With the Braves organizational meetings well underway, it's time for the brass to be weighing the needs of the team coming into the 2011 season. Who of their prospects are ready? Who might be ready soon? Who will we keep? What injuries do we have to deal with?
Well the prospects that we have that are ready or very near it are these, Freddy Freeman(of course), Craig Kimbrell, Stephen Marek, Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy.
Most of these players figure to play a part in the 2011 Braves team weather or not they are on it or not. Freeman of course is projected to be the starting first baseman an will bring excellent defense and some power potential to the table.
Kimbrell impressed in most of his call ups this year especially near the end of the year and in the playoffs, he will be a strong candidate to close in 2011. Don't expect him to be handed the job, but don't be surprised if he has achoke hold on it by May.
Marek is the final holdover from the Mark Texeria deal, since everyone in Atlanta either gags at the name Casey Kotchman or has forcedly forgotten he was ever here, it's a good thing Marek has become a viable bullpen option. Coming off a strong season at AAA Gwinett he could serve as a middle reliever on next years team.
Minor and Beachy will probably be fighting it out for the five slot in the rotation this year. It's a dead even heat with both impressing in their late season call ups with the big club, Beachy even facing the dreaded Phillies twice and preforming admirably. Minor may have more long term upside, but Beachy, an undrafted signee, has surprised at ever level so it would be unwise to count him out.
Prospects who are possibilities to make an impact on the team(in some way) in 2011 are Julio Tehran, Randall Delgado, Aroydis Viscaino, Tyler Pastornicky, Myke Jones, and Matt Young.
Tehran has a huge arm and a bright future, he can hit 98 on the radar gun at times with a plus curve and could be the Braves ace by 2013, expect him to get a look sometime in the year.
Randall Delgado is a pitcher pure and simple, he hit's his spots with three plus pitches that can reach 95 at times. Though he isn't likely to make a big impact on the field this season, it appears that he is guy most likely to be traded. I doubt this will actually happen, but it could and he could be the guy that lands the Braves a big bat.
Viscaino has Tehran like upside, but suffered from some ligament damage that shortened his 2010 season. He is reported to be doing well, and could be a September call up, or another big deal trade candidate.
Pastornicky is the shortstop most likely to replace Alex Gonzalez in 2012, he is comparable to Brendan Ryan or Jason Bartlett. A plus fielder, with little to no power, but he can run stealing 11 bases in 38 games after he was acquired in the Yunel Escobar deal. He had 24 already in the Blue Jays system in 77 games. If he impresses in the Arizona Fall League, and preforms during net season it wouldn't be surprising to see him get an emergency call up instead of the punch-less Brandon Hicks.
Myke Jones will not be called up this season barring a blow up season, but he has advanced so quickly in two pro seasons that he could be a big factor in the 2012 picture or the trade market. He is a fair defender at short, and it has been speculated that he could be a plus center fielder. He has plus speed and some power to pull hitting 15 hrs through three levels this year. The knock against Jones is that for a guy just cracking AA he's a little older at 23, but he's moved quick enough that it might not be an issue.
Matt Young, is an interesting name to throw around, he can play all three outfield positions and 2b was a .300 hitter this season and has some speed. At 28 he's more of an organizational guy, but if a better fourth/fifth outfield option is unavailable he may get a look.
Guys with options include Omar Infante, Alex Gonzalez, Kyle Farnsworth, and Rick Ankiel.
Infante and Gonzalez are near locks to get their options picked up.
Farnsworth and Ankiel are gone they have expensive options and unless they can be renegotiated much cheaper are long gone.
Melky Cabrerra and Matt Diaz are possible non-tenders, Diaz probably has a better shot to stay than does Melky, because of a cheaper price tag. Either can help a team, but having both could be a counter productive move. Melky's lackadaisical play makes him most likely to be packing.
So the wish list for Mr.Wren this year reads like this:
1.Outfielder, preferably RH who can hit for power.
2.Possibly another outfielder.
3.A veteran bullpen arm maybe two, preferably RH to help groom the young bullpen corps.
4.A first/third baseman who could fill in for Freddy Freeman against tough lefties, and could sub at third if Chipper Jones has issues coming back.
Guys who could fill said needs:
Only listed are guys who fit the need and are in Braves budget.
1.Free Agents:
Pat Burrell-Resurgent season makes him a viable option.
Andrew Jones-Still has good range in left, and can hit for power.
Marcus Thames-Crushes LHP, not a great LF.
Austin Kearnes-Not the answer.
Xavier Nady-Should be a bargain coming off down year, Scott Boras Client means he wont be.
Jason Kubel-Great fit, but option will be picked up.
Scott Podsednik-Probably will have option picked up, by LAD.
Johnny Gomes-Reds will bring him back with affordable option.
Bill Hall-Could be useful in a spot role, and versatile. Can be exposed by playing everyday.
Trade Candidates:
Cody Rasmus-Fills need, steep price.
Matt Kemp-Wearing down welcome in LA, again steep price.
Adam Jones-Not much pop, plus defender.
Chris Young-Coming off big year, erratic performance.
Hunter Pence-Pop + speed=on the Braves radar.
Cody Ross- Braves will ask on him so he won't be hitting against them anymore.
Michael Cuddyer-Twins may not want to trade versatile OF.
Jacoby Ellsbury-If Sox get Crawford/Werth expect him to be shopped.
Brett Gardner-See above insert Yanks.
Ryan Ludwick-Padres might not want his salary for a full season. but do we?
Coco Crisp-Intriguing when healthy.
2. Free agents:
Brad Hawpe-Could be acquired as a project with a small commitment.
Jermaine Dye-Can he still rake LHP?
Willy Harris-played well with 2006 Braves.
Jeremy Hermida-ATL product never lived up to potential, maybe could realize it at home.
Jose Guillen-Doesn't seem to be a fit.
Johnny Damon- Probably too expensive for what he offers at this point.
Mark Kotsay-Old friend better suited for a part time roll at this point.
Easy option bring back Eric Hinske if a deal can be worked out.
3.RHP:
Octavio Dotel-May want a shot at a closer role.
Frank Francisco-Braves won't want to give up draft pick.
Chad Qualls-Uncle roger could help him find himself again.
John Rauch-Big RHP could be a fit.
Kerry Wood-May cost too much.
Grant Balfour-Will want to go back to Rays.
Joaquin Benoit-Could be had with a multi year deal.
Jose Contreras- Could work out.
Jesse Crain-Another potential fit, wont cost a pick.
Juan Cruz-Could be cheap after down year.
Aaron Heilman- should be cheap.
Bob Howry-Former closer.
J.J. Putz- Good comeback year/former dominate closer.
Tyler Walker- Good clubhouse guy/former closer.
LHP:
Brain Fuentes-May look for CL job.
Randy Choate- Slinging lefty may not be needed in ATL.
Scott Downs-May cost too much.
Will Ohman-Braves often bring back former players.
Hinsanori Takahashi-Live arm, could close.
4.
RH Hitters:
Garrett Atkins-Project for sure.
Lance Berkman(Switch Hitter)-Still wants to play everyday.
Jorge Cantu-Proven RBI man is a good fit, could sub at 3B/LF.
Fernando Tatis-Cheaper option.
Ty Wiggington-Still has power/versatility.
Melvin Mora-Strictly a backup at this point.
Joe Crede-Historically good defender, injury questions.
Pedro Feliz-Good defender, declining bat.
Juan Uribe-Still has some pop.
LH Hitters:
Russell Branyan- needs regular AB's to be productive.
Aubry Huff-Can also play LF.
Lyle Overbay-Probably a better AL fit.
so take from that what you will, and good luck Mr.Wren.
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