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Can We Get Some Pitching Up In This Joint? Please?
Written by Colin on December 13, 2008 – 5:59 amThe Braves couldn’t keep Tim Hudson healthy. They couldn’t trade for Jake Peavy because the Padres were being stupid about it. Now, they couldn’t sign A.J. Burnett because the Yankees play in a city closer to Maryland (Burnett’s wife doesn’t fly? Huh?), we can’t sign the best starter left on the market. Throw us a frickin’ bone here.
So what are we going to do? Let Vazquez be our ace? Thrust Jair Jurrjens into the spotlight as a sophomore in the bigs? Make Jorge Campillo draw a ridiculous amount out of his arm?
Who else is on the market? Derek Lowe. Oh, the Yankees already made a move on him? The way they’re spending this off-season, who wouldn’t sign with them? We could always revive talks for Peavy, but Frank Wren has made it clear that the Braves will no longer offer the same package they did last month when they were in talks with the Padres. Brent Lillibridge is gone (must find new minor leaguer to talk about incessantly to bug Jonathan) and the Braves no longer have interest in trading Yunel Escobar (which I think is good). The Padres have probably not gotten more reasonable about it, which means the best pitcher in the NL will spend next year pitching for a horrible team in San Diego.
Meanwhile, we’re still without an ace. We have a good #2 guy in Jurrjens and Vazquez will be a decent #3 starter to eat innings, but where do we stand? In a very uncertain place.
And I’m not all that certain it’s going to get much better. Which scares me.
What do you think will happen?
Tags: A.J. Burnett, I Hate The Yankees, Jair Jurrjens, Jake Peavy, New York Yankees Suck, The Yankees are the spawn of the devil, Tim Hudson
Posted in General | 63 Comments »
By Jonathan on Dec 13, 2008 | Reply
Well, I'm going to go ahead and get stretched out and ready to start pitching this season. It seems like it's the only logical choice at this point after all.
And what on earth are you going to do without Brent Lillibridge? I'm sure it has broken your heart after all.
By Jonathan on Dec 13, 2008 | Reply
Well, I'm going to go ahead and get stretched out and ready to start pitching this season. It seems like it's the only logical choice at this point after all.
And what on earth are you going to do without Brent Lillibridge? I'm sure it has broken your heart.
By Cameron on Dec 13, 2008 | Reply
BEST case scenario (at least in a feasible sense): Oliver Perez. There are no more aces that I can see the Bravos getting. And an OF power bat-I dont see that either. Next season is not going to be pretty, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Chipper get traded at the All-Star break if the Braves aren't in AT LEAST third. Rebuild mode-initiate. This is coming from an optimist, I was sure that Burnett would get signed, and we would trade for a descent LF. Prediction:70-92. 2010 may be different when some of the youth starts coming up, but its not going to be an enjoyable '09. (I really hope Im wrong, though)
By Andrew on Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
Make Derek Lowe a strong offer, like 4 years, $56 mil, and see if he takes it. This guy is an ace. It frustrates the hell out of me that I haven't read anything from Braves.com about signing Lowe. Derek Lowe might even be a better option than Burnett! If we have to settle for Oliver Perez, this is going to be a really disappointing off-season.
By Jonathan on Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
I hate to have to agree with you, Cameron, but without developing some pitching, it's going to be a scary year. I don't think we'll have to worry about Chipper getting traded. I look for him to finish his career in Atlanta no matter what.
By Jonathan on Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
I'm sure with how our offseason is going, the Yankees will just sign Lowe too. It only seems fitting. I saw a few mentions of Lowe throughout Winter Meetings, but haven't seen much outside of brief mentions. I'm wondering what Wren's strategy is at this point.
By Andrew on Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
With our team the way it is going into '09, it might make baseball sense to trade Chipper at the break. I don't want to see that happen as much as the next Braves fan, but it would be better for the team than seeing him retire in '10 on a losing ballclub and getting nothing in return for him. It's a total crapshoot how much production we can expect from him going forward. His legs are made of brick at this point.
By bnix on Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
Spend all efforts to sign Lowe AND Perez. Forget about the OF bat. We need some arms to bridge a gap in our development chain. If they don't pan out – we have youth coming in 2010 – 2011. IF they do pan out, then trade some arms for bats in 2010.
By Colin Ake on Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
I wouldn't go after Lowe or Perez either – the amount of money they're going to want is just absurd.
I just don't want to watch a sub-par pitching staff next year – but I'm not sure anybody can do anything about that now.
By Colin Ake on Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
I'll go ahead and loosen up too. We know my velocity tops out a few mph under yours, but I see myself as more of a control pitcher. By that, I mean out of control. I'm going to see if I can channel John Rocker from the mound.
As far as Lillibridge, I'll find someone else. I just need time.
By Grant on Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
The Braves aren't going to go after Lowe or Perez. And neither of these guys is an ace. What sense does it make to throw a ton of money and 4-year deal at soon to be 36-year old Derek Lowe? Oliver Perez? Really? He can strike some guys out, but his wild streaks to go along with a lack of poise and command are hardly the attributes of an ace. In fact, that term is getting abused by agents who get people to buy into these #3 starters are really more than they are. Paying either of these guys that kind of money is going to turn out a lot like Kevin Millwood has in Texas. These Scott Boras guys aren't going to be coming to Atlanta any way other than trade, and we've seen how well that goes. Sometimes building a winner takes more than one winter.
By matt on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
what about Kevin Millwood? He might be rejuninated in a contract year to pitch well for his old team?
By Doug on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Ben Sheets.
Yeah, he's and injury risk, but that's why we won't have to pay CC money for him. And we can get him on a short contract.
If he stays healthy, we have the Ace we need to compete with the Phils and Mets. Sheets can go toe to toe with Hamels and Santana.
If he doesn't stay healthy, at least we tried, and besides, would we really be better off avoiding Sheets and signing a re-tread like Randy Wolf?
By Parker on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
guys there might not be the pitchers out there but there is guys that can do the job.For instance Ben Sheets, Brad Penny,and Jon Garland. I know Sheets and Penny are injury prone but what do you think Burnett is. I think we 2 out of the 3 and we have a solid staff.
1.Sheets 2. Penny or Garland 3. Jurjjens 4. Vasquez 5. Glavine,Smoltz,Hanson,or Campillo.
Dont forget about the chances of getting young starters Paul Malhom and Ian Snell from Pittsburgh.
By Brophy on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I totally agree about Ben Sheets.
Give him two guaranteed years at $17 million per. Then throw in an option for a third year at $19 million that automatically kicks in when he throws 170 innings in both 2009 AND 2010. That way, he'll have the drive to stay healthy for both of the guaranteed years so he'll definitely get his third year. Then that third year (2011) will be a contract year for him, which like the first two years, gives him enough motivation to stay healthy and pitch strong. Worst case scenario, he doesn't pitch the required innings and we only have to deal with him for two years and we can let guys like Morton, Hanson, and Rorbrough take their lumps while he's hurt. And I'd rather take a gamble on Sheets at $17 million a year than having to commit to Lowe or Perez for 4 and 5 years, respectively.
By Brophy on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I know the dollar amounts I listed for Sheets might seem high, but we need an ace…badly. And I'm sick of teams trying to dance around the facts that they have obvious holes on their team(s) yet are not willing to do what's necessary to ensure they get who they want.
By Colin Ake on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I don't think there's a chance we sign two more pitchers. We already got Vazquez, and Wren said at the beginning of the offseason he was looking for two starters. I'd say Garland may work, Lowe could work, Penny could work, hell, we may even see Sheets here if he's cheap enough. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing Randy Johnson here – he'd rack up some strikeouts and be entertaining – but not quite front of the rotation material. There are some options, and though we won't end up a mean machine like we could be, we have some options left before the end of the offseason. We just need to move past this first half of a really crappy offseason.
I'd still like to see a trade for Peavy, but I don't think that's going to happen.
By Colin Ake on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I wouldn't be opposed to this, I just get scared at signing free agent pitchers to contracts when they get hurt. That goes for Burnett too, though, and Sheets is a great pitcher. The Mike Hampton syndrome will forever be in the back of my mind lurking, waiting to take these guys down.
A 2 year deal would work for me for Sheets, but he may be wanting something longer.
I'd like to see us only pay someone when they stay healthy. That'd be nice.
By Jennise on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
i realized our 2009 season was doomed when we lost Timmy to tommy-john. seems like i'm pretty right-on so far …
By MR2NOLE on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Lets think about this. Go back and read all the predictions from last year. The Phills were not supposed to be in contention because they had no pitching. . Cole Hammels was the ace with Jamie Moyer as the #2 and they won it all.. Put our money into offense and use the pitchers we have
By hawesf on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Given that we couldn't land a long term solution, I think we should think short term and see if we can land someone next winter. Randy Johnson would be a nice one year contract. Look at what he did after his back recovered, and he's motivated to win his 300th. Then, by the time his back starts to go on, Smoltz should be ready to pitch again. There's your #1 starter.
You can fill 4-5 from Campillo, Reyes, Morton and Hanson
By Erik on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
everyone has it wrong. This is what the Braves need to do, and should have already done. The first mistake was trading big TEX for that lackey Kotchman, never should have happened, but it did so ok. Here is what the Braves should do since they lost out on Peavy, Burnett (which is fine with me by the way cause if you look Jurrjens had better numbers), and now got shafter on Furcal…. SO first resign big TEX, move Kelly Johnson to left field, and put Prado at 2nd (yes yes i know some of you are like PRado?? come on?? But ask any Braves player who is the next best hitter after Chipper and they will all tell you it's Prado.) Then make sure we re-sigh Smoltz. People Smoltz can be an ace and he will be if not for the Braves for someone else. It might just be one year but It would be enough.
By erik on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
now you are looking at a rotation of Smoltz, JJ, Vasquez, Campillo, and Hanson (Hanson will be in the bigs next year he's that good). So with the addition of TEX again, KJ, and Prado we would have a potent lineup and starting staff. Which brings me to my final point, we will have a very strong bull pen, which will be a huge assett since our pitchers will be 5,6,7 inning people, not complete gamers, but we have a pen to handle that. Oh yeah and one more thing, Frank Wren should be fired, he does not have what it take to be the GM
By Andrew on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I concur with Erik…I'd go a step farther and say we shouldn't have traded for Tex or J.D. Drew. ..I think KJ is a better fielder at second, so I'd put Prado in LF and at leadoff. I'd sign Smoltz now…and Garland.
By relyt on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I don't know why more people are not talking about how weak this FA market is. Losing out on Burnett may be the best thing that has happened the off season. Burnett is not an ace, never has been an ace and is injury prone. We need to define "Ace" better. There are Ace pitchers (Santana, Maddux in his prime, Pedro in his prime" and there are aces of a pitching staff. AJ Burnett is the ace of the FA pitching staff.
I think it is smart to place a value on a player and stick with it. There is no reason the Braves need to fill every hole this offseason. Fill the holes over the next couple seasons as the young guys develop and then you have the makings of another long run of playoff appearance.
Wasting money in a weak market can only hamstring future plans
More proof of a weak market is Teixeira and what he's gonna get paid. If you can't be the best, be the best available.
By thomassj on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Jon Garland wouldn't be a bad signing in my mind. I know he's not the ace we all thought the Braves will sign this offseason, but he isn't a bad pitcher, even though his ERA is usually kind of high. The past 4 seasons he has won 60 games with an average of 209.1 innings/year and a average of 4.285 ERA. You see his ERA and yea it is a little high, but he's 2 important things: a innings eater and he's consistent. What pitchers have at least 60 wins the past 4 seasons? CC (63), Jake Peavy (53), AJ Burnett (50), Brandon Webb (70), Oliver Perez (31), Randy Wolf (31)….hmmmmm!! I know this guy doesn't have the lower ERA or the high strikeout rate that some of these other guys, but this guy gets W's and helps out the bullpen but eating up innings, which is what we need to help out the rotation and give rest to the bullpen when needed. This guy has put up those numbers in the AL, which we all know is overall better than the NL. If he comes to the national I'm sure his ERA will go down, which might lead to more W's for him and the team he's pitching for.
By Jonathan on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I haven't really thought about Millwood too much. He's owed $11M in 2009 and $12M in 2010 (Though I think 2010 may be an option year). I do know that he's a Boras client.
By Jonathan on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I think there's you're right in that the chance of seeing Peavy here is slim. Don't expect anything on that front any more.
I'm for giving Sheets a role in the rotation as long as it's short-term and isn't going to cost more than he's worth.
By Jonathan on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I definitely agree with you on not plugging all the holes. There's no point at throwing too much money at someone that can only do a half-assed job to get us through.
The free agent market is rather weak on the pitching front and next years doesn't look to be any better.
By Jonathan on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Hopefully Huddy will rehab well and we can keep him around Atlanta for quite some time. Definitely one of my favorites.
By Jonathan on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Somedays I like the premise of Randy Johnson, though I just always have a hard time picturing him pitching as a Brave. There's some mental block there that I just can't get by.
I'm just hoping we're 110% sure Smoltz is ready to go before signing him and pushing him into a big-time starting role. I want to see him back more than anyone I'm sure, but not if he's just going to reinjure himself. I fully expect to see him in the rotation however.
By Jonathan on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Here's my question to you, then. What has Wren done to warrant thinking he should be fired?
By Jonathan on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I'm okay with higher ERA pitchers if the Braves' offense can put some runs on the board. We all know the struggles we had with that one throughout last season.
By Jonathan on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Trading Tex was inconsequential if you ask me….there's no way we could have kept him once he hit the free agent market.
By Erik on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
someone asked me why I thought Wren should be fired. So here you go, first Peavy, then Burnett, and now Furcal. There's a common thread here folks, and that is Frank Wren. Now I don't so much mind not having Burnett or Furcal (both health risks and very expensive) and I will even give you that the Padres could be at fault for the Peavy talks not working out. That said, 3 major deals, have not happened. Let us not forget Wren traded big TEX for Kotchman and some pitcher who I can't even recall the name. That to me is enough right there. But here is my kicker, ask yourself this, tell me one time when John S. had a player in his sights he did not get (other then Barry Bonds who the Braves decided against)? Ask yourself that question. Also ask yourself this, give me one other example of a GM thinking they had a deal with a player (Furcal) and then it not happening. Wren should be fired and my bet is he will be soom
By Erik on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Ok this cat Johnathan keeps emailing me about my posts, his latest states we could not afford TEX on the free agent market, John big guy yes we can, we have some 40 million to spend. give TEX 20 this year and keep increasing that 20 every year, realize chipper and his salary will not be around for long, and even if his salary was around, he is one guy who you can bet will always take lower to one stay with the Braves and 2 add another player who could help the team. How many times has he restructered his deal, or moved to another position to help the team. That said, it will be a sad day when Chipper is not longer a Brave, Smoltz too.
By Colin Ake on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Erik – "This cat Jonathan" is the co-founder of BravesBlast and the other main writer here. The comment system sends emails to people when other people reply to their comments. If you want to unsubscribe, there's a link for ya in the email.
Wren should NOT be fired. The Padres were ridiculous about Peavy (and not just to Wren). Burnett was offered more money by the Yanks and the intangible there (that Wren couldn't control) is that they live in Maryland and his wife doesn't fly. NY is closer to Maryland. Furcal's agents just wanted a quote to go back to LA with. This isn't a thing of Frank Wren failing – it's an unfortunate series of events that are chalked up to chance. Schuerholz couldn't have done any better. If he doubted Wren's ability, he wouldn't a) have appointed Wren and b) stuck with Wren. He IS still in an executive position with the Braves and has some control.
Wren has made great moves in the past (Jurrjens, anyone?) and will continue to do so. I have faith in him and in the organization.
As far as affording Tex, we offered him what we were willing to last Spring and he didn't take it. The Braves weren't willing to offer him more, and they traded him to get something for him instead of the draft picks they'd have gotten if he left as a free agent. Kotchman is a decent player and will be a solid first baseman. I don't think we could afford him. If we could, we can do so now – but you don't see us chasing him.
By erik on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Ok Colin, I don't care who Jonathan is, he is apparently (like you) wanting the Braves to miss the post season for the 4th year so you guys say what you want, I am right about this stuff and mark my words Wren will be fired, there's a reason he was 65 before he got his first GM spot. Kind of like the saying those who can't do teach, and those who can't teach do. Those who can't be a GM are AGM's. SO whatever Colin/Jonathan, you run a site whoopie that makes you experts my bad, lol
get a clue guys.
By scott on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I think we could land Sheets on the cheap, somewhere in the 2 year $26 million range with a 3rd year vesting option. He is injury prone, sure, but that could also prove to be the steal of the offseason. Otherwise, if healthy, I look for Smoltz to once again be our "ace" and for Wren to acquire another Vazquez-type pitcher: a middle of the rotation guy who can eat innings. People seem to forget that the problem with the rotation the past couple years wasn't that we didn't have an ace, but that we didn't have solid middle rotation guys. There's been a few decent ones the past few years (Campillo and Jurrjens spring to mind…and even Buddy Carlyle back in '07) but, overall, that has been severely lacking.
By erik on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
ok Colin, but tell me one thing Wren has done for the Braves, other then bring Jurrjens in? Which, for the record I think was more John S then him. but give me one thing he's done that helped the Braves. And solid first baseman?? LOL come on dude, who wants a solid first basemen? Solid is Nomar playing it for the Dodgers or Kotsay playing 1st for the Sox suring the post season. 1st base is not a position you look for "solid" in. So, thanks pumpkin
By Cheez13 on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Erik,
You are unrealistic- they still aren't going to make the play-offs by signing Tex. The fact that he is going to be the 2nd highest paid player in baseball is ridiculous. He is good, I love the guy but unless he is willing to take a 'hometown' discount and its obvious he isn't then he ain't coming to ATL. I mean 23 million/year…thats crazy. The Braves have some money but not like the big boys in NY, Bos, Chi, LA so they have to look at the big picture. Thats sucks for '09 but you will have Hanson and Hudson pitching in '10 and if Hudson comes back healthy then you are going to have to sign him past '10..they'll have to spend some if you want to keep Escobar past '10..if Francouer has a comeback year then you'll want to keep him. Gonzales and Soriano are free agents after '09, they will probably try to keep Chipper around past '09 if he stays general healthy.
By Cheez13 on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Wren traded Renteria for Jurrgens and Gorkyz Hernandez (that was a steal) so lets not jump on the guy because the Padres and Furcal's agents are unreasonable. I could see maybe trying to get Jermaine Dye or Magglio Ordonez in a trade if the price wasn't too high. They play for 1-2 years and then their salary comes off the books to re-sign some guys and let the young talent come up. They absolutely need a #1 starter, cause if Huddy is a # 2 when he comes back with Jurrgens, Hanson and Vaquez in '10 then the Braves could be a serious contender.
By abe on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Step number 1 to rebuilding the braves…
FIRE FRANK WREN. This guy is a mental midget and he’s proven it time and again. Atleast baltimore was smart enough to let him go after 1 year
By Grant on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
I wouldn't rate Millwood's performance as being particularly inspiring in Texas, and by inspiring I mean, would you want to pay him $11-12 million a year for what he has been turning in there in Arlington? I like Vazquez much better for the purpose of innings pitched.
By Grant on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
So, Chipper, Prado…. McCann? Oops.
By erik on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
look people, Prado being the 2nd best hitter on the team is not my personal belief, that is why my post stated, ask braves players. My post did not state I think Prado is the 2nd best hitter on the team. Read the posts people. Numerous sources: 1: MARK BOWMAN MLB.COM has written that thought 2. Dan O'brian AJC has backed it up 3. Ken R. (foxsports.com who always seems to get the drop on anything before anyone else by the way) has also stated it. Now before you ask me to post the links for it, no do it yourself, go back and read the articles for yourself find them just like I did. You want to know my personal opinion, Kelly Johnson is the 2nd best hitter on the team, but that's me. His swing is a thing of beauty. But you don't see me saying he is the 2nd nest hitter on the team do you, no. And for good reason cause I am probably wrong. Thanks Grant Pumpkin, read the posts next time, it is clear i said ask braves hitters who is the 2nd best no where in my post did it say prado is
By erik on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
we didn't trade JD Drew, we traded for him from the Cards for Adam Wainwright(who could be our ace right now by the way) and Drew left via free agency to the dodgers only to back out of his deal and sign with the red sox.
By erik on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
i am not unrealistic my simple minded friend. Tex in the linup makes us very powerful. As long as Smoltz is at the front of the rotation. Mark my words everyone, if not for the Braves then another team, Smoltz wiill throw 200+ innings next year with a sub 3.50 era. Just remember i said this now 8 months from now. Cause I will laugh at anyone who thinks I am wrong. With Smoltz at top of rotation and tex in the lineup braves would make playoffs, mets are not that good. And name one person who said the Phils would win the series. Anyone? Anyone? not one person, cause Hamel was there ace and moyer is/was there #2. All you have to do is make the playoffs, anyone knows that, once you get there its anyone's game.
By erik on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
not just furcal and peavy. add burnett. and if you, my simple minded friend, had read my earlier posts, you would see that i stated besides the JJ deal name one thing wren has done. and for the record i think John S had more to do with that deal then Wren. name on other thing wren has done oh wait I know
he traded TEX for that kotchman guy
yeah you are so right cheez he has done something for us huh???? he got Kotchman lollollololollololololl for TEX wow you are so right on
By Jonathan on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
That's what he said, that he thought we shouldn't have traded for Tex or Drew in the first place. I can't say I necessarily agree that we shouldn't have traded for Tex, the trade really brought fans back into the game in a fledgling season.
By Jonathan on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
We don't claim to be experts and can in fact take people that disagree with us in stride, but I can't see where any of the blame for Peavy, Burnett, or Furcal falls on Wren. That's the only reason I was asking.
……and he's only 50.
By Jonathan on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
One pitcher and one hitter won't get us to the playoffs. Who's supposed to carry our offense for the first half of the season for Tex's notorious slow offensive starts to the season.
I do however, agree that Smoltz is primed for a great year and fully expect to see him back in the rotation.
By Jonathan on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
I can't see us laying out that amount of money for him. It just doesn't seem smart to me, but hey, what do I know? As I've learned throughout this posting, I'm incompetent.
By scott on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
If you line of "logic" followed at all, we would've made the playoffs the past two years. The thing about the Phils winning the series (and the Rays making it there) is what's great about baseball. It doesn't matter who says what at the beginning of the season, you just never know how it will play out. I mean, we definitely won't have Tex next year and possibly no Smoltz and we could still make it. You just never know.
By Colin Ake on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
You're entitled to your opinion Erik. Since you're the smart one and everyone else on here is stupid, I'm sure there will be a market for your unique taste. Feel free to start your own site
By Jonathan on Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
I guess you'll just have to wait and see who the bat boys are this year
By Cheez13 on Dec 21, 2008 | Reply
So when its a good good trade Schuerholz gets the credit but when its bad then Schuerholz had nothing to do with it. Was the Tex trade a good one? Not really but Tex was leaving no matter what (23 million/year) so now the Braves at least have a serviceable 1B that doesn't cost millions and millions. Schuerlholz never really signed any big free agents other than Maddux and the only reason Maddux signed was he didn't want to go to NY. The Yankees offered him more money. I guess you want them to sign Adam Dunn to play first for 15 million/year? Thats not the answer- outside of the Yanks and Sox, it takes some time and patience to re-build a winning team. The Dodgers have alot of money and look who they lost- Lowe and Manny and they are paying Andruw and Furcal a combined 28 million this year and they will be a .500 team, is that what you want?
By erik on Dec 21, 2008 | Reply
anderson might be a good option but you are inflating his numbers. You are right about never hitting below .280, but he strikes out an aweful lot. And he is not longer a 100 rbi guy. Could he still drive in 100 sure, but I would not count on it. 2003 and was the last year he drove in 100 or more. He does, however have 75+rbi for 11 years running. So he is still a run producer for sure. But his career Obp .327 so again he strikes out a lot. Ahd he hasn't hit more then 25 homers since 2003. My guess, pencil him in for 80 rbi, 15 homers, .290 avg (since he is a career .296 hitter), and oh say about .430 SLG.
But I do agree he could be a pretty cheap bargain and he is still a run producer.
By erik on Dec 21, 2008 | Reply
I am wrong about Anderson's strike outs. He has only had one 100 strike out season years ago. He just doesn't walk. His career high for walks in a season is, get this, 38. Remind you of anyone that's a current Brave? So sorry about the wrong information on the strikeouts.
By Robbie on Dec 21, 2008 | Reply
I've always liked Sheets and Garland. One or both would be good for me. And off the subject, what about Garrett Anderson. He's never hit below .280 and he's a 25-30 HR guy and will drive in over 100. He's a relatively cheep option. Real quick back to Sheets/Garland, since we can't get "bonafide" ace, why not sign both? And I'll be SICK if Smoltz is elsewhere this year. it will hurt my heart, even more than Maddox or Glavine.
By Ben on Dec 21, 2008 | Reply
I hope Smoltz comes back but I'm not expecting anything great from him. Let's get realistic, if we expect a 40 year old pitcher to come back from shoulder surgery and dominate like he used to we are kidding ourselves. I think 5-10 wins and a sub 4 ERA are decent expectations.
By Grant on Dec 22, 2008 | Reply
I read the posts, quite thoroughly and my personal opinion was stating to the contrary of what you posted which was apparently simply the opinion of others to begin with. Now, speaking of reading, Erik Tool, you've just underscored the time honored tradition that "if you read it on the internet then it must be true."
Prado is a good hitter, who had a very good 228 at-bats last season while filling in at a handful of positions. When did the players all do a secret-ballot to vote for the second-best hitter on the team? Yes, he has some upside, and yes his teammates are probably very aware of that and more than willing to praise him for the excellent work he did last season to Bowman, O'Brien and others.
I am just going as far as to say that I don't believe Martin Prado to be the answer to Atlanta's offensive woes. Your plan to sign Teixeira may have been the funniest thing I've read in quite some time. So thanks for the laugh.
By Riley on Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Thats not gonna happen. Texeira is asking for way too much money.
I dont seem to understand why the Braves haven't been into negotiations with Pat Burrell. The Braves want a right handed power hitter to play left field, and bat in the 4 slot in between Chipper and Brian Mccann. And the Braves struggled against right handed pitching in '08, and Burrell did nothing but tear up right handed pitchers.
And lets all cross our fingers and hope that the Braves don't make a STUPID mistake and trade away Jeff Francoer to Kansas City for Zach Greinke. Greinke is a star studded pitcher, but Francoer had a fluke season last year, and will bounce back to hitting above 100 RBI's per season, like he posted in his 2 previous seasons.