Braves Quiet at Winter Meetings
The Marlins are the buzz of the Winter Meetings. Got Jose Reyes. Got Heath Bell. Going hard at Pujols. The Mets acquired 3 power arms for their bullpen. The Nationals are reportedly going hard at more pitching. The Phillies locked down Papelbon.
Meanwhile, Wren and the Braves have been quiet. But I wouldn't get down about that. Seriously.
The one obvious need is a new shortstop. It really looks like Tyler Pastornicky is going to get a shot at the job. As a former minor leaguer, I like that. And the Braves have gone public with their belief that this young man is ready for the opportunity. Can't wait to get to spring training to see this.
Pastornicky came over from the Blue Jays in the Escobar trade. He was a 5th round pick by Toronto in 2008. He spent most of last season in AA MIssissippi, where he hit .299 in 90 games. Tyler finished the season at AAA Gwinnett, where he hit .365 in 27 games.
Defensively, he can pick it. He can run and steal. And he has good plate discipline. Got to like that skill set, right? He's a right-handed hitter. Most believe he is a candidate to lead-off, as his major league career unfolds...he struck out in less than 9% of his at-bats last season.
He rarely throws his helment, when he makes an out...so that's a big change from Alex Gonzalez.
As far as trading Jurrjens or Prado, Frank Wren is smart to slow that process down. Once C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle sign, the price tag on JJ goes up...probably get more in return. And if Frank deals Martin Prado, we're going to need a corner OF and a 3B, because Chipper can't play everyday at 40 years old.
So, chill out a little. Don't get down on the Braves for not making a splash, at the Winter Meetings. There is plenty of time to improve the club, before spring training arrives.
Meanwhile, Wren and the Braves have been quiet. But I wouldn't get down about that. Seriously.
The one obvious need is a new shortstop. It really looks like Tyler Pastornicky is going to get a shot at the job. As a former minor leaguer, I like that. And the Braves have gone public with their belief that this young man is ready for the opportunity. Can't wait to get to spring training to see this.
Pastornicky came over from the Blue Jays in the Escobar trade. He was a 5th round pick by Toronto in 2008. He spent most of last season in AA MIssissippi, where he hit .299 in 90 games. Tyler finished the season at AAA Gwinnett, where he hit .365 in 27 games.
Defensively, he can pick it. He can run and steal. And he has good plate discipline. Got to like that skill set, right? He's a right-handed hitter. Most believe he is a candidate to lead-off, as his major league career unfolds...he struck out in less than 9% of his at-bats last season.
He rarely throws his helment, when he makes an out...so that's a big change from Alex Gonzalez.
As far as trading Jurrjens or Prado, Frank Wren is smart to slow that process down. Once C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle sign, the price tag on JJ goes up...probably get more in return. And if Frank deals Martin Prado, we're going to need a corner OF and a 3B, because Chipper can't play everyday at 40 years old.
So, chill out a little. Don't get down on the Braves for not making a splash, at the Winter Meetings. There is plenty of time to improve the club, before spring training arrives.
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