Braves fans, it's time to update your score card. Spring Training is right around the corner (YIPPEE!) and I thought it would be a good idea to remind y'all of the changes that have occurred during the off season. A few of these changes came as no surprise (Derek Lowe) and the one big surprise to me is that there hasn't been a big signing. The good news about that? The Braves have a stellar farm system!!
So sharpen your pencils and make note of...
Michael Bourn - Avoided arbitration. The Braves have him signed through 2012. I'm really glad we have him for the entire season.
Brooks Conrad - Non-tendered. He's since signed with the Brewers. I'll miss the Raw Dog.
Robert Fish - He's a LHP acquired via the Rule 5 Draft from the Angels.
Alex Gonzalez - Braves declined arbitration and he became a free agent. He has since signed with the Brewers. I'll miss those amazing catch-turn-throw but Tyler Pastornicky is ready and he's the Braves shortstop of the future
Eric Hinske - The Braves exercised his 1-year option for 2012. Yay!
Jair Jurrjens - Avoided arbitration. The Braves have him signed through 2012.
Scott Linebrink - Free agent. The Braves chose not to pursue.
Derek Lowe - Traded to the Indians.
Nate McLouth - The Braves declined to pick up his option. He signed with the Pirates, the team the Braves got him from.
Peter Moylan - Non-tendered. He just signed a Minor League contract with the Braves and accepted an invitation to compete for a job in Spring Training. Hopefully his back and shoulder are healing well.
Eric O'Flaherty - Avoided arbitration. The Braves have him signed through 2012. Another yay!
Martin Prado - Avoided arbitration. The Braves have him signed through 2012.
George Sherrill - Free agent. The Braves chose not to pursue.
Jack Wilson - The Braves had acquired him from the Mariners on August 31st to back up Alex Gonzalez for only the remainder of the 2011 season. The Braves recently signed him to a one year, as a backup infielder and a mentor to Tyler Pastornicky, the Braves shortshop of the future. Wilson and Pastornicky have been working out together in California in the off season.
Coaches:
Larry Parrish - Let go as Hitting Coach.
Greg Walker - Hired as Hitting Coach
Scott Fletcher - Hired as an advance coach/assistant hitting coach.
That's where things stand now. Your thoughts?
Belated Happy New Year D!
ReplyDeleteI am still waiting for the home team to make a single meaningful offseason move to improve the team while the competition in the division goes on a relative spending spree. No, resigning Jack Wilson and paying Derek Lowe $10 million to pitch for another team do not count.
Now we know why. Management spent the past several months coming up with this brilliant plan to fill seats.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/01/23/braves-slash-concession-prices-for-season-ticket-holders/
I am happy fans that purchase a season ticket package will now only have to pay twice as much as the predominately substandard fare is worth instead of triple. Please remember no discount on beer.
I would rather see the Braves obtain a power hitting corner outfielder or prepare for the imminent departure of their speedy centerfielder via free agency.
Sigh. Go ahead and call me negative. JD routinely tells me I am the worst Braves fan ever. In my defense I been following the team since they moved from here Milwaukee so I have endured a decade or so more of horrible Braves seasons that most. Another reason it sucks being old.
HK
You're not negative HK, you simply bear the scars of being a lifelong Braves fan. The Braves need to get butts in the seats and making moves to improve the team will do that more than a few discounted concession items will.
DeleteThe Braves are counting on a lot of ifs. A major league readiness in Tyler Pastornicky, a much improved Jason Heyward, and healthier pichers in the form of Jurrjens and Hanson. I hope the ifs work out.