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Not bad for a group as small as ours! I’m proud of y’all!!
Thanks kindly, CL!!!! We try! Thanks for the update on Gil as well…
V, as you mentioned before, Carlos Quintin was traded…and the White Sox didn’t get very much back, according to some. Weird. Trading away a guy making 7 Mil? Good grief! Too bad the Braves couldn’t trade for him…perfect guy, right handed, not that expensive…at least for some teams..sigh…
Salary dump for sure… but upon further review, Quentin is a guy who mashes for sure, but is a butcher in the field and can’t stay healthy. I still think that Seth Smith will end up here. That is a deal that makes sense for both teams. It’ll likely cost us a pitcher along with Martin to get Wheeler tossed in, but I think it could happen. It could even expand to a blockbuster Martin and JJ for Smith, Wheeler and who knows who? But if the Braves send both Martin and JJ, that’s a chunk of salary that can be used for something else.
Or nothing could happen. It’s a weird hot stove season. Very cold.
V, I just can’t begin to get excited about Seth Smith. 15 HR’s and 59 RBI’s in 533 ABs? Half of which were in thin air??? Perhaps he batted leadoff or something…Prado, missing 25-30 games with a staff infection, his numbers are 13 HR and 57 RBI’s. Why are we any better off with Seth, who if playing for the braves would likely mean Prado would be gone, meaning our lineup was even more left handed??? And no back up for Chipper. Or 2nd. Or ss.
DOB via MLBTR.
The Braves still have at least some interest in free agent outfielder Cody Ross, according to O’Brien. However, they’d want his asking price — currently in the two-year, $10MM range — to drop. The Rockies and Reds have also been linked to Ross this offseason.
There’s a “decent chance” the Braves wait to obtain a shortstop/utility infielder and see who becomes available in Spring Training. As for rumors linking the Braves to free agent infielder Ryan Theriot, O’Brien suggests the team’s interest was “overstated” and points out that GM Frank Wren will likely look for a strong defensive shortstop.
The Braves will likely start Tyler Pastornicky at short, partly because they’re eager to add his speed to the lineup.
The Braves haven’t started extension talks with Michael Bourn. The Scott Boras client is set to hit free agency after the 2012 season.
There are no indications that Liberty Media intends to sell the Braves soon.
So, the Riot isn’t a good enough defender eh??/? Beggars can be choosers??? Or we want Ronny Cedeño, Alex Gonzalez without power??? Exciting…and he made 1.8 Mil last year, probably not looking for a pay cut…
I don’t know…trying to find something to be positive about, but if the Nats get Prince Fielder….we will be lucky to finish 3rd….
I’ll still bet that Fielder ends up on the west coast; no way Theriot winds up here; SS comes through trade. Gut feelings. Smith only makes sense as a platoon partner… with Diaz probably. Part of moving Prado is moving salary. He’ll make about twice what Smith makes, but the real goal in SD is not Smith, but rather Wheeler. That’s who they really want.
V, you think Fielder to the Giants? Don’t think the Dodgers could just yet…Read the Nats owner is the richest owner in baseball, and is going to make a ton of money off a new Tv contract…
Have I mentioned Seth Smith being cheap isn’t the most exciting baseball news I have ever heard?
I think Fielder to the Mariners.
More Adam Jones chatter, although it sees more like a Baltimore writer dredging up the old news, which was debunked. I see no real news there… except that this writer hints that the Orioles are drooling over Tommy Hanson. Given his funky delivery and injury potential, would you trade him> He’s a tremendous talent, but maybe a ticking time bomb also. Hard to say.
That said, they reportedly want 2 TOP pitching prospects along with a front line starter and Prado. Dream on. Never in my lifetime would that deal happen.
Yeah…good luck with that Orioles! If they wanted Hanson over JJ, I’d go with that. I know JJ has had the injury bug, but he’s been good for more than just a season….and has a more normal motion. Sounded like the Red Sox don’t see him as a #2, too. They are very wrong.
But, the fact that JJ is a borass client (Is Hanson too?) can’t think of him being with the team long term…sigh….
Oh, and forgot about the Mariners…would love to see no team going more than 6 years on him . Pay him $25+ but not for a crazy number of years. That has to stop eventually…
Duh.
Again, duh. I think Rosenthal is slipping. He used to be a great source for breaking news. Now he is just a good source for breaking obvious. Success…
O’s really need a 2B badly. Prado profiles very well for them. I would trade Prado/Minor/throw-in for AdJones. Not Teheran, Delgado, Vizcaino or Beachy, though.
I still think something will get done with the Rockies. They like both JJ and Prado and have 3 good CF prospects. More possibilities there.
Now… watch a deal get done with the O’s overnight.
Hopefully something will happen! Again, when did JJ turn into a 4th starter??? I know, stay healthy one full season…
I know I’ve not been in close contact with who’s who for a while, but that “A Jones” almost made me swallow my gum before realizing that I was in the right church but wrong pew.
OK , let me show a little more of what-I-don’t-know: if Prado is traded, who will replace him in all the positions he plays? If I have a really good tree shading most of my yard, why would I cut it down?
Hi, CL.
Pure salary issue. Martin is slated for a big bump in salary arb. Big bump. So, given his trade value, he’s a trade chip. Plus, his best position is currently occupied by last off-season’s big acquisition, Braves want more than 15 HR’s out of LF, but can’t afford any players that can do that. It’s like going to Longhorn and ordering a hot dog. I don’t like Adam Jones for any big price either. He is trending downward. Do you realize that his stats were comparable to one Jeffery Francoeur last season? He’d still be better than any LF we’ve had in several years, though.
Honestly, I don’t see a match. His salary is no better than Martin’s. If I was a betting man, I’d bet that these rumors are alot more overblown than is reality.
Mr. O’B notes that among the many current and retired Braves present at Kathy Porter’s funeral, Jeff Francoeur was right among them. Nice and classy thing for him to do.
And as much as it pains my fingertips to type this, how nice would it be to get .285 / .329 / .476, 20 HR’s & 87 RBI from a RH bat in LF? Those are Jeffrey’s numbers from last season. He just signed a 2 year extension that will pay him $13.5MM for ’12 and ’13. Not sure the breakdown for ’12, but it’ll likely be about the same $$$ that Martin will get through arb.
J. Francoeur in 2011: .285 / .329 / .476, 20 HR, 87 RBI
Adam Jones in 2011: .280 / .319 / .466, 25 HR, 83 RBI
AdJones is arb eligible for 2 more years before FA in 2014. He made $3.75 last season; likely will double that for 2012. Who knows what in 2013, and gone in 2014. Why again are we clamoring for him?
Seriously… would not Francoeur have been a better fit had he not re-upped with KC?
Rockies’ Seth Smith to Atlanta Braves trade talk cools
http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_19676237?source=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dp-sports-rockies+%28Denver+Post%3A+Sports%3A+Rockies%29
I’ve got a great idea. Let’s take a team that finished 2nd in the division and collapsed horribly to miss the playoffs, and stand pat while every other viable team improves drastically. (Notice I said viable. That discounts the Mets.)
Wow. That excites me. It really makes me want to buy tickets and take my family to a crime ridden neighborhood where there is no good public transit connection.
Brother can you spare a dime? Liberty Media apparently needs every one they earn.
What frustrates me so much is that they could have picked up a middle of the road LF, let Martin go back to utility, and signed a Jack Wilson type to back up SS for a piddly sum. But they won’t… or can’t as the case may be. Now I know what it feels like to live in Kansas City.
And I’m really tired of trying to anticipate what they’ll do, because by all appearances it seems they are doing nothing. It’s now just about the $$$. Nothing else. They have already spent all they’ll spend, so they’ll hang out until spring and try to fill the remaining needs (which are more than they will admit) with Spring Training castoffs from the scrap heap.
Whoop-de-flippin’-do.
I can remember not too long ago when I would get excited about the upcoming season. I honestly could not care less about 2012. I may even cancel my Dish Network subscription. The only reason I have kept it has been to watch the Braves. No longer worth it.
Tuning out…
Days until Spring Training 2012:
WHO CARES?
CL, even Andruw Jones might be an improvement at this point! (He re-signed with the Yankees) 13 HR, 33 RBi, in 190 AB’s . But I think he got 2 Million, some kind of CRAZY money that a team like the Braves couldn’t afford…
V, wait!!! Don’t go! I’ll be all alone here!!!!
You are right about Adam Jones…doesn’t seem any better than Frenchy, and Frenchy has a bit more patience at the plate than Adam??? Yikes…
Ok, playing Devil’s advocate here.. Lets say you trade JJ and Prado to “save” money. Now you can afford Adam Jones. Adam gives you more punch from left field than we had last year. Perhaps at 27 he turns into a 30 100 kind of guy. Ok….still no one to back up Chipper. No one to back up the 22 YO no experience in the Bigs SS. Did Jack Wilson sign with someone??? I guess he can play 3rd when Chipper misses 2-3 games the first half of the season
And one of the main reasons the bullpen wore down was starters who couldn’t go more than 6 (On a good day) and relying on 3 guys when the others got hurt, or couldn’t get the job done.
No DLowe going 5-6 shaky innings. No JJ going 6-7 innings (for at least the first half of the season) Huddy perhaps not ready to go deep into games early on…and a bunch of kids that will likely be on inning restrictions…and who have we added to the bullpen??? Exactly no one??? What if the wear shows up with O’Flaherty, or Venters and they are down for a month or two??? Medlin is going to have the endurance to go out there 80 + games???
Not going anywhere… just have lost steam.
Good!
I do understand the malaise …very odd offseason. What it must feel like to root for teams like the Padres(til this offseason) or Blue Jays. Might even be worse for the Jays fans now, because they were supposed to make a monster deal for Yu Darvish…then they found out they didn’t make an offer close to what the Rangers made. Then they thought they would go hard for a free agent, or Gio Gonzalez…neither happened. Kinda hard to feel good about the fact other teams have had their hoped dashed…
Wonder if the Braves really “need” to cut the budget, but will not say it out loud????
OK… I am tuned out, somewhat, but check out this comment from the intrepid team beat writer. BTW – normally I would not consider grabbing and quoting this much of a guys existing text, but there is alot to digest here:
“By the way, in a separate item, Kenny R. [Rosenthal] reports that Seth Smith talks between Braves and Rockies cooled after teams couldn’t agree on which pitching prospect the Braves would receive along with Smith in exchange for Prado.
If this is the case, if indeed the Braves’ focus with Colorado had indeed shifted from center-field prospect to pitching prospect in package with Smith, then to me that’s an indication Atlanta was and probably still is trying to get center fielder Adam Jones from Baltimore, and would use any pitching prospect it received from Colorado either to replace the one that the Braves might lose in a deal for Jones, or actually use that pitching prospect from the Rockies as part of a package Atlanta would send to Baltimore for Jones because the Braves wouldn’t agree to part with one of their own pitching prospects that the O’s covet.
Of course, that still would leave a gaping hole as backup third baseman if the Braves trade Prado, so I’d have to think they have another deal lined up or are at least very confident they can get a quality backup for Chipper. That is, unless they believe offseason minor-league free agent signee Drew Sutton could fill that role. He played it plenty in the minors and played eight games at third for Boston last season.”
That is indeed an interesting development. Not sure I can tune out just yet. Maybe I at least need to keep one eye open…
Just as I get ticked and head off, there are a coupe of tidbits that are at the very least intriguing, if not downright interesting. Another quote from teh beat writer:
“This from Jon Heyman on Twitter: miguel tejada is training in miami w/ legendary workout guru pete bommarito. looking for comeback. word is, he looks great
I only mention this because a Dominican who follows me on Twitter mentioned Tejada is playing winter ball now in D.R. and that there’s rumor he’s talking with Braves.
I’m trying to find out if anything to it.”
Thinking outside the box. Way outside…
Please Frank… no. Just say no. Go back inside the box.
Keep this in mind… the Rockies just made a minor league deal that acquired them 25 year old Chad Tracy, a 1B/LF who bats righty and knocked 26 HR’s in AAA last season. Perhaps the first domino to fall in the chain? He has never appeared in the majors, though.
–> Spotted that one with my one open eye…
V, just so you know, I was chuckling at your posts and avatars yesterday!
Hopefully, Wren has something up his sleeve…something good I should add…
V, good news!!!!
Alex Cora Likely To Play In 2012
Shhhh! Don’t say that too loud! Frank might be listening!
V. You will NOT go AWOL! Got it??
(Ber, would have to talk to himself and – well, I just leave it there.)
P.S. Ber, I am just giving you a hard time!
Wow. I hadn’t heard about Jeff’s wife. I’m so glad that the players rallied as you reported. I did a quick google but didn’t see that article – so thanks for posting it.
CL, I was confused about Jeff Porter’s wife dying. I was confusing the story with the former Falcon player who’s wife died a month after marriage. So when I heard Frenchy came for a funeral, I stupidly thought it was for the Falcon player.
V, I had to laugh when I saw this story….
Mets To Sign Ronny Cedeno
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [January 6 at 4:22pm CST]
The Mets have agreed to sign free agent shortstop Ronny Cedeno to a one-year deal, tweets Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. The deal is worth $1.2MM and includes many incentives, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Peter E. Greenberg & Associates represents Cedeno, who figures to provide depth behind Ruben Tejada in New York.
Granted, I didn’t really want him since again I couldn’t see the point of a weaker Alex Gonzalez….but as DOB dutifully mentions, the braves INSIST on having STRONG defense in the infield. Really??? If they really cared “they” would have re-signed AGon ( I know, he wanted two years)and given the 22 YO a chance to win or lose it in Spring training…. but as just about every SS has signed now, and the basic badmouthing of The Riot, who is left now?? Say, didn’t we have this discussion a week or two ago?? Sigh….really is hard to get excited about this team, isn’t it??
Uh-oh…V closed the one eye still paying attention!
I see the Rockies are acting all cheap, like they can’t afford Kevin Millwood at 3Mil. How could they afford JJ and Prado then, unless they are being nice, or are they keeping some money aside for a deal with the braves down the road??? Hey, isn’t that almost interesting to think about, anyone still reading???
Still here…
I think the Rox were playing footsie with the Braves over Prado, but not so much over JJ. They need pitching, so the names were naturally linked. But it would seem that their real desire from the Braves is Prado, and I think that Frank has about decided that even though Martin is likely to make between $4-5MM in arb, there is no better LF option at even a slightly higher price that is currently available. I predict Martin to be here in 2012. I do think, however, that Frank will trade JJ in a heartbeat if he can get the coveted SS/3B that thus far has eluded him. Probably won’t happen until well into Spring Training when JJ has proven his health and teams have realized their pitching needs. DOB mentioned a name to remember: Maicer Izturis… veteran backup SS/3B/2B for the Angels. Could be a perfect match for JJ if they also throw in one of their surplus OF and a prospect. Remember it. Write this one down. It makes more sense than alot of things tossed about.
In other words, we won’t deal with the Rox this winter. I can’t see it.
It sure will be interesting to see who comes to ATL after ST. I hope somebody has his ear close the ground in baseball inner circles! I keep hoping that they announce something that will make all of us jump up and down for joy. Or at least smile.
Well, we’ve still got roughly 6 weeks between not and ST. My gut tells me we stand pat into spring. Too many questions surrounding JJ right now. But once he shows he’s healthy… well, then we may not want to let him go!
The truth is, Frank wants to maximize his return on JJ… I get that. Frank wants a good 4 player return with at least 2 bona fide prospects. I get that, too. But he won’t get it while there are questions present.
Maybe he signs a really cheap alternative as a backup IF just in case, or maybe he already has, but I really don’t look for any movement until spring.
Wonderful Q&A with Chipper from Carroll Rogers:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/01/10/bout-time-q-and-a-with-braves-third-baseman-chipper-jones/
V, I like your idea better, about the California Angels(thats what I will always think of them) giving us one of their very fast outfielders…then picking up scrap from teams that don’t want them….
Howdy folks, only been home for a couple of hours and the Braves already sign Wilson and Prado…..
I see a pattern taking place…..
That said, I feel loopy as heck this morning.
Gil!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome back buddy!
We really missed you!
and V, have no idea why I didn’t say so before, but thanks for the article on Chipper! Gives me a little more hope, just like hearing they finally signed Jack Wilson…Was nice of the braves to do nothing til Gil was back here!
I’ve been out of town for a few days on a retreat to Gatlinburg with the College/Career group from my church. It was an awesome weekend…
Glad to see that Frank took care of bringing Jack Wilson back, and even more glad to see that Martin has been take care of for 2012.
But most of all, I am glad to see our old pal Gil back in the ‘hood. It’s been a little cold and dreary without you, my friend. Just so you know, I’ve been praying for you. Great to see you back in the saddle, so to speak.
Braves and EOF have come to terms on a contract for 2012 avoiding arb.
Only 2 arb eligible players are left… JJ and Michael Bourn. Bourn’s situation bears watching. I think it’ll go a long way towards setting the tone for any possibility of signing him past this season.
GIL!!! What a joy to see you back! Hope you feel better every day.
V, my favorite part of Chipper’s interview: “Nobody was dogging it, I made sure of that,”. Chipper is really invaluable to the team in so many ways. I love his honesty and realistic perspective. Was it Bobby who said when leaving, “It’s Chipper’s team now.” I recall the quote but not who made it.
And I’m really glad that Martin was resigned.
Well, Braves TCOB and get JJ and Bourn inked to 1 year deals.
IMO, Bourn will not be re-signed at season’s end, and Boras will take him into FA and get $10MM+ / yr long term. Happy trails.
I also don’t see JJ back next season, but am not so sure we’ll have him this season. I still think he gets dealt in spring after showing his knee is healthy. Frank has to find next season’s CF somewhere…
How about JJ and Bourn for a young, talented leadoff hitting CF under team control for a few more years?
Crazy?
Why not? Bourn won’t be dealt as long as the Braves are contending, and we should be contending for at least the WIld Card well past the trade deadline. And he’ll just walk at season’s end. Hate to get zero return.
I’ll have to examine those possibilities more closely when I have time to scour lineups and rosters.
Good stuff:
Good morning folks, feeling more “normal” everyday now. I’m not sure if that is good or bad but at least the aches and pains differ from pre surgery. Slept all night last night for the first time from since I can remember.
Caught up on all my personal financial stuff yesterday. Today I will try and get back into baseball.
Still deals being made. To early to get into serious speculation. One does have to assume however a right handed bat will be seriously sought after before the end of spring training.
Yep, Gil…
Frank says they are pretty much done, but I still feel they’ll swap JJ during Spring Training if he proves himself healthy.
That said, I believe Martin will be back in full swing, and we’ll have Bourn for a full season. So much hangs on young Mr. Heyward. If he’s back, then we have a stout squad. If he’s a bust, then that hurts us very deeply…
So many players suddenly hurt. Detroit will be looking for a bopper to protect Miguel now that Victor Martinez is hurt.
Fielder sign with anyone yet?
I have no idea of what Frank Wren is thinking other than he likely wishes he had about 20 extra million or so to work with as far as payroll.
Tough making chicken salad out of chicken s***.
Just saying….
Gil IS back!
I have seen so many folks get checked off..Ryan Ludwick signed with the reds. We better not trade Prado, unless a right handed left fielder is in the deal…granted, it doesn’t sound likely now, but usually once someone is mentioned as trade bait, they do eventually trade him…
as for JJ. I just wonder if S.T. was long enough…can’t recall too many S.T. trades lately…but my memory isn’t something something…
Ber, I too, thought Ludwick going to the Reds for little money was an opportunity missed for the Braves. Honestly, one has to wonder if the Braves are not just playing a waiting game of the Philles just getting old and too expensive before getting serious about being contenders.
Every team in the EAST save the Mets are making themselves better. The Braves don’t need a lot but they do still need that bopper in left field.
Glad you had a good night’s sleep, Gil! Your body can really work on healing itself when you do that. Are you eating good? I bet Josie is a fantastic cook! It is SOOOO good to see you back!!
Good food, good sleep… that is a formula for success. Hear that, Gil?
Good food, good sleep….. Uh oh. I’m in big trouble then…. My back is screaming at me this morning, must have been something I didn’t do. Still, no appetite at all, the hospital bed I had to rent is akin to sleeping on a pile of bricks, very hard bricks at that.
Waiting for the pain killers to take effect this AM. Worst 30 minutes of the day one would think.
It’s a tough row to how, Gil. I’m so sorry you are having to deal with all of that. You don’t take the pain pills through the night? A lot of people are sure praying for you and Miss Josie! About the bed – call the people you rented from and tell them you want a different mattress. I did that for Mother’s bed and it made all the difference in the world to her. Is the bed adjustable? Once we got it at JUST the right angle for her, I unplugged it so none of the aides would mess with it.
Almost time for ST!!!
))
Almost time for ST!!!
As a matter of fact, exactly one month away. P’s & C’s report on February 20.
And I don’t think our intrepid ST reporter is gonna be off the DL in time this year. (Memo to self: get press credentials. Or a close facsimile)
How are ya doing, Gil?
Hi folks, whew… okay, no need to complain, I’m pretty sure I am not going to notice any real difference until summer. Still, I am looking forward to being able to ride in the SUV. Still trying to figure out exactly how to get up into the front seat but I’m pretty sure getting out will be a cinch.
Not much on the Braves baseball front, I’m hoping Hudson will be able to make a speedy return if only to give me hope.
Reading between the lines on the Chipper interview. Don’t expect more than about 100 games out of the old man this year. Lots of time in the training room for Chipper this year I predict. Unless you are Latino, you just cannot hid the ravages of time.
Gil, my Mom had a hospital bed at home that also was air filled. Can you get one like that? Being able to adjust the air was HUGE!
Ol Frank doesn’t exactly assuage(blog first) my fears here…Not quite sure how bullpen will be better than last year(except no proctor and the other fire starter) especially if they are used every day because offense isn’t there and young arms not going too deep in games.
Come on JHey, no pressure, but save the season please!
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2012/01/20/more-from-wren-the-gm-on-fredi-the-bullpen-and-the-phillies/
Well, since there is virtually n news to discuss, and likely not to be in the next 4 weeks. I’ll start the week with an opinion:
Frank has expended alot of energy this offseason trying to squeeze a CF prospect out of somebody for JJ and/or Prado. What was he looking at? Adam Jones (past his prime), and prospects (unproven potential prime). For me personally, I’d prefer someone in his prime.
I think the Braves need to extend Michael Bourn. Yes, I know he’s a Boras Client; yes, I know they’ll want a ton. But the guy is one of the premier CF’s defensively and one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. MLBTR speculates that it will take a $50MM commitment over 5 years to get it done. And they are probably right. But with a ton of $$ coming off the books next year, they can do it. Who else are they gonna spend it on?
Look at it this way… what is their biggest need going to be in 2013? Let’s break it down this way: The pitching is set. The infield, save 3B, is set. And if Prado moves to 3B, then it only underscores OF need. If he stays in LF, it underscores the need for a premier defensive CF. The Braves are going to be scrambling for a CF, and trying to fill the leadoff void AGAIN. Frank, you can fill 2 needs with one signing. You got one of the best in the game at both areas of need wearing a tomahawk already. Let’s just keep this one, OK?
$10 million a year for a centerfielder/lead off man. Not really that much more than was committed to McLouth. Just longer. One has to be realistic in being aware of what the market rate is.
One thing for sure, I hate being in the same market for players as Pittsburgh.
V, good point…even if it takes a bit more, 5 years, 60, 65 Mil(shoot, can’t you see Bore asking for 100 Mil just to see if some team is insane?)…otherwise you will have two holes to fill like you said..we have enough trouble filling one hole most years….I think Gil (or you ) mentioned it before, Prado moving to 2nd, Uggla to 3rd. I don’t really recall throws from way behind 2nd, or when he was way behind 1st and runners going to third…does Uggla have a decent arm?? His arm would likely be the reason he could, or couldn’t move to 3rd…Not a worry for another year, unless something blows out on Chipper..and since I mentioned it , now it can’t happen and catch us by surprise!
For a lot of seasons, the Atlanta model was to rely heavily on home grown talent and fill the holes with free agents. Nothing has changed other than how much the Braves are willing to shell out for the free agents.
Still see the Braves needing a good right hand bat. I’m hoping Heyward can return to form (whatever that is) and be a force.
Best help the team can give to the pitching corps is to supply some offense so the arms are not always trying to prevent a mistake pitch.
Cody Ross signed with the Red Sox, one less right handed bat….
Price gets 9 years/$214MM from the Tiggers. Didn’t see that one coming.
Glad he’s not going to the Nats, though.
B, Ross gives you nothing more than Prado. Look at last year’s numbers. Even with Prado hurt and hurting, he had a better year. I’m OK with staying the course and not making a move just for the sake of making a move. Braves are really in the driver’s seat in spring due to their abundance of pitching. That’s when teams will be desperate.
For me, I’d like to see them trade JJ for a LF bopper, return Martin to his super sub role, and extend Bourn after this season. That would bode well for 2012 and beyond. Not gonna get anything for JJ, though, until he proves himself to be healthy.
Uh… make that “Pri<b.nce gets 9 years/$214MM from the Tiggers.”
I give up…
Ha! V, I thought that David Price had been traded to the Tigers and they signed him for 9 years. Never would have guessed the Tigers were in on Prince..Heh, I just typed Price.
Yep, very glad the Nats didn’t get him! Yay, we have a shot at 2nd place now!
V, not saying Cody Ross would be a savior, or even a fit…but going to Boston, he will get about 40 Doubles and drive in about 90. Just being out of San Fran will add 30 points to his B.A.
So many players suddenly hurt. Detroit will be looking for a bopper to protect Miguel now that Victor Martinez is hurt.
Fielder sign with anyone yet? GIM 1/18/11 4PM
I did not think the Tiger had the money to pull it off but then, what do I know?
So, now the question becomes, what to do with Detroit’s leftovers?
All that said, it’s going to be tough pitching in the American League this year.
Here is a pretty cool organizational chart with salaries and 3 year projections:
http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2012/1/25/2731782/atlanta-braves-complete-organizational-chart
Gil, the Tigers have pizza man(Mike Ilitch, owner of Little Caesars) behind them…must be nice to have an owner that really wants to win, and profits be damned. Of course, they will sell more tickets this year, more people will watch, and listen to the Tigers so they may not really “lose” that much money. Plus, I guess you make more moola if you go to the playoffs…
V, thanks for the link! Do you think “key” should be at the top next to Terry McGuirk’s name, and not Wren? Is this Wren’s last year of his contract???
Good news! I see David Ross is only 24, he can replace McCann when he gets too old to catch!
Good morning folks, waiting for all the pain killers to kick in… I did take my first field trip yesterday to go watch Josie bowl. I feel beat up from it this morning. I can tell I am still a long way from being ready for longer trips…
I read DOB interview with Pasternicky. Seem like a good kid, I did not realize he came from the Blue Jays as part of the Escobar deal. Yunell may have some long term value for the Braves yet.
Let’s hope he doesn’t have to steal first base too often to show off his speed.
Terry McGuirk says we still have another $4MM or so to spend. He says alot of other things, too: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/terry-mcguirk-discusses-braves-1317388.html
Gil, I love this part of the Pastor interview:
Q: “Talk a little bit about your plan of going to California to work out with Jack Wilson next month before camp starts. How did that come about?”
A: “At the end of last year when I got called up the last day of the season, I was talking to him, picking his brain, asking him some questions. He’s a great guy who’s had a great career. He mentioned something about coming out there to work out with him. I didn’t know how serious he was, but we stayed in touch and when he signed [with the Braves] he said ‘Come out, you’ve got a job to win.’ I said let’s do it; can’t turn that down. It just goes to show what type of guy he really is…. I’m going out there Feb. 15, then I’ll go straight to spring training from there.”
Man… that speaks volumes on both student and teacher. I love that…
Kid’s gotta have a good nickname, though. Pastor? Pasto? Pasta? Nicky? PNicky? Can’t go with TP… Terry Pendleton is still in the house.
Gil, if he can steal 1st, I say let him!
Did use guys notice the Terry McGuirk story had no place to leave a comment afterwards??? Gee, I wonder why??? I’m sure having no profit running the team doesn’t in some way help the Liberty guy with more money and land then Turner…sigh…
V, he sounds like a good kid! Lets hope he’s ready!
P-Nicky??? Pastrami?
P-Nick, there ya go, you are quite welcome! :p
I want credit for this one…never got the credit I deserved for JHey! I was first I tells ya, I was first!
What I found most interesting about the McGuirk interview was the statement about the TV contracts. Time Warner negotiated 25 year contracts with subsidiaries, then dumped the team. Who negotiates 25 year business deals? There is no doubt in my mind that it was done for TW’s benefit with no regard to the adverse effect it would have on the Atlanta Braves franchise. It is well documented how TW pared millions off the payroll in the early 2000′s in order to begin earning yearly profit from the property. Then they negotiated TV contracts with subsidiaries that favored the subsidiaries but handcuffed the team for 25 years. That part is almost infuriating.
Now, we cannot even dream of reaping the huge benefits that teams such as the Angels, Bosox and Yankees get from their TV mega-deals. Not for many, many more years.
Ticks me off…
I don’t think Ted Turner thought he would be tossed out on his ear either. Would likely have shoveled money back into the organization from somewhere if he had still owned the team. Just no honor among thieves or mergers…..
For sure, it would be a deterrent for any prospective buyer knowing the TV revenue source in a dead end. Not sure how much it is going to be worth in the future.
MLBTR:
Multiple reports out of Japan say Kenshin Kawakami is close to signing a one-year deal with the Chunichi Dragons (passed on by NPB Tracker’s Patrick Newman). Kawakami starred for Chunichi in the first 11 years of his pro career before signing a three-year, $23MM deal with the Braves before the 2009 season. Kawakami posted a 4.32 ERA in 50 games for Atlanta (41 of them starts) and spent all of last season in the minors.
Well… bless his heart…
I love that the Braves sent him down to Minors and KEPT him there! Wonder if it ever changed his attitude?
I wonder if that contract could be broken next time the team is for sale…man, still just such a cold article about ownership , IMHO. Why would baseball want faceless ownership, besides to keep passion out of the picture????
I feel sorry for mets fans..well, their fans that aren’t obnoxious , both of them!
http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7495383/new-york-mets-largest-payroll-dropoff-ever
Camp Roger commences today at Turner Field. To me, it always signals the early start to the upcoming season. It’ll give us a little something to talk about for a couple of weeks up to the beginning of Spring Training, anyway.
Today’s attendees are: Julio Teheran, Brandon Beachy, Randall Delgado, JJ Hoover and old pal Buddy Carlyle who just signed a minor league contract.
Oops… Ieft Cory Gearrin out of that list, and some kid named Jaye Chapman. Never heard of him…
Never heard of him… Something Jaye hopes to change…
Jaye…that’s a weird spelling of Jay!
I feel sorry for mets fans
NEVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me neither. Neither one of them.
Good read about JHey’s offseason: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/jason-heyward-optimistic-about-1325441.html
Thanks for some positive news V! Gives me some hope…
I saw something about the Braves on the MLB channel , how they stood pat (We all know that) but even though I know it, seeing the possible rotation…just got me mad. 1 to 4 is JJ, Hanson, Beachy, and Hudson. Battling for the 5th spot(and we all know you don’t even use a 5th starter the first month, except 1 or 2 times) are Minor, Delgado and Teheran. Yeah, I know, better to have too much than not enough starting pitching..we have that in our very recent past. But, 2 of those guys will have to go to the minors, and it won’t be based on spring training performance. And players do get stunted going back to the minors when they really don’t have anything to prove there…but the bean counters will be tickled to slow down the arb clocks of the pitchers…ok, lost a paragraph, luckily I had just thought I should copy what I had written a few minutes ago, or I would be crying…pt 2 in a sec
It’s just that it’s like having a high performance car , and the only time you get to drive that 450 HP beast…is in rush hour traffic. What is the point??? Right now, the team has an embarrassment of starting pitchers, but really, what good does it do “us”? Sure, it will be nice to have one of the kids fill in if Hudson needs a few extra weeks of rest, or if JJ or Hanson get hurt again…but..we really know the reason we still have all those arms. No money to spend. We could have Hunter Pence and Bourne in the outfield and we would have made the Phillies a lesser team..but, we couldn’t . Could have given up one of the 4 guys, but how would we pay Pence? Or sign him long term? So, the Phillies are stronger, and we are weaker, all because the Billionaire corp that owns the team only cares to have the team because it will be worth more, down the road…I wish we were down the road now….
Anyway, guess I am just a gloomy Gus right now…we could finish 2nd, or 3rd this year , with a great rotation. Thats swell…meanwhile, the Phils will be battling for another shot at the W.S. Braves fans will have a great shot at watching the W.S. on their big screens
To be honest, sometimes you pass a point where you can make a good trade in the off season. Only thing to do then is wait for spring training to begin and see which players pull a hammy or trash an elbow.
From where I see it, the big money is spent, now it’s time for the bargain hunters and teams with real needs to show up. Who knows, maybe the Pastonicky will be the next Derrek Jeter…. HAHAHAHAHAHA.. Okay, maybe not Jeter but every kid has to start sometime and I can remember Fucal getting his chance and what a game changer he was for the Braves. Nobody outside of Richmond even had a clue as to how good he was at the time….
I would not be surprised to see him slide over to third if he can hit for a little more power and Simmons becomes ready for the bigs.
Things have been awful quiet coming out of Camp Roger by the way.
Prediction, Hudson will begin the season on the 15 day DL. Lots of torque is put on your back pitching off the mound. I don’t know how extensive his surgery was but with the noises being made by the Braves and Hudson, sounds to me it was a big deal. Have to read between the lines sometimes.
Ya know… Pastornicky doesn’t have to be Derek Jeter or even Rafael Furcal. But if he can be a Jeff Blauser type, which is not a stretch, he’ll contribute. And the kid has speed. Can’t teach speed.
Braves were smart not to make a deal just for the sake of making a deal. It’s gotta make sense, and it’s gotta help the team. The rival GM’s wanted to rape the team of its youngsters because they felt Frank was over a barrel. Frank kicked the barrel and told ‘em to go pound sand.
Yes, they have an abundance of pitching, but when the 2 Boras clients Jurjjens and Hanson get another couple of years under their respective belts, the chances of the Braves keeping both (or even one) are not favorable. That’s when you have to have Teheran, Delgado, Minor, etc. still in the system.
With the health of JJ’s knee, Hanson’s shoulder and Huddy’s back still somewhat up in the air, you gotta keep all the youngsters anyway. Once the health of those guys is defined, then you can work the market as necessary… whether it be during Spring Training, or after the season starts. I still maintain that JJ will be traded. If past performance is any indicator, he’ll have another strong April and May (assuming the positive reports regarding his knee are accurate) and be traded while his value is high. That is the smart approach. It also gives Frank a little time to define the real needs of his team.
Gotta love that…
V, that sounds like Hanson last year! Except for the shoulder feeling great!
Catchers are wusses today!
http://bb_catchers.tripod.com/catchers/ironmen.htm
Note from our intrepid local beat writer:
Two or three times a week since the beginning of January, Heyward has been working in the batting cage at Turner Field with new hitting coach Greg Walker and assistant hitting coach Scott Fletcher. There has been a third instructor of sorts taking part in many of those sessions: Chipper Jones.
That is great news.
Greater news:
[Tommy] Hanson worked out on the fourth day of the Braves’ early pitching camp at Turner Field. He has no restrictions on his workouts.
With all the comments on Hanson, Hudson and JJ and the uncertainty surrounding their ability to return to form, their is no wonder Frank Wren has been reluctant to trade any of the Braves’ young prospect pitchers.
I also find it somewhat unsettling that Chipper Jones had an MRI done on his knee and did not say anything until the results came back positive.
There is always something going on that we don’t know about isn’t there?
One more thing to think about. BMac is such a vital cog to the Braves offense, you have to wonder why the Braves haven’t at least tried him out in left field. After all, if Manny could play in left, you gotta believe McCann could play a passable left field. A lot of games the Braves are deprived of Brian’s bat, not only because he is out of the line up but because he is worn out in September and October, right when the Braves need him the most.
I am hoping Uggla dose not use the excuse he is a slow starter this season. I don’t think the Braves can afford it this year with all the improvements that have been made in the East.
Gil, I am sure B-Mac could play a better left that Garrett Anderson did!
from MLBTR…
There is a lot of speculation that the Nationals will deal John Lannan to the Angels for Peter Bourjos, with the Halos putting Mike Trout in center field. The Nats beat Lannan in arbitration last week and were said to be aggressively shopping the left-hander.
Bourjos is a true speed merchant…and isn’t making much yet…the braves ought to at least look into getting him if he’s available.
As a Brave’s fan, I have no problem with Lannan going to the west coast. Good riddance to a guy who has had the Braves number. As a National’s fan, aren’t they still looking for a center fielder? Could be what they are looking for in return.
It is sad when you get the message that their is just not but so much money to spend and no more is going to be coming your way. Still, the Braves are not going to draw much better than they are right now. Too many forces against them. Perhaps the two biggest improvements they could make would be a parking deck and extending the Metro to the ballpark and to the other to sports venues in Atlanta as well. Neither will happen in my lifetime. Much like a new ballpark in Richmond.
I guess I feel about the Braves the way I feel about the choices in the Republican field for Prez…really??? This is the best out there???
Of course there is at least hope with the braves that things can improve, that we can get lucky in a few areas…in the political world, things can only get worse….
I got nuthin’…
Braves could move Class-A team to Wilmington, N.C.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/02/07/braves-could-move-class-a-team-to-wilmington-n-c/
Look out, CL!
Good luck on getting the City Fathers to approve the expense of a new ballpark. They are still squabbling over building a new park here in Richmond. The River City miss their opportunity when the turned down the Braves’ offer to build the park for free in lieu of paying property taxes to the city for 25 years.
Sigh, so many folks clamoring for a new ball park, how did that work out for Gwennett? Two of the oldest stadiums in the majors are still packing them in. Those being Fenway and Wriggly.
Note to baseball folks, it is not the ball park that packs them in…..
MLBTR went through its entire chat session today without even the slightest whisper regarding the Braves or any Braves player. Nuthin’. Is that a big deal? Maybe not, but you’d like to think that 2 weeks from Spring Training you’d have a little buzz. But alas, nuthin’. An entire hour with a worldwide audience. Nuthin’.
BRAVES!!!!! ILM!!!!! YEEEEESSSSS!!!
I can hardly believe it. Wrenn, Cox, and Fredi have all been here looking around, meeting with city officials.
City Council just had a unanimous vote FOR bringing them here. Said they estimate the cost to build a 6,000 seat stadium as $35million. That doesn’t sound high enough to me, but that’s what the article said. Since the city has annexed most of the county, I’m trying to think where they might build it. Everything here is crowded now.
At the meeting I just mentioned, the room was packed with people, many wearing Braves gear. A couple carried signs protesting the use of tax dollars to build the stadium. The Braves co-own the “High A” team with somebody else and the two of them have signed their mutual agreements to bring the team here.
Kelly is just jumping with happy anticipation! Somehow we’ll find a way to pay for tickets. I don’t have Gil’s “eye” when watching players, but I can at least tell you what’s going on.
Almost congratulation are in order CL. I say that because until the final vote is taken, no telling what obstacles will pop up.
And I am not so sure of my “eye” anymore either… Dope will do that to you ya know.
For some reason, I keep thinking I should be well…. My physical therapist keeps telling me it will be at least a year. I don’t want to wait a year!!!!!
Congrats CL!!!!
I bet tickets won’t be too bad, pricewise….
10 days to P&C’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not that I’m countin’….
Not much news coming out of camp Roger.
Gil, being impatient has it’s good points too! As long as you don’t go overboard, and suffer setbacks, I bet you will be a lot better in less than a year!
Here’s some good news:
I will be able to tell if Hanson has fixed his problem simply by watching his head during his delivery.
It’s funny how some fans will rail against some players for bad habits they have picked up and they are still kids. It is why “seasoning” in the minors is not a bad thing. How much better would Fancouer have been if the Braves could have left him in AAA a few years to work out his “pull” issues?
Does anyone still really think Furcal was only 19 when he broke into the majors. It is amazing what a couple of extra years of learning will do for your game.
Prediction…. Pasternicky will slide over to play 3rd base if Simmons is all he is purported to be by 2014. By that time, the Braves will have acquired a left fielder who can hit. Not all that unlikely at the expense of trading McCann for a handful of prospects who can play the outfield.
Braves Minor League + ILM update: (originally sent to Gil in email, just my perspective right now. Got my fingers crossed!)
As for the Braves coming to ILM, I don’t know if that will go through or not. The City had some meetings with the County Commissioners to see if there was interest in making it a joint venture, and that ended early with the CIty guys insulting the County guys who then walked out. The City guys are trying to make a deal with a “developer” and other underhanded things going on in the background. When they met with the County people, it was more or less a “this is what we want you to do” situation.
Also, the stupid city council wants the stadium built downtown. NOBODY goes downtown after dark unless they are going to one of the many bars. Then, when all the bars close, there are drunken brawls, people throwing up, urinating, etc etc etc so that extra police are required every night. That’s the mid- and southern end of town. The other end is public housing (you get the picture) drug haunts, etc. Just the sort of place to put a fancy new family-friendly stadium, right?? It will require additional law enforcement. So many things.
As well as in the city are the majority of those who pay no taxes. To have any chance of success, it will have to be built in the county – and there are some nice locations available but the price of open land is in the stratosphere! I don’t know how they are going to pay for it because nobody wants taxes raised to pay for it.
I’d so dearly love to be able to see them on a regular basis, but – I just don’t know if they can work it all out or not. I would suggest floating a bond. That would seem feasible at this point. I read in the paper today that with the “rent” that Mandalay (Braves’ partner) would pay, over the 20 year lease, that rent would return 12% of the original cost. Huh??
Let’s see. I’ll come and grace you with my presence if you’ll build a huge mansion to my specification, and in return, I’ll pay a token rent every year for 20 years. Over the 20 years, you will get 12% of your cost back. Deal? Oh, and you have to build my mansion in a location that I approve.
Ah ha, sharing our super secret double probation e-mails again I see…
Boy, I sure will be glad when I can walk again, dragging that dang walker around is making me feel old…. I have been taking a few baby steps with my cane but feel pretty unsure about it. Kind of like facing a rookie with a 97mph fastball but no control… but different. My real problem is once I go down, I am not sure as to how to get back up….
Well, it my mom’s birthday today. Happy birthday mom…
Sorry about that, Chief! I decided that I wanted to say about the same thing but didn’t want to rewrite it – so
uh – what is a probation email?
Wow, be careful, my friend! Better a walker for now than back to square one or thereabouts from using a cane too early. I’m so uncertain about my own balance now, the thought of using Mother’s walker has crossed my mind. Sure wish the docs could decide on something.
Is it time to play ball yet??
Baseball Prospectus has listed its top 101 prospects in MLB. The Braves have 3 in that group that should come as no surprise to anyone: Julio Teheran at no. 5, Randall Delgado at no. 41 and Arodys Vizcaino at no. 62.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=16020
Arodys has spent the last season or so in the ‘pen, and he’ll be in ATL’s ‘pen this season. He’s a stud… would be some team’s 7th, 8th, or 9th inning guy, that is if he wasn’t in their rotation as at least a #3 starter. But on the Braves, he’s likely #8 in line to the rotation, and we have these 3 guys named O’Flaherty, Venters and Kimbrell. Maybe you’ve heard of them?
I think this could be the year we trade one, though. We’ve stockpiled them under the auspices (FOB?) that you can never have too much pitching. Well, I’ll dispute that statement. You cannot have 8 starters. Holding everyone back looking for injuries is fatalistic. You cannot have 4 late inning stoppers. Bullpen arms need roles. It’s been proven over and over. And you cannot win games 0-0. Ask the Braves last season in late September how necessary a timely hit is.
I don’t believe there is any way the Braves re-sign Bourn, and their pursuit of the one of the Rockies CF prospects, and their flirtation with Baltimore over Adam Jones is proof positive that they don’t believe it either.
Candidates for trade:
Julio: No way. Period.
Delgado: Maybe. Probably our most valuable trade chip.
Viz: In my opinion, there is no way Frank trades him. He’ll be right behind Julio in the rotation one day.
Medlen: I think he’ll be traded. He’s so valuable to the Braves, but would be even more valuable to pitching starved teams. He’ll bring a nice return.
Surprise name… EOF: I think it could happen. LHRP’s with great stuff are extremely valuable trade chips. He could be a final piece in a big deal to make it happen.
Just my opinion. Your mileage may vary…
… oh, and JJ is an obvious candidate. I just figured that was a given…
Happy Valentine’s Day CL and Kelly, hugs and kisses… to you guys Raisins and Ber.. well, you know… a firm handshake maybe…
Yep, sure seems as Kris Medlin is not getting much love out of the Braves or anyone else right now. Guess he will have to really impress folks during spring training. My personal thoughts are that he is already a number 3 guy. I guess if you can’t throw 98 mph you are not worth the ink for the AJC or anyone else for that matter. For sure, I would ask for a ton back for him in a trade.
Medlen, Minor and Beachy might be three of the most underrated pitchers on any staff but I could build a heck of a team around them. Not sure about Gil Martin yet but we’ll see.
CL, if I told you it would no longer be super secret…
The thing I love about each new season is there is always some kid who seemingly comes out of no where and becomes a superstar. Then everyone clamorous to give away the farm to get him for their team.
Only thing you can do is hope you have enough gas in the tank to make it through the entire 162 game season. The Braves went from one of the sure things to a bust in one month, Just like the 2010 Padres. Let’s hope history is not repeated in 2012 as far as the Braves are concerned.
“Happy Valentine’s Day CL and Kelly, hugs and kisses…” Thank you!!! And the same back to you and Miss Josie!
“to you guys Raisins and Ber.. well, you know… a firm handshake maybe…”
Nice analysis of the pitching, V. “Your mileage may vary…”
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20094533
Did you all know that JJ might be a potential trade chip?
:roll:
http://danny-knobler.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8590096/34836084
V, I agree…sounds crazy, especially where the braves starters were a few years ago(and remember, Hanson is really the first home grown starter of any worth the braves had produced in what, a decade?) but in a way they were too successful, in developing pitching in the last few years! I think a few guys developed faster than anything thought they would…and I kid, its a good thing to have “too many” quality arms.
Gil’s right, Medlin would be a 3 on many teams, and instead he’s going to be…what, our long guy? Or the guy who fills in for one of the big 3 relievers on a night they need off? Don’t know that’s getting the most out of his ability…
But, as constructed, this is not a team that can really hope to beat the Phils, unless Halliday and Hamels run into each other shagging flies and miss half the season (and it is possible that one of their big arms can get hurt this season, though I sure wouldn’t want it to happen)
And the Marlins or Nats might beat us in 2013 if there isn’t some improvement in the offense. Chipper retiring and Bourne leaving won’t make us better….
The tell tale heart, or in JJ’s case, the tell tale radar gun. Yes, everyon can tell us how healthy Jair’s knee is but the real give away will be the speeds he puts up on the scoreboard. If the knee is still giving him trouble, look for the mid to high 80s, if well, look for the low to mid 90s. JJ is a pitcher who needs that extra few MPH to get his breaking stuff to move properly.
And on Hudson… Anytime you have back surgery it’s a crap shoot from what I have read. Does not make any difference if it is a major reconstruction like I had or a single bulging disc. You cannot predict as to how a body will react. Some people never get rid of the pain and one or two never have anymore problems. Again, spring training will reveal a lot.
For sure, the Braves will not get back a pitcher nearly as good as they will give up for the kind of money they have to spend.
2 days.
AJ Burnett is taking his talents to Pittsburgh from New York. Going from the AL East to the NL Central is a great break for Burnett. He should be on his knees thanking the Great Commissioner in the sky for that one…
Morning folks, it will be 82 degrees in Orlando today, Dang, wish I was there….
The weather folks are calling for snow here on Sunday, just as I predicted to my wife over 2 months ago. Actually, I will be off by about 6 hours but still, pretty good predictions. Based it on the time we normally get snow here because Josie loves snow and it would usually snow here while we were on vacation in Florida or the Caribbean.
Hey, you have got to have a gimmick…
Talked on the phone with my youngest son last night and he was at the park with his family and a balmy 71 degrees in Sarasota. The Orioles have completely renovated the ballpark there which was formally used by the Reds.
I think the Braves play a game there in late March. Lots of good tickets to be had I would expect.
Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow…. YEA!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pitchers
and
catchers
report
!
And the area golf courses were immediately besieged by pitchers with lots of free time on their hands
Lots of great pics being shared by the Braves’ beat writer. I recommend checking out his twitter. The link is here: http://twitter.com/#!/ajcbraves/ajcbraves
Yep, nice to see the guys showing up early.
I guess Shea is going to be the one of Chipper’s boys who will go into the family business.
Heyward looks chiseled…
“Hudson only named one young pitcher by name, and it wasn’t one of the top prospects. He nodded across the clubhouse to Kris Medlen and said the versatile starter-reliever was as good as anyone the Braves had.” From the AJC article by DOB. See, I’m not the only one who sees how good Medlen is.
By the way, I did not have my surgery via the abdominal route but laid open my back like a gutted mackerel. Good news, I walked about 15 steps today unaided. A gold star for me for sure…. .
G’morning, Gil.
How’s the snow up there?
White…very, very white… Changed over to a coating of freezing rain at some point after mid-night and left the trees heavy. Now just waiting for the sun to warm things up and melt the ice off the ski ramp outside my backdoor.
Lots of comments across the street on Chipper’s less than chiseled form. If it were pro wrestling I might be worried but remembering the line by Madden, “you can’t pull fat” and knowing this is baseball, I am not too worried. Looks to be in better shape than most 40 year olds and knowing it is really more about timing than brute strength in baseball, I’ll just let that slide….
Chipper has been hitting and getting ready to be productive at the plate. He can look like Terry Forster for all I care as long as he drives in 85+ runs.
Terry Forster, for those who have forgotten, described himself on David Letterman as a “fat tub of goo”.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51u0QOx0L%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
By the way, Chipper’s best production of 2012 may be the time he spent with Jason Heyward. If JHey reaches his awesome potential in year 3, I give Chipper a lion’s share of the credit for it.
Somehow this just makes my workday a little bit better…
http://twitpic.com/8mfwu4
Uhm…I’m more than a bit out of touch with the happenings in these parts. So…will just cut to the chase! How’s everybody doing?
Yo Salty, How you be?
I’m currently on the 60 day DL so I had to turn down my invite to spring training this hear. Basically had the same surgery as Tim Hudson but different. I am learning how to walk again. Other than that, I am peachy keen…
Salt-dude! Wassup! Hope you are doing better than Tommy Hanson…
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/02/20/braves-hanson-bangs-head-in-one-car-accident/
Gil, congrats on the unaided steps!!!!!
Salt man, nice to see you stop by..in case you didn’t know…we are open 24/7!
And yes it’s nice to see those photos of spring training! Wish I had looked yesterday….brrr! I was out without my jacket…went to church in shortsleeves…when I got home late afternoon I found it was 46….and with that windchill I think I was really stoopid!
You know, I like reading DOB’s blog leads, because he brings so much inside info that you can’t get anywhere else (like his new one on Martin. I love Martin. I hope he’s a Brave forever… even without a regular position.) Anyway, every now and then I’ll peek down at the comments. I believe they comments are getting stupider and stupider. And just plain mean. It’s as if some of those folks just ooze vitriol. I am thankful for a peaceful and friendly neighborhood.
Raisins, many of those folks are the same ones who think Jerry Springer should win a Pulitzer….
That nasty and combative style of reporting might gain you 15 minutes of fame but rarely allows you to have a long standing career.
To tell the truth, I’d rather not know a lot of other people’s dirty secrets, besides, I have enough of my own to last a lifetime.
All that said, it was a good piece on Marteen and Huddy.
Manny signing with the A’s. Perfect marriage if you ask me. Oakland really has little to lose and everything to gain. It’s not like Oakland is in any real position to challenge the Angels or the Rangers this season anyway.
Ber, I would love to say taking those few unaided steps felt good but only in the sense of accomplishment, pretty torturous otherwise.
My PT is sending me out with homework for the days I don’t see her and gave them to Josie to make sure they get done. It’s like knowing you are going to get a whipping, just dread thinking about it…. Makes me want to go out a kick a surgeon right square in the butt, if only I could raise one leg that high, and not fall on my butt in the process…
DOB reports that Uggla has reported with even more muscle than last year. Dadgum…
“2B Dan Uggla, who already had Popeye arms, has even larger guns now after adding about 20 lbs through heavier lifting.”
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs6/i/2005/017/7/e/Popeye_by_yidi.gif
Reading this blog is such a wonderful treat! I can learn everything I need to know about the Braves right here and be able to smile while doing it! Thanks to all of you for that! *big hugs*
Salty!! Great to see you here, my friend!! As somebody said above, we’re open 24/7/365 – and the door is always open to you. Hope you and all of your clan are well. How’s your soldier-son? I think of him often and keep him and all of our military in prayer.
Gil, congrats on making progress! It’s really hard but I know you can do it! Think of where you can be next year at this time!
Gil, congrats on making progress! It’s really hard but I know you can do it! Think of where you can be next year at this time!
CL. I will be at spring training next year even if I have to buy a motorized wheelchair to drive down I-95… I did my exercises and then konked out in my recliner for an hour. Not sure if that is the proper cool down but it works for me..
Latest weather report.. As you know, I got about 4 inches of the white stuff last weekend, the weather gurus now say it will be in the mid 70s by thursdays, then another chance of snow next wednesday. That is the thing about the weather here in Virginia. If you don’t like it, just wait a day or two.
Good morning folks, wish I had some profound insight I could pass along this morning about the Braves but at the moment I am still having trouble passing my water. Oh well….
Looks like most of the guys are in camp and ready to go. Not much DOB or Mark Bowman can really report on other than what the players did during the off season and who has lost or gained weight, muscle etc…. I guess we will soon get reports on the sound the ball makes coming off the bat of player A or B or maybe even player H.
Sigh, I only wish I were there, soaking it all in while being bored watching a bunch of grown men stretch and run around in the outfield……
Gil, hope you and CL are gettin’ some of this nice warm weather! Sit out in back, put the sunscreen on, and imagine you are there! Only less traffic issues to deal with!
Weird to go to MLBTR and never see any news on the braves…Roy Oswalt may sit out til midseason…I really dislike him…one of the rarest of the rare, a major league player, making a ton of money, and at 34, he’s talked about retiring for years. This year the precious little darling only wanted to play for teams that didn’t have room for him in their rotation. He would have forced Matt Harrison (14-9 3.39 ERA last year) to go to the bullpen so he could play for the Rangers. If I were him, I couldn’t do something like that to a 25 year old…157–91, 3.21 career ERA. in the olden days, a player with numbers like him would hope to put some more good years together, and hope to perhaps get into HOF talk…heck, they would play for free, just to play this great game for the few years they could…but I guess he would rather hunt and fish 24-7(something he could do the 40-50 years after he retires) and of course, spend time with the kids….
On the other hand, Oswalt does have a bad back. Perhaps he is ready to try a less stressful occupation like TV broadcaster.
A little more info on Hanson’s crash in the AJC. Appears he may have dodged a very big bullet.