Scary News Monday (via MLBTR)

Tony LaRussa Retires (so what now about Albert?)
Davey Johnson: option picked up by Nats to manage in 2012 (quickly done in case St. Louis called)
Nate McLouth filed for Free Agency yesterday (Braves haven't "formally" declined his option yet, but...)
Aramis Ramirez walks away from $16 million (voids option picked up by Cubs; becomes FA)
Hinske option remains for Braves to decide ($1.5m for 2012; $100K buyout)

7 months ago carpengui 11 comments 0 recs |

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1) TP has ties to STL. Wonder if they give him a long look as their manager?

by vooodooo on Oct 31, 2011 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

My leading candidate for that spot? Terry Francona.

"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11

by carpengui on Oct 31, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

(but if they don’t get Francona, I agree: Pendleton would be popular back in St. Louis.) Part of my thinking here is that the Cards will be trying to guess “what new manager will help us bring back Albert?”

"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11

by carpengui on Oct 31, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I think you’re correct. Albert will probably be conducting all of the interviews for potential candidates also.

by vooodooo on Oct 31, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

5) Hinske option

Open for discussion here, but I see a couple of possibilities:

1. Braves pick up the Hinske option. That means….
1A. Hinske remains a viable bench player for Atlanta. Other decisions down the road (Prado, LF) are deferred. 30% likelihood rating.
1B. Hinske remains a viable bench player for Atlanta. Prado more likely to be moved and/or declined on arbitration in anticipation of a club attempt to upgrade LF. This because Hinske and Diaz are now both on the club via contract. 40%
1C. It means the Braves don’t intend to upgrade LF at all, but will go with the horses in their 2011 stable. 30%

2. Braves decline option on Hinske. That means….
2A. Atlanta wants to try and upgrade the LF position and wants as much salary flexibility as possible. This doesn’t rule out an attempt to re-sign Hinske later as things play out, but frankly, it would be tough. Diaz (under contract) remains with the club as the 4th/5th outfielder. Hopefully Delta can help him figure out which lost suitcase his power is in. Other decisions (Prado) still up in the air. Constanza chance of making the 25-man roster in Spring improves.70%
2B. It means that Diaz has effectively replaced Hinske; nothing more. 30%

"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11

by carpengui on Oct 31, 2011 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

HINSKE OPTION PICKED UP for 2012

(Per multiple sources)

"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11

by carpengui on Oct 31, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Hinske >>>>> Diaz

http://sportsandgrits.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Oct 31, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Agree… but now they’re both under contract.

"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11

by carpengui on Oct 31, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Diaz could be traded or released after ST if he continues to not get the job done.
In fact, I doubt that either Diaz or Conrad will be on the Braves’ bench in 2012.

by fandave on Oct 31, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

3) Nate option.

AJC reporting this has been formally declined. This would be among the least shocking reports of the day (ranking just behind ‘the sun rising in the east’).

"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11

by carpengui on Oct 31, 2011 11:42 AM EDT reply actions