atlmalcontent

Wren on the record: Payroll will increase

GM Frank Wren told Jim Bowden of Sirius XM Radio that the Braves will increase their payroll in 2012, but that doesn’t mean they’ll pursue top free agent shortstops (all Twitter links). Wren indirectly ruled free agents Jimmy Rollins and Jose Reyes out by expressing a strong preference for one-year deals.

Though the Braves remain open-minded regarding possible trades, Wren explained that a free agent signing is more likely. Shortstop prospect Tyler Pastornicky is not ready for full-time MLB duty, according to Wren. Alex Gonzalez, Atlanta’s shortstop since July 2010, hits free agency with a Type B ranking (Reyes and Rollins are Type As).

Posted by:

atlmalcontent

9 responses to “Wren on the record: Payroll will increase”

rankin’ rob

9 Nov 2011

I wouldn’t take Rollins for the price or Reyes for any reason.

Heyward becomes key to 2012. Was last year a a sophmore slump or is he headed for a bust of Komminskian proportions? Will we see Brian McCann play some left field to limit wear and tear?
atlmalcontent

9 Nov 2011

No way we’ll see McCann in the OF. He’d make Klesko look like a zephyr.
rankin’ rob

9 Nov 2011

Diaz is like Lonnie Smith without the skates.
Jack Straw

9 Nov 2011

I like Gonzalez. He makes all the plays he is supposed to, and a few more. I also think his hitting will improve some. He is still pretty young. What kind of salary will he command?
wuky

9 Nov 2011

I think Gonzo’s stats make him look better than he actually was, and that’s saying something. He was terrible when it counted, killed so many rallies and stranded so many baserunners in scoring position. I don’t think his defense, which was good, compensates for his lack of offense.
roadrunner

9 Nov 2011

There isn’t any talk about Wilson getting the job. The difference between he and Gonzo doesn’t seem to be all that great.
cleteboyerfan

9 Nov 2011

At this point I’d take Wilson over Gonzo. Wilson has a lot less power but he strikes out a lot less, makes better contact, and he and Gonzo are equal with the glove.
fonsie18

10 Nov 2011

I agree on Wilson. I think, realistically, that it’s a stop-gap until Pastornicky or another prospect develop.
MLB Analysis: Atlanta Braves Must Make Tough Offseason Decisions | blacxbox.com

14 Nov 2011

[…] next season, the current team payroll comes in at around $89 million. The team has said it plans to raise its payroll for next season to the $91 million range in 2011. This will allow Wren and company some flexibility to address the […]