AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > January > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCatching up with DOB
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Welcome back to the Braves blog. Nothing happened since we shut things down, because the Braves also shut ‘er down a while. Vacations and such.
Won’t say I told you so, but the Braves were never going to blow the budget for a Zito or Nomar or Millwood (at $50 mill for five years, they’d have been insane to get involved in that) or trade for Manny or Tejada or Sammy Sosa or anyone else with a bloated price tag, despite the wild rumors and speculation. They even got outbid for Jeff Conine by the Orioles, which tells you how tight things really are in the Braves’ payroll, or rather how careful they’re being with every dollar.
And sorry to disappoint, but the team wasn’t going to be sold quickly to Arthur Blank and the payroll raised to $120 mill for 2006. Christmas came and went without any of those gifts left behind.
One other thing while I’m thinking about it: Braves weren’t close to trading Ryan Langerhans to Cleveland, despite a published report by a New England newspaper that speculated it would allow Coco Crisp to then be dealt to the Red Sox. The Braves were interested in Indians reliever David Riske (still might be), but weren’t anywhere near completing a Langerhans trade when that report came out before Christmas.
For those who may be wondering what’s up with the sale of the team, I’m not going to lie and tell you I know. I don’t. I’ve said all along I’m not convinced they’ll even be sold, but if they aren’t I think it’ll move at a glacial pace, like everything else does involving the sale of baseball teams. And it’s outside my realm in most respects, since we have sports-biz reporters making those calls every day.
(I think we have a savvy enough crowd here to make the following unnecessary, but I’ll say it just in case: The Braves are not, under any circumstances, regardless of who buys the team, going to move. Period. Just felt I should say that after reading some of the baseless concerns expressed by some in other AJC blogs after the sale story broke.)
On to other pertinent matters: Braves haven’t done anything significant since trading for Edgar Renteria, unless trading for Matt Diaz qualifies. And actually Diaz could become significant, since he’s raked against lefties in minors and even in brief time in majors, and he’s got power. He’ll get a chance to platoon in left field, either with Langerhans or Kelly Johnson. But someone could get traded before now and opening day from that group as the Braves try to fill the closer role.
Braves have also expressed interest in Detroit OF Craig Monroe, who’d be a solid pickup — right-handed hitter, batted .277 with 20 homers and 89 RBIs last season, when he made only $400,000. He’s arbitration eligible and Tigers are trying to use him to land someone big in trade market, so Braves might have to wait to see if he remains available. Should be noted — he hit .303 with seven homers and .360 OBP in 122 ABs vs. lefties last year and could be perfect platoon guy if Braves wanted to use him that way. But I think a Monroe deal has become less than likely for the Braves.
What else? Oh, the closer. Right now it’d probably be Reitsma, but right now the Braves don’t have to make that call to the bullpen. Still three months until they have to do that, at least in a game that counts.
By then, I still think they could have someone else to handle the closer job and Reitsma will be in charge of the eighth inning, where he’s been very effective when he’s not overused. If I had to guess right now, I’d still say Braves will land Danys Baez from Tampa Bay to close. I know Mets and others are also in running for him, and something could happen soon. But I just get the impression that the Braves know how much they need a closer and won’t be outbid for him as they’ve been for so many other closers — free agents and trade targets — this winter.
With the way the D-Rays overvalue their guys and hold out for the top price, a Baez deal also might not happen until spring training. Until Baez is in another uniform, I just think there’s a good shot he’ll end up a Brave by opening day — and if not then, perhaps later in the summer. And if he doesn’t, I’ll just edit these two paragraphs out and those who respond by calling me an idiot will look foolish later when people read your response and there’s nothing in this post that warranted said response (just kidding).
Braves still have money to spend — my educated guess is about $6 mill — but Schuerholz might decide to use it later when Braves could target a couple of high-priced guys at trade deadline and be able to afford them for stretch run. Of course, they’d only do that if they looked at the team they have during spring training and decided it would be good enough to stay in the NL East race until the trade deadline. Otherwise, gotta make the move this spring.
As for leadoff, please stop with the Corey Patterson talk (I’m getting e-mails). Folks, if the Braves are targeting Patterson and counting on him to be their leadoff man, the Braves are in far worse shape than any of us imagined. Not that they might not be able to use him in some capacity (Bobby has turned around bigger busts than him … hasn’t he? Wait — Patterson is a pretty huge bust, let me check on that….) but no way would they be counting on a 26-year-old outfielder with a .252 average and .292 OBP in 589 career games to step in and lead off for the 14-time division champions. No way.
(In case anyone forgot, Patterson bottomed out last year when he batted .215 with 118 strikeouts in 126 games for the Cubsters and was demoted to the minors at one point.)
Hopefully, Patterson will be dealt somewhere soon and locals who long for locals coming home to the Braves and flourishing will be able to get some rest.
Where do I see the Braves finishing in 2006? Glad you asked. I’ll go out on a limb and say they’ll win the NL East again. Mets have a loaded lineup and closer Billy Wagner, but still don’t have the starting pitching to knock them off, and Phillies are better but still have too many concerns.
But unless they have John Smoltz and Tim Hudson both healthy and pitching at top form when the playoffs start, and unless Andruw Jones has another monster year and Marcus Giles (if he’s the guy) succeeds in the leadoff spot and — important — Chipper Jones stays healthy up to and through the playoffs, they won’t get past the first round again. That’s not pessimism or optimism, that’s reality. No one does it better over 162 than Bobby and his lads, but that mentality alone doesn’t win it for you in the playoffs; pitching and hitting, and to some extent defense, win in the playoffs, and the Braves haven’t particularly excelled either in pitching or hitting during recent postseasons.
Here’s a bit of what should be good news for Braves fans: Smoltz told me last night he’s almost certainly not pitching in World Baseball Classic in March. It’s what he calls the first step in being smart and doing right things this year to stay healthy for the entire season and postseason. The bigger part of that plan is not overdoing things in midseason, and Smoltz realizes that. He knows it wasn’t so smart to pitch 8 or 9 innings every start for about two months last summer, and he thinks new pitching coach Roger McDowell will help remind him and monitor him and keep him from repeating the mistake this year.
Smoltz really does sound determined to stay healthy and not put his arm at risk, but we’ll see how that pans out once his competitive juices start flowing and if the Braves aren’t doing as well as he hopes this summer and he decides to put team on his shoulders. Can’d do that and hope to keep it going into October, and he knows it.
Smoltz also says Chipper is doing more to keep himself in shape this winter than in previous years, with a personal trainer and all. Can’t confirm that myself; Chipper hasn’t been reachable. I’ll believe it when Hoss tells me himself. I do know that Andruw and Smoltz and others, including several of the rookies, are doing the intensive training regimen again that Smoltz and Andruw did last year at the Forum gym and elsewhere. Andruw and several others are also hitting all the time at the private batting cage at Andruw’s home.
The man (Andruw) liked the results that his new program yielded last year in his 51-homer, NL MVP runner-up season, and seems determined to stay at his new echelon.
OK, that’s it for now. I’ll update if I hear anything.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Steve
January 9, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, I would love to see Scot Shields closing for the braves this year. He has electric stuff and is the best closer not closing today. Has there been any talk this winter around the club about possibly sending an outfielder to LA for him?
By Chop Chop
January 9, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
Looks like Corey Patterson is an Oriole, for anyone who cares. He apparently was traded today by the Cubs for a couple of minor leaguers.
Even if the Braves eventually do make a move for Baez, I’m not sold on him. I’m certainly not sold on Reitsma. I wasn’t sold on Farnsworth. In fact, the only closer the Braves have had during this run that I ever trusted was Smoltz. You have to pay a lot of money for guys like that, well, unless you get lucky and have a young guy (Boyer, McBride, Lerew, Devine) step up and seize the moment. Ultimately, that’s what Schuerholz and Cox want.
DOB, I agree with you about what it will take for the Braves to make the postseason and the extra effort needed for them to get deeper in the playoffs. To me, the biggest problem for the Braves in the postseason has always been hitting and relief pitching. If you look at Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz’s postseason ERAs, they’re pretty good. Smoltz is the only one of those guys who has a winning record in the postseason, but the worst ERA of the three (Glavine) is only 3.58. Obviously, late-inning relief and lack of run production have hurt the Braves for a long, long time in the playoffs. After that many years, you have to think it’s an organizational problem. No other team in baseball in the last fifteen years has more experience in knowing what you need to win in the playoffs than the Braves. Yet, they continue to bring in guys who don’t get on base a lot, guys who can’t run, and guys who can’t take (or make) a pitch when it matters. Time is running out on Schuerholz and Cox to figure it out. I hope they can put it together just one more freaking time, get a ring, and have another parade down Peachtree so I (along with all the other long-time, non-suffering-in-the-regular-season-but-kicked-in-the-pills-in-the-postseason Braves fans…there’s an acronym for ya: “NSITRSBKITPITP”) can feel great about all the wonderful things that organization has accomplished.
By Ala. Jim
January 9, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the article DOB. I’m tired of football and don’t like basketball.
By George
January 9, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this
Thank god there is something to read even if there is no news to report. I am still upset that we have been sitting around while everyone else seems to be filling there holes. It seems to me that we should have more than the 6 million you stated since we saved about 3 million on the getting Renteria vs. what we paid Furcal last year and Chipper redoing his contract. I dont know I have been a fan since I was born and went through the bad years but I know the streak wont last forever, I am just tired of hearing that all we can do is win the division and the 14 in a row but only 1 championship stuff. We need to fill the holes we have in the closer, left field and leadoff and maybe make some of these other teams worry about us as a World Series threat not just a Divison contender.
By Bill
January 9, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
Reitsma’s going to do it this year. They will manage his innings, thereby preserving his health & strength, he’ll gain from last year’s experience and he’ll have the maturity & confidence a new contract brings to a pitcher.
By JMar
January 9, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
What do you think about Brad Baker possibly taking over the closer role, or at least a role in the Braves bullpen? A stellar 2004, his first year as a closer in the minors, followed by a subpar 2005, I’ve heard that Bobby and the front office love this kid (well, no longer a kid at 25). Any firsthand knowledge of how he’ll contribute to the team?
By LeTwan Anthony
January 9, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
CoCo Crisp sounds like a cereal, not a ballplayer. LeTwan would be interested in how Bobby would nickname a guy named CoCo Crisp. It is good that the Braves did not trade Langerhans, but their interest in more OFs sure makes it seem like they will part with one of the young guys. Both looked good at times last year. Too bad one isn’t a righty. Langerhans looks like he could be a pretty good player. Johnson, for a week, looked like he could be a very, very good player. So, they trade for Diaz. Go figure. If Bobby’s gonna platoon in left, then LeTwan guesses he’ll also platoon at first. That makes room for one of his fossil players. Which one will it be?
By tokyobrave
January 9, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this
I agree with Ala. Jim, thanks for some Braves news. Isn’t it funny that for the last several years we are talking about what we need to do (again) to get through the playoffs, while the Mutts and Phillies are spending millions trying to have the opportunity?! I don’t like the spolied tag on Braves fans, but I will say that IMO it is great to be a Braves fan. I feel the key offensively this year will be the sphomore season of Francour, McCann etc. and the development of LaRoche over the whole year.I’m not so inclined to think a lead off hitter is the be all end all. The pitching is another story. I think we go into this year with the feeling that at some point Smoltz will have to go down. Who will pick up the slack? Many contenders for sure, but who will do it for the long haul? And the million dollar question of course of identifying a closer and having that closer do the job for the entire year. Same thing year end and year out. Spend the money on a long term closer and be done with it. I can hardly wait as we suffer through basketball…
By Willie Mo
January 9, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update DOB, I am uneasy with Reitsma as a closer. I think he could definitely be a serviceable closer, say 30 to 35 saves, but he would definitely be a liability down the stretch and in the playoffs. He seems to have a knack for blowing the game in crucial situations of crucial games. The Braves might want to find/develop a longterm closer because Reitsma will definitely bolt as a free agent if he gets 30 saves, some team will have to much money and be dumb enough to give him money. As far as left filed, it would be nice to find a leadoff hitter who plays left. Diaz seems to be an indication that a platoon is soon to come. I am not crazy about this. I definitely think either Langerhans, or (and most likely) Johnson. Whoever they get will probably compete with Langerhans and Diaz. I am not sure who is out there, but JS will fin the best available option, there is no reason to have Johnson and Langerhans. One will be shipped off, probably Nick Green style in Spirng Training. First base is a different story. We need a back up first baseman for sure. I am not crazy about platooning Laroche too much. We need to find out if he is going to be a true everyday player and hit against lefties or if he is just an average platoon guy. He has the potential, but he will never imporve against lefties if he never faces them. The Mets and Phillies are just like they always are. Pretty good on paper, but this is not a video game where you plug players in and out with big egos and everything goes well. Both will have problems with starting pitching and will feud by the trading deadline because they are just above five hundred, looking up at the braves, and trying to keep pace in the wild card, as always. Counting down to opening day.
By doc
January 9, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
i pray that there is a sale of this team quickly. sellers are usually not good stewards as they want to beef up there own accounting sheets as much as possible. the reason this has transpired is investors are unhappy with returns on their investments in aol and that will take precedence. dont expect aol to open up the check book for anything and dont assume that there is money in the bank. as you pointed out they couldnt even stay in the hunt for conine.
i think we are going to have to make do with what we have or have situational trades that cant be turned down by aol.
By Miles
January 9, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this
The only thing that concerns me about this team is the bullpen. Everything else looks fine with our lineup being about as good as the mets lineup and our starting pitching having much more depth than the mets rotation. Our bullpen is better this time around with much better middle relief but the closer role is still a problem. Hopefully someone will step up in spring training because we cant go through those meltdowns in the 9th like last season.
By numbaonefan
January 9, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
Hmmmm interesting assesment….. I inclined to say the braves will compete for the division or possibly a wild card. The defection of Furcal will hurt more than most think. Chipper needs to have solid year, Andrew needs to have another MVP type season. The outfield id set with the kids as well as the catching slot. Bullpen is young and inexperienced but talented and hungry. The closer situation is a concern but I am guessing one or more of the youngsters will impress in spring training and make the squad. Why worry about bringing in a proven closer with a huge contract when there are plenty of younsters who can grow into the roles. My biggest question is the new pitching coach, I am not quite sure how much Leo will be missed. I do know he took on castoffs and retreads and turned them into good players again.
By SpecialEd
January 9, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
DOB…Please tell me what happened to Chipper’s $6 mil…between the players that left and what few players acquired for 06…the money doesn’t add up…Chipper got f*******!…
By Stew
January 9, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
Time for Joey Devine to step up. Ditch Whoratio for Chuck James. What’s up with Diaz? I think he has one homer in the majors and was waived last year. Am I missing something? When Salty is ready make room for him. He’s gonna been a star. How about Salty for LF?
By Brian
January 9, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog DOB. I have been bored to death with the sports news out there and have been dying for some Braves talk.
Anyway, a proven closer would be nice, but I still think that if healthy, Boyer has a great chance of maturing into the job and think that the Braves will give him his chance. Devine is still a year away, and has to learn to get lefties out. I am still concerned with the Braves lack of speed and leadoff hitter.
One question I have for you DOB, is what is up with Salty? I expect to see him at 1B for the Braves possibly by the end of the year, and would that make LaRoche trade bait? I like LaRoche but they have to look at what Toronto gave up for Overbay.
Thanks again
By Papa Jack
January 9, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
I think you can tell LeTwan that should CoCo Crisp ever played for the Braves, Bobby Cox would call him “Crispy!”
By Ron Roberts
January 9, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this
For the Braves to get deeper in the playoffs, they have to learn how to play station-to-station baseball when they’re batting. You’d think losing Furcal would make that harder for us to do, but frankly, we weren’t running him enough and bunting to get guys over enough to scoring position, anyhow.
I think that’s a Bobby Cox thing. Seems he prefers the big inning, and hey, over the long haul, he’s been right. But come playoff time, we have to know how to ‘earn’ a run against tougher pitching when the big hits might not be coming. Make sense?
As for our rotation, I like Smoltz, hudson, HoRam, Thomson and Sosa if they stay injury-free. Our rotation’s as deep and talented as anybody elses. If DOB’s right and we get Baez without sacrificing anything here, then we’re a better team and have to be considered the best NL East team on paper.
But again, looking at our lineup, we have to get to manufacturing runs better. Even with Andruw, Chipper, Francouer and LaRoche providing some pop in the lineup, we all know that NONE of them are Barry Bonds. What I mean is, we can’t send ‘em up to the plate with a 50/50 shot at a dinger on command. So the Renteria’s, Giles, Langerhans, McCanns of the lineup need to really work on their bunting and hit-and-running. We get that down, and this team’s capable of being dominant… and capable of getting further in the playoffs.
By Chipper Jones
January 9, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this
Uhh..um…uh..ooh I sure would like to uh..umm…know what happened to my uh…..$6 mil….
By Justa Roselldoo
January 10, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
Being good “on paper” is a fine thing… but it don’t score no runs or get no batters out! I had still rather be where the Braves have been over the past 14 years than where any other team has been in the same time span. More post season wins and titles? Absolutely! But year in and year out, the Braves on the field and in the front office are winners!
I would really hesitate to “sell the farm” to fill any possible void in the lineup or the bullpen. A short term fix may be in order, but while some may be a year or so away from consistent contributions, the Braves youngsters have proven to be the long term answer to the gaps that need filling. A closer could be found right in their midst (Boyer, McBride, Devine) although any could be a year or so away from consistent help in that area. Personally, I think that LaRoche is an everyday starter or he isn’t, and I believe he is. Give the job to him and leave him alone. If a platoon is in order in LF, Langerhans and Diaz look good to me. If one fails, give more time to the other and hope for the best. But Langerhans is a big game player, offensively and defensively and can get the job done. I only hope that he gets it done in a Braves uni. Johnson is a solid back-up in any of the outfield positions. Also, with the Braves signing Brian Jordan to a minor league contract, he will be give every opportunity to make the team, filling the senior veteran role left vacant by the departure of Julio Franco.
Of all the offseason departures, I think that Renteria will greatly help ease the pain of losing Furcal and hopefully Leo Mazzone’s influence on the pitching staff will be felt for years to come. The biggest loss, IMO, will be Julio Franco. Go ahead and laugh and joke about his age all you want to, but he was a very important part of this team and his absence will be greatly missed on the field and in the clubhouse.
Aside from this, I got a book for Christmas, Scout’s Honor - The Bravest Way To Build A Winning Team by Bill Shanks. And I highly recommend it for any baseball fan, but especially for us die-hard Braves fans. Just a lot of good information about the Braves philosophy on scouting, signing and developing young players. This may be old news to some of you and I don’t mean for it to sound like a commercial, but it’s good reading.
By Rodney Derrick
January 10, 2006 06:03 AM | Link to this
Dave— How much of a factor in future Braves budget planning is Andruw being a free agent after this season, also with the albatross of Hampton’s ‘07 deal? By the Yankees signing Damon, does that remove an inflationary factor, or might they just greedily plan to dump Sheffield and shuffle Damon and Matsui, and put Andruw in center? If Andruw decides his long term HOF credentials look much better in Atlanta with the joint homer totals with Chipper and even his own shot at breaking Aaron’s record (other than AROD, Andruw has the best numerical odds right now) , does this increase chances he could settle for less like he did several years ago? Or do the Braves just say they will be cheap and put Frenchy or Langerhans in center. Additionally, with his new stance, Andruw should be rested a bit more as he slumps when he has too many injuries and gets tired. With greenies outlawed now, unlike the days of Mays and Aaron, playing every game will be really difficult, and depth in the outfield allowing some rest and rotation will be increasingly important. And, with his buddie Fookie gone, Smoltz, Chipper, Bobby, and Schuerholz aging, does he decide to take the money and run to the NY high life, where he would be the natural heir to Dimaggio and Mantle for another seven years?
By Voice of Reason
January 10, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Thanks, DOB, for the update even when there really is nothing to update. First, as to Reitsma. I believe Reitsma’s late season troubles in both ‘04/’05 are attributable to a combination of too many appearances (84/76) and too many innings (79.2/73.1.) Combine that last season with the leg injuries he pitched through and the result is a guy who was the Rolaids Reliever of the Month one month and the target of the fans’ wrath another. I believe if he’s given a defined role such as closer or 8th inning guy, and he’s used only in appropriate situations, he will be an effective pitcher. That being said, I prefer his role be set-up, not closer. I am in complete agreement with a previous blogger who said that JS would really like to see one of the young guys step up and seize the moment, but I believe, too, that there is more at stake than simply showing up with someone capable… JS understands the PR aspect of going into 2006 with a seemingly complacent attitute - whether justified or not. As is even evident in this blog, the general fan is not satisfied with the perceived lack of activity on JS’ part. To support that point I’ll repeat again that as the GM meetings closed, I heard JS on a local radio show state that 1 or 2 significant changes to the roster from Dec. 9 to Mar. 9 would not be surprising. For a GM who keeps everything as close to the vest as does JS to say that on a public forum is in itself significant.
Now, as to left field: the Braves will certainly not go through spring with both Lang and KJ - the evidence is the arrival of Diaz. There is room on the roster for only 4 OF’s, and neither JS or BC will go into 2006 with KJ or Lang or Diaz as the only OF reserve. Anyone who’s had one eye open during BC’s tenure knows that he’ll have a veteran in that role, preferably someone who can also play 1B. (Evidence: the attempted signing of Conine after the Diaz trade.) The acquisition of Diaz simply facilitates another move by freeing up a young everyday player for trade. And as much as I like Lang, and I really like what he brings, he does have trade value. And a Diaz/KJ platoon is exactly typical of BC.
Now, finally, to LeTwan’s belief that there will still be a 1B platoon… I can’t get a read on that one. I do believe that this is LaRoche’s make or break year, and that he should be ready to step up, should be. But I have a gnawing feeling that BC still won’t immediately pencil him in very night. Again, the attempt at Conine is evidence. I wonder if Brian Jordan, re-signed last week to a minor league deal, could resurface as a guy who could give you 1 or 2 games a week at 1B (or LF…) He’s BC’s kinda guy - a competitive veteran and a vocal leader. I wonder if he’s got anything left in the tank. What do you think, DOB? Am I off-base with thinking that BJ could make limited appearances at 1B? If not, JS will certainly round out the roster with a veteran 1B/LF from somewhere.
By Sonny Jackson
January 10, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
For the braves to go “deeper in the playoffs” is more about the indictment of the pitching. It requires power pitching to win in October which the Braves have been limited on over the past 10 years. Smoltz and Sosa are our power starters at this time. Our staff is good for the season but will always come up short when it comes to the playoffs.
As far as Andruw is concerned the Braves must keep him at all cost. There is no centerfielder in the game that can compare. He saves the staff runs on a regular basis. We must sign no matter the price tag. A team has to be strong up the middle on defense and we have the basis for that if Renteria proves last year was a fluke. DOB, is it possible for the Braves to deal Giles for a 2B who can leadoff. Don’t feel he will be the answer (lack of speed, free swinger and lack of greenies).
By Matt
January 10, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t help but chuckle when I saw that Rafael Furcal is having knee surgery — what was that you said about money well not spent, DOB?
By David
January 10, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
I think it’s pretty obvious Chipper’s 6 million will in part go to keeping Andruw.
By Ala Jim
January 10, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
PaPa Jack, that was funny. I can hardly wait till April.
By LeTwan Anthony
January 10, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
LeTwan finds himself in agreement with Ron Roberts! RR, these guys never manufacture a run. Just doesn’t happen. Sometimes, as you point out, against tough pitching, you have to find a way to get just one. Bobby waits for the 2-run shot. Maybe Renteria will be a true 2-hitter. Giles never has been. You are correct that the little guys need to learn to bunt and hit behind runners. Heck, every player on the team should be able to hit behind a runner.
LeTwan thanks PaPa Jack for the name “Crispy”. Not sure anyone would be comfortable with Cox using that descriptive term, though. “C’mon Crispy” could be misinterpreted with Bobby.
Raisins, Bobby platooned at 1B when he had Bream. Remember Brian Hunter? Who will it be? Jordan? Eddie? Betemit? Diaz? Do we have a primary backup at 1B? Watch for a trade.
By Alan M
January 10, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it amazing how everyone is obsessing over the need to have a right-handed “platooner” at 1B and LF? I actually was depressed (momentarily, thankfully) when Wes Helms signed with the Marlins. Maybe we can re-sign Mark DeRosa or Greg Colbrunn. Or, how about Eduardo Perez, late of the Devil Rays? I’d read he was close to signing with Cleveland, but I don’t know if he ever did. I really believe LaRoche is going to have a good year, but an experienced backup would be nice.
By brewerfaninATL
January 10, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, the Braves will be going places if they get Craig Monroe! Come on, you can do better than that…can’t you?
By Phillip
January 10, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for the season to start, all of ther other ones are boring me to death! Speaking of boring me to death, I think a lot of the naysayers need to chill out. The Braves get it done every year, so why would this one be any different? I know the streak can’t continue forever, but it’ll go at least 1 more year. LaRoche and Langy are going to have great years, but I really think Renteria is going to become a fan favorite. If I had to play in front of those crybabies last year, I’d be frustrated too.
By Voice of Reason
January 10, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
LeTwan, your suggestion that Betemit could get playing time at 1B intrigues me. His body has outgrown SS… hmmm… Well, I believe we’ll see Salty there in a couple of years, anyway, but as to 2006, as you say, “Watch for a trade” or signing… By the way, as I understand it, the Lang for Riske talks are still ongoing…
By LeTwan Anthony
January 10, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Raisins, Betemit is no outfielder. He isn’t going to play short or third. He won’t play second if Giles is here and bats leadoff. Seems like the bat needs to be in the lineup. That may mean a platoon at 1B. Now, DOB is gonna tell us that will never happen, and he may be right. In any case, Bobby platoons at that position and Betemit seems like the best glove and bat for now. Size and some power. Interesting that the Braves didn’t want him at ss. No other way to read that one. Guess we can give up on Chipper moving to 1B and Betemit playing 3B.
By Voice of Reason
January 10, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
LeTwan: In my scrounging for info, I’ve read where Betemit has been offered in trade to at least Cleveland and Detroit.
By David O'Brien
January 10, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones is NOT going to be a free agent, contrary to what some may have read or heard. He’s signed through 2007, making $13 mill this year and $13.5 mill in 2007.
I think it was USA Today earlier this winter that reported how Boras was salivating over Andruw becoming free agent after 2006 season, but they just had it wrong (believe me, that info didn’t come from Boras, who knows exactly when Andruw’s contract is up, especially since Andruw did the last contract with help from his father but without notifying Boras it was being finalized).
LeTwan, not going to tell you it’ll never happen in regards to the Betemit/1B thing, just haven’t heard that it’s an option. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not.
I have heard, on other hand, that Braves believe LaRoche can hit lefties (always did in minors) and that there’s at least 50-50 chance he’ll go into season as the everyday guy, no platoon. Again, that could change depending what happens between now and opening day. Also Saltalamacchia could possibly _again, repeat POSSIBLY _ be a late-season option as a 1B platoon guy, if Braves were to decide his bat’s ready (still only 20 and will start season catching at Mississippi, so he’ll need some work at 1B before that would be an option, so that seems less-than-likely so soon).
Betemit could be dealt at any time, wouldn’t surprise me at all. Braves aren’t going to give him away, but if they could get a quality arm in return, they’d do it. That’d leave them without a backup third baseman, but they could get another or see if minor leaguer Scott Thorman is ready (good hitter, good power).
Just some thoughts. Not hearing much, though, at least nothing major in works.