Wrapping up the Braves Monday Overnights

by gondeee on Dec 9, 2008 8:29 AM EST in Trade News Comment 6 comments

A lot of new speculation and a bunch of clarification:

K-Ros says the Braves talked with the Cardinals about Rick Ankiel, but got nowhere when St. Louis asked for Mike Gonzalez in return
The two teams also discussed a Blaine Boyer for outfielder Joe Mather swap

I'm not surprised the Braves balked at dealing Gonzalez, even if he is a free agent at the end of the year, he likes Atlanta and there might be a chance the team can retain him. Also, with the uncertainty of Rafael Soriano, I don't think it's possible for the team to trade Gonzalez at this time. Here are Mather's stats from last year, his first year in the majors:

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2008 - Joe Mather	54	133	20	32	7	0	8	18	12	32	1	0	.241	.306	.474

He's shown good power in his minor league career, but he is a bit old for a prospect. Still, I'd take a flier on him in exchange for Boyer, though I don't know if he is ultimately the guy we're looking for to bat fourth.

Apparently, the Braves never asked about J.J. Hardy, according to Brewers GM Doug Melvin
Yesterday, D-Fab mentioned that he was only "hearing" that the Braves were connected with Hardy
The Braves did inquire on Corey Hart, but the Brewers have no plans to trade the young outfielder

No surprise here. This was the first time hearing either of these names and how they fit for Atlanta was a bit strange, and the cost likely very high.

Jon Heyman thinks the Marlins will get somebody "good" for Jeremy Hermida
The Sporting News quotes Bobby Cox as saying he thinks John Smoltz will pitch two more seasons... Bobby's really out there with the flattering praise lately
The Reds may apparently have some interest in Jeff Francoeur, but the Braves still insist they are not shopping Frenchy

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What a bonus would it be John Smoltz as a starter in a rotation with the new to be acquired ace, Vazquez, Jurjjens and then as a fifth starter Campillo, Reyes, Morton or Glavine. I would love to see John Smoltz for two more years. He only recorded an era above 3.85 in 1988 and 1994. Of course nothing is to be taken for granted but if healthy Smoltz should be seen as a bargain addition who might as well top the rotation comes May.
I don’t know how the clubhouse works exactly in the Braves organization but i can imagine young starters like Morton, Reyes, Hanson and Jurjjens will benefit from the knowledge and experience provided by guys like Smoltz, Vazquez and perhaps even Glavine.

by Dutch Braves Fan on Dec 9, 2008 8:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

joe mather is solid enough, i’d approve of dumping BLOWYER (lolseewhatididthere) for him

I probably care about sports way too much. Like, waaaaaaaaay too much.

by bigjoe on Dec 9, 2008 9:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

low average, terrible obp

lets see…..low average, poor obp, and good power. i believe we already have that in francoeur. mather is not an upgrade over diaz.

boyer is a good pitcher, and would have been much better if bobby had not asked him to pitch on a daily basis. go back and look at his game log. his era was good through june, then DOUBLED then on. bobby wore him out, just as he did tyler yates and many mid-relievers the last few year. asking a pitcher who just came off of surgery to pitch 72 innings out of the pen is brutal. if bobby uses him right, he can be very successful. we will regret selling low on boyer.

another question: why is phil stockman receiving no love? he has done everything to impress but i havent seen him mentioned once as a serious candidate to be with the team next year. his stats since 2006 (when converted to full-time relief) have been remarkable.
http://thebaseballcube.com/players/S/Phil-Stockman.shtml

http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_player_gamebygamelog.jsp?playerID=430641&statType=2

by ryan c on Dec 9, 2008 10:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mather

Last season was his first in the majors. So … comparing him to Frenchy doesn’t really work.

"He's getting better, but he's not there yet ..."

by FrankyWren on Dec 9, 2008 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

12 walks in 133 AB is fine…multiply that out to a full season and you have 48 in 532. assuming his average doesn’t increase (which it will due to a .258 BABIP)

I probably care about sports way too much. Like, waaaaaaaaay too much.

by bigjoe on Dec 9, 2008 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Greinke deal in the works?

That’s what “Tony Massarotti”: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/and_another_thi.html thinks

According to one National League executive, the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves have had serious discussions about a trade that would send outfielder Jeff Francouer to the Royals for pitcher Zack Greinke. The same source said he believed the teams were close to executing the deal, but that Atlanta was holding up any and all trade discussions until the Braves had a resolution of their pursuit of right-hander A.J. Burnett.

by ChipperTeixeira89 on Dec 9, 2008 10:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs