Catcher’s Blog

Last off season, I did a series on the Braves’ roster and what our options at each position were before the season started. This year I’m thinking about doing the same thing, only not quite to the same extent because it took way too long to do last time. I won’t start this probably until January or around there, but there’s a fanpost on TalkingChop about where we stand so far. It’s pretty detailed payroll-wise and it’s sorted pretty well by each facet of the team, so have a look if you wish. It’s a very nice read and a good reference as well.

Another off season-speculation read is on MLBTR, which is an abbreviated version of the newly-posted Braves Mailbag, and discusses options for the Braves “big bat” on the off season checklist for next season. If you wish to read the whole Braves Mailbag on the official site, feel free to do so here. MLBTR throws out a few names mentioned by Braves beat writer, Mark Bowman, in which the Braves might be seeking services from. My take on this is that the Braves do not want to overpay an outfielder just to play here for a year or so and are looking to trade for the power-hitting outfielder that they need to bolster the lineup in 2009 without having to fork over a lot of money while doing so. Who will it be? I would say an Adam Dunn-type player or around that equivalent; someone who’s not too old and isn’t declining and someone who hits for power with consistency. Mark Bowman named, specifically, Xavier Nady that would probably be the better option. We’ll have to see, though. Still a while to go before the season starts and even a few weeks before teams even start gearing up for the Hot Stove League.

DOB’s latest blog addresses the upcoming off season needs as well. He mentions a few names as well that the Braves might have some interest in or might even take a look at at the very least, some of which are not mentioned in the Mailbag, but are definitely worth a look or two.