Klaw Chat -- Braves Notes

Eric (CT)
Given that the Braves drafts recently have been really bad, and the Latin Trio will no longer be eligible for prospects lists next year, is this the last of the Braves being in the top half of organizational rankings for a while? Thanks!
Klaw (1:17 PM)
That's probably fair. I'm glad someone else has noticed that their drafts have been really poor of late.

Mark (Omaha)
What is the ceiling for Andrelton Simmons?
Klaw (1:26 PM)
There's really not much bat there at all. He doesn't walk, doesn't hit for power, so he's a plus-plus fielder with minimal offense. That might actually be a starter right now, but not a great one.

Considering what we know about our payroll and our CEO's insistence of building from within, we need to start putting more money into draft/international signings.

4 months ago Resentment 10 comments 0 recs |

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I thought the new CBA rules prohibit teams

from just throwing gobs of money at the draft/IFA and restricted making up any MLB budget gaps that way.

http://sportsandgrits.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Jan 26, 2012 4:52 PM EST reply actions

This is correct, and fortunately the Braves are already accustomed to drafting in this manner. I don’t believe the drafts have been awful though. They have targeted some guys who are expected to move through quick, but have seemingly missed on a few others. The position player problem is evident though, and I would have loved to seen it addressed through trades this winter.

Follow @Ben_Duronio

by BenDuronio on Jan 28, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions

This is why I’d rather have seen trades for prospects then position players, maybe next winter.

by Broccoman on Feb 1, 2012 8:37 AM EST up reply actions

I think that is correct

so basically, were double screwed.

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

by MWhitexx on Jan 26, 2012 10:35 PM EST reply actions

Not to stray off the issue

But I want to value batting average more than Klaw. Every hitter in the lineup doesn’t need to be the same. If Simmons can bat around .300 and steal 20+ bases then he is valuable in the lineup—even if his OBP is only .330. To be honest, that would have been leading off for the Braves for the last few years as an improvement of what we’ve had most of the time. If he had gold glove defense by scouts and sabermatricians, he would be an elite SS that’s economically undervalued – perfect.

The question is whether he can keep his batting average consistently high. Without the power threat, will major league pitchers tear through him? He still has a lot to prove, but when batting 21 points higher than anyone else in your league, your contact and average skills can’t be assumed faulty. He simply hasn’t been tested. It may be unlikely for him to sustain a .290 average for multiple years in the majors, but I haven’t heard where he’s shown a lack of ability. He is extremely quick, with a fast bat speed and strong arm, it’s hard to say he doesn’t have the raw tools.

by willlinn on Jan 27, 2012 7:51 PM EST reply actions

Simmons stole 26 bases, but was caught 14 times. That’s worrisome at that level. His bat hit as well as Pastornicky’s did but was at lower levels, which is worrisome.

His defense should be legit, but I’d be awfully surprised to see him be a .300 hitter in the majors. I like that a lot of scouts value him highly, but I’m skeptical just like Law that the bat ever ends up playing.

Follow @Ben_Duronio

by BenDuronio on Jan 28, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

simmons

Is it possible that summons puts on another 15-20lb without becoming too big for shortstop. Also he’s supposed to have quick wrists and a good feel for hitting which bodes well for his future. I remember reading that if he posts a .280/.330/.350 line with +5 run defense than he is a 3-4good WAR player. I personally think he could hit much better than that and could develop a solid slg% and become more patient. He did hit a lot of doubles this year

Mike Scott was what Willis was talking about.

by JHey1212 on Jan 29, 2012 3:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions

ignore the good

I meant to delete it but its hard to see what i’ve written on this phone

Mike Scott was what Willis was talking about.

by JHey1212 on Jan 29, 2012 3:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I don’t know about 4 WAR, but that’s good for 3 probably. I think he can become a .100 ISO, .400 SLG kind of hitter; he has line drive ability, as his 35 2B last year shows, and with a bit more development he can turn at least a few of those into HRs.

by swainzy on Jan 29, 2012 7:01 PM EST up reply actions