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« Less Than 10% Chance To Make Playoffs | Main | Stark On Peavy, Oswalt, Phillies, DeRosa, Giants »
Free Agent Matchmaker: Braves Need An OF
A look at the remaining 2009 free agents reveals a number of household names still without a job. True, most of these are over the hill veterans, but in many cases they can help contending teams fill roster gaps. Over the next few weeks we'll look at which team/player combinations make sense. Since we're right around the 1/3 mark of the season, now is the time for teams to take chances on these guys. Since they'll probably need at least a few weeks to get into game-playing condition, acting soon would mean having them around the halfway mark.
The 23-23 Braves are lacking in the outfield. Of their Opening Day starters, Jordan Schafer holds the highest OBP at .322. His .301 SLG and .209 BA make his low OBP look even worse. After a hot start Jeff Francoeur has stumbled, and now posts a paltry .629 OPS. Garrett Anderson and his .300 OBP and .322 SLG have been sitting more in favor of Matt Diaz, whose numbers have been more than acceptable in his 93 plate appearances. Still, the Braves could use someone else to shore up the outfield. They could look to a trade, but they might as well scour the free agent market first.
The crop of free agent outfielders have a common problem: lack of mobility. The Braves already have Anderson, so adding another no-glove outfielder who is also a gamble with the bat makes little sense. Maybe Jay Payton could help, but he didn't exactly post sterling statistics as a 35-year-old in 2008. In fact, the Braves would probably be better off just sticking with Diaz-Schafer-Francoeur than signing someone like Payton.
One name on the list sticks out: Jim Edmonds. Yes, he's 39, so his range is going to be limited. In fact, he posted a -14.1 UZR (-23.3 UZR/150) last year as a CF for the Padres and Cubs, so he might only be a help defensively at a corner. But if he can put up even 85 percent of his OPS with the Cubs last year, he'd be a definite upgrade over Francoeur at this point. He could make sense as a replacement if the Braves decide to bench or trade Frenchy.
Yet there is a name which does not appear on the official MLBTR list, and who might not only be willing to play, but would be a mobile outfielder who still has some skills left, even at 42 years old. Yes, that's Kenny Lofton. He's an outside the box pick, mainly because of his age and that he hasn't played in a game since 2007. Way back when the off-season started, Lofton expressed a desire to play in 2009. The downside is that Lofton doesn't just want to play: he wants to get paid. It's doubtful even the desperate Braves will pay Lofton the $6 million he made in '07, even if prorated.
Still, Lofton put up good defensive numbers in 2007 and had a .781 OPS to boot. But if we're talking about the 85 percent production as we did with Edmonds, it doesn't seem as attractive. Even so, he could represent an upgrade over Schafer in center, given his defense and what we'll assume will be league-average offense for a center fielder.
The question facing the Braves right now is of whether checking out these two free agents is more attractive than dealing prospects for outfield replacements. They're in a decent spot with their pitching, and that could become even stronger if Tommy Hanson jumps out of the gate and/or Tim Hudson comes back. With the Mets battling injuries and pitching issues of their own, and with the Phillies doing much the same (more on the pitching front than injuries), the Braves are certainly in the NL East race. They'll certainly look to upgrade in the outfield. Will it be through some gambles on free agents? Or will they reach into their bag o' prospects and try to acquire a younger player?
Joe Pawlikowski is a writer for River Ave. Blues.
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matt holliday?
not sure what would go in return...gorkys hernandez? medlen? they dont have 3b/SS help
Posted by: arly2380 | May 28, 2009 at 01:53 PM
How about Braves just trade Francoeur for a sack of balls, then trade for an outfielder(Dye, Hawpe, Scott). Braves need production, not old people that can barely even play anymore.
Posted by: BravesRed | May 28, 2009 at 01:55 PM
I'd go with Edmonds over any of those. I don't think there's any way in hell they bring Lofton back. Apparently everyone hated him.
Posted by: daslied | May 28, 2009 at 01:57 PM
luke scott maybe? what do you think the orioles could get for him?
Posted by: lftyg33 | May 28, 2009 at 01:57 PM
How about Braves just trade Francoeur for a sack of balls, then trade for an outfielder(Dye, Hawpe, Scott). Braves need production, not old people that can barely even play anymore.
Posted by: BravesRed | May 28, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Dye is older than a lot of those guys mentioned. His defense was never great and it is even worse now...plus isn't he a free agent at the end of the year. Hawpe or Scott would make more sense.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:05 PM
There's a team(?) option on Dye next year. Maybe it's a mutual. Anyway, he's got more power than the other two, and he's a righty, while (I think) they're lefties.
Posted by: daslied | May 28, 2009 at 02:06 PM
If they Braves outfield production was just OK then i could see them just signing one of these guys. But their production is AWFUL so Payton and Edmonds aren't gonna cut it.
Scott and Willingham make the most sense. They wouldn't cost as much as Hawpe (in money or prospects) and they are both under team control for a few years. I really think the Braves should look in to acquiring both of these guys. Scott is a better defender then people give him credit for, check out his UZR ratings. He could handle RF and Willingham in left. Those two would add some much needed power to Atlanta's line-up.
Posted by: Steveo26 | May 28, 2009 at 02:10 PM
daslied: Wouldn't Scott make sense though even though he's a left b/c Diaz can platoon vs. tough lefties?
Posted by: Steveo26 | May 28, 2009 at 02:11 PM
I wouldn't be opposed to trading for Dye but I just wouldn't give up much to get him....considering his age.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:14 PM
"Dye is older than a lot of those guys mentioned. His defense was never great and it is even worse now...plus isn't he a free agent at the end of the year. Hawpe or Scott would make more sense."
Actually, Dye is only like 36, so he is younger then all of three that were mentioned.
Posted by: BravesRed | May 28, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Lofton? Seriously? There's got to be dozens of 4th outfielders around the majors the Braves could trade for for peanuts that would give them more than Lofton.
Edmonds would have made sense in the off season, but after seeing Anderson look old I'm not sure the Braves and their fans want to try another aging veteran in the outfield.
I endorse BraveRed's plan. Forget stopgaps, get rid of the non-performing outfielders on the current roster, and go get somebody who can actually play.
Posted by: Ron Edwards | May 28, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Jim Edmonds?
Reed Johnson?
I think that even Jake Fox could contribute in RF if given a shot, shoddy defense aside. All of these three could be cheap alternatives to what they currently employ.
Posted by: IowaCubs | May 28, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Moves that the Braves should make sooner than later to get this ship in the right direction to make a push for the division
Medlin + TJones for Luke
one or the other
Morton for Willingham
-------------------------
This will atleast get the RH bat that his lineup needs for already LH heavy line up.
Then go after a thumper
Hawpe/Dye
or
Go get a CF/OF leadoff type
RWinn/FLopez
Trade Frenchy for Anything
DFA Garrett Anderson
DFA Norton Call up Canizares
The problem with this team is that we need at least 2 bat to be competive or 1 BIG bat but I rather have FW have a more long term view solution than a rental type short term one.
We will see in the several weeks/months till the TD.
Posted by: BravoFan3736 | May 28, 2009 at 02:20 PM
I remember a rumor that floated this past winter that the Braves were interested in Cory Hart. I wonder if the Brewers would make the bold move of shipping him this season to open up an OF spot for Gamel, if they've decided he can't cut it as a 3B. Hart's not exactly tearing the cover off the ball this year, but he's an upgrade and wouldn't be just a rental for the Braves.
(It's something that makes a lot more sense as an offseason move, but I thought I'd throw it out there.)
Posted by: robdeer | May 28, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Steve - I always forget about Diaz. Maybe because he can actually hit.
I'm okay with Scott, but I'm not at all okay with Willingham.
Posted by: daslied | May 28, 2009 at 02:21 PM
The Braves need to do something because if they are behind 2 or 3 runs it feels like the Braves cant come back, so they need to do something and do it quick.
Posted by: troyjan | May 28, 2009 at 02:22 PM
I'd take Corey Hart. He's got some speed, too. Maybe Morton +1 for him?
Posted by: daslied | May 28, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Morton is too much to give up for Willingham.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:23 PM
What about Chatlie Morton and Manny Acosta for Chris Duncan. Cardinals have crowded OF and could use a young pitcher and solid su guy
Duncan's career line over 600abs comes out to
.267/.358/.502 with 31hrs and 102rbi. i kknow it would be tough to get him because he is the coach's kid but you never know. also i could see ankiel for the same package, his numbers over 600abs are .260/.335/.488 32hr 98rbi
Posted by: bravoboy10 | May 28, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Probably get shot down here because he's not a real power bat, but Marlon Byrd would be a huge upgrade over Francoeur. From what I've seen out of Schafer, his glove gives him some excuse. Francoeur? Not so much.
Posted by: zaphrodesiac | May 28, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Actually, Dye is only like 36, so he is younger then all of three that were mentioned.
Posted by: BravesRed | May 28, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Well....excuse me. I should have said he is older than "some" of the ones mentioned rather than "a lot" of the ones mentioned. My point was that if you are opposed to adding older players, then you should be opposed to adding Dye.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:25 PM
A couple of points,
(1) As long as Bobby Cox wears the uniform Lofton will never don the same.
One of the few players that Bobby would absolutely not tolerate.
(2)The quickest most sensible fix that could be had right now and not in late july would seem to be Randy Winn.
Winn's addition could buy the braves time until an actual thumper might become available.
Posted by: ATLBR13 | May 28, 2009 at 02:26 PM
braves fans, what would you be willing to give up for luke scott? chris medlen maybe?
Posted by: lftyg33 | May 28, 2009 at 02:27 PM
I don't see Medlen and Travis Jones as enough return for Luke Scott; I don't think that offer brings him.
And that to me is the big question: who do the Braves have that they are truly willing to deal? Assuming that Hanson and Heyward aren't going to be dealt, I don't see the Braves being able to acquire Hawpe or Scott without parting with one of Freeman, Schafer, Flowers or Rohrbough. Of those four, I'd deal Flowers. But I think it will take one of those four for the Braves to add an outfielder worth trading for.
Posted by: James F | May 28, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Do you all realize that Charlie Morton is a pretty good young pitcher? No, he shouldn't be traded for Chris Duncan (or Ankiel) either. If they are giving up young pitchers like Morton or Medlen they need to be getting back a very good player in return.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:28 PM
James, Flowers was traded to the Sox in the Javy Vazquez deal.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:30 PM
If the Braves wouldn't pony up any money a few months ago to get anyone better than Garret Anderson, how are they suddenly going to be able to afford someone like Dye or Hawpe?
The Cards aren't going to deal Duncan and the Brewers won't deal Hart because both are still in pennant races.
What you have to look for are cheap outfielders who aren't great, but have some upside, for non-contenders. Guys like:
Luke Scott
Mark Teahen
Ben Francisco
Travis Buck
Josh Willingham
Cody Ross
Jeremy Hermida
Chris Young
Posted by: RoyalsRetro | May 28, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Oh, right. Duh. Thanks Braves.
FWIW, I still think that in players like Duncan and Scott, you're talking about good players - both of whom own .800+ career OPS numbers. If they could get either for Medlen, a pitcher with 17 career minor league starts, I'd be pretty surprised.
Posted by: James F | May 28, 2009 at 02:35 PM
"Do you all realize that Charlie Morton is a pretty good young pitcher? No, he shouldn't be traded for Chris Duncan (or Ankiel) either. If they are giving up young pitchers like Morton or Medlen they need to be getting back a very good player in return."
I agree Morton is a really good young pitcher with a lot of potential but the braves have a lot of good looking young pitching. right now he is proabaly the 3rd best pitching prospect in the organization(you can't really count Locke and Rourbrough, they're only at high A) but again the braves have a surplus of good young pitching and are desperate for a bat. could a guy like locke be more intriguing to the cardinals, maybe so but the braves are desperate for outfield talent and morton could get us a power bat
Posted by: bravoboy10 | May 28, 2009 at 02:37 PM
The Braves wouldn't be able to get Hawpe with Medlen and Travis Jones but it should be more than enough for Luke Scott....in fact I'm not sure I part with Medlen at all for him. I might trade 2 - 3 mid level minor leaguers for Scott. The Braves have a great hitting DH in the minors that could be included in the trade(Canizares).
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Given the experience with GA, I would be shocked if the Braves look at Edmonds, Lofton or Payton.
The last time the team tried to resurrect the careers of two over-the-hill OF in the same season was 2005. They made the postseason, sure, but only after they cut Mondesi and B.Jordan loose and moved Kelly Johnson to LF. That was also Andruw's monster season, and I don't see Jordan Schafer hitting 51 dingers.
Posted by: ink-stained scribe | May 28, 2009 at 02:38 PM
BravesAllTheWay,
Chris Duncan would be no worse than Diaz in the OF and can genuinely mash RH pitching.
I'd play him over Frenchy in RF. Today.
Posted by: ink-stained scribe | May 28, 2009 at 02:40 PM
bravoboy10
You can't just extrapolate out Chris Duncan to a full season's worth of at bats. He can't hit lefties at all. Ever wonder why he never gets 600 AB's in a season. You could extrapolate Matt Diaz's numbers before last season and get some pretty ridiculous averages, but that doesn't take into consideration he'd be facing a lot more righties.
BravesAllTheWay
Charlie Morton is not a young pitcher. He's 25. He has good AAA numbers but if we could swap him for Willingham or Scott that wouldn't be giving up too much at all. Players who are 25 and still in AAA don't tend to have much value.
Posted by: garriscp | May 28, 2009 at 02:42 PM
RoyalsRetro, my plan for trading for Hawpe would include the Braves trading Soriano to the Rays (or another team needing a closer) for prospects. Soriano is making 6+ mil this season. That would free up enough money for a trade. Then use the Rays prospects, along with Braves prospects to get Hawpe.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:42 PM
should the braves look at juan piere once manny comes back. he would help the team and be a great tutor for schafer
Posted by: bravoboy10 | May 28, 2009 at 02:44 PM
As an O's fan, I'm certainly open to the idea that I'm overvaluing Scott. But I just don't see that deal happening. Medlen isn't really a better prospect than David Hernandez or a lot of the rest of the O's mid-level pitching prospects. Jones is essentially completely identical in value to O's 2b prospect LJ Hoes. Scott is in his third year of MLB service time and has an .858 career OPS. He has enough value, and is cheap enough, that I suspect the O's will hold out for an offer which does more to help their team.
Posted by: James F | May 28, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Scribe, I would play Duncan over Francoeur too....but I wouldn't trade one of the Braves best young pitchers to get him.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:45 PM
25 year old at AAA is not that old....25 at Rookie or single A is.
Posted by: jwrocks | May 28, 2009 at 02:49 PM
I agree with daslied about going with Edmonds (a lefty) over anyone on this list. How and where would he fit in though?
Hawpe's numbers are great but he would add ANOTHER lefthanded bat to the lineup.
Trading for Holiday would mean taking on payroll. How would the Braves free up payroll to take on Holiday?
I really have no problem with the situation in LF right now. I think the Diaz/Anderson platoon is suffice. Anderson is a .296 career hitter and has hit .324 over his last 10 games. Keep in mind that the guy can hit and missed a good portion of spring training and quite a few regular season games so he is just settling in.
It's so tough as a fan, a lifelong braves fan, to watch the kid struggle but I have faith in Jordan Schafer. I really believe he will figure it out and get it going. Maybe a platoon with a vet like Edmonds would do more good than harm.
Jeff Francouer. In the grand scheme of things I think a change of scenery will do him some good. Expressing that to the emotionally attached Atlanta Braves is another story.
I never hear anyone talk about Terry Pendleton. How do you evaluate a hitting coach's performance? Could he be held accountable for the inconsistency of the offense?
Don't get me wrong, the man is a legend whom I love to death, but I believe that that the Braves have reached a point where Bobby Cox's performance should be evaluated more sternly and weighted more heavily than his legendary status.
Posted by: LittleRock | May 28, 2009 at 02:52 PM
James, I probably am overvaluing Medlen too.....so maybe Medlen for Scott would work since both of us think it isn't good for our teams.
:-)
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Sign Jim Edmonds to platoon with schafer and back up the rest of the outfield.Then trade Francouer and a couple of prospects for Brad Hawpe or Carl Crawford. Preferably Hawpe.
Just think Edmonds was a former gold glove outfeilder that has a good bat to come off the bench an get hits. Hawpe is a high average homerun hitting player. Theses are the calibur players the braves need now.
Posted by: tmac2 | May 28, 2009 at 02:54 PM
You can't just extrapolate out Chris Duncan to a full season's worth of at bats. He "can't hit lefties at all. Ever wonder why he never gets 600 AB's in a season. You could extrapolate Matt Diaz's numbers before last season and get some pretty ridiculous averages, but that doesn't take into consideration he'd be facing a lot more righties."
Ok fine Duncan and Diaz's averages against who they fair better against would come out to this over 600 ab's
(Duncan with 350ab's Diaz with 250)
.319/.412/.493 34hr 116rbi now tell me you wouldn't like to have that in LF
Posted by: bravoboy10 | May 28, 2009 at 03:00 PM
This was just reported by Jason Stark on ESPN.
"But teams that have spoken with Atlanta say the Braves' entire prospective rotation (including Tommy Hanson) is off-limits. And they would want a significant return for Jo-Jo Reyes, Charlie Morton or Kris Medlen."
He also said that the Braves are interested in Mark Derosa.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 03:00 PM
... trade Francouer and a couple of prospects for Brad Hawpe or Carl Crawford. Preferably Hawpe.
Posted by: tmac2 | May 28, 2009 at 02:54 PM
It would take MUCH more than Francoeur and a couple of prospects for either of those guys.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 03:03 PM
"The Braves wouldn't be able to get Hawpe with Medlen and Travis Jones but it should be more than enough for Luke Scott....in fact I'm not sure I part with Medlen at all for him. I might trade 2 - 3 mid level minor leaguers for Scott. The Braves have a great hitting DH in the minors that could be included in the trade(Canizares)."
Canizares is 29 years old him succeeding at AAA is not an accomplishment. He would have no trade value.
I agree with James, Medlen and Jones prob. aren't enough for Scott. Remember this isn't a rental type of player, you'd have to give up two quality prospects Medlen plus another top 15 guy. Or add a 3rd or a 4th C+ prospect.
Posted by: Steveo26 | May 28, 2009 at 03:06 PM
I'm al for calling up Gorky's what do yall think
Posted by: bravoboy10 | May 28, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Steveo26, The reason that Canizares is 29 years old and still at AAA is the fact the NL doesn't have a DH. He would be an ideal fit for an AL team that needed a back-up for their DH.
And you can keep Scott then...he isn't worth all that. Scott is 31 years old and is an average player at best. He has a little power but only has a lifetime .270 BA. He isn't worth a team giving up "two quality prospects" for. I would give up 2 - 3 mid-level prospects and nothing more than that.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 03:14 PM
You are welcome to think that Scott isn't worth it; although I'll point out again that his OPS is a lot more impressive than his BA. When you factor in the competition in the AL East, you could easily believe he'd be a .900 OPS player in the NL again.
I also think, once again, that we're talking more about a matchup problem than a quality of package problem. As of tonight, the O's have three pitchers in their rotation who began the season in the minors who are roughly equivalent to Morton/Medlen - Hernandez, Berken, and Bergesen. None are sure things of course, but the O's have Tillman, Arrieta, and Matusz waiting in the wings, and will probably select another top pitching prospect in a couple weeks in the draft. Adding Medlen shouldn't have a ton of appeal to them. And Jones plays a position where they committed to one player for through 2014 (Brian Roberts) and have a quality prospect at the same level of development in Hoes. An equivalent SS or corner infielder would tempt the O's a lot more.
On the one hand, Braves, I agree with you - the Braves shouldn't overpay for a long-term outfield solution. The future OF looks fine, with Heyward, Schafer, and maybe Gorkys. I expect Anderson to regress to the mean, and think a platoon with him and Diaz should be adequate, and think that Lofton or Edmonds would be perfectly fine insurance.
On the other hand, the long term isn't all that matters to the Braves, or we wouldn't be talking about this anyways. And the Braves have a pitching surplus precisely because none of these guys really fit into their long-term plans. Jurrjens and Hanson are two rotatiton spots, Kawakami has a three year deal, Vasquez has another year left, etc. If you want to win now, you have to make some future sacrifices.
Posted by: James F | May 28, 2009 at 03:32 PM
If I'm Wren, the only bats that I would be interested in (when you consider the price money/prospects) are Corey Hart of the Brewers and Nelson Cruz of the Rangers. Will they be hard to get from their respective ballclubs? probably, But will they listen to potential offers? I think so
Posted by: Bravesfan89 | May 28, 2009 at 03:39 PM
braves fans, how does luke scott for jeff locke sound. is that reasonable or am i kidding myself?
Posted by: lftyg33 | May 28, 2009 at 03:41 PM
it's ok, locke is highly regarded but only at high a
Posted by: bravoboy10 | May 28, 2009 at 03:43 PM
"I'm al for calling up Gorky's what do yall think"
So he could K more than Schafer?!?! Hernandez has already K'd 44 times in 181 ABs in AA so no thanks, no need in rushing another young kid.
The guy I would really like the Braves to look into is Shin-Soo Choo of the Indians.
Posted by: Jay212033 | May 28, 2009 at 03:52 PM
I don't see why people what the Braves to bring up Hernandez or Heyward. You see what's happening with Jordan Schafer and on a lesser scale, Jeff Francouer, why would you want the Braves to butcher another prospect by rushing him up to the majors?
Posted by: homeofdabrave | May 28, 2009 at 03:56 PM
Choo would great but doesn't solve the issue with needing a RH bat for this heavy LH lineup. Plus we would have to give up a ATON of prospects for the Indians to even consider trading a cheap productive cleanup hitting type player like Choo.
Posted by: BravoFan3736 | May 28, 2009 at 03:57 PM
"So he could K more than Schafer?!?! Hernandez has already K'd 44 times in 181 ABs in AA so no thanks, no need in rushing another young kid"
Your right i didn't check his K totals. I do think he will get a cup of coffee in september though
Posted by: bravoboy10 | May 28, 2009 at 04:04 PM
"braves fans, how does luke scott for jeff locke sound. is that reasonable or am i kidding myself?"
I actually think that's a fairly reasonable deal.
Scott is underrated in some parts, in my opinion. He'll never be a consistent .300 hitter, but he has good patience and power, and he's actually a slightly above-average defensive corner outfielder.
Locke is a good prospect, but two and a half years of Scott at a reasonably price seems to be a solid deal.
There's a decent chance that both teams could come together in a deal for Rohrbrough or Medlen instead though, depending on the preferences of each team.
Posted by: scribbletone | May 28, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Luke Scott for a deal centered around either Morton or Locke with not much else being traded, makes sense to include Canizares, would be good for both teams. I get that Scott doesn't always get the respect he should but he is not worth two top 15 prospects, one good pitching prospect and a DH is a fair return. If not then Morton for DeRosa makes sense as well. In addition we should be in on Willingham, he's no star but he would be easy to acquire and represents an upgrade. I think our targets should be down to Scott, DeRosa, and Willingham.
Posted by: bravesfan22193 | May 28, 2009 at 04:41 PM
"If not then Morton for DeRosa makes sense as well."
Aren't there major questions about whether or not Atlanta is willing to take on that kind of salary for this season?
Posted by: scribbletone | May 28, 2009 at 04:45 PM
No one knows what salary room Atlanta has. I would think that they had a target team salary for the start of the season and would leave extra room for a mid season addition if need be, but that is what I would have done.
I'm just a fan and not part of the front office so what do I know.
Posted by: wisbrave | May 28, 2009 at 05:11 PM
"Steveo26, The reason that Canizares is 29 years old and still at AAA is the fact the NL doesn't have a DH. He would be an ideal fit for an AL team that needed a back-up for their DH.
And you can keep Scott then...he isn't worth all that. Scott is 31 years old and is an average player at best. He has a little power but only has a lifetime .270 BA. He isn't worth a team giving up "two quality prospects" for. I would give up 2 - 3 mid-level prospects and nothing more than that."
Canizares has no value as a DH or otherwise. Even in a deal the O's wouldn't want him. They don't 'need' to replace their DH if they move Scott. They have Wigginton, not to mention they can put Riemold at DH and Pie in the OF some days. Also when he isn't catching i'd imagine Wieters will be DH'ing to keep his bat in the line-up. On top of that they have Montanez coming back in Sept. and for good measure they have Oscar Salzar who is basically a little older but better version of Canizares waiting in AAA. Scott is available b/c the O's have better/younger/cheaper options. He's not some salary dump or potential FA. If you want to look at a fair deal think along the lines of Medlen, Hicks and maybe one other fringe prospect. Or Locke and Cody Johnson. The point being is the O's will want prospects and not AAAA players and 4-5th starters (like Morton).
Posted by: Steveo26 | May 28, 2009 at 05:21 PM
i got an idea...
instead of completely destroying our farm system so we can finish in 3rd place, why dont we trade chipper (probably not possible because he is a cripple and makes 14 mil a year), vasquez/kawakami, gonzo or soriano, frenchy and johnson.
in return, we get many prospects and a few major league ready starters that will be ready to go in 2010. this way we can TRULY REBUILD! this team needs more than just one big bat....we need two. and a centerfielder. this team has more holes than a prostitute..... our farm system is already hurting (see how well the rangers are playing right now with our players). if we do trade medlen/hanson, hernendez, hicks, morton, or heyward away for a bat look at what will be left....
not much. im telling you. we had our shot with selling the farm for a bat with tex and it DID NOT WORK. so we want to do this again? its time to shut this crappy team down and rebuild. we suck and its time to face this fact...
Posted by: bravesphanatic | May 28, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Half the guys you are naming as replacements via trade are worse than the players the Braves have in the OF now. Corey Hart is hitting .240 including .205/.255/.295 in May. How is that an improvement? Josh Willingham is hitting .228. Awesome. The Nationals outfield is in just as bad of shape as the braves. Oh yeah and Willingham's line for last year is 254/.364/.470 which is a little below average or average at best. Why would you trade prospects to bring that to your team? Brad Hawpe would be the ideal canidate, but I think the Braves would have to give up a little more than what everyone is suggesting in order to get him. Plus, that is all dependent on the Braves first doing something with Francouer, a player whom they are very attached to.
Posted by: pikapp128 | May 28, 2009 at 05:34 PM
AGAIN, why didn't the Braves seriously consider Edmonds during the offseason? He would have been cheaper than G.A. or K.G. Jr. They had a shot at Abreu & dropped the ball on that. They could have just picked up Frank Catalanotto for next to nothing this month & passed on that. It's not a coincidence that the Braves outfield is an utter failure. The front office couldn't be doing a worse job there.
Also, I think Lofton is the worst possible suggestion out there. I'm booing him right now as I type this.
But yeah, realistically, DeRosa & Willingham are probably at the top of the list.
Posted by: drphonic7 | May 28, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Locke plus a couple of low level prospects for Scott might make sense but I really doubt the Braves FO would do that. If they want a big return for Reyes, Morton, or Medlen I can only imagine that they would feel the same way about a young lefty like Locke.
I'm not sure that there really is an answer. The Braves have two very good OF prospects that are less than two years away from the majors. So giving up some of the better young arms in the farm system for an outfielder that they may only need for a year or two doesn't make much sense. Someone above said that the Braves and O's don't match up well and I think that might be true.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Bravesphanatic, the Braves can't trade Chipper Jones without his ok because he is a 10/5 player (10 year veteran with five years on the same team).
I do agree that I don't mind just rebuilding. However, we are going to be fine with CF. Jordan will work it out...he is still a rookie....and one who only played 1/2 season of minor league ball last year.
I have mentioned in several discussion boards that trading Soriano for prospects to a team needing a closer makes a lot of sense.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 05:49 PM
"Locke plus a couple of low level prospects for Scott might make sense but I really doubt the Braves FO would do that. If they want a big return for Reyes, Morton, or Medlen I can only imagine that they would feel the same way about a young lefty like Locke."
I think that Scott straight up for Locke is a pretty solid deal.
As I said before, Scott offers some plus power and plate discipline along with slightly above average defensive, and he's under control through 2011, which makes him awfully valuable.
It's really not that lopsided of a deal, and Scott is far more valuable than DeRosa at this point.
Posted by: scribbletone | May 28, 2009 at 06:01 PM
I agree with you Scribbletone, I would probably do the Locke for Scott deal....but the Braves front office can be kind of funny sometimes. When they sold the farm for the Teixeira rental I about had a heart attack....and now they are quibbling about who they get for Jo Jo Reyes....makes no sense to me really.
The only thing that would make DeRosa more valuable is the fact that he can play some of the infield positions too.....the Braves were really hurt by losing Omar Infante.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Russell Branyan
He plays for the Mariners who stink and could really use young pitching talent. He'd be no worse in left than Garret Anderson and this is his line so far this season.
BA HR RBI OBP SLG
.311 11 23 .398 .608
I know he's a left handed bat, but I don't understand why no one is bringing him up. He's only making 1.4 mill this year too so he doesn't break the bank.
Posted by: preluderl | May 28, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Why not just get Ben Zobrist from Tampa Bay? He hits for power and average. He's a decent fielder and is pretty quick. And the Rays are all about rebuilding and getting prospects.
Posted by: Tito'sCousin | May 28, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Luke Scott's ears must have been burning - he hit two homers tonight for the O's.
Posted by: James F | May 28, 2009 at 08:59 PM
luke scott is on fire. 3 homers in 2 games.
Posted by: lftyg33 | May 28, 2009 at 09:03 PM
LOL...I noticed that about Scott. My opponent in one of my H2H leagues has him on his roster.
Posted by: BravesAllTheWay | May 28, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Kenny Lofton?
Hell, why don't they just bring back Otis Nixon!!
Posted by: Buttphuck | May 28, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Judging by the pitching of the Phils and Mets, I think the Braves can stay in the hunt for this thing.
Having said that, do we look for going for it this year or look to the future too?
Frenchy is done. Put a fork in him. He has virtually no value at all. Jordan will be fine in CF. He is a defensive whiz. Reyes, Morton, Campillo, Acosta - nothing special about any of them. Trade them now when they have some worth. Looks like the Marlins are tired of Hermida, bring him back home to Atlanta. Holliday would be awesome but he is a Boras guy and the Braves won't ever deal with him again. Either Huff or Roberts can be had with a good package from the Orioles. Maybe Huff can still play some LF or RF. Roberts would be great leadership and leadoff until someone else is ready. KJ can move back to the OF. The Twins have a crowded OF with Gomez and Span competing for ABs. The Rox will want way too much for Hawpe. Braves starting pitching can keep them in contention this year.
Posted by: MontanaBravo | May 29, 2009 at 01:15 AM
Russell Branyan
He plays for the Mariners who stink and could really use young pitching talent. He'd be no worse in left than Garret Anderson and this is his line so far this season.
BA HR RBI OBP SLG
.311 11 23 .398 .608
I know he's a left handed bat, but I don't understand why no one is bringing him up. He's only making 1.4 mill this year too so he doesn't break the bank.
We released this guy before spring training even ended one year. Lofton will never where a Braves uniform again, I know everyone hasn't forgotten how bad we got burned by losing Justice and Grissom to the Indians for him only to have him go and sign with the Indians the very next year. Or how about the J.D. Drew for Adam Wainright, that one still makes my chest hurt to.
Trade soriano and free up that lump sum of money and get prospects for him, Hawpe isn't gonna happen. Scott would be nice but not at the price most people are asking on here. Edmonds? Only if he platoons and do we really need another platoon. If they release Norton he could come off the bench.
Look onward till 2010 because the braves are done. Rebuild, rebuild, rebuild now!
Posted by: Adam Adcock | May 29, 2009 at 01:30 AM
I'm confused. It really sounds like the Braves FO want to compete. With all the big FA signings that they made last year you would think another $10 mil to address the OF bats would've been done. An offensive minded OF'er is the easiest things in the world to acquire. Why all the fumblings?
Posted by: YanksFanSince78 | May 29, 2009 at 08:53 AM
YanksFan,
I can't explain the fumblings. It is unclear how much more the club will take on in salary, but Wren and Cox have made some baffling decisions with position players (the moves they made to shore up the pitching staff have been outstanding).
Infante's injury has been a killer, but he was always expected to be a role player at most.
Set aside the puny offense. The position player roster has almost zero flexibility. GA and Diaz are no more than serviceable in LF, and neither can play another position; Francoeur has an arm but not a lot of range in RF and there's no back up CF, so Schafer has to play every inning, no matter how much he struggles.
We all know that Chipper's going to miss 25-40 games a year. His body is slowly breaking down. So you have to have someone on the roster who can spell him.
Norton is valuable if you can afford to carry a guy who can do nothing but pinch hit, but this team needs someone who can actually play defense on occasion.
I was never a Josh Anderson fan and understand why coming out of spring training Schafer won the everyday CF job, but getting rid of him looks like a major mistake now. Would have made more sense to try to accept that the Norton signing was a mistake and try to move him and keep GA as your bench bat/occasional LF rather than leave the bench so shallow in several key positions.
Posted by: ink-stained scribe | May 29, 2009 at 09:06 AM
What if they made a trade with Washington
Francouer + Hernandez + Kotchman
for
Dunn and Johnson
Thoughts?
Posted by: mike | May 29, 2009 at 09:36 AM
YanksFan,
I can't explain the fumblings. It is unclear how much more the club will take on in salary, but Wren and Cox have made some baffling decisions with position players (the moves they made to shore up the pitching staff have been outstanding).
Infante's injury has been a killer, but he was always expected to be a role player at most.
Set aside the puny offense. The position player roster has almost zero flexibility. GA and Diaz are no more than serviceable in LF, and neither can play another position; Francoeur has an arm but not a lot of range in RF and there's no back up CF, so Schafer has to play every inning, no matter how much he struggles.
We all know that Chipper's going to miss 25-40 games a year. His body is slowly breaking down. So you have to have someone on the roster who can spell him.
Norton is valuable if you can afford to carry a guy who can do nothing but pinch hit, but this team needs someone who can actually play defense on occasion.
I was never a Josh Anderson fan and understand why coming out of spring training Schafer won the everyday CF job, but getting rid of him looks like a major mistake now. Would have made more sense to try to accept that the Norton signing was a mistake and try to move him and keep GA as your bench bat/occasional LF rather than leave the bench so shallow in several key positions.
------------
You are a little off on this. Infante is supposed to be the backup 2B, SS, and CF but he is hurt. Prado is the back up at 3B, 1B, and 2B.
Posted by: Crown_royal_34 | May 29, 2009 at 10:12 AM
"
What if they made a trade with Washington
Francouer + Hernandez + Kotchman
for
Dunn and Johnson
Thoughts?"
LOL. No. Frenchy is stinking it up, plus him and Hernandez (correct me if I'm wrong here) are both OFs and that's the last thing the Nats need. Kotchman might fit, but those other two pieces wouldn't. And why would you guys want Johnson anyways, seeing as you already have Kotchman? If the Nats and Braves wanna make a trade, it would have to involve either Kearns or Willingham, as Rizzo said he's only willing to trade veterans, and plus, Dunn's comfortable here as it is. The Nats would want pitching, and pitching only in a trade.
Posted by: DCSportsGuy | May 29, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Andruw Jones.
Posted by: crebmann2013 | June 30, 2009 at 01:46 AM