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Big Six · 06-19-2010, 09:29 PM

BravesNation blog, February 20, 2012

Q&A with Braves General Manager Frank Wren

BN: First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer some of our questions today, Mr. Wren.

FW: You're very welcome. It's great to have the opportunity to connect with our fans.

BN: First of all, we'd like you to talk about our off-season free agent signings.

FW: We're excited about the fact that two of baseball's biggest stars will be playing for the Braves this year. Jonathan Papelbon will take over as our closer. He's been one of the best relievers in baseball for years, and he's still in his prime.

We're also thrilled about adding Prince Fielder to our lineup. Few players in the league have his kind of power. He'll play first base for us and hit cleanup.

BN: The arrival of Papelbon and Fielder will mean some changes are in store for some returning players. Will you talk a little bit about how those might work out?

FW: Peter Moylan did a fine job as our closer last year (3.49 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 36 saves). He's pitched most of his career as our #1 setup man, and I expect he'll return to that role in 2012.

Freddie Freeman, who played first base for us in 2011, is one of the most talented young players in the game (.305-25-111 at age 21). He was a very deserving winner of the Rookie of the Year Award. Freddie has expressed a willingness to learn another position, maybe third base or the outfield. He'll be a big part of our plans, no matter where he plays.

Of course, our field manager will be the one making these decisions, but that's what I think could end up happening. All the guys involved are professionals, and they all want to play for a World Series champion.

BN: Who are some of the minor league prospects Braves fans should keep an eye on this year?

FW: You're probably already familiar with Julio Teheran, a terrific young righthanded pitcher from Colombia. Julio really came on strong last year, and he's one of the best pitching prospects in the game now. Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino are two more guys whom we think could be future major leaguers.

Among the position players, Manny Contrera looks like he could be a very good one. He's a terrific defensive shortstop and he hits with some power.

We also picked up a player in a trade with the Yankees that we're very excited about, a pitcher named Tom Haley. We drafted Tom in 2010, but didn't manage to sign him. We've always thought of Tom as a fantastic prospect, and we're glad to have him back with us. He's probably going to have a long, productive career as a closer...

06-19-2010, 09:29 PM	#23
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	BravesNation blog, February 20, 2012 Q&A with Braves General Manager Frank Wren BN: First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer some of our questions today, Mr. Wren. FW: You're very welcome. It's great to have the opportunity to connect with our fans. BN: First of all, we'd like you to talk about our off-season free agent signings. FW: We're excited about the fact that two of baseball's biggest stars will be playing for the Braves this year. Jonathan Papelbon will take over as our closer. He's been one of the best relievers in baseball for years, and he's still in his prime. We're also thrilled about adding Prince Fielder to our lineup. Few players in the league have his kind of power. He'll play first base for us and hit cleanup. BN: The arrival of Papelbon and Fielder will mean some changes are in store for some returning players. Will you talk a little bit about how those might work out? FW: Peter Moylan did a fine job as our closer last year (3.49 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 36 saves). He's pitched most of his career as our #1 setup man, and I expect he'll return to that role in 2012. Freddie Freeman, who played first base for us in 2011, is one of the most talented young players in the game (.305-25-111 at age 21). He was a very deserving winner of the Rookie of the Year Award. Freddie has expressed a willingness to learn another position, maybe third base or the outfield. He'll be a big part of our plans, no matter where he plays. Of course, our field manager will be the one making these decisions, but that's what I think could end up happening. All the guys involved are professionals, and they all want to play for a World Series champion. BN: Who are some of the minor league prospects Braves fans should keep an eye on this year? FW: You're probably already familiar with Julio Teheran, a terrific young righthanded pitcher from Colombia. Julio really came on strong last year, and he's one of the best pitching prospects in the game now. Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino are two more guys whom we think could be future major leaguers. Among the position players, Manny Contrera looks like he could be a very good one. He's a terrific defensive shortstop and he hits with some power. We also picked up a player in a trade with the Yankees that we're very excited about, a pitcher named Tom Haley. We drafted Tom in 2010, but didn't manage to sign him. We've always thought of Tom as a fantastic prospect, and we're glad to have him back with us. He's probably going to have a long, productive career as a closer... __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league Last edited by Big Six; 06-19-2010 at 09:30 PM.