There has been a lot of buzz around the Braves on what our back up catcher plan will be, and same goes for center field. Andruw Jones has signed a 2 yr deal worth $36M with the Los Angeles Dodgers. I know, he’s no where near worth close to that.
ESPN says the Braves have looked at Damian Miller for backup catcher. Certainly not a bad idea, but I think we should stick with what we have. Damian Miller is like a clone of Todd Pratt. Not exactly what we need, especially with Clint Sammons and Brayan Pena available there too. However, Pena is a little sluggish on the defense, and Sammons could use a little more seasoning, but we might as well use them than pay $1.5M for Miller.
The Braves will not be resigning Ron Mahay. Mark Bowman states that Mahay will be going to another team, and the Braves will recieve a draft pick since we offered arbitration. Had we done that to Andruw, we would have gotten a good draft pick since he was a Type B free agent. It’d certainly make up for the draft pick we give up for signing Tom Glavine.
Center Field talks are not coming often for the Braves. A sign that they will probably go with an internal option to fill the void until top prospect Jordan Schafer is ready. The Braves are not interested in Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim CF Reggie Willits. Would the Braves go after Pittsburgh Pirates CF, Nate McLouth? Possibly, but Pirates GM Neal Huntington says he’s not aggressively shopping McLouth, but is willing to listen to any offers. Steve Finley’s name has been tossed around a bit, though I doubt it happens.
Winter Meetings are over. In total, the Braves made one move, filled two holes. They traded Jose Ascaino to the Cubs for Will Ohman and Omar Infante. It’s a move I’m still not to thrilled about. Frank Wren is satisfied though.
Hot Stove season is alive, and it’s kicking.
Filed under: Rumors
