Andruw Jones to the Mets?

With the lack of Braves news, I am moving onto to former Braves players news. Rumor has it, the Mets are interested in acquiring Andruw Jones from Los Angeles and the Dodgers are thrilled to move his $15 million salary elsewhere. Jones hit .158 with 76 strikeouts in 209 at bats in 2008 while spending a large part of the season on the DL but his fast slide to the nether regions of baseball didn’t happen in one year. Jones’ final season with the Braves, 2007, was less than stellar. While he did drive in 94 runs and hit 26 homers, he was batting only .222. Just a year prior he had 41 dingers and in 2005 when he came in second in MVP voting, he knocked 51 out of the park.

If the Mets picked him up, they would move him over to right with Carlos Beltran in center and Ryan Church in left.

I would love nothing more than to see Andruw Jones succeed again, however I’d prefer it not to happen in Queens or against the Braves.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

UPDATE: According to the New York Post this rumor is false.

Vomit! Big Tex a Yankee

Sources have told ESPN’s Buster Onley that Mark Teixeira has signed with the Yankees for more than a whopping $170 million over 8 years. The new addition gives the Yankees the four highest paid players in MLB with Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia. Even though they are the Yankees, I think this may put the kibosh on the notion Manny Ramirez is heading to the Bronx.

I knew Teixeira would not be a big loser (financially) because he’s just too good of a player, but I was kind of hoping that he’d take his money and play out the rest of his years on a non-contender. Some sort of payback for being so greedy and yes I am still bitter about they way things went down with the Braves. I’ll get over it, after I throw things at him the next Yankee game I attend. Although unless I become Henry Rowengartner, I may have to upgrade the bleacher seats for the occasion. (And yes I am obviously kidding. My aim is not too good, I'd probably end up hitting Robby Cano or heaven forbid the Captiain by accident. My friends would never forgive me if I hit Derek Jeter.)

Now back to the Yankees for a second, the new addition makes things a little crowded. They already traded for Nick Swisher who would take over first base from the revolving door that had populated the position for the last two years. (Shelley Duncan anyone?) But with Tex, they wouldn’t need Swish to play first. So now what? Move him to left? Oh wait, they’ve got a very solid left fielder in Xavier Nady. Plus he’s not really a fan of playing the outfield. I would so love the Braves to pick him up to play first. His batting average was pretty weak last season, but he will still hit you 20-25 homeruns a season and frankly, I would see him as an upgrade to Casey Kotchman. But first let’s get some pitching.

Note: This has yet to hit the Yankee’s website or even the NY Post so the story is far from official. - I wrote too soon, it's made the Yankees website and figures are $180 million over 8 years.
(source)

Chipper Jones and Brian McCann to represent America

Two years ago when the USA took on the world in the World Baseball Classic, it was Jeff Francoeur and Chipper Jones representing the Braves contingent. In 2009, Francoeur’s childhood pal Brian McCann will be taking a spot on the roster along with Chipper. Mac will be joined behind the plate by Twins standout Joe Mauer, while Jones will probably be sharing time at third with the Mets David Wright.
(Photo: John Amis/AP; source)

Braves re-sign Greg Norton; Yet still not fans of Paul Kinzer

The Braves have re-signed pinch hitter Greg Norton to a one year, $800,000 contract. Norton was one of Atlanta’s most dependable bats off the bench last season.

In other news, Rafael Furcal has officially signed with the Dodgers, pissing off Atlanta GM Frank Wren and leading President John Schuerholz to call Furcal’s agent Paul Kinzer despicable and saying Atlanta will no longer deal with him again. While I would love for the Braves to stand up to a guy who conducts his business in such an unethical manor, I would think making such a blanketed statement would be like cutting off your nose despite your face. You never know who you’re going to need down the road.

Oh and the Angels have pulled out of the Teixeira sweepstakes, removing their eight year deal from the table. The Red Sox had said they were also out of it, but rumor has it, that the Red Sox could easily swoop back in if they feel the need. This leaves the Orioles and Nationals as the two top contenders although the Yankees are never really out of anything. I would love nothing more than to see Teixeira go to the Nationals and widdle around in cellar for the rest of his career since winning is obviously not a priority for him.

I hate to get on my soap box when it comes to these things, but I will briefly. There is a difference between $10 million and $14 million. There’s even a difference between $30 million and $40 million. There is no difference between $140 million and $160 million. Mathematically I get there is a $20 million difference between the two numbers, but in life you, your children, your children’s children and your children’s children’s children can live off of either number. So when you’re talking about such high dollar figures, I would think that going to a contender, especially since in Teixeira’s case he’s only ever been on one team that has made it to the playoffs, the Angels, and they didn’t make it past the first round, would be a priority. It’s not like Aaron Rowand going from the Phillies to the Giants, he already had a ring with the White Sox (plus Rowand falls into that $30-$40 million category.) But what do you expect when you’re being lead by Scott Boras. Ok, I’ll come off the box now.

News&Notes: The Braves have signed Lance Nierko (son of Joe and nephew of Phil) to a minor league contract.
(photo: Tom Gannam/AP)

Dear Rafael Furcal,

I wish you no season’s greatings. No happy holidays. No Feliz Navidad. NADA. ZERO. ZLICH. I was happy with the thought of your return to Atlanta. With all of the money the Braves had to spend this off-season, shoring up their middle infield wasn’t a top priority but it was certainly something that needed to be done. And you sir, were the man to do it. But no. Instead you toyed with us. Made us feel like you were coming back to your fans. The ones that stuck by you during that nasty DUI incident. Yeah I’m bringing that up, because yeah I am that upset. And then what? You turn your backs on us once again. Say thanks, but no thanks, I’m staying in LA. Well fine. If that’s the way you’re going to be, then stay in LA. And I hope your back gets better, like so good that you play 45 games next year instead of 36. Them fightin’ words, buddy, because I am feeling kind of feisty this morning. Good day sir. Good day!
(source)

Not so fast

I may have jumped on the Furcal story a bit too early. But I can’t really be blamed, most major sports news outlets were saying it was a done deal. But apparently it’s not. As of now, he’s contemplating between the Braves and the Dodgers, who have made a last minute push for the shortstop.

Furcal’s agent Paul Kinzer had this to say:

"The Braves are definitely in the lead right now,'' Kinzer said. "That's what I told them last night -- 'right now, he's leaning toward you guys.' But I wanted Raffy to sleep on it so we could talk about it again today. I didn't want him to make an emotional decision, because he was so excited about coming [to Atlanta].

"It's not done until we sign off and there's a physical exam, and we haven't gotten that far. Until a letter of agreement is signed, we don't even start the process to get him to Atlanta for a physical.''

Even if Furcal signed on the dotted line, he’d still need to take a physical and he’s in the Dominican Republic right now, so we’d be at least a day away from anything being finalized. So once again Braves fans, we sit and wait.

I for one am all for this trade provided it does not lead to the trading of Yunel Escobar as some have speculated. This move shores up the middle defense for the Braves and provides a solid lead-off hitter which they have been missing since his departure following the 2005 season. It also allows the team to move Kelly Johnson to left field, his natural position, keeping his versatile bat in the line-up while making him less of a defensive liability (which is my major problem with him as a player.) The Braves still need arms, but I’m telling you, this team is a work in progress. There are some good young arms that could be good 2/3/4 pitchers that the Braves could trade for. No it’s not the ace they need, but it’s a step in the right direction. And quite frankly, the ace they need could be in the minors a year or two away from breaking out, so in the end they may benefit from not trading away a bunch of prospects to San Diego or spending outrageous money on A.J. Burnett.
(Photo: AP; source)

Welcome Back Furcal!

According to ESPN, the Braves have reached a preliminary agreement with Rafael Furcal on a multiyear deal that will bring Furcal back to the team he played for from 2000-05. The move is an interesting one considering the Braves already have a pretty good, young and cheap shortstop in Yunel Escobar. So either the Braves will move Furcal over to second base making Kelly Johnson available for a trade (or moving him back to left field) or they could keep Furcal at SS and trade Escobar. Unless the Braves are getting Jake Peavy, I’d hold onto Escobar and move Furcal over to second.

The Braves have not commented and exact terms and financials have not been released.
(source)

UPDATE: Ok, we've got some numbers, how about $30 million over 3 years with an option for 2012? Furcal's agent classified the talks as "pretty close." Saying there hasn't been any formal agreement, but that Furcal liked the idea of returning back to the ATL. He also mentioned the A's are definitely out. So we wait for a formal announcement.

Plan B?

The rich just get richer don’t they? This after news broke that the Yankees had signed A.J. Burnett to a 5 year, $82.5 million contract. Add to that the other free agent jewel the Yanks picked up in CC Sabathia and well it just makes me very nauseous this early in the morning.

So what now for the Braves? Should they try to get the Padres on the phone and see if they can strike a deal together for Jake Peavy? Should they get Derek Lowe or Ben Sheets agent’s on the phone? Is there someone hiding in a foreign country that would be a spark for Atlanta’s lackluster rotation? Because here’s the problem, the Javier Vazquez pick up is only a good trade if he is used as a 3/4 pitcher, not as their ace.

From the Braves standpoint, GM Frank Wren has said Atlanta is not interested in Derek Lowe. Ben Sheets in any normal person’s mind is far too great a risk to base an entire rotation on. He could be a very good pick for a team that is stocked, but the Braves are not stocked. Brad Penny and Randy Wolf remain untouched, but I don’t see either one fitting into the role, they would need to fit into. And even though the Padres are desperate to cut payroll, the Braves are pretty desperate too. After giving up Tyler Flowers and Brent Lillibridge to the White Sox for Vazquez, I think the Braves should leave their farm system alone for the time being.

While it looks like I am giving up hope, I am not. I think the Burnett news, makes the Braves signing John Smoltz more paramount, if he is indeed healthy enough to pitch. I do not consider him an answer to the ace role, but as more of a way to fill the gap that Tim Hudson’s injury has placed in the rotation for this season.

Atlanta is also looking at another Japanese starter named Kenshin Kawakami. As per the AJC article I was reading his stats look something like this:

He has a 112-72 career record and 3.22 ERA, led his league in strikeouts in 2006, and had a career-best strikeout rate in 2008, when he totaled 113 strikeouts with 30 walks in 117-1/3 innings during the regular season.

However, the Braves are not the only interested party. The Red Sox, Orioles, Dodgers and Angels all seem to have their eye on this guy. And unfortunately, he’s projected as more of a #2 or 3 starter not the ace in the hole Atlanta is hoping for. But he would add depth to the rotation and his veteran status could be a good fit with the team.

News&Notes: Chuck James was the only Brave not to be tendered a contract.

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.

The Professor ends Class Early

Greg Maddux officially announced his retirement on Monday, and while it was no surprise, word had leaked of his decision weeks ago, it was still a sad event. I actually got quite teary eyed just going through the barrage of photos to chose a picture to lead this post. (And I haven’t even been able to bring myself to watch the full press conference, but will have to eventually.) It’s hard to explain the emotion you feel, watching one of your childhood heroes hangs up their cleats. It’s almost like when someone tells you there is no Santa Claus and that innocence you once possessed is gone. When someone you grew up admiring retires, it’s like that little piece of childhood you continue to cling onto well into your 20s has to finally be let go.

Sure, by the end, he was not the dominant pitcher he once was, but he still played with a passion for the game and remained a very productive member of the team, teaching young pitchers by using his vast knowledge of baseball. Something, I am sure will make him an excellent pitching coach if he should ever choose to go down that path.

For all of the astounding stats he has produced (355 wins, 3.16 career ERA) and collection of awards he has in his trophy case (18 Gold Gloves, four Cy Young Awards) I’ll always keep the memory alive of the big three and their 10 seasons together in Atlanta (1993-2002), their 10 division titles, three trips to the World Series (1995, 96, 99) and their one World Series win in 1995.

With Maddux’s departure at the end of the 2003 season, I continued to follow his career as he went from the Cubs to the Dodgers to the Padres and back to the Dodgers. I remember sitting in the bleachers at Yankee Stadium during the All Star game talking to a huge Padres fan. She recounted how special it was to watch Maddux pitch, because he indeed was a professor on the mound. I unfortunately, never had a chance to watch him live in action, something I will always regret, but I will remember the countless games I watched him pitch in front of the TV in my family room as kid and will keep those memories close to my heart.

(Photo: Getty Images; source)

Atlanta awaiting response from Burnett

Just when I write that the Braves haven’t done much this off season, I read they have offered A.J. Burnett a four year deal with an additional fifth year option. Money has not been released but it’s reportedly between $15 and 16 million annually. While it’s not exactly the five year guaranteed contract Burnett’s agent Darek Braunecker has been babbling about, according to the article the option year is “very attainable.”

So now the Braves must sit and wait to hear back. According to things I’ve read, they are just one team in a race of about six (Besides Atlanta, it includes the Phillies, Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays) that are interested in his services. The Yankees are expected to make a play for him if not already, very very soon. However, Braunecker says Burnett will not make any decisions until the winter meetings, when he and his client plan to meet with teams.

Even with the acquisition of Vazquez, the Braves need a front line starter and Burnett definitely fills that description. I’m a bit nervous about his injury filled past (I believe he’s had 10 trips to the DL in his career), but last year’s stats, 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA and 231 strikeouts are not too bad. However, just glancing at his career numbers, I’m not too impressed with anything besides his strike out average (204). Otherwise, he’s never won more than 18 games in a season or had an ERA better than 3.30 and has only reached 200 or more innings three times in his ten year career.

If the Burnett thing doesn’t work out, the Braves have made inquiries to Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez’s people. Translation, they’re screwed. Honestly, I’m not worried. I look at 2009 as the first step in recreating a dynasty. So they don’t get three top of the line pitchers in one off-season. What about in the 2009 off season? What about the additional development of prospects in the Braves farm system? What about waiting for Tim Hudson to come back? Look when you overhaul your wardrobe you don’t buy 10 dresses, five pairs of pants, 7 sweaters, 8 shirts, 3 going out tops, 10 pairs of shoes and 3 handbags in one day. You slowly grow your wardrobe by buying a few key items (like Tim Gunn’s 10 essential items) and then add from there. The Braves need to realize they shouldn’t tie up all of their finances now on players that do not pan out quite as expected or are frankly not worth the money spent just out of desperation; they should fill their holes with quality players worth the money they're given.

News&Notes: Click here to see a piece of Thursday's press conference welcoming Javier Vazquez to the team.

(Photo: Reuters; source)

Brewers Sign Jorge Julio and yet not a tear shed

The big news of the offseason so far for the Braves was the completion of their six player trade with the Chicago White Sox that brought Javier Vazquez over. But maybe the bigger news has been Atlanta’s lack of signings. While they offered money to Mike Hampton he graciously accepted the bid of the Houston Astros thus answering a Christmas wish years in the making. The wish of the Braves finally getting rid of his dead and injured weight. Now comes news that the Milwaukee Brewers have signed reliever Jorge Julio. While he did well with the team recording 3 wins and a .079 ERA, somehow I’m not sad. Now if they could only get rid of Blaine Boyer…
(Photo: Gregory Smith/AP; source)

Braves new catcher

Don’t start hyperventilating…the Braves are not getting rid of All-Star Brian McCann. But they are trying to get rid of the back-up pair of Corky Miller and Clint Sammons by signing David Ross to a two year deal. And yes, when I was reading the article on foxsports.com I had to think to myself David who? But apparently, he spent time with the Reds and Red Sox last year and has compiled a career batting average of .222. Normally that paltry batting average would give me hives, but with Mac starting five times a week, how much do you need from a back up?
(source)

Braves pick up a pitcher

It’s no secret the Braves are in dire need of pitching. Who knows about John Smoltz and Tom Glavine’s status, Tim Hudson is out until at least August and Atlanta was so desperate they offered a contract to Mike Hampton that was reportedly more than the $2 million he accepted from the Astros. Add in the fact that the Jake Peavy deal fell through and you can see why pitching is the number one priority on the Braves list this off season.

With that in mind, the Braves have traded four young players to the White Sox for veteran right hander Javier Vazquez and reliever Boone Logan. Vasquez went 12-16 with a 4.67 ERA in 33 starts for Chicago last season and has an overall record of 127-129. The righty is expected to make $23 million over the next two years.

Of the four players the Braves sent west, the White Sox are reportedly most excited about infielder Brent Lillibridge. They also received catcher Tyler Flowers, third baseman Jon Gilmore and pitcher Santos Rodriguez.

This trade is just a small step. The team still hopes to lure A.J. Burnett down south, although I don’t know if would be too thrilled if the Braves gave him the five year contract he’s looking for. Hopefully, things will begin to shake out next week during the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, however I have a feeling this off season especially, teams won’t truly start coming together until late January maybe even up to spring training.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

So Long Mikey

The Houston Astros have reportedly signed Mike Hampton pending a physical. Financial terms have not been released.

This puts an official end to the Mike Hampton era in Atlanta, in which Hampton spent parts of four years on the DL. I’m sure he’s a nice human being and all, but frankly, thank goodness the Braves are not re-signing him for 2009.
(Photo: Gregory Smith/AP; source)