renteria/Hernandez. Wren is building the team for the long haul without literally mortgaging the farm. The trade deadline has not passed. Have some faith in those that actually do this for a living. The fans of most teams would take 15 playoff appearances in the last 20 years. I do.
jonny
July 27th, 2011
8:32 pm
yay braves and trades
tucker
July 27th, 2011
8:39 pm
anyone who believes the Braves are going anywhere needs to wakeup and smell the coffee. First of all Fredi Gonzales is not a great manager and Frank Wren is about as sorry GM as there is. All the Braves fan were talking about what a great trade last year when they got Gonzales and sent Escabar to the Blue Jays who do you think got the better deal, not even close.
Mark Bradley
July 27th, 2011
8:39 pm
Here’s a little guess as to what might happen these next four days.
Mets Are Best
July 27th, 2011
8:41 pm
Atlanta Hillbillies: Geezz….where did the southern hospitality go? I think I’ll take my comments to the New York papers where the people are more sophisticated.
Hoosier Aaron
July 27th, 2011
8:43 pm
Some have posted that Carlos Quentin will be a free agent after the season.
Are we sure about that?
I thought he had one more arbitration year????
Mark Bradley
July 27th, 2011
8:44 pm
Quentin will be a free agent after the 2012 season
Omar
July 27th, 2011
8:48 pm
How about a move for Coco Crisp and Josh Willingham, I think it could help two needs on offense.
Brad
July 27th, 2011
9:33 pm
I wonder if those idiots who voted unc over gt still fill the same way with butch getting booted
murf4hof
July 27th, 2011
9:37 pm
there will not be a significant trade wren said twice we have the pieces already
no go
July 27th, 2011
10:22 pm
the braves ownership is too cheap to spend big money for a star. They’ll go out easy in the first round of the playoffs–another failed season.
Another GM
July 28th, 2011
11:18 am
No go……..
Looks that way………….kinda like the Hawks.
Magoo
July 28th, 2011
6:16 pm
Man, I’d love to see the front office pull a rabbit out the hat… Andre Ethier or something of that caliber… not sure if it’s payroll we could afford anyway but as long as I’m dreaming… I dread the thought of another low cost/low risk/minimal reward type of trade (like last year’s Ankiel/Farnsworth pickup),
The team is definitely being tested right now… some of these guys have got to step up whether help arrives or not.
jgral
July 29th, 2011
12:01 am
Braves first should ‘GET’ Lugo off the roster.
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