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Braves Interested in Free Agent Xavier Nady

In his latest blog notes column, Mark Bowman says that the Atlanta Braves may have interest in outfielder Xavier Nady. The Braves are attempting to ascertain the status of Nady's surgically repaired elbow after he underwent Tommy John Surgery last year. Nady is apparently also interested in the Braves, so once Atlanta determines if his elbow is healthy a deal could be worked out quickly.

Nady has played both left and right field, so he could be an option to fill one of the power voids at the corner outfield spots. He has also played some first base in his career, and the Braves may be looking at him for that role, especially coming off of elbow surgery.

Nady would be a low-cost right-handed bat for the Braves. While not ideal, he could serve as the Braves cleanup hitter, but he has mainly hit fifth or sixth in his career.

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Comments

it always nice

when gondee reports something before mlbtraderumors does.

Eh

I’m not really a fan, but if we have no other options

No thanks

He had one good year, and he only played in 125 games.

for a cheap deal though...

this fits in that low risk/high reward category.

Where’s the reward? Dude is a 1 WAR player pre-surgery with low pop and below-average defense.

4 WAR in 2008

That’s the upside. Or, 5 WAR more than FUGA last year.

He’s not the best available option, but he could be pretty good.

WARs

2003 1.2
2004 0.0
2005 0.8
2006 0.4
2007 0.8
2008 4.0
2009 -0.1

Like I said below, I don’t have a problem with throwing $500k or even $1M down the hole for this guy, but realize 9 times out of 10 you’re better off just grabbing a match and lighting your money on fire.

And reward is perhaps you get that 1 out of 10...

who is healthy and hitting. Hell, even if he can play well for the first 3 months before going down with an injury, that buys the time most seem to feel is needed for Heyward or Schafer in AAA.

That ballparks to an EV of .85 WAR for Nady. I guess that’s worth $1M.

+1

Man, well put.

his best season was actually '08...

by far he played in 148 games w/ stats of .357/.510/.867, 25 hrs, 97 rbi, i’ll take that from a braves cleanup hitter next year, that is if he returns to form, I dont think he’s any more far fetched than someone like Troy Glaus or Conor Jackson another couple of high-reward low-risk guys.

we dont want him to return to form his form is not 08… his form is everything else in his career, we want him to over exceed his abilities and post 08 nbrs (whihc isnt likely)

Glaus has some pretty solid numbers in his career...

in 12 seasons,7 have over 550 ABs, 2 more over 300 ABs, 8 seasons with 20 or more HRs, including every one of those years with the 500+ ABs. If he’s healthy from the shoulder, at least at the plate, his level of production and power is exactly what everyone has been clamoring for. I certainly wouldn’t consider a 25-30+ HR year from him as “far-fetched”.

Nady and Conor Jackson wish they had his career numbers.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/glaustr01.shtml

Ew

We have enough players on this team already coming off of arm surgery.

well....

is there anybody else out there?

better than FUGA…

Matt Holliday...

One can only hope.

Any chance we could make a play for him if we dumped Lowe and Soriano’s salaries?

Actually

If they unload Lowe and Soriano without eating any salary, they might be able to afford Holliday… or Bay. Holliday is better suited to the NL, based on what he did in Oakland last season, but that could have been mostly because of the new batting stance.

I’d like to see the Braves get Fernando Perez from the Rays and try him as a leadoff hitter, great speed, solid D, can bunt for hits.

Maybe also Rocco Baldelli as a backup at OF/1B/PH/DH(in AL parks)

I wouldn’t trust Perez over a full season. He’s a nice backup though.

Perez

He can hit, he’s just never had the chance to play here with the Rays, because of the current OF, he was going to get the chance in "09 until he broke his wrist.

Also, he’s faster than Crawford and Upton…which says alot about his speed, he’s also a solid glove guy.

Yeah, I know him, I’ve seen him play a lot in AAA, that’s where I’m making my assessment from. He’s a nice player, definitely one of the better defensive subs/pinch runners you could possibly find, but I’m telling you, from my perspective, he wouldn’t last as a hitter over a full season.

Hence Schafer and Heyward waiting in the wings...

so it could be at worst a half season trial run if he proved Carlos Gomez like.

Good point. Then it depends on what you have to give up to get him.

If Xavier Nady becomes our cleanup hitter, I fuckin quit.

Yeah, because our clean up hitters last year had sooo much power.

I’ll stick with McCann in that spot over Nady every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

You mean David Ross on Sunday

Ha

Well there is that.

Me too

And +1.

and he is a Boras client…really not liking this if its true

I get the feeling that Wren has a much better relationship with Boras than JS did.

Maybe so but Boras always seems to drive the price very high…can’t we get someone with less injury risk, similar stats but with less money?

We haven’t overpaid for a Boras guy yet, so let’s give him a chance…

Lowe, Derek.

IIRC, Lowe actually outperformed his contract…or, am I way off here?

Fangraphs has him at 12MM value last year.

Ah, gracias.

You can add value to Lowe in that we paid 15 mil to keep the Mets from getting him at 14mil. Not sure if thats considered in evaluation.

“can’t we get someone with less injury risk, similar stats but with less money?”

No, we can’t. Less injury risk with similar stats = more money, that’s kind of how free agency tends to work.

true true

wishful thinking i guess

Why are you okay with Nady...

…and so against Cameron, gondee? Yeah, Nady will be cheaper, but that’s about it. I am not sure why he can be the clean-up hitter when Cameron is a “bottom of the order” hitter. Nady is a poor defender at both corners. He could be an option to replace Church who can play for a couple of months and shift to 4th OF/backup 1B when Heyward comes up, but that’s about it. If he ends up costing more than Church would, I don’t know what the point is—-Nady’s a bit better hitter, but defensively worse than Church, so I don’t know if that swap is an upgrade at all.

THIS

A thousand times this. In his one decent season Nady posted up numbers comparable to a bad Cameron year, and yet, even though MC is no Jose Reyes, Cameron put up 11 SBs last year, comared to the 2 or 3 Nady puts up, and Nady’s negative defensive values is miles behind MC’s work. He’ll be cheaper, and for good reason- he’s a huge injury risk and he SUCKS. I really hope FW is smart enough not to even try this.

Exactly what I was

getting at with my earlier post

FING THIS

Cameron is a way better, more reliable option IMO for a number of reasons. When is Wren gonna start reading this blog?

Maximum number of games played in his career: 148 (2008). Second best: 130. Average? under 100. Makes Chipper look like Cal Ripkin.

It hasn't been that much injury, however...

…except for last year for Nady. He started not being an every day player and has spent most years not being an everyday player. He is still an injury question mark given the surgery, but I think mostly he just isn’t that good.

It’s both. He’s not that good, but he’s also the man who’s had 2, count them DOS, tommy john surgeries. No effing thank you. Send him back to the Mets :)

Yeah, I thought he’d been with Pittsburgh for most of his career, but he’s definitely bounced around. That’s not a usual mark for a Bobby Cox player.

Hello, common sense.

Main difference...

price tag. At least from a Braves perspective.

Cameron is a very good player, but is he what we need now and going forward? Can we get a better impact for our money considering what we already have and what we don’t have?

Is he what we need now? Yes.

Is he what we need going forward? Beyond 2010, no.

Can we get better impact for our money? No.

“need”, or just “would be a nice piece to have”, I’d agree with the latter but not the former.

and impact, that’s debatable. We know he’d likely have a positive impact, but for how much and compared to who else we got on the hook?

exactly

Based on the assumption that he’d be ale to return to his old form as he did after returning from his first surgery, he’d definitely be worth a 2-3 mil. 1 year deal about what we were paying Church, Cameron could cost upwards of 3 times that much.

Cameron might be better all around but 3 times better than Nady of ‘06-’08, clearly not.

I was talking about Cameron though, and how Cameron is the best option…

And that's not to say I disagree with you...

all else being equal, I’d take Cameron over Nady and not think twice. He’ll, I’d love both considering Nady could play 1st or at worst be a solid pinch hitter and bench option for 1st and corner OF. But all things aren’t equal. They have demands, and we have needs elsewhere to fill with limited funds.

Of course, there are two unknowns in this equation. 1) Expected timeline for Schafer and Heyward, and 2) Liberty Media’s payroll cap

Depends on the price tag

I’d like someone who brings some defensive value, but he WAS really good in 2008. So, I dunno.

I think Wren is considering him right now

For the simple fact that he has not moved Soriano and/or Lowe’s hefty contracts yet and doesn’t know for sure if he will this offseason. So right now, I think his only options are in the “bargain bin” which includes guys like Nady.

Is it uncommon for outfielders to have Tommy John Surgery? And does anyone know why his elbow got blown out?

I’m still on the Mike Cameron wagon. Everyone’s already talked about his superior defense. Offensively, there’s not too significant a difference (Nady a bit more slugging, Cameron more speed) , but I do like the fact that Cameron seems to stay healthier than Nady – at least for the past four seasons.

I’m just concerned that we get Nady hoping for him to replicate his 2008 season and getting something short of that. With Cameron, it seems like you know what you’ll get.

I don’t know how uncommon it is for an OF to have Tommy John, but for one to have one twice? I can’t think of anyone other than Nady off the top of my head that’s done that.

IIRC doesn’t Kelly Johnson fall into the category of OF who have had TJ surgery before he made the switch to 2B?

Somebody put a hit on Boras.

I’d be ok with Nady as just a lineup piece at 1B or the OF, but certainly not as the cleanup hitter.

If Nady was aquired for cheap and then the Braves got a REAL bat then I think Nady would fit in nicely.

A Few More Rumors from MLBTR/ESPN

 - Frank Wren was seen talking to Glavine’s agent about a possible FO job with the Braves. This one comes from Buster Olney, who saw the conversation.

 - Braves interested in Ross Gload, who is close to reaching a deal with a NLE team.

Well at least Gload...

…would be an upgrade on Norton. I assume that’s the roster spot he would take.

Wouldn’t mind the Glavine one.

Maybe he’s just coming to scare Soriano away

I was looking for the Facebook “Like” button, but I couldn’t find it.

Funny!

I’ve done that a couple times!

click actions, then rec.

Phillies to sign Ross Gload

oh well

its dumb to spend that money on a bench player. Barbaro and BJones could do the exact same job.

You weren’t complaining about David Ross this year.

Ross deserves more time...

a) because he’s actually a decent hitter
b) McCann could use a little more rest to have him healthier and playing better for a playoff push in August/September

gload gone

seems the phillies are locking him according to MLBTR.com

Terrible

If we ant someone with mediocre power and outfield/infield versitility why not DeRosa who would at least be a guy who can play everywhere and hang around for a few years without the injury risk…

Because Derosa wants...

3 years at $9m per. Nady would be assumed MUCH cheaper, and for only 1 year.

I wouldnt mind Nady but it depends on the price and his role. If he’s not any cheaper than Church was and he’s gonna be our cleanup hitter then no way. But if he’s just a piece (i.e we’re also getting a better bat) and he proves to be healthy then I kind of like it. What else is out there that’s not gonna cost either a boatload of money or a boatload of prospects?

That's the key.

If he is more expensive than Church would have been, why bother?

If he's more expensive than Church...

I’d assume we’d pass and the entire premise is based on him being cheaper than Church. Maybe an Andruw like deal of 1 yr, $1m base which can go up significantly on incentives for games played.

That's fine with me.

And maybe the way to go in the OF since Heyward will likely be up sooner or later.

Andruw was a $500k base, but I’d be fine w/ something very cheap.

Decent Choice for the money.

Decent pickup should the Braves grab him b/c of his price tag; I mean we are going to have to save some money and really so far it looks as if LaRoache coming back is not really in the cards unless he is willing to accept a one year deal. We are truly looking for a stop gap solution at 1B this season and Nady fits the bill. Nady can also be a spot OF and lets not forgot in 2008 he hit 25 hr’s and had what 89 or so RBI’s.

Plus even if LaRoache or someone else is brought in then we still have acquired a great spot/bench player.

Nady + Vet’s Min Salary = Decent pickup (provided that his elbow is healthy)

Report is way off however b/c Nady is no Cleanup hitter period.

Are you really suggesting that Nady is going to sign for the veteran’s minimum? He should be relatively cheap but not THAT cheap.

what exactly is this “veteran’s minimum” that i have seen people throwing around lately?

no clue

i thought that was an NBA thing…

It’s the league minimum, plus sportscasters are legally required to describe you as “grizzled”.

Do you get a bonus for being a professional hitter?

Yeah, you get to play every f’ing day even though you have no business being on the field.

A professional hitter never signs for the league minimum, that’s for amateur and semi-pro hitters.

And Beer League softballers
Nobody is better than

Mark “Dirt” Lemke

Especially if you throw the P in...

Cause Mark’s soo fly.

Matt Diaz > Xavier Nady

More importantly, Mike Cameron > Xavier Nady

Finally someone points this out

+1

No no no

Mike Cameron. Mike Cameron. Mike Cameron.

His 24HRS in 2009 would’ve been tops on the Braves. Who cares if he’s a kinda old.

Nady doesn’t do anything for us.

i sense half sarcasm half seriousness

I’m serious about Mike Cameron. I’ve been a supporter since day 1.

And obviously Nady would help us out a bit…but he’s had one, maybe 2 good seasons. I’d rather just let Heyward tear it up from day 1

Yeah. And plus Nady doesn’t have a track record of health. Cameron seems much more durable. The power difference is not significant, IMO

I think Nady would be a good pickup for ATL

ONLY if Wren acquires more than just him, like Cameron too or maybe Atkins anyone?

ALBERT PUJOLS.

i sense half sarcasm half seriousness. Okay, maybe more than half sarcasm.

no.

Albert Pujols. We’ll just send the Cardinals the city of Atlanta or something…

Make it happen Frank!

Considering how the Rams are doing, would they take the entire Falcons team for him?

no

b/c the Rams will be good in 3-4 years. The Falcons….ummmmm

a couple more drafts by Dimitroff, we’ll be good. Injuries have totally busted up our season.

you could say the same thing about the panthers

but no bodies really saying it its more like oh they suck

Haha that’s not worth much. I drafted Matt Ryan as my starting QB in fantasy football…FML.

At least I drafted 78 year old Brett Favre to be his backup.

i got MJD

in the first and Rodgers in the 2nd not to mention Dallas Clark in the 3rd and Miles Austin i picked up on Waivers the 2nd week of the season. I traded away Boldin and Hester for Forte and picked up the Eagles D.

needless to say, I’m winning my fantasy football league.

I traded Forte for Chris Johnson and Wes Welker a few days after my draft. Yahhh buddy.

you must be in a league of retards.

Yeah whoever did that is a dumbass and a half

I can't believe...

Someone just tooted their own horn about trading FOR Forte this year? And you’re winning your league? Hmmm.

Reread the sentence.

dumbasssss

People were all over Forte’s nuts last season. NFL.com had him as the #2 RB.

well

it’s guys I work with and go to school with and most of em follow football closely. Not everyone is perfect like you

Dude, chill…You yourself were making out like you totally ripped the guy off, and I was just agreeing with you.

Anyone who thinks Forte is worth what you got in return is stupid.

If you really want to know, I may miss the playoffs in all 4 of my leagues this season…

i got Aaron Rodgers late in the 4th round as the 6th QB of the board (i was gonna take him 3rd, but with the way the draft went i figured i could get him 3rd

Hopefully

Frank doesn’t sign Nady. We already have a better version of him in Matt Diaz. Neither are gold golve canidates, both are RH 15-20 HR guys. Wonder if/when we get that RH big bat for LF if they’ll ask Matt to play some 1B in Spring Training.

I don’t see why we would take the risk for so little a possible reward.

I agree with you there. Diaz has done nothing but hit when called upon and I think if the Braves can’t sign a power hitter, Diaz should start LF.

It depends on the risk.

If Nady is willing to sign for $2 million or so, that isn’t much risk and what the hell. But, I don’t see any point if he is going to be $3 million or more—-we just DFA’d Ryan Church.

Nady would not replace Diaz.

I think the Braves are happy with Diaz as one of the OF’s. He would fill the third OF spot until Heyward comes up, and play some 1B depending on who we sign there.

We only have one Diaz...

and could use someone to play the other corner OF spot unless Heyward/Schafer are going to be on the opening day roster, or to play 1B.

Diaz has absolutely no bearing on this discussion unless we can create a clone to play LF, and another to play 1st.

And really, if we had two...

…the defense could get pretty ugly. And yet still better than Diaz in right and Anderson in left like last year. shudder

Ken Rosenthal’s Twitterfeed: “Add Angels to list of teams on R. Soriano. Astros, Orioles also involved. Soriano’s permission required – could effectively pick team.”

sorry, wrong thread.

Angels for Rivera? O’s for Reimold? Stros for Pence?

If that's what's on the table,...

I’m voting Reimold.

Over Pence?
reply fail

see just below

haha Pence kinda, scares me though...

his game is effective, but still just plain ugly to watch. He looks as though his approach might lead to some slumps at the plate. No real evidence to prove this though, just a weird thought i guess.

Pence is gonna be fat mad awesome in about a year.

No Rivera please

Please

I am pretty sure we don't get anything of that caliber for Soriano...

…but it would be nice.

cheaper, and seems as productive if not more

after analyzing fangraphs, it's close

but you have a point. It’s not hard to project Reimold will be as good as Pence next year with more team control. Without looking it up I thought it would be a no brainer for Pence, but he seems a tad overrated after the hype surrounding his Francoeur like call up.

Did you consider defense?

I considered these:

“I consulted the Fan Scouting Report. He received a 2.91 overall (on a 1-5 scale). His highest rating was arm strength (3.6), his lowest reaction/instincts (2.3).”

“He struggled with an achilles problem all year, and that could have been one of the reasons he struggled some this year. That being said I don’t think he’ll ever be more than average. He has very surprising straight line speed (as his SB% will attest to) but he takes some poor routes and doesn’t get good jumps. He does have a plus arm for left.”

“Reimold was used almost exclusively as a RF in the O’s minors, for whatever reason. He was learning left on the job in Baltimore. He certainly didn’t take to the position too quickly, but if he recovers fully from his surgery, I expect that he can show average range/instincts with a plus arm. He showed great work ethic his first year with the O’s, so I’d expect that he’ll put a lot of work into it.”

“Reimold played the whole year with a partially attached (I think 25% attached) achilles. I believe that Reimold said he was running on the side of the foot instead of running normally. His range should increase but by how much is the question.
He was shut down early so that he could have enough recovery time from the surgery to be able to play in spring training”

So I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt there and say that his favorable contract makes him attractive despite his ugly UZR last year.

Reimold played RF in the minors because he was athletic enough with a good enough arm to do so, then switched to LF this year, starting in AAA, because they felt he would get called up at some point but there was no way they were going to move Markakis from RF.

Actually, I was talking about Pence’s defense and position.

Common knowledge Pence is a good fielder

this was for comparison, since that’s what makes any “this person” vs “that person” debate worth discussing.

Right. Maybe we’re missing each other, but I was wondering how you could analyze fangraphs and see the comparison between Pence and Reimold as close, because to me it’s a no-brainer for Pence. Pence plays a harder position, plays it better, and provides similar offensive production. Even as crappy as his offense has been the last two years, Pence is consistently a 3 WAR player. And if Pence somehow gets back to his 380ish wOBA of his rookie season (notably, better than Reimold’s 365ish wOBA from 2009, his rookie season), he’s going to be worth his weight in gold.

I understand that Reimold’s got 2 extra years of control, but I don’t think that even comes to close to making up the gap.

You guys really think the Braves could get Reimold or Pence for Soriano? Controlled young major league hitters for a tough below market priced close who has to be traded?

Not really likely

But I wouldn’t put anything past those 2 gms. We have a lot of tradable pieces to add to make a deal work,….. a straight up Soriano for Reimold/Pence shouldn’t be a fair trade, you’re right.

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