Home > Furman Bisher > Archives > 2009 > January > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves need to spend, or else
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It comes as no shock or revelation to any of us that the Braves’ is a troubled house, and it didn’t begin with Frank Wren. He is the man in the cross hairs because he bears the title of general manager, bestowed upon him by John Schuerholz, who merely assumed the title of president and moved down the hall — if he moved at all.
It was Schuerholz who gave us three years of a useless Mike Hampton, who made the trade for Mark Teixeira that cost the club five young prospects, then was traded away for a minor leaguer and Casey Kotchman, now the first baseman.
This not to assume the role of apologist for Wren, but it does lead into the rage that has consumed us since learning that John Smoltz has been allowed to slip away to the Red Sox.
The Braves were left with egg of their face when the story broke Wednesday night that Smoltz was taking leave for Beantown. It was a shock to even those who know him best. Chipper Jones was outraged, the proper term, I think. The town was in mourning, that part of it that wasn’t taking the whip to Wren, labeled “penny-pinching” in a headline.
Not taken into consideration is that investing in Smoltz as a productive pitcher in 2009 was a business risk. He had missed the better part of two seasons in the ’90s after Tommy John surgery. Then the old soupbone went again last season after 28 innings — for which the Braves paid him $14 million. Back to the surgeon’s table again, for repairs on an arm now 41 years old.
I had imagined that on his return, the Braves might have made him an offer of $8 million, with conditions. After all, they’d squandered around $40 million on Hampton, the ingrate who had taken flight after the season. Instead, the Braves low-balled him, so Smoltz and his agent felt, about which Terry McGuirk, the club president, had this to say:
“We wanted to make sure he would be able to pitch, and that wouldn’t be until sometime in May. We felt we made a pretty good offer, and in the long run, if all turned out well, he could have had a prosperous season. We had to know if he could pitch or not. It really revolved around what he was going to be paid for not pitching, should it turn out that way. And we already had another pitcher [Tim Hudson] on the sideline until late in the season.”
In effect, Smoltz would have been in line to earn $10 million, had he pitched like the Smoltz of old. Two and a half million guaranteed wasn’t enough, so he and his agent went shopping. It’s free enterprise at work, but the Braves felt as if they had been left holding the bag.
And, let it be said here, that it was not a Wren decision, it was a decision by committee, including McGuirk, Schuerholz, Wren, and, Bobby Cox. Yes, Cox, too. This was sort of a replay of Tom Glavine’s hike to the Mets, when Schuerholz said one thing about an offer he said he had made and Glavine said another. This leads me to say that Braves management sometimes likes to feel that to be a Brave should be considered a blessing. You might say it was at one time, but that time has expired.
It’s a different world now, one in which the Braves are short on experience, as McGuirk pointed out. “We haven’t been active in the free agent market for years. We are now in position to bolster this team, but we have to do it judiciously. It’s a new twist for us.”
It’s not my privilege to be out of sorts with either party. It’s not my money, but it isn’t easy to understand why the Braves’ high command couldn’t have made Smoltz an offer that he didn’t consider “insulting.” Look at the Phillies and how they dealt with Jamie Moyer, 46 years old and a 16-game winner last season. Forty-six and still going — but no surgical risk.
These aren’t Ted Turner days. That’s when Braves were spoiled and Atlanta looked like paradise. Headquarters are now in Denver. They’re media folk. They’re apprentices in the baseball business. I have no inkling of how much they know of the John Smoltz trauma.
Terry McGuirk is their boss on the scene. Frank Wren is their baseball office manager, and the impression has been that since Liberty Media became owners, the Braves had money to burn. OK, fellows, burn some of it before Turner Field becomes the scene of a revolution.
Permalink | Comments (100) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB
Comments
By mike
January 9, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this
I LOVE SMOLTZ AND CHIPPER BUT I DO UNDERSTAND SIGN LOWE AND ALL SHOULD BE WELL BUT MAKE SURE WHEN YOU TRADE CHIPPER YOU GET SOMETHING OF VALUE
By raymond
January 9, 2009 5:51 PM | Link to this
Dear Braves, Your fans are revolting against you and if you don’t do something quick, this could get very ugly.
By dannycardwell
January 9, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this
im surprised to hear that about cox. i guess everybody has his price, even bobby. when our former gm had a blank check to work with he looked pretty good. but when he had to work on a budget and a very good one at that, all he did was trade away all the talent and a ton of money on one year rentals and used up players. there are some things you cant put a price on. loyalty. smoltze and chipper gave up money out of loyalty to an organization that frankly no longer has any class. i would dearly love to see them get whats coming to them. smoltze was worth a risk even if he never threw another pitch. take note chipper, your next. theres a reason wren only lasted a year at balitmore. my dad thought bobby cox walked on water and i did too. ive lost a lot of respect for him as well. i thought he always stood behind players that stood behind him. as always mr bisher, good article.
By RpmRob
January 9, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this
Smoltz has been well paid for 20 years. After getting paid 14 mil last year for not pitching, 2 mil for pitching 2/3 of the season may seem like an insult.
It is time to open up opportunities for the young pitchers and quit trading them away.
PS: number one starters should go 7 or 8 innings most of the time. Going 5 innings and giving up 2 runs is marginal middle relief. And don’t forget last year we gave up a first round draft pick for Glavine.
By Life long fan (so far)
January 9, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
It’s over guys. I had hoped they could make some moves this offseason and improve the team, but the exact opposite has happened. Once a place FA’s all wanted to play has now become a place NO ONE wants to come, and if they did the ownership would not offer them enough to make them take a serious look at us. Until another Ted comes along and wants to make us a winner, not just a tax write off, we are going to be looking up at the rest of our division. Bobby has had a pretty nice run, but he should have left after last year. This year may kill him because we are going to suc& big time. I think I am going to become a Red Sox and Gator fan(:
By Skydawg
January 9, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this
More like a funeral home Furman..not the scene of a revolution. Like the old saying goes..”you have to spend money to make money.” Appears the Braves have forgotten. Thank goodness Arthur Blank understands this concept. Turner Field will be the emptiest its ever been this year and the Braves ownership and management will hopefully have learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes is worth the risk to invest money for people like John Smoltz. He means far more to the Braves and the city of Atlanta than wins/losses/saves.
From someone whom knew Smoltzie personally from years past (better guy than even the media has portrayed over the years), this one has more sting to it than I can ever recall. Thanks for the memories Smoltzie…see you in Cooperstown and hopefully with a big A on the hat.
By Hillbilly Deluxe
January 9, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to spend money on scouting and the farm system. Take a couple years and rebuild.
And don’t forget that Ted Turner owned the Braves about 15 years before John Schuerholz got here. The great majority of those 15 years were utter futility.
As for John Smoltz, good luck to him and maybe he can close out his career with a World Series ring.
By Bulldawg
January 9, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this
I have always been one of Smoltz’s biggest fans, but I think this situation is just further proof that baseball is completely out of touch with the average working American. Where I live, the unemployment rate has reached double digits and people are scrambling just to put food on the table. I can’t blame Smoltz for leaving for more money, but I also think that Major League players really have no idea what the average fan sacrifices just to take their family to a game.
I hope Smoltz does great in Boston, but every once in a while I wish these guys would take into consideration the hard working folks that buy the tickets that pay their salaries, and realize that quibbling over 2 or 3 million dollars is just plain ridiculous in the eyes of the average man or woman.
By Mychelfromatl
January 9, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this
Relax People!!! I’m like everyone else sad to see Smoltzie leave, but I also recall similar revolts being called upon this summer when the Falcons cut away veteran peices and drafted Matt Ryan instead of a defensive tackle. Also don’t forget the backlash towards the Atlanta Spirit Group when the Hawks let Josh Childress leave for Greece. End Results: Falcons suprised the NFL, earned the third best record in the NFC and made it to the playoffs! Also, the Hawks are currently 22-12 and 6.0 games out of having the best record in the NBA! So let’s just sit back and relax and watch this play out…who knows, the Braves may be yet another surprise Atlanta team this year.
By Mychelfromatl
January 9, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this
Also, I must admit that the Braves are a team with just to much History to be spending like a middle of the pack ballclub. The Braves rank at the top(or used too atleast) in tradition and prestige with the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox. Sidenote Question: Why can the Falcons and Hawks sellout homegames but the Braves can’t even sellout playoff homegames???
Can someone please answer that for me:)
By Shade neighbor
January 9, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Skydog
The “Smoltzie” you know as such a great guy hasn’t seemed quite that way to me.
He’s actually a bit of a jerk.
By dwaynerice
January 9, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this
From hearing Bobby on MLB network on Sirius this morning, when he talked with John on the phone, Bobby wanted to go back to the others and “do better, get something worked out.” I am supposing he meant $$$. Cox might have been in on that committee, but I am sure he probably was outvoted by Wren, Schuerholz, and McGuirk. C’mon…do you REALLY think Cox would endorse a lowball offer like that?
By stew
January 9, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this
Get Nady, Andruw, Lowe and Greinke. When Nady leaves for free agency bring up Heyward. Trade the Frenchman and KJ for Greinke. Install Prado. Promote Gorkys to leadoff. Rotation for the next four years: Lowe Greinke JJ Hanson Vasquez. Let’s roll baby! No more negative talk! Brave fans unite!
By OldTimer
January 9, 2009 7:13 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure why anyone even cares about the Braves anymore. The entire organization has evolved into a bunch of whining children. The Braves are returning to the role that the team played in the seventies and eighties. They had no fans then. The crowd consisted of people on date nights, business deals or out of town folk pulling for the other team. Since then, the Braves had a nice run, but it’s over. If you’re looking for a team to be proud of, the Braves are not that team. Seems to me that the AJC and its dwindling sports department have forgotten the reason the game of baseball is played. New blood is needed all around, but that takes time.
By Da Mick
January 9, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this
There can be no doubt about the accomplishments of John Smoltz, and the kind of athlete he is. If nothing else this past season, he proved once and for all what he was capable of, even with his body going down in flames — when he did pitch, he was magnificent. I can totally understand, and to a degree sympathize with Chipper Jones’ feelings about Smoltz and the respect he deserves. I feel Smoltz’s loss in a big way.
That said, in fairness to the Braves brass it must be said that Smoltzie has not always been honest or accurate when coming clean about his own health over the years. Once could say that he might be the physically largest guy ever to have a small man’s complex. By that I mean that while he is the consumate athlete, and one determined individual, he is ultimately not the decision-maker as to what his body can or cannot do with regard to maintaining the rigors or a season. Have you ever seen a pitcher admit to his mgr that he was tired when asked on a mound trip? Pitchers either have no perspective or are outright dishonest when it comes to the ego of their machismo. And when it comes to Smoltz, he is the worst about copping to his own physical failings. This is a guy who after surgery had serious doubts about his ability to come back and pitch again. There was the hope, but none of that unblinded determination. Six months later he is ahead of schedule in his rehab and looking for contract guarantees based on “respect.” There is something to it when Chipper Jones says “If John says he’s ready, he’s ready.” But hold on. Especially under the circumstances of his age and latest injury, don’t the Braves have significant precedents with Smoltz’s honest in the past to be cautious about buying significant stock in him based on some mound throwing and his enthusiastic say so? I’m absolutely sure they did not want to lose him either. Under the circumstances, I don’t think they insulted John Smoltz. To the contrary, I think Smoltzy overreated like someone who is caught in a lie and storms out of the room in indignation. The Braves offer was a fair one to a pitcher who will actually be able to pitch over the course of a season. If Smoltz doubts that he really will be able to, and just took Boston’s higher guarantee to enrich himself a couple of million at the cost of his retirement with the Braves, he’s not the guy we thought he was. But to me, that’s how it looks. The Braves have had more of their share of problems this offseason. In this case, I have more of a problem with an excellent athlete, who, once again, always seems to need to have the center stage to prove that he’s valued. The big man has little man’s disease — insecurity.
By Napolean
January 9, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
Da Mick How tall are you? Please attach a photo.
By Karl
January 9, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
It’s time for us braves fan to show FW that he can not take us for granted. We are the ones who pay for the tickets and outrageous food prices. If he can not spend money on the one braves player he should TREAT with RESPECT then we should not treat the braves organization anymore with respect. Let’s show him buy not spending money on absurd ticket prices. Any empty stadium may show him that he need to treat his fans and players with respect. Instead of paying for the braves autograph session we should show up and Vent our displeasure at FW.
What do you all think?
By gayle
January 9, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this
The reason that the Falcons were successful this year, just a year removed from the disaster that was 2008, is that the owner had the courage to clean house.
Now, I don’t think that Liberty Media lacks courage as much as they just don’t care. I see an organization where the status quo is just fine, thank you.
You can talk about Smoltz, or Lowe, or Peavy, or Tex, or Vasquez, or Burnett, etc, etc, etc -
NOTHING will change with this team until they clean the mold (JS, BC)out from the dugout and the front office. Only then can this team really have a fresh start.
Look at Dimitroff and Mike Smith - these two men changed the culture of the Falcons practically overnight.
But that will not happen until Liberty has fulfilled their obligation to the SEC and are then allowed to sell this team to someone or some organization who might actually care about baseball.
Until then, don’t expect to see any more of those yellow flags commemorating titles - it isn’t going to happen.
By Da Mick
January 9, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this
Nappy,
I’m waaaaay big — don’t mess wit me.
By Geezer
January 9, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this
If you are going to rebuild start with running John Schuerholz, Terry Mc Guirk and FRANK WREN out of this town!!!! Mark your calendars NOW to show up at every pre-season fan event and turn it into one UGLY demonstation and show these three how angry the fans really are!!!!!!!!!
By Larry Z
January 9, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this
Geezer, you sound more like an 8 year-old than an old-timer.
Was John Smoltz that important to you and your life that you feel the need to stage ugly demonstrations?
Get a life, PLEASE
By Nace
January 9, 2009 8:53 PM | Link to this
It is my personal opinion, and a very strongly held opinion at that, the Braves will NEVER start the climb back up to respectability (not even to mention excellence) until Cox and Shuerholtz. It’s past time for those two to get out of town. Long past time.
By Murphy
January 9, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this
Great article Mr. Bisher. Well said.
By Jim
January 9, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this
Two Points… Signing Smoltz was important for two reasons: 1.) He was the heart of the team…now it is heartless. 2.) His influence on the young players was worth legions more than Pendleton, Mazone, or Roger McDowel.
So with all the cash, and with this winter’s track record in attempted signings an abysmal failure, what do you expect it to be now that Smoltz was pushed out the door?
As to Cox being a party, I don’t buy into that …
In Fact… my money’s on this to be Bobby’s last year….watch it…
By extremus
January 9, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this
I think the best demonstration of how the fans feel will be the empty stands at Turner Field this year and for the foreseeable future. Liberty Media never gave a care about this team, this city, or its fans. I’ve already said elsewhere that their executives probably spend more time at Coors Field than they ever do Atlanta.
They’re a corporation, an “entity” if you will, not a flesh and blood owner with a personal attachment to the team and its fans, so no, they will never care no matter how loudly everyone complains. The only thing a corporation understands is money, profit and loss. Therefore, to save the Braves we fans have to talk in their language…BY NOT SHOWING UP AT THE GAMES.
Hopefully a few years of financial losses will hurt Liberty Media enough to convince them to sell the Braves to a REAL owner (Arthur Blank, anyone?). Then, and only then, will we have the chance to see a return of winning baseball. Management has been a huge problem of late, no doubt, but it’s the ownership that’s the real issue here, folks.
No more Smoltz, no more Skip and Pete, even the loss of national coverage via TBS…the past year sure hasn’t been kind to Braves fans. Some things obviously can’t be helped, but at least we the fans can still try to make a difference in the interest of this club’s future by voting with our wallets now. BOYCOTT THE BRAVES UNTIL LIBERTY MEDIA SELLS THEM AND GETS THE HECK OUT OF TOWN!!!! They never belonged here in the first place.
By John
January 9, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this
Braves management is to baseball as George W Bush is to good government.
By Da Mick
January 9, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this
Now John,
I wouldn’t go as far as to say that Braves management is traitorous, a disgrace to their country, and should be brought up on charges, but they are going through some rough times.
By hop
January 9, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this
furman.. as usual, you are 100% correct in your review of the awful situation the braves find themselves.
yes, these jerks managing and owning the braves are in store for a rude awaking, as fans show their total discuss with these pathetic moves the last few years and the last onewith JOHN s. is by far the worsed.
they will loss far more money in lost ticket,parking, concessions,etc than the 2mm they fell short in losing john to boston.
what a sad situation,but think GOD, we do have the dawgs,falcons,hawks along with tech to forget about how bad braves are becoming.
By ben
January 9, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Wren - the fans will probably send you a message at the ticket counter. No one is going to pay major league prices to see a good AAA team play.
By Jim
January 9, 2009 10:44 PM | Link to this
Da Mick……….you are not the brightest lightbulb in the box…
By Dixie Dawg
January 9, 2009 10:50 PM | Link to this
as I said in another blog (DOB’s)—all they talk about is boring statistics—-Liberty Media has got to be the worst owners in pro sports history.
They make Al Davis look like Jesus. If the Braves had Arthur Blank as an owner, he would bring in real baseball people who know what the hell they are doing.
Look at the likes of Smitty and Tommy D. The only way the Braves have a shot at getting better again is for Liberty Media to sell the Braves to an owner—an individual—that cares. Mr. Blank would be the perfect candidate.
It just sucks knowing that my favorite baseball hometown team is owned my out-of-town corporate stiffs who don’t give a d@mn about the Braves.
I agree with a lot of the people on here who say we should boycott. I hope that this sale happens soon.
I hate Liberty Media and I hate the fact that they have ruined a once proud franchise. Only someone like Arthur Blank or Ted Turner could resurrect them.
By richbrave
January 9, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this
TRADE CHIP for COLE HAMELS. Do it now.
By Jim
January 9, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this
Actually Time Warner did the initial castrating…. Liberty is just saying Amen….
they both stink… but remember Turner sold out to those smucks so maybe he is the real culprit???
By Jeff321
January 9, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this
After getting embarrassed about the Smoltz situation.. Watch for the Braves to sign Glavine regardless. And then he will stink up the joint all year with his meager pitching.
Need I remind you people Glavine hasn’t been any good since they changed the strike zone? Ahhh. Who cares about things like that when we can have Glavy! (In my best Bobby Cox impersonation.)
By Dave
January 9, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this
Liberty Media is killing the Braves! Mr. Bisher is on the MONEY. Spend now and stop making the dumb trades.
By scottbravesfan
January 9, 2009 11:57 PM | Link to this
Some of the bloggers are idiots. Trade Chipper for Cole Hammels? First off, do you know how rare it is to trade within a division? Second, why would the Phillies trade an ace in his 20’s for a guy who is 36. Chipper is the man but he’s on his downside of his career and the Phillies don’t need offense. Third, the Braves need offense so why in the hell would they trade their best hitter when they actually need another hitter to back him up?
I wonder if the AJC.com audience just sits around all day smoking crack.
By MARK
January 10, 2009 12:00 AM | Link to this
im pretty cool about all this now i was bit teaed but I think really Smoltz wanted to go where he had about the best chance of maybe getting back to series and a few million was just an excuse..so he booked..Cant really blame him we have a bit of retooling to do it will take a few years as well..So Good Luck John Smoltz!…so about this kid Hanson?
By Tomas
January 10, 2009 12:02 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, I have to say, do you guarantee John Smoltz would even pitch next season. NOBODY who has had the type of injury John Smoltz had has ever come back. Offcourse is John Smoltz, the man they told he couldn’t be a starting pitcher ever again. Then he offcourse proved them wrong pitching three straight season as a starter having over 30 starts. It took 106 games for Smoltz arm to finally fall into surgery. He is 42 years old, he needs a miracle to comeback healthy. Do you really think the Braves are in a position to depend on him?
I love Smoltz but he is old. His time is up, and I agree with Wren not to guarantee 5.5 million. The Redsox in the other hand can take that risk simply because they wont depend on Smoltz, he would be a bonus, and they don’t have a lot of holes to fill on their team.
What the Red Sox did was replace Bartolo Colon with Brad Penny, and Curt Schilling with John Smoltz..
I think the Braves offer was fair, and if he really would have want to, he would have remained a Brave. He wants to win, and the Red Sox definitely have a better shot than the Braves.
I think the Braves should sign Kawakami and Derek Lowe. Then with whatever money there is left sign Bobby Abreu or Orlando Hudsonn(if there’s enough money), or trade for Jermaine Dye, Nick Swisher, or Xavier Nady(depending on what the Yankees want in return).
By Ken Stallings
January 10, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this
Furman,
You had me when you wrote that Wren bears the title of General Manager. If the man has actually assumed and is paid for a title he doesn’t exercise, then he’s a fool to let himself be played that way. If he’s doing it just to make the money, then does he deserve anyone’s respect?
I would like to presume the man’s doing the job he tells the world he’s doing! Therefore, it was his job to keep Smoltz in a Braves uniform. He has to be one seriously tone deaf man to fail to anticipate the revolution that’s already developed on his watch.
It would have taken just two million more dollars to keep Smoltz here. I predict that by the time the fan revolt has played out that the Braves will lose that much in reduced ticket sales in their first week!
Where I come from, executives who make such decisions are fired! If they were just figureheads to begin with, then they are fired faster!
By Don't Follow The Herd
January 10, 2009 12:32 AM | Link to this
People are so fun.These so called fans are the same one’s that embarrassed our team and city by not selling out playoff games when we had them regularly.
Now y’all upset because the Braves aren’t spending gobs more money.You don’t want to pay more for tickets and you don’t show up for games like the real fans of the big spending teams show up.
Sorry but cheap fans=cheap team. Not all fans, but y’all know full well people didn’t show up after the first couple of seasons at the Ted. And now y’all hollering about how you not going to show up? That’s not much of threat…lol!
By This gets old
January 10, 2009 12:35 AM | Link to this
Schuerholz wrote in his book that he didn’t think any player was worth $10 million a season. Why the wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth now? We’ve known it all along. The farm system was producing good players so it didn’t really matter that much. Now…?
By Poorbrave
January 10, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this
Great job Mr Bisher.
Damn Braves management and its cheap organization. The Big Four needs to be fired. McQ,Frank, John and Cox. Boy we have alot to look forward to. Frenchy in rf,A jones coming back, Diaz in lf. Great Lord I can’t wait. No wonder FA don’t come here. This is the year you will see how great Bobby Cox really is? The Braves will not get anymore of my money.
By Andrew
January 10, 2009 1:00 AM | Link to this
why no mention of signing Junior?
By Mitch
January 10, 2009 1:18 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Mr Bisher. You echoed my feelings exactly. You may have read your co worker Mr Terrance Moore’s column about the Smoltz departure, and how everyone needs to “Calm down” about Smoltz leaving. What you said about Mike Hampton is exactly what I said to Mr Moore. Mike Hampton sits on the DL for four years, cashing checks, and then hot foots it out of town, and the Braves cant ante a couple of million more, for Smoltz, who will be a Hall of Famer, and so many times stayed here for less money. Bottom line, the Braves offended Smoltz with their offer. If they had raised it some, he likely would have stayed.
You mentioned the Braves having “Money to burn, and that they should burn it”. Problem is, except for maybe Derek Lowe, no one wants to come to what is now an out of contention second division team. Our starting pitching staff is now “Jair, Javier, and who knows what else is out there” Chipper is always hurt, and now says he may leave. Jeff F had a terrible season, and who knows how he will rebound. Right now, Mccann looks like our only major offensive threat who plays all the time, and he gets off X number of games even if he is healthy, because hes a catcher.
I dont know who wants to come to this team with so much uncertainity. We couldnt get Peavy, or Burnett, and now we lose Smoltz. Baseball players in today’s world want to win now, not come to a team which may be no better than mediocre for a few years.
I hope that Frank Wren can do something before spring training. It would help if we could get Lowe, and if Glavine can somehow find one last season of magic in his arm, and win us 10 to 12 games. Beyond that, I dont know what our other options are.
Thank you for your voice of reason, Furman. I agree with your assessment 100%. I hope that Mr Wren and Mr Mcguirk can find some magic in the next few weeks, in what has otherwise been an awful offseason for the Braves.
MitchBy DMBJAMS
January 10, 2009 1:30 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, will you please walk down the hall and smack Terrance Moore in the back of the head? Thanks. Great read, by the way.
By greg
January 10, 2009 6:01 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, I keep hearing how this is a “business decision.” But please explain how ticking off the customer base is good business? Braves fans are not just angry; they’re hurt. Let’s face it, watching Smoltz come back would have been the stuff of legend. Derek Lowe is essentially a dull, boring workaday pitcher. He doesn’t strike people out very often, and he doesn’t excite a fan base. Even if the Braves don’t lose 100 games this season, they just lost a lot of gate and a lot of TV viewers. I was jazzed to watch Smoltzie come back from surgery and I was jazzed to see if the young Braves might reach their potential. Now, I couldn’t care less. I might watch a game this summer on the tube, I might not. Either way, I really don’t care about the Braves anymore. I feel like I did when Niekro was kicked to the curb by that idiot Bob Gibson. The only thing that relieved that pain was Phil’s final game at Fulton County. Let me predict the following: Smoltzie will help lead the Red Sox to the 2009 championship. Then what’s left of him will sign with the Braves next year for a farewell tour. That’s when the fans will return. As for this year, for the second time in 40 years, I really don’t care what happens to the Braves. A World Series win wouldn’t even make me excited about this team. Certainlly, a hundred-loss season won’t.
By Bravesf fan since 1966
January 10, 2009 7:43 AM | Link to this
What PR disaster. someone is asleep at the wheel in the front ofc. Our Denver absentee idiots will realize it about June when the crowds are averaging about 10k a game. I love the Braves and have been to probably 1000 games since 1966..not this yr, i wont go to a game and my nightly TV watching is over. If they dont care, why should I? And I promise you, I am not alone among Braves fans feeling this way. If the Braves are goiing to act like its 1988, then me and most other fans will do exacvtly what we did in 1988..totally ignoring them.This town doesnt support losers. Sometimes we get criticized for it..I think its a virtue.
By Branch Rickey
January 10, 2009 8:16 AM | Link to this
Wren was ready to commit over $80 million to AJ Burnett, who has a LONG history of arm problems & only exceeded 12 wins ONCE in his career, but could not cough up a couple million to keep the face of the franchise?
By keef1234
January 10, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this
NO SMOLTZ
NO SUPER STAR FREE AGENTSBOSTON BRAVES MILWAUKEE BRAVES ATLANTA BRAVES HARTFORD BRAVES
By Closeone
January 10, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
Quit whining and go join a social club. I want to watch winning baseball. I would not care if Chipper, McCann,J.J. or Hanson were traded. I would rather see really good baseball than wear a jersey with my hero’s name on the back. Winning teams equal butts in seats.
By tr
January 10, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
After letting all the available information settle in, knowing there are things we’ll never know for sure, I’d have to say that I completely understand and even agree with Wren’s decision from a strictly baseball point of view.
HOWEVER
This was (or at least should have been) about a LOT more than just an if/when he-can-pitch/he-can’t-pitch question. John Smoltz is, was, and always will be more than just an aging, physically questionable veteran!
There are any number of ways this side of the equation could’ve/shoud’ve been addressed - from a splashy free agent presentation to a front office or coaching (personal-services contract) contingency plan if he cannot pitch a full season or cannot pitch effectively.
It did not have to be about guaranteed money or incentive money comparisons!
The bottom line is that the team could have and should have made certain that his only realistic response to free agent overtures from other teams would have been, “Thanks guys, but I’m an Atlanta Brave!”
By Rod Ramey
January 10, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
I watch baseball when there are exciting players on the field. Smoltz is an exciting player. I have always said his slider was unfair to hitters. I hate to see him leave the Braves over a couple of bucks. I quess the corporate heads are afraid someone will think they made a bad “business decision” if they pay too much. I have always looked forward to baseball season, but last year I turned off a lot of games because they were boring. I don’t see any improvement so far this year. I still enjoy seeing Chipper and McCann, but that is about the extent of it.
By STEEL WHEEL
January 10, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
john smoltz is just the latest chapter in the BRAVES “stupid moves.”
do the names of warren spahn,hank aaron,dale murphy mean anything? they were beloved by all BRAVES fans,but they traded under similar conditions.they were at the end of their careers.
for 60 years the BRAVES have made similar moves.
this is just a game!
all sports have their tough decisions. johnny unitis was traded by the COLTS,because there was nothing left in his tank!
john smoltz was one of the best of his era!
the one thing that could have done—john smoltz will be a great pitching coach. that should have been the BRAVES offer.
as i know.times marches on. john smoltz should too.
he can point with pride,that he pitched with one of the greatest staffs of all time—glavine,maddux and smoltz. \
By CW
January 10, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
I am so glad to see some even-handed coverage of the Smoltz story. Folks, this is modern day baseball. It is a business now.
The Braves already have too much salary tied up on the DL (Hudson) and need live arms who can throw on opening day.
Wren and company will get this franchise turned around, but it can’t and won’t be done overnight. The Braves slide from top-notch franchise to mid-level spend thrift didn’t happen overnight and getting it fixed won’t happen overnight either.
By BullDawg79
January 10, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
Baseball is a business now. The teams try to get the fans excited about the players that are the “face” of the franchise, and then to accept it when the face leaves town.
Perhaps we need to start rooting for the front offices of all our pro sports teams. The players are only temporary hires, the labor. It’s the owners and GMs who have the longest tenure.
Let’s change the names of our pro teams to reflect the owners.
The Atlanta Blanks The Atlanta Libertys
Then again, since any franchise can move to whatever city buys/builds them a new stadium, just drop the city name altogether.
Yeah…. that really wants me to go to the ballpark.
By Charlie
January 10, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
Great article. I think Furman Bisher’s blog is dead on. The Braves management are a group of no-mind losers. That includes John Schuerholz, who has gotten a pass for bone head moves for years, but believes his own press clippings. This current management team has successfully destroyed the franchise. Bums, all.
By mike
January 10, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this
well you complained about peavy and burnett but really what did you lose yankees paid about a 160 millian apiece and just for 4 players about 450 million come on thats crazy remember the devil rays got to the playoffs not yankees its not what you spend but how you spend.. and stop getting on the braves fans when you go to the playoffs every year you dont get serious until world series and i think though out the years we kept the stands full preaty much.. this aint the north we have lives outside of the braves if we go through a drought with the playoffs and then we make it fans will come good luck smoltz we love ya enjoy hopefully will see you in the playoffs
By DC Fan
January 10, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
John and Da Mick
Let’s leave politics out of this. The Bush bashing is tiresome. I am pretty sure you voted for CHANGE in Novemember, so you should hold up your end of the bargain.
Direct your passion for CHANGE to your own actions and Braves management/ownership. Smoltz wanted one more championship, but the Braves could not give him that because they have been mismanaged for the entire 21st Century.
By the way, what will you all complain about on January 20th?
By Pittsburgh Al
January 10, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this
Most everyone is missing the point on the Smoltz issue. Going to Boston is the best move for him so why should we deny him that last chance at glory. He can play on a contender and be relevant as a player again. Hard to do on a .500 team. This is where Smoltz wants to be and the Braves made it easy and made him look like the good guy by offering less money. So leave him alone. As far as the Braves spending money…they are corporate owned and we all know what is happening in the corporate world now. I’m a long time Pirate fan so the Braves fans should get ready to join us in Pirateland. With few prospects left due to all of the trades for “stars” that cannot be resigned it could be many long and dismal years at Turner Field.
By richbrave
January 10, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this
scottbravesfan:
No, we just sit around waiting for you to post up.
By Former Braves Fan
January 10, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
I became a Braves fan in 1966 when the team hit town. For the first time, I had a real team too root for beside teams a thousand miles away. Over the years, I have seen the stupid Atlanta Braves give away Henry Aaron, Eddie Matthews, Phil Niekro, Tom Glavine, Dale Murphy, Darrell Evans, Maddog Maddux, fire Joe Torre, trade away many prospects that did well elsewhere while the garbage they got in return was not even funny. Now, just about one of my three all time favorite Braves, John Smoltz is gone. WELL, ATLANTA BRAVES, SO AM I!!! I have had it with cheap out of town owners in the game for making money and dumping on life time fans. Screw you Braves. I have already tossed all my Braves hats, T-shirts, etc. in the garbage. I have had it. Enough is enough. I am a free agent. I am going to sign for the minimum. Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins, hell maybe even the KC Royals, since the stupid Braves are now going to be worse than even the Royals. Even at least they TRY to find ball players. Even over paying for Gil Meche, but at least they tried. By Braves. I’m done. Thank you Mr. Bisher for all these great years of writing. My final post on AJC.
By jerry
January 10, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
Very well stated Mr. Bisher.
If Smoltz felt that he could pitch, what’s wrong with taking a contract loaded with incentives.
He made 14 mil last year for not pitching, and wanted another 5 this year for not pitching?
He was the only player on the Braves that told it like it was, and I’ll miss him just as much as any other Braves fan, but the Braves don’t have the revenues of the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Cubs, and Red Sox, such that they can continue to toss money out the door for players who are not playing.
I know that they’ve done it in the past, but at some point you have to learn from your past and make better decisions for the future.
I said that bringing Glavine back last year at 8 mil was a bad deal from the beginning, and would not have done it.
They lost 8 mil and a first round draft pick for 4 good starts out of 13, totaling 63+ innings of mediocre pitching.
The Braves lack of heart is mostly due to managment. They make sure that the players tow the company line. Smoltz was one guy who told it like it was, and now he’s gone, so look forward to a very dull season in the TED.
By H2
January 10, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
I’ve been watching Braves baseball for quite a while (since they arrived in ‘66, actually). I’d like management to harking back to the not so long ago days of 100 game-loss seasons. I’m not suggesting that management speand till it drops…however, I do suggest that they stop beign overly frugal (in the midst of raising ticket and concession prices). Remember, no one feels the “economic pinch” more than the FANS! Remember us? Yeah, we’re the ones that paid salaries for your mediocrity over the last three seasons! Oh, and please get rid of John Schuerholz…he values the dollar more than he values the fans. Yes, for me, it’s “SOUR FREAKING GRAPES!”
By H2
January 10, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
I’ve been watching Braves baseball for quite a while (since they arrived in ‘66, actually). I’d like management to harking back to the not so long ago days of 100 game-loss seasons. I’m not suggesting that management speand till it drops…however, I do suggest that they stop being overly frugal (in the midst of raising ticket and concession prices). Remember, no one feels the “economic pinch” more than the FANS! Remember us? Yeah, we’re the ones that paid salaries for your mediocrity over the last three seasons! Oh, and please get rid of John Schuerholz…he values the dollar more than he values the fans. Yes, for me, it’s “SOUR FREAKING GRAPES!”
By Joe
January 10, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
Spoiled,spoiled,spoiled. The real world is coming soon to the professional sports teams of all kinds. To pay Hampton, Smoltz or any ball player the kind of big money they were paid when they were injured and not playing, and have them walk away to sign with another Club and not have applied some credit toward the team that paid them well while injured is insulting, shameful, and most of all, downright distasteful. Atlanta should have received far more consideration from both these players.
Big league contracts should be up for change soon or the leagues will start facing fan revolt on the silliness of it all, grown men getting paid way too much for playing a game they love while the fan who helps pay those big salaries has to curtail their spending because of a bad recession/depression.
By kashi
January 10, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this
I go average 5 games a year and spend around $500 including food and parking fee. No one is left in roster to feel proud or cheer except Chipper and I have decided NOT to go any games this year. I saw someone is running campion to cheer Rafael Furcal when he steps up in batter box. Yeaa….go braves fan, Cheeer instead of boobs to show liberty media…u suck!
By tk angel
January 10, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
I don’t blame the general manager, he just doing what is best for the team. Smoltz should show loyalty and stay with the Braves. He got paid a lot of money last year and he barely pitch.
By BeachGaBulldog
January 10, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this
I grew up watching this team in the 70’s and 80’. If those idiots don’t turn this thing around RIGHT NOW, we are headed for the dark ages, AGAIN.
By clif grant
January 10, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this
Wish Smoltz would follow Maddox’s example and retire with dignity.
By Keith B
January 10, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a life-long Braves fan, beginning at the age of 8 in 1967. I only watched the Braves once this past season, however. I used to watch virtually every game. HOWEVER, as of yesterday, the Braves have lost me as a fan. The Braves paid washups like Paul Byrd and Mike Hampton, but won’t take a chance on Smoltzie? I’m a Boston fan from here on out.
By Zeke
January 10, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why everyone is knocking the Braves. Smoltz was paid 14 MILLION last year and pitched only 28 INNINGS! The Braves have paid him almost 150 MILLION over his career. Yet after receiving a 2.5 million guaranteed contract by the Braves he bolts for an extra 3 million from the Red Sox. Makes no sense to me. Maybe Smoltz is the one with the issues!
By Jesus
January 11, 2009 1:45 AM | Link to this
smoltz tithes like a jew at lunch-time
By Milky
January 11, 2009 3:45 AM | Link to this
Yes, Mr. Bisher, the Braves absoultely need to spend A TON of money right away —
Eat cow manure and die, Frank Wren.
By HerbK
January 11, 2009 6:20 AM | Link to this
Smoltz = old - byebye Glavine= old - pack your bags
Braves are finished. What remaining fans there are, they will be begging for a 72-90 finish in ‘09.
By Dave
January 11, 2009 7:56 AM | Link to this
Very few of the Braves who got traded or left us went on to have great careers. Those who think a 42 year old pitcher probably on his last legs is a huge loss in John Smoltz don’t realize we are closer to the bottom of our division than the top. We need every dollar we have to rebuild Smoltz doesn’t get us there. Just like losing Furcal we are better off. I bet this will be Smoltz’s last season anyway.
By Old Man Ribah
January 11, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this
Gadz, I hate the Cards.
You gonna make ‘em pay, Eli?
By Raleigh Brave
January 11, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
A Poem for the Braves
No Ernie No Pete No Skip No TBS No Ted No Jane No Smoltz Know This No Hope No Way No How
By old fart
January 11, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
Clean house. Trade Chipper and Frenchie, release Glavine, and quit whining about Smoltz. Life goes on. Bring up the kids and hire a couple of Asian pitchers. Watch em grow into champions. In two years we’re a winning organization again.
By barbra
January 11, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, Will you please do the City of Atlanta a favor, and call Arthur Blank and ask him to buy the Braves? The management is obviously totally out of touch with reality. I refuse to any longer be a fan of the Braves, now it’s the Sox.
Please also hit Stamper with a brick….no excuse for stupidity on his part.
By Miike
January 11, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Braves needs a complete make over to Ownership and management.The Braves think free agents should bow down to them and take pay cuts just because of there the Atlanta Braves I think Wren,Schuerholz,Mcguirk have there foot shoved up there a* and think that free agents and current players want to play here this is not a destination people want to come any more.This organzation needs a makeover.SOMEONE CALL ARTHUR BLANK!!!!!
By Furman Bisher
January 11, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to spend, and so do I! These adult diapers are expensive, and catheters aren’t cheap!
Has anyone seen my bedpan?!
By new ownership
January 11, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this
one word for all of this. ownership. are a lack of.
By Illinoisfan
January 11, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this
I am becoming somewhat alarmed with the blogs calling for a boycott of the Braves. If a boycott were to take place, making it impossible for the Braves to come close to breaking even, they could be forced to look for a new city at the earliest opportunity. If Atlanta were to lose the Braves, it could be a very long time before another major leage team comes to town, If ever. We should all consider that medicore major league baseball is better than no baseball at all.
By smoltz sucks
January 12, 2009 12:19 AM | Link to this
here’s hoping smoltzie takes one to the forehead on his first pitch for baastan. money grubbing loser….
By Scott Sherman
January 12, 2009 12:39 AM | Link to this
NEWS FLASH
The Braves are owned by a corporation. This corporation knows little to nothing about baseball and it is not their primary focus of business.
All this team is to Liberty Media is a tax write-off and they are running it as such. The fact is that the Braves could make and payout every year as much as the Red Sox or the Yankees but the owners of those teams are running a baseball company first.
Before the Rays and the Marlins there were the Braves, drawing from a large fan base in a region as opposed to a single state. Ted Turner ran the team and spent the money to bring big players in, Gallaraga, McGriff, Maddux and more.
Now we are a perennial seller. I’ve been a Braves fan longer than most. I have heard calls in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium of “Starting Pitcher Ed Olwine” and such. I have always rooted for them. But it is time for someone to step up. Someone in Atlanta. Someone with money (I know they are out there) and put this team in the hands of a private ownership group who will run the team to maximize the talent and the benefits of having a large market franchise.
And if by some chance I am mistaken and the Liberty Media group truly does care then now is the time to show it by putting the money in to make this team the yearly contender it should be.
By Jasonntn
January 12, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this
Atlanta fans, if you want change start speaking with your wallets. Stop going to the games. What they just did to Smoltz is a slap in the face of all of us who have faithfully supported this team for many years. I don’t make it down to many games, but I’m sure I won’t be again. I also won’t be watching on television as long as this pathetic bunch is running the team. Though I will try to catch a few Red Sox games when Smoltz is pitching.
By Virgil
January 12, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
Look to me like the Braves ARE spending…and are prepared to spend more.
By Furman Bisher
January 12, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
Virgil, will you help change me?! I missed the bedpan again!
By Virgil
January 12, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
I do not think you have anything to be ashamed of Furman. I have always respected your column and your opinion. I have been a Braves fan a long time. I remember when Phil Neikro left. I was really angry for a couple of years (2 or 3). I remember when Horner left. I remember when Maddux came…and went. I loved the Braves when they were awful (Buzz Capra) and when they were golden (Glavine, Justice, Cleveland). I remember TBS and “America’s Team.” I have watched in horror over the last three years a list of injuries that would sent most teams to last place…but the Braves keep searching for a way. That is what great franchises do. And I still believe the Braves are a great franchise and I am proud to be a fan. I thought they had a momentary lapse in sanity with the Mark Texeira (?) thing but Cotchman may be the 1st baseman Atlanta needs….solid and productive. I will still be a Braves fan when all this is said and done. I think we will get back to 80-90 wins…but if it is 80-90 loses I will still be a Braves fan. I am just glad some of these people are able to post here. It is therapeutic…they might become unstable in their real life.
BTW…if you are missing the bedpan we are ALL in trouble. :-)
By NO MORE BOBBY
January 12, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
I think the front office on purpose is not making any moves so we suck so bad it kills Bobby Cox. Thats the ony way they can get rid of him because they are cowards when it comes to firing him.
1995 seems so long ago…. BECAUSE IT WAS!!!!!
By Dave
January 12, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this
“Question: Why can the Falcons and Hawks sellout homegames but the Braves can’t even sellout playoff homegames???”
Answer: Because neither the NBA nor NFL schedule games only 48 hours in advance, on a Wednesday afternoon, in the middle of rush hour. If they did, neither the Falcons nor Hawks would ever sell out.
By Dave
January 13, 2009 12:28 AM | Link to this
Hey , No More Bobby,
Oh yes, get rid of Bobby Cox; what a novel idea. Who are the Braves gonna get to replace him? Some manager who can only win with a big payroll? Cox has taken two teams who absolutely sucked before he got there, and had them winning in no time (Braves and Blue Jays). This isn’t Bobby’s fault; he neither hits, pitches, nor runs the bases. He doesn’t swing at everything low and outside (Andruw and Dale Murphy), and doesn’t walk in the entire opposing team, including the batboys (too many to name). If the current players can’t win with Cox as the manager, the Braves need to get players who can, even if it means parting with some fan favorites (not talking about Smoltz; he’s still a winner, as is Chipper).
By mike roberts
January 13, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
its not my money either as it relates to salary and free agents however it is my money in regards to tickets and braves apparell it they don’t spend neither do i play to an empty stadium like the “good old days”
By meoh
January 14, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
Since when is 2.5 million chump change? Smoltz is over 40 and coming off a major surgery. I’d like to see the fan favorites stay around forever, but it’s Wren’s job to put together a winning team.
By George
January 14, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
Everyone just take a deep breath and relax. There’s a bright side to this; tickets will be readily available, parking spaces too. Go to games to watch the other team play. There’s some great National and AmericanLeague talent that comes through Atlanta on a regular basis during the season. Things will eventually improve - even the stock market. Enjoy the season and have an $8 cup of (warm) beer.
By Maniacal Pariah
January 14, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
Maybe we should do a Jerry Lewis style telethon to raise money for the brave’s to afford some real talent!
Somebody get Rhubarb Jones on the phone.
By DT Townsend
January 16, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this
The Braves now have the pitching and defense to be in nearly every game. Plus, Hudson and Glavine may be back for the second half of the season.
The real question is will we generate the offensive numbers we need? The answer is yes… if Chipper stays healthy, Francoeur returns as the “Frenchy” of old at the plate, and we are successful at finding a decent leadoff hitter. Josh Anderson may be the answer. Excellent centerfielder, speed on the bases and was hitting .294 at the end of last season.
Wren finding a “big bat” for left field would be icing on the cake.
I’m confident the Braves will play at least .500 ball this year, with a good shot at making the playoffs (probably wildcard).
By DT Townsend
January 16, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
The Braves now have the pitching and defense to be in nearly every game. Plus, Hudson and Glavine may be back for the second half of the season.
The real question is will we generate the offensive numbers we need? The answer is yes… if Chipper stays healthy, Francoeur returns as the “Frenchy” of old at the plate, and we are successful at finding a decent leadoff hitter. Josh Anderson may be the answer. Excellent centerfielder, speed on the bases and was hitting .294 at the end of last season.
Wren finding a “big bat” for left field would be icing on the cake.
I’m confident the Braves will play at least .500 ball this year, with a good shot at making the playoffs (probably wildcard).
By bbill
January 17, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is an extremely rich spoiled athlete who overvalues his eroded skills. He was lavishly paid for years and has had spotty success since his arm problems. He has no loyalty to the braves who offered him a great salary that required that he actually pitch not b***. He is wealthy beyond imagination and obviously he and his agent have no confidence in his ability to pitch. Why would the braves have any faith? Goodbye Mr. Smoltz we will invest in young arms. Have fun watching games at Fenway rather than watching at Turner Field, Take your arm sling you will need it,
By chadinga
January 17, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this
Smoltz says he’ll be healthy enough to pitch. Braves offer him more than Boston if he’s healthy and pitches this season. Smoltz takes Boston’s offer. Hmmmm…..