Loading ...
Braves Ready For Spring Training?
Written by Jonathan on January 13, 2010 – 8:18 amNot long after officially adding Troy Glaus to the 2010 roster, the Braves added Eric Hinske to serve as a pinch hitter and bench player. The plus side to having Hinske on the roster is that he can serve as a backup to Troy Glaus; allowing for some much-needed off days to reduce the risk of reinjury. Additionally, he can play the corner outfield and back up Chipper at third, who we all know will miss a few games here and there. As far as I’m concerned, he’s an improvement over Greg Norton. Besides, he’s been on a team in the World Series the past three seasons; why would the Braves want to break that streak?
With Hinske signing a one-year, one-million dollar contract earlier this week, it looks like the Braves are pretty much done with new signings for the offseason. That’s not to say that Frank Wren won’t still come up with some trade (I can think of a few that I wouldn’t mind seeing), but as far as allocating money for new players, we’re pretty much spent. Look for something to happen with Brandon Jones in the next couple of days; he was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man for Hinske.
As expected, we didn’t see the front office go after a big-name offensive power, but instead spread the money around on a few different players. Melky Cabrera for $2 million, Troy Glaus for $4 million and Hinske for another million. Was this a good use of our available $7 million? To be determined. The success of these moves hinges heavily on Glaus managing to stay healthy and Hinske’s ability to produce from the bench. I’m confident he’ll have a solid year in a backup role.
In other news, Mark McGwire did steroids…..who knew?!
But anyways, it looks like this is pretty much the squad the Braves will be taking to Florida in 36 days when pitchers and catchers report. Thoughts on the offseason moves to this point? I think we’re better off in a couple of spots, worse off in a couple, and there is a ton that is yet to be determined. It’s getting to be that time of year when we’re all just itching to see baseball start back up again. I know I can’t wait.
Tags: Brandon Jones, Eric Hinske, Spring Training 2010, Troy Glaus
Posted in General, Roster Moves | 3 Comments »
By LeeClev on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
I don't understand designating Brandon Jones for assignment unless his off-season surgery went bad. I'd much sooner see Gregor Blanco gone.
By LarryS on Jan 17, 2010 | Reply
I think this offseason is a success so far. Did we sign a high profile power hitter? No but instead built this team solidly throughout. The starting rotation should be one of the top 3 in the NL. The bullpen has the capapbilities to be unparalled this year. Melky/Diaz > GA, Heyward > Frenchy, Glaus > Kotchman, Prado > KJ. Those are all improvements over the '09 starters. Don't forget the Braves were one of the best offenses the second half of the season. A full year of Mclouth and Prado could be very beneficial.
By John Wayne on Feb 7, 2010 | Reply
here is how you improve the team…….trade Schafer, Freeman, SS Hernandez, Jo Jo Reyes and Melden … all 5 and minor leaguers / cash necessary to make it work…..
for Adrian Gonzalez from SD…..they will do this sometime near June ….so make it early as possible..
But, yes we did improve the bench some….norton won't bat again.
That is an improvement. Infante and Prado will fill in for infield with Glaus/Hinske
so we can worry if Heyward will slip in quietly and fill in as 4th OF or as starter by Aug. Getting Gonzales will cost us very little for the first 2 years that he is under contract……but his BIG cvontract afterwards will come when Chipper and Lowe's are gone and then it fits right in….Never forget a big contract does not hurt you if he plays….it is the big ones you DON"T have that hurt….(see Pitt, Oak, Tampa Bay in past years)