Atlanta Braves Thread

Smoltz should not have been allowed to go to Boston, I agree. He got a 5 million dollar deal with a lot of incentives and that's something on the surface the Braves should have met. I have heard from a good source that Smoltz was not happy that the Braves were not getting any help in the off season. He wanted to go out with a shot a winning another ring and he felt that Atlanta was not going to contend. He's probably right on the Braves not contending but getting two pitchers this week will help. Lowe and JJ at the top of the rotation is pretty good. Vasquez is no Hall of Famer in waiting but he should be a decent #3 or 4. The Japanese import, Kawakami is the wild card in the Braves rotation. Wren is still trying to get some help on offense and Bobby Abreu is a possibility. Braves could be better than what we think but Philly and the Mets will be tough to overcome. I do agree that if Smoltz does anything in Boston it will haunt the Braves forever.

 

Not just the Phils and Fets. The Marlins are primed for another run from everything I'm reading. Of course if it does happen next year they'll be dealing away all the players that matter.

 

You're right the Marlins will be a force with all their young talent. I just hope the Mucking Fets don't win the division.

 

Atlanta's contract offer was higher than what he's getting in Boston, but was tied to him pitching a certain number of innings whereas the Red Sox are giving him at least $5 million even if he never throws another pitch. It's not the front office's fault at all, Smoltz just wanted to play elsewhere this season for one last shot at a title.

As for the Braves' rotation, I think it actually looks like one of the better staffs in the National League. They lack an elite pitcher at the top, but it's very deep in talent. Jurrjens and Campillo faded down the stretch, but both still ended with ERAs under 4. Vazquez should also be around there while pitching 200+ innings and getting close to 200 ks, while Lowe is certainly going to be a reliable starter who gives them a chance to win most of his starts. No one knows how Kawakami will work out, but he was the best Japanese starter available this year and the highest paid pitcher in the NPB last season. That's potentially five guys who could all end up under 4 in ERA. If Gonzalez and Vazquez can stay healthy (admittedly a big "if"), the bullpen should be in good shape as well.

 

We need an outfielder that has some power at the plate. There has been some talks with the Yanks for Nady or Swisher. Swisher is signed through 2011, so that would probably be the way to go.

 

I'd argue that's a reason to avoid Swisher, as he's overpaid through 2011. Plus if you're going to take a chance on a guy coming off of a bad season, why not spend a lot less money on Andruw?

 

He's still a Dodger last time I checked. How much of his salary will LA be willing to eat? If he's cheap and healthy, I might be willing to give him a shot. My gut reaction is that he's done. He sucked with LA and had a horrible batting average in his last year with Atlanta. I've watched him play in a lot of games. That guy has dove for a lot of balls. He's hit the wall quite a bit too. I fear this has caused his body to break down quicker than most.

How much money will Nady command if he has a solid 2009?

 

The Dodgers released Andruw a few days ago.He is now a free agent.The Braves are showing some interest,and I think Andruw would love to come home.He was booed unmercifully in LA last season.

 

I'd rather have Andruw than Swisher. My biggest problem is how freakin' bad he's looked for two consecutive seasons now. Physical, mental??? I know he looks like the Pillsbury Doughboy...

 

Braves are looking at Griffey. It makes sense if he's willing to take a role that would put him is something of a platoon. I have always liked "The Kid" and it could happen, prettiest swing I have ever seen.