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Braves Notes: Gattis, B.J. Upton, Third Base

By Tim Dierkes | November 11, 2014 at 12:11pm CDT

Joel Sherman of the New York Post heard yesterday that the Braves were pushing catcher Evan Gattis hard, but the team’s president of baseball operations, John Hart, called the report “absolutely inaccurate.”  The latest on the team…

  • One strategy for the Braves is to package Gattis with B.J. Upton, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Upton is owed $46.35MM through 2017 after posting two awful years for Atlanta.  Rosenthal says most of the Braves’ roster is in play.
  • The Braves want to add a left-handed hitter who could possibly platoon with third baseman Chris Johnson, tweets David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  I doubt the Braves want Juan Francisco back, but the Cubs’ Luis Valbuena could be a fit.
  • Hart doesn’t expect to make a trade at the GM Meetings, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.  Hart explained, “I think you’re going to have conversations. I think the Winter Meetings are a pretty good dance place, because people will have seen what is going on in the free-agent ranks, evaluated the trade market for players they want and done all of the things clubs do to make a deal.”  Bowman notes that beyond Gattis, the Braves might trade Justin Upton or Jason Heyward this winter.  Each outfielder is scheduled for free agency after 2015.
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Atlanta Braves B.J. Upton Evan Gattis

Free Agent Notes: Exec Poll, Landmines, Manny
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85 Comments

  1. stl_cards16

    11 years ago

    I was wondering if Heyward’s name would get brought up this winter. Still just speculation, but I think the Cardinals would make a serious run if he were indeed available. They could also have the payroll space to sign him long-term.

    Reply
    • Jayaare

      11 years ago

      Why not go after Upton if both made available? Power has been the issue with the cardinals offense as of late

      Reply
      • stl_cards16

        11 years ago

        I love Heyward’s complete game and I think the Cardinals would covet it as well. There’s still some pop for Heyward to come. I imagine they’d have interest in Upton as well.

        Reply
        • Marc

          11 years ago

          I agree. Considering both players are quality, multi-tool, corner outfielders, if either of these guys is available the interest will be from similar teams (i.e. Cardinals among others would pursue Heyward if only Heyward were available and they would pursue Upton if only Upton were available).

          Reply
        • Lucas Gomez

          11 years ago

          What would be a realistic package? I’m assuming Piscotty+Gonzales/Martinez kind of package?

          Reply
          • ptownbrave

            11 years ago

            1 of Gonzalez, Miller, or Martinez
            1 of Piscotty, Grichuk, or Tilson
            Maybe a Wisdom type
            A lower level SP prospect

            Reply
    • citizen 2

      11 years ago

      heyward for wacha

      Reply
  2. Jake L

    11 years ago

    Pirates will need a catcher…Pedro for Gattis?? I know that goes against the Pirates idea of getting a great defensive catcher but this makes sense. Then Pirates can sign an everyday 1B and get rid of Gaby and Ike.

    Reply
    • Dynasty22

      11 years ago

      Why would the Braves do that?

      Reply
      • Jake L

        11 years ago

        Lefty bat at 3B…Other pieces could be involved but it’s an idea.

        Reply
        • coolstorybro222

          11 years ago

          yes, but he’s just another high hr low average hitter that we have a whole line up of practically.

          Reply
    • pitnick

      11 years ago

      I would love for this to happen, but doubt if the Braves (or anyone else) view Pedro as a third baseman still. Even then, it would take more than just Pedro.

      If the Pirates did manage to get Gattis, I could also see them using him as the rightie half of the 1B platoon with Ike. A few games a week behind the plate, and a game or two at first. Stewart catches the rest.

      Reply
      • Jake L

        11 years ago

        I hope to avoid the 1B platoon as a whole and get rid of Pedro, Ike and Gaby. Replace with LaRoche or any other everyday 1B

        Reply
        • pitnick

          11 years ago

          Ideally I’d like an everyday 1B too, but pickings are pretty slim right now. LaRoche is pretty old and could collapse anytime. Are there any other free agent candidates?

          Reply
    • Gary Graf

      11 years ago

      Good for the Pirates, but Pedro wouldn’t be a good fit for the Braves. They’re trying to rid of high power, low average, high strikeouts players and balance the lineup better.

      Reply
    • rundmc1981

      11 years ago

      Yeah, that’s exactly what we need…another league-leading strikeout king. In 2014, if Alavarez got his 600 AB, at the rate he was going he would have finished the year in the top-3 of MLB in strikeouts. Yeah, no thanks. He finished with 113 K in 398 AB.

      Reply
    • ptownbrave

      11 years ago

      I’d probably look at Josh Harrison, Jacoby Jones, and Nick Kingham if I were the Braves…

      For 4 years of control of Gattis you’re not getting a deal with Pedro Alvarez I can tell you that much

      Reply
    • R.D.

      11 years ago

      I couldn’t see the Braves doing that based off of Alvarez’ K totals/power/low avg combo. This is the huge issue that would only be intensified. Maybe trying to make a deal involving Marte or Tabata would be more reasonable. I’m sure the Pirates slew of young pitchers would appeal as well.

      In theory y’all’d probably be better off putting Gattis at 1B and resigning Martin though.

      Reply
  3. Arndt Miles

    11 years ago

    heyward to the M’s?

    Reply
    • WisBrave

      11 years ago

      Thought M’s were looking for a righty bat?

      Reply
      • Edgar4evar

        11 years ago

        Yeah, I’d rather have J Upton. The price for one year is probably going to be too steep though.

        Reply
        • Arndt Miles

          11 years ago

          i think that ship has sailed after he vetoed a trade to us a couple years back

          Reply
          • c

            11 years ago

            Actually, the Mariners are no longer on his no-trade list.

            -C

            Reply
          • rundmc1981

            11 years ago

            No, or else he would have added the M’s as one of his four teams invoking his no-trade clause.

            Reply
        • ptownbrave

          11 years ago

          Yeah I’d think one of DJ Peterson, Gabe Guerrero, or Austin Wilson would be a good starting point for Upton talks…

          Remember, the Braves are trying to restock their system and stock it with players close to being MLB ready

          Reply
          • blueagleace1

            11 years ago

            Starting point would be Walker.

            Reply
      • macdice

        11 years ago

        The Mariners are looking for any big league average hitter. Funny how they say Safeco was made for LH then complain that they have too many LH hitters. Construct your team to take advantage of your home ball park.

        The M’s were interested in BJ in the past, I could see them interested in both players. Gattis could DH, back up Zunino and then occasionally pay the OF.

        Reply
  4. geauxbraves2000

    11 years ago

    As much as I want to see BJ traded, if it costs Gattis I’d rather keep BJ.

    Reply
    • adamdm07

      11 years ago

      I wouldn’t. I love Gattis, but he is only playing 75% of the time. Bethancourt is a better option, he provides more possibilities of getting runners on. CB did really well I thought when Gattis was on the DL late, he provided some contact hitting not power. Braves need more contact and less of the power strikeout swings.

      Reply
      • geauxbraves2000

        11 years ago

        With the number of MiLB years for Bethancourt and from what I’ve seen and read, I’m afraid he is going to be a bust. If he provides the same defense as Gattis (okay, this is just from memory, but I believe I recall numbers that someone ran showing Gattis a bit better defensively than CBeth this season) I’d rather have Gattis’ bat. CBeth may be a suitable backup but that’s about all, imo. I may be wrong of course but he really hasn’t done anything to impress me yet.

        Reply
      • nathan scott

        11 years ago

        Not even 75%. Last year he only started 58% of the games (and actually it’s right at 58% for both seasons combined), with 27 PH appearances the past 2 seasons. He’s more valuable to a team that can DH him a third of the games. And the ONLY chip we have that could return us a player that actually CAN impact 150 or so games a season. Love the guy. But the time to move him is NOW.

        Reply
      • bloodgimp

        11 years ago

        Absolutely. Getting rid of BJ should be job #1 and as much as I like Gattis, he’s just in the wrong league. If they can package the 2, save some $ and get a fairly decent starting pitcher (or someone close) back, I’d pull the trigger immediately.

        Reply
  5. Buddy GO Braves

    11 years ago

    If we trade anyone of them we better get something good back.

    Reply
  6. Buddy GO Braves

    11 years ago

    Who or what do y’all thank the braves should trade for?

    Reply
    • WisBrave

      11 years ago

      A top of the order bat that can get on base, a lefty bullpen arm, middle/back end rotation depth and get rid of a portion of B-Up contract preferably with him with it.

      Reply
      • DZ

        11 years ago

        Maybe a Gardner for Upton swap?

        EDIT: yes of course Justin, not BJ

        Reply
        • Marc

          11 years ago

          If it’s BJ Upton? Not in this universe.

          Reply
          • WisBrave

            11 years ago

            No, J-Up he’s talking about.

            Reply
            • MB923

              11 years ago

              I don’t know about that because you mentioned B-Up in your post.

              Reply
              • WisBrave

                11 years ago

                I was talking about what Braves needs. In response to Buddy GO Braves.

                Reply
            • Marc

              11 years ago

              In that case, no, unless Justin signs an extension as part of the trade. Gardner is on a relatively friendly deal for another 4 years. I’m not implying a straight up trade either, but the Yankees would need to know they have more than just a rental.

              Reply
              • DZ

                11 years ago

                I think that’s to be expected. The yankees don’t make the deal without there being an extension in place, or at least an opportunity to talk to Justin beforehand

                Reply
              • WisBrave

                11 years ago

                Never said as a 1 for 1 swap.

                Reply
                • Marc

                  11 years ago

                  So it could make sense, if there was a contract extension and other pieces involved… Not a “Gardner for Upton swap” anymore as originally posted and what I was replying to.

                  Reply
                  • WisBrave

                    11 years ago

                    J-Up and Gardner would be the main pieces centered around this trade scenario.

                    Reply
                  • DZ

                    11 years ago

                    I posted my own comment above as well…

                    Yankees: Upton (and a window for extension) and one of their major league arms

                    Braves: Gardner and a prospect (maybe Refsnyder or someone lesser depending on the arm)

                    Reply
                    • Marc

                      11 years ago

                      I could see this working out (not familiar with the respective prospects or farm systems though). Yankees get more power while losing some defense. Braves get a solid defensive OF (CF, really) who can lead-off. Both teams don’t really lose any speed either.

                      Reply
                      • WisBrave

                        11 years ago

                        I’d call it a wash on defense, J-Up has a better arm but less range than Gardner. Then if Yankees move him back to right field were he’s happier/ more comfortable that would help. The only reason Braves had him in left was because of Heyward.

                        Reply
        • MB923

          11 years ago

          Umm, which Upton.

          Reply
        • adamdm07

          11 years ago

          I can see the possibility for the Braves but still seems lopsided for the Yankees.

          Reply
        • blueagleace1

          11 years ago

          It would take a lot more than Gardner to land J. Upton.

          Reply
          • DZ

            11 years ago

            Probably not… I could see prospects being sent back both ways as filler, but I’d be surprised there were any other major pieces moved. 4 years of an above average center fielder and lead off hitter for one of Upton is more fair than you realize.

            Reply
    • adamdm07

      11 years ago

      More contact hitters. We need fewer power swings. Wren loaded up the lineup for more power and gave up the OBP. There has to be a balance. I also think some of the potential for JHEY and Simmons was hidden in the lineup. Granted Simmons had some health issues he played with last year that could have effected his plate appearances. I’d like to see them get on base, and steal more bases. I’d like to see guys like Zobrist, Kendrick, Valbuena, or Joyce. Guys are patient and have good OBP.

      Reply
    • MB923

      11 years ago

      They should trade for a starting CFer

      Reply
    • ptownbrave

      11 years ago

      Restocking the farm is priority 1…

      What I’m being told is they’d like to do it with quality over quantity and closer to ready prospects though.

      If I were them, I’d trade all 4 of the mentioned names (if possible) and play for 2016 with the likelihood that the trades will provide for a better balanced lineup by then coupled with a new managerial hire that provides a more engaging and winnable style and payroll flexibility going towards STP opening in 2017

      Reply
  7. Melvin Mendoza, Jr.

    11 years ago

    I don’t think 3B should be a huge priority right now. Johnson was not terribly good last year, but I can think of several things that need addressing before running him out of town, or even focusing too hard on a platoon mate for him. He is just a year removed from almost winning the batting title, after all.

    Reply
  8. Edgar4evar

    11 years ago

    Good luck getting rid of BJ. He’s a 4th OF PR/PH at best and is owed about $48 million. His power has completely vanished. If the Braves sent him and Gattis together and got nothing back I’m still not sure it would be fair to their trade partner.

    Reply
    • Flash Gordon

      11 years ago

      Agreed, it would be an awful deal. Braves will have to eat most of the salary to get rid of BJ. Even then a team has to keep him on the 25 man roster if they assume even a quarter of the salary. I also don’t see Gattis as being a real strong bet going forward. He’s worked hard to get to the big leagues, is strong as country ox, and cheap. Still his game is full of holes and is already in his late twenties.

      Reply
  9. DZ

    11 years ago

    I can definitely see the yankees and Braves matching up well in a trade. Something involving Upton and a prospect or two for Gardner and Refsnyder maybe? You get a few more years or Gardner below market, add a left handed hitter into the lineup, and potentially another piece for the next 6 years. Yankees can take some of the Braves pitching depth in return and the salaries would be about even.

    Reply
    • YankeeFan™

      11 years ago

      this better be Justin Upton your talking about.

      Reply
      • WisBrave

        11 years ago

        He is. Wouldn’t make much sense if it was BJ.

        Reply
    • CT

      11 years ago

      Braves aren’t adding pieces to JUpton for Bret Gardner.

      Reply
      • WisBrave

        11 years ago

        They certainly could, might not be major pieces but it wouldn’t be straight up swap.

        Reply
      • DZ

        11 years ago

        They’d probably have to. Most would agree that 4 years of Gardner below market value is greater than one year of upton. You could slide him over to center, have him bat leadoff, and slap doubles all over the park. I think his declining stolen base total the past two years is more a function of the yankees play style than Gardner’s ability. Given the right conditions, he could steal just over 30 bases, bat 270, and play above average defense in center. There’s a lot of value in that.

        Reply
  10. jonathanh250

    11 years ago

    I think the braves are over thinking I see everyone in the braves jersey next year with heyward being resigned but not for 75 mil

    Reply
  11. jonathanh250

    11 years ago

    With need to get rid of fredi g

    Reply
    • ATL_Mindset

      11 years ago

      with need of orginal idea – thanks!

      Reply
      • coolstorybro222

        11 years ago

        all he is is Bobby lite, and he tries to play the games like Bobby but fails. He never even stands up for the players.

        Reply
  12. BG921

    11 years ago

    That’s something that is always forgotten by Braves fans. They made fun of Juan Francisco, but his platoon splits with Johnson is why Johnson had such a successful season in 2013. I’ve wanted them to take a shot at Valbuena, over a guy like Bonifacio, since the deadline last season. In a perfect world, they could dump CJ, BJ, and Gattis for anything…

    Reply
    • c

      11 years ago

      It’s forgotten because it’s not really true. He played a lot of first in April, because Freeman was hurt. He platooned most in May, which was his second worst month, barely above league-average. Francisco didn’t survive May in Atlanta, so everything after that was all CJ.

      The fact is that Johnson was just really good in 2013, and it had little to nothing to do with platooning.

      -C

      Reply
      • Flash Gordon

        11 years ago

        It had everything to do with an extremely unsustainable BABIP. You could see the regression monster coming from a mile away.

        Reply
  13. FullCountTommy

    11 years ago

    A lot of Braves fans on here, so thoughts about Arismendy Alcantara, Luis Valbuena, and Travis Wood from the Cubs for Jason Heyward??

    Reply
    • jonathanh250

      11 years ago

      The cubs always seem to make trades with the braves but I think justin upton should go before him

      Reply
      • FullCountTommy

        11 years ago

        Ya I think the Braves would prefer to move Upton, I think Heyward is a much better fit with the Cubs.

        Reply
    • coolstorybro222

      11 years ago

      ha. You’d have to give up Soler or Baez before that is even remotely possible.

      Reply
      • FullCountTommy

        11 years ago

        It’s 1 year of Jason Heyward. Cubs would laugh at trading Soler for one year of Heyward. Baez, MAYBE, but absolutely zero chance it’s Soler.

        Reply
  14. jonathanh250

    11 years ago

    Everything sounds good I like that trade

    Reply
  15. i'm me ..

    11 years ago

    Heyward will be headed to Houston.

    Reply
    • WisBrave

      11 years ago

      For what? Unless Braves go in full rebuild mode I really don’t see a match.

      Reply
      • i'm me ..

        11 years ago

        Castro. Folty and Oberholtzer

        Reply
        • WisBrave

          11 years ago

          Castro isn’t a fit unless Braves flip him for someone else right away. None of the three can be a centerpiece for Heyward in a trade. Braves would be better off keeping him and recieving a comp pick for him.

          Reply
  16. Braves4Ever2025

    11 years ago

    Would gladly ship out Gattis if the only return we got was the other team taking BJ’s contract as well. But no one is gonna do that…. 🙁

    Reply
  17. ptownbrave

    11 years ago

    Amazing to me that ppl usually overvalue Braves prospects are now undervaluing guys who actually have track records…

    No way does a Upton for Gardner straight up deal happen…as solid as BG may be, a leadoff guy who defends well is nowhere near the value of a middle of the order 30/100 guy…

    And the Cubs would have to kick in a ton more if they wanted Heyward…

    Just because there is 1 year left on their deals doesn’t mean the Braves will take scraps to offload them.

    Reply
    • WisBrave

      11 years ago

      You realize J-Up has 1 year left on his contract and Gardner has 4 years left.

      Reply

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