Braves try concessions deal to boost attendance

After a year which saw an epic collapse that cost them the postseason, the Atlanta Braves haven’t made any significant changes to their roster. Instead, they have come up with the idea of offering season ticket holders a 33 percent discounts on food and beverages (excluding alcohol) as a way to try and spice up the lackluster attendance figures.

All breaks for Braves fans are welcome, of course, but promoting this discount right after Wren has declared there will be no major offseason addition to the team is poor timing. It is certainly not likely to help attendance figures anywhere near as much as, say, ten more wins a year by the now perennial almost-there Braves.

Braves Try to Boost Attendance Through Concessions Deal Instead of Roster Moves

Brave re-sign Jurrjens, avoid arbitration

The Atlanta Braves avoided arbitration entirely for 2012 by signing the last of their eligible players including starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens, which means GM Frank Wren is mostly standing pat by bringing his 2011 squad back for a one year shot at the playoffs before quite a few changes are due.

Jurrjens was brought on board with a $5.5 million deal. The Braves have also reached agreements with centerfielder Michael Bourne and lefty reliever Eric O'Flaherty, and previously came to terms with outfielder/infielder Martin Prado.

Braves Re-signing of Jurrjens indicates they will stand pat for 2012

Braves reach deal with Prado

The Atlanta Braves avoided arbitration with outfielder Martin Prado, agreeing Friday to a $4.75 million contract for 2012, and also brought back utility infielder Jack Wilson with a scaled-down deal.

Prado, who made $3.1 million last season, is a versatile player who could be the long-term replacement at third base when Chipper Jones retires. He moved to left field in 2011 and slumped a bit, batting .260 with 13 homers and 57 RBIs. Before that, he had three straight years hitting above .300.

Braves reach deal with Prado

Braves interested in Cody Ross?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Atlanta Braves have some interest in Ross but "would want the price to keep coming down." The word from the AJC is that Ross "wants something in the neighborhood of the two-year, $10 million deal that Dave DeJesus got" from the Chicago Cubs. But it's hard to see that happening.

Report says Braves were interested in Adam Jones

Jeff Schultz suggests the Braves were open to trading pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder-infielder Martin Prado for one Adams Jones.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Braves offered Jurrjens, Prado and a prospect to the Orioles for center fielder Adam Jones, but Baltimore declined the proposal.

AJC: Braves' reportedly offered Jurrjens, Prado, for Orioles' Jones

MLB Winter Meetings and the Braves Pitching Roster

The MLB Winter Meetings are upon us and that may mean some changes in the Braves pitching situation, including the possible trade of Jair Jurrjens.

Despite their epic collapse at the end of last season, the Braves seem bound for an offseason devoid of too much drama. That may not be what fans want to hear, but it is probably the wise strategy. The Braves were an underperforming team in 2011 and are still amazingly young (outside of their starting lineup) with a startling cast of hot rookies and prospects banging on the door, especially on their pitching staff.

Derek Lowe is now gone since the Braves took a $10 million hit to trade him. The other pitching veteran, Tim Hudson, has just had back surgery and the prognosis is for him to be on track by spring training. Even if that happens it is clear that the future of Braves pitching is based on youth.

Here is a look at the Braves pitching situation going into the MLB Winter Meetings:

Yahoo Sports: Braves Pitching Options Headed into MLB Winter Meetings

Tim Hudson has back surgery, Braves hope ace back by spring training

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson had back surgery earlier this week, but the team hopes that the veteran 36-year-old will still be ready for the start of spring training.

With the departure by trade of Derek Lowe, the 36-year-old Hudson is now clearly the dean of the Braves starting rotation. In fact he is probably still the ace of the staff even though he is rarely regarded as such by the press and the fans.

Unlike Lowe, Hudson had another strong year in 2011 going 16-11 with a 3.22 ERA. And unlike some other Braves starters, Hudson seems willing to pitch through pain and eat innings despite nagging injuries. The crafty right-handed vet led the Braves in wins, ERA, and innings pitched.

Continue reading here:

Tim Hudson Back Surgery Has Braves Hoping Ace Continues Remarkable Career