News
Braves not far from returning to playoffs
Like this past season, rotation will again be strength
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
10/05/09 1:56 AM ET
ATLANTA -- Braves general manager Frank Wren doesn't face the same task that he did at this time last year, when he needed to reconstruct his starting rotation. But in an effort to solidify the great strides that were made during the 2009 season, he still enters this offseason understanding the importance of gaining the extra piece or two that will legitimize his club as a World Series contender for 2010.The great expectations that will surround next year's club center around the starting rotation, which draws from a group of six legitimate candidates. With the expectation that Tim Hudson's $12 million option will be exercised, Wren will attempt to move one of his starting pitchers.
Because he would draw the greatest interest and return, Javier Vazquez was once thought to be a prime candidate to be moved. But the prolonged dominance that he showed during his first year with the organization provided reason for the Braves to keep him in Atlanta beyond when his contract expires.
Kenshin Kawakami likely isn't going to provide much return or interest on the trade market. But the Braves may at least attempt to move Derek Lowe and his $15 million salary to a pitching-hungry team that is looking to remove itself from the high cost of an outfielder.
From a position-player perspective, the Braves will need to attempt to keep first baseman Adam LaRoche, who significantly bolstered the lineup after his Trade Deadline acquisition. But if he receives a generous three-year offer from another club, the Braves may have to look elsewhere.
With highly regarded prospect Freddie Freeman in line to possibly be Major League-ready sometime during the 2011 season, the Braves will likely be shy to provide LaRoche with anything more than a two-year offer.
In addition to securing a first baseman, the Braves will be in the market to find an outfielder. Garret Anderson will likely be elsewhere next year, and Jason Heyward, who is regarded as the game's top prospect, may need more Minor League seasoning before being granted a midseason promotion to the Majors.
While the rotation appears to be in good shape, the Braves may need to replace the back end of their bullpen. Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, who both served as closers at different points throughout this past season, could both exit via free agency.
With Peter Moylan, Kris Medlen and Eric O'Flaherty, the middle of the bullpen appears to have the basis of being solid. But if the Braves move a starter, they may want to allow Medlen to continue to develop as a starter to at least provide Major League-ready depth that isn't currently available in their Minor League system.
The Braves may also seek a veteran role player to fill the primary pinch-hitter role that was assigned to Greg Norton this past season. With Omar Infante and Brooks Conrad, they have a pair of capable backup infielders, and to provide depth in the outfield, they may provide either Reid Gorecki or Brandon Jones a chance to fill a role until Heyward is ready.
Contract issues
Free agents: Adam LaRoche, 1B; Garret Anderson, LF; Mike Gonzalez, LHP; Rafael Soriano, RHP; Greg Norton, OF; Vladimir Nunez, RHP.
Eligible for arbitration: Peter Moylan, RHP; Kelly Johnson, 2B; Ryan Church, OF; Matt Diaz OF; Buddy Carlyle RHP; Boone Logan, LHP.
Club options: Tim Hudson, RHP, $12 million ($1 million buyout).
Non-tender possibilities: Buddy Carlyle, Boone Logan, Vladimir Nunez.
Catchers
• Brian McCann, .281 BA, 21 HRs, 94 RBIs
• David Ross, .273 BA, 7 HRs, 20 RBIs
McCann has established himself as one of the game's top-tier catchers, and he showed some improvement with his defense this past season. With Ross, the Braves have a legit backup whose presence provides McCann the chance to gain regular rest.
First base
• Adam LaRoche, .279 BA, 25 HRs, 83 RBIs
Attempting to re-sign LaRoche stands is a top offseason priority. His acquisition jump-started the offense.
Second base
• Martin Prado, .307 BA, 11 HRs, 49 RBIs
• Kelly Johnson, .224 BA, 8 HRs, 29 RBIs
Prado proved himself as an everyday asset during the final three months of the season and provided the Braves even more reason to attempt to move Johnson, who could still draw some interest on the trade market.
Shortstop
• Yunel Escobar, .299 BA, 14 HRs, 76 RBIs
• Omar Infante, .305 BA, 2 HRs, 27 RBIs
Escobar's tremendous athletic skills were enhanced during the season's second half when he displayed an improved attitude and significantly reduced his mental mistakes. With Infante, the Braves possess a valuable versatile asset who can serve as a reliable backup at a number of positions.
Third base
• Chipper Jones, .264 BA, 18 HRs, 71 RBIs
Jones was a legit offensive threat during the season's first nine weeks and then endured a three-month stretch that made this one of the most frustrating seasons of his career. The Braves gave him a three-year extension in March, and will rely on him to continue serving as threat in the middle of their lineup.
Outfield
• Nate McLouth, .256 BA, 20 HRs, 70 RBIs
• Matt Diaz, .313 BA, 13 HRs, 58 RBIs
• Garret Anderson, .268 BA, 13 HRs, 61 RBIs
• Ryan Church, .273 BA, 4 HRs, 40 RBIs
• Jason Heyward, .323 BA, 17 HRs, 63 RBIs (AAA)
• Jordan Schafer, .204 BA, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs
McLouth filled the void created in center field when Schafer struggled mightily during the season's first two months, and Diaz continued to show his value while playing on an everyday basis throughout the season's second half. Anderson will likely play elsewhere next year, and the 20-year-old Heyward will at least tempt the Braves to put him on their Major League roster coming out of Spring Training. There is talented depth at this position, but there may also be a need to land one more outfielder to fill a role until Schafer and Heyward prove they are ready for the Majors.
Rotation
• Javier Vazquez, 15-10, 2.87 ERA, 238 Ks
• Jair Jurrjens, 14-10, 2.60 ERA, 152 Ks
• Tommy Hanson, 11-4, 2.89, 116 Ks
• Derek Lowe, 15-10, 4.67 ERA, 107 Ks
• Tim Hudson, 2-1, 3.61 ERA, 7 starts
• Kenshin Kawakami, 7-12, 3.86 ERA, 25 starts
This rotation, which was arguably the best in the Majors, is deeper than the great ones that Atlanta boasted during the 1990s. Hanson proved why he can be an ace for many years to come, and both Jurrjens and Vazquez proved to be two of the game's best this past season.
Bullpen
• Rafael Soriano, 1-6, 2.97 ERA, 27 saves
• Mike Gonzalez, 5-4, 2.42 ERA, 10 saves
• Peter Moylan, 6-2, 2.84 ERA, 87 appearances
• Eric O'Flaherty, 2-1, 3.04 ERA, 78 appearances
• Kris Medlen, 3-5, 4.26 ERA, 67.2 innings
• Manny Acosta, 1-1, 4.34 ERA, 36 appearances
• Boone Logan, 1-1, 5.19 ERA, 20 appearances
There's a chance that Soriano and Gonzalez will both exit via free agency and force the Braves to find a new closer. Moylan could be a candidate, but he has made more than 80 appearances during two of the past three seasons. In addition, he has been valuable in the middle innings and may be better utilized in the top setup role. O'Flaherty proved to be a solid left-handed specialist, and Medlen matured as a pitcher as the season progressed.
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
