Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson two very solid additions. The Maholm addition is in line with my initial thought that the Braves needed a solid guy not an ace. And adding in a right handed bat off the bench who has absolutely killed lefties is awesome. And I know the Braves gave up Vizcaino but I personally never trusted him and he has been hurt practically the entire time he was a Brave. I with him the best of luck but an oft injured reliever and a career minor leaguer is not too shabby to give up for a solid bench bat and a very solid lefty starter who is under control for a very affordable 6.5 million next year. Not to mention the Cubs sent cash over as part of the deal. So in my opinion this was a win for the Braves but definitely could be beneficial for the Cubs if Vizcaino remains healthy and they convert him too a starter again.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
What now?
No Ryan Dempster thank goodness! I was for it as I mentioned yesterday but when he stalled and now is waiting out for los Angeles, they can have him. I personally think the next approach should be for someone under control through atleast next season to make the blow of losing a top tier prospect less severe. And with Beachy out for half of next season and all the struggles our top talents have had and hopefully no more Jurrjens it makes adding a number 1 or 2 pitcher very important.
I also believe that someone like a dempster or shields would fit better on the team since they would be more affordable, require less return, and just solidify our rotation which has the potential to be very strong a la 2011.
So what pitcher will make a start for the Braves in the next week or so my gut says Grienke but I would prefer a Garza or Shields.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Ryan Dempster
Will he or won't he? I don't know but what I do know is that I think the Braves are making a good decision, assuming Randall Delgado for Dempster, because as I see it if Bourn leaves, chipper retires, Uggla continues to struggle, weak left field market, and pitching continues to struggle then this may be our last year for a few years of being in contention. I definitely could see the Braves taking a step back if these things happen and all of these are very likely or definite possibilities.
Ryan Dempster may not be a Zack Grienke but guess what the starting rotation needs a solid stable force that will help with one of the worst ERAs in the league. He doesn't need to be the 2.15 ERA guy but less than 7 would be a nice change of events compared to JJ.
@bravesbusyman