Atlanta Braves Rumors

Braves Sign Scott Proctor

FRIDAY: David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has details on Proctor's deal. WEDNESDAY: The Braves signed reliever Scott Proctor to a split contract, according to Mike Graham of TCPalm.com (hat tip to Talking Chop). Proctor's agent Mark Rodgers said the Braves were "very aggressive in their pursuit of Scott." The contract contains performance incentives. Jeff Euston of Cot's Baseball Contracts informed me that Proctor would "have to spend all but about 21 days on the 25-man to qualify as a free agent after 2010." He'll probably need all of April in the minors, meaning the Braves could retain Proctor for...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Holliday, Putz, Lopez, Teahen, Reds

It's been a busy first day on the hot stove, so here's another batch of links... Derrick Goold of The St. Lous Post Dispatch says there are eight teams "that have the need and the financial wherewithal" to sign Matt Holliday. It's the usual suspects (i.e. big market clubs), and Goold explains why each may be interested in Holliday. Craig Landis, agent for J.J. Putz, said that his client "hasn't ruled out returning to the Mets with a cheaper, incentive-laden deal," according to Bart Hubbuch of The NY Post. Earlier today we learned that the Mets informed Putz that they...   Continue Reading

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Tim Hudson Extension Close

Multiple journalists said to expect the Braves' three-year extension for Tim Hudson to be finished last week, but that didn't happen. David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution explains why: The delay on Hudson extension resulted from the team having to find a doctor the insurance company approved of to do the physical. But they got the doc and Huddy passed the physical, from what I’m told. If so, it shouldn’t be much longer before they sign this deal and it gets announced. The Braves may also prefer to wait until after the World Series to announce the deal, though Freddy...   Continue Reading

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Atlanta's Offseason Needs

If and when Tim Hudson signs an extension with the Braves, MLB.com's Mark Bowman says GM Frank Wren appears likely to shop Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez. Moving one of the two veterans would create the financial flexibility to allow the Braves to pursue a first baseman, a closer and, possibly, an outfielder. It's a "strong possibility" that Adam LaRoche, Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano will all sign elsewhere as free agents. Bowman says the Braves may consider signing Billy Wagner or trading for Matt Capps if they don't retain Gonzalez and Soriano. Jason Heyward looms in the minor leagues....   Continue Reading

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Braves Interested In Chapman?

10:07pm: In an e-mail to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, Braves GM Frank Wren denied having any plans to meet with Chapman. 7:37pm: The Atlanta Braves have joined the list of suitors after Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman, writes Melissa Segura of SI.com. While an exact date, time and location has not been decided on yet, the two parties are "expected to schedule formal conversations in the coming weeks." Segura identifies the Orioles, Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Athletics and Cardinals as other clubs also believed to be interested in the 21-year-old. Our review of the Chapman sweepstakes cites information that...   Continue Reading

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Rogers On Chapman, Vazquez, Valentine, Gonzalez

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune looks at a few hot stove topics from around the league in his latest article. Here are some of his thoughts: He speculates that the Seattle Mariners' interest in Aroldis Chapman stems from their desire to still have a front-line starter if they eventually decide to move Felix Hernandez. Rogers is skeptical that the two Chicago teams have the resources to compete seriously in the Chapman sweepstakes. Be sure to check out MLBTR's complete Chapman review. With Tim Hudson on the verge of re-signing with the Braves, Ken Rosenthal indicated that Javier Vazquez or...   Continue Reading

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Olney On Potential Non-Tenders And Bradley

In today's blog post at ESPN.com, Buster Olney indicates that there is belief among general managers that the "financial restructuring that has been occurring across the landscape is about to hit the arbitration-level players like a tidal wave." He mentions underperforming, but well paid players like Garrett Atkins and Kelly Johnson are prime non-tender bait, especially since their clubs have replacements ready and it's unlikely they'll be able to trade them. Make sure you check out MLBTR's list of non-tender candidates. Olney also talks about some bad contracts the Cubs could acquire in exchange for Milton Bradley, adding that this...   Continue Reading

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Offseason Outlook: Atlanta Braves

Next up in our Offseason Outlook series, the Braves. Their likely commitments for 2010: C - Brian McCann - $5.5MM C - Dave Ross - $1.6MM 1B - 2B - Martin Prado - $415K SS - Yunel Escobar - $425K 3B - Chipper Jones - $13MM IF - Kelly Johnson - $2.825MM+ IF - Diory Hernandez - $400K IF/OF - Omar Infante - $2.225MM LF - Matt Diaz - $1.2375MM+ CF - Nate McLouth - $4.5MM RF - Ryan Church - $2.8MM+ OF - Jordan Schafer - $400K SP - Javier Vazquez - $11.5MM SP - Jair Jurrjens - $450K...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Nationals, Braves, Blue Jays

Some late-afternoon snacks for you... The incomparable Thomas Boswell answers questions on a variety of subjects, including his belief that Jim Riggleman will return as manager of the Nationals next year. As Boswell puts it, "Has any manager in history ever not been retained after he improved a team's winning percentage by .125 and ended the season 7-0? Especially when the team likes him and he's born-raised in that town? I doubt it very much." Rob Neyer discusses Atlanta's options, now that it appears they will bring Tim Hudson back. And former Brave Mike Mordecai will be Toronto's roving minor...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Kikuchi, Astros, Smoltz, Hermida

Some links to read for Thursday morning... The AP reports (via the Miami Herald) that the Seibu Lions won the rights to negotiate with top Japanese amateur Yusei Kikuchi. Another top young pitcher, Stephen Strasburg, hit 100 mph repeatedly in his third AFL start, according to ESPN.com's Jason Grey. Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle says fans and media members need to hold Astros owner Drayton McLane accountable, and says it wasn't GM Ed Wade's fault that managerial candidate Manny Acta signed with the Indians. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch hears that the Cardinals still have interest in...   Continue Reading

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