Braves Get Octavio Dotel

What a good start of the week it has been for Braves fans (who agree). After completing a trade for Mark Teixeira and Ron Mahay, the Braves further improved by obtaining Dotel from the Royals for Kyle Davies. Dotel might not be as dominate as he used to be, but putting him on a winning team, good atmosphere, and in the NL might be very beneficial.

Either way, Dotel gives us further depth and reliable experience in the bullpen. Davies has continued to struggled, and maybe he can rebound in KC.

ATLANTA -- The Braves and Royals have completed a trade that brings right-handed reliever Octavio Dotel to Atlanta in exchange for right-handed starter Kyle Davies.

This deal was announced Tuesday afternoon, after the Braves officially completed their trade that brings Mark Teixeira and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay from Texas to Atlanta.

In 24 appearances with the Royals this year, Dotel has converted 11 of 14 save opportunities, posted a 3.91 ERA and seen opponents compile a .264 batting average. The 33-year-old right-hander, who had Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2005, missed the first six weeks of the 2007 season with an oblique strain.

Davies, once considered a can't-miss prospect, has battled inconsistencies since tearing his right groin last year. The 23-year-old right-hander was 4-8 with a 5.76 ERA in 17 starts with the Braves this year. After not retiring any of the five Reds he faced in his July 16 start, he was optioned to Triple-A Richmond.

Braves Aquire Teixeira, Mahay

ATLANTA -- There's no longer reason to speculate about Mark Teixeira's immediate future. The Braves have landed the switch-hitting first baseman from the Rangers, and he'll immediately bolster their lineup when he joins it Tuesday night.

A Major League source confirmed Monday afternoon that the Braves and Rangers have finalized a deal that sends Teixeira and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay to Atlanta in exchange for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Minor League shortstop Elvis Andrus, Minor League pitcher Neftali Feliz and a player to be named later.

An official announcement is expected later Monday afternoon.

There's a possibility that the player to be named will be 22-year-old left-handed pitcher Matt Harrison, who was scheduled to have his left shoulder examined by Braves doctors in Atlanta on Monday. Harrison experienced this soreness during a six-inning start for Double-A Mississippi on Tuesday.

With Saltalamacchia, Andrus and Harrison all being legitimate top prospects, the Braves showed a definite desire to acquire Teixeira, whose presence will significantly bolster their lineup and significantly improve their chances of returning to the postseason.

Teixeira, who averaged 38 homers over the past three seasons, is hitting .297 with a .397 on-base percentage and .524 slugging percentage this year. Paired with fellow switch-hitter Chipper Jones, he immediately strengthens the middle of the Braves' lineup, which has been hindered by Andruw Jones' .216 batting average this year.

With the addition of Teixeira, the Braves no longer have to worry about the lack of offensive production they've received at first base.Their first basemen have hit .211 with a .270 on-base percentage and .363 slugging percentage -- all of which rank as the lowest marks in the Majors.

While getting Teixeira, who has averaged 38 homers over the past three seasons, is the centerpiece of the deal, the Braves will also greatly benefit from the presence of Mahay, who will become their only left-handed reliever. The 36-year-old southpaw has limited opponents to a .236 batting average in 28 appearances this year. Left-handed hitters have batted .250 against him.

Teixeira, who has won two consecutive Gold Gloves, could earn around $12 million through arbitration next year and then become eligible to test the free agent market.

With Scott Boras serving as his agent, it seems unlikely that the Braves will be able to sign Teixeira to a long-term deal before the conclusion of the 2008 season.

Braves Dominate Diamondbacks

Yes, it is a new post. I have been going through a lot for the last couple weeks, but now I should be able to resume posting on a daily basis. A lot has happened during that time, such as old man Julio Franco rejoining the team.

The Braves beat the Diamondbacks today 14-0 and ended their 8 game win streak. Maybe this win will put the Braves back on track?

-Tim Hudson pitched yet another great game. 7 innings, 3 hits and 5 strikeouts. Although I can't figure out why he didn't continue pitching with a shutout and only 80 pitches going into the 8th. With the extra inning games and recent poor bullpen performance, I think it would be best to give the bullpen more rest.

-Andruw Jones hit his 20th home run of the season. He still is hitting poorly, but he's been a lot better than he was a month ago.

-Chipper Jones had 5 rbi tonight. Chipper should be at least mentioned for MVP consideration, because he is having an amazing season (OPS,VORP,RC/27). Top 5 hitter in the NL this year no doubt. The amount of playing time he missed has seriously hurt his chances though.

-I started to doubt Willie Harris, but he still has been impressing me. He scored 4 runs tonight.

-Jeff Francoeur has been playing well lately too. His average is almost at .300.

In other good news, Wil Ledezma has been designated. He was no help for the team. Too bad they basically gave away a potentially good pitcher in Macay McBride for him.

As you may have heard, there has also been a lot of rumors regarding Mark Teixeira. It seems that it is pretty close to being a done deal. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is most likely gone, as well as another top prospect (Andrus?). I'll be sure to post if this trade happens.

I have been actually warming up to the idea for trading Salty. There is really no place for him on the Braves, and he just might not pan out to be a superstar(I think he will). However Teixeira gives you gold glove defense, and .300 avg, .400 obp, .500 + slugging numbers. If the Braves do land him, I would love to see them sign him to an extension. This would be my lineup with him on the Braves.

Harris
Renteria
Chipper
Teixeira
Andruw
Francoeur
McCann
Johnson
Pitcher

or

Johnson
Renteria
Chipper
Teixeira
Andruw
McCann
Francoeur
Diaz
Pitcher

That is a pretty darn good lineup regardless of order. We will see.

The Braves get a day off tomorrow, and will be back home to play the Astros on Tuesday.

Braves Sweep Pirates

The Braves swept the Pirates yesterday as they beat them 5-1. Buddy Carlyle was impressive again going 8 innings and allowing one earned run. Although with 91 pitches after the 8th, I thought he should have finished the game. Can he remain this good for the rest of the season?

-Edgar Renteria went 4-5 with an rbi and a stolen base.

-The rest of the team contributed well except Andruw Jones. Which is ok, I don't expect him to hit a home run everyday.

The Braves will begin a new series vs the Cincinnati Reds. Kyle Davies will face rookie pitcher Bobby Livingston. Livingston is a lefty and the Braves are unfamiliar with him. I don't like the chances of tonights game. A win here is a must.

AJC Article

I thought I would share this article with you if you have not read it. It is good news.

Moves by Mets reek with panic

By Mark Bradley | Friday, July 13, 2007, 10:51 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Mark Bradley

If a blink can make a sound, that sound you heard Thursday was the Mets blinking. A first-place team fired its hitting coach and added to its staff one of the biggest Me-Firsters in the long history of baseball. A first-place team sought to quiet its recent palpitations by adding the calming influence of … Rickey Henderson?

Never mind that Henderson has never coached. Never mind that his contributions to the epic Braves-Mets 1999 NLCS were limited to exiting Game 2 in the second inning — an upset stomach was the reason given, though there were howls throughout the press box when the diagnosis was announced — and by allegedly retiring to the clubhouse to play cards with Bobby Bonilla while their Met mates were blowing late leads in the climactic Game 6.

The same Henderson was introduced Friday as the Mets’ new first-base coach. (Howard Johnson, who used to coach first base, is now the hitting instructor, replacing Rick Down.) If nothing else, Henderson’s presence should assure the Mets of always having a fourth for bridge. Beyond that, it’s hard to know what fueled Omar Minaya’s decision — manager Willie Randolph made it clear the GM had acted unilaterally — beyond a bizarre sense of panic.

Meanwhile, here in Atlanta, all is calm. Serene, even.

The Braves reopened for business Friday feeling really swell. “I thought we might be in first place, to be honest,” Bobby Cox said, and soon his team would draw within 1 1/2 games of the Mets by beating Pittsburgh while New York was losing to Cincinnati. And if you can’t be on top, running a close second to a leader so shaky it has turned to Rickey Henderson is surely the next-best thing.

It has become fashionable, at least in some shortsighted circles, to characterize the Braves as being too businesslike. If the alternative is hiring Rickey Henderson, then here’s to the bean-counters. Say what you will about this organization, but it never gets rattled, never makes a move just for the sake of generating some motion.

Said John Schuerholz, speaking of himself and Cox, each on the far side of 65: “We’re too old to panic.”

There’s a good chance the Braves will trade for a starting pitcher before the month is out. (Indeed, Schuerholz had a list of possible deals written on an index card, which he declined to make available to the media.) There’s no chance such a trade will be made in haste. These are the staid Braves, not the kneejerk Mets.

Every potential trade partner asks about Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Yunel Escobar, of whom Schuerholz said: “Those two guys are known to be two of the finest young players in the game.” Of Salty in particular: “I don’t have any intention of trading him.”

One more starting pitcher, Schuerholz conceded, could tip the balance of the NL East. The Mets are also looking hard, and so are the Phillies. “But it has to be one more properly talented starting pitcher,” he said. “Not just one more pitcher.”

Even if the Braves stand pat, Schuerholz likes this about his team: “Our guys have played very well against [the Mets]. Our guys know that, and the Mets know that.”

There is, however, one tweak this team might make involving a former Brave who just became a former Met. Julio Franco was released Thursday. “We like Julio,” Schuerholz said. “We like the impact he had in our clubhouse. There’s interest there, yes.”

The Mets just brought Rickey Henderson into their clubhouse and ushered Franco out. The Braves would welcome the latter back in some capacity and would never in a million years employ Rickey Henderson. That’s why the Braves became the Braves, and it’s why the Mets, for all their talent and money, are starting to look like their silly old selves.

This is what I like to see, the Mets in panic mode, while the Braves are at ease. It will be only a matter of time before the Braves get back in that familiar position...1st place. I also hope JS is man of his word, and doesn't trade Salty.

Braves Take Game One VS Pirates

The Braves are off to a good start in the 2nd half by beating Ian Snell and the Pirates 9-1. Beating Ian Snell is not an easy task, but the Braves made it look easy by scoring 7 runs off him (4 earned).

-Brian McCann was the player of the game, going 3-4 hitting two home runs and a double. He drove in 4 runs.

-Andruw Jones also had a home run. It was his 16th of the year.

-Willie Harris is currently having problems at the plate. His batting average has declined from .373 to .338 in a little more than a week of playing time. He may pick it back up, but his career numbers indicate that it is unlikely that he will continue to hit as well as he has been.

-Tim Hudson had another solid outing, going 7 innings, giving up 5 hits and no runs.

-Jose Ascanio was brought up from double A in place of Ledezma. Ascanio allowed 1 run on 3 hits and struck out 2 in one inning. Wil Ledezma damaged his visa when he forgot to remove it before washing his clothes. He is expected to return sometime next week.

-John Smoltz shoulder has been feeling better. If everything goes alright, he should be expected to return from the DL on scheduled time.

The Braves have another tough test tonight as they face lefty Tom Gorzelanny. Chuck James will be on the mound for Atlanta.

Trade Rumors

After searching about on the site mlbtraderumors.com, I found a few bits on the Braves and their recent "rumors."

We've seen the Braves connected in Mark Teixeira rumors before; in late June Kat O'Brien included the Braves in a sizeable list of interested teams. Speculation for quite a while now has placed catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the discussion.

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the Teixeira-to-Atlanta rumor was still making the rounds at the All-Star Game. He seems to be speculating when he says Jon Daniels would require Salty and another young player, but that sounds about right. Perhaps the Braves wouldn't be daunted by Teixeira's free agency after 2008. They could definitely let him walk and collect some valuable draft picks. That'd bypass a lot of the Boras factor, though they'll still have to arrive at a 2008 salary.

Braves' first basemen have amassed an ugly .211/.264/.374 line in 318 ABs, most of it coming from Scott Thorman and the since-departed Craig Wilson. But if they went with Saltalamacchia exclusively from here on out, would he be significantly worse than Teixeira?

The Braves are fourth in the NL in OBP and sixth in slugging, with Andruw Jones perhaps primed for a much better second half. The bigger need is in pitching, specifically the starting rotation. Atlanta's 4.60 rotation ERA is just 10th in the NL, and they have to be at least slightly worried about John Smoltz.

The problem is that Teixeira is definitely on the market, while an ace starter may not be. Javier Vazquez might be the best pitcher available.

Well, this just doesn't make any sense really. Saltalamacchia is projected out to be a player that is close to Teixeira. The only difference is the amount of years involved and price. I suppose if the Braves really needed hitting at this moment (they don't) then it would make sense. Just realize that Teixeira would probably be an upgrade at the moment, but for the upcoming seasons, trading Salty and perhaps another decent prospect is not worth getting him for a year and a half at a much higher salary. It is rather simple, just keep Salty at 1st base and play him ever day. You got a guy that has potential to play at the same level as Teixeira for many more years and at a much cheaper price.

Given the depth of the infielders in the Braves system, I would try to part with a few of them to get another starting pitcher. Pitching is obviously our biggest need.

Andruw apparently has campaigned for another starter. Also from MLBTR suggests that...

The names I think we'll be hearing in trade rumors this month as far as starters: Matt Morris, Kyle Lohse, Jason Jennings, Jon Garland, and Jose Contreras. There should be a few more second or third tier type guys as well (Odalis Perez, Steve Trachsel, Joe Kennedy, Wade Miller, Josh Fogg, Brett Tomko). I would not be surprised to see Oakland become sellers in short order, but they don't have much starting pitching to trade with Rich Harden and Esteban Loaiza injured.

I really wouldn't mind seeing someone like Matt Morris or Jon Garland on the team. Even welcoming back Odalis Perez at a low cost wouldn't be a bad choice either.

The Braves have also Inquired on Dmitri Young. Again, it doesn't make much sense, but having Dmitri off the bench or a casual replacement wouldn't be so bad depending on who we give up. It really looks like Scott Thorman will be removed from the team shortly.

All-Star Break Awards and Facts

The season is already halfway over and a lot has happened. The Braves had their share of good and bad times. Lets take a look at who I think deserved some recognition.

MVP

Edgar Renteria- Even though Chipper has better hitting statistics (OPS,VORP etc.) Renteria has been the most consistent and best contributor to the team throughout the season. He leads the team in Runs Created with 63 and is on pace to have the best season of his career.

CY Young

John Smoltz- It was Tim Hudson for a while, but a few up and downs from him removed him from claiming the best Braves pitcher in the 1st half. Just keep in mind that Hudson is very close statistically. John Smoltz continues to be the staff ace and is having a pretty good season. Not a real big surprise. Smoltz leads the team in ERA+ and strikeouts.

Rookie

This obviously goes to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. It won't be long before he finds himself playing everyday somewhere.

Biggest Surprise

I think Willie Harris has come by surprise. This guy came out of nowhere and contributed greatly to the ball club. I think I could also mention Kelly Johnson, he has been solid at 2nd base and hitting well.

Biggest disappointment

Andruw Jones, Brian McCann, and Kyle Davies have all been playing below expectations. Many thought Andruw Jones would flourish because of his "contract year." Brian McCann started the season out looking like he was going to be even greater than last season. Apparently injuries and marginal slumps have hindered his numbers. He does have impressive HR and RBI totals however. Kyle Davies is still looking to find a way to regain himself out there. I think some are about ready to give up on him, or already have.

Some of you may remember Jayson Stark's article on the most overrated players where he mentioned Andruw Jones. The reality was that he has been in a decline defensively for a while now, but no one has noticed and still babbles on about his greatness covering center. I believe it is true, if you look at his defensive stats (not fielding %/errors) throughout the years, you do see a decline. However this year Andruw Jones remains at the top of group. I found a good read on a pretty reliable site. It includes the best and worst at each position so far this season.

Center Field

Ichiro Suzuki + 20
Andruw Jones +17
Curtis Granderson +13
-------
Elijah Dukes -14
Torii Hunter -8
Grady Sizemore -8


It took them five-and-a-half years, but midway through last season, the Mariners finally came to their senses and moved Ichiro to center field. Look at how nicely that move has paid off for them (and come free agency this off-season, I bet it will for Ichiro too). Great fielders should never be stuck in corner outfielder spots.

Jones and Hunter represent make for an interesting study in contrasts. Both have had reputations as great fielders for a very long time, and both have started to age. Jones appears to have done so much more gracefully, however—despite his bulky frame, his defensive numbers still all look good. Hunter, on the other hand, has lost a few steps, and as friend of THT Aaron Gleeman has written, is no longer an elite defender. I think we all realized that last October when Hunter dove for a ball and missed in Game Two of the ALDS against the A’s, resulting in an inside-the-park home run.

If you clicked on the link, it also has Matt Diaz as being on of the top defensive left fielders. Yes, MATT DIAZ. Who would of thought. Wasn't the only reason Ryan Langerhans was even sharing time with him was he was supposed to be superior defensively? Looks like someone stepped up big.

I also found a pretty cool analysis on Tim Hudson and his pitches. Pretty hardcore study, but interesting.

The Braves schedule looks pretty easy after the break. Pirates, Reds, Cardinals, Giants, Astros are really nothing to shake in your boots about. I expect a good run here.

Braves Take Final Game

The Braves were able to defeat the Padres 5-4 with Kyle Davies on the mound. Overall a good series taking 2 out of 3 from a 1st place team.

-Kyle Davies actually pitched a good game. He went 6 innings giving up 1 earned run and had a total of 6 strike outs. Perhaps it is a sign of better things from Davies. As history indicates, I just highly doubt he will continue tonight's success in future games.

-Brian McCann hit a homerun and totaled 4 rbi tonight.

-Andruw Jones went 3-3. I can't even remember the last game he had 3 hits. This is a good sign anyways.

-Scott Thorman is absolutely horrible, I have finally run out of patience with this guy. Salty at 1st base permanently anyone? Bring up Brayan Pena or Corky Miller to backup McCann. Both moves would improve the Braves.

-I also think Chris Woodward should be demoted as well. Come on, there are guys out there that are in the minors or FA that could be better utility players.

-I kind of like Kelly Johnson hitting in the back of the order, but I like him hitting lead off too. I think if Kelly can produce better without leading off, then go for it. The only problem is who leads off when Willie Harris isn't in the lineup? If Johnson continues to hit well again, there is no way Cox will continue with a 2nd base platoon. Johnson raised his batting avg from .271 to .287. Check out his game log.

-Bob Wickman nearly blew the game. 5 hits, 3 earned runs in one inning? We can not accept that kind of performance from the closer.

I also found some pretty good talk on prospect Elvis Andrus. Coach Guy Hansen said Elvis reminds him of Derek Jeter. I never liked Jeter, but Jeter has always been a good ball player. I would certainly accept the idea of Andrus being related to Jeter in terms of ball playing ability. You can read the article about it here.

The Braves will take the next four days off due to the all-star game and then play their next series vs the Pittsburgh Pirates starting Friday.

Players that were selected to represent the Braves in the All-Star game are Brian McCann and John Smoltz. John Smoltz will be unable to attend due to injury. Although I felt that other Braves players were deserving such as Edgar Renteria, keep in mind that the All-Star game is pretty much a popularity contest, and rarely are all of the best players selected correctly.

Jo-Jo Reyes' Debut

Jo-Jo's debut didn't go as well as we all wish it had, and therefor the Braves were unable to gain a win yesterday as they lost 5-8. Reyes went 3 innings giving up 2 home runs, 5 earned runs, and 3 walks. There was also an error by Escobar that allowed the Padres to score more runs.

A concern is the amount of innings the bullpen has pitched lately. It is apparent that Tyler Yates is fatigued.

"I am fatigued," Yates said. "But your position players are out there every single day. [Jeff Francoeur] is out there every day, and [Andruw Jones] and [Brian McCann] is behind the plate six times a week. I'm not going to use it as an excuse because they are out there playing as hard as they can every day."

Yates has appeared in 42 games this season pitching 38.1 innings with a 3.99 era.

There are several relievers with more appearances and innings pitched in the Majors, but not everyone can handle the same workload.

Tonight, Kyle Davies faces Greg Maddux. I don't really like the Braves chances because of how bad Davies has been and Maddux has been fairly decent this season.

Braves vs Dodgers

The Braves managed to to even the series with 2 wins out of 4 vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves probably could have won at least 3 here, but overall I am fine with the series. The Dodgers are good team with a 46-36 record before the series. They are currently fighting for the 1st place spot of the NL West division with the San Diego Padres.

-John Smoltz is having problems with his shoulder. It isn't believed to a real serious problem. I really don't think the Braves can afford to lose Smoltz for any long time.

-With John Smoltz and his injury, a top pitching prospect Jo-Jo Reyes will likely make his major league debate tomorrow (Saturday). Reyes has gone 10-1 with a 3.08 ERA in 17 starts with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Richmond this year. I wish him the best luck, and hopefully he does well enough to earn a spot in the rotation.

-Kyle Davies continues to struggle. He gave up 5 earned runs in 2 innings on Tuesday. It is only a matter of time before he gets demoted.

-Pete Orr was sent down to Richmond Thursday to make room for Joey Devine. I am sad to see Orr get demoted, but overall this is a necessary improvement.

-Finally, the best part of the series is Chipper Jones hitting two home runs to pass Dale Murphy on the all-time Atlanta home run list. Jones has now 372 career home runs.

Next, the Braves will face the San Diego Padres (1st place in NL West). Buddy Carlyle will oppose Justin Germano tonight.