Posted on May 7th, 2008 by McFleece
Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman has a piece out today about impending free agent Mark Teixeira. The Braves 1st baseman is, of course, close to cashing in on a phat contract this offseason if he can stay healthy and put together a fine year. The inevitable payload will be a payoff for Teixeira after he risked a lot of cheddar by not […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers | 4 Comments »
Posted on May 5th, 2008 by Old Navy King
According to Mark Bowman at MLB.com, the Atlanta Braves have acquired Greg Norton from the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later or cash considerations. As reported here at Fleece Factor, the M’s deginated Norton for assignment last week when they decided to promote prospects Jeff Clement and Wladimir Balentein. The Braves’ current […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays | 3 Comments »
Posted on May 4th, 2008 by Old Navy King
According to Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports, the Atlanta Braves were somewhat surprised at how enthusiastically starter John Smoltz embraced the idea of returning as the team’s closer when he returns from injury. Apparently, he had initially been pretty reluctant to make the switch back again from starting pitcher to closer, but I’m sure he […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 4 Comments »
Posted on May 3rd, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
“49 year-old” first baseman Julio Franco has finally decided to hang up the dentures. Franco had been playing in the Mexican League, in hope of catching on sooner or later with a big-league club. He has long stated he wanted to play until he was 50 years of age, and it appears as though he’ll […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 2 Comments »
Posted on May 1st, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
Mike Hampton continues to be an anchor to the Atlanta Braves. The starting pitcher, who was being counted on this season to contribute to the starting rotation, re-injured his pectoral muscle during his 1st rehab start yesterday. After throwing a pitch during the fourth inning, Hampton called to the dugout for the AAA manager and […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 5 Comments »
Posted on April 30th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
UPDATE: (4/30) 9:14am (EST) - As per the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Smoltz (on 15-day DL) will resume pitching activities in 2-4 weeks. When asked if it was possible that Smoltz take on the closer’s role for Atlanta, he seemed agreeable to the idea. That role would seemingly place less stress on his inflammed rotator cuff and strained biceps […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 5 Comments »
Posted on April 24th, 2008 by Old Navy King
According to Alyson Footer at MLB.com, Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt laughed at questions about his supposed interest in waiving his no-trade clause. The questions apparently came from a recent comment on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight show, which hinted that the Astros were dangling Oswalt in trade talks, and that the right-hander was willing to waive his […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals | No Comments »
Posted on April 24th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Braves reliever Mike Gonzalez is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Gonzalez has looked good facing batters in extended spring training, and the hope is that he’ll be able to rejoin the Braves in mid-May. This, of course, would be prior to the one-year […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 2 Comments »
Posted on April 20th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
Two more key injuries to report, both to two of the games top third-baseman. Atlanta Braves’ third-baseman Chipper Jones exited Sunday’s game against the L.A. Dodgers with a strained right quad. He actually injured his quad about 10 days ago, but has played through it. The injury seemed to be nagging him Sunday, so he exited […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees | 4 Comments »
Posted on April 18th, 2008 by Old Navy King
Just wanted to get you guys caught up on a couple of injury notes from Friday evening around baseball:
Brewers ace Ben Sheets threw five innings of two-hit, shutout ball Friday night against the Reds, but then he left with soreness in his right triceps. He threw only 60 pitches, striking out 4 batters and walking […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals | No Comments »
Posted on April 17th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
UPDATE: (4/17) 10:21pm (EST) - As per David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Moylan will likely need reconstructive elbow surgery, and would miss the rest of the season. A final decision won’t be made for 2 more weeks, however. Obviously not great news for Braves’ fans.
Apr 15, 9:04pm (EST) - Braves reliever Peter Moylan will […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 7 Comments »
Posted on April 17th, 2008 by McFleece
ESPN’s Jayson Stark has a few good MLB rumors up in his Rumblings and Grumblings column today. Let’s check ‘em out:
Stark reiterates that the Tampa Bay Rays, of all clubs, may actually be forced to trade away pitchers when Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza return from the DL in early May. On March 28, Fleece Factor […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays | No Comments »
Posted on April 17th, 2008 by The Biscuit
Buried in Jon Heyman’s story about the worst free agent signings ever is a nice little tidbit about recently suspended Braves prospect Jordan Schafer. It was always a bit puzzling as to how Schafer was caught for using HGH when there is no HGH test at this time. Well, it seems we have the answer.
MLB […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, _Off-Field Fleeces | 6 Comments »
Posted on April 16th, 2008 by Old Navy King
The 2008 payrolls were released earlier this month by Major League Baseball, and there were a few surprises. What isn’t much of a surprise is that the New York Yankees were once again #1 on that list, topping $209 million (yet another payroll record).
Of interest though is that both the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets have leap-froged the […]
Filed under: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals | No Comments »
Posted on April 13th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
UPDATE: (4/13) 9:01pm (EST) - In case you have not heard, you can add Braves’ starter Tom Glavine to the list below. He left today’s contest against the Nationals in the 1st inning due to a strained hamstring. Glavine has never been placed on the DL before in his career.
Apr 13th - John Smoltz, Luis Castillo, and […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals | 8 Comments »
Posted on April 12th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
UPDATE: (4/13) 1:00am (EST) - In case you missed it, Spiezio has already been released by the Atlanta Braves.
Mar 31st - The Atlanta Braves signed utility man Scott Spiezio to a minor league deal on Monday. Spiezio hit .269/.354/.386 in over 200 at-bats last year for the St. Louis Cardinals. Spiezio recently was cut from the Cardinals […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 5 Comments »
Posted on April 9th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
According to Foxsports, Atlanta Braves’ top prospect Jordan Schafer has been suspended 50 games on Tuesday for using HGH. The 21-year old outfielder was ranked 25th by Baseball America this year. He is expected to take over the centerfield job for the Braves, either later in 2008 should Mark Kotsay falter, or at the start of the […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 10 Comments »
Posted on April 9th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
The Atlanta Braves have placed closer Rafael Soriano on the disabled list retroactive to April 7th due to right elbow tendinitis. Peter Moylan could be in line for some save opportunities until the closer is able to return.
Tough blow for the Braves’ bullpen early in the season. Manny Acosta and Chris Resop could see increased roles […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 8 Comments »
Posted on April 8th, 2008 by McFleece
UPDATE: (4/8, 10:25am EST) - The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the Phillies will pay Wes Helms’ entire 2008 salary as part of this trade. Not a bad deal for Florida, who will only have to pay Helms’ $750K buyout next winter (or excerise a $3.75M club option, but this is the Marlins so let’s […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants | 1 Comment »
Posted on April 7th, 2008 by McFleece
UPDATE: (4/7) 10:19am (EST) - The Giants could also take a look at Oakland first baseman Dan Johnson, who could be made available to make room for Chad Gaudin on the roster, according to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle. MLB Fleece Factor also labeled Johnson as potential trade bait here.
Apr 6, 11:18am (EST) - Henry […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals | 3 Comments »
Posted on April 4th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
UPDATE: (4/4) 3:00am (EST) - And Hampton is officially on the 15-day D.L. due to the “pectoral strain”.
April 3rd - Atlanta Braves’ starting pitcher Mike Hampton was a late scratch to his start on Thursday due to a “pectoral strain”. He is currently listed as day-to-day. Jeff Bennett made the start in Hampton’s place.
Hampton has exited […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 4 Comments »
Posted on March 28th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
According to the NY Daily News, the New York Mets have sent Rule 5 draft pick Steven Register back to the Colorado Rockies. The Mets had hoped to work out a trade with Colorado to keep the relief pitcher Register and send him to their AAA affiliate in New Orleans. The two sides were unable to […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets | 8 Comments »
Posted on March 27th, 2008 by Old Navy King
Some news and notes brought to you today by Jon Heyman over at Sports Illustrated:
The Indians are the latest team to inquire about right-hander Freddy Garcia, who will be out until at least June. Several teams had shown prior interest, including the Red Sox.
A member of the Orioles ballclub said this about Brian Roberts, “He can’t […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Texas Rangers | 3 Comments »
Posted on March 26th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
According to the International Herald Tribune, the Atlanta Braves have dealt RP Tyler Yates to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor league pitcher Todd Redmond. Yates, 30, most likely wasn’t going to make the Braves’ opening day roster and was out of options. The Braves already have RHP Chris Resop and Blaine Boyer who have both […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates | 1 Comment »
Posted on March 24th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
UPDATE: (Mar 24, 9:12am EST) - As per David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it appears “likely” that John Smoltz will begin the season on the disabled list due to his sore shoulder. A 15-day DL stint would have him back to pitch on April 6th (thanks to backdating) against the Mets; the first time the team would […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 2 Comments »
Posted on March 22nd, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
According to rotoworld.com, the Atlanta Braves have released catcher Javy Lopez. As a result, the 37 year-old back-stop plans on retiring. He entered Braves’ camp as one of the favorites to be the back-up to Brian McCann, but he hit just .188 this spring and did not show the coaching staff enough to earn that […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 2 Comments »
Posted on March 16th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
As per rotoworld.com, Braves’ outfielder Jeff Francoeur is o.k. after he was hit in the face with a Todd Wellemeyer pitch during a spring training game on Sunday. X-Rays were negative, but Francoeur is no doubt still in some pain after the incident. He hopes to resume baseball activities by mid-week, after taking a few days […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 7 Comments »
Posted on March 14th, 2008 by McFleece
Here’s a rundown of some decent MLB rumors and notes from baseball guru Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports:
Seven teams have expressed interest in left-hander Horacio Ramirez after he was released by the Mariners, according to the pitcher’s agent, Steve Canter. Ramirez was a bust for the M’s (check out our review of his time in Seattle here) […]
Filed under: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays | 2 Comments »
Posted on March 14th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
It’s been well documented that League MVP Jimmy Rollins talked-the-talk and walked-the walk last season, as the Phillies won the division over the Mets & Braves. Well, it seems as though Jimmy is at it again. Here is an excerpt from an interview with the Men’s Journal:
“That wasn’t a one-year thing. It’s still gonna ring true […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies | 3 Comments »
Posted on March 12th, 2008 by McFleece
It’s time for another installment of our “A Look Back” series here at MLB Fleece Factor. Today we can officially look back at the Horacio Ramirez/Rafael Soriano trade from last year and call the Braves the winner (or “fleecer,” if you will). This call comes because Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times is confirming that the Mariners have […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, _A Look Back | 21 Comments »
Posted on March 8th, 2008 by Old Navy King
According to Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times, Juan Rivera is the odd-man out in a crowded Angels outfield. With the team already figuring out how to find at-bats for Vlad Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Garret Anderson and Gary Matthews, Jr., Rivera seems destined to ride the pine. Reggie Willits is another OF who could […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants | No Comments »
Posted on March 7th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
Here’s a real shocker folks…Braves’ starting pitcher Mike Hampton has exited his start today early due to an injured right groin, as per mlb.com. The good news? The injury is not expected to be serious, and Hampton is listed currently as day-to-day. The bad news? This guy just can’t stay healthy. It was not his […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves | 8 Comments »
Posted on March 5th, 2008 by Old Navy King
ESPN.com’s Buster Onley checks in with some rumors from around the major leagues. Here are some of the highlights from his piece:
The elbow of Atlanta Braves closer Rafael Soriano seems to have flared up . Not good news at all for the already fragile Braves pen.
Scouts feel that free-agent pitcher Kyle Lohse will look to land […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies | 2 Comments »
Posted on March 4th, 2008 by McFleece
As you may have noticed, The Fleece Factor crew is working hard to complete in depth previews of all thirty major league teams as the 2008 season approaches quickly. These outlooks should be finished soon, at which point we will put ourselves on the line and make our own individual predictions.
The first division for which […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, _Polls, _Team Outlooks (2008) | 29 Comments »
Posted on March 2nd, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
After winning 14 consecutive division titles, the Atlanta Braves have fallen back to the pack in the last two seasons, as the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies have surged to win the past NL East titles. All of the off-season “talk” has been in regards to a seemingly growing rivalry between Philadelphia and New York. The […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, _Polls, _Team Outlooks (2008) | 11 Comments »
