Braves Short Takes
By Fred Owens
Not much happening right now so here’s some news rumors and gossip with a Braves connection.
Photo Credit : Fred Owens
Tom Glavine’s nemesis Mike Redmond was signed today as the Marlin’s new manager. While Redmond wasn’t noted for hitting he did have his moments, particularly against Glavine. Redmond was a serial abuser of quality pitching so Glavine needn’t be too chagrined. From 1998 through 2001Redmond feasted on Braves pitching as a whole. Here’s a look at a few of Redmond’s numbers against the Braves at his peak and against his favorite big name targets.
*Totals include years not shown in table; 2002,2003,2004,2007 Complete data available at Baseball-Reference.com
| PA | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Glavine | 51 | 48 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 4 | .438 | .471 | .604 | 1.075 |
| Mark Buehrle | 38 | 37 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | .432 | .421 | .514 | .935 |
| Al Leiter | 32 | 29 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | .448 | .500 | .552 | 1.052 |
| CC Sabathia | 32 | 26 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 2 | .500 | .563 | .577 | 1.139 |
Here’s hoping this doesn’t carry over to his managerial career.
Rick Ankiel Pitching Comeback?
Joe Strauss over at the Cardinals Insider says It might happen
“I’m hearing Ankiel is open to giving pitching one last shot since his market as a position player appears minimal. And, yes, I think the Cardinals would be among those open to providing such an opportunity. For now it remains in the rumor stage. Developing story …”
It would certainly be an interesting story and I suspect if it happens a good movie. The 34 year old lefty famous for suddenly losing the strike zone – the whole area code in fact – entirely in the payoffs hasn’t thrown a major league pitch since 2004. His time with the Braves was short – and a perfectly silly acquisition that filled no existing needs at the time – but he seems a great guy and I wish him luck. . . just not against the Braves.
Roster Shuffles
A couple of days ago I wrote about the free agents that hot the market and the arbitration players the Braves have to deal with. This time of year causes a lot of roster movement that indicates nothing much. Today Eric Cordier was outrighted to Gwinnett and removed from the 40 man roster leaving it with 29 players. Expect more additions (David Ross) and subtractions (Jair Jurrjens and perhaps Peter Moylan) over the next few weeks. I suspect that unless someone comes up and offer GM Frank Wren an offer he can’t turn down you won’t see a lot of other movement until the GM meetings in December.
Free Agents
Jim Salisbury over at CNS Philly – link in the HUB – says word of the street in that Michael Bourn want a $100M contract. Well heck, who wouldn’t want one? Still it is a significant overpay for a guy who’s always been a good second half hitter but saw his line sink to .22./.325/.311 last season while his K rate increased and walk rate decreased. He also set a career record for strike outs in 2012 while stealing his fewest bases since 2008. As my daddy used to say, his wants will never hurt him but he has no real reason to expect a contract that size. Of course Scott Boras is his agent and in baseball’s off season rose colored glasses seem to be required wear for some GMs so who knows. On a related subject Jody McDonald said on XM’s MLB radio yesterday there’s no way MLB will let the Washington Nationals change their name to the Boras Baseballers. At least not yet. . .(In case you’re not watching, that was sarcasm folks.)
It might be a good idea after signing David Ross for the Braves to sign a free agent catcher like say Miguel Olivo as a precaution this off season. Olivo is a good backstop and could provide cover should Brian McCann’s recovery not go as planned. Ross ids no longer an everyday guy and I have no desire to see J. C. Boscan on our bench come next April. Since the Braves haven’t used Jose Yepex at all they must not like him much and if McCann gets back quickly the Braves can trade Olivo before the end of spring training for depth.
They were once Braves
In the last 24 hours word came that two former Braves passed away. Dave May – one of the two people traded for Hank Aaron in 74 – died at age 68 of cancer. May was with the Braves in 73 and 74 before moving on to Texas. This morning we hear that Pascual Perez was stabbed to death during a home invasion Dominican Republic. Perez had a 34-33 record with the Braves between 82-85. Our condolences and prayers got to their families.
That’s a Wrap
Not a lot exciting right now but we do get bits of news from multiple sources and those are published on the HUB in the upper right corner of our home page. If you have questions or want issues explore drop us a line or find me on Twitter and let me know.