A look ahead to next year....

by Mr. Sanchez on Aug 28, 2009 9:50 AM EDT Comment 119 comments

the team has some quality coming back next year and could be quite strong depending upon how the pieces fit together and whatever moves Wren makes to find the right fits. But next year among the options for the club are...

The position players seem loaded with questions. Chipper, Escobar, McCann, and McLouth are locks somewhere. Heyward should be in right. Kelly Johnson and Jordan Schafer are capable, but 2B, CF/LF, and 1B are the main question marks in the field, cleanup and leadoff in the batting order, but the bench looks strong with options like Infante, Prado, Ross, Church or Diaz (or both) filling holes when needed. Other bench options include Conrad and Canizares.

The pitching staff should be a major strength. Jurrjens, Vasquez, Hanson, Hudson, Kawakami, Lowe, Moylan, O'Flaherty, Campillo, Medlen are 10 quality arms. If a trade can't be made with one of the six starters, Lowe has had success as a closer and I'm sure wouldn't be opposed to making a move for a single season to "help the ball club" until a spot opens up when Hudson and Vasquez come off the books after next year. Besides, with injuries having those 6 quality arms is a nice luxury. Moylan, Medlen, O'Flaherty, and Campillo can form a solid core of middle relief and there are other options like Luis Valdez, Craig Kimbrel, Boone Logan, Jojo Reyes, Manny Acosta, and several others in AAA and AA that can help fill the 11th and 12th man on a staff. Closer is the only question mark, and Lowe is a solid option if all other options fail.

All in all, the core of a team looks pretty solid for next year. The only question marks are closer, 1B, and fitting pieces together in the order, with a pitching staff that looks more than capable of heading a playoff run. It'll be interesting to see what moves are made, and not made, between now and spring training.

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2B and Prado

Why is Prado not a “lock” at second base?

by SupermanWearsBobSander'sPJs on Aug 28, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Because KJ is better.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think KJ is gone barring a Cox retirement. He’s making too much to be a bench player that can only play second base, and a rarely used bench player at that.

"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09

by 10-4 on Aug 28, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I fear that you may be correct…

Whoever lands him gets an instant upgrade at 2nd base. Unless of course Texas, Philly, Florida, Toronto, Baltimore or the Dodgers get him.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can add Boston (Pedroia), San Francisco (Sanchez), Cincy (Phillips), NYY (Cano), Detroit (Polanco) to that list, and probably Tampa (Zobrist) too. Maybe Milwaukee with Weeks back.

You know, it might be easier to think of teams where he would be an upgrade. STL and NYM come to mind, and that’s about it.

by Yakker on Aug 28, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll give you Zobrist, but I will take KJ over any of those others.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow really?

KJ over phillips, pedroia (al mvp), and cano? wow, just…wow

by BravesRaleigh on Aug 28, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. Phillips is close, but Pedroia is nothing but a product of the Boston media as is Cano (but NY). Cano is having a good year, but I think that may be more of a result of New Yankee Stadium.

Career Stats:

KJ: .263 .346 .431 .777
Cano: .305 .337 .476 .813
Pedroia: .309 .370 .455 .825
Phillips: .261 .309 .427 .736

I think that for Cano and Phillips you gotta take into account that they are both playing in stadiums that are ridiculously easy to hit in. I guess that I may be a little bit of a homer here, but I just think KJ is a much better offensive player, all things being equal.

Besides, we all know that Pedroia can’t hit the high fastball.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

*for Cano and Pedroia, not Phillips.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"ridiculously easy to hit"

Did they start throwing underhand or something?

by BravesfaninMontana on Aug 28, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, but a RF line that is about 280 helps.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

justincredubil02
Are you like related to KJ? There is no way in hell you are saying KJ is better than Phillips, Cano or the AL MVP Pedroia. I mean look at the career numbers that you put up. LOOK! The Braves are so much better off with Prado at 2B. Hopefully, we can kiss KJ goodbye at the end of the year. He’s earning to much money for a bench player. And don’t get me started on the Norton situation.

by ccarr25 on Aug 30, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, first off, YOU look at the numbers. KJ has better numbers than Phillips. Cano and Pedroia have better numbers than KJ, but they also play in extreme hitter’s parks.

And secondly, KJ is way better than Prado.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 30, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think way better than prado is an overstatement. They’re fairly comparable in hitting ability, kelly with the power/slg advantage and prado the better contact/obp guy. The big difference is defense at second base where kelly is much better. Phillips numbers are dragged down by some awful first few seasons and Fenway actually doesn’t play as an extreme hitter’s park despite the miniscule dimensions. Cano and Pedroia even in Turner would put up better numbers than KJ

by McCann's the Man on Aug 30, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

who said anything about Norton?

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 30, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just remember in past situations that you have stood up for Norton and his pitiful average. I think you are completely wrong on the KJ idea and that Norton should be on the roster. But you are entitled to your opinion.

by ccarr25 on Aug 31, 2009 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please please tell me you were kidding

by McCann's the Man on Aug 28, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the last part was a joke, yes. The rest? not at all.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cano and Pedroia are way better than KJ, I think he’s underrated as well but this went way too far

by McCann's the Man on Aug 28, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bro come on man, you seriously gotta start up a KJ fanclub and be the president of it lol, no joke. I like KJ but man over Pedroia and Cano? You say that Pedroia is a product of the Boston media but man you do realize that its not easy to play in Boston and New York there have been alot of players to flop there and they did great even when they were rookies there, thats no easy task. And besides Pedroia numbers are all better by the stats you showed and Cano’s is almost better in all 4 stats that you showed as well. Im not too sure how good defensively Cano or Pedroia is although i heard Pedroia has gotten much better since bein in the majors. Im a very big Prado fan and i would even say Cano and Pedroia is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better than Prado so come on man we know your a KJ fan and thats great but come on dont be this big of a homer man.

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 28, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, saying that they are better than prado isn’t really meaning anything to me because KJ is better than Prado too.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know that you think KJ is better than Prado and thats fine if you think that way what i was gettin at is im a big Prado fan and i think he is better than KJ and i was sayin how i think that Cano and Pedroia are wayyyyyyyyyyyy better than him im not that big of a homer to admit that lol. I didn’t actually expect it to mean anything to you about Prado i was just sayin how im a fan of Prado an im not that big of a homer lol. We are all homers to a certain degree as fans of our teams but your lookin like a HUGE homer right now about the KJ better than Cano and Pedroia thats just absurd. Cano and Pedroia are very very good players playin in a tough environment in Boston and New York with full exposure to everything they do there. The media is huge there way bigger than Atlanta, that makes a difference believe it or not.

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 29, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I admitted up front that I am being homeristic to a degree. That still doesn’t change my opinion that Cano and Pedroia’s numbers are influenced by the stadiums they play in.

I don’t think the media plays as big of a role as you are making it out to be. It is player specific. Some players don’t care how much press they are getting, they just get the job done and go out there and do what they are paid to do. Others let it affect them and their playing. I think that media scrutiny has far less to do with players in NY and Boston than we sometimes claim it does.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 29, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We’re so far apart, there’s almost no point in even discussing this, but you are talking about total value, right? Not just offense.

I mean, even if we just consider offense, Pedroia, Cano, and Phillips are pretty far ahead of KJ, but when you throw in defense, it’s absolutely no contest.

by Yakker on Aug 28, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

based on career numbers, Phillips isn’t even close to KJ.

And I am just talking about offense.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Cano and Pedroia though? KJ numbers aren’t near as good as Cano and Pedroia numbers.

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 29, 2009 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, a few thoughts:

First, it seems that you’re backtracking because you realize how indefensible your previous position was. Previously, you indicated that KJ would be an “upgrade” over the various 2Bs across the league, but of course any player’s performance has to be assessed on both offense and defense.

You’ve already acknowledged Zobrist as superior; your credibility would best be served by acknowledging Pedroia, Cano, and Phillips as well. (Reasonable minds can differ on F. Sanchez and Weeks.)

I get that you’re a huge KJ booster, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Frankly, I think the guy is underrated nationally. But claiming he’s better than Pedroia, Cano, Phillips, etc. is really out there.

Oh, and as to your point about Phillips:

Using career numbers for a late-bloomer like Phillips is misleading. As you probabkly know, Phillips was basically Andy Marte before there was an Andy Marte, a highly-touted Cleveland prospect whom the Tribe stuck with for years and years, before finally cutting bait on him, only to see him finally put everything together in Cincy. See also Guthrie, Jeremy. To use Phillips’ career numbers is therefore inaccurate.

For proof, note the fact that Phillips has approximately 1,000 more major league ABs than KJ, despite being similar in age.

The better assessment would be to look at win totals from the past 3 years. Phillips is conservatively a 2-3 win player, while KJ is closer to the definition of replacement level. Going into 2010, which 28-year old would you rather have? The one who likely will have 3 consecutive 2.5+ WAR seasons under his belt, or the one who has bounced between AAA and the bigs, has a fickle bat, and struggles to handle 2B defensively?

by Yakker on Aug 29, 2009 3:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

KJ isn’t replacement level but Phillips is still better

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure

That was probably an exaggeration. Although in my defense, right now he is essentially replacement level at 2B, given where his win values are. And I did say “closer to” replacement level than Phillips, which is accurate.

Bottom line, I’m not quite sure where KJ grades out. I think his bat is worth around 10 runs, but this year he’s completely collapsed offensively. Earlier in his career he was a butcher at 2B. He’s become better, but how much better? He’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma, etc…

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 Aug 29, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cano isn’t all that great defensively, Kelly might have passed him up this year but still overall Robinson all day. Pedroia in addition to being arguably the second best offensive 2B is also among the elite defenders at the postion

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pedroia really isn’t that good on offense. At all

by acie4mvp on Aug 29, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah you’re right a .363 career wOBA, .454 SLG%, .370 OBP, 1.13 BB/K rate, and 44 steals in 54 attempts really isn’t that good for second base. Kinsler’s home/road splits are way too pronounced for him to be second best behind Utley, Aaron Hill falls short of Pedroia’s numbers, so does Cano though he’s close, and who else do you contend could be/is better offensively?

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This

You don’t win AL MVP being not very good at offense at all.

by scottyboy10 on Aug 29, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Polanco? really?

I thought hurricane season was over........

by bravesguy311 on Aug 28, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

Polanco’s pretty consistently a 2 to 3 win player every year.

by Yakker on Aug 28, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed Yakker, man I really like Polanco. I would love for this guy to be on the Braves he is vastly underrated, that guy is a good player.

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 28, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Completely underrated. I think there’s typically a severe underrating of guys like Polanco (or Orlando Hudson, until his offense took off 2 years ago) who are not sexy fantasy baseball players.

by Yakker on Aug 28, 2009 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hudson imo has been a little overrated because his defense is not nearly as good as people make it out to be. He’s an underrated hitter though

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

O-Dawg is still a damn fine fielder, although I don’t think we have enough data to know whether or not he’s lost a step. It’s plausible.

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 Aug 29, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hudson’s actually been average or worse since leaving the blue jays, defensively

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I know what UZR says about O-Dawg. It’s one of the few times that I think UZR is just plain wrong, and I’ve said so many times in the past.

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 Aug 30, 2009 2:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yay!

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Aug 30, 2009 3:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha ha

Well, I’ve never said UZR was infallible,

The drop off for Hudson (which, BTW, does not exist in +/-) when he switched to the NL just seemed to steep to be a correct measure.

It’ll be interesting to see what +/- says about Hudson this 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 Aug 30, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually buy into it, the few times I’ve seen him play recently his play is great when the ball is near but his range has been disappearing

by McCann's the Man on Aug 30, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe they are misjudging 2b generally… it seems there is some discrepencies in o-dawg and KJ…maybe others i didnt check

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

by Swo12bv on Aug 30, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Underrated, yes. Sexy, no. But this has nothing to do with fantasy baseball. Polanco is getting up there, in baseball years that is, and Kelly has plenty years ahead of him. KJ can be just as successful as PP, and for much longer into the future. IMO, I take KJ over Polanco

I thought hurricane season was over........

by bravesguy311 on Aug 29, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, in your O, you can take whomever you want. Maybe you would prefer Tommy Hanson to King Felix. People make incorrect decisions all the time.

The discussion wasn’t about longevity, it was about “instant upgrades” at 2B for 2010. KJ would not be an “instant upgrade” over Polanco.

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 Aug 29, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, alright then. Thanks for the condescending clarification there guy

I thought hurricane season was over........

by bravesguy311 on Aug 29, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t mean it to be condescending. People make decisions based on things other than data or logic all the time, it’s not that big a deal.

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 Aug 30, 2009 2:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1B and OF

mark me down as predicting (1) LaRochey is back at 1B, although the possibility exists that he walks for a big FA deal; and (2) because Schafer is a huge question mark and GA is gone, we have to go get a leadoff man or big bopper for CF/LF, with McLouth definitely back at whichever spot is not filled by that addition, Heyward starting from day 1 in RF and Church most likely filling the 4th OFer role based on his defensive versatility, leaving Matty D as odd man out and being dealt.

by fandave on Aug 28, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lowe would be a damn expensive closer, plus I doubt Hudson is coming back. So many things could happen with the bullpen, I won’t even guess.

I guess 1B is Canizares/Prado barring a trade. Why would LaRoche do a 1-2 year deal?

I guess the OF starts the season with Diaz/McLouth/Church until Heyward and Schafer are called up.

If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).

Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.

by TradeAndruw on Aug 28, 2009 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why would LaRoche do a 1-2 year deal?

Great question and although I could rattle off 4 or 6 speculative reasons, I don’t have any solid answer or real insight.
Mark my prediction down as a wild-ass guess.
Regardless, I am going to stick with it.

by fandave on Aug 28, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because

he loves playing in Atlanta and his best friend is on this team.

by BravesRaleigh on Aug 28, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And he hates money.

by tomahawkin108 on Aug 28, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

zing

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 29, 2009 3:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

because there are tons of examples where people turn down lucrative long term deals to remain with their friends

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

by Swo12bv on Aug 28, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

where would Laroche get a 3+ year deal?

by McCann's the Man on Aug 28, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is still the season to play out.

Let’s save this talk for the offseason.

by Sparhawk on Aug 28, 2009 12:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

premature rosterbation

If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).

Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.

by TradeAndruw on Aug 28, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

its a disease that thousands of people suffer from every year. The silent killer of sports talk.

"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09

by 10-4 on Aug 28, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This this this

by Yakker on Aug 28, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think one of Soriano or Gonzalez will be back, and then some low money arm will be brought in during free agency. I would lock up McCann at catcher, Prado at 2B, Escobar at SS, Chipper at 3B, McClouth in LF, Schafer in CF, and Church/Diaz in RF. Of course Johnson could always return at 2B and Prado could play 1B. There is no way that LaRoach takes a 1 or 2 year deal to stay here. There are going to be some teams looking for a 1B and his much published helping of the Braves offense has only gave him more money. I could be Delgado being a one year fix.
As for the pitching staff I think that Lowe, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Kawakami are locks to be back. I would like to see Hudson back on a incentive based deal with a option. I could see Vazquez being traded if a bat becomes available. We could bring in a higher priced veteran with him because losing his contract would allow for it.
For the bullpen I think some work will need to be done. I believe that either Soriano or Gonzalez will be back but some other pieces will need to be worked out.

by jack dein on Aug 28, 2009 12:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

One Name

Albert Pujols.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who?

7/10/09-A New Dawn.

by !Vive la Francoeur! on Aug 28, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it’s just some guy that a friend of mine told me about. He is supposed to be good at baseball or something, but I doubt he is any better than Scott Thorman.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 28, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He had a REALLY good AFL last year.

by BravesRaleigh on Aug 28, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my goodness

i couldn’t imagine albert in the AFL. he would make Jason Heyward look like Corky Miller.

Frank Wren for GM of the Year.

by mvhsbball on Aug 28, 2009 2:12 PM EDT via mobile 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 Aug 28, 2009 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if decided this needs to be your signature

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

by Swo12bv on Aug 28, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Done.

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 Aug 29, 2009 3:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank you

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

by Swo12bv on Aug 30, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he’s that guy that plays for Durham…… :)

by tomahawkin108 on Aug 28, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1B

why isn’t Laroche locked in first base?

by southman on Aug 28, 2009 4:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

because he is a FA after this year… ala he can sign with anyone

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

by Swo12bv on Aug 28, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1st base should be either LaRoche or Troy Glaus
2nd base should be Kelly Johnson with Prado and Infante on the bench
LF should be Church/Diaz unless Jermaine Dye becomes available on a one year deal, Schafer will not start 2010 in Atlanta
CL I’d like to see JJ Putz signed, the Mets won’t be bringing him back, he’s coming off a down year so he’ll come cheap, and he doesn’t cost us any picks

by McCann's the Man on Aug 28, 2009 6:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

to clarify those aren’t predictions

by McCann's the Man on Aug 28, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ummmm...

your post is pretty ridiculous.

#1. we’re not signing a guy who hasn’t played in a year because of MAJOR shoulder surgery to play a position he’s NEVER PLAYED in Troy Glaus.

#2. Dye will NOT take a 1 year deal. With his year, he’ll probably get a 2-3 year deal SOMEWHERE.

#3. JJ Putz? you mean the same JJ Putz that blew out his elbow and is a Tommy John surgery waiting to happen?

yeah, i’m pretty sure you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.

#1. We’re going after Nick Johnson on a 2 year deal. He’ll come much cheaper than Laroche and will probably put some similar numbers in the first half. While the power won’t be there, it will be more than Kotchmann, and his defense is vastly underrated.

#2. We’re going after Bay. The FO LOVES him. He wants, it seems, to come back to the NL. He’s out LF of the future.

#3. We’re letting BOTH Soriano and Gonzalez leave for the draft picks.

#4. We’re going to trade Schafer and Diaz to KC for Soria.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 29, 2009 3:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

your post is pretty ridiculous.

Hey, Pot? Yeah, it’s The Kettle. You’re black.

Wow. The stuff he said makes sense, even if I don’t personally agree with it. And he said should, indicating that it’s what he’d like to see happen. The things you added were prognostications, the last 2 of which make absolutely no sense. So, to quote you again:

yeah, i’m pretty sure you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Aug 29, 2009 5:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

cb

are you sure you’re not just being an ass?

if you don’t agree, at least back it up. otherwise, you just look like a tool.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 29, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the only one acting like a tool that I see around here is poxy…

You are the one who came out in an aggressive manner to criticize what someone else thinks is the right moves.

Also, when you say “At least back it up”, saying things like “this is going to happen” doesn’t count as backing up a theory.

All you did was list things dogmatically that, if ANY, of them happen will be a surprise to everyone. Unless you are FW, you cannot make the post you made, and then tell someone else to back up their thoughts.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 29, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jeebus

What the fuck is in the water around here tonight?

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 Aug 30, 2009 2:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no idea. It is getting downright ugly though.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 30, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

rosterbation

It’s intense stuff.

by scottyboy10 on Aug 30, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

#1. Glaus has played 1B albeit not many games (under 50 including majors and minors) but the switch from third to first is one of the easier position changes in baseball, this is a guy that has even played some SS. Second it would obviously be dependent on health, if healthy Glaus is the third best hitter in FA w/o a team option behind Bay and Holliday.

#2. Bobby Abreu, Orlando Hudson, and a lot of guys last year were expecting multi-year deals, but amazingly everybody but Washington finally figured out defense matters too. Dye is a bad defensive player and already 37 iirc, he’s not getting a 3 year deal unless he agrees to DH.

#3. I mean the JJ Putz who in the 3 years preceding this one posted FIP’s of 1.73, 2.67, and 3.78, that’s a damn good relief pitcher. I’ve seen nothing to the effect of TJ though it’s a possibility (injury is just as big a concern with soriano though) so I assume that’s a prediction. This is also the JJ Putz who will have pitched less than 30 innings this year and appeared in only 29 games meaning he’ll be much fresher than Gonzalez/Soriano who have pitched in just about every other game thanks to bobby. Besides you sign him to a Takashi Saito like deal based heavily on incentives guaranteeing him first chance at the closer’s role to rebuild his value so if he isn’t healthy you aren’t paying him much and you cut your losses after one season. I also left out SU role which I’d like to trade for a guy like Jason Frasor, Mike Wuertz, or Brandon League who could step into the closer’s role

#4. Nick Johnson? And you blasted me for Troy Glaus and Putz’s health. This guy is an injury waiting to happen and is basically Casey Kotchman with a higher OBP and worse defense, downgrade from Adam.

#5. If we get Bay I’d be happy but it needs to be reasonable like 4 years 50-56 million which the Red Sox/Yankees would blow out of the water. Bay is terrible defensively in LF so if the Yankees or Red Sox want to give him 15+M per year go ahead

#6. Okay, don’t know how you know this, but sure.

#7. Now you’re way out there, besides really bad trade for us unless we hate Schafer.

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

now you're saying...

that Glaus is the third best hitter when in the original post you said he was the best? hedge your bets much?

#1. Glaus is horrid. move on.

#2. Dye is staying in the AL as a DH. he’ll get the 3 years. your point BACKS up mine. thanks for playing.

#3. Putz’s elbow HAS A partial tear now. IF it heals fully, which is unlikely, i would agree with you. he’s dominant and capable. however, a partial tear can TEAR completely with the stress of competitive pitching, thus leading to the “tommy john surgery waiting to happen”. why do that when you have reasonable (and cheaper, younger and healthier) options in the minors/roster?

#4. Nick Johnson will give you good OPS and decent power for 2 years. look at the 1B crop, IT’S WEAK. who do you suggest we sign other than Glaus (which we won’t do)? obviously, you think Gehrig is waiting to sign with us from the grave. Johnson will take the 2 year deal and play hard for us; thus NOT BLOCKING Freeman.

#5. If Bay is terrible in LF, please back it up, otherwise it’s hyperbole. Bay will take 14-15 million a year to play with us. If he’s so terrible, then why did the Braves have a jersey with his name sewn into it? the FO loves him. you may not, but thank God you’re not running the Braves. while he, according to you, is terrible as a defender, his offensive projection would clearly add another dimension to our team. oh, wait, have you seen our team the last couple of weeks?

#6. We do not want to keep Gonzalez as he will be getting very expensive and his ability and stats have gone down precipitously over the past couple of years. We would love to have Soriano, but he’ll take the most money someplace else. Ergo, we will be letting both walk after the season, thus giving us draft picks (they’ll both be type-A according to MLBtraderumors.com). It doesn’t take a genius to know that Liberty Media is hurting for $ and this is a very good way of stocking the farm system and allowing younger arms to learn on the job.

#7. Really? that’s a bad trade for us? really? Soria is under team control for another 4 years, is cheap, and is a very good closer (which we’ll need in this scenario). While Schafer is NOTHING but projection and has shown NOTHING above AA (and some would argue, nothing substantial above A). Diaz would be a tough loss, but would be offset by the addition of Bay-allowing McClouth to bat leadoff, and taking pressure off a rookie in RF to be the offensive savior of an organization. I hope the Braves don’t turn Heyward into Alex Gordon.

like i said, you really don’t seem to know what you’re talking about.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 29, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1. Troy Glaus is no more of an injury risk than Nick Johnson. Plus, waaaay more power. And switching from third to first is very easy. Not a big deal.
2. I do not see us signing Dye, so I’m in the middle on this. I do not see him taking a 1 year deal, but if he doesn’t get what he wants then he will have no problem doing that.
3. The same JJ Putz that was a dominant closer in the AL? Yeah, he’s gonna be alright. But I would rather us let Gonzo walk and bring Soriano back.

4. Nick Johnson is one of the biggest injury risks in baseball. No power, barely more than Kotch. And his defense is average. I would prefer LaRoche back.
5. The Yanks or Sox will blow us away with an offer to Bay. I would love to have him, but the chance is small. Plus, what’s wrong with Diaz/Church, McClouth, and Heyward? Pretty good outfield, IMO.
6. Once again, I agree one will walk, but I do not think we will let both go.
7. First off, stupid trade for us. Second, what makes you think the Royals would accept this? Diaz is a great hitter, especially against lefties, and is not that bad against right handers. Schafer is our CF of the future. McClouth should be our left fielder once Schafer is ready.

So really, if one part of your little plan doesn’t go through, we are completely screwed. If we make that trade but Bay doesn’t sign with us, what do we do? Or if we let both Gonzo and Soriano go and don’t make that trade, who is our closer? Yes, maybe our FO does love Bay, but who is to say he loves us? Someone will offer him more money than we are able to. So thank God YOU aren’t running the Braves.

by scottyboy10 on Aug 29, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

just jumping in here

#4-Nick Johnson’s definitely an injury risk, but I’d take him at first base over a good portion of the league. That .419 OBP in either our #1 or #2 spot would look really, really good next year. Doesn’t bother me that he’s not a traditional lead-off hitter, he gets on base a TON.

Also, he definitely has more power than we’ve seen out of him this year. His historical numbers show it.

The only reason I’d be skeptical with him is if he wanted anything longer than 2 years, given his injury history.

by Bronn on Aug 29, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don’t get me wrong, I that. 419 OBP certainly is great, but that’s not what we need. McClouth for the most part gets it done batting leadoff and Prado/KJ could cover 2nd(batting and fielding). What this team needs is a power hitter. Even if Nick Johnson has more power than we’ve seen this year, it isn’t a #4 hitter power and there is a good chance that he will miss alot of time. If LaRoche is willing to come back on a 2 year deal, I take that over Nick Johnson any day.

by scottyboy10 on Aug 30, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

why?

because Bay would sign with us?

you fall into the category like most Braves fans: overvauling what we have in terms of talent and prospects. Schafer is nothing. He may turn into being the Grady Sizemore light, but he hasn’t done anything.

Soria is a very good closer. But, if you’re taking the line that closer is overrated (which it is), Kris Medlen is our closer of the future.

The Yanks and Red Sox may both blow Bay away, but who’s to say he’ll accept? Maddux was blown away by both and signed with us for less money (the second time), as was Smoltz. While they were both ON the roster, it doesn’t mean that Bay would. However, I think Bay is a Braves-type of player. And who’s to say that we wont match what the Sox or Yanks are offering?

Putz is all possibility. I didn’t say he was bad, i just said he’s an injury risk (more than Johnson).

Dye’s not coming here.

You honestly think that Glaus is more of an injury risk than Johnson? wow. talk about deluded. While the guy’s got power, just because an idea “sort of” makes sense does not mean we should do it. Should we take a flyer on him? Sure, but he’s best suited as a DH right now for a team in need of a bat (Tampa Bay).

I say why not try to trade for Burrell? Have the Rays throw some money in and I’m sure we can have that RH power bat we need. I know he sucks, and we need a 1B, but he can play 1B exactly the same way people are saying that Glaus can. If you like the Glaus idea, you HAVE to love this one.

but, scotty, while i might not be running the Braves, i’m pretty sure that i’d run it just as good, if not better, than you…seeing that the only difference we had there was the Soria trade and the likelihood that Bay signs with us…

and what are we arguing about?

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 30, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i meant Glaus is not more of an injury risk than Johnson

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 30, 2009 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes I honestly do, we’re talking about a guy that up until this year had played 145+ games in 4 of the last 5 years with the 5th year being around 115 games. Johnson has missed all of 2007 and only played 38 games of 2008. Thats 1.75 seasons missed recently and it’s really affected his performance. Since returning his power and defense have fallen off

by McCann's the Man on Aug 30, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’ve still never fully explained why the Glaus signing would be a bad one. Injury? Obviously any signing would be dependent on him being healthy so there goes that concern. Performance? He’s the third best hitter in FA, 25-35 HR’s with good OBP numbers. Position switch? If guys like Miguel Cabrera can make the switch from third to first (during the season even), I’m confident Glaus with a full offseason of practice would do just fine. Money? He’d be cheaper than LaRoche and probably only make slightly more than Johnson while producing much more. So what exactly is the problem with Glaus other than you just don’t like the guy?

by McCann's the Man on Aug 30, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not overvaluing Schafer. No, he isn’t going to be Grady Sizemore, but I think he very well could be as good if not better than McClouth.

As for Bay, he very well could accept less money to sign with us. But I just don’t see that happening. Don’t get me wrong, I would be thrilled if he did. But that would be just about the only move we could make, because as we all know, money is tight with us right now.

I don’t see Putz or Dye coming here either. And closer is a little overrated, but does anyone else remember when Reitsma was going out there for the 9th a few years ago? I don’t want that again.

Look at what McCanns the Man said below. Sure, Johnson could rebound and play a full season, but probably not.

And yes, that does sound like a good idea, but you would have to consider what the Rays would want back. And unless they take most of his salary, you would have to choose between trading for him or going after Bay. But he didn’t suck when he was with the Phillies. Not dominant, but very consistant each year.

by scottyboy10 on Aug 30, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1. Any particular reason Glaus is horrid? and I said he was better than Holliday and Bay earlier but after the appropriate research I retract that statement. Do you really want me to continue falsely claiming he’s better?
2. Maybe Dye doesn’t want to DH and loves playing the field, neither you or I know this for a fact. I said he was a possibility not a lock if he was willing to do a 1 yr deal, and I’d maybe be willing to go 2.
3. Once again like Glaus it’s entirely health dependent and as I said there would be backup options ie Frasor/Wuertz/League and since it would be an incentive based one year deal it would be cheap.
4. Johnson imo is the 3rd best choice and if we definitely won’t sign Glaus why would we sign a bigger injury risk who’s defense just fell off the map this past year (-10 or so UZR)
5. Bay’s UZR has been -11.4, -18.2, and -15.9 the past three seasons. That’s really bad and if you’re more visual he looks like he has absolutely no business out there and takes terrible routes to go with his poor foot speed. Bay’s value has exceeded 14M only twice in his career, 2005 and 2006.
6. I agreed with you so why are you still arguing
7. Soria is a 1.5-2 WAR player, so is Matt Diaz as a starting player. And then you’re going to throw Jordan Schafer in there as well. Closer is the most overrated position in baseball and besides since Soria is getting close to arbitration his days of very meager pay are coming to a close

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

note: Nick Johnson -6 UZR this year

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

really?

what has he been historically?

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 30, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s been very good historically but with his injury riddled 2007 and 2008, his defensive ability and just general mobility have taken a hit. I’d be surprised if he’s ever even half the fielder he once was

by McCann's the Man on Aug 30, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Closer is the most overrated position in baseball

Close. Professional Leader is the most overrated, IMO.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Aug 29, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Garret Anderson all the way, I just love his professional at bats, followed by some good professional base running, and then the pro fielding

by McCann's the Man on Aug 29, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 30, 2009 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very true about closers bein the most overrated but let me ask you somethin. Are they still not extremely valuable to a team, at least a good one? I think we know in the past of havin a not so great closer the effect it can have on a team the nightmare a few years ago when BIG Wick was our closer the year he got released by us that year was a nightmare when he came in even when he got the saves. Just think of that man. Im not tryin to pick sides cause i really dont care to get in it all the way i just wanted to chime in about this.

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 30, 2009 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wickman was just a mediocre relief pitcher all the way around that year, independent of closing. He would have been terrible even in MR. The funny thing is the trade deadline we got him he pitched extremely well, that’s how much of a crapshoot closers are. Having a Mariano River, Hoffman, or Paplebon is great but there are only a handful of those guys and I don’t put Soria into that category. Don’t get me wrong I’d love to have the guy but Diaz has been just as good if not better and at this point we need hitting as well, why weaken one aspect of the team to make another better? Plus Schafer is thrown in as well. I’d rather trade prospects but I’d also rather focus on guys who have excelled as SU men and turn them into closers in addition to grabbing a reclamation project a la JJ Putz. Ramon Ramirez (BOS), Mike Wuertz (OAK), Jason Frasor and Brandon League (TOR) are all guys that have been dominant in their roles and imo ready to take the next step, closing. None of these guys will require the prospects it would take to get a Soria because they don’t have the “sexy” saves numbers but they’re nearly as effective. Grabbing 2-3 of these guys to pair with Moylan, Medlen, and O’ Flaherty would put us near the top of the bullpen rankings

by McCann's the Man on Aug 30, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For one thing i think it will take more than you think to get League. He is young and good it will take good spces to get him i would think. And another thing of course Soria will require better specs cause he is much better and key word here he is a “proven” closer. Sure the other guys you named “could” be good closers but they could not, not just anyone can close thats a fact. Braves actually did trade their starting 1B in LaRoche for a Closer in Gonzalez a few years ago. So they could do the same again with Diaz. Sure we had Thornton ready and they believed in him but who knows maybe they think Heyward is ready(i dont know if he is or isn’t im just throwin out a scenario). I dont think i would deal Schafer in the deal because i still think with his great defense that he can be a gold glove calibur CF with above average bat which is still quite valuable.

But as far as Diaz and a different less of a good spec maybe Cole Rohrbough or somebody like that then sure. Diaz is certainly not untouchable, i would be ok with Church playin everyday if had to. Dont get me wrong Diaz is a good player especially hitter against Lefties but you gotta realize there could be a great chance of us losin Soriano and Gonzalez to FA and we would be stuck without a “proven” closer. But all this is moot cause Royals are not gonna trade Soria their proven closer for Diaz and a solid spec that i named in Cole. They would want and get better specs or a better eveyday player than Diaz. If you dont believe they would get more than Diaz then fine but plain and simple they would.

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 30, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with what you said, Diaz is certainly not untouchable but let’s not just consider him a throw in. I would definitely do Diaz and a pitcher not named Teheran, Minor, Spruill, or Randall Delgado but the Royals would be dumb to take that offer. I’d have to consider Schafer for Soria straight up if i were wren. Mclouth’s defense in center is passable and his bat certainly plays better there and Heyward in RF with Diaz/Church in LF until Milligan/Cody Johnson (im betting milligan) is ready would be a perfectly acceptable outfield and give us a good closer. In the end though I still think nabbing a guy who hasn’t closed and converting him is the way to go just look at oakland to see the effect of that. They make solid relievers into closers and then flip them in trades (obviously we wouldn’t deal but same idea)

by McCann's the Man on Aug 30, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah it would be a better deal for them to of course get Schafer over Diaz and a solid spec even though they would prolly want more than just Schafer i would figure. I still gotta see Milligan(who is lookin good so far) above low A ball before i put him as a future candidate in the majors. And same with Johnson i wanna see him do better than what he has done this year at High A. His power numbers are really good, but not so great on the rest i wanna see a good bit of improvement from him next year before i say he is gonna be our future OF as well he has a chance i just gotta see more from him plus he needs to do better defensively as well last i heard he was a below average defender but he could have made alot of improvements since.

Personally i would rather have an OF of Schafer in CF, Heyward in RF and McLouth in LF in a few years or next year lol. But if we were to lose both Soriano and Gonzo and were able to trade Schafer and a so so spec for Soria then i would have to do it even though losin a guy like Schafer who as long as he stays healthy should be an above average player considering his great D and above average offense. I know i said i didn’t think i would but it all depends on the circumstance. If we were to keep one of those Closers in Soriano or Gonzo then i would be less inclined to wanna deal Schafer for a Closer it just all depends on the situation.

If we can nab a guy who hasn’t closed and convert him and he dominates then thats great i hope we can its just to me harder than it seems. To me not just any player can close and be productive there even guys with great stuff.

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 30, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess that’s where we differ, I don’t buy into the closing mind-set. I think to profile as a good closer you have to have one dominant pitch and an ability to strike hitters out, it’s exactly why I love Mike Wuertz

by McCann's the Man on Aug 30, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I look at it the same way JS looked at it a few years ago. Even though he had Thornton as a spec that they thought would be good there was a question that he might not be though. And Braves traded a “proven” MLB First baseman in LaRoche for a “proven” closer in Gonzo. I think JS felt that its not easy to get a good closer especially just goin out and givin a guy the role and see how he does without ever doin it before. If JS felt he could have just got anybody to close then he keeps LaRoche and uses Thornton as trade bait. But hey this is just how i think, not sayin your wrong or nothin like that.

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 30, 2009 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

frank wren is in charge now so JS’s history has little bearing on this because there is a definite split in the moves made

by McCann's the Man on Aug 31, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the Braves should not pick up Hudson's option.

Pitching has not been our problem this year. We are actually 4th in the entire MLB in ERA and 5th in ERA+ along with being 3rd in K/BB ratio.

I mean i can go down all the stats but the point is that the pitching we have this year is top of the league. Early in the year we had the struggles of Bennett and Boyer and I think now we will finally see Acosta banned from our Bullpen. Moylan started out rough but has really started to perform well.

Offense has been our problem. Looking at some stats we are BELOW league avg in Runs Scored Per Game, HR’s, Stolen Bases (3rd from last), and SLG.

Everything else we are basically the middle of the pack.

With all that said. I believe the Braves should save the 11 mil it would take to keep Hudson and use it instead to bolster our offense and our Bullpen.

If we leave our bullpen un-resolved we will be like we were in 2008 with so many games being lost late we cant afford that.

So this year we have:

Garrett Anderson @ 2.5mil
Mike Gonzalez @ 3.45mil
Norton @ 800k
Soriano @ 6.1mil

All coming off the books.

I say we:
Re-sign Soriano to a 2yr contract with an option for a 3rd year.
=> 9 Mil base pay. With up to 3 mil in incentives that money is essentially Norton, Gonzo, and Anderson’s Salaries from this year.

After that re-structure the rotation.

1. Vazquez
2. J.J.
3. Lowe
4. Hanson
5. Kawakami

From there I would send Medlen down to the minors to get experience as a starter. See how Kimbrel does out of ST. If he does well start him in ATL in the Pen. He gets 2 years of experience watching Soriano and learning and then if he is ready have him be the closer and decline Soriano’s 3rd year option.

That gives you a BP of

Soriano CL
Kimbrel RHP
Moylan RHP
Carlyle RHP
EoF LHP
Logan LHP
Campillo – RHP – Long Relief option as well.

Then take the money we would give to LaRoche and offer him a 2yr deal at 9 mil a year.

With our OF.

Start Diaz everyday in LF. Utilize McLouth in CF.

If Schafer show’s he is healthy and ready in ST use him in RF and Church as the 4th OF’er. BTW I say RF because of his arm.

Now if Heyward is killin it down in AAA and we are in a comfortable spot in the division I would say trade McLouth to clear his salary essentially. From there put Schafer in CF and Heyward in RF.

Either way i think our Opening Day lineup should be

Diaz LF
McLouth CF
Chip 3B
LaRoche 1B
McCann C
Escobar SS
Schafer RF
Prado 2B

by drumzalicious on Aug 30, 2009 12:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree for the most part

But where do we get the 9 million to give LaRoche? Like you said, we would use pretty much all of the money coming off the books this year to bring Soriano back. So I am puzzled as to where we get that money. Also, sending Medlen down to get experience as a starter. He has proved lately that he can be a great reliever, and I think that’s where he is long term. And Schafer will most likely not be ready with his wrist injury, but Heyward most likely will. So switch those two for me. Also, with as hot as Diaz is, he does not hit righties nearly as well as lefties usually, so he probably wouldn’t be an effective leadoff hitter, full time at least.

So my Opening Day lineup for us is:

McClouth CF
Prado/KJ 2B
Chipper 3B
McCann C
Escobar SS
Heyward RF
1B addition(Glaus, maybe LaRoche, Nick Johnson, etc.)
Diaz/Church LF

5-8 can really be adjusted any way, based on who’s hot, pitcher, etc.

by scottyboy10 on Aug 30, 2009 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hudson

It comes from denying Hudson’s 11mil option.

by drumzalicious on Aug 30, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, I see. I missed that originally. My fault.

by scottyboy10 on Aug 30, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its all good.

I really think that shedding his salary will be the best for both parties. I really dont believe we will see a fall off in production by using Javy instead of Hudson.

If we could shed Lowe. Like get a team to take him and we pay 5 mil and they pay 10 mil then we would be able to keep both

by drumzalicious on Aug 30, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right now it looks like that would be best. Everyone else in our rotation is locked in and I don’t see any of them going anywhere.

by scottyboy10 on Aug 30, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we will see our rotation grow and mature.

Hanson and KK getting better will just make our rotation unfair. except Lowe.

by drumzalicious on Aug 30, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot about our Bench!!!

Omar Infante – Super Utility
David Ross – Back Up Catcher
Brooks Conrad – 2B/1B
Ryan Church – 4th OF’er
Chris Burke – Last option

We need to part ways with Norton. He is great as a PH leading off an inning because he takes walks, however in situations when we need him to drive in runs he doesnt come through a lot of the time.

Conrad gives us that Switch hitting option off the bench.

Infante and Ross are obvious choices as is Church as the 4th OF’er.

Last bench spot went to Burke just because i have a feeling the team will also part ways with Kelly Johnson this offseaon. With the emergence of Prado and Conrad i dont see them holding onto a guy that is pretty limited to one position and bats Left Handed. Although Conrad is basically the same he is a Switch Hitter.

by drumzalicious on Aug 30, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs