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!)

Phillies Phans...Your Welcome

The Braves battled back to beat the Mets, 7-6 giving the Phillies a game and half lead in the NL East. (The Braves took the Series, 2 games to one after dropping the first game of the series, 9-5.) This coming on the heels of the Phillies three game sweep down in Atlanta. But don't get too overly generous with your affections Philadelphia. The Braves have three more games at Citizen's Bank Park to complete this week. A place they've won two whole games this season. Anything can happen, but knowing the Braves, it probably won't end favorably for Atlanta. Here's hoping for a little spoiler action!
(Photo: AP)

Ah...GROSS!!!!

I hereby decree that all Braves/Phillies games shall hence forth be played only at Citizens Bank Park and that Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard have officially been taken off my Christmas list. This surely comes on the heels of the Braves 4-3 loss to the Phils last night which completed the Phillies season sweep of Atlanta at home. Yes, as if things aren’t bad enough Philadelphia became the first team to sweep an entire season series in Atlanta since 1975. (1909 for a season sweep of more than 9 games). For the love of cheddar, can you guys please beat the Mets this weekend! PLEASE!

News&Notes: John Smoltz has been announced as a member of the TBS broadcast crew for the post season…One day Matt Diaz hopes to take the field. Goodness he’s been out for a long time.
(Photo: REUTERS/Tami Chappell)

Damn it Ryan Howard…

…Why did you have to start playing like an MVP now? Where’s the Ryan Howard of April/May 2008. The guy that would strike out with runners in scoring position, huh? Why this new fangled Ryan Howard circa 2005/06? Without you Ryan, the Braves maybe could have maintained their lead in the eighth inning and then Mike Gonzalez wouldn’t have looked so sad in the picture posted above. He may have been pumping his firsts with excitement that he had gotten the Braves out of a jam and into the ninth with the lead still in tact. But alas Ryan Howard, you ruined it. So what all of your teammates are clapping for you, giving you high fives and slapping your ass because you did a good job. And so what if the fans in Philly aren’t booing you right now and instead have probably gone back to their old punching bag Pat Burrell. Does it really matter to you that badly? I mean you’re still making $10 million a year thanks to the favorable arbitration ruling.

Now I get to hear at work, so your Braves could only bet the Mets, huh? Couldn’t handle the Phillies for us? And I have to reply well my Braves (since apparently I now have a large holding in Liberty Media) only fare well against teams that enjoy choking down the stretch; they have nothing for teams that actually want to win. So thanks Ryan Howard for the awkward moments in the break room and for beating the Braves last night. Real upper for me this morning! I can barely even enjoy my butterfinger crunch yogurt!

News&Notes: Bobby Cox is not happy with the way Ned Yost was fired...But could Yost ended up back with the Braves?...Congrats to the Double-A Mississippi Braves who won the Southern League championship on Saturday. Their manager Phillip Wellman was up with the Braves on Monday...Speaking of the Braves minor league system, the Gwinnett Braves has decided to name their mascot "Chopper".

(Photo: AP)

Around the League: What's up with some Braves alumni?

A few former Braves made headlines this weekend. Here's a little round up:

The Red Sox seemed to be very interested in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, one of the five prospects sent to the Rangers for Mark Teixeira last season. According to this rumor, the Rangers would want a top pitching prospect in return.
(source)



Speaking of Tex, he picked up his 200th career homerun on Sunday in the Angles 4-3 win over the Mariners.
(Photo: source)

The LA Dodgers are not too happy with their $18 million investment, Andruw Jones, who they just placed on the 60 DL to make room for Takashi Saito. For those counting, Jones hit .158 with 14 RBIs in 75 games with the Dodgers this season. The Braves dodged a bullet there.
(source)

Stunning

Just when I was about to flip over to the Giants game, the Braves stormed back in the ninth inning to get the 7-4 victory. With two men on and no outs, Greg Norton chased reliever Luis Ayala out of the game with his pinch hit three run blast that gave the Braves a one run advantage. Atlanta tacked on two more runs before the inning was out and Mike Gonzalez picked up his 11th save in the win. Not a bad way to close out Shea Stadium for the Braves, huh?

During their weekend series, Atlanta was able to expose the Mets most glaring hole, their bullpen, especially in their two come from behind victories during Saturday’s game 1 of the doubleheader and Sunday afternoon. The Braves lost the second game of the doubleheader, 5-0 behind a great performance by Mets rookie Jonathon Niese. (The win was Niese’s first ever in the majors.)

Even though they are not in the heat of a pennant race for the third straight year, they could have altered the path for the Mets. The two losses, coupled with the Phillies four game sweep of the Brewers, placed Philadelphia a game behind in the standings. And now they take on the Phillies. Can they play spoiler again?

News&Notes: Bobby Cox wants “pitching, pitching, pitching” and it would be nice if they were younger, younger, younger than 40 next year...The Braves are promising a big fat bat for 2009...Yunel Escobar was held out with a strained hamstring...Chipper Jones brought his family to Shea last weekend.

(Photo: AP)

Supermarket Sweep

Where has this effort been over the past three months? Because if all it takes for the Braves to be effective is to play the Rockies all the time, then I say baseball should change its scheduling rules. Yunel Escobar highlighted a five run sixth inning with his three run blast and Jair Jurrjens threw a career high 10 strike outs in six innings, in which he allowed four runs. The 8-4 win completed the three game sweep of the Rockies, giving them their first home sweep since May 20-22 when they beat the Mets.

The Braves wore special hats on Thursday to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Back in New York, SNY (the Mets broadcasting network) re-aired the September 21, 2001 game between the Mets and the Braves. I believe it was the first baseball game played in New York after the attacks. It was almost eerie to be transported back to those moments but it also reminded me of the beauty of baseball. A sport that can so quickly bond a city, even one that is practically split in half by the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees, through such a horrible time. They interviewed then Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a huge Yankees fan and even he was rooting for the Mets. It was just an odd momemt, a practically full Shea Stadium, a hopeful crowd and a lot of cheering, things you don't always see in Queens.

It was also fun to see everyone looking so young. Chipper playing left field (such a bad decision); Bobby Cox looked like he was about 15 years younger, Leo Mazzone still rocking on the bench, Marcus Giles, Javy Lopez, Andruw Jones looking a good 50 pounds lighter, Jason Marquis pitching.

Every once in a while it’s just nice to watch an old game and look back at the players who are no longer on the team and even the ones that still are with the team (which is basically just Chipper even though John Smoltz and Tom Glavine are technically still with the team) and just relive the game again. Even when you know exactly how it’s going to turn out as was the case with this game (because they tend to re-air it a couple of times a year) it’s just nice to be transported to a different time for three hours.

And speaking of the Braves and Mets, Atlanta will be heading to my neck of the woods this weekend for their final three game series at Shea Stadium. Saturday’s game will be broadcast on Fox at 3:55 PM/est so don’t forget to tune in. Maybe the Braves can play spoiler!!

News&Notes: Hank Aaron is a lot more fun to talk to you when you don’t mention Barry Bonds…John Smoltz’s shoulder looks good, while Chuck James’ isn’t looking too hot. Hopefully the shoulder surgery he underwent can fix that…Speaking of injuries, Charlie Morton is “basically shut down.”...Don't forget to vote for Tom Glavine for Man of the Year.

(Photos: AP)