Yup. Peter Angelo's is responsible for that.

Thanks for the info re the tv broadcasts. Unfortunately it doesn't make me any happier. I used to get Cubs games on WGN (?). As Vince would say " what the hell is going on here?".

What do you guys think about Cody Ross for Left Field?

My Thoughts:

1. He's a "high-character, good in the clubhouse" guy.  ALways a Braves pre-requisite.

2. If we can get him on a 2-year deal for around 8 or 9 million per year.

3. He's good defensively in left, and is adequate in center.  Of course, move Prado to 3rd base.

---

On another note concerning the Designated Hitter, talk amongst baseball people is that DH salaries will continue to fall.

More and more AL teams will use the DH as a means to give position players a partial day off.  The "Big Papi" types will fade away.

In addition, the AL teams are pushing for the DH to be used in Inter-League play and Post-Season.

 The word amongst NL teams is that they will now consider adopting the DH.

It seems that, given pitcher's salaries, neither league wants their pitchers at the plate or the base paths.  The AJ Burnett "foul-ball off a bunt" in the face was referenced.

Pitchers don't bat in the minors, so even the NL teams have to make an adjustment.

Situational pitching changes, such a "LOOGY's" ( Lefty One Out Guy"), have taken away a lot of the strategy behind the "Double-Switch".

The MLB Radio guys sais that, based on their sources within baseball, the DH may be in both leagues within a few years.

  Personally, I'm sorta torn on the DH......I can see both sides of the argument.

However, if the DH were in place in the NL, Chipper Jones and his bat would  be on the Braves roster this year.

David37 wrote: What do you guys think about Cody Ross for Left Field?

My Thoughts:

1. He's a "high-character, good in the clubhouse" guy.  ALways a Braves pre-requisite.

2. If we can get him on a 2-year deal for around 8 or 9 million per year.

3. He's good defensively in left, and is adequate in center.  Of course, move Prado to 3rd base.

---

On another note concerning the Designated Hitter, talk amongst baseball people is that DH salaries will continue to fall.

More and more AL teams will use the DH as a means to give position players a partial day off.  The "Big Papi" types will fade away.

In addition, the AL teams are pushing for the DH to be used in Inter-League play and Post-Season.

 The word amongst NL teams is that they will now consider adopting the DH.

It seems that, given pitcher's salaries, neither league wants their pitchers at the plate or the base paths.  The AJ Burnett "foul-ball off a bunt" in the face was referenced.

Pitchers don't bat in the minors, so even the NL teams have to make an adjustment.

Situational pitching changes, such a "LOOGY's" ( Lefty One Out Guy"), have taken away a lot of the strategy behind the "Double-Switch".

The MLB Radio guys sais that, based on their sources within baseball, the DH may be in both leagues within a few years.

  Personally, I'm sorta torn on the DH......I can see both sides of the argument.

However, if the DH were in place in the NL, Chipper Jones and his bat would  be on the Braves roster this year.

He turned us down for Boston last year...  I bet he regrets that now...  I even think he said he valued winning...  Good choice...

David37 wrote: What do you guys think about Cody Ross for Left Field?

My Thoughts:

1. He's a "high-character, good in the clubhouse" guy.  ALways a Braves pre-requisite.

2. If we can get him on a 2-year deal for around 8 or 9 million per year.

3. He's good defensively in left, and is adequate in center.  Of course, move Prado to 3rd base.

---

On another note concerning the Designated Hitter, talk amongst baseball people is that DH salaries will continue to fall.

More and more AL teams will use the DH as a means to give position players a partial day off.  The "Big Papi" types will fade away.

In addition, the AL teams are pushing for the DH to be used in Inter-League play and Post-Season.

 The word amongst NL teams is that they will now consider adopting the DH.

It seems that, given pitcher's salaries, neither league wants their pitchers at the plate or the base paths.  The AJ Burnett "foul-ball off a bunt" in the face was referenced.

Pitchers don't bat in the minors, so even the NL teams have to make an adjustment.

Situational pitching changes, such a "LOOGY's" ( Lefty One Out Guy"), have taken away a lot of the strategy behind the "Double-Switch".

The MLB Radio guys sais that, based on their sources within baseball, the DH may be in both leagues within a few years.

  Personally, I'm sorta torn on the DH......I can see both sides of the argument.

However, if the DH were in place in the NL, Chipper Jones and his bat would  be on the Braves roster this year.

I've always hated the DH as a gimmick.  Probably the genesis of the whole steroid debacle. I would like to see consolidation so that everyone is using the same rules, but knowing the AL (and the players) will never drop the DH, so I hope the NL doesn't adopt it.  I will watch baseball with pitchers hitting, I don't need a DH to get me interested.

Post-steroid era baseball is (thankfully) trending away from the big-bopper 3R-homer offense toward a more athletic/traditional approach.  It'd be a shame to not get to see the few pitchers that CAN hit get up there and do it.  Seeing a pitcher come through and drive in a couple runs is awesome.

Fans also can identify with pitchers . . . it reminds people of how difficult hitting is.

. . . . And of course AL teams push for the DH during all interleague and post-season. It's to their advantage to not have their pitchers hitting at all if they can avoid it.

David37 wrote: ^ It wasn't a TWC decision......

MLB made that unfortunate call.

It was part of the deal that allowed the Nationals to re-locate within Baltimore's territory.

I'm fortunate in that I live just inside the Braves territory.  It's just like the good old days for me, except I still miss Skip.   Chip tries his best, but he just doesn't have his dad's flair 

When Skip was "on," there was no one funnier/more entertaining. He and Sutton were great together. Every now and then, though, Bitter Cynical Skip would be on the telecasts and it would be time to reach for the mute button.

It's a shame Don Sutton is Braves Radio Only*, he's still a great listen.

* I still loller at Skip talking about when he got a letter from someone wondering where that person could find a Braves Only Radio so he/she could listen to the "Braves Radio Only" games.

I read over the weekend that David Ross joined the Red Sox. Good luck to him; I enjoyed watching him play.

D.Ross, who'll be 36 in March, goes from making $3.25M over 2 yrs w/  # Braves to making $6.2M over next 2 yrs w/  # RedSox

good for him but damn - he will be missed

I believe in a Constitutional Amendment outlawing the Designated Hitter. The American League is a bunch of ******* for even allowing it. They all should be ashamed of themselves for that offense to the greatest sport there is.

My guess is the Braves are going to end up with someone like Ryan Ludwich or Torii Hunter in LF. And I'd put the odds at 1% of the Braves re-signing Michael Bourn, which I think is a good thing. He's not worth half the money he's going to get from the Nationals, or whomever.

232BectonHall wrote: I read over the weekend that David Ross joined the Red Sox. Good luck to him; I enjoyed watching him play.

David O'Brien ‏ @ ajcbraves

D.Ross, who'll be 36 in March, goes from making $3.25M over 2 yrs w/  # Braves to making $6.2M over next 2 yrs w/  # RedSox

Bah, that one will hurt.  Good for him though I suppose.

We're losing some major character in that clubhouse now. Chipper and Rossy both gone.  Wow.  He was huge for us.

I can't help but think Torii Hunter may be our guy.

302ASullivan wrote:

232BectonHall wrote: I read over the weekend that David Ross joined the Red Sox. Good luck to him; I enjoyed watching him play.

David O'Brien ‏ @ ajcbraves

D.Ross, who'll be 36 in March, goes from making $3.25M over 2 yrs w/  # Braves to making $6.2M over next 2 yrs w/  # RedSox

Bah, that one will hurt.  Good for him though I suppose.

I think Cody Ross would be a nice fit for left field.
Can't blame David for leaving. Doubles his salary at 35-ish. I have a strong feeling that McCann will get a nice pay day from an AL team next year.

In other news breaking tonight...
Buster Olney tweets "The Blue Jays-Marlins trade is done... This is going to be one of the all-timers, with Reyes, Johnson, Bonifacio, Buck, Buehrle...holy crow."

Reports say Yunel Escobar is going to Miami. The Marlins are experts on how to blow up a team.

Braves have there new centerfielder, it BJ Upton.


The 28-year-old Upton is coming off a season in which he batted .246/.298/.454 for the Rays with 28 homers and 31 steals in 37 attempts. For his career, he's batted .255/.336/.422. Upton is also very much a defensive asset in center.

I have to admit I am kind of excited about having Upton on board. 

He was stellar in his Durham Bulls days - he was a short stop but had a frying pan for a glove.

To be honest I expected bigger things from Upton than he has accomplished so far - maybe he finally puts all the tools together and has one of those seasons to remember.

Least they did something this year - they have stood pat to open each of the last 2 seasons.

Motorcat wrote: I have to admit I am kind of excited about having Upton on board. 

He was stellar in his Durham Bulls days - he was a short stop but had a frying pan for a glove.

To be honest I expected bigger things from Upton than he has accomplished so far - maybe he finally puts all the tools together and has one of those seasons to remember.

Least they did something this year - they have stood pat to open each of the last 2 seasons.

where in the line-up do the Braves bat Upton?

^^ Upton hasn't been a consistent impact player just yet. Certainly superstar potential. The coaching staff will have to earn their money to get the best out of him for 162(+) games.

Still, probably a good move for the Braves.  

Aren't they replacing Bourn?  Guessing Upton will bat leadoff.

Where and when does Gattis come into the picture?  We need his bat in the lineup.

Hedjhog wrote: ^ Upton hasn't been a consistent impact player just yet. Certainly superstar potential. The coaching staff will have to earn their money to get the best out of him for 162(+) games.

Still, probably a good move for the Braves.

MLB Network was talking about Upton and other CF this week and agreed that Upton has skills but has not developed. Really is not a top of line-up hitter, or a 3-4-5 hitter. I think he hit 3rd for Rays usually.

defensively outstanding

The thought of BJ Upton hitting 7th is exciting!

_______
Prado
Heyward
Freeman
Uggla
McCann
Upton
Simmons

Just need a leadoff so Upton doesnt have to!

Agreed. The Braves have put together a pretty nice line up defensively, and the middle of the order will be solid. But that missing leadoff hitter looms large.

Hate to lose Ross, too. Really going to miss him in the clubhouse.

wolfer79 wrote:

Hedjhog wrote: ^ Upton hasn't been a consistent impact player just yet. Certainly superstar potential. The coaching staff will have to earn their money to get the best out of him for 162(+) games.

Still, probably a good move for the Braves.

MLB Network was talking about Upton and other CF this week and agreed that Upton has skills but has not developed. Really is not a top of line-up hitter, or a 3-4-5 hitter. I think he hit 3rd for Rays usually.

defensively outstanding

Metrics disagree with that assessment.  His UZR (fangraphs ultimate zone rating) has never been above 7.8 which is only 'above average'.  Michael Bourn's UZR has been much more schizophrenic, but the last 3 years has been 19.4, -6.4, and 22.8 (which places him well above Gold Glove caliber).  Upton may be a little more consistent, but Bourn has the potential make more plays (or screw them up too).

Personally I hate that Upton is the type of player that $15MM will get nowadays and I hate the move to sign him.  The Braves lineup will now be feast or famine with Upton, Uggla, and McCann.  Upton has no plate discipline and is basically Uggla with more steals and less walks.  My one caveat is this, the only ways I will like this move will be if Wren trades for Justin Upton or Wil Myers to play LF.

Looks like Prado or Simmons could be batting leadoff (which will screw up balance down the lineup) or Wren will try to make a move for Span or Revere from Minnesota.  I had much higher hopes for this offseason that will probably not play out, but the current economics of the game/business will keep them from happening.


I'd look for something like this, with the current team, for a lineup:

Simmons
Prado
Heyward
Upton
Freeman
Uggla
McCann
Gattis (just because we don't know who the final piece in LF will be)
Pitcher

I seriously doubt Fredi bats Heyward and Freeman back to back or Uggla and Upton back to back.  That would set up favorably for opposing managers and their bullpens.

I like Upton.  Enjoyed watching him play for the Bulls.

packmanncsu wrote:

wolfer79 wrote:

Hedjhog wrote: ^ Upton hasn't been a consistent impact player just yet. Certainly superstar potential. The coaching staff will have to earn their money to get the best out of him for 162(+) games.

Still, probably a good move for the Braves.

MLB Network was talking about Upton and other CF this week and agreed that Upton has skills but has not developed. Really is not a top of line-up hitter, or a 3-4-5 hitter. I think he hit 3rd for Rays usually.

defensively outstanding

Metrics disagree with that assessment.  His UZR (fangraphs ultimate zone rating) has never been above 7.8 which is only 'above average'.  Michael Bourn's UZR has been much more schizophrenic, but the last 3 years has been 19.4, -6.4, and 22.8 (which places him well above Gold Glove caliber).  Upton may be a little more consistent, but Bourn has the potential make more plays (or screw them up too).

Personally I hate that Upton is the type of player that $15MM will get nowadays and I hate the move to sign him.  The Braves lineup will now be feast or famine with Upton, Uggla, and McCann.  Upton has no plate discipline and is basically Uggla with more steals and less walks.  My one caveat is this, the only ways I will like this move will be if Wren trades for Justin Upton or Wil Myers to play LF.

Looks like Prado or Simmons could be batting leadoff (which will screw up balance down the lineup) or Wren will try to make a move for Span or Revere from Minnesota.  I had much higher hopes for this offseason that will probably play out, but the current economics of the game/business will keep them from happening.

thanks
have not gotten into UZR, but I respect the work that goes into it

Also, if Wren does make a move for Span or Revere, I'd look for Upton to be in LF (but, of course, that's just what I would do).

Having Upton down at 6 or 7 would be better than leadoff. Something of an enigma with the Rays, IIRC. It was a big challenge for Maddon to figure out where to put him depending on how he was going.

Good to see the Braves are looking at/for someone else up top.

5 years 75.3 million for Upton

Helllll yes! BJ Upton is a great pick up!

wolfer79 wrote:

packmanncsu wrote:

wolfer79 wrote:

Hedjhog wrote: ^ Upton hasn't been a consistent impact player just yet. Certainly superstar potential. The coaching staff will have to earn their money to get the best out of him for 162(+) games.

Still, probably a good move for the Braves.

MLB Network was talking about Upton and other CF this week and agreed that Upton has skills but has not developed. Really is not a top of line-up hitter, or a 3-4-5 hitter. I think he hit 3rd for Rays usually.

defensively outstanding

Metrics disagree with that assessment.  His UZR (fangraphs ultimate zone rating) has never been above 7.8 which is only 'above average'.  Michael Bourn's UZR has been much more schizophrenic, but the last 3 years has been 19.4, -6.4, and 22.8 (which places him well above Gold Glove caliber).  Upton may be a little more consistent, but Bourn has the potential make more plays (or screw them up too).

Personally I hate that Upton is the type of player that $15MM will get nowadays and I hate the move to sign him.  The Braves lineup will now be feast or famine with Upton, Uggla, and McCann.  Upton has no plate discipline and is basically Uggla with more steals and less walks.  My one caveat is this, the only ways I will like this move will be if Wren trades for Justin Upton or Wil Myers to play LF.

Looks like Prado or Simmons could be batting leadoff (which will screw up balance down the lineup) or Wren will try to make a move for Span or Revere from Minnesota.  I had much higher hopes for this offseason that will probably play out, but the current economics of the game/business will keep them from happening.

thanks
have not gotten into UZR, but I respect the work that goes into it

I like metrics, but by no means would I consider myself to have a clue about them.  It's just that they are easy to point to for some type of data that everyone is judged the same by.  I haven't been a fan of resigning Bourn, but his higher average (30+ points), his defense, and knowing exactly what he is (leadoff hitter) would be worth more than getting more HR and RBI from Upton. 

Now we get to sit back and see if Bourn actually breaks the bank or if he winds up with a very similar deal.  The good thing about Upton is that he hasn't yet reached his full potential and is 2 years younger than Bourn.  Hopefully the Braves coaches can work with him so he's not swinging at everything from his eyeballs to his ankles.

Must also point out, at least it's not Nick Swisher!

packmanncsu wrote: Must also point out, at least it's not Nick Swisher!

the Braves future LF?

wolfer79 wrote:

packmanncsu wrote: Must also point out, at least it's not Nick Swisher!

the Braves future LF?

I certainly hope not.  I love Pierzynski, but he gets a bad rap because he's hardnosed and is into gamesmanship.  Swisher is right behind Pierzynski and A.Rod in the most hated player debate simply because he's a d-bag.  His wife isn't bad to look at though.

Is the Prado move to 3rd base a done deal or is their a chance the Braves go out and get a new 3rd baseman and leave Prado in left field?

---------------------------------------------
--- dunlow66 wrote:

Is the Prado move to 3rd base a done deal or is their a chance the Braves go out and get a new 3rd baseman and leave Prado in left field?

---------------------------------------------

Martìn to 3rd is still Plan A, IIRC, but (as stated below) not a done deal.

dunlow66 wrote: Is the Prado move to 3rd base a done deal or is their a chance the Braves go out and get a new 3rd baseman and leave Prado in left field?

Not a done deal.  If a new 3B is acquired it will more than likely be via trade.  FA market is thin this year, but Headley from San Diego would almost certainly be a target.  They'd have to target a great offensive 3B because Prado (my current favorite Brave) is good, but doesn't put up the numbers you would expect from a corner OF. 

Keeping Prado in the OF could help cover any ability lost in the Upton/Bourn switch.  Prado, Bourn, and Heyward were the #1 defensive OF this year.

^ I thought they were enamored with the Francisco kid at 3rd

Motorcat wrote: ^ I thought they were enamored with the Francisco kid at 3rd

They like him, but he may need to go on the Melky Cabrera training regimine to unseat Prado (depending on LF of course).

^^ A lot of it depends on if the Braves can get his swing fixed to where he isn't such a liability against LHP.

232BectonHall wrote: ^^ A lot of it depends on if the Braves can get his swing fixed to where he isn't such a liability against LHP.

Agreed, and I suppose that would open the door for Prado to play 3B vs. LHP with someone like Reed Johnson in LF vs. LHP.  I'm of the mindset that just because the Braves have money to spend this offseason they don't need to throw it at players just to say they did something.  If they can't find the right fit or pieces, then go with what you have and see what becomes available as 2013 progesses toward the trade deadline.

ETA:  Spending now doesn't even include extending/locking up arbitration years for Heyward, Freeman, Simmons, Kimbrel, Medlen, Minor, even Prado, etc.. which is something that will have to be looked at very closely in the coming months/years.

I think this is a great pick-up.  This could very well be a HUGE year for BJ.  Remember how good he was in the playoffs the year they lost to Philly? He was an absolute freak out there.  His speed is great, he's hit more and more homers each year.  On the flip side, he does strike out a lot, yes, but I think he'll make up for it with power and speed.  And the defense is solid.

Personally, I'd like to see us get Victorino now.

Cautiously optimistic about the signing. BJ has so much potential it's crazy. Hopefully he cuts down on the strikeouts