Winter Meetings Wrap-Up
If you've been keeping up with previous posts you'll see the Braves did make some moves during the meetings most notably the Renteria for Marte trade. In a late signing yesterday, Atlanta was able to land a backup catcher for Brian McCann, by acquiring Todd Pratt. Pratt has been a solid backup and will be a good addition to the team. Any Philly fans want to comment on Pratt? In a loss, Julio Franco signed a two year deal with the N.Y. Mets yesterday. As apart of the deal Franco is guaranteed a position with the club after retirement. Happy Trails, Julio.
Still as I posted earlier, I expected the Braves would get a closer this week, but that didn't happen. There's still a long ways to opening day so we'll see what occurs until then. There are a few questions I am still wondering about. What does Atlanta do with Wilson Betemit? Does Atlanta need another LF? Does Giles bat lead off? Time will tell on these.
As for the big deals, the most suprising to me was Soriano to the Nats. I didn't expect the Nats to do this, but then again Bowden is their GM. Florida continued the fire sale by sending Pierre to the Cubs. After all the talk, Manny didn't get traded. Damon didn't get signed,(eventually the Red Sox will re-sign him). Zito and Abreu remained with their clubs. Burnett signed w/the Jays, declining last minute offers from St. Louis and Washington and Hoffman went back to the Padres for less money.
It was an active winter and more deals will come before opening day. Until then we have to sit and wait.
Still as I posted earlier, I expected the Braves would get a closer this week, but that didn't happen. There's still a long ways to opening day so we'll see what occurs until then. There are a few questions I am still wondering about. What does Atlanta do with Wilson Betemit? Does Atlanta need another LF? Does Giles bat lead off? Time will tell on these.
As for the big deals, the most suprising to me was Soriano to the Nats. I didn't expect the Nats to do this, but then again Bowden is their GM. Florida continued the fire sale by sending Pierre to the Cubs. After all the talk, Manny didn't get traded. Damon didn't get signed,(eventually the Red Sox will re-sign him). Zito and Abreu remained with their clubs. Burnett signed w/the Jays, declining last minute offers from St. Louis and Washington and Hoffman went back to the Padres for less money.
It was an active winter and more deals will come before opening day. Until then we have to sit and wait.
posted by Adam at
7:52 AM
1 Comments:
I think Braves fans will be happy with Todd Pratt as a backup catcher. Atlanta will be his 8th different big league organization so he gets around, but he makes for a good, solid backup catcher even at this late stage of his career (he'll be 39 next season). He is a good veteran presence, well liked in the clubhouse, and a willing team leader. He always seemed to be willing to work extra with his pitching staff (especially younger guys like Brett Myers) plus he was Jon Lieber's personal catcher.
He probably shouldn't be starting more than once or twice in any given week, which shouldn't be a problem with McCann behind the plate everyday. Pratt still has a little homerun pop in his bat (7 homers in 175 at bats), but has seen his overall numbers drop in four straight seasons.
Think of a more durable Eddie Perez who will walk more, but also strike out more. That's Todd Pratt in a nutshell.
By
XXX, at 3:35 PM
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