Time to Start Evaluating Positions

Sorry bout being away for so long.....had no Internet at home during the break. I'm back though.The next weeks I will turn away from the hot stove and enter the analysis portion of preseason baseball. First up is the Catchers position.

CATCHERS - Atlanta Braves

1. Brian McCann- 2007 stats, .270 AVG, 18 HRs, 92 RBIs .772 OPS, .987 FPCT

Brian McCann 2 time all star should easily start behind the plate for the Braves. McCann has improved each year technically with last years bad start bringing down his stats for 2007. McCann experience and good eye should easily help McCann to have a exceptional year this year, possibly a career year. If he can stay healthy, and keep his stats up this should be the best year for McCann since coming up from Mississippi AA in 2005. TalkingChop has done a very nice report on McCann and how he shapes up for the '08 season. Defensively McCann should also improve from his 13 error season in '07. Overall McCann I believe should have a career year as long as he remains healthy.

2008 projected stats: .300 AVG, 23 HRs, 102 RBIs, .791 OPS and a .990 FPCT

2. Javy Lopez- 2006 stats(BAL & BOS), .230 AVG, 8 HRs, 35 RBIs, .606 OPS and 3 Errors

Javy Lopez through his career has been a great asset to most teams he has been on. The Best was his 11 year career in Atlanta. He had a career best in 2003 hitting 43 HR and batted a whopping .328. With his recent decline in offensive and especially in his defensive skills he was traded away from the Orioles who signed him in 2003 for full time Catching duties. In 2006, with the Boston Red Sox he pretty much ended his career as a starter. In backup duties on the Sox he was very limited only getting in a bat here and there. After the season the Red Sox released him and the Colorado Rockies signed him and offered him an invite to Spring Training, he then was released and did not play in 2007 at all. I believe that Lopez still has to prove his worth. Hiring Braves bench coach Chino Cadahia he is working on his defensive skills (which have always been a problem), and it seems he is serious about getting back to the majors. If Javy can be a reliable hitting and defensive backup he will get the job hands down mainly because of veteran presence and playoff experience.

2008 Projected stats: .233 AVG, 10 HRs, 38 RBIs, .585 OPS, 3-5 Errors

3. Clint Sammons- 2007 A and AA total stats, .243 AVG, 5 HRs, 35 RBIs, .631 OPS, .951 FPCT

Sammons, who was drafted in the 6th round by the Braves in 2004, is a mid level prospect. He has lived up to that potential and has become a solid defensive backstop with little power and hit for league average. Sammons coming off of a solid defensive year for Myrtle Beach A and Mississippi AA has a chance to get on the 25 man roster after spring training if he brings his A game only. With a recent promotion to AA Mississippi many are wondering if Sammons will be able to forgo AAA and hit the majors as a backup for the Braves this season. Though I believe he would do below average work for a backup catcher there really is no need to rush this prospect to the majors with Lopez most likely getting the backup role this year. Next year is the time in my opinion that Sammons should play and play full time backup for the Braves. It will not only save the Braves money(for Teixeira), but it will allow him to be seasoned at AA and AAA this year to be ready for the MLB in '09.

2008 AA and AAA total Projected stats: .240 AVG, 8 HRs, 40 RBIs, .603 OPS and .950 FPCT

Tomorrow I will put up the Tigers potential Catchers.

(disclaimer- Sammons and Lopez analysis came from my post on Blabberin Braves on Backup Catcher)

Winter Meetings in Nashville and Beyond

WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Forgive my excitement but man o man! What a Winter Meetings. It should be at least for the Tigers the Winter Blast!! MEGA BLOCKBUSTER 8 Player Trade!! Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis for Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, Mike Rabelo and 3 other prospects.

Tigers
This has gone down as one of the biggest trades the Detroit Tigers have ever made. The Tigers in sending their #1 and #2 Prospects for two All Star YOUNG and ill say that again YOUNG players. This was a deal that was way to good to pass up. From what I understand Mike Ilitch was the one who was interested in Miggy and without him the deal probably wouldn't have gone down. I will go down every major player in the deal right now:

Miguel Cabrera #24, 3B, 24 years old

Cabrera the centerpiece in the deal is a 4 time all star and a young Pujols stud. A guy who has averaged .320 30+HR and 120RBIs the last 3 seasons will supplant Inge at 3B. Cabrera will be absolutely phenomenal for the Tigers. The Tigers lineup is about 3x as deadly as they were in '07 and 6x as deadly as '06. The lineup is similar to the 2006 Yankees murderers row and Cano. The lineup is so versatile that its just sick. Edgar Renteria 5 time all star is hitting 7th, 7th that is just sick. Then you got Granderson, Polanco, Cabrera, Maggs, and Sheffield in 1-5 that is just an insane lineup. No need for a trip to the All Star Game just go see a tigers game this season. Cabrera is projected at .318 AVG 30 HRs and 118 RBIs in his first year in the AL. This lineup is projected by Bilfers new projections to average 5.83 RPG that is insane. And its pretty darn good.

Dontrelle Willis #21, LHP, 25 years old

Willis the other big guy in the deal is Dontrelle "D-Train" Willis. "D-Train" had a down year last year but is hoping to rebound with a competitive team with a non ace and non stressful role. Willis should bounce back in dominant form. Willis should be able to compile around a 4.50 ERA with around 11-12 wins and 7-9 losses. With the addition of Willis the Tigers rotation should be more than enough to keep Tigers leads as with a huge lineup like we have now. I predict a 12-8 Season for Willis with a 4.32 ERA, 160 K with 75 BB. With a Rotation of Verlander, Rogers, Bonderman, Willis and Robertson the rotation should be in the middle of the top tier of the AL pitching staffs. If the Red Sox get Santana, and Beckett, Dice-K, Wakefield, and Curt Schilling are all staying at the level last year the Red Sox will have the best rotation but the Detroit Tigers should have a solid rotation with a solid pen this year. Willis also contacted his agent and would like a multi year deal with the Tigers. This would present a bargain for the Tigers if they sign him now and he rebounds. If not, it can be seen as a decent acquisition for the Tigers for two years.

This rotation should notch with the addition of around 3 to 4 more wins. While the Lineup should notch 5 to 8 more wins. This should be a completely awesome season next year as the Tigers go for broke and land two young stars and instantly make them favorites in the division on paper.

In other News, Detroit swapped a reliever for a reliever both for a new start in a new league to see if they have what it takes. Danny Bautista from the Rockies for Jose Capellan. Bautista was 2-1 with a 12.46 ERA, Bautista looks to restart his career in Detroit. He has a fire thrower for an arm. But his inaccuracies and control problems will exist. If he doesn't shape up within a month or show signs of improving he needs to be gone.

In the last move of the Tigers winter meetings the Tigers swapped once prized Rule 5 Draft pick Chris Shelton to Texas for Freddy Guzman. Freddy was a top 10 Padres prospect entering 2006. But his value has diminished in AAA he batted .279 with a .366 on-base percentage and 42 stolen bases. Here's hoping maybe he can be effective for the Tigers as a pinch runner or a decent backup OF.

In other news, The Tigers non tendered Chad Durbin. Chad went 7-8 on the year while subbing in for the injured Kenny Rogers. Durbin hopes to pitch somewhere but is quoted with saying “If I had a choice,” the right-hander said Wednesday, laughing, “it wouldn’t be in the AL Central.” I will miss but also say goodbye to Durbin. He was reliable but not on a team that is now all star calibur. Also Tim Brydak has signed a one year/ $712,500 deal with the Tigers to avoid arbitration. Brydak held left-handed batters to a .176 AVG with a 3-0 record and 3.20 ERA in 39 games. Brydak is a very reliable lefty with Bobby Seay out of the pen. I'm glad he has resigned with the Tigers. His good mechanics and control should help the Tigers hold many leads in the season especially in the later months, during the playoff chase.

I will get to the Braves Winter Meetings acquisitions a little later.

Loose End Rumors

It's been a while since I have posted. So I will sort out the news by Team.

Atlanta Braves-

First was the bad news that Mike Hampton again has falling to an injury while trying to make a comeback from 3 injury plagued seasons. While pitching in the first inning in the Mexican Winter League he apparently put a strain on his hamstring and thus stopped his comeback and will be shelved until pitchers report in January. Hampton entering his final year in a $121 million contract. As the braves see it now and as do i, they don't expect him to be in the rotation this year. This in fact now limits it down to two individuals for the 5th spot: Jair Jurrjens and Jo-Jo- Reyes. I hope Mike can make a recovery but I highly doubt he can come back. Good luck to Mike with his new team next year or with what ever new endeavors he pursues.

On to the rumor mill, A report with the Boston Herald, says the Braves are interested in a 4th outfielder. They named Bobby Kielty as this outfielder. Bobby coming off a injury year also hit the final homerun of the World Series and was a hero as the Sox won that game 4-3. Kielty's move should stem on the fact if the Sox gain Santana for Crisp, and or Ellesbury and other players. He thinks that his fate in the BoSox organization is if Crisp is there or not and then he'll make that decision. Kielty would make a good addition to the Braves but the thing is we already have platoon in LF with Jones/Diaz. But If we are making a trade move for Crisp we might have to move Diaz and or Jones, I believe that It would be a nice package to send Diaz/Jones/and a Pitching prospect to Boston for the combo of Bobby Kielty and Coco Crisp. That way LF and CF are set and CF is easily a stopgap.

Ron Mahay, is still being considered by the Braves but with the Yankees and Mets involved it looks like the bidding could keep the Braves out of the negotiations. Ron Mahay with the Braves went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA with 23 Ks and 16 BB in 60 innings. Mahay would be a welcome sight back in Atlanta but with bidding for RP FA it probably wont happen. I predict a 2 yrs/$12 million contract for Mahay with the NYY.

Detroit Tigers-

Well It looks like good old Kenny isn't totally ready to accept the $8 million deal with the Tigers just yet. We are still waiting on Kenny Rogers to negotiate a deal with DD before the Winter Meetings. Kenny says he needs time to get situated as his own free agent. I think he still wants a one year $10 million contract. Kenny needs to cool down after his injury plagued season last year, he should take that $8 million easily maybe negotiate for incentives, and maybe he is doing that now but I don't know. We need Kenny for a year and we also need his leadership for the younger kids.

As for our new reliever corp, It looks like we lost out on the Herges sweepstakes as the Rox have signed him for a year. We are now going for LaTroy Hawkins for a multi year deal. I'm not sure about this deal. Sure Hawkins had a phenomenal post season and a decent 2-5 3.42 ERA this season but still a 34 year old getting a multi year contract who is already possible on the decline(especially strikeouts 1.8 Ks/9 innings) is not a very wise. Did we not learn from the Mesa disaster from last year. LaTroy for one year would be very valuable but two or more years, I'm not to sure about that. Guess we shall see.

Apparently the Interest in Octavio Dotel has cooled since Dotel seems to be wanting $12 million two year contract. Dotel's health risk and not reaching the 100 game plateau combined the last three seasons, do not meet the ends. Dotel would still be a good risk for us, but a one year deal worth less then $5 million would not spark an interest with the injury plagued Dotel.

Finally for both the Braves and the Tigers interest in Kei Igawa, is there. Why the Braves are interested is possible to replace the now injured Mike Hampton, The Tigers may want him for depth in case Miller falters or actually for the 5th spot for the rotation. Other then that the Braves are set for their rotation and Dave Dombrowski has said once Rogers is signed they will not pursue a SP.

That is it for now.

Tom Glavine signs and Rogers speculation

Wow its been 5 long years but the second of the legendary Braves trio has found his way back to Atlanta. Tom Glavine officially signed with the Braves for $8 million one year deal. This a great day for the braves. He will give us a solid #3 starter in the rotation and also mentor the young guys at #4 and #5 spots on the rotation. He seems extremely comfortable as says he doesn't want to be a #1 starter on the staff. He was quoted today saying:

"I don't think I'm that kind of pitcher anymore. There's enough pressure to go out and pitch in this game without the pressures of feeling that every time you go out there that you have to prove to people that you're worth something or worth a certain amount of money. "The last two years, I've forgone options that I had in my contract for more money than I ended up making simply because I don't view myself as a No. 1 guy anymore, and I don't think I should be paid that way. That's just the way that I am. That doesn't mean that I still can't go out there for stretches of time and pitch like a No. 1 guy."

Glavine will be a welcome addition to the Braves staff and organization once again.

Kenny Rogers finally started negotiations again for a deal with the Tigers this time his agent is himself. Rogers was contacted by Dombrowski but DD decided to not talk about what they discussed. That $8 million one year deal looks perfect and maybe add on some treats for Rogers for some extra cash and give him a $9-9.5 million total incentive laden deal. With Glavine signing for $8 million at a discount, one has to wonder if Rogers might do the same thing. Let us hope.

In other Detroit news, the money hungry, money grabbing, Pudge Rodriguez wants to catch til he is 40 years old. That's big but he wont get the big bucks like he used to unless he does something miraculous this season for his last big FA year.

Glavine, Braves near deal

UPDATE 11/18 11:49pm: Its officially unofficial that Tom Glavine is now a Brave. Tom Glavine officially signed a one year non incentive, non bonus, deal for $8 million according to Foxports.com.Though it wont be official until Monday the 40 year old former Brave starter is now back at home. Tom is expected to be the #3 starter for the team and reinforce the rotation along with helping the young talented pitchers the Braves have this year. Well SP is signed now on to the big time vacuum in CF who will the new CF be? One can only hope Wren knows who to go for..... More updates tomorrow.

As I posted on Friday the Braves and Glavine now appear to be nearing a deal set for later today. According to the MLB.com Hot Stove, Glavine is set to have a one year 8 million deal. Although the formal announcement probably won't be til Monday, I will have an update if I hear anything. As for the deal, Glavine will give the Braves a solid innings eating #3 starter that they needed all last season. Chuck was good but is not a #3 caliber starter. Glavine will be that rock that solidifies the rotation in 2008. The Braves will have a very strong rotation for 2008 that should rival any one's rotation in the NL East.

2008 Rotation

1.Hudson
2.Smoltz
3.Glavine
4.James/Jurrjens
5.James/Jurrjens/Hampton/Reyes

That is a very strong lineup that should definitely compete much more strongly then the 2007 rotation. That had a revolving door on #4 and 5 starters. Welcome back Tommy Welcome back to Atlanta.

Rogers cuts Boras and Glavine offer

Two really big stories here. The first is that Scott Boras already having an issue with the A-Rod proceedings, is now official cut off from Kenny Rogers, as Rogers has (and an arguably smart move) fired Boras.

According to MLB.com, Rogers after having an off year with a blood clot in his pitching shoulder was out til mid season and after that had more problems in his pitching elbow which landed him on the DL for most o f the rest of the season and officially with 3-4 in 11 starts in 2007. That is after coming off of a 17-10 season in 2006 with a 3-0, 0.00 ERA in the 2006 postseason. Rogers was given through Boras two offers from the Tigers one reportedly worth 11 million one year deal. Both were turned down by Boras. This was after in September saying Rogers was either going to retire or pitch only with Detroit. Many fans including myself thought that he was double crossing Detroit. With this new news today, it shows that Rogers was really not in the discussion and Boras was really handling all of Rogers offers and negotiations. Now that Rogers is representing himself A offer and contract signing from Detroit is almost an assured thing. Ill even give him that 10 million base salary with 1 million+ incentives just because he is a leader in the rotation and because Boras is gone LOL. Great job Kenny you know where your heart is IN DETROIT!!!

In other news according to MLB.com, the Braves GM Wren has been the first to offer a contract to Tom Glavine. The contract details were not given out but this has been talked about by Clifton who is Glavines agent. He said,

"We will have a counter proposal by Friday evening or Saturday morning."

This shows that Glavine is the #1 signing the Braves want for starting rotation and the same goes for Glavine as he wants to be a Brave when he retires. This is great for the Braves organization if we can pull this one off without using a lot of money. Glavine should get around 10 million plus incentives and a possible 2009 mutual option. This would help the Braves tremendously and I hope the Braves get Glavine. The veteran presence with Smoltz, and Glavine will help the #4 and 5 starters especially if it is Chuck James/Jo-Jo Reyes/Jair Jurrjens.
They will be helped out tremendously.

In another small trade MLBTR is reporting Oscar "The Vulture" Villarreal was traded to the Houston Astros for CF Josh Anderson. Anderson is not a 5 tool or even a 4 tool outfielder, he definitely looks to be a backup plan in case Wren can not sign or trade for a experienced CF. Anderson hit .358 in the final month of the 2007 season with the Astros but in AAA he hit .258 with 41 stolen bases. He looks like a speedster but his on base percentage of .325 in AAA. So he will need some major help if we can not find anyone else out there for CF. Oscar Villarreal good luck with your new team, wish you the best. You can find more analysis of this trade on BlabberinBraves.