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    • Thursday, May 09, 2013

    ESPN: Simon: Andrelton Simmons makes all the plays

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    posted 2 weeks ago by spike to atlanta, braves, defense  |  5 comment(s)

    Entering Wednesday, Simmons had played 680 innings in his major league career and the Baseball Info Solutions (BIS) numbers have him with 30 defensive runs saved. He had 19 in 426 innings last season and already has a major-league best 11 in 254 innings in 2013.

    For a little perspective, that’s an incredible number for what amounts to less than half a season’s worth of play. No shortstop has had 30 defensive runs saved in a full season since Troy Tulowitzki had 31 in 2007.

    Simmons has been ...

    Read More...

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    1. Darren  posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:19 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    5/70? Sounds cheap! I heard on the radio that Olney didn't think Swisher would get more than 4/50. What is with these cheapo prices?
    2. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:19 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I officially declare this money better spent than Derek Lowe.
    3. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:19 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    5/70 with a 6th year option (team)
    4. Misirlou is bad, he's nationwide posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:21 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    5/70 with a 6th year option (team)


    The Rays should have re-signed him for that.
    5. RJ in TO posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:22 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Is this an upgrade or downgrade from Bourn?
    6. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:26 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Is this an upgrade or downgrade from Bourn?


    Depends on how much you value defensive WAR. Bourn garners half of his WAR value from defense. Upton's a clear downgrade there, and he's a clear downgrade for OBP. But on the other hand, he's 2 years younger and can actually hit the ball past an outfielder on occasion. All told, OPS+ suggests they're basically a wash. As long as the Braves don't put him at leadoff (and there's no reason to suggest they will) this is a better signing than Bourn, just due to age. (I also shy away from Bourn as he ages because his value is all in his legs, and legs get old fast.)
    7. Gonna break my Rusty Kuntz and run . . . Arbitol posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:27 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Unfortunate that the Mets can't afford guys like this.
    8. formerly dp posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:29 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Yeah, way cheaper than I expected. He has been remarkably consistent the past three years, hopefully he'll continue to be a sub-.250 hitter as a Brave.
    Unfortunate that the Mets can't afford guys like this.
    Really? This is the guy you regret not being able to snag? Edit: if the Mets were on the verge of being good, this would be a worthwhile signing, just on the gamble that Upton takes a step forward.

    Without looking it up, he seems to have morphed into Mike Cameron without the highlight-reel glove.
    9. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:30 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    For the record, the next target on the Braves' wish list is Nick Swisher.
    10. CFBF Hates Hyphens posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:32 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    If the Braves can find a thumper for left field (and considering who they've run out there in the past, the cartoon rabbit would probably be an upgrade), it'll be a nice little off-season already. Maybe Swisher, maybe my old favorite Josh Willingham.
    11. Cris E posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:36 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I guess they felt that the money spent on Upton plus the pile of pitching they didn't trade away was a better investment than trading for Span or Cain. I wonder if that turns out to be true. Meanwhile, the CF dominoes can start to fall.
    12. Darren  posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:39 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Is Willingham available? He seems like a great value.
    13. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:41 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Swisher has been on the list since last year at least. I like Willingham too, but would prefer Swisher as a switch hitter in the 2-spot.

    Prado (3B)
    Swisher (LF)
    Heyward (RF)
    Freeman (1B)
    Uggla (2B)
    McCann (C)
    Upton (CF)
    Simmons (SS)

    Not a bad lineup.
    14. Willie Mayspedes posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:44 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I've been getting better at fantasy sports but man am I bad at guessing where free agents will land <\nobody cares>
    15. DA Baracus is gritty and hits with RISP posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:45 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    On that contract I like it. He provides *some* power to offset the loss of Chipper, the few years he has on Bourn and the lack of relying entirely on speed that Bourn does is nice too. Probably cheaper too.

    I guess they felt that the money spent on Upton plus the pile of pitching they didn't trade away was a better investment than trading for Span or Cain.


    I'd rather have Upton for Span, he's a better hitter and he's younger, especially when he costs nothing to get. Cain, meh.

    If the Braves can find a thumper for left field


    Uggla for Soriano. You know you want it Cubs fans.
    16. Willie Mayspedes posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:45 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Prado (3B)
    Swisher (LF)
    Heyward (RF)
    Freeman (1B)
    Uggla (2B)
    McCann (C)
    Upton (CF)
    Simmons (SS)


    You think their big free agent signing will hit 7th?
    17. bookbook posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:48 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Cameron without the glove is a bit like Ricky Henderson without the steals, no? That's an overstatement--maybe Tim Raines without the steals.
    18. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:49 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    You think their big free agent signing will hit 7th?


    No, I think their big free agent signing will hit second or third, depending on whether or not Andrelton Simmons' bat plays the same next year as it did in his rookie season. I simply think Swisher is the bigger free agent 'get' than Upton.

    I also think Upton just as easily bats fifth while Dan Uggla strikes out swinging in the seventh spot.
    19. Crispix Attacks 2: Swag Airlines posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:52 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Dammit! I thought the Braves had forgotten they were allowed to sign free agents. This bodes ill.
    20. Willie Mayspedes posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:54 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Ahh that makes sense.
    21. andrewberg posted on November 28, 2012 at 07:59 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Cameron without the glove is a bit like Ricky Henderson without the steals, no? That's an overstatement--maybe Tim Raines without the steals.


    He said without the highlight reel glove. I think Upton is a pretty decent CF if not the GG caliber that Cameron was at his peak. An average CF glove is still pretty valuable. And Rickey would have been an ok player without the steals too.
    22. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:03 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I think Upton is a pretty decent CF if not the GG caliber that Cameron was at his peak. An average CF glove is still pretty valuable.


    During the Years of Pain and Hunger I would occasionally ask the silent gods, "why couldn't you at least make Francoeur a decent glove in CF?!"

    Now we have that.
    23. formerly dp posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:08 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    He said without the highlight reel glove. I think Upton is a pretty decent CF if not the GG caliber that Cameron was at his peak.
    Right, it wasn't meant as a slam at all. Looked it up-- Cameron hit .249/.338/.444 for his career, with 23 HR and 23 SB/162. Melvin's at .255/.336/.422, 20 HR 39 SB/162. Saying that someone's no Mike Cameron with the glove is hardly a diss-- Cameron was amazing out there, and his defense declined rather slowly IIRC.
    24. vortex of dissipation posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:15 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Upton's most recent tweet:

    BJ Upton@BJUPTON2

    I want to take a minute to remember Marvin Miller and thank him for all he has done for us players past present and future. #thankyoumarvin

    25. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama  posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:20 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Heh, I'm really surprised the Phillies didn't push this a little farther than 5/70. We'll wait for details. According to Jayson Stark, the Phils are not interested in Bourn and Pagan is going back to SF. I doubt they go for Victorino.
    26. Gonna break my Rusty Kuntz and run . . . Arbitol posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:28 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Upton would be a significant upgrade over Duda/Neiwenhuis/Baxter/Valdespin, with a chance for upside. There's very little on the horizon to fill the Mets' most glaring need. Think Cory Vaughn is a major leaguer?
    27. Harveys Wallbangers  posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:33 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    seems like a bit much to me but i have likely not adjusted for a blah class with a fair amount of money waiting to be spent in the market

    good for upton.
    28. Conor posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:33 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Upton would be a significant upgrade over Duda/Neiwenhuis/Baxter/Valdespin, with a chance for upside. There's very little on the horizon to fill the Mets' most glaring need. Think Cory Vaughn is a major leaguer?


    I agree with this. I understand the idea of saying Upton would be a good signing if they were on the verge of being good, which they aren't, but at the same time, it's a lot harder to become good without signing good players. Where are the major league OF coming from in the Mets system?
    29. PreservedFish posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:37 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I understand the idea of saying Upton would be a good signing if they were on the verge of being good, which they aren't, but at the same time, it's a lot harder to become good without signing good players.


    I cringe now whenever I read the "won't play for the next good _____ team" comment.
    30. formerly dp posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:39 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Think Cory Vaughn is a major leaguer?
    Do I look like Sam M?

    They do need to keep CF clear so the Cesar Puello era can someday begin. Kidding.

    Where are the major league OF coming from in the Mets system?
    They could probably get a decent OF prospect if they moved Wright. And they have Flores or Murphy to play 3B.
    31. Conor posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:47 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    They could probably get a decent OF prospect if they moved Wright. And they have Flores or Murphy to play 3B.


    I guess but then you just traded away your best player and opened up a hole somewhere else. Flores isn't ready now, if he will ever be. If the debate is between spending money or trading away David Wright, I'm going to go with spending the money.

    Not that I thought the Mets had any interest in getting Upton, mainly because i don't think they have the money to spend but if they did I wouldn't have a problem with them throwing some cash around to speed up the rebuilding process.
    32. Chris Fluit posted on November 28, 2012 at 08:54 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    With Upton landing in Atlanta, does this mean Bourn ends up with the Nationals?
    33. formerly dp posted on November 28, 2012 at 09:09 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I guess but then you just traded away your best player and opened up a hole somewhere else. Flores isn't ready now, if he will ever be.
    I was just sort of playing there, though if I were trading Wright I would try to get OF/hitting depth in return. I agree that Flores isn't ready now, but he took a big step forward this year at age 20, and actually improved after being promoted. Marte is stuck in neutral, but Wilmer looks like he's making good on his advertised potential.
    34. Never Give an Inge (Dave) posted on November 28, 2012 at 09:14 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0


    He said without the highlight reel glove. I think Upton is a pretty decent CF if not the GG caliber that Cameron was at his peak. An average CF glove is still pretty valuable. And Rickey would have been an ok player without the steals too.

    Rickey without the steals is still a HOF-worthy player. 13,000+ plate appearances with an OBP-heavy 127 OPS+. That's like Eddie Murray but better.
    35. Avoid running at all times.-S. Paige posted on November 28, 2012 at 09:22 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Rickey without the steals is still a HOF-worthy player.


    Remember, if you split him into two, there were 2 HOF players left.
    36. Gonna break my Rusty Kuntz and run . . . Arbitol posted on November 28, 2012 at 09:23 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I was just sort of playing there, though if I were trading Wright I would try to get OF/hitting depth in return.


    Mets with normal finances would have been all over Upton, assuming they had this crap outfield to begin with, next coming of Mays though he ain't. Though he certainly looked like maybe he was when he was 22. Shoot, wouldn't it be great marketing to have BOTH Uptons?
    37. zonk posted on November 28, 2012 at 09:24 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    That does seem awfully cheap... I wouldn't have minded the Cubs being in on that, even despite not having anywhere for him to play (I'm assuming here that Jackson, even with the prodigious K's, has CF next year).

    Uggla for Soriano. You know you want it Cubs fans.


    Nope, not anymore... at this point, the thought of a straight up bad contract dump doesn't make any sense for the Cubs. Yes - 35 mil ain't chump change, but Soriano's just got this coming season and the next left and there are no other millstone contracts on the roster.

    Absolutely, I'd still deal Fonsie... but I'd want something like a lottery ticket back, not another bad contract with more time left. Just to be clear - also absolutely, I don't expect anyone to trade anything of value for Soriano... but at this point, that's the price.

    Either someone is desperate enough to do something foolish, or, he plays LF next year and depending on how that goes - finishes the contract as a Cub, regardless of whether the end of that contract comes with a 2014 DFA or him actually finishing the season.
    38. formerly dp posted on November 28, 2012 at 09:44 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Wait, Soriano's available?
    39. Meatwads stronger now, ready for the house posted on November 28, 2012 at 09:52 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    He actually had a good year last year, no errors in the outfield, and hit pretty well.
    40. BourbonSamurai, vassal of the Harpsburg Empire posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:05 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Remember, if you split him into two, there were 2 HOF players left.


    Apparently the other one was an AMAZING pinch runner since Rickey #1 got all the at bats.
    41. AJM posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:09 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    This seems like a pretty good deal. Unfortunately I can't root for him anymore now that he's on the Braves.
    42. Robert in Manhattan Beach posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:22 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    Good sign by Wren.
    43. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:36 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    This seems like a pretty good deal. Unfortunately I can't root for him anymore now that he's on the Braves.


    That's okay. You'll always have the Jets!
    44. AJM posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:42 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    You'll always have the Jets!

    I was rooting for them to sign Upton to play QB.
    45. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:50 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I was rooting for them to sign Upton to play QB.


    More mobile than Sanchez. More accuracy than Tebow.
    46. Esoteric throws a 'hard slider' posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:15 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    With Upton landing in Atlanta, does this mean Bourn ends up with the Nationals?
    Extremely, extremely unlikely. The Nationals look set to keep Harper in centerfield, where he shows every indication of becoming a legitimately plus-defender (he has the tools, it's just about the learning curve). If they fail to re-sign Adam LaRoche (or fail to sign/trade for a suitable replacement) then Mike Morse will move to 1B and they'll most likely give Tyler Moore a chance to earn the starter's job in LF.

    The only thing I expect the Nationals to add during the offseason is another starter (to replace Edwin Jackson) and a pair of relievers.
    47. OCD SS posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:22 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I had to go back and look at Upton's career to see if my memory was holding up. I remember that he looked great in '07 and that he was fighting an injury that seemed to get right just in time for his power to return in the ALCS in '08. After that he sort of slid into mediocrity.

    He looked like he cratered in '08 and has been putting up a rough .750 OPS with decent, not great, CF defense (I think he looks a bit better than UZR says, but not by much) for that last 3 years. This is a $75M player?
    48. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:34 PM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    This is a $75M player?


    I think this sums up what backlash I've seen in response to this deal. I had one guy say that if he was spending "Chipper Jones money" he expected Chipper Jones production. I had to remind him that a healthy Chipper Jones would be making Albert Pujols money, not a meager $15mil per year.
    49. billyshears posted on November 29, 2012 at 12:30 AM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I think this is a really good move for the Braves. Upton is presently worth the money, isn't likely to significantly decline throughout the length of the contract, and I still think there is some upside there.
    50. Sweatpants posted on November 29, 2012 at 12:49 AM #  hit 0 | hit 0

    I think this is a really good move for the Braves. Upton is presently worth the money, isn't likely to significantly decline throughout the length of the contract, and I still think there is some upside there.
    The one thing that worries me is that his plate discipline has gotten progressively worse since 2008.

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