Your First Look at Derek Lowe

Ok, I finally believe it. The Braves have signed Derek Lowe. I told you I wasn’t going to believe it until I saw Lowe at a press conference holding a jersey and posing. And now I’ve seen it.

Lowe addressed the media for the first time as a Brave on Friday and talked about how excited he was to pitch in Atlanta. I am waiting on photos, so you’ll have to click here to catch a montage of his press conference.
(Photo: Braves; source)

Spending Spree Regret

In the past few days the Braves have spent a combined $83 million on two pitchers to shore up their weak rotation. But in doing so, they may have hindered their chances of picking up a strong outfield bat. According to Fox Sport’s Ken Rosenthal, the Braves have decided to take a back seat in their free agent bidding and hold off on picking up a quality player until the start of spring training when they hope to get a deal. They are even willing to wait until the trade deadline in late July, if that’s what it takes.

The running out of money is a major issue, don’t get me wrong. Even if the Braves trade for a big bat, they are still going to need the money to cover the guy’s salary. But looking for a bargain outfielder may not actually be that bad of an idea. The Braves are not going anywhere with their offense this season besides maybe to third in the division. (Crossing fingers) But without the desperation, Atlanta could make out like a bandit finding a great fit at a cheap price like a desperate free agent hoping to join on with any team or even better a kid sitting in their minor league system. Even if they wait until July when other teams figure to dump salary and reorganize, they could find exactly what they are looking for. Just think what a difference Jason Bay could have made if the Braves deal with the Pirates would have gone through. And just think what Xavier Nady especially or even Nick Swisher could do in Atlanta. Unfortunately, the Yankees are asking for a lot more than the Braves are willing to give up, but it makes the point that with a little patience, the Braves could really start to turn things around and get ready for a run in 2010.
(source)

News& Notes: The Braves are considering bringing back Tom Glavine and Andruw Jones. Glavine is scheduled to meet with his doctor next week and the Braves will move from there...The Braves signed Matt Diaz to a one year, $1,237,500 contract...Jeff Francoeur, Casey Kotchman, Mike Gonazalez and Kelly Johnson all filed for arbitration.

Where does he find these sweaters?

John Smoltz was back in Atlanta on Wednesday, addressing the media, discussing that the Braves took him for granted and that the deal offered by the Red Sox was a world a part from what the Braves were willing to give him. Blah. Blah. Blah.

I have trouble paying attention to someone when they are wearing such a loud sweater. Not to mention it was almost an exact replica of what he wore to the Celtics game a few nights before. (Photo on the left) Where do you find these things post 1991? And to have it in such pristine condition, wow, you must have a great dry cleaner or you keep everything in moth balls.

I have to say, with the additions of Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami, I am starting to feel a little better about what’s going down in Atlanta. But I will still miss having Smoltzie on the team that’s for sure. However, I will never miss seeing these heinous sweaters again. Hopefully someone can take him shopping while he’s in Boston so he can update his wardrobe. I mean, I know he has potential, check out what he wore to the big press conference on Tuesday:

(Photos: AP)

Your first look at Kenshin

The Braves held a press conference on Tuesday to announce the signing of Kenshin Kawakami to a three year contract. Is it just me, or is the lettering on his last name seem a bit off?
(Photo: John Bazemore/AP; source)

Don’t start celebrating yet…

…But sources are whispering that Derek Lowe maybe leaning towards the Braves four year, $60 million offer. The news is breaking on the same day Atlanta is expected to announce their three year deal with pitcher Kenshin Kawakami. Well, they certainly are putting together a full rotation. I just don’t think it’s as good as the Braves were hoping.

Lowe, who has a career record of 126-107, has spent the past four years out in LA but was looking to return to the east coast where he at one time played for the Red Sox. The Mets appear to be the only other serious contender for Lowe’s services, but their offer is believed to be for fewer years than the Braves. Although, just going by the last couple of months, I think even having only one other competitor could be a serious issue for the Bravos.

In other news, Atlanta has signed versatile infielder Omar Infante to a two year contract worth $4.325 million. Infante serves as a good back for Chipper Jones when ever he inevitably ends up on the DL next season.
(Photo: Reuters; source)

News&Notes: Brian McCann talks to Chop Talk. Click here for the interview.

UPDATE: According to Braves.com, the Braves and Derek Lowe have reached a preliminary agreement. But thanks to good old Rafael Furcal, I will not deem this news official until Lowe is at a press conference holding a Braves uniform and posing.

Braves could be close to adding to their rotation

On Saturday, manager Bobby Cox was hopeful the Braves would be able to add to their weak starting rotation and by Sunday night, the team answered that request. According to mlb.com, the Braves have signed Japanese hurler Kenshin Kawakami, pending a physical.

The 33 year old pitcher was the 2004 Central League MVP and has a 112-82 career record with a 3.22 ERA in 11 seasons. However, Kawakami missed several weeks in 2008 with a back strain but did post a 9-5 record with a 2.50 ERA during that time.

If it took going to Japan to pick up a quality arm, I am all for it. I just hope he’s a bit cheaper than Derek Lowe and stays healthy this season.
(Photo: AP; source)

Lowe meets with the Braves

Derek Lowe, easily the best pitcher left on the free agent market, and his agent Scott Boras reportedly met with Braves GM Frank Wren and Manager Bobby Cox on Thursday in Atlanta. The two sides talked for hours, discussing floral arrangements, cake options, and musical entertainment or whatever it is that occurs during these types of closed door meetings.

Obviously the pain of Smoltz’s departure will have a strong effect on the negotiations the Braves engage with Lowe and Boras. The Mets 3 year, $36 million offer, which Boras claims never happened, is in their eyes too low, however the Mets are willing to up their offer to include three years and reportedly $40 million but that is still a world a part from what Boras is looking for, the 4 year, $64 million contract. The Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels and Milwaukee Brewers also have varying degrees of interest in Lowe, but I imagine no team is more desperate to acquire a big name free agent than the Braves and I worry that that desperation will lead to the Braves offering Lowe entirely too large of a contract. And judging from the other sweepstakes the Braves have been involved in this offseason (see: Peavy, Jake; Burnett, A.J.) I fear Boras is just using these discussions to serve as leverage in a deal with the Mets. In doing so, the Braves’ attention could be diverted away from another player which could serve as a better fit for the team. Who this player is, I have no idea, but you never know.

However, I am not sure if I have made it clear that I would not poo poo the addition of Derek Lowe. I would be more than happy for the Braves to upgrade their starting rotation which at this point would probably field either Jair Jurrjens or Javier Vazquez as an opening day starter. I would just rather they upgrade at fair market value. A.J. Burnett is not worth the $80+ million he got and I am glad he signed such a bloated contract with the Yankees not the Braves. Just like Derek Lowe is not worth the $64 million Boras wants. $36 – 40 million over 3 years really isn’t too terrible although I honestly think that’s a bit more than he’s worth. But if that is what it takes, then just sign him already! But to go much beyond that is a mistake, plan and simple.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

And now Glavine?

*Warning: Long rant maybe included in this post*

John Smoltz has reportedly called his teammates to inform them he is headed to Boston. Greg Maddux called the media, his family and his agent to announce he was retiring. So now who will the final member of the big three Tom Glavine be calling? And what will he be saying? According to his agent Greg Clinton, Tommy is ahead of schedule and is ready to pitch in 2009. While he would prefer to stay in Atlanta, he is not ruling out joining another team either. So it’s now up to the Braves to either sign him or let him go.

Personally, Glavine would not be my first choice. But since Smoltzie is leaving - and may I say best of luck, because he deserves Braves fans well wishes. He has been a pillar in the Braves organization for 21 years and frankly, the way he was treated by the higher ups is not acceptable - I will have to move onto Glavine. The way I see it, the Braves need a lefty, he’s a lefty, done deal.

Apparently Frank Wren and I do not see eye to eye. He feels that the team’s $25 million windfall should not be spent on aging veterans for one year contracts to act as both a measure of good will to an important part of his organization as well as to the fans who have supported the team for years. In addition to a way to hold the team together for one more year while allowing it the freedom to make whatever moves it sees fit in the next offseason. The team has 25 million freaking dollars and not that they should spend freely like the Yankees adding high priced players to fill positions that are already filled (see: Mark Teixeira) but that they had the freedom to spend upwards of $8 million on a player that has done so much for them while allowing them the ability to bolster their outfield with a well priced veteran. If Pat Burrell only cost the Rays $8 million a season or there abouts, how much could Adam Dunn go for? And if the Braves were smart and traded for Xavier Nady, it would only be a dent of $3.8 million.

But instead they’ll push hard to sign Derek Lowe, a player that has turned his nose up at the Mets 4 year, $36 million contract. Because one Mike Hampton is not enough. Sure Lowe has never been on the disabled list. But neither had Tom Glavine and look what happened last year. Oh and Tim Hudson, how is his health holding up? Out until August you say. Gee, and he’s only 33. To make up for one mistake, they’ll add onto their problems signing an expensive pitcher to a longer term deal than they should to attempt to appease their once loyal fans. Wren have you met the guys who lead the Pirates? Because I’d prefer the Braves not to fall into a category of perpetual losers, if at all possible. (Not that it would make me stray from the Braves. It won’t. I will always support this team; I would just prefer to have a winning season every now and again.)

In 2002 Tom Glavine left. I remember it well. It was right around Christmas. I had broken my foot and had finally stopped wearing the walking boot only to hit a deer coming home from school. (True story, I swear) And then I heard the worst news of all, Tommy had departed to head north to the dreaded New York Mets. He broke my heart that day, but I’ve learned to forgive him. It was a very long process and involved him blowing the Mets chances at the playoffs in 2007 with that one thirds innning performance. But he would never again possess that magical spot as my favorite Brave. That honor fell to John Smoltz. And even with his departure Smoltz will remain my favorite. I am sure I am not alone; John Smoltz will represent something special for millions of Braves fans. After all, he is the only player to be a part of all 14 Division Championship Teams. As sad as it is that he has left, I understand his decision.

And from reading other comments I have noted that most fans have blamed Frank Wren, just like I have for this debacle. And while signing Glavine will not change the fact that Wren allowed Smoltz to leave Atlanta for the greener pastures of Boston where he will most likely retire a Red Sox. But as an act of good will, I would think it is in the Braves best interest to sign Glavine. So what he gets at most $6 or $7 million for one measly little season. Who are they spending that money on? Even if you unwisely signed Lowe, you’d still have the gap to afford both players. And how much could a power left fielder cost you?

I understand your nervousness in signing a player like Glavine who is coming off of two major surgeries. Without Glavine, at this point you have a very young and mostly inexperienced pitching staff. And if Glavine goes down early in the season, you’ve still got the same pitching staff. But at least this way, Glavine can retire the right way, as a Brave. Something John Smoltz will not do. (And no I do not count those sign a player for one day so they can retire as [insert team here] deals.) I know this is all wishful thinking. And there is a reason why I write an obscure blog and not run a baseball team. But there has got to be something said for the perspective of a fan. After all Frank, unlike you, I pay for my own seats, concessions and that nifty Smoltz jersey I recently picked up. You just drain the club of money in apparently more ways than one.

Sorry for the long post, but this has been boiling inside of me since I heard the news about Smoltz around 6:37 this morning. Hopefully my next post will be a bit more cheery.
(Photo: AP; source)

Smoltz a Red Sox…Gilly a Phillie?

Reports are surfacing that Braves veteran right hander John Smoltz is on the verge of signing a one year, $5.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox that could be worth up to $10.5 million with incentives. If the signing becomes official, Smoltz would join a rotation that already includes Josh Beckett, Dice-K, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield and the newly signed Brad Penny. It would also end one of the longest tenures in major league baseball and would frankly break my heart.

What the frick is Wren doing in his little office? The Braves have $25 million to spend this offseason, that contract is like a drop in the bucket. And the fact that it would only be for one season allows the Braves the opportunity to use that money to upgrade their pitching in the 2009-10 offseason. On my count the Braves have three pitchers in their rotation, Jair Jurrjens, Jorge Campillo and Javier Vazquez. Add Charlie Morton and Tommy Hanson and I can totally see why the Braves didn’t need the use of a veteran pitcher like Smoltz that could serve as a second pitching coach by helping to mentor this young staff and teach them the ways of the organization. (Filled with obvious sarcasm if you couldn’t tell.) I bet Atlanta will end up with someone like Randy Wolf, because he's like the only big name pitcher still left on the open market - and I use the term big name loosely.

In other news, Marcus Giles signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Giles could be a cheap replacement for all-star second baseman Chase Utley, who will miss the beginning part of the season recovering from offseason hip surgery. Since leaving the Braves after the 2006 season, Giles spent one season with the San Diego Padres where he was able to play with his older brother Brian before being released at the end of the season. He also was briefly with the Rockies in 2008. Best of luck Marcus!
(Photo: AP)

Happy 2009 Kids!

I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog, but then again there isn’t much going on with the Braves. (Besides the fact that Spring Training Tickets go onsale this Saturday! I’m planning on making my first trip this year, so excuse my excitement.)

The lone info I’ve seen is that the Braves have a mild interest in the services of Derek Lowe and Andruw Jones. And they would only go after Jones if the Dodgers were to release him and they could pick him up for veterans minimum. I think that with Lowe, he’s not the type of pitcher the Braves need. He’s considered an ace by some but he’s 36 years old and wants at least a four year contract and let me say this, there is only one Jamie Moyer. Personally I see him as more of a consistent innings eater, and isn’t that why the Braves sent off Tyler Flowers and co to the White Sox, so they could get Javier Vazquez, who does the same thing? Granted Lowe does it better, but still, he’s 36!

With Jones, you’d be getting a veteran outfielder. But he spent a large portion of 2008 on the DL. His offensive outputs are way down and according to reports, he’s not getting any better playing Winter Ball.

As I said before, I would have liked to have seen the Braves pick up Pat Burrell, especially since he signed a two year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays for only $16 million. His average may be low and he is incredibly streaky, but he will still rocket a bunch of balls into the stands and he draws a ton of walks. And the fact that it was a short term deal would have been perfect for the Braves who have a crop of young outfielders in the minors so a long term veteran outfielder could be detrimental to the growth of the team in the future.

I will admit I’m getting a bit nervous. Dominoes are beginning to fall into place and I feel almost like the Braves are going down without a fight. I am not in the boardroom so I cannot tell you what GM Frank Wren is doing, but I think that the Braves better start signing or trading or something. According to this article in the AJC, Wren says he’s talking with agents and other teams about acquiring players to fill their needs like a fifth starter, an outfielder (although if they got a quality second baseman, they could just move Kelly Johnson to left and accomplish the same thing, upgrade the offense) and in my opinion a few more arms in the bullpen. Personally, I don’t want Bobby Abreu. He’s scared of the wall; well really he’s scared of the wall’s shadow. I’m sure you could get him for less than the $16 million he made last season, but after watching him for the past two years from the bleachers at Yankee Stadium, I can honestly say, I’m not really impressed. Adam Dunn could be a good stop gap, I think acquiring a Rick Ankiel, who is younger and cheaper would be a better rout, depending on who the Braves would have to give up. Similarly, if the Yankees are willing to part with Xavier Nady, I think Atlanta would be wise to make a run after him.

In regards to pitchers, I say just sign John Smoltz. Jon Garland, Oliver Perez, Andy Pettitte…not one of those names to me is the front line starter the Braves desperately need. Pettitte has seen his best years, and I think Jon Garland could also fall into that category although he is only 29, plus I am almost convinced Perez is bi-polar. You could easily sign Smoltz to a one year deal, await the return of Tim Hudson to fill his spot in 2010 and pray that Tommy Hanson is as good as they say he is. After all the Braves did just get rid of Chuck James kid, so that’s not a threat, but more of the recent “pitching phenoms” of the Braves reality.

I trust that in the next six weeks, the Braves will add more players to the roster, I just hope that they are the right kind of players for the organization. The type of players that will fill the holes without derailing the progress of the team. After all, I am fully aware that the Braves are in a transition, I would just prefer if this transition keeps them safely above the Nats in the standings.

News&Notes: Tom Glavine is throwing without discomfort. Hmm a veteran lefty…Chipper Jones got very chatty with the Sporting News. Click here for his revealing interview. The Peavy stuff is great.
(Lowe/Jones Photos: Getty Images; Nady Photo: Reuters)