2006 Atlanta Braves Discussion

[bravosfan]

More Thomson chatter: Link

Quote:

It's believed the Braves have interest in Pirates first baseman/outfielder Craig Wilson, who's due $3.3 million this season and who doesn't figure to play much because of the presence of everyday players Sean Casey at first base and Jeromy Burnitz in right field. Thomson, a veteran, would seem to be just what the Pirates need to bolster a young rotation. He could slot in between opening day starter Oliver Perez and third-game starter Zach Duke. Thomson, 60-77 with a 4.69 earned run average lifetime, has a contract that expires after this season and pays him $4.75 million this year. It's thought that if the deal is a straight one-for-one transaction, the Pirates could add the extra $1.45 million to their payroll. But the trade could grow. The Braves also are believed to have some interest in right-handed reliever Salomon Torres. They could ask for him to be included in the deal, and the Pirates could counter that they'd sure like another player back from the Braves in that scenario.

I can't remember the last Brave who was mentioned in so many trade rumors... it sure seems like the Braves are determined to move him.

[Tomahawk]

Funny, but the AJC mentioned in the Friday edition that the Braves have not talked to the Pirates in over 3 weeks about Wilson. However, there were discussions earlier in Spring Training. I would love to see Wilson in a Braves uniform because maybe the Pirates could take Matt Diaz, too and Brian Jordan wouldn't make the team.

[TheMatrix31]

Surely Craig Wilson wouldn't start over LaRoche?

[rsox]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

Surely Craig Wilson wouldn't start over LaRoche?

No, you would have a LaRoche/Wilson platoon like the LaRoche/Franco platoon the Braves have used the last couple of seasons.

[willdtarheeler]

Quote: Originally Posted by rsox

No, you would have a LaRoche/Wilson platoon like the LaRoche/Franco platoon the Braves have used the last couple of seasons.

I thought James Jurries and Brian Jordan were going to be in a platoon with LaRoche depending on which arm pitcher was on the mound? I dont think the Braves really need to add another first basemen, LaRoche is young and talented, he deserves more of a shot, and then Salty's coming up, so I dont think it would make much sense to add an old veteran with a bigger contract who wont add much and cause a logjam at the position.

[Kohlstar20]

Quote: Originally Posted by willdtarheeler

I thought James Jurries and Brian Jordan were going to be in a platoon with LaRoche depending on which arm pitcher was on the mound? I dont think the Braves really need to add another first basemen, LaRoche is young and talented, he deserves more of a shot, and then Salty's coming up, so I dont think it would make much sense to add an old veteran with a bigger contract who wont add much and cause a logjam at the position.

Both jurries and jordan aren't going to make the opening day roster. Jordan provides veteran leadership and is a favorite of bobby cox therefore jurries will most likely start the season in the minors. Jordan however doesn't have very much experience playing 1st base so the braves must be looking for a better option to platoon at 1st base with LaRoche and I hate to say it but craig wilson is better than Jordan at 1st. Wilson also gives the braves a decent right handed bat off the bench which they lost when julio franco went to the mets.

[bravosfan]

Reitsma injured

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The last thing the Braves needed was another injured reliever, so they cringed when closer Chris Reitsma left Monday night's game with an injured left hamstring. They hope and believe it's only a slight strain that will heal before opening day April 3, but the Braves and Reitsma won't know more until they see how he feels in the next day or two. It's the same leg — his landing leg — that the right-hander hurt last summer, though that injury was a hyperextension of the knee. Reitsma wasn't effective after that injury in early August.

[Bamafan3723]

BraveGamer, your avatar is AWESOME! Dave was and is my favorite baseball player EVER! I cried the day he was traded. I'd still throw Sheurholtz off the upper deck if I had the chance.