2012 Official Off-season thread ...

[Nemesis21]

I thought we should have a thread to discuss this off-season. It will be a long off-season, the 2012 team won 94 games only to lose in a stupid one game playoff.



Chipper is retired, Bourn likely leaving via FA, Mac & Prado due for a raise. Ross and Hinske will be looking for a new contract.

What to do with Jurrjens? Is he trade able at this point? Convert him to a reliever? Timmy, Hanson, Medlen,Minor and Maholm will return next yr. Beachy will return sometime in the summer.

Do you move Uggla to LF with Prado taking over at 3b? Convert Janish or Pastornicky into a 2b to replace Uggla? Or keep Uggla at 2b and look for a LF and CF in FA?

[ATL Boy]

JJ's contract expired I think, just let him walk, keep Dan at 2nd base and look for a left fielder, try to keep Bourn at all costs (well not ALL costs) and I really think we HAVE to go after Hamilton or at least Greinke, if nothing else try to get Victorino, we need a shakeup especially if we lose Bourn

[Nemesis21]

JJ's contract expired I think, just let him walk, keep Dan at 2nd base and look for a left fielder, try to keep Bourn at all costs (well not ALL costs) and I really think we HAVE to go after Hamilton or at least Greinke, if nothing else try to get Victorino, we need a shakeup especially if we lose Bourn

Going after Hamilton makes sense, if we lose Bourn. We don't have enough $$$ for Greinke. Apparently the Angels will let Haren and Santana walk or move them in order to keep Greinke. Angels are very high on Greinke.

[ATL Boy]

Also no need to add another pitcher, my prediction for what the rotation should look like next season when Beachy comes back

Medlen (no doubt, our ace)
Beachy (not right away but he was the leader in ERA before he went down last season)
Hudson (Veteran leader and always consistent)
Hanson (good pitcher, hopefully he turns it around and climbs near the top of the rotation, has the potential)
Maholm (very good and consistent when we aquired him, it's a tossup between him and Hanson for 4 and 5 at this point)

Arguably the best rotation in baseball and arguably the best bullpen in baseball, it would be no doubt the best pen if Venters gets back to his 2011 form; here's the order:
CF - (Bourn) (we still haven't lost him, need to resign him)
3B - Prado (solid contact hitter)
LF - Heyward (our team's best hitter, should get to 30 HRs and around 90-100 RBI barring injury)
C - Mccan (this is if he gets his act together, needs to get his power back)
1B - Freeman (Could be number 4 if Mccan doesn't get his act together)
2B - Uggla (has the power to get to 30 HRs, if he's consistent could be a number 4 hitter caliber player)
SS - Simmons (Love this kid and his hustle, just hope he doesn't overdue it and get injured again)
Pitcher Spot

Solid lineup too, I'd gladly lose Bourn to get Hamilton, but overall if we stay consistent this is a WS and division winning team

[ATL Boy]

JJ's contract expired I think, just let him walk, keep Dan at 2nd base and look for a left fielder, try to keep Bourn at all costs (well not ALL costs) and I really think we HAVE to go after Hamilton or at least Greinke, if nothing else try to get Victorino, we need a shakeup especially if we lose Bourn

Going after Hamilton makes sense, if we lose Bourn. We don't have enough $$$ for Greinke. Apparently the Angels will let Haren and Santana walk or move them in order to keep Greinke. Angels are very high on Greinke.

Hamilton would be a dream scenario and could make our batting order as scary as Texas' was this season, but yea I doubt we get Greinke but we should pursue him anyway because we're on his list of go to places

[Nemesis21]

Also no need to add another pitcher, my prediction for what the rotation should look like next season when Beachy comes back

Medlen (no doubt, our ace)
Beachy (not right away but he was the leader in ERA before he went down last season)
Hudson (Veteran leader and always consistent)
Hanson (good pitcher, hopefully he turns it around and climbs near the top of the rotation, has the potential)
Maholm (very good and consistent when we aquired him, it's a tossup between him and Hanson for 4 and 5 at this point)

Arguably the best rotation in baseball and arguably the best bullpen in baseball, it would be no doubt the best pen if Venters gets back to his 2011 form; here's the order:
CF - (Bourn) (we still haven't lost him, need to resign him)
3B - Prado (solid contact hitter)
LF - Heyward (our team's best hitter, should get to 30 HRs and around 90-100 RBI barring injury)
C - Mccan (this is if he gets his act together, needs to get his power back)
1B - Freeman (Could be number 4 if Mccan doesn't get his act together)
2B - Uggla (has the power to get to 30 HRs, if he's consistent could be a number 4 hitter caliber player)
SS - Simmons (Love this kid and his hustle, just hope he doesn't overdue it and get injured again)
Pitcher Spot

Solid lineup too, I'd gladly lose Bourn to get Hamilton, but overall if we stay consistent this is a WS and division winning team

A) That would be our rotation 2014 earliest. Beachy won't return till the summer and I think the Braves should handle bringing him back, the same way they did with Medlen.

2013 Rotation

Hudson
Medlen
Maholm
Hanson
Minor


B) Who's playing RF in that lineup?




Also you could move Uggla to LF and convert Pastornicky into a full time 2b. He played a little bit of 2b this season in the Minors and in that final series of the season at the Pirates. Then you only have to worry about 1 OF in FA or trade instead of two.


CF Bourn? Hamilton? Someone else?
3b Prado
RF Heyward
1b Freeman
LF Uggla
C Mac
SS Simmons
2b Pastornicky

[ohara]

Headlines say we will not be going after Hamilton. Who knows. But I really think we have to try to pursuade Bourn to resign with us. If he does not, then I hope we throw extra money at Josh and make a run for him. But with the current ownership, I have my doubts.

[bstrassburg]

Absolutley no way we are going after Hamilton, he will be out of our price range. Braves would rather solve LF and CF with reasonably priced options. I really think the Braves will make an honestly hard effort at re-signing Michael Bourn, the problem is Boras will probably get more from Phils/Nats. I can really see the Braves trying to get Cody Ross for the 3rd straight season, had a 2 or 3-year offer to him last year but opted to sign a 1-year deal with Red Sox for more money. Cody Ross had a great year and I could see him as our everyday LF next year, plus he's best friends with Uggla.

Jurrjens will be DFA'd. If they wouldn't have to pay him at least $5 million in arbitration, I could see a bullpen experiment but that's not going to happen.

Uggla is not going to play LF, he is our everyday 2B next season. They are not going to be starting Pastornicky at 2B, they view him as a utility guy not an every day starter. Tyler will start the season in the minors.

McCann, Hudson, and Maholm all have options for this season. All of them will be exercised.

Braves will not be going after Greinke, they found their Greinke, his name is Medlen. They are happy with their rotation as it is. May explore trading Tommy, but will not sell short on him. However with Teheran and his improved delivery and Delgado still in the system, they will not make a run at any starting pitchers.

Braves could make a run at Chase Headley or Dexter Fowler, but the price is probably going to be too high for both.

[ohara]

I just hope Bourn gives us a little bit of a home town discount. I think we will be competitive for him, but likely not the highest bidder. But I really want him in Atlanta. To get a CF of his ability and also a leadoff hitter and base stealer. That kills 3 birds with 1 stone. We need him.

[HMFFL]

I'm not expecting us to make a big splash during free agency. I hope we retain Bourn.

[bstrassburg]

Kind of figured the magic number for Bourn was going to be around 5 years for $60 million. Bowman tweeted that the Braves are unlikely to go that high and odds of re-signing him are 5-10%. I understand it because of the high K-rate and second half struggles for the past 2 years.

[Nemesis21]

Nice article,

If DOB ran the Braves:

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blo ... raves_blog




I agree with just about all of it. Except, I would not trade Delgado or Teheran for Josh Willingham(will be 34 in Feb). I'd offer Mike Minor and another mid value prospect. Maybe go after Cody Ross for a 3rd straight off-season to play LF. I would like to see Hudson, Maholm and McCann's options picked up. Medlen, Heyward and Hanson are ARB players, they'll get a raise. I'd also like to see David Ross and Reed Johnosn re-signed. Never really thought about Angel Pagan, but he had a great season in SF and you could sign him to a 4 yr deal for half as much as Bourn/Hamilton would get. Let's not forget, they should re-sign Christian Martinez, Peter Moylan and Chad Durbin.

CF Pagan
3b Prado
RF Heyward
1b Freeman
C Mac
2b Uggla
LF Ross
SS Simmons


Hudson
Medlen
Maholm
Hanson
Minor

[bstrassburg]

Totally agree with your take on that DOB article Nemesis. I'd also rather just sign Ross than trade Teheran/Delgado for Willingham, and have no issues signing Pagan, he's a very underrated solid, not spectacular ball player. That should keep some extra money around for Prado/Heyward contract extensions, those two need to stay Braves for the foreseeable future.

[HMFFL]

Braves extend GM Wren, promote assistants



Before the Braves begin to reshape their roster this offseason, they reaffirmed those who would be making the decisions. The Braves have extended general manager Frank Wren’s contract through 2014, the team announced Friday morning.

Wren has been in that role for the past five seasons and in the Braves front office for 13. He was first hired as an assistant general manager in October of 1999.

The Braves also promoted two of Wren’s top assistants. Bruce Manno was promoted from assistant general manager and director of player development to vice president and assistant general manager/player development. Manno has been in the assistant general manager’s role for five seasons and began overseeing the Braves minor league system last season.

John Coppolella, who was the Braves director of professional scouting, was promoted to assistant general manager. Coppolella has been in baseball operations for the Braves for six seasons.

“These changes are a reflection of the good work and success of our Major League baseball team and the work of Frank and his senior staff,” Braves president John Schuerholz said in a press release.

The Braves promoted four other executives on their business side; including vice president of ticket sales Paul Adams, vice president of corporate partnerships Jim Allen, vice president of marketing Gus Eurton, and vice president of facility operations Eric Perestuk. http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blo ... ssistants/

[ATL Boy]

Agreed Nemesis, Teheran has too much potential to trade for a guy in his mid 30's and Pagan would be a solid signing for us, I'd go after Swisher or Ross this offseason to play LF, and I agree with the DOB article that we should try to lock Heyward up long term; he's gonna be the face of the franchise for a long time to come

[ATL Boy]

Braves extend GM Wren, promote assistants



Before the Braves begin to reshape their roster this offseason, they reaffirmed those who would be making the decisions. The Braves have extended general manager Frank Wren’s contract through 2014, the team announced Friday morning.

Wren has been in that role for the past five seasons and in the Braves front office for 13. He was first hired as an assistant general manager in October of 1999.

The Braves also promoted two of Wren’s top assistants. Bruce Manno was promoted from assistant general manager and director of player development to vice president and assistant general manager/player development. Manno has been in the assistant general manager’s role for five seasons and began overseeing the Braves minor league system last season.

John Coppolella, who was the Braves director of professional scouting, was promoted to assistant general manager. Coppolella has been in baseball operations for the Braves for six seasons.

“These changes are a reflection of the good work and success of our Major League baseball team and the work of Frank and his senior staff,” Braves president John Schuerholz said in a press release.

The Braves promoted four other executives on their business side; including vice president of ticket sales Paul Adams, vice president of corporate partnerships Jim Allen, vice president of marketing Gus Eurton, and vice president of facility operations Eric Perestuk. http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blo ... ssistants/

Love the Wren extension, he's been a brilliant GM and has worked well with the limited funds he's been given to work with over the past few seasons

[bstrassburg]

Just because this hasn't been posted on here, figured I might as well.

Brian McCann had shoulder surgery yesterday to repair it. The tear was worse than they thought, so he will be out around 6 months, odds are he'll miss the first month of the season.

I would expect an announcement that the Braves have re-signed David Ross as soon as such a thing can be official.

[ohara]

Hmmmm. Our 3rd baseman is retired now. Seems the Yankees have one for 5 years and $113 mil. And the stink is all over the place in NY right now. All the talk is about whether the Yankees will trade A-Rod, when they will likely have to pick up at least $80 - $90 mil of that money.

Now, if you knew you could get A-Rod as your 3rd baseman, and only be on the hook for maybe $25 mil of his salary for 5 years. And you likely have to give up 1 decent minor league prospect. Not a top 3 player, but not a scrub. Do you take that shot on A-Rod? Have to think I would. I think he still has game, and if anything, his defense is still quite good. If the Yankees pay the great majority of his money, and it does not cost a Top 3 player from our minors, Ithink I'd do it. But I have to think there are some here who will stay away from A-Rod at all costs. I understand the differences of opinion. This entire idea is full of risk, reward and controversy. I think A-Rod would welcome the change from the NY media to the fans of Atlanta. Much less of a pressure cooker, even if he is coming in to take over for a legend. A-Rod is one of the few who can come in and I dont think the pressure of taking over for Chipper will phase him at all. He's been through too much in NY, that nothing in Atlanta would be too much to handle.

[HMFFL]

McCann undergoes successful shoulder surgery
Braves backstop facing 4-6 months of rehab, hopeful for Opening Day

After undergoing successful surgery to repair his right shoulder on Tuesday afternoon, Braves catcher Brian McCann will spend the next few months rehabbing with the understanding that he might not be ready for the start of the 2013 season.

The Braves issued a release late Tuesday night that revealed McCann should be able to begin hitting off a tee and completing other light baseball activities in four months. If all goes well with the rehab process, he should be able to return to full baseball activity in six months.

This timetable would allow McCann to begin light baseball-related workouts around the start of Spring Training. If he needs a full six months to complete his rehab, he would not be cleared to begin playing until mid-April, or approximately two weeks after Opening Day.

The Braves have not committed to exercising McCann's $12 million option for the 2013 season. They have until three days beyond the conclusion of the World Series to make this decision.

Braves orthopedic surgeon Dr. Xavier Duralde performed the two-hour surgical procedure. Along with cleaning some damaged areas around the shoulder, Duralde inserted anchors into the posterior portion of McCann's labrum. The labrum tear proved to be longer than a recent MRI exam had revealed. http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/arti ... l&c_id=atl

[bstrassburg]

The Braves have been talking to David Ross' agent and Ross wants to return to the Braves. I would not be surprised if that was our first free agent signing this off-season.