Peavy or Burnett?
First of all, a big "thank you" to all of you who have commented on my blog. I read each entry and enjoy them all. Also, thanks to Mark of MLB.com for doing some PR work for my blog. Many thanks. May I vent for a minute?
Good.
What is Jake Peavy's deal (no pun intended)? Either he wants to play in Atlanta or he doesn't. Honestly, I feel used. I feel like he and his agent are just dragging us along so that they can get more out of other teams that are willing to strike a deal with him. Personally, I think the dude is an absolute stud of a pitcher. I know there are thousands of Padre fans that are beyond sad right now, as he will undoubtedly be pitching in a different uniform next season. Padresgirl, again, I'm very sorry.
Folks, I understand that it's difficult to land a quick deal from the free agent market, especially when it comes to ace-caliber pitchers. Simply put, the pitcher and his agent are trying to get the most money possible. No one cares about winning anymore. The game is all about money. And money rules. Look at the Yankees and Red Sox. How about the Mets? Even though the Yankees and Mets didn't make it to the postseason last year, still their big bank accounts steal all of the good players, leaving other less fortunate teams to have to settle for second tier players. I can't say much though, as the Braves put on a pretty healthy streak in the 90's behind the wallet of Mr. Ted Turner. Okay, okay-- back to what I was saying--- a free agent ace-caliber pitcher takes time and patience to land... and well, money.
Jake Peavy, you're not a free agent. Quit acting like one. Pick a team and go somewhere. Oh wait, it's not that easy, is it Jake? Your GM, Kevin Towers, wants to get something in return. And frankly, no other team in the bigs are offering a better package than the Braves. If you think you're doing yourself a favor by "waiting it out," you're wrong. Dead wrong. Wanna know
why? Because if you keep beatin' around the bush, you're gonna get Kelly Johnson, instead of Yunel Escobar. While Kelly Johnson is definitely a solid ball player, Escobar is a future all-star. You better start acting quickly. Unless of course you want to go to the AL and join a team like the Yankees-- an organization in which your "stardom" will simply be "lessdom." You will just mix in with the rest of the overpaid, high profile ballplayers.
Let me just say this: While I'm absolutely annoyed with this whole Peavy deal, I still really do want Peavy to be in a Braves uniform next season. I think of all the pitchers available, he is one that will most likely stay healthy over a period of time. Plus, he's still extremely young.
If you're keeping up with Braves' news, you've noticed Frank Wren's increased interest in Burnett. I think if the Braves are willing to offer a 5 year deal with about 14-16 million a year, Burnett will, without a doubt, be pitching in Atlanta. Burnett simply likes Cox and Chipper too much to pass up on the offer. Plus, it has been said that he sees a lot of potential with the Braves' improving. Moreover, this attitude of his, alone, makes me want him in Atlanta. One thing concerns me about Burnett though--- he is injury prone. I have a bad taste in my mouth
regarding injury-prone pitchers. I'm sure this has a lot to do with the fact that only one of our starters made it through the entire season without being out for an extended period of time. Burnett wants a five-year deal, probably worth at least 15 million a year. That would involve significant risk for any team, given his past elbow and shoulder issues and the fact that he never won more than 12 games until 2008. With Burnett, it's really an issue of staying healthy. If he's healthy, he's one of the best out there. On Burnett, Chipper has stated, "Earlier in his career, he was a thrower. Now he gets it. He's a pitcher and when he's healthy, he's as good as there is."
Braves fans, who do you want?
Baseball fans, in general, who would the Braves benefit from having the most?
I need answers people. I'm feeling anxious. I need sound wisdom.
I agree that Jake needs to make a decision. I think it's up to him now. If the Braves have a package ready, Jake needs to decide if he wants to go, but like you said, I think he is going. It's sad, but it's baseball. So, it will be tough, but I will be OK. He's still playing baseball, he's still a brilliant pitcher. You guys would benefit greatly from having him. Then again, so would we :) But I will be ok if he leaves. It might just take awhile :) Have a great Thanksgiving!!
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I think that Peavy has the command and the ability to be a fantastic upgrade to the Braves, but having seen A J Burnett almost 6 times this past year, you can go wrong with him either.
The guy is a game day monster.
He can bring the game to his level. Just look at his strikeout totals for 2008. He has not been that dominant since he threw his no-hitter. Any team that gets him next might get 2 or 3 years of high octane before the tank begins to run a bit dry.
I would love to see him out of the A L East, but where ever he ends up will be a better team with Burnett.
Rays Renegade
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I personally think now that we are gonna have both of them, but if I had to choose between them, it would be Peavy. They are btoh dominate when they are healthy and are on the mound, but Peavy in my opinion is better. Not to mention, Peavy will not get injured as much as Burnett will over 3 years. It will just be a privilege to have either one of them because of the feeling that they can bring. Ugh! Something needs to happen. Once one thing happens, it will cause another things to.
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I don't think the Braves will get Burnett AND Peavy. You know, we may have to give the Blue Jays or Padres something valuable to receive on of those two ace, star pitchers. I, personally, would rather want to see the Braves receive Burnett than Peavy.
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"I don't think the Braves will get Burnett AND Peavy. "-bravesrock
Why not? You are aware of Burnett being a free agent right?
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We're gonna have to land one to get the other... and it will have to happen soon because time is running short. One of the pitchers available needs to take the chance and come to the Braves. If one does, you can guarantee another will. The available pitchers on the market want to be on a team that has potential. If the Braves were to land 2 ace-caliber pitchers, along with a power bat in the outfield, they are automatic contenders.
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It's not Peavy's fault the Padres management is the atrocious combination of dysfunctional, cheap AND inept (not necessarily in that order). I think he'd love to end up in Atlanta. Beware: Peavy's motion is going to blow out his elbow sooner rather than later.
I don't care what Chipper Jones says about Burnett, I wouldn't TOUCH him. The history is there for all to see and you're running the risk of getting out from under Mike Hampton's contract to go through the same thing all over again.
The Braves would be better off hanging onto their kids and not going for such high-risk/high-money pitchers.
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Peavy is more durable and has a better upside. I think he is by far the best choice. Sure, Burnett may have disgusting stuff when healthy but so does Peavy. Peavy also has a Cy Young under his belt. Peavy is younger and grew up a Braves fan. Peavy would also come a lot cheaper than Burnett which would benefit the Braves in the future. Atlanta has more than enough prospects to trade for Peavy. If anyone actually thinks every one of those prospects is going to be great then they are kidding themselves. Look at the Tex trade, Salty didn't play. Harrison was mediocre and Andrus is at AAA. Atlanta will be fine. Trade for Peavy.
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