Braves Season Preview...Giants Fan Perspective

I'm sorry I have not written in so long, but I have been terribly busy this week working on revamping AtlantaBravesNation.com  An updated website could come as early as Monday. Anyways I asked my baseball buddy Christian, who is a S.F. Giants fan to share his thoughts about the Braves this year. 

Hey there, Braves nation! My name is Christian, and I'll be your guest writer for the day. First, a bit on me: I'm a die-hard Giants fan (no bias here), and I hate the damn Mets. Chief has asked me to write a piece on the Braves chances, so here goes!

Last year, the Braves finished with a dismal 72 wins, 20 games behind the Phillies. 2009, however, looks significantly better for the Braves. The Mets have improved the bullpen, and I'm going to go ahead and say they are the team to beat, but the Phillies and Marlins have only gone backwards. The Phillies replaced Pat Burrell with an older, slower and significantly worse Raul Ibanez. Their set-up man, Ryan Madsen, has received a 50 game suspension for testing positive to a banned substance, and their star 2B, Chase Utley, is attempting to come off hip surgery. The Marlins have also gotten worse, as they have traded several players in cost cutting and rebuilding measures. The Nationals, I won't talk about, because hey, they're the Nationals.

While most everyone else got worse, the Braves have only gotten better. While Teixeira is gone, Kotchman is a very capable replacement first base man, and I'm sure the Angels will sorely miss him this year. Kawakami projects to be a starter very similar to Hiroki Kuroda, but if the scouting reports are to be believed, he has better stuff. 200 innings with an ERA under 4 are easily attainable. While  I'm sure Braves fan are upset they missed out on Burnett, Lowe has a very similar ERA, and he's much less injury prone. Across the board, the Braves have improved, and the projections agree. PECTOA preseason projections have Braves tied with the Phillies and only 5 game back of the Mets, while the CHONE projections have the Braves one game back of the Phillies and tied with the Mets. While the Braves are no lock, this year they return to contention.

Thanks Chrisitian! If you want to be a guest writer contact aBn via email at AtlantaBravesNation@gmail.com How do ya'll feel about these projections? Do you think he is spot on or is not seeing the picture. I think its always a good idea to get an 'outsiders' perspective. 

Braves add Veteran OF....Chipper Talks about Tommy Hanson

The Braves and 14-year veteran Garrett Anderson reached a one-year agreement today. The deal is believed to be worth $2.5 million. The signing comes only a fews days after the Bravos missed out of Ken Griffey Jr. (in case you missed out on the drama of that saga, the episode will be re-aired on Oxygen Network sometime this week) An official announcement of the Anderson signing could come as early as Monday morning. Anderson is expected to join the Braves in beautiful Lake Buena Vista, Florida for Spring Training this week. Bobby Cox raved about Garret Anderson in an interview earlier this week. Cox said, "He's got one of the sweetest swings baseball. He's a guy you want up with the game on the line, and he uses all field. I hope we get him." As Hank Hill always says "Dangit Bobby!", we'll guess what, you got your man! 

Anderson is a career .296 hitter and has drove in 80+ RBI's eight of the past nine seasons. Anderson may not be the home run threat he once was but is still capable of hitting 15-20 HR's with under 500 AB's. Anderson will platoon at LF with Matt Diaz.  Oh by-the-way, did I mention Anderson is three-time All Star, winner of the 2003 Home Run Derby, two-time Silver Slugger and is a member of the "Top 500 Home-Run hitters of All Time." 

As for 6-6 Tommy Hanson, Chipper Jones absolutely raved about this kid in a interview with AJC.com Braves beat-writer David O'Brien. Chipper said this about Tommy's control, "Very impressive. He's probably got the best stuff of anybody in this clubhouse, he throws 93-94 with good movement. Great slider. You're talking about a kid that young who can command four pitches. To do what he did in the Arizona Fall League, which has never been done... pretty impressive kid." In the A.F.L. league Hanson made five starts. He posted a 5-0 record, 0.63 E.R.A., and struck out  49 hitters in 28.2, yes 28.2 innings. There's no typo there folks this kid is the real-deal. Oh and don't forget about the no-hitter Tommy threw in Class AA for the Mississippi Braves, while striking out 13 batters. 

Folks, Chipper has been around the league for 14-years and has been teammates with future H.O.F. pitchers such as Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. Those are some pretty strong words coming from a guy of Chipper notoriety. 

Hanson is currently aBn's #2 prospect in the Braves organization and a strong showing in Spring Training could definitely benefit Hanson for an attempt to make the Braves roster mid-season this year. 

What type of numbers do ya'll expect from Anderson this year? What do ya'll think about Tommy Hason? Is a stud is he going to be a bust?

Player Preview: Derek Lowe

Today we bring you another edition of "aBn Player Preview." Derek Lowe signed a 4 yr./$60 million deal with the Braves a few days after Smoltzie signed with the Bo-Sox in 'mid January. Lowe is coming off a strong season serving as the L.A. Dodger's ace. He posted a 14-11 record, 3.24 ERA and struck out 147 batters. Lowe has never been a strikeout pitcher, but more so the type of pitcher who attempts to out-smart his opponent and creates ground balls. Lowe will benefit from the Bravos strong defensive infield and the 'pitcher-friendly' environment at Turner Field. 

Since 2002, only two other pitchers in MLB have tallied more wins than Lowe. 

1. Roy Oswalt, HOU 115
2. Roy HalladaY, TOR 113
3. Derek Lowe, ATL 106 

Lowe has also earned 12+ wins in every season since becoming a full-time SP. In 2002, Lowe notched 21 wins in 32 appearances for the Bo-Sox. In 2004, Lowe was the winner of the deciding game of the ALDS, ALCS and World Series. 

Lowe will serve as the Braves ace this year. Lowe is definitely capable of pitching deep into the game, last year he averaged 6 2/3 innings per game in 34 appearances. During his seven year career as a SP, Lowe has pitched 200+ innings five times. With Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez at the helm, the Braves can expect two SP's to provide the team with 200+ innings. This will definitely benefit the bullpen, which became tiresome near the end of the season due to lack of innings pitched by starters. 

With that in mind, what type of numbers do ya'll think Derek Lowe will have this year? 

Braves Lock Up Glavine and Frenchy too!

300-game winner Tom Glavine and the Atlanta Braves have inked a 1-year contract with a $1 million base-salary. Incentives could stretch the deal to $4.5 million. Glavine is a two-time Cy Younger, has appeared in 10 All-Star Games and the 1995 World Series MVP. 

Glavine had a brief stint for the New York Mets between 2003-2007. Glavine signed as a free-agent last year with the Braves for $8 million. The Braves have slotted Glavine into the 5th spot in the rotation, but look for him to compete for the #4 with Kawakami when Glavine is 100% . 

The Braves and Jeff Francoeur agreed to a $3.375 million contract for 2009. Frenchy can earn up to $25,00 in bonuses. The interesting part of Frenchy deal, it that it comes a day after missing out of Griffey.  ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Braves will most likely look for a "internal option" at outfield. Some players mentioned are: Gregor Blanco, Josh Anderson (who came over last season from the Astros via the Oscar Villrreal trade) and aBn's #3 prospect Jordan Schaffer. Schaffer's probably got the best shot of earning the CF spot for Opening Day but don't count out Anderson who was once regarded as a top prospect by Baseball America. 

aBn: We Know Drama! Ken Griffey signs with M's

Another bad day in Bravo-land this off-season. Ken Griffey Jr. who appeared to be headed to Lake Buena Vista, Florida for Braves Spring Training decided to sign with the Seattle Mariners tonight. The deal is reported to be a 1-year contract, that guarantees Jr. $2 million, and Jr. can earn up to $4.5 million in incentives based on at-bats and M's attendance. The M's are projecting that they will draw an additional 200,000 fans at Safeco Field by having Griffey on their roster. 

Braves beat-writer Mark Bowman says, "Griffey's tide turned shortly after he became upset with the fact that The Atlanta-Journal Constitution was reporting the he'd already decided to play for the Braves." 

Griffey Jr., has always expressed interest in playing for Bobby Cox, with Chipper Jones and for the Braves organization that his father competed for in the 80's. It's somewhat ironic how Griffey has had two chances in his lifetime to sign with the Braves; once in 1999 and this one being the most recent opportunity. Don't forget, Griffey called the Braves campaigning for a job just last week. Looks like Frank Wren may have got "Furcaled!"

Two Deals in the Works....

Ken Griffey Jr. and the Braves have yet to agree to a contract. Rumors have been circulating around the 'sports-world' that Griffey was going to sign a 1-year deal worth $2 million, but is he is hesitate to agree to terms with Atlanta because he does not want to upset M's fans. I am still keen on the Griffey signing and confident that he is capable of hitting 20 HR's, 60-70 RBI's while maintaing a .250 average. The only thing that troubles me about Griffey are the injury risks he brings with him. 

Atlanta Journal Constitution's Braves beat-writer David O'Brien discusses the possibility of Chipper Jones signing an extension with the Bravos. Chipper is like a fine-wine, and is getting better in age. Chipper has hit above .320 the past three seasons and is by far one of the best hitters in baseball. He outsmarts his oppnonets by drivng the ball to the opposite field and can hit for power or average. If Chipper is capable of putting up similar numbers to what he has the past couple of years I would be willing to offer him 3-4 years. 

Player Preview: Chipper Jones

Sorry for the late blog today... Anyways, there's not much going on in Bravos-land today. Older news is new news again. The Braves are moving closer to signing both Ken Griffey Jr. and Tom Glavine, but no official statement has been made by either party. 

To kick off this wonderful Tuesday I have decided to start "aBn's Player Preview." Chipper Jones is today's feature. Chipper Jones was selected by the Braves 1st overall pick in the 1990 amateur draft. Ever since then he has become one of Atlanta's most prestigious sports icons. Chipper hit 100+ RBI's for eight-consecutive season (between 1996-2003), but his streak came to a halt while Chipper was battling injuries in '04. In 1999 Chipper was awarded the league MVP. Chipper hit his 400th HR off Marlins SP Ricky Nolasco June 5, 2008. 

The past three seasons Chipper has had an OPS higher than 1.000 and batting average higher than .320. Chipper has battled injuries throughout his career. If Chipper can stay healthy this year he is capable of hitting 20-25 HR's, 100RBI's while maintaing a .320-.330 avg. and 1.000 OPS. Chipper is key to the Brave's success this year. He is one of the few experienced veteran bats the Braves will have in their lineup and can definitely help mentor young guns like Jordan Schaffer, Yunel Escobar, Brian McCann and Casey Kotchman. A healthy Chipper Jones can be a huge asset to a our defense and offense. 

You Don't know Glavine!

300-game winner Tom Glavine is close to a one year deal with the Atlanta Braves. Glavine can earn up to $4.5 million. He is guaranteed $1 milllion, $1 million for making the Opening Day roster and two-additional bonuses would push the deal to $4.5 million. 

The lefty is coming off a horrible season. He posted a 2-4 record in 13 starts. The lack of run support from the offense may have robbed Glavine of a few win's, however his 5.54 ERA didn't help much either. Glavine was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1984 draft by the Braves AND in the 4th round of the 1984 NHL draft by the  L.A. Kings.

Glavine almost opted to play hockey but decided to play baseball because he felt that because he is a left-handed pitcher he would have a huge advantage in baseball. Glavine has won two Cy Young Awards and a World Series MVP. Glavine rejoined the Braves in 2008 after spending four seasons with the N.Y. Mets. On April 18, 2008 Glavine was placed on the DL for the first time in his 22-year career. 

aBn Approves Ken Griffey Jr. Signing

The Braves are on the verge of signing outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. Braves beat-writer Mark Bowman says, that the deal is 1-year contract worth $1.5 million. Griffey Jr. would platoon at LF with current Brave Matt Diaz. Signing Griffey would give the Braves a power lefty bat. Griffey would most likely serve as the cleanup hitter, batting behind Chipper Jones. Chipper is confident that he and Griffey can rotate between the 3 and 4 spots depending on whichever serves the "team" better. 

Griffey may not be 20-year's old anymore but he is still capable of putting up strong numbers from the plate. Fan Graphs predicts, that Jr. will hit 20 long balls, 60 RBI's while tallying a near .250 batting average. The interesting thing to note here is that their predictions come off only 400 at-bats. Sounds like their projecting that he will platoon wherever he ends up. Griffey's defense is nothing spectacular but I think he can benefit from the pitcher-friendly Turner Field and a strong defensive CF such as Jordan Schaffer. 

How do ya'll feel about signing Griffey Jr.? Would this be Raul Mondesi all over again or is it one of the better moves this organization would make this off-season? 

Can the Braves afford to lose Glavine?

Its been a very interesting off-season for the Braves. They let long time Bravo, and my all time favorite Braves pitcher John Smoltz walk away over a few million dollars. Frank Wren missed out on Rafy Furcal over legal issues, and lost a bidding war to the Yankees for A.J. Burnett. Before loosing Smoltzie to the Red Sox the Braves had zero interest in Lowe. 

A few days after letting Smoltzie walk, the Braves inked Derek Lowe to a 4 year/$60 million contract. GM Frank Wren and 300-game winner Tom Glavine continue hold talks. The two parties claim that the meetings are going well and it appears as if a deal will be reached early next week. Can the Braves afford to lose Tommy Glavine? The organization recently let one of Atlanta's most prominent sports figure (John Smoltz) leave and another strong athlete in Glavine, could follow his footsteps. It would be a relatively bold statement by Frank Wren to allow another player that was responsible for the Braves success in the 90's to bid farewell to the organization.  

At the same time, several Braves fans are probably kicking their legs...ESPN's Jerry Crasnick says that part of the reason the Braves were unable to land stud outfielder Bobby Abreu are because the team has such a tight budget that "Frank Wren would have to stretch to give him a $5 million salary." However, if our budget is "so tight" then how can we afford Glavine (who is seeking a $3-4 million deal) and an outfielder such as Griffey Jr. or Garrent Aderson? We already have Jorge Campillo who is capable of winning 12 games as a fifth-starter. Seems to me that Frank Wren is a pretty fishy guy. 

Atlanta is Griffey's Top Choice

AJC.com Braves beat-writer David O'Brien is reporting that the Atlanta Braves are Ken Griffey Jr.'s top choice to play play for in 2009.

"Atlanta is his first choice. He really wants to play for the Braves. Has a daughter on an Atlanta AAU team and a son who's playing high school football this year in Orlando, and Griffey doesn't want to be on the other side of the country at Seattle. Plus, he's always wanted to play for Bobby Cox. 

If I had to bet, I'd say this get done early next week."

Griffey has a clutch bat, and could serve as a leader in the locker-room and on-the-field to a young group of Braves outfielders. Hopefully the Braves can nab him for about $3 million.

Pitchers and Catchers Report...

It's the most wonderful time the of year...Spring Training kicked off today for the Braves. Among those to report early are Chipper Jones (3B), Jeff Francoeur (OF), Matt Diaz (OF) and catchers Brian McCann, David Ross and Clint Sammons. Catchers are not required to arrive until Sunday, when they will hold their first workout. Newly acquired gunners: Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez and Kenshin Kawakami also made an appearance at the beautiful Disneys Wide World of Sports Complex. 

Derek Lowe is who projected to be the Braves Ace for opening day, worked in the early hours and exited early to spend Valentines day with his wife. Kenshin Kawakami the first Japanese player to play for the Braves (at a ML level) was followed by his groupies from the Japanese media. Tim Hudson, who is projected to be back for the Braves mid-to-late season had a light throwing season as well. 

aBn Projected Opening Day Rotation:

1. Derek Lowe, RHP
2. Javier Vazquez, RHP
3. Jair Jurrjens, RHP
4. Kenshin Kawakami, RHP
5. Tom Glavine, LHP

Rumors in Atlanta are that the Braves are interested in Ken Griffey Jr. The Mariners have not been able to land Griffey for unknown reasons. Braves GM, Frank Wren says "We have interest in several available outfielders, including Griffey." Griffey would most likely platoon at left-field with Matt Diaz. Griffey has always expressed interest in playing in a Braves uniform, and I believe he is one of the few available OF's that could serve as a cleanup hitter for the Braves next season. If Griffey is capable of putting up similar numbers like he did in '05 and '07 then he could be a bargain for 1 year/$3 million. 

Braves OF Update

Hey folks! 

Here's a quick review of what outfielders signed this week: Bobby Abreu signed a 1-year deal with the Angels for $5 million; incentives could raise the deal above $6 million. Adam Dunn reached a 2-year $20 million agreement with the Washington Nationals (yes, thats the same team that finished dead last in the league last year). Ken Griffey Jr. is on the verge of signing with his former team, the Seattle Mariners. 

So this leaves the Braves with some pretty schlumpy free-agent OF's to choose from. Fox Sport's Ken Rosenthal says the Braves are looking into Garret Anderson, Jim Edmonds and Luis Gonzalez. None of these guys will knock the ball out of the park or serve as a cleanup hitter for the Bravos. Garret Anderson will put up solid stats (15 HR's, 70-80 RBI's and .280-.290 avg.), but nothing that will blow you out of the water. Jim Edmonds who rotated between the Cubs 5,6 and 7 slots last season hit 20 long-balls but only brought in 55 runners, while tallying a near Mendoza-line average. Luis Gonzalez is probably the worst fit of the three. If the Braves need power, they should avoid Gonzalez who has only hit more than 30 HR's twice in his career. 

Rosenthal also mentioned that the Braves have not shot down the idea of trading some prospects for Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady. Swisher is an interesting candidate. He has a long-term contract and currently make $5.3 million. However, Swisher is inconsistent and I wouldn't be willing to part with any of the Braves "Top Prospects" for a player of his stature. Nady is probably the best fit for the Bravos. He shocked a lot of fans with his numbers last year. However, he was never really given a 'fair chance' in Pittsburgh until last season and was then approached by the Braves at the trade-deadline, but wound up with the Yankees. The only issue with Nady is that he becomes a free-agent after the '09 season and he is a client of (you guessed it!) Scott Boras....

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