Something tells me Atlanta isn't eeven done yet?

A couple of things here.  There is a reason BJ Upton doesn't play 2nd base and I'm guessing it has something to do with defense because he would be about the best offense 2nd baseman in the league if he played that position. 

Also there are very few 2nd baseman in this league that contribute a considerable amount on the offensive side, while Dan Uggla has certainly not had his best seasons as a Brave from what I have seen he has earned his contract and a power hitting 2nd baseman is a luxury and honestly I believe if Uggla were put out on the market right now he would be gone in a week without sending any money or anything else with him.

I'm sure FW and Fredi wish they were getting more from Dan but I don't really think they are dissappointed with his play, he has performed at his value and there isn't really any reason to think that is going to stop over the next 3 years.  The streaky performances can drive you mad but I don't think the hot streaks get enough appreciation, he was good down the stretch last year and he helped to carry an injured team into the all star break last season as well.  He has stepped up when it was needed most and I think he will continue to earn his contract over the next 3 seasons after that I'm not sure if 2nd base will still be his best fit but I'm betting that FW gets his money's worth out of this power hitting and always healthy 2nd baseman. 

BJ can play 2b if you'll remember.
Ship Uggla off for whatever package of prospects we can get, move BJ to 2b and sign Bourn 3 years at money he's requesting? 
We have the payroll to do it, whatcha think? 

I like this, but I can't see it happening.

Respectfully disagree that Uggla's 19 HR last season were worth $13 mil.  A power-hitting 2Bman is indeed a luxury, if other factors are not on the downside.  Uggla was brought to Atlanta to produce the 30 HRs that he consistently did before.  Without them he isn't even an average 2Bman.  He has no slick glove, though he's OK defensively.  His OBP and SLG were down considerably last year.  Not only were his power numbers off.  His strikeouts rose, so there was no chance to get on base and score runs.  Needless to say he doesn't compensate for lack of power with speed and stolen bases.

If there is an upside here, it is that Wren says they have diagnosed some of Uggla's problems and believe he will be much better this coming season as a result.  Have to believe he's right since for about a month near the end of last season, Uggla performed better.  If Uggla can return to form, then the Atlanta Braves will indeed be the Beast of the East this year.  Can hardly wait to see it happen.   

The guy put up a 3.5 WAR last year according to fangraphs.  I have heard that in free agency it cost as high as 5 million per Win, that makes Dan a relative bargin right now.

How are you going to tell me his obp was down when it was above his career average and higher than the year before, that certainly seems like up to me.  He had the best defensive numbers of his career since his rookie year, his strikeouts were right in line with his normal and he continued to be constantly healthy.  Yes, his power was way lower but does one year of less power mean his power is gone, the guy has shown throughout his career pretty consistently that he is a power threat but one year of decreased power means it is gone to you, I'm not sure why.

If he gets on base at a good clip and plays the same level of defense with about 20 homeruns he will still be one of the most valuable second baseman out there but I expect those power numbers to have at least a small bounce this year. 

Reread the post.  Nowhere did I say his power is gone.  I limited my criticism to his worth last year.

I like Uggla, and I hope he has a super bounce-back year.  But let's be realistic.  His worth at 2B will always be tied to his power numbers, unlike most others who play the position.   

I concede that point, but you definitely said his obp went down.

Abjectly apologize for the OBP comment.  I attribute the slight rise from the year before to the highest BB in his career.  Good for him.  Augurs well for the coming year if he can keep the walks coming while increasing his SLG. 

Don't freak out if Fred G. uses him as the backup leadoff hitter when Simmons gets a rest a couple of times this season because of his .348 OBP, and NL leading 94 BB's. Frank Wren has already alluded to the possibility just after acquiring JUp10 when asked, "what if Simmons falters in the role?" His first response was, "I have faith that Andrelton will do a splendid job, and Dan has the career OBP too warrant a shot if needed."

Uggla had the same OBP as Bourn did last season.  In leading off, he'll get the same chance to unsettle the opposing pitchers and steal bases also.  Wren probably has him pencilled in for about 30 steals.  (smile)

I don't see any reason why if Simmons fails you can't just shift everyone up one slot and hit Heyward first.  This team really has 5 guys that put up pretty solid obp.'s.  I think there is no reason to be afraid of getting guys on base.  The team as a whole may have some strikeout issues, but I think K's are way over weighted, its just an out to me.  These guys have gotten on base before and should continue. 

Freddie Freeman increased his walks and decreased his K's last year.  McCann should certainly perform better this year than last.  Uggla has a consistent obp in his career.  Heyward and J. Upton are both solid obp guys that are both still young and growing.  If Simmons gives the team solid leadoff production that will be great but even if hits 250 with a 300 obp and ends up batting 8th, that isn't going to do much damage to this squad.  It should be a very good defensive team with a well rounded offense that features plenty of power and speed.  Can't wait for the season to get here.

Uggla had the same OBP as Bourn did last season.  In leading off, he'll get the same chance to unsettle the opposing pitchers and steal bases also.  Wren probably has him pencilled in for about 30 steals.  (smile)

Lobo---Although Michael Bourn can fly and play great defense, he still has a problem stealing 1st base because of the strikeouts he compiles as a hitter. Yes. Popeye strikes out as well, but he can change a game more often on one swing than Bourn. I like Popeye's chances over the next 3 seasons (at $12 million per) of producing 80 runs-80 rbi's-80 bb's-.350 obp-25 hr's moreso than Bourn's 90 runs-50 sb's-40 2b's-10 3b's-.350 obp (at $14-16 million per). Getting that type of pop from a 2B is harder to find than speed from a CF...imho.


Don't forget that the Reds had a combined .254 OBP last season out of their leadoff hitters and still won 96 games. Still believe that timely hitting, solid defense, a good rotation,  a shut down bullpen are the staples that make the difference in the 162 game grind of a MLB season. Believe Popeye & Mac produce alot of timely hitting this season as the Braves win the NL East, and shock the Nats! Go Braves...Keep Choppin' !!! Peace.

I like homeruns as well as the next guy, but consider this:  with the same OBP last season, Uggla scored 86 runs vs Bourn's 96.  So, at least last year speed won out over power.  And Uggla is so streaky, you can't really depend on his power as you can a speedy guy.  I'm really praying that Simmons stays healthy and not only gets his hits, but adds runs because of his speed.  If Uggla reverts to norm, then so much gravy.

By the way, Cots has Uggla at $13 mil, and Bourn's salary is as yet to be determined.   

 And Uggla is so streaky, you can't really depend on his power as you can a speedy guy. 


So, you make that point to imply Bourn is not streaky?? Did you watch Bourn's 2nd half last season? Doesn't matter because the Braves have speed in CF, LF,& RF for the next 3 yrs., and power. Peace.

OMG. . .er. .parum muh. ..gotta--er, OK, that's better!  Had to get the words from my mouth that you placed there.  Now, let's see.  Where was I?

Oh, got it.  What I said was, even in a down half year at the plate, Bourn swiped 42 bases and therefore scored more runs than the short-circuited Uggla.  It was a concept of what is more reliable, speed or power.

What's with you and irocnek?  All opinions about baseball are subject to exceptions imho.  

Peace, y'all.     

Uggla scored 86 runs vs Bourn's 96.  So, at least last year speed won out over power. 

That is only because Bourn batted in front of Prado, Heyward, and Freeman. Who followed Uggla? And he hit 54 pts. less in BA than Bourn, but grossly exceeded Bourn in BB's. The difference was 10 runs when Michael had more PA's. We can banter all we want, but Bourn (even though he's not signed yet...wonder why?) is asking for tooooo much money going into his year 30 looking for a 5 yr./$75 million contract.Your point regarding speed vs. power is kind of like winning the battle, but still losing the war.

"Who followed Uggla?"  Well, yeah.  Even though he had lots of walks, batting down in the order with weak hitters following him, he should have had 168 walks and 94 strikeouts instead of the other way around.  Or doesn't he know that if they want to walk him he should take it?

If I take the point right in your last sentence, I'll be glad to lose the war, since it would mean that Uggla is back to his usual self.   

but I think K's are way over weighted, its just an out to me

I disagree Irocnek.  By not strikeing out and putting the ball in play instead, a player has a chance to advance the runner, hit a sac fly, or even get on base because of an error.  I agree that K's are over weighted but it's not just an out.   

how many runs score on a K?? how many runs score on grounder to 2nd base??? put the dam ball in play! GO Braves

How many runs score when Uggla and McCann hit a grounder to second, none its a double play.

I know what you are saying, but like you I agree they are overweighted.  Yes this team will strike out quite a bit, but I think they are still built to score alot of runs. 

Well footballs done.....now i'm ready for spring training.