You're the GM! Atlanta Braves Edition

Peavy

I think it all starts with Peavy and a deal centered around Kelly Johnson and some guys like Jeff Locke, Tyler Flowers, and a few others. You put him in the rotation that would start with him, Jurrjens, and Campillo right now. After that I’d look at bringing in a guy like Lowe or Garland, one of the second tier starters on the market, and then let Morton, Reyes, and Hanson battle it out for the last spot in spring training. Also, I’d bring back Smoltz on an incentive-based deal and think about doing the same for Hampton.

As far as the offensive side, Martin Prado can step in and provide enough to replace Johnson, while I think the rest of the offense on the infield is set. The outfield is another story. Pat Burrell would be my big target as the team struggled hugely against left-handers this past season. As of right now, I think Francoeur is the team’s best option, but Brandon Jones could force his way in if Francoeur struggles early. As far as the centerfield job, give Jordan Schafer every shot to win it but if he can’t, then just suffer with and Blanco/Anderson platoon.

by was385 on Oct 24, 2025 10:39 AM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Morton

Just as a comment on Morton, the man showed flashses of brilliance and has stuff that really reminds me of Brandon Webb. Of course the lack of Webb’s consistency or anything close to it is what makes him a far worse pitcher but if he can be more consistent, I think he can be a solid fourth starter next year with higher ceiling as his career progresses.

by was385 on Oct 24, 2025 10:41 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

+1

I think health and nerves are the primary things to worry about with Morton. He looked really solid in the couple of early starts I saw, and despite the horrible overall numbers he had a great GB%. I think he should fit nicely at the back of that rotation.

by jibs on Oct 24, 2025 12:34 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Well

I agree with John half-way about Morton: he was NOT a good pitcher at the ML level. But he was brilliant in the minors. I talked here about a really impressive start of his I saw in Durham. 8 innings of one-hit ball with 13 Ks and 1BB against a pretty decent Durham lineup. He made them look silly, and if he pitches the way he did that night, there’s no way he doesn’t make it as a big-league starter. He had all four pitches working, including a mid-90s FB with movement and a devastating curve.

The question with Morton is, as others have mentioned, whether he’ll be able to take the mound in the majors with the level of confidence he does in the minors. I’m of the opinion that it’s 95% mental with Charlie, and if he can get his confidence and focus together, I think he can be a solid rotation option for Atlanta. He’s certainly got the stuff to do it.

by mraver on Oct 24, 2025 1:34 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'm a fan of Morton

His sinker is no where near Webb’s. I’d say Charlie has around a league average sinker. His other pitches (fastball, change, curve, slider) are all good pitches. I just hope he figures out how to get the ball over the plate and stop worrying so much after a batter gets a hit. His stuff is better than, say, Jair Jurrjens, but Charlie doesn’t pitch like a saavy vet like Jurrjens.

by VictorW on Oct 24, 2025 1:59 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

disagree

his stuff is not better than Jurrjens’. Also, his sinker when he is on is a well above-average pitch. The problem to me is that he isn’t consistent enough as I said in the first post.

by was385 on Oct 24, 2025 2:29 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Well, we know...

that Wren is trying to build a contender in 2009, whether or not that’s the best idea. We hope that the payroll is going to be close to $100 million. If Wren’s unwilling to deal top prospects, there won’t be any impact players coming via trade, other than possibly Peavy, if the Braves trade most or all of their near-top prospects and a middle-infielder to get him.

Assuming—a big assumption—he can get a deal done for Peavy with a package of something like Kelly Johnson, Tyler Flowers, Kris Medlen, (Jo-Jo Reyes or Charlie Morton), and something else, that leaves the following options:

I’d explore trade possibilities for Zack Greinke on the off chance that Dayton Moore still really likes Francoeur, but I wouldn’t expect that to go anywhere, especially without a willingness to trade top prospects. Basically, I’d try to trade Francoeur for pitching. Ian Snell, for example, would come more cheaply than Greinke, but I just have no idea what Francoeur’s value is perceived to be by other teams. I’d be willing to hang on to him for 2009 if no decent trade can be found, ‘cause he’s not too expensive yet.

I’d either non-tender Diaz or trade him for whatever I could get.

I’d re-sign Greg Norton for $1 million.

I’d sign Pat Burrell for roughly 3 years and $45 million.

I’d sign either Derek Lowe (assuming Escobar is kept) or AJ Burnett for roughly 3 years and $45 million.

I’d sign Juan Rivera for roughly two years and $8 million.

I’d offer Smoltz a strictly-incentive-based contract and be willing to break the $100 million threshold to whatever extent he’s able to contribute.

That would leave me with a roster that looks something like:

Lineup:
SS – Escobar
2B – Prado
3B – C. Jones
LF – Burrell
C – McCann
RF – Rivera
1B – Kotchman
CF –Schafer

Bench:
Anderson (OF)
Sammons ©
Infante (UTIL)
Francoeur/B. Jones (OF)
Norton (1B/OF)

Rotation:
Peavy
Lowe/Burnett
Jurrjens
Campillo
Morton/Reyes

‘Pen:
Gonzalez
Moylan
Soriano (if healthy)
Bennett
Ring
Acosta
Boyer
etc.

And that would cost roughly $100 million plus whatever Smoltz earns.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 10:47 AM EDT reply reply 0 recs

I'd be very surprised if Burrell, Lowe or Burnett sign for fewer than four years, five for Burnett.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Oct 24, 2025 11:24 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

5 for Burnett?

Really? With his injury history? You may be right, but I sure hope the Braves aren’t willing to give him 5 years.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 11:39 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I agree with kicking the tires on Greinke

Although I doubt Francoeur has enough value to entice KC. I don’t think your offer for Peavy gets it done but a re-mix of some of those components should land you Greinke.

You won’t land either Burrell or Burnett for 3 year deals but I think you’re real close on the annual dollar figures. I imagine it will take 4 years guaranteed to land either player. Lowe should be had for a 3 year deal unless someone like Texas goes bonkers.

I’m assuming a healthy and re-signed Smoltz goes to the bullpen?

I’ve noticed that just about everytime we do something like this Juan Rivera gets an offer at 2 years/$4 million annual. I wonder if there’s going to be a medium intensity bidding war for Juan Rivera?!

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 12:35 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Kick The Tires on Greinke

What’s there to kick? He’s an absolute stud.

by Omar Little on Oct 25, 2025 2:05 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Yeah, but what is he going to cost?

SD is willing to shop Peavy, KC isn’t exactly shopping Greinke which means someone would have to knock them over with an offer they can’t say no to. That could be just as pricey as a deal to land Peavy.

That’s what I mean by “kick the tires”.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 25, 2025 2:15 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

McCann

He should hit higher in the lineup than that.

by Omar Little on Oct 25, 2025 2:05 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Braves

Should concentrate on a deal for Peavy and maybe speak to the Yankees about picking up an OF like Matsui or Damon…Filling OF and SP Ace will go a long way to making this team a contender again.

I’m hopeful that Francoeur will turn it around, he’s still young. M Gonzalez or R Soriano should do well as closer if they can stay healthy

One more starter should also be added (trade of FA)…but not sure how much money there is to go around in ATL.

by bunner on Oct 24, 2025 10:50 AM EDT reply reply 0 recs

peavy

no chance you get him without giving up hanson. none. unless you want to give up heyward instead which they won’t. so enough with the medlen, flowers, reyes, kelly johnson packages because thats not enough for 1 year of peavy, let alone 5.

by robcast23 on Oct 24, 2025 11:12 AM EDT reply reply 0 recs

We shall see.

You’re prone to hyperbole, aren’t you? That package is clearly superior to what the Mets gave up for Santana, so it’s obviously good enough for 1 year of Peavy.

The Braves can get Peavy without giving up Hanson or Heyward. They might have to include Schafer, but it can certainly be done.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 11:35 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

It's not 1 year of Peavy

He’s signed to a relatively team-friendly contract for several (I think 3) years, which makes him potentially worth more than Santana.

http://mvn.com/milb-yankees/

by lemonjello on Oct 24, 2025 12:44 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'm aware.

I was responding to the other dude’s absurd comment that “thats not enough for 1 year of peavy…”

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 12:46 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

whats absurd

is to compare the santana situation with peavy’s. they are WORLDS apart. the mets offer was for santana but ultimately, not even a year of santana as he wouldn’t have accepted the trade without an extension. so the mets package was for the right to negotiate, nothing more.

peavy is cost controlled at a moderate price for 4-5 more years, which means that he is at least 5x more valuable than santana was (if not more) to any team trying to trade for him. so yes, like i said earlier, the offers that people are proposing that don’t include hanson or heyward and not even shafer are ridiculous and wouldn’t even warrant 1 year of a cy young winning pitcher at the prime of his career. the padres have every right to ask for both hanson AND heyward for peavy meanwhile braves fans think kris medlen and jo jo reyes will do the trick.

by robcast23 on Oct 24, 2025 4:01 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

He's really only slightly below market value over the life of the deal

Here is a link to JC Bradbury’s discussion of Peavy’s contract. The deal is certainly below-market, but probably no more than Dan Haren’s, and since it’s longer-term (with most of the savings front-loaded), Peavy’s is a more risky deal.

I still think it’ll take Hansen or, more likely, a ML MI and a bunch of other guys to get it done, but I think we’re looking more at a deal like Haren’s than anything else.

by mraver on Oct 24, 2025 4:52 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I should add

I’m assuming the Braves take on Khalil Greene’s salary, as well, which means the deal should take even fewer prospects.

by mraver on Oct 24, 2025 4:53 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Hanson has been added to the untouchables list with Heyward and Teheran. Lists Schafer, Hernandez, and Freeman as “close to untouchable,” whatever that’s supposed to mean.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 5:07 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

That’s according to David O’Brien.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 5:07 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

GM Jay

1. Trade Kelly Johnson, Gorkys Hernandez, Tyler Flowers, Jo-Jo Reyes, Manny Acosta and Jeff Locke for Jake Peavy.

2. Trade Brent Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, Charlie Morton and Kris Medlen for Paul Maholm.

3. Sign A.J. Burnett - 4yr/60 mil contract. 15 mil per.

4. Sign Juan Rivera - 3yr/12 mil contract. 4 mil per.

5. Resign John Smoltz - 1yr/5 mil contract w/ incentives; Resign Will Ohman - 2yr/ 6 mil contract; Resign Mike Hampton - 1yr/2 mil contract w/ incentives; Resign Greg Norton - 1yr/2 mil contract. Total 12 mil.

Lineup:
Jordan Schafer - CF
Martin Prado - 2B
Chipper Jones - 3B
Brian McCann - C
Juan Rivera - LF
Casey Kotchman - 1B
Jeff Francoeur - RF
Yunel Escobar - SS

Bench:
Greg Norton - 1B/OF/3B
Omar Infante - Super Utility
Josh Anderson - OF
Gregor Blanco - OF
Clint Sammons - C

Rotation:
Jake Peavy - RHP
A.J. Burnett - RHP
Paul Maholm - LHP
Jair Jurrjens - RHP
Mike Hampton - LHP

Bullpen:
Jorge Campillo - RHP
Jeff Bennett - RHP
Blaine Boyer - RHP
Will Ohman - LHP
Rafael Soriano - RHP
Mike Gonzalez - LHP
John Smoltz - RHP

by Jay212033 on Oct 24, 2025 11:20 AM EDT reply reply 0 recs

"2. Trade Brent Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, Charlie Morton and Kris Medlen for Paul Maholm."

Wow, that would be a terrible trade for the Braves.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 11:36 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Really?

Lillibridge and Jones are 25 and coming off horid and mediocre (respectively) years at AAA. Morton and Medlen are solid prospects and Maholm while a solid year for the Pirates and is 3 years away from FA. Medlen and Morton alone are not going to land an above average SP with 3 years (even arby years) till FA.

On the flip side, I could see Pittsburgh being bearish on Jones and Lillibridge and wanting a better player or players to complete he deal.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 12:08 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Among other things,

I value Jones more highly than that. He had a bad year, but I suspect at least part of that is due to the disappointment factor—having to repeat AAA after having a good shot at making the major league squad. Also, you may not be, but I suspect the Braves value Morton by himself more highly than they value Maholm.

If we trade 3 major-league-ready contributors for a back-of-the-rotation starter, that will make me unhappy.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 12:53 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'm just being realistic here

Jones didn’t get it done in AAA and Morton didn’t get it done in the Show.

Maholms did.

Jones has never put up great numbers in the minors (he put up good numbers in 2007, but not great) and as a corner OFer you want a little better production. I’m not trying to slam the guy, but he definetly took a step backwards last year and he’s not exactly a young guy in prospect terms.

The Braves have holes in their rotation and Maholms is a much better bet (vs. Morton) to pitch well at the big league level in 2009. Now, if you aren’t overly concerned with getting to the play-offs in 2009 than I can understand your reluctance to part with Morton. I’m not saying he won’t ever be a productive big league pitcher, just that he’s not my first choice to put in a big league rotation if I need to field a play-off team in 2009.

I’m working on my proposal right now. In it I’ve given myself the mandate to make the play-offs in 2009 or lose my job. With that mindset would you really choose Morton and Medlen over Maholms?

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 1:08 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

With that mindset,

I’d take Maholm. But that’s not realistic. I’d also be willing to trade my top prospects to get Peavy and others, and that’s simply not what’s going on.

For what it’s worth, as a fan, I’d much rather punt on ‘09 and keep our youngsters than go for glory in ’09 and drain the farm system. I think there’s a happy medium there—keep some good prospects but give yourself a legit chance to win in ’09—but if I had to err on one side, it would be the side of keeping the prospects.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 1:18 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

It's entirely realistic

Hanson and Schafer could help Atlanta by mid-2009, so of course you want to hold on to those players because they could help you achieve your immediate goal.

Jason Heyward, Gorkys Hernandez, Cole Rohrbough and Tyler Flowers do not project to help in 2009. They’re too far away. So if you’re building a contender for next season doesn’t it make sense to consider dealing 1 or more of those 4 to land pieces that could help achieve your goal? And if we’re talking about someone like Peavy, a player with 3 years left on his contract, it’s not like we’re talking a rental player.

The trick is to find the right vets to deal for.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 1:37 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

But the Braves aren't one starter away

Why not simply sit on what they have and hope it develops? They need quantity more than quality anyway

www.loftylantern.com

by OldProspects on Oct 24, 2025 1:26 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

This is true, they are more than 1 SP away

Odds are against the young talent Atlanta has developing in time to turn the 2009 team into a contender. You will lose your job if the Braves aren’t in the play-offs next year. Do you really want to bet your job on the low odds of instant development?

The Braves need to make several moves to contend in 2009. Adding pitching (one way or the other) is part of that.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 1:30 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

But Wren

won’t lose his job if the Braves don’t make the playoffs in 2009, so I’m not sure why you’re constraining yourself in that way.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 1:55 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

In real life Wren might not have a mandate to get to the play-offs.

In this thread it sounds like John is issuing such a mandate, therefore the GM’s job security is in question if he fails to achieve the owner’s stated goal.

I’m just playing the hand that I was dealt.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 2:03 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

If that's the case,

I see where you’re coming from. I didn’t read John’s comments to mean it had to be in 2009.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 2:22 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Higher stakes my way

More fun, too.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 2:25 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

More fun?

Not for Braves fans.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 2:42 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'm sorry

Are you a fan of the Richmond or Mississippi Braves?

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 2:45 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'm a fan of the team

that won’t be trading 4 players for Paul F. Maholm.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 2:53 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Meh

Trading for Maholms isn’t at the top of my to-do list either. I just thought it was an interesting angle and that you were/are over-rating the Braves package.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 2:55 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Lillibridge

I might be thinking of someone else… but didn’t pittsburg trade Gonzo and Lillibridge for Adam LaRoche why would they want him back? doesn’t make much sense

by smithsonje on Oct 25, 2025 5:44 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

No, please don't trade...

…Tyler Flowers. He looks like a beast, and he’s going nuts in the Arizona Fall League.

by royshowell on Oct 24, 2025 12:57 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Flowers

His value is very high right now. He’s blocked in Atlanta by McCann, and he’s not as valuable as a 1B.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 1:18 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

KJ and Prado

I also don’t get why everyone wants to trade Kelly Johnson so they can plug Prado in the lineup. The Braves need as much power as they can get from both sides of the plate and Johnson provides more than Prado.

The one player I would move to get Prado more playing time would be Infante, as he and Prado are the same player only Infante is more expensive.

I would call up Hanson and Shafer and let them play.

I would approach Hampton about an incentive based deal and go after some of the second tier FA pitchers.

I would make a hard push for Burrell, cause RH power is a definite need.

by JFP on Oct 24, 2025 11:21 AM EDT reply reply 0 recs

follow up

No Peavey unless it happens without Hanson or Heyward.

Platoon whatever is left of Francouer and BJones in right.

And would look at a platoon at first with Kotch and Diaz.

by JFP on Oct 24, 2025 11:26 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I don't think anyone wants to trade KJ...

I’d just rather lose him than Escobar or Schafer.

PS: Infante is way more valuable than Prado, who cannot play SS.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 11:38 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

SS

Infante can’t play short either.

by JFP on Oct 24, 2025 12:04 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

He's no gold-glover,

but he came up as a SS and has played 196 games there in his major league career.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 12:10 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

fixes

small but needed

I’m in the minority, but I can live with production of gregor blanco (.366 OBP, 13/18 SB) right now until shafer or hernandez (whoever’s left after dealing) is ready….but that won’t happen…the team could use another big bat somewhere, and i’d LOVE for that bat to be raul ibanez, who quietly drove in 110 runs on a putrid seattle team…francoeur has to be given the chance to bounce back, but i would have stronger backup options for him/blanco in case one struggles….keeping blanco as backup for right and center, giving him 2-3 starts per week would make bringing in ken griffey, jr. an option….he’s flirted with it for years, talking up atlanta and how he’d love to play in atlanta….for a one-year incentive-laden deal, it’d be a solid option for the braves to consider….if francoeur is back, frenchy/griffey/ibanez would be one of the NL’s most productive outfields….if he’s not, sliding griffey to right and putting blanco in center certainly wouldn’t hurt….if chicago keeps griffey, a run at rocco baldelli or offering a C grade prospect for juan pierre and a bulk of his salary paid would be in line…

the trade for peavy that i feel needs to be made would likely cost kelly johnson or escobar….i would consider a deal with san diego to include greene worth giving up escobar for, and then that would keep prado where he should be - on the bench….

the rotation with the addition of peavy still needs some help….i believe in jurrjens, but not so much in campillo to repeat their 2008 performances…i have to imagine smoltz would like to finish his career as a brave, but how much he’ll want is questionable….if smoltz won’t take an incentive-laden deal, i’d say so long….frank wren reportedly has a big thing for oliver perez, so that could be the big pitching splash of free agency……lining up a solid vet or two at the back of the rotation should also be fairly easy in the market this year with guys like smoltz, hampton, jennings, mulder, bartolo colon, curt schilling, or freddy garcia willing to probably take incentive-laden deals for short term to re-establish themselves….signing two of that batch wouldn’t be a bad thing at all to keep the rotation solid, and also allow for hudson to return to a spot next season….lastly, if an innings eating righty can be signed on the cheap to fill out the rotation, a la paul byrd, do it….

i’d also like to see some consideration put into using some cash in the pen….ohman certainly fits back, but having another possible closer arm in the pen with gonzalez and soriano’s recent health issues would be ideal (and if all three were healthy would lead to a tremendous pen!)….someone along the lines of damaso marte, bobby howry, eric gagne (with major incentives), solomon torres, luis ayala, tom gordon, or jason isringhausen…..

that would leave the braves with this for a squad
C - McCann
1B - Kotchman
2B - Johnson
3B - Chipper
SS - Greene
LF - Ibanez
CF - Griffey
RF - Francoeur

SP - Peavy, Perez, Jurrjens, Garland/Byrd/inning eater, vet arm
Closer - Gonzalez
Setup - Soriano
Lefty - Ohman
Righty - vet arm

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

by biggentleben on Oct 24, 2025 12:50 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

I like this plan

I think you’ll be getting a potential steal in Greene, and you’d probably be paying a little less in prospect value.

by demondeaconsbaseball on Oct 24, 2025 4:35 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

god help this outfield if a ball is hit to left-center field though.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Oct 24, 2025 4:53 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Griffey in CF is a non-starter

Or should I just say that Griffey is a non-starter? He’s fine as a bench guy/RF platoon partner, but starting him every day is a bad plan, and starting him any more than once a week in CF is a really bad plan.

Ibanez is an okay idea, since what this lineup desperately needs is RH power.

I really don’t like trading Escobar for Peavy/Greene.

by mraver on Oct 24, 2025 4:57 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

response

griffey’s only there because 1. frenchy has great range to assist that direction and 2. blanco will give him a few days off a week….otherwise, i would be all over going for a different center fielder this offseason, or just putting up with blanco hitting in the 8 hole and constantly being bunted over by the pitchers for the top of the lineup to knock in….

i absolutely agree with you about escobar….however, putting escobar into the deal would likely entice the padres to pay a significant amount of greene’s salary, and his production out of petco would be definitely above average at SS, and he’d bring along a CY winner with him….

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

by biggentleben on Oct 24, 2025 6:18 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I don't understand

Why everybody seems to think that dealing for Peavy is such a good idea. Are the Braves really one pitcher away from being a serious contender? Even if you assume that they get Derek Lowe or A.J. Burnett too (no easy feat), they would still have a thin rotation, and an offense which would stutter whenever Chipper Jones is hurt (not an uncommon phenomenon). They would be especially weakened if they need to (as they probably would) deal either Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar. Right now, the Braves need quantity much more than quality - they need lots of good players, not one final superstar.

www.loftylantern.com

by OldProspects on Oct 24, 2025 1:28 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

It's the multi-year thing

I really think the Braves are in at least a two year rebuild.

That means they don’t really have to have anything this year, but with Peavy they would have an important piece in place for 2010 and beyond. If the Braves can get him for the right price, they will move.

I will really be surprised to see a deal get done for Peavy. One would think the buyer or seller would have to be more motivated.

A more general question is: should a team make a big trade at the beginning of a rebuild, or should it be the last thing they do? It seems the latter is a better approach allowing the team the maximum time to determine which elements of the system are truly essential and which are redundant. I just do not think you want to leave too much to accomplish in a single off-season.

by parish on Oct 24, 2025 1:45 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

in response

to the one pitcher comment, no…..but their own pitchers healthy last year they would have been in the playoffs….you can’t tell me that soriano and gonzalez in the back of any bullpen isn’t one of the nastiest combos in the majors….you can’t tell me that when healthy that smoltz, hudson, glavine, jurrjens, and hampton would not have put them in the playoffs…..also, something no one has mentioned is chuck james sitting in AAA….he was way too gopher ball happy in 07 and 08 at the MLB level, but he got himself back on track again in AAA and kept the homers under control….he’s a guy who’s had major league success to fit nicely into the rotation or as a swingman…..

the lineup had a bottom falling year of francoeur, the disappearance of matt diaz, and the overvaluation of one mark kotsay….but infield and catcher, the braves offensively would be tough to match spot by spot, even without tex as they had last year….

basically a consistent bat in the outfield and health in the rotation would have put them in contention in 08….peavy’s much more than any of the guys that were less than healthy in 08, and money off the books with hampton, smoltz, glavine, and tex’s contracts gone (or TREMENDOUSLY cheaper if hampton and/or smoltz return) will open up the purse strings for some help in the outfield as well….

this team isn’t far from 2009….but they’ll have to be veteran laden to do it as there isn’t a lot at the high-minors level to ensue hope….guys like heyward, freeman, etc are down the pipe some and will be big impact guys somewhere around 2011 or 2012, barring major leaps forward…and their pitching is likely prepped for 2011-2012 emergence….so find some vets to plug in for 2-3 years and keep being on the fringes of competing for now, waiting for that explosion of talent to the mlb level in a few years….

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

by biggentleben on Oct 24, 2025 1:47 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Well, assuming a mandate to win in 2009 or lose my job...

The 2008 Atlanta Braves spent $110 million on player salaries, the draft and to sign international talent. I’ll assume I have the same budget to work with.

Let’s deal with the Jake Peavy rumors and get them out of the way. Peavy is a great pitcher signed to a relatively team friendly deal for the next 3 years. The Padres need to drastically cut salary and Peavy is a great place to start, seeing as he’s due to make $15 million next year. (BTW, Burnett is probably going to get $15 million next year and he’s 4 years older and has made fewer starts than Peavy has the last 2 years.) The Padres would be ecstatic if they could move Khalil Greene and his $6.5 million salary as well. Moving both would save the Padres $21.5 million and that might be just enough to get them under budget for 2009.

Good news for the Braves, they can take on the $21.5 million in 2009.

The Padres want up the middle help and pitching in return. The Braves buy some good will by picking up Greene’s contract but they’ll still have to give up some serious talent. That means parting with Yunel Escobar. The goodwill plus Escobar should be good enough to keep Schafer/Hanson/Heyward in Atlanta’s system. Add Tyler Flowers and Charlie Morton and you’re 90% to a deal. The Padres will most likely want a B-/C+ type prospect as the 4th guy (they’ll probably want an arm but I’m not sure) to complete the package but I doubt our unnamed 4th is a deal breaker. If I was the Padres I’d ask for someone with a high ceiling but was a good 2-3 years away from the Show, say Jeff Locke?

That’s what I think it would take to land Peavy.

Problem is I hate Khalil Greene so that deal doesn’t happen.

I’ve got about $37 million tied up in existing contracts and estimated arbitration deals. So assuming my math is even fairly close I’ve got a ton of cash to work with. I’ll set aside $8 million for draft and international signing bonuses, leaving me $65 million in spending cash.

Current roster prior to spending spree:

C: McCann
1B: Kotchman
2B: Johnson
SS: Escobar
3B: Jones
LF: Diaz
CF: Blanco
RF: Francoeur

SP: Jurrjen
SP: Reyes
SP: Campillo
SP: Morton
SP: TBD

RP: Soriano
RP: Gonzalez
RP: Carlyle
RP: Acosta
RP: TBD
RP: TBD

Bench: Prado, Anderson, Norton, Catcher2, TBD

If John Smoltz is healthy in February I sign him to a 1 year/$10 million deal and put him in the bullpen. If he isn’t healthy or he insists on a 2 year deal I let him walk… team loyalty only goes so far.

Trade for an arbitration eligible Heath Bell, this probably costs me a James Parr style prospect. The Padres aren’t going to rush into dealing Peavy and it’s doubtful that they’ll want to shell out a couple million to a middle relief pitcher, especially if they’re serious about cutting salary AND bringing back Hoffman. This way I’m assured of a bullpen headed by Gonzalez (who closes unless Smoltz comes back) Soriano, Bell and Carlyle. I need to find a couple more arms but I’ve got something to build on. If I can add Smoltz to this mix….

Forget Peavy, I’m going after Zack Greinke. Am I insane to think that Jo-Jo Reyes might entice anyone in a trade? If so, please let me know. I think a package or Morton, Reyes, Flowers… maybe Gorkys Hernandez as well? Probably depends on how much/little the Royals like Morton and Reyes. I’m sure a deal could be had without including Hanson or Schafer.

Sign Mike Hampton to a 1 year/$6 million deal. I can’t imagine anyone offering him 2 years guaranteed but I’d be willing to add an option year if necessary.

Just for kicks, I talk to the Giants about Matt Cain. I’m sure I’d have to part with Jason Heyward but I’d be fine with that. Just using John’s list, does Heyward/Rohrbough/Freeman get me close? Let me know what you think.

Assuming I can’t land Cain, a rotation of Greinke, Jurrjen, Hampton, Campillo and Hanson by the middle of the year should be solid enough to compete. Burnett is a bad deal waiting to happen and Lowe is a little old for my tastes. I really like Oliver Perez but I can’t believe the Mets would be so stupid as to let him leave. Oakland will be shopping Duchscherer in ST (once they can show he’s healthy) so if I get skittish on Hampton or Campillo I can make a deal with Beane. Matter o’ fact, put me down for scouting Duke in ST.

I’ve got to add a bat and I’m pretty sure Burrell is staying in Philly. Tex is headed to the Yankees and Manny is… well, he’s Manny. And I’ve heard some convincing arguements that say the Dodgers will not let him leave LA. Abreu and Ibanez are solid but they aren’t difference makers, so I’m going all out after Adam Dunn. I hate the K’s and he’s certainly not earning any cash for his defense but you gotta love the power. Sign him to a 6 year/$102 million contract with a 7th year option at $20 million with a $6 million buy-out and in a couple years you can bump him to 1B when Kotchman moves on.

Dunn will cost me $17 million in 2009, Smoltz and Hampton another possible $16 million. Tack on $5-6 million for an arby eligible Greinke and I’ve spent close to $40 million for upgrades. That leaves me with plenty of spending money to make a move during the season. I’ve still got Hanson and Schafer and my middle infield is intact. Francoeur still needs to bounce back but adding Dunn eases some of the concern.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 3:04 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Ugh.

I keep fortetting to click “reply” before replying. The counterpoints I posted below were supposed to be in response to your piece.

Also, forgot to add: I hope you’re right about Jo-Jo looking good to other teams. I think he’s got potential, but he’s been wildly inconsistent (read: frustrating) with the Braves, and I’d jump at the chance to deal him for something useful.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 3:22 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Since you talk about Jo-Jo here...

I really don’t know what to make of him or Morton, for that matter. Morton hasn’t pitched like this before, it’s very possible that KC or SD would look at him and his track record and consider him a flash in the pan and want more in return.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 3:48 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I don't, either, really...

I know Jo-Jo was great in the minors, but he nibbles too much in the bigs. He also gives up a lot of fly balls, which would make him a good fit in San Diego.

As for Morton, I agree that the track record isn’t there. The Braves love him, though, and have been forecasting a breakout for a while. Many, even hard-core fans, were confused when they protected him on the 40-man prior to last season…right before he dominated the AFL and showed his stuff in the minors. Late bloomer or fluke, the Braves have expected this breakout. Which may be why they don’t deal him, because it’s doubtful that he appears as valuable to other clubs as he does to the Braves…

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 3:59 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

A few counterpoints:

1) I love Dunn, but I think he’s a not-great fit for the Braves. They need right-handed power. Badly. And that proposed contract is way too long for such an extreme old-player-skills guy.

2) Heyward is untouchable. I get that this is what you would do if you were the GM, but keep in mind that Wren just won’t trade him. Sort of pointless to discuss him, IMO.

3) I think you overestimate how much available cash the Braves have. They’ve got $35.6 million tied up in contracts, and arbitration raises are due to Gonzalez, Kotchman, Johnson, Diaz, and Francoeur. Further, I’m not sure about the international/draft budget, but the Braves had just under a $90 million payroll in 2008.

4) I think you underestimate the value of Yunel Escobar. Of what I consider the “big 5” rumored names in a Peavy package, I’d rank him behind only Heyward in terms of untouchable-ness, and ahead of Hanson, Kelly Johnson, and Schafer (in that order). He’s got 5 more years of team control, he’s the best defensive SS in the league, and he was third among all MLB shortstops in OBP. And that was while playing with a bum shoulder for the second half of 2008.

Of course, Wren just may feel the way you do, and I can see the Peavy deal you propose being very similar to what will be done. (I know you said you wouldn’t do the deal, but I wanted to stress just how much I’d hate to lose Escobar.)

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 3:19 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Replies to your replies

Dunn isn’t even 29 years old yet. So my offer covers his 29-35 years and I’ve already said I plan on moving him to 1B when Kotchman goes away. You want a RH power bat and you don’t want to trade for it? Whom do you suggest? ’Cause I already said I think Burrell stays in Philly.

Here’s the single most important thing I can say about my style of playing GM: There’s no such thing as an untouchable player. And technically, Wren said he would not trade anyone from the next wave of talent. Next wave, as in 2009. In my mind, Heyward is in the next-next wave of talent. Yes or No: Does Jason Heyward help the Atlanta Braves win baseball games in 2009?

The cash angle. In 2008 the Braves spent (round numbers) $5.1 million in the draft and another $2.2 million on international signing bonuses. So setting aside $8 million for next year is padding my account quite nicely. Looking at the existing contracts, I’ve got Jones, McCann and Soriano combining for $20.6 million guaranteed, with everyone else either being arby eligible or making just over the big league minimum. I figured Diaz and Francoeur to go about $1.25 million apiece, Gonzalez to land $4 million, Johnson at $2 million, Kotchman at $1.75 million (I might be short changing him a quarter million) and Infante going bye-bye. Brought back Norton for $1 million and I already covered Smoltz, Hampton and the rest. Including Norton, but not including Smoltz or Hampton, I put the Braves 2009 payroll at around $40 million.

I’m not under-estimating Escobar at all. In fact I’m saying he’s so good you can land Jake Peavy without having to part with the top 4 prospects in the Braves system.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 3:46 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Technically, as reported by the Braves’ beat writer at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Wren has said that the only two untouchables in the system are Heyward and Teheran. Thus, in the real world, Heyward is in fact untouchable, which was my point.

As for the right-handed bat, I’d want Manny, Burrell, or money spent elsewhere. (The third option obviously doesn’t really fit with your idea of 2009-or-bust.) Dunn’s just a bad fit, especially at a price like you project.

Contracts - Infante, under contract, is set to earn $2 million and Hudson, though disabled, is set to earn $13 million next year. As I said, the Braves’ non-international/draft budget last year was under $90 million. So, that’s $15 million more in guaranteed money than you realized, and with a lower ceiling (barring a big-time budget increase) than you’re projecting. They’ve got some money to work with, but it’s more like $40-45 million than $65 million.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 3:56 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Sorry, I don't read the AJC

So Heyward is untouchable but Hanson isn’t? IMO, that is stupid.

Furthermore, your point is based on a reality I don’t adhere to because I’m not actually Frank Wren, yet I get to play with the Braves roster today!

Boras is talking about a 6 year deal for Manny. For more annual money than Dunn will cost. I don’t think/hope Manny doesn’t get his 6 year deal, but even a 4 year deal is too long for the 36 year old Ramirez, especially in the NL. If Burrell hits the open market you’ve got a fair point… I just don’t think the Phillies let him breath free air.

You’re right, I forgot to add Huddy. You’re wrong, Infante is not already signed for 2009. Cots has him listed as arby eligible. You’re also wrong about the overall budget. The Braves opening Day payroll was $102 million, with $5 million of that being the Kotsay subsidy from Oakland. So ownership shelled out $97 million on payroll, another $5 million in the draft and $2.2 million on the international FA market. Those figures are coming from Cots and Baseball America, you’ll need to show me your source to dispute those dollar figures.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 4:27 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Sigh.

One would assume that someone who doesn’t even read the AJC wouldn’t be quite so cocky in asserting the wrongness of a Braves fan who closely follows the team’s every move…but one would be wrong.

I know you don’t adhere to the reality of the situation, and that was my point: discussing Heyward seems pointless, given that there’s a 0% chance he gets moved.

You’re wrong about the $97 million budget. $15 million, for example, was not actually allocated to Mike Hampton in 2008—$8 million was, as it has been for every year since the Braves acquired him. They paid him $15 million in 2008, but $7 million of that came from previous years’ allocations. At least according to the front office and, again, the local paper.

Once again, I’m not disputing the international/draft budget, so you don’t have to keep repeating that figure.

You’re right about Infante—I apparently dreamed that one up.

As for Manny, he’ll get 4 years. I know it won’t be the Braves who gives him what he wants, but my point was that, other than Burrell, he’s the only right-handed impact bat available. Though I’d prefer Burrell, I’d be fine with, say, a 4-year deal for Dunn. But paying that guy $17 million a year for his age 33, 34, and 35 seasons strikes me as a bad idea.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 4:50 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Hey, the AJC doesn't cover Sacramento weather worth a damn

You gotta draw the line somewhere.

I like Heyward, I really do. And while Wren may swear up and down that he’s not trading Heyward I believe that the man is making a mistake. If the Padres wanted Freeman, Heyward, Locke and Rohrbough for Peavy and Wren didn’t take that deal I would hope the Braves faithful would get righteously pissed off at the Front Office.

As for Mike Hampton, one of us has bad info. Cots has the Braves paying his full salary in 2008. The Rockies are on the hook for the $6 million buy-out.

You’re not going to land Dunn with a 4 year deal via FA unless you’re offering, I don’t know, 20% more a year than the next guy. Seriously, if you think Manny can get 4 years how can Dunn not get 5-6?

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 5:10 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

On Hampton: Cots has the Braves on the hook for his full salary in 2008, which is accurate. What I’m saying is that part of that salary came from deferred budget in previous years. The Braves, according to the initial reports and backed up recently by the AJC beat writer, budgeted to pay Hampton $8 million per season even when they didn’t owe him anything. Those extra monies were carried over to the years where they owed him a lot, including 2008, so that they only paid $8 million of their 2008 budget toward Hampton’s 2008 salary.

On Dunn: You may well be right. (Of course, I don’t think Dunn is very popular around baseball, so the demand for him might not be what you’d expect for someone with his production.) My point is that, because Dunn is a bad fit, unless you can get him for a shorter deal, you don’t get him. Not if you’re the Braves, anyway, who have a limited payroll and for whom he is a less-than-stellar fit.

On prospects: The knowledgeable Braves fans would be pretty irate if Wren did do such a deal for Peavy. That’s an insane amount of value to give up for a not-inexpensive pitcher who missed some of last season with a sore elbow.

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 5:25 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Correct me if I'm wrong

But the money’s paid to Hampton still came from ownership, right? You’re basically saying that the FO put the money into a seperate checking account and then paid him accordingly. To me, that’s all money coming from the owner’s pocket. Whether he set aside the $8 million in 2005 or he opened up his wallet Opening Day 2008, it doesn’t make a world of difference. Unless you’re saying that ownership would have kept that $8 million due Hampton in 2008 if the pitcher had retired or got traded to someone who picked up the full tab, that that particular $8 million was destined for Hampton and no other player in the Braves organization. Which is possible but would be weird.

I admit to not being a Braves fan but I am fairly knowledgable and 4 Low-A ball prospects for Jake Peavy goes a long way towards being a good deal, especially if you want the Braves to contend in 2009. Realistically, none of the 4 players I mentioned are expected to help the Braves before 2011. Barring a sudden break-out, of course. Versus two years of Jake Peavy, with the potential for two more years of Jake Peavy in the same time line.

Now, if you aren’t that hyped about contending in 2009 then the deal makes a lot less sense but I’ve been over to Talking Chop and there are a lot of folks who want to see the Braves win again in 2009. If that is your goal, then Peavy is a major step in that direction and the foursome are not.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 5:48 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'm all for contending in 2009

if it doesn’t destroy our chance to build in the future. It would be ludicrous to trade two teenage potential offensive superstars (and two high-ceiling pitchers!) for Peavy when you could sign someone of comparable ability for not that much more money. Certainly not enough monetary difference to cover the value of those prospects.

Talking Chop? Come on. The real Braves fans hang out at Braves Journal. :)

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 5:56 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Death to the tiresome cliches!!!

“it doesn’t destroy our chance to build in the future.”

Trading Heyward, Rohrbough, Locke and Freeman for Peavy does not destroy the Braves’ future.

Do you believe Jordan Schafer is for real? Do you believe Tommy Hanson is for real? Do you believe that by Opening Day, 2010 AT THE LATEST these two prospects will be starters for the Braves? Because if you do, we’ve already dispensed with the bulk of the nonsense that this trade could destroy the Braves future.

Heyward’s greatest value comes if he can bring his bat to CF. He should have enough bat to play a corner, but if he can do the job in CF that would be a huge advantage. ‘Course, if you’ve got Schafer in CF for the next 6 years then Heyward’s development isn’t so much a priority.

Kotchman is at least 3 years from FA, it will likely take Freeman that long to go from the SAL to big league ready. Another way to look at it is the Braves have another 3 years to draft/sign/trade for another 1B. The Braves are covered at 1B for now.

Escobar is going to be the Braves’ SS for the next 5 years, so you’re set there.

Johnson is 3 years away from FA, minimum.

Chipper is probably done after 2009, certainly by 2010. Of course, none of the guys I suggested trading for Peavy play 3B, so it’s not like they can do anything about Jones’ departure whenever that may be. The Braves’ system is relatively weak at 3B, but that pretty much goes for everyone else as well. Atlanta’s best bet might be to say good-bye to Chipper after 2009 and go after Adrian Beltre on the FA market. They should be able to afford it, and if you say they won’t if they sign Dunn and trade for Peavy, then they certainly couldn’t do it if they signed Manny or Burrell either.

If the homegrown arms you’ve been talking up pan out as expected, at the end of next season the rotation could very well be Peavy, Hanson, Morton and Jurrjen and you’d have all of them for 3 more years and the only guy you’d be paying big money to is Peavy.

The bullpen is going to be an issue after 2009, what with Soriano and Gonzalez probably leaving and Smoltz (if he returns) probably ready to hang ‘em up but NONE of the 4 prospects I brought up are going to be doing anything to help the Braves’ bullpen in 2010. Unless you trade one of them of course… which you’re against.

So where have we crippled the Braves ability to build in the future? Corner OF? Just a couple hours ago you were arguing Brandon Jones worth. What is he now, chopped liver? Or is he only good enough to play for the lowly Pirates? Francoeur’s got 3 years to prove he doesn’t suck as bad as he did in 2008. That’s plenty of time to draft/trade/sign a replacement.

McCann is signed through 2013!

The future looks fine. It’s the present that kinda sucks. Peavy fixes the present.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 6:45 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Correction

Adding Peavy helps to fix the present.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 7:06 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

One final response, and then I'll shut up:

Heyward’s greatest value comes if he can bring his bat to CF. He should have enough bat to play a corner, but if he can do the job in CF that would be a huge advantage. ‘Course, if you’ve got Schafer in CF for the next 6 years then Heyward’s development isn’t so much a priority.

Yeah, and Barry Bonds would’ve had more value in center, too. You act like Heyward is some good-but-not-great offensive prospect. He’s elite. He might be the top hitting prospect in the minors. Schafer has nothing to do with Heyward, who is the Braves’ RF of the future. Heyward will be cheaper during his first five years in the majors—that takes us through 2015—than Peavy will in just his first year.

Atlanta’s best bet might be to say good-bye to Chipper after 2009 and go after Adrian Beltre on the FA market.

LOL. Adrian Beltre? I imagine we’ll be trying to go much younger whenever Chipper leaves. The Braves are hoping Eric Campbell gets his act together or that Jon Gilmore is ready by the time Chipper’s done (which won’t be after 2009 and maybe not after 2010). Otehrwise, a trade or cheaper FA signing is probably more likely.

If the homegrown arms you’ve been talking up pan out as expected

Who have I talked up? I gave you the Braves’ views on Morton, who I said I couldn’t figure out. I said I don’t love Reyes. Sarcasm doesn’t work if you don’t have your facts straight.

Just a couple hours ago you were arguing Brandon Jones worth. What is he now, chopped liver? Or is he only good enough to play for the lowly Pirates?

I was arguing his worth in the present, which I view as “capable major leaguer.” Recall that this was in the context of a deal for Paul Maholm (no "s"), for whom you advocated trading 4 players. A capable major leaguer, combined with two other capable major leaguers and one good prospect, is too much for a guy like that.

Anyway, as should be obvious, Heyward is in a totally different class than Jones.

Again, I’m not against trading prospects. I am against trading multiple elite prospects for a desparate attempt at a quick fix in 2009. Yes, Peavy would be under our control for a while, and that would be great. But we need prospects and homegrown talent, because we do have a limited budget. Not as limited as some teams’, but limited enough that we can’t just fix holes in player development with FA signings. I would think an A’s fan would understand that.

Would I trade all of our elite prospects to get Peavy, Greinke, Pujols and Sizemore? Of course. That would essentially guarantee present success and would therefore make mortgaging the future worth it. But the point is, the current Braves have so many holes that no realistic short-term fix is going to make it worth mortgaging the future.

Anyway, if you don’t consider trading Heyward, Freeman, Rohrbough, and Locke tantamount to mortgaging the future, this discussion is pointless anyway, because we don’t have much common ground from which to begin.

by vandystu on Oct 25, 2025 9:32 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

What...? How...?

I just showed you how the Braves could trade those 4 players and still be set at the big league level for at least the next 3 years, probably longer but I’m being conservative here.

Thats 3 years to replace the talent they traded, for an organization that has proven itself skilled at adding new talent every year. Your fears of gutting the system or mortgaging the future or destroying the chance to build for the future are unfounded.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 25, 2025 1:46 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

This what I would do if I was GM, not what is likely (FW will probably pursue some Quixotic attempt to contend).

1. Non-tender Matt Diaz and outright Lerew and Bueno off the roster.

2. Allow Smoltz, Tavarez, Dessens, and Hampton to leave as free agents. Resign Norton for $4 million over 2 years.

3. Sign Rocco Baldelli to a 2 year contract to play left field.

4. Add Stephen Marek, Diory Hernandez, Todd Redmond, Eric Campbell, Jon Owings, Kala Ka’aihue, and Zach Schreiber to the 40 man roster.

5. Trade Omar Infante for a prospect. Rebuilding teams do not deserve the luxury of a $2 million utility man.

6. Target a lefty pitcher in the Rule 5 draft to be our LOOGY and be active before it on the waiver wire if there is anything to be had. That should leave us with 37-38 40 man spots taken assuming Hudson and Moylan remain on the 60 day DL. That leaves us with flexibility in spring training when good players are DFA to clear roster spots.

7. Invest any budget surplus in locking up Escobar, Gonzalez, and Johnson long term. Spend $15 million+ on the draft and international players next summer.

2009 Team
McCann, Sammons
Kotchman, Norton
Johnson, Prado
Escobar, Lillibridge
C. Jones
Baldelli, B. Jones (platoon)
Blanco
Francoeur

Jurrjens, Campillo, Reyes, Morton, Parr
Gonzalez, Soriano, Stockman, Bennett, Acosta, Boyer, Rule 5 Pick (LH)

If we pick up something useful at the end of the spring, option Lillibridge or Acosta to Gwinnett depending on your preference for a deep bench or bullpen.

I’d expect this team to lose a lot of games, mid 80s.

by 17843 on Oct 24, 2025 4:13 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Curious

Why would you offer a pinch-hitter a 2-year, $4 million dollar deal but feel the need to trade a super-sub?

Also, if you’re doing the rebuilding thing, why not try to sign a guy like Ibanez (for example) for a year or two, so that you could flip him for prospects at the deadline?

by vandystu on Oct 24, 2025 4:16 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Because the prospects wouldn’t be worth the millions we’d spend on him. I also think outfield defense has to be emphasized because of the pyschological effects on our young pitchers.

Infante has trade value and is replaceable by Lillibridge. Norton is a free agent who will come cheap and we don’t really have anyone who can back-up three positions and be a stud pinch hitter. The cost of holding Infante is the loss of whatever value he can be turned into plus the arbitration raise he’s going to get. He’s at the height of his value after the great season he had too.

by 17843 on Oct 25, 2025 1:00 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

What I would do....

1. Sign Maddux to a 4 year contract
2. Convince Steve Avery and Charlie Liebrant to come out of retirement
3. Pick up Smoltz’s option
4. Give Glavine a pep talk

ROTATION IS SOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now for the hitting:

1. Bring back Dave Justice and hire a hypnotist to convince him that each pitched ball is actually Halle Berry’s head. He is sure to hit .400 with 40 HR
2. Let Chipper be Chipper
3. Offer Heyward to the Dodgers for Andruw Jones to play CF
4. Hire an investigator to find Mark Lemke
5. Tell McCann that he better pick up his game or we will bench him and bring back Javy Lopez

HITTING AND DEFENSE ARE SOLVED!!!!!!!!

Now time to solve the bullpen woes:

1. Inform Smoltz that he will be closing on days he does not start. By closing I mean that he will be pitching innings 6-9
2. Get rid of the rest of the bullpen as they are won’t be needed

BULLPEN WOES SOLVED!!!!! BRAVES WIN SERIES!!!!!!

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Oct 24, 2025 4:15 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

You're just bitter because no one can save the Royals!

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Oct 24, 2025 4:28 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

more like

the royals were destroyed by the same GM that built the braves of the 90s…

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

by biggentleben on Oct 24, 2025 6:25 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Lemmer's the color guy on the radio

Or at least he was last year for the games Skip didn’t do. Not sure if he’ll be around next year, with both Skip and Pete no longer broadcasting games. :-(

by mraver on Oct 24, 2025 5:03 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I don't see a contender in 2009 in a division with the Phillies and Mets. I'd rebuild for 2011. Trade quality for quantity.

1) Sign Chipper Jones to a 3 year $50M extension
2) Sign Julian Tavarez to a 2 year $8M contract. Make him co-closer.
2) Sign Will Ohman to a 3 year $6M contract. Make him co-closer.
3) Sign Dennys Reyes to a 3 year $9M contract.
4) Sign Eric Hinske to a 2 year $8M contract
5) Sign Cliff Floyd to a 2 year $10M contract
6) Trade Jorge Campillo to the Phillies for JA Happ and RJ Swindle
7) Trade Kelly Johnson, Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez to the Yankees for Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Darrell Rasner, Chris Britton and David Robertson

C - McCann till 2013
1B - Kotchman to Freeman
2B - Prado
SS - Escobar
3B - Chipper till he drops
LF - Hinske/Diaz to Schafer
CF - Blanco to Schafer to Hernandez
RF - Floyd/Francoeur to Heyward

P1 - Jurrjens
P2 - Rasner to Hanson
P3 - Hughes
P4 - Kennedy
P5 - Morton/Happ/Rasner/Medlen/Rohrbough

RP - Tavarez
RP - Ohman
RHP - Robertson
LHP - Reyes
Also - Losers of 5th starter battle

The strength of the team is McCann, Heyward, Freeman, Schafer, Jurrjens, Hanson. Build the team around that.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Oct 24, 2025 10:13 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

If you're aiming for 2011

Why give multi-year multi-million dollar contracts to a bunch of retreads that will just block younger players from getting a chance to play at the MLB level?

Also I don’t see any reason why the Yankees would accept that deal. They don’t have a place for Kelly Johnson, and I really don’t think Cashman would give up that many young arms for two extremely injury prone RPs.

by jibs on Oct 25, 2025 8:53 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

You may have a point. The Johnson thing presupposes a trade of Cano, which is rumored

but may or may not happen. The Yankees seem not to value Kennedy very much. I agree Hughes will be trickier. Regarding signing the low cost FA’s, Hinske and Floyd are stopgaps to Heyward and Schafer, and the relievers are to eat innings and save a few leads so the team doesn’t lose 100 games.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Oct 25, 2025 11:26 AM EDT up reply reply 0 recs