Quote (EwokHellKite @ Nov 11 2012 07:26am)

OMFG WE LOST ROSS ;_; tis' a sad day... I have much respect for him still. How could we not resign him knowing that McCann is going to be out?.. HURRY Bethancourt

I HATE that we are linked to Angel Pagan and Nick Swisher... plz no
omg,... and Ludwick now.. wtf

Quote (austinhb @ Nov 11 2012 12:43pm)

Pagan I wouldn't mind, he is severly underrated, i dont want swisher.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-most-underrated-player-in-baseball-2/

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If asked to rank which available outfielders would best fit the Braves, I'd fill the top two spots with the Uptons and then place Nick Swisher a distant third. The likes of Torii Hunter, Angel Pagan, Shane Victorino -- they would not have the potential impact of the aforementioned outfielders. As for Josh Hamilton, the Braves do not have the funds to shop on that aisle.

Some will argue whether Justin Upton is worth the $38.5 million he will make over the next three years. Others will be concerned about B.J. Upton's inconsistencies and strikeout totals. And others will wonder how much Swisher would miss Yankee Stadium's short porch in right field.

As Braves general manager Frank Wren weighs the many variables, there is certainly reason for him to be creative with the hopes of completing a trade that benefits the always-complicated roster reconstruction process. But I'd have to say the odds are quite slim that Wren would be able to land both Upton brothers.

By next year, their combined annual cost could be in the neighborhood of $30 million, which would be approximately one-third of this year's payroll. That's not exactly a position the Braves can put themselves in while uncertain of just how much Jason Heyward, Kris Medlen, Freddie Freeman and Craig Kimbrel could each receive via arbitration after the 2013 season.

In exchange for Justin Upton, the D-backs are looking for a significant return that includes Major League-ready talent and preferably either a third baseman or shortstop. The Rangers and Rays stand as the current favorites.

If the Braves end up with Upton, it will likely be because the D-backs determine that they have no other choice but to trade the 25-year-old outfielder who is certainly not happy that his name is being bantered around on the trade market for the second time this year.

It will be interesting to follow the developments involving B.J. Upton and Michael Bourn, a pair of free-agent outfielders who will be courted by some of the same teams. While Bourn has established his value with his legs, Upton provides the coveted power/speed combination that the Braves already have with Heyward.

Some have suggested that Upton is more attractive because he is two years younger and it is easier to project his capabilities beyond his 30th birthday. Others, including myself, have suggested that he will be a cheaper option than Bourn.

But as Upton's representatives prepare to hit the market, they are happy to talk about the fact that their client is two years younger than Bourn and capable of providing both power and speed. In other words, they are currently seeking a contract that will at least be on par with what Bourn receives.

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Hunter has already spoken with his close friend Jason Heyward about the Braves, who are a clear fit for the former Gold Glover. As Miller notes, Hunter grew up in Arkansas watching the Braves on a regular basis. Earlier today, it was reported that the Braves were among the teams that were very interested in Hunter.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#jVupBu1TUP87IYKe.99

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Ryan Harvey, the Chicago Cubs first-round pick in the 2003 MLB Amateur Draft (6th), had such a great year with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Independent Atlantic League that the Atlanta Braves have signed the former first-round pick according to LancasterOnline.

It seems the Barnstormers are just full of talent these days as Harvey joins Blake Gailen in the professional ranks. Gailen recently signed a deal with the Colorado Rockies after one of the best Independent seasons on record (as seen previously on The GM’s Perspective).

Harvey has actually had a very successful minor league career, six seasons with the Cubs' organization and two with the Rockies.

When reviewing his statistics on BaseballReference.com, it’s quite evident that Harvey knows how to play the game and has the numbers to back it up.

In 2005 with the Peoria Chiefs, the Cubs' single-A affiliate, Harvey belted 24 home runs and finished second in the league with 100 RBI. In 2009 with Tulsa, he went deep 23 times, good enough for third in the league.

Unfortunately, the lack of contact appears to be his Achilles’ heel. A career .252 hitter, Harvey has never hit above .270 and has been consistently in the .220’s-to-.240’s, until this year.

With the Barnstormers, Harvey had a breakout year of sorts. The power numbers were consistent; 27/79, but his batting average was over .300 (.302) for the first time. His .905 OPS was also a career high.

His superb season was wrought with awards, with highlights including being named to Baseball America’s Independent Leagues All-Star first team.

Interestingly enough, according to the Barnstormer’s website and Harvey’s profile, he was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 2011 and the plan was to convert him to a pitcher before an injury stopped that from happening.

On the positive side, Harvey has a lot of talent and is a very valuable commodity, something the Braves are aware of, as well as many others. Let’s hope Harvey, who is still relatively young at 28, can finally reach the big leagues and fulfil the potential that every first-round pick dreams of doing.

Quote (EwokHellKite @ Nov 20 2012 07:08pm)

Braves sign former 6th overall, with decent numbers.. who knows

Quote (austinhb @ Nov 21 2012 01:10am)

interesting, what is the source?

Quote (EwokHellKite @ Nov 21 2012 09:07am)

ajc I think