Braves' Soriano Asks to be Traded
by gondeee on Dec 8, 2009 5:11 PM EST
in Trade News
168 comments
Less than a day after accepting the Atlanta Braves offer of salary arbitration, and thus denying the Braves two draft picks next year, Rafael Soriano has provided clearance to be traded. This was an expected part of the process which his agents have engineered -- a process that is a type of end-around free agent draft pick compensation.
The Braves have apparently had multiple conversations with teams about Soriano, so the market for his services certainly seems to be there; it's all a matter of what the Braves can get in return for one year of a closer who will make around $8 million next season. Another question to ask is will that return from a trade equal the two high draft picks the Braves would have received had Soriano rejected arbitration. The answer is that it likely will not, but it may provide Atlanta with more major league-ready talent than they would have gotten through the draft.
With several tradeable pieces on the club right now -- reliever Rafael Soriano, starter Derek Lowe, and second baseman Kelly Johnson -- the Braves should be able to fill some of their needs through the trade market. The chatter on day-2 of the meetings has been positive in the direction of trading away these players for the off-season needs. We'll see what comes of it.
Dave O'Brien says that Soriano and his agent have already provided a list of teams that most interest the reliever, with some of those teams rumored to be the Yankees, Astros, Orioles, possibly the Red Sox. O'Brien also passes along a note that Braves GM Wren said an unidentified team might have trade interest in both Derek Lowe and Rafael Soriano.
I really hope this doesn't turn into a circus.
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Hey Rafy
Your beard looks STUPID.
I can say that now.
by Cracker! on Dec 8, 2009 5:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It’s more of a goatee, really.
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 8, 2009 5:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If I was Wren I would ask for 1 top 10 prospect and another guy in the teams top 20.
by jack dein on Dec 8, 2009 5:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I know it’s cutting off your nose to spite your face, but why not keep Soriano and pitch him in the 7th? Better yet, make him a starter and watch his arm fall off in May. That’ll teach him.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why not?...
because you’d be paying him $8m to do it maybe.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 8, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know. Totally self-destructive, but it would certainly send a message. Better yet, send Soriano to Rome and make his ass ride the bus.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, you can't send him to Rome...
…long since out of options. I am not sure what lesson we are trying to teach him, either. The, we offered you arbitration that screwed your value on the market and we are mad when you accept lesson?
by cavebird on Dec 8, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I like to call it the you-blindsided-us-by-accepting-arb-thinking-we’d-trade-you-but-here’s-your-own-blindside-we-own-your-ass lesson, but why split hairs? ;-)
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or more commonly referred to as...
“cutting off your nose to spite your face”
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 9:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s a good way to put it, wish I’d thought of that.
I know it’s cutting off your nose to spite your face, but why not keep Soriano and pitch him in the 7th? Better yet, make him a starter and watch his arm fall off in May. That’ll teach him.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 3:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 9, 2009 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess we could do that (except for the Rome part), but I think he would go for the laugh-all-way-to-the-bank response combined with the free-agents-will-never-want-to-sign-with-Atlanta-again backlash.
by cavebird on Dec 9, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
MLBTR is reporting that the Red Sox, Orioles and a couple other teams are interested and that the Yankees are not interested.
"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 8, 2009 5:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Soriano for Bard?
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 8, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you’re dreaming. Bard’s too young/cheap/really effin good.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You do know that Soriano named his kids Rafeal, Rafeal, and Rafeala don’t you? Who wouldn’t want a player with that type of self respect…
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 8, 2009 7:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
You do know that Soriano named his kids Rafeal, Rafeal, and Rafeala don’t you? Who wouldn’t want a player with that type of self respect…
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 8, 2009 7:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Someone just told me that, but I forget where…
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
sorry for the double post…my mobile paying skills aren’t up to speed yet…
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 8, 2009 10:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Ha ha, no worries. Just messing with ya.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 9, 2009 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The other team listed as interested is the ’Stros.
"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 8, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hunter Pence
Hunter Pence
Hunter Pence
/fills quota for daily stupid comment
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I recently had a new freckle appear on my leg. I decided to name it Kelly Johnson. I hope he doesn’t leave us. I don’t want an opponent forever living on the outskirts of my knee cap.
by Gage23 on Dec 8, 2009 5:19 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
It could represent
Kelly Johnson, the actor in the production Goodbye Pork Pie
Problem solved.
by Cracker! on Dec 8, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In all honesty
it was a pretty good move by his agent.
In Frank Wren I trust.
by mvhsbball on Dec 8, 2009 5:20 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
It was really smart, IMO.
"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 8, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
After 2008
You’d think he’d realize that having a healthy year isn’t a guaranteed thing.
by Cracker! on Dec 8, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It will be common practice next offseason…
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Dec 8, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Took me by surprise, to be honest.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Dec 8, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m guessing you’re not the only one, Frankie.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s bullshit when you think about it. There’s all this stuff about protecting the player (can’t be traded without consent if he accepts arb, HAS to be offered a contract, can’t be cut without some excruciatingly obvious reason why, etc.), but nothing in place to protect the team’s interests (i.e. if you don’t want to play for that team, don’t accept arb, cuz you’ll be stuck there, although in this instance that wouldn’t help us out anyway), so we get screwed out of draft picks. I’m not sure how you’d go about fixing it, but this cat-and-mouse game is stacked against the club, and something should be done so a club losing a top-shelf free agent gets some manner of compensation without the player being able to screw them out of it like this. Maybe next time the CBA is renewed this issue will get some face time.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In fairness
The club does have all the cards during the players first 6 years of service time and you better believe they take advantage of it.
You aren’t the czar of typographic emphasis
by scstrato on Dec 8, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Compensation picks...
…will be eliminated in the next CBA, almost certainly. Maybe they’ll keep the sandwich picks. The team can protect itself easily, don’t offer arbitration. The player can’t—-if they are Class A and get an offer, their value is diminished. In some cases, seriously diminished—-look at Juan Cruz last year. This year, the screwed guy was Rafael Betancourt—-he basically had no choice but to accept, because no team will give up market value money and a top draft pick for a middle reliever.
This is why the picks will be eliminated, at least the Class A picks. The players hate it and the teams don’t like it either. Given the modern game, a team gets a player it develops for six years, that’s it—-then they have to pay market price. Compensation beyond a sandwich pick is pretty pointless and screws up the market for both players and teams.
by cavebird on Dec 8, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On David O’Brien’s twitter page he said that Wren said that there was a team interested in both Lowe and Soriano.
by jack dein on Dec 8, 2009 5:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Who could afford that? The Angels, Mets, Yankees, possibly the Cubs?
Of course, it would depend on what kind of salaries the other teams dump in the process….I really hope we aren’t the team that is close to getting Milton Bradley…
"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 8, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs are close on trade with a “surprise AL team” for Milton Bradley
Doesn’t look like it’ll be us…
by Gage23 on Dec 8, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This of course too
would put the Cubs in the bidding for Mike C, driving up his price.
by Cracker! on Dec 8, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup…
"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 8, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not necessarily...
depending on what they get for Bradley, that might free up salary. And they could use both another starter and some closer insurance for Marmol. Lowe and Soriano for Lee?
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 8, 2009 7:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
uhh maybe
The quote says Surprise “AL” team….was it a typo and they meant to type “ATL”…scary……
bad joke…yes?
by bravestatoo on Dec 8, 2009 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well at least
they would have gotten the “surprised” part right!
by jraypritch on Dec 8, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It could be a lot of teams but they may want us to take a bad contract back.
by jack dein on Dec 8, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
or even eat some salary.
"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 8, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
MLBTR suggests that the Yankees are not interested in Soriano in any case.
by carpengui on Dec 8, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
right…i was just thinking of teams that could possibly afford that kind of salary bump.
"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 8, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My guess for both Lowe and Soriano: The Orioles.
1. They do have money. Angelos doesn’t throw it around, but he has it.
2. Young/good pitching staff in need of a mentor.
3. Need a closer.
Might make them a little interesting this year. Not “Rays from 2008” interesting, but competitive.
by carpengui on Dec 8, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been considering that… ready for this? Brian Roberts. He’s better than defensively any of our 2nd base guys, is a leadoff guy, will steal up to 30 bases. Of course, he’s also the same price as Soriano was in 2009. I’d ask the O’s for Adam Jones, but I also know they’d laugh in Wren’s face.
by carpengui on Dec 8, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They reportedly are interested in Dan Uggla, so inquiring on Roberts shouldn’t be too far off-base. Not necessarily saying they’d do it, but it would certainly make sense to give them a call.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they are looking at Uggla solely for 1B. They have holes at 1B and 3B. The last thing they want to do is trade Roberts for another bullpen arm and create a hole at 2B as well.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t undertand why they’d do that. Acquiring Soriano is a one-year win-now move for them, and their best (only) chance to beat the Yanks and Red Sox iswith Roberts at 2B.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
…unless they also took KJ for 2nd and Uggla for 1st. That’s starting to get a bit far-fetched, though — that’s a lot of moves.
by carpengui on Dec 8, 2009 7:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cavebird and I started this discussion on another thread. The O’s have Johnson, Ray, and Cla Meredith. Granted none are as good as Soriano, but do they really need an $8M closer?
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I still think its the Orioles...
…and I pay the price below for posting a response before reading responses to a post. I think it is the Orioles. Meredith isn’t a closer. Johnson isn’t really a closer, and Ray hasn’t shown he can pitch since his injury—-repeatedly. They have the money to spend this year, want to show potential free agent signees that they are committed to winning, and wouldn’t have a commitment beyond next year on Soriano. The more I think about it, the more sure I am that it is the Orioles who have interest in both.
by cavebird on Dec 8, 2009 8:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We’ll just have to wait and see. Seems foolish to me to add Soriano to a team that has so many bigger issues, but the Orioles aren’t exactly known for great decision-making.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 9:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nationals have the money and the need for both positions?
by Charmin519 on Dec 8, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I say.........
We offer both of Lowe and Soriano for that guy who went #1 last year in the draft? lol
by Charmin519 on Dec 8, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As I posted elsewhere, I think it is the Orioles...
…they have a ton of money to spend and could use both a started and a closer. The commitment is minimal to Soriano as well. Given their problems getting big free agents to come there due to their crapiness (Teix turned down a huge offer from them last year), it could make sense to them. We won’t get anything of value in return unless we eat some money, but I’ll take a B prospect if they’ll take both contracts in full. Hell, I’ll take a bag of balls if they took both contracts in full.
by cavebird on Dec 8, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So now that he’s requested a trade, he can’t veto a destination right? If I were Wren, I’d send him to the worst team that wants him as thanks for screwing the Braves out of draft picks.
by redwards95 on Dec 8, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He couldn’t really veto a destination to begin with – just the idea of being traded, IIRC.
"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 8, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually he could, I think
He has to give written permission to be traded. Doesn’t say anything about whether or not he can specify teams in that written notice but he could use this by withholding the notice (if he and has agent really wanted to be dicks about it) unless he went to the team of his choosing. This is all theory mind you, the rumors are he and his agent are cordially working with Wren.
You aren’t the czar of typographic emphasis
by scstrato on Dec 8, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So they’re approaching it as if he hadn’t accepted arb, then. He gets to choose where to go, but he’s making Wren do the leg work and not his agent. Dick move.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No. I’m saying I think he could do that. From what DOB is saying, his agent gave Wren a list of the teams that were most interested in Sori before he accepted. There has been no mention of Sori or his agent saying he has to go to such and such team.
You aren’t the czar of typographic emphasis
by scstrato on Dec 8, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why?
I’d take the prospects over the draft picks for two reasons.
1. The prospects are farther along, and might even be major leaguers, depending on who we get in return.
2. The signing bonuses for the prospects are already paid
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting point about the signing bonuses.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Dec 8, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It often gets overlooked. Two first round picks are at least worth 2 million if not more. That’s not chump change.
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right. So while a few are cursing Soriano, he may have actually done the club a favor and saved them some money.
by carpengui on Dec 8, 2009 5:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
mmhmmmmm.
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 8, 2009 7:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano. 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on your prospects.
-C
by cthabeerman on Dec 9, 2009 1:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The trick is finding a team that’s willing to take his salary while actually giving us a prospect is worth something. If we end up with organizational filler, how much nicer do those draft picks look? They at least represent the possibility of a legit major leaguer, and that chance is better than a guaranteed lifetime minor leaguer.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not like Soriano is garbage with a 7 million dollar salary. He has a dynamite arm, albeit with an injury risk. He isn’t ridiculously overpaid. We will definitely get something
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I never said he was garbage, but think about this- apparently no one was willing to meet his price, cuz he took arb, so who NOW is going to both pay his arb-inflated salary AND ship out a prospect? I mean, sloughing him off for filler shouldn’t be too difficult, but getting back a useful piece will take some finagling.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no one was willing to meet his price, but his asking price was not one year 7-8M. I’d guess he was looking for 3 years at that annual rate which took the teams out of the bidding
by McCann's the Man on Dec 8, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It depends on who we get.
If we get better prospects than the value of a sandwich round and second round pick (which is what we probably would have gotten), they, yeah, it helped. If we have to take just organizational filler to move his salary, not so much.
by cavebird on Dec 9, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fuck u soriano
MATT DIAZ IS THE F**K*NG MAN.
They made me change my signature...
by nick9314 on Dec 8, 2009 5:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I know a player daring to look out for his own best interests, the nerve!
by Lennox on Dec 8, 2009 5:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha. I was joking...
MATT DIAZ IS THE F**K*NG MAN.
They made me change my signature...
by nick9314 on Dec 8, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the Orioles idea of shipping Lowe and Soriano… Wouldn’t mind getting Luke Scott, he is left handed tho… Would still be nice
HansonManCrush
by HansonManCrush on Dec 8, 2009 6:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
I’d want Reimold if we gave up Lowe and Soriano
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
YES.
"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 8, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good call
HansonManCrush
by HansonManCrush on Dec 8, 2009 6:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Just curious but Reimold or Roberts?
Reimold is younger but Roberts has already proven (over a couple years) that he can make an impact
by jraypritch on Dec 8, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Money speaking
Reimold would be much cheaper right?
by jraypritch on Dec 8, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And thus harder to get. He’s young, cheap, and team controlled. Roberts is making 10M a year, so it would be easier from their end to move him to help balance the fact that they are adding roughly 23M in salary, and they’d get to keep their young rising start that way. Plus MLBTR is reporting they have interest in Uggla, so they might be anticipating moving Roberts somewhere anyway, and I wouldn’t exactly complain if that somewhere was Atlanta.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nor would I
complain about getting Roberts. If all things were equal (money, age, etc) I guess I would like Reimold as well. My only concern would be that we have younger guys that haven’t proven themselves as of yet and Roberts track record would be very re-assuring.
by jraypritch on Dec 8, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless we ate a bunch of money, we wouldn't get either...
Reimold or Roberts. But that is fine. If they’ll take the contracts, I am sure we’ll move them for next to nothing. The more money we add to the kitty, the better a player we get.
by cavebird on Dec 8, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d take Reimold. He’s a righty outfielder with pop, which is what we’d like to have. The only reason he hasn’t been up before 2009 is they kept him in AA for 3 years for no reason. He was an absolute powerhouse the month he was here in Norfolk.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
by cbwilk on Dec 8, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Reimold and Roberts
Lowe, Soriano, and KJ
by Cracker! on Dec 9, 2009 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why would the Orioles do that?...
throw in Cody Johnson and Cole Rohrbough, and maybe.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Then Wren should hang up the phone.
That is in no way fair to Atlanta.
"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 9, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously...
I think that is more fair than the original rosterbation.
Lowe—we’re desperate to move
Soriano-also need to move
KJ-not as good as Brian Roberts
So they get the lesser of the 2B, and take on two salaries for the cheap, but productive Reimold? And while Rohrbough and Johnson have talent, they also have some big question marks and may never pan out.
We’d get a starting 2B and leadoff hitter that is among the best out there, allowing Prado to either play 1st or move back into a super utility role with Infante, and get a young right handed slugger for LF to join McLouth/Schafer in CF and Heyward in RF. Personally, I think that is a great move for the Braves, but that’s me. And as I’ve said before, I seem to value/want an improvement at leadoff more than most others.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ha ha ha ha
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 8, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And I thought this off season would be boring.
I’ve actually been watching baseball tonight to hear of any nuggets of info. Good times!
by Sparhawk on Dec 8, 2009 6:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yech.
ESPN is terrible for baseball coverage if you’re not a Yankee or Red Sox fan. MLBTR has round-the-clock coverage and typically scoop ESPN anyway, as they post the moment a story breaks from any outlet.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 6:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
just as soon as the braves play their last game of the year, i switch my main mlb news bookmark to MLBTR
by Slee on Dec 8, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice, I’ve now added MLBTR to my favorites list. Still nice watching something about baseball on tv, so I’ll continue watching Baseball Tonight. I like Peter Gammons.
by Sparhawk on Dec 8, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bad news than
Gammons is leaving ESPN after the winter meetings. Don’t shoot the messenger.
BTW, MLB Tonight on MLBN is actually worth watching if you’re pining for something on TV.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 8:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good to know. I suspected it was either that or maybe he was gonna take time off and write a book, but my money was on MLB Network.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Where did you hear that?
I was hoping he would but can’t find it anywhere.
by jraypritch on Dec 8, 2009 9:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I even found it in the article that I read prior to my question. Don’t know how I didn’t pick up on it.
Too much winter meeting excitement I guess
by jraypritch on Dec 8, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gammons didn’t look too good today on ESPN. I thought it might have been health related, but now I know why.
by Sparhawk on Dec 8, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Carlos Lee..
Astros were mention and this came to mind but it won’t happen. Owed 18.5 next three years so that comes out to 55.5 mill.. Lowe and Soriano for him haha would u guys do it? Or what about Berkman?
by braves077 on Dec 8, 2009 7:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Berkman, yes but no chance in hell Houston gives him up. Carlos Lee, No
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Just imagine Wren pulling off a trade for both of them hahaha.. Y don’t you like Lee bc he’s getting old declining with bat and glove?
by braves077 on Dec 8, 2009 7:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That, and his price tag. The main reason we have to trade Soriano is because of his salary. There’s no point if we get back another monster contract
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 7:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
not quite accurate...
the problem with Soriano was his redundant salary when we have Saito and Wagner and Moylan. Move Soriano’s salary for a similar salary in a spot we actually need, like 1B or perhaps a year of slugging corner OF, maybe a quality leadoff hitter, and it makes lots of sense. We were planning on spending Soriano’s salary anyway, we just didn’t want to spend it on Soriano, thus a trade.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lee
would fill that void that we so desperatley need in LF and that power bat to protect chipper
by braves077 on Dec 8, 2009 7:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Lee
would fill Left Field in name only. He is a DH. He plays a terrible left field, even when playing in Minute Maid Park. He is getting old and is expensive. I’d rather play Gregor Blanco out there at league minimum with plus defense
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lee's irrelevant.
He has made it clear that he won’t waive his no-trade clause.
by cavebird on Dec 8, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he was older then 33. .300 + avg. 25 plus HR good OBP. He doesn’t walk as much as anybody would like for a 4 hitter but he keeps his K’s down.
by braves077 on Dec 8, 2009 7:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d take Lee with his contract over Blanco. Simply bc you couldn’t get no worse the FUGA and Lee is better then him. His offense is what we need and thats what we would add him for.
by braves077 on Dec 8, 2009 7:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yes, his power would be nice, but it doesn’t come in a vacuum. For example, last year Lee was worth approximately 1.5 wins with his bat, before accounting for position. He gave back a half win just with his defense, so in reality he was only worth 1 win. When he comes to play in the more spacious Turner Field, his fielding numbers will only get worse. For his 15m illion or so dollars, he better be a Top 5 hitter in the league, which he isn’t. I truly believe throwing a Blanco or Brandon Jones out there, while not getting the same offensive production, will be MUCH MUCH better defensively. All the while costing 14.5 million less.
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 7:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fangraphs has Lee as a 2.5 win player overall and while he won’t be worth his salary, he may be worth the loss of Soriano’s and Lowe’s huge contracts, no?
by acie4mvp on Dec 8, 2009 8:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
it would be a hell of a lot better defense and cost less. but blanco isn’t going to win us a championship let alone a Division title. Lee would be an impact bat that we need. There arn’t alot of players out there that are 5 tools and let alone available. So we would have to take the bad with the good. Good facts tho eaheckman
by braves077 on Dec 8, 2009 8:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Always pleased it have a legitimate discussion with someone lol
by eaheckman10 on Dec 8, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But Lee has a no trade clause...
and won’t waive it. He’s in Houston and not going anywhere until he does.
Oh, and there’s “reply” under every post. Click it to respond to people and it gets much easier to follow the conversation.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
catbird seat
my view this provides flexibility after absorbing loss of draft picks, most of
whom never make the show long term. wagner and saito are not a fountain
of youth, hence the ideal 3rd wheel soriano could likely move up as season
progresses. he has stated he wanted to remain in ATL. beyond this he provides
trade value to a top tier team needing a 1 year wonder or an audition for a longer
contract.
the B’s also have a nice pipeline of young arms kimbrel, medlen, gearrin, vasquez,
and this will either buy more time for seasoning or again if soriano goes perhaps
in a package we get a top of the order hitter. the only reason soriano requests a
trade is the depth chart, and FW gets to decide what we need when the dust settles.
in other words this ain’t maddox redux.
by sealift67 on Dec 8, 2009 8:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
On Bowman’s twitter page he says that something could happen very soon with Soriano.
by jack dein on Dec 8, 2009 9:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d like him to put up a blog post expounding on that. I trust him, but this is one of the reasons I hate Twitter- so few details.
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
http://markbowman.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/12/day_2_recap_from_winter_meetin.html
That’s his day 2 blog.
by jack dein on Dec 8, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
Man, I would kill to be fly on the wall at those meetings this week. That’s WAY more exciting than finals…
by J-Freak on Dec 8, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes, yes. And so far my time spent studying reflects this sentiment.
by Gage23 on Dec 8, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t usually get upset at a player, but I’m a bit perturbed at Soriano. I know it’s probably in his best interest and the Braves may end up with something better and cheaper than 2 high draft picks but man, he really worked the system and force the Braves to have to do a lot of work for him. The fact this came out the day after is just silly to me.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
by cbwilk on Dec 8, 2009 11:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think he would have turned down more money if it was offered to him just to get on the FO’s nerves. This was the best he could get, so he did what he had to do. The FO was the one that offered him arbitration and perhaps prematurely signed a reliever and a closer. Like you said, it is it Raffy’s best interest, and I can’t blame him for that.
by Gage23 on Dec 8, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, logically. It probably was the best move for him. Still doesn’t prevent me from emotionally being a little miffed at him.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
by cbwilk on Dec 9, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He was a free agent...
…he didn’t owe the Braves anything. We offered, he accepted. He is willing to be traded. Hell, it might even work out better for us. Blame the system, not the player.
by cavebird on Dec 9, 2009 9:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I blame Wren. If he had waited on Wagner and Saito for a few days, ATL would be stoked right now with having Soriano back for one year.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
by Yakker on Dec 9, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure my statement just said I knew logically it made sense but I was having an emotional reaction, so why would you come back with logic?
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
by cbwilk on Dec 9, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know Brian Roberts named was mentioned earlier as an option
But has it been even reported that he is available or that management will listen to offers? Because if he is, I would not mind his bat at the top of the Brave’s lineup. imo he is the kind of player Atlanta could use.
by SmithnCompany on Dec 9, 2009 12:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Not to my knowledge. I mentioned it in the Reimold discussion above for two reasons: a)If the O’s are the team looking at Lowe and Soriano, they’ll need to move a bit of salary, which they won’t do by moving Reimold (unfortunately. I’d love to have Reimold), combined with b) they’ve been linked to Dan Uggla in recent specualtion. Put the two together and you’d think if they’re bringing in Uggla, Roberts and his 10M salary might be moved our way in the Lowe/Sori swap. It makes sense in a way, but nothing official has come out on it yet.
by J-Freak on Dec 9, 2009 1:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The O's probably wouldn't have to shed salary, however.
They have a ton of money to spend this off-season. They aren’t a particularly small budget team and they got a bunch of bad contracts off the books the past couple of seasons (Mora, Tejada, etc.) Once they finally stop paying Albert Belle, they’ll have a ton of money to spend. ;)
by cavebird on Dec 9, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Escobar hits too many groundballs, from what I’ve seen. If you want power production at the cleanup spot, Esco’s not your man.
by ATLforlife on Dec 9, 2009 1:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ken Rosenthal’s Twitterfeed: "Add Angels to list of teams on R. Soriano. Astros, Orioles also involved. Soriano’s permission required – could effectively pick team."
by Cracker! on Dec 9, 2009 9:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Soriano for Juan Rivera or Brandon Wood?
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano
for Wood would be a steal for us. Don’t think the Angels do that unless they have Beltre in the bag.
Any way Chipper moves back to LF?
haha, i jest.
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Dec 9, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To be honest...
I’d rather not deal with the Angels. Still feeling burned from Kotch/Marek, aka The Less Brothers (Worth and Use).
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
WeFW did that to ourselves
FTFY. One of his not-so-brilliant moves.
by J-Freak on Dec 9, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not so brilliant? What would you have done instead? Kept Tex and take the drafts picks through arb? It’s not like people were knocking down our door with great deals.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Dec 9, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Better to roll the dice on a couple picks that pick up two absolutely worthless players in exchange for a valuable commodity. They went out looking for someone who would send a 1B back in return, which was mostly wishful thinking given the time left on Tex’s deal. I’d have seen what the absolute best return, not necessarily a 1B, was for him and then made my decision. But if I was gonna get peanuts back, screw the deal, I’ll take my chances in the draft.
by J-Freak on Dec 9, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Better to roll the dice on a couple picksthatTHAN pick up two absolutely worthless players in exchange for a valuable commodity.
epic typo fail.
by J-Freak on Dec 9, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Dec 9, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That may have been the biggest problem...
demanding a major league ready 1B in return.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We could have let Prado/Infante platoon there for the last two months. With pitching injuries and trading Tex we’d already punted the season anyway, so let them platoon to finish the year and worry about 1B in the offseason. Casey Kotchman should never have been considered a solution.
by J-Freak on Dec 9, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or given Canizares a tryout...
who knows, even if he flubbed the field he might have raked at the plate and become a valuable trade piece to an AL team that can DH him.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
Anything could have happened that offseason. Maybe we would have had a full year of Adam, the Pirates might have gone for that. Or maybe we could have gotten Konerko rather than Vaz from Chicago (less likely) and now not have a starting pitching surplus. Who knows what might have been. Bottom line is that with the season over, there was no reason to demand a 1B in return. Either get the best possible return or, if that’s not good enough, roll the dice on the picks.
by J-Freak on Dec 9, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s been my only real qualm with Wren as a GM, forcing the issue of getting a 1B in return on that trade.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
by cbwilk on Dec 9, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rivera would be great but the Angels aren’t trading Wood. They have him starting at 3B next year and most people think he is untouchable.
by jack dein on Dec 9, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stealing a line from the Mariner's GM on MLB network this morning...
“Elliot Ness is untouchable”, everyone else not so much—said in response to a question about King Felix as “untouchable”.
by Mr. Sanchez on Dec 9, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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