Greg Fiume - Getty Images
We need Troy Glaus to start hitting again.
The Atlanta Braves hadn't lost a series to a National League team since mid-May. They've now lost two series in a row.
The Nationals won today in rainy Washington DC behind Scott Olsen, Mike Morse, Ian Desmond and Will Nieves. So as you can imagine, it was pretty frustrating day.
Derek Lowe started for the Braves and pitched decently, but his struggles to put away hitters continued. It seemed like Nats hitters were getting big hit after big hit with two strikes. Lowe ended up going 5 innings and allowed 4 runs, and picked up his 9th loss of the season.
Scott Olsen was on the mound for Washington and pitched 6 strong innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned), on 6 hits and 2 walks. The vastly under-rated Nationals bullpen shut down the Braves for the 3rd straight game for the final three innings. Matt Capps finished the Braves in the 9th for his 26th save of the season.
The Nats got on the board first in the 2nd when Michael Morse grounded out to Omar Infante to bring in Adam Dunn from 3rd. Then, after it appeared Derek Lowe had Ian Desmond struck out on the previous pitch, Desmond hit a solo-HR to center field on a 3-2 pitch.
Matty Diaz continued to kill left-handed pitching and hit a 2-run HR off of Scott Olsen to tie the game 2-2. Diaz has played in 20 games since his thumb injury and has 5HRs and 11RBI in that span.
Our $60MM ace promptly broke the tie in the bottom of the 4th, when Will Nieves drove in two runners with an RBI-single to right. It was a questionable call by Bobby to pitch to Nieves with one out and 1st base open, especially with Scott Olsen and the light-hitting Nyjer Morgan coming up next.
The Braves failed to score after the 4th inning and Adam Dunn added an insurance solo-HR in the 8th off of Takashi Saito.
Nats win 5-3.
Another tough loss for the Braves. After the jump, I'm going to say a few things about this current team. Read them if you'd like and discuss. If not, skip over to the comments.
So the Braves are now 4-6 since the All-Star Break. That's not an awful number, but when you're facing the Brewers, Marlins and Nationals, you'd expect at least .500.
My question is this: Where are the Braves going to get their spark from? I know we simply cannot follow what the Phillies are doing, but the fact is that they're our biggest competition for the playoff hunt and in the NL East. In the last 24 hours, they've added a top-prospect in Brown and one of the better pitchers in baseball in Roy Oswalt. Shane Victorino will be back within two weeks and we all know Chase Utley is coming back eventually. And this doesn't include any other possible moves they could make before the trade deadline.
The Braves got a huge spark in May when Bobby brilliantly inserted Prado and Heyward to the top of the lineup, along with starting Eric Hinske against all right-handed pitchers. We're in 1st place because of that move alone. I also know we just got Jurrjens back to the rotation, along with Matt Diaz, but I still feel like this team is missing "it". The problem is, I'm not exactly sure what "it" is.
One problem I see is the Braves have no ML-ready prospects they're waiting to call up for this season. Freddie Freeman is probably ready, but unless Glaus really gets hurt, I don't think there's any chance we call him up. Craig Kimbrel could be a power arm out of the pen, but a 7th inning reliever can only bring so much. Our outfield is already crowded as it is, and while they're a solid 4th OF, a guy like Gregor Blanco or Matt Young isn't really going to excite anybody.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this: This is Bobby Cox's final season. He's a legend. We'll never have another Bobby. And while we certainly don't want to make a stupid move to severely cripple our future, I keep getting the feeling the Braves are going to stand pat at the deadline. This team could win a World Series. Win a World Series for Bobby and for Chipper. Win one for every Braves fan that's been through hell since 2006. I don't want to look back on the 2010 season as a year of "what if's" and "shoulda, woulda, coulda....". Maybe Frank Wren needs to deal one of his top, young prospects for a proven Major League veteran. Maybe this team needs a little spark and a little "win now" mentality from the Front Office. I think most Braves fans agree that this team is just a little something away from being great. Let's hope we find that little something soon.
Go Braves.
0 recs | 234 comments
We need a legitmate
bat to help this team, not sure we are going to get it though
UltimaParadox - July 29, 2010
agreed.
have you ever been so frustrated you started squishing blueberries? I have found a new stress reliever!
MBL1 - July 29, 2010 via mobile
For Bobby, Chipper AND Wagner
MBL1 - July 29, 2010 via mobile
I had that in my original post and then took it out. While it would be nice, Wagner doesn’t deserve to be mentioned with Bobby in Chipper in terms of Braves legends. Bobby and Chipper have been with this team for 15+ years. Wagner has been with them for 4 months.
Scott Coleman - July 29, 2010
I see your point there.
MBL1 - July 29, 2010 via mobile
In other news a steal for the Nats
Ramos in the deal for Matt Capps
UltimaParadox - July 29, 2010
but we got noboa!
bpk228480 - July 29, 2010
My buddy sent me a text this morning saying the DBacks and Braves made a big trade…total buzzkill when i got on MLBTR and saw what happened.
Scott Coleman - July 30, 2010
I feel like EVERYONE in the league is doing something except us
bpk228480 - July 30, 2010
Nats are going to be good
Ryan Zimmerman
Harper
Ramos
Desmond
Jordan Zimmerman
Strasburg
Storen
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
They freaking destroyed the Twins in that series
2 months of Matt Capps for Ramos? Really? Even if Ramos turns out to be a decent catcher, they’ll still win the deal. Anything else would be gravy.
Scott Coleman - July 30, 2010
yeah
Rizzio looking strong, wondering what he will get for Dunn
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
There was a game today?
bpk228480 - July 29, 2010
I’m all for making a move even if it costs losing a top guy, and my head tells me that it could be a risky move, but I’m in the camp of wanting to send out Bobby on top. Frankly, I’d be fine with mortgaging some of our future for that.
chantshuffler - July 29, 2010 via mobile
Deal anybody but Teheran and Freeman.
If Vizcaino, Delgado, or Minor along with other low level specs (Bethancourt, the guys we got from Toronto, etc.) will net us a bat, then it needs to be done. Melky, Dunn, and Vizcaino landed Vazquez. Melky, Dunn, and Vizcaino could maybe land us the hitting equivalent.
Do it Wren.
Bobby Cocks - July 29, 2010
nobody
is taking Melky now
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
and Vizcaino
is hurt, cant trade him
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
You can
It requires league approval, but it’s not as if that hasn’t happened plenty over the last couple of years. Jake Peavy and Mark Lowe leap readily to mind.
J-Freak - July 30, 2010
It is rare
when teams trade for a hurt “prospect”
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
I’m not disputing that it’s a rare occurrence, only pointing out that it can, in fact, be done.
J-Freak - July 30, 2010
Marlins
just traded Cantu for Omar Poveda, who is out for the year with Tommy John
eaheckman10 - July 30, 2010
Marlins just did it
bravesforever16 - July 30, 2010
You can trade injured minor leaguers
If you can remember we traded Tony Pena Jr for Erik Cordier a couple years back and Cordier just had TJ surgery and missed the entire season.
Jay212033 - July 30, 2010
I wouldn't either
I like Kemp but there’s a reason he keeps getting benched in LA, I don’t want to see an Escobar type situation again but then again maybe a change of scenery will do him some good like Esco. I still wouldn’t trade JT though, maybe Medlen, Dunn, Schafer and Lopez for Kemp.
Jay212033 - July 30, 2010
too much
kbertling353 - July 30, 2010
No it really isn't
Medlen has been great but we have guys that can step in and take over his spot in the rotation, Dunn we have several good LHRP so he’s expendable for a bat, Schafer at this point doesn’t have much value but still could develop and be a really good CF and Lopez while he’s a good prospect he’s also a long ways away and we have several good prospects as is.
So really that isn’t too much for a young middle of the order type bat in Kemp.
Jay212033 - July 30, 2010
I was more meaning an equivalent of those guys. I’d give up an outfielder, relief pitcher and Delgado for a stick.
Bobby Cocks - July 30, 2010
I'd be willing to part with JT
only because if we were to part with him we’d be getting a fantastic return
KINGSLYTUT - July 30, 2010
I wouldn't chance it
The Tex deal is still too fresh lol! Seriously though if we were to get a good young power bat I wouldn’t be mad at all. Say Kris Medlen, Julio Teheran, Mike Dunn, Jordan Schafer and Mycal Jones for Ryan Braun type deal i’d do outside that type deal not really.
Jay212033 - July 30, 2010
Nah our system is way to deep to have to give up someone like him
bravesforever16 - July 30, 2010
WE officially need to make a move
Philly is as hot as they’ve been all season and we are as cold as we have been since May.
I would have liked Lee because he would’ve given us 3 reliable pitchers(Huddy/JJ)
I have no idea what we could get to put us over the hump but i am willing to trade anyone but Freddie as of now
KINGSLYTUT - July 30, 2010
at this point
Philly will pass us, unless we get someone to stabilize our lineup… but I am not sure that impact bat is even available for a trade
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
im willing to trade JT
but only for an imediate/young impact bat i.e. maybe Kemp if he is even remotly available
KINGSLYTUT - July 30, 2010
no way he is available
but I would not trade JT for Kemp
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
what???????
Kemp will be a 25HR/30 Steal/.300BA guy soon
KINGSLYTUT - July 30, 2010
Really is not that valuable
and he is a terrible CF
2008: 3.2 WAR
2009: 5.1 WAR
2010: 0.5 WAR
He does not walk all that much around 7% for his career, and his strikeouts are getting worse 27% this year!!! Career 25%
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
He is 26
and is a legit 5 tool player…i’d love Kemp but being realistic know LAD wouldn’t be dumb enough to trade him
KINGSLYTUT - July 30, 2010
26
is where you should see significant jumps in production, not significant downgrades
He is over-valued, and is not a great player at a corner OF position. Sadly that is where he needs to be
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
I think this is the situation
Wren doesn’t like the guys that are rumored to be available because they give us very little beyond this season. I would be these are the kind of calls he is making. He’ll give up some young pitching for a young, proven outfielder. I know people have thrown out Luke Scott, but I wonder if we could give Baltimore a sweet enough deal to get Adam Jones or Nick Markakis.
My thinking is that we could send them Resop, Minor, Collins, Diamond, Schafer for one of those guys. Markakis will be on the downside of his prime years before they are anywhere close to relevant again, so maybe we can offer them some pitching help to get things turned around. They are never going to outhit the teams in their division, but they may be able to build a strong pitching staff to give them a fighting chance in a few years.
gutisking - July 30, 2010
Outside the box
DFA Glaus and go for Dunn. FA after the season, we get a draft pick and don’t block Freeman
bighop - July 30, 2010
If the Twins gave Ramos for Capps
no way, we can get Dunn… to be honest
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
yea, they're asking for way too much
and probably will want more intradivision
kbertling353 - July 30, 2010
Great post mvhs
Make no mistake about it, we have a good team . But for Bobby and Chippers sake how about we put the pieces in place to have a great team. The “win now” mentality should never be more appropriate than the situation we are currently in with a legend manager on his way out. It is only appropriate that we reclaim what was rightfully ours for 1.5 decades. For the next two days I’m Frank Wren’s biggest fan
ATLBRVS_19 - July 30, 2010
Slow Down
We need to chill out for a minute. The Braves have been one of the best teams in the NL with just about every regular missing some time during the year. This is no time for a panic trade to overpay for a marginal upgrade. Wren only needs to deal for a real impact bat that is controllable for more than this year.
This team has enough pitching and really only needs one impact bat, and there aren’t too many of those guys available.
Please do not break the glass on the emergency box yet.
JFP - July 30, 2010
I dont believe
the impact bat is out there, not sure what we do..
Our pitching is not that good, that our offense can support us and still expect to win the majority of our games.
Unless Glaus turns it around and turns into the guy he was in May, but it looks like he is starting to break down. Which is not surprising.
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
I don’t either unless Wren blows someone away, which is why I say that he doesn’t need to panic trade. Just chill and let things play out and see who is available in August.
JFP - July 30, 2010
going 2-4
against the Marlins and the Nats when we didnt even face Josh Johnson or Strasburg? thats terrible. We lost to freaking Batista in the first game of the series. BATISTA!!!
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
two of those losses were blown saves, so even with a slumping offense the Braves could have gone 4-2 in that same stretch.
JFP - July 30, 2010
however
we didnt and now the Phillies are 2.5 games behind us.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
while that may be correct, the point is, they played well enough to be leading two of those games only to lose on walkoffs to a team that was crazy hot at the time. That doesn’t scream panic trade mode to me.
JFP - July 30, 2010
Fans are the ones screaming panic mode.
Bronn - July 30, 2010
I say no one in the farm
is untouchable. The Braves have a history of great scouting and drafting and can easily get it all back. (I just wish the Hawks would follow the Braves lead…) The past is over, the future hasn’t come yet, so live in the present.
hawves - July 30, 2010
and continue to get burned on teixeira type deals
kbertling353 - July 30, 2010
Right now we have 2 reliable starters (JJ/Huddy)
Tommy is either stellar or awful
D-Lowe is either quality or below average
Medlen has cooled
I wish we would have went after a top pitcher but it is too late now
I think we need to make a move now but am stumped to who we could/would trade for…
KINGSLYTUT - July 30, 2010
??
They arent aces for a reason my friend. But as far as Im concerned, I like our matchups across the board outside of St louis and Philly. We matchup well with just about any squad. IMO.
aRC - July 30, 2010
problem is if we want to win in the playoffs we have to match well with these two teams.
jdeuel3868 - July 30, 2010
We really need a bat....
I’m not sure what we can do, but we need a big bat. I mean, I know people don’t like him, but I really, really think Chris Young could put us over the top. We might be able to steal him considering they have no front office right now.
ZC1 - July 30, 2010
Chris Young wouldn't do much
i’d rather go after someone that would provide significant increase production
KINGSLYTUT - July 30, 2010
Wren HAS to have something up his sleeve
If his comment about a week ago that he was content to go with internal options was anything more than a smokescreen, then he isn’t worth the chair he sits on in his office. No GM in their right mind would look at this team and think there’s no reason to improve. Remember, guys, that Wren has a phobia of media attention before a deal- there were 0 McLouth rumors last year, 0 Yunel-Gonzalez rumors this year. I’m sure he’s working on something, but if he doesn’t manage to pull it off by Saturday we’ll probably never find out what he was working on. But if he really is sitting on his duff waiting for a call to come to him offering someone up on a platter rather than pursuing something, we should hang him.
J-Freak - July 30, 2010
Chris Young
IS not really that much up of an upgrade…
reminds me of Alex Gonzalez this year, but not as extreme…
He is having one of his best years, and still is a slightly above average player.
I mean he is a career .240/.312/.443
And hits for power in a very hitter friendly park
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
+1
but i hate hearing the words “Alex Gonzalez trade”
kbertling353 - July 30, 2010
It's so damn quiet right now
There’s literally nothing going on publicly from the Braves end.
Scott Coleman - July 30, 2010
I mean
what moves can we make, who is available that can really help us..
Josh Willingham makes sense, but damn the Nats just got Ramos for Capps
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
I don’t know. I’m not a GM.
Scott Coleman - July 30, 2010
you are suppose
to put on your E-GM hat, and whine and moan with the rest of us…. You call this a blog
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
Thats bad journalism
bravesforever16 - July 30, 2010
to be honest the fact that it is so quiet on the braves front is intriguing. either wren is the biggest dumbass in the world or he’s working on a blockbuster or philibuster hehe
ATLBRVS_19 - July 30, 2010
Yes and two of those games were lost by blown saves, not by the offense
JFP - July 30, 2010
was that a reply to me?
ATLBRVS_19 - July 30, 2010
no it was for above, so many comments my page is refreshing at a crazy rate.
JFP - July 30, 2010
This
He’s up to something, but God only knows what.
J-Freak - July 30, 2010
Wow!
I must be the only one that thinks we’re cool. 9 series’ in August, of which 6 are at home, with three on the road against Houston, Chicago, and Colorado. I think we’re fine. Philly is just streaking. The may pass us, they may not, but itll be close by the time we play them in the last two weeks of the season.
Whoever thought we would run away with the NL East even with an addition, is delusional. This will be a fight and, I for one am excited as all hell.
Peace
aRC - July 30, 2010
I don’t think anyone thought we would run away with the East…
Scott Coleman - July 30, 2010
I'm looking forward to that home slate, too.
This road trip can’t end too soon. The difference right now is that the Phills are getting it done against crummy teams and we’re letting them walk on us. We should be pounding the piss out of the likes of Florida and the Nationals.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
yeah
but the reality is this team still needs something against Playoff level teams, if we even make the playoffs of course
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
Buster Olney said that the Dodgers might be sellers at the deadline. I would love to add Matt Kemp if that is somehow possible.
ZC1 - July 30, 2010
Supposedly
He’s in their doughouse.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
Also read on mlbtraderumors......
that we are still pursuing Josh Willingham.
ZC1 - July 30, 2010
Our defense would probably suck, but...
Willingham in LF, Heyward in CF, Diaz in RF would be beastly. Maybe even try Hinske in RF and then always shift Heyward over slightly to right-center field to help Hinske out. Bring in Melky in as a defense replacement in the late innings for Diaz or Hinske and swap him with Heyward.
Prado
Heyward
Chipper
Willingham
McCann
Glaus
Diaz/Hinske
Gonzalez
That’s beautiful.
Scott Coleman - July 30, 2010
I'm warming up
To a scenario like that.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
im not
that defense would be terrible and wouldnt be worth the trade IMO
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Willingham/Heyward/Diaz wouldn’t be horrible, especially with Blanco or Melky coming in the latter innings.
Scott Coleman - July 30, 2010
I mean seriously the Dodgers
run
Manny/Kemp/Either
It is still better than that
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
ewww that's terrible
i would hate to be a fly ball pitcher with that group
kbertling353 - July 30, 2010
You stop the bleeding
Before you start hanging the curtains.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
it would be even better with the return of the Glausosaurs mighty roar
ATLBRVS_19 - July 30, 2010
i dont think we've got to
see Heywards full defensive potential in right
ATLBRVS_19 - July 30, 2010
First off
Great, great write up. I thoroughly enjoy your writing. Secondly, I’m usually inclined to say I don’t think we should panic. We have a really good team. A couple of really good prospects on the farm for the next few years to come. Problem is, Bobby wont be in the dugout in a few years, and neither will Chip. This season its been much ballyhooed that we wanted to send Bobby out a winner, win one for the gipper so to speak. This team, as good as they are, can not do this. Right now, we’re the worlds tallest midget. We are really good, but not elite.
thenightstallion - July 30, 2010
If you dont try to win
with a 7 game lead after the all-star break, when do you?
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
hopefully when that 7 magically becomes a 2.5
thenightstallion - July 30, 2010
Um...
On what planet does a 2.5 game lead = giving up on the season?
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
no one is giving up on the season, but this is a much different feeling 2.5 game lead than the one we previously had. When you’re playing well and you’ve got a lead like that its like “Alright guys, we’re up a couple games on the defending champs!” but when you’re playing the way we’ve played it looks more like “Holy crap! The Phillies are so close to our back side I can almost feel the penetration!”
thenightstallion - July 30, 2010
I don't understand your point.
You’re saying that this team “can not do this,” and that they should not try to win for Bobby this year. Yet you say you aren’t giving up on the season. These statements seem mutually exclusive.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
giving up on the season means just that, giving up. saying this team can’t do that means lets add another piece.
thenightstallion - July 30, 2010
OK, well you didn't really make that clear.
You only stated negatives about the team and never said that we should add anyone.
But I agree with your general idea. Let’s get another piece.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
My bad, I thought it was implied with the flow of all the conversations. I was reading all of your other posts though and I was like “Whats this guys deal? We have the same ideas!” Haha…but my bad. I definitely should have crystalized my thoughts more
thenightstallion - July 30, 2010
It's cool
All’s well that ends well.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
was this not trying to win a directive from the owners. Did Bobby really comply with that. I can hear his pregame speeches now. “Well fellas, we’re 7 up on the Phils and Mets but ownership says don’t try to win anymore, so lets go give it our best to lose”
JFP - July 30, 2010
I think you misunderstood me
I am saying we should be in win now mode….
We should be buyers at the deadline and take a shot at the WS
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
And I’m say that they are in a win now mode every day time they play a game. The win now mode is just a catchy saying that someone came up with.
JFP - July 30, 2010
It has more to do with the organization approach
Eventually you have to decide you will actually compete or not and build for the future
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
Hopefully the goal is to compete every year and build for the future at the same time. I’m all for pulling the trigger on a trade, but we’re not seeing the players available that will make enough of a difference to sacrifice anything of the future.
I wouldn’t be able to sit here and bash FW for not pulling the trigger on a trade that was a marginal upgrade just because it would send the “signal” that we are in a win now mode. We’ve been in a win now mode since spring training when they brought Heyward north.
The season has gone very well even with plenty of injuries and there’s reason to believe that the recent stretch is a speed bump and not a precursor to going from being in the lead in your division to out of contention.
JFP - July 30, 2010
Honestly
I’m worried. This team essentially got
1. A Solid #3 arm in J.J.
2. A great RF bat in Heyward
3. A great RH bat in Diaz
within a matter of a week and we still are scuffling.
Some of it lies on the BP for losing those games in Florida but at the same time there is no reason for us to have lost that game against Batista. Fact of the matter remains that although Oswalt pitches terribly against us he pitches well against every other team in baseball and those are the teams he is going to be seeing until the end of September. For that reason I am worried.
Also rumors are that the Phillies are going after Jose Bautista to play 3B. A 30 HR bat in that lineup that already has so much depth would be kind of crazy.
Yes we could technically stand pat and hope that our players get back to their career numbers since almost everyone is playing below their norms. BUT the fact of the matter is that the Phillies have woken up and they now have added one of the top pitchers in the game. Whether we want to or not we need to make some kind of move.
In my opinion the best option on the table is Markakis. The Orioles were apparently listening on all of their players and said no one was really untouchable. Markakis would bring some stability to the lineup. While he doesnt bring a ton of HR power he brings consistency and he hits doubles like crazy. Also has great plate discipline and a great OBP perfect for hitting 2nd.
I say get Nick Markakis and call it a day. Then go with a lineup of
1. Prado 2B
2. Markakis RF
3. Chipper 3B
4. McCann C
5. Heyward CF
6. Glaus 1B
7. Hinske/Diaz LF
8. Gonzalez SS
9. Pitcher
I wouldn’t mind giving up
Mike Minor
Scott Diamond
Robinson Lopez
Cory Gearrin
Mycal Jones
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
report to Orioles saying no player is untouchable
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/macphail-no-young-player-is-untouchable.html
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
markakis is interesting to think about
kbertling353 - July 30, 2010
I think the Braves got unlucky in that what we need right now (a power-hitting OF) is exactly what—for the most part—isn’t much on the market. If we had needed a SP or RP, there were tons of really good ones out there, including some difference-makers like Lee and Oswalt. But with DeJesus hurt and Willingham and Werth in the division, there’s not really any OFs available that make a big difference, unless you’re a Corey Hart believer.
I have been in the “standing pat” group for a while now, but I think I was wrong. I think this team could really use another power source from either OF or 1B (a Glaus re-resurgence would fix things, but I don’t know when/if that will happen). I just don’t know if we can get that in this market. I don’t envy Frank Wren right now; he’s in a tough spot. We’ve still got a good chance at the playoffs even if we stand pat, but I’d sure love to have more than just a “good chance”.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
i dont think
we really need power. Just consistency. a player throwing up a .800+ OPS in CF would be great or RF if we move Heyward. Right now our CF spot is a black hole in terms of production.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
I'm on board with Heyward in CF and getting a RF
but I do think anyone we get needs at least moderate power. And yes, consistency would be great too. But there really aren’t that many guys who fit either of those profiles who are available.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
Jose Bautista is apparently a hot commodity.
The reaction here would be Tolstoy-level epic.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
I don't like Bautista
but I guess he’d be a pretty good improvement over Melky… probably.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
He'd be a nice piece to have next year
If Larry walks away this winter.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
bluh me neither
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
Markakis
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
I like this idea
but I didn’t think he was on the market. Haven’t heard anything on him.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
there was a report
a while ago saying the Orioles were open to trading almost anyone. I’ll see if i can find it.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Link to Orioles Report
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/macphail-no-young-player-is-untouchable.html
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Hm.
Well, sounds like the price would be high. But I would trade Minor + complimentary pieces for him, no doubt about it. He’s legit.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
I am hoping
that with Showalter being hired, doesnt prevent them from moving players
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
thats a good way to sum it up…
i agree though…i would focus a trade around minor as well
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
let me clarify
i would center a trade around minor and not think twice about pulling that trigger if the end result was markakis
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
Minor
He seems like a far more viable, and expendable, piece in any deal we would make in the next couple of days (compared to any of the younger guys.)
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
I wonder
if he was drafted just for the purpose of being traded the next year
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
i have been starting to think this theory is more viable recently…i was puzzled when we drafted him, but if we drafted him to maximize his value and then deal him…thatd b pretty genius
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
I've seen that idea
Floated by more than one person.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
it kind of makes sense
he was a college guy and would move quickly through the system. We had no one in our upper minors as far as pitching depth so he would either be A. Insurance against a slew of injuries or B. Trade bait.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Apparently
He’s a bit of a tool, too, so…might not fit in our future plans.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
As would I
The problem is they actually have a great pitching core and need positional prospects. There is no way I would give up Freeman however I would consider Mycal Jones, and some of our other position players. Even some of our BP arms.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
I'm intrigued.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
i think markakis would be awesome
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
Apparently Brad Hawpe is available.
Anyone interested? (I’m not, not with his defense)
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
or with his offense outside of Coors
AJCbeat - July 30, 2010
yeah it really is a tough market
We really need an impact OF bat, but those are really not available. Unless we offer a Tex type package to wow them….
I guess its up to Wren to see if he thinks this team has enough to hold off the Phillies and make a run in the playoffs. If not he will stand pat and hope for the best, and wait till next year.
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
It sucks hard
because if we had a rotation spot, we could’ve gotten Lee for not too much, or Oswalt or Haren for practically nothing. But an OF that helps us is going to cost a buttload.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
@but we have to trade for someone, anyone right now!
JFP - July 30, 2010
this is true
i just hope he doesnt get someone thats a gamble. Apparently we were interested in Felix Pie for some reason.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
ugh
NOT the answer.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
yea
when i read that all i could think of was Wren making a move just to make one but not giving up anything of value. Unless he did something like Resop for Pie. 2 players out of options.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Wouldn't anyone else like to see Minor promoted to the bigs
see what we can get out of him…he has torn up the minor leagues…plus a lefty in the rotation could be nice…we have 5 righties as of now…plus i would be thrilled to see dlowe sat down or medlan moved back to the pen…
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
i dont think
i would say he’s exactly “Torn Up” the minors
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Sure he did.
He wrote his name 5 times on a sheet of paper. Then he tore that sheet of paper up.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
How hasn't he torn up the minors?
His FIP’s since his debut: 1.06, 3.21, 2.56
eaheckman10 - July 30, 2010
im still worried
about his walks.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
adam dunn
i know his defense would be bad in LF, but it would probably be about the same as Willingham’s (not at all good defensively…haha)
i know the asking price is high atm, but if it came down would anyone be intrigued by him?
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
Willingham's D is bad
but Dunn’s is way, way, way, WAY worse. If we got Dunn, I’d play him at 1B.
Apparently they wanted Beckham or two top prospects from the White Sox for him, though. Don’t think 2 months of Dunn is worth nearly that much.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
Nats robbed the Twins for Capps
So I have to imagine Dunn’s asking price is ridiculous
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
Yeah I couldn't believe that one.
I’m starting to think Rizzo might know what he’s doing.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
yea i think hes done a good job
he hasn’t really made a bad move that i can think about…i remember when they were looking for a new gm, i figured itd be best for the nats to keep him cuz he had made some good moves
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
anyone is better
than Bowden
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
fair point...
he traded for lastings milledge…need i say more?
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
haha nope
Was it Rizzio who traded Milledge to the Pirates?
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
i think so
rizzo got morgan…was that the same deal? i wouldve fired my gm for even trading a baseball for lastings…
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
Lots of people praised that trade.
“Reasoning” that since Lastings was younger, he had more upside.
Never mind the fact that he’s a hosehead, he’s got skilzzzzz.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
I think you are right
man..Nats have been spending on the draft too…
They will be scary
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
agreed
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
i'd prefer we don't sell out for dunn either...especially since we don't have a good place for him...if 1st base was the position we needed than yes...but not to stretch him playing OF
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
well if Glaus isn't going to revert to his May form...
1B is a position of need for us.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
problem with Glaus
that there is nowhere to play him either, he would have to be DFA
not sure we would do that
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
We would if we had to.
We released Glavine. After that, DFAing Glaus is nothing.
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
yeah
but Glaus carried this team in May, just seems strange
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
i still strongly believe glaus will bounce back
he’s had a horrible july sorta like his horrible april…but man when he got hot he was spectacular…
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
I'm hoping for that too
but this has been one long slump
Jacob Peterson - July 30, 2010
true...i wish the deadline could be moved back a couple of weeks
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
July
and June, but let it be known I am a Glaus fan….
I just hope he finds his stroke soon, we really dont have that much time to wait ask Mclouth
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
agreed on the price
the price is exorbitant…
just figured he kinda fits to an extent..he hits balls a long, long way, and he gets on base a bunch as well
just figured i would throw the discussion out there…
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
Wow according to MLBTR
Rangers offered their top 3 prospects for Josh Johnson, but were turned down….
Intriguing idea, but Johnson is very valuable at such a low price
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
best pitcher in the NL...
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
They could offer a couple more
And still come out on top. Not even Joe Girardi could ruin that kid’s arm.
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
i saw that
rangers were told johnson was unmovable…johnson is so damn good…just figured id say it
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
honestly
They probably should have offered more than that. Prob add Andrus in the deal. Move Hanley to 3B or Andrus to 2B and Trade Uggla or put him at 3B.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
love the second bit about braves season
I know it’s easy to panic right now, but I definitely won’t. O’flaherty will be back. Melky/Blanco will be better than McLouth whatever way you look at it. It seems like a lot will depend on Troy Glaus. He will need to pick it up and regain that form he had earlier or he definitely won’t be on the team next year. He needs to turn back into the 2009 Yunel Escobar and be that RBI man. Hopefully, Jason Heyward stays healthy and only improves as the 2nd half goes. We also destroy Oswalt historically and I like the way we play the phillies head-to-head this year. I wouldn’t be upset if Frank Wren stands pat at the deadline. It’ll be exciting and one hell of a race down the stretch, any how.
abraves - July 30, 2010
you do realize
that O’flaherty only adds marginal value to this team? Dunn has actually been pretty solid for us so its not like we have been missing anything. Also Melky and Blanco should not be counted on
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
plus Melky has been with us all year
guy is not that good, 4th OF at best
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
you do realize
that Dunn has pitched 4.1 innings this season? He also has 5 walks. Sure, he has looked nice but I would rather have an experienced O’Flaherty with less control problems and more reliability. You can knock on Melky/Blanco all you want, but it’s much better than anything McLouth was producing.
abraves - July 30, 2010
It would really be nice if O’flaherty replaced Chavez haha.
abraves - July 30, 2010
Again people
There’s a simple explanation why all this is happening.
“Already a lock”
Ever since this was posted we have been struggling!
Jay212033 - July 30, 2010
Will sacraficing a chicken get us out of it?
Or will Jobu need to be appeased?
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
who said that?
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Some guy in a fanshot
Jay212033 - July 30, 2010
Kill him!
We promptly blew a save then Wednesday night, and lost the following two series after that. KILL HIMMMMM!
bashby20sh - July 30, 2010
That needs to be deleted. Hear that, lazy bloggers? Pleeeeeeeese. Do it for the Braves.
MBL1 - July 30, 2010
what would the yankees do with dunn??
DH him? i don’t even know who their DH is…
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
I would imagine so
Nick Johnson is injured (big surprise) and done for the year
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
The Yankees
should really get a SS and move Jeter to DH.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
just to throw out names..
the angels could potentially become sellers apparently so what about bobby abreu? he had a good year last year…not so much this year…i’m not saying i necessarily think he is the answer i just wanna know people’s opinions bc he could fill one of the outfield spots
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
No.
Bobby Abreu would be a butcher for us in the field and he has fallen off.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
i don't argue this too much but
in fairness everyone we r looking at is not great in the field…haha
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
nty
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
Torrii Hunter is intriguing to me
but too expensive money and prospects probably for the return…
That and I doubt the Angels would trade him
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
i'd be okay with getting him depending on the package...
i haven’t paid close attention to him recently but i’d assume he is still a solid glove and a solid bat…
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
Id say
he is average with the glove, but a plus bat from the CF position.
a Legit .280/.340/.470 hitter
20+ HR pop too
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
i would love Torii Hunter
but i don’t think there’s any way they part with him
forgotten_glory - July 30, 2010
agreed
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
what has happened to the talk of willingham??
is he no longer a trade candidate or is the asking price too high or what?
SouthernPanther - July 30, 2010
asking price too high
especially within division
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
Damn it
i really wish we could clone Heyward
Erihury - July 30, 2010
and
make one Right Handed
UltimaParadox - July 30, 2010
His brother
Hits from that side.
Just sayin’…
Sam Jethroe - July 30, 2010
DFA CHIPPER
AND START HIM AT 3RD
Erihury - July 30, 2010
His brother is 15….but so what?
MBL1 - July 30, 2010
Does anybody feel like the Braves will end season with one guy hitting over 20HRs this season?
That guy one being Brian McCann. Basically the same problem we had last year. Why does it feel like April all over again? Ugh.
romone_braves91 - July 30, 2010
I think Jason Heyward will get over 20, but it’s the Atlanta Braves of recent years. We just don’t win with multiple homers.
abraves - July 30, 2010
Gotta get that thumb up to 100%… it’s still not quite there.
carpengui - July 30, 2010
BRING BACK FRED MCGRIFF
MBL1 - July 30, 2010
prado might, heyward might, glaus might
yea, maybe mac and one of those other guys
barring a significant free agent signing, next year won’t be different
freddie’s a great prospect but probably won’t hit 20+ homers next year
kbertling353 - July 30, 2010
CHILL OUT
ITS ONLY 10 GAMES! WE WILL BE FINE! Keep the faith and the prospects (esp mike minor and company)
For references: See Adam Wainwright, current cy young favorite
Additional Information can be found at: Texiera trade
fizzbot - July 30, 2010
The Wainright deal worked out great for both teams and yes it would be nice to have him in our rotation but JD Drew played great for the time he was here and got us into the post season. Thats what happens with win now trades.
The trade for Tex wouldnt look so bad had we actually made the play offs those two years.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Couldn’t agree more MVHS. This team has had me talking to myself on car rides alone the past couple days, basically saying the same things. …“If we don’t make a move, Philly passes us.” ….“We are loaded with too much talent to throw this year away like this..” The key is, we need to either get our acts together OR preferably make a move to acquire a bat. And if Wren doesn’t want to make either of those happen, we don’t win the division, it’s quite simple, things don’t get EASIER from here. First place Cincinnati, the Giants, the Cards. Sure its only been a 10 game stretch, but we should have easily gone 6-4.. 7-3 in the past 10. Go Braves everyone.
truheelzfan44 - July 30, 2010
If we should have easily gone 7-3 over the past 10, why do we need to make a huge trade? Making a trade isn’t going to help underperforming guys (over a 10 game span) start performing again.
justincredubil02 - July 30, 2010
i think
they are saying that a big name trade would spark this team.
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
I disagree. I think getting hits would spark this team.
justincredubil02 - July 30, 2010
True...
but you can’t over look the mental boost these guys can sometimes bring, ala McGriff setting the place on fire when he arrived. Sometimes adding a guy can relieve some pressure, and sometimes the new guy is just better at getting hits than the old guy (at least we’d hope).
Mr. Sanchez - July 30, 2010
hehe…setting the place on fire…
justincredubil02 - July 30, 2010
2 cents
I didn’t read through the whole thread but my opinion is that unless Wren and the FO does a blockbuster deal for an OF bat then whatever happens around the deadline will not equal what the Phillies just did. The Capps trade helps the Braves this year just to get him out of the divsion and weaken their pen bal year. All these names like Young, Hart, Ross (two of which seem to be off the table) aren’t enough improvement in the OF to make a difference. The Phillies are hot and just made a move to win the division and the Braves will have to try to equalize that with a trade we as fans probably are not seeing yet if they want to win this year. And that trade will take some prospects with them if it happens, a lot like the Texieria deal. So we’ll see what happens, but I have a feeling the Phillies are in control even 2-3 games back right now until the Braves respond accordingly.
CharlotteChop - July 30, 2010
list
can someone that knows what they are talking about please list 5 legitimate bats we COULD aquire? The “pujols for minor and JT and bla blah blahs” just arent cutting it for me. Also remember all of Wrens recent trades have come waaaaay out of left field. As an example Noone knew(or at least not to my knowledge per this site and MLBTR) gonzy was considered, mcclouth, vasquez, glaussosaur, etc trades. He seems to put up quite a big rumored whirlwind of players, then swoop in on one noone figured was available. Maybe we’ll see another. Anyway please list 5 players that would work for us and are considered available.
bluelg - July 30, 2010
I don't profess to know what I'm talking about...
…but that’s seldom a prerequisite for this site. Here’s a list, though:
Marlon Byrd
Jose Bautista
Corey Hart (said to be off market, but I doubt that)
Rickie Weeks (only if he or Prado can play LF?)
Shin-soo Choo
Of note: the highest-ranking Brave in Major League OPS right now is Martin Prado… 49th. All of the players listed above rank higher.
carpengui - July 30, 2010
Anyone have any idea what the Indians would want for Choo? I’ve always kind of liked him (though being Korean myself I’m a little biased) and the tribe are going nowhere fast but I think he’s still under team control for 3 more years so I’d imagine the price would be pretty high.
DeadlyWalrus - July 30, 2010
Based on what they have traded players in the past for, I’d say that something like Kimbrel, Hoover and Hicks should be enough. They haven’t exactly brought in top talent in exchange for their top talent.
justincredubil02 - July 30, 2010
Carlos Santana for Casey Blake
buzzdeadwax - July 30, 2010
The Colon deal...
Justice and Grissom for Lofton, I’d say they have their share of good ones.
Mr. Sanchez - July 30, 2010
Choo is highly thought-of by non-Koreans, as well. He is an impact player – elite bat, average to above-average defender in RF, good base-runner. I would be very pleased with that acquisition.
buzzdeadwax - July 30, 2010
Problem with Choo
is he will be a rental. I believe he has to go back to Korea to serve his military time after this season. That is 2 full seasons.
cmdpsu15 - July 30, 2010
He has said several times that won't happen...
if they win the Asian games he’s exempt, and if not, he’s implied denouncing SK citizenship and becoming an American.
Mr. Sanchez - July 30, 2010
I have a feeling that something is going to be worked out for his military service. At worst I think he would essentially become arbitration eligible for 5 years since he won’t become an FA until he has six years of service time and he wouldn’t be accruing any while he’s in the military.
DeadlyWalrus - July 30, 2010
Nick Markakis
Brad Hawpe
Jose Bautista
Marlon Byrd
Shin-Soo Choo
drumzalicious - July 30, 2010
Quite an interesting read.
One of the reasons I love TC is…being a fan who admits to not studying much in depth about the other teams outside of the Braves, you all do and I never leave here without learning something.
I’m disappointed to see our 7 game lead almost disintegrate, but we all knew that it was going to be hard to sustain that kind of lead in the competitive NL East this year so I’m not totally shocked to see it at only 2.5 now. Thank goodness it’s just July and we have some time to figure things out, maybe make a trade and/or get our guys back on track and hit (in key situations) again.
The last 2 series were hard to watch. But, we always seem to lose the games we should win versus the Marlins and Nats for some reason so I’m glad to have that part of this road trip over with and we can get on to Cincinnati and then back to the warm confines of the Ted.
????
Do we really need to give up a lot just to get a big bat, or do we just need someone who can hit with men on base? We’re walking a lot so the opportunities have been there. Singles score runs too, it’s not always about the homers. Wrenn may surprise us yet, we’ll have to wait and see.
NCChopper - July 30, 2010
I dunno what it is about the Nats, but we can’t seem to beat them (better figger out how, though – they’re on the schedule a lot). Two blown saves should be an aberration, but it was two lost games.
With the trades already made, I gotta think that one A-/B+ pitching prospect ought to be enough to garner “the bat we need”. If that’s doable, then I would personally pull that trigger — we can certainly afford to use one of those kids to get what the ML club needs without harming the depth still coming up.
Otherwise, the team seems to have regressed to its April ways… we need to find out how to get the calendar turned to ‘May’ again. We’ll find out shortly whether we still have the Reds’ number.
carpengui - July 30, 2010
Ohman, Mike Gonzalez, Campillo
What are these guys doing these days?
Kimbrell?
I would feel better with any of these over Saito or Chavez.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 30, 2010
We have the second best record in the NL and 5th best in the ML
and we have struggled since the ASB. Not too bad for a team most people thought wouldn’t really sniff the playoffs.
cmdpsu15 - July 30, 2010
Choo Choo Choo
I think that he would be an ideal pick-up, and the indians are always getting ripped off (pun intended)… that would take the piss outta my cheerios for sure
jcparr - July 30, 2010
Couple of thoughts...
About this:
All I can say is, you don’t know hell, and I’m not saying that to me a smart-a**. I get accused of trying to be everyone’s mother or something, but the fact is I am (unfortunately?, fortunately?) a little older, so I have a little more perspective, if not anything else. Fan-wise, the last four years have not been hell. Braves fan-wise, they have not been hell. I’m just saying it could be, and has in the past been, a whole lot worse.
Secondly, I think a lot of people these days tend to look for the next big thing to motivate, the next “spark”, etc. Sure, the Phillies just added their biggest prospect to their roster. We did that a couple of months ago. Maybe if they had added him earlier, they wouldn’t have had their long slump, who knows? Should we have held Heyward back in order to get a spark now? Who knows? Basically, what I’m trying to say is this: If you have a good team, at some point you just have to go with it and believe in it, and let it do its work.
Sure you can deal one of our top prospects for a rental player, but if we do that, and it doesn’t work out, or if we do that, and it does work out, but the prospect goes on to win an MVP or something, I want y’all to know I’m making a list, and will be checking it twice and those who wanted the trade will be on record! :-)
sddbaker - July 30, 2010
Also...
the quieter it gets in the trade rumor mill for the Braves, the more likely it seems to me that Wren is about to do something. He’s a sneaky little devil.
sddbaker - July 30, 2010
Choo Choo Choo
good defense and a solid bat… with a few steals too! he’d be perfecto!
jcparr - July 30, 2010
The Nats this year...
Are like the Reds 2-3 years ago. Worst team in their division, and managed to beat the Braves in multiple series. Hopefully this year it doesn’t keep us out of the playoffs again.
jim2 - July 30, 2010
The Nats this year are like the Nats every year – last in the division, but somehow own the Braves. lol
justincredubil02 - July 31, 2010
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