Mr. DiPoto, Print this and use it next week in Milwaukee.

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 12, 2011 2:54 PM PST

Looking at our team, I can see a team with a good amount of youth, a large amount of older players (with heavy contracts), and a small amount of players in their prime. We obviously need some more depth in pitching, both relief and starting, as well in hitting, catchers and third basemen. Here is what we need to do in order to have a team for the future, as well as for now, all while spending the $20 million budget that we have. First Jerry DiPoto must get in touch with the Atlanta Braves GM at the GMs meeting in Milwaukee next week to discuss a trade involving Martin Prado. This 28 year old SS, LF, CF, RF, 3B, 2B, can flat out hit. Coming off a poor season last season, but 2 great seasons prior, we may have a very nice buy low, sell high type of deal that can get done. The Braves also have quite the crowded outfield that consists of Nate McClouth (2012 option), Michael Bourn, and rising star Jason Heyward. They will need a middle infielder this year this year (if they can't re-sign Alex Gonzalez) and could be something that we can provide... No not Erick Aybar, but prospect Jean Segura. If we could package him with Tyler Chatwood, who has great stuff to transform into a well equipped bullpen arm (where besides setup man Jonny Venters, they don't have a lot of) and receive Mr. Prado, I'd take it in a heartbeat and so could the Braves. This trade would cost an efficient $2.1 million.

In addition I'd love to sign Chad Qualls, RP, to a $15mil/3yr deal, adding more depth to our bullpen for a veteran still able to throw heat and is absolutely dominate vs. right handed batter who can only maintain a .218 batting average against him last year. He does have struggles with lefties though, but that is why we Takahashi! Another key statistic is that, when facing hitters hitting in the 1, 2, 3, and 4th spot in opposing teams lineups Qualls has posted an outstanding .230 batting average for opposing hitters! This shows that we can take our starting pitcher out and put in a reliever into the game even if he is about to face the core of a lineup with men in position as he averages a .244 opposing BA with runners in position and a .139 with runners in position with 2 outs.

Next acquisition i'd like to get to is catcher. That's when we welcome in the man who has experience with Chad Qualls behind the plate and can hit with some pop in his bat and can hit to get on base. Drumroll please... NICK HUNDLEY! Hundley, injured for the first half of last year's season posted a .288 BA and an outstanding .824 OPS. Do I need to say any more... ok fine I will! Nick's career fielding percentage is at .991 compared to whiffer Jeff Mathis's .987. Is it that much of a difference no, but include the hitting hitting and you get the opposite. I leave it up to you guys to comment what you may want to give up for him in terms of players or even if you guys had other options you may want us to trade for.

Last, comes a SP. I personally would love to open up the #5 spot to Williams and Richards to battle for and see who wins, but with left over money I believe we can sign a more elite arm. And that man is C.J. Wilson for $60mil/5yrs. (12 million/yr). This can only be a smart move. It adds a southpaw to the rotation as well as a pitcher that no longer pitches for the Rangers. It takes away from them and makes us better. Everybody knows the season he had last year and with our defense his numbers can only improve as the years go on.

This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.

Tweet Comment 66 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Ever heard of the concept of

Paragraph Breaks?

hunting for comprehension.

by Rev Halofan on Nov 12, 2011 2:56 PM PST reply actions

1st post, give me a break please!

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 12, 2011 3:01 PM PST reply actions

You can still edit it.

I’d like to read your post but the formatting makes it tough on the eyes.

Just throw in a few graph breaks and it’ll be fine.

Christmas List: DFA Mathis, Trade Abreu, Fire Reagins, Sign Buehrle

by Nathan Aderhold on Nov 12, 2011 3:05 PM PST up reply actions

read the community guidelines

you are out of line using that as a “defense” when it is pretty clear that memebers are asked to learn to use the simple SBN posting tools.

by Rev Halofan on Nov 12, 2011 3:08 PM PST up reply actions

I love posts that are addressed directly to the GM, like he's actually going to read it.

by ~MMP~ on Nov 12, 2011 3:04 PM PST reply actions

we can still dream... can't we!

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 12, 2011 3:05 PM PST up reply actions

instead of dreaming

how about following simple community guidelines – wow, spend an hour writing a post and then flush it in public because you don’t spend five minutes makin look readable for Jerry and his crew who might actually read the sight, no reaming necessary.

by Rev Halofan on Nov 12, 2011 3:09 PM PST up reply actions

I hope my modifications help.

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 12, 2011 3:13 PM PST up reply actions

oh, this is the edited version?

Just FYI, this is not a book. Big square blocks of text are ugly to read. Break it down into simple compartmentalized sections and put a space in between each separate thought. Use two spaces between major shifts in focus.

by Balls and Strikes on Nov 12, 2011 4:42 PM PST up reply actions

For example, your first "paragraph" re-formatted and edited:

I see a team with youth, veterans (some overpaid), and a few players in their prime. We need more pitching depth, both relief and starting, a new catcher and third baseman. Here is what we need to do in order to have a team for the future, that can win now, all while staying within a $20 million budget.

First Jerry DiPoto must get in touch with the Atlanta Braves GM to discuss a trade involving Martin Prado. This 28 year old SS, LF, CF, RF, 3B, 2B can flat out hit. Coming off a poor season last year we may have a very nice buy low, sell high type of deal that can get done. Prado was great the two years prior: with a combined .307 avg, .354 obp and some power with an average of 13 hr a year.
The Braves also have a crowded outfield that consists of Nate McClouth (2012 option), Michael Bourn, and rising star Jason Heyward. They need a middle infielder this year this year (if they can’t re-sign Alex Gonzalez) and that could be something that we would provide…
No not Erick Aybar, but prospect Jean Segura. If we package him with Tyler Chatwood (who has the stuff to transform into a solid bullpen arm which the braves lack) in exchange for Prado, it would fill needs for both teams. This trade would cost an efficient $2.1 million.

by Balls and Strikes on Nov 12, 2011 4:55 PM PST up reply actions

Sounds good

Thanks a lot for the advice. Next time I’ll keep use it (:

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 12, 2011 5:15 PM PST up reply actions

Why not change it now instead of next time?

Christmas List: DFA Mathis, Trade Abreu, Fire Reagins, Sign Buehrle

"Why [pitcher wins] should be taken as a record of the pitcher's ability is a conundrum to which no one has as yet vouchsafed an answer." M.G. Lloyd; Baseball Magazine - 1908

by Nathan Aderhold on Nov 13, 2011 5:49 AM PST up reply actions

I stopped at the Prado deal

I’d be so pissed if Angels management made that trade.

http://babiesboozeandboobs.wordpress.com/

by Sethy on Nov 12, 2011 3:41 PM PST reply actions

why?

with Aybar and Kendrick we aren’t in need of a middle infield prospect. Or are you talking about Chatwood?

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 12, 2011 3:45 PM PST up reply actions

Just wait. It gets better.

He suggests that CJ Wilson will sign for 5/$60MM.

What is it with the rash of “sign up and then make a Fanpost without thinking” lately?

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Nov 12, 2011 3:45 PM PST up reply actions

for the record

I’ve been following the website for about a half a year. I just made an account later.

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 12, 2011 3:48 PM PST up reply actions

Seems like anyone that posts here gets flamed unless they are regulars. And its usually the same people everytime taking the time to complain on the post.

by aybars chew on Nov 12, 2011 7:43 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 3 recs

Nope.

People get flamed when they don’t proofread their writing, post gibberish or post their ideas in a manner that renders them unreadable. It has nothing to do with how long someone has been on the site. It has quite a bit to do with not making this your personal version of The Sound and the Fury.

by Balls and Strikes on Nov 12, 2011 7:57 PM PST up reply actions

Im with you on most of your points, but not everyone on here are professional bloggers or writers. We are all fans. Seems that some people are more interested in pointing out punctuation errors then comment on the topic at hand.

by aybars chew on Nov 12, 2011 8:06 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 5 recs

It's not punctuation, it's the readability of the article.

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Nov 12, 2011 8:09 PM PST up reply actions

I wasn’t talking about this post specifically. Just in general.

by aybars chew on Nov 12, 2011 8:15 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

I agree

while I’m all for “readability,” short, creative and insightful are what I crave. I know more than a few people who are frightened off by the acid that gets thrown here sometimes.

Personally, I like some of these ideas. we have too many slik fielding, slap-hittting middle infielder clones, plus it seems that guys like these hit FA all the time.

Well, come see a fat old man some time!

by Moondoggy on Nov 12, 2011 11:30 PM PST up reply actions

I'll be honest.

I went a little overboard, and I apologize.

Other than the difficulty reading, this was an interesting, fairly well thought out post (unlike the Ryan Zimmerman guy). I still had the RZ guy in my head when I read this. I apologize.

However, I still think this guy is a bit misguided — but he’s entitled to his opinion — and he’s definitely dreaming if he thinks Wilson will go ANYWHERE for 5/$60MM.

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Nov 12, 2011 11:38 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs

Would you rather have Wilson or Buerle?

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 12, 2011 11:54 PM PST up reply actions

all things being equal -- Wilson

but all things are not equal…Wilson, IMHO, will be too expensive

Well, come see a fat old man some time!

by Moondoggy on Nov 13, 2011 4:33 AM PST up reply actions

That wasn't the question.

My point was that there is no way in hell that Wilson signs anywhere for 5/60. 5/80 maybe, but I’m guessing he’ll get 9 figures.

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Nov 13, 2011 9:45 AM PST up reply actions

The reason this site is tolerable (unlike most other baseball forums)

is because we root out the awfulness here.

If your post sucks, we will let you know.

If your grammar sucks, we will let you know.

If you have a shitty attitude, martyr complex, or are just boring and repetitive…. we will probably let you know.

This way, this site continues to not suck balls, gives me something to do in the offseason, and generally makes this blog go round.

Also, are you really that big of a baby that you cant handle some online bloggers telling you that your post is less than stellar? Parenting fucking sucks these days, tell your kids they arent perfect sometimes to avoid this crap.

I brought sexy back, but they only gave me store credit....

by PhiSlamma on Nov 17, 2011 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs

Huge rec on this one - and a double rec for the parenting line.

Vernon Wells 2011 Stats (.218/.248/.412) and 2010 road stats (.224/.299/.400). The front office shouldn't have been surprised.

by snowhor on Nov 17, 2011 11:49 AM PST up reply actions

I recently posted for the first time

Nobody knew me, or knows me, around here, which is why I took great care to not screw it up royally. My post was no great shakes, but I tried to offer a fresh perspective on an ongoing discussion, and I was careful that it looked presentable. I didn’t get a whole lot of comments, but I didn’t get razzed either. (Hey, I even got one, probably misguided, rec.)

I’d say the HH community is pretty forgiving if you put some effort into it. Carelessness is an insult to the reader.

by Rock Island Line on Nov 13, 2011 6:17 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs

^this is in response to aybars crew way up there^

by Rock Island Line on Nov 13, 2011 6:18 AM PST up reply actions

bullshit

I’ve been here enough to be termed a ‘regular’. If I wrote something like that, I’d be ‘flamed’ in a second. Time served has nothing to do with flammability.

You are dealing with a unique bunch here. Edumakated.

The saddest day of the year is the day baseball season ends.

by ladybug on Nov 13, 2011 5:53 PM PST up reply actions

We really are an edumacated bunch here.

we like our beer cold, TV loud, and we use all caps for added significance. AND BRING THE DH TO NL!!!!!

YOU DON'T KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARKSIDE.....

by halofolife on Nov 14, 2011 9:05 AM PST up reply actions

I flamed him for the formatting and stuff, not content.

Also for the “I just joined and had to fanpost before anything else”.

However, formatting aside, it was a fairly well reasoned (even if wrong, IMHO) post, and I wasn’t flaming him for the content. Hence, my apology.

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Nov 14, 2011 10:28 AM PST up reply actions

I was literally about to ask

“did the OP seriously just suggest we trade Segura and Chatwood for Prado?”

"F it, let's pitch." - Ervin Santana

by Chzburger Jones on Nov 14, 2011 12:07 AM PST up reply actions

I like Prado

But I doubt we would have to give up that much for him. He had an off year, and it appears that the Braves are trying to unload him. Segura is too much to give up (especially based on how he’s doing in Arizona), and Chatwood is only 21 years old. That being said, we don’t have many “lesser” parts that would likely interest Atlanta.

Qualls is the definition of a league average reliever. I’d rather count on Jepsen and his bad knee at 1/10 the cost.

I like Hundley, too. But I can’t imagine the Padres giving him up – he’s a solid, inexpensive catcher, and they really have no one else to replace him.

"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you." - Woody Hayes

by johnnyangel101 on Nov 12, 2011 3:47 PM PST reply actions

Where would we play Prado? We already have five SS/2B/3B.

besides setup man Jonny Venters, they don’t have a lot of

Future NL Rookie of the Year Craig Kimbrel disagrees with this statement.

Christmas List: DFA Mathis, Trade Abreu, Fire Reagins, Sign Buehrle

by Nathan Aderhold on Nov 12, 2011 4:26 PM PST reply actions

Qualls has never made a $5M a year in his life.

He’s the sort of pitcher you offer a maximum of two years to — and no more than $3M per.

I think Hundley is more valuable than Prado right now. The Padres don’t have much incentive to trade him — but he’d be reasonable target if DiPoto didn’t give up too much.

by Turks Teeth on Nov 12, 2011 5:33 PM PST reply actions

Braves

O’Flaherty
Kris Medlen
Moylan
Martinez

Are pretty damn effective young relievers. I missed a few here to.

by YouthofToday on Nov 12, 2011 7:39 PM PST up reply actions

Wow

While I appreciate anybody who is willing to take up the time to write a fanpost I would HIGHLY recommend you learn about other team’s systems before rambling on.

1. McLouth’s option will not be picked up (0% chance of this occurring).
2. Prado’s arb 2 & 3 years are not worth said prospects. The Braves are absurdly loaded with pitching prospects right now.
3. The Braves are NOT rebuilding. If they move Prado they are probably looking for OF help (CF of the future and starting LF for /12).
4. Braves look to be set on starting prospect Tyler Pastornicky at SS and signing a veteran as insurance. Regardless, Pastornicky or Andrelton Simmons will be their future SS.

5. Chad Qualls? Please look up his peripheral stats and any scouting report to understand how utterly crazy this idea is.

6. The Padres like Hundley and that he has only 2 years of service time. It would probably cost Conger. Regardless, the Padres would have to be overwhelmed to trade for him.

7. You honestly believe the only top-of-the-rotation cat available via free agency would cost 5/$60? I’d be surprised if he received anything less than what Weaver cost, 5/$75

A solid target to acquire via trade is Chris Ianneta. It’s not my idea yet others have floated a Maicer Izturis for Ianneta type deal.

by YouthofToday on Nov 12, 2011 7:31 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

Thank you YouthofToday...

Finally someone who offers constructive criticsim vice the “Shit all over someone’s fanpost” douch nozzles on here.

Seriously man, good stuff.

by matt92130 on Nov 12, 2011 10:49 PM PST up reply actions

+1

Well, come see a fat old man some time!

by Moondoggy on Nov 12, 2011 11:31 PM PST up reply actions

What does Prado bring that we don't already have?

.293/.341/.434 108 OPS+, 7.8/-0.3 oWAR/dWAR for Prado
.292/.329/.434 105 OPS+, 12.1/1.7 for Kendrick
.281/.337/.389 97 OPS, 6.7/1.6 for Callaspo
.275/.339/.389 95 OPS 10.2/+2.9 for Izturis

by mattwelch on Nov 13, 2011 8:39 AM PST reply actions

that pretty good for one of the best on our team! He knows how to get on base.

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 13, 2011 8:58 AM PST up reply actions

Your subject line is impenetrable to me

At any rate, obtaining a .341 OBP in Atlanta in the NL East is a far sight different from a .339 OBP in Anaheim. And by “different from” I mean “more easy than.”

by mattwelch on Nov 13, 2011 1:42 PM PST up reply actions

So many words!

RIP Nick Adenhart

by ihearhowie2.0 on Nov 13, 2011 8:48 AM PST reply actions

Does anyone think that Madson could be a good idea? He grew up in Long Beach.

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 13, 2011 9:01 AM PST reply actions

Depends on the cost

For the 4/44 + a 5th year option that the Phillies supposedly offered him? No.

by ~MMP~ on Nov 13, 2011 9:52 AM PST up reply actions

Yes, we should sign all players that grew up in SoCal regardless of their talent level or cost

From Jeff Mathis' TOPPS card: "Jeff is a defensive catcher, but he can rake it when it counts." Jeff has a lifetime .199 MLB batting average

by mustard_man on Nov 13, 2011 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

I agree with this

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Waiting on Mathis

by hauldog on Nov 14, 2011 10:50 AM PST up reply actions

stole word right outta my finger tips

Should change my screen name to Stuck with Premium.

by stuck in Romania on Nov 16, 2011 10:59 PM PST up reply actions

I appreciate it whenever someone takes the time to post something.

Good or bad, the willingness to participate in the site is nice to see…something we could use more of.

Thanks hunting-for-trout for the post.

by WiHaloFan on Nov 13, 2011 11:25 AM PST reply actions 7 recs

I agree whole-heartedly with Wi.

While we don’t want posts at the level of a third-grader, active participation is the key.

by rmhalofan on Nov 14, 2011 10:35 AM PST up reply actions

That Being Said

You have to stand by your work. I’ve only made a few of my own posts, but looking at my early ones, people would have been right to take the FanPost to the woodshed (my insane realignment concept stands out as one I’d like back). If you’re going to put it out there, with a chance it gets put on the front page, it should be reasonably coherent. And the SBN blog system does SO MUCH of the work for you that it’s unbelievable.

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart - Always an Angel

by Kernel on Nov 15, 2011 5:57 AM PST up reply actions

Chad Qualls 3/15??? Did someone say Rodney?

This is a ridiculous idea. Something TR would be proud of. Just what we need another mediocre reliever making big bucks, as he sucks the life out of us fans!

by Wally's World on Nov 13, 2011 11:40 AM PST reply actions

Glad I wasn't the only person to notice this

Qualls pitched well in Petco which is not hard to believe. I also see another gas can in the making

by mannye on Nov 15, 2011 1:43 AM PST up reply actions

Even Rodney was only given a 2 year deal

Someone who comes into Halos Heaven and suggests 3/15 for Qualls is a good idea…I suspect Tony Reagins has started posting here on the sly!

Go away Tony. You were fired for good reason.

Napoli isn't a catcher. He's a God-King.

by RallyMonkey5 on Nov 15, 2011 12:31 PM PST up reply actions

Baseball Winter Meetings are in Dallas in early December

by Halos in DE on Nov 13, 2011 6:09 PM PST reply actions

Tomorrow and Tuesday the GM meetings are in Milwaukee

by Epic Dean on Nov 13, 2011 10:42 PM PST up reply actions

As Said Before

As Ricky Sauce said: said he Shit his drawers. Well the Angels need to sign Doumit as a catcher, a .333 hitter with runners in scoring position. I think for relief bring in Heath to complement Walden’s hard fastball and any hard throwing lefty like Mike Gonzales to help Downs and Takahashi and then DAMN we are good.

by jshapgee on Nov 13, 2011 6:32 PM PST reply actions

Wtf?

by Balls and Strikes on Nov 14, 2011 11:12 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Agreed gee

by hunting-for-trout on Nov 13, 2011 7:14 PM PST reply actions

Just because a player is without a contract...

…and would be a marginal upgrade over Mathis does not mean we should sign them. Let’s hope that Dipoto has higher standards than that.

From Jeff Mathis' TOPPS card: "Jeff is a defensive catcher, but he can rake it when it counts." Jeff has a lifetime .199 MLB batting average

by mustard_man on Nov 14, 2011 5:39 AM PST reply actions

Does anyone really think they can sign Wilson--

—when the yankees obviously need starting pitching? Just trying to remember the last time the Halos outbid the yankees for a FA. And I never heard him say anything about wanting to play close to where he grew up.

by Theren86n02 on Nov 15, 2011 9:03 PM PST reply actions

It says in the article he is serious about wanting to play close to home

It also says he wants lots of cash.

So we don’t know. Its likely someone will grossly overpay and we wont be close, but who knows? Thats what makes baseball better than every other sport, any team can win.

by Balls and Strikes on Nov 15, 2011 9:15 PM PST up reply actions