If We Were In Frank Wren’s Shoes

Written by Colin on July 25, 2008 – 1:15 pm

As we continue to wait and see what happens at the end of this series against the Phillies, we’re looking at what we’d do if we were in Frank Wren’s shoes.  Here’s a breakdown from some of the BravesBlast crew - we’ll add more as we hear back from everyone.

Colin: I’d wait.  Don’t trade Tex - what we’d get for him is likely not better than the 2 draft picks we’d receive if he doesn’t re-sign.  On that note, try and re-sign Tex.  We’ll free up a LOT of space in the budget at the end of the season.

Akshay: Try to get a young, power hitting first baseman or outfielder.

Dan: First, I’d trade Mark Teixeira for a package that would help out this years’ team with a player that can come up in August/September and a prospect for the future.  I’d also get some help for the bench.

Charles: Is start over an option?  I’d trade Teixeira for a pitcher and a bat that are two years away.  I’d let Chipper play until he doesn’t want to anymore, tell Frenchy that if he wants to stay in Atlanta, he needs to figure out how not to be Andruw, see if there is a market for Kotsay, and stop drafting GA high school pitchers - how many of them have worked out?  I’d tell Bobby never to bat Kelly Johnson above the six spot - he’s best at the bottom of the lineup.  I’d retool the outfield and bring speed back to the Braves.  Don’t focus on a quick fix - it’s gonna take 3-4 years to turn around.  Any trade that is made should be made with prospects in mind that are going to take 3 years or so to get ready.

Jonathan: I’d stop worrying about Tex.  See what offers are on the table for him and take one if it seems like the right thing to do.  I’d start looking long-run however.  It’s time to rebuild at this point as the current staff isn’t exactly where we need to be at.  We need another mid-age veteran on the pitching staff to go side-by-side with Hudson and to help nurture the young arms that we have working in there; Jurrjens for example.  Then we need to pick up another bat.  Whether it be keeping Tex or finding another source of power or two, the offense needs some serious help.  We need some players that can be the backup to our main power when it struggles as well.  It’s time to step back and take a look toward the future a few years down the road, not just trying to scrape by on a day-to-day basis.

What would YOU do if you were GM?  Would you wait or do something right now?  Let us know!

Posted in Speculation |