Braves Report

Free-Agent Left-Overs

Well, after a particularly slow off-season in respect to free-agents, there are still a few people left out in the market who can help the Braves. There aren’t a whole lot of people left on the market, but there weren’t a lot to begin with. Kyle Lohse would have been added, but it seems St. Louis has snatched him up. Anyway, some of these guys could be helpful this season, although most of them would come in due to injuries.

Barry Bonds

Can anyone really see Bonds in a Braves uniform? The man who broke a Brave legend’s hollowed record probably wouldn’t be accepted by Braves’ fans. However, players linked to steroids have already been forgiven, traded, and signed, so there seems to be no attached stigma. Yet, Bonds is the symbol of the steroids era, so his case is a little different. Also, Bonds is a Type-A free agent, so the Braves may not want to give up two draft picks for him.

Anyway, besides the social problems Bonds may cause, here are some facts: Schuerholz almost made Bonds a Brave a decade and a half ago, Cox has had success with headcases before (i.e. Sheffield), and we could use a left-handed hitting outfielder with some power. I like Diaz and in no way is this a slight on him, but letting Bonds in the line-up will add some BA, HR, and OBP that the Braves could use. Defensively, Bonds isn’t very good, but Diaz isn’t a Glove Glover either, although his defense is much improved. Honestly, for a one-year contract at $3-4 MM, Bonds wouldn’t be the worst pick-up. At this point, the Braves won’t touch him, but some early injuries may make them take a chance.

Roger Clemens

Don’t need him, don’t want him. Unlike Bonds, Clemens wasn’t any help to his team last year – 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA and 68 K in 99 IP. He just wasn’t effective. At age 45, that likely won’t change. At least Bonds still has some value.

Freddy Garcia

Okay, let’s get into the more legitimate possibilities. Garcia had season-ending shoulder surgery last August, and he won’t be available until June at the earliest. However, I see a lot of upside with him. At one time (just 2006 to be exact), Garcia was a power-house starting pitcher who ate up serious innings. In 2006, Garcia was 17-9 in 216 IP with a 4.54 ERA (the three earlier seasons were at the mid 3’s). His main problem has always been the long-ball, but Turner Field isn’t exactly a launching pad (definitely more pitcher-friendly than US Cellular or Citizens Bank Park). Also, he’s only 31 years old, so he’s still relatively young compared to the other possibilities. Signing him to a one-year contract for low cost would be low-risk/ high-reward for the Braves, and if we could sign him for a few more years depending on how he does, that would be icing on the cake by adding what would be a terrifying No. 3 pitcher. Especially coming in the middle of the season, he would have less tear on him than others, and we’ll likely have a few injuries in the rotation. If so, Garcia might be a nice pick-up as a No. 3 guy. I like Jurrjens, but is he ready for that type of responsibility? He’s not a certainty, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him in a Braves uniform come June if a guy or two go down

Akinori Otsuka

I’m still a little surprised that he’s still available, which tells me that his elbow injury may not be past or he’s asking for too much. At age 36, he’s not too old, and he could add experience to a young bullpen. His ERA’s over his four seasons? 1.75, 3.59, 2.11 and 2.51. I’d like those ERA’s any day of the week. His strike-out rate is pretty good as well (217 K in 232 IP). His walk rate isn’t too bad either (81 BB in 232 IP). Honestly, if he’s healthy, he’d be a great addition to any team, especially the Braves. However, because he hasn’t been signed, there seems to be something wrong, but it simply may be that he’s asking too much, which will probably correct itself by the time the season starts.

Bob Wickman

Sorry, just kidding. I couldn’t resist.

Sammy Sosa

I’m serious. Stop laughing. This guy hit 21 HR with 92 RBI last season with Texas in limited action, so he still has something in the tank. Like Bonds, he’s not an everyday player, but he could share time especially because Diaz has never played full-time before. Sosa could spare Diaz and Franceour (even though Jeff may try to break Ripken’s record at some point) a couple days here and there, and he would be an imposing pinch-hitter. He’s stated that he wants playing time, but at this point, if he wants to play, he’ll play. Because Diaz hits righties as well as lefties, maybe Sosa can play on days when lefties pitch. Again, if he wants an economical contract, we could do worse.

Doug Mirabelli

Just released by the Red Sox, Mirabelli might be an interesting addition to the team. In Boston, he was a fine defensive catcher, although his batting average often ended around the Mendoza line. If Lopez isn’t ready defensively, Mirabelli can come in, handle the staff, and provide some leadership. I doubt it would happen, but he probably won’t cost much.