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Some general managers predict an eventful four days of wheeling and dealing at the Winter Meetings starting Monday in Dallas, and the Braves will be involved in plenty of rumors — whether they like it or not, and whether or not the reports have validity.
They are still looking for a shortstop and a power-hitting outfielder, and it's no secret they are more inclined to trade for players than sign expensive free agents.
While Braves general manager Frank Wren rarely discusses with reporters any specific players he's pursuing, officials with many teams aren't nearly so tight-lipped. As a result, trade talk is leaked by some teams, fueling even more speculation.
Rumoring tends to become widespread this time of year, particularly around teams that choose to neither confirm nor quash most of the reports.
"I've actively shopped players this fall [according to some reports] that I haven't even mentioned their names," said Braves general manager Frank Wren.
Left fielder Martin Prado and pitcher Jair Jurrjens are Braves most often mentioned in trade rumors since October, with multiple teams either claiming to have had preliminary trade discussions for one of those two or at least heard through the grapevine that Prado and Jurrjens were available.
Both are coming off injury- or illness-plagued seasons and will command substantial raises through arbitration, Prado to a projected $4.5 million or more and Jurrjens about $5.5 million.
Because the Braves want to add offensive punch to the outfield and already have two of three spots occupied by center fielder Michael Bourn and presumably right fielder Jason Heyward (as long as he's healthy), they've looked for an outfielder who could play left field either full time or in a platoon (Matt Diaz, who generally excels against left-handed pitching, remains under contract).
Colorado's Seth Smith has come up consistently in Braves-Rockies rumors, and he fits the description of platoon left fielder; he's thrived against right-handed pitching. The Braves have reportedly been persistent in demanding a center fielder or center-field prospect from the Rockies in addition to Smith. Atlanta knows it could lose Bourn after the 2012 season, when the Scott Boras client is eligible for free agency.
The Braves effectively bid farewell to slick-fielding but weak-hitting veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez when they declined to offer arbitration. They didn't want to pay him more than $3 million in arbitration, and won't commit for more than one year to a shortstop — not with prospect Tyler Pastornicky waiting in the wings and exceptional fielding prospect Andrelton Simmons not far behind him.
The Braves would like to sign or trade for a veteran to serve as either a bridge to Pastornicky, if he were take over the position either later in the season or in 2013, or as a backup to Pastornicky, someone who could be there in case he struggles.
"I think that would be the minimum we'd want to do, get a veteran to be able to help him handle situations if [Pastornicky as starting shortstop] is the way we go," Wren said. "But we're very open minded in how we can configure that position."
The Braves could possibly bring back shortstop Jack Wilson, a late-season 2011 addition who could also back second and third bases, but doesn't hit much at all. Wren wouldn't say Friday whether former Braves shortstop Edgar Renteria might be another option.
Pastornicky has no major league experience, limited high-minors experience – 128 games in Double-A, 27 games at Triple-A – and made 26 errors in 2011. Wren says the Braves saw enough in his performance the past two years, including a .314 average and .349 on-base percentage in '11, to go to spring training with the speedy 22-year-old penciled in as a potential lineup regular.
"We're comfortable with him at shortstop at the major-league level," Wren said. "We think he'll grow and get better, and offensively he's shown us that he can handle the bat over the last year and a half. I think he's at least a 20-plus stolen base player at the major league level, and his numbers in the minor leagues were double that."
Wren knows that rumors are an almost unavoidable part of the social media-saturated world of pro sports.
"There's certain times where you pick up the phone [to discuss a potential deal] and before you hang up somebody [in the media] has got it already," he said. "That happens all the time. It makes it hard to deal with some teams, to get in-depth and talk about scenarios with them. There's some clubs you can do that with and some you can't trust."
That's only magnified in the Winter Meetings setting where hundreds of media members, agents and team officials are gathered in a sprawling hotel for four days.
In his four years as Braves GM, Wren has still managed to pull off notable trades without any prior leaks from either side of the deal. That included the trade for Nate McLouth from Pittsburgh in June 2009 and the Oct. 31 trade that sent Derek Lowe to Cleveland.
Wren said he and Cleveland GM Chris Antonetti had a recent discussion about how nice it had been to get the Lowe trade virtually completed on a Friday and for no mention of it to be leaked to the media until minutes before the deal was announced the following Monday.
If he had his druthers, every trade would happen that way, without any negotiations leaked to the media.
Three years ago the Braves weren't so private with their dealings. Wren provided updates on some of the marquee players they were pursuing in trades and free agency, and each time one of those players landed elsewhere – Jake Peavy, A.J. Burnett, Rafael Furcal – it strengthened a perception that the Braves and Wren were floundering in their attempts to add big-time talent.
Since then he's kept matters close to the vest, talking only in general terms about team needs and progress made toward filling them. When there are rumors of a Braves player on the block or a Braves inquiry about a free agent or trade possibility, the leak is often from another team's front office or an agent.
"It's clearly our preference to get as much work done behind the scenes, out of the public eye and out of the press if we can," Wren said, "because the more people know about it the more opportunity for things to blow up and not get done.
"I think we have a baseball group that doesn't look to get their name in the paper but ultimately to get the job done, which is to make our team better. It's a pleasure having conversations with teams that operate likewise. That allows you to do your due diligence without it hitting your paper the next morning."
December 2nd, 2011
6:35 pm
December 2nd, 2011
6:37 pm
December 2nd, 2011
6:37 pm
Rent could be a good stop gap if that's what wrens really going for.
December 2nd, 2011
6:39 pm
Can he trade Jim Powell and the braves broadcast team?
December 2nd, 2011
6:40 pm
would love to get renteria if just for the fact if we can get to the post season there is NOBODY i would rather have at bat for the Braves!
December 2nd, 2011
6:46 pm
Getting rid of Prado in order to get someone to platoon with Diaz doesn't exactly get my heart racing. I expect it'll go down differently than that.
December 2nd, 2011
6:53 pm
Come on Wren con someone into giving up talent for overrated average players.
December 2nd, 2011
7:14 pm
Wow. Great blog DOB!
From the outside looking in, I'm getting the feel something will occur in Dallas next week. Is that OF Bat Wren's first priority?
December 2nd, 2011
7:19 pm
Out here in Colorado, the local radio guys are saying the Rockies and Braves are talking Prado, but the Braves want Dexter Fowler, which is a deal the Rox aren't too hot on currently… Personally, as a life-long Braves fan, I love how Prado brings it and would hate to see him get traded.
December 2nd, 2011
7:22 pm
He is the glue on this team and a fan favorite.
He had a down year because of the staff infection…
You will piss off a large portion of the fan base if the braves trade him.
AND he can take over for Chipper at 3rd after next season.
Don't DO IT!
December 2nd, 2011
7:23 pm
we need two outfielders. we need a short stop. We need a third baseman back up.
December 2nd, 2011
7:26 pm
I say Wren should inquire about White Sox OF Carlos Quintin. He would bring more power to lineup. Only problem is he would potentially be a one year rental. He would surely would want to test the market but with contracts coming off the payroll we could possibly sign him to an extension.
December 2nd, 2011
7:27 pm
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team.
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
December 2nd, 2011
7:39 pm
I heard that Ken Griffey Jr is available to platoon in left. Oh, wait….
December 2nd, 2011
7:47 pm
Prado is not a third baseman. Sure, he can play there when needed, but his BEST position is by far second and thats where he belongs. Hes not as good defensively at third, and he doesnt have the power. And if these kids P'nicky and Simmons are that talented, it shouldnt be too hard transitioning one of them to third. Then we have a young, capable left side of the infield (presuming they can actually hit in the majors) and Ugg and Free-boy on the Right side of the infield. LF and a CF prospect should be, in my opinion, our main priority at this point
December 2nd, 2011
7:52 pm
DOB, have you heard any interest in bringing in a comeback player type project, such as JD Drew or Magglio Ordonez? JD still kills righties and would platoon nicely with Diaz. Magglio's bat is still very productive…
December 2nd, 2011
7:58 pm
We may not have seen the best of Prado as a hitter, especially as a power hitter. Most players power peaks in their late twenties to early thirties. Another left handed outfield bat is the last thing we need. Plus, as valuable as Prado is now, he's that much more valuable if/when Chipper can't play or if Uggla gets hurt. I can see him moving from position to position over his career in Atlanta as positions need to be filled similar to Mark Derosa.
December 2nd, 2011
8:02 pm
is sam a spam
December 2nd, 2011
8:04 pm
I'm not so comfortable trading Prado for a platoon player – seems too little for what we all know, and have seen Prado do.
On the other hand, if we sign a LF, where does Prado play??? For the same reason as above I'd want him in the lineup every day.
Is it possible as a "super utility" guy spelling 2B, 3B and LF he could play every day?? Seems a bit unfair to Prado too bounce him around so much but with his apparent make-up and personality, I doubt he'd care too much especially knowing he would take over 3B full time when Chipper leaves.
December 2nd, 2011
8:05 pm
[...] Manager Frank Wren arrives in Dallas on Monday for the start of Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings, the question on many excitable and anxious fans minds is if Christmas will indeed come [...]
December 2nd, 2011
8:07 pm
Only problem with that theory Bob, is that you almost NEVER see someone reach their full potential that way. youre either a starter or a super utility, a la DeRosa or Infante. Moving someone you want in the lineup everyday all over the field isnt a good thing. You never get comfortable. I thikn that had a good bit to do with why he struggled this year, along with the staph infection. Major league players need to be comfortable to produce
December 2nd, 2011
8:11 pm
I just don't see the point in letting Prado go for someone to act as a bridge, who's been so popular with fans and in the clubhouse, the front office, etc. Prado seems to embody what a ballplayer is, and to me that's the kind of guy you want on your side. I get Jurrjens being shopped because of our pitching depth, but I'd have to be blown away with a trade for Prado to lose that kind of presence in the clubhouse. I'm sure Wren will keep that in mind, but yikes.
December 2nd, 2011
8:24 pm
Thing is, its going to take a lot to get Prado away from us, everyone is freaking out for nothing. Wren is at least smart enough not to let a player of his caliber go for a rental or a platoon guy and that be the end of it. If hes trading Prado, we will have to get a major piece, i.e. a top-teir prospect AND at least a servicable every day player. He's not gonna let him go for nothing
December 2nd, 2011
8:40 pm
All I know is it sure is fun talking baseball in December
December 2nd, 2011
9:10 pm
Wren should be the GM of the year for trading off Lowe. I mean, to trade a guy that lost 17 games for a mid level prospect, and shed a third of his salary is a blessing. Not to mention, he opened up a roster spot for one of the young arms, kudos to him. I can see being concerned about rumors leaking out, I mean, look at the Peavy, Burnett and Furcal potential deals. I think that Wren has a particular player in mind to play left field, and will work a deal to get that bat this upcoming week. I think Wren is still kicking himself in the AZZ for hiring Larry Parrish, I think he got talked into that hiring if not bullied. By having 2 hitting coaches, you have 2 sets of eyes picking flaws out of hitters and keep hitters on track. Wren is no idiot, and he will receive the players that he is seeking sooner or later. People have to realize that the Braves are in the drivers seat. We have players that teams want, and teams will become desperate as the clock ticks. All Wren and his aids really have to do is sit back and let the teams come to them. Worst case, we start the season with both Prado and Jurrjens(which is not a bad thing), and if they are healthy and productive at the deadline, providing that we are in the thick of the playoff hunt, move them for impact players. If we were desperate, that's one thing, but we're not. The 2012 team will be better from all facets, but if we can get better, then Wren will make the moves that he feels will strengthen the team that much more. Next week will be an interesting one for the Braves, as I feel that chips will fall and we will get a right handed power bat and some minor league depth. I would be comfortable with Wilson coming back to mentor the kid at short. He has been around a bit, and plays a solid defense(Which is what this kid could take some notes on). It'll be intersting if a deal gets done involving Jurrjens. With his injury history, we may not get quite the return like the Zach Greinke deal, but close. When he is healthy, he is lights out, but his injuries have alot to do with the conditioning that he does in the offseason, he definately needs to improve his offseason workouts if he wants to be recognized as a true ace.
December 2nd, 2011
9:35 pm
I trust Frank Wren will do something interesting.
December 2nd, 2011
9:55 pm
I wish we could that Cuban star everyone is taking about i know it wont happen .
December 2nd, 2011
10:13 pm
Hi David
I was wondering your thoughts on if the braves should add a Veteran starting pitcher like cj wilson to their rotation. Your thoughts would be appreciated
December 2nd, 2011
10:31 pm
@birdpoop- Sir or Madam? I must respectfully disagree. Jim Powell and Don Sutton are a GREAT Braves broadcasters. Powell is a homegrown braves fan and his passion shows. He is very knowledgeable, yet he defers well to a hall of famer. I am thankful these guys accompany me on so many summer nights.
December 2nd, 2011
10:42 pm
Triple Lindy — Out there in Colorado what does Dexter Fowler bring to the table that the Rockies can't seem to part with? Needing a second baseman, seems odd they wouldn't be seriously considering all-star Prado for the guy…
December 2nd, 2011
11:03 pm
Seth Smith is not what the Braves need, If this is what Mr. Wren has to scramble for, you can thank the cheap corporate shirts at Liberty Media. Maybe Mark Cuban can have a change of heart and take another look at how other teams are ready to spend $$$$ and the Braves are stuck in the 1990's with no hope for improvement.
December 2nd, 2011
11:04 pm
tnbravesfan, there isn't much of a reason to sign a veteran starter, we already have 8 potential starters not including Vizcaino (Hudson, Hanson, Beachy, Jurrjens, Medlen, Teheran, Minor, and Delgado). Why bring in another starter when we have been trying to clear spots for young cheap starters that will continue to get better. CJ Wilson is looking for close to a $20 million a year contract, we don't need another one of those. Plus we don't have the money for it.
December 2nd, 2011
11:04 pm
I'm not understanding what the fascination with getting a power hitting LFer. Isn't our PH LFer in Prado's old position?? I thought WREN was the one who said he wants to style the Braves after the way the game is headed!!!! Speed and defense!!!
This just doesn't make sense to me. We were pretty high up last season in HR's among the NL and none of us seemed to enjoy that formula. We need high OBP guys and pure hitters (like…PRADO..without the high OBP.)
I think Wren is a smart GM and I trust his decisions, but I really feel that trading Prado right now isnt a very good move, unless obviously you get something ridiculous in return.
December 2nd, 2011
11:20 pm
I too agree..John@10:31..on daily trips Jim & Don calling Braves games make my day..Please keep them.
December 2nd, 2011
11:42 pm
If Prado goes, who will platoon with Chipper and who will take over the position in 2013?
December 3rd, 2011
12:18 am
wonder what kind of package would pry McCutchen away from Pittsburgh? Bourn, McCutchen & Heyward, not that's an outfield.
December 3rd, 2011
12:25 am
why do we need a 29 yr old platoon OF like Seth Smith who hits left handed ? maybe, is it because he has 1 more year left on his contract and then we can have him leave for nothing like everyone else ?
Wheeler, Blackmon and Fowler , all Rockies other OFs, are better so why take Smith ? Wheeler hits right and Fowler is a switch hitter. Blackmon and Fowler are both from Georgia, but that doesn't seem to work for us.
they need to expand the deal to a 2 for 2 where we get a better 2nd player than the one we give with Prado. that would make the deal equitable.
The MO remains ; the cheaper, the better. talent is only a secondary concern.
December 3rd, 2011
12:27 am
are really lost, if we really want to win should be signatures of height… you have a corporation owners is the more sh.%^%& that can happen to us. imagine. first time warner and now liberty media, which I'm crazy because they sell the team and is an owner willing to invest and want to win, these moves, good renteria is a good SS but there this available jose reyes, who the marlins offered 90 million because dream , the Braves sign Jose reyes in truth, and then john schuerholtz send a letter to fans that will not return to happen what happened to us this season and the moves that I'm looking at that they want to do, we pass through the same 2011 or worse, in a division where the marlins want pujols, reyes, buerhle, now signed to bell as November. and with a few strong pitching phillies , and u believe that we can really compete with these moves? I don't think so.
December 3rd, 2011
12:35 am
I would not trade Martin Prado for Seth Smith. Smith is not what the Braves need in left field for two reasons: (1) he bats lefty and the Braves lineup is already too left handed (2) he is strictly a platoon player who should not play vs. LHP with an OPS vs. LHP of .576. If Prado is to be traded, bring in a right handed power bat to play left field, someone along the lines of Carlos Quentin or Michael Cuddyer, or a switch hitter like Nick Swisher or Carlos Beltran. Otherwise, just keep Prado.
December 3rd, 2011
12:43 am
This is why I was against the Uggla signing when we made it. We already had a second baseman – Martin Prado. The opportunity cost of Uggla is the hole in left field.
December 3rd, 2011
12:49 am
If Seth Smith is the best the Braves and Wren can do, then 2012 is already shot doomed.
Also Mr. Wren, please think of next summer, after Tommy Hanson's shoulder explodes again, that you could have kept Jurrens.
December 3rd, 2011
1:12 am
Remember that Uggla was our power hitter, leader in al the power cats.
December 3rd, 2011
3:37 am
Why not move Prado to SS?
December 3rd, 2011
6:11 am
Prado wants to play the infield and sticking around until 2015 to play 3B isn't his idea of a good time. Make no mistake, Mr. Ego aka Gimper Jones will be back for a couple more years…
December 3rd, 2011
6:25 am
Yes, I wonder if Prado may not have been miserable in LF last year, and maybe he has asked for a trade.
December 3rd, 2011
7:53 am
Time for Liberty Media to sell: RIGHT NOW
December 3rd, 2011
8:32 am
I would offer JJ & Pastornicky to Rangers for our old friend Elvis and Nelly Cruz. Rangers want more front end starting pitchers and we get a long term SS and LF w/ power and speed. Then Andrus provides leadoff insurance in case we cant keep Bourne after this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:39 am
Prado for Seth Smith and Tim Wheeler or Nolan Arenado…yes
Prado for Seth Smith and Charlie Blackmon…hell no
Absolutely no reason to trade either Prado or Jurrjens unless the return is substantial. Wren has all the leverage, and he knows it. The other teams know it too, that's why they keep leaking all of these crazy rumors. They're just hoping enough rumors get back to Prado and Jurrjens, eventually they will ask to be traded and Wren loses the leverage. Dirty negotiation tactics, and I admire Wren for staying above it.
Too many people in this world willing to get what they want by any means necessary. Integrity is a dying art.
December 3rd, 2011
8:44 am
"JJ & Pastornicky to Rangers for our old friend Elvis and Nelly Cruz"
Makes sense, an oft-injured pitcher with less than overpowering stuff and a marginal shortstop prospect for an All-Star shortstop and one of the better power right-handed bats in the league that just put up one of the best offensive displays in postseason history.
Daniels would be an idiot not to pull the trigger on that one.
December 3rd, 2011
8:45 am
No comment… I'd rather keep my thoughts out of the media until I have consumated them.
December 3rd, 2011
9:06 am
Here is an unpopular thought: Larry Jones is holding this team back.
Yes, I like Chipper, but his long term injury woes have turned hiim into a shadow of the player he once was. The team can not rely on him to last an entire season. He is clearly no longer worth half of his contract.
The Braves are first, and foremost, a business. I understand that Chipper's contract is guaranteed, but I think that if he lost his starting job, he would consider retiring. I would start Prado at third and spell him, from time to time, with Chipper. A couple of months of that, and Chipper will finally do what he should have done this off season……retire a Brave and wait for the call from The Hall.
December 3rd, 2011
9:07 am
The best trade would be the one made for new owners that give a hoot.
I agree on not trading Prado. Move to short would be interesting but what do you do next year when the kid comes up? Marty needs a permanent home. Stop platooning in left and get a guy that will play every day.
December 3rd, 2011
9:20 am
The most telling aspect of this article is the trust issue. For Wren to admit that there are teams GM's that he can't trust to keep a secret is appaling. It was always a given that you kept your mouth shut and acted with professionalism. This" sign of the times" is disturbing!
December 3rd, 2011
9:26 am
The reason why we are hearing names like Prado and JJ moved is because ownership wants to replace them with younger or cheaper players You also have to give up something to get something. .
I am convinced that a healthy Prado will return to his 2009 and 10 level. When JJ is right, he is a solid number 2. The names you see the Braves linked to are either younger or cheaer players., They will have to pay Prads and JJ in the near future.
Our problem is Ownership & Wren and his baseball people have done a solid job keeping this team at least relevant.
Now, as the Marlins and Nats up their spending and our ownership keeps spending pretty much flat, how long we are relevant is a good and fair question.
I heard a Cameron Maybin rumor. He has been slow to develop offensively. I want more than 40 RBI from any starting OF with 516 AB.
December 3rd, 2011
9:32 am
Braves trade Prado…..my girlfriend will go ballistic!!!
December 3rd, 2011
10:06 am
If Liberty Media's tax write-off eligibility expires after this December (I think that's the case), then the biggest and hopefully happiest news for Braves fans may actually NOT come during the winter meetings. I hope someone local, human, and passionate about the Braves and Atlanta will step up and take over if/when that happens.
December 3rd, 2011
10:11 am
There has been absolutely no indication that Liberty Media will sell the team – or is even interested in doing so. IN addition, with the sale of the Dodgers imminent, it's unlikely that two teams will be up for sale at the same time.
Even if they were sold – and to an individual instead of a corporation – there's no guarantee that an owner would come in and spend millions more dollars to improve them. There are plenty of individual owners that dot spend diddly. Look at the Marlins.
December 3rd, 2011
10:29 am
I like to paint dog houses.
December 3rd, 2011
10:55 am
Everyone is correct on here
DOB, I love reading your blogs and your are usually always spot on with your ideas.
But how you could write something as false as Seth Smith fitting in nicely in left field, especially if it means giving up Prado
December 3rd, 2011
10:55 am
You guys go ahead and dream on, but I have no hopes that Wren will do anything significant to help the Braves. FW is the embodiment of the Peter Principle. We can only hope that he doesn't do more harm with another idiotic move; i.e., Lowe/ K.K./McOut. Then, in addition to FW's ineptitude, there is coach Frodo. The same Frodo who had the brilliant idea to pitch a completely inept Lowe in that critical next to last game of the season. One can't build a team and the other can't coach a team. Are you paying attention to the Marlins? The Marlins, who were a tough out in 2011, are building a stonger team, while Braves management/owners dither and sit on their hands.
Never forgetting Sept. 2011.
December 3rd, 2011
10:56 am
Digusted…couldn't you argue that Prado and Jurrjens are still young and cheap, they are both under 30 and still arb eligible.
December 3rd, 2011
11:00 am
I keep waiting, so I will ask the question: When will the Braves EVER don't anything?!
December 3rd, 2011
11:01 am
That's "do" anything.
December 3rd, 2011
11:12 am
DOB, a second question: what is your opinion of Seth Smith? When you look at his road numbers he seems like a very similar player to Prado with a better glove but lower batting average. I reckon the Braves true target is Arenado on that trade. Thoughts?
December 3rd, 2011
11:30 am
Please, please, please do not trade Prado or Jurrjens…especially not for Smith or Fowler. I watched them play and they are not what the Braves need. Fowler bounced back and forth from the Rockies to Triple A. Prado had an off year…so what. He will bounce back and be an All-Star next season, he is that good. When Jurrjens is healthy, he is a solid 2 and its hard to risk giving away a solid 2 these days…especially if you make it to the post season and face the likes of Philly or St. Louis with all their pitching.
Leave Prado and Jurrjens alone…leave the team alone. They will be better next season just as they are.
December 3rd, 2011
11:31 am
Instead of trading Prado, Chipper should retire. Prado has a future. Chipper only has a past. Of course, we need to realize that the Braves will be represented in these meetings by Wren. Our only hope is that his plane is grounded for a week in some small town in Arkansas that has no cell phone reception.
December 3rd, 2011
11:52 am
DOB: Thanks for your advice on Daddy Ds–hit that place right after the Turner Field tour yesterday. Awesome food–maybe not the best choice before a long flight back to Montana–but great nonetheless.
December 3rd, 2011
12:15 pm
JIm Powell is okay but I'd be happy to trade the spineless pre-game crew to anybody–for anything.
December 3rd, 2011
12:21 pm
Got the rib plate with corn bread and black eyed peas. Man, really good. Folks up here don't know what they are missing on any of those fronts. Honestly, a little overwhelmed with the variety. Of course, it has now stirred up a hornet's nest of debate in my family about what region turns out the best bbq–mother from Texas and father from GA. Guess, i've been the beneficiary of that one.
I guess one more thing/observation, is it me, or are some of the really good current/recent shows (SOA, Wire) really making good use of music during the course of their episodes? The Wire did a great job of it during its season ending montages, but the Shield, and now SOA, really seem to have taken it to a new level in terms of weaving it into the story-telling aspect of the show. SOA in particular–through Social D, J. Isbell, Noah Gunderson, etc., this season–just awesome.
December 3rd, 2011
1:05 pm
I think Jurrjens gets dealt to some team desperate for starting pitching for a substantial return, and Prado stays put.
December 3rd, 2011
1:09 pm
I am a big Prado fan. But if he has the same agent as Lowe, JJ, Hansen, & Bourn then he will need to be moved. We all know how that story ends. When you sign with Satan as your agent, you forfeit any right to complain about being traded. Can anybody out there verify who Prado's agent is?
December 3rd, 2011
1:15 pm
For everyone that is love with prado look at his numbers as a whole. He is an above average SECOND BASEMEN. As a left fielder or third basemen he is BELOW AVERAGE. We have a second basemen so prado is worth more to other teams in need of one. This is how baseball works you trade from what you are set on to fill your needs. Same goes for jj. We have great young and much cheaper options.
December 3rd, 2011
1:21 pm
Prado.. for once and for all is NOT a SS. Also,, everyone is on Liberty Media.. They are giving the Braves Brass over 90 million to spend. Doesn't it come down to HOW you spend it? Rays payroll no where near that, Look at the Ray's payroll, Rangers etc. 90-100 million dollar payroll is strong enough to win. Would I prefer someone like a Cuban etc.. yeah but its not like the Braves have a payroll at the bottom. Just spend it wisely.
December 3rd, 2011
1:27 pm
I answered your question/challenge regarding three 22 year olds on a pennant winning team in the Huddy back surgery blog.
But, short answer: 1970 Reds.
OK, here's your answer. The "baby" Big Red Machine of 1970. They lost the World Series to Baltimore, but as they say the "rest was history!"
Johnny Bench (C): 22
Dave Concepcion (SS): 22
Bernie Carbo (LF): 22
December 3rd, 2011
1:41 pm
In my view, Jurrjens is worth what he would get in arbitration, but Prado is a utility player forced by limited personnel to play in the everyday lineup. I don't believe he's worth $4.5 million per season, or more.
If the Braves are going to take a risk for next season, I would say take it on Pasernicky. I seriously doubt he's be a weaker bat that was Gonzalez. Then, the question comes down to his defense. If the kid's glove is solid, then make the full committment to him now.
The Braves need to improve its offensive production in the outfield, which has been among the weakest in the league.
December 3rd, 2011
1:55 pm
The only way I would EVER trade Prado is if the plan is to replace him with a full time LF that is an obvious upgrade. NOT a platoon player. The Braves have had plenty of platoon players over the years. Seth Smith would NOT be an upgrade over Prado. If the Braves trade Prado and end up with anything in LF other than the obvious upgrade, we will regret it. Mark my words.
December 3rd, 2011
2:29 pm
The problem is Wren already paved the way for Martin to be expendable by giving his job to Uggla. Anything he does this year even if it looks like a lateral move shouldn't be a surprise.
If Prado did not excel in LF (he didn't in 2011) and up his power numbers he was going to get traded b/c the Braves cannot afford a 4-5mm utility player bouncing between LF and 3B proving limited power in both positions (which are know for HR/RBI guys). Also the longer they let him flounder as a LF the less his 2B numbers will be seen as relevant. Better to trade him now as a 2B who had an off year due to injuries and an LF experiment versus keeping him in LF for another year and risk his value dropping.
Given more budget room you would like to keep a Prado on the team but that room does not exist.
Wren has to start selling high versus riding guys down their value meter. He did that with JJ and Escobar.
Two guys who will not be lifetime Braves and both of whom could have yielded better impact options at their peak.
December 3rd, 2011
2:51 pm
I would have kept the "slick fielding", well liked Gonzalez as the veteran to tech Pastornicky and be the bridge to Tyler.
December 3rd, 2011
3:03 pm
Gonzo's bat was so awful that it actually over shadowed his glove in terms of his total value. With LF, RF and 3B as ? marks (in terms of consistent offensive performance) you cannot afford an all glove no bat SS who occasionally walks into one.
Pastornicky is all bat and base stealing. His arm is below avg and his defense is avg to below avg. The fact that Wren and others are looking to him as a potential opening day starter shows you how desperate they are to get the offense going.
I saw him play the minors. His throws to 1B were all over the place – high, low, wide right/left most of the time with no apparent reason (i.e. not fielding a tough hit).
He needs to work with a fielding instructor and work on his arm/shoulder strength. Fielding wise he needs to improve his lateral movement and throw accuracy especially when he is not able to plant before he throws.
If he can hit ML pitching he should be an improvement over Gonzo but much better hitters than him (in the minors) have struggled against professional pitchers. If that is the case his defensive growing pains will be hard to stomach.
Simmons is a more complete package and is ML ready IMHO defensively. Offensively he needs work but has show good improvement this year.
Pastornicky is going to end up a utility player or traded in a package once Simmons is ready.
December 3rd, 2011
3:52 pm
estoy deacuerdo con tods sus comentarios pero yo estoy en la espera d la proxima semana para ver d q esta hecho FW si maduro o no hasi q comentare despues del resultado d la semana proxima ha si no pierdan la calma q mas adelante podran pelar o obasear
December 3rd, 2011
4:22 pm
With a diff team Martin would be very good second sacker- he's a good hitter but not a power hitter- he may improve in the outfield but he lacks speed ( well maybe not when compared to Diaz)- if we had the money, he'd be the ultimate utility guy to have ; definitely a good guy to have
With 90 mil, you have to do it with mirrors – i'd say our pitching is pretty solid- you cna never have too much – we have superior players at second, catcher & centerfield; above average at first & third; rf hopefully will bounce back and be at above average;
the bench is alright hopefully hinske bounces back and perhaps conrad- you can't beat ross
so we need a ss and perhaps a lf – I'd say lets go for a very good ss – it would put us over the edge-
December 3rd, 2011
4:24 pm
Truth is if Hayward had played at 80% and Larry had not limped thru the season we would have made the pennant a real possibility. we have several really good pitchersnbut no superstars. Our season rests with Hayward's return no matter who plays short. My other concern is can our relievers repeat their magic and will Freeman come back at his rookie level. nyway go BRAVES
December 3rd, 2011
5:18 pm
I cant believe the Braves are giving any thought at all to having Matt Diaz in the lineup, even half the time. They need some "pop" from LF. He had ZERO home runs in 268 plate appearances in 2011. And in the field, for his career: 17 assists, 17 errors. The guy is a right-handed pinch-hitter, 2nd or 3rd choice off the bench, at best.
December 3rd, 2011
5:19 pm
After September's historic collapse (which seemed to encapsulate a lot of things many feel are wrong about this team), the Braves are in a position where they must EARN their fans' confidence if not their continued devotion. Some moves will have to be made, perhaps as far in as next Spring or even during next season (I'm thinking, say, if Jason Heyward again gets off to a "slow start" or if we again hear the words "You gotta hand it to…" from their manager when the Braves have a losing record), and some may not be very popular at the time. This is NOT a winter for them to stand pat and hope that everything suddenly clicks next season; they had an entire summer, not to mention an 8 1/2 game wildcard lead in early September, to do that. Aspiring to another wildcard berth or an above-.500 record simply falls WAY short of fans' expectations here or in ANY city. You're in to win it all or don't bother.
In short, 2012 is the year that will determine whether Freddi Gonzalez, Jason Heyward, and probably some other names see 2013 or even the end of the coming season in a Braves jersey. Liberty Media or no, many fans (including myself) are fed up with an underperforming, seemingly oblivious or in-denial clubhouse atmosphere from the Braves. Acknowledge and do what it takes to fix problems regardless of the ownership, or the stands are going to stay even emptier from here on.
December 3rd, 2011
5:42 pm
If we can get Smith and a legit CF prospect for Martin, I'd be happy. Bourn is not going to be back after next year and except for some real young converted infielders, we really don't have anyone to look to in 13. A platoon of Smith and Diaz wouldn't be bad and we'd have two positions settled. Then sign a defensive SS to play with Pastornicky and things would look good for next year. Trying to fit 8 starters into a rotation will suck, but a nice problem to have come July.
I gotta admit that idea of Andruss and Cruz for JJ and Pastornicky was the best laugh I've had all day.
December 3rd, 2011
5:59 pm
What say Joey Votto and a prospect for Jair Jurrjens? MLB Traderumors says that the Reds are on the hunt for starting pitching and JJJ is one of their targets. The same post about the Reds says that Votto's name has been brought up in trade rumors.
December 3rd, 2011
6:49 pm
take a lot more than jj to get votto. might have to throw julio in there.
December 3rd, 2011
6:50 pm
Dave, while the Winter Meetings are always an interesting time of year, I will be surprised if the Braves do anything big.
I dont know if you remember, but, just a few weeks ago, one of the AJC writers, cant recall whether it was you or someone else, predicted a quiet winter for the Braves.
With Derek Lowe already gone, Hanson, and JJ question marks, etc, what can we really do?
Yes, we know JJ is a Boras client, but.. if we trade him, we might end up very thin in the starting pitching department., Also, his value, I think, is diminished, because of his injuries.
I dont think we will be able to really make a big trade for an expensive power hitter, or sign an expensive power bat, until Chipper retires. When he does, that will be 10 mil plus off the books that we can use to get a younger, more productive power hitter.
I think the meetings will be quiet for the Braves. Time willl tell if I'm right.
December 3rd, 2011
6:58 pm
last time i checked we had a 1st basemen, ROY kind of year, gold glove kind of guy
December 3rd, 2011
6:59 pm
with all this talk about Boras, does this mean that any player with him as an agent is off limits. seems that could limit how we match up with other teams when it comes to free agents
December 3rd, 2011
7:00 pm
Here it is —Dec. and all the Braves have still done is fire a hitting coach. Oh, wait a minute, that's not exactly correct.
They fired a hitting coach and wrote a letter.
December 3rd, 2011
8:10 pm
As long as everyone can agree, that as currently constituted, the Atlanta Braves are not a pennant-contending team in 2012. If Wren can pull off a heist, things could change.
But for now, you've got a better-than-average 1st baseman, a one-month wonder with no range at 2nd base, no shortshop, a part-time 40-year-old budget busting 3rd baseman, no punch in LF, a .300 singles hitter in center, ??? in RF, a good-hit, no-defense catcher who fades in the 2nd half, a couple of sore-armed starters, and 3 reliable relievers. That's it in a nutshell. Better than average team, nowhere near enough for postseason.
December 3rd, 2011
9:35 pm
Thanks for all you've done, Chipper, but would you PLEASE retire??? The Braves could use some of that money you are stealing as a part time player.
December 3rd, 2011
10:02 pm
If Matt Diaz platoons with anyone, it should be Heyward,. The last thing the Braves need is another left-handed hitting starter. Any trade for a left-handed hitting outfielder is stupid.
If Prado or Jurrgens are to be traded it should be for a right-handed hitting outfielder with some power. The Braves are way too unbalanced now–too lefty-hitting heavy..
If the Braves' braintrust and the leader this blog cannot see that, then they really aren't that baseball savvy.
December 3rd, 2011
10:35 pm
skeezix..they also hired two hitting coaches and traded Lowe.


text:
Vaulted Single Story Plan with Open Great Room
Quick Facts
- Plan #:
- Style:
- Craftsman
- Size:
- 2,000 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Baths:
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- Beds: 4
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A State Senator from Houston and a moderate State Board of Education Member are debating a school lesson plan system that has turned political. Senator Dan Patrick and East Texas Board of Education member Thomas Ratliff are scheduled to debate Saturday night in Tyler. Patrick is a critic of the system called C-Scope, a subscription service that allowed teachers in small school districts to access lesson plans built around state curriculum standards. He's called some of the plans liberal and anti-American.
State Senator Dan Patrick to Debate on a School Lesson Plan in Texas
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Leafs Sign Holzer, Take Kulemin To Arbitration
Source: Pension Plan Puppets - Jul 10, 2012 at 8:12 AM
As Cam Charron points out, Nikolai Kulemin is scheduled to have an arbitration hearing on August 4th. Naturally, we all hope that it doesn't come down to that, but there are definitely a lot of wingers in the depth chart, and a trade could yet be looming for Leafs' fans' second-favourite Russian. Of course, maybe Kulemin's agent and Brian Burke just need a bit more time to work things out, and a deal is already in the works. Fingers crossed. It's a tough deal to make, with Kulemin having a career year in 2010-11, and then regressing rather abruptly in


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text: In Ottawa on Richmond POI and haven't had any problems or lowered speeds. On the 3Mbs/256kbs plan and get that consistently. Speedtest shows 8-9 Mbs due to SpeedBoost but the connection will settle down to 3Mbs after a while. No problems with Netflix, Youtube or other sites stuttering. (note: I limit upstream for QoS reasons so it is lower than the plan's listed 256kpbs)


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Green Building Program Workgroup
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Green or sustainable building is the practice of creating healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. EPA provides information to homebuilders, businesses, and interested individuals and promotes green building through programs such as Indoor Environments, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, and ENERGY STAR.
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Learn To Play Electric Guitar
100 - 500 downloadsAdd this app to your lists
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(53 stars)
(53 stars)
Most videos are from expert village which are all free on youtube. This sorts them for you to readily use but that's about it. Should be free
(53 stars)
Pretty good. And very helpful if ur a beginer :)


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MoonscapeX's ROM Installer 1.5b.exe
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F&W's Ultimate Guide To Soup Recipes
From hearty chowders to cool purées, here are exceptional soups for every season.Chilled Peach Soup with Fresh Goat Cheese (photo at right)
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Congratulations to Nicholas Elmi, winner of Top Chef: New Orleans, the 11th season of Bravo's Emmy-Award winning, hit reality series.
Photo © Matthias Merges
Already looking forward to next year (June 19-21, 2015)? Relive your favorite moments from the culinary world's most sensational weekend in the Rocky Mountains.


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Jul 10, 2011
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So I went to the Abstract Expressionist show today at the AGO.
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Nonstop Maoist hymns, patriotic power ballads & shrill exhortations at all hours. Toronto-based PhD Student in Communication & Culture @ Ryerson/York.
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V 5.0 of C/C++ interpreter Ch and Embedded Ch add multithreading with support for the OpenGL API
Mar 03, 2005
Ch is an embeddable C/C++ interpreter for cross platform scripting, 2D/3D plotting, shell programming, numerical computing and embedded scripting. It supports the OpenGL API under Win32, Unix, Linux, and Mac OSX for cross platform scripting without compilation. Ch can be easily embeded or plugin into other C/C++ application programs as a scripting engine for games etc. The new v5.0 includes multithreading for embedded scripting. Ch SDK is now free and bundled with Ch for distributing.
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Music Played33 items
Cornershop Brimful Of Asha (Remix)
The 1999 Brit Awards (Various Artists, Columbia
Zac Brown Band Jump Right In
(CD Single), Southern Ground, 1
Bill Withers Ain't No Sunshine
Shades Of Soul (Various Artists), Global Television
Tears for Fears Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Fantastic 80's - 3 (Various Artists), Sony Tv/Columbia, 4
The Supremes Baby Love
Diana Ross & The Supremes - 40 Motown, Polygram Tv
Madness The Prince
Greatest Hits Of The 70's (Various), EMI
The Banana Splits The Tra La La Song (One Banana, Two Banana)
Television's Greatest Hits Vol. 5: In Living Color (Various Artists), TVT Records
Squeeze Cool For Cats
Fantastic 70's (Various Artists), Sony Tv/Columbia
Thea Gilmore Start As We Mean To Go On
(CD Single), Fullfill Records, 1
Cliff Richard Wired For Sound
Cliff Richard - Private Collection, EMI
Gnarls Barkley Crazy
(CD Single), Warner Bros
T. Rex Hot Love
Electric Warrior (Deluxe Edition), A&M, 13
Andy Burrows Keep On Moving On
(CD Single), Play It Again Sam, 1
Amy Grant Baby Baby
Now 1991 - The Millennium Series, Now
The Zutons Valerie
(CD Single), Deltasonic
Dean Martin and Helen O'Connell How D'Ya Like Your Eggs In The Morning?
Cool Couples (Various Artists), Sanctuary
Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran Everything Has Changed
Red, Virgin, 1
Tori Amos Cornflake Girl
(CD Single), East West Records
Alanis Morissette Hand In My Pocket
(CD Single), Maverick
Suzanne Vega Marlene On The Wall
The Best Of Suzanne Vega, A&M
Suzanne Vega Luka
(CD Single), Reprise
Nine Stories and Lisa Loeb Stay (I Missed You)
Woman (Various Artists), Polygram Tv/Sony Tv
The Doors Touch Me
The Best Of The Doors, Elektra
Billy Ocean Red Light Spells Danger
Billy Ocean - Love Is For Ever (L.I.F, Jive
Neil Sedaka Laughter In The Rain
The Very Best Of Neil Sedaka, Universal Music Tv
Imagine Dragons It's Time
(CD Single), Interscope, 1
Will Smith The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air Theme
Keane Everybody's Changing
(CD Single), Transcopic Records
Michael Jackson Man In The Mirror
(CD Single), Epic
Fine Young Cannibals I'm Not The Man I Used To Be
(CD Single), Now
Bryan Ferry SLAVE TO LOVE
Will Smith The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air Theme
Peter Skellern You're A Lady
Peter Skellern - You're A Lady, London
Pause for Thought
From Rev Ruth Scott, an Anglican vicar in Richmond.
After months of speculation, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have produced their first-born son. Apart from sending them the warm congratulations appropriate when any longed-for baby is born, I'm at something of a loss as to what to say. I know this will be a much discussed arrival. Opinions and advice about new babies and parenting will come in from all angles. Everyone's an expert - except those of us who have been humbled by the actual experience of being parents, and simply want to be supportive and encouraging because we know just how difficult it can be. The circumstances of this royal baby's birth highlight what is true for all babies - that each is born into a context over which they have no control, to one or more parents whose own experiences, for good and ill, will shape how they raise their child and the expectations they and others place upon their vulnerable and dependent little bundle. For this particular baby boy the privileges of his birth will be countered by the pressures of constant public attention that go with being a royal heir. On a more personal level, tiny as he may be, he will sometimes take his competent parents to the end of their tether, connecting them with feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness. He will also bring them some of their most profound moments of joy. This little prince will live on into a future of which his parents will see only a part, and his grandparents cannot imagine. Like any newborn baby his is the 'being' in which past, present and future, somehow come together. Such emergence of life is awe-inspiring. So to the new Royal parents, and to mums and dads across the UK who have also given birth in the last 24 hours, I say not only, "Congratulations!" but also, "Stop for a few minutes to take in this life you have brought in to being. In the eyes of your baby you will see the echo of eternity."
Pause for Thought
From Father Christopher Jamison - Benedictine Monk.
As many people's attention here has been on the birth of the royal baby many people like myself have also been focusing on events in Rio…here we'll find Pope Francis on his first overseas trip as Pope. He's there for the world's largest youth festival, World Youth Day, and a million young people from all round the world have gathered there to celebrate it with him. People love festivals, whether it's rock at Glastonbury or stand up on the Edinburgh fringe or prayer in Rio. So why are festivals such great events? I think it's because festivals are all about shared humility. Humility is a word that comes from humus meaning earth. Whether it's the mud at Glastonbury or sleeping on the church hall floor in Rio, festival goers all cheerfully end up closer to the earth, literally more grounded. Equally, the big stars are brought back down to earth because they're alongside other great names and can't just rely on their reputation; they have to offer the audience something special. This humble style suits Pope Francis really well. He plays down the protocol and physically reaches out to touch the crowd. So this evening he'll open a drug rehab clinic in Rio, touching people in real distress and he'll invite the young to go to venues across Rio to listen to other remarkable international speakers. Great festivals help us all to be more grounded and I'm looking forward to some of that here in England. For those who can't make it to Rio, there's World Youth Day at Home this weekend at Aylesford in Kent, where I'm going to be with a thousand other people having our own celebration and watching some of the Rio events on a big screen. Grounded in Rio, grounded in Kent: it's all the same really!
BBC Radio 2 Tue 23 Jul 2013 06:30 BBC Radio 2
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Chris Evans - The Best Bits
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text: Comments on: One dead, one hurt after Montgomery Mall construction collapse Back to the article » Kate Jacobson • | May 23, 2013 | 12:00 am A 50,000-pound beam collapsed on the third deck of a mall parking garage, killing one man working on the second floor and trapping another for hours. As crews labored on a new parking garage at the Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, a center concrete panel collapsed at about 1:45 p.m. Thursday. About 20 other construction workers were working on the structure at the time. Montgomery County... Web URL: http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/2530443 Share this article on Facebook or Twitter Print this article


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|View of Mount Rainier and Seattle skyline from Windcliff
With a view like this, who could consider living anywhere else? This is what you see when you visit Dan Hinkley's magical garden overlooking Mount Rainier in Washington. On a clear day, the volcano appears to be suspended in the sky and when you first see it, you wonder whether it's an optical illusion. Combine this with the astounding blue sea of the Puget Sound on a summer's day and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd gone to heaven.
|The house at Windcliff, designed by Hinkley's architect partner, Robert Jones
Hinkley is well known in horticultural circles as an intrepid plant hunter, public speaker, author and creator of one of America's greatest woodland gardens just a few miles away in Washington state - Heronswood - which I was also lucky enough to visit on my recent trip to the US. But Windcliff could not possibly be more different. This is a personal odyssey for Dan and his architect partner and they have spent the last seven years creating a house that fits unobtrusively into the surrounding landscape and a garden that takes full advantage of its unique setting.
|Windcliff sits on an exposed hilltop overlooking the Puget Sound
It would be hard to imagine a landscape so different to Heronswood, where shade-loving plants thrive under a forest canopy. Windcliff sits on a hilltop and is exposed to the elements and Hinkley has spent time considering what plants will compliment both climate and location. The result is a magical combination of trees, shrubs and grasses interspersed with drifts of perennials that flower throughout the summer months. The evergreen element here is vital to the winter landscape, when the sun can remain behind clouds for months on end.
|Eastern prayer flags add to the intensely sensory experience at Windcliff, providing colour and sound
As you enter the five-acre garden, you will be struck by the huge number of unusual shrubs, but it is the area overlooking the sea and Mount Rainier beyond that unfolds in front of the house that will imprint itself in your memory. It unfolds like an Impressionist painting,with bold brush strokes of colour, drawing you into its midst and on to the seascape beyond. In high summer, there are great swathes of agapanthus and gladioli, adding bright colour to the grassy palette.
|A strategically-placed firepit at Windcliff, designed by mosaic artist Jeff Bale
The house, designed by Dan Hinkley's long-standing partner - architect, Robert Jones - blends into this landscape perfectly and is designed to give the best views of the garden and ocean beyond. There are terraces facing Mount Rainier and I can't think of anywhere better to enjoy the view in the company of this fascinating couple, who have spent the last eight years creating Windcliff as a private sanctuary.
Hinkley still spends time at Heronswood, in his capacity as director and advisor to the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe who acquired the property in 2012, but Windcliff is so different that it's hard to believe both gardens were created by the same man. This is a garden for sun-loving plants, whereas Heronswood is famous for its shady palette. But if you're lucky enough to see both properties, you'll realise that Dan is a talented plantsman, who not only travels the world in search of plants but who also knows what to plant and where.
Windcliff is occasionally open to the public, as is Heronswood and details can be found on Dan Hinkley's website. For me, this visit was the zenith of a wonderful trip to the Pacific Northwest earlier this summer and this garden, in particular, will always stick in my memory as one of my favourites. It is a combination of skilful planting and incredible views that I shall never forget.


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In evaluating a patient with a possible medial wall fracture of the orbit, certain key points need to be elicited on history, especially since early symptoms may be minimal.
First, ask about a history of trauma. This should include the specific mechanism of trauma and when it occurred. A history of trauma from several years prior also could be significant. Any events associated with the actual trauma, such as loss of vision or loss of consciousness, need to be elicited. Also inquire about events since the recent trauma, such as nose blowing.
Current symptoms, such as any change in vision or diplopia, should be elicited. Although quite rare, a history of epistaxis and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea also should be elicited.
Isolated fractures of the medial orbital wall are infrequent. Their incidence in the literature varies considerably. However, the incidence has increased in recent years because of a rise in the incidence of high-energy impact orbital injuries, coupled with improved radiographic diagnostic procedure of the orbital structure. Although data indicate that isolated medial wall fractures are not frequent, concomitant medial wall and floor fractures are more frequent.
Orbital fractures occur when the force generated by blunt trauma exceeds the tolerances of the bony surfaces. Medial wall fractures can occur either from direct injuries to the face or indirectly as blowout fractures.[1]
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This 55-year-old man sustained an injury to his right orbit as a result of blunt trauma from a fist; shown in primary position.
When the fracture occurs as a result of a direct injury, it is usually in conjunction with a naso-orbital fracture, which results from direct application of blunt force to the naso-orbital area. The most frequent cause of these naso-orbital fractures is a motor vehicle accident that results in the face impacting against the steering wheel or dashboard; additional causes include blunt trauma from the fist or the elbow. Medial wall blowout fractures are potential sequelae of blunt periorbital trauma. Common causes for this type of medial wall fracture include fists, elbows, shoe kicks, baseballs, and tennis balls, all of which have a diameter greater than the orbital rim.
A naso-orbital fracture tends to consist of a comminuted, depressed fracture involving the nasal bones, ethmoid sinuses, and medial orbital walls. It occurs when a blow of sufficient force is applied to the nasal bridge area. Such blunt trauma can cause the medial wall to develop a fracture in 1 of 2 ways. First, when the nasal bone fragments are projected backward, the thin lacrimal bone and lamina papyracea are comminuted easily. The nasal bone and frontal process of the maxilla may be displaced posteriorly into the ethmoid sinus; as a result, an in-fracturing of the medial orbital wall into the orbit occurs. Therefore, the compressive force causing nasal fractures is a very important causative factor of pure medial wall fractures.
With blowout fractures, the medial wall is fractured indirectly. When an external force is applied to the orbital cavity from an object whose diameter is larger than that of the orbit, the orbital contents are retropulsed and compressed. The consequent sudden rise in intraorbital pressure is transmitted to the walls of the orbit, which ultimately leads to fractures of the thin medial wall and/or orbital floor. Theoretically, this mechanism should lead to more fractures of the medial wall than the floor, since the medial wall is slightly thinner (0.25 mm vs 0.50 mm). However, pure blowout fractures most frequently involve the orbital floor. This may be attributed to the honeycomb structure of the numerous bony septa of the ethmoid sinuses, which support the lamina papyracea, thus allowing it to withstand the sudden rise in intraorbital hydraulic pressure better than the orbital floor.
Medial wall fractures frequently remain undetected, either because the clinical signs and symptoms of such a fracture may be masked by extensive periorbital trauma or because they give clinical symptoms in only a few instances. Therefore, a thorough clinical examination is critical to suspecting this type of fracture.
Fractures of the medial orbital wall can result in various clinical presentations. The different clinical syndromes depend in large part on whether the fracture is caused by a blowout injury or whether it is part of an ethmoid-orbital fracture.
Clinical findings suggestive of a medial wall fracture include periorbital edema and ecchymosis, (nasal) subconjunctival hemorrhage (all nonspecific), subcutaneous emphysema, epistaxis, CSF rhinorrhea, narrowing of the palpebral fissure with forced lateral duction, restriction of abduction, limitation of adduction, the acquired retraction syndrome or retraction of the globe on attempted abduction or adduction, horizontal diplopia, and progressive enophthalmos.[2] Medial wall fractures also tend to be commonly associated with nasal fractures. The most striking features of an isolated medial wall fracture are diplopia on medial and lateral gaze and/or enophthalmos.
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Patient with an injury to his right orbit as a result of blunt trauma from a fist in right gaze, showing full abduction of the right eye.
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Patient with an injury to his right orbit as a result of blunt trauma from a fist in left gaze, showing poor adduction of the right eye.
Blowout fractures and naso-orbital fractures of the medial wall can be associated with limitation of ocular motility. Medial rectus muscle incarceration is described more frequently in medial wall blowout fractures than in naso-orbital fractures.[3, 4] Medial orbital fractures with true incarceration of the medial rectus muscle are rare. However, diagnosis of a medial wall fracture is often suggested by medial rectus entrapment. Patients with restriction of the medial rectus muscle and/or its surrounding connective tissue may present with horizontal diplopia, pain on abduction, restriction of abduction and adduction, and horizontal limitation with the forced duction test.
This specific presentation with severe tissue entrapment is more common in children who sustain blunt trauma to the orbit.[5] This is because blowout fractures in the pediatric age group tend to be trapdoor-type fractures. The orbital bones in a child's orbit are hypothesized to be more flexible than an adult's bones. Therefore, rather than buckling and breaking in pieces like the brittle adult bones and leading to tissue prolapse, the child's bones tend to return to their original position and, in the process, entrap surrounding soft tissue. Though virtually all of the cases described in the literature of trapdoor fractures are floor fractures, this type of fracture can also occur in the medial wall.
Other associated features of these pediatric fractures include nausea and vomiting along with minimal external evidence of trauma despite marked motility restriction; therefore, the lack of ecchymosis or edema should not deter the clinician from suspecting a serious injury.
Double vision may exist in extremes of gaze only, if orbital congestion is excessive. An important test to determine whether a muscle is entrapped is forced ductions. Restriction on forced ductions usually distinguishes entrapment of orbital contents from a contusion of the extraocular muscle, a lesion of the nerve, or simple congestion of the orbit. However, early on, if a muscle is swollen, it may be difficult to differentiate the swelling from true entrapment. A pseudo–Duane retraction syndrome or retraction of the globe and narrowing of the palpebral fissure upon attempted abduction may occur with medial wall fracture associated with medial rectus entrapment, and it is pathognomonic for this complication.
Other signs that should raise the suspicion of a medial wall fracture in orbital trauma are epistaxis, orbital emphysema, and CSF rhinorrhea. These signs occur less frequently than motility disturbances. Be alert for CSF rhinorrhea because it represents injury to the layers enveloping the brain and, thus, is an indication for prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics and neurosurgical consultation. Epistaxis may occur either in isolated medial wall fractures or in conjunction with naso-orbital fractures.
Orbital emphysema is the result of a communication between the ethmoid cells and the orbital cavity. To produce this emphysema, the air pressure in the ethmoid cells should be very high, which is not produced easily because of the drainage of air into the nasal cavity. Therefore, orbital emphysema may occur when there is simultaneous injury of the naso-ethmoid-frontal area, a precondition of nasal obstruction, blowing of the nose after the injury, or Valsalva maneuver after injury, such as sneezing.
Severe orbital emphysema can lead to severe, though reversible, visual loss from the extremely high intraorbital pressure. Careful palpation of the periorbital soft tissues should always be performed to look for crepitus, which is a helpful diagnostic sign of orbital emphysema; however, it may not be present when proptotic orbital tissue is very inflated and eyelids are tense. The clinical picture of severe orbital emphysema may simulate a large orbital hemorrhage, which may occur with medial wall fracture if there is trauma to the ethmoidal vessels. The hemorrhage also may cause severe visual loss due to compression on the optic nerve and a rapidly progressive proptosis.
Medial wall fractures with ethmoid-orbital fractures can cause damage to the nasolacrimal drainage system and the medial canthal ligament. In some of these fractures, the medial canthal tendon is injured, resulting in traumatic telecanthus. A clinical finding associated with such detachment or severance of the medial canthal tendon is loss of the angular shape of the canthus, thus appearing rounded as a result of the lateral pull of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Also, the laterally displaced tissues of the upper and lower eyelids may cover the caruncle, the semilunar fold, and a portion of the sclera. Damage to the lacrimal drainage apparatus may present as epiphora or chronic infection secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Any portion of the lacrimal excretory apparatus, including the canaliculi, the lacrimal sac, or the nasolacrimal duct, may be obstructed by compression from displaced bone fragments or severed by similar fragments.
Another presentation of a medial wall fracture is enophthalmos, which results from the prolapse of tissue from the orbital cavity or enlargement of the cavity itself. In later stages, it may be caused by contracting necrotic muscles, orbital fat atrophy, or cicatricial contraction of the retrobulbar tissues.
Fractures of the medial orbital wall may cause little, if any, symptomatology. Operative treatment is not necessary if a displaced medial wall fracture shows no clinical diplopia, minimal enophthalmos, and no signs of herniation of orbital contents into the ethmoid sinus. A good functional and cosmetic result can be expected in this situation.
On the other hand, if the fracture causes symptomatic horizontal diplopia within 25-30° of primary gaze or painful ocular motility, a positive forced duction test, and evidence of muscle entrapment on CT scan, repair of the fracture with release of the incarcerated tissue is warranted within 1 week of the injury. Within this period, the surgery becomes technically easier and more successful, especially because fibrous or osseous union has not progressed sufficiently to immobilize the fragments. Also, incarceration of tissues may lead to necrosis and deformity if not relieved soon after the injury. This compartment-type occurrence with ischemia of entrapped tissue is frequently encountered in the trapdoor fractures that occur in the pediatric population. Therefore, in these patients, even earlier surgery, within the first few days after the injury, is warranted to prevent any fibrosis of the muscular and perimuscular tissue.
Early enophthalmos of 2 mm or more, which may be cosmetically unacceptable to the patient, is also an indication for repair of the medial wall fracture. However, it should be noted that if an isolated medial wall fracture causes enophthalmos only, it may be advisable to wait until the fracture has healed and then put material on the floor to repair the enophthalmos.
Displacement of bone fragments toward the globe or optic nerve merits surgical intervention and reduction as soon as possible. Both severe orbital emphysema and large intraorbital hemorrhage that cause acute loss of vision are indications for immediate exploration and possible orbital decompression. Repair of a concomitant orbital floor fracture may be an indication for repair of the medial wall.
A basic knowledge of the anatomy of the medial orbital region is necessary, first, to understand the complications that arise from fractures of this area and, second, to perform surgical intervention when it is required.
The 4 bones that make up the medial wall (anteriorly to posteriorly) are the frontal process of the maxilla, the lacrimal bone, the orbital plate of the ethmoid, and finally the lesser wing of the sphenoid, through which the optic nerve traverses in the optic canal. The rectangular lamina papyracea of the ethmoid, which has a convex orientation with respect to the orbital cavity, is the largest component of the medial orbital wall. It is extremely thin, varying 0.2-0.4 mm in thickness. The thick frontal process of the maxilla forms the medial orbital rim.
When operating in the medial area of the orbit, surgical landmarks that must be kept in mind are the medial canthal tendon, lacrimal sac, the area of the trochlea, and the anterior ethmoidal vessels. The fragile lacrimal bone and the frontal process of the maxilla form the lacrimal groove (or fossa), which houses the lacrimal sac. The trochlea is attached to the periorbita in the anterior portion of the superior medial orbit. The ethmoidal foramina, which are about 18 mm and 30 mm behind the orbital rim, respectively, transmit the anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries. All these vessels can be significant sources of bleeding when the region is involved in trauma, but only the anterior ethmoidal vessels need to be avoided during surgery.
The lacrimal sac is intimately related to the medial canthal tendon, which is a major supporting structure of the superficial tissues of the medial orbital region. The tendon splits into 2 heads. The anterior head lies anterior to the lacrimal sac and inserts into the anterior lacrimal crest, which is formed by the frontal process of the maxilla; the posterior head courses posterior to the sac and attaches to the posterior lacrimal crest.
Small medial wall fractures that cause no clinical symptoms or signs do not need surgical repair. Such fractures heal on their own in approximately 3 weeks without any sequelae. Another contraindication to repair of the fracture would be a concurrent ruptured globe, which would need to be repaired prior to any orbital surgery. Finally, in patients with other life-threatening medical problems or severe neurologic damage from head trauma, repair of the medial wall fracture would not be indicated.
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Coronal CT scan of the orbits of a patient with an injury to his right orbit as a result of blunt trauma from a fist reveals a right medial orbital wa....
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Axial CT section.
Most isolated medial wall orbital fractures require no treatment other than applying ice compresses, warning patients to avoid blowing their nose, and providing decongestants and systemic antibiotics. The antibiotics are recommended to reduce the risk of sinusitis and orbital cellulitis; cephalexin at a dosage of 250 mg every 6 hours is a prophylactic regimen.
Small medial wall fractures may not even be clinically detectable. They tend to be asymptomatic unless the patient has orbital or eyelid emphysema; overwhelmingly, the orbital emphysema is minimal, requires no treatment, and resolves within several days. In many cases, it is appropriate to allow time for spontaneous improvement of the clinical findings in a patient rather than rush into surgical intervention; symptoms associated with this type of fracture may disappear with time. For example, if muscle edema is the cause of a motility abnormality, spontaneous improvement may occur without treatment as the edema resolves. With the resolution of the diplopia, observation is indicated in case of the development of late enophthalmos.
Early significant enophthalmos and motility problems also may be masked by edema of periorbital tissues. Systemic corticosteroids have been advocated to speed up the resorption of the edema, as well as hemorrhage, thus allowing the surgeon to more accurately assess any muscle entrapment and orbital damage. Prednisone (60-80 mg/d) is initiated within 48 hours of the injury and is continued for 5 days. Steroids also are indicated if severe loss of vision occurs. In this case, the dosage is higher, 250 mg of methylprednisolone administered intravenously every 6 hours.
Although early definitive treatment of a fracture is desirable, it may be wise to allow acute inflammation to subside before proceeding with surgery. The goals of surgical treatment for medial wall fractures are restoration of good ocular motility, including single binocular vision in all fields of gaze, and improvement of significant enophthalmos. The primary goal is the complete reduction of the entrapped medial rectus muscle along with any other herniated orbital soft tissues. This may be followed by covering of the bony defect with an implant to prevent prolapse of tissue with possible reincarceration of tissue or late enophthalmos.
Bony defects of the medial orbital wall have been covered historically, by both alloplastic materials and bone grafts. Alloplastic implants, such as Medpor, Supramid, Gelfilm, or AlloDerm, are all useful materials. Potential autogenous bone graft sources are the rib, iliac crest, and calvarium.
Medial orbital wall fractures are usually repaired under general anesthesia. The patient is brought into the operating room suite and sedated. The forced duction test is repeated with the patient under anesthesia to reconfirm previous findings.
Numerous surgical approaches have been used to explore the medial orbital wall and to repair its fractures. The appropriate approach depends on both the extent of the fracture and its association with other fractures.
In the past, the traditional approach used to repair medial wall fractures was the Lynch incision. It involves incising skin directly over the superomedial orbital rim and provides excellent exposure, but it can result in severe scarring or webbing. More recently, the transcaruncular approach has become a major approach to the medial orbit, as it avoids leaving a visible scar.[6, 7] In isolated medial wall fractures, this approach provides adequate exposure to the medial wall and to the area of tissue incarceration similar to that of the Lynch approach.
Once the incision is made between the plica and the caruncle, blunt dissection to the periosteum is performed, and the periosteum is incised just beneath the posterior lacrimal crest. Care is taken to avoid damage to the lacrimal sac and the medial rectus muscle. A periosteal elevator is then used to carry the dissection posteriorly in a subperiosteal plane until the entire fracture is clearly visible. The anterior and posterior ethmoidal vessels are identified and coagulated. The periosteal elevator, along with malleable retractors, is used to gently remove the incarcerated tissues from the fracture.
Of prime importance during the procedure, once any entrapped orbital contents are freed, forced ductions should be performed to confirm complete release of the entrapped orbital contents or muscles. This is also recommended when an implant is inserted into position.
Finally, the conjunctival incision site is closed with dissolvable sutures.
The patient is prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics by mouth for at least 10 days. Some patients may be started on 40-60 mg of prednisone daily for 5 days.
Eye exercises are also initiated. In these exercises, the patient follows an object, such as a pencil, from right to left, in sets of 20 movements, 5 times a day. If residual postoperative diplopia is present, patients specifically are asked to follow the object from the point where they see double, to a point where they have single binocular vision. These exercises are performed to keep the affected extraocular muscles active, thereby preventing any subsequent postoperative fibrosis or scarring. They are continued until the eye clinically is moving well or until resolution of the diplopia occurs.
Finally, patients are warned not to blow their nose for several weeks to avoid air passing into the orbit from the sinuses, possibly resulting in severe orbital emphysema with secondary visual compromise.
Generally, patients are seen for follow-up at about 1 week following repair of their fracture and then weekly thereafter. Physicians will exercise their own judgement to determine whether earlier visits are warranted, such as when optic nerve compromise is a concern. Some physicians may choose to admit patients to the hospital overnight for close observation, especially when the risk for postoperative bleeding in the orbit is high. Regardless of when the patient is to be discharged, the vision does need to be assessed postoperatively at some point on the day of surgery (by a physician or a nurse). Simply determining if the patient can at least count fingers is adequate.
In the initial days following surgery, all patients need to be instructed to assess their vision on their own on a daily basis; this can be done by simply asking them to hold their hands in front of them and determine if they can see well enough to count their fingers. If at any point they feel they cannot do this, or have a sudden increase in pain or swelling around their eye, they should be instructed to contact their surgeon immediately.
Follow-up visits are used to gauge improvement (eg, diplopia, enophthalmos) and to look for any potential complications. For patients with medial wall fractures, motility may not improve for several weeks.
Patients are allowed to start light lifting and straining approximately 3 weeks after surgery, and they are allowed to return to most sports with protective eyewear at least 6 weeks after surgery.
For patient education resources, see the Eye and Vision Center, as well as Black Eye.
Any surgery deep within the orbital cavity is fraught with potential complications.[8] Failure to diagnose fractures that require early treatment may result in complications due to fibrosis, contracture, and unsatisfactory union. Postoperative complications include residual or worsening motility disturbance and residual enophthalmos. Sometimes, the enophthalmos may be severe and permanent in spite of the reduction of prolapsed orbital tissues and repair of the fracture; this may be caused by fat atrophy or contracting necrotic muscles. At this point, its treatment also becomes more problematic.
Transient weakness of the medial rectus may occur after release of the entrapped muscle, resulting in persistent diplopia, but normally it does improve, sometimes up to a few months later. It also may occur from orbital edema.
Visual loss and even blindness, although extremely rare, are possible complications following surgical repair of medial orbital fractures. This has been attributed to direct damage to the optic nerve or its vascular supply at the time of surgery or from orbital hemorrhage in the immediate postoperative period.
The insertion of an implant has its own set of potential complications. First, it should be carefully and appropriately placed subperiosteally to avoid injury to the optic nerve and extraocular muscles. An implant must be removed emergently if any early loss of vision occurs following repair of the orbital fracture. Extrusion of the implant has been reported and is related to an implant that is too large and not stable enough to prevent migration. It also may follow infection, hemorrhage, or poor wound closure. Appropriate fixation of the implant avoids its extrusion.
Overall, patients with medial orbital wall fractures have a prognosis that is usually favorable. Minimal fractures usually do not require any treatment and lead to no complications. Of the patients in whom surgical repair is indicated, it is possible to obtain a complete recovery of function, including motility, even several years after the initial surgical repair. However, medial wall fractures that are not repaired within 2 weeks of the initial trauma have a poorer prognosis. Those patients with trapdoor-type fractures consisting of incarceration of tissues in the fracture site are at serious risk for permanent motility defects if they are not treated expeditiously.
If complete resolution of diplopia does not occur, prisms or muscle surgery may be necessary. Any significant residual diplopia should be given at least 4-6 months to recover before any muscle surgery is performed. Persistent enophthalmos can be repaired late with various materials placed on the floor.
The treatment of isolated medial orbital wall fractures continues to evolve. It has been postulated that fractures of the medial orbit may be more prone to enophthalmos than other orbital blowout fractures; does this mean they should all be repaired? Likely not, though it is becoming apparent that there is no absolute time or indication for surgical intervention of all medial wall fractures, rather each clinical scenario must be treated accordingly.
The use of endoscopy in the repair of these fractures recently has been demonstrated and is becoming more popular with the advent of improved technology of fiberoptic illumination and sophisticated imaging.[9] It is clear that most orbital fractures can be visualized satisfactorily and repaired with surgical approaches without the use of endoscopic techniques. However, endoscopic endonasal visualization may be useful for the repair of more complex fractures involving the superior and posterior medial orbit.[10] Its major benefit is no external incision. On the other hand, prolonged operative time, a need for an additional set of operative instruments, poor visualization from bleeding, and difficulty in placing an implant of adequate size through the nose for larger fractures are among some of the disadvantages of this procedure.
Controversy exists on whether an implant should be placed over medial wall defects. Several case reports in the literature support the use of various rigid materials to close the bony defects associated with medial wall fractures. However, an informal survey of several other oculoplastic surgeons suggests that they would rarely place a rigid implant over an isolated medial wall fracture during repair. This is because of the small risk of impingement on the optic nerve with these implants, along with the associated risks of extrusion and infection.


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Book your room at Rodeway Inn & Suites
Standard Room, 1 Queen BedMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
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Hotel with an indoor pool, in Gresham (East Portland)
This hotel is located in Gresham (East Portland), close to Glendoveer Golf Course and Parklane Park. Area attractions also include Grotto and Powell Butte Nature Park.
Hotel Features
Recreational amenities at Rodeway Inn & Suites include an indoor pool and a spa tub. Other amenities include laundry facilities and a business center.
Room Amenities
Televisions come with cable channels. Guestrooms also feature complimentary wireless Internet access, refrigerators, and microwaves.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
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At your hotel
In addition to an indoor pool, Rodeway Inn & Suites provides a spa tub and a fitness center. This hotel offers access to a business center. This Gresham hotel also offers multilingual staff, laundry facilities, and RV/bus/truck parking.
- Indoor pool
- Fitness facilities
- Business center
- Total number of rooms - 70
- Multilingual staff
- Breakfast service
- Number of floors - 3
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- Spa tub
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Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi
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RV, bus, truck parking
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An indoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.
The fine print for Rodeway Inn & Suites
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Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
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Check-out time is 11:00 AM
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Accepted at this hotel: American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, JCB International, MasterCard, Visa, Discover
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Pets allowed
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.


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Two teams of nine apprentices from MBDA Lostock and Stevenage are competing against over 90 national companies to become the Brathay Apprentice Team of the Year 2013.
QinetiQ apprentices Simon Todd and Luke Greenaway are celebrating after both won gold medals at the prestigious World Skills UK competition at the Birmingham NEC.
The winners of the 2012 National Apprentice Awards were revealed during the opening ceremony of WorldSkills UK - The Skills Show last November, where a number of MBDA apprentices were celebrated for their achievements.
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A shabby shed used by children at Southampton General Hospital has been transformed into a hip hangout thanks to a DIY makeover by SETA apprentices and staff.
The North West's apprenticeship stars were revealed at a glamorous award event in September, held at Legends, Bentley Motors Ltd, Crewe.
Twenty-two MBDA apprentices came together to successfully organise and manage the company's Farnborough International Airshow presence this summer.
A product designed and built by BAE Systems Electronic Systems apprentices in Rochester, Kent, is being tested in a British hospital to prove its ability to boost the morale of wounded service personnel in rehabilitation.
Apprentices at GE Aviation spent two weeks off-site on a team leading course, where they had the opportunity to meet and work with colleagues on the company's graduate scheme, reports Stuart Andrews.
Jason Gower, a higher engineering apprentice for GE Aviation Systems was proud to reach the regional final of the IET Present around the World (PATW) competition.
Network Rail apprentices braved all kinds of weather and injuries to run a fund raising marathon for Cancer Research UK and Action for Children.