Official Offseason Thread

[Bravo95]

Well the D-Backs don't really need SP. They have Cahill,Kennedy,Hudson,Miley, Bauer, Skaggs, Bradley. Actually that's probably the only team in the league with more pitching depth than us.

I know, but whether those guys are ready next season remains to be seen. Think about it: The Braves finished Top 5 in team ERA both last year and this year, yet even we are still kinda sorta looking for a front end starter. Everyone in here wants Grienke. Arizona knows, like we know, that you can never have enough reliable arms, especially in the NL with rotations like the Cards, Giants, Nats, Phillies, Dodgers, etc looking stout for next season. If you want to compete, you need to be DEEP.

[Bravo95]

I would really like Jonny Gomes in a platoon role. He has a career line of .284.382.512 against LHP.

I've always liked him, but my guess is Wren tries to bring back Reed Johnson for the 4th OF role.

[beldugo]

I know, but whether those guys are ready next season remains to be seen. Think about it: The Braves finished Top 5 in team ERA both last year and this year, yet even we are still kinda sorta looking for a front end starter. Everyone in here wants Grienke. Arizona knows, like we know, that you can never have enough reliable arms, especially in the NL with rotations like the Cards, Giants, Nats, Phillies, Dodgers, etc looking stout for next season. If you want to compete, you need to be DEEP.

Agreed. But in my opinion if they are trading Upton, the centerpiece of a deal should be a position player.

[Bravo95]

Agreed. But in my opinion if they are trading Upton, the centerpiece of a deal should be a position player.

Maybe so, but that doesn't mean we should be the one to give it to them, simply because, once again, the Braves can't afford it. Wren can find a pitching-hungry team with a surplus of position players (like KC, etc) to make a 3-way deal work if necessary.

Look at where Atlanta ranked offensively in various categories this season -- 17th in runs, 21st in BA, 13th in OBP, 22nd in slugging. Then let it soak in that the Braves are already losing 2 of their 5 best hitters. Look at the depth and stats in that Cardinals lineup, that's the measuring stick going forward. The Braves cannot afford to get rid of any bats; they need to be stockpiling, not merely switching out, because replacing one bat with another won't change things that much.

[ATL#22]

I've always liked him, but my guess is Wren tries to bring back Reed Johnson for the 4th OF role.

If its between the two then we should target Gomes. Gomes will walk more and hit for way more power but of course will be more expensive.

[HowFit]

Reed Johnson seems valuable bench player. Hits well for avg and can play all 3 outfield positions...

[BRAVE KID]

I've always liked him, but my guess is Wren tries to bring back Reed Johnson for the 4th OF role.

That's possible but I believe Reed may want to return to the Cubs more. Just a hunch though..however, money can talk.

[Getting UGGLA]

Maybe so, but that doesn't mean we should be the one to give it to them, simply because, once again, the Braves can't afford it. Wren can find a pitching-hungry team with a surplus of position players (like KC, etc) to make a 3-way deal work if necessary.

Look at where Atlanta ranked offensively in various categories this season -- 17th in runs, 21st in BA, 13th in OBP, 22nd in slugging. Then let it soak in that the Braves are already losing 2 of their 5 best hitters. Look at the depth and stats in that Cardinals lineup, that's the measuring stick going forward. The Braves cannot afford to get rid of any bats; they need to be stockpiling, not merely switching out, because replacing one bat with another won't change things that much.

Very well stated. Chipper and Prado were the only ones with +.350 OBP. We're losing one. We need like 4 more guys with +.350 OBP to compete with S.L.

[BRAVE KID]

That or increase our SLG...and that doesn't always mean more homers. We need a smart and disciplined offense, one that will buy into the fundamentals..that won't be afraid to take the walk when necessary.

That .697 OPS with runners in scoring position with a stacked lineup (talent wise) is quite pathetic though.

[westside]

besides Juan Francisco's power, he is not the answer to our 162 game 3B. of course there's days off but he defense over Prado's isn't an idea move. plus Prado has a much better bat. Juan swings at balls in the dirt and watches one go rite down the middle. he is too inconsistent and his range is average. I wonder what kind of package would it take to get a CarGo, or josh willingham. only thing is Carlos gonzo is a LH but a good one none the less. and NO to bj Upton, michael young and justin upton.

[westside]

i say switch Prado to 3rd, trade for a LF, and try to resign Bourn. If not, then we can count on FW to get something good done. Remember, he said they are looking to add PREMIUM players, not just some guys to come fill in. so be on the
lookout for something to get done early

[chipurmunki]

Maybe so, but that doesn't mean we should be the one to give it to them, simply because, once again, the Braves can't afford it. Wren can find a pitching-hungry team with a surplus of position players (like KC, etc) to make a 3-way deal work if necessary.

Look at where Atlanta ranked offensively in various categories this season -- 17th in runs, 21st in BA, 13th in OBP, 22nd in slugging. Then let it soak in that the Braves are already losing 2 of their 5 best hitters. Look at the depth and stats in that Cardinals lineup, that's the measuring stick going forward. The Braves cannot afford to get rid of any bats; they need to be stockpiling, not merely switching out, because replacing one bat with another won't change things that much.

i couldn't care less how we rank vs the al. it's a different ballgame over there.

[Bravo95]

That's possible but I believe Reed may want to return to the Cubs more. Just a hunch though..however, money can talk.

You could be right. We'll see how it plays out.

Very well stated. Chipper and Prado were the only ones with +.350 OBP. We're losing one. We need like 4 more guys with +.350 OBP to compete with S.L.

There's some truth to that, but remember it goes beyond OBP. The team did a decent job of getting guys on base all season, drew the 2nd-most walks in baseball (567):

http://www.baseball-reference.com/le...rd_batting::15

But they didn't drive 'em in often enough, see the link below:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/le...rd_batting::12

The low Team Slugging % shows they weren't getting enough extra base hits this season, and Prado's 58 XBHs was tied for second on the team with Freeman. Heyward led the way with 63. MP is more valuable than a lot of people think.

i couldn't care less how we rank vs the al. it's a different ballgame over there

Yeah, but you get what I'm saying. Overall, their offense was just average even by NL standards, which was an improvement from the embarrassment in 2011, but still average.

[SB75]

besides Juan Francisco's power, he is not the answer to our 162 game 3B. of course there's days off but he defense over Prado's isn't an idea move. plus Prado has a much better bat. Juan swings at balls in the dirt and watches one go rite down the middle. he is too inconsistent and his range is average. I wonder what kind of package would it take to get a CarGo, or josh willingham. only thing is Carlos gonzo is a LH but a good one none the less. and NO to bj Upton, michael young and justin upton.

Okay Westside, stay with me here. I'm trying to get a beat on your train of thought.

You say not to an Justin Upton trade but Yes to looking into a Cargo trade. There career numbers are very close without Justin having the advantage of hitting at Coors field for half the season. Justin is also RH, has hit lefty's well, and has hit the ball well at turner field. Witth them being of similar age, can you please explain why you prefer Cargo over Justin? Thanks.

[SB75]

CRAZY QUESTION:

If the Yanks where willing to eat 80+% of A-Rods contract, would you take him for a C level spec?