Does anyone else not realize how terrible the Braves are ran? Going to be a long time from the glory years of yesteryear.

packmanncsu wrote: 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).

MLB Network was talking about this last night.
Upton playing center for 2-3 years and then moving to left.

I like the Upton signing, but I think we did reach a little $ wise. He's an outstanding outfielder with good pop and speed. I wish someone would go back and review film of him early in his career when he was a ~.280ish hitter, because this kid should be a whole lot better with his skill set. He is very Uggla-like where he gets RED HOT and then can go ice cold.

Will be interesting who they get to bat leadoff... can't really see them slotting Upton there. Although after looking under they hood, he does have roughly the same career OBP that Bourn has and similar wheels. Maybe that is the plan? Might get BJ more focused on getting on base.

I'd be happy with Prado at 3B or LF, but whichever spot he lands we need to power up at the other. I'd prefer 3B and take a swing at a Josh Willingham or a Jason Kubel type. We still could use another RH bat with some power.

My lineup as it stands today:

Upton, CF
Prado, 3B
Freeman, 1B
Uggla, 2B
Heyward, RF
McCann, C
Simmons, SS
Guy who plays LF

Simmons projects long term I think at the 2 spot, but needs a little more seasoning I think before you cement him there. Prado can hit wherever you need him to, the guy can flat out put the ball in play. You could even make a case for him hitting 3rd. I'm expecting Heyward to have his first monster season this year with another solid effort from Freeman. We need to lock those two up for as long as we can.

This is a team that can still contend. Someone needs to step up as the clubhouse leader now that #10 is gone. Will be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out.

For those worried about the signing and the strikeouts.....Bourne was a whiffer as well. I also do not think Upton leads off.

I am torn about the signing for different reasons. First of all, I am glad we didnt spend the money on Bourne. He strikes out entirely too much for a lead off hitter and his 2nd half last year was abysmal. Upton is intriguing and I just hope that he blossoms the way many think he will.

What kills the Braves is their TV package.  They are locked into a deal for 20+ years they for local broadcasts that pays something like 20 mil a year.  The Dodgers just inked a 280 mil a year contract, for example.  The deal was made before teams realized this is how to make serious bank, Braves locked in to a pitiful deal that may cripple their ability to compete financially, not to mention the ownership is not going to take a loss to build a winner.

MattRivNCSU wrote: I like the Upton signing, but I think we did reach a little $ wise. He's an outstanding outfielder with good pop and speed. I wish someone would go back and review film of him early in his career when he was a ~.280ish hitter, because this kid should be a whole lot better with his skill set. He is very Uggla-like where he gets RED HOT and then can go ice cold.

Will be interesting who they get to bat leadoff... can't really see them slotting Upton there. Although after looking under they hood, he does have roughly the same career OBP that Bourn has and similar wheels. Maybe that is the plan? Might get BJ more focused on getting on base.

MLB Network had  a comparison of Upton's stats since his great 2007 season last night
hit above .250 once (2008)
on base percentage for 2012 was under .300
stolen bases 30-40 per season
home runs increasing each season

just does not seem like a lead off hitter

MattRivNCSU wrote: I like the Upton signing, but I think we did reach a little $ wise. He's an outstanding outfielder with good pop and speed. I wish someone would go back and review film of him early in his career when he was a ~.280ish hitter, because this kid should be a whole lot better with his skill set. He is very Uggla-like where he gets RED HOT and then can go ice cold.

Will be interesting who they get to bat leadoff... can't really see them slotting Upton there. Although after looking under they hood, he does have roughly the same career OBP that Bourn has and similar wheels. Maybe that is the plan? Might get BJ more focused on getting on base.

I'd be happy with Prado at 3B or LF, but whichever spot he lands we need to power up at the other. I'd prefer 3B and take a swing at a Josh Willingham or a Jason Kubel type. We still could use another RH bat with some power.

My lineup as it stands today:

Upton, CF
Prado, 3B
Freeman, 1B
Uggla, 2B
Heyward, RF
McCann, C
Simmons, SS
Guy who plays LF

Simmons projects long term I think at the 2 spot, but needs a little more seasoning I think before you cement him there. Prado can hit wherever you need him to, the guy can flat out put the ball in play. You could even make a case for him hitting 3rd. I'm expecting Heyward to have his first monster season this year with another solid effort from Freeman. We need to lock those two up for as long as we can.

This is a team that can still contend. Someone needs to step up as the clubhouse leader now that #10 is gone. Will be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out.

I expect McCann will.  Lots of credentials, and he was the "players' rep" with Chipper's swan song events.  Unfortunately, he tends to get nicked up.  They need a good backup to replace David Ross.

Upton may succeed there, but $15 million a year? He's worth half of that.

crusherl wrote: Upton may succeed there, but $15 million a year? He's worth half of that.

While 15 mil a year may seem like a lot, to say he is worth half that is asinine.

I agree about McCann.  He's a little more outspoken than others and definitely is the lead vet in the clubhouse and has the most tenure.  He and Huddy should do a good job of keeping the guys in check.

We picked up Gerald Laird to play backup to McCann (and probably start till he's back from surgery) and Christian Bethancourt once he's ready.  

Hedjhog wrote:

MattRivNCSU wrote: I like the Upton signing, but I think we did reach a little $ wise. He's an outstanding outfielder with good pop and speed. I wish someone would go back and review film of him early in his career when he was a ~.280ish hitter, because this kid should be a whole lot better with his skill set. He is very Uggla-like where he gets RED HOT and then can go ice cold.

Will be interesting who they get to bat leadoff... can't really see them slotting Upton there. Although after looking under they hood, he does have roughly the same career OBP that Bourn has and similar wheels. Maybe that is the plan? Might get BJ more focused on getting on base.

I'd be happy with Prado at 3B or LF, but whichever spot he lands we need to power up at the other. I'd prefer 3B and take a swing at a Josh Willingham or a Jason Kubel type. We still could use another RH bat with some power.

My lineup as it stands today:

Upton, CF
Prado, 3B
Freeman, 1B
Uggla, 2B
Heyward, RF
McCann, C
Simmons, SS
Guy who plays LF

Simmons projects long term I think at the 2 spot, but needs a little more seasoning I think before you cement him there. Prado can hit wherever you need him to, the guy can flat out put the ball in play. You could even make a case for him hitting 3rd. I'm expecting Heyward to have his first monster season this year with another solid effort from Freeman. We need to lock those two up for as long as we can.

This is a team that can still contend. Someone needs to step up as the clubhouse leader now that #10 is gone. Will be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out.

I expect McCann will.  Lots of credentials, and he was the "players' rep" with Chipper's swan song events.  Unfortunately, he tends to get nicked up.  They need a good backup to replace David Ross.

What would you guys think of picking up Youkilis? He's a free agent.  Hit .235 last year in 122 games, with 19 dingers. Brings a good clubhouse presence.  Winning experience.

Personally, I'd prefer to go with someone else to put in LF (with Prado at third).  Maybe a Victorino or Cody Ross.

Braves reportedly send Tommy Hanson to the Angels for Jordan Walden.

Walden, 25, was an All-Star as the team's closer in 2011, recording 32 saves. Last season, though, he had just one save and had a 3.46 ERA in 45 appearances.

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

Braves reportedly send Tommy Hanson to the Angels for Jordan Walden.

Walden, 25, was an All-Star as the team's closer in 2011, recording 32 saves. Last season, though, he had just one save and had a 3.46 ERA in 45 appearances.

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

Awkward.

wlfpk81 wrote:

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

Braves reportedly send Tommy Hanson to the Angels for Jordan Walden.

Walden, 25, was an All-Star as the team's closer in 2011, recording 32 saves. Last season, though, he had just one save and had a 3.46 ERA in 45 appearances.

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

Awkward.

Does not appear to be a very good trade for the Braves.

I just wish we could get the Braves on cable in the Raleigh area, instead of the Nats. Then I could comment on the players and trades. I hate Time Warner.

Maybe, but when I read that, it tells me Walden wasnt the closer (unless he was from the start and sucked and got yanked from that role early last year)?  ETA:

Here's the 2012 issue, shoulder injury.
Walden was the Angels' primary closer in 2011 but battled a shoulder injury in 2012 and pitched primarily in middle relief. He became expendable after the Angels signed free agent Ryan Madson to a one-year contract this week.

wlfpk81 wrote:

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

Braves reportedly send Tommy Hanson to the Angels for Jordan Walden.

Walden, 25, was an All-Star as the team's closer in 2011, recording 32 saves. Last season, though, he had just one save and had a 3.46 ERA in 45 appearances.

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

Awkward.

I get that this guy is a good bullpen hand... but wasn't that arguable the biggest strength of the team??? I know we could use more righties in there, but WTH?

Looks like purely salary dumping after the Upton contract. Trying to make room for the next signing, but I'm still scratching my head at this one. Are the other guys ready? Gonna be an extremely young rotation.

---------------------------------------------
--- MattRivNCSU wrote:

I get that this guy is a good bullpen hand... but wasn't that arguable the biggest strength of the team??? I know we could use more righties in there, but WTH?

Looks like purely salary dumping after the Upton contract. Trying to make room for the next signing, but I'm still scratching my head at this one. Are the other guys ready? Gonna be an extremely young rotation.

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

Beachy is coming back (I think) and you still have Tehran? And Delgado in the system. Seems we could have used him to assist a better area of need.

I think that deal was made to free up roughly $4 million a year to use on a LF/3B or whatever. Hanson wasn't panning out to be the stud the Braves thought he would be.

The Braves are dumping Salary so they can go after a leadoff hitter. Look for them to go after Victorino now. Put him in left and let Prado play 3rd. I would like to see them at least try to trade for little Upton but the DBack will probably want too much.

fansince1955 wrote: I just wish we could get the Braves on cable in the Raleigh area, instead of the Nats. Then I could comment on the players and trades. I hate Time Warner.

Raleigh market is an Orioles/Nationals market no matter how little sense it makes

Im still kinda meh about the MLB after that "infield fly" bull**** I think we need to steal some bases this year and if Freddie wont do it find someone who will.

Everything I read about Hanson last year was not good in regards to his arm/shoulder.

If memory serves the term used was "regressing" to the point that there were questions about his mid to long term availability as a starting pitcher.

Hanson was done. His mechanics was his downfall and he will never be the same. I dont know much about this Waldon guy but a starter, vet or young, had to go.

ncsuwolfpack13 wrote: The Braves are dumping Salary so they can go after a leadoff hitter. Look for them to go after Victorino now. Put him in left and let Prado play 3rd. I would like to see them at least try to trade for little Upton but the DBack will probably want too much.

From what I've read from Dave O'Brien (AJC Braves writer), Andrelton Simmons was the DBack's target in any Braves trade talk.

Like the trade. Hanson seems* to be on the decline but regardless he was going to cost too much to keep, especially when you have young talent that can supplant him (and cheaper)

Not sure about the trade, because I wanted Hanson to be an ace very badly.  All signs, however, point towards him going the same direction Jurrjens has in a similarly quick manner.  And, he's a ginger.

^ interesting avatar ............who is it - what is from ?

RunningWithThePack wrote:

wlfpk81 wrote:

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

Braves reportedly send Tommy Hanson to the Angels for Jordan Walden.

Walden, 25, was an All-Star as the team's closer in 2011, recording 32 saves. Last season, though, he had just one save and had a 3.46 ERA in 45 appearances.

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

Awkward.

Does not appear to be a very good trade for the Braves.

It's actually a fair swap.  The reason Walden only had 1 save is because he had an injury last year and when he came back he didn't close.  Will be a power arm leading into Kimbrel (note that Moylan was non-tendered today, he wasn't a power arm, but Walden makes him expendable).  Hanson has lost over 3 mph on his fastball over the last 2 years and is spending increasingly more time on the DL.  Both may just need a change of scenery, but when the Braves trade a pitcher like Hanson, you can almost be assured that something is very wrong with that pitcher.

SI.com link going over the deal.

ETA:  Walden also has an additional year of team control over Hanson.  I'm guessing he could close in a pinch without a massive dropoff from Kimbrel too.  4 seam fastball range is 96-99mph.  I like the move even more knowing Kimbrel can get a night off and the Braves not send Durbin or Moylan out there (I do like Moylan, they could bring him back if Durbin gets too expensive.)

After ranting about my displeasure over the Upton deal, I've had a few days to think about it and it's grown on me.  Most of my frustrations are over the economics of MLB and that BJ Upton is now a $13-15MM player (Phillies only offered him 5yrs/$55MM...D'oh!).  If the Braves somehow land Ben Revere (doubtful with Span traded), Justin Upton, Wil Myers, or Chase Headley I'll be ecstatic.  I think they make a push to get the Upton Brothers together, but hope they don't move Simmons to do it.  Give the D'backs whatever they want otherwise.

Man, I hope the Braves dont trade Simmons, we need a steady shortstop for the next few years and Simmons may just develop into a star. The team struggled when he was injured last year. Justin Upton is very intriguing, but not if it cost us Simmons.

Braves re-up Freddie Gonzalez .............

zsports.yahoo.com/news/braves-exercise-fredi-gonza lezs-2014-214931027--mlb.html



Meh, I'm not excited about this at all ................ I was hoping 2013 would be make or break for him.

I'd love to land Justin Upton. I think he'd be a positive influence on BJ's performance. Not sure I'd deal Simmons, but I'd make them tell me no more than once with other packages.

Have you guys heard any realistic options for LF? been looking at mlbtradrumors and they don't have braves in the hunt for any free agents

^ More than likely will come via trade, if anything noteworthy is done. 

Apparently, Ben Revere is still available from the Twins, who I could see the Braves making a run at, because he can play any OF position and would slide into the leadoff role quite nicely. 

Justin Upton is a possibility, albeit a slight one, because the D'Backs want Simmons (who the Braves are not willing to give up), so a 3rd team would need to be brought in (rumors from earlier today were of a 3/4 team deal involving the D'Backs, Rangers, Indians, and possibly the Royals or another team). 

Other than those 2, either Wren will need to work some magic or possibly head into the season with a Reed Johnson/LH LF platoon until everything shakes out and other players become available before the trade deadline.  This is probably the least appealing option, but I'd rather go with it and get someone worth the money or years at a later time (trade) than just throw away money to sign someone right now.

After Napoli ($13MM), Victorino ($13MM), and Pagan ($10MM) received those dollars over the course of 3 or 4 year deals (money listed is the average per season of contract, not actual per season breakdown) the trade market looks fantastic compared to the FA market.

Forgot to mention, Braves will need to re-sign Reed Johnson for that LF platoon idea to pan out.

Could be some interest in Bonifaceo (?), speedy left fielder just acquired by Toronto from Florida.  30 steals in 64 games last year; hit around .260, I think.  Not sure what it would cost to get him, though.

Bonifacio would be a great land for the Braves if they could pull it off. He's matured considerably at the plate over the course of the last few seasons. He also can play the OF and 3B. He also has wheels capable of 60+ steals.

I heard part of interview with Wrenn last night on MLB network.

He said the Braves would like "one more bat" and Upton was signed to break up all the left-handed batters. Braves needed right-handed power hitter and Upton fit their needs.

He would not comment on specific players for "other bat", they tried to get him to talk about younger Upton.

He said he learned not to underestimated Prado and would not get drawn into a discussion if the young shortstop, Simmons, was trade bait for "another bat".

Also, Wren said that they would look for a LF that could leadoff for them.  He was then asked a follow up about Prado and 3B and Wren stated that the plan is for Prado to move to 3B, but his flexibility allows for them move him around if need be.

Unfortunately, the Phillies traded for Ben Revere from the Twins, so my hopes are dashed and he's now a division rival.