No team is building 48-50,000 seat ballparks anymore. They realized it was a poor business model. Rockies just took out their upper deck in right field because it was too big, like Turner Field is. Parks like AT&T (San Fran) and PNC (Pittsburgh), not to mention the historic ones (Fenway and Wrigley) have much smaller capacities, more intimate atmospheres, and most importantly, they create more ticket demand and an urgency for fans to buy tickets ahead of time instead of waiting until the last minute to check the weather, the team's recent performance, etc., because they can do that when they know there will be thousands of seats available for almost every game even if they wait to buy them when they get there.
Nothing. I think they'll eventually release him or trade him and eat almost all of his contract.
Not a priority at this point, when bullpen and offense are such bigger needs. Not saying that can't change or it becomes too good an offer or other deals fall through, etc., But for now, starting pitching is just not at top of Braves needs, and they have needs that need addressing. Their starting pitching has been strong, and they've got Alex Wood getting stretched out to return to the rotation. They're far more likely to trade a starter away than to bring in another starter.
I agree. Had a couple of bad plays in his first game(s) at Fenway Park, which is understandable for a kid making his MLB debut in that venue, etc. Don't think his defense since then has warranted being replaced on a regular basis in the late innings of close games, especially when there's such a relatively high chance this team will go to extra innings lately with the 'pen and offense being what they are. Need to keep his bat in lineup, at least while he remains hot.
OK, folks. A sincere thanks for all the questions and interest. And only a couple of jerks in the entire bunch. I really appreciate it. Take care. Come back next week, same channel, same time.
Trout. Before he got hurt, I might've said Jose Fernandez.
Lots of great smaller moves (signings and trades), and a few big contracts that certainly didn't work out or haven't so far.
They've never given any amount, period. But based on what Wren's said in past, as far as what Braves want to limit the percentage increase over a pitcher's previous season high, I'dsay 170-180 innings is about as high as they want him to go
Harang can make up to $1 million more if he makes 25 starts. For a total of $2 mill. So yes, you're right, Floyd can't make six times what Harang is making, but he can make $7 mill or more, and has a base salary of $4 million.
No, that's not a loaded question or anything. To ask a beat writer, who depends on being able to talk to players and get information from them.
I don't think the pieces fit together well in this lineup. No real "glue guys" and not enough guys that get on base a lot. Too many strikeouts, not enough guys who can but or move a runner over with a grounder or get him in with a sac fly.
I'd say it's better than 50/50. Probably far better.
No, it is not. If/when that happens, they'd feel terrible for him -- they all like him -- but I'd imagine they'll all understand, as well.
Don't know. Fredi prefers him there, I think. And I know B.J prefers it there, thinks he gets better pitches, more fastballs, etc.
Occasionally. But not often.
Yes, he could be. Because he's having a good season, only signed through this year, won't draft draft-pick compensation, and will make at least 6-7 times what Harang is making, after Floyd's incentives start kicking in for numbers of starts, etc.
They just gave a three-year extension to their 3B a month or two ago. They didn't do that thinking they might trade for another one soon thereafter.
Our sports writers don't have any affect on the organization. We've all pointed out the Braves' dismal record in postseason series -- 8 consecutive series losses, matching the Cubs record of futility. It's not a sports writer's job to be advocate or harsh critic, but to report on what happens and offer some analysis of why and what might happen next. Columnists are paid to opine strongly and to stir it up, not beat writers.
Needs to be done, but even more importantly, netting should have been raised long a go on the sides of the backstop in most ballparks, where it currently drops from 30-40 feet or whatever it us to about 10-15 feet before it even gets out as far as the on-deck circles in most parks. That's where foul balls are rocketed every game. Makes ZERO sense not to have it as high as it is directly behind plate.
Long as he's healthy and hitting like this, can't see how he wouldn't be.
