When you think of Dan Uggla right now, your mind probably flashes to the Braves second baseman popping up a ball to the right side of the infield and half a season of frustration.
Maybe you think ," Oh damn, we have five more seasons of this?"
But I'm not here to bash Uggla, I think he will come around and will probably end up helping this team. Particularly when he relocates to left field following the 2012 season. More than likely anyway. The question is, how did he come to be on the 2011 Braves roster?
To answer that question you have to start with an unheralded 29th round draft pick named Adam LaRoche. You may remember LaRoche, he was the Braves starting first baseman from 2004-2006 and again in the second half of 2009.
LaRoche along with career minor league pitcher Jaime Romak were traded to the Pirates for the man who would be closer Mike Gonzalez and Brent Lillibridge. The trade was sort of a wash for the Bravos as the got sporadic excellence out of Gonzalez and very little out of Lillibridge before he was traded to the White Sox. "The Cobra" left Atlanta after the 2009 season as a free agent but he did net the Bravos a compensation pick in Todd Cunningham, who projects to be a solid fourth outfielder type.
Lillibridge along with blocked catching prospect Tyler Flowers netted the Braves their former nemesis Javier Vasquez and lefty Boone Logan. Vasquez was heroic in Atlanta and helped the fans forget about a rotation that often featured Jo-Jo Reyes, Jorge Campillo and Charlie Morton. Logan was decent in his lone season at the Ted but control problems limited his usage.
The pair were packaged to New York after the 2009 season after a rotation surplus forced the Braves to shed a starter, and the attached payroll. In return they received Melky Cabrerra ,who still gives Braves fans nightmares. A 19 year old fireballer named Arodys Vizcaino who gives them hope, and Mike Dunn who with the help of Omar Infante gave us Dan Uggla.
Infante was one of the oddest trades that actually worked pretty well for Braves, he was acquired from the Cubs with Will Ohman for a promising youngster named Jose Ascanio. Ohman was a very good lefty setup man for a season, and Omar became an All-Star while backing up everyone and fighting for a batting title.
So there you have it, I guess what it really boils down to folks is would you trade Adam LaRoche, Jose Ascanio, and Jaime Rumak for Dan Uggla, Arodys Vizcaino, and Todd Cunninham?
Okay it's not nearly that simple, but maybe if a butterfly flaps its wings in Japan, it will cause Dan Uggla to get hot in the second half.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Who Are These People?
It's not even Christmas and already the Braves have nearly filled their roster for the 2011 season. It's not going to make for a lot of suspense trying to figure out who will fill the backup center field or shortstop spots, and no one is on the edge of their seat trying to figure out who the final bullpen spot will go to. One thing that you may be thinking about looking at the Braves current 40 man roster is, who are these guys?
So to clear the clouds away for you Braves fans that don't spend all of your time on Fangraphs or Baseball Reference here is a breakdown of the Braves off season acquisitions thus far.
Dan Uggla 2B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-5'11 Weight- 207
Born 3/11/1980
The Braves acquired the slugging second baseman in a trade with the Marlins for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn. He is a human powder keg who hits for more power than any right handed hitter the Braves have has since Andruw Jones. As a second baseman he forced All-Star Martin Prado to left field, or third base if Chipper Jones isn't healthy. He's not quite the fielder that Martin is at second, but has improved some in recent years, he's not so bad at any one thing but is just below average in all defensive categories though not as embarrassing as many would have you believe. He'll probably hit fourth or fifth for the Braves this season and is the picture of hard work and durability.
Scott Linebrink RP
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'3 Weight-220
Born-8/4/1976
A veteran of ten big league seasons, the Braves brought in the veteran setup man in exchange for minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield and got more than half of his salary paid for by the White Sox. He will likely fill the setup role vacated by Takashi Saito and will help mentor the young bullpen corps. He's not going to dazzle you but typically gets the job done, with his graying goatee and bowlers physique some fans may mistake him for former closer Bob Wickman. He's been a durable if uninspiring player for a long time who has had a great deal of success in the NL.
George Sherrill RP
Hits-Left
Throws-Left
Hight-5'11 Weight-237
Born-4/19/1977
Sherrill is a former closer, albeit for the Orioles who will be serving primarily as a left handed specialist for the Braves. He has had a lot of success in the past with that role, and the hardships he endured last season were a result of him being overexposed to right handed hitters. Look for him to rebound in 2011 and also keep a look out for fans making fun of his facial hair and flat brimmed cap.
Joe Mather OF/1B/3B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'4 Weight-215
Born-7/23/1982
Mather will try to fill the spot vacated by Matt Diaz in the Braves outfield and off the bench. Mather has a ton of power and is a competent outfielder at the corners and at first base. He has also seen time at third base and in center field in the Cardinals organization. He is a candidate to be a late blooming power threat in the mold of Carlos Quentin or Nelson Cruz, but probably will be more like a Matt Diaz with more power and a little less dominance against left handed pitchers. He may see some time in left and right spelling Martin Prado and Jason Heyward and perhaps even in center if he proves rangy enough.
That wraps it up for the big league acquisitions so far, if you want more info about the minor league free agents singed this off season left me know and I'll dedicate a post to them.
Please join me in wishing all the nubies good luck in Braves Country, and have a good week everyone.
So to clear the clouds away for you Braves fans that don't spend all of your time on Fangraphs or Baseball Reference here is a breakdown of the Braves off season acquisitions thus far.
Dan Uggla 2B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-5'11 Weight- 207
Born 3/11/1980
The Braves acquired the slugging second baseman in a trade with the Marlins for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn. He is a human powder keg who hits for more power than any right handed hitter the Braves have has since Andruw Jones. As a second baseman he forced All-Star Martin Prado to left field, or third base if Chipper Jones isn't healthy. He's not quite the fielder that Martin is at second, but has improved some in recent years, he's not so bad at any one thing but is just below average in all defensive categories though not as embarrassing as many would have you believe. He'll probably hit fourth or fifth for the Braves this season and is the picture of hard work and durability.
Scott Linebrink RP
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'3 Weight-220
Born-8/4/1976
A veteran of ten big league seasons, the Braves brought in the veteran setup man in exchange for minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield and got more than half of his salary paid for by the White Sox. He will likely fill the setup role vacated by Takashi Saito and will help mentor the young bullpen corps. He's not going to dazzle you but typically gets the job done, with his graying goatee and bowlers physique some fans may mistake him for former closer Bob Wickman. He's been a durable if uninspiring player for a long time who has had a great deal of success in the NL.
George Sherrill RP
Hits-Left
Throws-Left
Hight-5'11 Weight-237
Born-4/19/1977
Sherrill is a former closer, albeit for the Orioles who will be serving primarily as a left handed specialist for the Braves. He has had a lot of success in the past with that role, and the hardships he endured last season were a result of him being overexposed to right handed hitters. Look for him to rebound in 2011 and also keep a look out for fans making fun of his facial hair and flat brimmed cap.
Joe Mather OF/1B/3B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'4 Weight-215
Born-7/23/1982
Mather will try to fill the spot vacated by Matt Diaz in the Braves outfield and off the bench. Mather has a ton of power and is a competent outfielder at the corners and at first base. He has also seen time at third base and in center field in the Cardinals organization. He is a candidate to be a late blooming power threat in the mold of Carlos Quentin or Nelson Cruz, but probably will be more like a Matt Diaz with more power and a little less dominance against left handed pitchers. He may see some time in left and right spelling Martin Prado and Jason Heyward and perhaps even in center if he proves rangy enough.
That wraps it up for the big league acquisitions so far, if you want more info about the minor league free agents singed this off season left me know and I'll dedicate a post to them.
Please join me in wishing all the nubies good luck in Braves Country, and have a good week everyone.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Prospect Profile, a Conversation with L.V. Ware...
Recently I was fortunate enough to talk to L.V. Ware, Braves center field prospect, Atlanta native, and member of the Twitter.com all-star team. I guarantee he's one of the most interesting people not in a Dos Equis commercial.
Matt White: First off thanks for agreeing to being interviewed
LV Ware: Its not a problem at all man, thanks for the invite
Matt White: It's a privalidge, you've been playing pro ball for three seasons now across several teams in the Braves system, whitch stop has been your favorite so far?
LV Ware: Its definitely a tough pick after playing in Myrtle Beach and being close to home playing in Rome, but I would have to say Danville in 2009. The town was little ,but yet so open to the players. We had a great coaching staff and great players. To go 47-21 was crazy, and then to walk away with the Appalachian League championship man it that much more special
Matt White: That sounds like a great experiance, has getting a taste of a league championship so early in your career motivated you even more?
LV Ware: Honestly it has, by being in Danville in 08 & being close to making the playoffs. Then next year starting in Rome and being sent back to danville was kind of hard, but it definitely was a learning process. Sometimes you have to take two steps backwards to take one step forward and thats what I did. Won a league championship, improved my numbers by alot and its helped me focus on the little things that we tend to get away from as players
Matt White: thebaseballcube.com has you ranked among the fastest players in the Braves organization, have you played with anyone you think is any quicker?
LV Ware: Far as quicker i think Jordan Schafer is def quicker than me, but not fast...we both get greats jumps but hes def a little quicker than me....Kyle Rose would defiantly have to be the fastest person ive ever played with, but his jumps arent as good as Shafer and myself, but we stay working with him on that
Matt White: Most Braves websites that cover prospects have you starting the year at AA Mississippi next season, is that what you expect also?
LV Ware: Honestly as a player you never know what to expect, cause anything can change in the game. I was grateful enough to finish the year there this year. So I just want to build off of that. I would love to start there next year, and continue to work my way up the ladder to Atlanta.
Matt White: Do you have any specific goals for the 2011 season that you don't mind sharing?
LV Ware: One goal I've always set in my mind is trying to get 50 bags in a season, and I've got to 30 but thats not good enough for me. But my main goal for next year is to cut back on the strikeouts a lot and increase the walks. I've been working on being patient at the plate and hitting coach Garey Ingram has been talking to me about what my approach should be because im a top of the order hitter seeing that i ve have speed.
Matt White: What do you think are fans most common misconceptions of minor league baseball?
LV Ware: Thats a tough one...a lot of die-hard fans know alot about the minors cause they are devoted to their teams and they get to know the game pretty good. I know I get alot of questions about the housing situation, a lot of fans think ours organizations pay for everything, but little do they know we have to support ourselves with our paychecks.
Matt White: You interact a lot with fans through twitter.com and your blog lvware.blogspot.com what inspired you to get so involved in social media?
LV Ware: I'm a goofy, silly person, and I just like to have fun. The fans want to get to know players and just have conversations and thats not a problem at all. It's all respect, they go out their ways to see us and follow us, least I can do is interact with everyone. Plus alot of people are comedians so they have me laughing 24/7 on twitter. The blog is my place of peace, when I need to just get away. Its where I go to write and release some thoughts and tension.
Matt White: I know the fans appriciate it, and as a twitter follower I have to agree those people have got some jokes.
LV Ware: Haha man its amazing to be apart of it, it definitely keeps me entertained all day. So im thankful for social networks and don't take them too serious, we all want to have fun.
Matt White: What person, or people in your life has had the most impact on you, both as a person and a player?
LV Ware: As far as playing growing up it was my father, he used to take flour and make a baseball field in my backyard and my mom used to kill him haha. As i got older it was my high school coach. He was a pitcher at Southern University and his father was in the negro leagues so he knew what it took, he pushed me harder and harder and it has definitely paid off for me.
Matt White: In the minor leagues you have to endure a lot of long bus rides, how you pass the time?
LV Ware: You have no idea man, we watch movies, play cards, psp, word with friends. But my favorite would have to be sleeping. I have to catch up on that rest cause once your off the bus in the A.M. its time to wake up just like that and its practice time, so I take advantage of catching rest cause its definitely needed.
Matt White: Ever get pranked during naps?
LV Ware: I've never been pranked but I've definitely pulled off some pranks myself lol, I tend to be a prankster all the time and especially in the clubhouse.
Matt White: Whats the best one you've pulled?
LV Ware: Haha I pulled a prank on Geraldo Rodriquez few years back where I was cutting his hair and I left the back of his head with hair and cut the rest off, then put icey hot in the top of his hat. When he put it on to go outside and play it was a sight to see once he started sweating.
Matt White: That sounds hillarious, whats the most embarrasing thing to happen to you on a baseball field?
LV Ware: I dont think I've ever had anything embarrasing happen to me while playing but when I was in Greensboro playing against the Grasshoppers this year they posed my real name on the jumbo tron and man was that a sight to see. Instead of my picture and LV Ware the put up a picture of the Mona Lisa and wrote Leonardo DaVinci Ware. It really threw the at bat off cause the crowd laughed and I seen it and couldn't stop laughing while I was in the box
Matt White: You've gotten to play with most for the Braves top prospects in your career, who has impressed you the most so far?
LV Ware: I have two Julio Tehran and Cory Harrilchak, Tehran is just so above the competition its unreal. Definitely a diamond in the rough, and Harrilchak is as professional as they come...the man plays the game correct and has a bright future ahead of him.
Matt White: If you wern't a baseball player what would do?
LV Ware: I think I would want to become a teacher and teach math, I went to college to study accounting and I love numbers.
Matt White: Thats pretty impressive, do you think you would like to coach also?
LV Ware: I definitely would love to coach, not only baseball. I would want to get my hands in on football as well. It was my second love growing up and in high school.
Matt White: Did you ever think about pursuing football instead of baseball?
LV Ware: As I got older I wish I would have stuck with it, I never went back after my sophmore year of high school because I wanted to just focus on baseball. I think I could have been a good corner or safety. I played quarterback and free safety in high school.
Matt White: Other than a love for math is there anything else about you that fans would be surprised to find out?
LV Ware: Honestly not at all.
Matt White: Okay, random pop culture question, if your stuck on a desert island and for some reason you have a solar powered DVD/CD player what 5 discs would you want to have with you?
LV Ware: Law Abiding Citizen, Jay-Z Blueprint, Martin (the tv show), Little Qayne The Carter, The Hangover.
Matt White: Thanks again for letting me pick your brain, I hope you have a fantastic season. I'm sure all our readers will be twitter followers by morning.
Matt White: First off thanks for agreeing to being interviewed
LV Ware: Its not a problem at all man, thanks for the invite
Matt White: It's a privalidge, you've been playing pro ball for three seasons now across several teams in the Braves system, whitch stop has been your favorite so far?
LV Ware: Its definitely a tough pick after playing in Myrtle Beach and being close to home playing in Rome, but I would have to say Danville in 2009. The town was little ,but yet so open to the players. We had a great coaching staff and great players. To go 47-21 was crazy, and then to walk away with the Appalachian League championship man it that much more special
Matt White: That sounds like a great experiance, has getting a taste of a league championship so early in your career motivated you even more?
LV Ware: Honestly it has, by being in Danville in 08 & being close to making the playoffs. Then next year starting in Rome and being sent back to danville was kind of hard, but it definitely was a learning process. Sometimes you have to take two steps backwards to take one step forward and thats what I did. Won a league championship, improved my numbers by alot and its helped me focus on the little things that we tend to get away from as players
Matt White: thebaseballcube.com has you ranked among the fastest players in the Braves organization, have you played with anyone you think is any quicker?
LV Ware: Far as quicker i think Jordan Schafer is def quicker than me, but not fast...we both get greats jumps but hes def a little quicker than me....Kyle Rose would defiantly have to be the fastest person ive ever played with, but his jumps arent as good as Shafer and myself, but we stay working with him on that
Matt White: Most Braves websites that cover prospects have you starting the year at AA Mississippi next season, is that what you expect also?
LV Ware: Honestly as a player you never know what to expect, cause anything can change in the game. I was grateful enough to finish the year there this year. So I just want to build off of that. I would love to start there next year, and continue to work my way up the ladder to Atlanta.
Matt White: Do you have any specific goals for the 2011 season that you don't mind sharing?
LV Ware: One goal I've always set in my mind is trying to get 50 bags in a season, and I've got to 30 but thats not good enough for me. But my main goal for next year is to cut back on the strikeouts a lot and increase the walks. I've been working on being patient at the plate and hitting coach Garey Ingram has been talking to me about what my approach should be because im a top of the order hitter seeing that i ve have speed.
Matt White: What do you think are fans most common misconceptions of minor league baseball?
LV Ware: Thats a tough one...a lot of die-hard fans know alot about the minors cause they are devoted to their teams and they get to know the game pretty good. I know I get alot of questions about the housing situation, a lot of fans think ours organizations pay for everything, but little do they know we have to support ourselves with our paychecks.
Matt White: You interact a lot with fans through twitter.com and your blog lvware.blogspot.com what inspired you to get so involved in social media?
LV Ware: I'm a goofy, silly person, and I just like to have fun. The fans want to get to know players and just have conversations and thats not a problem at all. It's all respect, they go out their ways to see us and follow us, least I can do is interact with everyone. Plus alot of people are comedians so they have me laughing 24/7 on twitter. The blog is my place of peace, when I need to just get away. Its where I go to write and release some thoughts and tension.
Matt White: I know the fans appriciate it, and as a twitter follower I have to agree those people have got some jokes.
LV Ware: Haha man its amazing to be apart of it, it definitely keeps me entertained all day. So im thankful for social networks and don't take them too serious, we all want to have fun.
Matt White: What person, or people in your life has had the most impact on you, both as a person and a player?
LV Ware: As far as playing growing up it was my father, he used to take flour and make a baseball field in my backyard and my mom used to kill him haha. As i got older it was my high school coach. He was a pitcher at Southern University and his father was in the negro leagues so he knew what it took, he pushed me harder and harder and it has definitely paid off for me.
Matt White: In the minor leagues you have to endure a lot of long bus rides, how you pass the time?
LV Ware: You have no idea man, we watch movies, play cards, psp, word with friends. But my favorite would have to be sleeping. I have to catch up on that rest cause once your off the bus in the A.M. its time to wake up just like that and its practice time, so I take advantage of catching rest cause its definitely needed.
Matt White: Ever get pranked during naps?
LV Ware: I've never been pranked but I've definitely pulled off some pranks myself lol, I tend to be a prankster all the time and especially in the clubhouse.
Matt White: Whats the best one you've pulled?
LV Ware: Haha I pulled a prank on Geraldo Rodriquez few years back where I was cutting his hair and I left the back of his head with hair and cut the rest off, then put icey hot in the top of his hat. When he put it on to go outside and play it was a sight to see once he started sweating.
Matt White: That sounds hillarious, whats the most embarrasing thing to happen to you on a baseball field?
LV Ware: I dont think I've ever had anything embarrasing happen to me while playing but when I was in Greensboro playing against the Grasshoppers this year they posed my real name on the jumbo tron and man was that a sight to see. Instead of my picture and LV Ware the put up a picture of the Mona Lisa and wrote Leonardo DaVinci Ware. It really threw the at bat off cause the crowd laughed and I seen it and couldn't stop laughing while I was in the box
Matt White: You've gotten to play with most for the Braves top prospects in your career, who has impressed you the most so far?
LV Ware: I have two Julio Tehran and Cory Harrilchak, Tehran is just so above the competition its unreal. Definitely a diamond in the rough, and Harrilchak is as professional as they come...the man plays the game correct and has a bright future ahead of him.
Matt White: If you wern't a baseball player what would do?
LV Ware: I think I would want to become a teacher and teach math, I went to college to study accounting and I love numbers.
Matt White: Thats pretty impressive, do you think you would like to coach also?
LV Ware: I definitely would love to coach, not only baseball. I would want to get my hands in on football as well. It was my second love growing up and in high school.
Matt White: Did you ever think about pursuing football instead of baseball?
LV Ware: As I got older I wish I would have stuck with it, I never went back after my sophmore year of high school because I wanted to just focus on baseball. I think I could have been a good corner or safety. I played quarterback and free safety in high school.
Matt White: Other than a love for math is there anything else about you that fans would be surprised to find out?
LV Ware: Honestly not at all.
Matt White: Okay, random pop culture question, if your stuck on a desert island and for some reason you have a solar powered DVD/CD player what 5 discs would you want to have with you?
LV Ware: Law Abiding Citizen, Jay-Z Blueprint, Martin (the tv show), Little Qayne The Carter, The Hangover.
Matt White: Thanks again for letting me pick your brain, I hope you have a fantastic season. I'm sure all our readers will be twitter followers by morning.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Building the Bullpen...
This week Frank Wren and Kenny Williams got together on another trade this past week, the Braves sending minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield to the White Sox for veteran set-up man Scott Linebrink and 3.5 Million dollars. Both GMs seem to like to move quickly and have been known to do the unexpected, the move should help the middle part of the Braves bullpen and will give a veteran presence in an otherwise young pen. Linebrink is one on the books for one year at around 2 million dollars after the White Sox kicked in 3.5 million of the 5.5mm he is owed.
Next the Braves signed free agent George Sherrill to a one year deal at 1.2 million which could end up being a real steal if the former closer preforms like his pre-2010 self. Sherrill struggled through a rough season with the Dodgers after being very effective as the Orioles closer in 2008 and before he was traded to LA in 2009. Will have the ideal environment to regain his form being the number three lefty in the Braves bullpen behind possible closer Jonny Venters and the steady Eric O'Flaherty both in tow.
As of right now the bullpen looks something like this:
Craig Kimbrell- fire balling right hander will compete for closer role.
Jonny Venters- and his nasty slider will be Kimbrell's main competition to close and should be top flight set-up man.
Peter Moylan- Side armer will likely be the main right handed set up man, primarily pitching against right handed hitters.
Eric O'Flaherty- Left specialist will be a key cog again in a division that includes the lefty-heavy Phillies and increasingly left handed Marlins.
Scott Linebrink-Could also fill righty set up role or that of a right handed specialist. If he responds well to the NL as he has in the past could be in a little more high leverage role.
George Sherrill-Lefty will see a lot of time as a situational pitcher similar to O'Flaherty, could work into a higher leverage role if he regains 2009 form.
All the players listed above are almost certain to open the season in the Bullpen, the guys who follow are on the cusp or could see some time in the event of an injury.
Scott Proctor-Worked mainly out of AAA for the Braves last season in his first year off "Tommy John" surgery with disappointing results. Was given a major league guaranteed contract so the brass must have faith that he will return to form.
Christian Martinez- Was reasonably effective as a long man for the Braves last season after being claimed off waivers. Could serve a similar role in 2011.
Stephen Marek- Had an extremely effective year at AAA. Righty could be among first to get the call in the even of an injury.
Brandon Beachy- Will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with lefty Mike Minor, though because of the all right handed Braves rotation Minor is thought to have the edge. Beachy could be an excellent long man or injury replacement in the rotation.
Corey Gearrin-Side armer could see time if the situation arises, fairly effective in the Arizona Fall League.
Conundrum:
Billy Wagner is still on the Braves 40-man roster. Speculation indicates that this is just a precaution, as he has yet to file retirement paperwork and his vesting option did in fact vest this past season. So should he have a change of heart the Braves would be able to attempt to keep him instead of allowing him to sign anywhere.
Next the Braves signed free agent George Sherrill to a one year deal at 1.2 million which could end up being a real steal if the former closer preforms like his pre-2010 self. Sherrill struggled through a rough season with the Dodgers after being very effective as the Orioles closer in 2008 and before he was traded to LA in 2009. Will have the ideal environment to regain his form being the number three lefty in the Braves bullpen behind possible closer Jonny Venters and the steady Eric O'Flaherty both in tow.
As of right now the bullpen looks something like this:
Craig Kimbrell- fire balling right hander will compete for closer role.
Jonny Venters- and his nasty slider will be Kimbrell's main competition to close and should be top flight set-up man.
Peter Moylan- Side armer will likely be the main right handed set up man, primarily pitching against right handed hitters.
Eric O'Flaherty- Left specialist will be a key cog again in a division that includes the lefty-heavy Phillies and increasingly left handed Marlins.
Scott Linebrink-Could also fill righty set up role or that of a right handed specialist. If he responds well to the NL as he has in the past could be in a little more high leverage role.
George Sherrill-Lefty will see a lot of time as a situational pitcher similar to O'Flaherty, could work into a higher leverage role if he regains 2009 form.
All the players listed above are almost certain to open the season in the Bullpen, the guys who follow are on the cusp or could see some time in the event of an injury.
Scott Proctor-Worked mainly out of AAA for the Braves last season in his first year off "Tommy John" surgery with disappointing results. Was given a major league guaranteed contract so the brass must have faith that he will return to form.
Christian Martinez- Was reasonably effective as a long man for the Braves last season after being claimed off waivers. Could serve a similar role in 2011.
Stephen Marek- Had an extremely effective year at AAA. Righty could be among first to get the call in the even of an injury.
Brandon Beachy- Will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with lefty Mike Minor, though because of the all right handed Braves rotation Minor is thought to have the edge. Beachy could be an excellent long man or injury replacement in the rotation.
Corey Gearrin-Side armer could see time if the situation arises, fairly effective in the Arizona Fall League.
Conundrum:
Billy Wagner is still on the Braves 40-man roster. Speculation indicates that this is just a precaution, as he has yet to file retirement paperwork and his vesting option did in fact vest this past season. So should he have a change of heart the Braves would be able to attempt to keep him instead of allowing him to sign anywhere.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Clubhouse Keeping and Other Notes.
The coaching staff is set, the big move has been made, and the AAA roster has been restocked.
So what now?
It would appear not all that much, but under the surface there is still work to be done. Before we go into all that, lets take a look at what has been done so far.
October 13, 2010 Freddi Gonzalez is named Braves manager to a bit of fanfare that was mostly centered around Bobby Cox's departure. The move wasn't much of a surprise, but still caused a bit of dissent among the factions that thought Joe Torre would be a wiser choice.
October 19, 2010 Melky Cabrera is released, and all of Braves Country lets out a sigh of relief. Hislackadaisical play, puzzling routes in center field , and the fact that he is due an arbitration raise made his departure more than necessary.
Also dropped on this date were Takashi Saito, and J.C. Boscan. Saito pitched very well in Atlanta when healthy, but his contract had a clause requiring him to be released after the season. His age, and injury history made it unlikely that he would be resigned in any case.
Boscan was just released to made space on the 40 man roster and has already been reassigned to Gwinnett.
October 27, 2010 Braves sign Beau Torbert to a minor league contract, he was Baseball America's independent league player of the year. The former Astros farmhand flirted with .400 with the Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants of the American Association.
The Braves have had success from indy signings before, former closer Kerry Ligtenberg might be the most memorable example. He had 30 saves in 1997 after being traded for bats, balls and a small amount of cash.
Outfielder Brent Clevlen who saw limited time in Atlanta in 2010 was resigned, he's got a lot of tools but is nearing thirty may be running out of chances to put them all together.
Outfielder Brent Clevlen who saw limited time in Atlanta in 2010 was resigned, he's got a lot of tools but is nearing thirty may be running out of chances to put them all together.
November 2, 2010 The Braves exercise the options of Alex Gonzalez and Omar Infante, both were a team friendly 2.5 million dollars. They also agreed to a one year $750k contact for reliever Scott Proctor, this move is a bit of a head scratcher, but since he spent all of 2010 in the Braves organization maybe they know something we don't.
Options declined on this date were Kyle Farnsworth and Rick Ankiel, neither lived up to expectations after they were acquired from the Royals for Gregor Blanco, Jesse Chavez and minor league left hander Tim Collins. They both had impact performances in the post season despite their struggles down the stretch.
November 3, 2010 Joe Mather is claimed off of waivers. Mather is a versatile player with some power, and has seen time at all three outfield positions and the infield corners. With a good spring training he could find himself in a role similar to the one Matt Diaz has filled the past three years.
November 13, 2010 Kenshin Kawakami is outrighted to AA Mississippi. This cleared space on the 40 man roster and perhaps provides some motivation for Kawakami to return to Japan, a move he seems reluctant to make. It is not believed that any MLB team has any interest in him, though several NPB teams appear to. The Softbank Hawks, Yomiuri Giants, and Nippon Ham Fighters are names that have been mentioned.
November 16, 2010 Dan Uggla is acquired in exchange for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn. This is the big move that Braves fans have been waiting for, a right handed power threat that will solidify the middle of the lineup. Many fans were disappointed to see Infante go, but if Uggla plays like he is capable this is a fantastic deal.
November 19, 2010 Minor League slugger Cody Johnson is sent to the Yankees for cash. Johnson has big power, but even bigger holes in his swing.
Former Tigers AAA closer Jay Sborz to a minor league deal, he could conceivably see time in the pen in 2011.
November 22, 2010 the Braves sign four minor league free agents. Outfielder Jose Constanza a left handed switch hitter who has been called AAA's fastest player, he doesn't drive the ball much but is a good defender and may draw consideration if Nate McLouth stalls again in 2011.
Ed Lucas an infielder and Dartmouth grad who has shown some good on base skills and some speed in the minors.
Shawn Bowman a big slugging third baseman who has shown a lot of power but has had trouble being productive consistently.
The only one of these players to make the MLB so far is utility man Wilkin Castillo a switch hitter who can play anywhere on the diamond. He has seen time at every position except center field and on the mound. He has yet to hit much in AAA but his versatility makes him interesting.
So what is left for Atlanta?
First Eric Hinske, after providing clubhouse leadership and a versatile bat off the bench the Braves would like to have him back. It's been reported that he's in the process of deciding between the Braves and Brewers who have both offered him deals.
If Hinske doesn't return that might mean the non-tender candidate Matt Diaz might. After an injury plagued year Diaz had trouble returning to form, the Braves resign Hinske or another outfielder there might not be room on the roster for the fan favorite.
The nightmare that is arbitration ill be endured this season by six Braves players, including Diaz, Martin Prado, Dan Uggla, Jiar Jurrjens, Eric O'Flaherty, and Peter Moylan. Diaz and Moylan have been mentioned as non-tender candidates, but Moylan has a very good shot of sticking around.
So the apparent needs for this team remain a veteran relief pitcher and players to can backup at shortstop and center field capably.
J.J. Putz and Kerry Wood have been mentioned as fits for the Braves but both could be too expensive, the market for relief pitchers especially right handed ones is very deep this off season so look for them to make a signing before the spring.
Internal options to back up at shortstop are thin, Martin Prado has played a total of 15 innings at short but really shouldn't be considered an option. Diory Hernandez is probably the only player who is capable of filling this spot right out of spring training, Tyler Pastornicky, Myke Jones, Matt Lipka and Edward Salcedo may all be options in the next few years but are probably not going to be ready in 2011.
There are a few guys who could man center field in a pinch but no big name prospects close, Frank Wren has mentioned former opening day center fielder Jordan Schafer and AAA veteran Matt Young as guys who could fill this role internally. Schafer has had a couple of terrible years since we last saw him in Atlanta but still has all the tools that made him a top prospect at one point.
Young is a speedy player who has good on base skills and can play left and center field and second base, the knock against him is his size. He is generously listed at 5 foot 8 and doesn't have much of an arm, think a slightly slower Scott Podsednik.
Constanza as mentioned above could merit consideration, as could Joe Mather if he proves his range is good enough.
Their has been nothing more than speculation as to who the Braves are pursuing, this is often the case with Frank Wren he doesn't seem to like any information to be heard before he announces it. So lets get ready for surprises Braves fans I have a feeling we have at least one more coming before opening day.
November 13, 2010 Kenshin Kawakami is outrighted to AA Mississippi. This cleared space on the 40 man roster and perhaps provides some motivation for Kawakami to return to Japan, a move he seems reluctant to make. It is not believed that any MLB team has any interest in him, though several NPB teams appear to. The Softbank Hawks, Yomiuri Giants, and Nippon Ham Fighters are names that have been mentioned.
November 16, 2010 Dan Uggla is acquired in exchange for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn. This is the big move that Braves fans have been waiting for, a right handed power threat that will solidify the middle of the lineup. Many fans were disappointed to see Infante go, but if Uggla plays like he is capable this is a fantastic deal.
November 19, 2010 Minor League slugger Cody Johnson is sent to the Yankees for cash. Johnson has big power, but even bigger holes in his swing.
Former Tigers AAA closer Jay Sborz to a minor league deal, he could conceivably see time in the pen in 2011.
November 22, 2010 the Braves sign four minor league free agents. Outfielder Jose Constanza a left handed switch hitter who has been called AAA's fastest player, he doesn't drive the ball much but is a good defender and may draw consideration if Nate McLouth stalls again in 2011.
Ed Lucas an infielder and Dartmouth grad who has shown some good on base skills and some speed in the minors.
Shawn Bowman a big slugging third baseman who has shown a lot of power but has had trouble being productive consistently.
The only one of these players to make the MLB so far is utility man Wilkin Castillo a switch hitter who can play anywhere on the diamond. He has seen time at every position except center field and on the mound. He has yet to hit much in AAA but his versatility makes him interesting.
So what is left for Atlanta?
First Eric Hinske, after providing clubhouse leadership and a versatile bat off the bench the Braves would like to have him back. It's been reported that he's in the process of deciding between the Braves and Brewers who have both offered him deals.
If Hinske doesn't return that might mean the non-tender candidate Matt Diaz might. After an injury plagued year Diaz had trouble returning to form, the Braves resign Hinske or another outfielder there might not be room on the roster for the fan favorite.
The nightmare that is arbitration ill be endured this season by six Braves players, including Diaz, Martin Prado, Dan Uggla, Jiar Jurrjens, Eric O'Flaherty, and Peter Moylan. Diaz and Moylan have been mentioned as non-tender candidates, but Moylan has a very good shot of sticking around.
So the apparent needs for this team remain a veteran relief pitcher and players to can backup at shortstop and center field capably.
J.J. Putz and Kerry Wood have been mentioned as fits for the Braves but both could be too expensive, the market for relief pitchers especially right handed ones is very deep this off season so look for them to make a signing before the spring.
Internal options to back up at shortstop are thin, Martin Prado has played a total of 15 innings at short but really shouldn't be considered an option. Diory Hernandez is probably the only player who is capable of filling this spot right out of spring training, Tyler Pastornicky, Myke Jones, Matt Lipka and Edward Salcedo may all be options in the next few years but are probably not going to be ready in 2011.
There are a few guys who could man center field in a pinch but no big name prospects close, Frank Wren has mentioned former opening day center fielder Jordan Schafer and AAA veteran Matt Young as guys who could fill this role internally. Schafer has had a couple of terrible years since we last saw him in Atlanta but still has all the tools that made him a top prospect at one point.
Young is a speedy player who has good on base skills and can play left and center field and second base, the knock against him is his size. He is generously listed at 5 foot 8 and doesn't have much of an arm, think a slightly slower Scott Podsednik.
Constanza as mentioned above could merit consideration, as could Joe Mather if he proves his range is good enough.
Their has been nothing more than speculation as to who the Braves are pursuing, this is often the case with Frank Wren he doesn't seem to like any information to be heard before he announces it. So lets get ready for surprises Braves fans I have a feeling we have at least one more coming before opening day.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Welcome to Atlanta Dan Uggla...
Just after four pm today the Braves announced they had acquired slugging second baseman Dan Uggla from the Florida Marlins in exchange for fan favorite Omar Infante, and lefty Mike Dunn. Frank Wren did exactly what I said he wasn't going to do about three hours after I said it, and for that I eat my words.
Uggla is probably the best offensive second baseman in the game right now he posted a .283/33/105 line on the season. He provides the big time power threat from the right side that the Braves have been missing the past couple of seasons. He is sort of an all or nothing swinger, though he has improved in recent years, which makes him an oddity in the Braves organization but probably a welcome one.
His acquisition according to Frank Wren will move Martin Prado to left field, his normal winter baseball position. Prado will likely play third base until Chipper Jones is fully recovered from his ACL operation.
Uggla isn't quite the defender that Prado is but isn't abysmal and will provide some of the offense that the Braves have been missing the past few years.
Infate's departure will facilitate the need for a backup infielder who can play shortstop, and his attitude on and off the field will be missed.
All in all solid move Mr.Wren, you proved me wrong. Welcome to Atlanta Dan Uggla, let's go win some games.
Uggla is probably the best offensive second baseman in the game right now he posted a .283/33/105 line on the season. He provides the big time power threat from the right side that the Braves have been missing the past couple of seasons. He is sort of an all or nothing swinger, though he has improved in recent years, which makes him an oddity in the Braves organization but probably a welcome one.
His acquisition according to Frank Wren will move Martin Prado to left field, his normal winter baseball position. Prado will likely play third base until Chipper Jones is fully recovered from his ACL operation.
Uggla isn't quite the defender that Prado is but isn't abysmal and will provide some of the offense that the Braves have been missing the past few years.
Infate's departure will facilitate the need for a backup infielder who can play shortstop, and his attitude on and off the field will be missed.
All in all solid move Mr.Wren, you proved me wrong. Welcome to Atlanta Dan Uggla, let's go win some games.
GM Meetings, Early Christmas Presents...
A few weeks ago I outlined the potential free agent/ trade candidate fits for the Braves, since then there have been a few rumors circulating that have heightened the intrigue of the winter GM meeting this week.
New names to add to the potential trade candidate pool are; Ryan Braun, Justin Upton, B.J. Upton, Carlos Quentin, Delmon Young, and the all of the Oakland A's outfielders. Also available is Dan Uggla, it is believed that the Braves would move him to left field in the unlikely circumstance that they trade for him.
New the free agent pool is Scott Podsednik, the Dodgers picked up their half of his mutual option, but he declined. Indicating that he will probably be looking to make more than the 2Million that he would have made had he picked it up.
I'd also like to add Magglio Ordonez to the pool of available free agent outfielders, I didn't list him earlier because I was unsure if the broken ankle he suffered would allow him to start spring training normally. It appears that he is doing well and is going to be ready to play in the spring. He looks to be in line for a 1-2 year deal worth 6-10 million per season.
Breaking down the trade candidates;
Ryan Braun- He is exactly the player the Braves wold love to have, a young player(27 next season) coming into his prime. In four seasons he's never hit less than 25 home runs, and only hit under .300 once, he also brings some speed to the table stealing at least 14 bases in every big league season. He also has a fairly team friendly contract that runs through 2015, which means that by the time that his money starts to get fairly substantial the Braves will have Chipper Jones and Derek Lowe off the books. The bad part about Braun is the fact that he's coming off a relative down year hitting a career low 25 home runs with an OPS of .866, he also rates slightly below average in LF with a -9.3 UZR and he will likely cost a hefty price to move.
The Brewers are desperate for pitching which means they will likely be asking for an MLB ready arm and either a top pitching prospect and a bullpen arm or two top prospects. A scenario that has been speculated is Jiar Jurrgens, Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino for Braun. The Brewers would have more incentive to trade Corey Hart while his stock is up, but don't seem inclined to do so.
Justin Upton- We have been hearing about Upton for years which makes it hard to believe that the Diamondback talented right fielder will only be 23 during the 2011 season. He brings power and speed to the table, and though he is still developing as a player his ceiling is incredibly high. Last year he digressed some after his 2009 all star campaign(.300/26/86) but is still considered to be the D-Backs main building block should they choose to keep him posting a .273/16/66 line last season.
His contract like Braun's runs through 2015, it's a little less team friendly reaching 14.5 million in it's final season to Braun's 12million. He has a higher ceiling so the asking price could be even higher, to net Upton Frank Wren would likely need to trade top pitching prospect Julio Tehran. That makes this deal even less likely to happen. In Atlanta he would have to move to left or center field with Jason Heyward entrenched in right, Upton has said in the past the he can play CF and his 7.6 UZR in RF indicate he may be correct.
B.J. Upton-The older Upton Brother is only 25 and has been a full time big league player since 2007 when he found a permanent home in CF after bouncing around the infield at 2B and 3B for a few seasons. His hitting statistics are enigmatic, he clearly has potential to post a .275/25/80 line with 40+ stolen bases, but has yet to put all that potential together. His batting average has dropped steadily every season, though his power last season was better than every year other than 2007.
He's an above average defensive center fielder so that would allow Nate McLouth to play left field, but the Braves don't seem inclined to add another streaky bat to their outfield mix. The asking price is reportedly an all time low, but I wouldn't give this deal a great shot at happening. Though the fact that he's going year to year instead of a long term deal may make him appealing.
Carlos Quentin- He's got more power than any player the Braves have had since Mark Texeria, and is capable of putting up a fantastic offensive year at any time. He's coming off a so-so .243/26/87 campaign, but has been hampered by injuries some in the past few years. He offers nothing defensively, though his numbers in LF (-14 UZR) are less dismal than those he posted in RF (-22) he has an average arm but nearly all of his value is with the bat.
He's gong through arbitration year to year so if he's monstrously unproductive he could always be non-tendered. It's always hard to predict White Sox GM Ken Williams but Wren has worked with him before and both like to move quickly so if a deal happens we probably wont hear about it until it's nearly complete.
Delmon Young- I listed Michael Cuddyer as a trade candidate earlier, but some sources think the Twins are more likely to deal Young. His numbers this year may be slightly above what he's capable(.298/21/112), or he may just be coming into his own as a hitter at age 25. The Twins need bullpen help as most of their 'pen are now free agents, so a Brandon Beachy/Mike Dunn swap for Young may be an optimistic starting point.
Defensively he's rates as just below average in left field(-9.4 UZR) with about an average arm. He also going though year to year arbitration so he won't break the bank unless he puts up monster numbers.
A's Outfielders- I mentioned Coco Crisp in an earlier post, though now that his option has been picked up it seems that Crisp and David DeJesus are the least likely to be moved from the A's. GM Billy Beane has been extremely busy this off season already and probably will be until opening day. With Crips and DeJesus off the table that leaves Rajai Davis, Ryan Sweeny, and Conor Jackson as the potential odd men out in Oakland.
Davis is an all speed guy, he's a decent average hitter(.284 last season) but his OPB is a sometimes a little low at .320 last season. He's a good defensive outfielder at the corners, though slightly below average in center field. He has tons of speed and a terrible arm. The asking price would have to be fairly low for Atlanta to have interest he'll be less expensive than some other options, but his age 30 next season will likely make him less appealing.
Sweeny is also a good corner outfielder who can play center, but not any better than Nate McLouth. He has a decent arm and good on base skills but almost no power and not a lot of speed. Think Ryan Langerhans with better OBP. Not many teams would view him as an everyday starter and the Braves are among thsoe who would not.
Jackson, will probably be non-tendered coming off an off year even by his modest standards. I like his skills, but with Joe Mather in the fold, with a near identical skill set, don't expect the Braves to be a player for Jackson.
To mention Uggla briefly, he's will be too costly to trade for because the Braves are a division rival. He will be playing outside of Florida in 2011 but don't expect it to be in Atlanta.
To mention Uggla briefly, he's will be too costly to trade for because the Braves are a division rival. He will be playing outside of Florida in 2011 but don't expect it to be in Atlanta.
Speaking again of the free agents, I don't think the Braves will make a play for Scott Podsednik. They could have had him any of the last few seasons and have passed, a declining speed player who is only an above average fielder in right field and has no arm isn't a huge interest to them. Though his speed could make him an interesting platoon option if things are forced to go that way.
Ordonez has had a lot of injuries recently, but could still be very useful if he could be had on a one year deal. His declining range could be hidden a little better in Turner Fields left field as opposed to Comerica's spacious right. Even at this stage he may price himself out of the Brave price range.
To throw in a wild card Softbank Hawks outfielder Hitoshi Tamura is expected to declare international free agency today. He's an older guy at 34 but has displayed power when healthy with 24 home runs this season, and as many as 40 in a season in the NPB . He's had injury issues, but could be very good in a platoon or semi full time role. It's negotiable if he's that much better than Matt Diaz and if his body could hold up for a full season, but at the 1-3 million one year deal he will likely get he could be a decent piece. Frank Wren might be wary of Japanese players after the Kawakmi deal, though Saito worked out good.
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