News from the Winter Meetings

The Braves have yet to pull the trigger on any major trades during the Winter Meetings, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been doing anything.

Filing the Outfield hole
One of Atlanta’s biggest needs is an outfielder. Some of the names being thrown around are Rick Ankiel of the Cardinals, Cory Hart of the Brewers and Jeremy Hermida of the Marlins. There were previous reports that the Braves were interested in the Cardinals Ryan Ludwick, but St. Louis isn’t willing to part with him cheaply. I think all of the names would be a good addition. Ankiel, I believe is closest to free agency, which would make him more of a short term fix. However, that could be good if the Braves believe they have some youth that they would like to take over left in two years. Hart was an all-star last year for Milwaukee and is arbitration eligible for the next three years, while Hermida would hit arbitration this year. Plus he’s a native of the Atlanta area.

Burnett Bidding War?
Atlanta is also in the heat of a battle for pitcher A.J. Burnett. Their biggest rival would be the New York Yankees who have offered him a reported five year, $80 million deal. The Braves deal is for 4 years with an optional 5th year but with that year included the contracts are pretty similar in terms of money. What I fear most is the Braves will get in a bidding war with the Yankees over him and I truly do not believe he is worth it. He has a history of injuries and giving him that much money guaranteed seems ludicrous. Granted, I could turn around in five years and be completely wrong, but I would just feel nervous if the Braves offered him more money or more years.

Is Smoltzie leaving?
Finally, in the foxsports.com winter meetings blog I found this little tid bit:

4:28 p.m. — Source: Braves prepared to lose Smoltz

The Braves are prepared to lose right-hander John Smoltz as a free agent if another team offers him a significant guarantee on a one-year deal, according to a source with knowledge of the team's thinking.

Smoltz, 41, has undergone five arm surgeries — four on his elbow, one on his shoulder last June. The Braves believe that his medical history warrants a contract with a low base salary and the chance to earn more through performance-based incentives.

Smoltz's agents are circulating his medical records and recent video of him throwing off a mound to teams gathered at the winter meetings.

Smoltz was an All-Star in his last full season — in 2007 — in which he went 14-8 with a 3.11 ERA in 205 2/3 innings pitched.

I have made it no secret that Smoltz is my favorite Braves player of all time and would love to see him play one more season. I think with his medical history and recent surgery, Smoltz should receive a more incentive latent, short term contract. However, I also feel that out of loyalty the Braves should extend him a good faith contract that would be for one year and closer to the amount of other bidders, within reason of course. He’s spent his entire major league career in Atlanta when he most certainly had other opportunities to leave like his fellow peers. Personally, I see him more of a reliever at this point and goodness knows the Braves need some bullpen help, so I can see him as a good fit for 2009. However, he and manager Bobby Cox see him more as a starter and even if the Braves acquire Burnett or another free agent pitcher, they would still need at least one more starter. On the other hand, if other teams begin to offer him a a lot of more money or a multiyear deal, I think it would be in Atlanta’s best interest to part ways with Mr. Smotlz, however sad and awkward that situation maybe.

Any thoughts?

News&Notes: Congrats to Tommy Hanson being named Arizona Fall League MVP.