AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDecisions coming for Braves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Is this thing over yet? No? Then we trudge forward.
Spring training ain’t over, but we can see the figurative whites of the regular season’s eyes on the horizon. You folks ready? Because I sure as (hey now) know that I am.
Enough speculating, projecting, questions about far-fetched trades that would never be discussed, much less completed, and enough hearing how people are upset that this national media outlet or that person-with-a-blog didn’t give the Braves proper respect.
Let’s get between the lines at the new D.C. park, whatever they’re calling it, and play a game March 30. Or last least get to Turner Field and play a couple of exhibitions in a real major league park in a city where the traffic is made up of people going to work or to the store or wherever, and not people in rented PT Cruisers driving 20 mph in a 40-mph zone while reading a spread-out map and trying to figure out if that’s the right turn to Epcot or Animal Hell … er, Kingdom.
Yes, March 27 can’t get here soon enough. That’s the day the Braves play the Mets at Dark Star, and about 20 minutes after the last pitch, I’ll be marching to my packed-and-ready rental car and heading directly to the airport for my merciful escape flight out of Fun City Inc. and home to Atlanta.
(While I’m spewing venom, let me add that this CBS online feed of the KU-Portland State game that I’m watching as I type this, is an absolute joke. I get 10 seconds of moving figures on the screen every minute or so. And now it’s too late to drive to a sports bar to watch it before heading to the ballpark for the night game.)
(I know, no sympathy from you who are stuck in office cubicles right now, so I’ll shut up.)
But back to the business at hand, the last week of exhibition games, when things really start to get interesting (funny how that works; we’re all pretty well worn out and numb now after five weeks or relatively uneventful workouts and games with liberal substitution patterns; now the games start to mean something, the final cuts coming, the trade discussions start to become relevant, and we’re all just ready to be done with this and start the season).
But anyway, never fear, we’re on the case, making calls, sending e-mails and texts, trying to see if we can get a tidbit from a team official here or a beat writer in another town there, something that might indicate a trade that’s brewing. I’ll report anything I hear as soon as I hear it, you can be assured.
In the meantime, we’ll try to include as much music talk as time allows, for the benefit of the certain fella with a South Georgia-flavored screen name who tactfully offered the blog-content suggestion yesterday.
On Friday night I’m going to the Band Of Horses show (that’s a concert, Maconboy, not an equestrian event) at the Social here in Orlando. Yes, there are some cool music events here - it’s just that most take place in the other side of Orlanopolis, a good 30-40 minutes from Dark Star and nearly an hour from the spring rental home of the Braves/MIB blog.
Great matchup tonight: Tim Hudson is set to face Detroit’s Justin Verlander tonight in the last of four night games this spring. But despite that tasty starting matchup, the Tigers and plenty of their more savvy fans will be playing closer attention to Braves relievers who might get in the game.
Specifically, Braves out-of-options relievers.
The Tigers are looking for bullpen help, and the Braves have four out-of-options relief pitchers - Blaine Boyer, Chris Resop, Tyler Yates, lefty Royce Ring - and have drawn trade interest from Detroit. To what degree, I can’t tell you on each guy. But obviously, a few other teams would snatch up one or more of those guys on waivers before they fell to the Tigers.
So a trade is possible. But likely? I’m not sure. Given Braves GM Frank Wren’s relationship with Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski, his former Marlins boss, it wouldn’t at all surprise me if the Braves and Tigers did another deal (they already did the Renteria-for-Jurrjens & Gorkys deal (Jurrjens & Gorkys - kind of sounds like the name of a cool band, doesn’t it?)
Here’s the thing. Wren likes good arms, values them a lot. So I can’t see the Braves allowing Boyer, Resop or Ring to be snatched up on waivers, and Bobby Cox likes Yates a lot, so same thing. Plus, they tendered the arb-eligible Yates this winter; I don’t know that a bad spring can change their thoughts about a guy they watched all last season and obviously thought enough of to retain.
The Braves have Jeff Bennett and Buddy Carlyle (BLOGMEISTER NOTE: Carlyle’s not out of options; found that out today] for a reliever/spot-starter role. I could see them sending both to Richmond to begin the season.
That would give the Braves room to carry, in addition to the bullpen certainties — Soriano, Moylan, Ohman, Acosta — three from the out-of-options gang of Boyer-Resop-Yates-Ring.
So you trade one of those guys and keep the others. Not too difficult.
As for the other moves…. Well, it gets stickier when you start trying to figure out what to do with out-of-options position guys including catcher Brayan Pena and first baseman Scott Thorman.
Joe Borchard’s had a great spring, but he’s on a minor league contract, so it seems likely, to me at least, that the Braves will send the outfielder to Richmond and call him up when they need a power bat during the season.
Prospect Brent Lillibridge has struggled mightily with the slider all spring, and the Braves will send him back to the minors for more seasoning, unless they really believe it’s a must to have a second backup middle-infielder from Day 1, in addition to Martin Prado.
Yes, I see them keeping Prado for the utility infield job, at least until Omar Infante is ready a month or so from now. And they might keep Prado around after that, depending what he does and the way things play out at other positions between now and then.
Fourth outfielder is still a race between Gregor Blanco and Josh Anderson, and the sense is that Blanco has moved ahead of Anderson. Both have options and can be sent to Richmond, whichever doesn’t make the team.
One possible scenario, and it’s just a possibility: Braves could keep Pena, since he would be snatched up in a hurry by a catcher-needy team (and there are plenty). They could keep him on the opening day roster as a third catcher and emergency OF/1B/3B (he’s not much more than serviceable defensively at any of those positions, but is serviceable).
Then you could keep either fine catch-and-throw man Clint Sammons, Corky Miller or Javy Lopez as primary backup catcher and not lose Pena on options, then also keep Thorman as backup first baseman (unless or until you can trade him for something), and just have Prado as your backup infielder at the other spots, with Lillibridge a call away if anything happens.
Or you could just keep Pena as backup catcher and use that extra spot (no Javy/Sammons/Corky) for a second backup infielder or, if you really want Borchard’s bat, keep him as a fifth outfielder (only plays the corners) and emergency 1B (he’s played it a bit in the past, with Florida. Not good there, but can play it, and it’d only be in an emergency).
So many ways it can go. Stay tuned.
Speaking of tunes….
”OLD SIDE OF TOWN” by Tom T. Hall
Ain’t it strange how people change and almost over night
Who once was a country girl is now a socialite
We’re proud for you but when you’re through and seek some common ground
Oh we miss you on the old side of town
We still drink cokes and tell old jokes and we bowl at splits and strikes
Country music still plays on a jukebox every night
Society is not for me but I can still be found oh we miss you on the old side of town
RSVP is not for me and black tie’s not my style
I thought you’d like to know cause you ain’t been here for awhile
We read about your tour de force we’re glad you get around
But we miss you on the old side of town
We still drink cokes and tell old jokes and we bowl at splits and strikes
George Jones is still a hero on the jukebox every night
Society is not for me but I can still be found oh we miss you on the old side of town
Babe we miss you on the old side of town
Comments
By DCbrave
March 20, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
1st?
By DCbrave
March 20, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Yes, 1st! Thanks DoB for the update. This is one of the longer ones. Loved it.
By David-ATL14
March 20, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Excellent observations about the impending roster configuarations.
Will be interesting to see how it plays out.
I sense more and more from listening to the “Professor” on the radio call and reading both ” Git er done Bowman” and the crusading one that Pena is either going to stcik as the backup catcher or the 2nd utility man. I hope so, I believe he can help in a bench role.
Also another thought on the possible goings on with the Tigers and DD.
Tigers don’t have an actual backup other than Marcus Thames a natural outfielder unless you consider Mike Hessman in what would be considered a monumental stretch of credulity.
Tigers obviously have interest in some of our out of options arms for their pen.
There’s a guestion forthcoming everyone I promise.
DOB What would it take added to a package of Thorman/BP arm of the Tigers choosing from the aforementioned quartet to snag Thames from the Tigers?
By PABravefan
March 20, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I’m with you DOB, Let’s get it going!! I hae tickets to the opener in DC and can’t wait. The seats are way over priced, but that is the closest for me to see the Bravos!!
By Randy
March 20, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
D.O.B. great info. a trade with Detroit makes sense. How was Soriano’s velosity?, and how is his arm feeling?
By sane jane
March 20, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
With apologies of hot-blooded women everywhere, please no more Javy Lopez.
I’m a little surprised to see Blanco rated higher than Josh Anderson. I sorta thought JA had made his mark while GB was still very much in question.
My heart is pulling for the ‘Dawgs, but my bracket has X going all the way to The Eight. What to do?
By Big Al
March 20, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Has there been any concern about the offense of Kelly Johnson this spring? He has one of the lower averages on the team and seems to have struck out a fair amount. Has he at least been hitting the ball solidly? At this point I would have to say he has been outplayed by Prado who’s defense appears to be just as good and who’s shown much more consistency at the plate.
By Ramblin Wrecker
March 20, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
To me, seeing as how the backup 1B will only play if Tex gets hurt, why not keep Joe Borchard for his bat. Plus you forgot to mention, my good friend DOB, that Matt Diaz is capable of slipping on a 1B mitt and not embarassing himself. So to me that makes keeping Borchard a better option than Scott Thorman. Neither will get on the field much without Tex getting injured, so defense is really irrelevant for this spot. Hitting is the key, and the fact is, one guy is hitting the other is not. So keep Borchard, Blanco/Anderson as the backups in the OF, let Diaz serve as the emergency 1B for defensive purposes, then keep Prado as the utility IF. As far as backup C goes, I think having some pop would be helpful, so keep Lopez, plus he could be a key pinch hitter from the right side to compliment Borchard as a lefty. Then I think you keep Bryan Pena because he is out of options, and he offers more defensive flexibility than Thorman and is a better contact hitter than Thor. Then when Infante comes off the DL, then decide between Pena/Borchard/Lopez about who to ship out. I feel fairly confident that Prado is going to do well enough to stay even when Infante comes back.
By knowitall
March 20, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
On Friday night I’m going to the Band Of Horses show (that’s a concert, Maconboy, not an equestrian event
Now that was funny.
By Robert
March 20, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
That nationals released John Patterson. We should pick him up. He is really good when healthy
By SNIPER-69
March 20, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen a few of the braves games and conclude that they’ll be no worse than 3rd place. They have a shot at 2nd if Philly’s pitching falters.
By Nate
March 20, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I want everyone on here who truly thinks that Soriano can be an effective front line closer all year, without his arm exploding, to raise their hand.
By MGL
March 20, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69, How nice of you to say that, you know how much we value your opinion.
By TennesseePaul
March 20, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see Boyer make the team. A good friend of mine out here is named Boyer. He’s a Dodger fan but the more I pump up his distant cousin thrice removed the more interested he is in cheering for the Braves.
The final cuts will be interesting enough though. I’m curious to see what happens. Perhaps we could acquire some injured power pitchers along the lines of the guy we got for Tony Pena Jr last year…
GO BRAVES!!
By DAP
March 20, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
i think borchard is a switch “hitter”
By Renegator
March 20, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Nice Mets-style choke by the Dawgs.
God, I love it!
By kdbanks
March 20, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
What’s with all the baseball talk. Doesn’t anyone want to discuss the TLIMS concert coming up next week? Man.
By Chop Chop
March 20, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
I have Kansas winning it all, assuring Rock Chalk of an early exit.
By flange1
March 20, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Well for me the season is now over SNIPER-69 says the Braves are only a third place team. Guess I will just watch golf and tennis all spring and summer.
Bummer…
By Bryan
March 20, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
I have seen a few of SNIPER-69’s post and conclude that he is a dumb a$$.
SNIPER-69, question about your screen name?
Is it SNIPER-69 because you like to 69 other snipers or 69 your rifle?
Either way, someone is getting their nuts blown …
By flange1
March 20, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Nate,
My hand is raised.
By Soriano
March 20, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Nate, I would raise my hand but my elbow hurts.
By midtownBrave
March 20, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Sniper Don’t worry brother, ST games really don’t matter much. Plus the Phillies have obvious pitching problems (and they play in a hitters park - you do the math).
The only team that could even come close to the braves this year in the NL east will be the mets. But the mets have a lot on their hands. First they need to stay healthy before even thinking about winning the division. Plus adding a Santana doesn’t make them better than many teams in the NL.
I like the Braves, Cubs and Padres’ rotations better than the Mets rotation. Mets offense is good but the Braves and Phillies have a better, more balanced offense. The Braves had a good line-up last year too and they are only going to be even better this year with Tex playing the whole season, and getting rid of Andrew and other Woodcraps from the line-up.
So have some faith fellow fan.
By Jeff
March 20, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Yates has got to go…or trade him….. He hasn’t shown anything this spring, or really last year. He’s going to provide a good batting practice session for anybody he pitches against.
By DAP
March 20, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
why would we need marcus thames?
if we make a trade, what do you guys see us needing? just wondering, cause im starting to think i might not be on the same page…
By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER
March 20, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
lets get this party started!
By BA
March 20, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen a few Mets games. They might finish third if they can get Pedro to put the fighting chickens down. They’ve got great fans, they all put their needles down and clap when Reyes grounds out to third and refuses to run it out. It’s all very inspiring.
By Pete H.
March 20, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
A lot of tough decisions coming…soon. One thing is for sure, Richmond is going to be STOCKED in its final season. I would think that with all the recent catcher injuries, we could get a good return on either Pena or Sammons, even Javy in the right situation.
I don’t know what the Tigers have that would match up with our needs, but if they’ll take Ring and give us a prospect, that sounds fair. Ring won’t get through waivers; lefty relievers are just too rare and his upside is still pretty good.
I can’t see Boyer NOT making the team. Resop has been pretty outstanding this spring, so I can’t see dumping him. I like Yates’ arm, but he just doesn’t seem to be able to put people away…I’d take a chance at sneaking him through waivers.
No matter what happens, I’ll b*** and moan and call Wren an idiot. But it really looks like he assembled the parts to address our weak bench and rotation. It’s just sad there are too many good, useful parts that we can’t keep unless they play.
I’d have to agree that Blanco has moved ahead of Anderson. He’s played well, and the Braves owe him, so he has to be the favorite. Too bad for Josh, though. He only did everything they asked him to do.
Borchard too, but having him a phone call away is why we got him, so he’s on his way to Richmond. He’ll be back, though.
By Goodoleboy58
March 20, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Sniper- It’s good to know that you think the Braves are better then the Marlins and Nationals.. great insight
By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER
March 20, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Sniper-69 you are truly an idiot!
By BetaMan
March 20, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
There already is a cool band with “Gorkys” in their name: Gorkys Zygotic Mynci….i recommend their album Spanish Dance Troupe
By The Man
March 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Bryan
Good one. I needed a good laugh at work today.
By SNIPER-69
March 20, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
you guys are just too sensitive. There nothing wrong with 3rd place. The braves have finished there the last couple of years without shame.
By Jim Hertel
March 20, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
I hate seeing the Braves lose, even when it is a ST game. So last night’s lose was a real bummer, considering how far the Braves came back — only to lose. However, that could be a “productive” lose if it means Buddy Carlyle doesn’t make the team. I saw enough of him the last part of last year. Go with Bennett. He couldn’t be worse than Buddy was at the end and has been this Spring.
By DAP
March 20, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
my thought on what our last piece to trade for is a guy who has reasonable power, that we can use to pinch hit, and who can play 1st and 3rd…mostly third, and maybe LF if he HAD to.
guys like morgan ensberg, jeff conine, kevin millar, nomar, ect. closest the tigers have to that is guillen, and they aint gonna trade him.
if its a player that wont make the major league roster, i hope is a young arm.
By Allie2
March 20, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Has there been any concern about the offense of Kelly Johnson this spring? He has one of the lower averages on the team and seems to have struck out a fair amount. Has he at least been hitting the ball solidly? At this point I would have to say he has been outplayed by Prado who’s defense appears to be just as good and who’s shown much more consistency at the plate.
KJ will be just fine. Just a few days ago his average was .300 or so and it looked like he was having a great spring. That is one of the problems of looking to closely at ST stats. The sample size is so small that just a few at bats can effect your numbers good or bad. Also, he has only struck out 4 times and from what I have seen and what others have said he looks a lot better at second. In other words, the kid isn’t gonna lose his starting job because of the mixed results of 38 at bats in the spring. Prado is a nice utility player and nothing more.
BTW, I have been reading the blog for a while now, but this is my first post. Great job DOB.
By David O'Brien
March 20, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
In a righteous world, Shawn Mullins’ “Beautiful Wreck” would be a huge hit on commercial radio. But commercial radio is godawful garbage, so it’s not a big hit.
But really, that only allows me to enjoy it more as I drive into Dark Star property with Mullins’ “9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor” CD playing….
OK, down to the field for BP.
By TJ
March 20, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I think the Mets have the best pitching in the division. And the Phillies have the best hitting.
Therefore, I’ll pick … The Braves. We have the best combination of O and D of the three, and I think that’s a perfect formula for success.
By Steve McP
March 20, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Sniper 69 must be really hot on the National if he thinks they are going to beat the Phillies and Braves in the NL East
By knowitall
March 20, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
flange1 I second that motion.
By Andy K.
March 20, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
DOB Do you think there’s any chance of us Picking Up John Patterson? Add him to the Richmond rotation, so he can get called up when needed, and possibly in line for a spot in the rotation…
By Warren Haynes For President
March 20, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Going to see ole Jason Isbell tonight at Eddie’s Attick. Can’t wait. Dress Blues ought to be a hit as well.
By AdirondackDave
March 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the very thorough roster decision update, DOB. Jeez, it’s complicated for us geezers. Now we know why why JS bumped himself upstairs… Kidding there in case he’s on-line today.
By Josh H
March 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
“By Big Al
March 20, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Has there been any concern about the offense of Kelly Johnson this spring? He has one of the lower averages on the team and seems to have struck out a fair amount. Has he at least been hitting the ball solidly? At this point I would have to say he has been outplayed by Prado who’s defense appears to be just as good and who’s shown much more consistency at the plate.”
Well, he’s out-hitting Texeira right now.
Remember that batting averages aren’t an exact science in Spring Training. Prado has more at bats than Kelly Johnson. He also tends to be subbed in after the first few innings, in other words, after the opposing team has pulled their starter. Its very likely Prado was teeing off on a AAA or worse pitcher.
Do I know this for a fact? No. But I wouldn’t worry about Kelly’s, Texeira’s, or any of the other regular’s at bats. Kelly is the starting 2nd baseman.
If he’s batting .230 at the end of April, then you can be worried. But I have the feeling his average will be closer to .330…
By Mike in LA
March 20, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
The Bench should be: Blanco, Prado, Pena, Thorman, and Lopez at least until infante comes back
By JimD
March 20, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Flange, in response to your comment on the last blog let me say:
I agree it is a shame to just let some of the out of options (03) guys go. But every team has them. Most teams have probably at least 3 of the 03 guys. So chances are if you just bide your time, you will be able to claim a good player off the waiver wire and it not cost you a player.
And it seems that the going rate for an 03 guy is not a roster player, but a low-level prospect. So, I beleive the Braves should explore trades and get all they can for the 03 guys, I just don’t think they will get someone ready for a major league roster. Not the Braves’ roster at least. We are still pretty high up on the food chain.
By Braveheart
March 20, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
go way back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qSWCjalySc
By AdirondackDave
March 20, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Had lunch with a serious Mets fan today. She figures Braves to be really good this year and talked a lot about Chipper and his clutch play against the Mets. I mentioned that he told us here on the blog a month or so ago that he planned to play until he was 40 and after that it would depend on family and health. She audibly groaned when hearing that.
By DAP
March 20, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
wasnt kelly out hit by prado last spring to? everyone was kinda miffed that prado didnt get a fair shake.
then kelly went out in april and hit .326 with a 1.066 OPS, hit 5 HR and 15 RBI from the leadoff spot, and walked like 24 times…
By Epinephrine
March 20, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Anyone that is talking about playing Prado over KJ ought to be taken back behind the woodshed.
Kelly is a gamer. He is guy that will draw walks and work counts, which is exactly what you want out of that spot. He is also a guy that has some pop. He needs to work on consistency and Ks, but he knows it. That is what the spring is for-getting work in, try some new things, and get mentally ready for the season. Caring about his BA right now is simply missing the point.
By Kevin
March 20, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Who do you pull for in basketball Renegator? Florida? If so, congrats on making the tournament this year.
By HuffBraves
March 20, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Wow, just saw the caption on the pic in Bowman’s Soriano story: “Rafael Soriano fanned Houston sluggers Lance Berkman and Brad Ausmus on Wednesday.”
This may be the only time in his life Brad Ausmus has been referred to as a “slugger.”
By FJR
March 20, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Are you really considering putting a guy who has never proven anything against major league pitching (Prado) in over a guy who was one of the better offesnsive 2B last year (K-JO), in only his first season at 2B? Based on SPRING TRAINING BATTING AVERAGE? Really?
By ncscoots
March 20, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Aren’t the Tigers more interested in RH relief than LH? That would seem to mitigate against Ring as one of the out-of-options trade pieces, no?
As far as the position decisions go, any way you slice it, the bench appears it will be very inexperienced, unless a trade of some sort for a veteran bat comes along.
By FJR
March 20, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
DOB,
My best friend (Patrick Blanchard) plays bass for Shawn Mullins when he’s not playing solo acoustic. Met Shawn a few times, nice guy. I say his biggest asset is he has a great vision of what he wants every song to sound like and can really get it there.
By ncscoots
March 20, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Caring about his BA right now is simply missing the point.
But, Ep, you’ve used that very point when throwing Brandon Jones under the bus this spring. I mean, that guy, you’ve practically got him out of baseball already, LOL. A little harsh and hasty, IMO.
By Bravosimos
March 20, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, Does Prado have any speed? And who’s defense is better Prado or Anderson? I love speed and the Braves don’t have much. If Anderson has had such a good spring, I think we should keep him.
By Renegator
March 20, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Whats that Kevin? Back to back National Champions? That’s what I thought. Talk trash once your team even sniffs one national championship.
By OrlandoFan
March 20, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a propoenent all spring for keeping Pena for his versatility. Then keep Javy for some power. When Infante returns, you can make a decision about which one stays/goes. But to open, let’s give it as shot with both. Thorman 1B/LF, Prado 2/3/SS/LF, Pena C/1/3, Lopez C/1, Anderson/Blanco LF/CF/RF. Not a bad bench, with some balance left and right and some power and some defense. Infante improves it vastly, but when you are limited to 5 players — see yesterday’s post for my feelings about that — versatility unfortunately sometimes can outpoint talent in building the bench. There’s no room, in my view, for a catch-and-throw guy as 20% of your bench.
By Epinephrine
March 20, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
nscoots,
My assessment of Brandon Jones has nothing to do with this spring. From the few times I have seen him, I just haven’t seen what I think will pan out to be a big league player. Granted, I am about as far from a scout as you can be, but its just a gut feeling of mine. For some reason, I just don’t really like B. Jones.
Also, while I do not think spring training numbers matter at all for veterans, I think they can be at least somewhat useful for people battling for a job. For guys like KJ, Mac, CJ, Tex-all this is about is getting work in. For guys like Prado, Lill, Thorman, Javy, these numbers do matter in at least some context. So I think you need two different conversations when looking at those numbers. Furthermore, that makes a comparison between KJ and Prado even more absurd.
But definitely do not interpret my feeling for Brandon Jones over his spring numbers alone.
By flange1
March 20, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
JimD,
To a certain extent, I agree with you. I would not expect to trade Thorman or B Pena for Marcus Thames or Chad Tracy!
Guys like that should be spun for prospects similar to what we did with Tony Pena Jr.
The pitchers are another story.
But I believe our bench is weak. If we end up with Prado and Infante as middle infielders so be it. Good fielding, no power, fair contact hitters.
The backup 1B (Thorman) is a poor contact hitter with below average fielding skills and some power.
Backup at catcher could be Javy, Corky, Sammons or B Pena. Sammons and Corky = good defense + no offense
Javy=?
B Pena= decent bat, below average glove
Outfield = Anderson/Blanco = good glove, decent contact hitter, NO POWER
All in all, we will have no stud pinch hitter in the group. I almost would bench Diaz and use him as a PH because he handles the role so well.
We need a stud pinch hitter.
By TK
March 20, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
DOB…or anyone. Did Scott Thorman not get drafted by the Braves as a 3rd baseman? Played some 3rd in the minors?
By Epinephrine
March 20, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I should also add that I am perfectly willing to accept I may be dead wrong about B Jones, and would be thrilled to eat crow. I just don’t think that will happen.
By Kevin
March 20, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I figured you would come back with that. That’s why I said THIS year. Your obviously bitter and it’s understandable. At least you guys still have a shot at the coveted NIT championship. Has Billy D. even let your scrubs back in the gym yet?
By BB FAN
March 20, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69 “you guys are just too sensitive. There nothing wrong with 3rd place. The braves have finished there the last couple of years without shame.”
There actually isn’t anything wrong with finishing 3rd for 2 seasons… after finishing 1st for 15 seasons.
I believe the Mets finished 3rd or worst 10-12 seasons since 1990. I remember the Mets finishing 1st just one time since 1990, 2nd maybe 5 times. I think they finished last 3 or 4 times as well.
Keep talking Sniper. You are a typical Mets fan. You think your team is the greatest money can buy because of that ONE division title 2 years ago. Congrats on that.
By TJ
March 20, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
mlbtr reports that the Twins and Nathan are close on a contract extension: they’re speculating on a 3-year, $45 million deal.
For the life of me, I can’t see how a mid-market team like the Twins can justify paying a guy $15 mil a year for 70 innings. There are too many guys like Soriano, Gonzalez and who-knows-who else who can do almost as well for 20% of the money.
By BB FAN
March 20, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69 “you guys are just too sensitive. There nothing wrong with 3rd place. The braves have finished there the last couple of years without shame.”
There actually isn’t anything wrong with finishing 3rd for 2 seasons… after finishing 1st for 15 seasons with a World Series win and 5 NL pennants.
I believe the Mets finished 3rd or worst 10-12 seasons since 1990. I remember the Mets finishing 1st just one time since 1990, 2nd maybe 5 times. I think they finished last 3 or 4 times as well.
Keep talking Sniper. You are a typical Mets fan. You think your team is the greatest money can buy because of that ONE division title 2 years ago. Congrats on that.
By Renegator
March 20, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Kevin
I don’t know if they are allowed back in the gym yet but I know they enjoyed watching your boys choke an 11 point lead with 15 minutes to go.
By flange1
March 20, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Scoots,
You are correct the Tigers have said they are looking for RH relief.
By FJR
March 20, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Prado has speed, but nothing like Anderson’s. However, Anderson has NO power whatsoever, he’s a slap hitter, and could end up as about a Willie Harris type player who can’t get on base once defenses catch on and start playing him up. Anderson also doesn’t walk, which REALLY hurts him.
By DonCoburleone
March 20, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I still think of the relievers mentioned, they are going to want either Yates or Boyer… Boyer (in my opinion) has the potential to be much better than Yates this year and in the future, but Yates is the one with the experience. My guess is that the Tigers, with a team ready to win now, would rather have the experienced Yates over Blaine Boyer… I would trade Yates in a heartbeat if we could get back something decent. I’d guess something along the lines of an A ball minor leaguer with decent upside (preferrably a pitcher)…
By TK
March 20, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Billy D got hosed by the SEC on coach of the last few years. Just like Bruce Pearl got hosed this year by being co-coach of the year. Both of those guys have to be saying to themselves “What do I have to do?”
By ncscoots
March 20, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, I guess ONE of us will be wrong this year :-), since I don’t share the man-love for Diaz everyday. He’ll either pan out (and I’ll be wrong) or Jones goes to LF at the All-Star break (and YOU’LL be wrong, LOL). We’ll see, I guess.
By Kevin
March 20, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
And thats all they could do Renegator, watch. Because they were not good enough to get in this year. No one was even bragging or talking about UGA until you started spouting off bullsh*t about a 14 seed somehow choking against a 3 seed. We weren’t supposed to win. It is much more embarrassing for Florida, who did just win back to back titles, to not even be in the field. Pathetic.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 20, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
For those wondering why the Braves might consider Marcus Thames , this is why.
The right handed slugging 31 year old is primarily an outfielder , the Tigers broke him at 1B last year and he saw 33 games of action with 180 putouts and 2 errors.
Thames hit 18 Dingers with 54 RBI and batted .242 in 2007. I checked his splits and he did well facing southpaws hitting a healthy .310 against them.
He is a slight upgrade over Scott Thorman because of his ability to play LF , RF and 1B.
By Tomahawkin
March 20, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Flange1, Know it all, I’m also In agreement to Nate’s statement about Soriano and the bullpen
I have a feeling that the blow-pen will again be my biggest p** off factor during the season, especially if those 1-run games turn out like they did last year
By Renegator
March 20, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
TK
Agreed
By FJR
March 20, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
TJ,
The twins are walking a fine line. They simply couldn’t afford Santana, but they’re not rebuilding either. You CAN’T be rebuilding first year of a new stadium. Sure, they have no real shot at the playoffs, but the fans want to go to the ballpark and see a team that has a chance to win when they are there.
And hopefully this ends all the ridiculous speculation of trading for Joe Nathan. We wouldn’t be able to get him for Jo-Jo Reyes and Brandon Jones. We could possibly get him for Shaffer and 2 out of Lil’bridge, Reyes and B. Jones. but that would be stupid.
and yes, I am raising my hand that I think that minus maybe a minor injury here and there, Soriano effectively closes all year, or at least unitl Gonzalez is healthy enough to close himself.
By Epinephrine
March 20, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
I have no idea why people don’t have more faith in the eventual trio of Soriano, Moylan, and Gonzo to put away games.
Soriano has two rough outings in his first two spring outings and people are freaking out? Who cares? Guy thrives in high pressure situations, and my hand is firmly raised in the pro-Soriano camp.
By Renegator
March 20, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Kevin
Don’t be bitter. One of these years UGA will win something. Don’t worry - it’ll happen.
By FJR
March 20, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
To those who are acting like Blanco and Anderson are the same player. That’s rpetty far from the truth. Anderson has NO power. Blanco has about average. Anderson is Blazing fast, Blanco is just kind of fast.
Blanco’s power is less than K-Jo’s but substantially more than Anderson’s.
By McFann
March 20, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Go, BB Fan! Tell off Sniper.
Anyway, talk to y’all Saturday! TTFN (Ta-Ta For Now!)
By Tomahawkin
March 20, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
MidtownBrave I’d take both the phillies and mets offenses over us. Not to sound pessimistic but because they both have great team speed…A small factor like good team speed is usually a big factor in 1-run games, where playing longball won’t get it done
By Revbuddygreene
March 20, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
I think Anderson would be a perfect 4th outfielder. He reminds me of Bob Dernier (sp) . Back in the 80s he would pretty much ONLY come in as a pinch runner and manufacture a run. Thats one aspect of our game that has been lacking since Otis left.
TJ-I dont understand why the Twins would be willing to give Nathan $15 mil a season and not offer the same to Johan or Torre….kinda hard to close games when you are losing…..
By Tomahawkin
March 20, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Coach This is one of the rare timesI will disagree with you, Thames has always had the potential when he was a Yankee prospect. But man he is way too streaky, plus he has never hit higher than .256 in a season. It would be like Bringing A. Jones back, minus the added power, and defense…
But at the same time he is more versitle, I’d rather bring someone in to the bench who has some speed since we are lacking in that area as compared to philly and New York…
By Kevin
March 20, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Renegator as I said before, you are obviously the one that is bitter and jealous. We overachieved for the year and you guys underachieved. It happens. Maybe next year your prima-donas will put those championships in the back of their minds and play like they care about winning instead of living off the legacy that came before them.
By TJ
March 20, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
FJR, just seems to me the Twins could hold Nathan to the trade deadline and get something really good for him, save the $15 mil, and still have time to put an exciting product on the field in ‘10 when the new stadium opens.
Anyway, I’m not that concerned about what the Twins do. My point really was just that teams like the Braves can’t afford a $15 mil closer.
Agree with you that there’s no point in talking about the Braves pursuing a guy like Nathan.
By flange1
March 20, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Interesting post to a Rob Neyer blog on John Smoltz. Neyer is wondering if Smoltz is working on his knuckler:
“Being a Braves fan, our beat reporter (David O’Brien) has reported on the additional pitches that Smoltz is working on. He is trying to add a curve ball, change up and a 2 seamer to his 4 seamer, split and slider. This was the main reason that he has been pitching in simulated games so that he could work on those pitches in clutch situations and not allow his competitive nature to take over and revert back to his normal pitching style. If you want to know more, I would suggest that you follow the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Braves Beat Blog. Lost of great Braves news from the best beat reporter in MLB.”
By Nate
March 20, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
At exactly what point did Soriano prove to you guys that he can be an effective closer in a pennant race. Whatever you guys are seeing, I missed it. He had a grand total of 9 saves last year. Nine. And lets not forget extended periods horrible pitching. He had three blown saves in July. He sure hasn’t shown anything to improve my opinion this spring. And just how are you Soriano guys just ignoring the elbow issues.
I know trading for someone like Joe Nathan is no guarantee of post-season success, and anyone can get hurt, but this guy could implode at any time. The Braves can’t count on Gonzo this year. Next year, maybe.
By Lew
March 20, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
All artists will tell you that they have artwork laying around all over the place-usually stacks and stacks of it. I’m certainly no different in that regard.
Now, I was just doing some cleaning so I could make room for what I brought back from Spring Training and came across some drawings of Ex Braves. Let’s have a quick Wurlitzer blitz. No questions or answers necessary.
The first to email me at lewhartman@comcast.net will win one of the following (in this order) 1.A Greg Maddox painting (this one is a really good painting-you can tell he’s throwing a circle change) 2. A Gary Sheffield drawing 3. Ryan Klesko drawing (this one is ten year’s old) 4. Marcus Giles (this is a really good drawing) 5. Johnny Estrada and 6. Chucky T. If more than six respond, I’m sure I’ll find some prints y’all might be interested in. NONE of these is autographed.
Have at it and include your Real Name, Blog name and real snail mail address (I don’t mind paying the postage but I need to know where to send the art. Winners will be announced later. No one can possibly lose on this one. Everyone will receive something.
By bravesare#1
March 20, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
DOB does it look like Francoeur is going to play tonight?
By Lew
March 20, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
One last thing-Just in case you’re not a winner of the originals, include the name of the player whose print you’d like. Choices include Chipper, Glavine, McCann, Francoeur, Bobby Cox, Smoltz, or the Sid Slid play.
By doug
March 20, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Anderson or Blanco, only until Infante comes back. Then they send down the back up centerfielder and bring up Brandon Jones.
With that move our bench gets the vereran(Infante) and some more power (B Jones). And Infante backs up centerfield.
Oh crud, they would still have to send someone else down if that senario was to work. If they break camp with two back up infielders, then I guess the one not named Prado would go back. Oh well, I think I’m on to something here, but my head hurts and it’s time to go home.
Question for DOB. Is Diory Hernandez getting any consideration for back up utility role? He’s a good size dude that plays all the infield positions, correct? Just don’t here his name mentioned much, but he is getting a bunch of playing time.
By Tomahawkin
March 20, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Just got done talking to some of the cats on the philly.com/phillies forum…
I may be looking into the Future a lil bit, but most would agree that the first ten days are crucial for all 3 rival teams, and the one team that doesn’t beat the *jubroni teams (Phils play *Cincy and *Washington, before playing the mets, We have 1 against the *Nats, home against *Pittsburgh before playing the mets, The Mets start in *Florida before rolling through the “A”) will fall behind and will have to crawl up, and that could be a daunting task in this division
*that masterisk denoutes that I consider those teams jubroni teams, even though Cincy will be a force in the central, because their division is weak compared to ours…
By doug
March 20, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
This is going to be confusing, but here I go.
Nate (not N8): your and idiot.
There, I hope I didn’t offend our heavy metal friend out there, but I had to say that.
Soriano Rules
By Tomahawkin
March 20, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Nate I knew that after watch the bombs Soriano gave up last year, I’m not hating on the dude, but I think this closer issue is gonna blow up in our face again…
M. Gonzalez, everyone expects him back by may, but I’m not counting on him to be back til after the trade deadline (T.J. Surgery takes a lot longer that 1 year to fully recover 100% without any flare-ups) So Our Blow-pen will I think still be suspect til at least May…
By N8
March 20, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Lew
I just responded to you email. Does that count for one of the pieces? LOL!
I’ll take the Sheffield one, but only if Scott Boras is “added” on there as well.
Better yet. Add Boras to it, and send it Shef.
THAT would be funny.
By T-Bone
March 20, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
T-Bone (not Koko) here:
And, yes, I’m a huge Seinfeld fan. Everything in life connects back to a Seinfeld episode.
It seems to me that we have enough depth to make some needed trades either now or as the season wears on. All hail Frank Wren!
By brian
March 20, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
How has Borchard done as a pinch hitter? Agree with above posts about need for a pinch hitter with power - probably via trade or Borchard versus Jones/Diaz platoon (if that eventually occurs)
By N8
March 20, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
T-Bone
Glad to see you have a sense of humor about it. I didn’t mean any harm by it.
Just laugh when I hear, or read the word T-Bone. Even in the grocery market.
By David O'Brien
March 20, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Buddy Carlyle is not out of options. Not a big deal, but we’ve had misinformation here before on him. I assumed he was out of options because he’s been around so long and debuted in majors with San Diego years ago.
Anyway, Frank Wren told me tonight, he’s not out of options….
I asked Bobby about some of the relievers, specifically Yates. Cox on evaluating guys in spring: “You don’t put all your stock in spring training.”
So does that apply to the case of Tyler Yates? Yes, Cox said.
“He’s had some good innings,” he said. “We know what he can do. It’s about trying to find out what other guys you don’t know can do.”
By Chattanooga Sonny
March 20, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
I love this blog and I love this part of ST, it reads like everyone is writng a script for a Bud Abbott and Lew Costello skit, but we do know who’s on first and whats on third, don’t we???
By Nate
March 20, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
I’m not trying to hate on Soriano. I’m just not convinced he can be an effective full time closer, and no one here has been able to say anything that would refute that assertion.
No one has presented an argument as to why he’s such a great closer, or why the Braves should ignore his elbow issues or past pitching issues (July 2007).
His track record just isn’t strong enough to justify the confidence some of you seem to have in him. And bad mouthing talks of trading for Joe Nathan doesn’t really resolve the questions surrounding Soriano.
By Lew
March 20, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Sonny-You Kno Who is on third.
By Lew
March 20, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Nate-Dude, do you actually see us trading for a guy that someone just said was about to sign a three year contract for $15 mil per? Time to get real.
No we don’t definitively know if Soriano is going to be the second coming of Smoltz at closer, but this we do know-1. He has a fastball every bit as good as Smoltzie, 2. He has a nasty slider, just like Smoltzie and 3. He is not intimidated by anyopne and is quite likely to put the ball in someone’s ear if they dig in too much. THAST is what you look for in a closer.
As for his elbow issues-not every ache and pain in a pitcher’s arm indicates a Tommy John situation or a blown rotator cuff. Apparently the Braves are not concerned enough to keep him shut down. Either they know more than you do or are And Idiots. Does that work for you?
By Pete H.
March 20, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Chattanooga Larry: I don’t know is on third, not what.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 20, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
This story happens sometime in the future —
Bobby Cox, Tony Larussa, and Joe Torre are flying on the same plane the crashes with no survivors. As they walked towards Heaven’s gate they are met by the Angel Gabriel. He says that he is there to show them to their new place’s.
They enter Heaven and as they walk down the first street and come to a golden villa with a Cardinal’s banner out front Gabriel says “Tony - this one is for you”. Larussa smiles and says thanks. They all continue walking up a small hill and as they reach the top they see a large golden mansion with Yankee’s banners and sprawling grounds with a pool and fountain. “Joe - this is your new place”. Torre smiles and nods and say thanks.
They continue up a larger hill which winds into the clouds. As they reach the summit they see a sprawling mansion with Braves banners and unbelievable features which overlooks all of Heaven. Torre and Larussa are stunned. They turned to Gabriel and ask why does Bobby get such a place of Honor in Heaven.
Gabriel turns and smiles and says ” Well first of all your both wrong. That’s were GOD lives. Bobby you can go on in.”
By SNIPER-69
March 20, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
BB Fan doesn’t know anything about baseball prior to 1990. From 1976 thru 1989 the braves finished last EIGHT times. Next to last 2 times. It’s very amusing to hear brave fans talk about baseball as if it didn’t exist before 1990….very funny.
By woogidy
March 20, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Nate, with you, but gotta give him a shot until June. Mike Gonzalez does have a proven track record as a closer, albeit 1 season. He’s the “in house” backup plan.
By Google
March 20, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Glad to see you can use me for baseball history SNIPER-69, not just finding cliff notes for your 10th grade reading assignments.
By David-ATL14
March 20, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Well Nate it’s like this, no offense intended.
It doesn’t matter one iota whether Soriano measures up in your eyes.Nor does it matter whether any person on the blog can offer up an argument that convinces you otherwise.
Really not important at all.
Because Wren and BC have decided Soriano is the closer. That move was signified with the awarding of a 2 year contract to Soriano.
Soriano is the closer end of story.
Nathan is staying with the Twins and is about to sign a new contract per MLB.com.
Even i