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The Braves fired one of their top scouts, Tony Battista. He is responsible for signing Tommy Hanson, Freddie Freeman, and Kris Medlen, among others. I really don't know what I'm expecting to do with this because I don't know anything about him, why he was fired, and I can't find anything else about it. It was originally reported by Rob Neyer on ESPN Insider, so I can't read it.
So, overall, a good contribution to the blog tonight.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Morning Buzz: 10/30
5. Albert Pujols was voted by his peers as ML Player of the Year. No surprise. He's well liked. As is Curtis Granderson, who was named Man of the Year.
4. Jay Levin writes a piece from the Indians point of view regarding the World Series, mainly Sabathia and Lee. I don't blame him. Seeing your two aces headlining the same World Series would cause depression for me too.
3. Craig Calcaterra gives a brief overview of game 2. He points out that there really was no reason to be down on Burnett going into the game. His start against the Angels was the only bad one in the postseason, and it was terribly overhyped. Burnett did exactly what he's capable of last night.
2. The World Series has drawn great ratings. I must say the Yankees bring in the viewers. Game 1 was the second highest rated postseason game since 1999, and we all know who was involved that year.
1. Rob Neyer discusses re-signing Tim Hudson. He doesn't say anything new, just stating the fact that Kawakami is the most likely trade candidate. Predicting a wild card berth for the Braves isn't anything new, either, though I'd like to think the Braves will challenge the Phillies.
4. Jay Levin writes a piece from the Indians point of view regarding the World Series, mainly Sabathia and Lee. I don't blame him. Seeing your two aces headlining the same World Series would cause depression for me too.
3. Craig Calcaterra gives a brief overview of game 2. He points out that there really was no reason to be down on Burnett going into the game. His start against the Angels was the only bad one in the postseason, and it was terribly overhyped. Burnett did exactly what he's capable of last night.
2. The World Series has drawn great ratings. I must say the Yankees bring in the viewers. Game 1 was the second highest rated postseason game since 1999, and we all know who was involved that year.
1. Rob Neyer discusses re-signing Tim Hudson. He doesn't say anything new, just stating the fact that Kawakami is the most likely trade candidate. Predicting a wild card berth for the Braves isn't anything new, either, though I'd like to think the Braves will challenge the Phillies.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Morning Buzz: 10/29
Number one on Digg.com's baseball page today? The ESPN boxscore for game 1. Maybe if I start posting boxscores I'll get some traffic too.
The Hardball Times posted their top ten prospects for the Yankees and Red Sox in 2010. It's unfortunate when the Yankees have built a farm system.
Manny Ramirez is is exercising the option and returning to LA in 2010. The player option is worth $20 million. It would have been interesting to see what he could have gotten as a free agent, but it's not worth hearing his name everyday in the offseason to find out.
Jorge Says No discusses trading one of the Braves starters for the power bat they need. I pretty much agree that Javier Vazquez is the only one that will bring back the value they need to fill the hole, yet the Braves should not trade Vazquez. He has been a tremendous help to Jair Jurrjens and is one of the main pieces of this strong staff. Not to mention he's a free agent after 2010 and the Braves might not be able to get a full return because of it.
Therefore, I wouldn't be opposed to trying to deal Derek Lowe or Kenshin Kawakami in a package for the bat. I feel Lowe will rebound and have a better 2010, but if the Braves were able to add a little money to the deal they could get a solid return because of his history. Kawakami would have to be pieced in a deal but I don't see why a package couldn't bring a bat back. In any case, whether it's by trading a pitcher or signing a free agent, the Braves must add home runs to the outfield next season.
Craig Calcaterra tells Yankees fans that there's no reason to panic. He provides the perspective of being a Braves fan in 1996. That's just dandy.
Pedro Martinez and A.J. Burnett in game two tonight. While the Halloween parties will be in full swing around town, I'll be in front of the TV with the better entertainment. Pedro knows his way around Yankee Stadium. You never know what you'll get from Burnett in a playoff game. The Phillies are the safe pick. The Yankees are determined to take a split going to Philly.
The Hardball Times posted their top ten prospects for the Yankees and Red Sox in 2010. It's unfortunate when the Yankees have built a farm system.
Manny Ramirez is is exercising the option and returning to LA in 2010. The player option is worth $20 million. It would have been interesting to see what he could have gotten as a free agent, but it's not worth hearing his name everyday in the offseason to find out.
Jorge Says No discusses trading one of the Braves starters for the power bat they need. I pretty much agree that Javier Vazquez is the only one that will bring back the value they need to fill the hole, yet the Braves should not trade Vazquez. He has been a tremendous help to Jair Jurrjens and is one of the main pieces of this strong staff. Not to mention he's a free agent after 2010 and the Braves might not be able to get a full return because of it.
Therefore, I wouldn't be opposed to trying to deal Derek Lowe or Kenshin Kawakami in a package for the bat. I feel Lowe will rebound and have a better 2010, but if the Braves were able to add a little money to the deal they could get a solid return because of his history. Kawakami would have to be pieced in a deal but I don't see why a package couldn't bring a bat back. In any case, whether it's by trading a pitcher or signing a free agent, the Braves must add home runs to the outfield next season.
Craig Calcaterra tells Yankees fans that there's no reason to panic. He provides the perspective of being a Braves fan in 1996. That's just dandy.
Pedro Martinez and A.J. Burnett in game two tonight. While the Halloween parties will be in full swing around town, I'll be in front of the TV with the better entertainment. Pedro knows his way around Yankee Stadium. You never know what you'll get from Burnett in a playoff game. The Phillies are the safe pick. The Yankees are determined to take a split going to Philly.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Hudson Close to Re-Signing
Whatever happened to keeping things tight-lipped in the Braves front office until deals were done? Several sources, including David O'Brien at the AJC, are reporting that Tim Hudson and the Braves are only a few days away from completing a deal. Please save us the embarrassment and go ahead and make the announcement that it's all false, he's leaving for the Mariners or something, and the Braves are mad.
Ok, the deal is said to be worth around $9 million/year over three years. Expect either the above or a formal announcement of his signing by early next week.
Ok, the deal is said to be worth around $9 million/year over three years. Expect either the above or a formal announcement of his signing by early next week.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Heyward to Sit Out Rest of AFL
Mark Bowman reports Jason Heyward will not return to the AFL. After meeting with Braves doctors today, the team decided to be cautious with it and not let him go back.
I agree with the move. There's no reason to risk making the hamstring injury worse in a winter league, even if his play helped determine whether he had a chance to start in Atlanta in 2010. I don't think this will hurt those chances, though. Spring training is where it will be determined.
BTW, look for a late-November premiere for the top 30 prospect list.
I agree with the move. There's no reason to risk making the hamstring injury worse in a winter league, even if his play helped determine whether he had a chance to start in Atlanta in 2010. I don't think this will hurt those chances, though. Spring training is where it will be determined.
BTW, look for a late-November premiere for the top 30 prospect list.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Heyward Injury Update
According to the guys at Talking Chop, Jason Heyward's official diagnosis is hamstring/gluteal tendinitis, which sounds worse than a strain. Isn't tendinitis more of a recurring thing or based on recurring injuries? I know he has suffered from nagging leg problems in the past.
Heyward will be flying to Atlanta to get a diagnosis from the Braves doctors, because we like them more. That will happen this Tuesday, and a decision on his further participation in the AFL will be based on his doctor's visit.
Heyward isn't exactly immune to being injured, so this shouldn't be a complete shock. The Braves need to do everything they can to prevent these injuries from hindering his countdown to a big league debut, especially if he's expected to make the team out of spring. Shutting him down for the winter isn't a bad idea, and I don't think it would hurt his chances.
Heyward will be flying to Atlanta to get a diagnosis from the Braves doctors, because we like them more. That will happen this Tuesday, and a decision on his further participation in the AFL will be based on his doctor's visit.
Heyward isn't exactly immune to being injured, so this shouldn't be a complete shock. The Braves need to do everything they can to prevent these injuries from hindering his countdown to a big league debut, especially if he's expected to make the team out of spring. Shutting him down for the winter isn't a bad idea, and I don't think it would hurt his chances.
Braves AFL Update (10/25)
There's not much to say as far as Peoria's record goes (3-8), but at least the players repping the Braves are showing a little something.
Jason Heyward hasn't returned since injuring his leg last Saturday. Mark Bowman believes he should return soon, though he wrote that he would be back within a couple days and that was a couple days ago. I wouldn't take any chances, personally. He was 4-14 with three doubles and an RBI.
Freddie Freeman has yet to rebound from a poor showing in Mississippi, hitting .174 so far in the AFL with three walks and 10 strikeouts. He is three for his last eight with two RBIs, however.
Brandon Hicks has picked it up after a slow start, hitting .308 with two homers, four walks and seven strikeouts. He's 5-10 with two RBIs in his last three games.
Craig Kimbrel has allowed one run in 4.2 innings, giving up just one hit. However, he has walked five and struck out four. Walks have been his one problem and I can't help but think he won't get away with it once he reaches Atlanta.
Jeff Lyman has struggled, allowing seven runs in 5.1 innings, including one start.
Mike Minor has been everything the Braves have hoped for, giving up just one earned run in 7.2 innings. He has allowed eight hits and five walks but has been able to avoid trouble.
Georgia Tech-er Lee Hyde has pitched better than his ERA indicates, allowing three runs on two hits in 3.2 innings. He has seven strikeouts to three walks.
Jason Heyward hasn't returned since injuring his leg last Saturday. Mark Bowman believes he should return soon, though he wrote that he would be back within a couple days and that was a couple days ago. I wouldn't take any chances, personally. He was 4-14 with three doubles and an RBI.
Freddie Freeman has yet to rebound from a poor showing in Mississippi, hitting .174 so far in the AFL with three walks and 10 strikeouts. He is three for his last eight with two RBIs, however.
Brandon Hicks has picked it up after a slow start, hitting .308 with two homers, four walks and seven strikeouts. He's 5-10 with two RBIs in his last three games.
Craig Kimbrel has allowed one run in 4.2 innings, giving up just one hit. However, he has walked five and struck out four. Walks have been his one problem and I can't help but think he won't get away with it once he reaches Atlanta.
Jeff Lyman has struggled, allowing seven runs in 5.1 innings, including one start.
Mike Minor has been everything the Braves have hoped for, giving up just one earned run in 7.2 innings. He has allowed eight hits and five walks but has been able to avoid trouble.
Georgia Tech-er Lee Hyde has pitched better than his ERA indicates, allowing three runs on two hits in 3.2 innings. He has seven strikeouts to three walks.
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