Atlanta Braves Baseball: Looking Ahead to 2010

I was going to wait until the season was over before writing this article. Considering that for all intents and purposes this season has been over in Atlanta for nearly two weeks now, I figured it was okay to go ahead with it now.

To review, 2009 has been up and down all season long. One baseball person remarked during the season that this Braves team was "just good enough to break your heart." That turned out to be absolutely true.

I can't count the times this team has broken mine and many other Braves fans' hearts this season.

As good as this team could have been with what was the best starting rotation in the National League, they were completely undone by an incredibly inconsistent lineup.

With that said, it's time to look to 2010 and beyond. How can the Braves improve? What needs to be done to get Atlanta back to the playoffs?

I agree with esteemed Braves featured columnist, Cameron Britt, who said that these Braves need a renaissance. It's time to let go of the streak of the 90's-00's. It's time to embrace their history while getting younger and cheaper for the future.

Here's my plan for 2010 and beyond.

Change Starts at the Top

The time has come for Bobby Cox to bow out gracefully. This would be a bittersweet move for me, as I have watched 100+ games every season in which Bobby Cox sat in the dugout.

I still remember watching the TBS broadcast in June 1990 when he stepped down as GM to replace Russ Nixon as the manager of a young, promising team that would lose 97 games that season. The rest, as they say, is history.

This year more than ever, it has become apparent that a change must be made. Bobby has blown many opportunities for this team all season long. Whether it's been curious decisions that completely defy logic, sticking with an aging veteran despite his sub-.200 batting average, or using the same relievers night after night after night after night...after night.

Most importantly, the Braves need an injection of youth at the position. They need someone to relate to the next incarnation of "baby Braves."

My suggestions include: Ned Yost, Ozzie Guillen, Fredi Gonzalez, Roger McDowell, and Brian Snitker. Might as well keep it in the family.

Yost makes the most sense to me. He would be my top choice because he did a tremendous job in turning the Brewers around before being unjustly fired in the midst of a playoff run.

I've been ridiculed in the past for even suggesting Guillen, but for all his faults, he is a proven commodity and would bring some much-needed spunk to this clubhouse.

I'd love to see Fredi Gonzalez in that first base dugout again, but Miami and the Marlins love him.

McDowell has seemingly been a bright spot on this coaching staff for a few years now and he just looks like a manager.

Snitker has managed in the minor leagues before and the last three third base coaches in Atlanta (Jimy Williams, Ned Yost, and Fredi Gonzalez) have had pretty good careers as major league managers.

As close to sacrilege as it may seem to say this, it's time for Bobby Cox to move on. Whether it's moving to a front office position, as Cameron Britt has suggested, or retiring to his farm in Alpharetta, he no longer belongs in the Braves' dugout.

Next, let's look at the Potential Free Agents in Atlanta.

Potential Free Agents

There will be many free agent decisions this offseason. I presume the Braves will not add payroll, so trimming the fat will be necessary—with the next youth movement scheduled to take place in 2010 it might not be such a bad thing either.

Tim Hudson is priority number one. Huddy has a $12-million dollar team option. The Braves should pick the option up and give Huddy a chance to pick up where he left off towards the end of this season. Hudson's return from Tommy John Surgery has been stellar thus far. And $12-million is actually $3-million cheaper than he made this year, despite some of that being picked up by insurance.

As good as Rafael Soriano has been at times this season, his history of quirky injuries, and attitude makes him completely expendable. I say let him walk and get a big payday elsewhere.

Mike Gonzalez has struggled since coming to the Braves in '07, but two full years removed from injury could help him next season. He has the potential to be dominant in that role full time. But it's time to cut him loose as well.

Adam LaRoche was nothing more than a midseason rental to help Atlanta to the postseason. I know he's the everyday first baseman right now, but you'll find out later why I say, 'let him walk.'

Garret Anderson was clutch at times in '09, but he's nothing more than an aging veteran that was cheap enough to fill a gaping hole in the Braves outfield this season. Let him walk.

While not technically a free agent, Ryan Church is an injury risk who should be non-tendered at season's end. He hasn't been terrible, but he's not good enough to take a roster spot on this team.

Finally, for all that is pure and holy, please, DO NOT sign Greg Norton.

How can you let all these guys walk? Simple...Baby Braves: Part Deux

Baby Braves: Part Deux

It's time! Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Jordan Schafer, Tommy Hanson, Kris Medlen, and Luis Valdez are ready to take the Braves into the next decade.

Heyward is the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball and has killed the ball at every level. He's ready! He will play in the Arizona Fall League this fall, where Tommy Hanson's legend was solidified in '08. A .300-plus average in the AFL will solidify Heyward's spot in RF for Atlanta in 2010.

Freddie Freeman, the first base prospect, should also be ready this coming season. I know a lot of people would disagree with that, as he is projected to start the season in the minors. Also a participant in the AFL, a steady fall and a great spring will allow the Braves to let Adam LaRoche sign elsewhere.

Schafer began '09 in Atlanta, and was largely a gigantic hole in the lineup. Blame it on the wrist or a rushjob, Schafer apparently wasn't ready for Major League ball. With the wrist fixed and some Major League experience under his belt, the center field job should be all his in '10, if healthy.

Of course we saw Hanson and Medlen in Atlanta for most of 2009, but I expect their roles to increase exponentially in 2010. Hanson is an ace right now! He's not the future, he is now! A full season in Atlanta following his prolific rookie year should be exciting to watch.

Medlen has been tremendous at times. As a matter of fact, most of his bad outtings have come at the hands of a manager who uses his relievers way too much. Medlen could be a spot starter if needed, or the long relief guy. I think the perfect place for him would be the seventh inning. Medlen, Moylan, and O'Flaherty would do great in the setup roles.

And finally, Luis Valdez. This one I am sure will raise some eyebrows. Valdez has been groomed as the closer at Gwinnett in '09. He has 55 saves the last two seasons at double-a, Mississippi and triple-a, Gwinnett. He's only 26, so making him the full-time closer may seem like throwing him into the fire, but he's a closer. He has the mentality. He's ready!

On to the free agent market...

Free Agent Market

I agree with my esteemed colleague, Cameron Britt (can I really call him that since neither of us get paid for this?)

Chone Figgins would be absolutely perfect for this team. He's from Leary, GA, which is southwest of Macon, GA. That could prove to be a big draw for the versatile Figgy.

Figgins has played every outfield position, as well as, thirdbase, short stop, and second base.

Regardless of what you believe, Martin Prado isn't an everyday second baseman. Sure, he had a good month back in July. Sure, he became a fan favorite, but he's fallen off the wagon hard. Blame it on the injury if you want, but I believe he's just not the guy.

Figgins, however, is the guy. He could play second base on a regular basis, and give Chipper the opportunity for his well-needed rest on a weekly basis. Prado would move back to his utility role along with Omar Infante, who is under contract through next season.

Figgins made $5.775-million in '09 through arbitration and is testing the free agent market for the first time in his career. And according to this report could command $10-million plus next season due to the projected interest in the versatile ballplayer.

His agency is the fledgling CSMG, so I would assume that given that sports agencies recent struggles, they'd love to have a big payday for one of their most wanted clients.

A four-year deal worth $8- or 9-million a year might entice him to "come home" to Atlanta, but I'm not sure Wren would give him $10-plus million; however, the Braves reportedly went to that $10-million mark for Rafael Furcal before becoming victims of the infamous bait & switch. Given that Figgins is a much better all-around player and person, I could see Wren going over $10-million if he deems Figgins a primary target.

Despite allowing roughly $12-million to walk in the form of not signing any of the potential free agents, a little more money would need to be cleared in order to allow the Braves to give Figgins a $10-plus-million dollar deal.

Which leads me to my next point... Trade Bait

Trade Bait

With the gigantic influx of youth, one might think I am saying the Braves should raise the white flag on the East by playing all these kids.

Has it worked for the Marlins? You betcha! Has it worked for the Rangers? Uh- huh. How about Colorado? Or Philadelphia, when Utley, Victorino, Howard, and Rollins all came up around the same time?

With all the Braves youth there is still a need for veteran leadership. If you've watched any game this season you'll agree that the veteran leadership needs to come in the form of a big time bat. Someone who can hit cleanup. (Sorry Brian McCann, but you are not a clean up hitter.)

The best way to fill that hole is via trade. My trade decision may be somewhat unpopular, but it will be necessary and I will spell out why it will work.

Given my opinion that the Braves need to pick up Tim Hudson's option, someone in the rotation will have to go. While my top choices to trade would be Derek Lowe and/or Kenshin Kawakami, no one, I repeat NO ONE in their right mind would trade for either considering their contracts.

Javier Vazquez' trade value might never be this high again. He's coming off of one of the best season's in his career (his lowest ERA and on track for the second highest strikeout total). He is set to make $11.5-million in 2010 and unloading that huge contract might be appealing to Frank Wren if it means getting a big bat for the middle of the lineup.

Would Vazquez be attractive to the pitching-needy Dodgers? Especially after choking in the playoffs in '09 (I know, it's my predicition)? How about the Brewers, where he was rumored to be coveted this past June? Why not Detroit?

If Vazquez could bring a return of Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier you have to jump on it. Heck, throw in Nate McLouth to make the package even sweeter for one of those two. I know he has a no-trade clause to West teams, but anything can happen.

How about Corey Hart and a package of prospects from Milwaukee? Or Curtis Granderson from Detroit?

Maybe there are other trade partners out there. I'm sure if the Braves decide to trade Vazquez they'll be very creative in the process.

Another piece of trade bait that could bring a decent return is Nate McLouth. Naturally if you are going with Schafer and Heyward on the outfield that leaves the largly disappointing McLouth to move to left field or to be the odd man out.

McLouth is not a big time power bat. He's an occasional power bat with decent speed. If he can be used to help get a real cleanup bat he should be.

As I said before, flip him along with Vazquez for one of the untouchable Dodgers-duo of Ethier or Kemp.

Or deal him for a proven late-inning bullpen arm if they dont feel comfortable with the youth movement in the 'pen. Or use him to help rebuild the minor league talent that will be lost to the big league club this coming season.

If someone would be kind enough to take a Chipper Jones off the Braves hands, perhaps an AL team in need of a DH, the option should be explored. Chipper is aging and it shows. If the Braves can sign Figgins he could take over at third and allow Kelly Johnson/Martin Prado/Omar Infante to platoon at second.

I know I'm taking my life into my own hands by even suggesting they trade "Mr. Brave" but all the excuses and talk of early retirement are getting old. Plus taking his $12-million off the books for next season would allow a lot of flexibility to fill key spots and make this team a contender again. As well as, bring in a nice haul of prospects to help re-stock the organization.

Again, I do not expect the Chipper deal to happen. But I definitely believe the possibility should be explored.

What will happen?

Maybe my proposals are a tad extreme. Playing rookies in CF, RF, 1B, and closer might seem a bit risky. But these are no ordinary rookies. These are some of the best prospects in all of baseball.

Throw in adding veteran pieces via trade and free agency, and you might just see a perfect combination that will allow the Braves to return to the top spot in the NL East.

I know that all these moves are not likely. Maybe some are. I did the best I could given old news reports, previous interest in certain players, and a lot of educated guessing.

I think this is the best track to take to get the Braves back to the World Series.

What are your views? Do you agree or disagree?

Dont just comment. Offer your suggestions. Something definitely needs to happen in Atlanta. The organization has grown stale and is seemingly losing out mentally.

Let's have a good discussion.