Well, as Spring Training approaches, final cuts are made, dreams come true, and others wait for another year. Before all this happens, Frank Wren had to assemble the team, sign free agents, and make trades. This was a little weird for Braves fans as they have been used to John Schuerholz calling the shots. As I look back, make your own judgments on Wren’s job, but I feel this team is in good hands.
Waiver Claim: RHP Chris Resop (10-25-2007)
After an uninspiring 2007 in which Resop only pitched 4 innings for the big club, Resop was put on waivers, and the Braves snatched him up. In 2005 and 2006, Resop notched ERA’s of 8.47 and 3.38 respectively, so consistency has been an issue, and he’s never pitched more than 21 innings in a season. The Braves took a chance that the 25 year-old with a 98 mph fastball could come in, find some control, and stick with the team. So far so good for the Braves as Resop has thrown 10 innings with 10 Ks and 1 BB with a 1.80 ERA. Resop has gone from an afterthought to front-runner for one of the last spots in the bullpen. Good call, Frank.
Trade to Tigers: SS Edgar Renteria for RHP Jair Jurrjens, OF Gorkys Hernandez (10-29-2007)
At first, I didn’t really like this trade. We just gave up an All-Star shortstop that always came up with the big hit for a 21 year-old starting pitcher with little experience and a 19 year-old outfielder at least a few years away. Our remaining shortstop would be Yunel Escobar, who had impressed me so far but not enough to make me think he could replace Renteria. However, this Spring Training has completely changed my mind about this deal. Escobar has hit the cover off the ball (.417 BA, 3 DB, 2 HR), and although his defense has not been great, he may have the “Furcal effect” where he makes more plays than Renteria due to better range and arm to make up for the errors. He should be a fine replacement. Also, Jair Jurrjens seems destined for the starting rotation with a solid Spring. I know his last two starts haven’t been great, but his control has been (except for the dreaded Tigers game) and he seems consistent. Hernandez is harder to discern because he’s farther away, but early reports have been very positive. Touché, Mr. Wren.
Trade to Astros: RHP Oscar Villareal for OF Josh Anderson (11-16-2007)
I never really liked Villareal because you never knew if he’d have his control or not, but I can’t deny he gave us some good innings. However, we have plenty of bullpen options, but we needed a center fielder with Schafer too inexperienced and Blanco too immature. Now with Kotsay, this trade has taken a hit for importance but a bump up for practicality. Anderson may not be an every day player, but he is a great fourth outfielder. Yet, with Blanco and Schafer having great Springs, Anderson may find himself in Richmond stuck behind Schafer and Blanco in the depth chart and possibly traded by season’s end. It’s still a pretty good trade because Villareal was going to cost way too much for his talent. Fairly good call, Mr. Wren.
Free-Agent Signing: LHP Tom Glavine (11-19-2007)
At first, I hated this deal, and I screamed curses at Wren for not getting Garland for Renteria. However, this Spring has given me a more positive outlook on the deal. Last season’s ERA was 4.45, and he is only getting older at age 42 (today actually, Happy Birthday Tommy!). Yet, in 2003, Glavine posted a 4.52 ERA and then went on to have three mid-3 ERA seasons, and in 1999, he had a 4.12 ERA and followed with 2 mid-3 ERA seasons and a high-2 ERA season. So, by my calculation Tom should bounce back and have another mid-3 ERA season. I know it’s a bit of wishful thinking, but his 3.29 Spring ERA gives hope. Oh yeah, he’s had over 200 innings a season for most of his career, and we desperately need someone to eat innings effectively. Touché again, Frank.
Trade to Cubs: RHP Jose Ascanio for LHP Will Ohman, INF Omar Infante (12-4-2007)
This is one of the biggest steals of the off-season. Ascanio showed a live arm last season, and at age 23, he should have some good years ahead of him. However, live arms like his flame-out every year. In return, the Braves received a guy in Infante who can play almost any position on the diamond and is only 26 years-old, but because he’s injured, this hurts the value of the trade a little but not too much. Also in the trade, they also received Will Ohman who had terrible home/road splits (8.66/1.45 ERA) last season (hopefully he’ll have the 1.45 at the Ted this year). His ERA’s the seasons before were 4.13 and 2.91 with more work, so he’s had some success. Also, he has always struck out more than innings pitched until last year with 33 K in 36 IP. He may not be dazzling, but he is left-handed and had a good Spring (2.57 ERA, 0 BB). Great call, Frank.
Free-Agent Signing: C Javy Lopez (12-17-2007)
Similar to Glavine, this signing was more about nostalgia than anything. After peaking in 2003, Lopez had a solid 2004, but began to decline due to injuries in 2005. His offense was still decent, but his already suspect defense became dreadful. Later, his offense began to tumble as well. Yet, after working out with coach Chino Cadahia, the Braves gave Lopez a minor-league contract due to Cadahia’s praise. Unfortunately, Javy never panned out. Lopez hit 2 HR but with a .188 BA, and he had 1 error and was 0 for 6 throwing out base stealers. A few days ago, Cox told him he wasn’t going to make the team, so Javy retired. So long and thanks Javy, but it wasn’t meant to be. Good try, Mr. Wren, but this one didn’t pan out.
Trade to A’s: RHP Joey Devine, RHP Jaime Richmond for CF Mark Kotsay (1-14-2008)
Another trade I didn’t like at the beginning. We just gave up a great young arm for a guy who might be falling apart. However, I realized that when I said Ascanio could flame-out, Devine could as well. In other words, I was being a hypocrite. So, I waited to see how Kotsay looked. With a solid Spring with no back problems, Kotsay looks ready to go and play well. His veteran presence should help out a young team and gives Schafer a little more time to get ready. After being seriously considered for a spot in the Braves bullpen, Devine has been cut by the A’s and sent down. Pretty good call Mr. Wren.
Trade to Rays: INF Willy Aybar, INF Chase Fontaine for LHP Jeff Ridgeway (1-17-2008)
I’ll make this short. Neither Aybar nor Ridgeway was liked much by their teams, and each needed a change of scenery. Neither team lost or gained much. Aybar is a good young player, but he’s got a lot of problems. Ridgeway has some talent (1.23 ERA this Spring) but his control is iffy (7 BB in 7 IP). Not good or bad, Frank.
Extension: Rafael Soriano gets 2-year deal (1-24-2008)
Not really sure about this one. He makes $2.4 million this year, which is a bargain and a good deal, but the $6.1 million for next year is a risk. If he fails as the closer, $6.1 million is a lot of money for a set-up guy. However, if it works, $6.1 million is a serious bargain for a good closer in this market. My thought is that Soriano will succeed as long as he doesn’t just throw. He has to pitch. I like Soriano a lot, and I think this deal will work out well. Hopefully, when he gets a couple All-Star appearances, he’ll only want $10 million a year after that. Either that or Manny Acosta needs to be our closer of the future. I like this one, Frank.
As we approach Opening Day (6 more days!!!), we here at Braves-Report not only get excited for Braves baseball, but baseball in general. And we, and I’m sure you as well, tend to start making your predictions for the upcoming season. Glorious thoughts start to fill your head, while others plague you full of dread. It’s the time to make your predictions, no matter how bold they may be, because everyone is even, don’t you see? So, before you go off on your own, sit back, and read our predictions, which are sure to make you moan.
AL WEST
BBlackwell: Los Angeles Angels del Anaheim of Southern California in Orange County Specifically Anaheim not Compton but Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles… - Because the Rangers & A’s stink, the Mariners slightly misfired with the Bedard deal (they weren’t to the level where a star would put them over the top) and instead need more depth all-around. The Angels are deep virtually everywhere, and the baseball season is indeed a marathon. That’s why good depth wins divisions.
bravesmith1711: Anaheim Angels - The Angels and Mariners are much better than people give them credit for, but Anaheim just looks a little better. The offense and bullpen just look a little better than that of the Mariners.
bstarter29: Anaheim Angels - I thought I’d start with the division, I’m least knowledgeable in. Honestly, who cares about this division. The same thing happens every year, Angels and A’s battle it out, get a brief scare from the Mariners, and the Angels pull through. I expect the same to happen this year, but I think the Mariners will put up a better fight. ‘09 maybe more of their year.
LSU31always: Anaheim Angels - The Angels added Torii Hunter in the off-season. The M’s added Erik Bedard. The Angels needed another bat, Hunter will give them not only another bat besides Vlad but one of the best defenders in the game.
AL CENTRAL
BBlackwell: Cleveland Indians - Really, I think they’re neck & neck with Detroit, and either pick makes sense here, but I take Cleveland because they are more likely to make the right roster adjustments as the season goes on. When the teams are so similar, I go with management, and I like the team of Shapiro/Wedge over Dombrowski/Leyland.
bravesmith1711: Cleveland Indians - Best team overall in the Central. I’m calling major disappointment for the Tigers as their bullpen (Todd Jones and little else) completely implodes and the Tigers struggle to 85 victories.
bstarter29: Cleveland Indians - Even with the acquisition of Dontrelle and Cabrera, I still see the Tigers looking up at the Indians asses. Why? Because the Tigers rotation is very shallow outside of the starting 5. It’s Verlander, Dontrelle, Bonderman, Robertson, and Rogers. Verlander to me is the only one who proves worthy. You never know with Robertson, and Bonderman didn’t too well last year, and Rogers is old. With Dontrelle, I think people want him to be Dontrelle of ‘03. But that’s not the case anymore. His value has since gone down tremendously from 2 years ago. Yes, their lineup is dominant, but even in the AL, you need a good steady rotation.
LSU31always: Detroit Tigers - They are the World Series favorite to me. Looking at this team that won 88 games and added Miguel Cabrera. They didn’t just add one of the top 5 hitters in the game today but they also got an all star caliber shortstop in Edgar Renteria and the ideal number 5 starter in Dontrelle Willis.
AL EAST
BBlackwell: New York Yankees - Boston has pitching stars, but New York has pitching depth. Boston has a great middle of the lineup, but NY’s lineup is better from 1-9. I love that they’re finally turning over some key roles to the youngsters, which they used to avoid. For that reason, I think they really might wind up as the best team in the majors this year.
bravesmith1711: Boston Red Sox - I think the World Series Champs are still the team to beat. The rotation and bullpen should be better than the Yankees, and again, the offense won’t be much worse. Sorry, Jays and Rays, both of you are good but lack star power in all three facets.
bstarter29: Boston Red Sox - Now that Schilling is off making video games, and Beckett is nursing injuries too, my prediction has wavered a bit, but I still think they’ll pull it out. The Yankees are just in no shape to realistically compete with them in the division or the Tigers for the Wild Card.
LSU31always: Boston Red Sox - The defending World Champions have everybody back. They are the favorites with the questions the Yankees have regarding their pitching and how the team will react to the loss of Joe Torre as their manager.
AL WILD CARD
BBlackwell: Detroit Tigers - Take that, Red Sox. The Tigers are better and healthier. A month ago, maybe I take the Sox. If only the Tigers had a real closer, this pick would feel more comfortable. I can’t see it being anyone else besides those two teams, though.
bravesmith1711: Seattle Mariners - Bedard stays healthy, and King Felix takes a big step forward. The offense isn’t great but good enough, and the defense is underrated. Who doesn’t like Putz finishing teams off.
bstarter29: Detroit Tigers - Well, I gave it away, didn’t I? Silly me. While I don’t think the Tigers have enough to top the Indians, I do think they have enough to top the Yankees, or maybe Mariners/A’s.
LSU31always: Cleveland Indians - The Indians tied for the best record in baseball last year and were 1 game away from getting to the World Series. They return all their key parts and could improve upon their 96 win total from 2007.
NL WEST
BBlackwell: Arizona Diamondbacks - The Dodgers have finally made the right strides, the Rockies are still lingering, and San Diego has great pitching, but I think the D-Backs repeat. I mean, they won the division last year with a pretty mediocre team. This year, the team should be very much improved, and hopefully get 90 wins while actually outscoring their opponents for once. This roster is well-constructed and the rotation is ideal.
bravesmith1711: Arizona Diamondbacks - I think they are the best team in the NL. As long as the offense makes the expected improvement, they should win the division easily. Their rotation (add Johnson and Haren) and bullpen should rival the Padres’ and Dodgers’, but they’ll have a better offense. (100 win alert)
bstarter29: Colorado Rockies - It’s gonna be neck-and-neck between the D-Backs, and Rockies. I honestly don’t think the Dodgers are going to be that good. Even after losing the spark-plug Matsui, I expect to see the Rockies celebrating that division title come September.
LSU31always: Arizona Diamondbacks - The D-backs had the best record in the NL last year. They added another ace in Dan Haren to go along with Brandon Webb. This young team will be exciting to watch.
NL CENTRAL
BBlackwell: Chicago Cubs - If they pull off a Brian Roberts trade, I’ll feel more confident in this pick, but either way, I think they’re good enough to win 87-91 games and take this division. The offense is solid, the pitching is deep, and there are two guys I like as a closer. That’s a nice problem to have, I think. Fukudome is like a durable JD Drew, which will be very helpful. The Brewers are the only real competition, and I just don’t think they’re as deep as the Cubbies.
bravesmith1711: Chicago Cubs - Close call, but I went with Chicago because their bullpen looks to be a bit better and more secure. I’m just not ready to give Gagne the thumbs up. Milwaukee has a better (not by much) offense and more depth in the rotation, though.
bstarter29: Chicago Cubs - This division, I believe, is impossible to pick. Now, any team can win in any division, that’s the beauty of baseball, but that saying really applies to the NL Central. So, I’m not really gonna bother getting into it, and throw my pick of the Cubs into the hat.
LSU31always: Milwaukee Brewers - I think the Brewers with a full year of Ryan Braun will barely edge the Cubs in a race the will last until the end of the season. The Brewers collapsed last year and their collapse would have been a bigger story had it not been for the Mets historic collapse.
NL EAST
BBlackwell: New York Mets - They’ve mortgaged the farm to win this year, and they will. It’s a tall price to pay just to get to the crapshoot known as the playoffs, but at least they approached the push correctly. I’ve been a Johan Santana fan since 2002 or so, and I won’t hate him because he’s a Met now. I’ll just wish him some misfortune. Still, the offense is solid, the bullpen is well constructed, and the rotation is deep. Not many things really have to break their way to even win 90 games. 95-100 is a very real possibility. But like I said - when the playoffs start, there’s no such thing as a favorite, so as a Braves fan, it doesn’t worry me.
bravesmith1711: Atlanta Braves - They have no real weaknesses, and even at their biggest (pitching) they have added depth in the rotation and bullpen that is headed north to Richmond. Mets (Depth, Bullpen) and Phillies (whole pitching staff) have major worries.
bstarter29: Atlanta Braves - C’mon. I blog on a Braves site. Seriously though, I’ve said before, I’ll say it again (and I’ll say it again in my upcoming season preview), the Braves ae more dominant than the Mets and Phillies. Rotation, lineup, bench, coaching, and bullpen. The Braves found the few missing pieces of the puzzle this offseason, and if they can work together, and stay healty, we may be looking at the finest art in baseball.
LSU31always: Atlanta Braves - The Braves have the best offense in the division which should improve with the loss of Andruw Jones and his .222 batting average. And the Braves biggest weakness from a year ago, rotation depth, is now one of their biggest strengths.
NL WILD CARD
BBlackwell: Atlanta Braves - Because I like their pitching more than Philadelphia, their offense more than Milwaukee, and their overall talent level than any of the West’s also-rans. Considering each of the last 6 World Series have featured a Wild Card team, I actually like Atlanta’s postseason odds better if we take home the WC instead of the division.
bravesmith1711: New York Mets - Phillies got lucky last year, and their pitching won’t hold up this time. The Mets have a much better rotation and bullpen, and their offense won’t be much worse. They beat out the Brewers (better overall team) and the NL West teams (competition in that division will kill each other).
bstarter29: New York Mets - The Mets aren’t gonna go quietly. I do think the Braves are better, but with Johan, and that strong lineup, they’d have to try pretty hard not to make the playoffs.
LSU31always: New York Mets - The addition of Johan pushes them over the top. They do not have any depth if anyone gets hurt. They need to stay healthy the whole year with is difficult to do with some of the aging veterans they have.
