Jamie Squire - Getty Images
Hall of famer.
It's a good thing that most of my emotion had left my body by the time the ninth inning rolled around. Still, the Braves made it exciting at the end, but as was typical for the Bobby Cox era they came up short. This series was rife with missed opportunities, blown plays, and blown calls. The margin of error in any postseason series is so close, and with two teams so evenly matched the four one-run games are a testament to how little room for error each team had -- unfortunately, the Braves were made to pay for their errors.
If Brooks Conrad's body is not bruised and sore when he arrives at spring training, then he didn't spend the off-season taking grounders off his chest like he should have. Though I don't know that a player can fix bad defensive instincts at age 30.
The series was not all about his miscues, though. The Giants starting pitching should be the lead story, or as Braves fans understand it, the lack of Braves hitting. Missing two of your three best hitters certainly has something to do with that, but there were already holes in this Braves offense that were not filled last off-season, and those holes became more obvious when Chipper and Prado went down. We here at Talking Chop will certainly discuss what is needed on the 2011 Braves team, but the biggest addition is clearly a big outfield bat.
I haven't set a schedule for this week yet, but I'll likely be reviewing the season, reviewing the NLDS, and doing some off-season prognosticating. If you were around Talking Chop last year, you'll remember that we did a very extensive review of every aspect of the 2009 Braves that ran all the way to Thanksgiving. We'll be doing that again this year for the 2010 Braves with blog posts going up every day.
For now though, I think we all need the numb feeling to dissipate just a bit before we talk about moving forward. At least we made it back to the postseason this year, and just a cursory glance at this team, especially the starting pitching staff, should tell you that they will be competitive next season. More to come...
0 recs | 90 comments
IMO
This team overachieved all year !!! In the end they just just couldn’t catch a break from the injury bug,umps and Brooks Conrad’s iron glove…………..oh well………..
ggotch - October 12, 2010
As much as it sucks to lose
Getting here is something to build on and the future looks so bright. Braves will be back with a vengence in 2011, and although he won’t be in the dugout, Bobby will still be part of the franchise. Here’s to a quick offseason can’t wait for Spring!!
HansonManCrush - October 12, 2010 via mobile
I’m glad I won’t have to see these ragtag Braves get dismantled by the Phillies in the NLCS. I only wish we had had the chance to see what a fully healthy Braves team could have done in the postseason. Hopefully we’ll get to see that next fall.
redwards95 - October 12, 2010
In all honesty
I believe you are correct that it would not have been pretty what the Phillies would have done to our injury plagued lineup. I would’ve pulled for them, and tried to believe in their chances, but realistically…
BravesFaninAZ - October 12, 2010
sad times
but the good thing is we made it to the playoffs, Bobby was awesome, and next year our team will hopefully be healthy and better!
THANK YOU 2010 Atlanta Braves!
dank7 - October 12, 2010
We are in good shape for next year. What we need now is:
1. Freddi Gonzalez to coach.
2. At least ONE OF bat, preferably CF.
3. Resign someone like Hinske to backup Freeman.
ChrisK562 - October 12, 2010
This
Resign Hinske… He brings so much value to the Bench and clubhouse
HansonManCrush - October 12, 2010 via mobile
Add 1 thing
4. A veteran closer to pass the torch to Kimbrel and /or Venters.
Like Freeman, I have some ? here and would like a vet out there to help close out games. Saito is fine for this role, but I’m not sure if we’ll keep him or not since I don’t foresee him being a cheap option.
theatlfan - October 12, 2010
I don’t think we need a closer per se. I think what we need is someone from the Saito/Farnsworth mold (note: I AM NOT saying sign Farny; I’m just establishing a category) who has good set up stuff and the ability to close if we need him to, but not a guy that would close with regularity.
J-Freak - October 12, 2010
Heath Bell anyone? He’s available from San Diego and we could let him walk for picks after next year.
king of games - October 12, 2010
You're going to end up...
trading prospects for picks. I generally don’t like that strategy, unless it’s the right prospects involved.
The people that we trade away are going to be ahead of the picks in any farm system, and they’re going to be more well-known to us. I’d rather just keep them for ourselves, unless they’re people we’re not going to need. You don’t get away with making those trades very often.
-C
cthabeerman - October 12, 2010
He shouldn’t be too expensive, as he’s only under contract for 1 year, and we really could use some picks as our system has an abundance of pitching and very few quality bats.
king of games - October 12, 2010
1 year...
For a playoff contender from the previous season.
If it was the Royals, the price would be lower. But you have to figure the Padres are going to get considerably more than the Nats got for a half season of Matt Capps.
The Twins gave up the 58th top prospect in the league for him, for half a season of a lower-tier player v. a full season of a top-tier guy.
There’s always a possibility that they accept a couple lower-tier prospects, but even then, it would depend upon which ones they want.
-C
cthabeerman - October 12, 2010
Why would you trade prospects for Bell when Bobby Jenks is going to be nontendered
Once he’s signed to a more reasonable deal, he’ll likely net picks as well while costing nothing to acquire
Stephen Schmidt - October 12, 2010
His name was Billy Wagner, and it was this year. They’re ready. We also got Saito, who i’d offer arb to.
Broccoman - October 12, 2010
I’d say that ggotch summed it up pretty well.
I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that “big outfield bat”. The Braves operate on a strict budget . Unless they can find a way to move Kawakami’s contract, I’m not seeing how they can fit anything but another marginal player on the team for 2011.
Zontar - October 12, 2010
"I just thank God I got to be a Brave." - Billy Wagner
The closest thing to a Connie Mack this generation will ever know. It’s very surreal right now, that he won’t be back.
And when I get off of work, I’m going to watch his postgame interview over and over, and cry my eyes out. And feel better for it.
We’ll miss you, Bobby. Very much.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 12, 2010
we need a bat...
and im not a big fan of Werth… but…. “If it’s Wren’s will, make it happen”…!!!!!
Hektor DiPaula - October 12, 2010
Major Offseason Need(s)
You think big outfield bat? Perhaps – let me pose two questions. First, are you really certain Chipper will be back and at full power? Second, where is that outfield bat going to play? Heyward has one outfield slot, and presumably Matty Diaz will have another – which means you are looking for a centerfielding big bopper. Hopefully one with decent defense, cause I saw way too many crooked numbers under E this season.
We have plenty of pitching, both starting and pen. First and second are given with Freeman and Prado. Catcher and backup are McCann and Ross. Diaz and Heyward I mentioned earlier. Shortstop is a big one – too many errors last season. Third is a huge question, and it’s a huge question with no answer anywhere in the organization that I’ve seen.
So here is my shopping list: power hitting 3B, good hitting defensive shortstop, CF of some variety, but must have good defense. All that on a budget.
Jeff Ray - October 12, 2010
Even if Chipper gets back
it’ll be in mid-June (I think), so really we’d have him for a little over 1/2 a season. Although he’s not Brett Favre, we have to prepare to move forward and if we get him back for any little bit of time, we cherish it and use him but keep an eye on 2 years from now when we most likely will have a different 3rd baseman (NOT Glaus, NOT Conrad, NOT Infante). I’d prefer keeping Prado at 2nd so we need a hard-hitting 3rd baseman in addition to hard-hitting Center.
Not sure what your priority is on the last paragraph, but for me it’s:
1. Power CF
2. OBP 3B
3. SS — AGon isn’t terrible and can be quite good; I’d like to see what happens when he’s in the system from the beginning of the season. At the same time, there really isn’t a backup or platooner available outside of Infante. The first two are MUST HAVES; this one is more a wish list for me.
skymuse - October 12, 2010
Chipper’s hitting off a tee already- I think he’ll be ready for Spring, but I don’t think he plays over 100 games. We’ll need a guy who can play 3B some.
Rasmus is the first guy I’d go after, offering Jurrjens straight- up and see what happens.
Broccoman - October 12, 2010
Thanks Bobby
~
~
~
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 12, 2010
rec'd
Sir Veza - October 12, 2010
I really loved this team
It’s a shame it had to end early but hey, we made it to the playoffs with a rag-tag roster and took it to the Giants.
Sir Veza - October 12, 2010
loved this team too
but they just weren’t the same after all those injuries. geez.
i hope they relax, rest and recoup for next year.
THANK YOU!
dank7 - October 12, 2010
2010 was the story of overperformance
The Braves had an amazing season. We were in contention or at the top for all but a few days in April. We led the division for the majority of the season and were in the top of the NL in several categories.
In the meantime, we had injuries, underperforming individuals, and subpar defense. The lineup changed constantly and we never really scared other teams in terms of being dominant. We simply were able to take advantage of breaks in the final innings a LOT, digging ourselves out of hole after hole. Chipper, Prado, Wagner, JJ, and Medlen all went down for the season. Saito, JHey, Diaz, Glaus, and McOut were injured for extended stretches. We had a shortstop controversy, a 2-hole controversy, starting pitching shakeups, and late-season acquisitions that didn’t hit as advertised. Fantastic bullpen that inexplicably gave up late blown saves. Fantastic starting pitching that didn’t get proper bat support.
The fact is that in the end this was a slightly-above-average team that performed far and above what we really should have expected. Getting to the playoffs as a wild card and being able to play closely (all 1-run games) has been the icing. Did we play as well as we’d like? No, but at this point our team is equal parts A team, B team, and C team. Half the starting lineup was bench players and known professional non-hitters (AGon, Ankle, McOut). We really could have been swept in 3 not-close games, but we hung in there, stole one, and nearly stole 2 more.
Congrats to the 2010 Braves — we got much farther than we should have given so many issues. Looking forward to 2011!
skymuse - October 12, 2010
+1000
Much congrats to the 2010 Braves!
BravesFaninAZ - October 12, 2010
Blah Blah Blah
68 different managers have won world series titles.
22 of them won multiple titles
46 only won it once.
And of the 46 who only won it ONCE…
only ONE of them had more than 7 postseason appearances…
and that one had 16 postseason trips!
1 for 16.
Sorry folks…I rooted for him because I love the Braves…
But we squandered the 1990’s worse than any team ever has.
Bobby was the manager.
You make the call.
HalleyGator - October 12, 2010
You should take that noise to AJC. You think people here don’t know that?
CharlotteChop - October 12, 2010
He's meant so much more...
To this franchise and city than WS titles. While I respect your opinion, I do not feel now is the time to come on here and basically say, “Good riddance.”
Jman781 - October 12, 2010
+1
HansonManCrush - October 12, 2010 via mobile
all of the "only" people/haters may not realize this....
but using the word “only” when referring to the Braves and Bobby Cox is really more of a compliment, than anything else.
especially in a sport where maybe only 5 or 6 out of 30 teams even have a shot.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 12, 2010
2 out of 30 according to ESPN
Yanks and Phils.
king of games - October 12, 2010
3
The Red Socks are always in it, even if they’re out of it, according to E!spn.
Darin H - October 12, 2010
"You make the call." HalleyGator
You’re a jerk?
adc62 - October 12, 2010
that's ridiculous
How many major league managers in the history of the game would trade with Bobby? About 95% of them. All those division titles and playoff appearances. Comments like this usually come from people who have not spent one day coaching above Pee-Wee football.
MurphyHOF - October 12, 2010
I loved this team as much as any group in awhile
But we finally couldn’t outrun the injuries. We were a collision away from Melky and Diory being full time starters down the stretch, and I feel like we’d have put fewer people on the DL if we flipped our Charter bus going down the highway. It’s a shame to see it end like this.
The Keith Lockhart Era - October 12, 2010
NOT THE LAST OF THE SKIPPER:
If anybody thinks Bobby Cox won’t have a major say in who takes over; who stays; who leaves….who will play for this team next year, then ya DON’T know his influence with Atlanta. I cried watching his press conference. I think that is the first time I’ve seem that type of emotion from Bobby. The Braves will be ready and waiting to attack the league in 2011…GOD BLESS YOU BOBBY COX !!!!!
Johsue - October 12, 2010
The last few lines of this were hard to read:
DOB’s blog on Cox meeting with players after the game
s.r.j - October 12, 2010
Man!
Teared up just reading it…
BravesFaninAZ - October 12, 2010
All of my "anger and disappointment" was spent on Game 3, so last night was more about Bobby for me than the loss of the game.
I wanted us to win, and thought we just might pull it out, even after losing the lead late. But, once the lead was gone my mind went to Bobby and how emotional he and the team was going to be if this indeed this was his final game. The press conference was when it really hit me.
I’m glad if we were to be eliminated, it was at Turner Field, where OUR fans could say good-bye to Bobby one last time. He was able to experience his final game, be with his team in their locker room, go back to his office and not face a long plane ride home afterward.
Plus, if we had gone further, seeing the Phillies do it would have made me wanna puke.
I am so proud of this 2010 team. We took a bunch of beat up, over-achieving guys and gave our fans something to cheer about all the way into the post season. I’m psyched for 2011!
NCChopper - October 12, 2010
Well said
dragonhawk26 - October 12, 2010
Also glad it was at home.
BravesFaninAZ - October 12, 2010
Completely agree with this. I didn’t feel anger at any point last night. It was a much more peaceful game for me, even after we gave the lead back up. I guess I realized that I might as well enjoy Bobby’s possible last game as much as possible. I definitely would have preferred sending Bobby out after we won the World Series in game 6 or 7 at home, but under the circumstances, I definitely like how it happened. We didn’t get swept, and his last game was still at home. I’m happy.
And this 2010 team was definitely one of the best, most fun teams I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. They never gave up, even with all of the injuries. Awesome group of guys.
Sarahbeth - October 12, 2010
“You can’t win if you don’t score.” The next manager needs to put signs all over the clubhouse, in his office and in Frank Wren’s office that say that. This team got lots of guys on and left them in scoring position. Every Braves team in the Bobby Cox era got lots of guys on and couldn’t get them in. That has to change. (This is a perception that can probably be disproved by one or more of you SABRmetricians, but a perception nonetheless.)
I seriously doubt that any current or former manager could have done more with what he had than Bobby Cox. Charlie Manuel would have been fighting to stay above .500 with these guys. I will miss Bobby in the dugout and especially when he gets thrown out of games. (How telling was it that the Braves won the one playoff game where Bobby got tossed out?) The guys who played for him played their hearts out. I hope the next manager can evoke the same feelings in the team.
Now I hope the Giants beat the Phillies like a rented mule.
John Holton - October 12, 2010
Agreed. Why isn't Bobby being talked about for NL Manager of the Year
Or is he and I’m just missing it?
s.r.j - October 12, 2010
It’s against MLB rules to give the Braves credit for anything.
king of games - October 12, 2010
Thanks Bobby! And thanks Braves!
It was a great season! I wish it had ended differently, but it was a fun ride nonetheless. From Jey-Hey’s first AB bomb that kicked it off to the tearful goodbye to #6 (even though he’ll be around some), it was a heckuva season.
It was tough watching the injuries take the season away, and the ‘what could have been’ had Chipper, Prado, JJ, Meds, and Wags stayed healthy, but I got to really hand it to the guys that came in and stepped up as best they could. Heck we made it to the playoffs, only 3 other teams in the NL did that! I say that we try to remember the good and let the bad fade away.
Thanks to Bobby for one last year in the dugout! Thanks to the guys for putting it all out there game after game! Have a good off season, get healthy and rested and we’ll see ya in the spring!
Darin H - October 12, 2010
So true.
BravesFaninAZ - October 12, 2010
I was Spent
Like NC Chopper, after Game 3. Last night, while of course I hoped the Braves would win, I just wanted to enjoy the scenery. Ending at Turner Field, while ironic b/c of the Braves home record, was a plus. I had tears in my eyes watching Bobby walk down the tunnel as the game ended, but moreso when he came back out. The fans and the Giants paid their proper respects. 1 WS win be damned, I will be forever grateful for Bobby Cox being the manager of the Braves. I think any of us who have been long time fans have learned life lessons from Bobby. Loyalty (yes, too Loyal sometimes) causes people to follow you. The 2010 Braves were the best example of this from all of his teams except maybe 91-92 before major Free Agents started pouring in. This team fought it’s ass off and made it to the playoffs. I thought Cody Ross’ postgame comments were very poignant. I am sure he is glad to be on the Giants, but the way he spoke I can guarentee you if he was picked up by the Braves (or traded for) he would have been ecstatic. Hell, he said Bobby was the best manager he’s ever known (over Bochy) and he never played for him. Bobby is one of a kind. Not the best game manager (see game 3 and many others) but it’s hard not to truly love what he’s done for the game and the organization. Players will cherish their time in Atlanta because of him and that is not the case everywhere. What makes him the best, is not his loyalty to his players, but the opposite – the players loyalty to him. Looking forward to next year, but also very sad today – I was 11 when he came, I am 32 now. It’s funny, a whole generation of my life I can associate what the Braves were doing in a period of time. Thank you Bobby, not only for being a great manager, but a great man and teaching a regular ol fan some life lessons that I hope not to lose along the way.
End of Sappyness – Go Braves.
CharlotteChop - October 12, 2010
That recent post
about who the players in the major leagues would most like to play for was telling. Undoubtably Bobby, who, as the manager, sets the tone for the organization, has everything to do with that. I think this post was very well said. I have often been upset with Bobby for his managerial decisions in the post season. I always kept in mind, however, that he was able to get his players to play their hearts out for him. And it is no light thing to get to the post season so many times. Yes, i would’ve liked more WS wins. Who wouldn’t? But SO many teams spend amny, many years not getting there at all. I was always acutely aware that Bobby Cox had a lot to do with that. That you Bobby for such a great run! Glad the players were able to take you and us into the post season this year!
BravesFaninAZ - October 12, 2010
It was a great season and the end of a great era of Braves baseball.
Thanks Bobby.
Thanks gondeee and all the TC regulars.
The negative TC johnny-come-latelies/instant analysists: Bite me.
fandave - October 12, 2010
This
HansonManCrush - October 12, 2010 via mobile
+1
ryantex - October 12, 2010
A Great Season
All in all. Of course, I wish we could have won it all, but we are on the right path back to the top. Last year’s amazing finish. This year the playoffs. Next year, look out. We have the nucleus of a strong team for years to come.
I still say we had the best bench in baseball. Look at what happened to other teams that lost some of their key starters, such as the Mets. We did limp into the playoffs, but as pointed out above, we were 1 of only 4 NL teams to make it.
Finally, Thanks, Bobby.
DawgB - October 12, 2010
A few thoughts:
Great run with Bobby, lots of good and bad to go with his managing, but always fun.
Wouldn’t mind bringing Lee back for one year next year to ease Freeman into the position.
I think we could easily get Dunn here, at a reasonable price, if we let him play left field. Couldn’t be worse than Melky, right? Gives us the major power threat we’ve needed for years.
Still love our pitching staff for next year!
king of games - October 12, 2010
Cody Fucking Ross. lol.
I still can’t believe the series he had. he and the umps were the nails in the coffin. not so much the Giants…
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 12, 2010
The Marlins screw us even when they’re sitting at home. Boggles the mind.
king of games - October 12, 2010
and that’s the weird thing about it. Ross was never a threat to the Braves while playing for the Marlins. it must’ve been the beard, or something. i was shocked, to be honest, because he wasn’t striking out or hitting pop flies.
Hopefully we get an official Fredi G announcement within the next 6 weeks. I mean, I know it’s not a done deal or anything, but it’s been documented that Bobby made a point to call and talk with him after the Marlins cut him loose. Almost like a “waiting in the wings” type thing. I really think he is going to be primed for a good run in 2011, especially vs Florida.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 12, 2010
6 months, I'll bet we hear within 6 days.
king of games - October 12, 2010
Reply Fail.
king of games - October 12, 2010
hopefully they will have Bobby, Frank, and Fredi all talking together at a press conference.
one can only hope. I mean, who the fuck would want to manage the Cups? lol.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 12, 2010
I just can’t wait to see us steal a base next year. It’s been like 25 years or so since our last one.
king of games - October 12, 2010
End of an era
I thought for sure, this season would finish with us coming up just short in the World Series (for old time sakes and perhaps the most fitting way for Bobby Cox to end his career as the manager). I really enjoyed this year’s rag-tag team and I’m still mourning the end of our seasons.
LEastCoastBears - October 12, 2010
COX Tribute FanPost
is HERE
In case some of you don’t see it.
I know when I log in with my phone, I don’t see the FanPosts in the mobile version on the site unless I intentionally go to that section.
NCChopper - October 12, 2010
Off season needs
I think we need to find 2 OF’s for next season. I don’t get why anyone thinks that Diaz has 1 OF spot locked up, he still can’t hit RHP effectively, still is poor Defensively, and is more of a platoon guy who will cost close to 5 million no thank you.
1. I say really make and effort to improve defensively, have every Infielder in spring training take ground balls off the chest for a week solid so they at least know how to get in front of a ball.
2. Get with the Dodgers and make a deal for Matt Kemp. I think a deal like this works for both teams.
Dodgers Get: Jair Jurrjens, Christian Betancourt, and Zeke Spruiell
Braves Get; Matt Kemp, and Jamey Carroll.
3. Get with Boston and get Jacoby Ellsbury
Red Sox Get: Steven Marek, Adroys Viscaino, and Cory Gearrin
4. We have to Eat 1/2 of KK, & McLouth’s contracts and get them off the roster as they are just dead weight.
5. I say Sign John Garland for 4 million to take JJ’s place, or Sign Brandon Webb looking for lightning in a bottle.
6. Re-sign Eric Hinske, he is too good off the bench to let go,
7. Re-sign Diaz to a cheaper contract not his 4-5 million arby figure, similar to what the reds did with Johnny Gomes last off season.
Lineup
1. Ellsbury
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. Kemp
5. McCann
6. Heyward
7. Gonzalez
8. Freeman
Bench
IF- Carroll, Infante, Hinske, Conrad
OF- Young, Diaz,
C- Ross
Starting Rotaton
1. Hudson
2. Hanson
3. Lowe
4. Minor
5. Garland/Webb or likewise
Bull pen
CP-Kimbrell
S/U-Venters
S/U-Moylan
LH-Dunn
Long Man- Martinez
We have added only about if my math is right, 3-4 million and still have Room to add more if needed with the close to 20 million we have coming off the books.
mauck98 - October 12, 2010
I agree on Ellsbury, but instead of Kemp, let’s just sign Adam Dunn and let him play LF. He’ll take a discount in order to get back into the outfield and our defense there sucks anyway, but at least Dunn can make up for it on offense plus gives us the power we’ve needed for years. Trade for Heath Bell to solidify our pen and let CK set up for a year. Also, lets sign DLee for 1 more year to take some pressure off Freeman, and Lee gets to audition for another big contract with a healthy year.
king of games - October 12, 2010
Adam Dunn
You do realize that Adam Dunn is gonna sign for somewhere in the 4/55+ million range. Do you really want to commit 55 million dollars for a 31 year old who has no defensive position in the National League. He didn’t play a single game in the OF this season and had no range or arm strength from 1st base. You want to put him in LF, I think he will be the same player for 1 maybe 2 years after that his production will decline rapidly as his bat speed slows down in his age 33-34 seasons.
How bad was Dunn at 1st base he ranked tied as the worst fielding 1st baseman in the National league. Troy Glaus ranked as a better 1st baseman think about that, for a minute.
mauck98 - October 13, 2010
Very interesting. I like the idea of a few trades instead of throwing $15 mil at someone. That being said, I’m intrigued by the possibility of Jayson Werth. We need a RH power bat very, very badly on this team. I’m not sold on him, but it’s something to think about.
Some comments:
1) Since Lowe’s contract can’t be moved, I would look to trade Jurrjens. In your rotation list, I would put Beachy #5 until Medlen returns (whenever that is).
2) While Kemp is a good ballplayer, is he a head case? Lots of drama in LA this year. May not be a bad idea though.
3) I like the Ellsbury idea, but I’m a little reluctant to trade Vizcaino. We could have a sick rotation in 2012 and beyond. Then again, we are blessed with lots of young pitching.
4) Do you think KK could be traded? I don’t really like the idea of Figgins coming over, but maybe we could get something. Probably not much with that contract though.
5) Re-sign Hinske. Yes and yes.
What do you think?
ryantex - October 12, 2010
I’d rather keep JJ and have Beachy or Minor as long relief in the pen. KK could be traded, but we would need to either eat money or take a bad contract on, maybe Kosuke Fukudome as a fourth outfielder?
king of games - October 12, 2010
So would you trade either Minor or Beachy and keep the other in the pen? I would probably keep Minor since we need a lefty starting. I do think that we will have to trade away one pitcher for a bat.
ryantex - October 12, 2010
No, I’d keep all three and trade Viscaino or Delgado if we need to trade.
king of games - October 12, 2010
Keeping JJ
We could very well keep him, but not after 2011. He will be up for Arbitration for the 2nd time and will get at least 8 and maybe 11 million depending on his season. That is why I say trade him now while his value and control to the acquiring team is at its highest ALA Josh Beckett( not saying by any means that JJ is in Beckett’s area right now but they are similar at this stage in their careers). JJ will earn at least 4 million next season, so I say move him and get someone like Kemp who is making a modest salary 6.95 million and has 1 year of Arbitration left after 2011, If he has a nice bounce back year you can play out that year or work out an extension.
We have plenty of pitching especially starting pitching to deal JJ.
With Lowe, Hudson, Hanson, Minor all locked up at least thru 2012 that is 4, #3 starter quality or better pitchers and with all the serviceable pitchers on the FA market it is very easy to use JJ to acquire the bat that we need, and just replace his 12-15 wins and 3.80 ERA with any number of guys like these below
1. John Garland
2. Jeremy Bonderman
3. Brandon Webb
4. Dave Bush
5. Eric Bedard
6. Chris Young
7. Javier Vasquez
8. Rich Harden
9. Jeff Francis
10.Aaron Harrang
mauck98 - October 12, 2010
We had plenty of SP this year too, how did that turn out for us?
king of games - October 12, 2010
I’d go after Colby Rasmus first. Offer the Cards JJ straight up, maybe throw in Schaefer if they throw some reclamation project in also.
We can get by with Minor and Beachy as 4th/5th starters for 2011. Hanson/Hudson/Lowe are the 2nd or 3rd best top 3 in the NL to me, and not that far from the best. Definitely good enough to win in October, as proven this year.
Adrian Gonzalez for B-prospects I’d consider to give Freeman another year, or as a LF solution.
Broccoman - October 12, 2010
It would probably take an A-level prospect to get Gonzales before the season. I’d rather just try to sign Lee for another year or get Adam Dunn to play LF and first.
king of games - October 12, 2010
I also want to take this opportunity to thank gondee and the rest of the authors/moderators. I also want to thank everyone who contributes here. It made the season so much better. For those people who think the Braves have fair-weathered fans, they should spend some time on TC.
Looking forward to an interesting off-season.
ryantex - October 12, 2010
Is there a link to Bobby's press conference anywhere?
Undocorkscrew - October 12, 2010
here
fandave - October 12, 2010
Another thing from last night
I really liked Lowe’s passion last night.
You could tell that he was giving it all he had to get through that inning. The first time Bobby went out there you could tell Lowe was asking him to stay in, and Bobby being the player’s manager left him in.
After he walked the next batter he looked over to see that Bobby was walking out to take him out and yelled “Aww F*&$!.” He pitched his ass off the month of September and his 2 playoff starts.
He earned my respect and I would not mind seeing him pitch for us next year.
dragonhawk26 - October 12, 2010
that last pitch from Lowe looked like a strike, too. painted the inside.
who would have thought….
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 12, 2010
That’s the kind of call the home team has to get. We didn’t get that one, or any others for that matter.
king of games - October 12, 2010
umpires fucking suck. people can call it whatever they want, but the Braves rarely have close calls go there way. and that’s just one more thing you have to over-come.
if I’m not mistaken, blown ump calls even costed us another WS in ’96. people overlook it tho, simply bc we lost it.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 12, 2010
I am 20 and....
in my lifetime, no one else has held the title of Braves manager. Going to be very weird. Thanks Bobby!
was385 - October 12, 2010
it might not be a horrible wait
because the Falcons are winning
southman - October 12, 2010
If I would be the Braves owner and have a ton of millions $
This would be my suggestion for the offseason.
Sign Crawford and Werth for the LF and RF
Sign Cliff Lee to be the Ace
Give FF another year in the minors, trade for Pujols
Trade Gonzalez for Hanley
If Chipper can`t continue, then trade for Zimmerman
Lineup.
1.Prado
2.Crawford
3.Chipper
4.Pujols
5.Heyward
6.Werth
7.Heyward
8.Hanley
9.Pitcher
Rotation
Cliff Lee
Derek Lowe
Tim Hudson
Tommy Hanson
JJ
Im just kidding!!
joshant - October 12, 2010
* i posted two Heyward, Bmac instead the 5spot heyward
1. Prado
2 Crawford
3 Chipper
4 Pujols
5 McCann
6 Werth
7 Heyward
8 Hanley
joshant - October 12, 2010
no, no! Two Heywards would be amazin
MBL1 - October 12, 2010 via mobile
and just as realistic!
Darin H - October 12, 2010
Bittersweet
I was disappointed to see the season end last night mainly because my wife (Hey-Jude) loves this team so much!
The other side of me is thrilled to have my wife back until March!
Enjoy the off-season guys and gals, I’m already enjoying mine….
Huddy - October 12, 2010
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