Answering the Mailbag, 12.20.11

I'm a few days late again with my little off-season project. Gotta love the holidays!

Every time I read the Braves Mailbag on the official site, I always answer the questions in my head before reading Bowman's (real) replies. Woo! Let's go. Here's this week's mailbag...

Oh yeah, don't take my responses too seriously... :)

Why are the Braves not trying to go after any big-time free agents like the rest of the National League East?
-- John H., Pittsburgh

I have a few theories on this. First, our current roster is pretty good. I have confidence Huddy and Moylo will come back all healthy and strong, Freddie won't have a sophomore slump, and JHey will be strong in his corner. Second, we don't have an unlimited budget. (I think the people who ask questions like this don't have a budget of their own, or they don't look at the front office as a business.) Third, if all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too? ;)

I've read recently that the Braves talked to the Orioles about trading Prado and Jurjjens for J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones. Any substance with this?
-- Patrick S., Williamson, Ga.

Someone misspelled Jurrjens and it wasn't caught before being posted. :)

As for the actual question...why can't people separate speculation from fact?

What is the chance we will get Josh Hamilton once he is a free agent after this year?
-- Kaleb H., Dawsonville, Ga.

Do not want. I know this is a ridiculous reason not to want a player on your team, but I feel like I couldn't trust him.

I've been very impressed by Kris Medlen and feel that he's a top-tier starter. Will he be given the chance to compete for a role in the Braves' starting rotation?
--Chris K., Lincoln, Neb.

I think that will depend on whether or not Huddy, Hanson, and Jurrjens are healthy when Spring Training starts. If all three are good to go, he would be a fantastic addition to the bullpen. Frankly, I don't know why it matters where Meds ends up -- he'll be valuable any and everywhere.

If Freddie Freeman can play left field, what about the Braves trading for Mark Trumbo?
-- Scott S., Cleveland, Tenn.

Freddie played 3B for 5 games in rookie ball and literally every other professional game in which he has played defense, he has been at 1B. Have no idea where this guy got the idea FFF can play LF, but I'd rather watch his splits at 1B than watch him chase balls down in the OF.

Has there been any discussion on moving Dan Uggla to third base once Chipper Jones retires?
-- Scott B., Tallahassee, Fla.

Again, let's keep Uggla right where he is. And I hope Marteeeeen becomes our regular 3B when Chipper finally hangs it up.

If Tim Hudson is still injured, who would be the Opening Day starter?
-- Brent W., Kailua, Hawaii

Hopefully Huddy will be fine. If he's not, and JJ is healthy, my vote's for JJ.