The Braves Minor League Free Agents
Via Baseball America, here are the minor league free agents for the Braves this off-season:
Atlanta Braves (16)
RHP: Paul Bush (AA), Brian Lawrence (AAA), Gonzalo Lopez (Hi A), Ferdin Tejeda (Hi A)
LHP: Bryan Dumesnil (AA), Damian Moss (AAA), Royce Ring (AAA), Carlos Rivas (Hi A), Jonathon Rouwenhorst (AAA), Carlos Sencion (AA)
C: Jason Phillips (AAA), Ray Serrano (AAA)
1B: Scott Thorman (AAA)
3B: Enrique Cruz (AAA), Wes Timmons (AAA)
SS: Javier Guzman (AA)
No one to really shed a tear over here. It is strange seeing Thorman up there, as there were some high hopes for him just a couple of years ago. I still wish him luck if he can go somewhere else and get back to the majors and find some degree of Wes Helmsian success.
The real question is, how many of these guys will be signed by the Royals. I think the over/under is five.
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Comments
You’re definitely right that there’s nobody on this list that the organization couldn’t do without. But there are a few I’d like to see them resign:
Paul Bush was a pretty darn good pitcher before he got hurt, and was pretty good after he came back.
Ferdin Tejeda was hurt most of the year too and he’s got some upside since he’s only been pitching for a few years.
Bryan Dumesnil was a very effective lefty out of the bullpen.
Carlos Sencion still has a ton of upside, but I think the Royals will definitely pick him up.
Ray Serrano will never leave the organization. In fact, he might already be a coach, cause he was doing that with Mississippi during the playoffs.
And Wes Timmons is just a likeable player and a team leader, it’d be nice if they could find a spot for him at AAA, though maybe not as a starter anymore.
Looking over the list, there are some other players I think the Braves should look at:
RHP Andy Mitchell-He’s been very good at AAA for the Orioles for the last four years, working as a starter and reliever, though his sidearm motion probably works best out of the pen. He’s from Georgia and I know for a fact he wants to be a Brave.
OF Chris Roberson-Rangy former Phillie who played AAA for the Orioles this season. One of the best defensive outfielders in the game. Might even have the strongest and most accurate outfield arm in baseball.
RHP Jason Childers-He was great for Richmond a few years ago and gets better every year. Can’t understand why he doesn’t get a shot in the majors.
2B Tony Graffanino-Yeah, the same guy. What could it hurt to bring him back and see if he can win a job on the bench?
OF Timo Perez-The dude can flat out hit. No power and decreasing speed, but he gets on base.
OF John-Ford Griffin-He’s still a project after all these years, but he’s got as much power as anybody.
IF Chris Basak-Perfect player for National league style ball. Even if he can’t crack the big league team, he’s the perfect kind of quiet leader for AAA.
LHP Ryan Wing-Incredibly talented pitcher that’s bounced around a lot.
RHP Steve Green-Another bullpen arm with a lot of AAA experience. These kind of guys tend to be able to put together a good season in the bigs every now and then.
3B-1B Mike Cervenak-Very polished, professional hitter.
RHP Jeremy Cummings-Great year in AAA for Tampa Bay, pitched in the Olympics.
OF Jon Weber-Great leadoff hitter, despite lack of speed. Ultimate gamer.
RHP Jordan De Jong-Bullpen arm, lots of experience in the minors.
These are just guys I like and would like to see the Braves pick up. The only one I’d make a solid bet on actually signing with the team is Andy Mitchell..
by cbwilk on Nov 8, 2008 12:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Saw a lot of..
…John Ford Griffin this summer in the PCL when the Vegas would come to town. Tons of power, as he killed Beavers pitching.
by RainDelay on Nov 8, 2008 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I got to see him a bunch for the two or three years he was with Syracuse. When he’s on he’s as good as anybody.
by cbwilk on Nov 8, 2008 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if only he wasn’t 29. he’d be a decent filler guy.
anyone want 30 of his rookie cards? =(
Following the Braves...one long hard drink at a time.
by bigjoe on Nov 8, 2008 9:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No more Bush. This organization needs CHANGE.
by 10-4 on Nov 10, 2008 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
interesting list
Nice research. Wing could prove useful in the pen. If Griffin cut down on the K’s he’d provide inexpensive big power..
by JimK on Nov 8, 2008 2:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
royce ring is gonna make someone very happy provided they use him correctly. he’s gotta be good, he was taken in the MOST UBER DRAFT EVER
Following the Braves...one long hard drink at a time.
by bigjoe on Nov 8, 2008 9:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sencion
I would really like to see the Braves hold onto Sencion. Otherwise, I guess that Bush will never get to Atlanta—which is a shame. Maybe he can get some coffee with another organization….
by Stephen in the UAE on Nov 9, 2008 7:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
does anyone really care about these guys
by #1bravesfan on Nov 9, 2008 7:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This is what you would call...
…freely available talent, with some upside. Perfect for filling out minor league rosters, and maybe a call up if needed. Just because they’re on the scrap pile doesn’t mean they’re worthless.
by RainDelay on Nov 9, 2008 10:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you mean these guys in particular or minor league free agents? If we’re talking about these guys in particular, then I care about them to the extent that most of them are nice guys and I wish them well, even if they end up not playing for the Braves.
If we’re talking about minor league free agents, people should care. These are the guys you sign to create depth at the upper levels of your organization, the guys with some major league experience that are likely to get called up when the team needs a patch for injuries. Buddy Carlyle, Jorge Camillo, Jeff Bennett, and Phil Stockman were all picked up as minor league free agents in the off season and they’ve had an effect on this team.
If you don’t care about them, maybe you should.
by cbwilk on Nov 9, 2008 11:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Caring about Prospects
cbwilk—Well put and, yes, sometimes these players do have an impact upon a big league club. Even if they don’t. I think that it is useful to put together winning teams in the minors….
by Stephen in the UAE on Nov 10, 2008 12:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

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