AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves already heating up Hot Stove
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Help me, Merle, I’m breaking out in a Nashville rash….
Actually, it’ll be another month before we head to Music City for the Winter Meetings, but the Hot Stove talk has already been stoked and figures to intensify exponentially between now and the annual big meetings the first week of December.
Will the Braves have added at least one accomplished starting pitcher and replacement center fielder to their roster by then? I’d say probably on the pitcher, probably not on the center fielder.
So many teams and free agents wait to trade or sign during and especially right after the winter meetings, and I don’t know why this winter would be any different.
The question so many Braves fans have, will they sign Tom Glavine and when, is difficult to answer because both sides are playing it so close to the vest. Of the many things that Frank Wren learned as John Schuerholz’s assistant the past seven seasons, desire for secrecy is unfortunately one of them.
But if you’re asking me my gut feeling, I say the Braves will sign the 41-year-old lefty and that it will get done before the winter meetings, probably at a price closer to $10 million than so many fans will be comfortable with, but hey, the market is the market. He’ll take a discount to pitch for Atlanta, but if he can get $12 million from another team, it’s a bit much to ask him to take $7 mill to pitch for the Braves.
Then again, maybe the Nationals or Cardinals or some other team won’t make him an offer as high as I anticipate at least one will. If not, if those teams are convinced he’s pitching for the Braves (or Mets) and no one else, then maybe they don’t bother going through the motions. In that case, the Braves could benefit by getting him a bit cheaper than they might otherwise.
Still, I think it’ll probably take more than $8 million in a one year deal, perhaps with a mutual option and a small buyout.
But we’ll soon have a much better idea. The Braves and other teams can talk contract with Glavine until Nov. 13, after the 15-day exclusive negotiating window for teams to talk money with their own free agents. The Braves and other teams can talk to Glavine now, just aren’t supposed to talk financial terms until after the 10-day period, which began the day after the World Series.
We went into the offseason with me anticipating the Braves would sign Glavine and also make a move for at least one more younger, affordable pitcher. I was thinking someone along the likes of Blanton from Oakland, but can’t say now whether they’ll still try to make something like that happen.
I say this because the Renteria trade brought the young right-handed prospect from Detroit, Jair Jurrjens, who pitched well for the Tigers in a few of his seven starts late last season and looks ready to compete for a spot in the Braves’ rotation, which has a growing list of candidates for the back two spots should the Braves sign Glavine.
Think about it, they’d have Hudson and Smoltz, then Glavine if they sign him, then Hampton ($15 mill next season, so I’d suggest to you he’s gonna be in the rotation if he’s healthy), then Chuck James, Jo-Jo Reyes, Jurrjens and possibly another journeyman or prospect all competing for one spot (or two spots if Hampton’s not ready).
So while it wouldn’t surprise me if the Braves still look to acquire another proven starter, I’d also not be surprised if they don’t. Of course, if they don’t sign Glavine, then of course they’ll be going after another proven starter via trade or free agency.
For those wondering about Curt Schilling — look, it’s nice for the Braves that he put them on his list of 13 teams and all that, because it sends a signal to other pitchers and free agents, a reminder that the Braves are still a well-run, competitive organization.
But unless the asking price for Glavine simply goes higher than the Braves are willing to go, then there’s no reason they’d turn to Schilling. I just can’t imagine any team entering a season with three 40-something pitchers in the first four spots of your rotation (Smoltz, Glavine, Schilling). No way.
— Center field still vacant: I know, this just in…. But seriously, the center field situation is going to be interesting. Maybe it’ll get settled soon, but I haven’t heard anything yet to indicate the Braves are close to making a move for a proven CF.
Then again, no one here or in Detroit knew they were as close as they were to making the Renteria-for-two-prosects deal on Monday, either. But if you’ll recall, I did say several times in recent weeks that the Renteria-Detroit thing was one to keep an eye on, because of the Leyland-Renteria connection.
Anyway, center field. I know the Braves have sent signals out indicating they wouldn’t be averse to plugging in the kid Jordan Schafer out there, pointing out that Rafael Furcal made the jump directly from A-ball to the majors.
But I’m not buying that. Furcal was a notable exception, blessed with blazing speed (nearly 100 steals in his final minor league season) and a cannon arm. The Braves knew that, at worst, he’d be able to slap balls on the ground and beat out plenty of hits, and that his speed at the top of their order would be a huge asset as a rookie. Turns out he surpassed all expectations as a rookie.
But can’t see them throwing a kid (Schafer) into the CF job after one impressive season in A-ball (his first two years in minors weren’t much). I do believe Schafer will be ready in a year or two, but not now.
Brent Lillibridge, on the other hand, could be a legitimate option if the Braves don’t like the free-agent price tags for CFs or aren’t willing to purge more prospects in a trade for a CF when they’ve now got two elite CF prospects in the wings (Schafer and the blazing speedster Gorkys Hernandez, 20, who came with Jurrjens from Detroit in exchange for Renteria).
(While we’re at it, how ‘bout that Renteria-for-Andy Marte trade from two years ago? Talk about the trade that could keep giving … the Braves got two outstanding seasons out of Renteria, now might also have a long-term starting pitcher and center fielder out of it. What’s Marte done in the interim? If we’re gonna bust on the Braves for some trades that didn’t work out as they hoped, also need to acknowledge the ones that worked out even better than planned.)
Anyway, Lillibridge has excelled in the high minors, he’s a few years older than Schafer, and he played center field at the Univ. of Washington four years ago as a freshman, when he had his best college season.
If the Braves play him in center field in the second half of the winter-ball season, or even if they only play him there in spring training, it’d be enough time for him to brush up on his outfield play. It’s not like Kelly Johnson, who moved to second base after one winter of workouts at Turner Field and spring training, after never playing the right side of the infield and after missing the entire 2006 season.
The drawback, if there is one, is that Lillibridge is an outstanding shortstop, and do you want to move him from his natural position to center field? Would it hurt his potential trade value? The other side of that, however, is that if the Braves like him as much as I’m told they do, then they don’t want to trade him and want to have his offense in their lineup, and of course they have a shortstop (Yunel Escobar) who should be a fixture for years to come.
If he’s more valuable to the team as a center fielder this season than he is as trade bait, then by all means, the Braves should put Lillibridge out there and spend the money on pitching - both starting and relief — and on the raises that several current Braves are going to get anyway.
Mike Cameron’s 25-game suspension for a second positive test for banned stimulants will make the soon-to-be 35-year-old CF a little cheaper on the free-agent market, but probably still not as cheap as the Braves might find suitable.
All you need to know is that Cameron wasn’t much interested in a two-year, $20 mill offer the Padres were prepared to make in April, according to my buddy Tom Krasovic, who covers the Padres for the S.D. paper. He reportedly wanted three years and $36 mill.
I liked the idea of Cameron as a stopgap measure for a year or two until Schafer’s ready (or until Hernandez is ready, whoever’s ready first). But not at $10 mill a year, much less $12 mill a year, and certainly not for three years.
And if they signed him now, they’d have to have someone else play CF for April, which would be fine if they had a strong CF backup returning from last year. But Willie Harris ain’t the answer, folks. And he’s eligible for arbitration, so I don’t even think he’ll be back after his late-season slump.
And moving Jeff Francoeur? The Braves have no intentions of doing it, and no amount of fan (or columnist) discussion or suggestions is going to change their minds. Personally, I don’t think Frenchy has the range or the natural jumps on fly balls to play center at a high level. And besides, I like his arm in right field.
Ken Griffey Jr? In a word, no. Braves need someone they can count on for more than 80 games. Besides, if the Reds saw fit to move him from CF, what makes anyone believe the Braves would see fit to move him back there at his age?
As for Torii Hunter, folks probably need to realize that Hunter is probably going to get offers of at least five years, $75 mill, perhaps from the Yankees and very likely from the White Sox. The Braves aren’t interested in a long-term commitment to a high-priced CF, not when they’ve got pitching needs and certainly not when they’ve got two elite CF prospects in the pipeline.
Aaron Rowand? Same story, basically. He’ll command a long-term deal, at least three or four years at around $10 mill or more per year, maybe $12 mill per.
— Instant replay: Buster Olney was told that some GMs are planning to recommend limited use of instant replay during the General Managers meetings next week in Orlando. Good. I’m for it, but only on a very limited basis - specifically, a quick look at a TV monitor mounted nearby to determine whether balls are fair or foul, or whether homers hit this yellow line or that foul screen or whatever.
For close plays at the plate, I don’t know. I’d hate to slow the glacial pace of some games even more. For balls and strikes and other calls, absolutely not. No, no, no.
— Edgar will be missed, no doubt: In the clubhouse, the classy veteran was a true leader by example, taking Escobar under his wing and helping to transform him from a youngster who had some attitude problems in the minors, to a hard-working professional who handled himself well in his first season in the majors.
And at the plate, Renteria’s contributions in the No. 2 hole will be missed. You better believe that. There are very few who do the things he does in that role. Also, as ESPN research guru Mark Simon pointed out, here were Edgar’s averages with runners in scoring position the past six seasons — 2002: .372; 2003: .317; 2004: .286; 2005: .298; 2006: .293; 2007: .331.
— Great flicks, records: Saw two fine movies this week, one on the plane back from Denver (Talk To Me starring Don Cheadle, with an absolutely incredible R&B/soul soundtrack), and one at the theatre (Lars and the Real Girl starring arguably the finest young actor in a decade, Ryan Gosling, an entirely original flick that’s not for everyone, but will be a top-five movie this year for those who dig such unconventional, out-of-the-mainstream, brilliantly written and acted films. OK, was that review pretentious enough? But really, it’s great. But there are no shootings or sex scenes, so don’t say you weren’t warned).
Gonna go see Gone Baby Gone tonight. Heard nothing but good things about it.
OK, and who was it here who said Neil Young’s new album, Chrome Dreams II, was disappointing or that I wouldn’t like it. Man, I’ve gotta disagree strongly. I love it, especially the 18-minute “Ordinary People.” That stands with much of his best work. Terrific song, worth the price of admission alone, though there are several other great tunes on this record, too.
I’ll again offer my highest recommendation for the Shout Out Louds’ CD Our Ill Wills; which sounds a lot like The Cure when The Cure was still really, really good, which was quite a long time ago.
OK, and I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I actually really like one album by one of the new breed of country artists: Joe Nichols’ Real Things. I know, I know, I’ve said no under-30 country artists, at least not dude singers, are worth a damn. But this guy’s got the great old-school voice and the tunes aren’t like most of the overproduced garbage coming out of Nashville. I mean, just play the first two songs on this record, “Real Things” and especially “Another Side of You,” and his cover of Blaze Foley’s “If I Could Only Fly,” and tell me this cat doesn’t have a great sound.
Alright, I feel like I need to go put on some Merle Haggard now, after recommending such a relatively popular current country artist. Or some Neil. Yeah, that’s it.
WARNING: Extremely long song lyrics below. If you don’t like Neil Young, then skip to the comments and post away.
”ORDINARY PEOPLE” by Neil Young
In a dusty town
a clock struck high noon,
Two men stood face to face.
One wore black and one wore white,
But of fear there wasn’t a trace.
Two hundred years later
two hot rods drag race
through the very same place,
And a half a million people,
moved in to pick up the pace.
A factory full of people,
Makin’ parts to go to outer space.
A train load of people,
They were aimin’ for another place.
Out of town people.
There’s a man in the window
with a big cigar,
Says everything’s for sale.
The house and the boat
and the railroad car.
The owner’s gotta go to jail.
He acquired these things
from a life of crime,
Now he’s selling them
to raise his bail.
He was rippin’ off the people.
Sellin’ guns to the underground.
Tryin’ to help the people,
Lose their a@#
for a piece of ground.
Rippin’ off the people.
Skimmin’ the top when
there was no one around.
Tryin’ to help the people.
He was dealing antiques
in a hardware store,
But he sure had a lot to hide.
He had a backroom full
of the guns of war,
And a ton of ammunition besides.
Well, he walked with a cane,
Kept a bolt on the door
with five pit bulls inside.
Just a warning to the people,
Who might try to break in at night.
Protection from the people,
Selling safety
in the darkest night.
Tryin’ to help the people.
Get the drugs
to the street all right.
Ordinary people.
Well, it’s hard to say
where a man goes wrong,
Might be here
and it might be there.
What starts out weak
might get too strong,
If you can’t tell foul from fair.
But it’s hard to judge
from an angry throng,
Of hands stretched into the air.
The vigilante people.
Takin’ law into their own hands.
Conscientious people.
Crackin’ down on
the druglord’s land.
Government people.
Confiscatin’ all
the dealer’s land.
Patch-of-ground people.
Down at the factory,
they’re puttin’ new windows in.
The vandals made a mess of things,
And the homeless
just walked right in.
Well, they worked here once,
and they live here now,
But they might work here again,
They’re ordinary people.
And they’re livin’ in a nightmare.
Hard workin’ people.
And they don’t know
how they got there.
Ordinary people.
And they think that you don’t care.
Hard workin’ people.
Down on the assembly line,
they keep puttin’
the same thing out.
But the people today,
they just ain’t buyin’.
Nobody can figure it out.
Well, they try like hell
to build a quality end,
They’re workin’ hard
without a doubt,
They’re ordinary people.
And the dollar’s
what it’s all about.
Hard workin’ people.
But the customers are walkin’ out.
Lee Iacocca people.
Yeah, they look
but they just don’t buy.
Hard workin’ people.
Two out of work models
and a fashion slave,
Try to dance away
the Michelob night.
The bartender poured
himself another drink,
While two drunks sat
watchin’ the fight.
The champ went down,
then he got up again,
And then he went out like a light.
He was fightin’ for the people,
But his timing wasn’t right.
For Las Vegas people,
Who came to see a Las Vegas fight.
High rollin’ people,
Takin’ limos
though the neon night.
Fightin’ for the people.
And then a new Rolls Royce
and a company car,
They went flyin’ down the street.
Each one tryin’
to make it to the gate,
Before employees manned the fleet.
The trucks full of products
for the modern home,
Set to roll out into the street,
Of downtown people,
Tryin’ to make their way to work.
Nose-to-the-stone people,
Some are saints, and some are jerks.
Hard workin’ people,
Stoppin’ for a drink
on the way to work.
Alcoholic people,
Yeah, they’re takin’ it
one day, one day at a time.
Out on the railroad track,
they’re cleanin’ up number 9.
They’re scrubbin’ the boiler down,
well, she really is lookin’ fine.
Ah, she’s lookin’ so good,
they’re gonna
bring her back on line.
Ordinary people.
They’re gonna bring
the good things back.
Nose-to-the stone people.
Put the business back on track.
Ordinary people,
I got faith in the regular kind.
Hard workin’ people.
Patch-of-ground people.
Comments
By sri
November 1, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
No mention of Rowand???
By PopeVanIII
November 1, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
DOB (from previous thread),
You said:
What type of salary do you think the “top left-handed specialsts” make? Check it out. It ain’t a whole lot.
Closers make a lot. Premier setup guys make quite a bit. Lefties who don’t get a saves or a tone of holds don’t make anywhere near that level.
He won’t make much more than he made this year, and almost certainly less than $2 mill.
None of the following guys are closers or premier setup guys. And they all make more than the Braves have shown a willingness to spend on non-closers (or non-heir-apparents, in the case of Mike Gonzalez) over the past several years:
Scott Eyre (3 years/$11 million) Scott Shoeneweis (3 yrs/$10.8 mil) Jamie Walker (3 yrs/$12 mil) Damaso Marte (2 yrs/$4.7 mil) Mike Stanton (2 yrs/$5.5 mil)
The cheap ones are the ones who haven’t hit free agency yet. Mahay is comparable to the guys on that list. I feel confident that his arbitration salary would be north of $2 million.
If the Braves are willing to spend that on a lefty specialist—and you would know far better than I—that’s great, and that’s why I posed the question to you.
But I don’t think it’s realistic to assume they’ll be able to do so for the price you’re suggesting.
By bravesfan
November 1, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog, DOB.
By Just Wondering...
November 1, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
I was just wondering about the Elias Rankings…why does it say 2006-2007? And how come there are players that were injured all year on there that are higher than some others? I’m a little bit confused about how they do the rankings because some of them just don’t make sense…
By shawn
November 1, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
o.k. you explained what the aren’t going to do. But my question is who will they try to aquire. If Glavine is the only person aquired I would be surprised. Kids in CF, maybe but with the LF situation it doesn’t make for a very strong OF. Do you think maybe they aren’t going the Glavine route and maybe will go for some younger pitching instead even at a higher price tag? They have prospects that the Twins might want for Santana …
By ssiscribe
November 1, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
New blog at 3:30 in the afternoon, partly cloudy skies, nice breeze, 70-something degrees …
Damn, is it spring training yet?
Off to the gym.
The Scribe abides
—30—
By Braves4Ever
November 1, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Great Blog as usual DOB. Thanks for keeping it alive for us.
By bwash21
November 1, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Rowand? See Torii Hunter above. I don’t know what this fascination is with Rowand. He’s had one good year in his career in a bandbox of a ballpark that plays as small as any stadium in the majors. Besides, the Braves need a guy they can get for 1 or 2 years in CF until the others are ready. All these FA’s are going to get 4-5 contracts more than likely. However, I do like the idea of getting Co Co Crisp. He has some speed, a decent average, and a little bit of pop and plays a very good CF. He’d fit in very nicely here.
By Jon
November 1, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
I totally agree with you on Griffey. The Braves should not be spending any money on Griffey, Cameron, or any other veteran, especially when they have several talented prospects in the farm system.
All available funds should be spent on starting pitching and resigning Tex. As long as we have Tex, the lineup will be just fine without A. Jones.
By BraveNess
November 1, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
is the Ness for our beloved Mike Ness of SD fame?
Thanks, good band but no, ‘fraid not. Not Mike, not Loch. More like Eliot, but not. Although my guitar playing does cause distortion on faces in some social circles. Just Ness. Even in Braves off-season, better ness than less I guess.
By Thrillhouse44
November 1, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Is Lillibridge a better fielding shortstop than Escobar? Seems like our infield is flooded - which is not a bad thing. But if you consider all of the young talent: Escobar, KJ, Lillibridge, etc. It seems that one of the young guys could become trade bait sooner or later.
By Gator
November 1, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
DOB, What do you think about trading for Ryan Freel or maybe Chone Figgins? Both could be valuable after Schafer arrives in other positions.
By Jared
November 1, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Giving Tom Glavine anything more than 7-8 million would be insane. The difference between Glavine and Schilling: Glavine’s arm was dead at the end of the year and Schilling won a World Series.
By Gator
November 1, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
We have a better chance of trading for Kobe Bryant than for Johan Santana.
By MGL
November 1, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Re Lillibridge and Escobar, I have wondered if the long term plan is to put Escobar at 3rd after Chip moves on and Lillibridge at short.
By Don!
November 1, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Since we’re losing Andruw’s salary and part of Renteria’s … does it make sense to try and lock up a couple of our other players to long(er)-term deals this off season?
I know Frenchy turned one down last season, and as long as he has Darth Boras as his agent, he’ll never take a hometown discount … and I won’t even approach Tex — but what about players like Kelly Johnson and Soriano?
Is there any possibility of getting them to extend their current deals so we’ll have some payroll certainty for ‘09 and beyond?
I don’t see us going after another free agent outfielder, and it looks like the kids from Richmond will be up here in due time. The infield’s set for ‘08 at least, so doesn’t it make a bit of sense to solidify some of the other spots (2B, bullpen) to know how much we’ll have to spend to address pitching and the corner infield spots in the next couple of seasons after this one?
Later,
Don!
By Shaun
November 1, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
sri, I think Rowand is going to command too much money and too many years for the Braves’ liking. I’ll say 4-5 years at $10-12 million per year is what he’ll get. That’s not a horrible deal for a player like Rowand, but it’s not what a team like the Braves should pay.
I think at this point they’ll go with Lillebridge or trade for someone like Coco Crisp—they’ve always put a premium on defense and Coco can go get it. Plus, you never know. Cox and company seem to find a way to get the best out of usually weak-hitting outfielders: Charles Thomas, Eli Marrero, Dewayne Wise, Willie Harris.
By flange1
November 1, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
BravesNess, GOOD ANSWER!!!
By keylargo25
November 1, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
DOB
I read in Furman Bisher’s column that Hampton would NOT be pitching in a winter league this year. Is that correct? I had read earlier he would pitch in the AFL if he was ready and in the Mexican League if not the AFL. What’s up?
By Epinephrine
November 1, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
DOB, how much would an increased budget from Liberty change your predictions? That is to say, are you basing the Braves reluctance to spend money on the current budget?
By Scott
November 1, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Pick up Bobby Pinson’s “Man Like Me.” It’s been out a few years. Well-produced, brilliant lyrics. You can thank me later.
By Saltywoody
November 1, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
I’m still wondering what everyone thinks about someone like Cliff Lee.
I know Blanton or Haren or someone along their lines would look better, at a younger age, and with more potential.
But, if you’re shelling out 8 million + for Glavine and you’ve already traded your best chip (Renteria), then how are you going to pry a guy like Blanton away from Oakland? With who?
And I’m still really sad to see Renteria go, despite what we got in trade for him. Andruw’s decline in production and refusal to make any adjustments makes him easy to say goodbye to, even if we don’t have a replacement.
But, even for as good as Escobar was/is/will be, it’s tough having such a young kid at such a critical position.
I just really hope he can step up the way he did in the latter half of last season.
DOB-any chance Escobar’s temper/attitude from the minors that you referenced comes back again if he struggles? Is there any indication that the attitude is lying dormant, or was it just the result, maybe, of feeling like he was too good to be wasting away in the minors? VERY curious about that- since Andruw’s attitude (a veteran who should know better) was not all it should have been last year.
By woogidy
November 1, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Nice work DOB. Where is the A-Rod topic here? What kind of offer do you think the Braves are going to give him? Seriosly though, What about a guy like Corey Patterson? He is from Atlanta, and went to Kennesaw State. Maybe like 2 yrs 10.5 mil?
By richbrave
November 1, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
MR. O’B-wan, Light-saber Plleeeze!!! (1)STARTING PITCHING. (2)CENTER FIELD. (3)LEAD OFF. (4)TWO HOLE. (5)THREE HOLE when CHIP’S on DL. (6)REPLACEMENT for TEXEIRA after ‘08. The obvious answer to all these problems is $$$$. Solve problem (1) with Johan Santana: mortgage the farm AND raise the budget by $$$$$ millions. Can’t do it?? Backfill and pray my friend, backfill and pray.
By Braveheart
November 1, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
MAGIC NUMBER IS 163!
By Shawn B
November 1, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
I like the idea of sticking Lillibridge in center next year, if he shows in winter ball and the spring that he can handle it at least. He can be moved back into the infield in a couple of years when Shafer or Hernandez are ready. Chipper’s not going to be around forever, as much as I wish he will be,or Kelly Johnson could be moved eventually to open a spot in the infield if Lillibridge proves to be better than Kelly. Of course, there is no guarentee that Shafer or Hernandez will be better than Lillibridge, in that case they could be used as trade pieces. I guess the short version is the Braves have a bright future with their position players and could have some tough choices for years to come on who plays where. Nice problem to have I’d say. On the other hand, the future of the pitching staff makes me nervous. I like the pickup of Jurrjens, and I like the talent and makeup of Reyes. Chuck James is a wildcard who I just can’t seem to get a good read on. He flashes effectiveness, and then goes into the tank for weeks. So I think the money they don’t spend on getting a centerfielder from outside the organization should be sunk into pitching, a couple of starters obviously and even some more bullpen help since you can never really have enough arms out there. Signing Mahay would be a priority on the bullpen front, I would think, since he showed the last couple of months last season that he is an effective lefty. I would love to see Glavine back, though I have to admit I’m extremely biased on that since he and David Justice were my two favorite players as a child and teen (I was ten when Glavine came into the league in ‘88 and twelve, obviously, when Justice came in ‘90). Ironic with Justice I guess since as a small child Dale Murphy was my favorite and Justice made Murphy expendable. But Glavine is still a major league caliber pitcher so I think that would be a good move for the rotation in the short term. The rest of any available money has to be spent on a younger, established pitcher. Dan Haren is on top of that wish list (other than Santana of course but I think you’d have to pay WAY to much to aquire him and then that bright future of position players would be ruined, not to mention those few bright young arms the Braves have). Haren is probably just a dream as well since there is no guarentee that Oakland is going to be willing to part with him just yet. Joe Blanton would probably be next on the list. I think Calos Silva wouldn’t be a bad idea, and you wouldn’t have to give up any prospects for him. But whoever it is, the Braves have to put whatever money they have available to spend into the pitching staff to sure it up for at least the next few years. And then of course, it’s time to pay Tex whatever it takes to keep him around, cause that guy is a STUD offensively and defensively. GOT to keep that guy in a Braves uniform.
By BravesinTN
November 1, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
DOB, with the winter meeting being in my backyard, Nashville, this year…is this worth going to as a fan? Is it a fan friendly event worth going to? THANKS!
By KC
November 1, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Instant Replay is the Right Move!:
It’s about time!!! The objections to this I’ve heard over the years is that it would slow the game down. But if it cuts down on the amount of time managers spend arguing calls… the way I see it, it would actually speed things up a bit. Not to mention the fact that it would improve accuracy of calls.
Absolutely no reason not to use replay for: fair/foul calls, homerun calls, plays at the plate, or any game-ending play. Beyond that, I agree that we can’t get carried away a video-review everything.
It’s also time to automate the strike zone!
If we can come close to achieving absolute fairness and accuracy on ball/strike calls… why not do it?!
It’s simple… pitches are measured using something similar to the Questech setup. On every pitch, a signal is sent to some kind of electrical device held by the umpire, and he then announces the call.
Oh… and we should use instant replay for balk calls. But only when Tim Hudson’s on the mound. lol
By Random
November 1, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Shaun (Oct 31, 1:49 PM): DAP, how often does the pitcher drive in a run? It’s much more exciting to see a lineup full of major league hitters rather than eight major league hitters and an A-ball hitter.
Shaun, how often does a batter hit for the cycle? How often does a fielder make an unassisted triple play? Does the rarity of these events diminish or enhance their excitement?
Extending the line of your reasoning just a little further, I would have to conclude that you would prefer to watch the Home Run Derby over a nine-inning ball game.
As far as strategy, again, I’m not so sure. Seems there is plenty of strategy in trying to determine when to bunt instead of having the strategy laid out or when to remove pitchers instead of basing it on when their spot is due up.
I think not. As already evidenced by the examples from yesterday, the bunt decision (or the decision to replace one pitcher with another pitcher) has no impact at all on late game line-ups and player availability, and is therefore a much simpler (and simple-minded) decision to make. Contrast that type of decision with TampaBrave’s 2:24 PM post from yesterday.
In my opinion, the symmetry argument is the best one for the non-DH crowd. To me, it makes more sense to say all fielders should hit and all hitters should field than most other arguments I’ve heard.
I know of no “non-DH crowd” member for whom this is a significant argument.
By Kieran from Long Island
November 1, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Take this for what it’s worth, but I wouldn’t make any bold statements about the shilling situation just yet. My one of my best friend works with Mark Texiera’s brother in law and he has talk to Mark often and Texiera specifically by name stated that the Braves are interested and are going to make a run at Curt Schilling. This is From Mark Teixiera’s mouth. Now a few things you can bring up here, one being what does Mark Teixiera know about what the Braves front office’s intentions are, also there’s a line of communication here so maybe the facts have been distorted a bit (They HAVE NOT on my end of things.) Also, keep in mind this talk occured BEFORE the post season and BEFORE Frank WRen was named GM. So tehre is some distance there. My only point is, to say that there is no relevance to teh Schilling discussion is not entirly true, because this is a very specific and notable source… he’s their clean up hitter.
Before you scoff at my source he told me TWO WEEKS before the Teixera trade that it was a done deal and that i could write down that Mark Teixiera would be in a Braves uniform, they were just working out the details; TWO WEEKS. He was dead on, and this was back when Yankee fans still had hope of getting a peice of him. Once again, I’m not saying schilling will be a Brave, I’m just throwing this out there
Two other things notable that Mark Teixiera said off the record are:
1:He honastly loves being an Atlanta Brave, wants to stay there.(We’ll see what Boras has to say about that)
2.The Braves Front office has made it clear to the players, specifically the veterans, that they are going to try to get a World series Ring in 2008. They do not want Chipper and Smoltz retiring without a second ring.
Take all this for what it is, but I’m letting you know that this is a very real source, it’s not me just trying to be heard.
By Big Easy
November 1, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Umm, unless I missed something somewhere, Don!, Francoeur is not represented by Boras.
~E~
By Dennis
November 1, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Someone yesterday brought up the name Cliff Lee from the Indians. After thinking about it, he would be a nice arm for the Braves starting rotation. Indians are loaded with young arms and Lee might be had for a good outfielder. Any thoughts?
By 22oz
November 1, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
No to Cameron, no to Griffey. Unless a good trade falls in our lap, i would like to see the Braves have tryouts in Spring Training between Schafer, Lillibridge, and Blanco. Schafer is hitting .390 in the AFL, and Blanco is hitting .357 in the Venezuala winter league. Spring Training would be alot more exciting in my opinion. There’s nothing wrong with giving kids a shot, and the Braves seem to be better than most at doing so. Even if Schafer needs more seasoning, send him to AA, he may be ready before the year ends.
FYI: for entertainment, go to Milb.com, do player search by last name, and type “Hernandez.”
Sign Glavine. Trade Thorman for a low level prospect. Aybar, B.Pena, Clint Sammons, and one other would make a decent bench.
whew, i’m done. don’t need no winter meetings!
By KC
November 1, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
I say, find an experienced CF defensive specialist you can acquire at a very reasonable cost, and use him as a safety net behind Lillibridge in center.
As for another starter (after Glavine)… try to get another top-of-rotation starter. If there isn’t a frontline starter available, then don’t bother.
Between Hampton, James, Reyes, Jurrjens, and Bennett… I’ll bet we can find 2 starters who can perform at least as well as any mediocre starter we might acquire.
By Random
November 1, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
joebrave (Oct 28, 10:11 PM)
The Braves had another Devine a long time ago,I believe his name was Adrian Devine,not that good either!!
Gotta disagree here. Adrian Devine might have been funny looking (if I recall, he was tall & gawky with kinky brown hair and wire-rimmed glasses), but he was having a pretty good spring training, especially offensively, when he tragically caught a spike in the chain-link outfield fence going up to rob someone of a home run and shattered his Achilles tendon. As far as I know, he never came back from that injury.
By chris
November 1, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
With the way Glavine pitched down the stretch no way I’d give him more than around $7 million. If he won’t take that kind of money then we don’t want him. Greedy b*******.
By Rev. Zoldars
November 1, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about Corey Patterson. When he was playing ball at Harrison, he was a monster. Hit for power too.
But, he sucks, frankly. And spending 11 mil on him is ridiculous. I’d say go with our farm system. I don’t think they would produce less.
On the other hand, seeing how he’s from K town, and coming home is usually easier, he could be a diamond in the rough, as they say.
To be honest though, I saw him driving around town one day, and he just seems tiny. I dunno, I say go with the prospects. Develop pitching, starter and relief. Then, if you got money left over, Look at signing a CF
By David O'Brien
November 1, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
SaltyWoody, I saw no sign of Escobar’s previous problems this season, and Eddie Perez personally told me he was very impressed and surprised by Escobar’s improved attitude and maturity.
Eddie had some sparring matches with him in minors in 2006, and he was concerned in spring training, but said Escobar really made a lot of progress and was good teammate this season….
Adirondack, I only saw one early episode of Mad Men on my program guide tonight on AMC. I can’t believe I missed it when it started, what a great show. But I’ve been able to watch most of them on HD at my leisure, on OnCommand thing on Comcast. Got a couple episodes left in season, need to watch them by Nov. 8 (that’s when they’re available until).
By TennesseePaul
November 1, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB!
New blog. It’s like a crushing weight has been lifted off my chest. I can breath! I’m alive. And look, the page loads much faster.
Sweet move putting the lyrics to a 20 minute song in the topic. Should negate the fresh blog much faster. =)
And for more talk…
Atlanta Braves
2007 Record: 84-78, third place
2007 Attendance: 2.7 million, 10th in the NL
2007 Payroll: $87 million, 15th in MLB
Key Free Agents (2007)
CF-R Andruw Jones
PH-R Julio Franco
RHP Octavio Dotel (player option)
Key Free Agents (2008)
1B-S Mark Teixeira
RHP John Smoltz (club option)
RHP Rafael Soriano
RHP Oscar Villarreal
LHP Mike Hampton (club option)
3B-S Chipper Jones (vesting option)
Key Long-Term Commitments
RHP Tim Hudson, $13M/year through 2009, plus 2010 mutual option
C-L Brian McCann, $5.0M/year through 2012, plus 2013 club option
Key Ready-Now Youngsters
LHP Jo-Jo Reyes
MI-R Yunel Escobar
SS-R Brent Lillibridge
OF-L Brandon Jones
Needs: 1. CF; 2. one or two good SPs; 3. Relief depth
What They Should Do: Strong Buy. The Braves have already traded shortstop Edgar Renteria (to the Tigers for pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez). With Escobar ready to be at least a league-average regular, and Brent Lillibridge not far behind him, there was simply no reason not to do that; as the market for shortstops this winter is nearly as weak as that for starting pitchers. The next question is in center field, where the Braves could go for the Banana Republic option with Torii Hunter or Aaron Rowand, fill the Gap with Corey Patterson or Mike Cameron (who’ll miss the first 25 games of next season after testing positive a second time for a banned stimulant), or take the cheap-o Old Navy route by entrusting Willie Harris with the position. My target would be Rowand, who should be cheaper than Hunter and is probably the better defensive player at this stage of his career. Cameron would be more appropriate for a team looking for a quick fix, but with Jordan Schafer still several years away, this is a position that the Braves need to address for the longer term than a year or two. As for Harris, the best-case scenario is that he can duplicate Juan Pierre’s performance, and the worst case is that he matches his .247/.318/.321 career norms — that’s not how you want to head into Opening Day.
The Braves still then have a little work to do, since the back end of the rotation was so porous last year. If you can get Tom Glavine at some kind of hometown discount, he’s probably worth the upgrade over Buddy Carlyle, even assuming that Jurrjens wins a rotation spot. The bullpen would probably be fine if both Villarreal and Dotel came back, but otherwise Atlanta will need to sign comparable talents, since there’s very little pitching in the farm system. In some ways, then, this is a hand that kind of plays itself. With a lineup of Johnson/Rowand/Chipper/Teixeira/McCann/Francoeur/Diaz/Escobar and a rotation of Smoltz/Hudson/Glavine/Jurrjens/James, the Braves would quite probably be the best team in the division, and very possibly the best in the National League. Turner Field fans are hungry again after overcoming their fatigue, and with the farm system in a relative lull and a host of players like Teixiera and Smoltz all questionable beyond 2008, now is the time to deliver.
What They Will Do: Weak Buy. What I’d worry about is that Frank Wren will sign Glavine and think he’s scored a coup, when in fact the 41-year-old isn’t much better than a fourth starter. —SI By: Nate Silver (BaseballProspectus.com)
By Richmond Brave
November 1, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Really good insight, all points well taken, espicially about Edgar, great guy will be missed. T.Moore is Moore -ron
By Buffalo NY Braves fan
November 1, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Kieran, I once at lunch at the same restaurant that A-rod did, and his waitress told me in May that he was going to opt out of his deal. I was told to keep quiet because she had a million dollar tip riding on it not leaking.
Oh, and my cousins, aunt’s, youngest sister said that John Smoltz will be playing CF for the Braves next season. He wants to be known as the most versatile pitcher ever.
just my 2 cents.
By Max
November 1, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, what about Shannon Stewart as a stop-gag at center? He is consistently a .290 hitter, .345+ OBP and made $1 million last year. Is that a name being mentioned out there at all?
By max
November 1, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, what about Shannon Stewart as a stopgap at center? He is consistently a .290 hitter, .345+ OBP and made $1 million last year. Is that a made being mentioned out there?
By TK
November 1, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
If the Braves are talking to the A’s about pitching. How about talking to them about Mark Kotsay for CF? I know he has had some back issues….but most of the names that have been dropped on here have some injury issues. btw when did Coco Crisp become so great on defence?? I have always read only average and a better LF!
By Mizzou Guru
November 1, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
DOB- pull your head from your arse. There is no way that Tom Glavine would sign with Washington. It doesn’t matter what they would offer him. At this point in his career, and probably at no point ever in his career, would he be willing to play for a loser like Washington. If his only choices were to play for Washington for $15M and retire, he would retire.
By tkg
November 1, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Good info as usual, DOB.
While we’re talking hot stove … according to T. Moore’s column Wren says they are likely to get their CF by a trade.
Coco Crisp’s name has come up already. Who else may the Braves go after? David DeJesus in K.C.?
I’m wondering if a name from this past off season may surface again … Rocco Baldelli. I know he’s brittle, but I’m betting his asking price from the D’Rays has dropped tremendously because of that. And, if memory serves, he’s relatively cheap and under contract for a few more years. Would the Braves consider a trade for him, hoping that he can get his health together? If so, Baldelli could turn into another Renteria for the Atlanta in terms of trade value after next season — especially if Schaeffer is ready.
Another question…If the Braves sign Glavine, does Chuck James become expendable? Then you would have Hampton, Jurrjens, Reyes and another player or two (along the lines of Cormier and Carlyle) competing for Nos. 4 and 5 in the rotation? Could Chuck be the key to the CF question if Glavine is signed?
By Random
November 1, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Shaun (31 Oct, 5:01 PM):
TampaBrave, you named one situation where strategy comes in to play. [With] the DH a manager must decide on his own when to take out a pitcher and not let who is due up decide whether he’s going to take out his pitcher. He must decide whether to bunt or whether to hit when the 9th hitter is up in a sac situation because all of his hitters are major league caliber and not just eight. He must decide who to DH and not have available to play the field. He must decide whether it would be better to pinch-hit for a major league hitter instead of it being a given that you have to pinch-hit for a pitcher in certain situations. There is certainly as much and there could be more strategy in AL parks.
Shaun, this is where you’re simply flat-@## wrong — there are absolutely no decisions required to be made in the AL that are not also required in the NL (with one exception — see below). Only you choose to minimize most NL decisions by framing them as automatic no-brainers (eg, pinch hitting for the pitcher, having the pitcher bunt, when to take the pitcher out). They are no more automatic than any decision in the AL, and your saying so simply doesn’t make it so. (And you also over-dramatize the difference in offensive capability between the AL’s and NL’s ninth batters.)
(Exception: “[the AL manager] must decide who to DH and not have available to play the field.” Oh, so true, my friend, so true — and I can well imagine how many hours of sleep Terry Francona and every other AL manager has forfeited wrestling with that one.)
Extending your rationale (I want to see the best possible athletes in the roles in which they perform best. That’s what’s most entertaining for me) just a tiny bit further forces you to take the position that baseball should emulate football, with totally separate defensive and offensive squads. (Sure, there would initially be some “two-way” players in baseball like there used to be a lot of in football, but they would soon become equally as rare.) Is that what you want, Shaun? Should baseball have a Designated Bunter (like a place-kicker in football)? Should basketball have a Designated Shooter to take free throws for the center position?
Bottom-line: “the DH negates some [much, rather, imo] decision making [much of it complex and quite ‘entertaining’] and adds [none at all, with the noted exception].
By AZBravoFan
November 1, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Did anyone catch the ESPN Sportscenter highlight of Jeff Bennett shutting down his opposition in the Venezuelan league? From what I’ve seen of him so far, I’d love to see that guy in the rotation.
By Random
November 1, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
joebrave (Oct 31 11:12 PM): Jared,I personally have no problem with,Glavine,what I do have a problem with is paying 7-8mil for 69 innings,difference between Glavine,and James and that my friend is fact.
C.James stats 11-10 161.1 ip 116 so 32 hr 4.24 era T.Glavine stats 13 8 200.1 102 so 23 hr 4.45 era not much of a difference for that kind of money…. So he will help a lot huh???????????
Joe, Glavine would not necessarily be replacing James, but rather supplementing him, As N8 said (Oct 28 9:54 PM), You add Glavine’s “innings” to the 3 hole in our rotation, and “bump” everybody back a bit and our [rotation] matches up with ANYBODY’S in baseball.
By stew
November 1, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
One thing eveyone seems to forget is that either of the three candidates for the CF job (Lillibridge/Schafer/or Hernandez) is a big come down from Andruw. Andruw is the greatest player in Atlanta Braves history. The 2 years prior to the aberration of 2007, Andruw drove in around 260 runs. Could either of the three candidates accomplish this in their wildest dreams? How about Andruw winning 10 straight gold gloves? Does everyone think he’s finished? The biggest mistake in Atlanta Braves history - not signing Andruw to a six or seven year contract right now.
By flange1
November 1, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Random, By Random November 1, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this joebrave (Oct 28, 10:11 PM)
The Braves had another Devine a long time ago,I believe his name was Adrian Devine,not that good either!!
Gotta disagree here. Adrian Devine might have been funny looking (if I recall, he was tall & gawky with kinky brown hair and wire-rimmed glasses), but he was having a pretty good spring training, especially offensively, when he tragically caught a spike in the chain-link outfield fence going up to rob someone of a home run and shattered his Achilles tendon. As far as I know, he never came back from that injury.
Sorry, you are a bit off! Adiran Devine was a pitcher. Here is a linc:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=devinad01
You are thinking of Brian Asselstine
linc
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=BrianAsselstine1953
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
November 1, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Now, I have to say I am extremely happy to see DOB say what Cameron is expecting to get in terms of cash. I remember many on here (including you DOB) scoffed and lauged at me when I said that Cameron could command $10 to $12 mil a year for three years. That is exactly what he is looking for and somebody will pay it. Now, that may go down a bit after the suspension but not much.
All of these assertions that Cameron could be signed for $5 or $6 mil or no more than $7 mil was just asinine. I said so at the time and now has been confirmed. The man turned down $10 mil a year from the Padres.
I would ask for an apology but I’m sure I won’t get one. All I will say is this. If the Braves or anybody else gives that man $10 or $12 mil a year for three years they are a fool. But, you know what? Somebody will. Guranteed!
I personally think Lillibridge could be the answer in CF. He could leadoff with Escobar hitting 2nd behind him. Chipper, Tex, Frenchy, McCann, K. Johnson, and B. Jones/Diaz could hit behind him. That would be the most balanced lineup in the NL.
By David O'Brien
November 1, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Jared, after July 1 Schilling only made nine regular-season starts and pitched 56-2/3 innings.
Don’t you think the Braves need an innings-eater they can rely on, especially given the troubles they had in that regard this season? Schilling was once a horse, but now he can’t be counted on to pitch 160 innings, much less 200 innings.
I’d like him better in a playoff series than Glavine, but I like Glavine a LOT more to play an integral part in getting the team TO the playoffs. I like their chances with Smoltz, Hudson and whoever else in the No. 3 spot once they get to the playoffs. Just don’t like their chances of getting there without at least one more guy who can pitch 200 innings and give them 30-35 starts, with 20-25 of those being quality starts.
By MGL
November 1, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Chuck James rated A type player by Elias, 20th in NL.
By David O'Brien
November 1, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
TK, I really like Kotsay, always have. Very underrated defensive outfielder — a top-tier defensive player. Health is only question. He’s a very good clubhouse guy, a Braves-type guy, and he gives you enough offense if you’re getting plenty elsewhere.
Mizzou Guru, your eloquence is about what I’d expect from someone with that screen name.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
November 1, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves should be willing to gamble on Baldelli but only if they don’t have to give up much and he can’t be the only option. A platoon of him and Lillibridge could work. I realize they are both right handed but they could still split time with Baldelli facing the nastier lefties.
By BravesFanInRockies
November 1, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
stew,
Nice sentiment, but Andruw is already showing signs of the wear and tear that’s inevitable when you play almost every inning of every game for 10 years in a demanding position. He’s starting to break down physically and is not making adjustments at the plate.
His 2007 power numbers may well be what to expect from him for the next few seasons, though I think his batting average should return to the .240/.250 level.
The Braves would have been foolish to commit the sort of money he would demand for six or seven years. If he would have taken a hometown discount (5/$75, maybe), then you could justify it. But he’ll get more money and more years, and become some other team’s payroll headadche circa 2010.
By ck
November 1, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
for all you Glavine lovers out there..keep it in prospective… the coup of 1007 was The Yankees stealing away Clemens and we all know how that turned out. Careful with the old guys… Don’t overpay for mediocricy… ( I guess that’s how you spell it).
By David O'Brien
November 1, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Robert (JIB), I’m sorry … that you’re such a jerk.
By TennesseePaul
November 1, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Robert (Justice Is The Best): You’ll get no appology from me. But that’s mainly because I agree. Mr Mediocrity isn’t worth 6-8 million and certainly not worth 10-12 million.
However, that being said… DOB posted the following up above:
Cameron wasn’t much interested in a two-year, $20 offer the Padres were prepared to make in April
It’ll be changed I’m sure. But even I would agree that 10 dollars a season is pretty much a slap in the face. But I’d take him if he could be had for 20 bucks. Hell, I’d fork over the cash myself just to say I signed a major leaguer for two years and 20 dollars.
By David O'Brien
November 1, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Robert (JIB), I was kidding. Couldn’t resist.
By DonCoburleone
November 1, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Sweet, I can talk now, a new blog! I tried to go into the other one a couple days ago and my computer just can’t handle it… THANKS DOB.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
November 1, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
LOL! No prob, DOB. Am I wrong though? Would it not be insane for any team to pay Cameron that kind of money?
By flange1
November 1, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Do I remember correctly, but didn’t the Braves have interest in Joey Gathright about the same time the Royals picked him up? In looking at CF, the Royals have Gathright and DeJesus. I wonder if we could pick up one of the two of those guys?
They brought Gathright up last year and he looked pretty good.
I was actually thinking of him as a minor trade if the “options from with in” didn’t fly.
By ernesto
November 1, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Kris Benson’s been cut loose…anyone? Anyone? I bet the Braves trainers and bat boys would be all in favor of that circus moving to town.
By DonCoburleone
November 1, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
I still think that the Braves are going after Coco Crisp… I know I know, “He stinks offensively!” I’ve heard that before and judging from the last 2 years that is an accurate statement, but I think a move to the NL (especially the pitching starved NL East) would give his numbers a nice boost. And, lets face it, he is the closest thing defensively to Andruw Jones that is potentially available. I would send Lillibridge to Boston (they need a SS prospect) for Coco and then maybe a B prospect thrown in. That is the ideal move IMO, we could let Coco walk in 2 years and plug either Schafer or Gorkyz in there after that… WE DON’T NEED A BIG BAT FOR CF! Just someone that can hit for the CF average but who can play excellent defense.
By David O'Brien
November 1, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
Yes, it’d be fairly insane, if it really does go to $10 mill or more annually for Cameron. But then again, about 50 or more guys in the majors have fairly insane contracts, so….
By ernesto
November 1, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Our old pal Jaret Wright’s been shown the door in Oriole town too. Don’t supposed you can hope for back to back career rejuvinations with the same guy though.
By Kentavo
November 1, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Schilling and Smoltz could co-exist. Not enough oxygen to go around.
I can’t say I can figure out what the Braves will do.
They’ve been pretty aggressive and bold the last couple of years (sometimes too late) but not afraid to shake things up.
By TK
November 1, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
I saw the White Sox cut Darin Erstad. If the Braves go in house he might make a nice platoon guy. Maybe platooning he can stay off the DL. He could also play some 1st if Tex needs a day off.
By ChicagoPaul
November 1, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I was wondering what your thoughts are on David DeJesus, and if you think he’s available. It seems the Braves and Dayton Moore like to make trades together. I believe he is signed through 2010 with a club option for 2011. As always, great blog!
By JC FROM UT
November 1, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
The center field solution is either Cody Ross, Ryan Church or Nate McLouth. How can FW get one of these guys? Would Joey Devine get one of them? Lilibridge is the “sexy ” diamond in the rough choice. I think he will probably make the team out of spring traing but he will be the utility infielder to give all three infielders(not 1st) a day off.
By DonCoburleone
November 1, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
The Fielding Bible Awards are out for 2007! (For those of you who don’t know, the Fielding Bible Award is by faaaaaar superior to the Gold Glove. It is voted on by people who look at things objectively, rather than just looking at who won last year and giving it to them. It is voted on by guys like Bill James, Rob Neyer, and Hal Richman). Anyway, without further ado, your 2007 Fielding Bible Award winners:
Catcher: Yadier Molina (Stl)
Pitcher: Johan Santana (Min)-Maddux 2nd
First Base: Albert Pujols (Stl)
Second Base: Aaron Hill (Tor)
Third Base: Pedro Feliz (SF)
Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (Col)
Left Field: Eric Byrnes (Ariz)
Center Field: ANDRUW JONES (Atl)
Right Field: Alex Rios (Tor)
Notable Braves players (other than Andruw): Teixera(7th), Willie Harris(5th) and Matt Diaz!(10th), Jeff Francoeur(t-2nd), Hudson(5th) and Smoltz(10th).
By Oregon_Braves
November 1, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
How many days until Spring Training?? How many more times can Dayn Perry prove to be a total douchebag?? I love it!
Dave - Hearing out-of-this-world things about the Coen’s No Country for Old Men. Seen the trailer yet? Wow. Also keep an eye out for Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood.
By DonCoburleone
November 1, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Fielding bible website
By Rev. Zoldars
November 1, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Coco for Lillibridge is a good idea at all. Especially if we know for a fact we are dumping him in 2 years or so when our farm team is ready.
When we signed Tex and traded all those prospects, we intended on keeping him past his contract. I assume it would not be up to the Braves if he walks. (Due to him wanting extravagant amts of money and the like)
That said, we might have “sold the farm” for 1 1/2 years of service.
But to KNOW that we will not be retaining a marginal outfielder past two years, and we give up a highly touted prospect with a higher ceiling than Crisp, I think, is dumb.
It is debateable that when we aquired Tex, he had a higher ceiling than all the prospects we traded away to get him. Not only that, but he is currently at that aformentioned ceiling.
However, I like the idea of Gathright or dejesus for two reasons. We have a good repore with the royals (Dayton Moore), and I would imagine we could give up less than our best infield prospect to acquire him.
Who that would be, I do not know. But dammit, we should talk up Thorman more in public, cause the royals seem to enjoy mediocrity
By Michael in Brooklyn
November 1, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
I’m kind of amazed at how little Gregor Blanco gets mentioned (I see his name in only one post). The Braves scored a lot of runs last year with a lousy contribution from their centerfielder, who hit in the middle of the order for half of a season. Andruw was the greatest defensive centerfielder baseball has ever see