The Braves Off-Season Thread (Aka only one till March)

[Dawg61]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/7df830faff760e88551d03d35171dc42/tenor.gif?itemid=4291140

[Tbonewannabe]

Pretty easy to just not open the thread.

[StateDawg44]

Pretty easy to just not open the thread.

Or just keep one thread for them.

[Liverpooldawg]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/7df830faff760e88551d03d35171dc42/tenor.gif?itemid=4291140

If you don't like them don't read them. You just have to troll.

[msstate7]

You obviously don't pay attention. I, aiong with a bunch here, keep up with all things braves all year long. Offseason is one my favorite times to keep up

[Bully13]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/7df830faff760e88551d03d35171dc42/tenor.gif?itemid=4291140

Well Hell, The Mod Done Pulled the Rug Out from under our feet I guess. Was just getting ready to start one but I guess I'll just have to wait.

[TUSK]

As you all know, I know less than dick about baseball...

I do not particularly care for, or like baseball, so I don't click on "Braves" threads... but I completely dig others diggin' on baseball...

And now I know why... The 1st Braves thread I click on and I get a 5/0 Mustad jammed through the roof of my mouf.

[Matty Dispatch]

How dare MSU fans enjoy pro sports!!!!

[Dawg61]

How dare MSU fans enjoy pro sports!!!!

Make it a MLB thread then not a 17ing Atlanta Braves fan girls thread that stays on the 1st page 365 days a year. Here's a novel idea for you. Not everyone loves the Braves.

[Dawg61]

You obviously don't pay attention. I, aiong with a bunch here, keep up with all things braves all year long. Offseason is one my favorite times to keep up

4 Braves fan girls isn't a "bunch".

[msstate7]

Make it a MLB thread then not a 17ing Atlanta Braves fan girls thread that stays on the 1st page 365 days a year. Here's a novel idea for you. Not everyone loves the Braves.

Then don't click it. Is it so hard?

[Dawg61]

Then don't click it. Is it so hard?

Bruh I literally do that every single day. Is it that hard to give the board a 17ing break from the Atlanta Braves from right now today (since they are eliminated) till day 1 of the 2019 season?? Can you do that for the 99% of this board that isn't a Braves stalker fan??

[Liverpooldawg]

Then don't click it. Is it so hard?

He is just trolling, as usual.

[msstate7]

Bruh I literally do that every single day. Is it that hard to give the board a 17ing break from the Atlanta Braves from right now today (since they are eliminated) till day 1 of the 2019 season?? Can you do that for the 99% of this board that isn't a Braves stalker fan??

Looks like it's just you complaining.

[Dawg61]

He is just trolling, as usual.

Eat a dick loser. This is a Mississippi State board. Bulldog fans come to this site to discuss MSU sports not the damn Atlanta Braves. They got eliminated yesterday so there's ZERO reason there should be a thread on them again till next season starts.

[msstate7]

Eat a dick loser. This is a Mississippi State board. Bulldog fans come to this site to discuss MSU sports not the damn Atlanta Braves. They got eliminated yesterday so there's ZERO reason there should be a thread on them again till next season starts.

Then why did you start one?

[Tbonewannabe]

Then why did you start one?

LOL

[Dawg61]

Then why did you start one?

Whatever. 17 it. Congrats on making the playoffs. Now please give us some rest.

[msstate7]

Whatever. 17 it. Congrats on making the playoffs. Now please give us some rest.

Who is us? Seems it's just you

[Jack Lambert]

As you all know, I know less than dick about baseball...

I do not particularly care for, or like baseball, so I don't click on "Braves" threads... but I completely dig others diggin' on baseball...

And now I know why... The 1st Braves thread I click on and I get a 5/0 Mustad jammed through the roof of my mouf.

If I understand you correctly you know more about dick then baseball?

[Dawg61]

If I understand you correctly you know more about dick then baseball?

https://media.giphy.com/media/LrC1m7Ay3xsha/giphy.gif

[Liverpooldawg]

Eat a dick loser. This is a Mississippi State board. Bulldog fans come to this site to discuss MSU sports not the damn Atlanta Braves. They got eliminated yesterday so there's ZERO reason there should be a thread on them again till next season starts.

Well, you started a Braves thread today. �� Perhaps you should ban yourself?

[Bully13]

If we can't have anymore Braves threads, can someone at least go find an easy link of JOMO cussin'?

[Dawg61]

If we can't have anymore Braves threads, can someone at least go find an easy link of JOMO cussin'?

I don't know how people capture live videos on instagram. It can be done as I have seen them before on twitter but if it isn't done within the first 24 hours the opportunity is forever lost. Sorry man you're gonna just have to imagine hearing Moorhead drop fifteen F-Bombs for now. He was a natural at saying them though so I guarantee it won't be the last time it occurs.

[Matty Dispatch]

Eat a dick loser. This is a Mississippi State board. Bulldog fans come to this site to discuss MSU sports not the damn Atlanta Braves. They got eliminated yesterday so there's ZERO reason there should be a thread on them again till next season starts.

Mississippi is Braves Country.

[Dawg61]

Mississippi is Braves Country.

Cardinals have almost as big a fanbase in MS as the Braves do. I hate both teams.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Pretty easy to just not open the thread.
This argument was made when people would come into English Premier League threads and complain about them. But EPL threads were banished to the black hole known as the BS board.

[Jack Lambert]

Cardinals have almost as big a fanbase in MS as the Braves do. I hate both teams.

So do the Yankees. Now I don't follow base ball much but I do know more about baseball then dick.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Seriously, what happened?

[shoeless joe]

This argument was made when people would come into English Premier League threads and complain about them. But EPL threads were banished to the black hole known as the BS board.

Soccer is a communist sport...baseball is America's pastime.

[Tbonewannabe]

This argument was made when people would come into English Premier League threads and complain about them. But EPL threads were banished to the black hole known as the BS board.

I didn't have a problem with those either. It is sports but I do realize that no MSU athlete will play in the Premier league. The Braves at least have a chance to have MSU players.

[Bully13]

Soccer is a communist sport...baseball is America's pastime.

Even though I watch it sometimes, have some rep sir.

[Bully13]

Soccer is a communist sport...baseball is America's pastime.


Does anybody remember that thread that was considered one of ED's Greatest a long while back from that dude who is a good poster but is usually too busy that blasted soccer in hilarious fashion and the back and fourths were epic?

[msstate7]

Seriously, what happened?

Dodgers slapped the braves to knock the braves out of the playoffs

[starkvegasdawg]

Eat a dick loser. This is a Mississippi State board. Bulldog fans come to this site to discuss MSU sports not the damn Atlanta Braves. They got eliminated yesterday so there's ZERO reason there should be a thread on them again till next season starts.

There's other non MSU posts on this board, too. Bulldog fans can have more than one interest and sometimes talk about them. If a topic doesn't look interesting to me I just don't open it. I don't make some bitchy post like a teenage girl on the rag telling people to eat dicks. I don't tell them not to eat them either. You're more than welcome to eat all you want.

[Liverpooldawg]

Soccer is a communist sport...baseball is America's pastime.

Yet soccer has no salary cap and players are bought and sold on an open marke. :)

[Bully13]

There's other non MSU posts on this board, too. Bulldog fans can have more than one interest and sometimes talk about them. If a topic doesn't look interesting to me I just don't open it. I don't make some bitchy post like a teenage girl on the rag telling people to eat dicks. I don't tell them not to eat them either. You're more than welcome to eat all you want.

well I'll be damn. finally got to give vegas some rep. been a long time. the Joe the plumber rule sucks.

[TUSK]

If I understand you correctly you know more about dick then baseball?

Well done, you magnificent bastard! +1

[Dawg61]

Name me another non-MSU topic that stays on the 1st page the entire year?

[Turfdawg67]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/7df830faff760e88551d03d35171dc42/tenor.gif?itemid=4291140

Hahahaha! Agreed. Someone create a separate page for them and the saints!

Hell, while we are at it, maybe one for Tusk & Token too. "The Bama Thread" at Elitedawgs.

[msstate7]

My 2 top targets this offseason would be aj pollock and yasmani grandal or Wilson Ramos.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Soccer is a communist sport...baseball is America's pastime.


Yet soccer has no salary cap and players are bought and sold on an open marke. :)
Ayo

[msstate7]

My 2 top targets this offseason would be aj pollock and yasmani grandal or Wilson Ramos.

Albies 2b
Pollack LF/rf
FF 1b
Acuna LF/rf
Ramos c
Camargo/Riley 3b
Ender cf
Swanson SS

This would be a potent offense

[Bully13]

Way to Go Braves Fans. 17 61.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQP-DW-HjHA

[Liverpooldawg]

Ayo

Also no draft. Those are all socialist policies. :)

[dawgday166]

Hahahaha! Agreed. Someone create a separate page for them and the saints!

Hell, while we are at it, maybe one for Tusk & Token too. "The Bama Thread" at Elitedawgs.

What an outstanding idea!

[Turfdawg67]

What an outstanding idea!

Hell Shotgun and Bully13 would practically live over there.***

[dawgday166]

Hell Shotgun and Bully13 would practically live over there.***

LOL. And the drawback to that isss???:confused:

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Also no draft. Those are all socialist policies. :)
You mean equally distributing the talent, regardless of merit, to all teams? Or dare I say even punishing the most effective teams and rewarding the less effective teams by giving the lesser teams a better share of the talent? That would surely be blasphemy to any red-blooded, freedom loving American***

[TUSK]

Hahahaha! Agreed. Someone create a separate page for them and the saints!

Hell, while we are at it, maybe one for Tusk & Token too. "The Bama Thread" at Elitedawgs.


I approve this post... also, we could add in a "Wanna Bet?" element to it....

:rolleyes:

[Turfdawg67]

I approve this post... also, we could add in a "Wanna Bet?" element to it....

:rolleyes:

+1 ... but just fictitiously. No rep points awarded.

[TUSK]

+1 ... but just fictitiously. No rep points awarded.

I'll take it! Thanks!


LOL

[Matty Dispatch]

My 2 top targets this offseason would be aj pollock and yasmani grandal or Wilson Ramos.

What does AJ Pollock have that Markakis doesn't other than being 4 years younger? If I'm choosing between those two, I'd go Markakis with a 1-2 year deal than deep dive with Pollock for the same production and not near the durability?

[msstate7]

What does AJ Pollock have that Markakis doesn't other than being 4 years younger? If I'm choosing between those two, I'd go Markakis with a 1-2 year deal than deep dive with Pollock for the same production and not near the durability?

More power, ability to play all 3 OF positions, and can steal bases.

[Liverpooldawg]

You mean equally distributing the talent, regardless of merit, to all teams? Or dare I say even punishing the most effective teams and rewarding the less effective teams by giving the lesser teams a better share of the talent? That would surely be blasphemy to any red-blooded, freedom loving American***

Yep, the way our pro sports distribute young talent is pure socialism. Soccer is pure capitalism.

[ScoobaDawg]

There..I fixed the title of this thread... Y'all enjoy. Some of our teams are still playing...

[smootness]

What does AJ Pollock have that Markakis doesn't other than being 4 years younger? If I'm choosing between those two, I'd go Markakis with a 1-2 year deal than deep dive with Pollock for the same production and not near the durability?

1) Pollock is definitely better. He has sustained better offense over the last several years and is much better defensively. Pollock has posted 20 bWAR the last 6 years, even with all his missed time. Markakis, playing just about every game through the entire 6 years, has only produced 8.6.

2) How is being 4 years younger not a huge plus? Markakis is right at the age where baseball players usually either fall off a cliff or have already fallen off said cliff. Pollock should have at least another couple years in his prime left. Even if they were the same player (they're not), there is a much better chance Pollock continues to sustain that than Markakis.

3) The only knock on Pollock is his durability. But you're going to get much more value, even in fewer games, from Pollock than from Markakis.

[msstate7]

There..I fixed the title of this thread... Y'all enjoy. Some of our teams are still playing...
Thanks for letting Dawg61 create the braves' offseason thread

[msstate7]

Apparently the dbacks are thinking tear down. If so, I would love to get greinke with them eating money

[Tbonewannabe]

Apparently the dbacks are thinking tear down. If so, I would love to get greinke with them eating money

I would love to get Greinke. Braves still don't have a legit Ace. Folty and Newcomb have stretches but I just expect a game like both had in the playoffs.

[The Federalist Engineer]

My 2 top targets this offseason would be aj pollock and yasmani grandal or Wilson Ramos.

Does Max Fried make the permanent leap into MLB in 2019?
Does Newcomb become Elite?
Does Riley make the show next year?
Is Touki ready to carry a load next year?
Is Dansby ever gonna hit?
We need a guy that can hit Kershaw, someone, he eats the Braves for breakfast

Braves are a fascinating club

[The Federalist Engineer]

Also no draft. Those are all socialist policies. :)

Soccer is not a revenue sharing cartel like NFL

Soccer teams don't need protection from local competition- London has a dozen teams.

Soccer teams own stadiums privately, don't pillage the public for tax-payer paid stadiums (except the socialist Brazilians)

No arbitrary age restrictions on signing pro contracts - save respecting local truancy laws

Bad teams get relegated to oblivion, they don't get dibs on the next best prospect, "draft picks"

[msstate7]

It's my guess (on good authority) that Zach Britton will be closing for the #Braves next season. Guys like Markakis, Gausman, Flaherty have been selling Atlanta to him & the wheels are in motion. I'm told Atlanta is Britton's top choice in free agency.

@MarkZinno

[Matty Dispatch]

It's my guess (on good authority) that Zach Britton will be closing for the #Braves next season. Guys like Markakis, Gausman, Flaherty have been selling Atlanta to him & the wheels are in motion. I'm told Atlanta is Britton's top choice in free agency.

@MarkZinno

"Guys like Markakis"???? I think AA will re-sign him. Makes too much sense. I admit I don't know much about sabermetrics but this official MLB website (https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-mlb-free-agents/c-293292274)says Pollock's WAR is 2.5 and Markakis is 2.6. Plus Markakis is from metro-Atlanta (feel good story and maybe a discount), he's listed as tied for 2nd best RF free agent and the coup de gras is that AA is Greek as well and shirley wants to keep a fellow Greek on his roster.

[BoomBoom]

"Guys like Markakis"???? I think AA will re-sign him. Makes too much sense. I admit I don't know much about sabermetrics but this official MLB website (https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-mlb-free-agents/c-293292274)says Pollock's WAR is 2.5 and Markakis is 2.6. Plus Markakis is from metro-Atlanta (feel good story and maybe a discount), he's listed as tied for 2nd best RF free agent and the coup de gras is that AA is Greek as well and shirley wants to keep a fellow Greek on his roster.

I'm pretty sure it won't be either. Braves have too many elite OF prospects 1-3 years away to be signing a long term FA at inflated prices. They will trade for a near elite OF with about 2 years left on their contract.

[BoomBoom]

I'm pretty sure it won't be either. Braves have too many elite OF prospects 1-3 years away to be signing a long term FA at inflated prices. They will trade for a near elite OF with about 2 years left on their contract.

From a quick check, there's not as many OFs that fit in that category as I expected, and most are on contenders that are less inclined to trade. Joc Pedersen maybe. Kyle Schwarber perhaps.

[msstate7]

From a quick check, there's not as many OFs that fit in that category as I expected, and most are on contenders that are less inclined to trade. Joc Pedersen maybe. Kyle Schwarber perhaps.

David peralta

[Liverpooldawg]

Soccer is not a revenue sharing cartel like NFL

Soccer teams don't need protection from local competition- London has a dozen teams.

Soccer teams own stadiums privately, don't pillage the public for tax-payer paid stadiums (except the socialist Brazilians)

No arbitrary age restrictions on signing pro contracts - save respecting local truancy laws

Bad teams get relegated to oblivion, they don't get dibs on the next best prospect, "draft picks"

Except of course here in the USA. Our sports are ALL socialist.

[smootness]

"Guys like Markakis"???? I think AA will re-sign him. Makes too much sense. I admit I don't know much about sabermetrics but this official MLB website (https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-mlb-free-agents/c-293292274)says Pollock's WAR is 2.5 and Markakis is 2.6. Plus Markakis is from metro-Atlanta (feel good story and maybe a discount), he's listed as tied for 2nd best RF free agent and the coup de gras is that AA is Greek as well and shirley wants to keep a fellow Greek on his roster.

Correct, but this was the worst year of Pollock's career so far and was Markakis' best in his last 7.

[Matty Dispatch]

Correct, but this was the worst year of Pollock's career so far and was Markakis' best in his last 7.

Fair point, but I'm guessing Pollack will be after a 4-5 year deal you'd sign to fill a hole whereas maybe you could get Markakis on a 1-2 year deal as a placeholder until the couple of young outfielders in the farm system will be ready to take over. I'm sure AA would prefer proven talent that could always be traded if the youngsters prove to be worthy, but I don't think any free agents are really considering Atlanta anymore. Who was the last good free agent signing the Braves had - Andres Galaraga?

[smootness]

Fair point, but I'm guessing Pollack will be after a 4-5 year deal you'd sign to fill a hole whereas maybe you could get Markakis on a 1-2 year deal as a placeholder until the couple of young outfielders in the farm system will be ready to take over. I'm sure AA would prefer proven talent that could always be traded if the youngsters prove to be worthy, but I don't think any free agents are really considering Atlanta anymore. Who was the last good free agent signing the Braves had - Andres Galaraga?

Yeah, you'd definitely have to lock Pollock up for longer. But there's a reasonable chance that 4-5 years from now, he is at least as good as Markakis is right now.

Pache will replace Ender, so you don't need space for him. And then if Waters continues to develop, you still don't really need to make space for him for another 3 years or so, during which time literally anything can happen.

If the Braves are adding at this point, it needs to be an impact guy. Pollock has a much better chance of being that than Markakis. We're not in the position to be adding (or keeping) placeholders to wait for our young talent to develop. We need to be focusing on 2019-2020 and letting what comes after sort itself out.

[smootness]

It's my guess (on good authority) that Zach Britton will be closing for the #Braves next season. Guys like Markakis, Gausman, Flaherty have been selling Atlanta to him & the wheels are in motion. I'm told Atlanta is Britton's top choice in free agency.

@MarkZinno

No thank you. He is due for a major implosion.

[MetEdDawg]

From a quick check, there's not as many OFs that fit in that category as I expected, and most are on contenders that are less inclined to trade. Joc Pedersen maybe. Kyle Schwarber perhaps.

FA OF class is awful. Almost all of them over 30 and none of them worth what they would be paid. I would be ok with giving Markakis a 2 year deal even though that's probably gonna cost us a total of about 25-28 million. My biggest need areas in no particular order:

1) Closer
2) Top line starter
3) Catcher
4) Power RH bat

I would love to bring Kimbrel back and he's a free agent. I know Viz or Minter would probably be able to hold it down and they could do it for so much cheaper so we can use our money elsewhere. But having that top line closer would be nice. He would command 16-18 million, but I would love to have him.

We need a big time starter. Our rotation scares me next year. Folty, Newcomb, Gausman are fine. Teheran will still be there. But we need a shut down ace. Folty can be that guy and I think Newcomb can become that guy. But we need a big time arm.

To me the biggest need is catcher. I think we need to go get Grandal and I think we need to pay him whatever he wants. Catcher is a hole for us. Flower and Suzuki are nice platoons. But we need someone that can hit more consistently that we can plug in 4 out of every 5 days. Pay him his money and shore up the lineup.

We have a lot of money to play with. We need to look at what happened in this series and use that as our guide post. We need more offense. We need a deeper bullpen. And we need another starter. If we can do those things I think we are gonna be contenders for the next 3-5.

[msstate7]

No thank you. He is due for a major implosion.

According to cost to me. I think the pen could be nasty if Britton doesn't collapse...

LH: Britton, minter, venters, Sam freeman/biddle/lindgren

RH: viz, winkler, o'day, carle/sobotka

I'd like to sign Sergio romo if reasonable cost

[smootness]

According to cost to me. I think the pen could be nasty if Britton doesn't collapse...

LH: Britton, minter, venters, Sam freeman/biddle/lindgren

RH: viz, winkler, o'day, carle/sobotka

I'd like to sign Sergio romo if reasonable cost

That has the chance to be a pretty good pen, I don't see it being nasty at all. Vizcaino and Britton are both guys who used to be filthy but now are not consistently; Britton's peripherals are flat out bad. Minter will hopefully continue to develop but struggled at times this year. Winkler was bad down the stretch, O'Day is coming off injury.

The guy I like most out of that group is probably Sobotka.

[Matty Dispatch]

FA OF class is awful. Almost all of them over 30 and none of them worth what they would be paid. I would be ok with giving Markakis a 2 year deal even though that's probably gonna cost us a total of about 25-28 million. My biggest need areas in no particular order:

1) Closer
2) Top line starter
3) Catcher
4) Power RH bat

I would love to bring Kimbrel back and he's a free agent. I know Viz or Minter would probably be able to hold it down and they could do it for so much cheaper so we can use our money elsewhere. But having that top line closer would be nice. He would command 16-18 million, but I would love to have him.

We need a big time starter. Our rotation scares me next year. Folty, Newcomb, Gausman are fine. Teheran will still be there. But we need a shut down ace. Folty can be that guy and I think Newcomb can become that guy. But we need a big time arm.

To me the biggest need is catcher. I think we need to go get Grandal and I think we need to pay him whatever he wants. Catcher is a hole for us. Flower and Suzuki are nice platoons. But we need someone that can hit more consistently that we can plug in 4 out of every 5 days. Pay him his money and shore up the lineup.

We have a lot of money to play with. We need to look at what happened in this series and use that as our guide post. We need more offense. We need a deeper bullpen. And we need another starter. If we can do those things I think we are gonna be contenders for the next 3-5.

I agree catcher is the biggest need. And we will probably have to over-pay. I just don't think many free agents want to come to the Braves. We may have a bunch of money but I don't see getting front line catcher and outfielder, and possibly a closer too. It's going to be pick one of them to overpay so they can't say no. Then re-sign what we have and keep relying on first and second year players.

[msstate7]

That has the chance to be a pretty good pen, I don't see it being nasty at all. Vizcaino and Britton are both guys who used to be filthy but now are not consistently; Britton's peripherals are flat out bad. Minter will hopefully continue to develop but struggled at times this year. Winkler was bad down the stretch, O'Day is coming off injury.

The guy I like most out of that group is probably Sobotka.

I'm really hoping lindgren can come back strong. Adding his slider to minter's stuff and venters' groundballs would make us really tough on lefties

[msstate7]

Wilson Ramos would be a good addition at catcher imo.

[parabrave]

What does AJ Pollock have that Markakis doesn't other than being 4 years younger? If I'm choosing between those two, I'd go Markakis with a 1-2 year deal than deep dive with Pollock for the same production and not near the durability?

How much longer is Markakis signed for? If we have him for more than one year I would rather get rid of Ender, keep mark until Pache is ready to come up. Bring up Riley to start back up Carmago and destroy and build up the BP. Also Need we help at Catcher.

[msstate7]

How much longer is Markakis signed for? If we have him for more than one year I would rather get rid of Ender, keep mark until Pache is ready to come up. Bring up Riley to start back up Carmago and destroy and build up the BP. Also Need we help at Catcher.

Markakis is a FA.

[Matty Dispatch]

How much longer is Markakis signed for? If we have him for more than one year I would rather get rid of Ender, keep mark until Pache is ready to come up. Bring up Riley to start back up Carmago and destroy and build up the BP. Also Need we help at Catcher.

Markakis contract is expired. Ender still has a couple of years left.

[MetEdDawg]

How much longer is Markakis signed for? If we have him for more than one year I would rather get rid of Ender, keep mark until Pache is ready to come up. Bring up Riley to start back up Carmago and destroy and build up the BP. Also Need we help at Catcher.

Ender I believe has 3 years left on his deal

[msstate7]

I really like markakis, but I think we should upgrade him. Think how different the dodger series could've been with Acuna or pollack in rf... either of them catch puig's pop up hit. I want better defense and pop in RF

[smootness]

I really like markakis, but I think we should upgrade him. Think how different the dodger series could've been with Acuna or pollack in rf... either of them catch puig's pop up hit. I want better defense and pop in RF

Agreed. There's no way we can bring him back, and that's absolutely a spot where we can upgrade.

[Matty Dispatch]

I like how Dawg61 created this thread to complain about Braves threads not being MSU related and then starts a Six Pack thread about the top 5 NFL QBs of all time.

[Matty Dispatch]

I really like markakis, but I think we should upgrade him. Think how different the dodger series could've been with Acuna or pollack in rf... either of them catch puig's pop up hit. I want better defense and pop in RF

Again, though, and I'm asking. Is there a single coveted free agent that's come to Atlanta or that AA has ever signed? BJ Upton is the only one I can think of in the last 20 years.

[msstate7]

I like how Dawg61 created this thread to complain about Braves threads not being MSU related and then starts a Six Pack thread about the top 5 NFL QBs of all time.

I like how his troll thread is now the official braves' offseason thread.

[msstate7]

Another name I saw mentioned by brave fans is Michael Brantley. He's an injury concern for sure, but he can really hit. He might be worth the risk

[Tbonewannabe]

Again, though, and I'm asking. Is there a single coveted free agent that's come to Atlanta or that AA has ever signed? BJ Upton is the only one I can think of in the last 20 years.

I have erased him from my memory. I remember his brother though.

[msstate7]

This is what I want...

Albies 2b
Michael Brantley* LF
Acuna rf
FF 1b
Wilson Ramos* c
Camargo/Riley 3b
Ender cf
Swanson SS

Bench:
Culberson
Asdrubal Cabrera*
Duvall
Flowers

Starters:
Folty
Newcomb
Gausman
Julio
Sanchez* (if cheap)/gohara/Wright

Pen:
Jeurys Familia/Britton*
Minter
Viz
Fried
Winkler
O'day
Venters
Carle/biddle/freeman/lindgren

I'd love for Austin Riley to be the guy I think he will be. Then I'd push Camargo to utility, and trade/dfa culberson

*FA signings

I'd love to find a spot to resign duda as a LH bench bat. Maybe go with 7 man pen or cut culberson

[parabrave]

Can Riley catch? Carmagos main problem is that it takes him til midmay to get going. We really need help at catcher. T Flowers is not going to get the job done and Riley just has too much talent to waste.

[MetEdDawg]

I like Swanson's glove, but offensively he is a liability. Camargo has double the career WAR Swanson does in 1/3 as many games. If I'm keeping someone and letting someone go between Camargo and Swanson, I'm keeping Camargo.

Swanson saves more runs defensively, but offensively if we want to be competitive, Swanson's .238 BA, .308 OBP, and .395 slugging isn't going to cut it. Camargo was .272, .349, and .457.

Both guys are 24. I think Camargo has more upside than Swanson. If the organization thinks Riley is the guy, I think you keep Camargo and lose Swanson. Camargo is an every day guy, not a utility bat. You don't bench guys that have the numbers like he did.

[msstate7]

I like Swanson's glove, but offensively he is a liability. Camargo has double the career WAR Swanson does in 1/3 as many games. If I'm keeping someone and letting someone go between Camargo and Swanson, I'm keeping Camargo.

Swanson saves more runs defensively, but offensively if we want to be competitive, Swanson's .238 BA, .308 OBP, and .395 slugging isn't going to cut it. Camargo was .272, .349, and .457.

Both guys are 24. I think Camargo has more upside than Swanson. If the organization thinks Riley is the guy, I think you keep Camargo and lose Swanson. Camargo is an every day guy, not a utility bat. You don't bench guys that have the numbers like he did.

Camargo at SS everyday would be a disaster. He's not good there, at all. Why would you let either go? Camargo could be utility that plays 3 games a week

[smootness]

Camargo needs to play more than 3 games/week. Right now he's your starting 3B until someone else beats him out...and it will take a lot to beat him out. He was a 4-WAR player this year, that is not someone we need to be planning to have only play half the time.

Dansby isn't great at SS, but he's a league-average player. He's just fine there for now. Again, he's your starting SS until someone else beats him out...and we have no other real options right now who could do that.

[msstate7]

Camargo needs to play more than 3 games/week. Right now he's your starting 3B until someone else beats him out...and it will take a lot to beat him out. He was a 4-WAR player this year, that is not someone we need to be planning to have only play half the time.

Dansby isn't great at SS, but he's a league-average player. He's just fine there for now. Again, he's your starting SS until someone else beats him out...and we have no other real options right now who could do that.

Well it comes down to if you think Camargo can repeat this year going forward. I'm a huge Camargo guy... hell, I bet enscheff that Camargo would outperform mous this year, and won. I just think Riley will be better. I think Riley unseats Camargo by mid-July next season. I think Camargo is more .750 ops than .800 going forward

[smootness]

Well it comes down to if you think Camargo can repeat this year going forward. I'm a huge Camargo guy... hell, I bet enscheff that Camargo would outperform mous this year, and won. I just think Riley will be better. I think Riley unseats Camargo by mid-July next season. I think Camargo is more .750 ops than .800 going forward

You certainly may be right, I wasn't a real believer in Camargo until this year. But he's now maintained it for about a season and a half. You have to let him keep going out there until he proves he isn't that guy. It definitely creates a question of what to do with Riley and how to position everybody, but that can be dealt with.

Honestly, I wouldn't be completely opposed to moving Albies to SS, trying Camargo at 2B, and letting Riley have 3B eventually. That's definitely not ideal defensively, but it would be interesting to see their metrics at those spots.

[BoomBoom]

Again, though, and I'm asking. Is there a single coveted free agent that's come to Atlanta or that AA has ever signed? BJ Upton is the only one I can think of in the last 20 years.

Some guy named Greg Maddux.

[parabrave]

Some guy named Greg Maddux.

Naw Maddux was over 25 years ago/ But hey how about the greatest trade in ATL history, that Mark Texeria trade was the best thing that ever happened to the Braves****

[The Federalist Engineer]

Some guy named Greg Maddux.

McGriff and Sheffield were FA, I know Sheff was in his prime

[The Federalist Engineer]

The FA that would have won ATL 3 or 4 WS in the 1990s would have been Kevin Brown

[shoeless joe]

McGriff and Sheffield were FA, I know Sheff was in his prime

They were both traded for. Not signed as a FA

[The Federalist Engineer]

They were both traded for. Not signed as a FA

You are correct, we are owed a Marquee FA. Been too damned long.

Kevin Brown or Curt Schilling would have been great pickups 20-25 years ago

[Liverpooldawg]

Bump, just to keeps 61's Braves thread at the top. Way to go #1 Braves fan Dawg 61!

[msstate7]

Seems there's some smoke that we'll sign Michael Brantley. I like this move.

[Really Clark?]

Seems there's some smoke that we'll sign Michael Brantley. I like this move.

Yeah, if healthy and for 3 years or less or 4 years with the right salary figure but still has a really good bat. Move Acuna to RF and that’s a winning OF

[msstate7]

Really interested in what we do at catcher. I was against realmuto bc of his pitch framing, but I'm warming up to the idea bc of what our lineup would look like. Add Donaldson and bam...

Brantley - LF
Acuna - rf
FF - 1b
Donaldson - 3b
Realmuto - c
Albies - 2b
Ender - cf
Swanson - SS

Camargo as utility with a bunch of starts

That's one hell of a lineup

[Really Clark?]

Really interested in what we do at catcher. I was against realmuto bc of his pitch framing, but I'm warming up to the idea bc of what our lineup would look like. Add Donaldson and bam...

Brantley - LF
Acuna - rf
FF - 1b
Donaldson - 3b
Realmuto - c
Albies - 2b
Ender - cf
Swanson - SS

Camargo as utility with a bunch of starts

That's one hell of a lineup

Ramos is a name also linked as a possible catcher option if the trade value gets too high for JT.

Donaldson will have to be at the right price and you have to be convinced he can go. It’s a definite high risk but potential very high reward type of player if he bounces back.

[Matty Dispatch]

Really interested in what we do at catcher. I was against realmuto bc of his pitch framing, but I'm warming up to the idea bc of what our lineup would look like. Add Donaldson and bam...

Brantley - LF
Acuna - rf
FF - 1b
Donaldson - 3b
Realmuto - c
Albies - 2b
Ender - cf
Swanson - SS

Camargo as utility with a bunch of starts

That's one hell of a lineup

What happens to Austin Riley in this scenario? Trade bait for Realmuto?

[msstate7]

What happens to Austin Riley in this scenario? Trade bait for Realmuto?

That's what I gathered from message board rumors... soroka/Anderson and Riley for realmuto

[Matty Dispatch]

I would hate to trade away Soroka. I think he's going to be really good. But I guess we have a ton of pitching.

[msstate7]

I would hate to trade away Soroka. I think he's going to be really good. But I guess we have a ton of pitching.

I think it would be Anderson if it happened. Doubt marlins wanna take soroka coming off shoulder injury. I'd rather give them wright, if they'd take him

[parabrave]

Hey guys we will have a problem at catcher. With our starter turning 36 and the future not panning out, trust me I've seen the minor leaguers we are in trouble, would you trade Flowers for an established cather or n up and coming one? Oh Yeah Pache is going to kill it.

[Really Clark?]

Hey guys we will have a problem at catcher. With our starter turning 36 and the future not panning out, trust me I've seen the minor leaguers we are in trouble, would you trade Flowers for an established cather or n up and coming one? Oh Yeah Pache is going to kill it.

Why would you trade Flowers? They don’t look at him as a starter really. Keep him and add at worse a platoon catcher if you can’t trade or sign a significant upgrade.

[trob115]

Need to get Haniger from the mariners instead of Brantley.

[msstate7]

Need to get Haniger from the mariners instead of Brantley.

Even if he's available, that would cost a fortune in prospects. I don't think he'll be traded though

[KOdawg1]

I'll take Realmuto all day, any day. Who cares that he can't frame pitches? He's a catcher who can rake. We haven't had one of those in a long time

[Really Clark?]

I'll take Realmuto all day, any day. Who cares that he can't frame pitches? He's a catcher who can rake. We haven't had one of those in a long time

Well I do think with a young staff like we have and the type of arms in today’s game, framing and handling the staff is extremely important. So disagree with you somewhat in a general sense but JT skews value that I definitely would take him for the correct trade value. We need a good pitching coach hire as well. With a veteran staff that is prime with their command you look at it differently. But you saw in the postseason what issues a shaky backstop can cause.

[KOdawg1]

Well I do think with a young staff like we have and the type of arms in today’s game, framing and handling the staff is extremely important. So disagree with you somewhat in a general sense but JT skews value that I definitely would take him for the correct trade value. We need a good pitching coach hire as well. With a veteran staff that is prime with their command you look at it differently. But you saw in the postseason what issues a shaky backstop can cause.

Oh I'm not saying it's not important. But I'd rather have a catcher who can hit and is working his pitch framing than one who can frame pitches but can't hit.

[trob115]

Even if he's available, that would cost a fortune in prospects. I don't think he'll be traded though
It would be worth giving up Pache plus some big arms for him. Find a way to get Paxton too and we?d be in the drivers seat for the NL East.

[Really Clark?]

It would be worth giving up Pache plus some big arms for him. Find a way to get Paxton too and we?d be in the drivers seat for the NL East.

He is making nothing, why would they even consider trading a 4 hole RF when they are trying to retool and find way’s to lower payroll? This is not fantasy. And 3 of their top 5 prospects are OF’s. Not to mention he and Riley are the Braves best position prospects. You have start with pitchers but I don’t see them considering picking up the phone unless you over pay and take on some bad contract as well

[msstate7]

He is making nothing, why would they even consider trading a 4 hole RF when they are trying to retool and find way’s to lower payroll? This is not fantasy. And 3 of their top 5 prospects are OF’s. Not to mention he and Riley are the Braves best position prospects. You have start with pitchers but I don’t see them considering picking up the phone unless you over pay and take on some bad contract as well

Yeah, we'd probably have to take on cano and his 24 million a year through 2023

[Really Clark?]

Yeah, we'd probably have to take on cano and his 24 million a year through 2023

Yeah 5 years $120 MIL for a 35 year old 2nd baseman who missed half this season, although still productive, is not how we want to spend money. You can get in the Manny discussions for $25 MIL a year.

[msstate7]

Welcome back Brian McCann

[msstate7]

Josh Donaldson close to 1-year deal with braves

[BrunswickDawg]

Welcome back Brian McCann

Need more of this:

https://usatthebiglead.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/carlos-gomez-and-brian-mccann-yelling.gif?w=640

[msstate7]

Donaldson to braves
1 year 23 million.

[BrunswickDawg]

Donaldson to braves
1 year 23 million.

I know its 1 year - but that's a big gamble on a guy who went from MVP to crap in 3 seasons.
Hope it pays off.

[msstate7]

I know its 1 year - but that's a big gamble on a guy who went from MVP to crap in 3 seasons.
Hope it pays off.

He's a huge injury risk, but when healthy, he's great. Even in 2017 in 113 games, he was 5.1 fWAR. In 2018 in 52 games, he was 1.3 fWAR (~4 fWAR over 162 games). Steamer projects him at 4.6 fWAR and depth charts at 4.5 fWAR. I think it's a good risk. If Donaldson is healthy, we might have one of the best 2-4 in baseball with Acuna, FF, and Donaldson

[BrunswickDawg]

He's a huge injury risk, but when healthy, he's great. Even in 2017 in 113 games, he was 5.1 fWAR. In 2018 in 52 games, he was 1.3 fWAR (~4 fWAR over 162 games). Steamer projects him at 4.6 fWAR and depth charts at 4.5 fWAR. I think it's a good risk. If Donaldson is healthy, we might have one of the best 2-4 in baseball with Acuna, FF, and Donaldson

That's why I said he was a gamble. Guys missing effectively 2 seasons to injury rarely comeback to pre-injury form. The one-year deal makes it palatable at $23 million - but gives you little flexibility if he doesn't pan out and you have to go get someone else.

Does this mean Camargo or Swanson is on the block?

[Tbonewannabe]

That's why I said he was a gamble. Guys missing effectively 2 seasons to injury rarely comeback to pre-injury form. The one-year deal makes it palatable at $23 million - but gives you little flexibility if he doesn't pan out and you have to go get someone else.

Does this mean Camargo or Swanson is on the block?
I think it means Carmago will be platoon guy.

[msstate7]

I think it means Carmago will be platoon guy.

I agree. I think Camargo gets plenty of starts at 3b, SS, and 2b. Really need him to pick up LF too

[Matty Dispatch]

That's why I said he was a gamble. Guys missing effectively 2 seasons to injury rarely comeback to pre-injury form. The one-year deal makes it palatable at $23 million - but gives you little flexibility if he doesn't pan out and you have to go get someone else.

Does this mean Camargo or Swanson is on the block?

I don't think it's that big of a risk because the Braves have plenty of money to take a chance for 1 year, and if /when he's injured Comargo is waiting in the wings as a very reliable 3B. Plus there's Austin Riley waiting in the wings, which I'd assume is why Donaldson was signed for 1 year.

[msstate7]

I don't think it's that big of a risk because the Braves have plenty of money to take a chance for 1 year, and if /when he's injured Comargo is waiting in the wings as a very reliable 3B. Plus there's Austin Riley waiting in the wings, which I'd assume is why Donaldson was signed for 1 year.

Yep. I think a 1-year deal takes Riley off the market

[Matty Dispatch]

I love these moves. Even if McCann is way, way past his prime, he was a fan favorite and local boy. Donaldson is a SEC product and could be a huge offensive weapon. And you don't mortgage the stock-pile of talent to improve the team.

[BrunswickDawg]

I love these moves. Even if McCann is way, way past his prime, he was a fan favorite and local boy. Donaldson is a SEC product and could be a huge offensive weapon. And you don't mortgage the stock-pile of talent to improve the team.

This I agree with - signed, Brett Butler

[MetEdDawg]

I think this could mean that Swanson or Camargo are on the move. This is clearly a 1 year stop gap for Austin Riley. But why not parlay that into a big time pitcher?

I say trade Swanson as part of a package deal with some minor leaguers, move Ozzie to SS and move Camargo to 2B. Donaldson plays 3B for one year and Riley is ready in 2020. Dansby's defense will give him market value for sure.

[msstate7]

I don't think we move Swanson or Camargo. I think we go after pollock, mccutchen, or Brantley for LF. I also think we will add a high leverage reliever. I personally want mccutchen and familia.

Cutch LF
Acuna rf
FF 1b
Donaldson/Camargo 3b
Albies/Camargo 2b
Ender cf
Mac/flowers c
Swanson/Camargo SS

Folty
Gausman
Newcomb
Touki
Julio/Wright/soroka

Familia
Minter
Viz
O'day
Sobotka
Venters
Winkler
Fried

[Really Clark?]

I think this could mean that Swanson or Camargo are on the move. This is clearly a 1 year stop gap for Austin Riley. But why not parlay that into a big time pitcher?

I say trade Swanson as part of a package deal with some minor leaguers, move Ozzie to SS and move Camargo to 2B. Donaldson plays 3B for one year and Riley is ready in 2020. Dansby's defense will give him market value for sure.

Make Camargo a super utility like Zorbiest, if he looks good enough in the OF. He would be nearly a regular that way. But even if the OF doesn’t work, a controllable young good infielder with solid bat, platoon options, bench bat, has value at his price. And nobody knows what Donaldson will actually produce this year. It’s why he is only getting a one year deal, teams a very uncertain of him. Unless part of a deal that really improves the club, I don’t think they consider trades with Swanson and/or Camargo

[BoomBoom]

I think this could mean that Swanson or Camargo are on the move. This is clearly a 1 year stop gap for Austin Riley. But why not parlay that into a big time pitcher?

I say trade Swanson as part of a package deal with some minor leaguers, move Ozzie to SS and move Camargo to 2B. Donaldson plays 3B for one year and Riley is ready in 2020. Dansby's defense will give him market value for sure.

Can't have a playoff-quality bench if you trade any good player as soon as they can't get 600 ABs a year.....

[BoomBoom]

I know its 1 year - but that's a big gamble on a guy who went from MVP to crap in 3 seasons.
Hope it pays off.

He's about guaranteed for 3 WAR if he plays most games, arguably 4. Last year about 8 3B were over 4 WAR, with a other 2 over 3.

Add to that that if he has a good year he will get a QO that he will decline, netting a 1st round pick, worth about $8M. So if he has a good year, we got a lot of WAR for only $15M net, if he had a bad, injury plagued year we paid $23M for not much, but there may be insurance against that. Bit of boom or bust in that signing, but I like that mix a lot more than a long term FA signing.

Will probably be paired with an OF acquisition that is a good bit more predictable in cost vs value. I like it.

[msstate7]

He's about guaranteed for 3 WAR if he plays most games, arguably 4. Last year about 8 3B were over 4 WAR, with a other 2 over 3.

Add to that that if he has a good year he will get a QO that he will decline, netting a 1st round pick, worth about $8M. So if he has a good year, we got a lot of WAR for only $15M net, if he had a bad, injury plagued year we paid $23M for not much, but there may be insurance against that. Bit of boom or bust in that signing, but I like that mix a lot more than a long term FA signing.

Will probably be paired with an OF acquisition that is a good bit more predictable in cost vs value. I like it.

Any guesses on outfielder other than Brantley, cutch, or pollack? Think we try and get peralta with prospects?

[BoomBoom]

Any guesses on outfielder other than Brantley, cutch, or pollack? Think we try and get peralta with prospects?

No idea. They are probably looking at dozens of trade targets that we havent heard a peep about. At this point we don't even know if they are looking for a LF or RF.

[MetEdDawg]

Can't have a playoff-quality bench if you trade any good player as soon as they can't get 600 ABs a year.....

True. But if we could parlay Swanson or Camargo in Bumgardner or Kluber (obviously would need another piece or 2) is that not something you have to at least consider?

[sanfordrjones]

The difference between the Braves and teams like the Dodgers, Red Sox, Astros, and Cubs is depth. I don't know why y'all are wanting to trade away our MLB depth when we have the prospect capital to go get any player in baseball except for maybe Trout and and still remain a top 5 farm system in baseball. Also, we're going to run out of room on some of these guys anyway in the next year or 2 with 40-man issues and will start losing them in the Rule 5 draft anyway.

I want AA to sign McCutchen and David Robertson or Adam Ottavino, trade away Teheran for whatever he can get, then trade for Kluber or Carrasco. Maybe trade for or sign another catcher and use McCann as a bench bat.

[msstate7]

Joe Simpson to radio. Frenchy taking Simpson's spot

[shoeless joe]

Joe Simpson to radio. Frenchy taking Simpson's spot

WTF?!?!?

Terrible terrible terrible

[parabrave]

Joe Simpson to radio. Frenchy taking Simpson's spot

Aw Shi%. I would rather listen to the ESPN Broadcast then Francant and Junior.

[sanfordrjones]

Joe Simpson to radio. Frenchy taking Simpson's spot

We just won the offseason. Frenchy is mediocre, but Simpson is the absolute worst. At least Frenchy likes baseball. Joe Simpson hates everything except complaining.

[shoeless joe]

We just won the offseason. Frenchy is mediocre, but Simpson is the absolute worst. At least Frenchy likes baseball. Joe Simpson hates everything except complaining.

Joe is an old school, hard nose, loyal baseball guy and I love that about him. No it's not popular to be that way about anything these days but he speaks his mind and doesn't waver from that. He's also one of the top 2-3 real color analysts in the game.

Chip is the awful one. How he knows so little about the game at this point is unconscionable and he uses the same worn out lines and terms all game every game.

Frenchy will prolly be fine but it's gone a long way from guys actually being entertaining AND knowledgeable while in the booth.

[smootness]

Joe Simpson is terrible, so this is fine. Yes, Chip is also terrible. I have no idea what Francoeur will be like.

[sanfordrjones]

Joe is an old school, hard nose, loyal baseball guy and I love that about him. No it's not popular to be that way about anything these days but he speaks his mind and doesn't waver from that. He's also one of the top 2-3 real color analysts in the game.

Chip is the awful one. How he knows so little about the game at this point is unconscionable and he uses the same worn out lines and terms all game every game.

Frenchy will prolly be fine but it's gone a long way from guys actually being entertaining AND knowledgeable while in the booth.

Joe shits on analytics every chance he gets. Every team in baseball uses them at least a little bit, and the teams that use them very little (Baltimore, for example) are beginning to to make changes in their front offices to use them more before they get totally left behind. However, Joe refuses to acknowledge analytics have any credibility. I would love to have an announcer that uses advanced numbers in his color commentary, but at least don't tell me why I'm a fool for believing there is merit to them, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. That's what Joe did on a nightly basis. Now with AA bringing them to Atlanta, it's time for the people behind the microphone to embrace the advanced numbers, as well. There was 0 chance that that bitter old clown would ever do that.

I also don't want to hear about how the Dodgers are all going to rot in hell because they wore cancer awareness t-shirts instead of their uniforms to take batting practice. All that 17er does is complain about the state of baseball. I watch baseball because I like it. The last thing I want to do is listen to some has-been tell me why baseball nowadays sucks. He's not hard nosed. He's just a dick.

Chip is also terrible, but he is pretty influenced by his sidekick. When he has Joe, he is in agreement with every crotchety thing that grumpy old 17tard bitches and moans about. When Frenchy or Byrd is in the booth, he is a lot more positive because they actually like baseball. I can handle Chip's stupid puns as long as I don't have to listen to the color commentator tell me why major league baseball is a sinking ship.

[shoeless joe]

Joe shits on analytics every chance he gets. Every team in baseball uses them at least a little bit, and the teams that use them very little (Baltimore, for example) are beginning to to make changes in their front offices to use them more before they get totally left behind. However, Joe refuses to acknowledge analytics have any credibility. I would love to have an announcer that uses advanced numbers in his color commentary, but at least don't tell me why I'm a fool for believing there is merit to them, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. That's what Joe did on a nightly basis. Now with AA bringing them to Atlanta, it's time for the people behind the microphone to embrace the advanced numbers, as well. There was 0 chance that that bitter old clown would ever do that.

I also don't want to hear about how the Dodgers are all going to rot in hell because they wore cancer awareness t-shirts instead of their uniforms to take batting practice. All that 17er does is complain about the state of baseball. I watch baseball because I like it. The last thing I want to do is listen to some has-been tell me why baseball nowadays sucks. He's not hard nosed. He's just a dick.

Chip is also terrible, but he is pretty influenced by his sidekick. When he has Joe, he is in agreement with every crotchety thing that grumpy old 17tard bitches and moans about. When Frenchy or Byrd is in the booth, he is a lot more positive because they actually like baseball. I can handle Chip's stupid puns as long as I don't have to listen to the color commentator tell me why major league baseball is a sinking ship.

Some reasonable points mixed into this post. But I stand by my statement that he is as old school and hard nosed as announcers go in regards to the game and that is the reason I am such a fan of his.

Chip on the other hand is just a bad play by play guy. Irregardless of his partner his play by play ability is going to suck. He and joe buck are the poster children for riding your dad's coat tails...buck is really good at football but absolutely abysmal with baseball. Neither of those clown have put one bit of effort into actually understanding strategy and the nature of the game. As much as they are around it's like they put effort into not ever trying to pick up on any nuance.

Back on topic tho: I like frenchy in the booth but I feel like he's best suited for the role he had...third guy in. And I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he'll be very similar to joe in regards to his views on the game and having some unpopular takes about other teams and their players. He will prolly wind up as a solid home town announcer. But like I've said before...and this move may be a reaction to my next point....the braves should have locked smoltz up when they had the chance. They guy is good, knowledgeable and entertaining. The peach tree games were great with just him and joe. But the braves stood pat and then lost him to the national broadcasts.

[sanfordrjones]

Some reasonable points mixed into this post. But I stand by my statement that he is as old school and hard nosed as announcers go in regards to the game and that is the reason I am such a fan of his.

Chip on the other hand is just a bad play by play guy. Irregardless of his partner his play by play ability is going to suck. He and joe buck are the poster children for riding your dad's coat tails...buck is really good at football but absolutely abysmal with baseball. Neither of those clown have put one bit of effort into actually understanding strategy and the nature of the game. As much as they are around it's like they put effort into not ever trying to pick up on any nuance.

Back on topic tho: I like frenchy in the booth but I feel like he's best suited for the role he had...third guy in. And I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he'll be very similar to joe in regards to his views on the game and having some unpopular takes about other teams and their players. He will prolly wind up as a solid home town announcer. But like I've said before...and this move may be a reaction to my next point....the braves should have locked smoltz up when they had the chance. They guy is good, knowledgeable and entertaining. The peach tree games were great with just him and joe. But the braves stood pat and then lost him to the national broadcasts.

I'm fine with old school, but I draw the line at denigrating new school simply because someone is too hardheaded and lazy to spend a little time trying to understand anything about analytics. That describes Joe Simpson. He'd rather complain about new data without knowing shit about it because all he does is complain about the state of baseball. All of his complaining about how much baseball sucks today makes me wonder why he would even want to watch it and comment on it for a living.

I agree with all of your points on Chip. He is a bad play-by-play announcer, and he is only in the industry because is last name is Caray. If only 1 of them had to go, though, it had to be Joe.

Frenchy definitely isn't an analytics guy, and that is a knock I have against him. However, he likes the game. We could have done a lot better, but we could have done a lot worse. Hell, we did do a lot worse for years with Joe Simpson. I don't see him becoming as angry about everything like Simpson was anytime soon.

As much as I loved Smoltz as a player (I drove from Mississippi to Cooperstown to watch him get inducted), I'm not a fan of him in the booth. The more I listen to him as a commentator, the more he makes me cringe. He also does a lot of complaining about the state of baseball. Between him and Frenchy, he definitely has a lot more Joe Simpson in him. He also isn't exactly a wordsmith.

I wish they would move Jim Powell into the TV booth. He does a great job on the radio. If not him, I'd love to get Sciambi back. He was also great, and he can talk about analytics.

[msstate7]

Braves supposedly in the thick of realmuto and sonny gray trade rumors.

[MetEdDawg]

Braves supposedly in the thick of realmuto and sonny gray trade rumors.

I'll bet a lot of money AA gets neither of those. I don't know if he's playing some kind games with folks but I'm getting concerned we haven't made a move yet.

The other teams in the division are getting better and we are not at the moment. Need to make some moves

[Matty Dispatch]

I'll bet a lot of money AA gets neither of those. I don't know if he's playing some kind games with folks but I'm getting concerned we haven't made a move yet.

The other teams in the division are getting better and we are not at the moment. Need to make some moves

getting Donaldson is not getting better?

[msstate7]

I'll bet a lot of money AA gets neither of those. I don't know if he's playing some kind games with folks but I'm getting concerned we haven't made a move yet.

The other teams in the division are getting better and we are not at the moment. Need to make some moves

I don't want gray. I'm ok with realmuto if it's Riley, pitching prospect (not named gohara, newcomb, or Anderson), and flowers (they supposedly want a veteran catcher)

[MetEdDawg]

getting Donaldson is not getting better?

We already got him. We got better then. But since then the rest of the division has been making moves. I'll also say that while Donaldson provides potential huge upside, coming off an injury does concern me a bit.

But since then we've done nothing. We are rumored to be involved in stuff but so far nothing. We have entirely too much young pitching to not make a deal. Between Fried, Touki, Gohara, Soroka, Wright, Allard, Sims, and Wilson, we can't have all of them pitch for us at one time. Use the damn pieces and make us better now.

[parabrave]

With our pitching woes and we do have them would you go after Dallas Keuchel?

[msu15]

The Sonny Gray rumors(and the fact that he hasn't been moved yet) is fascinating to me. A) I can't believe he's in demand, and B) I can't believe that Cash hasn't dumped him somewhere yet.

[msstate7]

Brantley signing seeming to send my braves' board into a mini panic. I'm not particularly worried right now, but I am interested in what AA plans to do with the corner OF spot

[MetEdDawg]

Brantley signing seeming to send my braves' board into a mini panic. I'm not particularly worried right now, but I am interested in what AA plans to do with the corner OF spot

I'm gonna guess it's Cargo or Pollock. Two not good options. I have zero confidence in AA. None. We are going to hold onto our assets too long and devalue them. And we are going to miss the window that exists right now to make 2 big moves and turn this team into a legit contender.

[Matty Dispatch]

Joe is an old school, hard nose, loyal baseball guy and I love that about him. No it's not popular to be that way about anything these days but he speaks his mind and doesn't waver from that. He's also one of the top 2-3 real color analysts in the game.

Chip is the awful one. How he knows so little about the game at this point is unconscionable and he uses the same worn out lines and terms all game every game.

Frenchy will prolly be fine but it's gone a long way from guys actually being entertaining AND knowledgeable while in the booth.

I have to disagree about Chip not knowing about baseball. He asked stupid questions to Joe to help the casual observer understand the game or MLB transactions, etc. He already knows the answer himself, but is humble enough to let the analyst be the one to analyze while he sticks to play-by-play. I didn't like Chip the first few years because I felt like he still loved the Cubs, but he's steadily grown on me and I think he's all Braves now and I enjoy his calls. Frenchy is great in the booth. And I think the move was for the future as Joe is almost 70 and they didn't want to see Frenchy get stolen away like Smoltz did.

[Matty Dispatch]

Brantley signing seeming to send my braves' board into a mini panic. I'm not particularly worried right now, but I am interested in what AA plans to do with the corner OF spot

I've thought that AA would re-sign Markakis all along. Greek to Greek. Hometown boy.

AA seems to be a tight wad with money and prospects. Maybe he will pull something off but right now I'm beginning to wonder if he's just in love with hoarding prospects and cash rather than making some deals.

[msstate7]

FWIW, frenchy told mlb radio that we trying to sign Harper. Not sure I believe that, but boy, that would change our outlook this season...

Acuna LF/RF
Harper LF/rf
FF 1b
Donaldson 3b
Albies 2b
Ender cf
Mac/flowers c
Swanson ss

[Matty Dispatch]

FWIW, frenchy told mlb radio that we trying to sign Harper. Not sure I believe that, but boy, that would change our outlook this season...

Acuna LF/RF
Harper LF/rf
FF 1b
Donaldson 3b
Albies 2b
Ender cf
Mac/flowers c
Swanson ss

That lineup makes me laugh. Not because it has Harper in it, but because Snit will never hit him 2nd.

[Tbonewannabe]

FWIW, frenchy told mlb radio that we trying to sign Harper. Not sure I believe that, but boy, that would change our outlook this season...

Acuna LF/RF
Harper LF/rf
FF 1b
Donaldson 3b
Albies 2b
Ender cf
Mac/flowers c
Swanson ss

That has the opportunity to be the best 1-4 in baseball if Harper and Donaldson rounded back into form. Throw Realmuto into that lineup and World Series here we come.

[msstate7]

That has the opportunity to be the best 1-4 in baseball if Harper and Donaldson rounded back into form. Throw Realmuto into that lineup and World Series here we come.

Fun to dream about... Harper bout as likely as us flipping bama's top 5 today lol

[Tbonewannabe]

Fun to dream about... Harper bout as likely as us flipping bama's top 5 today lol

I saw someone post how we had the payroll to sign both Harper and Realmuto.

[msstate7]

I saw someone post how we had the payroll to sign both Harper and Realmuto.

Think we at 107 million right now. I guess it's possible to add 30 million a year for Harper, but I think it will take more than that

[trob115]

I still think we end up with Haniger.

My second choice would be Peralta.

3rd: I guess Frazier in a package with Gray

.000003% chance on Harper, although I would love it we got him.

[Tbonewannabe]

Think we at 107 million right now. I guess it's possible to add 30 million a year for Harper, but I think it will take more than that

It was an article on one of the Braves websites showing how to get to around 130 Mil and trade to get Harper and Realmuto. I am expecting exactly zero of that happening. It looks like we are still after an ace like Kluber.

[Matty Dispatch]

It was an article on one of the Braves websites showing how to get to around 130 Mil and trade to get Harper and Realmuto. I am expecting exactly zero of that happening. It looks like we are still after an ace like Kluber.

I would rather have an ace pitcher than Harper. Come playoff time those guys are what you need. Harper can be pitched around.

[msstate7]

I would rather have an ace pitcher than Harper. Come playoff time those guys are what you need. Harper can be pitched around.

Not if you have acuna, FF, and Donaldson around him.

Why do I keep entertaining the thought of Harper when I know it ain't happening? Haha

[shoeless joe]

I would rather have an ace pitcher than Harper. Come playoff time those guys are what you need. Harper can be pitched around.

I tend to agree. Give me kluber and kimbrel and let's roll....

[msstate7]

At this point I have no idea what AA is gonna do. I'd like to trade for realmuto and sign aj pollock. I'd stand pat with starting pitching.

Acuna Rf/lf
Realmuto c
FF 1b
Donaldson 3b
Pollock rf/lf
Albies 2b
Ender cf
Swanson sS

Folty
Gausman
Newcomb
Touki
Julio

[MetEdDawg]

At this point I have no idea what AA is gonna do. I'd like to trade for realmuto and sign aj pollock. I'd stand pat with starting pitching.

Acuna Rf/lf
Realmuto c
FF 1b
Donaldson 3b
Pollock rf/lf
Albies 2b
Ender cf
Swanson sS

Folty
Gausman
Newcomb
Touki
Julio

I'll maintain that I don't trust AA at all to do what's right for us in the OF or for a SP. He seems highly reluctant to give up any of our farm pitching to get better even though we've got more than we can put on the MLB club.

I said four weeks ago I thought we would resign Markakis and not add a SP. I think I'm gonna stay on that prediction.

[msstate7]

I'll maintain that I don't trust AA at all to do what's right for us in the OF or for a SP. He seems highly reluctant to give up any of our farm pitching to get better even though we've got more than we can put on the MLB club.

I said four weeks ago I thought we would resign Markakis and not add a SP. I think I'm gonna stay on that prediction.

I could see us signing markakis if we get realmuto. I doubt we sign markakis without upgrading a bat somewhere though.

One of the smarter posters on my braves' board seems to think we'll trade for sonny gray and perhaps even Clint Frazier in that deal.

[MetEdDawg]

I could see us signing markakis if we get realmuto. I doubt we sign markakis without upgrading a bat somewhere though.

One of the smarter posters on my braves' board seems to think we'll trade for sonny gray and perhaps even Clint Frazier in that deal.

That doesn't wow me at all. Sonny Gray has potential but we've got enough data on him to say that would certainly be risky. Frazier hasn't really shown anything.

I think I would rather resign Markakis at $15 million a year and roll with a Folty, Gausman, Newk, Teheran, Tokyo starting rotation.

In reality I would love to dump Julio, find a way to get a solid SP, and get a good corner OF. I just don't see any of that happening. I'm not sure we get a catcher either. I think AA is probably ok with a Flowers McCann tandem. Just not sure what his angle his right now. We've got needs, more than enough pitching farm talent to trade to fill those needs, and money to spend. What's the play here? If the master plan is Gray and Frazier, color me severely unimpressed.

[msstate7]

That doesn't wow me at all. Sonny Gray has potential but we've got enough data on him to say that would certainly be risky. Frazier hasn't really shown anything.

I think I would rather resign Markakis at $15 million a year and roll with a Folty, Gausman, Newk, Teheran, Tokyo starting rotation.

In reality I would love to dump Julio, find a way to get a solid SP, and get a good corner OF. I just don't see any of that happening. I'm not sure we get a catcher either. I think AA is probably ok with a Flowers McCann tandem. Just not sure what his angle his right now. We've got needs, more than enough pitching farm talent to trade to fill those needs, and money to spend. What's the play here? If the master plan is Gray and Frazier, color me severely unimpressed.

I'm not a big gray fan either, but he's potentially a 3 WAR pitcher if he gets out of yankee stadium. He was quite good in away games last year. Really don't know what to think of Clint Frazier.

[MetEdDawg]

I'm not a big gray fan either, but he's potentially a 3 WAR pitcher if he gets out of yankee stadium. He was quite good in away games last year. Really don't know what to think of Clint Frazier.

Gray has the stuff and I agree getting him out of the American League might help him. And Frazier just doesn't have enough data points for me to understand why that would be our solution.

I'm just really concerned about AA. Not sure what his plan is. I thought for sure we would be a legit player for a catcher. But we resign Flowers before the season is over then get McCann. I was not expecting that series of events. Donaldson is a decent play but that's expensive and probably means we won't have him beyond this upcoming year. So in essence we've done nothing to solidify ourselves for the 3-5 year run we have in front of us.

[shoeless joe]

I'd rather stand pat with the line up and trade for a starter. Kluber to be exact.

[msstate7]

I'd rather stand pat with the line up and trade for a starter. Kluber to be exact.

We don't have a corner outfielder right now unless you wanna run Duvall out there

[MetEdDawg]

We don't have a corner outfielder right now unless you wanna run Duvall out there

I've got to think that Riley and/or Camargo will take some corner OF time this winter. To me it's very possible AA trots Duvall out there the first part of the year and brings up Riley in May to take that corner OF spot.

[Matty Dispatch]

Gray has the stuff and I agree getting him out of the American League might help him. And Frazier just doesn't have enough data points for me to understand why that would be our solution.

I'm just really concerned about AA. Not sure what his plan is. I thought for sure we would be a legit player for a catcher. But we resign Flowers before the season is over then get McCann. I was not expecting that series of events. Donaldson is a decent play but that's expensive and probably means we won't have him beyond this upcoming year. So in essence we've done nothing to solidify ourselves for the 3-5 year run we have in front of us.

I agree about AA. He seems to be too in love with having money in the bank and hay in the barn rather than leveraging it to make the team better.

The Donaldson deal is great to me. He's high dollar for just one year, then Austin Riley is waiting in the wings for the 3-5 year plan. And if he hits some injury snags Comargo is ready to fill in.

I have always believed Markakis would be resigned. I'd even bet him and AA have a handshake agreement that it's a done deal, but it won't happen until after Harper is signed because AA doesn't want to signed Markakis while he's still out there on the market.

The Braves need an ace pitcher more than anything. Julio was the opening day starter for the last 5 years, but now he's descended to the number 5 guy. The current ace, Folty, is a head case. Trade 3 or 4 farm arms for a proven guy. Draft hitting, sign/trade for pitching. You just never know who will pan out on a big league mound so go get somebody who has proven they are solid.

[msstate7]

Apparently there is a bogus report we signed Marwin Gonzalez. Did not like the money in the report, but I love marwin

[BoomBoom]

Apparently there is a bogus report we signed Marwin Gonzalez. Did not like the money in the report, but I love marwin

Here's my reading-between-the-lines take on Carter Stewart:

Braves made an early low-ball offer, say $4M, which Stewart's camp promptly rejected. After full medicals, they pulled the offer and never made another one. Stewart would have taken the $2M minimum offer, but by then couldn't as the only offer had been rejected (by him) and pulled. So he filed the grievance. But as the team had at one time made a sufficient offer, they had met the minimum requirements. Thus the disagreement, Stewart thought he should have been given a $2M offer at the end.

[msstate7]

Here's my reading-between-the-lines take on Carter Stewart:

Braves made an early low-ball offer, say $4M, which Stewart's camp promptly rejected. After full medicals, they pulled the offer and never made another one. Stewart would have taken the $2M minimum offer, but by then couldn't as the only offer had been rejected (by him) and pulled. So he filed the grievance. But as the team had at one time made a sufficient offer, they had met the minimum requirements. Thus the disagreement, Stewart thought he should have been given a $2M offer at the end.

That?s a dang solid theory. I definitely think this could?ve been the case

[MetEdDawg]

Here's my reading-between-the-lines take on Carter Stewart:

Braves made an early low-ball offer, say $4M, which Stewart's camp promptly rejected. After full medicals, they pulled the offer and never made another one. Stewart would have taken the $2M minimum offer, but by then couldn't as the only offer had been rejected (by him) and pulled. So he filed the grievance. But as the team had at one time made a sufficient offer, they had met the minimum requirements. Thus the disagreement, Stewart thought he should have been given a $2M offer at the end.

Let's say this is true (think it's as good a theory as there is) did we really pass on Stewart for $2 million? Seems like we are playing games across the board right now with no cohesive vision.

Considering his ability as a pitcher or as a trade piece, I can't imagine us turning him loose and not offering $2 million at the end to secure him even with the potential injury.

[smootness]

Let's say this is true (think it's as good a theory as there is) did we really pass on Stewart for $2 million? Seems like we are playing games across the board right now with no cohesive vision.

Considering his ability as a pitcher or as a trade piece, I can't imagine us turning him loose and not offering $2 million at the end to secure him even with the potential injury.

We probably decided that the 9th pick this year was better than Stewart regardless of price, especially considering that we had already made the other picks and spent that money, meaning the savings wouldn't help us toward the draft pool.

[msstate7]

AA told season ticket holders he's finishing up on a trade (70%).

[Matty Dispatch]

Well, I called Markakis being re-signed like 5 times in this thread even though y'all were dreaming about other right fielders.

[Really Clark?]

Well, I called Markakis being re-signed like 5 times in this thread even though y'all were dreaming about other right fielders.

Very reasonable deal. 1 year $4 MIL with $2 MIL option

[msstate7]

Well, I called Markakis being re-signed like 5 times in this thread even though y'all were dreaming about other right fielders.

4 million? If that's right, great sign. Still gotta upgrade the offense somewhere though, so I expect realmuto to be a brave

[parabrave]

I like it. Keeps a good hitter in there and gives Pache time to develop in the minors. Somehow I wish that we could train Riley to catch. We don't have any young catchers, sorry Flowers fans but he ain't cutting it, and we could use Rileys' bat in the lineup. Just a thought though.

[Matty Dispatch]

The Braves have a boat-load of cash, a ton of prospects and are it appears have established starters at every position now.....so go get an ace. Make a lop-sided trade, who cares, get an ace!

[MetEdDawg]

$4 million is a steal and hopefully the $6 million option for next year will be too. If Kakes can hit .280 and give us 12-15 homers a year with a .330 OBP that's phenomenal.

Should leave us room to make a significant pitching move. Hopefully a trade and we get someone high caliber. We need a Top 2 type pitcher. Go get one and this team can win a title.

[shoeless joe]

The Braves have a boat-load of cash, a ton of prospects and are it appears have established starters at every position now.....so go get an ace. Make a lop-sided trade, who cares, get an ace!

Yep...kluber

[msstate7]

Yep...kluber

Supposedly they want pache, touki, and Wright. Sorry that's too much

[Matty Dispatch]

Supposedly they want pache, touki, and Wright. Sorry that's too much

I would make that deal in a heartbeat. The Braves need an ace right now - and a 2-time Cy Young winner is exactly that. When you get one, there's no room for Touki anyway, and Wright is just another arm to balance out the bird in hand worth two in the bush....got to give them something and the Braves have plenty to young pitchers. Even trading those two there's still Soroka & Fried as top prospects who won't be in the 5 man rotation in 2019.

[msstate7]

I would make that deal in a heartbeat. The Braves need an ace right now - and a 2-time Cy Young winner is exactly that. When you get one, there's no room for Touki anyway, and Wright is just another arm to balance out the bird in hand worth two in the bush....got to give them something and the Braves have plenty to young pitchers. Even trading those two there's still Soroka & Fried as top prospects who won't be in the 5 man rotation in 2019.

Why intentionally shorten our window? Just adding kluber doesn't make us better than the dodgers. I'd rather trade Riley for realmuto.

[Matty Dispatch]

Why intentionally shorten our window? Just adding kluber doesn't make us better than the dodgers. I'd rather trade Riley for realmuto.

I don't get how that shortens the window. The Braves have 4 prospects on the cusp of the majors: Touki, Wright, Fried, Soroka. Then 4 starters right now: Folty, Gousman, Newk, Tehran. I'd throw Touki, Wright and Tehran at the Indians so hopefully they'd take Tehran's contract so we'd have money to get Realmuto and Kluber. But we haven't had a bona fide ace in a decade, so go trade for one.

Braves could have this rotation:

1. Kluber (who has a team option for 2020 and 2021 so he's controllable)
2. Folty (control through 2021)
3. Gousman (control through 2020)
4. Newk (control through 2023)
5. Fried or Soroka (if you can trade Tehran)

That's an in tact pitching staff for a minimum of 2 years with Gousman and at least 3 years with the rest. That's pretty good, and you'd have a front line ace. If you can trade Tehran then that opens up $11 million to go for Realmuto. There's no point in hoarding all these prospects, you have to use some as trade bait because you never know who will pan out.

I forgot about Ian Anderson and Bryse Wilson as well. So that's even more pitching talent. Got to trade some of it.

[Matty Dispatch]

Top 100 prospects list came out: https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/46653/2019-prospects-the-top-101/

Braves on the list:

Ian Anderson (29)
Austin Riley (30)
Mike Soroka (53)
Kyle Wright (58)
Bryse Wilson (60)
Cristian Pache (62)
Drew Waters (65)
Touki Toussaint (70)

[MetEdDawg]

Supposedly they want pache, touki, and Wright. Sorry that's too much

Yeah not no but hell no. That's one shitty shitty deal right there. All three of those are starters in the next 2 years. Touki this year.

I would only give that much up for a high quality bat AND a 4/5 in our rotation.

[msstate7]

I don't get how that shortens the window. The Braves have 4 prospects on the cusp of the majors: Touki, Wright, Fried, Soroka. Then 4 starters right now: Folty, Gousman, Newk, Tehran. I'd throw Touki, Wright and Tehran at the Indians so hopefully they'd take Tehran's contract so we'd have money to get Realmuto and Kluber. But we haven't had a bona fide ace in a decade, so go trade for one.

Braves could have this rotation:

1. Kluber (who has a team option for 2020 and 2021 so he's controllable)
2. Folty (control through 2021)
3. Gousman (control through 2020)
4. Newk (control through 2023)
5. Fried or Soroka (if you can trade Tehran)

That's an in tact pitching staff for a minimum of 2 years with Gousman and at least 3 years with the rest. That's pretty good, and you'd have a front line ace. If you can trade Tehran then that opens up $11 million to go for Realmuto. There's no point in hoarding all these prospects, you have to use some as trade bait because you never know who will pan out.

Pache is considered the best defensive cf in milb. I don't wanna lose that. I wanna see pache and acuna play together.

Unless we add another bat, I don't kluber gets us to WS. Then on top of losing a bunch of prospects, we have to pay 17 million a year

[Matty Dispatch]

Pache is considered the best defensive cf in milb. I don't wanna lose that. I wanna see pache and acuna play together.

Unless we add another bat, I don't kluber gets us to WS. Then on top of losing a bunch of prospects, we have to pay 17 million a year

$17 million is what you pay an ace. Actually, it's a pretty good deal for a 2-time Cy Young winner. The Braves have a center fielder who has won 3 straight gold gloves and a RF who has won 3 gold gloves including one last year. That defense isn't really winning any ball games. An ace wins you ball games....especially in the playoffs. Right now the Braves have about 10 pitchers for 5 spots. Trade 'em. Losing an outfield talent that is currently more than a year away from the big leagues is the price of getting a great pitcher.

[msstate7]

$17 million is what you pay an ace. Actually, it's a pretty good deal for a 2-time Cy Young winner. The Braves have a center fielder who has won 3 straight gold gloves and a RF who has won 3 gold gloves including one last year. That defense isn't really winning any ball games. An ace wins you ball games....especially in the playoffs. Right now the Braves have about 10 pitchers for 5 spots. Trade 'em. Losing an outfield talent that is currently more than a year away from the big leagues is the price of getting a great pitcher.

You're paying 17 million and giving up talent though. It's one thing to give up talent for cheap players, but you catch it twice for not cheap players.

Either way, no one has bit on kluber so that tells you the Indians want too much

[MetEdDawg]

$17 million is what you pay an ace. Actually, it's a pretty good deal for a 2-time Cy Young winner. The Braves have a center fielder who has won 3 straight gold gloves and a RF who has won 3 gold gloves including one last year. That defense isn't really winning any ball games. An ace wins you ball games....especially in the playoffs. Right now the Braves have about 10 pitchers for 5 spots. Trade 'em. Losing an outfield talent that is currently more than a year away from the big leagues is the price of getting a great pitcher.

We scored 0 runs against the Dodgers twice in the playoffs. Kluber doesn't get us to the World Series. Another bat does. I'm not giving up a potential rotation guy this year with tons of control and cheap, a potential rotation guy next year with tons of control and cheap, and our future CF with tons of control and cheap, for a guy that isn't going to score us anymore runs.

We need a big time catcher or a really good OF bat (would require us to trade Ender) for those guys. But Kluber? Not for that much. Our window is 4-6 years. Not 2.

[Matty Dispatch]

We scored 0 runs against the Dodgers twice in the playoffs. Kluber doesn't get us to the World Series. Another bat does. I'm not giving up a potential rotation guy this year with tons of control and cheap, a potential rotation guy next year with tons of control and cheap, and our future CF with tons of control and cheap, for a guy that isn't going to score us anymore runs.

We need a big time catcher or a really good OF bat (would require us to trade Ender) for those guys. But Kluber? Not for that much. Our window is 4-6 years. Not 2.

The reason the Braves couldn't score is because the Dodgers have great pitching. Starting pitching what wins in the playoffs more times than not. Also, the Braves had a bunch of young players and slumping players going into that series which had to do with the lack of offense. I agree for the need of another bat in the lineup. Hopefully Donaldson will pan out. Still need more, but need an ace too. Folty could be one, but not sure he'll ever get his head screwed on straight. It doesn't really matter though, because AA does not make big moves. I think the Braves are more content just riding out the prospects in hopes they because stars rather than looking for stars via trades or free agency.

[Really Clark?]

$17 million is what you pay an ace. Actually, it's a pretty good deal for a 2-time Cy Young winner. The Braves have a center fielder who has won 3 straight gold gloves and a RF who has won 3 gold gloves including one last year. That defense isn't really winning any ball games. An ace wins you ball games....especially in the playoffs. Right now the Braves have about 10 pitchers for 5 spots. Trade 'em. Losing an outfield talent that is currently more than a year away from the big leagues is the price of getting a great pitcher.

As far defense part of your statement, that is 100% false. The changes in our defensive alignments made it a huge reason we won last year and is what helped Nick get a Gold Glove after turning in below defensive work the last few years. You can’t be more wrong about our defense not helping win games last year.

I like Kluber and your deal if it was a year or 2 earlier. But your not getting him for even what you proposed. They want a Chris Sale like return on an older pitcher, that makes more money with less time left on his contract. They had to give up their 2 (and 2 in all of baseball) 4, 8 and 28th prospect. For less time, more money and older pitcher? I’m not giving that away

[Matty Dispatch]

As far defense part of your statement, that is 100% false. The changes in our defensive alignments made it a huge reason we won last year and is what helped Nick get a Gold Glove after turning in below defensive work the last few years. You can’t be more wrong about our defense not helping win games last year.


My point was that the Braves already have 2 gold glove outfielders. If it's because of the defensive alignment by the coaches/scouting then all the more reason you can have a great defense with average to above average defenders and don't necessarily need a hot shot defender like Pache. I'm sure the kid is great, but obviously the Braves are already excelling at defense so it's not like he's going to add that much value (in the future) to what the Braves are currently getting.

[MetEdDawg]

The reason the Braves couldn't score is because the Dodgers have great pitching. Starting pitching what wins in the playoffs more times than not. Also, the Braves had a bunch of young players and slumping players going into that series which had to do with the lack of offense. I agree for the need of another bat in the lineup. Hopefully Donaldson will pan out. Still need more, but need an ace too. Folty could be one, but not sure he'll ever get his head screwed on straight. It doesn't really matter though, because AA does not make big moves. I think the Braves are more content just riding out the prospects in hopes they because stars rather than looking for stars via trades or free agency.

Exactly. They had great pitching. But right now there isn't a thing we can do to out pitch them. They have too much money. Best way we can try and beat them is to score runs. Our staff right now is good enough. Not great, but Folty, Gausman, and Newk/Touki is fairly solid. Yes I personally would love to add a top line starter.

But I wouldn't do it for that price tag. I would do it for a catcher that could be ours for the next 3-5 years that is a stud because in 3-5 years we still have the pitching depth. But we need lineup pop all the way down and we don't have that. Ender, Swanson, and the catcher spot from a hitting perspective are not playoff grade. We need playoff grade hitters and if we can do that for the medium term we need to.

[smootness]

My point was that the Braves already have 2 gold glove outfielders. If it's because of the defensive alignment by the coaches/scouting then all the more reason you can have a great defense with average to above average defenders and don't necessarily need a hot shot defender like Pache. I'm sure the kid is great, but obviously the Braves are already excelling at defense so it's not like he's going to add that much value (in the future) to what the Braves are currently getting.

Pache is way better defensively than Markakis.

And Markakis isn't a long-term option. I'm not even totally sure he's going to be a short-term option for much longer.

You asked how that move would shorten our window, and that's how it would do it. Take 6-7 years of pitching talent and reduce it to 2-3, and remove 6-7 years of young, prime talent in the OF.

[Really Clark?]

My point was that the Braves already have 2 gold glove outfielders. If it's because of the defensive alignment by the coaches/scouting then all the more reason you can have a great defense with average to above average defenders and don't necessarily need a hot shot defender like Pache. I'm sure the kid is great, but obviously the Braves are already excelling at defense so it's not like he's going to add that much value (in the future) to what the Braves are currently getting.

Too short sighted. And Nick is really only signed for 1 year with an option. You are going to need an outfielder very soon and Pache is too good to give up in that deal. They want too much for him in total, for the length, salary, and his age. And why do you assume they want Terrian in return? They want Chris Sale return in prospects. If they would take him and 2 great prospects the deal would have been done. And nobody has been in serious talks with Cleveland because of their asking price. Several clubs could swing the deal but have balked on their price

[Matty Dispatch]

I was curious, so I compared Realmuto's 2018 stats to Tyler Flowers & Brian McCann's combined 2018 stats:

Realmuto: 531 plate appearances, .277 avg, 21 HR, 74 RBI, .825 OPS, 4.3 WAR

Flowers + McCann: 512 plate app., .220 avg, 15 HR, 53 RBI, .672 OPS, 1.6 WAR

[msstate7]

I was curious, so I compared Realmuto's 2018 stats to Tyler Flowers & Brian McCann's combined 2018 stats:

Realmuto: 531 plate appearances, .277 avg, 21 HR, 74 RBI, .825 OPS, 4.3 WAR

Flowers + McCann: 512 plate app., .220 avg, 15 HR, 53 RBI, .672 OPS, 1.6 WAR

Pretty big difference offensively. When you include pitch framing though, the gap closes. Flowers and McCann are pretty good in that dept.. realmuto, not so much.

[Matty Dispatch]

Pretty big difference offensively. When you include pitch framing though, the gap closes. Flowers and McCann are pretty good in that dept.. realmuto, not so much.

Also veteran catchers working with a young pitching staff (or at least the young pitchers on deck this year). It may just be that is not worth it because the influence Mac and Flowers will have on the pitching will offset the offensive production you could get from Realmuto....plus you don't have to give up anything if you stick with the current platoon. Something tells me that AA will do nothing else this offseason (short of a minor bullpen move or if Kimbrel significantly comes off his asking price), and will just hold back the available funds for in-season trades. Which may be a smart move because you never know who is going to get injured or pan out. It may be better to wait and see rather than try to make a splash prior to Opening Day.

[msstate7]

Braves, astros, and brewers favorites for Dallas Keuchel.

Braves and padres favorites to land realmuto

[Really Clark?]

Braves, astros, and brewers favorites for Dallas Keuchel.

Braves and padres favorites to land realmuto

Looks like the Reds are trying to make a push for Realmuto but like every other time with the Marlins, it’s a long process. I think the Padres might have already done a deal if the Marlins would have let them negotiate an extension prior to the trade

[msstate7]

Looks like the Reds are trying to make a push for Realmuto but like every other time with the Marlins, it’s a long process. I think the Padres might have already done a deal if the Marlins would have let them negotiate an extension prior to the trade

I'm just ready for the marlins to trade him whether it's the braves or not. Sick of this

[BrunswickDawg]

Braves related -

Have y'all seen the Deion 30 for 30? Thought it was well done. I liked hearing from both Braves (TP and Smoltz) and Falcons (Rison and Dukes) that the 2 sport thing wasn't a distraction and they were all rooting for him.
At the time, I'm sure I remember it being portrayed that way.

The best part of the doc - getting to hear that "Where McCarver at?" line again. Deion will always be one of my favorites for dumping that pan of cold water on that asshat.

[BoomBoom]

Also veteran catchers working with a young pitching staff (or at least the young pitchers on deck this year). It may just be that is not worth it because the influence Mac and Flowers will have on the pitching will offset the offensive production you could get from Realmuto....plus you don't have to give up anything if you stick with the current platoon. Something tells me that AA will do nothing else this offseason (short of a minor bullpen move or if Kimbrel significantly comes off his asking price), and will just hold back the available funds for in-season trades. Which may be a smart move because you never know who is going to get injured or pan out. It may be better to wait and see rather than try to make a splash prior to Opening Day.

I'm hoping this is the case. I don't see the point in trading future stars away for 2 years of Realmuto when for one of those years your RF is....Nick Markakis. I get having to overpay to get studs to make a WS run, but if you do that you can't half ass it. If they weren't gonna pony up and sign a FA RF, then there's no point in Realmuto.

[MetEdDawg]

I'm hoping this is the case. I don't see the point in trading future stars away for 2 years of Realmuto when for one of those years your RF is....Nick Markakis. I get having to overpay to get studs to make a WS run, but if you do that you can't half ass it. If they weren't gonna pony up and sign a FA RF, then there's no point in Realmuto.

I'm just stunned we didn't make more noise on Harper. Surely for one year we could handle his salary hit because things clear out a little in 2020 and in 2021. Liberty needs to freaking pony up. In 2020 Donaldson goes off the payroll, you bring up Riley and he plays 3B at a low price. I know we have arbitration increases we have to worry about, but I still think we have to push the issue. Get Harper for 25 a year for 4 years and make it happen. You can lose the team option on Markakis in 2020 also and potentially dump Teheran's salary.

I agree there's definitely no point in Realmuto. I'm fine rolling with what we have there. But we have to make another move or we are stuck where we were or potentially worse because of the improvements in the division. I have to think we go after a controllable starting pitcher in a trade before this thing is over. I will be very mad if we don't make another move.

[msstate7]

I'm very much in favor of realmuto. He was excellent last season, and that includes having severe home/road splits (.773 ops at home, .870 ops away). Get him out of that power sapping park, and he could put up huge numbers. He was at 4.8 fWAR and that's with no inflated BABIP. He's a great hitter.

Acuna
Realmuto
FF
Donaldson/camargo
Markakis
Albies/camargo
Ender
Swanson/camargo

That top 4 could be the best in mlb

The latest blurb by mish (marlins' beat writer) says Ian Anderson OR Austin Riley. I absolutely do either, but I'd rather it be Anderson

[Matty Dispatch]

The latest blurb by mish (marlins' beat writer) says Ian Anderson OR Austin Riley. I absolutely do either, but I'd rather it be Anderson

I thought Anderson was supposed to be a #1 type of starting pitcher? The only problem with the Realmuto stuff is that it seems like the Marlins won't let teams negotiate a long term deal with him before the trade. I bet he ends up with the Padres though....they seem to be hungrier.

[msstate7]

I thought Anderson was supposed to be a #1 type of starting pitcher? The only problem with the Realmuto stuff is that it seems like the Marlins won't let teams negotiate a long term deal with him before the trade. I bet he ends up with the Padres though....they seem to be hungrier.

There's word that Anderson's spin rate is really low. I have no idea if this true or not... only saw it on brave boards

[Matty Dispatch]

Braves related -

Have y'all seen the Deion 30 for 30? Thought it was well done. I liked hearing from both Braves (TP and Smoltz) and Falcons (Rison and Dukes) that the 2 sport thing wasn't a distraction and they were all rooting for him.
At the time, I'm sure I remember it being portrayed that way.

The best part of the doc - getting to hear that "Where McCarver at?" line again. Deion will always be one of my favorites for dumping that pan of cold water on that asshat.

I watched it. Deion and Bo Jackson are fascinating to me....Deion probably more so.

In 1991, Deion was apart of the Braves team that captured Atlanta, and then the 1991 Falcons are probably the most remember team in franchise history because they finally won a playoff game....and the while with MC Hammer, Travis Tritt and the eccentric Jerry Glanville on the sidelines. There was a NFL Network special on that team not long ago (a special was done about a team that lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs) - Deion had some crazy plays that season, and they'd just make up trick plays to get Deion the ball.

Then, I guess because he was excited about what the Braves had done in '91, Deion doubles his focus on baseball and hits .304 in 1992 (after being a career .165 hitter) and then makes the Pro Bowl with the Falcons....including 2 kick return touchdowns. And it wasn't a fluke, because in 1993 he hit .276 and made the Pro Bowl again...including 7 INT in 11 games.

I've always disliked McCarver, but the whole double play thing was pretty stupid because of it being in different cities. By the time he flew from Pittsburgh to Miami he was tired, then getting on a plane to fly back up to Pittsburgh and he's exhausted. He could've maybe pinch run but that's about it....and he had to know that. If the Braves had been playing at home and he was just flying from ATL to Miami it would've worked a lot better. But obviously the best would've been having the Falcons and Braves playing at home, I don't think that would've been that big of a deal at all as he could've gotten some sleep in between the games.

What they never mentioned in the 30 for 30 was that in 1993 Deion committed to baseball and played through the season, then joined the Falcons after the Braves lost in the NLCS. Also, when he decided not to play baseball in 1996 and committed to football, he had 475 receiving yards with the Cowboys that year. Of course, then he goes back to baseball in 1997 and steals 56 bases despite missing September to return to the Cowboys. I wish he would've never signed the deal with the Redskins, and just retired after the 1999 NFL season, then he could've probably played another 5 years of MLB.

[Matty Dispatch]

I agree there's definitely no point in Realmuto. I'm fine rolling with what we have there. But we have to make another move or we are stuck where we were or potentially worse because of the improvements in the division. I have to think we go after a controllable starting pitcher in a trade before this thing is over. I will be very mad if we don't make another move.

We don't know for sure that the Braves didn't upgrade.

C: McCann at least gives a L/R platoon and almost certainly is a clubhouse upgrade from Suzuki
1B Freeman: should be the same
2B Albies: could/should improve off rookie year
SS Swanson: should improve, if not Comargo will need to step in
3B either Donaldson provides what should be more power than any player the Braves had last year or Comargo plays here and in essence the Braves stay the same
LF: Acuna: could/should improve off rookie year
CF: Ender: should be the same
RF: You can pretty much book Markakis' production every year. So that stays the same. Maybe Austin Riley gets called up, plays some LF and Acuna switches to RF for some games and Riley is a spark.

The pitching is all young and talented so you have to assume it's only going to get better.

The Braves only quantifiable improvement is Donaldson if he's able to stay healthy and hit 30-35 home runs. But other than that, it's all on potential of rookies building off what they did last year which based on their talent is probable. If AA can't make another significant move, at least he's got cash in the bank to do so during the season. At least at that point you can see the standings and feel the energy and exactly where the need is.

[BrunswickDawg]

I watched it. Deion and Bo Jackson are fascinating to me....Deion probably more so.

In 1991, Deion was apart of the Braves team that captured Atlanta, and then the 1991 Falcons are probably the most remember team in franchise history because they finally won a playoff game....and the while with MC Hammer, Travis Tritt and the eccentric Jerry Glanville on the sidelines. There was a NFL Network special on that team not long ago (a special was done about a team that lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs) - Deion had some crazy plays that season, and they'd just make up trick plays to get Deion the ball.

Then, I guess because he was excited about what the Braves had done in '91, Deion doubles his focus on baseball and hits .304 in 1992 (after being a career .165 hitter) and then makes the Pro Bowl with the Falcons....including 2 kick return touchdowns. And it wasn't a fluke, because in 1993 he hit .276 and made the Pro Bowl again...including 7 INT in 11 games.

I've always disliked McCarver, but the whole double play thing was pretty stupid because of it being in different cities. By the time he flew from Pittsburgh to Miami he was tired, then getting on a plane to fly back up to Pittsburgh and he's exhausted. He could've maybe pinch run but that's about it....and he had to know that. If the Braves had been playing at home and he was just flying from ATL to Miami it would've worked a lot better. But obviously the best would've been having the Falcons and Braves playing at home, I don't think that would've been that big of a deal at all as he could've gotten some sleep in between the games.

What they never mentioned in the 30 for 30 was that in 1993 Deion committed to baseball and played through the season, then joined the Falcons after the Braves lost in the NLCS. Also, when he decided not to play baseball in 1996 and committed to football, he had 475 receiving yards with the Cowboys that year. Of course, then he goes back to baseball in 1997 and steals 56 bases despite missing September to return to the Cowboys. I wish he would've never signed the deal with the Redskins, and just retired after the 1999 NFL season, then he could've probably played another 5 years of MLB.

Deion actually played 2 sports longer then Bo, and arguably made a bigger impact on his teams. Granted, Bo had a career ending injury. I was always a big Deion fan.
Being in the ATL was crazy when he was with the Falcons - I went to a lot of the games in '89 and '90 when I was in high school. It was all Prime Time, all the time.
I think Deion was a better pure hitter than Bo - but Bo was just so freaking strong it was unreal. I know Bo could have been a 40/40 guy and would have been unreal in the mid/late 90s juiced ball era.

I also claim I was at possibly the first instance of the Tomahawk Chop being done in '91. A group of us decided on a Friday night to head down for a game (from Marietta) against the Reds. It was mid April - so still early in the season. We bought $3 GA seats in the upper deck in LF. There was a big group A Phi A's at the game in the section next to us. Deion is playing LF that night, and the APA's do the FSU war chant every time he comes out to LF between innings. Second or third at bat maybe, Deion goes yard, and the APA's go nuts. They start doing the Chop and it catches on a bit around the cheap seats, and gets pretty loud. The Braves lost - but the Chop started catching on.
Still have the ticket stub.

[Matty Dispatch]

That is a cool story. Hall of Fame NFL player and brought what is now a 28 year old tradition to a MLB team.

[msstate7]

Looks like Phillies bout to get realmuto, but with a big over pay. Not sure where we go from here. I wanna get marwin Gonzalez

[MetEdDawg]

Looks like Phillies bout to get realmuto, but with a big over pay. Not sure where we go from here. I wanna get marwin Gonzalez

What is being reported that they will give up is absolutely insane. They are going to get 2 years of a really good catcher, but after that nothing is guaranteed. Unless they can also get Harper I don't see how they can justify this. They now have a 2 year window unless they feel they can resign Realmuto to a longer term deal.

I wouldn't do what they are about to do, but it hopefully shows what it would have taken for us to get Realmuto. Probably was going to cost Anderson, Wright, and at least one more player, maybe two. That's way too much.

[Tbonewannabe]

What is being reported that they will give up is absolutely insane. They are going to get 2 years of a really good catcher, but after that nothing is guaranteed. Unless they can also get Harper I don't see how they can justify this. They now have a 2 year window unless they feel they can resign Realmuto to a longer term deal.

I wouldn't do what they are about to do, but it hopefully shows what it would have taken for us to get Realmuto. Probably was going to cost Anderson, Wright, and at least one more player, maybe two. That's way too much.

Phillies giving up one of the best minor league pitchers in baseball. That is a lot to give up for someone that could be an Ace and you get 2 years from a catcher.

[msstate7]

Phillies giving up one of the best minor league pitchers in baseball. That is a lot to give up for someone that could be an Ace and you get 2 years from a catcher.

I wouldn't have done it, but realmuto is the best offensive catcher in the game. He's a dude

[msstate7]

When they get either Harper or machado, they have to be the favorite in the east

[MetEdDawg]

When they get either Harper or machado, they have to be the favorite in the east

If they get Harper or Machado with this, then it makes sense. But just getting Realmuto and giving up that much doesn't make sense because it's not a long term play and Realmuto isn't enough to propel them to the playoffs I don't think. I don't mind giving that up if I'm planning on getting one of those two and making a legit run. but if not it makes very little sense to give up what many consider the best pitching prospect in baseball, two other prospects, and an international slot.

[Matty Dispatch]

I think at this point the Braves need to fork over the money to get Craig Kimbrel. They aren't going to get any offensively talent going into the year, and Kimbrel has to go somewhere. Even if you overpay, Donaldson and Tehran has salaries that will go off the books after 2019, which will free up $34 million in those two alone. The bullpen was a weakness last year, so why not sure up the closer role, move Viz & Minter to set up roles. Plus he's a southern boy and future hall of famer - lock him up and have another guy wearing a Braves jersey in Cooperstown.

[msstate7]

I think at this point the Braves need to fork over the money to get Craig Kimbrel. They aren't going to get any offensively talent going into the year, and Kimbrel has to go somewhere. Even if you overpay, Donaldson and Tehran has salaries that will go off the books after 2019, which will free up $34 million in those two alone. The bullpen was a weakness last year, so why not sure up the closer role, move Viz & Minter to set up roles. Plus he's a southern boy and future hall of famer - lock him up and have another guy wearing a Braves jersey in Cooperstown.

Will AA give up the pick to get him or Dallas?

[Tbonewannabe]

Will AA give up the pick to get him or Dallas?

What round do you have to give up? Getting back the Carter Stewart pick was pretty huge.

[Matty Dispatch]

Will AA give up the pick to get him or Dallas?

Chances Kimbrel will be really good vs. chances that draft pick will even make it to the major leagues.

[msstate7]

Chances Kimbrel will be really good vs. chances that draft pick will even make it to the major leagues.

If we could sign internationally it probably wouldn't be as big of a deal. Thanks coppy

Hey I hope we get Dallas or Kimbrel, but I do think we'll be hesitant to pay them well and lose a pick.

As far what pick we give up? I'm not really sure... think it's 2nd or 3rd, but that's going off memory. I suck at keeping up with all the intricacies of the mlb rule book

[parabrave]

If we could sign internationally it probably wouldn't be as big of a deal. Thanks coppy

Hey I hope we get Dallas or Kimbrel, but I do think we'll be hesitant to pay them well and lose a pick.

As far what pick we give up? I'm not really sure... think it's 2nd or 3rd, but that's going off memory. I suck at keeping up with all the intricacies of the mlb rule book

DOB saying Dk longterm would be too expebsive. I would love to get Kuechel

[parabrave]

Not Braves but B Harper likely to become a phillie.

[msstate7]

Not Braves but B Harper likely to become a phillie.

That sucks.

[parabrave]

That sucks.

And the Braves went out and signed aging Catcher, Sorry Mac love ya but we need a better and younger catcher, and a guy who hasn't played in 2 years who is now batting 2nd and Albies now 7th. I wish they could make Riley a catcher and go get D Kuchel somehow.

[Tbonewannabe]

And the Braves went out and signed aging Catcher, Sorry Mac love ya but we need a better and younger catcher, and a guy who hasn't played in 2 years who is now batting 2nd and Albies now 7th. I wish they could make Riley a catcher and go get D Kuchel somehow.

They are making him into an outfielder to give him a chance this year. Contreas sp? would probably be up before Riley would be a serviceable catcher. I think he is maybe one more year away and he has been a pretty good hitter. He just hasn't hit for power. You have to love the blood line with his brother also being a MLB catcher.

[Matty Dispatch]

I understand losing draft picks and not wanting to give away too much, but when you're coming off a division championship and supposedly entering into a stretch of years that you'll be competing for division titles and try to win a World Series and the teams in your division and loading up on additions, you have to do something. Craig Kimbrel is hanging out in Orlando asking Freddie Freeman to play golf and stuff. The Braves basically never get a free agent, but it appears that Kimbrel would like to be in Atlanta, so if nothing else figure out a way to get him on the team. Draft picks are all well and good but holding onto them doesn't put butts in the seats or help you compete on the field this year.

[Really Clark?]

And the Braves went out and signed aging Catcher, Sorry Mac love ya but we need a better and younger catcher, and a guy who hasn't played in 2 years who is now batting 2nd and Albies now 7th. I wish they could make Riley a catcher and go get D Kuchel somehow.

Who hasn’t played in 2 years?

[Matty Dispatch]

Who hasn’t played in 2 years?

He's referring to Donaldson. Not sure why 2017 doesn't count as playing.....he had 496 plate appearances in 113 games with 33 HR

[Really Clark?]

And the Braves went out and signed aging Catcher, Sorry Mac love ya but we need a better and younger catcher, and a guy who hasn't played in 2 years who is now batting 2nd and Albies now 7th. I wish they could make Riley a catcher and go get D Kuchel somehow.

Who hasn?t played in 2 years?