I do agree that we could use a big bat, but we are not likely to find one that has a position on the team. I'm sure Berkman will be a little faster next season with his knee becoming fully healthy, but he is still very slow and not suited for right field. It's easier to hide him in left where there is less ground to cover. I'm not a big Lane fan either, but he is not a bad player. I think the only place to improve the offense if Bags is back is to add a new shortstop, which I doubt we will be able to do. I would also prefer for us to give Burke a full-time shot next year. I still don't think we need to revamp a world series team.
I agree. It's so easy to say we need a another bat, cause we do. It gets much more complicated when you try and find a place for that bat on the team. 1st (Bagwell or Berkman), 2nd (Biggio), 3rd (Ensberg), center (Taveras) and left (Berkman or Burke) are pretty much set. Replacing Lane (78 RBIs, 26 HRs) with a better slugger is addition by subtraction, so you would have to have a big-time slugger to make that move worthwhile. So the only areas you can definitely improve on offense without subtracting an existing bat would be catcher and ss. The team loves Everett's defense and what ss is out there besdies Furcal (whose cost isn't worth it)? So then you have catcher. It'll be interesting to see how this offseason plays out. Maybe the safest way to go is trying to go after a new catcher and get another pitcher and bolster the bullpen.
THis team is set for the long run to the playoffs. But to get to that next level and win. We do need a strong bat in that lineup.
Well what other level can the team get to? Now winning at that level, yeah a few more pieces would perhaps seal the deal.
What do you guys think is a reasonable price for Nomar? Is he even worth a 1 year $5 million contract. Last year he made $8,250,000. On the off chance he stays healthy, he could make all the difference for our offense. Right now I see him as our best offensive option via free agency right now. Is he worth the risk even at a cheap price with his injury history?
I say "No" to Nomar. If we sign him, chances are he won't even play. Kinda like when we brought Ken Caminiti back and all he did was spend time on the DL.
As much as I'd like to see us grab Nomar to upgrade our SS, I don;t see that type of move being on our radar. I don't think we have any plans to unseat AE...should be an interesting offseason.
I would have agreed with that move a year ago, but its another year another injury with Nomar. Its just too risky to spend that much on him. I think from some of the comments I've heard from Purpura that Brad Lidge may be on the market. I don't think that's such a bad thing if we can get a good young left fielder in return. Qualls and Wheeler seem very capable of closing games.
Nothing. That comment was probably a bit of a stretch, but from listening to some of Purpura's comments lately you can tell he is listening to offers. Him even mentioning that he has recieved inquiries leads me to believe he is considering it.
That might have to be where its at. Although I'm still not convinced about Burke's ability as an every day player. If Baggy retires, then that (LF) is a more attractive option for me because even though Lane has poor plate discipline, he does have some genuine power IMO.
Well that's what I meant. Winning at the next level. They can make it there again. But not pull it out. I'm not sure about Nomar. Too questionable if he'll even play.
Actually, I don't think they have. He publicly bashed the organization before we was shipped out and he stated last season that he hated us.
I haven't seen this here, so, from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via orangewhoopass.com: "Which is why the Braves have discussed possible trades for Tampa Bay’s Julio Lugo or possibly Houston’s Adam Everett. Everett isn’t exactly a pulse-raising commodity, but is solid with the glove. He’s hardly a leadoff type, however, with a .305 career on-base percentage and .248-11-54 production last year with only 26 walks in 549 at-bats. Yikes. But Everett made only $445,000 last season and is eligible for arbitration; the Astros have offrered him, but not sure how much interest Braves have in him." http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2005/11/14/furcal_talks_to.html not sayin' nothin'. just sayin'.
How can anyone consider trading Lidge? I can't believe anyone could be that shortsighted. Lidge is the man. There are 29 other teams out there that would love to have Lidge, that should say something about how good he is.
No player in baseball is untradable - it all depends what you can get for him. If it's Lidge for Pujols, it's a nobrainer to make the trade. Of course, that wouldn't happen, but point is that it all depends on what's offered. Especially for a team like the Astros, where we have a very capable replacement in Qualls.
