AUTUmike

As a backup I like him, but the guy gets hurt a lot. Good numbers when he's healthy though.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2012/story/_/id/7751898/atlanta-braves-trade-righty-jairo-asencio-cleveland-indians-cash Braves trade Asencio to Cleveland for cash. Asencio was out of options.

That was a nice play by Heyward. Also, his HR was beautiful to see as it was to left-center. He really stayed on the ball well and drove it to the opposite field.

I agree with Ross, Chipper is a freak when it comes to speedy recoveries (although that is kinda offset by his propensity to get injured in the first place). Maybe this will be a blessing in disguise later in the year when he may be slightly more rested

Just a hypothetical: If Chipper had played his whole career in the AL with the DH do you think he would be retiring this season? I'm sure he still would've played 3B for the vast majority of his career but being able to get an active day off (DH-ing) I think would have stretched his career at least through 2013. What say ye?

Saw that earlier today! First Ballot HOF IMO! Think we're looking at our next hitting coach! I think so too. Too bad he won't be able to get to 500 HR (doubt he would even if he played in 2013) but he's been phenomenal.

The way they're playing in spring ball and from what I've watched today, we'll be sellers by July. Yeah I hope not. Atlanta usually seems to start slow IMO though so hopefully that is all these Spring struggles are.

Watching the game vs. the Tigers now. espn just said that there is a split between the on fields staff and the front office on who to start. The coaches/players want Simmons while the office wants Pastornicky. Interesting. Kind of strange there is a split, neither have much experience and Simmons--to me--appears to have more upside.

Atlanta has about 8 million to play with at the trade deadline so if the SS position is a serious problem by July then I think we'll see a move. This is just me speculating but I could see the Braves in the market for Cleveland's Asdrubal Cabrera or Baltimore's JJ Hardy. Both have a lot of pop for the SS position (25-30 HR). With Bourn as a speed guy this lineup really just needs some more power IMO, so that would do it. Also, I think both of those teams need pitching and will be out of contention by the trade deadline so they could be real sellers.

Well after the Braves all but officially announced Pastornicky as the Opening Day SS it now appears that Andrelton Simmons may be the man to get the first hack at it. Pastornicky has gone something like 3-26 this Spring and Simmons is hitting around .290. Simmons is said to have a great glove and hit an even .300 last year but has never played above high-A ball. I figure any production we get out of SS this year is just a plus.

Me neither. What's their rotation looking like?

ESPN insider had an article up earlier basically saying that the size of Molina's recent contract may drive Brian McCann's value too high for the Braves to re-sign him after next year. I'm biased, but I disagree. First, I think the Braves will be willing to pay McCann more because he will be the face of the franchise after Chipper reitres. Also, he is from Georgia and probably would like to continue his career there and may give a bit of a hometown discount. AND, when Chipper reitres that will be a sizable relief to the payroll so there should be a little money freed up for McCann. Ready for baseball...

Looks good but I'll be surprised if they take Chipper out of the 3 spot. Until Heywood hits with consistency, I'd like to see him hit 6. I think we have to have someone who makes a lot of contact hit 5 so that Uggla will see some better pitches. Wow. ChuckTown I gotta say, you win the award for most annoying signature.

Freddie Freeman will miss the start of Spring Training with a tweaked knee. Should be back in a couple of weeks, though.

Yeah while I like this lineup I would be surprised if Chipper got bumped down in the order too. And I agree about needing someone more consistent behind Uggla, but I'd like to see this lineup for 2-3 weeks to start the season with the hope that it'll get Heyward back on track.

Oh and Jack Wilson strained his calf and will be out 4-6 weeks. So even with an awful Spring it looks like Pastornicky path to the starting lineup won't be impeded.

So I'd like to see the Braves open up the year with this lineup: CF Bourn (L) LF Prado ® C McCann (L) 2B Uggla ® RF Heyward (L) 3B Jones (S) 1B Freeman (L) SS Pastornicky ® P I like Uggla in the cleanup spot more than McCann because he has more power. I also like Heyward higher in the order in the 5 spot so opponents will hopefully have to give him more fastballs with more runners on base. Also, I think it would serve Heyward well to have an experienced, patient hitter behind him in Chipper Jones. Man, I'm ready for baseball.

nothing to do with his numbers. They are great. Just some personal reasons beyond baseball. I'd rather not go any further than that. Just my opinion though. No doubt that he has been a great player for the Braves. Must be his extra marital affairs.......people make mistakes. It shouldn't tarnish what he's done for the braves. WDE Yea I know he had his demons, but that was over in 1999. The way sports are now you just have to separate the athlete from their personal life. In today's sports world there is so much more coverage than before. From what I've heard the antics from the athletes back in augolf's day would make Tiger Woods blush with shame . I can't keep up with all the derivations of "AUGolf" we have as members on this board.

Yeah Chipper has been great to and for Atlanta. And although his numbers are declining with age his leadership and experience is invaluable for a young team.

Thanks for posting that. I've always wondered about that hitch in his delivery because it seems like he is throwing with all arm and no body. Glad to hear its smoother now.

no way Chipper plays 140 games just hope for 110 maybe 120 if lucky He played in 126 last year. Definitely not going to hope for 110.

Agreed. I'd be ecstatic if we got 140 games each from Chipper and Heyward

I think Heyward will either have a monster year or struggle a lot. I'm leaning towards the monster year though

Hanley Ramirez perhaps? I know you don't trade within your division, but the Marlins need pitching and the Braves need a SS. I'd rather keep that drama queen away from ATL. I'd be happy to see them trade for someone that's good in the field and knows how to handle the bat and can bunt people over, execute hit and runs, and that has good speed. Not to mention the fact that the Braves couldn't handle his contract.

Pastornicky will begin the season as the starter. But with an unproved rookie at SS the Braves also secured veteran Jack Wilson, who could play a bigger role than expected depending on Pastornicky's performance. Either way, if the SS position is a struggle for the Braves come July I see a trade in the works--but very doubtful anything is done before the season.