Braves

By AUtiger

November 4, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

If the braves were to trade for Peavy in a deal including some young talent and Escobar, what would they do about short? Is there anyone within the organization they feel is ready for a full time position or would they have to pick up some outside help? If so, who is available?

By bruce

November 4, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

first?

By eddie

November 4, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, great blog and yes like all braves fans i want peavy here. you oughta check out Susan Tedeschi’s new cd “back to the river” simply awesome stuff..

By Mike

November 4, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Mad Dog is one of the greatest pitchers of all time, no doubt about it. What impresses me even more is that he did it all without throwing 95mph. Unbelievable career, just wish he would have won more WS titles with the Bravos.

By BamaBrave

November 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Maddux over Clemens, yes…but “only” because Clemens turned out to be a douchebag cheater. I will ask this… Who would you rather have had on the mound in a Game 7? While Maddux was sublime over a 162 game schedule, I’d have to go with Roger S. Roid in a Game 7.

Is it April yet?

By macdwolfpack

November 4, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

A rotation of Peavy, Jurgens, Tazawa,Hanson,and Hudson would be pretty darned outstanding and the foundation for many winning years, not unlike the rotation of Smoltz,Glavine,Maddux that starte the string of winning seasons.

DOB, my question is then what in the world do you do if Glavine,Smoltz,and Hampton are healthy and want to pitch?

By KneeJerk

November 4, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Renteria?

By N Nine

November 4, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Is it just me?

Just by looking at Mark Teahan numbers and comparing it to Frenchy doesn’t excite me.

Frenchy had a lousy year but he did have productive years before. Teahan hasn’t. I would have to get more than a swap.

You guys can bash me for this but I’m backing Frenchy on this. Frenchy seems to have more upside. I can see why Moore is excited about that potential deal.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 4, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

12th?

No doubt in my mind, denizens. Maddux is the best of his generation.

In his prime, he dominated, head and shoulders better than his peers. And his 3.27 postseason ERA isn’t anything to sneeze at.

By N8

November 4, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

ncscoots

From the other blog:

“Jeez, fellows, you think you might want to keep at least ONE right-handed bat on the 25-man, LOL? Mercy. Wren’s bleeding from the ear because of working the phones for a RH banger…”

As a fan, I worry more about having GOOD hitters, than from which side of the plate the swing from. I suggest you do the same. LOL!

I’d take 7 everyday players that had a good approach at the plate, and hit both righties and lefties well (say for instance: McCann), than going by the book and breaking up the lefties with one Jeff Francoeur.

Now if Jeff has learned to be a patient hitter with ANY sort of approach at the plate, that’s a different story.

By flange1

November 4, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog DOB!

In my mind Maddox was the best of his generation. I feel lucky to have seen him pitch so many games.

It is time for some of our hero’s to hang it up and I hope most will do that when it is time and not wait too long like Willie Mays.

The Peavy talk is still exciting, hope you and Ken R are wrong and it can get done BEFORE turkey day.

Interesting to hear that someone WANTS Frenchy.. Maybe if Greinke is on the table…..

By matt_T

November 4, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Hopefully Tazawa is more Dice-K than Irabu

By N Nine

November 4, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

With Clemens a dud, Mad Dog was the best pitcher in ‘90’s. Thanks for the years Maddux!!

By richbrave

November 4, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Agree on MADDUX, DAVID. Right up there with WARREN SPAHN in modern day wins. I don’t think he’s forgotten a major league pitch he’s even made. That’s what’s so unusual and primo about his career. Would love to see him finish up here as a fifth starter. Sure would be an upgrade over this past season.

By AJK

November 4, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

DOB: Maddux is certainly one of the best pitchers of the past 50 years, and perhaps in the history of baseball. Let’s not forget that many of his wins and historically low eras came during a time when so many of the batters he faced were pumped full of steroids and simply pounding the ball all over the place.

Thanks for the frequent Peavy updates - can’t get enough info on that front. What are you hearing on the prospects for a power hitting CF or LF? Anyone strike you as a favorite? I’ve heard Ibanez mentioned, but hope that’s not the best we can do

By FookyFan

November 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

If Escobar is traded for Peavy, will we make a run at Furcal? Is Bobby on the phone with Fooky right now?

By BravesFanInRockies

November 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Autiger,

Brent Lillibridge would surely get an audition at SS. He can handle the position defensively, we just don’t know if he can hit major league pitching at all. I would not rule out trying to re-sign Renteria for a year or two as well. Or the Pads might include Khalil Greene in the trade.

They won’t be without a SS in 2009, but they will have to fill a big hole in the lineup and on the field.

By Interested Observer

November 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

DOB

If the Braves sign Tazawa would that come out of the $40 million or so they have to spend this offseason, or would it be considered player development money or some other budget like that?

By Lew

November 4, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

I sure hope that if they DO trade Yunel (and I really hope they do not trade him) that it is not to include Khalil Greene in the deal for Peavy. I fail to see why people are so high on him because he had ONE good Home Run year. What about his other stats?

Greene has a .240 BA over the past four seasons and an OBP (for the same time frame) of .291. He has struck out 93, 87, 128, and 100 times in these four seasons. He barely walks on a 1-3 BB to K ratio. Y’all-look how you laid out Frenchy for putting up similar numbers last year. Is this what we need? Seriously?

Honestly, I’m not seeing this guy as any kind of option whatsoever-especially at $6.5 million. I also fail to see why some really think there will be any kind of market if we wanted to trade him. Green just ain’t all that-not even a small fraction of All That and he’s coming off a terrible season where he missed 57 games as well. Think of another alternative. This Dude isn’t it.

By Dan

November 4, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

DOB

Let us assume that the Braves complete a trade for Jake Peavy. This will cost the Braves a number of prospects. In my estimation, this means that the Braves will likely fill the LF void via free agency, given their reluctance to trade prospects and mortgage the future.

Free Agents-Dunn, Burrell, Ibanez, Manny

Given this, who do you predict will be patrolling LF for Atlanta next year?

If we are chosing between those three players (assuming Manny is not going to happen) I vote for Dunn because he is durable and younger than the rest.

By MattyRoss

November 4, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

I don’t think this question’s been asked, but if it has I apologize. Is it within the realm of possibility that both of the MI are gone before the season starts? Perhaps Yunel goes in a Peavy trade and Kelly goes in a trade for an LF or other starter? Or would Wren not want to create another item on his shopping list by doing that?

By Taylor S

November 4, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

DOB … any word on potential interest in Javy Vasquez? Seems like the front of the rotation guy we are looking for. He could be a solid # 2/3 guys who will eat alot of innings.

By Josh H

November 4, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Clemens or Maddux in a big playoff game?

The clear answer is Option C. John Smoltz. :)

By N Nine

November 4, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Hudson,Peavy,Jurrjens,Tazawa, and Hanson..in 2010?

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Here’s a rumor you might be hearing soon. I repeat, might be hearing.

Kelly Johnson for Ryan Ludwick. Hey, you ask about whispers, I give you whispers. I’ll let you know if I hear it said above a whisper.

By Nate

November 4, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

It would be great to see the Braves sign Maddux to a contract and let him pitch one game and retire a Brave. It would be cool to see Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz all go into the hall together as Braves.

By TheCutMan

November 4, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

I’ve been at odds with David O’Brien in my short tenure here, for various reasons, (Since 2006), but I’ve learned that if he predicts something, it’s based on solid judgment and/or sources to justify same. This fact cannot be denied from one who first questioned his acumen.

No longer. I’m now thinking Peavy will be a Brave.

By Josh H

November 4, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Link: To Macdwolfpack

Let’s say you have your rotation of Peavy, Jurrjens, Tazawa, Hanson, and Hudson. I’m assuming Morton was given in the deal for Peavy (which if we give up Escobar…is too much in my opinion. But that’s neither here nor there).

Have to understand that what Jurrjens did last year is pretty rare. It usually takes a season or two to adjust to the majors, so you have to believe Tazawa and Hanson will have that adjustment period. Hudson won’t even pitch until August, if then, so you can only count on him in 2010 (and that’s if the Braves pick up his option).

Plenty of room for Hampton or Smoltz in that equation. I’m just not sure about Glavine anymore.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

November 4, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

with all the talk about pitching, i’ve been pondering the outfield situation.

with the cardinals in need of up-the-middle infield help, and a potential surplus of outfielders, i’m curious if a kelly johnson (and maybe a james parr-type pitcher) for rich ankiel deal would have any legs.

if the braves spend their money on pitching - and don’t give up johnson and escobar in doing so - ankel might be a good pick-up, if he is available.

ankiel would be more affordable than most, if not all, free agent options and provide decent power production. he does strike out a lot, and he’s never played a full, healthy season as a position player. but he could play good defense in center and with his arm could move to right, if needed.

if the braves feel prado can replace johnson, it would, on the surface, look like a deal that could help both clubs.

i like johnson and i’m not advocating trading him as i think he still have a ton of upside; but it takes talent to get talent. and a deal like this seems to be a decent option.

By ncscoots

November 4, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

I’d take 7 everyday players that had a good approach at the plate, and hit both righties and lefties well

Let me know when you find them. Sometime after picking up the Holy Grail, I’m guessing. Until then, I think I’ll go with the probabilities that Francoeur and most other RH bats on this planet are going to hit lefties better than most LH hitters, thanks.

By ContactBuzz

November 4, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

DOB - you were 15 feet in front of Cooley Sat night? You couldn’t have been more than an arm’s length away from me.

Both bands were amazing - THS’s front man really demands attention.

I left the GT/F$U game as soon as “the fumble” happened and got to the Tabernacle in time to buy a beer and find a good place up near the stage - and my hearing could be permanently damaged as well.

By Anders

November 4, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Lew My answer from the last blog.

As I said on here before, I fully expect the Braves to get Peavy. The question is the price. As for my concern about them getting him, hey I’d be happy if they stunk as much as they did last year but that’s not realistic. But I don’t see Peavy as that much of an upgrade over Hudson that I would take the Braves seriously. Plus I don’t know who the second guy you say they’ll get is yet. That aside, the Braves have lots of holes in their positions as well. Sounds like they’re ready to jettison wonder boy from right. CF is still a ? as is left. Chipper is Chipper but I only have to worry about him for 120 games a year. Confidence in your SS doesn’t seem high as his name is being bandied about in trades on this blog. Second base is ok. 1st seems ok but it’s quite a drop off from what you went into last season with. Catcher is solid and will probably get even better. How is this team better than last years?

As for the Mets, they’ll stay with most of what they had last year on the field. If things break right I think they’ll try and get Orlando Hudson for second and eat Castillo’s contract. Minaya said otherwise but I’m not sure he isn’t just posturing. I did hear they had some concerns about Schneider behind the plate which suprised me so we’ll see about that. As for pitching - Fuentes sounds real interested in NY. I think they’ll scour the reliever market like everyone else. I also think they’ll pick up another number 3 or 4 starter (Could be Perez resign). Maine will be back. Santana, Maine, Pelfrey, new starter and ? . That’s a good start.

Remember, they may have fallen short the last two years but they’ve been in 1st place for more than 2 1/2 of the last 3 years and have missed out by 1 game each of the last 2. The hill they have to climb isn’t near what your Braves are facing.

By Jeff in Alabama

November 4, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

DOB, I just read your Peavy story on the AJC website and laughed out loud at this line: “The Padres have said they would consider offers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who drool over the possibility of getting Peavy.” I must say that I have never seen the word “drool” used in a newspaper story. I’m picturing Lasorda with a napkin tucked into his collar, and a huge plate of spaghetti in front of him. You can imagine the rest. I wonder if “drool” will make it past your editor and into the print edition.

As for the rest of the story, it’s good to hear that the Braves are seemingly leading the pack in the Peavy trade. Especially good is the reaffirmation that Hanson will likely not be dealt. The news on Tazawa is also exciting. Frank Wren certainly seems to be pulling all of the right strings in this early off-season.

Enjoy the rest of your stay in California. I’m guessing you will be stopping in Mesa, AZ, for the AFL game that Wren will be attending. I hope I’m right, and I look forward to your reports on Hanson, Flowers and the other Braves prospects. Regards.

By brian

November 4, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

I guess this Japanese pitcher is who Wren targeted as our #2 pitcher with Peavy being #1.

By TampaBrave

November 4, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I still think the Braves should be talking to the Rays. David Price is going into the Rays rotation next year which means that either Sonnanstine or Jackson should be available for a trade.

By Wayne

November 4, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Peavy, Ludwick and Tawaza! Mad Dog into the Hall, and a dilemma of which old fart lefty to sign for our rotation, Glavine or Hampton.

DOB Are you trying to stir up the hornet’s nest?

:-)

By Don

November 4, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Mad Dog was and is “The Man”. Best pitcher of the 90’s. I wish he had gotten more offensive support in the playoffs so that he would be recognized as the true money pitcher that he was.

By Dadgum

November 4, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Hey Hey not first but close.

Sign the Japanese pitcher quick. Hey, sign Maddux while we’re at it and make him the #5 starter. That way he can retire a Brave something he is going to do anyway. How does Peavy, Tazawa, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Maddux sound. Pretty good if you ask me. I am assuming Campillo will be traded to San Diego. Hudson can re-enter the picture in 2010.

As for who will play SS if Escobar is traded that will be either Greene via the trade with San Diego or possibly Renteria via Free agency from Detroit. Lillibridge would not fit the mold the Braves are looking for in a win-quick mode. They would be looking for experience which I am certain Peavy would appreciate and even demand if he approves a trade to Atlanta. No, Lillibridge is just a little bit short on the experience. In fact it is even money that he is traded. Just nowhere for him to play with the Braves right now. He will most likely play everyday in Gwinnett and be on standby if he isn’t traded.

For me I would hate to see Escobar go but I said the same thing about Furcal and that turned out great. We’ll see.

Rock on…….Vote!!!!

By brian

November 4, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

if KJ is sent for Ludwick then no way will Escobar be sent for Peavy. I do not see Wren starting over with the middle infield.

Thanks for the whispers

By Wes

November 4, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Any chance of a return visit by Furcal if Escobar is included in a trade?

By Brian

November 4, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I remember when Maddux pitched with us it was almost a given we were going to win. All the jealousy other announcers,teams, and fans had of our rotation- Maddux/ Smoltz/ Glavine/ Avery, was fun to watch and hear.

Getting Tazawa might be a huge advantage because a trade for Peavy and signing this kid cheap would leave a ton of money for a bat, backups, bullpen(resign Ohman). Lowe and Burnett would cost 16-17 mill.

By stamper

November 4, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

What to do about Escobar is a good question. In the event we land Peavy, and the Padres get Escobar in return… do we really think Lillibridge is ready to play every day? Methinks no. I dont really see the Braves getting Greene in return, nor do I see the Braves wanting him. So, what next? Do we make a move to bring back Furcal or Renteria? I don’t see the Braves getting either one of those two players Furcal will probably stay in LA and Edgar’s probably gonna end up back in St. Louis. So what then? Does that really leave us with Lillibridge? Scurry thought.

By BosnianBaller

November 4, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Mad Dog is by far the best pitcher this era.Only question is if he goes to the hall in a Braves uni or Cubs uni.I would be shocked if it’s in a Cub hat or uni.

By richbrave

November 4, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

TAZAWA qualifies as an “under the radar” arm of the type I’ve been posting about rather than high priced FA’s with super-sized contracts like BURNETT. Go get him. Let’s give him a look. Maybe convince “MADDOG” to be number 5 next year and win a MAD DUX doxen before hangin’ ‘um up also. Wow, PEAVY, JUIRJENS, HAMPTON, TAZAWA, MADDUX. Interesting, just for one year. Not probable, but interesting and giving time for MORTON and HANSON to finish their development and be ready for ML heavy-duty work in ‘10 with HUDSON back in the line-up. Remember denizens, MORTON also has similar weapons to TAZAWA in his arsenal. Big curve, slider, mid-90’s fastball, good change of pace, but ultimately ya’ gotta’ believe in them and your individual abilities. Some JAPANESE players have had the same intellectual problems that MORTON suffers from.

By Josh H

November 4, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Kelly for Ludwick straight up? As much as I like Kelly, and I really like Kelly, that’s a deal you do.

By Wayne

November 4, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

On the outside looking in, I have been a tad bit suspicious of Ludwick’s numbers this year. Is he a flash in the pan? He is 30 years old, and this was his first big year. Last year he was not full-time all year.

Are the Cardinals selling high if they deal Ludwick? What, if anything else would the Braves have to include to swing this deal.

If this is a serious rumor, then I do that in a heartbeat, so long as the rest of the package is reasonable.

By Original Jon

November 4, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

DOB Don’t tease with whispers such as that. OMG, Kelly for Ryan Ludwick and his 37 homers??? That would be awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Buffalo NY Braves Fan

November 4, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

DOB,

You think the Braves would trade away both their middle infielders this off-season? Didn’t Bobby always say the strength of a team is up the middle?

So with questions about CF already, FW is looking to trade their SS and 2B for a LF and stud pitcher? I somehow do not see this as making moves for the future. If Lillibridge is going to turn into that “20-30 HR” solid SS that we have been told about, then I can see it, however lillibridge struggled in AAA this past season.

By semiballcoach

November 4, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

DOB—if you take in to account the steroid allegations, maddux is head and shoulders above clemens…the only thing that i wonder about is did maddux doctor the ball to get the movement on his pitches..i know that he was never accused but he sure got alot of movement without any seams

By Danga

November 4, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Has anyone termed the nickname “The Tazer” for Tazawa? Can I copyright this and make millions after he and Peavy lead us to a world series championship allowing Chipper and Smoltz to retire as champions?

Ahhhh…Nice dreams.

By Nate

November 4, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Tazawa has to be considered a project. He’s never pitched a major league inning before. He hasn’t even pitched in the Japanese major league. He’s a Japanese minor league player. He doesn’t have a track record like Dice-K. He sounds like he has a ton of potential, and it make take a major league contract to sign him, but it would be stupid to pencil him is as a #2 starter. In truth he’s probably further away from being ready for the major leagues than Hanson is.

By Interested Observer

November 4, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

As much as I’d love to get Peavy, I don’t see how the Braves would be any better off adding Peavy but having to replace Escobar with Greene or Lillibridge then keeping Escobar and adding a couple of pitchers from Plan B, like a Lowe and Burnett. Sure Peavy’s a better long-term investment for pitching, but with the weakening of SS to do it, I just don’t see how we end up ahead.

By Buffalo NY Braves Fan

November 4, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Wayne,

I believe that Ludwick had decent numbers in the minors before a rediculously bad leg injury. Something about a rod being in his leg and it taking him 2 years to recover. That would explain the age quite well. As far as not playing all season, I think that was more because of St. Louis having so many OF. I think they platooned him with Duncan before his neck injury?

This is just bits and pieces, but if anyone can back up what my memory may have left out or “mis-remembered” please feel free.

By AZ Brave

November 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

DOB - I was wondering if there is any way of knowing which games Hanson will be pitching? Since I live in AZ I would like to try and make it out to a Solar Sox game to see him.

By Tomas

November 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

GOD I hope they do it. Peavy and Tazawa.

Then sign a big bat like Pat Burrell, and resign Hampton, Norton, Glavine, and Smoltz.

Pitching probobalities: Jake Peavy, Junichi Tazawa, Mike Hampton, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Tim Hudson(september maybe), Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, (Charlie Morton, James Parr, Kris Medlen, or Jo-jo Reyes), and Jorge Campillo.

Bulpen probabilities: Rafael Soriano, Peter Moylan, Mike Gonzalez, Will Ohman, John Smoltz, Jorge Campillo, Blaine Boyer, Phil Stockman, Manny Acosta, Jeff Ridgeway, and Buddy Carlyle.

Outfield Probabilities: Jordan Schaefer, Gorkys Hernandez, Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, Matt Diaz, Jeff Franceour, or Pat Burrell.

Infield Probabilities: Yunel Escobar, Chipper Jones, Casey Kotchman, Greg Norton, Kelly Johnson, Martin Prado, Brian McCann, Clint Sammons, Brent Lillibridge, and Omar Infante.

Peavy 11 million,+ Tazawa 3 million(guess), + Hampton 4 million, + Ohman 3 million,+ Smoltz 2.5 million, + Glavine 2 million, + Norton 2 million, + Pat Burrell 15 million. Total 40.5 million.

That’d be a very good plan, in my opinion. Maybe use 5-8 million more and get a more experience pitcher, but I’b be confortable with my plan above.

By N Nine

November 4, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

What??? Yunel and KJ traded? who are we going to use Pardo and Greene?

Yuck

By Wayne

November 4, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

BuffaloNY Not sure if it is applicable, but in the winter of 2007, Lillibridge had a hand or wrist injury. I don’t know if that had any affect on him during the course of 2008.

With the big club, he had 2 terrible stretches (0-fers) and one very good stretch. Hard to say what he will end up doing, but he looks like a player to me.

How would that be to have Lillibridge, Prado and Infante covering the middle infield next year? We would definitely need one more infielder if that were the case.

I still think if Peavy comes, he will bring along his shortstop.

As for Renteria and Furcal, I don’t see the Braves making a play for either of them.

Hope we can hang onto Schafer in all this wheeling and dealing.

If the Braves got all these needs covered early, what will we have to discuss in December and January?

By Danga

November 4, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Any chance of bringing Renteria back if Escobar is traded? I loved him while he was in Atlanta.

By Anders

November 4, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any word on the Yankees in that Japanese pitcher deal? Back at the end of the season it was reported in the locals here that Gene Micheals was over in Japan looking at a player. They wouldn’t send him unless it was serious. Micheals is the real brains behind the Yankees the last 15 years.

By Dadgum

November 4, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Folks we have already discussed the 2nd base situation. Prado will most likely be at 2nd and be a solid upgrade over Johnson there. Prado will create more outs than Johnson albeit the errors may be the same.

Hanson will definitely be in the rotation next year and Hampton will not. In fact if the Braves sign Tazawa and get Peavy Hampton won’t be signed.IMO.

Furcal would demand too much money to play SS in Atlanta. That is why we lost him in the first place. Remember?

Rock on……Vote!!

By brent a.

November 4, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Good blog today.

By Shinnbone

November 4, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Long time reader, first time poster here. Originally from Japan, have been in the ATL area since ‘93, and have been a Braves fan since then.

What I read in the Japanese media is that the Braves’ Japanese representative said what they offered Tazawa is “better than what a 22-year old college player would get as a first-round draft pick.” Whatever that is. I mean, this being a major-league offer, I would assume it would be better.

I guess he’ll need some time to get used to the US style of baseball — wider strike zone, shorter pitch intervals, etc. — and the ball itself, which is different in size and firmness and causes certain pitches to be less effective. From what I’ve heard, Daisuke’s progress this years is due to him making adjustments. Igawa, who Yankees got 2 seasons ago, apparently was not able to make necessary adjustments. I would have to guess Tazawa certainly must know all this, so a major-league offer definitely should help. He wouldn’t want to come here, not be able to make adjustments, spend some years in the minors, then go home, and risk being ridiculed by the pro teams he just dissed, so to speak.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 4, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new Blog, Chief. Int’resting stuff about Tazawa, though Japanese players have always been somewhat unsettling to me…I don’t know why…

Ryan Ludwick? It’d be sweet to have him, but isn’t there someone else we could give ‘em?

Bruce—

Man! So close!

By Threadkiller

November 4, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

I would not be so fast to jump on Green! If he is included in the Peavy deal I think he will thrive at the Ted. I feel Green could use the change of scenery! Last year he broke his hand and could not get his timing back. A healthy Green and a change of scenery could be what he needs to get going again. Also, KJ for Ludwick?? Wow!! Now if we could get Dunn as well, Holy Cow!! How about this line up:

Anderson Blanco Chipper Dunn Ludwig McCann Kotchman Green Pitcher

By THE BEAR

November 4, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

On the other blog I saw someone suggest the Braves go after Scott Olsen. I live in South Florida and keep close tabs on the Marlins and it is pretty common knowledge down here that Olsen is a head case, not well liked by teammates or anyone else. Of course that could be a rumor but those things usually have merit.

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson for Ryan Ludwick. Hey, you ask about whispers, I give you whispers. I’ll let you know if I hear it said above a whisper.

I’d rather stay away from Ludwick. Classic case of the Cards selling high right there. And if Yunel goes in the Peavy deal, Kelly has to stay.

Kelly for Ludwick straight up? As much as I like Kelly, and I really like Kelly, that’s a deal you do.

Ludwick = flash in the pan

Just my opinion, but I stay away from him.

By Buffalo NY Braves Fan

November 4, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Wayne,

Yeah I remember the surgery, just not sure if thats a main reason he struggled all season in AAA. I did see him in April and talked to him for a bit, he’s a nice kid. I’d like to see him succeed, but at the same time I have my doubts.

I can live with Prado at 2B, but at SS no one has mentioned Cabrera as a possibility. I really like watching him play, I think he could be a good replacement if we need to replace someone at SS.

By ORbravesFAN

November 4, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Taylor S Your 4:56 post about Vasquez.

Are you a serious Braves fan or are you some sort of Mets slum. Vasquez is a piece and the White Sox GM Williams will tell you to your face he is a piece. If you really want Vasquez in your team’s rotation, your team will become the Royals real soon!

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 4, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

I guess there’d be one plus side to having a Japanese player…think Cubs…think 2008 All-Star Game…think of all the spots they won through fan voting…like, behind the plate for example……

: )

By Buffalo NY Braves Fan

November 4, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Threadkiller

in your last “line-up” you have 4 OF and you are missing a 2B….. it’s a nice dream though…

By Lew

November 4, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Anders-So you still have to find two pitchers, too and you’re not concerned? And a closer? And a second baseman? Just like I said. The Mets have as many -if not more- holes to fill than the Braves do and damn little on the Farm to help-unlike the Braves. If I were you, I wouldn’t get so cocky when there’s so many questions on your own team.

Do you really think the Mets will eat Castillo’s contract and sign Hudson for $10 mil or more a year? You think they’ll spend all that and for Fuentes, too? Dude, If they were going to spend that kind of $$$$, why did they count on Moises Alou last year? Everyone but Omar knew that would be a waste of money.

Face it-you blew your load on Johan and don’t have the money left you think you do or the pieces to make a trade of that caliber again. Why do you think Omar said he wouldn’t dump Castillo? We have money AND prospects. Wonder who will get what they’re looking for?

As for being in first place for 2 1/2 of the past three years-Dude. Dude. DUDE!!!! Let’s Get Real here. That doesn’t count for a damn thing. You also tanked in unprecedented fashion two straight years after losing the previous year in the NLCS to a team with a barely .500 record when y’all had arguably the best team in baseball. All y’all get for the past three years is a little NL East division flag to hang on your barren new outfield walls. Don’t expect us to be impressed. The Braves might have suffered a downturn the past three years, but the Mets sure haven’t taken advantage of that fact. The Phillies did.

As for giving up the Farm for Peavy-It ain’t happening. That’s why it isn’t already a done deal. You don’t think if we offered Tommy Hanson that we would have Peavy wearing a tomahawk tomorrow?

Besides we’ve offered several other solutions to deal with our needs. Peavy isn’t the only pitcher out there (don’t you wish the Mets had a chance to acquire him?) As far as I’m concerned (like I’ve said several times), what I’d do is to sign Derek Lowe and trade to the White Sox for Javier Vasquez and Nick Swisher. The package for the two of them shouldn’t cost anywhere near what Peavy would-Vasquez is in the doghouse and Swisher didn’t have a typical year.

The pitchers I mentioned routinely pitch over 200 innings per year and are suitable to the Braves needs. If we can do these deals, we’ll still have all we need left for Ohman and Norton’s re-signing and any other small piece we need. AND we will still have a well stocked Farm System.

By Joe

November 4, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

get Ankiel instead of Ludwick

By BravesFanInRockies

November 4, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

After swapping KJ for Ludwick and Teahen for Francouer, our offensive issues are taken care of.

Now all we need are the pitchers …

And there’s no way I see KJ and Escobar both dealt.

By Tim

November 4, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

That Ludwick for Johnson trade makes perfect sense on both sides. A trade is suppose to benefit both teams and that certainly would.

I just don’t know about this Japanese pitcher. What makes him different from such other pitchers who have come over here? Dice-K is good but I can’t stand watching him because he walks so many guys that he can’t make it through the 5th without having 100 pitches.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 4, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Oh, an hey, I bought a game off iTunes today (June 21!! They did have it!) It was a home game on PTV, so Joe and Skip are announcing. There’s been some funny stuff so far.

Still stinks that I can’t get April 24 (Triple), but heck…his first stolen base (of 2008) and walk-off single are always welcome on my Pod!

By Lew

November 4, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Threadkiller-what part of a four year .291 OBP and a .240 batting average leads you to believe Greene will turn it around in Atlanta? Even the year he hit 27 Home Runs (a fluke, believe me) he only hit .254 and had a .291 OBP. He also struck out 128 times. In addition, he’s coming off of a self inflicted broken hand, which could affect his swing this year, too. Unless this Dude is the second coming of Ozzie Smith (he isn’t) then he is not worth the money they would have to pay him.

Sorry Dude, but no thank you.

By Taylor S

November 4, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Vazquez is a lock to throw 200 innings. He had a better season than Jon Garland and will make less money. If the Braves can get him for a a reasonable price then yes I would like him in our rotation.

By Lew

November 4, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Yeah. I wouldn’t want any part of Dice K’s 18-3 record or his 2.90 ERA or the 33 wins or almost 400 IP in two years he’s provided. Wouldn’t EVEN want him cause he walks so many batters. Uh Uh. NO way.

By mbatl

November 4, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Make that (whispered) trade. Make the Peavy trade. Sign Ben Sheets for 3 years. Sign Mike Hampton for one plus an option.

A rotation of Peavy, Sheets, Jurrjens, Hampton and Hanson, with Hudson coming back late year, plus some combo of Morton, Reyes, James, Bennett, Carlyle, Campillo, Glavine, etc (whoever is not traded for Peavy) backing them up…

Injuries be damned, that’s a great rotation… powerful, young, talented. It’s the kind of rotation that could win a WS… and if someone gets hurt… oh well, we tried.

And a “middle” of Lilli at SS, Prado at 2B and Schafer in CF would be very good defensively, and would offer a lot of speed, youth and OBP ability. Even if unproven.

I like that team.

By MizzouBravesFan

November 4, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

This would be a bang up way to start the offseason…trade for Peavy, trade for Ludwick, and sign Tazawa.

There’s everything Wren wanted to accomplish in one fail swoop.

Hell that’d still leave time and money and to pursue a Burnett, Lowe, Sheets, etc. if he watned to.

I’m starting to like what I hear.

By ernesto

November 4, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

I’m not usually a big fan of windmills, but Ludwick would be interesting. He K’s a lot but he’s got some serious pop.

Plus I like KJ, I’m just not sold on him. I He’s had a career of streakiness… prolonged streakiness.

If Escobar goes we could be b*** about Elvis’ development for years.

By Tim

November 4, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Lew no need for comments like that. I didn’t say I didn’t want him but we just don’t know about him. I guess you missed the part where I said Dice-K is good. I wasn’t taking anything away from that but watching him pitch is hard on the heart.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Braves have also talked to DEMPSTER’s agent, not surprising because I know how much Bobby likes him and Frank Wren has known him since they were both with Marlins. People I talked to seem to think Dempster will go back to Chicago, that he just wants to see what’s out there to make sure he’s not taking a far lesser deal (Cubs offered three years, $36 mill) to stay in Chicago. But he loves it there and he’s likely to re-sign.

Meanwhile, a HAMPTON UPDATE: Braves will make him an offer, but are letting his agent talk to other teams at his request to see what’s out there. Hampton really likes Atlanta and pitching for Bobby Cox, but his primary home is in Arizona now and he’d ideally like to pitch out west for San Diego, Arizona or Houston, though it’s not clear if any of them are going to make an offer comparable to what Braves might.

He’s looking for a one-year deal, knows his injury history precludes anything longer. Probably something with a base salary of about $4-5 mill and incentives for starts or innings….

Joe: Ankiel might also be available. Him or Ludwick might interest the Braves.

By Lew

November 4, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

MBATL-Injuries be damned? You can say that after the injuries we’ve had the past couple years? You better have that attitude if you sign Sheets. He’s almost a lock to spend time out-maybe a lot of time out. No way on the face of this earth I would go anywhere near this guy. Even XM Home Plate was commenting that he might not get any serious free agent offers. When a guy misses an entire month of the pennant race with “forearm tightness” most people get scared. I sure would.

By Threadkiller

November 4, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Buffalo: Ooops I meant Prado not Blanco. Thanks for pointing that out. Lew: if it happens we’ll see..I think a change of pace will help him. 128 k’s in 611 Ab’s is not that bad. Almost 1 out of 5 ab’s. If he could turn it around and put up these numbers, would you do it?

250 Avg 25 Hr’s 90 rbi’s

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

I can’t imagine the Braves trading Yunel and Kelly….

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Efrim, take a look at Ludwick’s minor league stats. They don’t indicate “flash in the pan.” It’s just that he was frequently injury-free for a season before this past season.

By Lew

November 4, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Tim-I actually thought my comment was quite relevant. Don’t know what you mean about no need for comments like THAT. Just stating my feelings. Dice K is beyond “good” (damn well better be for what he cost). He can walk that many every year and I would still not mind watching him rack up those wins-especially if he were wearing a Tomahawk on his uniform. He still strikes out an almost 2-1 ratio of K to BB. His WHIP is not too terrible at 1.32, either. He must be able to get a double play when he needs it.

Dude, if you can’t handle a bit of sarcasm, then don’t make statements that open you up to sarcasm.

By cameron

November 4, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson for Ryan Ludwick would be awesome. Make That Trade, Trade for Jake Peavy, Sign Adam Dunn, Trade Francoeur for a good Pitcher, Sign Derek Lowe/AJ Burnett.

Lineup!
1. Josh Anderson
2. Ryan Ludwick
3. Chipper Jones
4. Adam Dunn
5. Brian McCann
6. Casey Kotchman
7. Yunel Escobar
8. Martin Prado
7. Jake Peavy

Pitching!
1. Jake Peavy
2. Derek Lowe/ AJ Burnett
3. Jair Jurrjens
4. (Pitcher for Francoeur+)
5. Tommy Hanson

Anyone agree, or disagree?

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Folks, no one is saying Braves are going to trade Kelly AND Yunel. Just because they might be discussing various deals simultaneously doesn’t mean they’re going to do them all. They’re just talking possibilities.

You’re not going to get an ace without either overpaying a free agent or trading something valuable that is painful to part with. And you’re not going to get 25-30 homer hitter without giving up something significant, either.

By Lew

November 4, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Threadkiller-If it was just striking out 128 times in 611AB, it would be one thing. What about in 05? 94K in 436 AB. In 06, 87 in 412, last year was 100K in 389 AB.

Time to face facts-Greene is a strikeout machine that, given enough AB will strike out 100 times a season-every season. The Dude does not get on base and can’t hit for average, either. Why the fascination? Like I said-What makes you think a change of scenery will make him into a different player than he’s been the first five years of his career? What exactly are you seeing that I’m missing? Seriously.

By Casey

November 4, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

KJ for Ludwick. Ewwwww! NO WAY that trade happens!

Why would we need another injury prone body on this team?

By clay

November 4, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

First off any fan of the Braves that would not trade KJ for Ludwick is not baseball smart. Prado will step in and be better on Defense better avg but obviously not better for power. With the options we have at 2nd base and none in the outfield power wise this would be an amazing deal if Wren can pull it off.

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

DOB

Efrim, take a look at Ludwick’s minor league stats. They don’t indicate “flash in the pan.” He was usually hurt in the majors before this past season.

I can’t prove that the guy is definetly a “flash in the pan”, but I would just be cautious on trading for the guy. I mean, couldn’t the Cards be selling high on him? Just seems stange to me. Guy had a .966 OPS(with more on the SLG side) and now they are going to deal him? Maybe they don’t think he can stay healthy for a full year.

And you’re not going to get 25-30 homer hitter without giving up something significant, either.

Yea, but we could get that straight from free agency and not have to trade to get it. I’d just like to add on with free agent signings as oppose to trading pieces from our roster or farm system. But if the Braves really like a guy like Ludwick, than go for it. Just sayin…..they should be cautious with a team willing to deal a guy after such a solid power year.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 4, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Away from Petco, Greene had a higher OPS in 2006 and 2007 than Francouer put up overall. His OBP is about 50 points higher on the road than at home too. (It’s still not great, mind you).

Yes, he’s a strikeout machine. Yes, he walks way too infrequently for my tastes. But when he puts the ball in play, he hits it real hard.

That ballpark really is death on hitters.

By P-Town Brave

November 4, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

KJ for Ludwick

We’re trading our weakness for their weakness and w/ the salaries being comparable…

DO IT AND DO IT NOW!!

While trading Yunel we might be hurting next year w/ not knowing who would take over, but at 2b we have Prado and in about August we’d probably forget all about Kelly barring him having a 300/25/90 season, which is possible, BUT then again, its more possible that Ludwick goes 290/40/110…

‘Nuff said!

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Here’s an interesting breakdown on Ludwick’s career (or maybe it’s not interesting; I thought it was, dammit)

Class A: 172 games, 664 at-bats, 33 HR, 136 RBI, .267 avg., .356 OBP

Double-A: 127 games, 469 at-bats, 26 HR, 101 RBI, .269 avg, .353 OBP

Triple-A: 437 games, 1647 at-bats, 81 HR, 284 RBI, .272 avg, .345 OBP

AL: 104 games, 334 at-bats, 14 HR, 44 RBI, .237 avg., .299 OBP

NL: 272 games, 841 at-bats, 51 HR, 165 RBI, .288 avg., .362 OBP

By Doc Holliday

November 4, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, I think Hampton will end up with the Braves, cause no matter what our offcials say to other teams, or what hamptons agent says……..every team will be dead scared to take the risk………..they wont pay too much for him and with all the reason in he world…….. I like the idea of him staying around………I didnt watch him or the Braves late in the season, but looking at numbers and stuff, looks like he is just fine……. He could end up winning 15 games easily. I would like him in the middle of the pack………say 3rd or maybe 4th.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 4, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I like the thinking behind this possible deal a lot.

The Cards are set on getting their own Chosen One, Colby Rasmus, in the lineup in 2009. Since they have holes to fill, they’re likely to deal Ludwick or Ankiel.

Ludwick’s a risk, to be sure. But you’re going to have to spend a lot of dough to get a hitter through free agency. And with the exception of Dunn, all the guys out there are 32 or older. Whoever you sign will have to be paid a lot of money for several years — and probably be owed a lot during the downside of their careers.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Efrim, of course Cardinals could be selling him high. That’s what teams do. But they have a need, Braves have a need. Might be a match. Who’s to say KJ will ever be as good as he was in the last six weeks of the season? (I think he will be, but who knows?)

Teams have to make tough decisions. I have to decide whether to eat Italian or Mexican for dinner tonight.

By TennesseePaul

November 4, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Ludwicks minor league numbers are solid, but I don’t think he’ll reproduce last seasons numbers again. Looking at his numbers in the minors, any and every stop with more than 150 at bats he out performed last season. This would be a case of selling high. Ludwick could be good next year, but not the monster he was this season. He’s 29 so there won’t be much time left with this type production anyway. KJ is 26.

By N Nine

November 4, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Last year I remember Wren said KJ’s name got brought up more by other teams than another other player. We ended up keeping him. This year could be different. It’s a sure bet either KJ/Yunel WILL be gone. The stats show Ludwick has more power. A little less “flucky” than we might think.

His name just splashed this past year.

By Wayne

November 4, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Dave, are you toying with us on the Ludwick rumors? Holden Kushner on XM is ripping you a new one a few minutes ago on this rumor.

He is a NYer. He is trying to talk up a Reyes/Heilman/prospects deal from the Mets for Peavy.

By bruce

November 4, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

This is a good move for the braves. It settle question about lf. As to the replacement one name comes to mind, Marcus Giles. He is thinking of returning to baseball. Giles was a good player when he left as a free agent and he is still young. If Marcus does not pan out, prado would be a good insurance policy

By James Munson

November 4, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Ok, so I dont think we would trade for Ankiel. While I like him, hes lefthanded. Not what the Braves are looking for. If we were open to trading Kelly, I think we could get a little more for Kelly. I mean, a decent lefthanded stick with good pop at second base. Maybe Alex Rios. IDK im just throwing names out there. Im not sure Wren is counting Tazawa in the “2” starters. How could he? The guy hasnt thrown in a “real” game. I say we trade for Peavy, without giving up Escobar, then swap Kelly and some of our pitching depth for either Rios or a decent outfield stick plus a decent 3-4 pitcher. Then sign Tazawa. Rotation:Peavy, Jurrjens, Tazawa, H. Kuroda(From dodgers for Kelly and prospects), Campillo/Hanson. Batting order:Martin Prado 2b, Escobar SS, Jones 3b, McCann C, Matt Kemp Cf(Also in trade for Kelly +) Kotchman 1b, Frenchy RF, Matt Diaz/Anderson/Blanco/Schafer. I know its a stretch to get Kemp and Kuroda, but again, im just throwin names out. Maybe a Rios and McGowan is more like what is feasable.

By Wayne

November 4, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Definitely Mexican!

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

DOB

Teams have to make tough decisions. I have to decide whether to eat Italian or Mexican for dinner tonight.

Yes, very difficult decisions. Frank Wren’s job ain’t easy….

And I’d go with Mexican…..SoCal man.

By James Munson

November 4, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Also, I think Smoltzie needs to be the closer. Less stress on him there than goin out there every 5th day.

By Interested Observer

November 4, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’d go with Italian. You don’t want to be running around chasing all these rumors with the Mexican food sitting in your gut.

By Wayne

November 4, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

bruce If I’m the Braves and if he passes some sort of audition with Braves scouting officials, I wouldn’t be opposed to giving Marcus Giles AND Andruw Jones invitations to spring training, on minor league contracts. No promises, beyond a tryout.

If Andruw came in at over 205, I would send him home on day 2!

Definitely Mexican! Maybe some green pork chili or a carne asada burrito w/ guacamole! Heck, order both!

By Wayne

November 4, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

James Munson McGowan is on the DL.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Wayne, Marcus Giles? Andruw Jones? Invitations to spring training? What are you talking about?

Andruw is entering the second year of a $36.2 million contract. Why are you talking about offering him a minor league deal?

And Giles? Really? He bombed in San Diego two years ago, didn’t play last year after turning down chance to go to Triple-A with the Dodgers, and his OPS dropped from .826 in 2005 to .728 in 2006 to .621 in 2007.

Turn the page. It ain’t about nostalgia.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Just heard from someone (not a Braves official) that the offer to Tazawa was worth more than the $6 mill bonus that No. 1 overall draft pick Pedro Alvarez got from Pittsburgh this year. I’ll try to verify that, but that’s what I heard from someone who’s very familiar with Japanese baseball.

By Buffalo NY Braves Fan

November 4, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

The more I think about the Ludwick deal, the more it makes sense. The kid can hit, and I’m not too worried about dealing KJ with Prado around.

That would probably mean Yunel is off limits in the Peavy deal as well, but I don’t really want to trade Yunel anyways. He’s going to be a star, and I’d rather see him in Atlanta as a star.

The Mets offer is funny since Peavy won’t even add them to his list of teams. I think the NY media is just upset that they can’t get involved in the Peavy rumors for either of their teams. For once a big name player is off limits to BOTH NY teams and Boston.

By Steve from OH

November 4, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Hmm…Ludwick for Johnson. I think it’s trade that helps both teams. I don’t think this season for Ludwick was a flash in the pan, but he won’t equal it consistently, IMO. I’d say a .270/.350/.510 line from him is a reasonable expectation. I’d take that.

Think of it this way…are Ludwick and Prado better than Kelly and B.Jones/Blanco?

Does anyone think FW is considering a total team overhaul? Kelly for Ludwick, add Peavy, package Francoeur to KC, add Magglio…sorry, I’m rambling. Been a long day. Just wanna see some deals get done, lol.

Definitely Mexican. You’re in SoCal bro.

By Wayne

November 4, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Dave, I know AJ has a contract, but I have doubts that he will be on their roster on opening day.

Just trying to appease some Giles lovers.

Do I really believe either of them will be on a major league roster on opening day, nah.

By TennesseePaul

November 4, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

I was curious to know, so here it is:

Batting Order  AVG  OBP  SLG
Infront       .314 .378 .654
2-3           .339 .407 .701
Behind        .308 .385 .605
3-4           .300 .375 .599
No Pujols     .196 .300 .314

That’s Ludwick batting with respect to Pujols.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

By the way, I didn’t start the Johnson-for-Ludwick rumor, though I’ll take credit if you insist. It was something I heard whispered and I said I’d let you know if I heard it said any louder.

But I do think Braves are trying to get Ludwick. Just don’t know if they’d give up KJ to get him.

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

DOB

Couldn’t be happier if that really is the number. Good to see the Braves paying “above slot” money…..even though this guy isn’t a draft pick. Still, good stuff.

By James Munson

November 4, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Why is he on the DL? Hes on the 40 man roster on the Blue Jays website. Again, this was just a name I was throwin out there. Any suggestions????

By TennesseePaul

November 4, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

DOB: Should the Braves get Tazawa, would such an investment be taken from the major league payroll or would it be accounted under a draftee signing pick?
Perhaps I’m off on this, but for some reason I get the impression that the major league payroll that is talked about on a daily basis doesn’t include minor league numbers or signing bonuses of minor league numbers.
I see you say it is a major league contract, so perhaps this question is moot…
Just trying to find a credit swap we can do in the accounting to keep the payroll low.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

November 4, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

here i was thinking i was going to throw something out there with legs, only to be bested by DOB while i was typing my entry.

i know this isn’t player related, but is there any talk where mike arbuckle formerly of the phillies may land?

By Aaron

November 4, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

I know that all of you Atlanta folks think Kelly Johnson is sweet, but St. Louis is trying to get rid of Adam Kennedy right now, and he is pretty much the same player as Kelly Johnson…

By Doc Holliday

November 4, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

5:49pm: Scott Boras held court regarding Varitek this afternoon. He suggested Varitek should get a deal comparable to Jorge Posada’s four-year, $52.4MM contract, which is ridiculous even for Boras.

By Doc Holliday

November 4, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

According to Ed Price of the Newark Star-Ledger, the Yankees declined their options on Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano as expected.

By Doc Holliday

November 4, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

4:28pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, Burnett has officially opted out of the remaining two years and $24MM on his deal. The Blue Jays remain in the mix. If he leaves, they’ll at least end up with two draft picks.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 4, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Aaron,

Give me a break! Career numbers:

Adam Kennedy .276/.328/.389

Kelly Johnson .273/.356/.440

Plus, Kelly’s six years younger.

Thanks for playing, but try again.

By Ethan

November 4, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

DOB is there any chance that Wren acquires Magglio? Do you know if he has talked about this at all, and would it take quality prospects or just eating the contract?

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren just confirmed the multi-year offer was made to Tazawa. Braves expect him to make a decision in a couple of weeks.

Wren saw him pitch three times in September when he was over in Japan scouting, and Braves scouts saw him pitch again two weeks ago in Brazil.

The industrial league is above the level of most colleges in the U.S., Wren said, so it’s not like they’re totally guessing on this guy. But he’s young and would obviously need at least some time in the minors.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 4, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Italian food has got to be my favorite. I cann eat pizza any time!! Spaghetti and ziti are great as well…

But Mexicann is very good, too…Love bean buritos! (forgive spelling…never could spell that one.) Hard-shell tacos and Mexicann rice rule, too.

Boy, that’s a tough one, Chief…but if it were me, I’d definitely go Italian.

Doc—

That much for Tek?? They gotta be joking! No offense to the guy, but’s that’s outrageous.

By KC

November 4, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS: In a big upset, Florida’s The Villages(TM) community has been called for McCain!!!

ALSO, lines already forming outside many districts for early 2012 voting. I’m standing in just such a line. =)

As for baseball… if the Braves make Hampton a fair offer, and he goes elsewhere, I’ll have no respect for the man. He DID say that he feels he owes the Braves something, which is great to hear. I hope he means it.

By P-Town Brave

November 4, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Aaron

Lay off the pipe brother!

Kelly is nowhere near the same player as Adam Kennedy and the fact that St. Lou has been after KJ for over 2 years now I believe gives us some reason to do this particular deal…

And I agree w/ the earlier assessment…is Ludwick/Prado better than KJ/Blanco/BJones….and I believe thats a resounding YES!

By Johhny B

November 4, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

Truly thankful to have you there and giving us the rumors as they circulate! Can’t get the “hot stove” started too soon for the loyal followers of the Braves and your blog.

you do an OUTSTANDING job sir and it is appreciated by us all!

Heard a rumor today that had Towers saying Peavy had agreed to wave his no trade to adleast 2 american league teams with the Yankees being one of them…Don’t know what the Yankees could offer or is Towers just stoking the fire?

Any rumors that you’ve heard to that end?

Thanks DOB!

By Brian

November 4, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Steve- Your post made sense to me. Not too sure about the Francoeur to KC, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Never thought about Ludwick but that would be ok for me and most other fans i’m sure.

By DAP

November 4, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

ludwick seems like the kind of guy we need in LF. i would have to do that deal. even though prado is not as good as kelly, he is at least a good option at 2nd base. if the braves do the deal, i will miss kelly, but welcome ludwick in LF and probably the cleanup slot.

By mbatl

November 4, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Don’t know how this Tazawa thing will work out (whether we’ll get him, whether he’ll be any good, etc), but it kinda’ puts to rest complaints about ownership’s willingness to spend money on the right decisions. Liberty’s obviously willing to open the check book if the baseball guys recommend it.

By cabravesfan

November 4, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

DOB

Definately Mexican…nowhere else comes close to the mexican food you can get in southern california

By Steve from OH

November 4, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Brian:

I jumped the gun a bit on Frenchy. I’m not real familiar with the Cortes kid, but that stuff Efrim posted really discouraged me about him, anyway. My line of thinking was that Teahen is very comparable to Frenchy (although he has slightly better career #’s if I remeber correctly), and you’re basically taking the potential of the young pitcher against the potential of Francoeur to improve. It’s a tough call. If it’s an even wash, which as I type this it appears to be, you don’t do the deal, but if you’re really high on Cortes you do indeed make the deal.

Looking back, it was a knee-jerk (hey, we all get one freebie, right?) reaction…but if the Cortes kid is really good it makes a lot of sense for us. Maybe not for KC, but we’re not worried about their interests, are we?

As for Ludwick? Can’t be worse than Blanco. Like Blanco (and Anderson) as a fourth OF, not as a starter. Really like KJ, but if trading him brings us Ludwick (and keeps Yunel in the fold as a by-product), I’m all for it, I think. That one’s for you, scoots, lol.

By Steve from OH

November 4, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Frank Wren showed up to Boras’ impromptu session on Varitek just so he could giggle when Boras demanded 4 years/52MM for him. I bet there was a lot of chuckling when that one was proposed.

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH

I’d bet if you’d ask a KC fan, they would hate Francoeur for Teahan and Cortes. This is a organization that stresses that they need to put more emphasis on OBP and younger starting pitching. It would really suprise me to see them add a career sub 320 OBP corner OF…..

But again, Mike Jacobs just went there. And Moore loves Francoeur.

I’d obviously have to hear more about Cortes. He is having a rough AFL, but you really can’t read too much into those stats. I’ll be sure to ask Callis and Law about him this week.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, there are all kinds of ways to calculate major league payroll, some including 40-man roster and others including only 25-man rosters.

For our purposes, the approximate figures we use, he wouldn’t count against the major league payroll until he was on the 25-man roster.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH, there were about 30-40 of us standing around Boras as he talked, and talked, and talked. About Manny, Tex, Varitek, etc. The man is tireless, and it’s amazing to watch him spit out those figures and comparisons to this catcher or that who hit .203 at age 36 only to hit .290 at age 38, blah blah blah.

He really is incredible. Whether you think he’s good for the game or akin to Satan, he’s amazing at his job.

By Yars

November 4, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Man, I think it comes as no surprise to any of us that KJ may be traded. His defense is bloody awful. That is why he may be traded. I truly believe the Braves have lost their patience with his defense. I was hoping he would have been our 2B for the next 8 years or so. Prado is good, but will he just be handed the 2B job? I want to see Lillibridge get thrown in the 2B mix. now playing: people are people by depeche mode.

By mbatl

November 4, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, be careful. I’m pretty sure MLBTR.COM is poised to post your decision on “Mexican vs. Italian”.

Wow, they’re picking up every word you type. I guess that’s what they do.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

You in the KJ camp apparently needn’t worry about him going to St. Louis for Ludwick. The Kelly part of that equation was shot down by someone on the St. Louis side.

However, the Braves are interested in Ludwick. Ankiel, I’m not as sure about, but I think they’ve discuss him with the Cards, too.

By N8

November 4, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

scoots

“Francoeur and most other RH bats on this planet are going to hit lefties better than most LH hitters, thanks”

I wasn’t asking for Wren to find a lineup of 8 LH hitters that hit lefties well. I agree with you, tough to find. But my point remains the same. If I had my choice between Teahan and Francoeur, I’d take Teahan’s lack of “raw power” over Francoeur’s incosistency ANY day of the week, regardles of how many other lefties we had in the lineup.

For the record, Francoeur hit .210 against lefties last year. Add to that Teahan hit .262 against lefties, while hitting .252 against righties.

So apparently, I stand corrected. Thanks. :-)

As if you had to ask…..YES, the sarcasm was intended.

By Jamie in Richmond

November 4, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

David O’Brien

Hearing anything regarding Braves interest in FA Raul Ibanez?

Thanks

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 4, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

The Kelly part of that equation was shot down by someone on the St. Louis side.

Few!

By Tom

November 4, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

DOB—mbatl’s point raises an interesting question: does the knowledge that your posts might reach a “syndication” site like MLBTR change what you choose to post? The site is invaluable to me, and I’ve sent them links to this blog before…is that something you like/don’t like/don’t care about?

Also, I wanted to “bump” my question from the last blog? Who actually is out in Dana Point representing the Braves, besides Frank Wren? I figure Bruce Manno must be there, and I read that Jim Fregosi is there also. But who else gets to go out there? Roy Clark? Kurt Kemp?

Thanks, DOB. This blogging is just fantastic for us rumor addicts.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 4, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

For the record, I do like Ludwick’s numbers from last year. 37 homers? Heck yeah!

but did someone say “injury prone”?

By Yars

November 4, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

DOB……..man, you’re really stressing some of us out tonight! Only joking. We all appreciate you keeping us up to date on the latest gossip. I hope KJ stays put. I’ve been following his career since we drafted him. Would be kinda sad to see him go. Heck, I still remember when we traded Klesko. I actually shed a tear. :P

By Chris Georges

November 4, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Hey David, what would have to be offered to get Ludwick if Kelly was shot down by St. Louis?

By Greg in TN

November 4, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Happy Election Day everyone…

Intriguing to read that the Braves are looking to the Orient for pitching help and that Frank Wren has made a sizable contract offer to Junichi Tazawa (with Sheff’s Chefs, Jurrjen’s Surgeons and McCann’s Cans in attendance at the ballpark, I’m very curious to know how Junichi’s cheering section would be attired should we be able to sign the young Japanese hurler). He’s certainly going to have to adjust to the differences in the American game, however the Braves and their scouts have to be reasonably assured that he will do so with such an offer.

Domo Arigato Mad Dog, should you decide to hang ‘em up.

Greg Maddux is easily the best pitcher I’ve ever seen live and also the best pitcher I’ve seen live or via Memorex (or RCA if you’d rather, geez, really dating myself now I guess).

Maddux made a lot of hitters look completely foolish over the years with a skill set completely different than what Clemens and the group of power pitchers he represents possesses. The movement he was able to generate on all of his pitches was unreal. It was a shame he wasn’t able to parlay his regular season success more into postseason play. Plus, and this is more selfish admittedly, I really like his first name.

I like the idea of getting Ryan Ludwick to plug into LF and I think he’d do well in an order sandwiched between the Offensive Assassin and everybody’s favorite catcher.

Thanks for the update notorious one! Appreciate the updates from Dana Point.

By N Nine

November 4, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

GameOver…what’s that? Oh! right, right

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

DOB

Did the St Louis people shoot that down because they aren’t fans of Kelly?

By BravesFanInRockies

November 4, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

McFann,

Injuries? From Yahoo’s Jeff Passan:

“St. Louis’ statistical projections pegged Ludwick as a productive major-league hitter. He could play all three outfield positions. Everything looked all right physically, even if Ludwick’s skin was more like a blanket covering up some ugly innards.

In his left hip, a 6-inch titanium rod helped heal a stress fracture. A 4-inch piece of titanium holds together his right wrist. Airport wands do not like Ludwick.

There was more: a pair of knee injuries, a stress fracture in his spine, a bleeding ulcer and some oblique issues.”

Yikes. His last big owwie was in 2005, so maybe all that hardware will hold together for a few more seasons.

By nolie

November 4, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

I’d take Teahan’s lack of “raw power” over Francoeur’s incosistency N8

Teahan is hardly a paragon of consistancy either. One year he hits 7-8 homer, the next he hits 15-18 only to swing back the other way again. He is a 98 OPS+ hitter which is close to what Frenchy is with probably less upside than Jeff if the Natural can get it back together. I’ve heard scary things about the pitcher being mentioned some of which have been brought up here. I’ll pass even though I’ve made it clear a number of times that I’m not a Francoeur fan, kinda neutral about the guy. Don’t care if they give him one more chance this coming season, or if he goes, but I don’t see this as the right trade IMO.

By Steve from OH

November 4, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Blog moderator on election night….don’t envy your position tonight, DOB! Now, your conversations with Frank Wren and the juicy off-the-record stuff that you’ve got? Those I’d like to have, lol.

By A.S.

November 4, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Wow if we cant get Takawa that would be awesome! He would bring in Japaneese media/fans. I really like this offer. It shows that Wren is attempting to make this team legit the next few years. Go BRAVOS!

By Rumors R Us

November 4, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

the site is invaluable to me, and I’ve sent them links to this blog before…is that something you like/don’t like/don’t care about?

would you care to enlighten us as to why? I can’t remember seeing anything on there that didn’t come from another source, and almost everything I’ve ever seen there has been wrong. Just a bunch of rumor-mongers who lack the baseball savvy to know which rumors are even worth repeating. You can do much better unless you are too busy or too lazy to try

By THB

November 4, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

I like the direction Wren is taking this. He’s explored a lot of options, whether it be Peavy (while not willing to give up Hanson, rightfully so, and hopefully not Schafer), Tazawa, Ludwick, Ankiel, etc.

I think if we get Tazawa, Peavy, Ludwick/Ankiel, and another solid starter, we’re set for the offseason. And I know that’s a lot to ask for haha.

By Bravestillidie

November 4, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

I am very split on this rumor. I love the thought and would be excited if the Braves somehow got Ludwick in this trade and also spent money on Ibanez, that way if Frenchy does have another bad year, we are still ok, plus it would give us the option to let Schafer mature a bit more in AAA for one more year. But my problem is the perception. Given Ludwick has had injury issues, I thikn the Card’s might be trying to sell high.

As far as a comparison I think the trade is equal. Perhaps, with a slight edge to Ludwick. But one must remember production of each player in perspective. Kelly’s offense was in the top third of all 2nd basemen if not higher even though he is only serviceable defensively. But Ludwick is only a bit above middle of the pack in production from an outfield perspective. In fact he had an almost identical year to the aforementioned Ibanez with a bit more power, and Ibanez only made 5.5 mil last year I believe. Considering both are arb eligible and under team control for 3 years each, the fact that Kelly is three years younger is a huge component of this deal. Kelly has a lot more time to get better then Ludwick who in 3 years will already be considered a senior member in the league.

33 is not old, but it is in baseball. I like this trade as a fan because I am extremely confident in the ability of Prado or Infante to be more than an adequate everyday replacement for Kelly but if I were a GM this would look awful fishy to me. Plus, for the Braves fans out there….keep in mind this is not in a vacuum…trading KJ to the Cards will seriously diminish the possibility of completeing a trade for Peavy (assuming one happens) that does not include Yunel, which would be an absolute deal breaker for me.

DOB I was wondering if you had heard anything about Maddux becoming a pitching coach after retiring, especially for the Braves? (Not that I don’t love McDowell, cause I do, but I think Maddux would have to be an upgrade over anyone…especially considering the story about him calling a game for Derek Lowe from the dugout, assuming that story is true. If the man knows that much about his teammates, imagine if it were his job….)

BTID

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Efrim, no, not at all. They quashed it because they haven’t had KJ-for-Ludwick discussions. Braves have expressed interest in Ludwick, I just don’t know if they’ve gotten to point of giving St. Louis names of guys they might trade for him.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

By the way, Wren said a LOT of teams have inquired about both Escobar and KJ.

By Bravestillidie

November 4, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

I forgot to add this in my previous post, but for those looking to see Tazawa at work (and I must say I am somewhat impressed) here is a link to some youtube video. Pay special attention to the third pitch. Fastball on the inside black against a lefty (he’s 22 folks). A kid at his age with that kind of location on a 146 km/h (91 mph) fastball who’s not afraid to bring it inside is always impressive to me. But let me stress the control part of that. That location was precise. An absolute perfect pitch.

By Tom

November 4, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Rumors R Us—Of course they don’t publish “original” rumors…that’s not the purpose of MLBTR. They are nothing more than an aggregator of rumors that OTHER people publish. They don’t claim to be anything more than that.

I also don’t know how you can criticize the fact that almost every rumor you see there has been wrong. He only posts rumors that come from legitimate published news outlets (like Mr. O’Brien’s blog here). Most rumors, by their very definition are wrong…that’s why they are RUMORS.

If you think that it’s supposed to report new information, or that it claims that every rumor it re-prints will definitely come to fruition, then YOU are either too busy or too lazy to take the time to understand the site’s true purpose. Sorry, but I don’t read the newspapers from every major baseball market around the country; MLBTR, on the other hand, DOES read all those various sources, with fans of every team that read the beat writers from Seattle to Miami. It’s just an aggregator, nothing more, and I’m interested to keep my finger on the “pulse” that’s being reported around baseball.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Tom: No, absolutely doesn’t matter to me what they post. It’s all good. And obviously it doesn’t affect what I write/post.

Oh, and Manno, Fregosi and John Coppolella (dir. of baseball administration) are here for Braves. Not sure if anyone else is, those are the guys I’ve seen. Saw Manno and Coppolella walk through the lobby today, but I was up the spiral staircase from them (it’s quite a hotel) and they were gone before I could get down there to say hello.

By the way, you should have seen the contingent of Japanese media around Frank this afternoon, to ask him if it was true the Braves had made an offer to Tagawa. If the Braves sign him, we might need to expand the pressbox.

We’ll definitely need more coffee makers during spring training (they drink lots of coffee, in part because their deadlines are so turned around filing for Japanese publications that they get very little sleep during spring training. Me, I just drink too much coffee because I’m addicted.)

By Bravestillidie

November 4, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

If you watch the youtube video i posted on Tazawa make sure not to miss the curveball at about 3:57 into the video…a true kneebuckler.

BTID

By DAP

November 4, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

i would imagine that KJ and Esco would be very desirable to many teams. hopefully wren can keep them in tact, but of the two, id say kelly is more expendable.

this sure has been interesting so far!

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Anyone watching the CNN coverage and seeing this hologram technology they’re using? Trippy. Very cool. They’re interviewing people, taking them individually from a crowd with a hologram beamed to middle of the studio, so they don’t pick up all the noise around the person (and to show they can do it, too, I’m sure)….

By the way, I shook it up tonight and went Thai instead of Mexican or italian. And it was gooood.

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

DOB

By the way, I shook it up tonight and went Thai instead of Mexican or italian. And it was gooood.

Basil Chicken man…… That’s the stuff.

By David O'Brien

November 4, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Tazawa’s stuff does look quite impressive on video.

Oh, and on the Peavy front … I got the impression, from talking to a few agents and others before I left the meetings hotel tonight, that the Peavy thing could be done sooner than later. A lot of people think it’ll be the first big domino to fall.

Wren acknowledged ongoing Peavy discussions tonight, first time he’s done so publicly. He also said they’re not at a standstill.

“We’re having good dialogue,” he said. “Just have to wait and see what happens.”

By Steve from OH

November 4, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Thai food is the shizz. Excellent choice.

By Steve from OH

November 4, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

DOB, have Wren and Towers met personally this week? Have there been a great deal of face-to-face meetings between the Braves and Pads, or is it business as usual there?

By richbrave

November 4, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

HISTORY!!!!

By Efrim

November 4, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/peavy-deal-could-come-down-to-location-location-location/

Only one offer appears to have surfaced, and Peavy rejected that trade, which would have sent him to an American League team with a small ballpark.

It could be the Yankees, but I have a feeling the Rangers took a stab at it. Of course, I haven’t heard that they were even interested, but they have the deepest farm system in the majors.

By Huck5

November 4, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

David - Do you think the Braves take a chance on Milton Bradley?

He can rake, but not sure it’s worth the headache (think Bobby would have a good influence) or the injury concerns.

Any word on Burrell or Adam Dunn?

Or are the Braves in the situation to land Peavy first, then everything else will open up since they will know the talent vs $ they would have to go after an OFer.

By 18 Wheels of Love

November 4, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

All around great night….cool rumors, baseball news, and a great night in politics.

This is one of those nights where you remember where you were when it happened. I’m glad the blog is part of that memory with me. Thanks DOB!

By Tomas

November 4, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

I like the Ryan Ludwick rumor.

Trades and FA adquisitions:

• KJ for Ludwick.
• Jeff Franceour for Luke Hochevar, and Mark Teahen.
• Sign Ryan Dempster for 4yrs 49 million.
• Trade Kris Medlen, Jordan Schaefer, Tyler Flowers, Charlie Morton, and Brandon Jones for Jake Peavy.
• Resign Ohman 3yrs 9milllion, Norton 1yr 2million, Smoltz 2.5 million, and Glavine 2 million.
• Sign Tazawa for 1yr 6 million.

Peavy 11 million, Dempster 12.25 million, Ohman 3 million, Teahen 2 million, Norton 2 million, Tazawa 6 million, Smoltz 2.5 million, Glavine 2 million + Ludwick, and Luke Hochevar who are under team control = around 43 million - Jeff Franceour, KJ who are under team control = around 40 million.

Gives the team a lot of depth, we don’t trade our elite prospects a.k.a. Heyward, Freeman, or Hanson. That would fill the teams needs in a great manner. Peavy, Dempster, and Ludwick, those are some pretty big and good adquisitions, and we only need to give up Frenchy, KJ, and some good but not elite prospects. We also obtain some pretty good complentary players like Luke Hochevar, and Teahen. We resign the players we need to mantain a good bulpen with Ohman, and possibly Smoltz in it. Tazawa give us even more depth, and according to DOB, he is an improved Tim Hudson with a mid 90’s fastball, and a 12 to 6 curveball, and a good splitter.

We get good players, prospects, and elite players.

By RC

November 4, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you have a link to the video of Tazawa? That’d be pretty cool to see.

By Peter Mariano

November 4, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

http://draftrepo.blog47.fc2.com/blog-entry-31.html

By N Nine

November 4, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

DOB Thanks for the Peavy update. Quite a day! Ready to make Peavy move and focus on other things.

By Doc Holliday

November 4, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

I agree McFann……….way to much for the guy.

By Bravestillidie

November 4, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

RC, I posted one earlier, but I will post it again here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxRKY_Xg5tQ

I realize when I liked to it earlier I linked the word “here” and it was hard to see in the middle of the paragraph i wrote. Go back up and look at my posts to see some specific things to look for as you watch.

By Ron in mobile

November 4, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Heres Tazawa on youtube…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxRKY_Xg5tQ

By uga-brave

November 5, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

as much as i have been critical of francoeur, i dont trade him for teahan.

francoeur still has upside. cant really have a worse season then he did last season?

let him come to spring training and earn a spot. the guy is competitive and he loves to play baseball.

if he struggles in spring training and early in the season gwinett county has a stadium they need to pay for.

gotta give the guy another shot, too many physical tools.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Steve from OH: yes, Towers has met personally with Wren and with Jim Fregosi in the last couple of days.

By Taylor S

November 5, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

DOB… any chance the Braves are in on Nick Swisher ?

By wiki

November 5, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

DOB…..thanks for the “inside info”….brings a new perspective to us out here. Keep up the great work.

By Saltywoody

November 5, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Great stuff, DOB.

Would love to know who the Cards would want for Ludwick. I’m assuming pitching, as well?

By taylor s

November 5, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

DOB… Any interest in Swisher ?

By Jason

November 5, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

Cardinals fan.

Ludwick has an incredible amount of pop in his bat, it’s amazing how the ball jumps when he hits it. He hit the ball hard more consistently than anyone on our club last year, including Pujols. Pujols gets the clear nod b/c of his plate coverage and the fact that he simply doesn’t miss many pitches.

However, when you look at pure contact, who actually hits the ball harder when it is struck, Ludwick wins. Ludwick is a 30 HR guy for the next 3 seasons if he stays healthy, without question. He’s also a plus defender that played CF on several occasions.

I like Johnson, but he only had 2 months last year that can be considered above average, the rest were flat out bad. That’s not someone you trade a legit #4 hitter for. I like that he finally started hitting lefties a little, but you can’t trust that you’ll be getting Sept KJ and not the abysmal August version.

Selling Ludwick high is absolutely a consideration for the Cards….Kelley Johnson would not be ‘high’.

By Doc Holliday

November 5, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Wren has never indicated exactly who is part of the elite group of prospects he won’t trade. But the Padres have seemingly learned that top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson is part of this list.

The Braves plan on Hanson being part of their starting rotation at some point next season and seemingly won’t trade him under any circumstance. Jason Heyward, the 14th overall selection in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, and Freddie Freeman, a power-hitting 19-year-old first baseman, are also believed to be part of this “untouchables” list.

With Kelly Johnson, Martin Prado, Yunel Escobar, Jordan Schafer, Tyler Flowers, Cole Rohrbough, Kris Medlen and Jeff Locke, the Braves have a group of players that could create an attractive package for Towers.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

Saltywoody, Cardinals certainly need pitching, especially after Carpenter’s seemingly unexpected elbow surgery today (nerve transpo). Makes him a little questionable for full recovery by spring….

Huck5, no, personally I don’t think Braves would take on Bradley and his baggage, not unless they failed with a lot of other options first. A whole lot of them.

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 5, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

Article from ESPN.com: Jake Peavy’s agent dealing with seven teams, but only three are considered serious

Towers wouldn’t identify the three main teams he is dealing with. He intends to have discussions with one team this week. Talks with the other two “were down the road,” he said.

It seems like — and this is just pure speculation based on what I’ve read here and other sources in general — that Atlanta would be that one team Towers intends to have discussions with. That’s a pretty safe bet, right?

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Johnny B, missed your question earlier tonight until now. Let me say once more, I’ll be absolutely stunned if Peavy agrees to any trade to a New York team. I hear he just doesn’t want to live/work there. Think about it — he’s already got his contract, and he’ll get another huge one before he’s done, barring major injury. And really, who’s to say the Yankees are any more likely to compete for a World Series in the next few years than some of the NL teams he’s interested in?

He might be concerned about Braves dealing with Mets and Phillies in NL East, but what about the Yankees dealing with the Sox, Rays and Jays in the AL East? And given that he’d obviously much rather pitch in Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis, L.A. (has a home in San Diego and one in Alabama) … well, he doesn’t need to go somewhere he really doesn’t want to go. That’s the beauty of a no-trade clause, if you’re fortunate enough to have one.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

November 5, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

Strange, From what I have read and seen, Tazawa is said to throw three pitches. Fastball,slider and a forkball. Of course, the forkball behaves much like the curveball does except that it doesn’t have the big over the top release. The forkball is basically a splitter without the velocity.

At any rate, I have seen two Youtube video’s of Tazawa and he looks great. There is nothing fancy about his windup, he is mechanically sound and comes straight to the plate and he throws strikes.

Ryan Ludwick just had a career season at the tender age of 29. it sounds like the Cardinals are selling high. But still, KJ for Ludwick sounds about right.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

November 5, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

Here is the link I posted yesterday, in case anybody missed it.

Junichi Tazawa

By BravesFan79

November 5, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

Im glad to see the rest of you jumped on the boat to sanity and saw that Escobar for Green is no bargin!
I like KJ, but it would be easier to replace him than Escobar.

And id MUCH rather see us resign our reliable lefty Ohman than use even more $$ to sign Hampton. Face it pple… Hampton… while he usually dosent get blown out(unless its the playoffs) is pretty much a given to allow at least 3 runs over 5 innings. Cant we get that production from a good rookie pitcher?
KEEP OHMAN,….and ESCOBAR!!

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

Coach, “Taz” throws both a big 12-to-6 curve and a split (that’s what I’m told his is, a split and not a forkball, though both pitches are of course very similar, with the fingers spread a little wider on a forkball than a split).

By Wayne

November 5, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

Does anybody really believe we could get Peavy without giving up Escobar? Just curious.

Tough day for us conservatives, but I am not a sore loser. I hope for only the very best for our new President-Elect Obama. If he has a good year, I suspect I will to.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

November 5, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

Kevin Towers and Frank Wren look like two guys staring each other down at a poker table. The question is, who’s gonna blink first?

The Padres are not going to get what they want. Minnesota didn’t for Johan Santana. Although , I think they got a better deal than first believed. San Diego will probably get three or maybe even four players for Jake Peavy.

As long as Hanson, Escobar, Hayward, Schafer and Morton don’t come up, I can live with anything else that the Braves throw at the Padres.

And Hampton, letting him get away is just one more arm that will need to be replaced. As it stands right now. The Braves rotation consists of Jair Jurrjens and a bunch of what if’s. That is the cold, stark reality of where our Braves stand right now.

By Tomahawkin

November 5, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

I’m Not sure about going after Japanese pitchers…After Hideo Nomo, Kei Igawa, Hideki I-Rob-U (Complete Bust), It just seems like a real gamble on spending money on Japanese pitchers…Who are unproven in a harder league

I’d rather trade for Peavy and use our young pitchers and go Hard after Ibanez or Abreu…

Brian Where Are You at? Since You Wanna Clown Me in that I’m an Obama Supporter. How do You like us now that a Mixed Man is occupying the White House, Ha, Ha!

Braves and Obama 09!!!

By Mike S

November 5, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

I like the looks of Tazawa’s stuff from that video. That yakker is just nasty; especially along with a mid-90’s heater and that sinker/2-seamer that had good movement. Looks alot like Roy Oswalt-type stuff. If he can develop a changeup, watch out.

Also, very glad to hear that we’re interested in Ludwick. That guy can flat out rake and can play anywhere in the outfield. He’d be the perfect big RH stick we need for LF. I really don’t want to give up KJ for him, but if that’s what the cards wanted, I’d do it. Hopefully, we can come up with a package of midlevel pitching prospects for him. They are trading from strength in the OF. They have way too many guys out there. Ankiel, Ludwick, Shoemaker, Barton, and Joe Mather all played alot of innings in the OF last year (and all showed potential at times) and not to mention Chris Duncan and Juan Encarnacion, who missed alot of time with injuries (not sure what FA status is for them)

Ludwick seems like a perfect candidate for the braves to trade for. Should be available and shouldn’t cost too much (in theory)..

Thanks for all of these updates and insights DOB. Keep ‘em coming!!

By Bubdylan

November 5, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this

DOB Your hard work and late hours during weeks like this is really appreciated.

By Bubdylan

November 5, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this

Wayne, I get the feeling it’s Yunel all the way - don’t you? … and I get the feeling that he won’t be the only tough blow in the deal either. Gotta give to get, I guess. prays for Peavy’s elbow

By Tomahawkin

November 5, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

D.O.B. anything going on about any interest in the Rangers Nellie (Nelson) Cruz?

I’ve seen him hit a lot in the rangers games out here (since I live 4 hours from D-F-Dub) and the dude can rake… David Murphy as well; A lot of posters I talk to on the Philly.com/phillies/forum) want him to replace Burrell (If he leaves, which is an 80 percent chance) any news on that? I would doubt it since R. Amaro Jr has taken over as GM…

T-Hawkin is Still celebrating, Listening to some old Naughty by Nature (Feel Me Flow), How about that Flavor In Your ear D.O.B.? LOL

By Bubdylan

November 5, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

ARE really appreciated… yowzers.

By Mike S

November 5, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

Ah, yea I guess that was the split he was finishing hitters off with, that was diving into the dirt. He also had what looked like a 2-seamer that had good movement and a hard 4-seamer. I’m definitely impressed with the stuff, but obviously will take it all with a grain of salt for now, as there are so many unknowns as to what type of major leaguer he might become. Looks like the stuff is there at least, and that makes his potential signing exciting.

By BA

November 5, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

Skip called this potential Cardinal outfielder trade months ago. I like Ankiel a lot, but you got to figure they’d go after Ludwick, being he hits righty.

If they have to move Johnson OR Escobar for Peavy, they should do it. They’re both good players, but Peavy (and good pitching in general) is at such a premium, I think it’ll be one or the other. And either one would be better than trading Hanson.

This Tazawa thing is interesting, DOB. He’s got a NICE 12-6. Not sure his heater has Hudson movement, though. Did I really read that he throws 97 mph? Most of these Asian cats don’t throw that hard. But it won’t matter if it’s too straight.

Even Chris Woodward can nail a straight fastball.

By KC

November 5, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure why Peavy would be concerned with the Braves’ ability to contend. If we get Peavy, another quality starter, and a another big bat… the Braves will be right there in the thick of things.

Granted, that’s a lofty shopping list, but Peavy is the biggest part of that equation by far. I’m been supremely confident all along that the Braves will find a middle-of-the-order bat somewhere, along with a quality starter. But there’s a difference between a “quality” starter, and an “ace”.

Getting an bonafide ace is by far the most challenging task Wren faces this winter. If he could get Peavy, I have complete confidence that the other 2 needed pieces will follow, and the Braves will be back in it.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

November 5, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this

I just wanted to mention two very astonishing things about this election.

109.4 million votes tabulated so far. By far the most in any Presidential election.

In the state of Missouri, 2.85 million votes have been cast so far and the two candidates are separated by just 398 votes.

By scottbravesfan

November 5, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

Dave,

I don’t know if you saw the latest issue of the Sporting News, with Kobe Bryant on the cover, but the back page has an article on Tom Glavine and it’s good stuff. It mentions how Glavine does not want to go out like he did last season with an injury. I get the feeling that he will be back pitching somewhere and hopefully with the Braves as a number 5 guy.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

November 5, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this

Let me revise that first total. It’s now at 110.8 million votes so far. THAT’S INCREDIBLE !

By BA

November 5, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this

I second bubdylan’s 2:03 a.m. post. When I was a kid, I could hardly imagine having access to this kind of information. You can ask the beat writer your dumb questions, and he actually RESPONDS, you know, like you’re a real person?

Do guys in other cities do this, DOB? They probably just cherry pick a few previously e-mailed inquries, like that San Diego link somebody put up last week.

Much props, DOB. Go Hawks.

By Tomahawkin

November 5, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this

Coach A lot more people across college campuses voted this year than in past years partly because college professors encouraged voting in the presidential race than for the Next American Idiot (Idol) more than anything…but I’m not gonna go there, I’m just celebrating…!!!

By KC

November 5, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this

Regardless of whatever moves Atlanta makes this winter…

The Braves probably have more x-factors than any other team in baseball.

IF the Braves can acquire Peavy, another quality starter, and a slugger… they will undoubtedly be a good team next year. But what could ultimately decide the fate of the season, will be many x-factors in the fold for Atlanta.

• Will Soriano be healthy and able to anchor 8th inning this year?

• Can Moylan pull off an early-mid season comeback anywhere near as successful as Gonzo’s post-TJ return?

• How many games will Chipper miss? (we all know he’ll miss at least 20-25 games… you just hope it stays well under the 50 mark).

• Can Francoeur make last year a distant memory, and return to his 100 RBI ways?

• Can Glavine make a healthy and productive return?

• Can Smoltz come back and help, either in the rotation, or in the pen?

• If Hampton comes back, will he stay healthy (for the most part)?

• Can one or more of the possibly-major-league ready uber-talents, such as Hanson and Schafer, make an impact this year?

• Can young bullpen hands, such as Boyer and Acosta, establish themselves with some consistency?

A pessimist says “those are a lot of question marks”. An optimist says “that’s a helluva a lot of upside”. I lean more toward the latter train of thought. Especially if the Braves add the 3 needed pieces this winter (two quality starters and one big bat).

If they are able to do so, the Braves will only need about half (at most) of the above factors to roll their way in order to compete for a ring next season. Should be an exciting winter!

By cameron

November 5, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this

Ok so the Braves should really go after Ryan Ludwick. But I personally dont see that as the big bat in the cleanup spot. How about trade some lower level pitching to the Cards for Ludwick and play him in center field(since he can play all 3 positions), go out and sign Adam Dunn, and sign Derek Lowe, AJ Burnett, Ben Sheets, or one of those pitchers that could be a great #2 behind Peavy. Ludwick would be a great #2 hitter because if im not mistaken thats where he hit last year with the Cards(infront of Pujols). Pitcher this linueup and Rotation..

Lineup
1. Yunel Escobar SS
2. Ryan Ludwick CF
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Adam Dunn LF
5. Brian McCann C
6. Casey Kotchman 1B
7. Kelly Johnson 2B
8. Jeff Francoeur RF
9. Jake Peavy P

(( Thats a heck of a lineup and with that we go from one of the worst hitting OFs to one of the best!! ))

Pitching
1. Jake Peavy
2. AJ Burnett/Derek Lowe/Ben Sheets
3. Jair Jurrjens
4. Tommy Hanson
5. Hampton/Glavine/Campillo/Etc..

Any thoughts, does this look like something that could happen or not??

By cameron

November 5, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this

This is the great thing about rumors, I bet didnt anyone here think about Ryan Ludwick as an option, now we here one rumor and theres a new guy that most of us now want to be a Brave in 09’. I love it. Thanks for all the info DOB. Hope theres a lot of new rumors floating around tomorrow.

By GermanBravesFan

November 5, 2008 4:14 AM | Link to this

DOB: I read that someone else had asked that questions earlier, but I didn’t see you answer it. Do you think the Braves are at all interested in Ibanez? I think he could be a good left-fielder for a year or two.

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 5, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

From the San Diego Tribune:

“Three days after playing golf with Cubs GM Jim Hendry, Towers bowled with Hendry yesterday as part of a GM function.”

Tell Hendry to go hang out with another GM! The article quotes Towers as saying he is “down the road” in talks with two of the teams. The obvious guess is that the two teams are the Braves and Cubs.

Towers also states that he doesn’t see a trade happening by the end of today and that the FA period may slow down talks. Hopefully, the Cubs sign a couple of FA and will no longer be an option. Peavy is going to be a Brave!

By Steve from OH

November 5, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

Keith Law says that the Royals want to sign Greinke long-term, but if they don’t, they’ll make him available.

By Billy Walsh

November 5, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

Good piece about the clash over on Rolling Stone. They have a book coming out (Clash) and rolling stone has some cool pics on their website. One pic has Robert De Niro with the band. Hey DOB, what are some of the worst live performances you have ever been to? Here are my top 5:

1. Blues Traveler- Popper drunk
2. Oasis- left the stage
3. Guns n Roses- left the stage: thank god Metallica saved the day
4. Smashing Pumpkins- too freakin loud to enjoy or understand
5. Ryan Adams- incoherent

By Anders

November 5, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Lew

Just like I said. The Mets have as many -if not more- holes to fill than the Braves do

You’re delusional. I guess this falls into your self professed “biggest homer on the blog” category.

The Mets have a question mark at second base for postion players, period. Could they upgrade in left, sure but they got plenty of producution from the guys that are coming back.

Pitching - they have Santana, Maine and Pelfrey already. I don’t believe the Braves have more than 3 guys they’re really counting on (who’ve actually pitched in the majors). I know the Mets will get a solid number 4 even if it’s resigning OP.

Bullpen - as I said they will scour the market here, as will almost every other team. As for them spending the money on Fuentes - if Fuentes is as interested as his agent says he is you can lock this in. Sure beats the crazy money K-Rod will get. ( I believe they’d be willing to pay K-Rod if they can’t get Fuentes but would rather not). The big difference between the Mets and Phils was the closer. The Mets blew many saves and Lidge blew zero. Yet the Mets were within a hair of the Phils at years end. I’m not saying you get anything more for finishing second I’m making the point that they’re not that far away. I don’t believe the same can be said of the Braves who have moved further in the wrong direction the last couple of years and IMO look weaker coming into this year (even if they get Peavy) than they did last year.

The Mets have Alou’s, Pedro’s, some of Delgado’s reduced contract, El Duque’s and others $’s to use, so they’re not $ constricted right now.

By the way, now you’re claiming that the Mets blew their minor league load on Santana last year and have nothing left. Wasn’t it you who told me before the Santana trade that the Mets don’t have anything of value in the minors that the Twins would take for Santana? Not being a minor league guru like many on here I used to take guys like you at your word regarding your assessment of minor league talent - not so much anymore.

By Jeff R

November 5, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Good to see Wren out of the box quickly with an offer to Tazawa.

Tendering an offer to Tazawa should make it clear to fans that the Braves’ priority is pitching. Bats come later.

By McFann O

November 5, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies—

Dang. That’s a lotta injuries. What’d the guy do?

Wayne @ 1:51—

Yeah, no kidding.

By Efrim

November 5, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8758804/Angels-will-avoid-long-negotiations-for-Teixeira

Sounds like Rosenthal also heard that the Braves middle infielders are drawing interest from other clubs. Ten clubs asking for Kelly?

Ken called Brent Lillibridge….Derek Lillibridge.

By McFann O

November 5, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Efrim Ken called Brent Lillibridge….Derek Lillibridge.

That’s creepy…in that game I bought yesterday, Skip called him Derek, too.

By Efrim

November 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Bob Dutton, from the Kansas City Star speculates Francoeur is available:

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/875855.html

As is often the case, each rumor is seasoned with at least a bit of truth.

The Braves appear willing to deal Francoeur, who slumped badly last season in batting just .239 with 11 homers and 71 RBIs in 155 games. But he had 48 homers and 208 RBIs over the two previous years, while batting .276, and won a Gold Glove in 2007 for defensive excellence in right field.

Officials from both clubs reacted to this bit of gossip by saying no talks have taken place, but that isn’t likely to quell speculation — especially since Francoeur might sit atop Moore’s acquisition wish list.

He then goes on to speculate on what it would take:

The Braves could use someone with Teahen’s versatility but have an over-riding need for starting pitching. The likelihood is they, like many other teams, would demand Zack Greinke.

And that, probably, would halt any discussion. But would Luke Hochevar be acceptable? Or possibly a top pitching prospect like Danny Cortes? Would the Royals even offer them?

I’ll take Teahan and Cortes. Not as big a fan of Hochevar. His star has fallen a bit in my mind. We talked about this subject yesterday and now Dutton brings it up. Gotta be some truth to it. Moore definetly loves Frenchy.

By N Nine

November 5, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

DOB has any other team offered a major league contract to “TAZ”?

By N Nine

November 5, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Dutton says the Braves appear willing to trade Jeff Francoeur. While no trade talks have taken place, it’s known that Royals GM Dayton Moore is a fan. Dutton speculates that the Royals would not give up Zack Greinke for Francoeur, but may consider offering Luke Hochevar, Danny Cortes, or Mark Teahen* KC Star

By DAP

November 5, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

cameron the Braves should really go after Ryan Ludwick. But I personally dont see that as the big bat in the cleanup spot.

why not? you dont really give any reasons. he has great power, hits righty, which is what we need…he can offer chipper protection…the majority of his ABs this past year were in the cleanup spot behind pujols, so….why dont you see him as the cleanup hitter?

By brent a.

November 5, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I bet Derek Lillibridge would have more power :).

By P-Town Brave

November 5, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Efrim

Not to Hochevar as well…have you heard the story about him changing a lot of things he did w/ mechanics after talking not to his pitching coaches, but to Scott Boras’ instructors…yeah, a Boras guy…

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

KC, good points in your 2:51 a.m. post.

By brent a.

November 5, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

It seems Barack Obama’s reach is already extended, and it’s reached the MLB owners’ meetings.

Scott Boras (and other agents) is/(are) pushing to get more in signing-bonuses, and get them paid prior to Jan. 1, to reduce the amount of taxes paid by their clients.

Link: [Looking to get deals done by 12-31]](http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3683448)

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

DAP: I agree with you on Ludwick. You’re not talking about an old player (Griffey) or a platoon-type of player, you’re talking about a guy fully capable of hitting 30 homers. Not saying Ludwick is the favorite to get the job, just saying he’s one option they’ve discussed. I wish I had the full list, of course, but I don’t. That’d be too easy, right? Have to piece it together as best I can, by talking to someone connected to that team or this agent, etc.

By McFann O

November 5, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

N Nine—

Taz?? There was a cat in our neighborhood named Taz a few years ago. One year it killed one of our two baby cardinals, so the other one left the nest a day or two too early (she made it…we saw her fly for the first time). Another year, it killed all three baby cardinal in our neighbor’s bush…two of them had just hatched, the other was still in it’s egg.

I hated that thing so much.

By McFann O

November 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

I know! Instead of “Taz”, how ‘bout “Ichi”?

OK…yeah…that’s a little worse, I guess…

By Original Jon

November 5, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

The Diamonbacks are going to need a second baseman now that O Dog is leaving, how bout KJ and a minor leaguer, or two, for Connor Jackson to play outfield?

By Josh H

November 5, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Guys,

Can we please forget about Adam Dunn? I don’t want a .240 avg, 200 strikeout hitter behind Chipper, even if he will give you 30 homers.

Start Schafer in center. Grab a LF who can realistically give you close to 30 homers.

Schafer - 15 - 20 homers, hopefully. We know that he has the power potential. Ludwick? - 25-30 homers, maybe closer to 40. Francouer - 25 homers IF he can bounce back

That’ll be plenty of power production in the outfield.

By Dan

November 5, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

DOB

Good news on the Peavy front. Any idea who the “centerpiece” would be, given the dialogue that has taken place between both camps?

Looking for your best guess on who goes to San Diego in the trade.

Cant help but think that Tyler Flowers performance in the desert puts him squarely in the discussion as primo trade bait.

By Marty

November 5, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

*By Efrim

November 5, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Ken called Brent Lillibridge….Derek Lillibridge. *

He was probably thinking of Derek Lilliquist.

By Efrim

November 5, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

P-Town Brave

Yup, heard that same thing. Royals don’t have too much to offer. I can’t imagine the Braves dealing Frenchy straight up for Teahan. So, if a prospect were included, it would have to be a good one. Considering Moustakas is going no where, Melville and Hosmer can’t be dealt, Rosa is hurt, that leaves Cortes. Obviously there are probably others that might be on the Braves radar. But I am sure they have to like Cortes.

By RC

November 5, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I just hope that if we do sign “Taz”, the college kids who decide to make costumes come up with something a little more creative that dressing up like the Tazmanian Devil and calling themselves “Taz’s Tazs”.

By Marty

November 5, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Josh H, I couldn’t agree with you more. Adam Dunn puts up some big power numbers overall, but his proclivity for the strikeout is well known, he is much less impressive away from Great American Ballpark (lifetime slugging percentage of .497 on the road vs. .540 at home), and most of his homers (157 out of 278) have been hit with no one on base. Most importantly, he is just godawful defensively (.969 fielding percentage as an OF vs. a league average of .981, and .984 as a 1B vs. a league average of .992).

By robyn

November 5, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Just heard on XM radio that Peavy has narrowed it down to three teams. He wants to stay on the west coast and prefers the Dodgers. Maybe we should move on since I don’t want to have to trade Escobar and why bother if he doesn’t want to be here according to Mark Bowman.

By Buffalo NY Braves Fan

November 5, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Josh H,

I would say Frenchy has closer to 15 homers than 25 this year. Even if he does bounce back, it’s going to be 15 HR’s 100 RBI’s. He has the potential to hit more HR’s but I wouldn’t count on 25 from him.

Also, Schafer will probably be more of the 10-15 HR type to start with. He hasn’t shown a ton of power yet in the minors. He’s more of a “gap power” kind of guy, a lot of doubles.

So you have Ludwick (25-30), Schafer (10-15), Francoeur (15-20). That is still a decent amount of power potential, but you have to remember that Kotchman at 1B isn’t going to give you the 30+ HR’s that Tex would.

By semiballcoach

November 5, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

DOB—etree.org—-the dbt show from tabernacle saturday is ready for download

By semiballcoach

November 5, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

DOB—etree.org—-the dbt show from tabernacle saturday is ready for download

By Lew

November 5, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Anders-So you have three starting pitchers, one of whom missed considerable time at the end of the season. You have one of the most ineffective bullpens in all of baseball (two years in a row now) and a second baseman making way too much money with no legs. By your own admission, there are questions about your catcher and Ryan Church had his own problems last year. Your closer is shot to hell. Do you even have a bench? We’ve got more than $40 mil off the books and a well stocked minor league system (as well as a good GM) and the Mets have Mosises and El Duque’s salaries? You’ve got Omar. Wow.

Dude, if you think the Mets can pull in two good starters AND a closer in that easy a fashion, then don’t act like it’s me who’s delusional.

I know that the Braves have holes to fill-also seems to me that with the pursuit of Peavy, Ludwick and the Dude from Japan, that Wren is well on the way to dealing with the situation. How about Omar? Haven’;t heard of ANY action on THAT front-just more chest thumping from the Trolls.

As for the Farm Systems-you got lucky that the Twins misplayed their hand and had to settle for an inferior package from the Mets. Since then, I hear lots of teams talking about desiring the Braves’ prospects. The Mets prospects-not only not so much, but not at all. We’ll just have to see who fills holes with whom this winter. I’m betting the Braves get the best of that action. Count on it. Hey, the Braves may not win the Division this year (though if things go right in the acquistion department, we’ll be there)-the Mets? I’m thinking they won’t do it in 09, either-win that is-you can never rule out a choke with the Mets.

As for being Oh, So Close the past two years? Talk about being a Homer. The rest of baseball fandom looks at the two (three actually) successive chokes performed by the Mets-not that you ALMOST made it to the top. Point of view Dude, point of view. Must be all those paint fumes from the chop shops you’ve been breathing. It affects your thought process.

By Lee in S GA

November 5, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Just heard on XM radio that Peavy has narrowed it down to three teams. He wants to stay on the west coast and prefers the Dodgers.

Only hope he is Dodger Blue bound. I see us getting stuck with Greene and losing Escobar. All of a sudden another hole appears on this team.

It seems Peavy only wants to play for a proven contender, what MLB player don’t, I also think he has doubts about the Braves being a contender and indeed he should based on the past 3 seasons. What if they have another season like the past, is he going to ask to be traded then?

By Buffalo NY Braves Fan

November 5, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Anders,

You said earlier that the Mets have been in first place more in the last 2 years than any team in the East….

Thats a wonderful stat to have, except no one cares. They only care about 2 days in the last 2 years…. those days would be the days that matter….

You can lead the division through 161 games a season, but if you don’t lead through 162 then no one cares what you did.

By DAP

November 5, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

i think the mets are in pretty good shape, actually. they have a good front three and and good lineup. they have almost purged themselves of the too old, or too injured players. alou, el duque, pedro, among the departed. delgado showed this year he still has it, but we all know he will have slumps, and probably long ones. so basically they have castillo as dead weight.

the mets need to resign perez, get some good bench players and fix the bullpen, and they will be right there at the end ready to collapse again in 2009.

seriously, though..i think they oughta spend some money on that pen. its true that they wont be able to pull off trades like the braves will be able to.

By Doc Holliday

November 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

About ten teams have inquired on Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson. We had a Cardinals rumor yesterday. Ken Rosenthal.

WEDNESDAY, 9:14am: Ken Davidoff swapped emails with Peavy’s agent, Barry Axelrod. Axelrod stresses that Peavy’s list of preferred teams is just guidance for the Padres, and is not definitive or all-inclusive. The Padres have not yet requested approval for any team or trade.

By DAP

November 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Peavy has narrowed it down to three teams. He wants to stay on the west coast and prefers the Dodgers.

im not sure if i believe this, since its pretty different than what weve heard from peavy so far. plus, we know that towers has told some lies to gain leverage in the trade. i dont know where this one is coming from, but i dont buy it.

By JimD

November 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Any truth to the rumor the Mets are trying to get Henry Heimlich as team trainer?

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Robyn, regarding your 10:17 a.m. post. I can tell you the Braves aren’t “moving on” regarding Peavy (quite the opposite), and I can assure you that Peavy has not told anyone he “doesn’t want to be here” in Atlanta (that one’s just silly).

Otherwise, good post. Reminded me of the Debbie Downer skit on SNL.

Oh, wait … you weren’t trying to be funny.

By JC from UT

November 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Who are some of the teams inquiring about KJ?

By Josh H

November 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Buffalo NY Braves Fan:

I think in regards to Francouer, you have to expect 20-25 homers, or you have to expect to find a new RF.

I would take a higher average and less homers, if it also meant great defense.

But more importantly, just a few more singles with the bases loaded would be nice.

But if he has a low average again with low power numbers, you shop him to a team like the Royals who can afford to take a chance with his talent.

By MizzouBravesFan

November 5, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Towers has played his hand regarding Peavy.

All along he’s known that the Braves were and are the best trade partners and the best fit.

He tried everything to squeeze Hanson or something better out of the Braves…why do you think he threw the Yanks and Angels supposed “interest” out there?

Let’s be real…he’s NOT trading him to the Dodgers and the Cubs don’t have the pieces.

It’s time to sit down and get the deal done. I’m more confident now than ever that it’s happening.

By ccrider

November 5, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Anders; I second Lew’s condemnation of your bragging blogging! Don’t, I repeat DON”T come on here talking about the Braves failures and the Mets success last year or the year before. The Braves fell apart due to losing the majority of their pitching staff. Do you really think the Mets would have been anywhere close(like the Braves) if they had lost their No.1 starter Smoltz(Santana), No.3 starter Glavine(O.Perez), No. 4 starter Hampton( Maine) and No.2 Starter Hudson( Pelfrey), Closer, Soraino(Wagner), Set up man Moylan, Gonzalez for all or part of the season. Your Mets bias has left you delusional! Your pitching staff and top players in your lineup stayed basically healthy, your team had some big pleasant surprises: Delgado, Murphy Etc. and they still blew it again! If, you want to have rational discussions about what goes on in baseball and between our two teams, that’s fine. But, when you let yourself get bombastic to the point of irrationality, you become just another METS interloper spewing the homer team mantra! You have shown the ability in the past to be rational. Try to find your way back there.

By Shaun

November 5, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Don’t look now, but the inventor of PECOTA predicted the election results with amazing accuracy.

By GermanBravesFan

November 5, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

DOB: assuming that somehow the Peavy deal will get done, who are some of the second-tier free agent pitchers (pitchers not named Sabathia, Dempster, Lowe, Burnett) available? Which one of those should the Braves target?

By Anders

November 5, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

* Lew*

Read DAP’s post at 10:37. He’s being reasonable. The collapse part is funny.

BTW- Sounds like you might be getting a little ahead of yourself on the Peavy thing. At least according to other Braves fans on here. Well at least you might get that 22 year old Japanese kid who’s pitching in the industrial league. Can you imagine what would be being posted on here if Omar was shopping that?

Be warned - his best pitches are breaking ball and sinker(per DOB reports). Both require extended grip. The Japanese ball is smaller. Using the MLB balll will reduce the extension percentage over the ball. What affect it will have on those pitches remains to be seen but we’ve seen this as an adjustment issue before with Japanese pitchers.

The reason your not hearing about Omar out in the market as heavy as the Braves is Peavy didn’t include them on his list and FA negotiations haven’t started. He will be involved with FA’s - count on it. No gaurantee’s but he won’t be on the sideline idle.

Trust me when I say money is going to rain down on the FA pitchers by mid December. The Yanks are way too quiet.I remember a couple of years ago when the NY Rangers swooped in on Chris Drury and Scott Gomez and overwhelmed them with offers in the first 12 hours of the NHL FA period and caught the rest of the league by suprise. I wonder if the Yanks are planning a similar tactic?

I never said the Braves don’t have desirable prospects. Honestly I have no frame of reference there. What I did say was that the Mets had enough for Santana when you said they didn’t so you now telling me again they have nothing doesn’t hold water imo.

Let the chop shop thing go. Within two years that whole area will be developed into shops, restaurants etc and will be beautiful. There’s a whole development project outlined and planned already. How’s the development around the Ted going 10 years later? Have they put up the lemonade stand next to the old home plate location where Hammerin Hank hit 715? Quite a tribute.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

DAP-The Mets only have three starting pitchers-Johan, Pelfrey and Maine. Maine missed the last month and a half with arm issues. They need at least two (maybe three) starters. They also have no closer and that bullpen has been atrocious for two seasons. Seems to me they have as many, if not more questions about their rotation than the Braves.

I wouldn’t pencil the Phillies in for another World Championship, either. Can they expect the same type of season from a 46 year old Jamie Moyer? Will Blanton come back to pitch like he did in the playoffs, or return to his normal self? Will Kendrick ever become reliable? Hamels is a stud, but he may be about all they have. How about re-signing those players like Pat Burrell? Do you seriously think Brad Lidge will achieve perfection yet again? Will their bullpen stay as effective in 09?

Sorry, but it seems that these teams have plenty of questions that need resolving, too. Like I said to Anders, the Braves may not win the Division next year-I’m certainly NOT claiming that because the Phillies are the front runner until they prove otherwise-but there is no lock for anyone winning the NL East next year. Lots of dealing is yet to come and the Braves will not be the only players in that game.

By Train Wreck Bystander

November 5, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

日本語になること

挨拶

By DAP

November 5, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

guys, what is with the influx of politics on this blog? can we please leave it out? id like to be able to come here and put some of that out of my mind for a little while, and i think im supposed to be able to do that, based on the unwritten rules weve all agreed to. i love talking politics to, and its hard not to mention stuff sometimes, but please show some discipline.

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Shaun, I’m gonna miss not heading over to fivethirtyeight.com first thing every morning …… Nate Silver’s got the world in his hand right now

By TomL

November 5, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

DOB- If Braves can get Ludwick for KJ/prospects or any combination that would leave all our ~$45 million for pitching. Do you then see us stepping our game up for CC and Peavy? A rhyming 1-2 duo would be pretty sweet.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

MizzouBravesFan: Your 11:03 a.m. post is pretty much on the money, or at least the way I see it. But Towers would’ve been silly to pull the trigger right away. You should always hold out to get the best offer, hold out until you think you’re in danger of losing a potential suitor, until you’ve reached a point of diminishing return. Padres haven’t reached that point yet.

By Joe M.

November 5, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Rosenthal says Kelly Johnson could be traded

Wow, I thought the Braves’ middle infield was one of the team’s best bright spots. Now Rosenthal here says they may trade Escobar AND KJ.

I dread a Prado-Infante/Lillibridge middle infield, even if it’ll make Joe Simpson happy.

I thought the goal of the offseason was to IMPROVE the team. Has is getting rid of an outstanding offensive middle infield for a crappy one an improvement?

By AdirondackDave

November 5, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

JimD — Good one! Started off my day with a nice chuckle. Thanks.

By MizzouBravesFan

November 5, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

DOB

I don’t think the Padres have reached that point either but I do believe it’s getting close.

IMO Towers threw all his cards out WAY too early and I do believe he was over confident that a lot of teams would come flocking in on Peavy and it would create a bidding war…something he isn’t getting.

Now that may happen, esp. if he tries to extend this out to the winter meetings or beyond and other teams start to miss out on targets and come to him.

By DefBraves

November 5, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

What of Maggilo Ordonez? Why isn’t it being talked about here and elsewhere? We’ve made trades with the Tigers in the past, and with Maggilo on the block, why aren’t we making a run for him? He would fit in very nicely in our outfield, and his bat would be AWESEOME with McCann and Chipper!

By Marty

November 5, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Folks, for once let’s give Anders a break here — he makes some good points, as do Lew, Shaun, ccrider, and some others. The fact of the matter is that there isn’t a team in the NL East, including the surprising Phillies, that doesn’t have a number of holes.

The Phillies’ biggest holes are in their starting pitching staff and Ryan Howard’s glove, while the Mets have gigantic question marks at LF, RF, 2B, and C, as well as the majority of their rotaiton and bullpen. Oliver Perez last season had an ERA (4.22) which was below the league average (4.21) and an atrocious WHIP (1.40) due to walking 105 men in just 194 innings. I find it at least as likely that Perez’s two good seasons in 2004 and 2007 were the aberrations, as opposed to his one mediocre season (2008) and three horrendous seasons (2003, 2005, 2006). John Maine was decent last year and fairly good the year before, but no better (giving him the most credit possible) than Jair was in 2008. Pelfrey, who the heck knows — he had a pretty good season in 2008, and while most of his periperherals are good, he has several troubling secondary stats (just 110 K in 200 innings, 4.76 road ERA). He’s also so young that it’s tough to make a long-term prediction at this point. The Mets’ bullpen is awful, just plain awful.

The Braves have a lot of players who have not performed to the level one would like, but whom there are lots of reasons to believe will do so soon. In other words, guys like Kelly Johnson and Francoeur are not much different from Perez and Maine in that regard.

Overall, it may come down to who has (1) the best offseason and (2) the best luck in 2009. Or, if you don’t want to consider this “luck,” it could come down to whose young players develop the fastest in 2009, or whose team “gels” the best.

We shall see.

By Efrim

November 5, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Joe M.

I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions. I don’t think they will trade both Kelly and Yunel. Not unless they get blown away.

By DAP

November 5, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

lew id never say that the braves dont have a chance, but when you look at the mets rotation versus the braves, they have santana, we have jurjens. jurnes is awesome, but santana is an ace, which is what we are looking for. they have a bit of an advatage in that while they are looking for TWO starters…a 4 and 5 will do, we are looking for 3. and we need at LEAST a #1 and a #3 guy.

the mets are actually better because of some of the guys they have lost this year.

thier bullpen is terrible obviously, but as we sit now they are in better shape as a team than we are. before doing aything to improve, they have a better rotation, a better lineup. that could change depending on what the teams do. im just being honest. the mets still suck.

i honestly think the mets could buy randy wolf and jon garland, and then sink a bunch of money in the bullpen and bench and be a very good team.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Anders-Why should I let the Chop Shop thing go? I think it’s quite appropos-especially with the Chop illusion.

If you actually bothered to read anything, you might have noticed that I really don’t care if we get Peavy or not. I’m extremely conflicted about his acquisition. Like I said, had you paid attention you might have noticed I was reamed to the max (even by the Esteemed DOB-who you think only gives you a hard time) for speaking out on the topic. I think he will cost way too much of our future and I’m not particularly convinced he won’t have serious arm issues.

You might also have noticed that I was in favor of signing Derek Lowe and trading a lesser package of prospects to the White Sox for Javier Vasquez and Nick Swisher (all of which we can well afford). This would give us two pitchers who throw 200+ innings on an annual basis and give us a power hitting outfielder we need. It would leave enough to sign Ohman and Norton and STILL leave some bucks for emergency. It would also leave us with a Blue Chip prospect in Tommy Hanson, ready to enter the rotation this year. It would also leave us with a killer rotation in 2010 when Hudson returns. We also have the potential for a good bullpen with some innings eaters like those I mentioned, as OUR bullpen problems resulted from overuse due to injury.

It would also leave us with one of the better Farm Systems in all of baseball-as witnessed by the fact that our kids are coveted by other teams. You still have yet to tell me about any Mets’ studs that other teams are fawning over. As a matter of fact, we haven’t even heard RUMORS of anyone from the Mets that is being pursued.

Just who are the stalwart the Mets should get? How will you pay for them? You keep talking about all the money the Mets have, yet in the midst of three successive pennant races, why haven’t they spent anything? Saving for Santana for whom you savaged your near ML ready minor leaguers and spent a damn fortune? Did his acquisition put a crimp in the Mets’ wallets? Could be.

How many teams are clamoring for Mets’ prospects (damn near an oxymoron, that)? You claim that you have three stud pitchers, yet Pelfrey has had ONE somewhat successful season and Maine (which you seemingly can’t acknowledge) missed starts in August ( his last one was one in which he gave up 8 runs in a few innings pitched) and missed ALL of September (during your pennant drive-which again proved futile.

Billy Wagner is no more (at least as far as the Mets are concerned). Your bullpen sucks and has for two years. There may not even be enough pen pieces available for anything other than a patch job.

Yeah, keep thumping your chest and getting bent out of shape about Chop Shops. That will fix things. Sure it will. The Mets have problems, too-whether or not you acknowledge that fact.

By Wayne

November 5, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Ryan Spilborghs?? Good away splits.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

ccrider

The Braves fell apart due to losing the majority of their pitching staff.

That’s the point Einstein. And since Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson, Hampton (you included him not me) won’t be back isn’t it rational to say the Braves have more problems than the Mets as presently constituted?

I’m picturing Lew simmering up in Vermont like Tom Cruise in “A Few Good Men” while you’re playing the role of Demi Moore and “strenuously objecting” to my post therefore helping my argument.

BTW- The Mets lost both corner outfielders, the second baseman both catchers, Pedro, Maine and Wagner for extended periods of time last year so I wouldn’t call last season overly healthy for the Mets.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

DAP_Dude, read what I said. I said that the Mets have plenty of holes to fill-NOT that the Braves would or wouldn’t contend or didn’t have their own problems. I’m just pointing out to Anders that there are other teams in our division with needs. There is no dynasty at this time. Least of all in New York.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

DAP-The Mets may be better off with the players they lost-IF they replace them with better players. They have not done so yet. Haven’t even heard vague rumors that they have targeted anyone in particular.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Marty-My point, exactly. We ALL have holes that need filling. Seems the Braves are well on the way to doing so.

By Marty

November 5, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

What is it with people and Jon Garland? He is a decidedly average pitcher who had ONE good season (2005 - 18-10, 3.50 ERA) and another season in which he won a bunch of games for a good team although his pitching was mediocre (2006 - 18-7, 4.57 ERA). Even including that outlying 2005 season (he has never had an ERA lower than 4.23 in any other full season), Garland has a career ERA of 4.47, which is not much better than the league average of 4.63 during his career. He has a poor career WHIP of 1.39 and has struck out only 851 to 532 walks in over 1,600 innings.

Randy Wolf is another example of an overpriced mediocre pitcher. He had two nice seasons for the Phillies in 2001 and 2002, but has never had an ERA lower than 4.23 since — and he has always pitched in the NL.

How would either of these guys (or the many like them) be an improvement over a guy like Hampton?

By N Nine

November 5, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

McFann

Ichi? As in our ichiro?

By Lew

November 5, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

No Anders- I’m not fuming in Vermont (actually I’m kind of mellowed out after all the political arguing that’s been going on. It’s just a slow day and I’m sick of talking about Jake Freaking Peavy (which has gone on ad naseum for several weeks now). You’re merely a diversion because you happened to show up. Otherwise, I’d be doing something else-and may anyway. You’re boring and one tracked.

I realize the Braves have holes. I also realize they may not challenge for the division until 2010. You’re the one failing to acknowledge that the Mets better get their @$$e$ in gear because they have problems galore. Keep telling us how much time the Mets have spent in first place. YOu won’t impress us, but it will keep you off the streets and out of trouble, I suppose.

By DAP

November 5, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

lew Dude, read what I said.

i did.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Train Wreck

That 11:19 post is absolutely hilarious!!

Great stuff.

By Tomahawkin

November 5, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

D.O.B. anything going on about any interest in the Rangers Nellie (Nelson) Cruz?

I’ve seen him hit a lot in the rangers games out here (since I live 4 hours from D-F-Dub) and the dude can rake… David Murphy as well; A lot of posters I talk to on the Philly.com/phillies/forum) want him to replace Burrell (If he leaves, which is an 80 percent chance) any news on that? I would doubt it since R. Amaro Jr has taken over as GM…

By Fantasy Schmantasy

November 5, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Lineup 1. Yunel Escobar SS 2. Ryan Ludwick CF 3. Chipper Jones 3B 4. Adam Dunn LF 5. Brian McCann C 6. Casey Kotchman 1B 7. Kelly Johnson 2B 8. Jeff Francoeur RF 9. Jake Peavy PCameron

This is your fantasy league team, right? Cause there is no way in h3ll that it’s going to be anything like the Braves lineup.

By flange1

November 5, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Afternoon all,

All of the rumors involving deals not including Peavy are great! We get to see that FW has options other that the 3 or 4 thoughts that we have been stuck with for weeks.

It is interesting that there is a such a strong market for KJ, Escobar and Frenchy.

We COULD see a revamped team in 2009. (though I doubt it).

My only recommendation to folks is not to get stuck on any current players or potential players, the dealing season has just begun!!!

By Anders

November 5, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Lew

I’m just pointing out to Anders that there are other teams in our division with needs. There is no dynasty at this time. Least of all in New York.

On this I agree. I just think the Braves have more needs. You said the opposite which is dead wrong imo. All we have is last years records to go by and the present rosters. The Mets are coming back intact except for OP and Wagner.They’ll replace both I’m sure. Then they’ll work the bullpen. The Braves apparently haven’t even decided who will play the outfield for them at this point, never mind their pitching woes. Both middle infielders appear to be in play as I haven’t heard Wren come out to squash these rumors DOB is dealing. I know they won’t move all but having so many guys in play certainly doesn’t bode well from a confidence stand point. You’d be all over this if the shoe was on the other foot. The Braves are piecing it together at this point and weren’t on the division radar after June. How can this be so hard to see?

By nolie

November 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

“Three days after playing golf with Cubs GM Jim Hendry, Towers bowled with Hendry yesterday as part of a GM function.”Jason

I heard he missed a 7-10 split in the tenth frame and lost Peavy to the Cubs. Rumors everywhere

By nolie

November 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

That’s creepy…in that game I bought yesterday, Skip called him Derek, tooMcFann

yeah I hadta make an effort not to do the same thing…from Derek Lilliquist a first round draft choice in the late 80s

By Eric

November 5, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Any interest in Ben Sheets that you’ve heard of?

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

How would either of these guys (or the many like them) be an improvement over a guy like Hampton?

The only reason Garland would be better than MH is because we know Garland eats innings, whereas with MH, you never know if he’s gonna suffer a t!tty twister before his first start and miss four months. But I don’t want Garland …. you don’t dish out $10+ mil for an average #4 starter to eat 180 to 200 innings. That would be an unfortunate waste. Not a luxury this team can afford right now.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Lew

You’re merely a diversion because you happened to show up. Otherwise, I’d be doing something else-and may anyway. You’re boring and one tracked.

Yet they say opposites attract. Well I guess there’re exceptions to every rule.

By nolie

November 5, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

I’ll take Teahan and Cortes. Not as big a fan of HochevarEfrim

not me. Teahan is pretty inconsistant too with less upside and I have heard a number of poor reports about Cortes. Make it DeJesus instead of Teahan.

By JR Bob Dobbs

November 5, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, First off, I’m a frequent blog reader and a very infrequent poster, but thanks for giving us Braves fans something to follow year round.

My question…IF the Peavy trade happens (and I hope it does), say for Escobar, Shafer, Morton, Medlin, and another prospect (hopefully not Tyler Flowers but he could be in the mix)…could you see the Braves showing interest in picking up Randy Winn from the Giants? I seem to recall that he’s been on the Bravos radar-screen for a few seasons now. If we went into the ‘09 season with Josh Anderson as the starting CF with Winn as the backup CF/4th OF, I’d feel fairly good about out CF situation. Of course, this presumes that we’d pick up a slugging corner OF to help us out as well (Ibanez, Ludwick, etc)…

Keep up the good work…

By THE MAN

November 5, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

foxsports.com is reporting the braves signed manny.

By James Munson

November 5, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Those who are askimg why the Braves dont go after Magglio Ordonez. He has an 18 million dollar salary for 09!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats why. While he is a good .300, 25-30 homer guy, that 18 million is not what we are looking for. Plus hes like 35 right??

By Anders

November 5, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

fantasy

Not sure who came up with that lineup in your 12:14 post but with Dunn, McCann, Frenchy, Kotchman and Chipper in his waning years in that lineup you could time that squad around the bases with a sun dial!

By Lew

November 5, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Anders- The shoe IS on the other foot, you just won’t acknowledge it. No the Braves haven’t decided who will play outfield yet, but DO have options in house without going out and getting someone IF the need arose-which it won’t. It’s also a week after the World Series and Free Agents aren’t in play. They just started the GM meetings, for crying out loud. We also have infield pieces if we need to use them. Do you seriously think the Braves won’t fill these positions?

You say the Mets will fill their needs. Great. So will the Braves. WE are looking for two starting pitchers and an outfield bat-that’s all-just read what OUR GM says. So are the Mets. And a closer. And a second baseman. Maybe a catcher. WE also have pieces in the minors that could be plugged in and that others want. Do the Mets?

Whether or not the Braves were on the radar last June has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with 09. Nothing. It carries the same weight that the Mets being in first place except at the end does. All 08 means is that we need to change some things-which we are aware of and doing. All I’m saying is that the Mets have quite a job confronting them, as well. If you can’t see that, then exactly who is blinding themselves to reality?

By Dan

November 5, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Teahan is not an upgrade over Franceour. Our OF gets worse with this trade, regardless of what prospect we might get in return. We already have too many holes to fill.

I hope the Braves keep Frenchy, I really believe he will rebound next season.

By LewLew

November 5, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

DAP-The Mets only have three starting pitchers-Johan, Pelfrey and Maine. Maine missed the last month and a half with arm issues. They need at least two (maybe three) starters. They also have no closer and that bullpen has been atrocious for two seasons. Seems to me they have as many, if not more questions about their rotation than the Braves.Lew

you preached all last winter about how poor off the Mets and even the Phillies were and how well the Braves would do. Now you are on the same kick again. It’s great to be a homer but maybe you could at least try to include a little reality in your diatribes against the rest of the NL East?

By Tomahawkin

November 5, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Seriously, I’m Not sure about going after Japanese pitchers…After Hideo Nomo, Kei Igawa, Hideki I-Rob-U (Complete Bust), It just seems like a real gamble on spending money on Japanese pitchers…Who are unproven in a harder league

I’d rather trade for Peavy and use our young pitchers and go Hard after Ibanez or Abreu…

Gonna Celebrate for a while after last night, now listening to some old Shamrocks and Shenigans (Butch Vig Remix) from “House of Pain…

By ccrider

November 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Anders: The POINT IS KNUCLEHEAD: Losing Smoltz for all but a few games is like you losing Santana, You know the ONE tht kept you afloat and out of long losing streaks. Losing Glavine for all but a few games was like you Losing O. Perez, You know the one that gave you lots of quality innings, Losing Hampton for all but a few games was like you losing Maine,You know the good part of his season before he got hurt, Losing Hudson in August after the trade deadline when you can’t go out and trade for a replacement is, You know like you losing Pelfrey,. Your Losing Wagner for the last month of the season and a little extra is not the same as the Braves losing Soriano all year AND Moylan all year AND Gonzalez most of the year. You had Alou, Church and Castillo out the lineup off and on. We had Escobar, Diaz, Chipper, Kotsay and Kotchman out. THE Point is I’m not going on your METS BLOG whining about what your team has to do to correct the utter collaspe of the last 2 seasons or poking fun at it’s bloggers for their counting on management to make moves to correct our problems. Your team is just like ours, a NON- PLAYOFF team. Whoopee, You won more regular season games than we did, THAT MEANS NOTHING. Last season, during the season you acted like a grade A butthead. But, when the season ended and your team had humiliated itself again, you played nice and blogged without the former attitude. If you don’t want negative and hostile replys, try to return to that previous humility, otherwise people like Lew, me and others will continue to call you on the KNUCLEHEADED things you say!

By nate

November 5, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

So what does everybody see happening at the back end of the rotation?

Has Smoltz ruled out starting again? It would be great to slip him into the rotation down the stretch, and maybe the post season.

I can’t see the Braves turning Glavine away if he wants to pitch.

Hamton pitched well toward the end of the season, and he could be a real steal at 4-5 mil if he stays healthy. (A healthy off season and better conditioning could go along way there.)

Morton is likely to be included in the Peavy trade, and we can only hope that Reyes is as well.

Campillo, Carlyle, and Bennett all pitched well at times, but they all are better suited to the long relief / spot starter role, imo.

Hanson may well start in the minors and get called up at some point. The Braves can’t really expect a major contribution from him next year.

Hudson may be back in September, and Chuck James will be healthy again at some point.

That’s a lot of guys to find innings for. There’s a lot of upside there and also a lot of question marks. I imagine that Wren and Cox will sort of let things sort themselves out.

By Original Jon

November 5, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

LOL, KNUCLEHEADED, whats thats?!?!?!?!

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Just got a “Big Mama Burrito” at Turk’s in Dania Harbor Wharf. Great little dive bar/restaurant. Sun burning through the marine-layer fog. Now, back to work, though I’d rather be taking a boat over to Catalina Island, I gotta say….

ERIC: No on Sheets, from all I’ve heard. Too injury-prone and expensive for a team that’s been bitten by injury-prone, expensive pitchers in recent years.

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Would signing Taz make trading Hanson more likely? The answer is likely no but ….. like trading for Gorkys last year makes either Schafer or Gorkys more likely to be traded …… like having McCann, Kotchman and Freeman makes Flowers more likely to be traded ….. like having Renteria, Escobar, KJ and Lillibridge made Andrus more likely to be traded ……. like having McCann and Flowers made Salty more likely to be traded …… having Jurrjens and Taz and some of the other arms down there could make Hanson more likely to be traded ……..

if we have as much depth in arms in the minors as we are said to have, and that is considered a strength, I don’t get why Hanson wouldn’t be the one sent to San Diego ………. holding on to Hanson but dealing Escobar makes little sense to me because SS would no longer be a strength for this organzation ……

almost every trade made by the Braves recently has been made from a glut or position of strength or has served to increased glut and/or positions of strength up the middle or with arms. trading Escobar and creating a glaring hole at SS in favor of holding on to Hanson is inconsistent with that m.o.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

THE MAN: That’s why you’re The Man, with scoops like that Manny gem. Congrats.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

No, I’m NOT on the same kick (whoever you are). I do NOT think the Braves will win the Division this year (the loss of Hudson for most, if not all, of the season saw to that) and I have not said otherwise. Just pointing out to our resident Mets’ Homer that they may not come close, either. If you would go back and read what I said today (instead of being a total jackass), you would have seen that I said until the Phillies prove otherwise, that they are the favorites.

By 22oz

November 5, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

The AJC Braves page headline says” Braves offer Japanese Pitcher”. For what, sacrifice? foreign relations? Japanese technology? What Japanese pitcher did we offer, and who did we offer him to?

By Lew

November 5, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

One more thing, my Double Visioned namesake-I said the Mets wouldn’t win the division last year. Apparently I was right, so I’m at least 50% accurate, aren’t I?

By N8

November 5, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Dan

“I hope the Braves keep Frenchy, I really believe he will rebound next season.”

I hope you’re right, but I think you’re wrong. He showed ZERO signs of a guy ready to take his game to the next level, much less make the adjustments to return to his previous level (which was done with smoke and mirrors - along with pitchers too stupid to NOT throw him strikes on the first pitch).

Had the Braves brass decided to LEAVE HIM in the minors for a few weeks to work out his troubles, or send him to the AFL/Winterball, I might be there with you.

But they didn’t. So he more than likely will not return to his “old” form, much less improve. Add to that, his defense fell off last year.

Believe me, I’m rooting for the guy, but there comes a time when “addition by subtraction” is the right move. If he’s not helping us, he more than likely is hurting us.

It might be time to move on. Right now it’s a gamble. If they gamble he turns it around and he DOES…well they look like geniuses. If he DOESN’T, then the injured minor league pitcher we got for Tony Pena Jr., is gonna look like a bargain for what Wren will get for Jeff after next year.

But make no mistake about it. Jeff returning to the guy that hit 20-30 HR and knocks in around a 100 runs, will go a LONG WAY towards upgrading this team.

The Braves can publicly say they expect him to turn it around, but if they are COUNTING ON IT (the same way they counted on Hampton, Glavine and Smoltz last year), it will be a huge mistake.

nate

“That’s a lot of guys to find innings for.”

I’d agree with you, if they were all healthy and ready to go. But they’re not. Common sense says that maybe, just maybe we should worry about how everybody is gonna get their innings in, when there actually isn’t enough innings to go around.

But in theory, you’re correct. Something’s gotta give.

By Big Ears Lillibridge

November 5, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Hudson may be back in September, and Chuck James will be healthy again at some point.

After the injuries that occured and things went the way they this past season, I am not counting on Hudson at all next season. I also am not counting on James for anything except failure.

By Joe M.

November 5, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I vote in favor of trading Francoeur to the Royals or anyone for anything mildly useful.

I’m tired of every year being the big breakout year! It is like Charlie Brown with the football.

“Well he’s only 22….23…..24….25”

“2006, no wait 2007, no wait 2008, okay 2009 will be his breakout year when he gets on-base above league average and puts up an OPS of .800 for right field.”

Francoeur’s “BIG SEASON” in 2007 (.782 OPS) was WORSE than Kelly Johnson “down season” this past season in 2008 (.795 OPS).

By Robert

November 5, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

DOB

Anyway we get make the trade with Peavy with Kelly Johnson instead of Escobar. Is SD high on KJ.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Yes, I was wrong about the Braves. All that proves is I’m not prescient. I just didn’t take into account that Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, Soriano, or Moylan would miss all or most of the season. I never took into account that there would be in excess of 20 DL trips. I also never thought that Francouer would downslide like he did and that our outfield would have a near total power failure, either. Sue me.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: There are few things I can say “no” to definitely regarding the Braves’ plans, but I can assure you that Hanson is absolutely, positively not going to be traded this winter or for the forseeable future. Period. End of story. That was expressed to be again yesterday by someone who knows. Trust me on that.

By N8

November 5, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

On the surface, I agree with you about the Escobar/Hanson comment.

But IMO, if all things are considered equal, I’d take the dominating pitcher (which it sounds like Hanson MIGHT be at some point), over the stud at SS (which Escobar MIGHT be at some point - he’d already very good - but too inconsistent so far).

Example:

I realize that many people (myself included) think that Jeter is heart and soul of those Yankees teams. But truth be told, without Petitte, Key, Cone, Clemens, El Duque, Wettland, Rivera and the other glut of pitching that those 90’s Yankees teams had, they aren’t winning a WS (much less 4).

2nd Example:

The Braves DOMINATED the early and mid-90’s with Belliard, Blauser and Weiss as their SS. Surely NONE of them were the talent that Escobar (and even Furcal before him) was/is.

Pitching, pitching, pitching, my friend. In the 90’s the Yankees and Braves had more of it than anybody. Just my opinion.

Now if we can keep Hanson AND Escobar….. LOL!

By Marty

November 5, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Wow — the Braves signed Manny before the free agency period even began? That’s what I call being proactive!

By Erik

November 5, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

DOB

If the Peavy deal goes through Escobar would have to be the centerpiece since the front office wisely refuses to trade Hanson. If the Peavy does indeed go through what kind of odds do you put on KJ being dealt? KJ seems easier to replace because of Prado and his defense will certainly not be missed(the dropped pop fly against Philly is still fresh in my mind).

Could we see as many as 3 starting position players from last year traded? KJ- in a deal for Ludwick(or outfield power) Escobar- In the Peavy Deal Frenchy- in a deal with Dayton Moore(who seems to like picking up Atlanta’s Lost sons)

On the Frenchy front you hear names like Luke Hochevar, Danny Cortes, or Mark Teahen( according to Bob Dutton of the KC Star) Any chance Moore likes Frenchy enough for him to be the center of package that brings Greinke to Atlanta?

I know that’s alot to DOB but I appreciate it.

By KwaKwa749

November 5, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, Have there been any rumors about Matt Holiday coming over to the Braves?

By McFann O

November 5, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

N Nine—

No…I said that ‘cause his first name is Junichi. It was pretty lame, anyway. Sorry ‘bout that.

Nolie—

Ah, so that’s where it came from! Thanks.

By McFann O

November 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Joe M. It is like Charlie Brown with the football.

We watched The Great Pumpkin the other day. A classic for all times!

By Joe M.

November 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

The Braves are mentioning Jeff Francoeur “in trade talks with anyone who will listen.”

Source

Woo-Hoo!

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I hate trade ideas but it seems to me that Flowers, Gorkys, Lillibridge, JoJo and Medlin should be the most we send over ….. and, although many here think that’s just trading away our garbage, I think that’s a fair trade offer.

Gorkys should flourish in San Diego in a big stadium, in a division with lots of big stadiums …… his legs on the bases and in the outfield should make him an asset out there soon enough …… fast guys who can get on base like him should have an easier ability to survive initially before thriving as they mature and gain strength.

Lillibridge is a bust right now …. but he didn’t hurt his wrist last fall ….. that’s a killer for a hitter….. once recovered, he could regain the luster that caused Joe Sheehan to say this about him just 8 or so months ago: “Trading away Renteria shows a faith in Yunel Escobar that is likely misplaced. However, the presence of Brent Lillibridge should save them……… Escobar is a utility infielder who happened to have a peak season for batting average. The Braves can’t get Renteria back, but they can minimize the damage by moving quickly past Escobar to Lillibrdge. The 24-year-old has good secondary skills and a plus glove at shortstop; rumors that he might be moved to center field persist, but those have more to do with the Braves’ fascination with Escobar than with Lillibridge’s skills.”

Flowers has tremendous strength and on base ability and is a catcher …… why wouldn’t a team want to get him?

JoJo, as we all are well aware, has struggled but is major league ready right now as just a fifth starter who could quickly develop into more. Look at his fip. It is very similar to what mike pelfrey had just two years ago. We all know how quickly and how well pelfrey turned it around last season. JoJo and Morton both had similar numbers. One or both of them, to me, will likely turn into a pelfrey kind of surprise next season. I think JoJo would have a much better chance of doing that in San Diego. He’s a SoCal kid who seems to need a change of scenery. He’s got really good stuff. The K9 rate was good for most of last season. He induces groundballs. The trouble is the homers, which are higher for every flyball he allows than you’d think. Going to that stadium in San Diego and some of the others in that division should knock down alot of those homers. Reducing the homer rate would do him a world of good ….. so would cutting down on the walks and also not crumbling every time he encounters adversity. Going back to SoCal and that stadium in San Diego could really quickly turn JoJo into a stud.

Medlin is way underrated to me because of his size. I think that kid could be a really good reliever or starter.

I dunno. I always hate when folks throw out this kind of ridiculous speculation. But this deal, to me, seems more like the one the Mets made for Santana. And it wouldn’t be robbing San Diego. We’d be giving them some good talent that should have a better chance of thriving there than they would here. I think most of these guys could be average contributors or better really soon out there.

If I were Wren, I’d try to wait to make this deal. It would be trading talent that is nothing but glut here. Morton and JoJo make the other redundant. Escobar makes Lillibridge not necessary. McCann, Kotchman, Freeman make Flowers not necessary here. Schafer makes Gorkys not necessary here. And all of our other young arms make Medlin not as necessary to hold on to.

By ORbravesFAN

November 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

N8

You hit it right on the head. A team can win with great pitching and a great fielding ss, but will not win with a great all-around ss and decent pitching. Won’t happen.

WOW! If we can get Peavy and since we have signed Manny (as THE MAN posted earlier) we will dominate! ;)

By ccrider

November 5, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: DOB knows what the brass knows. Tommy Hanson has the stuff to be a NO.1 starter. You don’t trade that along with other top prospects for another No.1 starter with a large contract. If, you can get Peavy without Hanson, along with a Lowe, Burnett, Dempster, along with Hudson returning in 2010 at full strength and Jair You have created one of if not the best starting staff in baseball. we also will possibly have Schafer or Gorky in center, Heyward in the outfield, Freeman at first and money to fill the remaining holes. We will then have a chance at not just sneaking into the playoffs, but winning the World Series!

By Saltywoody

November 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Lew

I don’t mean to distract you from your war on Mets fans (a valiant fight if there ever was one).

But, I was wondering if you could answer two questions for me.

1. I have the option of getting a winter share in either Mad River Valley or in Jay. The Jay one is significantly cheaper, but the Mad River one is closer (I’m in CT). I’m primarily going to be using it midweek in the winter to go up and ski for a few days. Would you have a recommendation on one location or the other, especially in terms of nightlife for a late-20-something?

2. Can’t remember if you’re a skiier or not (I seem to remember you’re not). But, I’m trying to put together a story for a magazine about notable, sort of counter-culture winter trends in Vermont as they relate to skiing. Are there any notable examples of such things that spring to mind? Recently legislation passed, perhaps, the affects Vermont outdoorsmen? Cool areas of various mountains that are local secrets? That kind of thing.

Much obliged in both cases.

By Don't Trade Franceour, Sheesh

November 5, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Great points there N8…The Braves need to get back to pitching, pitching and more pitching.

Escobar is very talented, but luckily for the Braves SS are not too hard to come by. If Yunel is what it takes to get Peavy, for God’s sake do it without thinking twice!

By DAP

November 5, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

DOB any mublings about jermaine dye to the braves…or anywhere else in particular? not as cost effective as ludwick, but he would definetly meet out LF need.

By Eric

November 5, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Most of us are comfortable with Prado being our 2B if/when Kelly is traded for pitching or LF but if Yunel is traded as well who plays short? Infante is not an everyday player mostly because of his defense. Do they just go with somebody they know will play good defense like Lillibridge or what are the other options/long term options.

By nolie

November 5, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

We watched The Great Pumpkin the other day. A classic for all times!McFann

and Supernatural had an episode called It’s the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester which I watched. My guilty pleasure series…One of them anyway. ;-)

By Robert

November 5, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

DOB

Their were people on another site that said the Padres offered Gonzalez and Peavy for McCann and Kotchman. That has to be fake right? McCann is untouchable I hope.

By Erik

November 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Braveheart I understand your reluctance to trade away pieces of the braves future. However there is no way the Padres would give up Peavy for that package. Yes the Padres have interest in Flowers and Gorkys but Lillibridge and Medlen are minor blips on their radar. If the braves are going to get Peavy it is going to take a package like Escobar, Flowers, Locke or Rorhrbrough and Schaffer or Gorkys. I hope I am wrong and maybe we can get out without giving up Gorkys or Schaffer and instead giving up Marek or Medlen but I don’t see them going for it. Peavy provides the Braves with an Ace for the next 4 or 5 seasons at below Market Value. Peavy will cost the braves around 10 million less than a pitcher of his status would get elsewhere. This is the real appeal of Peavy. That ten million allows the braves to pick up another big piece to the braves.
Let’s say the braves trade Escobar for Peavy. The braves could then sign a SS like Renteria for 2 yrs 14 Mil and Ohman at 3 yrs 9 Mil. Thats three players for the price of a CC or Johan. I am alittle worried about how Petco has padded Peavy’s stats. His splits away from Petco are much worse. Especially in HRs allowed.

By BBFCFM

November 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Bravesfan79

way outta line pal. You would think since 79 you would have come a long way on your racial tolerance. Stick to Braves baseball and not racial musings, of which, you are horribly stereotyping.

By Efrim

November 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

I know what you mean in terms of trading from a positon of strength, but to be honest, pitching is something you should always look to accumulate. Signing Tazawa will only bolster the farm system.

DOB

Does that Tacoma Tribune report hold true? Are the Braves really “mentioning him in trade talks with anyone who’ll listen”? Here is the link:

http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/mariners/2008/11/05/morningatthestregisandrumorskeep_1

By The Goche

November 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Did anyone see that Yunel finished 3rd at SS in Bill James and Co.’s Fielding Bible.

Nice to see some recognition for that aspect of his game.

By Joe M.

November 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Francoeur for Zack Greinke would be the steal of the year.

So much so, that if it happened, you could count the days on one hand until Dayton Moore’s firing.

By N8

November 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Adolf…..er… BravesFan79

STFU!! Please. You not only embarrass yourself, but this blog is no place to do it with idiotic posts like that.

How about a ban of that jackazz, DOB?

By Lee in S GA

November 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Well if all of these rumors actually come true the Braves will just about field a complete new team for 2009. A new ss, 2nd baseman and perhaps a whole new outfield. Guess Chipper, Kotchman and McCann are safe.

By Moby Grape

November 5, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Braves79

whether you’re serious about that or just looking for attention you are such a pathetic little wanker. Take your hate to another board sleazebag

By albert

November 5, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

DOB:

How do the braves coaches and scouts compare/rate the potential of Charlie Morton and Tommy Hanson? Both have been dominant in the minors and in the Arizona Fall League, Morton struggled with inconsistency in his major league debut season. What do they project for each player?

By Tomahawkin

November 5, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

BravesFan79 No, Offense, but there is a serious difference from the old rap culture and the current Hip-Pop culture. Believe it or not most mature black people don’t even put up with the current Hip-Pop Garbage that is endorsed by Corporate America; And as a matter of fact most mature Black people don’t even watch the Garbage on BET or MTV for that matter…

By Ron in mobile

November 5, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Yeah uh Bravesfan79

I can go on any other website…even espn mind you and read political **

I come here because its a refuge away from all that.

Oh…and thanks for perpetuating the dumb redneck braves fan sterotype.

By flange1

November 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

N8,

Totally agree with your 1:58. We have been putting up with this 2 trick pony for way too long. Other than the wonderful “Escobar pouted for 6 months after his friend Pena was traded” the only other offering we get from this guy is race baiting.

By rammerjammer

November 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Re: the 1:43 post by BravesFan79.

DOB, can AJC ban that poster?

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Can Bravesfan79 be banned already? The constant racist garbage that comes out of that lowlife’s mouth makes me sick. It’s inexcusable that the guy is allowed to continue to come on here. It’s not like anyone would miss anything he has to say about baseball

By ccrider

November 5, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

DOB: A BAN of Bravevsfan79 is in order. I will send in a removal request, if you have time please try to expedite his removal.

By Efrim

November 5, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

I say it is about time to ban that guy. This isn’t the first time we’ve had to read his garbage.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry about that, folks. You step away from the computer for a half-hour or so and you never know what will slither its way into our domain. It’s being taken care of, hopefully.

By RC

November 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

For those who think the going from Escobar to Greene would be a huge downgrade, I just came across this interesting piece of information in an article on the Padres website:

“At 29, with five Major League seasons behind him, Greene has a higher career slugging percentage on the road than Matt Holliday — .484 to .455.”

VERY interesting, although I’m guessing Holliday blows Greene away in OBP. Still, shows just how much of an impact home park can have (positively for Holliday, negatively for Greene).

By BT

November 5, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

ccrider:

The explanation you provided for last years troubles brought a lot of things to light for me. The comparison of what we lost (pure decimation) compared to the Mets was excellent. Even though I hate for folks to even respond to Anders rants I certainly appreciate how well you, Lew and others have described our dilemma of last year.

By Raddad

November 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

How about this Brent Lillibridge and Jo Jo and Martin Prado to the White Sox for a number 5 starter Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher? I think that is doable both of them are available???

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

I realize that many people (myself included) think that Jeter is heart and soul of those Yankees teams. But truth be told, without Petitte, Key, Cone, Clemens, El Duque, Wettland, Rivera and the other glut of pitching that those 90’s Yankees teams had, they aren’t winning a WS (much less 4).

But here’s the thing, N8. Jeter made the league minimum in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He made arb-eligible money in 1999 and 2000.

Not only were the Yankees getting great bang for the buck at SS during those years, Jeter’s contract made all of that other great pitching possible.

Jeter made $16 million combined during the 1996 to 2000 World Series seasons.

Ever since he signed that 10 year contract that gave him $18 million a year, the Yankees have never again won the World Series.

Trading Escobar disables the ability to get great bang for the buck at SS and causes the Braves to sacrifice filling other needs because they’d have to otherwise financially fill the SS need.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

albert, while Morton is still viewed as a potential top-half-of-rotation guy for the future, there are more questions about him than about Hanson, in the view of those who’ve seen both. Hanson really is a pretty polished pitcher, and the mental makeup, the toughness and confidence, seem to already be there.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Robert, you don’t need to give a moment’s though to a rumor involving trading McCann. We’ll let you know if that ever changes in the future, but it won’t anytime soon.

By RC

November 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Back to Greene, looking at his hit chart for last year on MLB.com, he had a LOT of fly ball outs that would have been HR or 2b in most ballparks. Towers has said it’s unlikely that he’d be traded in the same deal as Peavy, but I’m coming around to think that he could be a nice piece on the Braves part. He also somehow managed a 368 ft. groundout…I’d love to see how that one played out.

By McFann O

November 5, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Robert Their were people on another site that said the Padres offered Gonzalez and Peavy for McCann and Kotchman.

Haha!! They wish!

Nuthin wrong with dreams, people on another site, I have ‘em myself sometimes. No way the Braves would ever do that! And I don’t think the Padres would be dumb enough to ask for that.

Nolie—

Hmm…don’t know that one…

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Erik: I was assured yesterday that the Braves would not trade BOTH Escobar and KJ. Would they trade one of them? Yes, that might happen, but not both in the same offseason.

As for Greinke, that’s not happening. Certainly not in a Francoeur deal, and probably not in any deal. I’m told the Royals are NOT going to trade him, at all.

Teahan and a prospect like Cortes for Francoeur? I mentioned that in the blog yesterday afternoon. The teams hadn’t discussed those names, according to someone on the KC side, but they also didn’t quash the possibility.

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Escobar is very talented, but luckily for the Braves SS are not too hard to come by. If Yunel is what it takes to get Peavy, for God’s sake do it without thinking twice!

So, according to you, don’t trade Francoeur and trade Escobar without thinking twice because SS is not hard to come by? And I thought my trade idea to San Diego was dumb.

By Raddad

November 5, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

DOB

I just read that Jake Peavy Narrowed his choices to three N.L. teams have you heard that and are the Braves still one of those teams

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

I realize that many people (myself included) think that Jeter is heart and soul of those Yankees teams. But truth be told, without Petitte, Key, Cone, Clemens, El Duque, Wettland, Rivera and the other glut of pitching that those 90’s Yankees teams had, they aren’t winning a WS (much less 4).

Here’s another thing, N8. The Yankees were smart enough to never trade Jeter to get any of that pitching …. all I ask is that. the Braves be that smart about Escobar as well

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Here’s how Peavy might agree to accept a trade to the Yankees: If they tore up his current contract and gave him one to mirror the deal that CC is going to get from someone. Turn that five-year, $81 mill Peavy can make over next five years into about six years, $150 mill, and you might be in business.

You know what? That ain’t happening.

By RC

November 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Even though I’ve dismissed the possibility up to this point, Nick Swisher is apparently on the trading block because the White Sox want to “increase team speed”. We’ve got a couple of speedy OF (Blanco and Anderson) as well as a speedy middle infielder (Lillibridge) that we could offer with a pitching prospect. DOB, have you heard anything regarding conversations between the South Siders and the Braves?

By ccrider

November 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

BT: Thanks for the feedback. I think Lew , myself and many others on this blog get a little tired with the Mets bloggers trying to “Set us Straight”. I don’t think, I know that no team in the history of baseball would have had a successful season with the loss of as many important players as the Braves did in 2008. The lost of 4 top starting pitchers(2 of which were NO.1 quality(Smoltz and Hudson), our closer, backup closer and setup man. Our starting leftfielder, many lost or less than full strentgh games at SS, 3B, IB and a horrific year from a guy with 2 straight 100 RBI, 20+ homer seasons(Franceour). Anders and other Met bloggers can promote and laud their team as much as they want, just make sure they have a full grasp of the facts and reality.

By Don't Trade Franceour, Sheesh

November 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Braveheart…if we can get Peavy for a deal including Escobar, that should not cause hesitation. Between Greene/Renteria/Lillibridge/Furcal/etc. the Braves can find a fully capable SS.

As for Franceour, the trade talks with him make me sick…he is easily a 20HR 90RBI guy with a great arm and a general enjoyment of the game and he is young and cheap.

A guy like Peavy can win you 15-20 games a year? At most, Escobar over Lil’ Bridge wins, what, 4 or 5 games at most. What is so dumb about that?

By Joe M.

November 5, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

How about this Brent Lillibridge and Jo Jo and Martin Prado to the White Sox for a number 5 starter Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher?

This is the stereotypical fake trade suggestion, but it seems as if the poster is being serious.

No one is giving up anything good to the Braves for scrap like Lillibridge, Reyes and Prado. And packaging scrap together can’t get you an above average everyday player.

By Nate

November 5, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Does anybody know if Casey Blake on the Brave’s radar at all? It would be really helpful to add a couple of guys who are good enough to start everyday and play more than one position.

By PopeVanIII

November 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Braveheart…if we can get Peavy for a deal including Escobar, that should not cause hesitation. Between Greene/Renteria/Lillibridge/Furcal/etc. the Braves can find a fully capable SS.

As for Franceour, the trade talks with him make me sick…he is easily a 20HR 90RBI guy with a great arm and a general enjoyment of the game and he is young and cheap.

A guy like Peavy can win you 15-20 games a year? At most, Escobar over Lil’ Bridge wins, what, 4 or 5 games at most. What is so dumb about that?

(1) You obviously don’t understand how valuable Escobar is. One of the two or three best defensive shortstops in the game; third among shortstops in OBP; cheap and under team control for the next 5 seasons.

(2) If Francoeur is so “easily” a 20-HR, 90-RBI man, why didn’t he do that last year in his third full season in the major leagues?

(3) How many of those 15-20 wins Peavy gets you wouldn’t be gotten by, say, Charlie Morton? 6-8? (Even assuming Peavy wins that many—he won 10 for the Padres this year.) You’re willing to pay roughly $15 million a year extra (the difference in Peavy’s and Escobar’s salaries) to gain 1 win? Why not keep escobar and sign Lowe or Burnett, and earn even more wins?

I want Peavy, but not at the expense of the third-most-valuable commodity on the major league roster (behind only McCann and Jurrjens).

By N8

November 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Here’s the thing. Jeter is a special talent. Not only on the field but in an instant he was the leader of that team….the “Captain” if you will.

Is Escobar that guy? I don’t think any of us know just yet. I’d be willing to bet, with his pouting and what not, that he’s NEVER gonna be the leader or captain of the Braves.

On the field (in the field, I should say), Escobar is a VERY special player. IMO, the best overall SS that we’ve ever had since the run in 91 began. I’m just talking defense. If you count speed and offensive ability, one needs to keep Furcal in the conversation, and maybe at the top of it. But defensively Escobar is special.

As for the money side of things. It very much goes hand in hand. Jeter was young (just like Chipper was) when their run in the mid-90’s began. But as soon as he was one of the guys that needed to be paid like the superstar he was, even the Yankees couldn’t get the right pitchers to get the titles. Coincidence? Maybe, with the never ending payroll in NY. But still…

Like I said. In a perfect world, Escobar stays. I have ZERO problem with KJ going, but only because I’m not sold on his defense. But if Wren deems it a NECCESITY to acquire Peavy, I would rather he give up Escobar than Hanson. That is, if it HAD TO BE one of those two guys.

But consider me in the corner that it is NOT a neccesity for us to get Peavy.

I have ZERO problem with next year being another long year (provided growth is shown by the youngsters), if that means having an EXCELLENT young nucleous (like the Rays) in 2010, by NOT trading any of it away.

Besides, barring horrible setback, Hudson will be back in 2010.

Then only way Wren or anybody can possibly deem it neccesary to go get Peavy, is if they INSIST on making a playoff run next year.

I think the true Braves fans, (the ones that realize the real core of the early 90’s teams), understand that that run began with GREAT YOUNG TALENT that Bobby (as GM) didn’t trade away.

Maddux (and even TP & Bream) were free agents. And Maddux was only brought in, when the initial nucleous did win the WS in 91 & 92. How can you NOT go get Maddux in that situation.

This team is NOT one dominant pitcher away from climbing over the hump.

The equivilant of trading Escobar for Peavy, would be like JS trading David Justice for Maddux after the 1990 season. Would JS have done that? Maybe. Maybe not.

Like I said. In a perfect world, we get Peavy WITHOUT giving up Hanson (which DOB assures us aint happening), OR Escobar.

The other guys in the lower levels that you mentioned, would be fine by me.

On a side note, it looks as though Brodie (or Brokie, as the Chiefs fans on the message boards refer to him as), Croyle is NOT gonna be my future, huh? Ironically Tyler Thigpen looks pretty damn good! Top 3 pick, here I come.

By DAP

November 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

[Adam] Rubin notes that Lowe is doubly attractive to the Mets for his closing experience.

what? they are going to get lowe and have him close? what a stupid thing to say.

By ncscoots

November 5, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Guess Chipper, Kotchman and McCann are safe.

Give the blog time. Someone will find a way to propose trading them, too.

The silly season has come a little early this year, LOL. Maybe that happens inverse to the length of time your favorite team has failed to make the playoffs, but Holy Cornelia. When you start getting “Prado and Lillibridge can cover middle infield” and “trade everybody for pitching” and “Francoeur for Teahen”, might be time for a little icebag to cool the hot stove fever.

I mean, a little of that kind of stuff is entertaining, but more than that gets you a little nervous about with whom you’re sharing the room. :-)

By Joe M.

November 5, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Not only were the Yankees getting great bang for the buck at SS during those years, Jeter’s contract made all of that other great pitching possible.

Jeter made $16 million combined during the 1996 to 2000 World Series seasons.

Ever since he signed that 10 year contract that gave him $18 million a year, the Yankees have never again won the World Series.

I’m failing to see how this is relevant to anything. If it was a small market team with a 60 million dollar budget cap, I could see your point. But Jeter’s contract has not stopped the Yankees from being able to afford anyone they really wanted. Jeter’s salary has not had some magical effect on the Yankee’s bad playoff performances.

By Josh H

November 5, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

To Don’t Trade Franceour, Sheesh

Francouer wasn’t easily a 20HR, 90RBI guy last year, was he?

Kelly Johnson has bad months at the plate. So do alot of other bad players. Francouer had an entire year where he looked hopelessly lost. He could just as easily never amount to a quality major league player.

I hope he bounces back. But there’s no guarantee that he’ll ever be able to consistently hit major league pitching.

By RC

November 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

I’m ok with losing Escobar to get Peavy. I’m ok with losing Schafer to get Peavy. What I’m not sure I’m ok with is a package including both Escobar AND Schafer. I’m sure Wren knows exactly what he’s willing to give up to get this deal done, but I personally would like to see only one of those two in a deal.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody-I’m not a skier, myself, but I will try to find out from someone who is which might be better. Off hand, just on ease of getting there from CT, I’d say Jay’s Peak. You would come up I 91 (I believe that’s the one headed up here and then merge onto I 89 (passing by my house on the way). It’s pretty much all interstate travel and the interstates are ALWAYS clear.

By Don't Trade Franceour, Sheesh

November 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I suppose I don’t understand the value of Escobar. I just think that the league is knee deep in talent at the SS position.

I merely prefer pitching above all else and just would hate to see Jeff be traded while his value is super-low. He will bounce back, you’ll just have to take my word on that one I guess.

Just imagine Peavy, Hudson, Hanson, and Jurrjens in a rotation in 2010!! I could pitch every fifth day and anyone else on this blog could play short and the Braves would win the division!

By N8

November 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

ncscoots

“Give the blog time. Someone will find a way to propose trading them, too.”

Just because they are deemed “safe” or untouchable, doesn’t mean they should be. If Kotchman could be “flipped”, and a decent 1B option found, why not? Just a thought.

“When you start getting “Prado and Lillibridge can cover middle infield” and “trade everybody for pitching” and “Francoeur for Teahen”, might be time for a little icebag to cool the hot stove fever.”

Well I guess we could just ask BravesFan79 to come back and give us his affirmative action perspective, right?

“I mean, a little of that kind of stuff is entertaining, but more than that gets you a little nervous about with whom you’re sharing the room. :-)”

I’m not sure what kind of blog “orgy” you have going on, but nobody else is here in my room with me. LOL!

By nolie

November 5, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Tom

you might try BallBug.com as another handy news source. It’s a bot so it gradually learns a little about the subjects that you most often select.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Original Jon: You’d trade KJ and a “minor leaguer or two” for Conor Jackson? Really? Compare their stats, keeping in mind that KJ is a second baseman and not an OF/1B.

Jackson’s a good, not great, hitter. And I don’t think Arizona would make him available anyway.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Just heard some interesting Free Agent tidbits on XM Home Plate. Seems Furcal is looking for a four year deal (right-after missing most of the season with back problems).

It also seems that Varitek wants a four year deal worth $54 mil. Maybe three or four years ago that may have been a worthwhile deal, but now with him seriously declined? I doubt it.

DAP-Casey Blake is looking for three years. They didn’t mention an amount.

By BT

November 5, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

It seems like a handful of us are in the minority about Franceour. Never found that selling at a low is not a good business nor baseball decision.

A lot of teams would be happy to have a potential (and he has done it before) .270 hitter with 25hr ability. It is not like he is 39 years old. A trade would be a dumb reactionary move.

By Andy K.

November 5, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

DOB: Apparently Andruw Jones wants out of L.A., and back into Atlanta. Can you give us indication of the Braves feelings or thoughts on this, because I’m not sure it’s such a great idea.

By Jeff R

November 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

I’ll say it again: I’m guessing that Escobar will be the centerpiece in a deal for Peavy. Or Wren will have to surrender core prospects. He’s said he won’t give up core prospects, and he’s likely to keep his word.

Towers needs Escobar (or that caliber of player) in order to justify to his bosses, San Diego media and fans trading away his ace. Escobar fits Towers’ need nicely. With Escobar, I think Towers can then justify taking a Morton and another solid but not top tier pitching prospect.

The Braves would have to take Greene, I believe. He’s a serviceable shortstop, and Lillibridge is better than he played last year. Neither would be a long term solution, but they’d likely get the job done at shortstop in ‘09.

Peavy is worth Escobar and a couple of good pitching prospects. And then on to securing another younger starting pitcher and a slugger.

By Wilson

November 5, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, can you give us an idea about how the Braves view Lillibridge? I know they don’t really trust him to be our everyday SS next year if Escobar would be traded, but has his stock slipped a good bit after struggling last year when he was called up? I know he struggled hitting when he was called up, but he seemed to be putting things together during his last stint up and his glove was never a problem. It just seems like opinions of him are far below what they used to be even just a year ago.

By Erik

November 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

DOB

*The Royals would like to sign Zack Greinke to a long-term deal, but if he doesn’t agree to it, they would make him available. * That is from Keith Law’s Blog at ESPN

Dayton Moore surely has interest in Frenchy. If Greinke does become available what else would have to be included in a package for him?

By Jeff R

November 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Furcal, A. Jones… let the dead rest in peace.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Raddad: Yes, Braves are one of the three, if it’s down to three. And one of the two, if it’s down to two.

In fact, the Braves are still frontrunners to land Peavy, from everthing I hear and everyone I’ve talked to. I think it’ll happen well before Winter Meetings, personally.

Oh, and yes, the Braves have some degree of interest in all three Sox trade-block veterans, Swisher, Dye and Vazquez. But it’s gonna take a better package that Lil’ Bridge, Jo-Jo and Prado to get a couple of them, or probably even one of them.

You can’t generally throw multiple undistinguished young players at many teams and expect to get back a veteran player who’s accomplished anything.

By Efrim

November 5, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

BT

A lot of teams would be happy to have a potential (and he has done it before) .270 hitter with 25hr ability. It is not like he is 39 years old. A trade would be a dumb reactionary move.

He has a career .315 OBP. Listen, I wouldn’t mind him in RF next season, really, I wouldn’t.

But you can’t fault Frank Wren for seeing what he can get for the guy right now. If he doesn’t like the offers, then he pulls Frenchy back and he is in Right Field for the Braves in 2009.

That simple. At least in my mind.

By DAP

November 5, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

lew thanx for the info on blake. honestly, im kinda over him. i never saw him as the solution by himself…just as one bat we could get to make us better. its looking more possible for us to get a player like dye, ordonez, ludwick, ect. and i dont see the need for blake as much.

now, if we got swisher, id still go for blake, because swisher can play center evryday, leaving left for blake. could ludwick plat center every day?

anyways, if we get blake, he cant be the only bat we get, and, we cant have him as a man without a position, so the other bat we got would have to be a guy who could play CF. (originally i was thinking cameron and blake, before trades were being talked about)

By Original Jon

November 5, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

haha, But the reason for KJ and 1 or 2 prospects is because they wouldnt give him up for Tex straight up, so I figured they could get him for more. Just thinking out loud brotha. No harm no foul. I know it wouldnt happen, just trying to find a good fit.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Andy K., uh, where you been? Did you also hear we had an election?

By Thrillhouse44

November 5, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Andy K., you’re smarter than you think — it’s a terrible idea! Plus, as mentioned earlier, Andruw has another year left on his hefty contract that would make this idea nearly as impossible as it is undesirable.

By macdwolfpack

November 5, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Dave, you are correct in your assessment of Hanson he has all those attributes. When I watched Cole Hamels pitch, I thought of the similarities between he and Hanson both very good young pitchers with all the intangibles. Don’t know yet if he will be as successful as Hamels but he’s the closest thing the Braves have to Hamels.

By reyes08

November 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

ANDERS,

Read the NY Post lately? The Mets are meeting with Boras about Lowe AND Teixiera and if the Angels aren’t able to come to terms with him, The Mets are saying they will look to trade Delgado, and sign Tex.

Can you imagine that infield and lineup? SICK!!

Add Lowe and Perez in the mix and 09 will be special!!

By Jonathon

November 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Trading prospects for Jermaine Dye, 11 years after that stupid trade for Michael Tucker and Keith Lockhart, will make some people happy, but he’s got some mileage now. Man, I wish Schuerholz hadn’t made that trade in 1997.

By Andy K.

November 5, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Sorry DOB…haha yea I heard we had one…I’ve been out of the loop Braves-wise for a few weeks…been busy with work for a while now, but i’m back

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

A guy like Peavy can win you 15-20 games a year? At most, Escobar over Lil’ Bridge wins, what, 4 or 5 games at most. What is so dumb about that?

A guy like Peavy likely means 5 more wins for a team than a Lillibridge like #5 starter. Escobar likely means 4 more wins than a Lillibridge like SS. And you have to give Jake about $60 million more than you have to give Escobar over the next 5 seasons.

For 5 extra wins combined over the five seasons? About $12 million for every extra win. Those 5 extra wins are worth $60 million to you? For a team that only won 71 games last season?

if we can get Peavy for a deal including Escobar, that should not cause hesitation. Between Greene/Renteria/Lillibridge/Furcal/etc. the Braves can find a fully capable SS.

You have to give Jake $11.5. Greene’s $6 million burns $17.5 million……. or you can give Furcal $10+ million and make that $21 milion or give Edgar $8 million and make that $19 million …..

You’re giving Escobar $400 K ……….. You wouldn’t be gaining much extra value on the field by making the trade and getting these other SS but you’d be p** an extra $20 million away without a second thought ……

of course, you’d likely be the first one screaming bloody murder about firing Bobby Cox when we have a bunch of league minimum making Orr-ian garbage stinkin’ up the bench or a bunch of league minimum making garbage relievers stinkin’ up the 7th, 8th, 9th or a huge bargain basement black hole in the lineup not driving in runs

You’d do all of those things of course the very same way you threw away Escobar …… without hesitation, without giving a second thought that trading away Escobar caused that very situation.

Nah, you’d just call Bobby an old befuddled fool who likes using garbage at critical times in games without giving a second thought as to why he is forced to use garbage at those times.

Escobar’s contract makes winning with a complete team possible. Wasting 15 to 20 million with a team on a budget to get an extra 10 runs of differential is just foolish. A fool and his money are quickly separated.

By Brave's rightfielder Jeff Francoeur

November 5, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

I have trouble understanding how any of you can fail to grasp the virtue in Don’t Trade Francoeur, Sheesh’s 2:49 p.m. post. An accurate, cohesive, and eloquently written post.

By Marty

November 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Apparently a lot of my fellow bloggers disagree with me, but I would much rather see Escobar traded than Kelly. Although Yunel struck out fewer times than Kelly, and although Kelly is obviously the inferior infield defender, I just love Kelly’s swing, and I think he will be a better hitter than Escobar.

Another thing, folks — it appears that a lot of people are mischaracterizing some of the Braves’ prospects and young players who may be used to make a trade or to step in for someone who is traded. A lot of people have referred to guys like Prado, Morton, Reyes, Medlen, Gorkys Hernandez, and Lillibridge as junk. Sorry, but for the most part, that’s just not supported by their numbers to this point. So, for those of you who need to be educated, here is some actual information on these players:

Prado - Hit .320 with a .377 OBP and .461 SLG and an impressive 24 extra-base hits and 33 RBI, while walking 21 times and striking out just 29 times in 228 AB in the majors in 2008. Career .300 hitter in the minors, and won AAA batting title in 2007. Turned 25 about a week ago. Plays decent or better defense at 1B, 2B, 3B, and LF, and can be used at SS in a pinch.

Morton - Good fastball, but pitch selection, poise, and breaking stuff need work. Was simply awful in his inaugural ML season in 2008 after earning an extended audition by impressing in 2007 Arizona Fall League and following that up with an impressive 2.05 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 79 innings (12 starts) at AAA in 2008. His minor-league numbers prior to that were very unimpressive, but there is a belief that he figured some things out in 2007 and that he will continue to improve. Turns 25 next week.

Reyes - Has a great fastball and quality breaking stuff, but is very immature and has been awful in the majors, although with flashes of brilliance at times. Was ridiculous in the minors in 2007 (12-1 with a 2.72 ERA and just 88 hits against 110 strikeouts in 109 1/3 innings combined at AA and AAA) to earn a spot on the major-league roster later in the season. After being demoted in the middle of last season, made 8 starts in AAA and posted a 2.31 ERA with 31 hits, 16 walks, and 38 K in 39 innings. Turns 24 later this month.

Medlen - Has a 2.66 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in his minor-league career, with 219 K against 174 hits and just 41 walks in 189 1/3 innings in his career. Spent most of his time as a closer until this year, when 17 of his 36 games were starts, but still is projected to make the majors as a closer. Turned 23 one month ago.

Gorkys Hernandez - Career .288 hitter in 3 minor-league seasons, with a .348 OBP and .403 SLG. Has stolen 94 bases and been caught just 19 times (83% success rate). Strikes out a little too much for a leadoff man and doesn’t walk enough (175 K and 94 BB in 1,092 minor-league AB), but not excessively so, especially for a player as young as he is. Chosen to play in the 2008 Futures Game. Turned 21 in September and is still early on in his career, only having played as high as High-A.

Lillibridge - Career .270 hitter with .352 OBP and .421 SLG in the minors. Viewed by Baseball America prior to the start of 2008 season as significantly better than Yunel Escobar. Recently turned 25.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Let’s see now. The Mets want Teixeira and Lowe (roughly another $36+ million. They just signed Johan Santana for $20 something million. And they want Oliver Perez too, at another $10 million. That’s almost $70 million for four players. Yeah. That will happen. And I’M delusional?

Even if the Mets were willing to spend $150 million for salary in 09, that’s almost half of their salary for four of twenty five players. Will they fix their bullpen and sign Fuentes, too?

Sounds an awful lot like a Christmas list to me.

By BA

November 5, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Tex to the Mutts would be perfect- the Braves could build up a nice division lead over them in the first two months of the year while he hits .190.

I second Jonathon- never should have moved Dye. But I would like him back- he’d still be good for 20 hr and 90 rbi. Would he play left?

By Jeff R

November 5, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Well, reyes08, Super Tex didn’t bring the Braves a post season in ‘07. He didn’t get the Angels to the AL league series this year. So maybe its time for Super Tex to go to the Mets, spread his magic around with them.

By A FAN

November 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

DOB i dont kno that much about the japanese pitcher but id love to hear what you think of the signing of him would do to international revenue. i mean look at all the pub that ichiro or matsui or dicke matsuzaka get. hey cant hurt to have brave games put on TV in japan. along with some jersey says and some commericals over there. im thinkin out loud but is that a crazy idea? i also love that SD is trying to jack the price up on Peavy but that looks like it might backfire and we can swing in and get him maybe for a Gorkys Hernandez morton and escobar then possibly get Greene in the deal as well. im def interested in left field it be nice to get Dunn and have alot of pop which is what bobby likes plus it doesnt mortgage the future. the bullpen should be good baring the injury bug that hit us last year

By N8

November 5, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

“Man, I wish Schuerholz hadn’t made that trade in 1997.”

Why do people insist on whining about the Jermaine Dye trade 10 years later?

Is it the 18 HR’s he averaged from 98-03 (8 seasons)? Or is it the 72 RBI he averaged in the same stretch? Perhaps it was the 110 games played average during that time that would have been so valuable.

People gripe left and right about Chipper NOT being availabe. People gripe about Francoeur taking to long to mature.

Believe me. In the middle of (at that time) an 8 year run of excellence, had Jermaine Dye been struggling to stay in the lineup like that for the Braves the town would have been BEGGING for JS to trade him somewhere.

Let it go. The Wainwright for JD Drew trade will go down in history as a far worse trade. Don’t give me the “Drew was essential to winning the division that year” nonsense either. (though he was).

Because Tucker was a BIG part of our success in 97 and 98. Lockhart was a HUGE part of our bench.

By Brian

November 5, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, assuming the Braves trade Escobar, what is the possibility of signing Omar Vizquel to play short? The offensive numbers are horrid. How’s his glove?

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Morton - Good fastball, but pitch selection, poise, and breaking stuff need work. Was simply awful in his inaugural ML season in 2008Marty

I disagree. He was undoubtedly awful in several games, but he also pitched very well in a few, including the afternoon when he went pitch-for-pitch with CC Sabathia at Turner Field.

Hey, he pitched like a young rookie who lacks confidence. That happens. Most rookies don’t show up ready to pitch consistently well, and his highs and lows happened to be extreme. But I wouldn’t characterize his entire performance in his first season as “simply awful.”

By Don't Trade Franceour, Sheesh

November 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Haha, at least Jeff agrees with me!

Hey, that’s good stuff Marty, I feel the same way.

And Braveheart, I don’t think you are wrong and I certainly will not argue your fiscal data there. True Escobar is very cheap…but how long till his paychecks increase through arbitration.

I happen to be a Bobby Cox (and Pete Orr) fan. You shouldn’t assume so much there. I don’t think Bobby is adapting with the game as much as he used to, but he is and always be my coach. Plus, through my theory, if we get all-star pitching then no one will be calling for Bobby’s job b/c we will be winning.

Look at the Star Fielder/Hitter to Star Pitcher ratio through the years (of winning 14 straight divisions. I’ll bet it leans toward the Pitcher. I’m just sayin’.

By Braveheart

November 5, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Towers needs Escobar (or that caliber of player) in order to justify to his bosses, San Diego media and fans trading away his ace.

Just like the Twins just had to get Jose Reyes back for Santana …….. let the market crumble and dictate that San Diego can’t get Escobar just like the Mets waited until the market crumbled and didn’t have to trade Reyes …… they’ll take what they can eventually ……

Towers shouldn’t need to justify anything to his boss since the inability of his boss to take care of things with his wife is causing the trade ……

Towers should tell his boss that just like when you get divorced from your wife, you end up half as rich, when you divorce your ace like this, you end up half as rich

By Marty

November 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

N8 - I agree with you completely about the Dye and Wainwright trades (as expressed in your 4:01 PM post). The only thing I would add is that if those two are the worst things we have to complain about as far as bad trade over the past 20 years or so, JS did a mighty fine job.

By Nate

November 5, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Omar Vizquel should retire. Absolutely no way the Braves should sign him. They would be better off with Infante or Lillibridge.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Reyes

Read the NY Post lately? The Mets are meeting with Boras about Lowe AND Teixiera and if the Angels aren’t able to come to terms with him,

Tex is not coming to the Mets. Lowe - maybe. Assuming he doesn’t need to live within 50 miles of a hunting camp which seems to be all the rage these days with accomplished righthanders.

Not sure if you heard fat Mike on the FAN today? Apparently he’s reading my posts from this morning. He said the FA pitchers will make a fortune this year and that the Yankees are so poised to pounce they’re having trouble controlling themselves. Apparently their budget is there is no budget. Now we know why Wren went 10,000 miles away to shop for a pitcher!

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Brian: How’s Omar Vizquel’s glove? I don’t know. He hasn’t really been around long enough to accurately gauge his defense.

Ba-da-bum.

No, but seriously, you think the Braves would consider replacing Escobar’s bat with a 41-year-old who has hit .237 with four homers and a sub-.300 OBP over the past two seasons combined? Really?

Next.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

In your 4:11 post are you suggesting that Wren should take a lesson from Minaya? Hmmmm… I await Lew’s thoughts on this.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Maddux won his 18th Gold Glove today. Gotta love it.

Maddux has won the award every year since 1990 with the exception of 2003, when Mike Hampton won in his first season with the Braves.

For the Phillies, Jimmy Rollins repeated at SS and Shane Victorino won his first Gold Glove.

For the Mets, Carlos Beltran and Bill Brasky, er, David Wright won.

No Braves, as we knew would be the case (none were deserving this year).

Get this: The Astros had 16 fewer errors than any other major league team, and had zero Gold Glove winners.

By Brian

November 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Ba-da-bum. Tip your waitress. :) I wasn’t sure if his D had slipped a step ala Renteria.

He wouldn’t be near the top of my list, but I know how the Braves put an emphasis on defense. While I would rather have a bat at short, I wonder if that would be a place the Braves would sacrifice offensively for a cheap contract. Heck, give him a minor league contract and a shot at the utility spot. Just seems like a Braves move to me.

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

DOB — I mentioned KC’s Miguel Aviles as someone the Braves could get in a Francouer trade, especially if they include Escobar in a Peavy deal. I myself dismissed the notion, figuring that either KC wouldn’t want to part with him (for a number of reasons) or that the Braves would have to include Francouer with a top prospect (possibly be more than the Braves are willing to lose). Just curious — what would your opinion be? Reasonable trade scenario?

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

I’m hearing from Japanese folks that it was probably about $4-5 mill signing bonus and a four-year contract, the Braves’ offer to Junichi Tazawa. Not sure of the total package, but annual salaries would be low.

By Efrim

November 5, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

David Wright with another Gold Glove?!?!?!

Pedro Feliz folks….

It’s not even close.

By Cecil34

November 5, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

I really would hate to see Maddox retire - I don’t think he is remotely washed up.

I would have to say, with his seemingly effortless motion, he could pitch effectively maybe a couple more years.

It would definately be the end of an era if he hangs it up. Heck, he even shows some stirrups, even if they are just built into the socks!

Definately a class pitcher and ballplayer.

I salute him.

By Fanders

November 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Not sure if you heard fat Mike on the FAN today? Apparently he’s reading my posts from this morning. Anders

Of course he was reading your posts on the BRAVES blog, Anders. Everyone in NY is obsessed with the MIB blog. And you’re that reliable and levelheaded.

By The Goche

November 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

what do you know…guess who won the 3b golden glove

By Interested Observer

November 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

For you Brad Penny fans out there, the Dodgers have declined his option making him an FA.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Lew

For the Mets, Carlos Beltran and Bill Brasky, er, David Wright won.

No Braves, as we knew would be the case (none were deserving this year).

Note to self: Mets need to upgrade defense to keep up with Braves in 2009.

Should we compare Cy Young voting to see how far behind the Mets are in the pitching department? Just trying to get my arms around your assessment of all the holes the Mets have to fill versus the Braves.

By brian

November 5, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

someone complained that the OF may be weaker if Francoeur is traded for Teahan and a young pitcher. I think Wren is going back to Atlanta Braves basics - winning with pitching and defense. If we are able to get Horchevar or Cortes along with Teahan the Braves would have to consider that trade. If Morton goes in the Peavy trade that would replace a top half of the rotation pitching prospect. Who knows, maybe San Diego would rather have one of those two than Morton and the rare 3 team trade takes place?

If the Braves can get a bonifide young pitching prospect ready or near ready for the majors along with a suitable OF replacement for Francouer they have to at least consider the trade.

The effect on the OF will be lessened tremendously if they upgrade LF with a power hitter.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

DOB

Brian: How’s Omar Vizquel’s glove? I don’t know. He hasn’t really been around long enough to accurately gauge his defense.

Have to say - this was very funny.

By Lew

November 5, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Anders-The Mets did what they needed to do picking up Johan Santana and without him they would not have been anywhere as close as what they were. The way I see it, though, the Twins could have had better packages from the Yankees or the Red Sox. I see it as validation that the Twins GM is And Idiot (and greedy)-NOT that Omar is that good. All Omar did was wait in the wings and pounced when the time came. I don’t see him sitting there thinking “If I just wait them out I can get Johan for nothing”.

By Marty

November 5, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

DOB - Fair enough, re: Charlie Morton. My point simply was that it may be more difficult to project Morton as a major-league star (both for a layperson like myself and for potential Braves trade partners) given his poor minor-league numbers prior to the 2007 AFL and his poor numbers in the majors in 2008, as well as the fact that he is getting close to an age where he will no longer be considered a “prospect.” That’s all.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

fanders

It was meant in a rhetorical fashion smart guy. Try to keep up.

By ORbravesFAN

November 5, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

It seems as if every post season award is voted on by people who do not have a clue. David Wright! Are you kidding me! Just cause he mades a couple of great plays throughout the year does not mean he is a gold glover. Look up the stats, Kevin Kuzmanoff had a better feilding year, but what the hell David Wrong plays for the Mutts so lets hand him one!

FTW!

By Jeff R

November 5, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, we’ll see if the market crumbles this year. I doubt it, though. Hey, if Wren can obtain Peavy for less than Escobar or any of his core prospects, I’m all for that.

One thing about Escobar, though, his attitude. Remember the reports over the summer that Escobar, well, wasn’t with the plan. Seems he’s a little temperamental, and that his temerpent may have effected his play.

Might just factor into Wren’s thinking as well. Braves’ management has never tolerated for very long players with attitudes or problems.

By McFann O

November 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Oh no…the Gold Gloves……Not wRight and…and…The REAPER???

Not wRight won another feakin’…good lord…

Silver Sluggers on Friday???

I gotta go. Daddy and I are going to the Aquarium for a volunteer thing (he’s the volunteer, and it’s my turn to go with him). Maybe I’ll stop by here afterwards.

By Taylor S

November 5, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

DOB … What do the Braves think of Brad Penny ?

By PopeVanIII

November 5, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

DOB

Is that $4-5 million per year for 4 years, or total amount over 4 years? If it’s total, that’s less than what the top draft picks got.

By Wide Right

November 5, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Am i the only one concerned about the fact that all these pitchers rumored to be coming to the Braves (Tazawa, Peavy, etc.) are right handed? I dont see a 2009 LH starting pitcher in the Braves system…would Peavy, Tazawa, Jurrjens, Campillo, Hanson, and a month of Hudson be an issue? I dont really know…is having a left handed starting pitcher or two important? We can’t count on Glavine, Hampton. And if someone responds “Jo-Jo” they better be talking about the Richard Pryor film.

By N8

November 5, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Anders

“Note to self: Mets need to upgrade defense to keep up with Braves in 2009.”

Really? Are you seriously taking the GG awards as a sign that the Mets are solid defensively?

For starters, there is not a chance in hell that in 2007 Wright was better than Chipper. Don’t be a homer. Admit it.

Secondly, didn’t Rafael “Viagra - I’d NEVER do steroids” Palmeiro win a GG a few years back when he played about 20 games in the field?

I’ll give you that Beltran is a helluva CF. I won’t argue that. But there might be enough arguement to make a statement that Wright isn’t even in the Top 2 defensive 3B in HIS OWN DIVISION.

Can’t argue with you on the Cy Young voting either. But I guarantee you that our closer will be better than Wagner next year. Second, WHEN we get Peavy (a move I’m not neccesarily all for), we’ll be right there with you in the starters arms department.

Do I need to remind you that NOT A DAMN SOLE cares who finished after the first place team and who took 2nd in the Wild Card standings?

The Mets have been to the play-offs the EXACT same amount of times as the pathetic Braves (along with the Nationals and Marlins), the past two seasons….ZERO. And none of those three teams traded for Johan Santana. Add to that, the team that traded you Santana just about made the play-offs as well.

Even when the Yankees suck…..and they suck PLENTY….the Mets will always be 2nd fiddle in NY. How’s that feel? Even the Jets with Brett Favre make more headlines (unless you count the ones about choking?).

Ouch. That’s gotta sting a bit, huh?

By Anders

November 5, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Lew

I don’t see him sitting there thinking “If I just wait them out I can get Johan for nothing”.

That’s funny because when I proposed just this to you last off season you told me the Red Sox could just sell some more hats to pay Johan blah, blah, blah, the mets have nothing to offer blah,blah,blah and you said I was And idiot. Then it actually happened.

I don’t profess to be smarter than Minaya so maybe it crossed his mind as well?

Perhaps if you listened more you would see that not everyone that disagrees with you is And Idiot.

By jz

November 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

What’s the deal with the Gold Gloves now? Is Major League Baseball giving out one prank GG now, just to see if we can figure out who’s completely undeserving of it? Granted DWright did have 5 fewer errors this year than last, but HE LED THE LEAGUE LAST YEAR!

By Joe M.

November 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

I’m hearing from Japanese folks that it was probably about $4-5 mill for four years, the Braves’ offer to Junichi Tazawa.

4-5 million for the entire duration of the contract? The Red Sox laugh at that.

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 5, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

I’m hearing from Japanese folks that it was probably about $4-5 mill for four years, the Braves’ offer to Junichi Tazawa.DOB

Is that $4-5 mill per year, or for all four year?

By Jeff R

November 5, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

I can’t imagine Glavine factoring in. He’s a Hall of Famer; he should hang ‘em up and let the countdown start to Cooperstown.

Hampton, I believe, is a good bet for back of the rotation - for the right price, of course.

By Anders

November 5, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

BTW- David Wright played a great 3rd base this year. Did he deserve the gold glove? I don’t know. I didn’t see everyone on a regualr basis. But for you folks to act like it’s impossible to believe is silly.

I remember during one particualr series against the Braves at Shea (Bow your heads) even DOB said and I’m paraphrasing “say what we will about Wright but that guy can really play ball”. And he wasn’t talking just about his hitting. Wright made many, many highlight plays last year. he tends to miss some easy ones and gets in little ruts but overall he’s really become and excellent 3rd baseman. I’ll now get off my soap box.

By Marty

November 5, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Anders:

You asked for it.

We all know how inferior David Wright was defensively in 2007, but let’s review:

Pedro Feliz - .974 FP, 9 errors Aramis Ramirez - .972 FP, 10 errors Chipper Jones - .971 FP, 8 errors … David Wright - .954 FP, 21 errors

He was slightly better in 2008, but still nowhere near the best:

Troy Glaus - .982 FP, 8 errors Kevin Kouzmanoff - .974 FP, 11 errors Pedro Feliz - .973 FP, 11 errors Ryan Zimmerman - .967 FP, 10 errors … (I got tired of looking for more people who also suck less at fielding than Wright) … David Wright - .962 FP, 16 errors

For the record, Ty Wigginton (.969), who is known far and wide for his defense, also was a better fielding third baseman than Wright in 2008.

Call him a great hitter, sure. But great fielder? Please.

By Bobby's Cox

November 5, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one that DOES NOT want to trade Escobar for Peavy?

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 5, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

How did David Wright beat out Troy Glaus for Gold Glove?

Wright: .962 fielding %, 16 errors, 21 DP, 114 PO, 159 games, 1433.1 innings

Glaus: .982 fielding %, 7 errors, 27 DP, 99 PO, 146 games, 1243.1 innings

Do total games and innings played really make that much of a difference? I’m not just bringing this up to pick on Wright, who is a great defensive third basemen; just looks like Glaus was more deserving.

By Steve from OH

November 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

DOB, agreed on Morton. Give the dude some time, I daresay he’s got the tools to make it.

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 5, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

But I guarantee you that our closer will be better than Wagner next year. N8

I disagree. While Atlanta’s closer will give up his share of runs, I’m going to say that Wagner isn’t going to give up any runs — let alone baserunners — all year. It’s pretty easy to do that when you’re recovering from Tommy John surgery and not playing.

By Richie

November 5, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

I’d trade KJ for Brandon Phillips, easily. I’d take his 20+ HRs, Gold Glove Defense and Intangibles over KJ’s “potential” right now.

By Richie

November 5, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

I’d trade KJ for Brandon Phillips, easily. I’d take his 20+ HRs, Gold Glove Defense and Intangibles over KJ’s “potential” right now.

By Steve from OH

November 5, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Not to mention that Wright wasn’t even in the top ten of the Bill James/Dewan fielding bible +/- ratings (Chipper was, btw, making 9 plays above average). What’s that? I’m citing statistics? Oh. I forgot. People don’t like those around here.

In any case, David Wright is most certainly NOT your gold-glove winner for 2008. And people wonder why “statheads” like me don’t like gold gloves…

By nolie

November 5, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Why do people insist on whining about the Jermaine Dye trade 10 years later?

Is it the 18 HR’s he averaged from 98-03 (8 seasons)? Or is it the 72 RBI he averaged in the same stretch? Perhaps it was the 110 games played average during that time that would have been so valuableN8

Gotta agree with that post whole-heartedly man. He’s had some good years but it took him longer to get there than the Braves would have put up with anyway, and he’sissed a lot of time.. Wouldn’t mind having him back for a couple of years though. I’m not so sure though that the Wainwright trade will end up being all that bad either though it was definitely worse than the Dye one. Neither of them rival the Butler trade

By LKS

November 5, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

I 150% agree with you!! We should NOT trade Escobar. Anyone else minus chip bmac and jj is perfectly fine by me but not Esco.

By Chicago

November 5, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Any more rumors DOB? KJ, Frenchy or Peavy?

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

early evening NEW BLOGGAGE

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

to clarify, that’s the signing-bonus amount I heard Tazawa would get. Not sure of total amount, but it wouldn’t be too high. You guys are comparing him to Dice-K money-wise, that’s apples and oranges. Dice-K was a free agent, professional pitcher with a ton of experience in their major league over there. This is a kid who’s pitched at the equivelent of perhaps A-ball or borderline Double-A ball.

By nolie

November 5, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Pedro Feliz folks….

It’s not even close. Efrim

no doubt but that you are right my man….. maybe he just doesn’t hit enough to win the gold glove

By nolie

November 5, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

For starters, there is not a chance in hell that in 2007 Wright was better than Chipper. Don’t be a homer. Admit it.N8

Now i gotta disagree with that one.The guy does not have to be a homer to think that David is a better fielder than Larry. Fielding Bible ranked Wright 6th in MLB and Chipper did not make the top 10. I’m not a big believer in fielding stats but I lean towards this org. Chipper has gotten better than he used to be, but he ain’t no gold glover and the odds are he will never come close to winning one because of his very poor rep from his first sojourn at third.

By matlanta

November 5, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Padres get: Escobar Morton or Reyes minor leaguer minor leaguer (my guess is BJones and Tyler Flowers)

Braves get: Jake Peavy

Braves get to keep: Tommy Hanson