There were two items that caught my eye when I got time to actually catch up on Braves news tonight. The first was the loss of two minor league pitchers on waiver claims today. The second made me think it might be time to go back to the future.
Late this afternoon in what may have been whiplash from being hypnotized by Scott Boras into signing Oliver Perez, (no really they signed him, I didn’t believe it either) the Nationals claimed Lee Hyde from the Braves . Hyde was originally a fourth round of pick in the 2006 but had to have TJ surgery in 2007. In 2010 he pitched 60 2/3 total innings at AA and AAA finishing with a 3.41 ERA, 7.7 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9. Earlier the the New York Yankees had claimed Jose Ortegano. Ortegano was a pretty decent prospect heading until last season but seemed to take a step back as his ERA shot up to 6.20 in 21 games at Gwinnett. Neither player was in the top 30 Braves prospects this season.
Fredi Gonzalez said he would like to add a right-handed hitting backup outfielder to go along with Eric Hinske. Hinske is no longer an everyday player and was never a great outfielder but he is a superb bench guy who leaves it all of the field and has a nice touch for late inning magic. There’s not much left out there at this point and it’s a little early to looking for a trade. We already missed out on Scott Hairston , Willie Bloomquist, Andruw Jones, and Reed Johnson. The search is further complicate because the old men Phillies are also frantically looking to replace Jason Werth.
Meanwhile we’ve decided to trade Rodrigo Lopez ( repeat after me, Why did we sign him Frank?) and of course we’re still trying to trade Kenshin Kawakami. With that as trade bait <cough> <omg> <cough> where do we look? The Red Sox have an excess of outfielders but they will want a quality pitcher. No match there. I’ve heard the Indians need some innings pitched and aren’t winning this year anyway. But I didn’t see anything there that might fit. I love the idea of Hunter Pence but he’s an everyday guy and costs more than a backup, so I expect he’s out as well. There is a guy we could probably have – great glove, strong arm, right handed bat with power and now a part time player – so what about Jeff Francoeur?
Frenchy seems to be exactly what Fredi ask for. By all accounts he’s a great guy that the Braves players still like, his best friend (BMac) is still here and he loves Atlanta. I think it’s a fit, heck he may just find his stroke again. The question is, would the Frank Wren bring him back after dumping him like a broken watch? Well, he brought back Lopez, Norton and Proctor who altogether have less talent remaining than Frenchy. So, why not?
Tags: Fredi Gonzalez, jeff francoeur
I grew up in Illinois back when the leagues only had 8 teams. My dad and mom died Cub fans always believing that next year would be it. I was a Cub fan until I realized I didn't believe Cub ownership wanted to win; they liked being the underdog it was cheaper. I loved the way the Milwaukee Braves played when Red Schoendienst was at 2nd, Joe Adcock at 1st, Eddie Mathews at 3rd and and Hank Arron in the outfield but while dad alive and I lived at home I didn't say that out loud. I joined the Air Force in 1968 and spent 28 years there, mostly overseas without baseball. When I came back to the US for good in 1991 I started following the Atlanta Braves on TBS and I've been with them ever since. My oldest son is a Rangers fan while my youngest is a Braves guy like me. I'm an old school guy I guess, I see no need for a designated pinch hitter and would prefer the All Star game to be about the All Star Game only. I do think replay is needed since the technology is at a point where dependability is very good; close base running plays and line calls but not balls and strikes. I also think we have too many teams but that's for another day. Go Braves!
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