5/29/15: GDT - Atlanta Braves @ SF Giants (Folty vs Huddy)

[UNCBlue012]

Welp, I have not had a shot at one of these since the first couple of weeks of the season, so let's see what we can do here. Hopefully Folty is dominant and we can torch Huddy (sorry!)... he has not been very good lately.

I'm thinking there is a chance we see CJoh in there tonight.

Someone post the lineup once you see it!

[UNCBlue012]

@KevinMcAlpin: #Braves vs Huddy: Peterson 4, Maybin 8, Freeman 3, Markakis 9, C Johnson 5, Pierzynski 2, Cunningham 7, Simmons 6, Folty 1

[nsacpi]

Expecting a huge game from The Todd

[jpx7]

Would rather, with the rook on the bump, give the benefit of Uribe's glove—especially since it's not like there's a LHP on the mound for the opposition. But I guess, if the Braves are serious about dumping Lord BABip, they've got to showcase him sometime.

[UNCBlue012]

@DOBrienAJC: #Braves Freeman hasn’t homered in 20 games, is 10-for-54 (.185) w/ 2 doub, 5 RBI, 5 BB, 20 K, .267 OBP, .222 slugging in past 14 games.

[Garmel]

I still would like to see Bethancourt get more playing time.

[Tapate50]

I dug Nick at lead off where his power (or lack there of) wasn't as big of deal

[jpx7]

I dug Nick at lead off where his power (or lack there of) wasn't as big of deal

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fneaW8cqcLg/Unw09CC0idI/AAAAAAAADN4/KHMxcPHBI8c/s0/same.gif

[Braves1976]

I dug Nick at lead off where his power (or lack there of) wasn't as big of deal

I liked him second better due to his lack of power and lack of speed. I prefer someone that has at least some ability to steal batting leadoff. He also did a lot better than I expected batting third so maybe switch him back to third and put Freeman fourth.

[Tapate50]

I liked him second better due to his lack of power and lack of speed. I prefer someone that has at least some ability to steal batting leadoff. He also did a lot better than I expected batting third so maybe switch him back to third and put Freeman fourth.

That .390 is sexy as hell at leadoff

[Braves1976]

That .390 is sexy as hell at leadoff

He only hit .264 with a .361 OBP and .667 OPS batting leadoff.

[Julio3000]

I like Neck at lead off. If he continues to get on base a ton, it's pretty attractive to have the right side open for J. Peterman and Maybin, who's been looking to punch the ball that way.

[UNCBlue012]

Peterson
Maybin
Markakis
Freeman
CJoh/Uribe
Cunningham
AJ/Cbeth
Simba

?

[Braves1976]

I like Neck at lead off. If he continues to get on base a ton, it's pretty attractive to have the right side open for J. Peterman and Maybin, who's been looking to punch the ball that way.

If Peterson doesn't start hitting like he was batting 7th, I'd probably drop him back to 7th and try someone else leadoff. I think I'd try Maybin next, though I like his work batting second too.

[NinersSBChamps]

Hope Huddy carves us up.

[Garmel]

CB Bucknor is behind the plate tonight so prepare yourselves.

[CrimsonCowboy]

CB Bucknor is behind the plate tonight so prepare yourselves.

http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/2/687fea91677be9103defb8dc0b97e8b7.gif

[jpx7]

I like Neck at lead off. If he continues to get on base a ton, it's pretty attractive to have the right side open for J. Peterman and Maybin, who's been looking to punch the ball that way.

Dr Fredi says: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/61/1e/4a/611e4acad895cc3e207e31e3740c2da4.jpg

[Braves1976]

BTW, when was the last time the Braves DFA'd the same pitcher in the same month? I expect Veal won't last long again after last night.

[nsacpi]

BTW, when was the last time the Braves DFA'd the same pitcher in the same month? I expect Veal won't last long again after last night.

We're gonna flip Veal.

[jpx7]

Expecting EYJr to break his own ankle tonight.

[jpx7]

Freeman is slow.

Meanwhile: Chip pronounces it Bow-shee?

[The Chosen One]

Oh how I would've liked Aoki over Markakis.

[Julio3000]

Expecting EYJr to break his own ankle tonight.

As long as he does it in the dugout.

[Braves1976]

Oh how I would've liked Aoki over Markakis.

Yea, me too. Aoki with his stolen base ability made a lot of sense for us. He'd give us a better option to leadoff than Markakis too.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Folty made Pence look goofy there, which is not hard to do.

Just as I type that, Posey............................

[jpx7]

He's good, but I loathe him.

[Braves1976]

Bad start.

[The Chosen One]

Aoki has twice as many Homers as Neck.

[jpx7]

Aoki has twice as many Homers as Neck.

Actually, he has an uncountable multiple of Boomkakis.

[WaitingFor2017]

Steven Curry???

To go along with Boshee, Chip?

Good grief.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Bad luck there for Chris

[jsebe10]

God I hate the Giants. Does everything always go their way?!?

[jsebe10]

Fckn christ. Eat a dck Crawford

[Tapate50]

Jeez. Getting leather flashed on us all over the place

[CrimsonCowboy]

I may watch the rest of the hockey game.

PS, Lightning are winning deep in the 3rd

[WaitingFor2017]

I think I can remember when the Braves consistently won in Los Angeles and San Francisco.... I think...

[jsebe10]

Damn! Is there nothing Crawford doesn't do? He's probably got a 12 inch cock too

[Tapate50]

Chip just bringing the weird tonight. Good grief

[WaitingFor2017]

The Giants would win the "All Hair Team" award.

[Tapate50]

****.... Nice play Jace... And nothin

[jsebe10]

Plunk this kid. Earhole him

[jpx7]

Did someone say "multi-hit games"? :HeywardWut:

[Julio3000]

Chip just bringing the weird tonight. Good grief

Chip has been fairly restrained this year, but the West Coast trip has cracked the facade a little. Better drugs, I guess.

[Braves1976]

Chip has been fairly restrained this year, but the West Coast trip has cracked the facade a little. Better drugs, I guess.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7G9qi9MYhc

[Braves1976]

Good job by Simmons, maybe Folty can bunt him up and Jace can get a two out RBI hit.

[Tapate50]

Strasburg came out of the game with arm issues.

That guy flashes but seems like trouble long term

[nsacpi]

why is the pitcher not bunting

[jpx7]

Strasburg came out of the game with arm issues.

That guy flashes but seems like trouble long term

I think it's a big reason they signed Scherzer, and likewise why they should look to retain Zimmerman.

[nsacpi]

pathetic ...first he misses a sign then can't get the bunt down

[jpx7]

pathetic ...first he misses a sign then can't get the bunt down

Pretty crappy, considering Peterson's subsequent hit.

But Maybin somewhat bails out the rookie pitcher.

[Braves1976]

The failed bunt hurt, but maybe Maybin can get one here.

That'll work.

[Braves1976]

Freeman struggling.

[The Chosen One]

I think it's a big reason they signed Scherzer, and likewise why they should look to retain Zimmerman.

Zimmerman coming off TJ also. So who knows.

[The Chosen One]

Freeman struggling.

:FrediWut:

[jpx7]

Zimmerman coming off TJ also. So who knows.

He's had the surgery, but he's generally been a better pitcher, as well.

[jpx7]

I wish the nice young lady with the microphone would quit patronizing these dolts up in the booth.

[thethe]

Folty getting better as the game progresses is a real thing.

He needs ot figure out his location in the first inning though. Maybe mix in more curve balls.

[thethe]

Freeman struggling.

Biggest reason why the team overall is struggling offensively. If our only power hitter isn't going then we are truly a singles team.

[Tapate50]

I think it's a big reason they signed Scherzer, and likewise why they should look to retain Zimmerman.

Agree, hard to let your own aces get te market but I'd love Zimmerman here

[Tapate50]

Folty getting better as the game progresses is a real thing.

He needs ot figure out his location in the first inning though. Maybe mix in more curve balls.

Everything was up early

[The Chosen One]

Everything was up early

Wood just pitched on Wednesday.

[jsebe10]

So why has Pierzinsky been playing more than CB lately?

[Braves1976]

Good job by Simmons again. Maybe start another rally.

[nsacpi]

Our hitting has not been the same since the Goose went down.

[jpx7]

Chip just referred to Charles Thomas as a pitcher.

[The Chosen One]

Chip just referred to Charles Thomas as a pitcher.

Did you see his numbers in Oakland? Hit just like a pitcher.

[thethe]

Folty has a real chance to be pretty special.

[jpx7]

Did you see his numbers in Oakland? Hit just like a pumpkin.

Them glass slippers, yo.

[thethe]

Our hitting has not been the same since the Goose went down.

I know you're messing around but since KJ went down its been bad.

[chop2chip]

Did you see his numbers in Oakland? Hit just like a pitcher.

Which was terrible. Thomas was so good that year with the Braves and he's the type of player that would have been much more appreciated in 2015.

[VirginiaBrave]

Am I the only one that still can't believe Huddy didn't finish a Brave? Also it's time Mr. Freeman let go of some pride start trying to actively beat that shift by hitting the ball the other way rather than trying to hit the ball over or through it.

[jpx7]

Hell of a plate-appearance by Maybin, result be damned.

[Braves1976]

Huddy had to strikeout Maybin twice that AB, lol.

[Braves1976]

Hell of a plate-appearance by Maybin, result be damned.

Good AB but Buckner missed strike three on the sixth pitch.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Ground ball after ground ball. We've seen this from Tim Hudson a time or two.

[jpx7]

Good AB but Buckner missed strike three on the sixth pitch.

Sure, but it was borderline and he wouldn't have be able to do anything with it even if he'd have put it in play. To me, that's not a bad pitch to take.

[Braves1976]

Am I the only one that still can't believe Huddy didn't finish a Brave? Also it's time Mr. Freeman let go of some pride start trying to actively beat that shift by hitting the ball the other way rather than trying to hit the ball over or through it.

I hated to see us let Huddy go but I am glad he got a WS ring before he retires.

[jsebe10]

Am I the only one that still can't believe Huddy didn't finish a Brave? Also it's time Mr. Freeman let go of some pride start trying to actively beat that shift by hitting the ball the other way rather than trying to hit the ball over or through it.

Simple...

B U N T T H E F C K I N G B A S E B A L L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Braves1976]

Sure, but it was borderline and he wouldn't have be able to do anything with it even if he'd have put it in play. To me, that's not a bad pitch to take.

Yea, it was just funny because Maybin seemed to think he was struckout there. I agree it was a good AB regardless.

[jpx7]

Am I the only one that still can't believe Huddy didn't finish a Brave?

I hated to see us let Huddy go but I am glad he got a WS ring before he retires.

In retrospect, letting Hudson walk was amongst Wren's worst decisions. I didn't like it at the time, but then even by Spring Training of last season it looked disastrous.

[VirginiaBrave]

Amazing how we seem to be the cure for struggling pitchers.

[jimsnores]

Amazing how we seem to be the cure for struggling pitchers.

...........Ain't it the truth?....

[VirginiaBrave]

Simple...

B U N T T H E F C K I N G B A S E B A L L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep. I started to put that in the post, but figured the populace would say I didn't know baseball advocating a bunt from our best hitter.

[jimsnores]

Another quality start by Folty. If the offense starts scoring again, this team might be okay, especially if Teheran reverts to being Teheran.

[The Chosen One]

CJ just deciding he's going to play catch with Duffy tonight.

[jsebe10]

CJ just deciding he's going to play catch with Duffy tonight.

Who's Duffy?

[jpx7]

Vintage Timmy.

[jpx7]

Ne Plus would've snagged that if it were an Ultra.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Are you kidding me?

[The Chosen One]

lol AJ.

[jsebe10]

lol AJ.

He sucks.

[Garmel]

If Bethancourt was catching this inning would be over.

[CyYoung31]

Throwing 99 MPH as a starter at 90 pitches is mighty impressive.

And get that ****ing asshole out of the ****ing game.

[chop2chip]

Please tell me these runs won't be earned when they score. AJ is such garbage

[smootness]

Yeah, pull Folty. He only struck out 2 of the dudes on base.

[The Chosen One]

Have a feeling Aoki may BABIP us to put the game out of reach.

[jsebe10]

Please tell me these runs won't be earned when they score. AJ is such garbage

Need to DFA him and that turd nugget Gomes.

[The Chosen One]

Need to DFA him and that turd nugget Gomes.

if you do that we may lose our league lead in Lairdership.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 32s33 seconds ago
Foltynewicz done after 6.2 IP. He struck out 8 and has punched out 7 or more in each of his last five starts.

[nsacpi]

Avilan does his job

[chop2chip]

I don't know a lot of things, but I definitely know that Folty is a starter. I hope the bullpen talk has been officially put to sleep.

[chipchildress]

Gattis trade was the greatest trade ever!

[chipchildress]

Folty throwing 99 in the 7th.

[jimsnores]

Uribe not getting cheated.

[VirginiaBrave]

Miller, Folty, and Wood...we get this out of them and find the offense of the first six weeks we might have a run left yet...

[jsebe10]

Miller, Folty, and Wood...we get this out of them and find the offense of the first six weeks we might have a run left yet...

I don't think so.

This offense is hot garbage.

You know why other teams would be deadly with our pitching? Because they don't waste their time on sorry fckers AJ, EYJ, and ESPECIALLY Johnny Gomes

[Julio3000]

I don't know a lot of things, but I definitely know that Folty is a starter. I hope the bullpen talk has been officially put to sleep.

I was not sold at first. His delivery, pace on the mound, and the questions about his secondary stuff all said "reliever" to me. Wrong.

[jsebe10]

Uribe not getting cheated.

The fans are though

[thethe]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 32s33 seconds ago
Foltynewicz done after 6.2 IP. He struck out 8 and has punched out 7 or more in each of his last five starts.

Special stuff

[nsacpi]

Good to see Johnson in a game we are losing.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Leadoff walks....................................

[nsacpi]

Upon further review...

[Garmel]

This is fun.

[chop2chip]

These last two games have been the closest blow out games I have ever seen.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Bullpen ERA so far this month: 4.88

[thethe]

Best thing about a rebuild year is that even in losses I am highly encouraged. Folty looks like he could be a potential stud.

[zitothebrave]

I don't know a lot of things, but I definitely know that Folty is a starter. I hope the bullpen talk has been officially put to sleep.

Well the BP talk was because of durability concerns. I'm not really a fan of that I'd rather kill em while they're good and cheap.

[Braves1976]

Bullpen ERA so far this month: 4.88

Lovely, let's do it again..

[jsebe10]

Bullpen ERA so far this month: 4.88

You need to source Chip. That's plagerism.

[chop2chip]

kill em while they're good and cheap.

Braves pitching mantra since 2005

[CrimsonCowboy]

You need to source Chip. That's plagerism.

Chip may not even know what plagiarism is

[CrimsonCowboy]

Braves bullpen right now:
http://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/little-leager-not-paying-attention-baseball-fail-gifs.gif

[jsebe10]

Another meaningless freddie home run.

[zitothebrave]

Braves pitching mantra since 2005

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/beachy.jpg

[CrimsonCowboy]

Blasted eighth inning runs.

[jsebe10]

Is it so hard for "those kind" to wear their hats normal and not tilted to the side like a retard.

[The Chosen One]

Fredi not going to Gomes here? I'm shocked.

[CrimsonCowboy]

I hate first pitch swinging

[chop2chip]

Is it so hard for "those kind" to wear their hats normal and not tilted to the side like a retard.Interesting. We are all glad you shared that unnecessary dribble of a thought with the rest of us.

[thethe]

So......Folty is off the table in prospective deals right? He has to be as untouchable as any starter we have right?

[Dunit24]

Best thing about a rebuild year is that even in losses I am highly encouraged. Folty looks like he could be a potential stud.

I agree 100%.

[atl717]

So......Folty is off the table in prospective deals right? He has to be as untouchable as any starter we have right?

No. His value is not as high as you are implying. If we could get a stud position prospect for him I would be all over him considering his injury risks and command issues. Does not mean I don't like him.

[zitothebrave]

So......Folty is off the table in prospective deals right? He has to be as untouchable as any starter we have right?

No pitcher should be untouchable. Remember when people said the same thing about Beachy? Beachy was sign him for 6 years, never trade him, etc. and then he was hurt. I'm not saying sell Folty for nickels on the dollar. But if someone were to come to us now and offer us a top prosect for him, we'd be dumb to say no. If the Rangers came in an offered us Joey Gallo for Folty would you say no? Of course that's an extreme example. Could go safer.

[FP Santangelo]

Folty looks ok. I prefer Cole, Giolito, Lopez, Roark over him.

[thethe]

No pitcher should be untouchable. Remember when people said the same thing about Beachy? Beachy was sign him for 6 years, never trade him, etc. and then he was hurt. I'm not saying sell Folty for nickels on the dollar. But if someone were to come to us now and offer us a top prosect for him, we'd be dumb to say no. If the Rangers came in an offered us Joey Gallo for Folty would you say no? Of course that's an extreme example. Could go safer.

After watching what Bum garner do what he did last year I want to hang on to someone who has this type of pitential. Folty numbers get better as the game progresses. That's very impressive.

[Hudson2]

I see Folty being the kind that gets better and better each time out. If he can harness his command then the skies the limit.

[weso1]

Really encouraging to see Folty have another good day. Only one walk.

[KB21]

I wouldn't trade any pitching right now because of how weak the farm system is pitching wise. There are a few prospects in the farm system, but nothing like what this organization used to have. When you have a guy who has been as dominant as Foltynewicz, you don't trade him for a position prospect. Rather, you build up a guy like Tyrell Jenkins and trade him for a position prospect. I'm not willing to trade pitching until this team has a surplus of pitchers though, and I just do not see that yet. I also do not trade Foltynewicz with Teheran struggling right now.

[The Chosen One]

Smoltzynewicz is growing on me.

[Hudson2]

Teheran will be fine. With him, Miller, and Folty I'd look to trade Wood for hitting and go after one of the aces this offseason.

[The Chosen One]

I'd trade Tehearn before Wood.

[Hudson2]

Really? Why?

[thethe]

Smoltzynewicz is growing on me.

You get that vibe when he is on the mound. He is refining his control and command right before our eyes. That stuff is absolutely elite. Even his fastball is moving a bunch now. He snuck in a few 2 seamers inside on the lefties yesterday at 95 just nipping the inside corner. That was a "Holy Crap" moment for me.

[thethe]

I think Wood would net us more than Teheran. I think we could get Lucroy for him straight up as the season progresses. I'd consider it.

[Heyward]

I wouldnt trade Julio before Wood.

Julio's value is still down right now and his contract is crazy team-friendly.

But if they dont trade any of them, a top 4 of Miller, Julio, Wood and Folty is nasty.

[The Chosen One]

Julio could net us more just because his contract is team friendly.

[Heyward]

Only way you trade one of them is if you go after one of the aces this winter ie Greinke, Cueto, Price, Zimmerman, etc.

But im not sure if you trade Folty given the pure stuff he has, he's throwing it hard late in games.

[DirkPiggler]

I'm no student of pitching mechanics, but it sure looks like Foltynewicz is throwing hard with very little effort. Contrast that with Wood, who looks like he's using every ounce of energy on every pitch, with many more moving parts.

No one is untouchable, but if I'm a John then F-word is right there with Miller in terms of having to be blown away to even consider a trade. If we need to trade ML ready pitching for an impact bat, I'm dealing Wood before any of the others. Not because he isn't good - when he's on he may be the best we have - but I can't help but think he's going to be using one of our 25% off coupons at Dr. Andrews office before too long.

[DirkPiggler]

Only way you trade one of them is if you go after one of the aces this winter ie Greinke, Cueto, Price, Zimmerman, etc.

But im not sure if you trade Folty given the pure stuff he has, he's throwing it hard late in games.

Agreed on all counts.

I'd trade Wood for a corner outfielder with pop (preferably a RF that could enable us to move Nick the Stick to LF), and make a strong effort to sign Price or Greinke. Some say trade Wood for Lucroy, but I don't like the idea of giving up a valuable LHP for a guy who will only be in the lineup 4 out of every 5 days. We can get by with a defense-first catcher if we get rid of the black hole in LF. With all the young catchers a veteran defensive backstop would probably be our best bet anyway. It seems like one of those is available every offseason for a reasonable price.

[nsacpi]

It seems there are two main scenarios for this off-season:

1) Trade one of our pitchers for a corner outfielder/third baseman. Sign a free agent pitcher.

2) Sign a corner outfielder/third baseman.

I prefer option 2 because if you are going to splash the years/dollars on a major signing, I like the risk/reward better with a position player than pitcher.

I suppose there are other options:

3) Sign neither a starter nor an outfielder/third baseman.

4) Sigh both a starter and an outfielder/third baseman. I suppose in this scenario we are going to go for the tier below the top guys and dividing up our resources in the process. I think there is also something to be said for doing this from a risk/reward perspective.

[NinersSBChamps]

I'd go option four because that's the most probable thing to happen. We aren't getting a stud no matter the position, so may as well grab some quality players in lieu of the star player that is never signing here.

[Heyward]

It seems there are two main scenarios for this off-season:

1) Trade one of our pitchers for a corner outfielder/third baseman. Sign a free agent pitcher.

2) Sign a corner outfielder/third baseman.

I prefer option 2 because if you are going to splash the years/dollars on a major signing, I like the risk/reward better with a position player than pitcher.

I suppose there are other options:

3) Sign neither a starter nor an outfielder/third baseman.

4) Sigh both a starter and an outfielder/third baseman. I suppose in this scenario we are going to go for the tier below the top guys and dividing up our resources in the process. I think there is also something to be said for doing this from a risk/reward perspective.

There isnt much at 3B this winter.

Unless you want a short-term fix like Freese, Aramis or Beltre ( i think he's a FA but not 100 percent sure)

Regarding the outfield, assuming we dont get in on Justin or Heyward, there is Cespedes, Parra, Fowler, Span, Aoki has a club option.

There's alot of good non-aces out there if we go that route: Brett Anderson, Buerhle, Burnett, Fister, Gallarado, Kazmir, Iwakuma, Kennedy, Lackey, Leake.

Also might need to sign a couple veteran bullpen guys given the uncertainy there. Soria, Joba, Clippard, Feliz, Tommy Hunter, Ryan Webb. Some lefties out there also.

If it was me, i'd trade Wood and some other prospects for Lucroy. I'd sign Kazmir as the non-ace SP, sign Beltre, and sign Fowler. And use the rest of the money on shoring up the bullpen.

[nsacpi]

There isnt much at 3B this winter.

Unless you want a short-term fix like Freese, Aramis or Beltre ( i think he's a FA but not 100 percent sure)

Regarding the outfield, assuming we dont get in on Justin or Heyward, there is Cespedes, Parra, Fowler, Span, Aoki has a club option.

There's alot of good non-aces out there if we go that route: Brett Anderson, Buerhle, Burnett, Fister, Gallarado, Kazmir, Iwakuma, Kennedy, Lackey, Leake.

Also might need to sign a couple veteran bullpen guys given the uncertainy there. Soria, Joba, Clippard, Feliz, Tommy Hunter, Ryan Webb. Some lefties out there also.

If it was me, i'd trade Wood and some other prospects for Lucroy. I'd sign Kazmir as the non-ace SP, sign Beltre, and sign Fowler. And use the rest of the money on shoring up the bullpen.

Good list of names. If we go option 4, I'd add Zobrist as a second tier free agent who could help us in left or at third. And Lohse to the list of pitchers. I could see us doing something like Zobrist and Buerhle this off-season. Sign em both to a 2 year deal with an option for a third year. It would blend in a couple veteran guys with reputations for strong leadership with a young up and coming group from the farm system.

I agree that there will also be a couple veteran bullpen guys brought in. But those won't be costly.

With respect to catcher, I think Lucroy would break the bank. So we bring in another vet to play the spot for a couple years. I think we just have to accept that catcher is not going to be a position of strength anytime soon (unless we hit the jackpot in the draft).

[nsacpi]

I'd go option four because that's the most probable thing to happen. We aren't getting a stud no matter the position, so may as well grab some quality players in lieu of the star player that is never signing here.

I think it is the most realistic option and offers a lot of different possibilities.

[Hudson2]

It may just be me but I think they want some star power going into the new stadium. Use Wood to shore up Lf/3b and sign one of the big starters and fix the bullpen. If we wanna make the rotation elite then this is the offseason to do it. The dream would be to sign Upton and a starter.

[thethe]

Maybe Zack Grienke finally pitches with Atlanta!

[chop2chip]

Maybe Zack Grienke finally pitches with Atlanta!
It's funny how people are still forgetting about him. I would love signing him. He is going to age well.

[smootness]

If it was me, i'd trade Wood and some other prospects for Lucroy. I'd sign Kazmir as the non-ace SP, sign Beltre, and sign Fowler. And use the rest of the money on shoring up the bullpen.

I like this plan. The only problem is that even if Lucroy was available (and he's not), there is absolutely no way in the world the Brewers would trade him for Wood straight-up. It would have to be something like Wood, Folty, and another good prospect, at least. I'm not kidding. We got Folty and Ruiz for Evan Gattis, and Lucroy's value is light years ahead of Gattis'.

I would sign Weiters and Beltre, a decent SP, and try to trade something for the OF bat. Then call up Peraza to play 2B, have Peterson be the super utility who can fill in anywhere, and go with Maybin in CF with the possibility of Mallex Smith coming up at some point.

Then you have, say, a rotation of Miller/Teheran/Folty/Kazmir/(Wisler or Banuelos), and your bullpen could have Simmons, Vizcaino, Winkler, and Withrow, and possibly Hursh, which is a good start. You could even keep Grilli around rather than trading him.

That has the makings of a pretty good team.

Lineup:
Peraza
Maybin/Markakis
Wieters
Freeman
Beltre
OF
Markakis/Maybin
Simmons

Bench:
Peterson
Eury Perez
Bethancourt
Cunningham/Terdoslavich
Chris Johnson

Rotation:
Miller
Teheran
Kazmir
Folty
Wisler

Bullpen:
Grilli
Simmons
Vizcaino
Banuelos
Avilan
Withrow
Winkler

ETA: Nevermind, Beltre isn't a FA after this year. Maybe you sign Gordon Beckham if he keeps this up, I don't like Freese. Or maybe you sign an OF like Cespedes and trade pitching for the 3B.

I would like to sign Wieters, though. That is a far easier task than pulling off a trade for somebody like Lucroy.

[Heyward]

It's funny how people are still forgetting about him. I would love signing him. He is going to age well.

He'll be 32 if he opts out, if anything i think it might just be so he can get more money from the Dodgers.

I think he'll age well too, but depends on the cost.

5 years, 130 mil with a 6th year option?

[Heyward]

I like this plan. The only problem is that even if Lucroy was available (and he's not), there is absolutely no way in the world the Brewers would trade him for Wood straight-up. It would have to be something like Wood, Folty, and another good prospect, at least. I'm not kidding. We got Folty and Ruiz for Evan Gattis, and Lucroy's value is light years ahead of Gattis'.

I would sign Weiters and Beltre, a decent SP, and try to trade something for the OF bat. Then call up Peraza to play 2B, have Peterson be the super utility who can fill in anywhere, and go with Maybin in CF with the possibility of Mallex Smith coming up at some point.

Then you have, say, a rotation of Miller/Teheran/Folty/Kazmir/(Wisler or Banuelos), and your bullpen could have Simmons, Vizcaino, Winkler, and Withrow, and possibly Hursh, which is a good start. You could even keep Grilli around rather than trading him.

That has the makings of a pretty good team.

Lineup:
Peraza
Maybin/Markakis
Wieters
Freeman
Beltre
OF
Markakis/Maybin
Simmons

Bench:
Peterson
Eury Perez
Bethancourt
Cunningham/Terdoslavich
Chris Johnson

Rotation:
Miller
Teheran
Kazmir
Folty
Wisler

Bullpen:
Grilli
Simmons
Vizcaino
Banuelos
Avilan
Withrow
Winkler

ETA: Nevermind, Beltre isn't a FA after this year. Maybe you sign Gordon Beckham if he keeps this up, I don't like Freese. Or maybe you sign an OF like Cespedes and trade pitching for the 3B.

I would like to sign Wieters, though. That is a far easier task than pulling off a trade for somebody like Lucroy.

I dont think it costs Wood AND Folty for Lucroy, he only has 2 years of control although you'd figure if they trade for him they add some more years to his deal.

I didnt say Wood straight up, him and 2-3 others, but i would look to use some of the pitching and add a bat even if not for Lucroy.

I do like Wieters but depends if we have a top 10 pick or not.

3B is a terrible spot league-wide aint much there. Aramis would be a decent 1-yr fix.

Next years team could be quite good depending on the moves made, lot of pieces could be up with the team next year.

[Heyward]

It's funny how people are still forgetting about him. I would love signing him. He is going to age well.

Some people here still talk about him but im not sure we get in on the aces unless we deal one of the top 4 for a bat.

[Hawk]

Aramis would be a decent 1-yr fix.

He is retiring at the end of this season.

[Heyward]

He is retiring at the end of this season.

Scratch that plan, just go with Jace/Peraza at 2B/3B then.

[smootness]

Scratch that plan, just go with Jace/Peraza at 2B/3B then.

I just don't think this is a realistic option if we're really trying to compete. An ok OBP with no power is ok at 2B with good defense, but not at 3B.

[chop2chip]

I just don't think this is a realistic option if we're really trying to compete. An ok OBP with no power is ok at 2B with good defense, but not at 3B.

I still can't figure out why people are against Jace being a utility player. It would be nice, for once, to have a reliable bench player instead of the Brooks Conrad's, Pedro Ciriaco's, etc. of the world.

If his bat ever takes the next step then maybe we can see if there is a place we can play him full time.

[jpx7]

I just don't think this is a realistic option if we're really trying to compete. An ok OBP with no power is ok at 2B with good defense, but not at 3B.

I still can't figure out why people are against Jace being a utility player. It would be nice, for once, to have a reliable bench player instead of the Brooks Conrad's, Pedro Ciriaco's, etc. of the world.

If his bat ever takes the next step then maybe we can see if there is a place we can play him full time.

I agree with both these sentiments—with the caveat that I don't think Peraza should be up this season, especially if it'll just be to displace Peterson at 2B. I think the Braves should give him 2015 to see if his bat can stick; and if seem it cannot, then he's at least accrued a season's worth of major-league PA, which will serve him well as a super-utility piece.

[Heyward]

I agree with both these sentiments—with the caveat that I don't think Peraza should be up this season, especially if it'll just be to displace Peterson at 2B. I think the Braves should give him 2015 to see if his bat can stick; and if seem it cannot, then he's at least accrued a season's worth of major-league PA, which will serve him well as a super-utility piece.

I think it would probably be at 3B or CF and move Markakis to LF, Maybin to RF if they move up Peraza.

[chop2chip]

I agree with both these sentiments—with the caveat that I don't think Peraza should be up this season, especially if it'll just be to displace Peterson at 2B. I think the Braves should give him 2015 to see if his bat can stick; and if seem it cannot, then he's at least accrued a season's worth of major-league PA, which will serve him well as a super-utility piece.
As much as the fan inside of me disagrees (Folty! Peraza! Wisler!), it's hard to argue against anything that you just said.

In fact, the best case scenario is that Williams Perez, Jace, Cunningham, Cunnif, etc. all emerge this year as viable big leaguers that we can use as trade assets.

[jpx7]

I think it would probably be at 3B or CF and move Markakis to LF, Maybin to RF if they move up Peraza.

Providing Peterson a season's worth of PAs is only one reason I think it doesn't make sense to bring up Peraza in 2015; Peraza's own development is an even bigger one.

[MadduxFanII]

I liked Conrad.

[Heyward]

I just don't think this is a realistic option if we're really trying to compete. An ok OBP with no power is ok at 2B with good defense, but not at 3B.

What are the other options then?

[Julio3000]

I liked Conrad.

Brooks had a stick. I'd take him in the bench versus what we've rolled with for the last couple of years.

[jpx7]

I liked Conrad.

I'll never forgive him (irrespective of the mitigating circumstances).

[VirginiaBrave]

I still can't figure out why people are against Jace being a utility player. It would be nice, for once, to have a reliable bench player instead of the Brooks Conrad's, Pedro Ciriaco's, etc. of the world.

If his bat ever takes the next step then maybe we can see if there is a place we can play him full time.

I'd have no problem with him being a super sub as long as he plays 5-6 nights a week. But you start moving him to a different position every night you may damage him. He's just too good right now. Make Parazza earn that job, if he can't trade him. Just because Prado could play everywhere doesn't mean Peterson will be able to. Give him a position and turn him loose.