The Cost of Haren

by gondeee on Dec 12, 2007 8:58 AM EST

The Braves have done a lot of wheeling and dealing this off-season - three trades with prospects and veterans coming and going - and we signed a free agent starting pitcher who also happens to be an old friend, but some Braves fans want more. If there was ever a time to really rebuild our starting pitching staff through a trade then this might be the off-season (assuming, of course, one can really rebuild a starting pitching staff with a trade - even the best intentioned trades don't always work out... Mike Hampton). The names that are available this winter read like the roster of an All-Star game - Johan Santana, Eric Bedard, Joe Blanton, and Dan Haren.

We've already seen the D-Train traded in a mega-swap of mega-stars and mega-prospects - that trade set the price in terms of prospect talent for the game's best proven starting pitching talent. ESPN's Peter Gammons lays out the trade landscape like this:

Once Santana is traded and Hideki Kuroda is signed the attention will turn to Dan Haren and Bedard. The Yankees have backed off Haren, and Arizona clearly is the early front-runner for the Oakland ace, with a package built around outfielders Carlos Gonzalez, second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson. But as teams dabble for Bedard and Haren, the offers may grow. The Angels are rumored to be trying to get Miguel Tejada and Bedard in one deal; the Reds are telling other clubs they will not trade Jay Bruce; and the Dodgers will lurk if they lose out on Kuroda.

Then, with at least eight to 10 contenders looking for pitching, the focus will be on Joe Blanton as Billy Beane tries to restructure the Athletics. "Once Santana, Kuroda, Haren and Bedard are gone," says one GM, "then Blanton will bring a ton. Billy is doing this perfectly."

Gammons is usually on the pulse of the interworkings of baseball's trade market more than not. This piece got me thinking about what it would cost the Braves to get a pitcher like Haren or Bedard, or a pipe dream of Santana (though, we'd never be able to sign him).

Gammons lists the package of Arizona prospects that starts the discussions with the Athletics as Gonzalez, Anderson, and Bonifacio. Baseball America ranks those prospects this year as the numbers one, three, and six prospects respectively in the Arizona system. BA lists our one, three, and six prospects as Jordan Schafer, Jair Jurrjens, and Brent Lillibridge - that puts the cost for Dan Haren in serious perspective. Those players are not only three of our top five or six prospects, but they are also three prospects that are the closest to the majors (save for Brandon Jones). And this comparison assumes those three prospects of ours would actually be enough to get a Haren or Bedard without including anyone else (and assumes that Billy Beane doesn't penalize us for the last haul of "prospects" he got from us for one of his ace pitchers).

A trade like this would put a major dent in our minor league system, and take away three potential starters in the next couple of years in favor of one starting pitcher - albeit an ace starting pitcher who is amazingly affordable for the next three years.

Could we really absorb a blow like this in terms of prospects? After all, we just traded three of our top five prospects to Texas not more than five months ago. Would a team actually think of trading three more top prospects away within the same calendar year? (Tigers fans should answer in the affirmative.)

I bring this up because the Gammons piece got me thinking about the actual price and I wanted to put up a realistic scenario, as many Braves fans on this site and others have been throwing around some less than realistic scenarios in which they think we could get Haren (or even Bedard or Blanton) for lesser prospects or non-prospects. This is a trade that would also have a big impact on our major league ready prospect potential that I don't think many fans have considered. Of course, maybe they're just considering the impact that a Dan Haren would have when added to a staff of Smoltz, Hudson, and Glavine - and the impact that would have on the NL East race for years to come.

I know I don't have the right answer - to trade prospects or let them grow into potential stars. I've been going back and forth on the whole Teixeira trade since it happened, and I still don't know how I feel about it. Anyway, this is certainly something to think about and ponder. I wonder if Frank Wren and company have thought about it or considered it or had discussions with Mr. Moneyball himself.

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Comments

BigD

Good article, gondee. Do you think we even have the prospects to get these guys? In the latest rankings of minor league prospects, we only had 1 in the top 50.

Gondee, what's your opinion on us resigning Tex? Some of the ESPN guys in their chats say we have no chance. That would make the trade look a little questionable in my opinion. However, Shuerholtz is much smarter than I. Thanks.

by BigD on Dec 12, 2007 9:38 AM EST reply actions

Thanks

Regarding Tex, I don't think anyone can answer that yet. Boras would have you believe that money is the only motivator for signing a contract, but in reality there are other factors like good teammates, good manager, comfort in a certain city, etc.

All of these things will come into play and it may take a year to really sink in with Teixeira. Perhaps he'll realize too that you don't have to be the highest paid player to make a lot of money.

From the Braves side, we'll have to see how their new revenue streams work out and if they can create even more payroll room next year. So for now, we really can't say one way or another if the Braves will be able to resign Tex, there's just too much that could happen between now and then.

by gondeee on Dec 12, 2007 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

My Two Cents.

We'll have the money (what with Hampton's and Glavine's likely departures after the 2008 season effectively freeing up $16.5M) and we'll make a competative offer to him, but it's up to Tex to decide whether he'll take the most money (probably coming from the Yanks) or if he'd like to stay in Atlanta at a reasonable price. Remember that he's from Maryland, too; the Nats and Orioles will have plenty of money to burn on a young superstar like him.

If he walks, he'd likely be a Type A which, combined with Mahay's Type B status, means that we'd get three total draft picks as compensation. Consider the fact that Gorkys Hernandez is a solid replacement for Elvis Andrus and Jair Jurrjens more than does the same for Matt Harrison, that leaves just Neftali Feliz, Beau Jones and Jarrod Saltalamachia to replace. I believe that the first two can be addressed with our compensatory picks (assuming we miss on one), while Salty is pretty much a sunk cost. If you look at it that way, we basically traded Rents and Salty for Tex and Mahay. Seems like a much more reasonable deal to walk away from, doesn't it?

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by ejruiz on Dec 12, 2007 7:26 PM EST up reply actions

hey

As much as I would love to land Haren or Bedard, its just not going to happen. Beane will demand (and get) a kings ransom once Santana is traded and we all know how Peter Angelos nixes about every trade Baltimore is about to do.

Our prospects are ok but not as good as others that can be used to aquire those guys so I really think the Braves are done shopping for starters.

As far as signing Teixeira, I am hoping when Wren said we would have "millions more" to spend that he meant extending Mark. Who knows but there is still time left for some transaction to go down.....I just hope the Braves are involved!!

by seifer300 on Dec 12, 2007 10:15 AM EST reply actions

However, we do actually matchup well....

I do agree with you that we do not have just that one blue chipper that other teams have (Schafer is not regarded in the same light as Carlos Gonzalez, or Ellsbury, or Kemp), but we do however matchup up decently with the A's. Gondee's package of schafer, lillibridge, and jurrjens is probably the best package we could offer to the A's for Haren. However, with that being said, I really do not think that we would need to give up that much to get Blanton instead. Beane would really like a young shortstop and pitching in return, so we could pursue blanton with lillibridge and reyes (I like reyes over jurrjens, obviously beane would too.) The one thing that the braves do have is depth in the upper minors in terms of decent prospects, and near MLB ready prospects is what Beane wants. Also, however, you have to consider that beane could be intrigued by a few other options, including KJ, Diaz, and Moylan at the Major league level. In other words, I really do not think we have the one quality guy to center a package around to get haren, I do however think we have the depth to try to pursue blanton with some combo of the pieces we have without having to give up schafer, heyward, jurrjens, and so on in the end.

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 12:31 PM EST reply actions

worth it

I know that giving up schafer, jurrjens, and lillibridge is a lot - but harens is so cheap right now that it would be worth it. He makes $16 million over the next three years. If we extended him at $15million/year for three years beyond that, we would have a potential cy young candidate for six years and $60million until 2013. $10million a year doesn't go anywhere near as far as it used to, and haren would be a steal for that amount. As far as the prospects go - i would miss schafer and seeing his potential in cf in the future - but lillibridge is blocked by yunel and kj unless he moves to cf- and jurrjens rotation spot would be filled by haren. Now this all depends on us being able to resign haren(and even if we dont weve still got him for three years which isnt terrible). The price of pitching is increasing much faster than that of position players and in five years, $15 million will probably only buy you a middle rotation guy given recent contracts. Now, on the opposite side of this - we have young guys at c, 2b, ss, rf, and two future of's in jones and heyward, assuming we can bridge the gap to them for now. We have a future hole at 3b and 1b if we dont re-sign tex.(both may be possible due to harens current low cost) We can either try to lock up 3b and 1b or go after haren is the way i see it. I feel more comfortable being able to replace the corner infield spots than the top of the rotation given the way contracts seem to be moving. Just my thoughts.

by emerson on Dec 12, 2007 12:38 PM EST reply actions

And one more thing...

I cannot remember if it was a poster or a journalist on another site where i read this, but it is a good point. Beane may actually want way too much from the braves, because as much praise as he has received for being one of the best GM's in baseball, we really screwed him over in the Hudson trade:

Oakland got: Dan Meyer, Juan Cruz, Charles Thomas
Braves got: Tim Hudson

Now, I do not think that the man will hold a personal grudge, but I do think that trade is a main reason he is demanding so much, because he wants proof more than potential this time around, because the potential never panned out for him in that trade.

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 12:38 PM EST reply actions

dan meyer

i think dan meyer is still a breakout waiting to happen. beane wouldnt trade haren if he didnt think he had someone waiting in the wings that would be an adequate replacement. so all is not lost for the A's in the trade. but yea chucky-T and cruz were definite busts

by darthspiderman on Dec 15, 2007 12:14 AM EST up reply actions

excuse me, i mean i like jurrjens over reyes

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 12:40 PM EST reply actions

hey

Just read on FOX Sports (Ken Rosenthal) that Orioles are sending Tejada to Astros for Luke Scott and Matt Albers. If this ends up to be true then maybe Bedard can be a possibility since Angelos is finally letting his GM do his job!!

by seifer300 on Dec 12, 2007 12:52 PM EST reply actions

oops and they will also receive...........

Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo.

by seifer300 on Dec 12, 2007 1:02 PM EST reply actions

Worth it

For the package mentioned, it's worth it. I believe in Schafer, but getting a true #1 in this day and age for that price is worth it. Would it gut the system? Probably. BUT, if even 1/4 of the guys in the low minors pan out, the system will replenish itself in a year or so anyways.
Regarding Tex. I believe they will have the money to do it, it will just come down to Boras and Tex accepting it.
Should be an interesting year for the Braves and their fans!!!

by NorCalAtlFan on Dec 12, 2007 1:04 PM EST reply actions

the Tejada trade

Damn, Ed wade just does not get it. You need pitching so the obvious best move for your team is to trade away your two best arms, along with your best trade chip to acquire more pitching in luke scott, to acquire tejada, who is not a difference maker anymore. I wish wade was back in the NL East. He made things fun

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 1:42 PM EST reply actions

stupid

the Astros are clearly not going to compete next year. Tejada is not going to make this team that much better. If they would have used these players to get another good pitcher than maybe they could compete.

by jack dein on Dec 12, 2007 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

wow

I agree. I think Ed Wade and Brian Sabean are about tied for Worst GM in Baseball (now that Dave Littlefield has been put out to pasture).

Some of these movies are just mind-bogglingly stupid.

by subwindow on Dec 12, 2007 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

1/4 work out?

NorCalAtlFan you must be dreaming. If 1/4 of the prospects in the low minors worked out we could replace our team's 40 man roster every 2 years. Remember how many get drafted every year. That said, one in ten is possible, and one in a hundred being every day regulars who produce (I don't consider a Juan Pierre or a Pedro Feliz a producer). Further, by the same concept one in a thousand will be a star. I wouldn't bet on any of our top prospects as a sure thing, but they're the best we have.

I LOVED the Hudson trade because the prospects that were dealt were over performers. The A's won;t be so dumb again. The O's might...

Burning Brave

by torchy on Dec 12, 2007 1:57 PM EST reply actions

Trade talk

There was a 10-minute interview with John Schuerholz on a local sports radio station last week. He stressed how important it is for teams to build according to their local financial ability.

We can talk all we want about going to get this player or that player. But budget is the overriding factor. In the long-run, teams are far better off to go with younger players who can develop into stars than buy a bunch of overpaid aging players who give a team one or two good years at best, then load the team up with budget issues. Players seem to want these four, five and longer year contracts. When a guy is already 30, the chances of him producing at the same level for another six years is pretty slim.

I know it's not Mike Hampton's fault, but his case is a perfect example. His salary alone is equal to two or three younger players who would have contributed more.

Except for a handful of players(probably less than 10 percent of all in the majors), I don't know anyone in the majors today who I would want to pay big bucks for based on the expectation that they would produce at the same level for the next five years. The Braves already have at least six guys in that category: Chipper, Franceour, Texeria, McCann, Smoltz and Hudson.

by westcoastbrave on Dec 12, 2007 1:59 PM EST reply actions

westcoastbrave is ever so right !

Bloggers show why they are the amateurs when they act like money doesn't matter.

Serious baseball enthusiasts understand that great teams happen when the farm system produces and you add in a couple of guys with their best years (AND entry level salary years) still ahead of them. The John Smoltz trade being the best case in point.

Most fans don't know enough about undervalued young talent to advocate specific trades like that one. So like spoiled children they ask Daddy for the expensive, popular toy all the other kids want.

The Braves need to get back to basics. Think long term. Make development the top priority. Spend frugally so you'll have the cash when the next generation's young Greg Maddux is available. Trade overvalued prospects or expensive older players for undervalued young talent.

And stop playing into the hands of the agents with deals like the JD Drew rental or the Hampton speculation.

by JimK on Dec 12, 2007 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

CF options

I say trade for a young proven player like Josh Hamilton, then put Schafer in a package to land a front line starter. I would give up James and Gorkys for Hamilton, if we could trade Schafer and a few others for Haren. It's one thing to do a trade that involves a player a year from the "Big Contract Signing", it's another to get a proven ace under control in his late 20's.

by surge on Dec 12, 2007 2:38 PM EST reply actions

NO WAY, not at all

The braves are not going to trade gorkys in an attempt to get a stopgap CF, that was never the intention. If we are going to get a stopgap CF, we will get it by using our positions of strength, using lillbridge, a young bullpen piece, or a lower level arm. It makes no sense to get hamilton but then trade away schafer and gorkys in the process. That takes away depth and also takes away pieces to our success in the future. Even if we were to get a frontline starter, it still would completely deplete our farm system, and the braevs are not going to do that further after the Teixera trade.

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 4:00 PM EST reply actions

Furthermore,

Even if it were teh case we traded for someone such as hamilton whop could be worked into the plans beyond 08, he still is not worth giving up gorkys and james for. The reds more than likely want a starter and bullpen piece, so it really makes little sense for them to take on Gorkys.

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 4:01 PM EST reply actions

Hudson trade.

I doubt that he'll hold a grudge because look at this haul:

St. Louis Cardinals get
Mark Mulder

Oakland Athletics get
Kiko Calero
Daric Barton
and...Danny Haren.

Daric Barton is going to be a beast. He's 21 and was hurt in 2006, but looked real good when he came up in late '07. We already know what Calero and Haren have brought to the table.

I would whole-heartedly try to get Haren and trade anyone in the farm not named Schafer (I'm on the fence regarding Heyward, but I'd have to consider the rest of the names before saying yes).

What I WOULDN'T do is if we don't get Haren, don't get desperate and offer some crazy ass package for Blanton. Its the exact same situation as the Hudson/Mulder caper. Make your offer for Haren and if the A's decline, either go to the O's for Bedard or call it an offseason and go with starters we have. I just don't think Blanton is the answer.

Next year will be the year that we need to get that headline starter anyways. Getting him this year would make us elite, but next year will be when we truely need one.

by Something Profound on Dec 12, 2007 5:44 PM EST reply actions

A's

Schafer, Jurriens, and lillebridge for Haren could get it done but our pitching is old and definitley were losing Hampton and maybe Glavine next year I really would like to keep Jurriens because i think he'll be good and we need pitching for the future. I like Gorkys over Schafer so that doesn't scare me. Lillebridge has nowhere where to play so that doesn't scare me either. Nobody mentioned Kotsay included in this. He would be our stop gap. We would take the entire salary for the final year 8 mill. Gorkys won't be ready for CF next year im sure? If they take Jurriens out who would be included? Would Kotsay cost any prospects or is Beane fine with us taking his contract? Other players that could be involved: Devine if they trade Haren they'll trade Street. If we take out Jurriens i think two low pitching prospects could work. If this trade happens it has to be before any other SP that gets traded. The price will be too high then. Also if we can't get Haren we should try Harden! Schafer and lillebridge would do for him and maybe Kotsay. What do you guys think?

by braves077 on Dec 12, 2007 6:27 PM EST reply actions

Schafer, Lillibridge, and Jurrjans

That is the Braves best offer, however that is not the best offer that could be made to the A's probably. If the yankees are willing to part with hughes and cabera for haren, then that package has no shot. I say that we should go after Blanton because we can get him by dealing from positions of strength, and may not have to give up our best prospects. Blanton is talented enough to be a top of the rotation starter in the NL, and with Hudson on board for at least two more years, Blanton would not have to be the ace.

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 6:40 PM EST reply actions

No Blanton Yes Harden

Harden proved he could be a 2 or 3 maybe a 1 one year. He had good stats before getting injured and probably might even cost less than blanton or equal value.

by braves077 on Dec 12, 2007 6:49 PM EST reply actions

Hey I am all for Harden...

Except for one thing that Blanton has that should make him even more valuable to the braves, DURABILITY. With all the injuries the braves pitchers have had to suffer through over the past two years, that is another reason why i think Blanton would be suck a nice addition. Harden has been linked to us in the past, but the reason we never went after him is because of how Mark Prior-ish he is.

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 7:11 PM EST reply actions

Harden.

Like I've said in other posts, Rich Harden has started all of 13 games in the last two seasons... COMBINED! When he came off the DL last season, the A's used him out of the bullpen, hoping to keep him healthy. He'd be a lights out closer, but hasn't shown the durability to be called a starter at this point. If we'reinterested in Harden, why not sacrifice much less to get Prior from the Cubs? By the way, if Merk's non-tendered, we should definitely sign him if the price is reasonable.

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by ejruiz on Dec 12, 2007 7:29 PM EST reply actions

Hell yea

I would take Harden as a closer no doubt, and i do agree, if we can sign prior reasonably, why not

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 7:34 PM EST reply actions

Trading for Haren.

Call me crazy, but I'm all for trading Jordan Schafer, Brent Lillibridge and any pitching prospect for Danny Haren. It could well get it done (it's probably a package comparable to Phil Hughes and Melky Cabrera, at least) and we couldtake the hit. With Haren filling the spot of the pitcher we lose and Lillibridge clearly blocked at the next level (plus we also have Brandon Hicks coming up in the SS pipeline), the only real cost of this trade is in Schafer. Sure, it's a tough one to swallow, but you're getting a bonifide ace in his prime locked up on the cheap for years! The numbers would suggest that he'd be our best pitcher right away and that doesn't even factor in that he'd be moving from the AL to the NL. We also have Gorkys Hernandez in our system now and, in my prefered scenario, Jason Heyward taking over RF as soon as he can (I'm calling mid-2010 as his ETA right now) with Jeff Francouer shifting over to CF.

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by ejruiz on Dec 12, 2007 7:36 PM EST reply actions

Haren is a big time no

Good pitcher, and hes on the right side of 30, but the Braves would be giving away to much future for him.

The only possibility would be the Braves to go after Blanton. hes got nice movement on his stuff and could easily fit into the number 3 spot in the Braves rotation with Glavine and Jurrgens/Reyes following. That would make the Braves staff one of the top in the majors to go along with a batting order that was in consideration for the best, until the tigers went nuts.

If Wren could somehow pull a "blanton is a number 3 starter on our staff" card with BB, then that would be some master negotiating. but in all likelyhood the Braves would likely need to give up either a current major leaguer and prospects, or a couple top 5 minor leaguers. Earlier in the year, i mentioned a Blanton for Kelly Johnson/Joey Devine swap. That would allow Brent Lillibridge to get his shot at the the starting infield and the loss of Devine can give Soriano a little much needed clarity. If Wren wanted to go the prospects only route, a package of Brent Lillibridge/Jair Jurrgens/Joey Devine would work nicely. The loss of these three players would not leave any holes on next years team, and the Braves do not mortgage away their future with that trade either.

Next year is an excitiing time for the Braves. With the acquisition of Tex, the Braves are going head first into the World Series plunge. Picking up a solid, innings eater pitcher like Blanton would, without a doubt, put the Braves as NL WS favorite for 2008.

How does this look?:
World Series 2008- Atlanta Braves vs. Detroit Tigers

by MIZIKE74 on Dec 12, 2007 7:36 PM EST reply actions

Haren v. Blanton.

Do you really believe that the difference between Jordan Schafer and Joey Devine is greater than the difference between Denny Haren and Joe Blanton? Blanton's poor K/9 rate scares me a bit, leads me to believe his WHIP was artificially low and his ERA will suffer in the future. Blanton's a solid #2, but Haren is without a doubt an ace.

I think you're also undervaluing Devine here, probably based of his few innings in the majors. He was initially rushed, then shuttled back and forth from Atlanta to the minors, both for no good reason. That said, his numbers in the minors are very impressive and he still has future closer written all over him.

Schafer had a breakout season with the bat last year and will at very least be an excellent overall defensive OF, but we also have Gorkys Hernandez in the fold now and, like I said above, could always play Jason Heyward at his natural position in RF and move Jeff Francouer over to CF.

Personally, I could go either way I guess, but if we make a big move, I'd look to make the biggest one possible.

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by ejruiz on Dec 12, 2007 7:55 PM EST up reply actions

its debatable...

Devine is a better fit for this trade because of the needs this Braves team has and will have in the future. the position of CF is a problem for this upcoming year, while the position of closer is not. In fact when Gonzalez comes back, the Braves have a log jam at that position. I agree that Blanton will top out at a 2 spot pitcher, but for this trade I am looking for him to be a 3 spot, and nothing more than a 2 spot in the future.

and am I undervaluing Devine here? In three years of work he sporting: 25 IP, 15 ER, 22 BB, 20 K, 63 ERA+, 6.86 ERA, 2.186 WHIP. yikes, over three years? he still cant get it together? the BB/k ratio is maybe the most uninspiring number in the Braves system (8/7 in 2007). His minor league numbers are respectable, but that is what makes him great trade bait. Braves fans have seen him play for the majors. some guys have it and some guys dont. Devine doesn't. he tops out as a set-up.

but i see what you are saying. go big or go home. especially since next year is the year to do it. both pitchers would put the staff over the top. it just down to how you feel about the Braves giving away a large chunk of their future for Tex and Haren

by MIZIKE74 on Dec 12, 2007 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

Astros Trade

People wonder why the NL is playing catch up to the AL; stupid moves from Ed Wade certainly aren't helping. Nice haul for the O's in a corner infielder with power, two back of the rotation starters, a useful reliever, and a left fielder who can actually put up useful stats. At this point, there's no reason for the Orioles to trade Bedard. Try to unload a few more veterans (Ramon Hernandez, Melvin Mora, Bradford, Walker, etc.) for young guys. Great trade for the O's though.

by 17843 on Dec 12, 2007 7:53 PM EST reply actions

Blanton

But if we could get blanton by dealing from positions of strength, say Lillibridge and Jurrjens, then we should trade for him, instead of having to trade away our best prospect oin the system, and possilbly our best relief and starting prospect.

by bravessuperbeast on Dec 12, 2007 8:05 PM EST reply actions

Kotsay

What would it cost to get him and Haren? We could take the entire salary for Kotsay 8mill instead of taking giving prospects. Would Beane do that Schafer, Lillebridge, Devine, Campell and a starting pitcher in the the A or AA league. I would mind taking a shot on a guy like Harden or Prior if its around 2-5 mill a year.

by braves077 on Dec 12, 2007 9:15 PM EST reply actions

Kotsay.

Mark Kotsay is absolute garbage. Once again, take a look at hi s numbers over the last three years or so and you'll find a guy not fit to ride a major league bench, let alone get $8M and a shot to start.

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by ejruiz on Dec 12, 2007 9:19 PM EST up reply actions

trades schmades

it's not going to happen. this isnt even speculation. haren is this year's carl crawford. everybody wants him and noone will get him. move on. personally, i would love for the braves to take a flyer on some of the non-tender candidates to bounce back, if the price is reasonable. prior for 4 mil would be a gamble, but the upside could definitely be worth it.

by ryan c on Dec 12, 2007 9:23 PM EST reply actions

Prior.

I'd be fine with bringing him in for a season. If Hampton is healthy, then maybe Chuck James could join Reyes and Jurrjens in AAA and learn a new pitch!

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by ejruiz on Dec 12, 2007 9:53 PM EST up reply actions

Prior

I certainly down with that. If he proves he can stay healthy after a year why not a 2-4 year contract.

by braves077 on Dec 12, 2007 9:56 PM EST up reply actions

Kotsay

He's not garbage he wasn't healthy this year. He has a 285 avg. average over 9 years that he had over 400 at bats. I think i would take that over Dejusus and some other guys that are open. He's a FA at the end of the year so even if he sucks which you say he will its only 1 year.

by braves077 on Dec 12, 2007 9:43 PM EST reply actions

More Kotsay.

Ignore 2007, but 2005 and 2006 (1000+ AB) are still ugly. He's a .280/.330/.400 hitter now and that's only when he's miraculously healthy. No thanks, I'll pass. There are better ways to spend $8M dollars... like, say, lighting it on fire.

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by ejruiz on Dec 12, 2007 9:58 PM EST up reply actions

Mcpherson

Even though we have TEX and great he'man Thorman could we be interested in Mcpherson. Has great minor league stats but his Major league numbers simply put BLOW.

by braves077 on Dec 12, 2007 10:09 PM EST reply actions