Braves Rumors: David O’Brien Discusses
CMSB Media had David O'Brien from the Atlanta Journal Constitution on their radio show yesterday.
O'Brien suggests despite overpaying for Derek Lowe, the deal has worked out favorably for the Braves. O'Brien finds the Braves not acquiring Jake Peavy to be a blessing in disguise and says if the Braves are going to make a move it won't be one that takes on a whole lot of salary.
A quote from the interview:
"It's hard to say because they won't just come out and say, 'We have $7MM to spend.' … They don't want to go past a certain amount and with attendance down, revenues down, I'd be surprised if they took on another big salary. I think they'd have to do more of trading prospects to get a guy, a younger player, who doesn't have a big salary or a guy who's going to be a free agent that doesn't have much left on his contract…"
O'Brien also discusses the John Smoltz fallout, and the worst walk-out music on the Braves ("These guys have no taste in music really."). Give it a listen.
Royals Still Scouting Jeff Francoeur
According to Mark Bowman at MLBlogs, the Royals retain interest in Braves OF Jeff Francoeur and are keeping an eye on him this weekend. However, Bowman notes that if a deal were to happen, the Braves might have to be willing to take on the $12MM owed to Jose Guillen.
Guillen is owed another $12MM in 2010 before his contract expires. The Royals' interest in Francoeur is well-known, though supposedly not everyone in the KC front office is keen on him. It isn't clear if the Braves would be willing to add any payroll, let alone any payroll that would involve a potential headcase like Guillen.
Odds & Ends: Chipper, Tigers, Padres, Diamondbacks
Some Saturday links…
- Furman Bisher of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says it's time for the Braves to put Chipper Jones on the market.
- The Tigers designated catcher Dane Sardinha for assignment to make room for righty Alfredo Figaro, according to CBSsports.com.
- Nick Canepa of The San Diego Union-Tribune writes that now is as good a time as any for the Padres to inject some youth into the team.
- In addition to first rounder AJ Pollock, Nick Piecoro reports that the Diamondbacks have announced the signing of four draft picks, including supplemental first rounder Mike Belfiore.
- CJ Nitkowski blogs that he and the SK Wyverns of the Korean Baseball Organization have parted ways.
- Rob Biertempfel reports that the Pirates signed another draft pick.
Braves Sign Chris Burke
Talking Chop reports that the Braves signed utilityman Chris Burke to a minor league deal. Burke, 29, has played every position but pitcher and catcher in the major leagues. In 32 games with the Padres this year, Burke's OPS was .575. More recently, he played in Triple A Tacoma in the Mariners' organization.
Wren: Few Big Bats Available
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that, though the Braves could definitely use a right-handed power hitter, there aren't many available. As GM Frank Wren points out, the shortage of big bats on the market will have implications for many teams:
Heyman On Pedro, Nats, Mets, Rangers
Jon Heyman of SI.com says those closest to the Pedro Martinez situation expect him to sign soon. Heyman has many more rumors; here they are:
- One GM thinks the Nationals are demanding too much in return for their players. He says they want "a dollar and a quarter for a dollar."
- As Heyman points out, interim GM Mike Rizzo has an especially tough role, since his job isn't secure.
- Heyman says the Nats will make an announcement on a full-time GM this season. Rizzo has a good shot at the position.
- Rival GMs say Omar Minaya is now looking to boost the Mets' offense.
- Adding a player who can handle first base and the outfield would allow the Mets to make room for Carlos Delgado when he returns later in the season. Mark DeRosa fits the bill, but the Indians are apparently asking for a lot in a potential deal.
- The Rangers aren't likely to trade for Brad Penny, though they have considered him.
- Huston Street's one of the relievers who appeals to the Rangers.
- Texas can't add payroll, but can trade prospects.
- Chad Qualls and Heath Bell would both command big returns in a trade.
- Most contenders believe they need to add relievers, but the Red Sox are willing to trade one away.
- Heyman says releasing Dontrelle Willis would be a drastic move.
- The Reds, Braves and possibly the Cardinals are looking for right-handed hitting corner outfielders.
Glavine Won’t Pitch In 2009
Breaking news out of Atlanta: Tom Glavine told Buck Lanford of Fox 5 Atlanta that he won't pitch in 2009.
“I’m not going to pitch or do anything in baseball until at least next year.” Glavine stopped short, according to Fox 5, of announcing his retirement, saying he plans to be “a full-time dad.”
The decision leaves Pedro Martinez as the surefire Hall of Fame pitcher remaining in the free agent market. Glavine did not announce his retirement, though it is hard to imagine him returning after taking the rest of the season off.
The decision is surprising for a number of reasons. For one thing, Glavine had been so adamant about objecting to his treatment by the Braves, who released him following his final rehab start.
For another, who knew people Tom Glavine's age knew how to text?
Marlins Rumors: Ross, Hermida, Uggla
MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports that the Marlins aren't about to pull the trigger and deal away arbitration-eligible players in an effort to trim payroll. Instead, they feel ready to make a run at a postseason berth. Here are the specifics from Frisaro's blog post:
- The Marlins aren't actively shopping Dan Uggla, Cody Ross or Jeremy Hermida.
- Frisaro suggests the Braves offered Charlie Morton and Jeff Francoeur for Hermida before the Nate McLouth trade.
- The Marlins always look to obtain pitching in return for their players.
- The Braves are still looking to add a bat.
The Marlins are 32-34 now, third in the NL East and just 3.5 games behind the Cardinals in the Wild Card race. Don't look for them to deal anyone away unless they fall out of contention.
Morosi On Penny, Hermida, Padres
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports shows that Derek Jeter's much-criticized defense has been above average this year. He also provides some rumors, so let's take a look:
- One official said he doubts the Red Sox move Brad Penny. They can do so without his permission, now that we're two and a half months into the season.
- Morosi says Chris Young and Heath Bell are sure to attract interest, but says Kevin Towers doesn't have to trade either player.
- It's possible that the Padres will "flip relievers for prospects."
- The Braves like Jeremy Hermida, but it makes sense for them to pass the Marlins in the standings before inquiring on him.
Odds And Ends: Francoeur, Draft, Giants
Some more links for the evening…
- MLB.com's Mark Bowman wonders if Jeff Francoeur might end up with the Marlins after all. He can imagine a Francoeur-Jeremy Hermida swap. Personally, I don't see the Marlins making that deal.
- Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox are set to sign their second round pick, pitcher Alex Wilson.
- MLB.com's Matthew Leach reports that the Cardinals agreed to sign their second rounder, Robert Stock, and 31 other players they drafted.
- The Cards haven't reached an agreement with first rounder Shelby Miller yet, and, as Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports, that's no surprise.
- As Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports, Boston's director of player personnel, Mike Hazen heard Clay Buchholz's comments and remains sure that the righty wants to help the Red Sox win titles.
- Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says the Giants could really use a power bat.