A couple of thoughts here for this post: One, I am wondering what everyone thinks of the WBC.  I have my own feelings on it, but I'll keep them to myself for now.  I'm more interested in seeing what everyone here thinks, than spreading my own opinion.

Two, I am also looking for thoughts on who from our organization may be considered for Team USA (and other countries as well).  Some are a given (ex., Thorman for Canada).  Something tells me FYF won't be a big part of Team USA's plans this time around.

MLBTR quotes DOB saying the Braves have signed Spiezio to a minor league deal.  Is this the bench bat Wren has been looking for, once he plays himself into shape?  I'd like to think he has a chance to be a good asset off the bench, but overcoming the types of problems he has is never easy. 

Baseball thoughts aside, I hope he can get his life back in order.  Obviously, someone in the Braves' organization thinks he can.

si.com has a story about St. Louis pitchers batting 8th in their lineup.  Here is the closing paragraph, quoting Brendan Ryan, who last year hit 9th (ie, behind the pitcher), a number of times:

"Some of the (Braves) got on me, (Brian) McCann and some of the other guys," Ryan said. "You're going to hear that. Hitting after the pitcher you know it comes with the territory. I didn't really care."

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This is from an article on si.com regarding the free agent class.  Andruw is quoted several times, but I found this part to be the most interesting for two different reasons:

""I wish I could bring back the season from last year. But I can't. It just didn't work out," he said. "I think I have a really good idea of what went wrong. About a week after the season, I think I figured it out. I wish I could have fixed it during the season, but I didn't. So we'll see what happens."

Jones, who says a faulty stance led to his poor numbers, including 138 strikeouts and a .169 batting average with two outs and runners in scoring position, said all he wants out of free agency is to sign with a team that has a chance to win."

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This from the ajc today:

"The Braves don't plan to make offers to free-agent center fielders Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowand or Mike Cameron, all of whom would require longer-term commitments than the Braves prefer.

Wren said they don't want to block the path of their prospects."

What does everyone think?  The article mentions DeJesus as a trade possibility, but there must be others.  I think Crisp is an option, as long as we don't give up too much.  Throw him in the 8 spot and don't expect too much with the bat.

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mlbtraderumors.com has a post about a rumor being floated, Kelly Johnson to Boston for Coco Crisp. Personally I think KJ would be too much for Crisp, especially considering the cost difference.

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