Who Else Should the Braves Sign
by gondeee on Dec 31, 2009 9:43 AM EST
in Braves Related Free Agents
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PrintSince the next 24 hours will likely be a drunken blur I suppose I best get a post up that can stand the test of time. I've been thinking for several days about who else the Braves should sign to fill out their roster. They reportedly still have anywhere from $7 to $9 million to spend on a free agent or free agents, and there are several interesting names still on the board. Here's the list in alphabetical order:
Rick Ankiel - He's a Boras client with moderate pop, though he took a huge step backwards last year. That off-year could have him searching for a one-year get-right contract at a discount.
Rocco Baldelli - The picture of unfulfilled potential, perhaps Atlanta could be the right fit. We know that the Braves have historically had interest in him.
Marlon Byrd - He's more of a fourth outfielder who got real lucky playing in a hitter friendly stadium last year. Every time I hear his name all I think about is Garry Mathews Jr.
Johnny Damon - A solid above average performer. If he would take a one-year deal he might be a nice addition who brings good power and speed. If Wren signs him, he must insist that Damon grows his Jesus beard back out.
Jermaine Dye - He started his career in the ATL, perhaps he'd like to finish it here. His bat still has some pop, and he's still only 36.
Eric Hinske - He would be more of a bench bat, but perhaps a very good bench bat. If we go the route of signing a couple of guys to platoon and pinch hit, then he would likely be an inexpensive option.
Reed Johnson - Like Hinske, Johnson would be another low cost swing guy on the bench, though he probably doesn't have enough power to add any value to the Braves roster.
Xavier Nady - I thought he'd be a Brave already, but the team went with Troy Glaus instead. They could still come back around to Nady, but Boras may be asking for too much.
Gary Sheffield - Oh yes, I went there. At this point in his career he may not be much better than Garret Anderson, but Sheff always seemed his most comfortable in Atlanta, perhaps there's still some mutual interest here.
Randy Winn - He's probably too much of a light-hitting option than we would want, and he's not getting any younger.
So those are the options as I see them. Feel free to bring up anyone else you think would make a good fit (within the realm of sanity). Other than that, have a Happy New Year!
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I'd take Julio again before Johnny Damon
If you look at Damon’s HR charts (just spent 15 minutes trying to find the ESPN link, cannot) somewhere around 17 of them last year were into the short porch in right at New Yankee Stadium. Looking closer, looking at how far those were hit and the conditions in which they were hit and we could reasonably expect 2-4 of those 17 to actually make it out of the yard in Turner. He’s put together a surprisingly nice career but he’s in a decline that will only be exacerbated by leaving New York and last year was a Marlon Byrd-esque stadium fluke. I don’t want him anywhere near our outfield unless he’s playing there on the road for another club.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jan 1, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
So does that mean you are in favor of signing Damon?
by bravesforever16 on Jan 1, 2010 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
Whoops
yeah just saw that.
but we should probably take into account of that so called “Wind Tunnel” Yankee Stadium produced but that could all be BS.
by bravesforever16 on Jan 1, 2010 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
No, neither of these things
Damon hit 17 home runs at Yankee Stadium in 2009, and all of his HR’s regardless of ballpark were to right field.
In Turner field a lot of those aren’t HR’s. All of the ones in front or on the line aren’t home runs. He probably loses 6-12 home runs by moving from Yankee Stadium to Turner Field.
I still like signing Damon because of his .366 on base average the past 6 years. If the Braves can expect .290/.366/.430 from Damon, he’s worth signing, I would think.
http://www.capitolavenueclub.com/
Yeah
well I wonder how much money he would want?
by bravesforever16 on Jan 1, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
I would go as high as a 1 year 6 million contract, with a team option for a second year.
His arm may suck, but his UZR is not bad aside from last year. (7.5, 6.7, -9.2). I don’t think he would hurt us badly in the field, and not nearly as much as FUGA last year. We talk about his home run totals as if that is what we want him to do for us. He would be or leadoff hitter, if he signed. His job would be to get on base. In his last 6 years, he hasn’t had an OBP below .350. Nat’s highest in his career is .356.
As much as I hate the yankees, (and I really really really do) i do think Damon could be a valuable player for us, given the right price. He would get on base in front of Prado, Chipper, Glaus and McCann, thus giving them more pitches to hit.
Alas, IMHO, we won’t be able to sign Damon anyways, b/c he will demand a higher contract, and get it from somewhere else. So, all of this is probably moot anyways.
It helps if you don’t think of him as a Yankee, but rather an A.
"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 Jan 1, 2010 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
I like to think of him as a Royal, cause that’s where he started out. And nobody thinks of anyone in the last 20 years as a Royal, except Mike Sweeney.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
I didn’t know he started with them. I just remember him being with the A’s back when they were a fun team to cheer for and watch.
"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 Jan 2, 2010 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
He spent his first 6 years as a Royal (only 1 as an A)...
which considering our exchange program with KC is a nice bonus. Came to Oakland a year before becomming a FA in a big trade that sent Damon, Mark Ellis, and Cory Lidle to Oakland, Ben Grieve to Tampa, and Angel Berroa, AJ Hinch, and Roberto Hernandez to the Royals.
Dang…I suck.
"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 Jan 2, 2010 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
no
his defense is terrible. there is no getting around it. he cant throw a ball more than 30 feet
by drumzalicious on Jan 2, 2010 2:03 AM EST up reply actions
however
Yankee stadium was/is a gigantic wind tunnel meaning all of those balls got a little help from the wind that constantly is blowing out. It was well documented that if a ball got just a little bit of lift it could carry far in that park. He could hit like 10 HR’s with us.
I just dont want ppl thinking this guy will hit another 20+ HR’s if we sign him. Also realize that his defense is DEPLORABLE. No joke. Watch some of those World Series games
by drumzalicious on Jan 2, 2010 2:05 AM EST up reply actions
Why does this say 2006 in the upper right? Are we sure it’s the right graph?
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
I think that is just the Copyright date.
"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 Jan 2, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, Justin is correct.
That’s the copyright date for this particular style of plot.
http://www.capitolavenueclub.com/
definitly johnny damon. he can lead off and let mclouth slide down in the lineup.
a lineup like this would be very nice
damon
prado
chipper
glaus
mac
mclouth
esco
diaz/heyward/melky
"With great power comes great responsibility"- Ben Parker
How about...
Damon
Chipper
Escobar
Glaus
McCann
Diaz
Prado
McLouth
I know it will never happen, but I really like line-ups with Chipper hitting 2nd. They’re interesting to me.
http://www.capitolavenueclub.com/
Why debate this?...
barring injury or a strong spring from Heyward or Schafer, we’re looking at
McCann
Glaus
Prado
Escobar
Jones
Diaz
McLouth
Cabrera
in some order 1-8, with Chipper, Glaus, McCann forming 3, 4, 5.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t mind that, except flip Melky for prospects and cash savings, in case we need to make a run at someone during the season.
-Yellow Jackets, Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Thrashers fan!
Trade the Milk Man
Trade Milky while he still has that Yankee Aura on him. By doing so I will free up an additional $3million and will give us a total of somewhere in the neighborhood $10 million to spend.
That should go towards an OF bat. I am thinking Jermaine Dye in left field and MDiaz and Heyward in Right.
McClouth
Prado
Chipper
Troy Glaus
Brian McCann
Jermaine Dye
Escobar
Matt/Jason Heyward
Pitcher
That’s deep
by AlRoBraves95 on Jan 1, 2010 7:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That’s a deep lineup, but that is a shallow D. I see no need to max out our budget on someone like Jermaine Dye.
"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 Jan 1, 2010 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
forget deep
that lineup is overly right handed. and i do agree to not sign dye.
by drumzalicious on Jan 1, 2010 9:46 PM EST up reply actions
Deep matters little there.
Diaz and Heyward are both better than Dye when defense is included (and Diaz is league average defensively at best). Why sign Dye? Even if his offense rebounds, his defense makes him no more than replacement level.
That’s a decent lineup with a decent backend that could definately drive in some runs. I don’t doubt Damon’s HR total last year was aided by the new Yankee launching pad, but coming over to the NL I don’t think 18 HR or so would be a stretch. Plus he’s got speed on the basepaths. I like Hinske as a bench option too.
HansonManCrush
by HansonManCrush on Dec 31, 2009 10:08 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
If we get Hinske, he takes us to the World Series.
We’ve all heard about his crazy hoodoo with October baseball.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jan 1, 2010 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
That’s a ridiculous lineup, you’ve got the two worst hitters at the top and two of the best at the bottom.
Which line up are you referring to? I’m in favor of having prado bat second and moving escobar to six or seven so he can drive in runs
HansonManCrush
by HansonManCrush on Dec 31, 2009 10:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Sorry.
Nevermindclearly my brain isn’t working properly today, for some reason I thought you were talking about having Melky lead off and McLouth bat 2. I don’t even know why I read it like that.
Not that I’m a fan of bringing in Damon, too much money for not enough production. Still don’t see any reason for Diaz to be hitting 8th though, guy put up a .390 OBP last year.
I like Diaz at the top of the lineup too, and I think he’s more than proven capable of being an everyday player. He’s got good speed thanks to his PSX 90 program or whatever it is. But he does make mistakes on the basepaths like that play at third to end the Marlins series a few months back. But who doesn’t make mistakes!
HansonManCrush
by HansonManCrush on Dec 31, 2009 10:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed.
Snitker really wore thin on me last year. Get me Sid Bream. That man knows how to round third base and score a freaking run.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jan 1, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
P-90X…it is awesome!
"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 31, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
My interenet sarcasm detector is malfunctioning… If you’re serious, how well did it work for you? I’ve been intrigued by that for a while, but haven’t convinced myself to pull the trigger and do it.
no sarcasm goggles needed. The program is seriously legit – if you stick to it.
It is one of the toughest workouts I have done.
"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 31, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
I'm intrigued...
What is this workout you’re speaking of? I’d like to try it, always up for something new!
I've had a couple friends do P-90X
And it did a lot for both of them. I hear it can humble you though.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jan 1, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Pliometrics will own your ass
At least the first few times around. The workout as a whole is completely legit, but because so few people have the dedication to give 90 days to something so strenuous, so few actually ever figure it out. I did it for about a month before I quit my job and started effing up my daily routine to where I couldn’t do it anymore, but the results were prevalent in that amount of time.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
Haha.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jan 1, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
+1
"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09
Or trim fat, or get in the best shape of your life.
If you are trying to build muscle mass and be jacked, this won’t work for you, because it isn’t designed for that.
"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 31, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
That whole list makes my stomach churn..
Damon or Nady… Damon over Nady.
by SidKotchman on Dec 31, 2009 10:09 AM EST via mobile reply actions
What’s Melky’s OBP like? Could he be a leadoff candidate? Or have I just started drinking way too early?
HansonManCrush
by HansonManCrush on Dec 31, 2009 10:11 AM EST via mobile reply actions
.340-.350 would be asking him ALOT…
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 31, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
he's done well there in the past...
and he might adapt well to the NL. It’s doubtful, but possible.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
There’s always that hope…
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 31, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Hope is a dangerous thing.
Hope can drive a man insane.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
I’m sorry, I forgot how serious this can be.
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 31, 2009 1:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Excellent work sir.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jan 1, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
His 24 HRs last season would have led our team in that statistic..
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 31, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
but he hit 17 of those 24 in the launching pad that is New Yankee Stadium. He is not a big bat by any stretch of the imagination, and I think that whatever team signs him is going to be disappointed.
"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 31, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
this
I was typing that exact same thing out. I could have hit 17 homers in that tiny place.
Isn't it the same dimensions as the old park?
I thought there was some weird wind tunnel effect that caused all the HRs.
true
I forgot about that…
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 31, 2009 1:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
continuing futher: just look at his season-by-season HR totals…he is all over the dang place, never hitting more than 24 (twice he has done this).
Going back over the past 10 years (Random number chosen by me)
00 – 16
01 – 9
02 – 14
03 – 12
04 – 20
05 – 10
06 – 24
07 – 12
08 – 17
09 – 24
"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 31, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
I want another proven bullpen arm, who’s still out there?
Here are Pujols's stats: 1.000/1.000/4.000/5.000. That's right. He is batting a thousand, with a thousand OBP (naturally), and every hit has been a home run, and thus his OPS is a perfect 5.000.
Kiko.
"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 31, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Pedro Borbon Jr.
Wren Be Praised.
WWFWD?
by !Vive la Francoeur! on Dec 31, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions
This.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jan 1, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
the downside of melky...
bobby will play him way too much if he’s on the roster. out of that group, i think you have to go with guy that provides the most flexibility in case of injury and that would be Nady. however Nady and Sheffield could both be signed for approx. 7 mil together and that would be insurance on top of insurance.
i like the idea of damon as well. i guess he could play some first if glaus goes down.
chipper in the 2 hole would be nice, however he needs some protection with power behind him. pitchers wont be afraid to pitch to him if escobar is in the on deck circle.
My opinion cant be wrong. It's my opinion. Those who don't like it can piss up a rope.
Hinske is the most "flexible" of the list...
plenty of time at 3rd and 1st, plus the OF corners.
I honestly think if we sign someone for anything other than $1m or less, they’ll be capable of 1st. That is the only spot where we really don’t have a decent second option. Infante can cover 2nd, SS, and 3rd, we’ve got plenty of OF versatility with Melky able to play all 3, plus Heyward and Schafer ready or near ready. Ross and Sammons are a decent 2nd and 3rd behind McCann. We really could use a backup 1B, especially one that could double as a backup OF until the kids arrive. Nady, Hinske, among others seems absolutely perfect for that role if they’ll sign something like Glaus or smaller.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Prado could play 1st and then you shift Infante to second… but ur right we have no real backup for 1st (as I dont consider Prado a legit 1B)
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
i have little confidence in Mitch at this point… one of those things where im gonna compeltely temper my expectations to set myself up to be pleasantyl surprised if anyting good happens
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
Ryan Garko?...
whoever we sign, I doubt they’d be a pure OF. Those able to play somewhere in the IF too would be best, since there is the obvious Schafer/Heyward pairing able to come up for CF and RF sometime soon, Diaz can play both corners, Melky can play all 3, McLouth is a solid CF, and there’s Blanco/Infante/Brandon Jones/Mitch Jones/etc that could fill in a pinch if we want Heyward/Schafer to get a little more time before coming up. For that reason, drop Damon, Byrd, Ankiel, Winn, and Johnson.
Add in Glaus is likely a starter, and you must count his incentives reducing the remaining $5+m, with the unlikelihood we spend more on a bench bat than we just did on a starter, I’d say we’re likely to wait and see who gets really cheap in the next few weeks. Nady has the ability to backup Glaus, which we currently don’t have unless we consider Prado, Infante (or Canizares or Mitch Jones) fills that role. Jermaine Dye has said he’d play 1st, Rocco Baldelli played 3 innings at 3rd for Boston last year and might be capable of playing 1st, Sheff is a former IF with 9 games experience at 1st, Garko is mostly a 1B, while Hinske has 3rd, 1st, and the corner OF.
I could see anyone like those guys, capable of multiple positions including 1st as a veteran backup to Glaus. Otherwise may as well just wait and see who will become desperate and take a deal at or below $1m in the next month be they veteran bat or veteran arm. We’ve got a full 40 man roster, so I don’t see Wren rushing to make a move.
(Oh, and this will be real good for the spreading rosterbation mess)
A couple other names
Ryan Garko-Could be in the OF/1b variety we are looking at.
Johnny Gomes-Just a name, probably no better than Mitch Jones.
Aubrey Huff-Probably no better than GA.
Marcus Thames- Again, prolly a wash with Jones.
I like the idea of Garko the best out of these, and could see hime as a rather nice bargain option if Boras gets redic with Nady’s asking price.
Johnny Gomes and Marcus Thames have proven track records in the majors… so by that alone they are better than Mitch Jones… remember for all the mashing Jones did, he hasnt really played in the Majors that much…theres probably a reason for that besides teams hate him. Especially considering you are looking at Jones to be like Gomes or Thames… we know Gomes or Thames can do that pinch hitting reserve OF role with good pop in their bat, we think Mitch Jones can do that, but we really don’t kno.
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
We need...
A leadoff guy, so we can drop mclouth in the lineup, I think he and the braves would benefit from that kind of move alot..What’s available in that aspect as a leadoff hitter/outfielder? Or do we already have him in schaefer or cabrera(yuck)?
by SidKotchman on Dec 31, 2009 10:39 AM EST via mobile reply actions
no more old/injured
We have enough old or rehabbed players. We have a surplus of pitchers and if Heyward is available, outfielders. I would like Wren to trade Cabrera or McLouth plus a prospect pitcher for another super utility infielder. That’s where we are most vulnerable to injury. Brewers could use pitching and a centerfield, I’d like to see Casey McGehee in Atlanta. Versitile, young, solid player, controllable.
McGehee is tabbed as the future 3B of the Brewers as of right now… I dont see them trading him… they think pretty highly of him it seems.
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
From what I’ve seen over at brewcrewball they seem pretty split on the availability of McGehee. Some of them still seem enamored with Gamel as their 3B of the future. I havent seen either play but McGehee had a very solid rookie year .301/.360/.499 He is also older than i thought he was. He’s 27.
Wren Be Praised.
WWFWD?
by !Vive la Francoeur! on Dec 31, 2009 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
That’s why I don’t get everyone’s love for him. Sure, he had a great year, and good for him, but he overplayed his Minor League numbers by a lot. His .774 OPS at AAA in 08 was the second highest of his career, behind the .776 he put up at AA in 05, which is way below the .859 he threw up for the Brewers. For whatever reason he was hitting homers at a much higher clip, racking up 16 in just 394 plate appearances when he’d never hit more than 12 in Minor League seasons where he had around 500 at bats. It could be that he just all of the sudden got it at 26 but who knows?
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
Changed to a whole new stance. And the difference in OPS was slugging. He’s always hit well. But I’m sure every GM wonders just like you do.
The best FA choices are Garko and Hinske: solid veteran low cost/low risk bench depth.
Rather than a shot-in-the-dark type of FA signing (Nady, Byrd, Ankiel, etc.) or over-spending type of FA signing (Dye or Damon), the Braves should look to trades for young, controllable, inexpensive talent. I propose bundling McLouth or Melkman with 2 or 3 AAA pitchers or non-top 10 prospects and attempting to land a starting LFer or a legit 3B prospect.
The other best option is stand pat, possibly using some of the extra money to try to extend and lock up Yunel or JJ, or just waiting to see if better choices might become available in March or July.
Last season, the record after June 27th was 52-36, the third best in the National League, surpassed only by the Phillies (55-36) and the Rockies (53-35). This off-season, even the loss of LaRoche and Vazquez, the team – on balance – seems just as strong as we were in the 2d half of ’09, maybe even slightly stronger.
So, even without any additional moves, the Braves should be in excellent position to compete for at minimum the WC; and there is simply no need to take any wild shot-in-the-dark or option limiting over-spending steps that could only maybe (or just as likely not) improve the team.
THIS...
I have no problem standing pat and going at it with what we got. If we get some injuries or have someone struggle, we still have the payroll flexibility to add a salary. We’ve got the pieces to make a trade if a good one comes available. Wren can be pretty picky right now, and I hope he takes advantage of that to make some shrewd moves in the next month.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
This works for me as well.
I really like the idea of Garko, with Hinske as a similar, cheaper option. I think the back-up corner is what we need more than anything else, I am not sure why gondee went all nuts on the outfielders—-we already have the following possible major-league ready guys who can play OF on our roster: McLouth, Diaz, Cabrera, M. Jones, Infante, Heyward, Schafer.
I think a back-up 1B or 1B/3B like Garko or Hinske works. Both Glaus and Chipper have injury concerns, and since Glaus can play first, a back-up 1B could fill in when either Glaus or Chipper is hurt.
Not sure about the trade option you mention, however. Bundling Melky is okay, but only if we know one of the kids is ready. But bundling McLouth seems questionable; I don’t want Melky as our every day centerfielder and if we don’t get a CF back, that would be it unless the plan of getting Schafer some AAA at-bats is thrown out the window.
Your back-up plan of standing pat and signing a corner infielder sounds good to me.
I’m by no means advocating a dump of either Nate or Melky.
The point I was trying to make is that a trade may be a better option than a FA signing and we should look at that possibility with some real flexibility as to who we might be willing to move for the right deal.
If the trade was for a young RH bat with power who could be a long-term fixture in LF, that would be ideal. Getting a top prospect who could be the long-term solution at 3B would be almost as good, although not as beneficial in the short-term. In either case, to get that sort of real quality, we might need to part with McLouth, who is not coincidently set to make $6M+ in the 2011 season, which means moving him gives us even more payroll flexibility and maneuvering room.
Would a move like that actually hurt us in the short-term, say the 1st half of the 2010 season? I’d say yes, possibly, but maybe not that much. Melky wouldn’t hurt us defensively in CF as compared to McLouth and I’m assuming by the 2d half, Heyward or – more likely – both Heyward and Schafer will be more than ready and able to make substantial contributions.
I also seriously question whether we can really count on McLouth to give us much more offensively than he did last season, which in turn reduces what we would need to get elsewhere, production-wise, to replace him.
If we move McLouth, we would need Schafer to be ready...
…I don’t see anyone else who could man center full time. Melky can do it in a pinch for a couple of months, but he is a bit stretched there and his bad is meh. Heyward hasn’t been playing center, and while he could do it in a pinch, it probably isn’t a good idea to go that way with a rookie.
If we could get a great corner OF bat or a top 3B prospect, it could be tempting, but I would want someone really good in that kind of deal. (Not saying that I am disagreeing with you here, that seems to be what you mean.)
To me, Schafer is far superior defensively than McLouth. Not necessarily sure, but McLouth and Cabrera seem more or less equal, although Nate’s arm is a major negative and I understand Melky has a plus arm.
Offensively, Nate’s slash for ‘09 was a pretty medicore .256/ .352/ .436/ .788 v. Melky’s .274/.336/ .416/ .752. Again, not that big of a drop-off. And, although this is contra to popular opinion around here, I view Melky, who is only 25, as having significant upside in terms of improving his offensive production.
And yes, I want to trade – if at all – for someone really good.
with Melky age isn't the issue,...
it’s experience. After almost 2000 at bats, he pretty much has shown who he is in all likelihood. He may get a little better, but I’d doubt much of an increase.
sorry, but that doesn’t make any sense to me. Most players don’t reach the majors until 24 or 25, accumulate 2000 ABs in the minors and are expected to come into their own at 28 or 29. Melky came up early to the biggest team and performed on the biggest stage in MLB, and now has a fresh start. He should just now being reaching full physical maturity. I see no reason at all why he shouldn’t be expected to improve.
In the best of both worlds, we find a guy who can play OF/1B. I think there’s no way Schaefer is going to start the season in the majors, not with the nightmare of a season he had last year when he clearly wasnt ready. From what I hear I doubt Heyward will either as the team would prefer he gets a few months in AAA to prove he’s ready. That leaves us with Diaz, McLouth, Cabrera and a bunch of question marks (Mitch Jones, Brandon Jones?). And if we are starting Diaz and Cabrera I think we’re in trouble. Neither has proven to be a reliable starting OFer, they’re both more bench/platoon types. A diaz/cabrera platoon may work though and then bring in one more guy who can start in the other corner.
I agree with this. The question should be, who are we going to sign, and what price, to be a placeholder for when Heyward gets the call up. I think, in order to sign a guy like Nady, we will have to have a contract similar to Glaus, 2mill guaranteed plus incentives. Is that too much money to spend on a placeholder?
I don’t think think we can win a WS with Diaz and Cabrera starting. But, I do think we can be competitive, especially with our starting rotation. Let both Heyward and Schafer get some ab’s at AAA and see what happens. That way, we save a little money to use during the season in case someone gets hurt.
question?
has Diaz ever had a season where he was the designated “starting” OF’er or has he always been in a platoon role? And if he’s always been a platoon player then how do we know that he wouldn’t be a reliable starter? Personally I think he could handle a starting role but I’m a predjudiced Diaz supporter.
I thought he was the starter in 2008…
"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 Jan 2, 2010 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
If you are saying that’s why he had a bad year, he had the knee injury after he stunk it up as a starter. It frankly seemed like good timing to end that awful season of his. Not sure if he was putting extra pressure on himself or what but it didn’t work that year. Maybe it was just coincidental and he just got into a funk like all players do from time to time.
If you are simply asking if this was the year then the answer is “yep” like J-Freak says…
-----
Braves Fan Since 1982. Go Braves!
"All opinions welcome..."
Yes, but he was also putting up...
BY FAR his worst numbers as a Brave. .244/.264/.304, with 2 HR and 2 2B in 135 ABs, 3 walks to 32 Ks, an OPS of .568 and ops+ of 50. Even without the knee injury, he wasn’t going to be starting much longer. FUGA last year was better than Diaz in 08.
payroll
I wonder if Wren is saving that money to give the team the flexibility to take on a contract at mid-season if need be. Wren’s MO does seem to be “trade for what we need.” I guess we’ll see.
I would prefer the money be stashed for June/July purposes. I think we are good enough now to, at worst, stay afloat until then.
"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 31, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed.. also I fully expect j. Hey and schaefer
To be on the team by then… I honestly don’t think a gomes or garko production would be any different than a healthy Jordan or Jason..I mean most of those guys are either old or sporadic at best.. If someone can be had for cheap go ahead.. Otherwise save the money.
by SidKotchman on Dec 31, 2009 10:54 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Would like to add a cheap veteran bat that can backup 1B and LF...
and that shouldn’t cost much still leaving money to add salary in June/July if the need arises. Other than that, sit back and see how the die roll with this crew (unless a great deal comes up).
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
lf?
I can see Diaz and Cabrera having left field covered. Assuming Heyward starts in Atlanta out of ST. Corner infield makes me nervous. If Chipper and Glaus have a problem, Infante can’t play both. Mitch Jones can spell Glaus I guess.
Then Hinske makes a lot of sense...
and assuming Heyward makes the opening day roster seems a big assumption.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
With Diaz, McLouth, Heyward, Cabrera, Schafer, B Jones and M Jones, spending on an outfielder seems crazy to me. Even if Heyward is held back, I’d spend on the infield (young and versitile only) before I spend another penny on the outfield.
Sure, but...
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/2010-mlb-free-a.html
Do you see an IF “young and versatile only” on that list? I don’t. And a trade means we have to give up someone. I’d love a deal sending one of our blocked AAAA OFs like Blanco or B Jones for someone else’s blocked AAAA IF of a similar ilk (like say Lillibridge).
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
McGehee
Brewers could use a centerfielder, we have 3 or 4, McG plays 1b, 2b, 3b, rf for $425,000. .301 avg and 16 HR in 115 games. Brewers always want pitching, we have tons.
They'd trade him if the offer was good enough
but I doubt they move him without some serious motivation. Gamel struggled as a hitter in a part time role – I’d guess they view him as not ready. They do have other options. But what they need is starting pitching of the variety that isn’t bottom of the rotation.
In CF, they just traded for Gomez so despite his stat line, they think he can play. They also have a couple good CFs in the minors who will be ready in a year or two.
I imagine GMs would have the same concerns as many posters – will he produce like last year.
We don't really need versitle.
We just need someone who can play first. Glaus can play first or third, so a 1B can cover when Glaus or Chipper are hurt. A 1B + Infante can cover when both are hurt. The MI is okay with Prado, Escobar and Infante, with Diorys in AAA in case a couple of injuries strike at once.
true...
but when if all things are equal, and one is more versatile than the other, you go with more versatility. Infante, Chipper, and Glaus can all play 3rd, or they could all be on the DL considering their history. Adding someone capable of playing all corners like Hinske makes a ton of sense, especially if he’ll be for $1m or less.
No doubt about that.
All things being equal, the more versatile guy is better. I think Garko is a better hitter than Hinske however. On the other hand, given the comparative costs, Hinske may be the better bet, and Garko may be looking for a starting job, while Hinkse knows he will be in a utility role.
I’d sign Hinske, he’d be a solid LH pinch hitter who can play all the corner positions if needed, and would be a solid stop gap starter if needed in that role.
I don’t see a reason to invest money in a full time starter with both Heyward and Schafer waiting for a chance.
I’ve also been kind of fascinated by Marcus Thames if he and his crazy power could be had as a cheap bench player. Yeah, he can’t play D and doesn’t get on base, but the idea of having him come off the bench to attempt to hit a ball in to orbit once a night sort of appeals to me.
I wonder if “Put-up-ya-Dukes” could be had at a reasonable price…
"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 31, 2009 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't go there, but there's another Nat of poss. interest
It’s pretty well acknowledged in Nat-land that Adam Dunn is not going to be with the team the entire year. They will be unloading him. Okay, he’s a tree stump in the field (whether LF or 1B) and he strikes out a ton, but he’s got an unmistakable Big Bat. Half a year’s salary is $4mill this year. I don’t go the whole year with him, but a 3 month rental isn’t a bad idea.
his salary in 2010 is 12M.. i think…so half would be 6M
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
i agree its not that much money and he could spell glaus at 1B, and play OF every other day… i just don’t see it happening… we easily could have signed him ourselves and didnt theres a reason for that i assume.
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
There is a good reason.
There are bad fielders, like say Uggla and Prado. There are really bad fielders like Garrett Anderson. Then there are abysmal fielders like Jermaine Dye. Then there is Adam Dunn. He is historically bad. Both in metrics like UZR and just watching him play, he is quite possibly the worst fielder to play regularly in the past 30-50 years. His bat is big, and he is a great hitter, but he really does give all the runs back in the field.
(For reference, UZR’s put Uggla and Prado a little bit negative, FUGA last year was about -11, Dye has consistently been -20, and Adam Dunn the past two years has averaged over -30. He really makes FUGA look like a Gold Glover.)
ya i didnt say i didnt know they reason i just said there is a reason…but his defense is really bad… i wonder why no AL wanted him… it bottles my mind
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
I think he purposefully chose to stay in the NL.
IIRC, he wants to be a “real” baseball player and not a DH, and he knows that’s where any AL club would stick him. I admire him for his stance and for really trying to work on his fielding, but the results have been horrific.
I will say this… Rob Dibble does broadcasts for the Nats, and said on air with XM on Tuesday that Dunn was indeed abysmal in LF at the beginning of the year. However, he’s worked his tail off and has apparently gotten a lot better… probably up to “adequate” given his lack of range and speed. So yeah, this is a thought about offense alone, but I’ll give the guy credit for the effort.
I’m not buying it. I was at some Nats games in Septemeber, he (and actually the whole Nats team) was still awful. He’s actually worse at 1B.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
not to mention that dibble rarely seems to know what he's talking about
when i lived in md, i watched a lot of nats broadcasts…dibble is horrid
"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??"
He’s beyond awful. He’s probably the worst guy working today. I had another Joe Morgan/Jeff Blauser moment when I met him in September. I really wanted to tell him how bad he sucks but he was so nice. He actually seems like an awesome guy but wow, bad at his job.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
This
I’m with you here. We don’t need to sign a full time starter. Our outfield is already crouded with at least Diaz/McLouth/Cabrera starting and hopefully sometime next season it will look like McLouth/Schafer/Heyward with Diaz getting a ton of time in LF/RF against LHP and perhaps Melky traded.
We could use a corner player (LF/RF/1B/3B) for depth purposes as Chipper and Glaus come with some health risk and our C-OFers aren’t a sure thing etc etc.. we all know this.
Hinkse like you noted would be nice because our bench is mainly right handed (seems wierd huh?) and a lefty in there would be nice. He can also play 1B/LF/RF and maybe 3B in a pinch.
Getting guys who are just 1B/LF might not be such a bad idea because if Chipper goes down we can slide Glaus over and put new guy at 1B or if Glaus goes down the new guy can just fill in for him. So in short getting a bench 1B might be easier and would cover 3B as well though Glaus’s versatility. In this role I think Garko makes the most sense.
Anyways, we need to just stand pat and wait for a bargain if one appears. We don’t really have a huge need anywhere so we can afford to wait.
I was staunchly against Nady when word first came out, but if he comes for under 2M to be a backup I’d be OK with it. Not thrilled, but OK. My fear was that they were going to get him to be our starting 1B, but now that that’s covered he’s got more upside than a typical bench guy, and less playing time would hopefully help him avoid the injury bug. If he comes cheap, I say sign him, call it an offseason, and save that other 5-7M for potential moves in July. If he wants more money, though, PASS.
These options look terrible, probably because gondee...
…left the best option (Garko) out.
Payroll can change throughout the course
Of a year correct? Depending on revenue generated throughout the season?
by SidKotchman on Dec 31, 2009 11:06 AM EST via mobile reply actions
We should trade Prado/Schafer/Medlen.
Here are Pujols's stats: 1.000/1.000/4.000/5.000. That's right. He is batting a thousand, with a thousand OBP (naturally), and every hit has been a home run, and thus his OPS is a perfect 5.000.
I think I have seen this before somewhere…
"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 31, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
This coming from a guy with a handle...
….“TradeAndruw”. Anyone else you want to trade? Maybe we can move one of these guys to the Sox for Andruw after the June deadline allowing Andruw to be traded (since he signed as FA he can’t be traded until then) and then you can go back to suggesting that we trade Andruw. ;)
Inside joke. I was mocking BRAVESheart who suggested this in every single thread last week.
Here are Pujols's stats: 1.000/1.000/4.000/5.000. That's right. He is batting a thousand, with a thousand OBP (naturally), and every hit has been a home run, and thus his OPS is a perfect 5.000.
Sorry.
I read the Bravesheart threads (and mocked him for being from Oconee County, lol) but didn’t get the reference. My bad.
Had to have a little fun with him...
…because he ended a fanpost with (all caps in original) “ATHENS SUBURBS REPRESENT!” Having grown up in Athens itself, I just don’t buy that Athens has suburbs—-sadly we’ll be an Atlanta suburb soon enough, the last time I was there, there was about 10 miles of undeveloped land on GA 316 and that was years ago.
Growing up in Clarke, sometimes you just have to take a shot at Oconee. ;)
Ah
I thought you meant Oconee County SC. That place isn’t bad
really?
youre talking about a county whose highlight, as far as i can tell, is the wonderful town of seneca…
"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??"
Nothing wrong with being country
Those are good, hardworking people.
dont really see how thats relevant
"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??"
I was saying why I think it's a nice place
I’m sure they are very disappointed there aren’t enough shopping malls to appeal to you
yeah bc its shopping malls that i need
good hardworking people have nothing to do with a place being a nice place to live. there are plenty of good hardworking people in newark…it’s still a shithole.
sorry for being cynical…i originally wasnt being serious but i get irritated with the “those are hardworking people” retort…i hear it a lot and it never seems to apply to whatever im talking about, but people use it like it makes everything ok..kinda a pet peeve of mine that you unknowingly stepped into
"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??"
I don’t see how the people living in a place have no bearing on whether or not that place is a nice place to live.
*shrug* they dont for me
"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??"
That we do...
fools always trying to claim Athens, when they’re from Watkinsville, or Hull, or Colbert.
But Athens will never be an Atlanta suburb. Unfortunately, we are now just a training ground for their fool kids. Atlanta has to eat up Walton County, then Oconee, before it ever gets to the Classic City.
i’m from athens, as well, and 10-4 is right, it is expensive, as a matter of fact, oconee is the wealthiest county in the state, and cavebird is right, too, we don’t really have any suburbs except watkinsville to speak of, the rest of the surrounding counties are mostly rural. it kind of makes me curious where that bravesheart guy was trying to “represent”…
"Dum spiro spero"
by Bravely going forward on Jan 1, 2010 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
Uuuggggggghhhhhh...
Why are you arguing about left over table scraps? Damon is the only signing on that list that might look good reheated.
Damon is a dish best served cold.
"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 31, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
I would rather have Diaz and 6-10M in LF than Damon. I just don’t think we have room for another starter.
All that money might get in the way. What if it blows away?
by blitzerlover on Dec 31, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
The seagulls may fly away with it.
"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 31, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Probably too smart an idea. We are weak in the minors in infield prospects, extendind Escobar like we did McCann would be brilliant if he will consider it.
one more year would make sense… we need to make sure he continues to develop emotionally first… i think he scares the crap out of the organization with his antics… and they dont want to commit a ton of money long term to him just yet… not sayin i agreee that just seems to be their opinion.
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
Can u imagine the log-jam of jones' we
could have if c. Jones, b. Jones, and m. Jones. Are all In the lineup lmao.. Radio would literally have to call them by first name.
by SidKotchman on Dec 31, 2009 11:26 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I can hear it now
“Atlanta has enjoyed a great year, while the rest of the NL is just trying to keep up with the jones’ "
by SidKotchman on Dec 31, 2009 11:28 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
How about Mike Lowell?...
If the Red Sox are willing to pay all but $2-3m of his salary, with just one year remaining on the deal, he could be a good fit in an rotating injury line with Glaus and Chipper.
but so long as 2 of the 3 are in the lineup...
with Infante to fill in the month where 2 are out, it’s not a bad set up.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 31, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
That makes some sense.
While a less injured guy like Garko might make more sense, Lowell definitely has more upside.
What about a pitcher?
One of our own, that is.
7-9 Million could go a long way towards locking up JJ well past arbitration, and allows the team to be more definite about their upcoming payroll for future signings. He’s obviously not the big bat we’re all looking for, but I haven’t seen a big bat I like anywhere I’ve looked.
In theory, the player is in charge...
…but he IS a Boras client, so that’s an unfortunate reach. Not that I wouldn’t ask.
Jermaine Dye
I happen to think the first couple of games is typical of what Jordan Schafer is capable of and that the wrist injury robbed him of any hitting power. I sincerely hope that his wrist is healthy enough that he can lock down left field and the Braves either trade Melky and sign Jermaine Dye to hold down right until Heyward is ready or just let Melky play right until Heyward is ready.
I wonder
What kind of player, long-term, is Jordan Schaefer really? At Pearl, he hit a respectable, but not great, .269, but who knows what the wrist weakness did to the BA?
by Buddy Holly on Dec 31, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
i think with Jordan we are looking at a guy who will be a 270/370/450 type of player…thats certainly not his ceiling, and its not his middle projection, its probably somewhere in between with a side of caution thrown in…his ceiling is easy to predict…he turns into Grady Sizemore.
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
Baldelli isnt a bad idea...
very cheap. Hits leftys well. Can platoon with melky whos hits rightys better. I could see that
Heyward
Didn’t Wren and Cox both say that if Heyward does well in ST that they will not hold him back? i understand the monetary issues of a super-two, but holding Hanson back last year, while it helped him some, also cost us some possible wins. And I agree on Shafer, he and Heyward will be awesome in our outfield for the next few years. I’m for letting the youth movement in Atlanta start the takeover of the team. Schafer and Heyward by June at the latest, Freeman in Sept.
I doubt Freeman makes it up this year...
…although if he rakes, he could get a cup of coffee in September or come up if Glaus or Chipper goes down for an extended time period. I would guess we don’t give him a cup of coffee at the end of the year because we usually don’t do that, although I am not sure why, I don’t think that counts towards service time.
Rec,THis, Effing THis, All day long This,
Oh and if you want to look into a leadoff option, would not at all mind randy winn. He had decent OBP skills, at least average defense, decent average, will probably lead the team in steals. I honestly think he would be a cheaper version of damon.
If we dealt an OF, I wouldn't mind Winn...
would think he’d look for a better opportunity to play than here though.
Try flipping Melky to the Cubs for SS Lee, and SS Flaherty.
If we could get Dammon for 1 year 5 million + incentives (possibly even a option year that kicks in by performance) then okay, otherwise try getting Gomes for 1 year 3 million with a team option, and bring in Ankiel or Baldelli whichever will sign the cheaper 1 year contract.
That’s a bit of overkill, don’t you think?
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
by Scott Coleman on Dec 31, 2009 12:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
why would the cubs give up two of their better prospects to add another crappy OFer… they already have soo many. Fukudome and Soriano are clogging their payroll, the recent signing of Byrd thats their three spots. they also have Micah Hoffpauir. we might be able to get one of those guys if the Cubs are drunk when we ask…but theres no way they give up two players
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
Flaherty has falln a bit, and neither would be there top ss would be one of the reasons they would consider it. Even if it was a Lee or Flaherty, and another prospect i believe it would be worth it, and there isn;t really a reason to think they do ot like Melky. They do have 3 OF, but they do not have a 4th, and Melky could be a good 4th, as well as being insurance for Byrd not living up to potential, and the fact that Soriano is getting old, and never really was a great of to begin with.
In all seriousness, would flipping Melky for prospects put the braves OF at risk? Is he the flexibility/insurance policy guy while we watch the clock for the Heyward/Schaefer eras to begin? In other words, should we keep Melky for the same reason the Cubs might want him?
Considering we signed Mitch Jones, and still have Blanco, and Brandon Jones I’d say no. Especially if we signed Gomes to play LF, and brought in Baldelli, Ankiel, Huff, or Hinske.
Likely thinking would be Huff or Hienske with a small outside chance at Baldelli.
Jones and whomever we signed would be the backups at the corners. Baldelli could back up any of the 3, and we still have Infnate for a few starts/an emergeny in CF. And Blanco would never be far away in AAA.
Melky is suppose to make between 3 and 4 million I would think we may be able to get Gomes and one of the others for 5-6 still leaving us with 7-8 million in case someone becomes available during the season.
Plus Lee would likely become our SS of the future with Flaherty battling for 3rd in the future with Hicks.
The problem is that we don't want Gomes in LF.
His defense is horrible. He’s a DH.
Gomes defense
is not as bad as people think, I’ve seen him play a lot when he was here with the Rays. He is by no means great, but I’d say average…comparable to Klesko, but with better speed.
Personally, I think they should go after Fernando Perez and Elliot Johnson from the Rays. Perez has great speed and is solid in the field, and Johnson is versitile.
by Blue or CONKZILLA on Jan 1, 2010 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
Please NO DAMON!
We need someone who can actually catch the ball and then throw it in.
Ankiel would be my choice. He would be relatively cheap and wouldnt block anyone by looking for a multi year deal. He has the potential to hit 20 or so HR’s and give us excellent defense in the outfield.
I do not want to sign a 36 year old coming of a year of hitting in Coor’s East protected in one of the best line up in all of baseball. Also his defense is TERRIBLE!!!! During the WS the Phillies were getting all kinds of extra bases off his arm and Swisher. Im talking dudes scoring standing up and the ball just getting to 3rd base.
Wouldn’t that be ARoids fault then? Lol but I agree with you. No Damon. The Only guy I think is worth taking a risk on is Xavier Nady.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
by Scott Coleman on Dec 31, 2009 12:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
lol
not really just A-Rod i mean the guy was hitting in front of Tex who was having a career year so of course he is going to get pitches to hit. Just look what it did for Chipper.
by drumzalicious on Dec 31, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
ANkiel’s defense isnt that good…its probably slightly above avg on the corners its hard to tell bc he has soo few innigns on the corners (although in his small sample he has played pretty well)… the one thing we know is he is not a CF.
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
his arm
is at least better than damon’s.
by drumzalicious on Dec 31, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
so is mine
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
yea i know
could you imagine his arm and heyward’s arms at the corners? Then if McLouth gets injured Ankiel, Schafer and Heyward? WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?
Talk about Defense
by drumzalicious on Jan 1, 2010 5:09 AM EST up reply actions
No joke. Saw a lot of him in Memphis in 07 before his callup. 2 things were readily apparent- he’s got a cannon, and he absolutely cannot lay off a high fastball. He swung-and-missed at a metric ton of them that summer.
he used to be a pitcher
and that would explain his arm. Same with Frenchy
by drumzalicious on Jan 2, 2010 2:06 AM EST up reply actions
either way
he is def better than Damon and most def FUGA
by drumzalicious on Jan 1, 2010 5:08 AM EST up reply actions
Ankiel posted a...
….285 OBP last year. I’d pass. We really need a back-up corner more than another OF anyway.
No we dont. If all we are going for is a back up we have 2 already. blanco and b. jones.
by drumzalicious on Jan 1, 2010 5:23 AM EST up reply actions
I mean a back-up corner infielder.
First or third base. As you mention, we don’t really need another back-up corner OF.
Don't sign anybody.
I’m fine with our opening day lineup, assuming Heyward is in it.
McLouth
Prado
Chipper
Glaus
BMac
Escobar
Heyward
Diaz
Great balance: L/R/S/R/L/R/L/R. It’s amazing how much better our lineup will be without FYF, FUGA and KJ. It also leaves us plenty of money to make a move at the trade deadline.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
by Scott Coleman on Dec 31, 2009 12:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
yea i agree
if we are def looking to sign someone then i say ankiel other wise stand pat.
by drumzalicious on Dec 31, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
I mean, which one of these guys could outperform MattyD or Jason Heyward? I don’t think any of them could, with the exception of Damon.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
by Scott Coleman on Dec 31, 2009 1:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Damon would be OK offensively but in the field he would give back just as many if not more runs than he produces
by drumzalicious on Dec 31, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
Bat with Pop
Why do we never hear comments about…..Thames, Branyan, Gohmes…seems like we could get these guys on the cheap and they have Huge HR to AB ratios
Branyan wants to be a starter...
…and will want too much money. He is pretty much out of the picture. Gomes has a live bat but is pretty much a DH. Thames has a career OBP of .306 and has a total WAR the past three years of -0.2.
Question
Anyone know the official list of ppl invited to spring training? Like is Freeman, Heyward, and Schafer all invited still?
It'll be announced in February or so
But I’d be willing to bet you $5 that all 3 of those guys get an invite.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
by Scott Coleman on Dec 31, 2009 1:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Just curious. Would love to see all 3 tear it up
by drumzalicious on Dec 31, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
I hope Freddie tears it up just so he gets some love and respect back. No one even talks about him since he struggled in AA but he was hurt. I don’t get why some people don’t get this.
I used to like Frank Wren...not anymore. I want John Schierholz back!
by Scott Coleman on Dec 31, 2009 1:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It’s baffling how dumb some people are. It’s like, “Oh my god, he wasn’t amazing at AA as a 20 year old! What a loser! What, he had a wrist injury? That makes him even more of a loser!” My favorite is the “Well, he’s never played without Heyward, so who knows if he’s really that good?” That’s ridiculous logic, cause you could pretty much say the same thing about Heyward, who knows if he’s good without Freeman?
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
stop being logical cb
"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??"
I wonder if those ppl realize that most of the time Freeman was hitting BEHIND Heyward. That means he isn’t protected by Heyward
by drumzalicious on Dec 31, 2009 7:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
They all were there last year...
…absolutely no reason to think they won’t this year.
Also...why didn't we get Fox from the cubs?
He was dirt cheap and will hit 30 homers in Oakland
Hinske, the ultimate good luck charm.
by blitzerlover on Dec 31, 2009 1:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Your fantasy league...
…obviously did not include defense.
So why even mention Randy Winn?
He has no value to us.
Johnny Damon all the way.
Tigers love pepper; they hate cinnamon.
by Jareth Cutestory on Dec 31, 2009 1:28 PM EST reply actions
New Name
It seem that many are in favor of Hinske because of his ability to play all corner position. What about Chad Tracy? From NC, should be cheap, 1B/3B, LH power on bench, good hitter before 3 years of injuries.
If Cabrera’s value is in a trade which I think it is (Mclouth, Schafer, Blanco, Infante can play CF), another corner OF is necessary.
I would take Nady and Hinske/Tracy.
by waysouth on Dec 31, 2009 1:35 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I could be happy with Tracy.
I would say one of him, Garko, Hinske or Nady (depending on health) would be fine. What we really need is a back-up corner infielder/pinch hitter type. I don’t think Melky has that much trade value and is more valuable as a fourth OF, but if someone offered us enough, I would have no problem moving him.
What about
Nick Green for a utility guy?
by bravesforever16 on Dec 31, 2009 1:46 PM EST reply actions
Shoulda just went after KJ in that case.
"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 31, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
NIck Green is a true utility guy tho… KJ isnt… and he signed with the Dbacks give it up…
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
let me stay on my soap box at least for the rest of this year!
"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 31, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
Seriously, utility guys do more than just play 2B.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
I though Green played SS for the Red Soxs last year.
by bravesforever16 on Dec 31, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
He did, he’s played SS, 2B, and 3B a fair amount in his career. I was arguing that Kelly Johnson wouldn’t make a very good utility player at the moment because he’s only played 2B the last 3 years.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
What I am saying is that I don’t think we are going after a super utility guy since we didn’t even try to bring KJ back. Infante and Prado are both super utility guys. If we had deemed a super utility guy a need (and by we, I mean they), I would think that they would bring KJ back for 2B and have Prado fill the big role of SUG.
"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 31, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
unless its better to have prado play fulltime bc kj sucks
sorry…i just couldnt pass up the opportunity to get under your skin
"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??"
I have developed a filter…
: )
"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 31, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
infante and prado are super utility guys already…
He's pretty good in 'The Show'....
by lemke2blauser2bream on Dec 31, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
sorry for the repeat, ill remember to read b4 posting next time…:)
He's pretty good in 'The Show'....
by lemke2blauser2bream on Dec 31, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
The bad thing about Damon
is that he may block the way for Heyman this year especially if Diaz plays this year like he did last year. I’m beginning to think we should let Melky, Diaz, Schafer and Heyward fight it out until june, then spend some money this summer if we need to. I don’t think Damon will necessarily have a better year than a couple of these guys.
I am sure Jon Heyman...
…will continue to write for SI and not be blocked whether we sign Damon or not. (Sorry, couldn’t help it.)
Well we missed this boat (sarc)
Phillies Sign Tagg Bozied
By Tim Dierkes [December 31, 2009 at 11:51am CST]
“The Phillies signed Tagg Bozied today, MLBTR has learned. Bozied, 30, hit .288/.360/.447 in 240 plate appearances for the Pirates’ Triple A club this year after starting the year in Taiwan. He mainly played first base and the outfield corners. Bozied hit .306/.382/.569 for the Marlins’ Triple A club in ’08.
“Bozied was a big-time power prospect in the Padres system several years ago, but he ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee in July of ’04 jumping on home plate to celebrate a game-winning grand slam.”
The Phillies version of Mitch Jones.
We did lose this one…Tagg is a much cooler name than Mitch.
"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 31, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
"Bozied was a big-time power prospect in the Padres system several years ago, but he ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee in July of ’04 jumping on home plate to celebrate a game-winning grand slam."
Is he related to Martin Gramatica?
by blitzerlover on Dec 31, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Whoa
that dude went to my High School
by bravesforever16 on Dec 31, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
