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Odds and Ends
Written by Colin on February 11, 2009 – 8:42 amTime for an odds n’ ends post – kind of a an overview of what’s going on in the Braves’ world.
Bobby Abreu appears to be near a deal with the Angels and the Braves are now rumored to be looking more seriously at either Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady. Yes, we’d need to trade for them, but the Braves need an outfielder, and that may be necessary. Swisher may be the leading candidate due to his longer contract, actually, as well as his ability to play first as well as all outfield positions. His contract is worth somewhere north of $22M over 3 seasons, though. Some players are reported to feel Nady is the better fit, though he’d be a one-year rental. This could go either way.
Jordan Schafer reported to spring training yesterday, according to our very own Rue Grant, who has been keeping in touch with Schafer recently. Jordan is eager to prove he belongs on the big league team and I think we’ll see a good show from Schafer – I wouldn’t be surprised to see him starting some this spring.
Tom Glavine and the Braves meet today and Glav hopes that the Braves increase their offer – said to be $1.5M +some incentives. I don’t think we’ll see that number change much, though it may change a little bit. Rumor has it that Glavine would like to make $5-6M after incentives, and I don’t see that happening, especially when our priority still seems to be a power bat in the outfield.
Tim Hudson is two months into a throwing program and all is going well. He hopes to return to the team in August. He’s cautious about pushing his limits, but he’s also optimistic about returning in August with no problems.
Obviously there’s more info on everything out there except Schafer going to camp, so go read up if you want to find out more. More to come as we hear it – here’s hoping we get a power bat in left field soon!
Tags: Jordan Schafer reports to camp, Nick Swisher, Tim Hudson, Tom Glavine, Xavier Nady
Posted in General | 20 Comments »
By dave on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
I think given the financial state of the Braves and the level of young talent coming from the farm system, the best thing to do right now is wait. I believe someone or someones will step up and fill the need. It comes down to this we will have to trade Kelly,or Jeff, or Matt, or, Casey, or someone that is making enough money to make room for the salary that Nady, or swisher, already have , or that Abreu will require. The next plan would have to be to sell the farm again remember the Texas deal where we rented a player. How well did that work out? I don't know about you, but I don't like the ideal of trading the building blocks we have in place now , or the building blocks of the future. I think Atlanta is in a great position, just have patience this year will take care of itself. We have pitching now, I think clubs will be knocking on our door next year when all the young guys mature begging us to trade. Thank goodness we didn't trade Yunel. Who do you think we have that is expendable?
By Colin Ake on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
I think that's not a bad idea, Dave. I don't know what we'll see happen – but waiting and seeing what happens in spring training may be a viable option.
That said, I'm not GM. My crystal ball is more like a random conglomeration of what I read online and what I think makes sense. We could trade our entire team for LeBron James in the first cross-sport trade. That'd be a good rumor to start
By dave on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Colin that LeBron rumor surely would stir things up. That is funny. I thank you folks again for creating this website it does give people like me a chance to express my views. I did read that Abreu is close if not already made a deal with the Angels. So that does eliminate him. I know I sound like I am contradicting myself after what I wrote earlier, but I still think an older player might just work this year. I believe we on our budget could afford an older guy for 1 year that would help us. I'm not the GM either if I were I would have signed Mike Hampton. At 2 mil he was a good deal. I know we didn't get much bang for the buck the past few years from Mike, but he is healthy now, I think it was a mistake to let him go at that price. Whichever way it goes best wishes and good luck to everyone. GO BRAVES
By Keith on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
It's looking more and more like the typical left field platoon that Bobby likes to play. Will it be Diaz and a rookie?__Or, will it be Diaz and some free agent in his final years?
By Jonathan on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Yep, looks like Abreu is all but a done deal to the Angels.
By Jonathan on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
I'd like to see some young talent get a chance in the outfield out of Spring Training, at least give them the chance and see what they can make of it. It's probably the biggest question mark we have right now however.
By Jonathan on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
I really hope that Gregor gets a spot out there, or on the bench, but then again, I'm just a fanboy.
By Larry on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Yes we gave up a lot for Tex but it was Tex. Nady and Swisher will not command the amount of talent that Tex did. The Yankees are rumored to be looking for middle infield help and we happen to have one who is expendable in Prado. I vote for Swisher. Nady is only a one year fix and Heyward is at least this year and most of next year before hes ready. Swisher would fill the spot this year and next. Don't forget he's versatile. He plays all outfield positions and first. that is a big plus. The Yankees want to move him or nady, maybe theyll swallow some of that 2011 salary. We all know they got the money!
By Larry on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
They keep saying Diaz and Brandon Jones. Which I like but like you I'm a fan of Jones.
By Larry on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
I hope Anderson or Schaefer win the CF job. I'm really itching to see what all the hype is about Schaefer. We've been hearing bout him for years now. I'm ready for a look.
By Larry on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
I meant to say seeing not saying. Sorry.
By Keith on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
I am leaning toward young talent. I believe the braves have better options in their own system. Here's what I hope the five outfield position look like: Josh Anderson, Matt Diaz, Jeff Francouer, Jordan Schafer and Gregor Blanco. Possible platooning center and left until someone steps up. I REALLY LIKE THIS TEAM AS IT IS. We are better than last year.. We have second place, the Mets are nothing to overcome. Play the first few months with what we have and adjust accordingly. Don't spend all the money now because may need to tweat the roster @ mid season to overtake Philadelphia. I truly believe we are in a good position.
By Larry on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
The Mets are pretty good. They have a solid offense and now a very good bullpen. Johan Santana is one of the top two pitchers in the game. Our offense lacks power. We are a heavy lefty line up, McCann, Kotchman, KJ, Blanco, B. Jones. Philly and the Mets both have lefties at the front of their rotation and good ones sitting in the middle. We are one bat short and blanco, diaz and Jones are going to push us to the top.
By Keith on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Are you kidding me. The Mets have done nothing to improve themselves. Subtract half of the braves injuries and the mets would have finished lower last year. If the Mets make no furher moves, look for third or worse for the Mets.
By Keith on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
The Mets pitching staff lacks the depth. The supposedly great late inning bullpen might not come in to play as often as needed.
By Mike Miles on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
found a great article about how the braves rotation should not be overlooked! http://www.rbimagazine.com/2009/02/don%E2%80%99t-...
By Larry on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Dude the Mets bullpen is what killed them. They are still very strong team. The NL East is the strongest division in the NL and very possibly the MLB. Name a team that hasn't done something to get better. Our rotation is strong on paper but we still have to see how Vazquez rebounds and Kawakami reacts to a new environment. Our offense is still not up to par. We need a Frenchy rebound and another power hitter. If that happens then we are legit contenders, but I'm not going to knock the mets when its clear they did what they needed to to improve.
By Larry on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
I think the rotation could be one of the NL's best. I like that Kawakami is not your typical Japanese pitcher, could help him be more effective quicker. If Glavine is added and we add a power outfielder we could be the LA Angels of last year.
By dave on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
I only hope spring training will provide all the answers to all our outfield questions. I think it will. I have been in favor this year if, and only if we have to bring someone in we sign a less expensive free agent with a little tread left on the tire, instead of trading players. I do not like renting players for a year by way of trade. I give Atlanta credit for a couple of trades they made with the Tigers. One brought us John Smoltz for Doyle Alexander. The other brought us Jair Jurrjens, and Gorkys Hernandez for Edgar Renteria. The point is don't you think the Tigers could kick themselves for letting this young talent go. I hope we don't make the same mistakes the Tigers did. We will not always do it, but we need to try to learn from mistakes whether it is ours or someone else. I have high hopes for this year, and the years to come. Best Wishes and GO BRAVES.
By Larry on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
I agree that we dont need a one year rental but we do need someone to serve in left field the next two years until heyward is ready. Thats why Swisher fits the bill. Coming to Atlanta with a bunch of guys with high OBP could really benefit this guy. Im not up for giving away upper level talent but we do have expendable pieces. I think this is our best option now.