Spring Training 2015
- Thread starter Hawk
- Start date
Braves1976
It's OVER 5,000!
Russell probably didn't have much value right now. They might have been able to get someone small in value in a trade but didn't because they wanted the extra 40-man roster spot more. Further, Veras who we picked up just before ST and let go after his poor Spring Training value is even lower right now. But it wasn't that long ago that Veras brought back a good piece in a trade. And if either of them have a good season wherever they go, then come the trade deadline you can flip them for probably about what Veras brought in the past. Russell might even bring more if he does better vs lefties this year.
I much rather bet on Russell continuing his track record than betting on Jim Johnson to bounce back.
stpeteirish
Called Up to the Major Leagues
Looks like our opening day lineup, except maybe 2b. And no offense besides CJ, so far.
Braves1976
It's OVER 5,000!
That's true, he was pretty hyped by some on Brave forums before the trade too.
Braves1976
It's OVER 5,000!
I am not saying it isn't possible, I am saying Russell is the safer bet IMO because you only need him to continue his track record.
Braves1976
It's OVER 5,000!
That's a fair take, but if you wait a little bit his value goes up by the trade deadline. The only thing that makes sense is that they wanted an extra roster spot and need the extra money for someone they value more.
UNCBlue012
Well-known member
I really like Miller. Besides his FIRST outing of ST, he's been absolute money.
dak
Well-known member
I was lukewarm on the Jim Johnson acquisition, but he seems to be off to a good start so far this year, and it concerns me to say that he is probably our 3rd best RP right now.
There's certainly a chance that Russell will outperform his 4 FIP projection this year in a low leverage role and pull his weight as a league minimum guy, but I'd give JJ the edge to perform better and be a more valuable commodity at the trade deadline.
UNCBlue012
Well-known member
Chris Johnson has hit safely in eight of his last 12 at-bats along with being 2-2 today with a single, homer and walk. The man is so streaky.
But to his credit, his wrist was hurting early on in ST. Could be a great sign.
But to his credit, his wrist was hurting early on in ST. Could be a great sign.
50PoundHead
Hessmania Forever
It's only spring training, but Russell gave up as many HRs as he had Ks this spring and if his fastball is sitting in the mid-80s, there's probably something wrong. If Avilan is looking better, Russell is both redundant and expensive. Feigl is a wild card and I wish they were starting him out in Mississippi to get his feet wet in serious baseball. My guess is the waiver wire will be getting some long looks throughout the week from the Braves' front office.
I don't know if Caratini will ever show up in the big leagues or not. From what I've read, he's probably not a C long-term (although that could change), which makes him a fairly pedestrian 3B prospect. Of course, he's young and came into the pro game with some solid scouting reports about his bat, so he has some prospect cred. I just always wondered about the trade in the first place. I like Bonifacio and Russell, but I thought they were odd acquisitions given the team was falling so fast. Thought it would have been better to cut bait on the season and sit tight.
I don't know if Caratini will ever show up in the big leagues or not. From what I've read, he's probably not a C long-term (although that could change), which makes him a fairly pedestrian 3B prospect. Of course, he's young and came into the pro game with some solid scouting reports about his bat, so he has some prospect cred. I just always wondered about the trade in the first place. I like Bonifacio and Russell, but I thought they were odd acquisitions given the team was falling so fast. Thought it would have been better to cut bait on the season and sit tight.
Braves1976
It's OVER 5,000!
Well let's look at the vets in question.
Jim Johnson - a former closer and very good one for awhile. Still young as well.
Jason Grilli - while he doesn't have father time on his side, he is also a former closer and very good one. If not for injury, there is little chance we get him or get him as cheap.
James Russell - a LH reliever with reverse splits. Making 2.5 million on arbitration. I was a little surprised we even tendered him a contract in the first place given that we wasn't a need a was making a decent chunk of change as a middle reliever on a rebuilding club.
It's rather clear which of these players MAY have decent trade value in July. And Russell was not among them.
Braves did real well with both the Upton/Heyward deals for sure. I'm starting to worry about the Gattis deal though. Folty is not close to being ready yet. Hopefully Ruiz has a solid year.
Miller is going to be real good for the Braves for the next four years and hopefully they will have the money to extent him soon.
None of the fans you refer to have ever stated a belief that "the front office can do no wrong" - there are quite a few who have rather loudly voiced disagreements with their actions at times - sending Eury Perez out, keeping Stults in the rotation over Martin, and others.
The hypocrisy is that message board posters don't think the guys that get paid to run the club don't investigate whether or not they can get something of value back for a player before simply releasing him. I hate to break it to some of you, but the vast majority of these scenarios have been brought up, discussed, and decided upon LONG before we react to them on the internet.
NO ONE here is smarter than these guys (not just Braves' front office personnel, but throughout the game), I promise you. The evidence lies in the fact that we're (myself included) here talking about it instead of getting paid to make that decision.
I can see why people think Miller is going to turn it around and do well. He has good velocity and a decent curve. But, Roger is gonna have to do some serious fixing if Miller is going to have a good year this year. Despite his velocity, Miller does not miss bats. The positive is hes a flyball pitcher in a park that is difficult to hit homers.
FIP is an extremely good predictive measure. So either miller will have to improve his ratios or pray that he can somehow outpitch them.
I do feel somewhat optimistic if Miller has anything, Roger will find it.
Ok close up the message board.
50PoundHead
Hessmania Forever
I don't think there's any hypocrisy per se going on. They are just throwing a ton of stuff at the wall to see what sticks. It will be interesting to see if Russell garners any interest.
You have used this argument multiple times during the past few months, and it legitimately hurts me because it lacks logic on such a crucial level.
If this were true then Frank Wren would have a job. So would your man Jim Bowden. And countless scouts, cross-checkers, and number-crunchers.
Baseball officials make mistakes.