Some ideas on what the Braves should do this offseason, in order of priority. Dump Fat Gimp. I suspect a team like the Royals would take him if the Braves paid most of his salary. If not, release the guy. I'd rather pay him not to be on the team than put up with another... Continue Reading →
For one season each of 40somethings R.A. Dickey and Bartolo Colon, Coppy shelled out $20 mil. Plus another $12 million for Jaime Garcia, acquired from the Cardinals. That's a whole lot of nothing for $32 mil -- about a quarter of the Braves' payroll. For three years and $27 mil, the Pirates re-signed 30-year-old Ivan Nova,... Continue Reading →
We were told that, despite their plus offense, the Braves didn't want Wellington Castillo or a rehabbing Wilson Ramos because they weren't adequate pitch framers. But today they signed Kurt Suzuki, who was worse than both at pitch framing and pretty much everything else in 2016. Suzuki's caught stealing ratio was a puny 19 percent... Continue Reading →
In 1980, the Braves accomplished something they hadn't done since 1974, winning more games than they lost. Offense wasn't a problem -- Dale Murphy finally blossomed, Bob Horner looked like the next great power hitter, Chris Chambliss provided stability and Gary Matthews, spark. Pitching was another story, as Phil Niekro and Tommy Boggs were the... Continue Reading →
The two free agents I hoped the Braves would target are no longer options. Martin Prado re-signed with the Marlins and Wilson Ramos tore the ACL in his right knee for a second time, making him a risk not worth taking. There were pretty much the only free agents options for improving the everyday line-up. Justin Turner... Continue Reading →
It’s often forgotten that, had then-Rangers owner Tom Hicks not lost leave of his senses, Alex Rodriguez would’ve probably become a Brave in 2001. A-Rod was reportedly itching to play for Atlanta, his (alleged) favorite team growing up. He said he chose #3 in honor of his boyhood idol. Murph should sue for defamation. Rodriguez, who... Continue Reading →
Buster Olney suggested last week that the Braves might pounce on one of the remaining free agents if the price drops to their liking. With a payroll projected just south of $80 million, about $25 mil short of where it's been in recent years, they can afford it. It won't cost the Braves a first... Continue Reading →
We weren't advocating for the Braves to re-sign Aaron Harang. But we don't know anything. That won't stop up from pointing out Harang won his 4th game today for the woeful Phils. He's pitched at least six innings in each of his eight starts for a 2.03 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. The Phils are paying... Continue Reading →
Southpaw James Russell struggled mightily against the Yankees last night, nearly giving up the cycle to LH batters and six runs overall. That's no surprise -- lefties pounded Russell for a .455 slugging percentage last year. Instead of non-tendering him, the Braves will pay Russell $2.4 million in 2015. Alberto Callaspo, who has 4 singles in... Continue Reading →
For $19 million more than they'll pay 31-year-old Nick Markakis, the Braves could have signed Yoan Moncada, the 19-year-old Cuban phenom who is now property of the FuckSox. Most scouts agree Moncada would be the top overall pick in the amateur draft were he eligible -- he compiled a .414 OBP in 172 plate appearances... Continue Reading →
More than 200 scouts attended workout for Hector Olivera last week in DR. SFG, SD, TX, ATL, NYY among teams showing strong interest. #Cuba — Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) January 24, 2015 Hector Olivera is 10 years older than Yoan Moncada, but he's no Dian Toscano, the newly signed outfielder not considered to be among Cuba's... Continue Reading →
The Japanese outfielder the Braves reportedly wanted signed with the Giants Friday. So why not sign the best Japanese outfielder ever, Ichiro? Yes, he's 41 now and not the player he used to be. But he's not bad. He hit .284 last year with 15 SB in 359 ABs for the Yankees last year, which... Continue Reading →
Congrats, B.J. You're no longer the worst hitter on the Braves. Newly signed Alberto Callaspo, the presumptive favorite to be your Opening Day CF, was the only player in baseball with on-base and slugging percentages below .300 (minimum 450 plate appearances). Callaspo's numbers have declined dramatically since 2009, when he hit. 300 with a .813... Continue Reading →
Assuming Justin Upton is traded ... B.J. Upton $14.45 mil Dan Uggla $13.2 mil Nick Markakis $11 mil
Nick Markakis 2013: .271 BA, 10 HR, 59 RBI, .329 OBP, .356 Slugging B.J. Surhoff 2001: .271 BA, 10 HR, 58 RBI, .321 OBP, .405 Slugging They could've had Yasmani Tomas for two additional years at the same annual salary. Tomas has potential, which is what the Braves should be all about -- not a... Continue Reading →
Justin Upton will be leaving, it's just a matter of when. And Evan Gattis is not an outfielder, nor is he much of a catcher. Accepting those realities leaves the Braves in a bind. They either can't afford or don't have a position for their only two sources of right-handed power. There are no prospects... Continue Reading →
Minor league depth, or this year's Aaron Harang? Worth a flier, considering Roger McDowell's track record, but based on his pedestrian numbers in Triple-A last year, I wouldn't expect much from the Taiwanese right-hander, now 34.
According to Bowman, the Braves are interested in signing Aaron Harang, late of the Reds, Padres, Dodgers, Mariners and Mets. He was terrible in 2013, finishing with a 5.40 ERA and 1.347 WHIP. But he was decent in 2012-'13 with San Diego and L.A., and while it seems they're just substituting one Chief for another,... Continue Reading →
During the Braves series in Kansas City last season, Fredi mentioned that the team had once attempted to trade for Ervin Santana, who has yet to sign a contract for 2014. If, God forbid, the news is not good on Medlen, Santana would be the best available replacement. And, though he calls it a longshot,... Continue Reading →
#Braves are the "mystery team" that's been talking with Gavin Floyd. Believed to be close to a deal, but not finalized yet.— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) December 14, 2013 So the 2014 Braves rotation will potentially have two right-handers coming off Tommy John surgery -- one good and one decidedly average. Meet your new fifth starter,... Continue Reading →
