Bethancourt is right handed, I'm also hoping Laird is traded and replaced if we do go with three catchers again (minus Mac sadly). My issue with Laird isn't his bat so much as him being one of the worst at framing pitches in MLB, etc. He is said to be very good on the bench and in the clubhouse though (and that's likely a big part of why we signed him).Originally Posted by PawPawMaxwell
Maybe Rico can comment, but I saw a lot of box scores where La Stella was removed in the back third of the game....is his defense a concern?
Ivermectin Man
See my review of game one of Mississippi's playoff series in the minor league game thread. La Stella had a ball go through his legs that led to Mobile's rally to tie that game. It was also ruled a hit too. There was also another play that game that the Mississippi announcer seemed to imply a lack of range on La Stella's part. Note, I was listening on the Mississippi radio feed so my feedback here is all based on their call of it.
To sum it up, it does seem La Stella's defense isn't very good. But I still have a hard time believing it's worse than Uggla's defense.
I have long been a proponent of Bethancourt. It was great to see him improve and I'm excited to see him. I have to admit that this logjam is a headscratcher though. As someone mentioned, it probably won't be prudent to give a lot to Mac, but I'll sure miss him. Defensively, if you haven't seen much of Beth, you'll be in for a treat. He's got it all and even got better with passed balls from when he first started.
Evidently La Stella came out of a game recently due to a migrane.
They are. New luxury cars, mansions, yachts, real estate, wining and dining. Maybe even a nickel or two to their shareholders...
...oh, you mean spend a bit more on the Braves baseball team!! I bet that thought never crossed their minds...
thethe (09-09-2013)
I guess I'm one of the few who think both Bethancourt and La Stella would benefit from starting next year in AAA. La Stella obviously because he needs to improve the defense. And Bethancourt because I don't think his bat is quite ready for the majors. There is no need to rush these guys. Give them a few months in AAA.
jpx7 (09-09-2013)
C-B, Gattis, Laird, and McCann.....at least 1 of those guys is gone next year.
We know the most likely scenario is McCann goes and C-B and Gattis play. Maybe Laird stays and bring up C-B later in the year.
I'd prefer a scenario where we keep Mac and we can trade one of C-B or Gattis. If C-B doesn't look lost at the plate, he could be a sell high option. Gattis could be really attractive to an AL team. DH that you can stick behind the plate and LF if needed for a cheap cost.
We will probably know early. McCann prob signs ASAP if he's staying a Brave. Then Wrenn has time to deal from a position of strength. In the more likely scenario we'll know our best offer isn't good enough and Wrenn can focus on trying to replace the drop from Mac to Gattis/CB by doing something at 2B or 3B.
jpx7 (09-09-2013)
I hate to see this because its a big sign that McCann is leaving. If he isnt signed by the time the teams exclusive negotiating window ends he is as good as gone. My bet would be on Texas. Even if that happened I didnt think Bethancourt would be on the team until atleast halfway thru 2014. I really like having an elite defensive catcher but I just dont have faith in prospects that are so aggressive at the plate. I would put Bethancourt's upside at the plate next year right around what Simmons did this year. We just cant afford another black hole in the lineup.
It has been said many times that Liberty takes nothing from the Braves earnings. If you are familiar with balance sheets, Braves earnings would not even equal a couple pennies to the shareholders.
OK, then let's see more spending for the team with these increased profits. Why can't the team be able to re-sign a fan-favorite, possible lifetime catcher to a reasonable and fair contract for both sides as well as make long term investments in Kimbrel, Heyward, Freeman, Simmons, Minor and our other young pitchers, et. al. The payroll doesn't have to be in the Dodger or Yankee stratosphere but can be higher than it is now, right?
All I keep hearing is that the Braves are a mid-level franchise now but keep getting these profits. I can understand a player leaving for more money if the Braves deem him not worth the value BUT, all things equal, they should never lose a player they want and need just because of the money.
What money and what profits are you talking about. You do know that until next year, we have one of the worse TV contracts in existance.. JS, Wren have both publically stated that Liberty takes not one dime from the Braves and have only limited payroll to income. So where would you think these "profits" have gone.
Good.
But I am going to miss McCann. Hope he continues to have a great career.
thethe (09-09-2013)
+1
Natural Immunity Croc
FTFY
Thanks.
If we are letting him go, I hope Oakland grabs him. They are #2 on my list of favorite teams. He would be a great fit there.
This doesn't spell the end of Mac, it just means we can showcase Bethancourt and hope we can package him with Uggla somewhere to get money off the books.
Forever Fredi
I'd be surprised if Bethancourt plays much. Fredi is having enough trouble getting the guys who will be on the post-season roster enough at bats to keep them sharp.
Forever Fredi
This combined with Bethancourt's epic defense, Gattis approaching 20+ HRs in a failed season, and Laird being on the books next year pretty much does.
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