Atlanta Braves Moves

[Mitchell]

The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that the Braves have signed closer Billy Wagner to a one year deal with an option for a second year, and have offered arbitration to relief pitchers Rafael Soriano, and Mike Gonzalez. Additionally, the paper stated that the Braves declined to offer arbitration to first baseman Adam Laroche.

Wagner looked good at the end of last season for the Mets, so I can understand signing him to a one year deal, but I don't quite understand why they would offer arbitration to their other two closers from last year, if they've just signed a closer? I can see offering to one of the Soriano/Gonzalez pair, in case the Wagner deal fell through, but why both Soriano and Gonzalez? That doesn't seem necessary.

I also don't understand why the Braves didn't offer arbitration to Laroche. He basically propelled them into the wild card chase in September, and their highly touted first base prospect, Freddie Freeman, is supposedly at least a year away from being ready for the majors. I think that the Braves are making a huge mistake in not keeping Laroche, as they need another power hitter, especially with Chipper being on the decline, and his frequent injuries.

These are curious moves. It will be interesting to see what the Braves GM does next. Hopefully, he'll trade a starting pitcher to improve the lineup, especially now with Laroche now likely to leave.

Mitch

 

[Knox The Hatter]

Mitch, it doesn't matter if Wagner looked good at the end, IN the end, given ALL that we've seen of Billy Wagner over the years, why would anyone trust him with the ball?

It was a waste of money. The Braves would've done better to let their good young pitching develop and evolve. And, they DO show promise... 🙂

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that the Braves have signed closer Billy Wagner to a one year deal with an option for a second year, and have offered arbitration to relief pitchers Rafael Soriano, and Mike Gonzalez. Additionally, the paper stated that the Braves declined to offer arbitration to first baseman Adam Laroche.

Wagner looked good at the end of last season for the Mets, so I can understand signing him to a one year deal, but I don't quite understand why they would offer arbitration to their other two closers from last year, if they've just signed a closer? I can see offering to one of the Soriano/Gonzalez pair, in case the Wagner deal fell through, but why both Soriano and Gonzalez? That doesn't seem necessary.

I also don't understand why the Braves didn't offer arbitration to Laroche. He basically propelled them into the wild card chase in September, and their highly touted first base prospect, Freddie Freeman, is supposedly at least a year away from being ready for the majors. I think that the Braves are making a huge mistake in not keeping Laroche, as they need another power hitter, especially with Chipper being on the decline, and his frequent injuries.

These are curious moves. It will be interesting to see what the Braves GM does next. Hopefully, he'll trade a starting pitcher to improve the lineup, especially now with Laroche now likely to leave.

Mitch

He looked good for the Mets at the end of the season last year? Really? Hmmm...it is hard to look good for a team that traded you away to Boston. Unless you are counting his only two games that he played for the Mets in August.

And I agree with Knox...you must remember this is Billy Wagner the bigger the game the smaller he comes up. So enjoy him from April to August because September he is worthless.

 

[Mitchell]

Thankfully, the Braves have a backup in Saito, if they are still in the race in August, and Wagner falters, or gets injured.

Mitch

 

[Knox The Hatter]

...and Wagner falters, or gets injured.

Both are equally likely. One would've had a better shot investing with Bernie Madoff.