2008 Atlanta Braves

[bravosfan]

I suppose it's about time for one of these. Not much going on, though AJC's Dave O'Brien's got a new blog with a couple bits of interest.

Quote:

I still think the Braves might make a move or two before opening day, including the addition of another stopgap center fielder. And there is reason to believe that Oakland’s Mark Kotsay could be the guy. I’m not saying a deal is imminent or even that the Braves have strong interest in the veteran Kotsay, but I’ve talked to people connected with both teams and have yet to have anyone tell me it’s not gonna happen. Maybe that’ll change soon, but so far nobody is shooting down the possibility, and that tells me something could be up.

Makes $8 million, declining skills, injury prone... other than that, seems like a great idea.

Quote:

Another possibility is Georgia native Corey Patterson, but only if the Baltimore free agent’s price tag keeps plummeting and the Braves can get him for perhaps half of the $6 mill salary he was once looking for, and probably only if they can get him in a straight one-year deal. The Braves don’t have huge interest, but I think they still have some.

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/sha..._consider.html


Should've never traded Langerhans...

[bravosfan]

The Kotsay rumor seems to be picking up steam...

Quote:

The Braves, who have a handful of promising young outfield prospects, are said to be looking for a short-term replacement in center field for Andruw Jones, who left Atlanta as a free agent this winter. The Atlanta source said there might be a fit with Kotsay in part because new Braves general manager Frank Wren has been fond of Kotsay since both were employed by the Marlins, for whom Wren served in a variety of roles, including assistant GM and vice president, in the mid- to late-'90s. Any potential deal, the source offered, would hinge on how much of Kotsay's salary the A's are willing to absorb, and what kind of package they'd request in return. "[The Braves] probably wouldn't pay more than $3 million of that salary," the source explained.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?..._mlb&fext=.jsp


Shanks says it's almost done, FWIW.

[Kohlstar20]

Quote: Originally Posted by bravosfan

I suppose it's about time for one of these. Not much going on, though AJC's Dave O'Brien's got a new blog with a couple bits of interest. Makes $8 million, declining skills, injury prone... other than that, seems like a great idea. http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/sha..._consider.html Should've never traded Langerhans...

I always liked Langerhans. He had his problems at the plate but he was a very solid defender who could easily play center.

[bravosfan]

I was always a big Langerhans fan, as some here know. Dude can play some 'D'.

More on Kotsay, as I just wandered over to the AJC and saw this story...

Quote:

He said he's finally recovered completely from March 2007 surgery, and Kotsay was on an elliptical machine during a workout Friday as he confirmed he could be traded to Atlanta. "It does excite me," the former Marlins and Padres outfielder said of possibly playing for the Braves — even if it were only for one season, before he became a free agent after the 2008 season. "I love Bobby Cox, and I like Atlanta and the Braves, as far as the team and organization, the history they have. They've always been competitive. It's a great opportunity if this [trade] happens."

[Tomahawk]

I like Patterson better, but I could live with Kotsay until Jordan Schaffer is ready.

[bravosfan]

Kotsay-for-Devine

Quote:

The Braves and Athletics agreed to a deal to bring Kotsay to Atlanta and send rookie reliever Joey Devine to Oakland, according to a person familiar with negotiations. The person also said the A's would pay all but about $2 million of Kotsay's $7.35 million salary in 2008, provided Kotsay and his balky back pass inspection.

I wouldn't have given up Devine, though he didn't really seem to be in the team's plans anymore for whatever reason...

[Sportsforever]

Quote: Originally Posted by bravosfan

Kotsay-for-Devine I wouldn't have given up Devine, though he didn't really seem to be in the team's plans anymore for whatever reason...

Wow...this is a good deal for Atlanta. Kotsay is a solid major leaguer and should hold the job down until one of the younger guys is ready and we only pay 2 million a year while only giving up Devine? Joey was always getting lit up...

[bravosfan]

I'm not gonna complain too much, but he had a 1.00-something ERA between AA/AAA/MLB last year with a ton of strikeouts. His meltdowns just seem to be high-profile and more memorable...

[CWood2]

I love the move for Kotsay ... even if one of the young center fielders emerge quicker than planned, Kotsay can play some left and has great overall instincts out there.

My only comment on Devine from a similar experience ... I hope he doesn't become your version of Cla Meredith. Cla got lit up in his debut in Boston and got characterized as a headcase that was rushed through the system ... then goes on to become a superb setup man in SD in one lopsided trade. Not saying Devine will do that, but he's got 2 really good pitches when he can command them. Those fastball/slider guys can put together real solid stretches like Lidge did for a few years. Another Boston guy in Craig Hanson got to the show just as quick as Joey, and the two struggled mightily. But ultimately, I think both of them can crack the bullpen and dominate hitters when they're at their best.

[Kohlstar20]

I don't like this trade very much. Devine has the potential to be a very good setup man/closer in the future and Kotsay is basically a healthier Mike Hampton if that makes sense. The guy had back surgery and hasn't been 100% for the past couple years so I think we might have been screwed but only time will tell.