Filling Out the Braves 2010 Lineup Card
by gondeee on Dec 23, 2009 1:43 PM EST
343 comments
With the expected signing of Troy Glaus, and the recent trade of Javier Vazquez for Melky Cabrera, the holes on the roster that the Braves entered the off-season with seem to have been filled. With that in mind, I fill out the lineup and the rest of the 25-man roster:
Lineup
1. Nate McLouth, CF
2. Martin Prado, 2B
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Troy Glaus, 1B
5. Brian McCann, C
6. Yunel Escobar, SS
7. Matt Diaz, RF
8. Melky Cabrera, LF
Rotation
1. Tim Hudson
2. Derek Lowe
3. Jair Jurrjens
4. Tommy Hanson
5. Kenshin Kawakami
Bench
1. David Ross, C
2. Omar Infante, IF
3. Brooks Conrad, IF
4. Brandon Jones, OF
5. Mitch Jones, OF
Bullpen
1. Billy Wagner, LH
2. Takashi Saito, RH
3. Peter Moylan, RH
4. Eric O'Flaherty, LH
5. Kris Medlen, RH
6. Jesse Chavez, RH
7. Mike Dunn, LH
That's a pretty solid lineup with Glaus in the middle. I'm assuming the Braves will take the Tommy Hanson approach with Jason Heyward and let him get some time at triple-A first, but if he does make the team I would expect him to hit 7th between the right-handers Escobar and Diaz. But I think it's more important for Heyward to get a first footing at triple-A before he's promoted to Atlanta. With the lineup above, there's really no reason to rush Heyward. Yes, he would make it stronger, but it's pretty solid the way it is and burying Melky in the 8th spot obscures his underwhelming bat.
The rotation is strong, and of course any of those guys could be swapped around. They're all right-handed, so order is not really that important.
The bench will probably have a lot of competition, and there's still a chance the Braves could sign someone else to fill out a pinch-hitter role. As it stands we would have to rely on young players like Conrad, Jones, and Jones who don't have much experience pinch-hitting. They are also all free swingers and the Braves would probably prefer at least one other pinch-hitter who is more of a contact hitter.
The bullpen is more than solid from top to bottom. Actually, this is likely the best I've felt about our bullpen in years, and there's still some other guys who could sneak into the mix like Luis Valdez, Jeff Lyman, and Lee Hyde. Too many bullpen arms is a good problem to have.
Overall I like our 25-man roster the way it is constructed above. Glaus really solidifies the lineup for me. He was the true missing piece and the right piece to add. Now everyone just needs to stay healthy so we can put that same lineup out there for 120-plus games.
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What happens if Troy gets hurt????? Oh, I know, put Milkey 4th.
We have no one to take his place if he goes down. We traded 15 wins for 13 homeruns…..2010 Braves 3rd place, 6 games over .500.
If you look around the league(Yankees, BoSox,Mariners,Phillies,) all got bettter. Sorry to say, this is not a WS team. Its a medicore team. It is what it is.
by AlRoBraves95 on Dec 23, 2009 5:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Dude, that's weak.
We still have money for Glaus insurance. I would expect someone like Nady or Garko. Glaus being able to play third helps, too, that way if we get someone like Garko or Nady, we can play them and slide Glaus over when the inevitable Chipper DL stint strikes.
I take it that you think we did not get better?
Right. Glaus is not better than Kotchman. Huddy is not better than Vazquez. Cabrera is not better than Francoeur, Diaz is not better than Garret Anderson and McLouth is not better than Schafer.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 23, 2009 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
Actually….I don’t think Hudson will ever be able to put up a year like Javy had last year.
And if Schafer progresses into what we were expecting, he should be just like McLouth except with better defense.
Huddy and Vaz are a wash. It is safe to say that we may never again see a Braves’ pitcher put up a year like Javy had last year. Javy had a career year. Huddy is a better overall pitcher.
To say that Logan is better than Nate is different than saying that Logan will one day be better than Nate.
Bottom line is right now, Schafer is not as good as McLouth.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 23, 2009 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
It is safe to say that we may never again see a Braves’ pitcher put up a year like Javy had last year.
Couldn’t disagree more. Better seasons have happened before, better ones will happen in the future. It was a great season, but let’s not get crazy.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
Agreed
Hanson isn’t that far removed from having the main components of that season Vazquez had-high K rate and low BB rate. Hanson could even put up a comparable K arte next year, though having the same kind of control might still take him a couple years.
I would argue
that Vazquez has had THREE seasons better than any Huddy has ever had. Hudson is no longer the guy that can post the 7.0+ K/9 rates. Vazquez’s ability to strike guys out is something Hudson doesn’t have going for him-Hudson is a below average in terms of K-rate.
The reason we chose to extend Hudson instead of trying to work out an extension for Vazquez is quite simple-Hudson is older, coming off an injury, and JV was coming off of a career year…Hudson is the CHEAPER option, not the better one. Hudson also has the higher career BB/9 rate, which is problematic for guys who don’t get lots of strikeouts.
The notion that this is an even match-up is crazy, and those saying Hudson is better are completely forfeiting their objectivity.
I agree with you. I love Huddy, but I do not agree that we don’t lose anything from the rotation by putting him in for Vazquez at this point. Obviously I could be very wrong and Huddy could be great (there won’t really be any way to tell whether Javy would have continued to thrive to the ssame degree in Atlanta) but I think the way one feels about this might be the key to how that person feels about the Vazquez trade.
by Sir Stealth on Dec 24, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
Can there really be any argument that at this point in their careers Vazquez > Huddy?
I guess it’s the Interwebs, so any argument is possible, but I’d be astonished to hear a persuasive argument that Huddy now >/= Vasquez now.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
There isn't an argument
But this thread and a few others are full of people saying that Hudson is just as good as Vazquez, or that we didn’t lose anything from last year if we get a full season of Hudson. And at least two people in this thread have said that Hudson is a better pitcher.
Crazy.
Agreed. Vazquez was our ace last year and was penciled to be the ace again this year. Hudson’s a great 2/3 at this point in his career, but he’s no ace.
Unless Hanson emerges as the #1 this year (and he has the stuff to do so), the Braves will have a rotation of 2/3s, with no ace now that Vasquez is gone.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
And this is why I don’t like the trade. It would be fine if all 6 of our starters were equal and we just shipped Javy because he was easiest to trade, but I think that he is a more significant loss than people are making him out to be.
Agreed.
But it’s a bitter pill to swallow to send your ace to the MFYs for a 4th OF, a LOOGY, and single A arm, no matter how good the arm is. I think the people who are downplaying the loss are probably just trying to console themselves a bit.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
It’s ridiculous to say that Huddy is better than Javy, but you are definitely downplaying the return.
We got a strong 4th outfielder, and the #s 3 and 6 prospects in the NY system. Dunn has closer potential and he was recently a starter (where he pitched well). And Arodys is Teheran 2.0.
Almost everyone I’ve heard talking about the trade believes that we got back better prospects than the Phillies got from Seattle for Cliff Lee, who is both better and (slightly) more established.
Comparing the return to Lee’s return doesn’t really do much for me, since Seattle pretty much reamed Amaro in that deal. Saying Wren did better than Amaro is like saying that your GF is hotter than the 200 lb girl wearing the Star Wars T-Shirt and vanilla frosting perfume.
Perhaps you’re right that the prospects in the deal push the value over the top. I haven’t had a chance to really learn just how good Dunn/Viz can be. (I was too pissed at Wren to even wade into the TC threads on the trade.) I’m sure they’ve got tons of potential and could help us down the road.
But I guess for me the biggest problem with the Vaz trade is not that Wren didn’t get enough value back (I think he probably did). It’s that very few teams make the playoffs without a legitimate ace these days. Most successful teams have 2 (Wainwright/Carp, Lee/Hamels, Lincecum/Cain, etc.). Trading away your ace is a white flag move.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
So you admit you don't know what your talking about...
“I haven’t had a chance to really learn just how good Dunn/Viz can be”, but know enough to bash the trade?
As for the ace stuff, Lowe has shown the ability to be a front line starter prior to this year. Hudson has as well, in addition to Jurrjens and Hanson having both pitched at a very high level. Get 2 of the 4 pitching at the level they’re capable of, and that’s a pair of aces to me. Get all 4 pitching at the level they’re capable of, and it’s among the best rotations in baseball.
My comment is not directed at the value received back from the trade, but the fact that I view it as a short-term surrender for a (possible) long-term gain. As someone else said (far better than I), Wren had the potential to come out of this offseason with a juggernaut loaded for bear in Bobby’s final season.
Instead, because he painted himself into a corner and lost his leverage, he’s got another 85 win team that has an outside shot at the playoffs.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
...
The Giants made the playoffs?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 26, 2009 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
Not what I said. Jeebus, what’s happened to the reading comp on TC recently?
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
You said successful teams have an ace or two...
You then claimed the Giants had two, except they weren’t successful. So what good did it do them?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 27, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
Giants came within games of the WC. If it weren’t for Sabean’s boneheaded moves, they probably would have won it. That’s a successful season.
Going into 2010, even with the trainwreck that is the Giants offense, they have an very good shot at winning the West and an ever better shot at the WC, because they have an ace and a terrific #2 in Linc/Cain.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
Hudson will not have the kind of year that Javy had last season. But, to say that Javy has been the better pitcher over the past few years is, at least, debatable.
I was probably the most vocal people around here advocating that we not only keep Javy, but to extend him for 2 or 3 years.
Having said that, I am not disappointed much in the trade, because we got back a good return, and in the long run, trading Javy is the smart thing to do – now that we know Lowe was basically not going anywhere.
The loss of Javy is not going to be that great. Sure, Javy may have had a better season in Atlanta than Huddy would have. At the same time, Huddy may have a better season in Atlanta this year than Javy would have had.
The difference in a rotation of Lowe, Hudson, Hanson, Kawakami and Jurrjens and one of Vazquez, Hudson, Hanson, Kawakami and Jurrjens is almost negligible.
Our rotation is still going to be tops in the league, and give us a chance to win just about every single game.
If the rotation with Vazquez gives up 1 less run every 10 or 15 games or so than one with Lowe will, it really isn’t that big of a deal.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 25, 2009 2:56 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I wasn’t saying Javy’s career was better than Hudson’s, but that right now JV’s the better pitcher.
Other than that, I don’t really have a problem with anything you wrote. I think we just have different ideas about rotation construction. I think having an ace is vital these days. I can’t think of a recent playoff team that hasn’t had a dominant stud SP (Dodgers?). Without Vazquez, the Braves don’t have that ace.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
...so Aaron Hill is the best 2B in baseball?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 26, 2009 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, that might be an interesting debate…Hill is so greatly unerrated.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 26, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
How can you possibly make that jump
He wasn’t even close to the most valuable second baseman last year. Chase Utley and Ben Zobrist were lightyears better. Pedroia also was significantly better. Kinsler, Lopez, and Cano were all approximately on a level with Aaron Hill.
That’s like someone saying “History has demonstrate what the most effective form of government is,” and you saying “Oh, so it’s clearly Communism.”
Javier Vazquez has been better and healthier than Hudson over the past three years, and is younger, so it’s tough to argue that he’s not better at this point.
Look at his counting stats, duh.
- in homers and RBIs by a long shot, and his runs scored were right up there. That must make him the best at the position in baseball. But maybe you’d prefer Longoria as the #1 3B, or Werth as the best RF?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 27, 2009 1:39 AM EST up reply actions
I think
We’re a bit beyond basic counting stats, especially team-dependent situational stuff like RBIs.
If you insist on discounting UZR (And I’ve got my own issues with it), just take a look at OPS. Zobrist and Utley just blow him away. 67 and 75 points of just OBP from those two.
If you want someone who makes 7% more outs than Chase Utley, Aaron Hill is your guy. And he doesn’t spoil that by playing good defense or anything.
If you want to argue Longoria as the #1 third baseman in the MLB, go right ahead. The real question is whether anyone really disagrees. And Jayson Werth deserves to at least be in the discussion for best RFer…there’s a ton of guys who are really close at the top there.
Reply to Yakker's comment that:
“Can there really be any argument that at this point in their careers Vazquez > Huddy?”
Of course there can be; in another thread someone argued that Rodney was better right now than Wagner. If someone can argue something that batshit crazy, they could easily argue that Hudson is better than Vazquez now.
When Maddux was at his height
He was striking out over 7 per 9 innings and walking absolutely no one. He’d sometimes pitch three straight games without issuing a base on balls.
It’s important to avoid walking guys as well, which was Maddux’s greatest strength. And Hudson has a higher walk rate than Vazquez, so saying “Hey, here’s an example of a guy who didn’t strike out a ton of guys and was great” to argue for Hudson being >/= Vazquez simply points to the OTHER thing that Vazquez does better than Hudson.
maybe not "better"...
but a better fit with the team, in terms of a realistic option as far as a combination of production and contract. Hudson as we said was coming off an injury, proved himself healthy, more affordable, has ties to the community and similar potential as Vasquez in every category other than K’s.
Bottom line, good sign I wish we had gotten a little more in return for Javy but realistically we probably weren’t going to be able to resign him.
HUDDY is not better?
Here is someone that is NOT familiar with either players careers. Huddy is an always has been a winner. He has never not had a winning season. His career numbers are solid and much better than Javy’s. Javy had a career year last year and I am happy he did. So here are some stats:
Huddy 148-78 record 3.49 ERA 1.26 WHIP .252 BAA 310 starts 22 CG 11 SHO
Javy 142-139 4.19 1.24 .256 385 26 7
Huddy has also had a twenty win season.
He did at least include other stats beyond wins and ERA…I’ll give him credit on that one.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 25, 2009 2:57 AM EST up reply actions
But at some point don’t you guys have to acknowledge that some pitchers WIN more than others? It’s not all about that team behind you. Some guys for whatever reason frequently give up that critical run that leads to a loss. That’s Javy Vasquez.
I’m not making any excuses here and I thought what we got back for our “best” pitcher last year wasn’t much. Might turn out great later but we obviously took a big chance on an rookie league pitcher (despite his supposed high ranking) and a guy who up to now has had control issues (Dunn). Not even going to talk about that Francoeur look-alike (stat wise).
None of you can tell me that the White Sox in the past didn’t have an offense or any team that Javy pitched for didn’t support him. He had his chances and frankly 4 out of the last 6 seasons had ERAs above 4.40. You never know what you are going to get with him. His wins are barely above his losses. What’s with that? After 12 years none of you can admit that he’s got issues?
Now with Hudson, he doesn’t blow people away but he’s not a bad pitcher. He could have won 16 games again for the second season in a row if he hadn’t gotten injured. His career ERA is waaay lower than Vasquez’. It’s amazing that he has NEVER had a losing season.
Frankly, I think you guys are stat heads. You love to see Vasquez blow people away and look up those stats afterwards. “Wow, 11 K’s today, what a performance! Well, he lost, but oh well.”
Maybe the difference is that when Hudson and Vasquez are in a tight spot with the game on the line, Vasquez thinks about how to make the critical pitch "great" because he knows he has great stuff, whereas Hudson thinks about how to get the guy out the most efficient way since he knows he’s not going to blow anyone away. Which is a better approach?
Hudson appears to have entered Tom Glavine territory where you are disturbed that he doesn’t have “the stats”—but both of these guys were winners. ERA does matter and Wins do matter. No, they aren’t everything but they do count. Some guys have the mental coolness to not give up those key runs. Now I’m not sure why or how but come on, even Nolan Ryan didn’t have a great win-loss record. Maybe Nolan and Javy think about that great pitch…
Jurrjens also seems to be in that Tom Glavine mold. His numbers are not overwhelming. I bet in a few years many of you will be picking on him too.
All I’m saying is that don’t be putting Hudson down and don’t be saying that Vasquez is so much better than him. You have to look at what we could get in 2010. I think the potential for Hudson to have a good year is higher than for Vasquez. Come on, you, me, nor anyone else really knows which Vasquez would have emerged next year. Admit it.
It’s not really about who is “better” since you guys think that “better” means last year and only the mind-numbing stats matter.
If someone said that Hudson is better, he may have a point. Look to next year.
I still feel terrible about what we got back for Vasquez and hopefully it works out in the end… Ugh.
-----
Braves Fan Since 1982. Go Braves!
"All opinions welcome..."
I feel really good about what we got back for Vazquez. Vaz got a better return than Halladay or Lee.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 25, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
Jurrjens also seems to be in that Tom Glavine mold. His numbers are not overwhelming. I bet in a few years many of you will be picking on him too.
Who said anything about a few years? I pick on him now! ;-)
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
As a matter of fact: Hudson put op a 2003 season quite comparable to the Vazquez season.
by Dutch Braves Fan on Dec 24, 2009 3:49 AM EST up reply actions
Taking Sides
Just… I will have to say we did not get better we just went a “Different Direction” (to quote a fav of the front office)….now we have two injury prone senior players (Jones and Glaus)
As for Huddy…I saw him pitch last September to the Pills…well, why don’t you look at the stats….I was in the 3rd row next to the Brave’s Bullpen and watched one of the “stats” soar over my head and another hit 1 row over from me! This was a problem that Huddy had when he first came over to us…keeping it in the park…Now I want to believe that we got better but I think will have an 85-89 win season…close but no ban….
Stop the press….
I don’t think our signing is over though…..rumors still have us signing one more bat…I do want to believe (insert Angel wing flapping here)
Umm…Vazquez has given up more “stats” than Huddy has.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
You know that problem Hudson had when he first came here?
Vazquez has had the same problem his whole career.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
I still want O Hudson and a DeRosa or Delgado on a one year deal to give us depth speed, power and flexibilty when one of our guys gets injuried.. cause I agree.. when Chipper and Glaus go down exspecially at the same time.. we are in trouble. Send underachieving super prospect Brandon Jones down and Conrad..
Sure to Hudson, no to DeRosa and no to Delgado.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 25, 2009 2:57 AM EST up reply actions
If Delgado signed a deal like Glaus,...
$2m + incentives for playing, I’d like it a lot. Between the two, that’s a lot of slugging, and the both of them limits the risk of one being injured. If everyone is healthy, then that’s a good problem to have.
Never would happen now that Glaus has signed.
Delgado will want to start and someone will sign him to do that.
Glaus has struggled with injuries his whole career. Lots of little, nagging injuries that reduce his effectiveness and sometimes cause him to miss 15-20 games. I love Glaus, the guy is a warrior. I had him on my fantasy team for years, and we called him the Bionic Man, because he’d play through all sorts of stuff that would send other guys to the DL or worse. Off the top of my head, I recall that he’s had serious back problems, a jacked foot/arch, and of course the shoulder.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
Games played since that first year for Glaus....
154
159
161
156
91 played 80 games in the first half, only 5 in the second)
58 (sitting with shoulder injury)
149
153
115 (foot problems, the one season out of 11 with "little, nagging injuries)
151
14 (shoulder injury)
4 years where it appears he missed significant stretches with injuries, 7 seem pretty healthy, not exactly a Chipper-esh career plagued by a 5 year of missing 3-8 weeks per year.
Is Wren going to get someone reliable for LF? He did a good job with the pitchers since the disaster with the “old” Smoltz and Glavine a couple of years ago. Our pitchers were rock solid as far as coming up lame. I never thought he would sign the 3 guys that he did knowing what happened before (Glaus, Wagner, Saito).
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Braves Fan Since 1982. Go Braves!
"All opinions welcome..."
Dude, saying that the signing isn’t good because he might get hurt is stupid. What if Halladay gets hurt this season? Philly should have NEVER traded for him!
What if Jeter gets hurt this season? The Yanks should have never extended him.
What if Peyton Manning gets hurt? The Colts should have never drafted him!
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
The signing is definitely good, but we do have to admit that Glaus is more of an injury risk than any of those players based on his history.
by Sir Stealth on Dec 24, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not saying the signing wasn’t good but my point is that we need a sure thing in LF to lessen the risk of losing a key power hitter like Glaus or Chipper.
Games played for Glaus for the last 7 years: 91, 58, 149, 153, 115, 151, 14… There are no 160+ years and 4 of them had 115 or less. That’s not injury prone??
$2 million is not bad but it’s a terrible investment if he never walks onto the field this year. We’ll see… Keeping my fingers crossed that Glaus hits 30+ and Wren gets us a sure thing in LF (just use up the money $7 mil or $10 mil or whatever it is).
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Braves Fan Since 1982. Go Braves!
"All opinions welcome..."
I bet it would be hard to find many players with 160+ games played on the season over the last 7 years.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 25, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Looking at SP depth, who do we have in the organization if there’s an injury? Would Medlen move up from the bullpen?
"People need help, and you know how to help them."
Or Reyes would come up.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
Or Parr, or whoever.
It’d be weird, having a normal replacement-level #5.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
Reyes
Had some poorly-timed bad luck while up last year. He needs another shot.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
I'm with you.
I think he could certainly be a decent enough low-end starter. If Charlie Morton can make an MLB rotation, no reason JoJo shouldn’t.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 25, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Really. Morton.
Again, you could certainly do much worse.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 26, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions
How, exactly?
Or do you just think he’s prettier or something?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 27, 2009 1:41 AM EST up reply actions
No, I've watched them...
Jojo has been rocked and gotten worse. Morton has seemed to improve with age. I liked the way he pitched here, and his numbers got better with the Pirates. I think he could be a pretty good pitcher for them, while I doubt Reyes ever becomes much more than Bruce Chen. He’s had his chance, and failed. Morton hasn’t had as much of a chance, but has been more successful with it.
I’m guessing Thurston makes the team over Conrad, because, you know, it’s extremely important to have a utility infielder who can’t hit his weight. [/sarcasm]
I’m also guessing the Jay Hey kid makes the team at the expense of one of the Jones’ (not Chipper).
http://www.capitolavenueclub.com/
you have him making the team as our starting right fielder, or the bench spot?
"Im a fullonrapist, I do men, women, autistic kids, children, the elderly." -Charlie Kelly
ok, yeah i’d love to see him in RF opening day..just don’t know how the FO is gonna handle the situation
"Im a fullonrapist, I do men, women, autistic kids, children, the elderly." -Charlie Kelly
They’ll wait. As they say at Taco Bell: “Why pay more?”
by Bmacbandwagon on Dec 23, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe they are going to actually do what they said they would.
Give Heyward a shot to make the team in Spring Training. If we don’t sign another outfielder, I think that gives Heyward the right chance—-if he doesn’t look quite ready, Melky can handle it for a month or two and if he tears up spring training, Melky can move to the fourth OF role.
Does Melky have options left? In your scenario, wouldn’t Melky be the 5th OF?
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
No, he's the fourth or third in my scenario.
McLouth, Diaz, and when appropriate, Heyward would be ahead of him. That makes him fourth OF by my math.
To answer your question, Melky is second year arbitration eligible, he can’t have options left, I am pretty sure.
The Jay Hey kid
Do we have to use that nickname? Who agreed to this?
Can’t we call him the Heymaker or Jay Almighty or even the Heywardinator or something?
The Jay Hey kid sounds gay.
by Kelly's Big Johnson on Dec 23, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
I haven’t heard The Heymaker yet…I like it!!
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 24, 2009 11:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
As opposed to Conrad, who's torn the cover off the ball to the tune of a sub-600 career OPS.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
Calling out a career OPS when a guy has like 50 at bats isn’t fair.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
It is when he's only gotten that many by age 30.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
Then give it that context. You could call him out for being a 4-a player who hasn’t proven himself at the Major League level. But pointing out his numbers isn’t very worthwhile since just about anyone can have a bad stretch where they post a .590 OPS in 77 plate appearances. It could just as likely be a 1.000 OPS, and it still wouldn’t mean much in that few plate appearances.
He’s a good player, in almost 2700 AAA plate appearances he has a .810 OPS, so to sell him short off of less than 100 plate appearances just isn’t fair. If you want to say he’s unproven and you don’t know what you’re going to get out of him at the Major League level then that’s not only fair but completely correct, he’s not a guy I’d be apt to count on for Major League production, but touting his Major League OPS like it’s representative of his actual ability is just inaccurate.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
Interesting tidbit
from DOB, Glaus would be the 11th opening day 1B in the last 12 years should he start there opening day ’10.
by CharlotteChop18 on Dec 23, 2009 1:50 PM EST reply actions
Yes...it's been posted somewhere.
Just look for recent comments with Fick.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
I miss me some KJ… :-(
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
If I could still have Javy or Kell Bell, it would be Javy.
Somebody around here is more anal than the mom on 7th heaven. Freakin' A. lol
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Dec 23, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather sign him to be our 4th outfielder/infielder relief instead of Brandon Jones
by Kelly's Big Johnson on Dec 23, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
I guess that should read 5th… 4th is Milky Melky.
by Kelly's Big Johnson on Dec 23, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
...because we know he can play the OF?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
Just as good as Infante can…
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
And probably better than Diaz.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
I'm still worried about his arm.
He has literally played nowhere but 2B since TJ…you’d think they would have tried him somewhere else if they could, right?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
I would like to think so, but after seeing Bobby trot Anderson and Francoeur out there every day, knowing that Diaz is better than both of them, I am not so sure.
I also wonder about his arm, but that has been like 4 years ago…surely the arm strength has returned by now. His power at the plate is there, so I would think that his throwing motion is probably G2G by now too.
Even if the arm is weak-sauce, it is better than anything Diaz or FUGA could have thrown.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
I bet Thurston makes the squad instead of Conrad.
-Yellow Jackets, Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Thrashers fan!
Agreed.
They just signed Thurston to fill the utility INF role, and I think it is a major league contract, so they have to keep him up or let him become a free agent.
Yes, minor league.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
I stand corrected then.
I guess we could go either way in that case. Still, I think Thurston is the better bet.
thats pretty much the same 25 man i’d have…
subtract conrad…add thurston
im actually pretty excited about Mitch Jones and BJones…i’ve always thought bjones could be productive so maybe he can get a shot…and mitch seems like the perfect replacement for norton…
i expect heyward up by june and melky to take the 4th OF spot..
i expect a better year out of lowe, so the rotation should be just as good…i think the bullpen is deeper now, and the bence is a helluva lot better…we replace laroche with more of a power bat and more consistent glaus…
whether you agree with the vazquez trade or not, wren did what he had to and made this team better in all areas…watch out phils
"Im a fullonrapist, I do men, women, autistic kids, children, the elderly." -Charlie Kelly
I just hope there is a roster spot for
CONSISTENCY!
injuries are one thing, but the team needs to be a lot more consistent than they were last year. no more winning 3, then losing 2, then winning 4, then losing 5, rinse repeat.
I hate to sound like a broken record, but there really were one or two umps last year that seemed out for Bravo Blood. Impartial umps and expanded replay are two things I would like to see. Half of being consistent is luck.
Somebody around here is more anal than the mom on 7th heaven. Freakin' A. lol
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Dec 23, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
Where is Soriano? Are we assuming that he gets traded? Or did I miss something?
I like the Glaus signing, but think we need a plan b. We should probably give him a day off every 5th day like he’s a catcher to keep him healthy.
Soriano went to the Rays.
Somebody around here is more anal than the mom on 7th heaven. Freakin' A. lol
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Dec 23, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
lol
he was sent to the Rays a couple weeks ago for Jesse Chavez. He accepted arbitration and the Braves traded him the next day.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
wow. I’ve been working to hard and not paying enough attention to the braves. who is jesse chavez? I just think of chavez-y-chavez from young guns.
by hippybustins on Dec 23, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
Jesse Chavez should legally...
…change his name to salary dump. He’s good enough to stay on an MLB roster, but not good enough to really be worth anything. That’s why he is the guy to get when you are really just trading to get rid of salary.
He does have a little upside, though.
The Braves have specifically talked about him being able to potentially fill a late-inning role in the future.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed.
I’d put Melky and his slightly-above-average defense+cannon in RF and Diaz with his slightly-average defense and decent arm in LF.
by FineHamAbounds on Dec 23, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
With those 3, the D could play out several ways...
L——-C——R
Diaz McLouth Cabrera
McLouth Cabrera Diaz
Cabrera McLouth Diaz
I wouldn’t be shocked to see it either way. My only disagreement with gondee would be we seem to have enough money to bring in another bench bat, and I’d guess we do just that considering the injury history of some of those guys.
I don't think we are done
We still have 13 mil to spend, we can get a true lfer instead of crap like melky.
by JasonHeywardisGod on Dec 23, 2009 2:08 PM EST reply actions
Everybody knows Frank Wren gets around…..even the fans that have already jumped off his bandwagon.
Somebody around here is more anal than the mom on 7th heaven. Freakin' A. lol
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Dec 23, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
This!
I’d be absolutely shocked if Wren doesn’t pull off several (2 or 3) additional signings and/or trades. We have money to spend and lots of tradeable pieces – both on the 40 man roster and prospects.
If we are intending to make a serious title run, Wren will want us fully locked and laoded coming out of spring camp.
We don't have $13 million to spend.
From what’s being reported, the incentives in Glaus’s contract are significant. I imagine that would eat away several million out of the $13 million.
So we traded our “ace” to save 8 million and then use that to spend 2 million on Glaus (plus incentives)? Something’s not adding up. Either there’s another surprise coming or Liberty is bending us all over without first applying some Astroglide.
by Bobby Cocks on Dec 23, 2009 2:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I think the incentives are big.
I would guess up to $5 million. The idea is that he is worth the money if healthy, so he agreed to take most of the money in incentives, betting on himself to stay healthy.
Yes.
We had plenty of competition for him, so one would assume the incentives had to be pretty good to take such a low minimum.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
Possibly...
some contract extensions coming up in the near future, Yunel and JJ I believe are arb. eligible within the next 2 years
Wouldnt it make more sense for Melky to play CF and to shift Nate to one of the corners? I love Nate, but I’m pretty sure Melky has better defense
From what I have heard from Yankee fans...
…Cabrera is a bit stretched in center, but can play it. He has a good arm so he can play right and he is fine in left, too. I think Melky in right, Diaz in left and McLouth in center is the way to go. I think that Cabrera is very similar defensively to McLouth but has a better arm.
I like the roster except
For Brandon Jones being the 4th OF….I mean how many more opportunities are we going to continue to give him to make an impression (a positive one would be nice). I’d much rather go with someone like Clint Sammons so we can use Ross’s bat in the late innnings.
Agreed on the third catcher, and using Ross as a PH more often. This is something I suggested back at the beginning of October. I wish we had a guy like Eli Marrero again who could catch and play the field, that would make this situation perfect.
Yes, but those guys are SO hard to find.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Doesn’t Matt Diaz catch?
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Vaguely.
But not well.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
So he would be like Infante then…can do it, but not very well.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
Right.
Strictly in an emergency.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Great idea
We really should do it. Sammons isn’t doing anyone any good playing his 4th season in AAA or whatever it is.
Ross would be one of the best power PHs in the game.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
i think
we could some bats to fill our bench out without carrying a 3rd catcher
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 3:56 AM EST up reply actions
so u think
Brandon Jones will bring more value to the Braves than using Ross’s bat in the late innings with Sammons there for insurance?
by SmithnCompany on Dec 24, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
im still trying to find in my post where i said Brandon Jones would do better than Ross as a PH . . .
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
It was just a question.
He’s trying to figure out how you’d justify carrying two players who’d probably play, at most, 10 innings or so a week.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
to answer your question
Im saying that we can find some guys to be just as good as ross as a Pinch hitter off the bench and let him stay as the only back up catcher. I promise you he will see more time this year now that we dont need McCann hitting behind Chip in every game. I honestly would like to see McCann hitting 6th/7th that way the top half of our lineup isnt hurt when he sits out. Something like this
Cabrera
Prado
Chip
Glaus
McLouth
Escobar
McCann
Diaz
or you can flip Escobar and McCann. Either way. I know a lot of you will say McCann is too good to hit in the 7th spot but at the same time i think the lineup would click more if he wasnt in the top 5 spots because it would be a more cohesive unit.
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 9:24 PM EST up reply actions
If Melky leads off next year, I'm defecting to a new team.
Trying to use McLouth in that role is painful enough, but Melky? I’d sooner see he and Diaz flip-flopped in that order.
have you seen his numbers in the lead off spot?
by drumzalicious on Dec 26, 2009 12:53 AM EST up reply actions
You mean the OBP that’s about 40 points higher than his career mark, which he’s notched by accumulating less than a half-season’s worth of ABs over the course of his entire career? Way too small a sample size to convince me there’s actually some magic to him leading off. Given a starting role leading off every day, I’d bet my degree that he’ll regress to his career mean, and that mark is downright ugly for a tablesetter. I’ll still go with Diaz, and even McLouth begrudgingly, over him, though it is very possible that Escobar is actually the best man for that job, despite the reality that he’ll remain in the 6-hole due to the fact that he’s also become a reliable RBI man.
Just read from mlbtraderumors.
- The Braves don’t consider Melky Cabrera the centerpiece of the Vazquez deal and they have yet to determine his role on next year’s team.
that is a great sign :)
by JasonHeywardisGod on Dec 23, 2009 2:27 PM EST reply actions
I think his role is fourth OF
It is a perfect role for his skills—-can play all OF positions, switch-hitter.
Everyone go check out MLBTR
Bowman has a ton of info.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
There’s no doubt that it’s tough to see Vazquez depart after just one year in an environment where he proved to be so comfortable. He’s a true professional who had a positive impact on Yunel Escobar, Jair Jurrjens and many of the other players in the clubhouse. – Bowman
For whoever was questioning the fact that Javy was a good influence on Yunel.
Somebody around here is more anal than the mom on 7th heaven. Freakin' A. lol
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Dec 23, 2009 2:35 PM EST reply actions
He’ll get a year of triple-A to work on his game and re-prove himself. I expect him to have a pretty big year for Gwinnett.
He was injured, probably they will give him a lot of at bats in Triple A. When he proves he is ready they can slot him in Center Field with McLouth shifting to one of the corners. No reason to hurry Schafer and Heyward. Especially since the Braves still have some dollars and when they sign Glaus for 2 mln. Nady should be had for around the same amount of dollars.
by Dutch Braves Fan on Dec 23, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
oh, its not closed
Jordan had a fantastic first month before he jacked his wrist up.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
Actually, it was more of a ridiculous week...
…at the start of the season that was good enough to make the month look good. I looked it up once and it was an amazing week and then he fell apart. The wrist injury might have been earlier than suspected.
I think that if he’s healthy, Schafer will make the team out of ST, and either start over Melky or platoon with Diaz.
My thought is the JayHeyKid is the more serious candidate to make the team out of spring training and Schafer is a likely June call up after he rakes for 200+ ABs at AAA
I'd like to take full credit for nickname
“The Jay Hey Kid.”
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
Trade Milky for two propects. I hear that the Cubs might be interested. Maybe get a 3rd baseman and an OF or a pitcher in return.
Sign DeRosa, stick him in right, who has the flexability to play multiple positions in case we get some injuries. Yes, we have Omar but Mark is a upgrade.
I would also consider Dye as well. He provides power and is average at defense.
by AlRoBraves95 on Dec 26, 2009 10:08 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
That is simply incorrect.
Dye is not average at defense. He is horrible, and has been consistently horrible for several (four) years in a row now. Horrible in UZR about twice as bad as FUGA horrible. That’s almost as bad as it can get outside of the special territory that Adam Dunn occupies.
As for trading Melky and signing DeRosa to play OF, why? DeRosa was not a better hitter than Melky last year and would cost twice as much. You can say that DeRosa is a better hitter than Melky and that Dye is an average defender, but neither is actually true. So why do you keep saying it?
Because some people just can’t handle the truth, so they like to make up their own truth.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 26, 2009 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
I think they’re going to want to delay Heyward’s arbitration clock if at all possible by waiting to call him up in June.
Schafer already has ML service time under his belt, and he was looking good until he hurt his wrist. It makes sense that if he has a good spring they won’t demote him back to AAA.
Schafer has not had many healthy AB's...
…the last two seasons. Barring a massive spring, I would guess he sees significant time at AAA. We want him to work on the contact issues from last year, and well, basically replace the half-season at AAA we wanted to give him last year.
I just think the FO would view sending him to AAA as a step backwards, if he’s healthy and has a good spring. I think it would be wiser to start him off in AAA, but I just think that the FO is going to put him on the big league club and find him a spot in the lineup if he’s healthy.
I’m certain that they’ll want to keep Heyward at AAA to delay his arbitration down the line, so I doubt he starts the year in Atlanta unless he just has the sort of ST that blows everyone else away.
I don't know about that.
I thought the FO has more or less said they want Schafer to get AAA at-bats. We sent him down to get some work when we got McLouth, but he never got those AB’s because of the injury.
“I think we’ll just watch him in spring training,” Wren said of his 23-year-old outfielder. “I don’t think we have any preconceived ideas. He just needs to play. I think the likelihood is he’ll be in the minor leagues to start the season, but we’re not going to predetermine that in November.”
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
That sounds like what I am thinking.
The plan is for him to get some time at AAA. Yeah, he could knock everyone’s socks off in spring training and start in Atlanta at the beginning of the season, but that isn’t terribly likely. He would have to outplay Heyward for one thing, and I don’t think he will do that. Hell, one could argue that he didn’t do much better last year in spring training, when Schafer played his way into a starting role and Heyward was not going to have a chance (for obvious and correct reasons). That being said, they were both so good in ST in 2009, that is almost not a fair comparison. (For the record, Schafer was .324/.378/.471 and Heyward was .300/.364/.475.)
I think they are going to want and need to get out of the gate fast and win as many ganmes as possible in April and May, and that if Heyward looks good in spring training, he is the starting RF from Day 1 (and in that case, the overwhelming favorite to win ROY).
Maybe, but if Heyward and Schafer have roughly equal springs, I think the edge for making the team will go to Schafer.
Well yeah, if only because of his defense. But I don’t see either making the team out of spring training. They’re going to keep Heyward in AAA until June no matter what to delay the arb. clock. They want Schafer to get plenty of AB’s so they’re not going to put him on the big league club unless he plays well enough to get a starting job over Melky.
Yeah, like I said, I’m assuming that if Schafer is healthy, he’ll have a good enough spring to find a spot in the lineup over Melky.
I guess I just disagree...
…because I am not as bullish about Schafer. I really think he could use some AAA work, he just hasn’t gotten enough AB’s the last couple of years.
I doubt they worry that much about the arbitration clock.
I think they care enough about it that they will send him down if he looks like he would do just as well as another option, but if he tears up spring training, I think he will start in Atlanta. I guess I just take what they say (he’ll have a shot) at face value, it makes sense. We aren’t rebuilding this year, we want to win.
Of course, it is hard to tell now. If we don’t sign another OF better than Melky, I would give Heyward a 50/50 shot or better at starting with Atlanta. If we sign someone else, probably less.
by cavebird on Dec 23, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well, I thought the same thing about Hanson last year...
Even if Heyward tears it up in spring training, I think the Braves (who are suddenly so money conscious) will think they have what it takes to just make it the first two months of the season without him. That’s all they need to do. Then, absolutely, Heyward comes up in June, with the added advantage of having seasoning in AAA for a bit. Only problem with that is we may be struggling in April and May. Saving a whole arbitration year on a kid who has such a high ceiling is a big deal. Probably big enough for the Braves to do without him during April and May.
But Hanson didn't really outpitch his competition.
Good Ks, but a 4.08 ERA and gave up two homers in 18 innings. JoJo even outpitched him.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
No matter what?
Doubt it. They certainly weren’t concerned with delaying Schafer’s clock. If he plays his way into a starting spot, he’ll get it.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
That back-up outfield looks like garbage. This team still needs a pinch hitting threat if we’re assuming Heyward is no lock to make the opening day roster (thus pushing either Cabrera/Diaz to the bench).
Bring back Ryan Church.
by get swoll yunel on Dec 23, 2009 2:40 PM EST reply actions
how much do we have left to spend after the glaus deal?
"Im a fullonrapist, I do men, women, autistic kids, children, the elderly." -Charlie Kelly
And exactly how those incentives are worded
Incentives tend to be divided between “Unlikely to achieve” and “Likely to achieve.”
Tons of guys have incentives into their contracts like “$500,000 for winning League MVP,” “$400,000 for being named WS MVP,” “Set franchise record for Home Runs,” things of that nature, that can add up to quite a bit, but generally aren’t budgeted since they’re extreme longshots.
Then there’s stuff like “Plays in at least 150 games,” “Hits 20 HRs,” etc. which tend to be very achievable and are budgeted.
For Glaus...
…I think they will be achievable incentives, almost exclusively devoted to at-bats or plate appearances or games or whatnot—-all stuff about whether he plays or not.
Still have a OF position hole to fill. Melky starting plz.
Diaz had a breakout year and was really or best OF; so he deserves his shot.
As for Melky the only way he starts is if Heyward gets hurt or looks completely lost in spring training and bringing in Nady would be a nice bench bat and could also help take the buzz off of Heyward an not rush him into the MLB level.
Seems to me that we are trying to save to much money here and still not spending enough on offense. I just not happy with the Melky trade but that is life; glad Bobby finally got him and Wagner b/c he wanted them both for a couple of years now.
Melky is not a starter and I find it laughable that Conrad is going to make the team as a back b/c he can only play one position unlike Thurston who is asuper utility man (defense only) who can play more than one position.
Glaus will be a fine addition (if he is healthy again) and really the best left on the free agent market that hits RH, is a true 1B with some size and was very affordable unlike what Roachy is wanting.
Nady is a signing that needs to happen now and so that we have a better opition in RF assuming Heyward doesn’t make the opening day roster.
Nady for about $2 mil and he could spell Glaus at first and really help out in RF; b/c Melky is not a starter.
Go Braves we still have to be the favorite to take the Wildcard; did you guys see our bullpen and starters nobody can top that period unless injuries arise.
I cannot wait until opening day in but a few mths.
Go Braves.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 23, 2009 2:59 PM EST reply actions
I don't know about Nady in RF at the start of the season...
…he just recently had TJ surgery and might not be able to make the throws. He makes sense as a back corner infielder/outfielder by mid-season. I’d be happy if the Braves see who is cheaper between him and Garko and sign that one. Or even Eric Hinske, who can play both corners and OF.
Melky really is a good fourth OF and is pretty meh as a starter. On the other hand, if he did start, it would only be for a couple of months barring injuries.
nice mention in garko
who could even be a backup third catcher, since he played it in college…….although, i have always wanted to see diaz catch since he is our current third catcher
Yeah true
Does anybody have an update on Nady’s elbow b/c ever sense he said he wanted to play here I have heard nothing regarding it.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 23, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
As of 12/3...
He was supposed to be ready for the start of ST.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
It’s hard to “break out” when you’re not playing everyday but six or eight weeks. And when the best team in baseball thinks a guy is an ok starter, I’m not really inclined to disagree with them.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
I love the Braves team FW has put together for next season,
anyone else we may get before the season begins, would just be icing on the cake!
I can’t wait for opening day! Go Braves!
" If you're going to be accused of something, being accused of being a nice guy is not the worst thing to be accused of."
Mark Richt (November 3, 2009)
I am still for signing Nady....
Deal similar to glaus’s. Would move melky to the 4th OF role, and would give us even more versatility. When Heyward comes up, we could then trade nady or melky and address one of the unexpected midseason needs that always comes up. We have the money to do it. And with nady, any injury scenerio that would come up would have less of an impact. Chipper gets hurt, move glaus to third, nady at first, melky in right. Glaus goes down, nady at first, melky to right.
The only downside to this.....
There are much less options now to rosterbate on…..many folks are going to have unexpected time on their hands……no pun intended!!!!
I like the lineup actually. Assuming that you meant Diaz to be in left and Melky in right. But we’re all assuming that Glaus is going to have a year like he did in 08 before his injury. Believe me, I hope that’s the case, but if he struggles, we’re going to be in lots of trouble.
Our rotation is fine, I think Lowe will pitch a bit better than he did last year, and I expect KK to have a really good season. We just have to hope for no injuries (obviously). It would be nice to have Javy though. If Brave’s fans didn’t realize it this offseason, we’re really going to miss his routine dominant pitching performances this year.
I can’t remember who, but a poster mentioned a good point on an earlier thread: that most of our pitchers pitch to contact. And I’m not too thrilled with our defense. It’d be nice to have a kid like Schafer roaming the middle. I really hope he tears it up in the spring and in early AAA. I forsee us calling up either Heyward or Schafer, whomever is killing it more in AAA.
If our young kids can start to contribute this year, we really might have some trade bait going into July. And keep in mind how nice it is to have some financial flexibility when you’re looking to make a big deadline move.
Certainly we're going to miss Vazquez' dominance.
But if you look at his career line, we were probably going to miss that regardless of whether he was in the rotation for us or not.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Also...
Great point about the flexibility for a future trade.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
yea i agree
If we sign someone to play the OF (Ankiel, Gomes etc) I wouldnt be surprised if McLouth is dealt by the deadline. By that time we could have Schafer AND Heyward knocking at the door.
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Gomes would definitely hold down...
…the DH spot for those interleague games. Not sure we want to trot him out into the OF. He’s pretty much Jermaine Dye bad; i.e. significantly worse than FUGA in the field.
You know 90% of the board probably won’t get that reference. :P
"My God! Good news fans, the Braves are showing signs of life for the first time in weeks. As a matter of fact, they appear to be beating the crap out of each other."
LOL.
I often wanted to be a rich millionaire on a island with an idoit and chubby capitan lol.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 23, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
That's sad.
Are most of the folks here youngsters?
I am only 24, but I sure as hell know who Marianee is!
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 23, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
*Marianne
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 23, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
There it is.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 8:35 AM EST up reply actions
boo yah
I liked the ginger too.. and also 24 years of age
- I miss Spooneybarger :(
by Mighty Healthy on Dec 24, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
Any shout outs for Mrs. Howell???
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
GMILF!
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
LOL
Although I don’t think Lovey and Thurston had any kids, IIRC. Probably would have crimped their swinging lifestyle.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
Cavebird hmm. fitting name I guess.
Fitting name for you; hey we have color TV now, more than 5 channels, and this thing called digital cable as well as Dish Network, Direct TV, MLB Network, Internet boy that must be quite a change from the old days when the dinosaurs roam the earth.
Who cares about TV shows about sticking to baseball and the Bravos.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 23, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
Who cares about the panthers? Let’s stick to baseball!
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 23, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
Who said anyting about the Panthers?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
His name…
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Weak, man.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
no, his posts are weak…I just like to rib him.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
I'm not gonna deny that...
But a username blast? Lame, brah.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
It was cheap, but appropriate. Some people just bring down the level of discourse…
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
I'm assuming you're at work, too, to be on TC Christmas Eve morn?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Actually, nope. I am home today. Nothing going on, so I am checking out the interwebs. I already ran my errands for the day. I am waiting around for a possible Call of Duty get together though….
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
COD on xbox?
Or PS3??
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
PC…the only and the original way to play.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
Melky is not a lock to start anywhere as of yet and Chip is back as well hurrah.
Even the ATL Braves and FW himself have said that they don’t know how Melky fits into their team as of now . I say that he still could be moved but for what ? He has very limited value for sure.
I still stand by my statement that he is not a starter and he was the only guy we could get from the Yankees that didn’t cost a ton of money and had some good MLB experience and some limited success.
Melky is not a starter and I will say it again but having a platoon with Nady would be great for us. Only thing worrying me is that nobody including Nady himself has said how healthy his elbow is. I think this signing is going to happen soon however b/c I want us at full strength to str8 the new year.
Great pitching staff, great bullpen (youthful middle and long relievers/cheap) and lastly with another veteran free agent to complete our bench we are going to be done. Nady has nobody else looking to sign him and really we are going to be the only takers.
Man I cannot wait, Chip Caray calling games on FSN and Sports South this season just keeps getting better and better.
Go Braves and thanks Chip for returning your dad was the Best and I miss him with every Braves game I hear and watch it is just not the same without him.
Go Braves.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 23, 2009 4:45 PM EST reply actions
If he really doesn't fit..
We could probably pick up a AA-type MI prospect without a particularly high ceiling for him. Oh, and as for Nady, the Pirates and Red Sox are also looking into him.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
That 3rd and 4th spot combo looks like a two-headed dragon….ten years ago. Still, if they both stay health and have bounce back years, it will be an fun season to watch. That will be doubly true if Prado takes advantage of the every day opportunity and we have two awesome table setters at the top.
"My God! Good news fans, the Braves are showing signs of life for the first time in weeks. As a matter of fact, they appear to be beating the crap out of each other."
That's asking a lot.
I would be very happy with Bill James’s projection of a batting average over .300 and 17 dingers.
.300 and 17 HR's for a 20-year-old?
That’s ridiculous. Justin Upton only hit about .250 as a 20-year-old. I hope I am wrong, but those are ridiculous numbers, even if it is Jason Heyward.
by GouldisGold on Dec 23, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
You could argue
That Justin Upton was less ML-ready than Jason Heyward is right now. He’s got two full minor league season under his belt, whih Upton did not when he was first called up. He draws more walks and strikes out less than Upton. And he’s even got a slight edge in terms of power-a .259 ISO at AA compared to a .247 ISO for Upton.
Just goes to show how other-worldly Jason Heyward is, when he’s got better numbers than the top prospect this decade.
I think Heyward could end up having a Ryan Braun type rookie impact, though with a bit less power.
Few comments:
First, Upton had more ABs when he was called up in Aug 2007 than Heyward has now.
Second, Upton struggled mightily in his first exposure to MLB pitching, so I’m not sure the Braves want to follow that path with Heyward.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
Braus was 23 when he made his debut
Heyward is 20. To say that a kid his age will hit .300+ with 30+ homers is crazy.
With high-ceiling kids you just never know.
Some come up and mash from the beginning, others struggle at first. More struggle than mash, but there are enough that mash that it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. Some are in between.
Gondee
I love your lineup but I have just a few tweaks.
1. I think Melky should play RF and Diaz LF. Melky has better range and a far better arm than Diaz.
2. The bench without any more FA signings should be as so:
Ross – C
Infante – Super Utility
Jones – 1B/OF
Conrad/Thurston – IF
B. Jones/Young/ Clevlen – OF
3. We have tons of options in the BP that will be sorted out in ST to sort out 3 BP spots. Should be a fun ST.
Medlen, Chavez, Dunn, Acosta, Valdez, Reyes, Parr, Redmond, Abreu, Hyde, Gomez, Marek, Bueno
by Jay212033 on Dec 23, 2009 5:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions
IF (big if) melky starts, why not hit him leadoff and nate lower in the lineup?
Melky, in 255 career leadoff ABs, has hit .290 with .373 OBP, his best anywhere
^from DOB at the ajc.
Given that melky isn’t much of a power threat i would rather him hit there and give nate the opportunity to hit with some runners on base. he hit a lot of solo shots from the leadoff spot and isn’t really an ideal leadoff hitter.
Dude I might go out on a limb and say Melky could be trade bait for another deal to be completed. "I mean when your GM says that he (Melky) wasn’t the main reason for the trade and they really don’t know how or if he fits into your lineup or bench next season then I wouldn’t count on him being around long.
Braves have been making moves quickly and still need another veteran for the bench.
To suggest that he is a leadoff hitter is crazy.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 23, 2009 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
Really?
You’d complain about a .373 OBP and some speed (9+ steals each of the last four years in the AL) in the leadoff spot?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
I'd complain
about his overall .331 OBP in the leadoff spot, compared to a small sample size of success leading off.
Give me Matt Diaz leading off, especially against lefties.
Small sample size?
You do know Diaz has 20% of the leadoff PAs as Cabrera, right?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
It is pretty interesting, I was expecting that most of Melky’s lead off PA would have come in one season, but they’ve actually been fairly spread out, and he does seem to have respond pretty well to batting lead off each time he was given the chance.
Could mean something, could just be a fluke.
Of course over his last 3 full seasons, Diaz’s lowest OPS was .364 and his lowest SLG was .475, so I’d have to say that Matt has clearly been the superior hitter of the two, and, as such, would probably be the better candidate to bat lead off.
you cant negate his OBP in the lead off spot. Some players perform well in certain places in the lineup. It is wise to play them in their strengths
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Okay, don't negate it
But consider that his career OBP is over 40 points lower. Consider also that Matt Diaz is usually batting close to .331, with an OBP in the .360s. Melky Cabrera doesn’t have a full season’s worth of PAs leading off.
Also, since we’re talking about small situational sample sizes, Matt Diaz has a ridiculous .478 OBP in the leadoff spot. Not too shabby.
i believe
the point was that he would be better than McLouth in the lead off spot. I would personally love Diaz to hit lead off. the thing is it just wont happen. the team will never use him full time.
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with putting Diaz in the lead off spot but I also agree that it will never happen.
I swear the old school thinking is never put a free-swinger in the lead off spot. They always want the “speed”, even if there aren’t enough stolen bases to make any difference, and “walks” even if the OBP is LOWER than a guy who swings away.
I like stolen bases and walks just like any fan, but give me a guy who gets on base at a decent clip ahead of our big hitters. I don’t care what his swing looks like and I don’t care if he gets to first via base hits. JUST GET ON BASE!
Anyone notice that Diaz’ walk rate has gone up a bit? Hope he keeps that up.
Well, I’m hoping we get a full time slugging leftfielder and we use Diaz to spell this new leftfielder, McLouth in center, Heyward in right, and Glaus at first. That may give him upwards of 400 ABs. If Diaz can catch, then he can play 1B. It’s not that hard.
-----
Braves Fan Since 1982. Go Braves!
"All opinions welcome..."
He has played 1B.
But I doubt he does it on any kind of regular basis.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 25, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah
Diaz’s walk rate did go up precipitously. If he can replicate that in the future, he’d be a great leadoff hitter.
I think the tendency is for people to believe that lead-off hitters are the prototypical guy with speed, who can steal bases. And sometimes people sacrifice OBP for the sake of a little speed, as in the case of Juan Pierre, and it’s really a poor trade.
Diaz is a good hitter no matter where you put him in the line-up, IMO, and since one of our biggest lacks is a true table-setter, that’s where we’d take the most advantage of him. And while he’s not a great speed guy, he is a very smart baserunner, and he’ll give you some steals and add some runs in the basepaths.
Diaz has historically been a platoon player ...
in advantageous situations. I wonder how that average and OBP look when he is an everyday player. Not saying I doubt Diaz, just that his numbers are not the best indicator of what he’ll play like in a role he’s never been in before. Plenty of players look great in a platoon, but became badly exposed once in the lineup 150+ times in a year.
Here is my lineup
RF-Melky
LF-Podsednik(free agent, of course)
3B-Chipper
1B-Glaus
C – McCann
SS-Escobar
CF-McLouth
2B-Prado
Bench
C – Ross
INF-Infante
INF-Conrad
OF-Diaz
OF-Hinske
Podsednik?
Ouch. I can’t see him beating out Heyward for a starting gig in spring training. He has speed, but he is a one-trick pony. Career .340 OBP just isn’t good enough to make up for the absolute complete lack of power. Not a bad fourth OF since he can play center and is solid defensively, but with Melky already on board he is redundant. How many fourth OF’s can we have?
I like Podsednik.
He is a good table setter, and he will allow us to drop McLouth’s power bat in the order. And when Heyward comes up, we can stick Melky in left and use Podsednik as trade bait or a(nother) 4th outfielder.
by GouldisGold on Dec 23, 2009 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
How is a guy...
…with a career .340 OBP a good table-setter?
FUGA, FYF, and Schafer suggest you not complain about a multitude of fourths...
It’s better than a starting OF of fifths.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
Need an extra corner IF Bat
We need one more good bat that can either play 2B or 3B (ideally with some additional versatility).or maybe 1B if Glaus could play 3B for a little while…someone that is a legit hitter off the bench for pinch hitting. We don’t want Chipper being replaced by Infante long term if he is out for a month or so I realize Infante played well last year but his career numbers make that look like something of a blip…rather then a trend (hopefully he will prove me wrong).
I wonder if we can take the prospect we got for Vazquez and flip him to someone line Florida (with additional players) for Uggla. I realize that everyone is a fan of Prado and he is fine at 2B…but putting Uggla at 2B and Prado in a reserve role as the first guy off the bench to pinch hit and still get him 350 ABs by playing him at 3B, 2B, and 1B.
I also was thinking about Melky hitting 1st of 2nd. He has decent speed…he just doesn’t run alot…and the thing I really like about him is that he makes contact and doesn’t strike out alot. If I had my choice I would probably do somethining like this:
RH:
Melky
Prado
Chipper
Glaus
McCann
McClouth
Escobar
Diaz
*Though you could reasonable switch Escobar and Prado.
LH:
Melky
Prado
Chipper
Glaus
Diaz
McCann
Escobar
McClouth
Melky is NOT, i repeat, NOT a leadoff hitter.
He’s 2 or 7
I is for I can't wait for spring to get here- Matty D
(Yunel is still the Queen of Hearts)
Melky hits best average as leadoff in his career . . .
72 games at leadoff .290 average only spot higher is ninth with .296
As leadoff hitter OBP is .373 next best is seventh spot with a .352
Like the above lineup with McClouth protecting Brian. If Heyward cotinues to grow and get the starting spot in right then we have a deadly lineup and can use Melky and Diaz to rotate spelling McClouth and Heyward when they need a day off as well as one another. Glaus gives us a backup incase Chipper gets a hangnail or hemroid. Would like to see a bench type of player signed who can actually hit and not Thurman or Conrad.
Ha
You just described DeRosa pretty good in the 1st part
by bravesforever16 on Dec 24, 2009 4:07 AM EST up reply actions
personally
i would wanna trade him to Angels for Saunders lol
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 1:39 AM EST up reply actions
Angels wouldn't take the salary...
…and Saunders really isn’t very good either.
If...
We just sign Derosa I consider this a pretty good offseason!
by bravesforever16 on Dec 24, 2009 4:08 AM EST reply actions
If we signed DeRosa....
Were do you see him playing? Starting in RF or 2B? I haven’t looked but how are his home/road splits.?…he has played a lot of games in texas and wrigley the last few years.
I think signing DeRo at this point would be a step backwards.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 8:36 AM EST up reply actions
Don't we have extra money now?
I thought I read Glaus was only going to be 2-3 million…if that is the case I would think there would be some extra money available? Do you think they hold on to that for in season moves?
Natinals just signed Capps for 1 year, $3.5M….did Washington really not have anything better to spend that kind of money on???
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 11:02 AM EST reply actions
Well yeah.
Jason Marquis. That’s why he got signed first.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Touche’!
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
haha
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Gonna be another fun year in DC. When Strasburgh comes down with some crippling injury in July it’s gonna be even worse. And I only suggest that as a likelihood because of who they are, it just seems like something that will happen.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
Yeah, Strasburg was a bad pick.
Most guys who can throw 102 MPH usually start out well, but end up blowing their arms our early in their careers. They are never the same after that.
I don’t think it was a bad pick. If he happened to fall to the Braves at 7 I would have hoped they’d take him and pay him the money. I’m not even saying he’s likely to blow his arm out, I’m just saying it would fit in with the Natinals luck if he did.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
I know what you're saying
but most guys who can throw as hard as Strasburg blow their arms out, like Joel Zumaya.
Besides, how many #1 overall picks over the past 20 years or so have actually panned out? A-Rod, Griffey, Chipper, Mauer, Upton(so far). To be fair, I won’t count David Price, since he only has one full year under his belt. That’s under 50%. I’m not saying Strasburg won’t pan out, but history suggests he likely won’t.
I guess it depends on the definition of panned out. Won’t even consider David Price or even Hochevar since it’s too early, though Hochevar’s looking like a bust, and we’ll agree on Upton, even though it’s still too early. The three before them, Matt Bush, Delmon Young, and Bryan Bullington, are all busts in their own ways, but at least Young is an average player. The two before that, Mauer and Adrian Gonzalez are stars, even if it took Gonzalez longer than people wanted it to. Josh Hamilton seems like he should go in the win column, but maybe not since it took a long time and who knows how long he’ll play. Pat Burrell is an above average player, but certainly not a star. Matt Anderson was a bust. Kris Benson had some good years but certainly wasn’t a star. Darin Erstad was a solid player, but also, not a star. Paul Wison was a bust. A-Rod and Chipper were studs but between them Brien Taylor was a bust and Phil Nevin was decent but not great. Ben McDonald was decent but hurt too much. Griffey Jr. was a stud and before him Jeff King and BJ Surhoff were both good but not spectacular.
That’s all the way back to 1985. So yeah, pretty sobering reminder that nothing is a sure thing. Several all time greats and several complete busts mixed in with some average to a little above average players.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
Not to mention Kotsay.
He is a former Golden Spikes award winner. He turned out alright, but he was never a star.
by GouldisGold on Dec 24, 2009 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
I also find it laughable that some are already touting the 16-year-old Bryce Harper as a “generational prospect.” That term is severely overused. I’ve heard that term used on several guys in the past 5 years. Like Felix Hernandez, Justin Upton, Alex Gordon, Jay Bruce, Evan Longoria, David Price, and now Heyward and Strasburg. A generational prospect is supposed to be someone who comes along once every decade or so, not just any top prospect.
by GouldisGold on Dec 24, 2009 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
Of all the recent guys, Harper seems like the best bet to bust. He’s freaking 16. No matter how good he is he’s gonna need 3 or more years in the Minors, and who knows how he’ll really develop. It’s fine when you’re signing foreign guys because they’re not getting the millions and millions he’s going to get.
At least I’ll get a front row seat, I see the Nats A ball teams play a lot.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
The Capps signing was a good one for them.
He came cheap and he still has a good arm. He had a bad year, but his peripherals were still pretty good. And lord knows they needed bullpen help. Their bullpen should be much better this year with Burnett (Sean), Storen, and Capps in it. They were also smart to non-tender MacDougal, who despite posting good save numbers, was all smoke and mirrors (more BB’s than K’s).
Glaus is not
the final piece of the puzzle. Your overvaluing him. If he stays healthy, which may or may not happen, he’ll put up something like 23 homers/78RBIS. No way he hits 35 again. Its not a bad signing, don’t get me wrong, but he is not our big bat we are looking for
Frank should have just traded for Ryan Howard
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 24, 2009 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Cancel our minor leagues this year and start over with the draft...
everyone not on the 40 man roster for Pujols. Make it happen Wren.
yea
because 23 HR’s are so much worse than what we got from 1B last year.
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Well thats only 5 more then what we got from first base...
and I’m saying I think he would have to stay healthy to get to that.
If he stays healthy
he hits at least 30 HR’s.
by drumzalicious on Dec 24, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe.
Keep in mind that he’ll be playing half his games in a fairly big ballpark.
But still, I like the lineup the was it is. Adding an extra table setter would help, but we don’t really need any stars in the lineup. Just as long as we don’t have any black holes in the lineup. That is why the offense struggled early last year. Francoeur, Johnson, and Schafer were all almost automatic outs.
by GouldisGold on Dec 24, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
If he's healthy, he is a plenty big bat.
Of course, the health is the key. He always has had good/great power and good/great OBP’s when healthy. If he isn’t healthy, he’s only $2 million, the incentives won’t kick in and we’ll have money for a mid-season pick-up.
I, for one, really like this team. It sucks having to trade Vazquez, but being a mid market team like we are, it had to happen. I’m just glad we got a good prospect out of the deal and a serviceable OF to bridge the gap. I see the deal as FW not being able to give Lowe away.
Our starting rotation doesn’t lose too much. We still go 5 strong starters with Medlen in the bullpen. Our BP is improved, IMO, though we need to stay healthy. I believe our offense has improved a little bit. But, I think our offense was fine last year, and we wouldn’t have complained about it so much if Chipper hadn’t been in a slump for 3/4 of the season. I believe we are very deep team right now, and can do something in the NL.
I do like the Glaus signing at the price. I believe it does a few things for us. First, it gives us flexibility going forward. We still have a good bit of money. Couple that with some very good arms in the minors, we can make a move later if we need to. Personally, I don’t see us being done this year. It may just be my gut, but I believe FW has something else up his sleeve. I do like getting Melky in the trade, as he is serviceable and cheap, can play all 3 of spots. I can see us making a trade for D. Lee. Maybe something involving McClouth. From what I’ve heard, Piniella has liked Nate since joining the cubs. Cubs have needed a left handed bat for a good while (the reason why they signed Bradley). Lee makes 13 mil a year in 09 and 10. Maybe McClouth and a pitching prospect for Lee and some cash to balance the money, if needed? This would push Glaus to the bench for a power PH and can spell both Chipper and Lee if/when they get hurt. Melky can lead off. I just think that the way all of this matches up, it makes too much sense to get done.
Check this lineup:
Melky
Prado
Chipper
Lee
McCann
Escobar
Diaz
B. Jones/Blanco (Until Schafer or Heyward is ready)
If Heyward makes a good contribution in June/July, we could be WS contenders, and the deal doesn’t hurt us in the future very much, as McClouth not really part of our future plans, IMO, and Freeman had better be ready by 2011.
It would take more than a prospect and McLouth...
…to get Lee. Furthermore, Lee isn’t so much better than Glaus, that replacing Glaus and McLouth with Lee and suck (i.e. B.Jones/Blanco) would make us better. It would be more expensive however.
need more
I still want O Hudson and a DeRosa or Delgado on a one year deal to give us depth speed, power and flexibilty when one of our guys gets injuried.. cause I agree.. when Chipper and Glaus go down exspecially at the same time.. we are in trouble. Send underachieving super prospect Brandon Jones down and Conrad..
Ryan Garko might be the best available right handed hitter considering budget arguments. He was hitting quite well in Cleveland before being moved to San Francisco. He can play left field en first base.
Omar Infante can spell Chipper when he is hurt. My guess is tough that Chipper will be in great form this year. He does not want to waste another season partially by being injured.
by Dutch Braves Fan on Dec 25, 2009 6:58 AM EST up reply actions
I like Garko and have pushed for the signing a lot around here, but I’ve softened since the Glaus deal. Shouldn’t we try to find a LHB instead now?
Also, Garko in LF would be scary. He can barely handle 1B.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
you mean
the same Delgado that has yet to play a game of Winter Ball because of problems with his hip?
by drumzalicious on Dec 26, 2009 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
What about Jason Giambi?
I know he is best suited at DH, but he could take over Norton’s role as an almost exclusive pinch hitter and occasionally get a start a first.
just got back from a vacation
i was stunned and saddened to see javy traded for melky…im sure it was discussed ad nauseam while i was gone, but i would rather have traded lowe for literally nothing and not have melky in lf than lose javy
ahh well…i guess there is no reason to worry about it now…but i think ill take a break from the braves for a little while now
"If I have asthma, they won't let me scuba. And if I can’t scuba, then what’s this all been about?? What am I working toward??"
Don't worry too much.
Javy was not traded for Melky. Javy was traded for salary relief and a very good young pitching prospect; almost a Teheran clone. Melky was a throw in. People know him, that’s why he headlines the deal, but the trade was not for him. The trade was for Vizcaino. I like the idea of having Vizcaino and Teheran——pitchers that young are all a crapshoot, but having two of them greatly improves the odds of getting one to pan out as a top of the rotation starter,
I agree 100%
Like I keep saying, top pitching prospects often don’t pan out. But we have a lot of those in our farm system, so odds are some of them will succeed.
by GouldisGold on Dec 27, 2009 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
that makes it a little better
but i would still take javy, given the two options. I mean I would literally rather give up Lowe for nothing…I think our team with javy next year vs our team with melky is a lot stronger.
still, maybe trading lowe wasnt possible, I dont know. I just know that trading your best pitcher for a third or fourth OF doesnt usually make you a better team…it may work out in the long run with vizcaino, but i want to win next year :)
"If I have asthma, they won't let me scuba. And if I can’t scuba, then what’s this all been about?? What am I working toward??"
Who's Bettter
J.V . W : 142 L:139
T.H. W: 148 L: 78
W’s is the bottom line, is it not? And JV has been in the bigs for one year longer. And before we go comparing apples and oranges by saying that Huddy played for a better team, I recall a left hander named Carlton who won 27 games with one of the worst teams ever. And with that same mindset you also think that JV will win 25 games with the Yankees?
W% FTW!
While I think that Hudson (if truly healthy again) is the better pitcher overall, I gotta throw the BS flag at using Ws and Ls as the basis of that argument.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 27, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Might as well look at height/weight to see who’s better.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
Well, Vazquez has more letters in his name, so he’s better.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 27, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
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