Atlanta Braves Re-Sign Boscan, Add Five Other Minor League Free Agents

by cbwilk on Nov 22, 2011 4:28 PM EST in Braves Minor League News

JC Boscan will be playing his 16th professional season in 2012, and it will be his 14th with the Atlanta Braves, as the team re-signed him to a Minor League contract. The Braves originally signed Boscan as a 16 year old in 1996 and he stayed in the organization until leaving to play in the Milwaukee organization in 2006 and the Red organization in 2007. Since 2008 he's been back with the Braves and he made his Major League debut in the final game of 2010. He was 3-9 in the Majors in 2011, spending most of the year with AAA Gwinnett, his 9th season in AAA, hitting just .182 with a .457 OPS in 218 plate appearances. Boscan will turn 32 in December.

The team has also signed infielders Ian Gac and Josh Wilson, outfielders Luis Durango and Brahiam Maldonado, and pitcher Dusty Hughes to Minor League deals. Josh Wilson saw time with both the Brewers and Diamondbacks this season, combining to hit .224 with a .611 OPS in 92 Major League plate appearances. Between 2005 and 2011, the 30 year old has appeared in 356 Major League games, playing for the Brewers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Nationals, Rays, Padres, and Mariners, hitting .227 with a .597 OPS in 1012 plate appearances. He is primarily a shortstop, though he has seen time at second base and third base, with a handful of games at first base and left field, and he's even pitched in 3 Major League games. First baseman Ian Gac was named the 2011 Carolina League MVP, hitting .279 with a .893 OPS, 31 doubles, 33 homers, and 96 RBI in 587 plate appearances while playing for the Winston-Salem Dash, a White Sox affiliate. The 25 year old was originally a 26th round selection by the Texas Rangers, and signed with the White Sox prior to the 2010 season. He has yet to play above High A.

Luis Durango was 1-6 for the Astros in 2011, and before that he had hit .305 with a .674 OPS in 67 plate appearances in 2009 and 2010 with the Padres. The 25 year old center fielder hit .273 with a .660 OPS and 18 stolen bases in 180 plate appearances with AAA Oklahoma City this season. Left fielder Brahiam Maldonado spent all of 2011 with the AA Binghamton Mets, hitting .222 with a .737 OPS, 16 doubles, 28 homers, and 74 RBI in 530 plate appearances. The 26 year old Puerto Rican was originally a 10th round selection by the Mets in the 2004 draft.

Lefty Dusty Hughes made 15 appearances for the Twins in 2011, posting a 9.95 ERA and a 2.13 WHIP in 12.2 innings. He made his Major League debut with the Royals in 2009, then spent all of 2010 in Kansas City's bullpen, posting a 3.83 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP in 56.1 innings over 57 games. The 29 year old was originally drafted by the Royals in the 11th round in 2003.

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Comments

Yawn...

Welcome back JCB

"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann

by HansonManCrush on Nov 22, 2011 4:34 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Championship

"Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that." George Carlin

by DolphinNation on Nov 22, 2011 4:57 PM EST reply actions

Are any of these guys more than filler?

Glad we have Boscan back as he obviously handles our staff well but… other than him, is there quality here?

Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT

by Klemson Krash on Nov 22, 2011 5:01 PM EST reply actions

Define quality…

"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann

by HansonManCrush on Nov 22, 2011 5:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

There’s always somebody in Minor League signings who’ll end up being productive. Nobody was very excited about Brooks Conrad when we signed him. You can’t expect Minor League free agents to end up being big time contributors, but this is where a lot of the part time/bench guys come from.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Nov 22, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions

Im still not excited about him

You won't always agree with me...Because sometimes you're wrong.

by JonnyBravesFan on Nov 22, 2011 11:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

my initial reaction

meh…. I hope Wilson is not our back-up plan for Pastornicky should he not be ready

DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
When all else fails – beat yourself.
by NCChopper on Sep 12, 2011 9:47 PM EDT

by leedawg on Nov 22, 2011 5:22 PM EST reply actions

My bet is he’s insurance against having another Lugo type player on our team. At least he can field fairly well, even if he’s horrendous with the bat.

http://tarpslides-r-us.blogspot.com/

by MWhitexx on Nov 22, 2011 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

Personally, as an autograph collector I’m excited about the Braves getting Maldonado. I have a 4 player card that has him on it an he’s the only one who hasn’t signed it.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Nov 22, 2011 5:37 PM EST reply actions

WOW....

I’ve been on TC and MLBTR every 15 mins since the season ended. I keep thinking we’re going to sign someone who is half-decent, at least Gonzo. I’m a little disappointed here. Come on Wren! Make something happen! I would like to have something to be thankful aside from the 49ers being 9-1. Come on!!!

by CaliforniaBrave on Nov 22, 2011 5:39 PM EST reply actions

Very few moves ever happen before Thanksgiving. People get so excited about it every year, but really most things happen the second week of December.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Nov 22, 2011 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

Soon.

Arbitration deadlines are tomorrow, so we’ll see some movement in the top free agents fairly soon. Not saying we’re after any one in particular, but everything should be more exciting in general.

-C

It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?

by cthabeerman on Nov 22, 2011 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

I hope so...

I was just thinking how awesome it would be for the 49ers to win the SB and the Braves win the WS.

by CaliforniaBrave on Nov 22, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions

That, sir, would be a dream, that has been in the making, for roughly about 16-20 years of mine

That would literally be the best sports year of my life, regardless of anything else that happened in the sports world.

As you can most likely guess I latched on to the 49ers, as a young kid, in absolute awe while watching Montana, and following mostly Steve Young and Jerry Rice. That experience as a child, was nothing short of a thing of beauty.

Even though, I did latch on to them when they were on top, I still have stuck it out with my 9ers….

I was there for the years AY (after Young lol) to watch Jeff Garcia, Charlie Garner, Bryant Young, and Garrison Hearst, which were pretty good,

AND I was there as a fan to witness/endure/suffer/cry lol, through the not soo good years (AY) of Tim Rattay, Kevan Barlow, Brandon Lloyd, Trent Dilfer, JT O’Sullivan, Shaun Hill, Frank Gore (the only positive in this bunch), and Alex Smith (Pre-Harbaugh). I will say though, it is absolutely incredible the difference a coach can make, with basically the same players as the past couple of season; HARGOD, has turned this team around completely, thank god for a coach who knows how to build a proper gameplan and Fangio for his superior defensive mind! Oh yeah, in regards to Fangio, I suppose having Rogers, Willis, Bowman, Justin and Aldon Smith, McDonald, Soapoaga, and Goldston helps too lol….

And I think it goes without say, the Braves, how the hell could you not love the Braves growing up in the 90’s, even if you were not born in GA. It was definitely one of the best sports decades ever, for such a rootable/fun/dominating team!

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 1:19 AM EST up reply actions

Very nice to see a 9ersfan on here

I’m a GA native, but I do root for my beloved 9ers!!!!!

Congrats, on having great taste in team selection haha

Anyways lets hope the 9ers season does not end anything like the Braves season did. Harbaugh is one hell of a coach though, so he should keep them ready for any future obsticles. Fredi, on the other hand,…..not so much lol

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 12:39 AM EST up reply actions

Drew Sutton was also signed

He has the best chance to make the team out of these guys. Has spent the last 3 years with CIN, CLE and BOS. Switch hitter with career OPS of .724. Can play all 4 IF positions and corner OF.

by bbaker68 on Nov 22, 2011 7:50 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I think both he and Wilson have a shot if either one hits much at all.

http://tarpslides-r-us.blogspot.com/

by MWhitexx on Nov 22, 2011 10:09 PM EST up reply actions

I see it as...

The Braves will sign one more SS in case Pastornicky isn’t ready. Maybe AGon, Ronny Cedeno, Jack Wilson or trade for Brendan Ryan. Then you’ll have two scenarios:

1. Pastornicky wins starting job. Veteran FA signee is utility IF. Sutton, Wilson and Hicks go to AAA.

2. Pastornicky doesn’t win job, goes to AAA for regular playing time. FA signee is the starter, and Sutton, Wilson, Hicks battle for utility spot.

by bbaker68 on Nov 22, 2011 10:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

That is absolutely correct in all probability. If nothing else it mean we wont have Julio Lugo on the team again, a backup SS who can’t field SS is about as valuable as a three dollar bill.

http://tarpslides-r-us.blogspot.com/

by MWhitexx on Nov 22, 2011 10:54 PM EST up reply actions

I've always liked Luis Durango

Good speed, great BB%, I’ve always thought of him as more than a quad-A-er type. Hopefully he’ll perform well in ST and Gwinnett and get a chance to stick as our 4th OFer

Spring Training is the greatest thing that can't end soon enough

by JKowalek on Nov 22, 2011 11:41 PM EST reply actions

I second this...

I’ve always thought he had some pretty good tools, but just maybe needed a change of culture/coaching, and going to the Astros does not count lol……..Anyways, he most likely will stick in AAA, but hopefully he can get a shot with the squad sometime during the season. Like I said, he has a pretty unique skill-set, and could provide to be a very good signing if all goes well, and some things get worked out with his swing.

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 12:43 AM EST up reply actions

Also signed: Adam Russell

A pretty decent reliever, who in my opinion, has a pretty decent shot of rounding out the bullpen.

by DopeFalcons on Nov 23, 2011 12:47 AM EST reply actions

Did he pitch for the Rays??

If so, wasn’t he once thought of pretty highly?? And also, doesn’t he have some pretty nasty stuff??

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 12:51 AM EST up reply actions

Correct.

Played for the Rays and was once part of a package for Jake Peavy. Dude has pretty good relief stats. Wren does an excellent job shopping at the bargain bin.

by DopeFalcons on Nov 23, 2011 1:13 AM EST up reply actions

Yes, but normally his releiver's he signs out of these type of transaction are pitchers...

most people, except CB, have ever heard of before lol

I have actually heard of this guy, regardless he has pretty solid stuff, if my memory serves me correct.

I actually really like this signing….job well done Wren…

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 1:21 AM EST up reply actions

never heard of

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 1:28 AM EST up reply actions

First things first, let me say I have no idea about Ian Goc, who he is, his skillset, nackground story, etc., but....

The first thing I ever read about him was this statement "hitting .279 with a .893 OPS, 31 doubles, 33 homers, and 96 RBI in 587 plate appearances, " followed by “The 25 year old has yet to play above High A.”

Does he have an extreme injury history? Does he strike-out more than that wasted first round pick a couple of years ago….what was his name…..Kody Whiffson..,,?? Was he just blocked by someone ahead of him? What is the deal with this kid anyone know?? (I’m looking at you CB lol)

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 12:50 AM EST reply actions

nackground lol ....(background)

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 12:51 AM EST up reply actions

From the press release (see my post below for link)

Gac, 26, joins the Braves after being named the 2011 Carolina League Player of the Year and also garnering CL Most Valuable Player honors in 2011. While leading High-A Winston Salem in nearly every offensive category last season, he also led the Carolina League in home runs (33), RBIs (96), slugging percentage (.535) and games played (140). Gac, who was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2003 owns a .251 career batting average with 160 home runs over nine minor-league seasons.

.279/.358/.535/.893 for Winston-Salem. 6-3"/245 lbs. Never been above a High-A league. Strikes out a ton, shown as 1B/DH. Sounds like the Adam Dunn of the Carolina League. Cut K-rate to 25% (30%+ before 2010) and increased homers in a non-power-hitters’ league… although I see that the fences are significantly lower in their new ballpark. That’s the best I can say.

"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 Nov 23, 2011 4:32 AM EST up reply actions

He hits it a ton...how come no one else picked up on him?

"Reach down in there...TURN THAT DAMN THING UP!" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Nov 23, 2011 8:03 AM EST up reply actions

I think he missed some time in 2007, but that’s about it for injuries. He was a later round HS guy picked by the Rangers who moved slowly to start his career. He was pretty average as a 23 year old in High A in 2009, in a hitter’s league, so the Rangers cut him. The White Sox signed him and sent him back to Low A in 2010 and he’s done nothing but rake since. I actually got it wrong, he turned 26 in August.

I’ve seen him a few times the last couple years, and he’s a player every guy in the league would ask “Why is he still here?” I’m guessing he won’t succeed much at the higher levels, he struck out in 25% of his at bats last year and has struck out in 29% for his career. His OBP was up to .358 this year, but it’s only .316 for his career. He’s likely to be the AA first baseman, but if some things shake out he could even find himself right back in the Carolina League. He’s not a terribly good first baseman, and I think his absolute ceiling is as a slugging high risk-high reward pinch hitter.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Nov 23, 2011 4:32 AM EST up reply actions

Also, one guy not mentioned here, that was on the list was Jason Rice....what's the skinny on the kid??

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Nov 23, 2011 12:55 AM EST reply actions

Another press release quote.

Rice, 25, joins the Braves after spending the 2011 season with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox where he went 4-5 with a 3.69 ERA over 44 games (one start). In August 2011, Rice was traded to the Oakland Athletics and in September he was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians. He was originally drafted in the 11th round of the 2005 draft by the Chicago White Sox and owns a 26-31 mark with a 3.91 ERA over seven minor-league seasons.

"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 Nov 23, 2011 4:33 AM EST up reply actions

Righty the Red Sox picked up in the Minor League Rule 5 draft a few years ago. He has average stuff as a reliever. He is a high character guy and exactly the kind of person the Braves love in their organization.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Nov 23, 2011 4:33 AM EST up reply actions

So I’m not the only idiot up at this ridiculous hour, eh?

"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 Nov 23, 2011 4:34 AM EST up reply actions

You can always count on this idiot.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Nov 23, 2011 4:42 AM EST up reply actions

Full Press Release on all of the Minor League Signings...

…can be seen at this link. This includes guys like Jose Lugo, who was reported to have signed last week, I believe (and had already been in the organization before).

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves today announced the signing of 14 minor-league free agents. Eleven of the minor league players have been invited to Major League spring training camp as a non-roster invitee.

The list of non-roster players who were signed and received an invite to Major League camp includes right-handed pitchers Adam Russell and Jason Rice, left-handed pitchers Dusty Hughes and Yohan Flande, catchers J.C. Boscan and Jose Yepez, infielders Ernesto Mejia, Drew Sutton and Josh Wilson, and outfielders Luis Durango and Jordan Parraz. In addition, the three players signed to minor league contracts includes left-handed pitcher Jose Lugo, first-baseman Ian Gac, and outfielder Brahiam Maldonado.