10/12 Odds & Ends: Wren Extended, Australian Signed, Salcedo Getting AFL Work
October 12, 2012 at 12:19 pm by David Lee under Atlanta Braves
With offseason news coming at sporadic times, it’s tough to maintain a daily post over the winter. Odds and ends will provide news and discussion as it is presented, as well as the occasional discussion topic when it presents itself.
The Braves have extended Frank Wren through 2014. Also, Bruce Manno was awarded vice president and assistant general manager/player development. John Coppolella was promoted to assistant general manager. Coppolella is definitely on the radar as a future general manager, and it’s only a matter of time before teams start targeting him, if they haven’t already. Hopefully he’s able to hang around for a long time, but you never know.
Mark Bowman outlines the Braves’ plan this offseason, namely finding a center fielder and either a left fielder or third baseman.
Frank Wren: “We’re going to be looking for premium players. I don’t think there is any doubt about that. But there [are] a couple things we’re always mindful of. We’re putting a team together. We’re not trying to put a player on this team. That’s overriding philosophy — to put a team together. If we think we can add two players that give us more than one player, then we’re going to do that.”
David O’Brien has a full transcript of an interview with Wren providing thoughts on pretty much everything.
Jim Bowden gives some names as possibilities for the Braves in 2013 (ESPN Insider). It’s the usual list that one can make up by using MLB Depth Charts, but it’s worth a look as a resource. Of course, possible center fielders, left fielders or third basemen will be provided in detail here in the future.
Center fielders to seriously consider (mine, not Bowden’s): Ben Revere, Denard Span, Peter Bourjos, Angel Pagan, Gerardo Parra (also for LF), Shane Victorino.
There’s a report saying Parra and Jason Kubel are being made available by Arizona. Parra is under control through 2015 and is arb-eligible for the second time this winter. He could be the most attractive piece considering the combination of talent and value.
Bill Baer of Crashburn Alley analyzes possible center fielders for the Phillies. Much of this can be applied to the Braves.
Minor League Notes
Matt Eddy of Baseball America reports the Braves signed Australian catcher Nathan Hass and outfielder Juan Reyes. A newspaper article from Hass’ native Australia provides more information on him. He seems to have versatility, playing in a world tournament as a first baseman and also known as a relief pitcher. He’s 18 years old.
For your reading pleasure, Nick Faleris of Baseball Prospectus gives reports on prep outfielders for the 2013 draft, including Clint Frazier, Austin Meadows and Justin Williams (subscr.)
In case you missed it, Bullpen Banter did a great job covering the Cape Cod League with a Cape Cod First Team, Best Tools and Sleeper Team.
Baseball America released its Top 20 International League Prospects, with Julio Teheran coming in at No. 4. This link is free; follow the link for the scouting reports behind the paywall.
Arizona Fall League Notes
Keith Law ranks 10 prospects he is most excited to scout in Arizona (ESPN Insider). No Braves make the list, but he includes Edward Salcedo among the “others.”
Law gave an early report on who has stood out to him so far (ESPN Insider). No Braves are listed.
J.J. Cooper of Baseball America recaps the AFL‘s good and bad through three games. If you’re looking for Braves, they aren’t mentioned here. But it’s a great read.
Robert Emrich of MLB.com recaps Wednesday’s game in which Zeke Spruill started.
AFL Braves Through Three Games
| Num | Name | Age | G | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Ahmed | 22 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0.00% | 16.70% | 0.333 | 0.333 | 0.333 | 0.318 | 82 | |||
| 2 | Edward Salcedo | 20 | 3 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0.00% | 23.10% | 0.077 | 0.077 | 0.154 | 0.102 | -54 | ||
| 3 | Matt Kennelly | 23 | 1 | 5 | 0.00% | 20.00% | -100 |
| Num | Name | Age | G | IP | ERA | FIP | H | R | ER | HR | BB% | K% | BABIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zeke Spruill | 22 | 1 | 2.1 | 1.91 | 2 | 1 | 9.10% | 27.30% | 0.286 | |||
| 2 | Ryan Buchter | 25 | 1 | 2 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12.50% | 0.00% | 0.286 | |
| 3 | Chris Jones | 23 | 1 | 2 | 4.5 | 1.7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12.50% | 37.50% | 0.5 | |
| 4 | Cory Rasmus | 24 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 2.2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 16.70% | 33.30% | 0.667 |
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I would love to see us sign Parra. He gives us an endless amount of flexibility, both on the field and in payroll.
With every day I grow more and more fond of a 3B/LF platoon with Francisco starting at 3B versus righties and a LF that mashes lefties to start (obviously) against lefties.
Splits vs. LHP
Jonny Gomes: .299/.413/.561 .418 wOBA 171 wRC+
Scott Hairston: .286/.317/.550 .368 wOBA 135 wRC+
Ryan Ludwick: .263/.360/.576 .397 wOBA 149 wRC+
If Francisco can put up numbers like he did in his starts last :( season, and we can sign one of those guys, that puts us in a pretty good situation. Match-ups aside, it gives us a better bench bat for late innings than we’ve had in a long time. Not to mention, none of them will be extremely expensive. If we can also add Parra, that gives us the option of giving an OF a day off whenever it is needed. This setup also limits the chances of Fredi butchering the lineup.
there’s no need to platoon when the team has the money to get solid players to fill those spots.
Put Prado at 3B where he belongs.
grab Swisher/Ludwick/Pagan/Ross/Trumbo…etc for left
grab Pagan/Chris Young/Eric Young/Fowler/Gomez/Span/Bourjos for center
if we end up with 2 of these guys, we will probably end up okay. which two you like best really depends on your personal preference. Do you like defense ? do you prefer more power or more speed? would you prefer one free agent and one trade? or two trades? two free agents?….etc
Lots of choices on how to handle the OF this offseason and I think FW will do a fine job . But doing a 2 position 4 person platoon should be the last option (unless Wren adds an ace pitcher and the money gets tight)
Would the Braves consider moving someone like Andrelton Simmons, or anyone in house for that matter, to the leadoff spot if they let Bourn walk?
Andrelton Simmons should be a last resort for leadoff based on his lack of on-base ability and walks. He can probably maintain a .330-.340 OBP, but you would like more at the top of the order. However, Fredi Gonzalez isn’t shy about making such a move simply because he’s a middle infielder, and it’s not like Michael Bourn was an on-base machine. He has a career .339 OBP.
Frank Wren acknowledged Martin Prado is the No. 2 hitter and should remain there. It makes me think whoever is brought in for center field will replace Bourn at leadoff, as well. I guess it’s not guaranteed, though.
I hate these stupid batting order roles players get assigned. Do they not remember 2010 when Prado hit 1st and Heyward hit 2nd? I know Fredi wasn’t the manager then, but surely he watched a few Braves games in 2010 while secretly being groomed as Bobby’s replacement.
I would like to get Gomes if he shaves that shitty Tool beard. They love him in Oakland.
Thoughts on Reed Johnson? I have the same issue w his facial hair.
Too bad we can’t get Swisher-he would add offense and personality-move Prado back to 2B and use Uggla as the bench bat to platoon w Roadrunner vs lhp. One can dream…I’ll make that move on MLB the show. It’s really realistic and less depressing!
Salcedo’s line is brutal. Looks like he is still two seasons away at least.
Two seasons away from where? AA?
“Crazy” idea: Braves could do far worse than to trade high-end pitching prospect of your choice to the Padres for Headley, keep Prado in LF. Am I nuts on this one?
Why would the all-pitching and no-hitting Padres trade their best hitter? Especially one under team control for 2 years. Unless you’re talking about a Teheran and Delgado deal.
No, you’re not “nuts”. The Braves would gladly trade either Teheran or Delgado for Headley. I wanted Headley when he was having a ho-hum season. Then, he went on a tear and priced himself out of the trade market. As vivabeta notes, the Pads are unlikely to trade him for just pitching. On the other hand, they may be looking to trade him in his contract year if they don’t think they can contend, but we might have to bring in a third team.
What is Juan Francisco doing this off season?
Probably eating somewhere
Ok so which was more depressing? The Braves wild card blunder, or Davey Johnson leaving in Drew Storen to give up 4 runs after he looked so awful while pitching on a third consecutive day.
I hate the Cardinals.
Clearly the former, since the Nationals are despicable and all right-thinking Braves fans should have been rooting against them anyway. Drink the bandwagoners’ tears and plot to overthrow their team next year.
Pedro Ciraco Felix Doubront and Jacoby Elsbury to the Braves for Sean Gilmartin Tyler Pastornicky Juan Fransisco and Tommy Hanson
This is why you do not comment on websites while on drugs. It fucks up your high, and you say stupid shit, like one sided trade deals.
Might as well try and swing David Ross for Joe Mauer while we’re at it. Maybe Minny will eat up Joe’s contract as well.
Pastornicky, Hanson = zero to negative value.
Francisco = very small value. You could maybe get a decent reliever on a short contract for him.
Gilmartin’s good, but he can’t be the only valuable piece going in a deal like that.
This is ncbravesfan82, who has been serving up trade comedy for quite awhile now on the internets. I believe he is a special needs Braves fan, as evidenced by his juggalo radio profile. For sanity’s sake, he is best left ignored.
It sounds like one of those lunatic deals you hear on NY Sports Talk Radio. “I think the Braves should trade Craig Kimbrel, Andrelton Simmons, and Jason Heyward to the Yankees for Joba Chamberlain. And they should pick up most of their contracts. I’ll listen to your take off the air.”
Wren will have zero excuses…Do or die time, wren must prove himself…around 25 mill plus, trade chips in minors, starting pitching trade chips in majors, plus.Delgado, Julio as aces.in the hole….Beachy coming back @ all star break…….I’d much prefer wren pull out few trade s….uggla, Hanson,.maholm….we were stingy we could’ve brought in Carlos Beltran couple yrs ago when STL did..let’s win this Winter.trade for Fowler and Willingham….or sign David Wright and a victorinio or pagan….I still say we need bring greinke to be our stud 1….trade uggla to Colorado and he will hit 35 Homers plus…give us Fowler…really hoping wren utilizes trades to obtain the top tier echelon talent we need take this team to next level..only big fa signing should be greinke, and That should b last piece…can’t wait 4 winter Meetings
Gattis is doing well in Venezuela. 3 games, 6 runs, 3 dbs, 1 hr, 5 rbis, batting over 300. If he continues to progress and handles AA and AAA well this year He may be on the Atlanta roster next year. He has a strong arm which will get him some outfild assists.
I really think we should engage Texas in trade talks. They have 2 pieces the braves could use in Mike Olt and Leonys Martin. Beltre is locked up through 2015 with an option for 2016 so Olt could conceivably be moved for pitching and I would not mind giving up Teheran or Delgado for a gold glove mashing right handed 3B. Martin could hinge on what Texas does with Josh Hamilton. If he resigns I could see Martin possibly being available in a deal for someone like Spruill or Graham and an OF along the lines of Cunningham or Milligan. If Hamilton bolts though he seems to be next in line to hold down center in Arlington.
If Grady Sizemore can be had for cheap, do you think he’s worth taking a shot on? 30/30 potential. Or we could get 30 games out of him.
One player I would like to move is Uggla, but I doubt there is much of a market for him. Thoughts?
zero market.
If the Dodgers will take what they took from the Sox, and if the Nets will take on Joe Johnson, there is ALWAYS a market. It’s just a matter of what we will take in return. Should we find a way to fill his spot or whatever spot Prado leaves open, I think we could find a place to dump him. Teams get pretty ambitious over the winter and at the deadline. If Miami would have had it’s spending spree this year, I don’t doubt they would have taken Uggla and picked up his contract as long as we didn’t ask for much in return. Certainly someone can be convinced that his 30 homers are worth the strikeouts and infield fly balls. Oh, and the 13 million dollars. Even if we pick up half or 3/4 of his contract, that is a lot of leftover money for a team like the Braves.
That being said, I fully anticipate Dan Uggla finishing out his contract in a Braves uni.
Except that Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez, and Josh Beckett all still have potential, albeit in varying amounts. And Joe Johnson is actually still a good basketball player who was offered a stupid contract.
Eh you never the know, the Dodgers could use a back up strikeout specialist.
2013 Pitching Rotation Options: Medlen, Hudson, Minor, Maholm, Hanson, Delgado, Teheran
So, do you pick up the option ($6.5M) on Maholm and then try to trade him while his value is probably at its highest? His trade value is not great, but it’s not bad and it could certainly play into the Braves’ offensive needs.
I like the Olt suggestion. I’m not suggesting a 1 for 1 trade, necessarily, but working something out around Maholm or Teheran would be a solid deal for the Braves.
And at about the halfway mark we have Beachy. It’s a shame that Tommy has been so terrible. Would be nice to use Maholm’s money elsewhere, but I think we definitely pick up his very affordable option and have him solidly anchor the back of the rotation. Injuries will undoubtedly occur next season, and that’s when we will see Teheran and/or Delgado. I just don’t think they’re rotation options for 90+ wins team at the moment. Neither is Tommy, but I think we can’t really assume much about him until spring training, or if he has surgery, etc. I think he still has tremendous upside, if his mechanics, health, velocity can be addressed.
I like Francisco. A little discipline at the plate, and a little discipline at the . . . er . . . plate, and he could do well. Stats as a starter look surprisingly good. Kidding aside, he could improve into a solid #6 or #7 bat, based on what he showed after his mid-season “talk.”
But here is why I do not like the platoon with a new LFer. If Prado is at third, and Uggla just shows he has totally lost everything, I could see Prado at 2B and Francisco at 3B. We need to keep that option open. We can’t allow another .215 season from anyone beyond June 1. So I see the possibility of a question arising: Uggla or Francisco in the line-up. Thus a full time LFer to give you that option.
Check out Prado’s 2012 UZR/150 among those with more than 70 innings at SHORTSTOP. He is flat out amazing. Am I reading that wrong? Is it a particularly misleading stat in this context?
It looks like the dbacks are determined to trade upton for some reason. The braves should be all over that. Heyward, upton, freeman would be incredible to have for the next 3 years. Get upton and sign pagan for center and there you go. Dbacks want pitching and braves have extra arms to trade.