Rosenthal's new article

[Amazing_Grace]

About the original article being discussed, it really seems like Soriano is being pretty flexible, and a lot of superstars aren't. I like how he's willing to move positions to help the team win. The guy will be with the Cubs a long time, so it's nice that he seems like a gracious guy and he's not starting out right away with a me first attitude.

 

I really like what I hear from Lou in the Muskat article. It looks like Perez isn't Lou's first choice for the second backup infielder, which is good; he shouldn't be anyone's first choice for anything other than maybe bat boy. I liked that he talked to Cedeno about going deep in the count. That has to be almost a complete 180 from what Dusty advocated. I also think that last line about "we need another infielder here" is a not so subtle call for JH to get someone via trade.

 

EDIT: As far as who to get, I'm with Vance. I think Todd Walker could be gotten for very little considering the fiasco with his contract arbritration and the speculation about the Padres releasing him. I bet we could get him for less than we got from the Padres when we traded him last year. The only question is would Jim actually do that, as he never seemed to like TWalk much?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Braves.com has a new article up about Tony Pena Jr. He is out of options and in danger of not making the club because of the presence of Chris Woodward. So it could be that the Braves have decided to keep Woodward and shop Pena.

 

...With Chris Woodward and Willy Aybar slated to begin the season as the club's utility infielders, there doesn't seem to be an available roster spot for the ever-improving Pena. And even if Woodward or Aybar were to begin the season on the disabled list, Pete Orr might be the more likely candidate to fill that utility role.

 

However, Orr does have options, and the Braves could instead replace either Woodward or Aybar with Pena just to give themselves a better chance to keep his services.

 

"You can't play any better than Tony Pena has played," manager Bobby Cox said. "He's got real good range -- excellent range. His hands are good. He hit .280 last year, didn't he?"

 

"...He's not an out. He's a tough cookie at the plate, and he'll battle you all the way to the end."

 

..."He's been blessed with ability, plus range and a plus arm that allows him to make plays that a lot of shortstops aren't able to make"

 

My goodness, Pena is an offensive abomination. Last year was his best year as a pro, and it was a .282/.312/.359/.671 as a 25 year old in AAA.

 

What about Tim's old favorite Omar Infante? He's still in a bench role and could handle SS if needed, right?

Edited March 15, 2007 by Transmogrified Tiger

[98navigator]

The Braves are talking him up... The scout claims the Cubs were looking at Woodward. I hope the Cubs don't fall for Pena but they may like his defensive skills.

[Rob]

If we're looking at Braves players to fill a utility hole, I should hope we take a nice long look at Yunel Escobar.