Future of the Braves

[PureBaseballFan]

I thought with all the talk about Francoeur I would start up a new discussion. So the question I put to you guys is who do you think will be the next Chipper Jones and by that I mean who is this team looking to hold onto for their entire career and make them the new poster boy of the Braves going into the future?

[SamtheBravesFan]

I thought with all the talk about Francoeur I would start up a new discussion. So the question I put to you guys is who do you think will be the next Chipper Jones and by that I mean who is this team looking to hold onto for their entire career and make them the new poster boy of the Braves going into the future?

Probably Brian McCann. I think we can count on him for consistent offensive production.

[cbenson5]

I agree with Sam about McCann. He's a 24 year old catcher putting up a 153 OPS+ so far this year. That is simply incredible. He is definitely the guy I look to build the team around in subsequent years. I also like Yunel Escobar. A shortstop with the potential to hit at a high level is hard to find. It will be interesting to see what he can do for the rest of the year.

[chip&smoltz95]

yea i would have to give escobar the edge over mccann. I know this is his first full season, but I mean if you can fill rentaria shoe's (an all-star I believe) in your first full season, I think that speaks volumes. Also, I think jair and reyes and maybe morton are three young arms that the team could build around. I am not saying the next smoltz, glavine and maddux, but I think they could all be something great and with huddy too, that's not too bad of a rotation.

[billyripken]

yeah, i'd say mccann. the braves need to start getting younger.

[SamtheBravesFan]

yeah, i'd say mccann. the braves need to start getting younger.

Welcome to Baseball Fever, Billy And start getting younger? They've already begun the process of doing that three years ago. In fact, they might get so young for 2009, you'll wish they had a veteran or two. ;P

[Francoeurstein]

They could build around Frenchy, Jurjens, Escobar, McCann, and Diaz.

[SamtheBravesFan]

They could build around Frenchy, Jurjens, Escobar, McCann, and Diaz.

They may attempt to build around Frenchy, but he's not as strong a building block as you think he is. And Diaz is too old (he's 30 years old).

[BravesFanForever]

I agree with Sam on McCann as well as I believe Yunel and JJ will be building blocks. As far as Frenchy, they may decide to go in different directions, you never know. Yunel is special, but then again so is McCann and JJ. The future looks bright as long as starting pitching continues to be a strong point.

[cbenson5]

I agree with Sam on McCann as well as I believe Yunel and JJ will be building blocks. As far as Frenchy, they may decide to go in different directions, you never know. Yunel is special, but then again so is McCann and JJ. The future looks bright as long as starting pitching continues to be a strong point.

I'm definitely excited about Jurrjens. I think he revealed a good bit about his character and determination on Friday. He just flat out did not have his best stuff and still he only gave up two runs and put the Braves in a position to win. That is the sign of a 'special' player and a guy with the potential to be a true ace. You just can't say enough good things about his performance so far.

[thewupk]

offensively you have to look at Mac, Kelly, and Yunel. In that order imo.

Pitching it's obviously JJ right.

[adamsowell]

Look at Andruw Jones... where is he now? I like frenchy and he could be with the braves his whole career,but i doubt he is the centerpiece

I think McCann and Escobar are the special players

[Extra Innings]

Like others have said, Brian McCann is my pick as well. Does anyone else get the feeling that it may be hard to sign Francoeur long term? Teams locking up younger players through arbitration + a couple years of free agency is the thing to do. After McCann signed his deal last year I had thought the team started some preliminary talks with Francoeur, but Francoeur didn't like the initial numbers...

[SamtheBravesFan]

After McCann signed his deal last year I had thought the team started some preliminary talks with Francoeur, but Francoeur didn't like the initial numbers...

Apparently, he wanted something near double than McCann got, which is insane. What he's getting paid right now is what he needs to be paid.

[Extra Innings]

Apparently, he wanted something near double than McCann got, which is insane. What he's getting paid right now is what he needs to be paid.

I agree. Francoeur does hold the largest signing bonus in club history $2.2M, isn't that enough!!