What I've Missed: A Wrap-up of the last five days

After a couple of days on the road, here’s what’s happening in Braves land.

Jake Peavy Update
Admittedly, I spent a large portion of my vacation checking my cell phone for any updates on the Peavy trade. On Thursday, the news was that the deal was all but locked up. However, I got a little nervous with the quantity the Braves were willing to give up. Something like five players including Yunel Escobar and Gorkys Hernandez. I’m all for getting rid of Jo-Jo Reyes and Blaine Boyer, but five players seemed a little much.

By Friday, the news had markedly changed. The Braves had pulled out of the trade talks, putting Peavy’s Braves future about six feet under.

I would have liked the Braves to pick up Peavy, but not for that price. The Yankees cannot possible pick up every free agent on the market. And if they don’t sign A.J. Burnett, the Braves could try to pick him up. The 5 years, $80 million the Yanks are offering seems a bit high, but the Braves aren’t destitute either. Conversely, if the Yankees do sign Burnett, then Derek Lowe would be available. Although I’ve heard rumors that he would like to head back to Boston. The point is, even thought the Braves did not trade for Peavy, they are not dead in the water. The market is filled with a number of quality arms that could fit into the Braves system.

Brian McCann picks up Award
Congratulations to Brian McCann on being named a Silver Slugger Award winner. McCann lead all NL catchers with a .301 batting average and his 23 homeruns were matched only by the Cubs Geovany Soto. He was joined in the NL by NL MVP Albert Pujols, Chase Utley, David Wright, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Braun, Matt Holliday, Ryan Ludwick, Matt Holliday and Carlos Zambrano.

Chipper Jones named on 12 MVP ballots
By the end of the first half of the season, there were many that believed that Braves third baseman Chipper Jones was well on his way to picking up his second MVP trophy. Perhaps it was the Braves second half slide or Jones’ nagging injuries that sidelined the 1999 winner from keeping up his torrid pace, but whatever the case, Chipper’s run was stopped. Those factors however did not prevent 12 people from placing Jones’ name on their MVP ballots. And when all was counted, Chipper finished 12th in MVP voting behind winner Albert Pujols, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun.

News&Notes: The Braves have made a preliminary offer to re-sign reliever Will Ohman…The Braves could have some interest in bringing back Rafael Furcal...Yahoo! Sports has an interesting article on young catchers which includes Braves prospect Tyler Flowers. Click here to read it…You’ve been hearing a lot about him, so just who is this Tommy Hanson fellow?

Reminder

I'll be away from my desk and unable to blog until Tuesday, so if there are any updates on the status of the Peavy trade or any big free agent signings beginning on Friday, I won't be able to post about it until next week.

Have a happy rest of the week!

Jurrjens comes in third in ROY voting

Jair Jurrjens became one of the most reliable starters for the Braves in 2008 ranking first in ERA (3.88) and wins (13) for any rookie pitcher in the NL. On Monday, all of his hard work was acknowledge as he came in third place in NL Rookie of the Year voting behind winner and Cubs catcher Geovany Soto and Reds first baseman Joey Votto. Jurrjens seems to have a very bright future ahead of him with the Braves.
(Photo: Tom Mihalek/AP; source)

Phillies Host Braves in MLB Season Opener

For the second straight season, the Braves will be hosted in MLB season opener, which will take place Sunday April 5, 2009. In 2008, the Braves lost to the Nationals in the first regular season game ever played at the new Nationals Stadium, hopefully, the Braves will have a better outcome in 2009.

I know it’s more coincidence than a sign of the Braves prominence, but it’s still pretty cool to have the Braves featured in the first game of the season.
(source)

Updating the Peavy News

Since this seems to be the big news for the Braves so far this off-season, I figured I’d give a little update. According to Foxsports.com, the package the Braves are offering would include Yunel Escobar, Charlie Morton or Jo-Jo Reyes and a third player most likely a top level prospect like Jordan Schafer or Gorkys Hernandez. I would hate to see Escobar go, but would be happy to send either Morton or Reyes to get Peavy. The Braves are in dire need for a front line starter and based on last season, I don’t see either Morton or Reyes heading in that direction. Like I said previously, I would much rather get rid of Kelly Johnson over Escobar, but the Padres don’t seem willing to take Kelly Johnson as a centerpiece.

The only other team that is also a major player in the Peavy sweepstakes according to the same article is the Cubs who would have a devastating rotation even if they don’t re-sign Ryan Dempster. With the addition of Peavy, they’d have Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden and Ted Lilly taking the mound. Add Dempster and it’s practically ridiculous.

In other trade news, the AJC is reporting the Braves may strike a deal for Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick. Ludwick was a lightning bolt for the team hitting .299 with 37 homers and 113 RBIs in 2008. He’d obviously provide the outfield bat the Braves are looking for. However, according to the article, the Cardinals want Yunel Escobar and depending on how the Peavy trade works out, the Braves you know cannot to trade Escobar to both teams and do not want to trade both Escobar and Kelly Johnson in the same off season.

Judging by the articles I've read, it's an either or situation, which is fine by me. The Braves have $40 million to spend this off season, right? Why trade away the farm for two players when they have more than enough to attract a star pitcher or a power hitting outfielder. I’d almost rather see them trade for Ludwick and pick up a Ryan Dempster or a Derek Lowe and see how Tommy Hanson turns out. If you throw out 2009 (because frankly, it would be an uphill battle even if the Braves acquired Peavy) and consider that by 2010, Tim Hudson would be back at full strength, Hanson could have at least a half a season under his belt, Jair Jurrjens would have two full seasons under his plus the newly acquired number one starter and the rotation would really have taken form. Frankly, looking over the list of current free agent filings, the outfield position is a lot less appetizing (at best a Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn) than the possible pitchers (Ryan Dempster/Derek Lowe/Ben Sheets/Brad Penny/CC Sabathia/A.J. Burnett...)

UPDATE: Oh and I almost forgot...there's this Japanese right handed pitcher Junichi Tazawa. He's described as a 22 year old amateur pitcher who is trying to make the jump to the Majors. Apparently the Braves, Red Sox, Mariners, Phillies and now Tigers are interested.
(Photo: Nam Y. Huh/AP)

Greg Maddux to Retire?

Former Atlanta Brave pitcher Greg Maddux is very close to retirement according to his agent Scott Boras. The 42 year-old spent time with the San Diego Padres before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers mid-season. While Maddux made the post season roster, he was used as a reliever not a starter. Plus he would be much better suited to join his older brother Mike and become a pitching coach.

This got me thinking, if Maddux retires what about John Smoltz and Tom Glavine? Currently both players are rehabbing, hoping to make it back to the show. Glavine has said he would only return to the Braves, while Smoltz said he would be willing to go elsewhere. However, if Maddux retires, than I prefer for both Smoltz and Glavine to retire this year as well. How magical would it be to have those three enter the Hall of Fame together?

And let’s face it, it’s going to be a while before the Braves are ready to return to their playoff form. I’d rather start developing the Braves younger talent, so they’d be ready for a comeback in 2010, then have Smoltz and Glavine taking their spots. It would very odd to see a Braves roster that did not feature Smoltzie, but it would even worse if these guys miss entering together by one year.

News&Notes: The market for Jake Peavy is expanding...Greg Norton, Will Ohman and Julian Tavarez filed for free agency. I'd keep Ohman...Speaking of former Braves, Rafael Furcal filed for free agency...And apparently Andruw Jones would like to retire a Brave. Like one of those one day free agent signings? Otherwise I don't think so.
(Photo: AP)

Could Jake Peavy become a Brave in the Near Future?

Here’s what I’ve learned thanks to some local papers, the Braves look to be the front runner in the big Peavy sweepstakes. They have two things going for them, young talent and a great location. You see, Peavy has a no trade clause and is said to be interested in only a few teams mainly National League teams with the ability to win like the Astros (who according to the source link have no shot in hell), St. Louis and Atlanta.

Also according to the papers, he won’t come cheap, demanding three high level prospects around the caliber of a Jordan Schafer, Yunel Escobar or Kelly Johnson. (Take Kelly Johnson, please!! He’s a good player, but when he commits an error, it almost always costs the Braves the win.) Currently it looks like outfielder Jason Heyward, pitchers Tommy Hanson and Julio Teheran, first baseman Freddie Freeman and center fielders Jordan Schafer and Gorkys Hernandez are off the table. But the Padres will want high level pitching along with major league ready players so something's got to give.

The Padres are also trying to package Peavy and SS Khalil Greene together, but to make that deal work; the Braves would have to ship out Escobar and his four years till free agency for Greene’s $6 million+ 2009 salary. And like I said, I’m willing to part with Johnson before Yunel, even if he may or may not have some sort of attitude problem. Maybe he can join Jose Reyes at school for baseball players that act like five year olds. And if by chance the Braves trade Escobar than they would need a SS like Greene in exchange, just as long as he promises to stop his nasty habit of fighting storage chests. It's always going to be a losing battle Khalil, which you may have to pay for in more ways than one.

With this trade looking like it will be done by mid-November, the Braves could have about $20 million (if they add both Padres players) to play around with to fill the other major holes, a second pitcher and corner outfielder with power. (Yeah, and I still back Pat) Thank goodness I’m not a GM, just thinking about these scenarios makes me want to eat my weight in Moon Pies.

News&Notes: Announcer Pete Van Wieren is retiring after 33 years.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

Don't Kick Me!

I know, I’ve been very bad about updating this blog over the past say 10 days, but such is the nature of blogging about a team that missed the postseason for the third year in a row. (Also I’ve been kind of busy at work.) So let me back track a little bit. The last time I left the Braves, Chipper Jones had won the NL batting title, four out of the five projected starters out of spring training had hit the DL, Jeff Francoeur went MIA (but he’s totally promising to make at least a cameo in 2009), Brian McCann rebounded nicely from a disappointing 2007, the Braves traded away a couple of players that made postseason appearances (Mark Teixeira and Mark Kotsay) and the Phillies were once again the lone representative of the NL East for the 2008 postseason. Have we all caught up now?

As the team disperses to play golf, take a stab at being the color commentator (PS-How good was John Smoltz doing the Phillies/Brewers games? Like I repeat, I’m up in Jersey so I don’t get to watch the broadcasts he does on I guess SS, but he was great. I’d love to see him join Ron Darling and Chip Caray and do the ALCS, but I don’t think that’s happening), or whatever else it is these guys do in the offseason, let’s take some time out to talk about 2009.

GM Frank Wren said the major focus for this offseason is pitching, which is a good place for us to start.

The 2009 rotation is looking a little barren. You’ve got Jair Jurrjens and Jorge Campillo, two righties who were rather solid in 2008. Then there’s Tim Hudson who at the very best would return mid-season. And that’s about it. So the Braves would be in need of at least two starters and some lefties thrown in there. (I'm refusing to think that Mike Hampton will be apart of this rotation despite what Wren may say.)

The AJC brought up Jake Peavy, who may or may not be on the market. (I’ve seen conflicting reports) The good things about Jake Peavy are that he’s a #1 pitcher, he’s signed through 2011 and that he’s from Alabama. The bad, he becomes expensive, especially after 2009. As his deal is currently structured, he’d be making $11 million next season, $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011. Also he’s a righty. Plus this could be like Tim Hudson 2.0 and well we’ve all seen how that worked out (took a while for Huddy to adjust and now he’s out for a year.) Not to mention the parade of prospects that would have to be sent to the west coast in exchange for his services.

Another name brought up that would come via trade would be the Giants Matt Cain. He would be someone I’d be more willing to trade for. He’s cheap, he’s talented and he’s super young. You know how people say not to look at win-loss records; well he’s a fine example. I remember last year watching a game where he lost 1-0 to the Red Sox. He’s totally the poster child for bad luck, but maybe he could turn that around with a move to Atlanta.

Then we turn to free agents. As I perused a list of upcoming free agents, I started to get a little nervous. As you may guess, a bunch of these guys are not spring chickens and some are slightly injury prone: Carl Pavano, Livan and Orlando Hernandez, Jamie Moyer, Mark Mulder, Bartolo Colon, Ben Sheets and Freddy Garcia. Not to mention the only lefties are like Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton and I’m good, no need to go down that road again.

Of the names I saw, I liked only a few. Ryan Dempster would be one. I believe he had Tommy John surgery a couple of years ago, but seems to have rebounded well. He spent most of his time with the Cubs coming out of the bullpen before returning to the starting rotation in 2008. He wouldn’t be incredibly expensive and could prove to be a reliable addition. Brad Penny could be another one, depending on how much he’s demanding and whether his health will play a factor. If Derek Lowe does well throughout the rest of the postseason, I’d say he may get more expensive than he’s probably worth. And the Braves are so not getting Sabathia (even though he’s beyond the perfect fit) and the Yankees will probably over bid for A.J. Burnett if he opts out his contract so that's about it.

I’d take an Olly Perez if a) his agent wasn’t Scott Boras - $15 million my…b) he wasn’t so all over the place c) the Braves had more pitching depth. He is such an all or nothing type of player who can completely wow you one minute and have you scratching your head the next minute and this is literally all in one or two innings. If ever there was a guy who was susceptible to one bad inning, it’s Ollie. He’s also shown that he can flip a switch and deliver a knock out performance like game 6 of the 2006 NLCS. He’s dominant against good teams and like a high school freshman up against bad teams. But and here’s a big plus for Perez, he’s a lefty whose name is not Mike Hampton! If he was like $4- 5 million, I’d say go for it (and I bet the Mets would, too), but Boras is rumored to want $15 million so I’d say next!

The other big gapping hole is an outfielder with a big bat. Even if Francoeur decides to go back to being a professional player (and honestly, I think he will) the Braves still have a large hole in their lineup and I’d like that filled with a veteran bat as opposed to a Jordan Shafer. Looking through the possible free agent outfielders and I’m thinking the Braves will probably need to make a trade. (Although don’t throw stuff at me, but I’d take Pat Burrell for a reduced salary. He’s kind of streaky, and I’m sure he’d give a discount to the Phillies well before talking to another team, but he has proven to have some major pop and he’s not a compete buffoon in the outfield.) Also looking at those names makes me even more upset the Braves weren’t able to bring in Jason Bay. So close, but so far. He’s really making waves up in Boston. And I'm not competely sold on brining Matt Holiday over from Colorado.

I think I’ve done enough typing. Put your thoughts in the comments section below, and like the title says, don’t kick me!

Oh and on a competely different note, John Smotlz's jersey worn when he scored his 3,000th strike out will be among several items featured at Cooperstown.

(source)

Photos: Chipper Jones - Getty Images; Jake Peavy - AP/Denis Poroy; Matt Cain - AP/Ben Margot; Ryan Dempster - Ap/Nam Y. Huh; Oliver Perez - AP/Seth Wenig

Chipper Jones: Your 2008 NL Batting Champ

He came thisclose last year, falling to Matt Holliday on the final day of the season, but this time Chipper Jones made sure he’d pick up his first career batting title beating Albert Pujols (.357) and Holliday (.321) with his career best .364 average. In collecting the award, Jones became the oldest switch-hitting player to do so and for a switch-hitter his average is second only to Mickey Mantle who batted .365 in 1957. Congrats Chipper! You truly were one of the lone Braves highlights this season!
(Photo: AP; source)

Jo-Jo is inspired by the Rays

To take your mind off of another loss to the Phillies (seriously Pat Burrell I’m regretting our Photo Day moment!) I bring this amusing story about the Braves young pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes. According to the AJC, Reyes has decided to get a Mohawk hoping to change his luck around after going 0-7 in his last 12 games. This comes on the heels of the Tampa Bay Rays new fashion statement which I believe began with Justin Upton and has spread all the way to manager Joe Maddon. (Bugs & Cranks have all the photos here.) I guess it’s better than the contact lens, huh Jeff?

(Still waiting on photographical evidence, I’ll post when I find it!)