Eric O'Flaherty had a fantastic season in 2011.
He had an ERA of .98 in 73.2 innings pitched.
His struck out an average of 8.2 batters per 9 innings while only walking an average of 2.6.
Eric was the ideal 7th inning force and lefty specialist against the best hitters in the National League.
And he should be traded immediately.
As good as Eric was in 2011 it would be irresponsible to assume that he will maintain that level of success. He's a very good pitcher, don't get me wrong but he will not have an ERA under 1 in 2012 if he pitches more than a handful of innings. He will probably be better than his career averages so far, not that it's that impressive; 3.14 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 6.9 K/9 in 57 innings pitched shouldn't be too hard for him to exceed.
But here's the problem, and it's a big one; The Braves are paying him nearly 2.5 million dollars next season, and he's the third man in the pen. On a team with a 120 million dollar payroll that's fine, on the Braves it's a fantastic luxury but one that could draw funds away from areas of greater need. In a recent interview Braves CEO Terry McGuirk told a reporter that the Braves had around 4 million to spend, add in O'Flaherty's 2.5 million and the Braves could have had the money to trade for a more talented outfielder or a beneficial free agent signing.
Granted the only valuable players that could have possibly be imaged a fit for the Braves that signed for under 6.5 million are in the class of Cody Ross, Luke Scott and Ryan Doumit but Frank Wren could have possibly turned that money into a more valuable player than even the best seventh inning man. It's possible that some contending team in need of a setup man might have valued Eric even more than the Braves and he could of possibly be moved for a valuable prospect. If the Red Sox traded Jed Lowrie for Mark Melancon, and one year ago Frank Francisco was traded for Mike Napoli, maybe the Braves could have gotten a legit piece for the talented lefty.
It's not that it's a bad thing to have a pitcher of that caliber on your team, it's just that in the Braves monetary situation could they do any better with that money.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
2012 Braves and your Fantasy Draft
With fantasy baseball draft season coming up right around the corner your probably bouncing ideas around in your head like, "should I draft a pitcher in the first round?" or " should I draft Manny Ramirez if he has a real chance at a starting spot?"
The answer to both of those questions is a resounding NO and if you do you will regret it.
Another thing you might be thinking is how can you get players from your favorite team on your fictional team. Let's face it, its always fun to be rooting double for a guy as it were. And when your ace is going against your favorite team you don't have to hope he pitches good, but not good enough to win. Now it's never advisable to draft a player just because you like him or the team he plays for, that will spell doom for your fake team and you will lose out on better players to get familiar faces.
It is possible to get some players from the team you root for though, you just have to know how they fit;
this is how the 2012 Braves can fit into your fantasy strategy.
To start off we have Brain McCann, as a top 5 offensive catcher for the past 5 years he is a prime target for fantasy owners. This is no mistake and your not going to embarrass yourself too badly even if your reach a bit for him. He's a safe pick in the second to fourth round in any league and in deep and NL only leagues you might even see him in the back half of round one. He helps you in OPB, SLG, HR, RBI and can be very good in AVG if he stays healthy and coming out of the catchers spot where the likes of Ramon Hernandez and Kurt Suzuki are often starters he's an elite commodity.
The man, the legend Chipper Jones. What can you say? For years he was a surefire first round pick, and even in his mid thirties he has remained a solid starting third baseman for fantasy owners. He's older and a little more injury prone than even now but even still he can help your team. In most leagues he's probably a backup or platoon player now if your roster is big enough to accommodate. The reality is NL only leagues are where he has the most value and is still a starter, or if your league has at least 14 teams. Draft him by all means if he's available late, he still does very well in OBP, AVG and HR's are good for third still, but in most leagues someone is going to reach and take him in the sixth round when he shouldn't be taken above the tenth in the majority of leagues at this point.
Freddie Freeman is a conundrum, he's a good young hitter coming off a good rookie year, but in most leagues he just not a starting first baseman. He's good enough to make your team though, if you have a spare INF spot or a UT that you can put an extra hitter at he's a great guy to plug in. Beware though he is still a young player and prone to a step back before he takes another step forward, and he will never have Price Fielder power. I'd take him in the 9-12 round of your average 22 or so man roster in a 12 team league, in some leagues you might get someone reaching because of the surplus of good hitting first basemen you might steal him in a late round when he gets overlooked in favor of a true slugger like Mark Reynolds.
A guy that should be fun to watch is Jason Heyward. More talent than any other player on the team, but has yet to put it all together. His rookie campaign was tremendous, last year not so much. I expect a rebound, but the key is reach a little, but not too much. He has the potential of a top 30 player, but right now is only in the top 100 optimistically. A round 8 flyer on him isn't a wasted pick but the smart fantasy player is going to make him your third outfielder or a fourth outfielder unless your in a deeper league. By all means start him everyday if he gets hot, but don't build your strategy around Heyward putting up all star numbers.
Dan Uggla is another of the Safer bets in the Braves lineup, if you draft him you need a Joe Mauer or Jose Reyes to offset his average, but it also mean you can draft a lighter hitting corner infielder or outfielder. Because he hit bombs. It's what he does, it's what he's known for and it's what you will draft him for. Rounds 5-8 are the perfect place to take Uggla and as long as his first half isn't as dismal he wont be too disappointing.
Another conundrum is Tyler Pastornicky, the Braves probable shortstop in 2012. He should hit enough to stay in the lineup and coming from the shortstop position that is a sort of rare thing. He's not a great flashy player, but let's be honest if he puts up a .265/.320/.400 line he's a starter in most fantasy leagues. Tyler has very little power, but can run a little and 20 stolen bases is not a stretch for him. He's the perfect candidate for the round 14 "oh crap, I don't have a shortstop!" moment and on the offensive side of the ball is very comparable to a Cliff Pennington or on the optimistic side Erik Aybar.
Martin Prado used to be highly sought after because of his versatility, in 2010 he qualified at third , second and first bases while providing above average offence at second and third base. He probably just qualifies at third and in the outfield this year, and still has value though he isn't the ideal utility option he once was. A good bounce back candidate if he stays healthy and isn't forced to change his game "for the good of the team". Regardless of where he ends up playing his production is still pretty good for third base and he could be a very good option for your deeper league teams or as a backup on any team.
The starting pitchers are all pretty good but offer different things. Husdson is pretty consistent with wins, ERA, and WHIP and wont kill you in any category. Hanson and Beachy have some injury questions but ill really help you in the strikeout department. Jurrjens is a regression candidate but has been able to keep a respectable ERA over the course of his career and is always good for a few wins at the back of your fantasy rotation. Not to be overlooked are Mike Minor and Julio Tehran keep an eye on who wins the number five job in this spring and see if you can draft either one late, the smart money is on Minor but it's anyone's game and they both put up respectable number across the board with more strikeouts than you average number five.
All of these guys are pretty good bets from round six to the end of the draft in a standard twelve team mixed league. In terms of fantasy value they probably should be listed Hanson, Hudson, Breachy, Theran/Minor and Jurrjens last. JJ will be drafted long before then because of his gaudy ERA last year, but his strikeouts and injuries make him less valuable to you than he is to the Braves.
The bullpen has four guys you might could use more if inures occur, Kimbrell will go early because of his insane strikeout numbers. He and Carlos Marmol are in a class of their own when it come to K's from the pen with Kenly Jansen bucking to join them he should be among the first closers drafted, and rightly so they usually start going around round five. Draft him then but don't reach too much because you could get a Kenly Jansen or Jason Motte type near the end of your draft for similar production in most categories.
Johnny Venters is another guy that is good to have, but less so if you don't count holds in your league. He still puts up fantastic production in WHIP, K's and ERA but unless your counting holds or he starts getting saves don't be the idiot that drafts a setup man in the 9th round.
Eric O'Flaherty and Kris Medlin also have value in deeper leagues, O'Flaherty may even get more selections than a seventh inning guy should because of how gaudy his numbers were last season. Of the new I really prefer Medlin, he can go multiple innings, strikes out a lot of batters and isn't restricted by handedness. Medlin is also a candidate to spot start which can add value if he does well in even a few starts.
Arodis Vizcaino could also benift your team in deeper and NL only leagues because he could be a guy to strikeout batters on a similar scale to Kimbrell. I'd leave him off my draft board if you draft before spring training though as he may be relegated to Gwinett for at least part of next season. Randell Delgado is in a similar boat but probably wont see a ton of starts unless someone goes down with an injury.
That about does it for the Braves and your fantasy draft and it's pretty good news as all of their starting players have some value and they don't have a very weak spot anywhere in the pitching staff. If you have a different strategy please feel free to leave it in the comments.
The answer to both of those questions is a resounding NO and if you do you will regret it.
Another thing you might be thinking is how can you get players from your favorite team on your fictional team. Let's face it, its always fun to be rooting double for a guy as it were. And when your ace is going against your favorite team you don't have to hope he pitches good, but not good enough to win. Now it's never advisable to draft a player just because you like him or the team he plays for, that will spell doom for your fake team and you will lose out on better players to get familiar faces.
It is possible to get some players from the team you root for though, you just have to know how they fit;
this is how the 2012 Braves can fit into your fantasy strategy.
To start off we have Brain McCann, as a top 5 offensive catcher for the past 5 years he is a prime target for fantasy owners. This is no mistake and your not going to embarrass yourself too badly even if your reach a bit for him. He's a safe pick in the second to fourth round in any league and in deep and NL only leagues you might even see him in the back half of round one. He helps you in OPB, SLG, HR, RBI and can be very good in AVG if he stays healthy and coming out of the catchers spot where the likes of Ramon Hernandez and Kurt Suzuki are often starters he's an elite commodity.
The man, the legend Chipper Jones. What can you say? For years he was a surefire first round pick, and even in his mid thirties he has remained a solid starting third baseman for fantasy owners. He's older and a little more injury prone than even now but even still he can help your team. In most leagues he's probably a backup or platoon player now if your roster is big enough to accommodate. The reality is NL only leagues are where he has the most value and is still a starter, or if your league has at least 14 teams. Draft him by all means if he's available late, he still does very well in OBP, AVG and HR's are good for third still, but in most leagues someone is going to reach and take him in the sixth round when he shouldn't be taken above the tenth in the majority of leagues at this point.
Freddie Freeman is a conundrum, he's a good young hitter coming off a good rookie year, but in most leagues he just not a starting first baseman. He's good enough to make your team though, if you have a spare INF spot or a UT that you can put an extra hitter at he's a great guy to plug in. Beware though he is still a young player and prone to a step back before he takes another step forward, and he will never have Price Fielder power. I'd take him in the 9-12 round of your average 22 or so man roster in a 12 team league, in some leagues you might get someone reaching because of the surplus of good hitting first basemen you might steal him in a late round when he gets overlooked in favor of a true slugger like Mark Reynolds.
A guy that should be fun to watch is Jason Heyward. More talent than any other player on the team, but has yet to put it all together. His rookie campaign was tremendous, last year not so much. I expect a rebound, but the key is reach a little, but not too much. He has the potential of a top 30 player, but right now is only in the top 100 optimistically. A round 8 flyer on him isn't a wasted pick but the smart fantasy player is going to make him your third outfielder or a fourth outfielder unless your in a deeper league. By all means start him everyday if he gets hot, but don't build your strategy around Heyward putting up all star numbers.
Dan Uggla is another of the Safer bets in the Braves lineup, if you draft him you need a Joe Mauer or Jose Reyes to offset his average, but it also mean you can draft a lighter hitting corner infielder or outfielder. Because he hit bombs. It's what he does, it's what he's known for and it's what you will draft him for. Rounds 5-8 are the perfect place to take Uggla and as long as his first half isn't as dismal he wont be too disappointing.
Another conundrum is Tyler Pastornicky, the Braves probable shortstop in 2012. He should hit enough to stay in the lineup and coming from the shortstop position that is a sort of rare thing. He's not a great flashy player, but let's be honest if he puts up a .265/.320/.400 line he's a starter in most fantasy leagues. Tyler has very little power, but can run a little and 20 stolen bases is not a stretch for him. He's the perfect candidate for the round 14 "oh crap, I don't have a shortstop!" moment and on the offensive side of the ball is very comparable to a Cliff Pennington or on the optimistic side Erik Aybar.
Martin Prado used to be highly sought after because of his versatility, in 2010 he qualified at third , second and first bases while providing above average offence at second and third base. He probably just qualifies at third and in the outfield this year, and still has value though he isn't the ideal utility option he once was. A good bounce back candidate if he stays healthy and isn't forced to change his game "for the good of the team". Regardless of where he ends up playing his production is still pretty good for third base and he could be a very good option for your deeper league teams or as a backup on any team.
The starting pitchers are all pretty good but offer different things. Husdson is pretty consistent with wins, ERA, and WHIP and wont kill you in any category. Hanson and Beachy have some injury questions but ill really help you in the strikeout department. Jurrjens is a regression candidate but has been able to keep a respectable ERA over the course of his career and is always good for a few wins at the back of your fantasy rotation. Not to be overlooked are Mike Minor and Julio Tehran keep an eye on who wins the number five job in this spring and see if you can draft either one late, the smart money is on Minor but it's anyone's game and they both put up respectable number across the board with more strikeouts than you average number five.
All of these guys are pretty good bets from round six to the end of the draft in a standard twelve team mixed league. In terms of fantasy value they probably should be listed Hanson, Hudson, Breachy, Theran/Minor and Jurrjens last. JJ will be drafted long before then because of his gaudy ERA last year, but his strikeouts and injuries make him less valuable to you than he is to the Braves.
The bullpen has four guys you might could use more if inures occur, Kimbrell will go early because of his insane strikeout numbers. He and Carlos Marmol are in a class of their own when it come to K's from the pen with Kenly Jansen bucking to join them he should be among the first closers drafted, and rightly so they usually start going around round five. Draft him then but don't reach too much because you could get a Kenly Jansen or Jason Motte type near the end of your draft for similar production in most categories.
Johnny Venters is another guy that is good to have, but less so if you don't count holds in your league. He still puts up fantastic production in WHIP, K's and ERA but unless your counting holds or he starts getting saves don't be the idiot that drafts a setup man in the 9th round.
Eric O'Flaherty and Kris Medlin also have value in deeper leagues, O'Flaherty may even get more selections than a seventh inning guy should because of how gaudy his numbers were last season. Of the new I really prefer Medlin, he can go multiple innings, strikes out a lot of batters and isn't restricted by handedness. Medlin is also a candidate to spot start which can add value if he does well in even a few starts.
Arodis Vizcaino could also benift your team in deeper and NL only leagues because he could be a guy to strikeout batters on a similar scale to Kimbrell. I'd leave him off my draft board if you draft before spring training though as he may be relegated to Gwinett for at least part of next season. Randell Delgado is in a similar boat but probably wont see a ton of starts unless someone goes down with an injury.
That about does it for the Braves and your fantasy draft and it's pretty good news as all of their starting players have some value and they don't have a very weak spot anywhere in the pitching staff. If you have a different strategy please feel free to leave it in the comments.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Digging a little in the Braves prospect mine.
There is that guy every year, the unheralded prospect who comes up big in a tight spot for the big club. For the Braves in recent years guys like Johnny Venters, Kris Medlin and Brandon Beachy have come out of nowhere to contribute in a big way. A couple months before their call up you might not even have heard there names. The Braves minor league teams are full of potential MLB quality players; you know about Tehran, Delgado, Pastornicky, and Bethancourt. Most of you know about Terdoslavich, Salcedo, and Hoover. So who are the coming out of nowhere candidates for 2012?
Lets take a look.
First up is Navery Moore, he's a 6"2 215 lb. 21 year old out of Vanderbilt. He was selected in the 14th round of the 2011 draft, by all accounts low for a player of his quality and the thing you need to know about him is this; he throws hard. Topping out in the mid 90's with good command and a breaking pitch with plus potential. He was the Commodores closer this past season and will join former teammate Mark Lamm in the Braves minor League system in 2012. He hasn't played a pro game yet and will likely debut at Rome or Danville, and projecting him to debut in the MLB before 2014 is downright optimistic. That's part of the reason he make this list, he has some real potential and has begun to tap into it and though he only has the longest shot to contribute in 2012 he is a near lock to be a contributing member of the Braves pen at some point.
Speaking of Lamm, Moore's setup man at Vandy, he also has a shot to contribute at some point. He pitched 27.2 pro innings last season, primarily at Lynchburg and threw well striking out 23 and walking 12 while posting a 2.98 ERA. He's a big guy at 6"4 215 lb. and throws in the low to mid 90's, but his command and polish could help him move quickly. The fact that he immediately became a key member of the Hillcats pen after being drafted speaks well of his ability to adjust to a challenge.
Ernesto Mejia is a guy that isn't pegged to do much to affect his MLB candidacy, and rightfully so he's 26 and has been on a minor league roster since 2005 without ever being in danger of running into the fast lane to the MLB. He's a monster of a man at 6"5 245 and the dude can rake, at AA Mississippi in 2011 he posted a .906 OPS and hit 26 dingers. He reminds me a little bit of former Braves farmhand Kala Ka'aihue, in that he's a big guy with power and a little patience who might have some value if he were mobile enough to play anywhere but 1B. He was tried in the OF in Rookie league, but the Braves quickly thought better of it. He might get a shot as a DH during inter-league play or as an emergency call up if Hinske or Freeman(or both) are down due to injury.
One more guy that could make a surprise impact is Mycal Jones, Jones is a little different in that he has been on the mouths of Braves fans for three or four years now, but in the right circumstances 2012 could be his big chance. Either was it will be a make or break year for the versatile Jones, he has some pop, speed, patience at the plate and is an above average defender in CF and 2B. Originally a shortstop Jones was moved to second and later center field because he had some issues with mental errors and with the addition of Tyler Pastornicky and Matt Lipka(now also a CF) he was no longer as high on the SS depth cart has he had been. He has a chance to come up big due to his versatility and combination of speed and patience if he can put the total package together a little more in 2012.
Those are just a few of the long shot guys that could contribute to the big club at some point, and even if they don't in 2012 I feel sure that you will continue to hear about them in the future.
Lets take a look.
First up is Navery Moore, he's a 6"2 215 lb. 21 year old out of Vanderbilt. He was selected in the 14th round of the 2011 draft, by all accounts low for a player of his quality and the thing you need to know about him is this; he throws hard. Topping out in the mid 90's with good command and a breaking pitch with plus potential. He was the Commodores closer this past season and will join former teammate Mark Lamm in the Braves minor League system in 2012. He hasn't played a pro game yet and will likely debut at Rome or Danville, and projecting him to debut in the MLB before 2014 is downright optimistic. That's part of the reason he make this list, he has some real potential and has begun to tap into it and though he only has the longest shot to contribute in 2012 he is a near lock to be a contributing member of the Braves pen at some point.
Speaking of Lamm, Moore's setup man at Vandy, he also has a shot to contribute at some point. He pitched 27.2 pro innings last season, primarily at Lynchburg and threw well striking out 23 and walking 12 while posting a 2.98 ERA. He's a big guy at 6"4 215 lb. and throws in the low to mid 90's, but his command and polish could help him move quickly. The fact that he immediately became a key member of the Hillcats pen after being drafted speaks well of his ability to adjust to a challenge.
Ernesto Mejia is a guy that isn't pegged to do much to affect his MLB candidacy, and rightfully so he's 26 and has been on a minor league roster since 2005 without ever being in danger of running into the fast lane to the MLB. He's a monster of a man at 6"5 245 and the dude can rake, at AA Mississippi in 2011 he posted a .906 OPS and hit 26 dingers. He reminds me a little bit of former Braves farmhand Kala Ka'aihue, in that he's a big guy with power and a little patience who might have some value if he were mobile enough to play anywhere but 1B. He was tried in the OF in Rookie league, but the Braves quickly thought better of it. He might get a shot as a DH during inter-league play or as an emergency call up if Hinske or Freeman(or both) are down due to injury.
One more guy that could make a surprise impact is Mycal Jones, Jones is a little different in that he has been on the mouths of Braves fans for three or four years now, but in the right circumstances 2012 could be his big chance. Either was it will be a make or break year for the versatile Jones, he has some pop, speed, patience at the plate and is an above average defender in CF and 2B. Originally a shortstop Jones was moved to second and later center field because he had some issues with mental errors and with the addition of Tyler Pastornicky and Matt Lipka(now also a CF) he was no longer as high on the SS depth cart has he had been. He has a chance to come up big due to his versatility and combination of speed and patience if he can put the total package together a little more in 2012.
Those are just a few of the long shot guys that could contribute to the big club at some point, and even if they don't in 2012 I feel sure that you will continue to hear about them in the future.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Carlos Quentin and Your Atlanta Braves
Yesterday Carlos Quentin was traded to the San Diego Padres for two promising, if uninspiring pitching prospects. His name has been one associated with the Braves trade rumor scene. For good reason also; the Braves and White Sox have hooked up on numerous trades and there seemed to be a decent fit. Maybe Jair Jurrjens for Quentin and cash or a decent minor leaguer? If the Sox were close to contending I can see it, but two years of pitcher who is rapidly becoming expensive and unlikely to sign a long term deal. But in their current rebuilding mode it's not likely.
Honestly it probably wouldn't have taken Jurrjens to get him. Based on the return J.J. Hoover and Carlos Perez could have been all that it took. The trade cost isn't the problem really, no it's that beside the fact that Quentin is a seemingly ideal right handed power threat there isn't a way to justify him on the 2012 Braves. They already have below average defenders at third base as Chipper ages, second base with Uggla, and depending on how you rate defenders rookie Tyler Pastornicky and Brian McCann also. But watching Quentin play the outfield harks of a late career Garett Anderson, or a three legged turtle. UZR consistently rates him near the bottom of the league usually in the -20 range. On top of that he is due an estated 7.5 million in his final year of arbitration. Add to that the fact that the idea of him playing 150 games in a season is positively laughable as injuries have sidelined him in every season since his 2008 breakout campaign.
Add all of that together and you have a player the Braves just don't need. Not that they could afford his salary anyway, the would probably have to trade Jurrjens or Martin Prado just to free up the money to pay his arbitration salary. I think two of the Braves second or third tier pitching prospects can help acquire a little more than one rather expensive year of Carlos Quentin. I wish him the best of luck with the Friars and even more luck for their fans as they watch him allow hundreds of extra base hits in the spacious Petco outfield.
Sorry about the lack of stats and possible errors in typography as I authored this post from my iPod.
Honestly it probably wouldn't have taken Jurrjens to get him. Based on the return J.J. Hoover and Carlos Perez could have been all that it took. The trade cost isn't the problem really, no it's that beside the fact that Quentin is a seemingly ideal right handed power threat there isn't a way to justify him on the 2012 Braves. They already have below average defenders at third base as Chipper ages, second base with Uggla, and depending on how you rate defenders rookie Tyler Pastornicky and Brian McCann also. But watching Quentin play the outfield harks of a late career Garett Anderson, or a three legged turtle. UZR consistently rates him near the bottom of the league usually in the -20 range. On top of that he is due an estated 7.5 million in his final year of arbitration. Add to that the fact that the idea of him playing 150 games in a season is positively laughable as injuries have sidelined him in every season since his 2008 breakout campaign.
Add all of that together and you have a player the Braves just don't need. Not that they could afford his salary anyway, the would probably have to trade Jurrjens or Martin Prado just to free up the money to pay his arbitration salary. I think two of the Braves second or third tier pitching prospects can help acquire a little more than one rather expensive year of Carlos Quentin. I wish him the best of luck with the Friars and even more luck for their fans as they watch him allow hundreds of extra base hits in the spacious Petco outfield.
Sorry about the lack of stats and possible errors in typography as I authored this post from my iPod.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Braves Acquire Hanley Ramirez
Before you go jumping up and down in joy or disdain, or start cursing at your computer screen read this disclaimer:This has not happened and is not likely to happen any time soon.
For those of you unfamiliar with Ramirez, he may be the most physically gifted player to every play in south Florida. He has been the Marlins shortstop since 2006 and is a three time all-star and former Rookie of the Year. He hits for power, average, and can steal bases(.306/.380/.506 career line with 216 stolen bases). His main problem is, he's a little below average defensively for a shortstop, and when the newly dubbed Miami Marlins signed his World Baseball Classic teammate Jose Reyes to a six year 106 million dollar deal he was no longer the best shortstop on his own team. This was until this past season his team, until his lackluster and off-injured 2011 campaign he had led the Fish in every major offensive category(including attitude) for the past four years.
This didn't sit well with Hanley, though he professed to be okay with a Reyes signing he wasn't okay with moving off of shortstop. Maybe he thought that new manager Ozzie Guillen would put Reyes at second base if they signed him, though that would be a terrible idea for all involved for several reasons. Maybe Guillen and GM Jeffery Loria expected their star player to be mature and move over to third or even center field to make room for his countryman. If they did it's hard to see why, he has a history of attitude problems and when he was benched in the 2009 baseball classic so that Reyes could start it didn't sit well at all with him. It was even more raw for Hanley as he played poorly when he did get an opportunity(although Reyes played at least as badly) and the Dominicans were beaten twice by a vastly inferior Netherlands team.
He also has problems with coaches and teammates most notably current Braves skipper Freddi Gonzalez and second baseman Dan Uggla. Gonzalez was shown the door shortly after benching the Marlins star for lackadaisical play, and he clashed with Uggla constantly when they were teammates. It is widely speculated that the Marlins failed to extend Uggla because he refused to have a contract of lesser value to Ramirez's.
After reading all this you may be thinking,"okay, I understand why he might be available, but why would you think he would ever be a Brave?"
This is why; he has been starting shortstop for the Marlins. Therefore he is fated to play for the Braves at some point in his career.
I won't deny it, this is a ridiculous statement and I should be laughed off the web for suggesting it. Until you see the facts.
The Florida Marlins played their first season in 1993 as an expansion team along with the Colorado Rockies, in that time they have had five primary starting shortstops.
In their introductory season it was premier glove man Walt Weiss, a product of the Oakland A's system and 1988 Rookie of the Year. Walt came to the Fish in a trade for a couple of players you've never heard of and had a fairly good season by his standards(.266/.367/.308) and was let walk as a free agent at the end of the season.
Walt would sign with the Braves to take over at short for the newly departed Jeff Blauser before the 1998 season, and had three quite good yet injury plagued season with the Bravos. Included in his time was his lone all-star appearance in 1998. He finished his career in Atlanta and is generally fondly remembered here, mostly as the guy who played short before Raphael Furcal.
Next on the list is Kurt Abbot, the primary shortstop for the Marlins between 1994 and 1996 and a few games there in 1997. He had his moments, but was largely unspectacular and was traded to the A's as soon as the Fish had another warm body to throw into the middle of their infield.
Braves fans everywhere are scratching their head right now,"Kurt Abbot? We never had him did we?"
Yeah we did, but if you blinked at all in the summer of 2001 you probably missed his entire Braves career. He played six games, staring one and at second base and would never play in the big leagues again.
The aforementioned warm body was non other than the talented Edgar Renteria, he hit his was into the lineup in late 1996 and kept a hold on the starting spot until he was traded to the Cardinals for Alfredo Amanza, Braden Looper, and Pablo Ozuna in the great fire sale 1998 of . None of whom worked out very well for the Marlins.
He came to Atlanta in in 2005 for minor league journeyman in training Andy Marte and had two very good seasons in Atlanta including what is in all likelihood his final all-star appearance in 2006. Unlike the two previous players mentioned he didn't finish his career with the Braves, but he might as well have as he has been largely unproductive since.
His successor for the fish was none other than the illustrious Alex Gonzalez, one of the finest defensive shortstops in the past decade. Unfortunately he doesn't know that if you take four balls they let you go to first for free. He played in Miami until he was signed as a free agent by the Red Sox before the 2006 season. Ironically enough this was shortly after they traded Renteria to Atlanta.
The Braves picked him up during a career year in an exchange for the "clubhouse cancer"Yunel Escobar and Jojo Reyes, included with Sea Bass were minor leaugers Tim Collins and 2012 possible starting shortstop Tyler Pastornicky. As we all know he played great defense didn't hit a lick and was loved by pitchers almost as much as he was hated by the fans watching his at bats.
He has now signed with the Brewers on a one year deal with a vesting option.
So the only question left is, when will the Braves get Hanley? Will it be in a trade in the next few years? Will it be as a free agent in the twilight of his career? Or will he be the first Marlin to break the cycle?
Perhaps just one more question to ask, if the Braves ever do get Ramirez, will they end up getting Reyes at some point as well?
Stats were provided by fangraphs.com and baseballreference.com.
For those of you unfamiliar with Ramirez, he may be the most physically gifted player to every play in south Florida. He has been the Marlins shortstop since 2006 and is a three time all-star and former Rookie of the Year. He hits for power, average, and can steal bases(.306/.380/.506 career line with 216 stolen bases). His main problem is, he's a little below average defensively for a shortstop, and when the newly dubbed Miami Marlins signed his World Baseball Classic teammate Jose Reyes to a six year 106 million dollar deal he was no longer the best shortstop on his own team. This was until this past season his team, until his lackluster and off-injured 2011 campaign he had led the Fish in every major offensive category(including attitude) for the past four years.
This didn't sit well with Hanley, though he professed to be okay with a Reyes signing he wasn't okay with moving off of shortstop. Maybe he thought that new manager Ozzie Guillen would put Reyes at second base if they signed him, though that would be a terrible idea for all involved for several reasons. Maybe Guillen and GM Jeffery Loria expected their star player to be mature and move over to third or even center field to make room for his countryman. If they did it's hard to see why, he has a history of attitude problems and when he was benched in the 2009 baseball classic so that Reyes could start it didn't sit well at all with him. It was even more raw for Hanley as he played poorly when he did get an opportunity(although Reyes played at least as badly) and the Dominicans were beaten twice by a vastly inferior Netherlands team.
He also has problems with coaches and teammates most notably current Braves skipper Freddi Gonzalez and second baseman Dan Uggla. Gonzalez was shown the door shortly after benching the Marlins star for lackadaisical play, and he clashed with Uggla constantly when they were teammates. It is widely speculated that the Marlins failed to extend Uggla because he refused to have a contract of lesser value to Ramirez's.
After reading all this you may be thinking,"okay, I understand why he might be available, but why would you think he would ever be a Brave?"
This is why; he has been starting shortstop for the Marlins. Therefore he is fated to play for the Braves at some point in his career.
I won't deny it, this is a ridiculous statement and I should be laughed off the web for suggesting it. Until you see the facts.
The Florida Marlins played their first season in 1993 as an expansion team along with the Colorado Rockies, in that time they have had five primary starting shortstops.
In their introductory season it was premier glove man Walt Weiss, a product of the Oakland A's system and 1988 Rookie of the Year. Walt came to the Fish in a trade for a couple of players you've never heard of and had a fairly good season by his standards(.266/.367/.308) and was let walk as a free agent at the end of the season.
Walt would sign with the Braves to take over at short for the newly departed Jeff Blauser before the 1998 season, and had three quite good yet injury plagued season with the Bravos. Included in his time was his lone all-star appearance in 1998. He finished his career in Atlanta and is generally fondly remembered here, mostly as the guy who played short before Raphael Furcal.
Next on the list is Kurt Abbot, the primary shortstop for the Marlins between 1994 and 1996 and a few games there in 1997. He had his moments, but was largely unspectacular and was traded to the A's as soon as the Fish had another warm body to throw into the middle of their infield.
Braves fans everywhere are scratching their head right now,"Kurt Abbot? We never had him did we?"
Yeah we did, but if you blinked at all in the summer of 2001 you probably missed his entire Braves career. He played six games, staring one and at second base and would never play in the big leagues again.
The aforementioned warm body was non other than the talented Edgar Renteria, he hit his was into the lineup in late 1996 and kept a hold on the starting spot until he was traded to the Cardinals for Alfredo Amanza, Braden Looper, and Pablo Ozuna in the great fire sale 1998 of . None of whom worked out very well for the Marlins.
He came to Atlanta in in 2005 for minor league journeyman in training Andy Marte and had two very good seasons in Atlanta including what is in all likelihood his final all-star appearance in 2006. Unlike the two previous players mentioned he didn't finish his career with the Braves, but he might as well have as he has been largely unproductive since.
His successor for the fish was none other than the illustrious Alex Gonzalez, one of the finest defensive shortstops in the past decade. Unfortunately he doesn't know that if you take four balls they let you go to first for free. He played in Miami until he was signed as a free agent by the Red Sox before the 2006 season. Ironically enough this was shortly after they traded Renteria to Atlanta.
The Braves picked him up during a career year in an exchange for the "clubhouse cancer"Yunel Escobar and Jojo Reyes, included with Sea Bass were minor leaugers Tim Collins and 2012 possible starting shortstop Tyler Pastornicky. As we all know he played great defense didn't hit a lick and was loved by pitchers almost as much as he was hated by the fans watching his at bats.
He has now signed with the Brewers on a one year deal with a vesting option.
So the only question left is, when will the Braves get Hanley? Will it be in a trade in the next few years? Will it be as a free agent in the twilight of his career? Or will he be the first Marlin to break the cycle?
Perhaps just one more question to ask, if the Braves ever do get Ramirez, will they end up getting Reyes at some point as well?
Stats were provided by fangraphs.com and baseballreference.com.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Shortstop, a shortstop, my kingdom for a shortstop!
You could just about buy a reasonably sized kingdom for the cash you would expect to pay for the price of the top free agent shortstops this season, and in the opinion of many a feudal era castle might be a safer investment. With a castle all you have to worry about is the decay of ages, moat maintenance and the uprising of the peasants.
Sign Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins and you have to worry about them staying something close to healthy, along with the decay of ages and the uprising of the peasants(and bloggers) when they inevitably get injured.
One look at the free agents and the Braves monetary situation and it will leave you thinking, "there is no way that the Braves will have a shortstop in 2012". And it is true that the lack of great options up the middle has driven up prices so much that Jamey Carroll, a career utility man who will be 38 at the start of next season, to a two year deal worth at least 6.5 million dollars to be their everyday shortstop. It's a sellers market even if the product isn't fantastic. Heck even a 37 year old John McDonald, an all glove career backup with a career OPS of .601 got a two year/3 million deal.
So that begs the question, "Who will play shortstop for the Braves in 2012?"
Well, lets take a look at the options.
In house there is really only one guy, his name is Tyler Pastornicky and in all likelyhood he will be a starting middle infielder in the near future. He preformed very well between AA and AAA in 2011 and will only be 22 at the start of next season. His slash line in 2011 was .314/.359/.414 and stole 27 bases and played SS in a manner that most scouts have described as above average. So what's the problem you say? Frank Wren gave the impression in a recent interview that he didn't think he was ready to start the season as the Braves starting shortstop. Maybe in 2013 he will get a shot, because he's doing all he can to earn one.
So we move on to the free agents and lets face it's not pretty.
As I mentioned above Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are the top of this class, but don't expect the Braves to make a play for either one. The massive amount of money and stupid long contracts these guys will get would drive them out of the Braves radar alone. Throw in the fact that you need a MASH unit to keep up with all of their injuries and you have two very talented guys that will likely never play in Atlanta.
So moving on, the next group is really about a tier or two below the aforementioned but they still have value. That class is headlined by Yuniesky Betancourt, Raphael Furcal, Clint Barmes, Alex Gonzalez and Ronnie Cedeno. Are you bored yet? You should be. The Braves will not even extend and offer to Betancourt if they have done their homework, and after the debacle with Furcal a few years back, coupled with the fact that he is reported to be asking for two years and 16 million you can forget about him too.
The other three guys, aren't atrocious options in a way, we know what were getting in Gonzalez a great glove and little else. However if he's willing to come back on a one year deal worth less than 4 million, it's easy to envision him manning short and hitting far too high in the batting order for the Braves for one more year. In a world where Jamey Carroll get's two years, there may be a team willing to give Sea Bass a two year deal, in which case you can kiss him good bye Braves fans. Barmes is a pretty good option with a glove comparable to Gonzalez. You get a bit more with the bat, but with the market being a bit high for middle infielders this year he may have priced himself out of Atlanta's range. That is to say they could pay him what he want's, but in the interest of sticking to their long term plan they probably wont. Cedeno is an interesting option, okay not interesting but not the worst either. He's a competent infielder at SS, 2B, and 3B and is basically an equal to Gonzalez with the bat with a better OBP but no power to speak of. The deal with Cedeno is, if you sign him to a two year deal for 3.5 million or less he can also be a decent backup at several positions if Pastornicky proves that he is ready at some point in the next two years. Are they good options, no, but they might be the best available.
The other guys; The best and brightest of the bottom of the barrel.
These guys are the left overs, the ones that shouldn't be everyday players for a team that hopes to content. Heck they may not even be bench worthy for some of the deeper teams in the league, but are they without worth? Not entirely. We'll start with Jerry Hariston Jr. he's not an everyday player at this stage of his career, but he can still get on base and play good enough defense at every position to provide a decent amount of value. Josh Wilson is another guy who can play everywhere without providing terrible embarrassment, but unlike Harriston he can't hit a lick. I would expect the Braves to bring back late season acquisition Jack Wilson if they decide to go the route for a good fielder who they don't need to hit, and the latter Wilson is a good enough fielder to even start for a bit if he has to.Edgar Renteria is also available, but he will probably cost more than the nominal value he can provide at this point in his career.
Thinking well outside the box.
Brandon Wood will be 27 at the start of next season, and the once promising prospect has fallen from grace heavily. In no way should he be considered a starting option, but his versatility(SS,3B, 1B) and career minor league OPS of .888 are enough to merit a minor league deal and a spring training invite.
*Note: Since this blog was originality posted he has signed with the Rockies on a minor league deal.*
Another interesting name is Bill Hall a once promising SS who hit 35 home runs as the shortstop for the 2006 Brewers before he was displaced in favor of J.J. Hardy, and gradually faded into obscurity. That is until 2010 when he has a resurgence with the Red Sox, where he put up a .247/.316/.456 line and played himself into a starting job with the Astros that he promptly lost...again. At this point he's not really a shortstop but he could be value off the bench on a minor league deal.
Last but not least, the trade candidates.
Frank Wren also stated in his recent interview that he expects to come up with a short term option via trade, and there are a few decent candidates out there. The Angels have two of them Eric Aybar and Macier Izturis Aybar is an above average fielder and his stolen bases give him the impression of being a much better player than Izturis. While Aybar is a bit better especially with the glove Izturis is enough of on base threat that he actually provides plenty of value and can play a very good 2B and 3B if another SS came along.
Another name that gets thrown around a lot is Stephen Drew, and honestly J.D. Drew has a better shot at playing in Atlanta in 2012. Drew is coming off a largely lost season and is getting paid far too much at 7.75 million in 2012 when no one is entirely sure how much he will be able to play. He's a good player but at the price he's getting paid , the injury risks, plus the high cost in players that Kevin Towers will want in return I can't see this move happening.
Robert Andino is a guy that is surfacing a lot on the blogs and message boards, and I think he could be had after the Orioles extended J.J. Hardy. He's got some speed and a bit of on base ability and can play a decent if uninspired shortstop. I think that a Jair Jurrjens for Andino and Xavier Avery would be a decent deal for the Bravos, but who knows if Frank Wren agrees. I have a feeling he may be aiming much higher.
The guy that I really like is Brendan Ryan of the Mariners, they probably aren't looking to move him as they don't have another internal option at short but he of the high socks is certainly a fit for the Braves. Okay, he's not much of a hitter, has no pop, and the only slightly redeeming part of his offensive game is that he can sort of run. Watch him on the field for a few innings though and you just might not care anymore he consistently ranks among the MLB leaders in UZR and fWAR. He is a true fielder in the Ozzie Smith tradition. This is the guy I want, but we probably can't get.
The other two guys that are a bit intriguing that are not starters are Jed Lowrie for the Red Sox and Eduardo Nunez of the Yankees. Lowrie is the super utility guy for the Sox and has a decent bat with a bit of pop. He's not a super rangy shortstop, but he is solid and can also play a competent 2B and 3B. Nunez is mainly the same story but has a bit more speed and less power.
So the hot stove is blazing and after writing this so is my keyboard, if you have a favorite for the shortstop spot please post it in the comments. I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions.
Sign Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins and you have to worry about them staying something close to healthy, along with the decay of ages and the uprising of the peasants(and bloggers) when they inevitably get injured.
One look at the free agents and the Braves monetary situation and it will leave you thinking, "there is no way that the Braves will have a shortstop in 2012". And it is true that the lack of great options up the middle has driven up prices so much that Jamey Carroll, a career utility man who will be 38 at the start of next season, to a two year deal worth at least 6.5 million dollars to be their everyday shortstop. It's a sellers market even if the product isn't fantastic. Heck even a 37 year old John McDonald, an all glove career backup with a career OPS of .601 got a two year/3 million deal.
So that begs the question, "Who will play shortstop for the Braves in 2012?"
Well, lets take a look at the options.
In house there is really only one guy, his name is Tyler Pastornicky and in all likelyhood he will be a starting middle infielder in the near future. He preformed very well between AA and AAA in 2011 and will only be 22 at the start of next season. His slash line in 2011 was .314/.359/.414 and stole 27 bases and played SS in a manner that most scouts have described as above average. So what's the problem you say? Frank Wren gave the impression in a recent interview that he didn't think he was ready to start the season as the Braves starting shortstop. Maybe in 2013 he will get a shot, because he's doing all he can to earn one.
So we move on to the free agents and lets face it's not pretty.
As I mentioned above Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are the top of this class, but don't expect the Braves to make a play for either one. The massive amount of money and stupid long contracts these guys will get would drive them out of the Braves radar alone. Throw in the fact that you need a MASH unit to keep up with all of their injuries and you have two very talented guys that will likely never play in Atlanta.
So moving on, the next group is really about a tier or two below the aforementioned but they still have value. That class is headlined by Yuniesky Betancourt, Raphael Furcal, Clint Barmes, Alex Gonzalez and Ronnie Cedeno. Are you bored yet? You should be. The Braves will not even extend and offer to Betancourt if they have done their homework, and after the debacle with Furcal a few years back, coupled with the fact that he is reported to be asking for two years and 16 million you can forget about him too.
The other three guys, aren't atrocious options in a way, we know what were getting in Gonzalez a great glove and little else. However if he's willing to come back on a one year deal worth less than 4 million, it's easy to envision him manning short and hitting far too high in the batting order for the Braves for one more year. In a world where Jamey Carroll get's two years, there may be a team willing to give Sea Bass a two year deal, in which case you can kiss him good bye Braves fans. Barmes is a pretty good option with a glove comparable to Gonzalez. You get a bit more with the bat, but with the market being a bit high for middle infielders this year he may have priced himself out of Atlanta's range. That is to say they could pay him what he want's, but in the interest of sticking to their long term plan they probably wont. Cedeno is an interesting option, okay not interesting but not the worst either. He's a competent infielder at SS, 2B, and 3B and is basically an equal to Gonzalez with the bat with a better OBP but no power to speak of. The deal with Cedeno is, if you sign him to a two year deal for 3.5 million or less he can also be a decent backup at several positions if Pastornicky proves that he is ready at some point in the next two years. Are they good options, no, but they might be the best available.
The other guys; The best and brightest of the bottom of the barrel.
These guys are the left overs, the ones that shouldn't be everyday players for a team that hopes to content. Heck they may not even be bench worthy for some of the deeper teams in the league, but are they without worth? Not entirely. We'll start with Jerry Hariston Jr. he's not an everyday player at this stage of his career, but he can still get on base and play good enough defense at every position to provide a decent amount of value. Josh Wilson is another guy who can play everywhere without providing terrible embarrassment, but unlike Harriston he can't hit a lick. I would expect the Braves to bring back late season acquisition Jack Wilson if they decide to go the route for a good fielder who they don't need to hit, and the latter Wilson is a good enough fielder to even start for a bit if he has to.Edgar Renteria is also available, but he will probably cost more than the nominal value he can provide at this point in his career.
Thinking well outside the box.
Brandon Wood will be 27 at the start of next season, and the once promising prospect has fallen from grace heavily. In no way should he be considered a starting option, but his versatility(SS,3B, 1B) and career minor league OPS of .888 are enough to merit a minor league deal and a spring training invite.
*Note: Since this blog was originality posted he has signed with the Rockies on a minor league deal.*
Another interesting name is Bill Hall a once promising SS who hit 35 home runs as the shortstop for the 2006 Brewers before he was displaced in favor of J.J. Hardy, and gradually faded into obscurity. That is until 2010 when he has a resurgence with the Red Sox, where he put up a .247/.316/.456 line and played himself into a starting job with the Astros that he promptly lost...again. At this point he's not really a shortstop but he could be value off the bench on a minor league deal.
Last but not least, the trade candidates.
Frank Wren also stated in his recent interview that he expects to come up with a short term option via trade, and there are a few decent candidates out there. The Angels have two of them Eric Aybar and Macier Izturis Aybar is an above average fielder and his stolen bases give him the impression of being a much better player than Izturis. While Aybar is a bit better especially with the glove Izturis is enough of on base threat that he actually provides plenty of value and can play a very good 2B and 3B if another SS came along.
Another name that gets thrown around a lot is Stephen Drew, and honestly J.D. Drew has a better shot at playing in Atlanta in 2012. Drew is coming off a largely lost season and is getting paid far too much at 7.75 million in 2012 when no one is entirely sure how much he will be able to play. He's a good player but at the price he's getting paid , the injury risks, plus the high cost in players that Kevin Towers will want in return I can't see this move happening.
Robert Andino is a guy that is surfacing a lot on the blogs and message boards, and I think he could be had after the Orioles extended J.J. Hardy. He's got some speed and a bit of on base ability and can play a decent if uninspired shortstop. I think that a Jair Jurrjens for Andino and Xavier Avery would be a decent deal for the Bravos, but who knows if Frank Wren agrees. I have a feeling he may be aiming much higher.
The guy that I really like is Brendan Ryan of the Mariners, they probably aren't looking to move him as they don't have another internal option at short but he of the high socks is certainly a fit for the Braves. Okay, he's not much of a hitter, has no pop, and the only slightly redeeming part of his offensive game is that he can sort of run. Watch him on the field for a few innings though and you just might not care anymore he consistently ranks among the MLB leaders in UZR and fWAR. He is a true fielder in the Ozzie Smith tradition. This is the guy I want, but we probably can't get.
The other two guys that are a bit intriguing that are not starters are Jed Lowrie for the Red Sox and Eduardo Nunez of the Yankees. Lowrie is the super utility guy for the Sox and has a decent bat with a bit of pop. He's not a super rangy shortstop, but he is solid and can also play a competent 2B and 3B. Nunez is mainly the same story but has a bit more speed and less power.
So the hot stove is blazing and after writing this so is my keyboard, if you have a favorite for the shortstop spot please post it in the comments. I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Breaking down the Rome Braves Part 1
It's been an interesting season for the Rome Braves, tons of potential much of it unrealized. Some of the Braves top position player prospects played in Rome this season , and there were some great surprises among some of the non-prospects. Evan Gattis came out of nowhere to put up an incredible .986 OPS, and top prospect Edward Salcedo took and big steps forward in his second pro season raising his average to .248 with a .315 OBP. In this post were going to take a look at the infield/catchers on the 2011 R-Braves. To save confusion the players featured will have finished the year with Rome, and played at least 45 games for them.
Edward Salcedo- 3B/SS-R/R
Salcedo started the season as the shortstop for the Rome team, but was moved to third base after 19 games. It's not that he was terrible at short, but Matt Lipka has proven to be the more likely to stick there long term. He put up a .248/.315/.396 line with 12 home runs and 23 stolen bases. Salcedo has shown improving power and a decent eye at the plate, he needs to work on his pitch recognition but he just turned 20 late in the season so he has some time to work that out.
The bad news is his defense, he committed over 40 errors between short and third. After seeing him play it's easy to see why, though he has decent hands, reactions and a strong arm he appears to have some sort of mental block about throwing to first base. Probably three quarters of the errors he committed were on throws, he seems to think too hard and rush causing him to sail the ball often. This isn't an insolvable problem and many young players struggle with errors early, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him move to an outfield corner if it persists.
Projection: A starting third baseman or left fielder who hits around .275/.335/.415. His speed may begin to evaporate as he fills out but he should be able to continue to improve his power and eye.
Matt Lipka-SS R/R
The first pick of the Braves in the 2010 draft, the "Dirt Devil" has good hands and range a short, his arm is a little below average, but he makes up with it by getting in a good throwing position and a quick release. At the plate he has an improving eye and good bat control, but he makes a lot of weak contact. I give him a lot of credit from going to Rome his first full season out of high school, he will probably start to drive the ball more as he adjusts to the pro-game but will never be a power hitter. The best part of Lipka's game is his speed, he is quick and has speed to burn both in the field and on the bases.
Projection: A good fielding shortstop at the MLB level who could be an everyday player if he can get on base at a decent clip, and provide the speed to be a top of the order hitter. *
* after this post was written it was reported that Lipka is currently learning CF in the instructional league, so though he may be a good fielding SS we may not see him there often in the future.
* after this post was written it was reported that Lipka is currently learning CF in the instructional league, so though he may be a good fielding SS we may not see him there often in the future.
Matt Weaver-INF/OF-R/R
A very interesting guy, if only because of his extreme utility. Weaver has a good glove, and saw time at every position besides catcher and center field for the R-Braves this season, even pitching in one game. He has good reactions, especially in the infield, and an accurate arm. As an outfielder he gets good reads, but occasionally takes a bad route on balls hit hard. He is quick, but not a base stealer, and has a good contact swing that drives the ball where it is pitched. Has doubles power, but isn't a real home run threat.
Projection: Could be an MLB utility man because of his competence at nearly every position, with the potential to be more than that if he can hit enough.
Chris Garcia-1B-L/R
A semi-journeyman at 23 he was cut loose by the Angels after two lackluster season in rookie ball. He found his power stroke in the Independent American Association, and was signed by the Braves in the off season. Though he is a little old for low A ball a .305/.405/.511line is impressive for anyone. He has decent hands around the bag at first, but has very little range.
Projection: He's blocked by Freddie Freeman on the big club, and a few younger guys that project a little better in the Braves system. He has enough of a bat that someone may give him a shot, but it's hard to see him as more than an organizational guy, albeit a talented one.
Tommy LaStella-2B-L/R
One of the most impressive 2011 draftees, he has an easy swing from the left side that generates a good amount of power. He also possesses a pretty good eye at the plate that helped him put up an impressive .328/.401/.543 line in 63 games as the Rome second baseman. In the field he has decent hands a pretty good arm, but isn't the rangiest middle infielder.
Projection: His bat looks like it could play if he can stick in the infield. Could perhaps make a move to third at some point if he doesn't make it at second.
Jacob Dalfonso-1B-L/R
He's a big imposing presence at the plate, with good power but at this point that is about it. He seldom walks, and has yet to really find a position seeing time at all four corner positions. Not a terrible fielder at first, but not particularly rangy. Runs okay for a big guy, but that's not a key part of his game. Could be a 2012 breakout candidate if he can find a position and avoid the injury bug that kept him out for much of 2011.
Projection: Similar to Garcia, his bat has the potential to be valuable, but the glove may hold him back. If he can find a position and walk a little more he could get some attention. Probably not a prospect at this point, but is young enough to turn a corner.
Evan Gattis-C/1B-R/R
You can't mention the 2011 Rome Braves without Gattis, after splitting time with Christian Bethancourt at the start of the year, he started playing every day behind the plate after Bethancourt's promotion to Lynchburg. A .986 OPS is the stat that keeps jumping off the page on his line, and his approach supports that number pretty well. He has a short quick stroke that leads to a lot of line drives and very little weak contact. He doesn't walk a ton, but doesn't strike out much either; may walk more when he faces for difficult pitching but for most of 2011 low A.
Projection: At 23 he was old for low A but he's got a good bat. If he can improve his reactions behind the plate, could end up being a good hitting backup catcher. May move to first or even left at an attempt to advance his bat, as it is much more advanced than his glove.
Projection: At 23 he was old for low A but he's got a good bat. If he can improve his reactions behind the plate, could end up being a good hitting backup catcher. May move to first or even left at an attempt to advance his bat, as it is much more advanced than his glove.
Elmer Reyes-2B/SS-R/R
Reyes came into 2011 looking like one of the Braves top middle infield prospects after a very solid 2010 as a member of two rookie teams putting up a .301/.362/.472 line in his first full season. His 2011 was disappointing, after he faltered out of the gate in Rome and was demoted to Danville. He recovered in rookie ball but still struggled mightily enough to cast some doubt on whether or not he is a legitimate infield prospect. He is a slick fielder with quick hands and a decent arm. Has shown some on base ability and can occasionally can surprise with some pop. He runs well, but isn't much of a stolen base threat at this point. At 20 years old he has some time to make adjustments.
Projection: Probably a reserve infielder unless he can really develop at the plate, but there are times when he swings well enough to make you wonder if a breakout is imminent.
In the next post we will review the Rome outfield. Keep in mind I am not a scout, so don't take the summaries here as gospel it's just my observations. If you have an opinion on any players mentioned please post them in the comments.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Acquiring Dan Uggla..
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.
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.
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.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Braves Player Profile, Q&A with LHP Chris Masters
Recently I got the opportunity to have a quick Q&A with Braves left-handed pitching prospect, Kennesaw Georgia native, and all around good guy Chris Masters. He will likely begin the 2010 season with the Braves newest Minor League team, the Lynchburg Hillcats.
Matt White: First off thanks for agreeing to be interviewed and congrats on having a solid season for the Rome Braves. How did you like Rome in the time you spent there?
Chris Masters: I enjoyed playing in Rome. It was nice that it was only an hour away from my hometown in Kennesaw, Georgia and the family and friends got to come up alot which was great. The coaches and the management were top notch and the city as a whole made it very accomodating for us.
MW: You had a very good season but had a few rough outings at the end, did you get fatigued from a longer season?
CM: The first half went great. I got to start for the South in the All Star game, but after a small injury to my elbow I did not really get back to throwing like I did earlier on. I think it taught me alot of how to get back into the rhythm of things because I havent really ever experienced even a small injury in my career. It was my first full season so I got a good feel of it and will know how to work out and condition my body and arm for a full schedule hopefully with no drop off this time.
MW: You played with some of the Braves other top prospects this year(Julio Tehran, Edwardo Salcedo, Myke Jones) what player were you most impressed with?
CM: I would definitely have to say Julio Teheran. I have played with him for part of both seasons and the improvements, maturity, athleticism, and work ethic have really been impressive. He is a standup guy who works hard and has some of the best stuff I have seen. Very mature for his age. I think Atlanta will be seeing him late next season or definitely in 2012.
MW: If you could have any catcher for your personal backstop, past, present or even a non-professional who would you pick and why?
CM: I think I would choose Jason Varitek as my personal catcher. This is not because he is the best receiver or has the best arm, but is one of the best students of the game I have ever seen. Being able to pick his brain and to work with him I feel would make me so much better. He really put in the work of studying hitters and really got on cue with all the pitchers he caught.
MW:Who do you think has had the most influence on you as a player?
CM: My dad has truly been the one who has really pushed me and instilled the drive and determination to be successful in baseball. He worked me hard, but never overboard and taught me to be humble and how to carry myself on the field. He put alot of hours in with me, got me in good leagues, and got me the lessons I needed to refine my game.
MW:Minor league teams spend a lot of time of buses, how do you pass the time?
CM: Minor Leaguers get pretty creative on the bus haha. We will play cards, bring our own movies or dvd sets, read, or just shoot the breeze. Bringing your own pillow and even a sleeping bag to lay out on the floor of the bus if it is late. Sleep aids become your new best friend ha.
MW: You have been mentioned in trade speculation some in the last two years, does that bother you at all?
CM: Trade speculation is a very interesting process and I am very optimistic about it. Although I love the Braves organization, if I were traded to someone else, I would be totally fine with it. I feel that I would have helped the Braves get someone they needed and also would feel good that someone else traded someone to get me in there system. To me that shows that they would not have traded for you if they did not think you could make it all the way.
MW: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced so far in professional baseball?
CM: J.D. Martinez in the Astros Organization who is flying through the Minor Leagues is a tough hitter. His statistics were freakishly good, strong power hitter with amazing plate discipline and not many weaknesses in the zone. I think he will be in big league spring training to start this year.
MW:Pitchers are notorious for rituals and superstitions, do you have any you don't mind sharing?
CM: I bow behind the mound take my hat off and pray right after the national anthem. I also before every batter talk to myself out loud of how I am going to approach this batter and say some things to maintain my focus and agrression followed by two glove taps. I also going on to the field turn side way and hurdle over the line. I am a lefty, pretty much everything I do is weird haha.
MW:If you could go back in time to see one historical event what would it be?
CM: I would love to have been there for Christ's resurrection and spend time with him until his ascension. The joy of knowing that the person you serve, has resurrecting power would truly allow a faith level that could not be shaken.
MW:Thanks again for agreeing to be interviewed I know all the Tarpslides readers will be really interested.
Silver Slugger Winners
Yesterday the MLB network did a really classy Silver Slugger presentation that simulcasted on mlb.com. They announced each winner and played a highlight real of that player and showed some satistics that show them worthy of winning. It was very well done, but we are not here to critique the ceremony. It's out job to see it everyone who took home hardware earned it.
Your winners are....
NL AL
C-Brian McCann C-Joe Mauer
1B-Albert Pujoles 1B-Miguel Cabrerra
2B-Dan Uggla 2B-Robinson Cano
3B-Ryan Zimmerman 3B-Adrian Beltre
SS-Troy Tulowitzki SS-Alexi Ramirez
OF-Carlos Gonzalez OF-Jose Bautista
Ryan Braun Josh Hamilton
Matt Holiday Carl Crawford
P-Yovani Gallardo DH-Vladimir Guererro
It's a fairly robust list packed with All-Stars and perennial award contenders, though a few new faces are sprinkled in. Like Jose Bautista, Bautista's 54 home runs put him ahead of other outfielders that had good years also like Alex Rios, Delmon Young and Shin-Soo Choo. It was well deserved for the Hank Aaron award winner, especially considering that the AL is packed with big names like Nelson Cruz, Nick Swisher, Torii Hunter, and Iciro Suzuki who are all capable of being elite offensive players.
The catching story is a familiar one, McCann winning his fourth Silver Slugger(third consecutive) and Mauer his third. It's hard to say that either of them didn't deserve it, but neither one was the clear cut winner before the awards were announced, McCann (.269/21/77) came down to the wire with Giants rookie Buster Posey, much like in the post season, who put up a .305 average and 18 home runs after taking over for Bengie Molina in April. They figure to be rivals for the Silver Slugger for years to come.
Mauer(.327/9/75) on the other hand had to contend with John Buck(.280/20/66), Victor Martinez(.302/20/79), and Mike Napoli(.238/26/68). You could make a very good case for V-Mart because his average was near Mauer, but he displayed much more power. Buck and Napoli fall sort of the other two, but belong in the conversation because of the strong numbers they put up. Mauer's .327 average and the fact that the Twins lineup is so dependent on him, despite his home run totals falling back to earth after hitting 28 in his MVP 2009 season.
Joey Votto is the only other player who could have stolen the silver slugger from Prince Albert, and you could make a case that he should have. He beat Pujoles in batting average(.324 to .312) OBP(.424 to .414) and slugging percentage(.600 to .596), Pujoles got the best of Votto in home runs(42 to 38) and RBI(118 to 113). Basically it was a photo finish for these two fantastic players, and you can't go wrong with numbers like those. It just goes to show that the voters put more stock in counting numbers than ratios, and with these in particular maybe they should because the ratios were so close.
With an off years by Mark Texeria and Carlos Pena, and injuries to Kendry Morales, Keven Youkolis, and Justin Morneau the Award was Miguel Cabrera's to win. His only real competition came in the form of White Sox slugger Paul Konerko who put up a (.312/39/111) line, but with Cabrera hitting an impressive .328 to go with his 38 home runs, and 126 RBI it wasn't that close.
Dan Uggla and Martin Prado were going head to head for the second base award. With Uggla's 33 dingers, and Prado's late season injuries hurting his numbers, Uggla was the clear cut winner.
Robinson Cano was the steadying force in a fluctuating Yankee lineup, hitting .319, with 29 home runs and 109 RBI. Second base's bigger power threats Aaron Hill(.206/26.68) and Ian Kinsler(.286/9/45) both had off years, and perennial favorite Dustin Pedroia(.288/12/410 missed much of the second half with a foot injury. Which opened the door wide open for Cano to come in and grab it.
Ryan Zimmerman(.307/25/85) earned this one, but David wright wasn't far off(.283/29/103 and 19 stolen bases) it could have gone either way. I think Zimmerman may not have as high an offensive ceiling as Wright, but was better this year, in what many would consider a weaker lineup. After than it was pretty slim pickings in the NL with only Placido Polanco and Scott Rolen exceeding expectations. A lot of bad years from big names at the hot corner.
Adrian Beltre was thrilled to be away from the hitter's nightmare that is Safeco Field, and it showed in his numbers. Evan Longoria was his chief competition, but Beltre bested him by hitting around thirty points higher with about ten more RBI. It's ironic that the third baseman known for his glove (Beltre) won the Silver Slugger, and the third baseman known for his hitting (Longoria) won the Gold Glove.
Shortstop in both leagues was the right call all the way, Tulowitzki and Ramirez were both the class at a weak position.
In the Outfield you just can't argue with the inclusion of Carl Crawford(.307/19/90 47SB), Josh Hamilton(.359/32/100), or Carlos Gonzalez(.336/34/117 26SB). They should have had their names checked on everyone's ballots. Jose Bautista(.260/54/124) as stated earlier probably earned this one based on his enormous home run total.
Holliday(.312/28/103 and Braun(.304/25/103) both had outstanding season, though because of what they are capable of it doesn't seen as impressive. One could argue that Jayson Werth(.296/27/85) should have merited consideration. Braun's Brewer teammate Corey Hart(.283/31/102) probably just missed being on the list because of injuries that hampered him in the second half. With injuries to Andre Either, Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran, and down years by Matt Kemp, Alfonso Soriano and Shane Victorino thinned the pool greatly.
At DH Vlad(.300/29/115) showed that he can still rake, even if he can't play right anymore. He beat out David Ortiz(.270/32/102)and Billy Butler(.318/15/78) to claim the only DH exclusive award.
For the pitchers it was Yovani Gallardo, who displayed prodigious power hitting 4 home runs. The only argument another pitcher has an argument is probably Clayton Kershaw who lead all pitchers with 18 sacrifice hits. It's a different direction but that is what most pitchers are asked to do when they are at the plate.
So those are your winners, congrats to all of them.
Your winners are....
NL AL
C-Brian McCann C-Joe Mauer
1B-Albert Pujoles 1B-Miguel Cabrerra
2B-Dan Uggla 2B-Robinson Cano
3B-Ryan Zimmerman 3B-Adrian Beltre
SS-Troy Tulowitzki SS-Alexi Ramirez
OF-Carlos Gonzalez OF-Jose Bautista
Ryan Braun Josh Hamilton
Matt Holiday Carl Crawford
P-Yovani Gallardo DH-Vladimir Guererro
It's a fairly robust list packed with All-Stars and perennial award contenders, though a few new faces are sprinkled in. Like Jose Bautista, Bautista's 54 home runs put him ahead of other outfielders that had good years also like Alex Rios, Delmon Young and Shin-Soo Choo. It was well deserved for the Hank Aaron award winner, especially considering that the AL is packed with big names like Nelson Cruz, Nick Swisher, Torii Hunter, and Iciro Suzuki who are all capable of being elite offensive players.
The catching story is a familiar one, McCann winning his fourth Silver Slugger(third consecutive) and Mauer his third. It's hard to say that either of them didn't deserve it, but neither one was the clear cut winner before the awards were announced, McCann (.269/21/77) came down to the wire with Giants rookie Buster Posey, much like in the post season, who put up a .305 average and 18 home runs after taking over for Bengie Molina in April. They figure to be rivals for the Silver Slugger for years to come.
Mauer(.327/9/75) on the other hand had to contend with John Buck(.280/20/66), Victor Martinez(.302/20/79), and Mike Napoli(.238/26/68). You could make a very good case for V-Mart because his average was near Mauer, but he displayed much more power. Buck and Napoli fall sort of the other two, but belong in the conversation because of the strong numbers they put up. Mauer's .327 average and the fact that the Twins lineup is so dependent on him, despite his home run totals falling back to earth after hitting 28 in his MVP 2009 season.
Joey Votto is the only other player who could have stolen the silver slugger from Prince Albert, and you could make a case that he should have. He beat Pujoles in batting average(.324 to .312) OBP(.424 to .414) and slugging percentage(.600 to .596), Pujoles got the best of Votto in home runs(42 to 38) and RBI(118 to 113). Basically it was a photo finish for these two fantastic players, and you can't go wrong with numbers like those. It just goes to show that the voters put more stock in counting numbers than ratios, and with these in particular maybe they should because the ratios were so close.
With an off years by Mark Texeria and Carlos Pena, and injuries to Kendry Morales, Keven Youkolis, and Justin Morneau the Award was Miguel Cabrera's to win. His only real competition came in the form of White Sox slugger Paul Konerko who put up a (.312/39/111) line, but with Cabrera hitting an impressive .328 to go with his 38 home runs, and 126 RBI it wasn't that close.
Dan Uggla and Martin Prado were going head to head for the second base award. With Uggla's 33 dingers, and Prado's late season injuries hurting his numbers, Uggla was the clear cut winner.
Robinson Cano was the steadying force in a fluctuating Yankee lineup, hitting .319, with 29 home runs and 109 RBI. Second base's bigger power threats Aaron Hill(.206/26.68) and Ian Kinsler(.286/9/45) both had off years, and perennial favorite Dustin Pedroia(.288/12/410 missed much of the second half with a foot injury. Which opened the door wide open for Cano to come in and grab it.
Ryan Zimmerman(.307/25/85) earned this one, but David wright wasn't far off(.283/29/103 and 19 stolen bases) it could have gone either way. I think Zimmerman may not have as high an offensive ceiling as Wright, but was better this year, in what many would consider a weaker lineup. After than it was pretty slim pickings in the NL with only Placido Polanco and Scott Rolen exceeding expectations. A lot of bad years from big names at the hot corner.
Adrian Beltre was thrilled to be away from the hitter's nightmare that is Safeco Field, and it showed in his numbers. Evan Longoria was his chief competition, but Beltre bested him by hitting around thirty points higher with about ten more RBI. It's ironic that the third baseman known for his glove (Beltre) won the Silver Slugger, and the third baseman known for his hitting (Longoria) won the Gold Glove.
Shortstop in both leagues was the right call all the way, Tulowitzki and Ramirez were both the class at a weak position.
In the Outfield you just can't argue with the inclusion of Carl Crawford(.307/19/90 47SB), Josh Hamilton(.359/32/100), or Carlos Gonzalez(.336/34/117 26SB). They should have had their names checked on everyone's ballots. Jose Bautista(.260/54/124) as stated earlier probably earned this one based on his enormous home run total.
Holliday(.312/28/103 and Braun(.304/25/103) both had outstanding season, though because of what they are capable of it doesn't seen as impressive. One could argue that Jayson Werth(.296/27/85) should have merited consideration. Braun's Brewer teammate Corey Hart(.283/31/102) probably just missed being on the list because of injuries that hampered him in the second half. With injuries to Andre Either, Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran, and down years by Matt Kemp, Alfonso Soriano and Shane Victorino thinned the pool greatly.
At DH Vlad(.300/29/115) showed that he can still rake, even if he can't play right anymore. He beat out David Ortiz(.270/32/102)and Billy Butler(.318/15/78) to claim the only DH exclusive award.
For the pitchers it was Yovani Gallardo, who displayed prodigious power hitting 4 home runs. The only argument another pitcher has an argument is probably Clayton Kershaw who lead all pitchers with 18 sacrifice hits. It's a different direction but that is what most pitchers are asked to do when they are at the plate.
So those are your winners, congrats to all of them.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
NL Gold Glove Award Winners
Yesterday the NL Gold Glove award winners were announced, there were a few surprises but not so many as their could have been from the close NL races.
The list of winners reads like this:
P-Bronson Arroyo
C-Yadier Molina
1B-Albert Pujoles
2B-Brandon Phillips
3B-Scott Rolen
SS-Troy Tulowitzki
OF-Michael Bourn
Carlos Gomez
Shane Victorino
A fairly predictable list though not completely without intrigue. First time winners are Arroyo, Gonzalez, and Tulowitzki. Voters seem to have been influenced by hitting to some extent in the voting the past few years, and this year was no exception. However they seem to have gotten most of these right, or at least close enough to avoid some of the AL's outrage.
P-Adam Wainwright, last years winner made another strong case this year committing only one error on the year. Arroyo however had zero, and that is downright impressive, especially considering how well he fields to the first base side. Tim Hudson, and Jon Garland also deserve consideration, but with no errors Arroyo earned this one.
C-The catchers race was a three horse tie that Molina won by reputation, Miguel Olivo, and Carlos Ruiz were right there with him statistically. Molina seemed slightly less rangy this season, but still displayed an arm like a rocket launcher and didn't have many errors(5) or passed balls(7). Olivo had a downright gaudy 42% of runners caught stealing, his error numbers(9) are not ideal for a catcher, but he helped out the Colorado pitching staff by shutting down the running game. Ruiz doesn't have stats that make you look twice, and that may be the most impressive thing about his game, only 6 errors and 4 passed balls are certainly impressive. As were his pitch calling skills, not that you need them with Halladay and Oswalt.
1B-Pujoles only really had one serious contender for his second Gold Glove and that was rookie Ike Davis of the Mets. Pujoles only had four errors this season, a video game type number for a first baseman. His UZR was a fairly average 1.5 while Davis displayed a 10.1. Davis did have nine errors however, and that may have cost him the hardware.
2B-The O-Dog stole the Gold Glove last year before defecting to the AL last winer, so it seemed that it would again come down to two longtime standouts Chase Utley and Brandon Phillips. So it did, Utley had a fantastic UZR besting Philips 10.3 to 9.7, but his 11 errors and numerous injuries gave the award back to Phillips who only booted three all year. A surprise candidate was the diminutive David Eckstien, who posted a respectable 6.6 UZR, but didn't commit a single error in 2010.
3B-The ever rangy Ryan Zimmerman seemed a lock to win this one, but this 17 errors probably scared off voters. They opted for Scott Rolen, who despite diminished range only mad eight errors this season.Which will give him eight Gold Gloves on his career. Chase Headly of the Padres may have earned it though, his 16.5 UZR was incredible at third base and he only made 13 errors. Not too shabby for the hot corner.
SS-Tulowitzki was the man with the glove this year, and got the deserved hardware. Last years winner Jimmy Rollins only had six errors but that was probably due to playing far fewer games this season, and diminished range more than his actual fielding prowess. The closest competition was light hitting Brendan Ryan his 10.5 UZR bests Tulowitzki's 7.1 but his 17 errors are less appealing than Tulo's 10. Tulo probably has the best arm from shortstop in the MLB, which will probably prompt a switch to third base later in his career. For now he is the top dog at short.
OF-Not surprisingly the voters picked three center fielders from the NL. It's hard to say that a great fielder like Shane Victorino was undeserving, but his 2.1 UZR was almost twenty points lower than Andres Torres(21.2) and Jay Bruce(20.2). Torres was particularly impressive with only one error in 2010. Car-Go is a good fielder but was probably not one of the top three, or even top six and can thank his offensive prowess for bringing him the spotlight. Bourn won his outright, with his fantastic speed in CF and a good arm(8 assists).
So to the outrage of the sporting world here are the 2010 NL Tarpslides R-Us Gold Glove winners:
P-Bronson Arroyo
C-Miguel Olivo
1B-Albert Pujoles
2B-Brandon Phillips
3B-Chase Headly
SS-Troy Tulowitzki
OF-Michael Bourn
Jay Bruce
Andres Torres
Congratulations for the winners.
The list of winners reads like this:
P-Bronson Arroyo
C-Yadier Molina
1B-Albert Pujoles
2B-Brandon Phillips
3B-Scott Rolen
SS-Troy Tulowitzki
OF-Michael Bourn
Carlos Gomez
Shane Victorino
A fairly predictable list though not completely without intrigue. First time winners are Arroyo, Gonzalez, and Tulowitzki. Voters seem to have been influenced by hitting to some extent in the voting the past few years, and this year was no exception. However they seem to have gotten most of these right, or at least close enough to avoid some of the AL's outrage.
P-Adam Wainwright, last years winner made another strong case this year committing only one error on the year. Arroyo however had zero, and that is downright impressive, especially considering how well he fields to the first base side. Tim Hudson, and Jon Garland also deserve consideration, but with no errors Arroyo earned this one.
C-The catchers race was a three horse tie that Molina won by reputation, Miguel Olivo, and Carlos Ruiz were right there with him statistically. Molina seemed slightly less rangy this season, but still displayed an arm like a rocket launcher and didn't have many errors(5) or passed balls(7). Olivo had a downright gaudy 42% of runners caught stealing, his error numbers(9) are not ideal for a catcher, but he helped out the Colorado pitching staff by shutting down the running game. Ruiz doesn't have stats that make you look twice, and that may be the most impressive thing about his game, only 6 errors and 4 passed balls are certainly impressive. As were his pitch calling skills, not that you need them with Halladay and Oswalt.
1B-Pujoles only really had one serious contender for his second Gold Glove and that was rookie Ike Davis of the Mets. Pujoles only had four errors this season, a video game type number for a first baseman. His UZR was a fairly average 1.5 while Davis displayed a 10.1. Davis did have nine errors however, and that may have cost him the hardware.
2B-The O-Dog stole the Gold Glove last year before defecting to the AL last winer, so it seemed that it would again come down to two longtime standouts Chase Utley and Brandon Phillips. So it did, Utley had a fantastic UZR besting Philips 10.3 to 9.7, but his 11 errors and numerous injuries gave the award back to Phillips who only booted three all year. A surprise candidate was the diminutive David Eckstien, who posted a respectable 6.6 UZR, but didn't commit a single error in 2010.
3B-The ever rangy Ryan Zimmerman seemed a lock to win this one, but this 17 errors probably scared off voters. They opted for Scott Rolen, who despite diminished range only mad eight errors this season.Which will give him eight Gold Gloves on his career. Chase Headly of the Padres may have earned it though, his 16.5 UZR was incredible at third base and he only made 13 errors. Not too shabby for the hot corner.
SS-Tulowitzki was the man with the glove this year, and got the deserved hardware. Last years winner Jimmy Rollins only had six errors but that was probably due to playing far fewer games this season, and diminished range more than his actual fielding prowess. The closest competition was light hitting Brendan Ryan his 10.5 UZR bests Tulowitzki's 7.1 but his 17 errors are less appealing than Tulo's 10. Tulo probably has the best arm from shortstop in the MLB, which will probably prompt a switch to third base later in his career. For now he is the top dog at short.
OF-Not surprisingly the voters picked three center fielders from the NL. It's hard to say that a great fielder like Shane Victorino was undeserving, but his 2.1 UZR was almost twenty points lower than Andres Torres(21.2) and Jay Bruce(20.2). Torres was particularly impressive with only one error in 2010. Car-Go is a good fielder but was probably not one of the top three, or even top six and can thank his offensive prowess for bringing him the spotlight. Bourn won his outright, with his fantastic speed in CF and a good arm(8 assists).
So to the outrage of the sporting world here are the 2010 NL Tarpslides R-Us Gold Glove winners:
P-Bronson Arroyo
C-Miguel Olivo
1B-Albert Pujoles
2B-Brandon Phillips
3B-Chase Headly
SS-Troy Tulowitzki
OF-Michael Bourn
Jay Bruce
Andres Torres
Congratulations for the winners.
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