Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

[Mr_October]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

I love that they made this deal. I just hope Smoltz can be a sucessful starter again.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Chances are, that if the Braves trade someone that is supposedly a good pitcher....there's something we dont know. Usually thats how it is and thats how history has shown (Like Damian Moss, or Bruce Chen, Odalis Perez) Schmidt is one of if not the only exception to that. I dont know much about Kolb, but I'm more worried about Smoltz returning to the rotation. I sure hope he's gonna hold up. Any sign of health issues and he's gotta be moved back. I hope we get Millwood too. Mazzone will whoop his *** back into shape.

We'll see how it turns out.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Chances are, that if the Braves trade someone that is supposedly a good pitcher....there's something we dont know. Usually thats how it is and thats how history has shown (Like Damian Moss, or Bruce Chen, Odalis Perez) Schmidt is one of if not the only exception to that. I dont know much about Kolb, but I'm more worried about Smoltz returning to the rotation. I sure hope he's gonna hold up. Any sign of health issues and he's gotta be moved back. I hope we get Millwood too. Mazzone will whoop his *** back into shape.

We'll see how it turns out.

[TimmeH]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

While I don't really believe this, Jim Callis of Baseball America is reporting that it is likely that the player to be named later in the trade will be Dan Meyer. As a Brewers fan, I really hope it's true, it'd rank up there with last year's Sexson trade...

Here's the article for those interested...

By Jim Callis
December 11, 2004

The first major trade of the Winter Meetings involved one of the game's most successful closers in 2004 and one of its hardest-throwing prospects. In a move that will allow them to move John Smoltz back into their rotation, the Braves acquired Dan Kolb from the Brewers in exchange for righthander Jose Capellan and a player to be named later. That player is widely believed to be another top pitching prospect, lefthander Dan Meyer.

Kolb, a 29-year-old righty, was an all-star in 2004, his first year as a full-time closer. He saved 39 games in 44 tries, going 0-4, 2.98 in 64 appearances. While his strikeout-walk ratio was an uninspiring 21-15 in 57 innings, opponents batted just .234 with three homers against him. Kolb has a lively mid-90s sinker that would seem to be a natural strikeout pitch, but he gets a lot more groundballs than swings-and-misses. His groundball/flyball ratio of 3.49, well above the major league average of 1.21, was the key to his success in 2004. He uses a slider as his second pitch. Kolb had rotator-cuff surgery in 2002 but obviously has made a complete recovery. Eligible for arbitration, he'll get a significant raise over his $1.5 million salary of last season. He has a career record of 6-13, 3.65 with 61 saves in 169 appearances.

Capellan, 23, signed out of the Dominican Republic in 1998. He had Tommy John surgery in 2001 and missed all of 2002, but since has recovered to the point where he can put triple digits on a radar gun. He maintains his velocity deep into games, sitting at 94-97 mph with little effort. Capellan has good command and keeps the ball down, but he needs to improve his spike curveball and seldom-used changeup. Some scouts think his future lies as a closer rather than as a starter, but the Braves used him primarily in the latter role. Pitching at three levels from high Class A to Triple-A in 2004, he went 14-4, 2.32 in 24 games (23 starts). He fanned 152 and walked 45 in 140 innings, while opponents batted .221 with one homer against him. He also went 0-1, 11.25 in three games (two starts) in his first taste of the majors. Capellan has a career 21-18, 3.00 record in 74 minor league games.

Meyer, 23, was a supplemental first-round pick out of James Madison in 2002, the highest college draft pick for the Braves since they took Mike Kelly No. 2 overall in 1991. The top lefty in the Atlanta system, he has good command of three solid pitches: a 91-93 mph fastball, a tight slider and an improved changeup. He went 9-6, 2.49 in 26 games (24 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A in 2004. In 126 innings, he had a 146-37 K-BB ratio, limiting opponents to a .236 average and seven homers. Meyer made his major league debut in September and turned in two scoreless one-inning outings. In 67 minor league games, he owns a 19-19, 2.71 record.

[TimmeH]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

While I don't really believe this, Jim Callis of Baseball America is reporting that it is likely that the player to be named later in the trade will be Dan Meyer. As a Brewers fan, I really hope it's true, it'd rank up there with last year's Sexson trade...

Here's the article for those interested...

By Jim Callis
December 11, 2004

The first major trade of the Winter Meetings involved one of the game's most successful closers in 2004 and one of its hardest-throwing prospects. In a move that will allow them to move John Smoltz back into their rotation, the Braves acquired Dan Kolb from the Brewers in exchange for righthander Jose Capellan and a player to be named later. That player is widely believed to be another top pitching prospect, lefthander Dan Meyer.

Kolb, a 29-year-old righty, was an all-star in 2004, his first year as a full-time closer. He saved 39 games in 44 tries, going 0-4, 2.98 in 64 appearances. While his strikeout-walk ratio was an uninspiring 21-15 in 57 innings, opponents batted just .234 with three homers against him. Kolb has a lively mid-90s sinker that would seem to be a natural strikeout pitch, but he gets a lot more groundballs than swings-and-misses. His groundball/flyball ratio of 3.49, well above the major league average of 1.21, was the key to his success in 2004. He uses a slider as his second pitch. Kolb had rotator-cuff surgery in 2002 but obviously has made a complete recovery. Eligible for arbitration, he'll get a significant raise over his $1.5 million salary of last season. He has a career record of 6-13, 3.65 with 61 saves in 169 appearances.

Capellan, 23, signed out of the Dominican Republic in 1998. He had Tommy John surgery in 2001 and missed all of 2002, but since has recovered to the point where he can put triple digits on a radar gun. He maintains his velocity deep into games, sitting at 94-97 mph with little effort. Capellan has good command and keeps the ball down, but he needs to improve his spike curveball and seldom-used changeup. Some scouts think his future lies as a closer rather than as a starter, but the Braves used him primarily in the latter role. Pitching at three levels from high Class A to Triple-A in 2004, he went 14-4, 2.32 in 24 games (23 starts). He fanned 152 and walked 45 in 140 innings, while opponents batted .221 with one homer against him. He also went 0-1, 11.25 in three games (two starts) in his first taste of the majors. Capellan has a career 21-18, 3.00 record in 74 minor league games.

Meyer, 23, was a supplemental first-round pick out of James Madison in 2002, the highest college draft pick for the Braves since they took Mike Kelly No. 2 overall in 1991. The top lefty in the Atlanta system, he has good command of three solid pitches: a 91-93 mph fastball, a tight slider and an improved changeup. He went 9-6, 2.49 in 26 games (24 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A in 2004. In 126 innings, he had a 146-37 K-BB ratio, limiting opponents to a .236 average and seven homers. Meyer made his major league debut in September and turned in two scoreless one-inning outings. In 67 minor league games, he owns a 19-19, 2.71 record.

[bravosfan]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

I 'bout had a heart attack when I read that earlier. But thankfully, It's now my understanding that the PTBNL will be either Zach Miner or Kevin Barry. Both right handed pitchers, Miner a starter and Barry a reliever. Miner seems most likely. In fact, the similarity between the names Miner (my-ner) and Meyer (my-er) could explain the confusion. The PTBNL probably will not be announced until after the Rule 5 draft. So I've heard, at least.

[bravosfan]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

I 'bout had a heart attack when I read that earlier. But thankfully, It's now my understanding that the PTBNL will be either Zach Miner or Kevin Barry. Both right handed pitchers, Miner a starter and Barry a reliever. Miner seems most likely. In fact, the similarity between the names Miner (my-ner) and Meyer (my-er) could explain the confusion. The PTBNL probably will not be announced until after the Rule 5 draft. So I've heard, at least.

[bravosfan]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Baseball America changed their story. They now say the PTBNL is Buddy Hernandez, which makes a helluva lot more sense.

Hernandez is a right-handed reliever, a little on the short side (5'9" - 5'10"). He's not a particularly hard thrower either, but he put up phenomenal numbers in the minors. He has good control and has been outstanding in the strikeout department.

A lot of my fellow Braves fans (the more statistically inclined) have begged for him to get a chance. But it never came with the Braves. For whatever reason, despite his impressive stats, the Braves didn't view him as a big-league pitcher.

I don't know what the Brew-Crew 'pen situation is, but I would think he would get a long look in spring training. I'm glad he's going to get a shot in another organization, because it just wasn't going to happen in Atlanta.

[bravosfan]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Baseball America changed their story. They now say the PTBNL is Buddy Hernandez, which makes a helluva lot more sense.

Hernandez is a right-handed reliever, a little on the short side (5'9" - 5'10"). He's not a particularly hard thrower either, but he put up phenomenal numbers in the minors. He has good control and has been outstanding in the strikeout department.

A lot of my fellow Braves fans (the more statistically inclined) have begged for him to get a chance. But it never came with the Braves. For whatever reason, despite his impressive stats, the Braves didn't view him as a big-league pitcher.

I don't know what the Brew-Crew 'pen situation is, but I would think he would get a long look in spring training. I'm glad he's going to get a shot in another organization, because it just wasn't going to happen in Atlanta.

[Ger]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Apparently the braves are back in the Hudson sweepstakes. Beane really wants Dan Meyer.

Also Gammons says Braves might be interested in Sosa. :-?

[Ger]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Apparently the braves are back in the Hudson sweepstakes. Beane really wants Dan Meyer.

Also Gammons says Braves might be interested in Sosa. :-?

[bravosfan]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Also Gammons says Braves might be interested in Sosa. :-?

Amazingly, Ken Rosenthal of Sporting News, Peter Gammons, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution all report that the Braves and Cubs have had contact regarding Sosa.

I suspect that the "contact" amounted to the Cubs calling the Braves to gauge their interest and the Braves saying "No thanks". The Cubs would have to pay virtually all of Sosa's 2005 salary, and the 2006 $4.5 million buy-out. Maybe they're that desperate to get rid of him, it's a long-shot, though.

Regarding Hudson, I've also heard that the Braves are back in the race for him. Supposedly trade talks with the Dodgers have hit a snag, and Beane really wants Meyer. If it's maybe Meyer, Ryan Langerhans (who seems like a moneyball type player), and another prospect or two I'd go for it. I think, and I hope, that Giles is off the table.

Another thing, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reported that the Braves made a "take it or leave it" offer to Kevin Millwood, believed to be for 1-year at about $5 million. He could make a decision soon (like Monday), so we'll see how badly he really wants to return.

More Millwood stuff: MLB.com reports that the offer to Millwood is 1-year, at $3-4 million.

[bravosfan]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Also Gammons says Braves might be interested in Sosa. :-?

Amazingly, Ken Rosenthal of Sporting News, Peter Gammons, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution all report that the Braves and Cubs have had contact regarding Sosa.

I suspect that the "contact" amounted to the Cubs calling the Braves to gauge their interest and the Braves saying "No thanks". The Cubs would have to pay virtually all of Sosa's 2005 salary, and the 2006 $4.5 million buy-out. Maybe they're that desperate to get rid of him, it's a long-shot, though.

Regarding Hudson, I've also heard that the Braves are back in the race for him. Supposedly trade talks with the Dodgers have hit a snag, and Beane really wants Meyer. If it's maybe Meyer, Ryan Langerhans (who seems like a moneyball type player), and another prospect or two I'd go for it. I think, and I hope, that Giles is off the table.

Another thing, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reported that the Braves made a "take it or leave it" offer to Kevin Millwood, believed to be for 1-year at about $5 million. He could make a decision soon (like Monday), so we'll see how badly he really wants to return.

More Millwood stuff: MLB.com reports that the offer to Millwood is 1-year, at $3-4 million.

[CWood2]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Amazingly, Ken Rosenthal of Sporting News, Peter Gammons, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution all report that the Braves and Cubs have had contact regarding Sosa.

I suspect that the "contact" amounted to the Cubs calling the Braves to gauge their interest and the Braves saying "No thanks". The Cubs would have to pay virtually all of Sosa's 2005 salary, and the 2006 $4.5 million buy-out. Maybe they're that desperate to get rid of him, it's a long-shot, though.

Regarding Hudson, I've also heard that the Braves are back in the race for him. Supposedly trade talks with the Dodgers have hit a snag, and Beane really wants Meyer. If it's maybe Meyer, Ryan Langerhans (who seems like a moneyball type player), and another prospect or two I'd go for it. I think, and I hope, that Giles is off the table.

Another thing, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reported that the Braves made a "take it or leave it" offer to Kevin Millwood, believed to be for 1-year at about $5 million. He could make a decision soon (like Monday), so we'll see how badly he really wants to return.

More Millwood stuff: MLB.com reports that the offer to Millwood is 1-year, at $3-4 million.

I like the sound of both these deals. If Leo can't turn Millwood around again, no one can. I've got my heart set on an infield of Furcal, Giles, and eventually, Andy Marte, so I hope Giles stays put. While I would have loved to watch Capellan come up in the system, I think sending Meyer and prospects for Hudson would be great. Maybe they can include the Red Sox and the "Greek God of Walks," Kevin Youkilis to sweeten the deal (moneyball joke).

[CWood2]

Re: Kolb traded to the Braves, Smoltz back in the rotation

Amazingly, Ken Rosenthal of Sporting News, Peter Gammons, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution all report that the Braves and Cubs have had contact regarding Sosa.

I suspect that the "contact" amounted to the Cubs calling the Braves to gauge their interest and the Braves saying "No thanks". The Cubs would have to pay virtually all of Sosa's 2005 salary, and the 2006 $4.5 million buy-out. Maybe they're that desperate to get rid of him, it's a long-shot, though.

Regarding Hudson, I've also heard that the Braves are back in the race for him. Supposedly trade talks with the Dodgers have hit a snag, and Beane really wants Meyer. If it's maybe Meyer, Ryan Langerhans (who seems like a moneyball type player), and another prospect or two I'd go for it. I think, and I hope, that Giles is off the table.

Another thing, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reported that the Braves made a "take it or leave it" offer to Kevin Millwood, believed to be for 1-year at about $5 million. He could make a decision soon (like Monday), so we'll see how badly he really wants to return.

More Millwood stuff: MLB.com reports that the offer to Millwood is 1-year, at $3-4 million.

I like the sound of both these deals. If Leo can't turn Millwood around again, no one can. I've got my heart set on an infield of Furcal, Giles, and eventually, Andy Marte, so I hope Giles stays put. While I would have loved to watch Capellan come up in the system, I think sending Meyer and prospects for Hudson would be great. Maybe they can include the Red Sox and the "Greek God of Walks," Kevin Youkilis to sweeten the deal (moneyball joke).