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The Braves re-signed Greg Norton for the 2009 season. Terms have yet to be announced.
In 2008, Norton hit .246 with seven homers for the Braves as a full-time pinch hitter/part-time starter. He walked 31 times in 171 at bats. He hit .289 with a .396 OBP, including four home runs, from the left side. It will be good to have him return to the bench.
The Braves also signed Lance Niekro to a minor-league deal with more than likely a Spring Training invite. The purpose of this is to convert him to a knuckleball pitcher with uncle Phil as his personal coach. If everything goes well, Niekro will get a good look in Spring Training. Should be an interesting story to follow this coming season.
**Update**
Norton's deal is one year at $800,000.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Jeff Francoeur in 2009
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/shysterball/article/thoughts-on-jeff-francoeur/
Just an article about Jeff Francoeur in 2009 from The Hardball Times. Dave O' Brien blogs about the Braves probably not committing to a free agent outfielder or a Ben Sheets/Derek Lowe. I completely agree that this should not be done. Signing Adam Dunn and Ben Sheets will not make a difference this season, and then the Braves are stuck with them when prospects are ready to make the jump.
Leave Jeff Francoeur in right field until the Braves are seriously contending again and then you can trade him. The number one factor in this is that he's cheap. After losing out on Jake Peavy, A.J. Burnett, and Rafael Furcal, there is no need to waste money at this point.
If Francoeur can gain power I will be more willing to watch him hit everyday. He is entering his fourth full season at age 25. He should be gaining some developed power, something that many raw hitters find as they reach their prime and up to around 31-32. He abandoned any development of selection last season, leading to his worst season yet. If he can just sit around his 2007 numbers and develop power, he will be more valuable come trading time. Until that day, all we can do is sit and wait for Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer, and Gorkys Hernandez.
Just an article about Jeff Francoeur in 2009 from The Hardball Times. Dave O' Brien blogs about the Braves probably not committing to a free agent outfielder or a Ben Sheets/Derek Lowe. I completely agree that this should not be done. Signing Adam Dunn and Ben Sheets will not make a difference this season, and then the Braves are stuck with them when prospects are ready to make the jump.
Leave Jeff Francoeur in right field until the Braves are seriously contending again and then you can trade him. The number one factor in this is that he's cheap. After losing out on Jake Peavy, A.J. Burnett, and Rafael Furcal, there is no need to waste money at this point.
If Francoeur can gain power I will be more willing to watch him hit everyday. He is entering his fourth full season at age 25. He should be gaining some developed power, something that many raw hitters find as they reach their prime and up to around 31-32. He abandoned any development of selection last season, leading to his worst season yet. If he can just sit around his 2007 numbers and develop power, he will be more valuable come trading time. Until that day, all we can do is sit and wait for Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer, and Gorkys Hernandez.
Calling Out the Agents; Mark Teixeira
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3781333
Tell 'em, Schuerholtz. While many seem to be overreacting to this, as I have come to expect, I feel there is nothing wrong in what the Braves are doing here. What Rafael Furcal's agency did is wrong and should be called out, not just brushed aside like it's an everyday thing. You let this go without comment and it shows that the Braves are weak and vulnerable. This commenting also gives a heads up to other clubs because Atlanta is known for being one of the classiest organizations in the game and what they say will be taken seriously.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3780408
John Henry appears to be calling the bluff of Scott Boras. I really don't see how other offers could be topping Boston's, or that Mark Teixeira is considering the Orioles or Nationals over the Red Sox. I had originally thought the Orioles were slipping away, and I just don't hear much about the Nationals. Signing with Baltimore over Boston just doesn't make sense if you're wanting to contend. So that leaves the Angels, who made an eight-year offer during the Winter Meetings. I expect him to remain an Angel and for L.A. to step out of any talks for Jake Peavy.
Tell 'em, Schuerholtz. While many seem to be overreacting to this, as I have come to expect, I feel there is nothing wrong in what the Braves are doing here. What Rafael Furcal's agency did is wrong and should be called out, not just brushed aside like it's an everyday thing. You let this go without comment and it shows that the Braves are weak and vulnerable. This commenting also gives a heads up to other clubs because Atlanta is known for being one of the classiest organizations in the game and what they say will be taken seriously.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3780408
John Henry appears to be calling the bluff of Scott Boras. I really don't see how other offers could be topping Boston's, or that Mark Teixeira is considering the Orioles or Nationals over the Red Sox. I had originally thought the Orioles were slipping away, and I just don't hear much about the Nationals. Signing with Baltimore over Boston just doesn't make sense if you're wanting to contend. So that leaves the Angels, who made an eight-year offer during the Winter Meetings. I expect him to remain an Angel and for L.A. to step out of any talks for Jake Peavy.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Yay For B.S. Agents
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3776705
Could the offseason get any worse for the Braves? They can't seal Jake Peavy, they can't seal A.J. Burnett, and now they lose out to Rafael Furcal after originally announcing a deal was almost done. Nothing seems to be going right.
The Dodgers closed out the signing at three years, $33 million. Backing out of the deal makes everybody involved look bad, including Frank Wren. This is a humiliation. Wren was played for more money and it worked to perfection. Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, is going to lose credibility and any future business from the Braves. Bad business all around.
"When people deal with you in this manner, they lose credibility. You don't forget these things." - Frank Wren
Could the offseason get any worse for the Braves? They can't seal Jake Peavy, they can't seal A.J. Burnett, and now they lose out to Rafael Furcal after originally announcing a deal was almost done. Nothing seems to be going right.
The Dodgers closed out the signing at three years, $33 million. Backing out of the deal makes everybody involved look bad, including Frank Wren. This is a humiliation. Wren was played for more money and it worked to perfection. Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, is going to lose credibility and any future business from the Braves. Bad business all around.
"When people deal with you in this manner, they lose credibility. You don't forget these things." - Frank Wren
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Rafael Furcal Unofficially a Brave
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3772806
We'll more than likely know the final outcome of this either tonight or tomorrow. Rafael Furcal's agent is giving the Dodgers one last chance today to match Atlanta's offer. It appears Furcal was ready to sign the deal and his agent told him to give it till tomorrow.
Frank Wren would obviously never announce a trade until Furcal passes a physical, so any trade that may happen after the signing won't be known until everything is official with Furcal. Roy Halladay has popped up in Braves rumors as well as the continuing drama over Jake Peavy.
We'll more than likely know the final outcome of this either tonight or tomorrow. Rafael Furcal's agent is giving the Dodgers one last chance today to match Atlanta's offer. It appears Furcal was ready to sign the deal and his agent told him to give it till tomorrow.
Frank Wren would obviously never announce a trade until Furcal passes a physical, so any trade that may happen after the signing won't be known until everything is official with Furcal. Roy Halladay has popped up in Braves rumors as well as the continuing drama over Jake Peavy.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Furcal to Atlanta Rumors
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8947764/Braves-seeking-to-bring-Furcal-back-to-Atlanta
There is definitely something going on. The signing of Rafael Furcal means the trading of Yunel Escobar, which means a starting pitcher coming to Atlanta, which means new hope for Jake Peavy becoming a Brave yet again.
The Braves have the inside track on signing Furcal for obvious reasons. It appears as if he's just waiting for somebody other than Oakland to offer him a contract, and seeing he was brought up a Brave, this works in their favor. A supposed three year deal with an option doesn't sound bad.
If Furcal is brought on board, Escobar is certain to be traded. Escobar was the first piece of the Peavy deal, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a part of any other deal. A Zack Greinke or Ian Snell-type might be in the works as well.
There is definitely something going on. The signing of Rafael Furcal means the trading of Yunel Escobar, which means a starting pitcher coming to Atlanta, which means new hope for Jake Peavy becoming a Brave yet again.
The Braves have the inside track on signing Furcal for obvious reasons. It appears as if he's just waiting for somebody other than Oakland to offer him a contract, and seeing he was brought up a Brave, this works in their favor. A supposed three year deal with an option doesn't sound bad.
If Furcal is brought on board, Escobar is certain to be traded. Escobar was the first piece of the Peavy deal, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a part of any other deal. A Zack Greinke or Ian Snell-type might be in the works as well.
The Braves-Padres Failed Deal
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/why-the-braves.html
I had read where Kevin Towers was asking six for one type deals, which apparently was incorrect. According to this, the Padres were after Yunel Escobar, Gorkys Hernandez, Charlie Morton, and Jeff Locke/Tyler Flowers. The Braves offered Jo-Jo Reyes instead of Morton and Blaine Boyer instead of Locke/Flowers.
To have a trade for one of the best pitchers in baseball fall through over Morton and Locke/Flowers is one of the dumbest moves I've seen in a long time. What makes it even worse is to see Flowers go to Chicago in the Javier Vazquez trade.
Morton has a bright future but should never be a deal breaker when the deal is for Jake Peavy. I'm not quite sure what Frank Wren is thinking here.
I had read where Kevin Towers was asking six for one type deals, which apparently was incorrect. According to this, the Padres were after Yunel Escobar, Gorkys Hernandez, Charlie Morton, and Jeff Locke/Tyler Flowers. The Braves offered Jo-Jo Reyes instead of Morton and Blaine Boyer instead of Locke/Flowers.
To have a trade for one of the best pitchers in baseball fall through over Morton and Locke/Flowers is one of the dumbest moves I've seen in a long time. What makes it even worse is to see Flowers go to Chicago in the Javier Vazquez trade.
Morton has a bright future but should never be a deal breaker when the deal is for Jake Peavy. I'm not quite sure what Frank Wren is thinking here.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Now That Burnett is Taken...
Per David O' Brien:
"The Braves also have varying degrees of interest in other free-agent pitchers including Jon Garland and Randy Wolf. Contrary to reports, the team hasn’t expressed interest in Derek Lowe, and the Braves are unlikely to pursue Ben Sheets because of his health record and late-season arm injury.
Wren didn’t say which pitchers the Braves were still pursuing in trades, but they’ve had discussions with Kansas City about Zack Greinke (a deal not including Jeff Francoeur), and with Pittsburgh about one or more starters.
Then there is the it-won’t-die possibility of San Diego coming back to the Braves to see if Jake Peavy talks could be revived. The Chicago Cubs reportedly pulled out of Peavy negotiations as the Winter Meetings wound down."
My list of assumed possibilities:
1. Jake Peavy (10-11, 2.85)
2009 Age & Salary: 27, $11 Million
Obviously the most desired. Kevin Towers has not played this situation in a good way, however, and has caused both the Braves and Cubs to step out. It is an almost 100% guarantee that Towers has spoken to Frank Wren since the Cubs bowed out, and there's always a chance that Towers will lessen his expectations. But as long as he's asking for a six for one or seven for one kind of deal, Peavy will not be a Brave. The Angels are more likely to scoop him up in that case.
2. Ian Snell (7-12, 5.42)
2009 Age & Salary: 27, $3 Million
Ian Snell has been discussed as a possible Brave for several years. He finally lived up to his hype in 2007 but took a big step back in 2008 following an extension. Snell is one that would be tougher to get since he belongs to the Pirates, so Wren should be careful if he's talking to Pittsburgh. If he can be brought to Atlanta for the right price, Snell would be a solid addition.
3. Randy Wolf (12-12, 4.30)
2009 Age & Salary: 32, FA
The Braves should only bring Randy Wolf on board as a starter to round out the rotation. Wolf has never had good control and is injury-prone. Inking him to a big contract in desperation is something Wren should avoid.
4. Zack Greinke (13-10, 3.47)
2009 Age & Salary: 25
Zack Greinke would be a great addition if the Braves could pull it off. He is only getting better and will be a force for years as long as he keeps his head on straight. Dayton Moore knows the talent in the Braves' system, though, and the Braves should be careful.
5. Kenshin Kowakami
The 33 year old Japanese starter has had serious talks with the Braves. The Braves lost out on the previous Japanese starter to the Red Sox, and Boston is interested in Kawakami as well. He is projected as a third starter in the Majors.
Jon Garland, Derek Lowe, and Ben Sheets are possibilities that are farther off. Garland is asking for too much, Lowe will get more than the Braves will put up, and Sheets is destined to be a Ranger.
My hopes are that the Padres will call back to the Braves, loosening up on their asking price a bit. Trading for either Greinke or Snell would help salvage this off season some.
"The Braves also have varying degrees of interest in other free-agent pitchers including Jon Garland and Randy Wolf. Contrary to reports, the team hasn’t expressed interest in Derek Lowe, and the Braves are unlikely to pursue Ben Sheets because of his health record and late-season arm injury.
Wren didn’t say which pitchers the Braves were still pursuing in trades, but they’ve had discussions with Kansas City about Zack Greinke (a deal not including Jeff Francoeur), and with Pittsburgh about one or more starters.
Then there is the it-won’t-die possibility of San Diego coming back to the Braves to see if Jake Peavy talks could be revived. The Chicago Cubs reportedly pulled out of Peavy negotiations as the Winter Meetings wound down."
My list of assumed possibilities:
1. Jake Peavy (10-11, 2.85)
2009 Age & Salary: 27, $11 Million
Obviously the most desired. Kevin Towers has not played this situation in a good way, however, and has caused both the Braves and Cubs to step out. It is an almost 100% guarantee that Towers has spoken to Frank Wren since the Cubs bowed out, and there's always a chance that Towers will lessen his expectations. But as long as he's asking for a six for one or seven for one kind of deal, Peavy will not be a Brave. The Angels are more likely to scoop him up in that case.
2. Ian Snell (7-12, 5.42)
2009 Age & Salary: 27, $3 Million
Ian Snell has been discussed as a possible Brave for several years. He finally lived up to his hype in 2007 but took a big step back in 2008 following an extension. Snell is one that would be tougher to get since he belongs to the Pirates, so Wren should be careful if he's talking to Pittsburgh. If he can be brought to Atlanta for the right price, Snell would be a solid addition.
3. Randy Wolf (12-12, 4.30)
2009 Age & Salary: 32, FA
The Braves should only bring Randy Wolf on board as a starter to round out the rotation. Wolf has never had good control and is injury-prone. Inking him to a big contract in desperation is something Wren should avoid.
4. Zack Greinke (13-10, 3.47)
2009 Age & Salary: 25
Zack Greinke would be a great addition if the Braves could pull it off. He is only getting better and will be a force for years as long as he keeps his head on straight. Dayton Moore knows the talent in the Braves' system, though, and the Braves should be careful.
5. Kenshin Kowakami
The 33 year old Japanese starter has had serious talks with the Braves. The Braves lost out on the previous Japanese starter to the Red Sox, and Boston is interested in Kawakami as well. He is projected as a third starter in the Majors.
Jon Garland, Derek Lowe, and Ben Sheets are possibilities that are farther off. Garland is asking for too much, Lowe will get more than the Braves will put up, and Sheets is destined to be a Ranger.
My hopes are that the Padres will call back to the Braves, loosening up on their asking price a bit. Trading for either Greinke or Snell would help salvage this off season some.
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