2007 Atlanta Braves Thread: Reclaiming the NL East - Page 46

James282 · #**451** 06-01-2007, 11:24 AM

If the Braves get another arm, it's Saltalamacchia who is out the door.

James

Jack of Arcades · #**452** 06-01-2007, 02:06 PM

Are Harden or Willis worth Salty straight up? I say no.

Scary_Tiger · #**453** 06-01-2007, 02:16 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Are Harden or Willis worth Salty straight up? I say no.

[/ QUOTE ]

How many years of salary control does each have left? Is it possible for the Sox to get Salty with some sort of package with Jon Lester?

(i.e. one that does not include Bowden/Buchholz)

Jack of Arcades · #**454** 06-01-2007, 02:24 PM

I believe both have this and next year.

James282 · #**455** 06-01-2007, 02:27 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I believe both have this and next year.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think either of them are worth salty straight up as far as raw value either, but both would assess a huge need for the Braves...the difference between the Braves fifth starter and Willis or Harden when compared with the difference between Salty and Thorman(assuming we all agree McCann is simply better behind the plate) is staggering IMO and could make the difference between making the playoffs or not, or even winning the division outright. If this Braves team makes the playoffs with a front end of Smoltz, Hudson, and Willis, I think they might be the favorites to win the WS.

James

dontmesswithme · #**456** 06-01-2007, 02:33 PM

Beckett + Schilling + DiceK + that lineup > braves + willis

Jack of Arcades · #**457** 06-01-2007, 02:35 PM

I doubt Harden stays healthy enough for it to matter. Willis I can see, but it looks like the shimmer's reallly coming off of him.

Obviously the Braves need a pitcher, any pitcher, however.

Borgland · #**458** 06-01-2007, 02:46 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Are Harden or Willis worth Salty straight up? I say no.

[/ QUOTE ]

No. Salty is going to be a All-Star one day.

Borgland · #**459** 06-01-2007, 02:55 PM

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I doubt we'll see a big trade for guys like Harden or Willis. The way McGuirk talks it seems like he's unwilling to trade any young talent for a big name and that's pretty much all we have to offer. He seems to think Cormier is going to be a big boost for our rotation, I'm not so convinced in a guy that has 12 career wins but definitely hopeful. Actually he said that if Cormier and Hampton were healthy the Braves would probably be in first place by a couple games, interesting comment but might just be wishfuul thinking.

I think we need to do whatever we have to to get Salty in the lineup regularly. I dont really want to trade Thorman because then we wouldn't have a solid backup at first and plus he can be a pretty useful hitter off the bench, but Salty needs to get more ABs.

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Yeah I read that article too. It makes better sense to keep the younger guys because Liberty Media, like Time-Warner before them, just isnt going to put enough money into salaries to be able to afford the big ticket free agents. Even after all trades of the early 2000's the Braves still have the best farm system in the league. Francouer, McCann, Salty, and Thorman are the prime examples of building a team from the farm.

Still, one more good starting pitcher would go along way in improving the team, just hope it's not Salty that gets traded IF there's a trade.

Scary_Tiger · #**460** 06-01-2007, 03:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Beckett + Schilling + DiceK + that lineup > braves + willis

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, but the Braves don't even have to be favored against the Sox to be WS favorites coming from the NL.

(I don't think they would be anyways, I think it more likely just pulls them closer to the Mets... especially if Pedro has anything left.)