Mark Bradley

By geekboy

July 3, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

The Braves have a losing record since the Teixeira trade. It is not his fault, but he is NOT as good as legend indicates. He can’t hit left-handers. That seems to be a huge flaw for your biggest bat.

I would trade him even if the Braves win the next 20 games in a row. His stats are not irreplaceable. I think the Diamondbacks would consider a trade for Mark Reynolds and Max Scherzer (the new John Smoltz?). That would give us a long-term option at 3rd and a great young pitcher. And with Tex, the Diamondbacks would win their division.

By atlantasportsfan

July 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Haven’t you written at least twice in the last week that the Braves are still in it, and to not give up on them? Now you’re writing we should give up and trade Teixeira? Unbelievable.

By Tim

July 3, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

It’s an interesting proposition, but I still think they keep him. These Braves will start hitting. This is baseball, everyone has runs like this. Tex is one of the hottest hitters on the team right now, and with these guys returning from injury, morale will improve. Gonzalez at the end is HUGE, now they don’t have to lean on Acosta (by the way, get him outta here). The bats will heat up when the lineup is back to full strength. Even if they are a ways back (8-10 games), I see them keeping this core all the way through the end of the season, maybe adding a right handed bat to play left field (uh, Xavier Nady, anyone?)

By BigbyDingles

July 3, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

He’s gone after this season, the Braves don’t have much waiting in the wings as far as legitimate major league prospects… time to rebuild.

1st base, 3rd base, left field, SP, whatever. Just go out and get somebody of value that can contribute next season.

By Elliot Garcia

July 3, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Unload him now! Clearly, the Braves are not going to be able to afford his new salary so it is best to get some pitching prospects for next year….

By MikeJones

July 3, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

What was the title of yesterdays article mark? Was it July 1 is turning point for Braves? We’re not idiots Mark.

By Paula

July 3, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

A team is not made of only one man….

By Dave

July 3, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

If the offer is good and we don’t think we will sign him I would do it in a heartbeat.

By Milton Jeff

July 3, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

After the past 2 days of blogs about the series with the Phillies, Im getting more & more upset with the Braves. Tex’s swing last night in the dirt to end the game made me sick. I say trade him for a bunch of young players. What about to the Pirates for Bay & Nady? Its time to consider the future. This season is becoming a nightmare!!

By Macon Countyline

July 3, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I think they need to shop him anyway and if really good young pitching is available for him, pull that trigger.

By Adam

July 3, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

It is time to trade cox before tex! Only then will we start winning

By Tharasher

July 3, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I say trade him for good value. The Detroit Tigers have proven that simply spending a lot of money doesn’t guarantee anything. Tex is a slow starter and leaves too many men on base. One bat can’t solve the Braves problems this season.

By A.S.

July 3, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

M.O.B. this has been an issue since we got acquired him in last years trade deadline. There was immediately speculation as to whether or not we would trade him now or let him walk at the end of the season. The way the Braves work it doesn’t appear as if he is going to stick with the team after this year. There is not going to be a “hometown” GT Alumnus discount and he doesn’t appear to be the type of player who would go to a winning team for less money than he would receive from a team such as Baltimore. I would trade him at the deadline for a good SP such as Sabathia and sign CC long term. Pitching wins championships!

By Navigator

July 3, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

I agree with the trade of Tex, although I like his total game, he’s gone at the end of the year. The Braves are toast again, and keeping him when he’s got trade value for young players with a future.

I hate to beat a dead horse, but Cox was hailed as the great Manager that willed the success of the Braves, by nearly everyone. If he was the catalyst to success then, he must be the reason now that the Braves are becoming just like the team of the ‘80’s. I look at the turnaround of the Rays in Tampa with a young manager and wonder if a similar type could inspire our youthful future. I’m really tired of years of old broken down veterans being give the chance, when our young players are left on the farm too long.

By Kevin C

July 3, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Keep Tex because we would not get back anything near what people think. I would love to get Reynolds from the D backs but face it, as one poster said, Tex is not the legend Boras Inc makes him out to be, he is not 20 Million dollaer player either. If we fall out fine, take the two draft picks and use the money to sign say Pat Burrell and place him behind Chipper.

We need to get young and aggressive—learn the fundamentals and start playing small ball. The pitching has not been that bad but we do not scare anyone, Frenchy should be sent down, he can not hit period.

With Glavine, Tex, and Hampton gone next year and possibly Smoltz, that would leave maybe close to 35 million to use—trade for Harden and sign him. Like I stated earlier get someone like Burrell—he would be more relaxed playing here, bring up Schafer and place him in center. Blanco needs to go, he is a poor defensive outfielder—bad routes to balls.

By AtlMike

July 3, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Ole Tex has been a bust. The Braves were supposed to be so much better with him. He is way overrated and overpaid. He is not even batting .300. Trade him now….and please, please get rid of Boyer!!

By George

July 3, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Of course a trade should be considered; decision should be based on what the Braves can get for him; solid major league player at a reasonable cost (not sure if there are any of those left in MLB) or draft choices? If either proves to be the case then make a move. This is what good general managers get paid to do.

The Braves will not win this year and should plan for the future.

By lewie

July 3, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

we should resign him if at all possible and add a right handed hitting LF in the offseason or via trade. that would give us the best lineup possible

By FREEDOG

July 3, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I really like Tex, but I think we got to move him since he’d be leaving in a few months anyway. The bigger question is when is Bobby going to bench Francouer. And I’m not talking for one game. My 3-year-old could do better with runners in scoring position.

By Robert S

July 3, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

It might be a really good idea to see what sort of bounty the Braves might be able to get for Tex. He’s serving no real purpose here, with this team fading fast.

Of course, this blog might be the first one Mark has done without wearing his rose-colored glasses, too.

The suitors? The Angels? Yankees? Red Sox?

The Braves could get a good first baseman in return (Kotchman) and a couple of other prospects from the Angels, but as far as anyone else goes, you’ve got me. Would the Yanks or Red Sox give up one of their pitching prospects?

By LB

July 3, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Trade him. We need pitching more than a first baseman.

By Joshua Barlowe

July 3, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Unless he fires Scott Boras, we need to trade him; because we know he will sign for crazy money with Boras, and the Braves don’t throw around crazy money (because they’re giving it all to a pitcher who hasn’t thrown in three years).

By ADAMS!!!

July 3, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Im Smoltz and Glavine are finished, and Texeira and Hampton’s salaries will be off the books, we should be able to have plenty of spending room for a while. Too bad Francouer might not see too much of it.

STAT: Jeff Francouer leads the Majors in ABs with the bases loaded with 19. In those at bats, he has 2 hits and 7 RBIs. 7/76. In 4 such ABs, Chipper has 3 hits. Jeff may want to take some tips from Chipper if he doesn’t want to become a poor man’s Andruw.

By Tami

July 3, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

I really hate the conclusion I’m coming to, but I must agree with Geekboy. I clearly would love to keep Tex until he retires. I’m sure at his age, he’d eventually figure out a way to hit left-handers. But with the ruthless agent he has, reality hurts and his looming.

I would not want to see the Braves trade away Tex for just anyone, though. We need starting pitching — badly! Glav & Smoltzie can’t be around forever. They’ll be gone from baseball within the next 1-3 years for sure, maybe sooner. If the Braves are going to make such a trade, yes. Do it now — but WISELY. The Braves are just not going to make it to the playoffs this season. Those are hard words for even me to chew on. And, I hope I’m proven wrong…I really wouldn’t mind that. But, it just doesn’t look good. They had to prove RIGHT NOW that they could beat the Phillies, and they haven’t.

By JMF

July 3, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

This is what you pay a GM for, make a decision that will put the Braves in a position to win in the future. You win with pitchers and we are close. Trade Tex while you can receive good compensation for him. If we are going to make a run this year it will be with clutch hitting. That can happen without Tex (unlikely). Let’s build dynasty. We have two excellent young starters and a good middle age starter (Hudson). Let’s build from there. When we made runs in the 90’s it started with a first baseman who had a mild batting average (Bream). We won because we had great pitching and clutch hitting.

By Milton Jeff

July 3, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

As much as we criticize Cox for his managing..Its still the players who dont come through in clutch situations. We can all sit around and point the finger at Bobby, but its T.P and the players who are lacking. I will point the finger at Cox for his relief pitching decisions though.

By john

July 3, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

The Braves are going nowhere this year. Let him go while you have the chance to get something of value in return. While they’re at it, let’s see if they can deal Frenchy for a couple of bats and a bag of balls.

By Ben

July 3, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

We dont need to do anything with Teixiera. He is hitting the ball. The person we need to worry about is Francouer. We need to bench him or send him to minors. If we do something with Francouer, then maybe we can score more then 1 run with bases loaded and no out instead of a double play by francouer and one run scored.

By Ben

July 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

We dont need to do anything with Teixiera. He is hitting the ball. The person we need to worry about is Francouer. We need to bench him or send him to minors. If we do something with Francouer, then maybe we can score more then 1 run with bases loaded and no out instead of a double play by francouer and one run scored.

By Huntersdad

July 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

It is me or does this team just seem to lack any fire? The Chemistry is not good and they are slacking on the fundamentals. Bobby Cox must be very frustrated watching the non chalant way some of these guys are playing. They should be a lot better than what we have seen. If we can get a couple of great prospects for Tex, Wren should pull the trigger. Frenchy needs some minor league time to regroup. He is hurting the team and does not appear to be coming out of the slump.

By Joe

July 3, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Of course we should trade him now and get another young ace and another prospect.

This season is over. Francouer is garbage. Chipper is hurt. McCann is playing way too many innings. Bobby is getting scenile and cannot see that this season is over.

We need to follow the model of the Marlins, Cubs and D-Rays. We have a potential top of the rotation Ace in Jurgens. If we can get another dynamic guy to pair with him, we have the potential for a fantastic rotation for the next decade.

Time to let go of this season and begin building for the future. Trade Tex to the highest bidder.

By Mike

July 3, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Trade him. To me, that’s pretty obvious. Barring a miracle, this team is not going to make the playoffs. They have not played terribly well with Texeira. It is time to go with a youth movement and they could get a boatload of good prospects—like the one they gave up to get him—for Tex. If I were Wren, while I’m at it I’d put virtually every veteran on the block. Chipper is untouchable for both production and PR reasons. Escobar has enough upside to keep. McCann is solid and is locked up for a few years. Jurrjens is the real deal. Reyes is going to be good. But as far as I’m concerned, just about everybody else on this roster—yes, including Hudson and Francoeur—should be made available to someone willing to offer the right package in return.

By Charles

July 3, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

I wonder if we could trade him to Texas for Jarrod Saltalamacchia? It’s been sad watching poor Brian McCann catch as many games as he has. We have no backup catcher since the dropoff to Corky Miller is too great. We could have had Salty here all along.

The trade to get Teixeira will go down as one of the worst the Braves have ever made. Can you say “Len Barker”???

By freebird

July 3, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

It is time for Bobby Cox to act like a boss and not a friend to the players, he needs to hold the team responsible and go off on them, his positive thinking is not working. His style makes me sick and I have stopped watching the games.

By ijonathan

July 3, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley

You are a joke. What was it, two days ago, you write about how this was the turning point to the Braves season, guys coming back, etc. Now a scant couple of days later you are floating the idea of trading Tex? I suppose we should be expecting in the next few days to see another contradictory column from you talking about how poor Francouer is playing and how the fans have every right to boo him and wish he were sent to the minors. I guess in lieu of actual original thought, you choose to continuously flip flop on positions to give you enough “material” to write about.

By jjcr11

July 3, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

i agree that that tex is probably gone after this season so the braves should trade him now and try to get something for him if we cant sign him, but why stop with tex? get francouer out of here. sure tex has problems hitting lefties but jeff cant hit righties, lefties, or my grandmother!!!

By Supes

July 3, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Mr Bradley

Your title should be “Is it time to send down Francouer?”

Focusing on the wrong point here. Of course you and TM have made a valiant defense attempt, but Jeff has pretty much proved the point of everyone who has been saying he needs to be send down to work on his mechanics, etc elsewhere, where he isn’t killing the team with his utter lack of production at the plate.

Since you wrote the “What up with the venom against Frenchy” article, have you looked up the stats Jeff has been putting up?

I’m expecting a fair and balanced coverage out of the AJC, stop with the hometown homerism and write the piece.

If anyone else other than DOB reported as the beat writer we’d probably be served a fair dose of “home town kool-aid” about how it’s all going to turn around etc. Be patient. 3 Months have come and gone, as in half the season? When is enough enough?

As to your current question about TEX, it is NOT time to trade TEX just yet. Gotta see what is going to happen the next 3 weeks. The more you hold on to a big wildcard player like TEX, the more the bidders will break under the pressure and give you a sweeter offer.

By PJ

July 3, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Why trade him………….he is doing great. I think that Frenchy is the one that needs to be traded!!!!!!!!!!!!

By rlinaug

July 3, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

The Braves will continue to lose close ballgames as long as they continue to be the least fundamentally sound team in the league.

I realize they’ve had a lot of injuries and physical bad luck, but if they could bunt a guy over, hit the ball to the right side of the field when a man’s on second, or hit a sacrifice fly, they’d be running away with the division.

By Will

July 3, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

As a realistic Braves fan i am just hoping for whatever has to happen to make the front office understand they are not contenders and either stay put or be sellers at the trade deadline. This team stinks injuries or not.

By Raleigh Brave

July 3, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Trade Tex or don’t re-sign him and who’s going to play first base next year? Chipper? Then who plays third? What do they trade for? Another first baseman? Third base? Can they get an entire outfield for one player? Toss in Francoeur and Diaz while they’re at it. This year is a pathetic disaster. And with not much in the minors to bring up the Braves are headed back to the 70s. Stinksville. And oh yeah, this column is hilarious given Bradley’s prediction of glory just two days ago, before the Phillies reminded the Braves that they are a lousy lousy team. Everybody loves Bobby Cox but he’s running on fumes of past regular season greatness—he was never a manager who could win that one important game. Braves stink.

By Singindablues

July 3, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I call it the A-Rod effect. A player with outstanding talent and individual stats goes to a team to supposedly put them over the top as the favorite in their division only to always lag slightly behind. A-Rod in Seattle, Texas & NY, Santana to the Mets, Tex to the Braves. It just doesn’t always have the intended effect.

Trading Tex may not be the worst option team-wise. But be realistic, trade options would be limited. Probably only a couple of teams might be interested in paying anything to rent Tex for the final three months. He’s still going to wait till seasons end to test the market. So unless you can find a somewhat desperate trade partner (maybe Boston?), then probably nothing will happen.

By ManOfTeal

July 3, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

My god you guys are way too optimistic about your chances. Put a fork in the Braves….they’re done. Welcome back to the 80’s where losing is just the Braves’ style.

Go Marlins!!!!

By texasboy

July 3, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

I really like Tex’s glove at first, and he says that he has unfinished business in Atlanta, so even though Boras is his agent he could opt for less money and be back in a Braves uniform next year. I know this may be wishful thinking, but who knows look at A Rod. Anyways, I don’t like the thought of selling talent, but if the fornt office knows that he won’t be resigned then they should be shopping the heck out of Tex.

One thing that has become ridiculous is Frenchy. I love the guy but he has turned his slump into an all-out nightmare…no matter where he is hitting. Part of me wants to say that his dismal AB’s, especially with runners in scoring position is becoming contagious; hopefully not and hopefully he and the rest of the Braves can “right the ship.”

By retiredscout

July 3, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

This is not a good Braves team, and they are most likely to finish third or fourth regardless of who comes back or any trade they may make.I am a little puzzled as to why so many think Texeira should be traded, or that he is somehow “overrated”. If you take a look, you will see that he is leading this team in RBI…he is also a big part of Jones having a big year average-wise. After this year, Braves are going to have to do a big rebuild…they can’t do it with some of these AAA players they are using this year. Francouer has been exposed for his long, slow bat, so he won’t be a cornerstone to build around. In fact, my guess is that he has had his last good year and will fade away. Braves can’t build around older players…Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, etc..Kotsay and Chipper will continue to build up DL time this year and next. So why not sign Texeira, and make him cornerstone for the rebuild, along with McCann (if he doesn’t eat his way out of the bigs)and Escobar? Texeira is a great defensive first baseman, a highly respected hitter (why else will there be a bidding war for him?), a quality person, and still very young. Where are they going to go to replace what he does? The Braves have some good baseball minds, so don’t be too sure he is going to go elsewhere regardless of how far downhill they go this year.

By texasboy

July 3, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

I really like Tex’s glove at first, and he says that he has unfinished business in Atlanta, so even though Boras is his agent he could opt for less money and be back in a Braves uniform next year. I know this may be wishful thinking, but who knows look at A Rod. Anyways, I don’t like the thought of selling talent, but if the fornt office knows that he won’t be resigned then they should be shopping the heck out of Tex.

One thing that has become ridiculous is Frenchy. I love the guy but he has turned his slump into an all-out nightmare…no matter where he is hitting. Part of me wants to say that his dismal AB’s, especially with runners in scoring position is becoming contagious; hopefully not and hopefully he and the rest of the Braves can “right the ship.”

By texasboy

July 3, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

I really like Tex’s glove at first, and he says that he has unfinished business in Atlanta, so even though Boras is his agent he could opt for less money and be back in a Braves uniform next year. I know this may be wishful thinking, but who knows look at A Rod. Anyways, I don’t like the thought of selling talent, but if the fornt office knows that he won’t be resigned then they should be shopping the heck out of Tex.

One thing that has become ridiculous is Frenchy. I love the guy but he has turned his slump into an all-out nightmare…no matter where he is hitting. Part of me wants to say that his dismal AB’s, especially with runners in scoring position is becoming contagious; hopefully not and hopefully he and the rest of the Braves can “right the ship.”

By texasboy

July 3, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I really like Tex’s glove at first, and he says that he has unfinished business in Atlanta, so even though Boras is his agent he could opt for less money and be back in a Braves uniform next year. I know this may be wishful thinking, but who knows look at A Rod. Anyways, I don’t like the thought of selling talent, but if the fornt office knows that he won’t be resigned then they should be shopping the heck out of Tex.

One thing that has become ridiculous is Frenchy. I love the guy but he has turned his slump into an all-out nightmare…no matter where he is hitting. Part of me wants to say that his dismal AB’s, especially with runners in scoring position is becoming contagious; hopefully not and hopefully he and the rest of the Braves can “right the ship.”

By texasboy

July 3, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I really like Tex’s glove at first, and he says that he has unfinished business in Atlanta, so even though Boras is his agent he could opt for less money and be back in a Braves uniform next year. I know this may be wishful thinking, but who knows look at A Rod. Anyways, I don’t like the thought of selling talent, but if the fornt office knows that he won’t be resigned then they should be shopping the heck out of Tex.

One thing that has become ridiculous is Frenchy. I love the guy but he has turned his slump into an all-out nightmare…no matter where he is hitting. Part of me wants to say that his dismal AB’s, especially with runners in scoring position is becoming contagious; hopefully not and hopefully he and the rest of the Braves can “right the ship.”

By Dinman31

July 3, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

If we trade Tex, what is everyone’s opinion on who to play at 1B the rest of this season and next? We need to add a SP, righthand hitting LF and 1B prior to next season but i doubt Tex is going to carry as much trade value into the July deadline as some on here think. Getting a solid MLBer and a B prospect might be pushing it.

I also wouldn’t be opposed to getting a nearly ready replacement for Chipper in the trade if there is someone in that position that the Braves like.

By cletusj

July 3, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Trade Tex and bring Mazzone back for Bobby next year. He hasn’t been able to manage since Leo left town.

By fieldofdreams

July 3, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Wren (over his head) forfeited five future prospects for this failed mercenery and the unapologetic whale-shark he calls an agent. While you’re swapping Tex for a quality starting pitcher, why not trade Wren, too?

By Peter

July 3, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Trade BOTH Tex and Frenchy……..

We need team players, Tex’s guy Boro’s, is NOT a team guy in any respect, he will try to rape us or anyone he deals with…………

Frenchy frankly has not got a clue……..get pitching for either and a real Bat!

Cox also needs to go……. we need speed, pitching, and DEFENSE!

By Charles

July 3, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

This is alot like a stock market trade. Teixeira’s value is at a peak with teams wanting to sign him later. The chances of Teixeira resigning with Atlanta are remote (anyone hear him say anything about loving this city?).

It’s time for a reality check (watching the Phillies beating us at home should be a wakeup call). The Braves seem to be cursed by too many injuries this year. Chipper is about to be DL’ed for the rest of the year (possibly). Let’s get some quality (hopefully young) talent to replace some of the veteran players about to retire.

By rob

July 3, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Does it really matter anymore? This season is the worst season since 1990. These guys stink in the clutch. When its tight, the bullpen folds. When we are trailing the batters strand men on base by hitting into double plays and striking out. This team sucks.

By opie south

July 3, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I like the idea of Tex for Mark Reynolds but I do believe Arizona would do that for a rent a player and with his agent that is what it would be. The Angels may want him and they have a lot of young talent. Send Frenchy to Richmond for a while to learn the strike zone and get confidence back. After last night (3 k’s and a double play) the time has come. One problem I see on most of the team is the inability or desire to hit to the opposite field. Every pitcher in the national league is pitching to this weakness but they continue trying to pull everything. If Kotsay does not come out of it I would also bring Anderson back and put him in center field. Bobby is tooooo loyal to veterans but sometimes choices have to be made for the team.

By athdog

July 3, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Well, there is one flaw and one glaring omission in your article: After driving to Rome to watch Hampton pitch on Monday, he is most definitely NOT doing well. Six hits and four runs, three earned, in three innings against ‘A’ ball players, most of whom will never sniff, let alone make the bigs. The omission is sitting Frenchy. He is now what he was during his minor league days: .250-.260 hitter who has limited ability to move runners over when faced with anything but a fastball. Like Andruw, he can’t hit a breaking pitch and won’t learn to lay off of them. Let’s move/sit/face the facts on him while we still have great alternatives in young guys like B Jones, Andersson, Blanco etc..

By Mark Bradley

July 3, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Two clarifications: Wren did not make the trade for Teixeira. John Schuerholz did.

And I’m not advocating that Teixeira be traded today or in the next week. (A four-game winning streak, which admittedly sounds terribly optimistic at the moment, can change all manner of perception.) I’m saying that, if the Braves continue to lose and fall 10 games back, trading Teixeira would seem to make long-term sense.

But they’re not 10 games back just yet, and I continue to think — perhaps I’m a minority of one — that there’s still hope for this team. And let me point out that, as bleak as it seems today, three of the eight teams that qualified for the 2007 postseason were at or below .500 at the All-Star break.

By TNJeff

July 3, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Bradley - are you running for office?

You’d fit right in with the joke candidates in the race now.

My mantra continues - you’re an idiot, nuff said.

By CCjacket

July 3, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Yes… and I’ve said this all along. The Braves were so good for such an amazing stretch of years, it’s hard to come to grips with the reality that it’s time to pull back, regroup, get even younger, bring in some prospects, and build for the future. Trade Tex, trade almost any of the veterans - save Tim Hudson - and bone up for 2010 and beyond. I think the one legitimate concern that may hinder that type of action is that the fans may react negatively and stop buying tickets, given the historic fickleness of Atlanta pro sports fans. HOWEVER, I think the Braves are the first professional team here to overcome that… they’re in the public’s psyche now, and we’re hooked… and we’ll keep coming. Complaining? Yes. But we’ll keep coming…

By Will

July 3, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

When is football season?

By Josh M

July 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

If you can get Mark Reynolds and Max Scherzer for Tex, DO IT NOW. Good god, NOW. And that wouldn’t even be conceding the year - put Reynolds at first, get TP to work with him on his Ks, and get Scherzer in the backend of the rotation.

I just started salivating when I read that idea.

By ugadawg

July 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

yes I would trade him. I would try and get a good young SP prospect to go with JJ and Huddy. Many other posters said it already that we need a youth movement. we need a new LF,CF,1B,3B,P’s. we have some in the farm and we should give them a chance. The other thing we need to look at is a new hitting coach. McCann, Chipper and now Frenchy have all went back to their dads or HS coaches to try to come out of slumps. Why are we paying TP to do this and these players go else where when his help does not help?

By JOE

July 3, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

EVALUATE 7-10 DAYS BEFORE DEADLINE. IF NOT SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT AND IF 7+ GAMES BEHIND, GO AHEAD WITH THE TRADE AND GEAR UP FOR NEXT YEAR.

By John

July 3, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

ANY high paid athlete whether Baseball.Fball NHL or whatever the contracts they get the money etc….they better be doing something, Tex is a hudge gun great at first base, but dont forget Hampton, $120 Mil did anybody forget he’s still on the Braves payroll and whats he done “NOTHING”. So, trading one player to me doesnt amount to a hill of beans unless they get somebody big in return.

By Jeff

July 3, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Compare Tex to other NL players with comparable salaries he is fine. Braves pay much less and get pretty much the same stuff as the Mets do for Beltran. Burrell earns 2 mill more and Arimas Ramirez and Derrek Lee ear 1-2.5 mill more per year. Those players are not outproducing Tex. Of the top players in the NL, I think Tex is the only newby (1 year) in the league. Does McCann protect him half the time? A lot of the time it was Francouer. I say the Braves are getting good production for a #4 batter, but he does not deserve 18 or 20 mill a year.

By macdwolfpack

July 3, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

I would restructure this entire team, it has been like Ground Hog Day for the last two years and this template isn’t working. If Wrenn is the future leader we hope then he steps back and takes a realistic look at this team at All Star break and does quite a few things to reshape it for the future. I would sit Tex down and say you’re either going to be the future cornerstone of this team and we are getting a contract done now, or I trade him for a future or present 1b or 3b with upside potential. Secondly I sit Chipper down and say hey bud would you consider being traded to an AL contender so you can finish out your years playing for championships and doing what you do now playing 3rb base partime while DH ing which will lengthen your career and get us a good young 3b or 1b back in return. When they show they are healthy I seriously consider trading Glavine, Hampton, and maybe yes even Soriano(who was damaged goods when we made the trade). I rebuild this team at first and third with players of the future. I bring up Schaeffer, Anderson, and or Brandon Jones and make Kotsay available as well. I don’t get rid of Franceour but I do get rid of hitting coach who hasn’t been able to straighten any of the young Braves hitters out since he got here. I might replace him with Chris Chambliss who can teach our hitters how to go with the pitch and hit with runners in scoring position.

By Batboy Bill

July 3, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

The issue isn’t who to trade, but who to keep. Frank, this team needs to be blown up and rebuilt. First, it’s time for a younger manager who’s in touch with how the game is played today. Then, keep McCann, Escobar and the best of the young pitchers. Trade anyone else for value and a fresh look. It’s time to redeploy payroll and say farewell and thanks to some veterans. Come on guy…be a man and pull the trigger.

By Chris

July 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Agreed Mark… If we fall 10 back, we have to look at selling him… we’ll have the one big bat on the trade market so we could get premium value for that if the right times were buying. Sometimes, the best decision is to fold…

By Chip

July 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

First off, for all the people bashing the Braves and saying they quit watching the games, well, make damn sure that if the Braves go to the postseason, you people don’t watch or buy tickets to the games. We don’t need anymore fair weather, band wagon jumpers for the team. I already had to go through that in 1991, definitely don’t need to see it again. As for trading Tex….if he isn’t going to sign with Braves, then yeah trade him for a pitcher or solid hitter (Harden and Nady). Chipper is the cornerstone, you let him decide when he wants to leave. Frenchy- maybe some time in AAA to get his swing back might help him, if not, you don’t have to promote him back up and you may be able to trade him. I like him, but he is struggling and something needs to be done to help him out. Need some bullpen help also. Whoever said Blanco is horrible, wake up, he is doing pretty good out there. Also need to look for a better backup catcher.

By DP

July 3, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Bradley says there’s still hope for this team? No chance. Wait until all these young starting pitchers start hitting the wall in August because of the innings they’re piling up versus anything they’ve ever pitched before. Add in the pathetic outfield, the backup catcher who is not worthy of playing A ball, an overworked bullpen, a gimpy Chipper who is a gamer but isn’t going to keep hitting .390 even if he manages to stay healthy…I say this team has a much better chance to lose 90 games than to win 85.

Trading Texeira for the best package of young talent available should be Wren’s top priority.

By Peter

July 3, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Mark………..this team is toast !

There is no spark of life that I can see……..

By Brant

July 3, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Teixeira’s career line against lefties is .301/.383/.537. I fail to see something there that indicates he can’t hit left-handers.

By needahoma

July 3, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I guess I should have been a sports prognosticator. I have been calling for a trade since May. Get some pitching, he is gone, gonna chase the dollar. He was our rally killer until recently and now is back in his slump. No conistency, and as he said, trying to concentrate on the game and keep the contract off his mind, how about how to get YOUR TEAM back in contention? Forget the contract. Get something while you can, because he will walk at the end of the year. Of course, like has been said, who wants to rent him the rest of the year to loose him to the Yankees?

By A-ville Ranger

July 3, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Want some cold reality ? the Bobby Cox era is effectively over.He may choose to manage next year and god forbid beyond but he is a shadow of the manager he was 10 years ago.The problem Frank Wren is faced with isn’t enviable.It was a huge mistake (and awful timing) giving Cox a new contract just before the worst problems revealed themselves.Wren should trade Tex with an eye on 2010 and beyond.Will it happen ? I’ll be amazed if it does.I think this is a case of the Emperor having few clothes but who has the heart or guts to tell him ?

By Chris B

July 3, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Its over, the Braves should start over. The Braves use to be an elite team which they are not anymore. They are fourth place in a very weak division. Next year should be Bobby Cox’s last year, they need an influx of speed and youth. They are slow and old and this team will never be a threat for anything. Its time for Smoltz, Glavine, Kotsay to go. This team has no athletes. I find it hard to believe the braves will make playoff, so TEX SHOULD BE TRADED!!!!!!

By gayle

July 3, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

We’ve been here before. There was JD Drew (Boras client) and the mythical “home town discount” - gone!

There was Sheffield - gone!

There was Andruw - all those who wrote here a year ago that he would be re-signed. Certainly hindsight is 20/20 and given AJ’s awful year, who would want him? But last year, many here were certain he would be re-signed. He was not even given an offer - cut loose - gone!

Given this historical perspective, who could say rationally that there is ANY chance that the Braves would even be competitive for Tex? It is just not going to happen.

Besides Bobby and Lemke, who believes this team would be competitive, make the playoffs, and even more imppossible to consider - compete in the playoffs?

It is this arrogance that has managed to successfully deconstruct this team and it is this same arrogance that will prompt the Braves to hold on to Tex for two meaningless months and get nothing for him.

There are so many places where this team needs help where a trade would assist. Unfortunately, the place where they need help most - front office and manager - is on some kind of till-death-do-us-part contract.

Remember again, this is a team for sale. If nothing above makes sense, consider that a $100 million Tex contract is not going to help sell this team - and when the day is done, that is all that matters to the people who own this team.

By SL3

July 3, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Face reality this year. Chipper is going to be in and out the rest of the year. The pitching is held together with duct tape. Wren should be shopping Tex and looking for young pitching. No more trades like last year for Tex giving away the farm. Forget about big contracts for the old guys. Most don’t perform, get injured more and their best years are behind them. Get the fat contracts off the books maybe they can lower the ticket and concession prices and still field a competitive team. Let NY have the Santanas,ARods and Tex’s of the world.

By southga brave

July 3, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

The question here is not can the Braves win the division, because when everyone concludes they can’t then the question is can they become the wildcard team? I would say neither of those matter. It is obvious to me that they have NO chance if they made the playoffs in any capacity. So therefore do we think about keeping Tex just to be in and out in the first round?

I would say no because we can not resign him anyway. I really don’t believe they have what it takes to make the run anyway. The Braves best chance are not this year, but beyond. We should plan for that with the young arms we have. Trade Tex for a top line pitcher. Keeping him for two draft picks is a crapshoot and it would be 4 years before they develope.

While we are at it, all the contenders need a lefty in the bullpen. They would bring a couple good prospects. WE have more than one left and now that Gonzo is almost completely back, why not pull the trigger for next year.

Next year with Glavine retiring, Hampton off the books, Tex gone, Smoltz probably retiring (sorry to see him go), we have 45 mil off the payroll. If we you also trade Hudson that would free up another 15 mil. Folks that is 60 mil to spend and a LOT of good prospects. If you package Ohman, Hudson, Tex and a couple other middle relief pitchers (Boyer Ring Bennett), I believe we could find a starting pitcher and a few good arms. Then with 60 mil to spend on free agents we could aquire what we need.

This team needs a face lift. The core is there but no one should be untouchable in trade talks. There are a few of course that it would take a he77 of a deal to get (Jurgens, Chipper, McCann) I believe we have a good young core of pitchers to build around.

What we do not need is the wait for the 3-run homer attitude. We need some scrappy, basehit, fundamentals type players. Everyone on the team can not hit a 3-run homer, even if they could they need to know when to just get a base hit or a sac fly. It would be nice to have a little speed and pressure the defense. The Cardinals of the 80’s played that way and won championships. I believe Tommy Herr lead the team in HR’s with less than 20. They won with hits, speed and defense. We do not need guys that hit 30 hr’s and strike out 120 times.

As for our bench, how can you win a championship with 2 guys that hit lower than the pitchers (200)? That in it self should tell you what you need to know about winning the division. As much as I hate to say it, it isn’t going to happen. Run up the white flag and regroup for the next 5 years not just this year or next. They have done that for 3 years now, and where has it gotten them? If you continue to do the same things over and over things never change. So a fire sale not exactly, but trades yes, almost anyone that will improve the team for more than 3 months!

By Brett

July 3, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Note to bloggers: All decisions on personel first hinge on contracts and most importantly, SALARIES. You are just showing your baseball IQ when you yell out “Trade….” (which has included just about everyone on the team today). Remember these are financial decisions also, not just performance. Give 10% of your Frenchy anger (which is a lot) and move it to Hampton bashing (Jeff makes close to league minimum while Hampton alllows us no room with his $15 mill).

By GetReal

July 3, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Get rid of his fat a*… for a player the Braves are paying an eye-popping $12.5 million (!!!) this year (and in his own self interest the last year of his contract) not to come into spring in tip top shape and be a commanding leader with the bat, and on and off the field, is a travesty. For the money the Braves are paying him they should have started running his a* off and chasing him around the track with whips to get him in shape before the season. Here it is July and he still can’t get his fat butt down the line. Throw in consideration for his anemic hitting this year and I say get rid of the bum.

I’m so sick and tired of seeing lolligagging multi-millionaire players who just don’t give a damn going through the motions day in and day out wearing Braves uniforms over the past decade that I only attend one or two games a year anymore. Teixeira epitomizes that. Get something for him while you can.

Of course, nothing the Braves do is going to matter until they get rid of the master of jerking defeat out of the jaws of victory, the worst, most overrated manager in the history of the game… Booby “D’oh!” Cox.

By Joe

July 3, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, Mark Bradley, have a question for you or anyone else that may know.

From my point-of-view, Escobar has the look of a potential clubhouse cancer. He seems to be really bubbly and excited when we are winning, but totally clams up and stops playing defense when we are losing.

His exploits on the base paths look brilliant sometimes and maddening on others.

I have just noticed over the course of this season that the trove of talent Yunel possesses may be outshined by his immature attitude.

This team has no real leader as McCann, Chipper and Hudson are all too laid back. Everyone knows Tex is a rent-a-player. Frenchy plain sucks and Yunel looks like a hot head.

Time for us to quit hanging on to the ‘90’s and start from scratch. Yunel would certainly bring us some great prospects in a trade.

Also, for those wanting to trade Francouer, it’s not going to happen. The kid is hot garbage. You may be the same people advocating that the Hawks trade Marvin Williams. Guess what, people don’t want to trade anything for scrubs like Marvin and Frenchy.

Just as Josh Smith is the Hawks’ only real valuable tradeable commodity, Escobar and Tex are for the Braves. Jurrgens is going nowhere, just like Joe Johnson.

By Rick

July 3, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

The Braves know what the market price for Mark is going to be. If they can’t or won’t pay that amount then they should trade him for pitching. I figured they knew about all this when they traded for him last year.

By gayle

July 3, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Southga Brave - I agree with your dismatling of the team and sticking with the youth - but don’t think that the team will take all $60 million of payroll savings and keep it there. This team is for sale.

Also, most if not all of Hampton’s salary will be recouped via insurance. He is to the payroll as he has been to this tean - the man who wasn’t there.

There is a very good core of young players to build from. A Tex trade would yield 1-2 solid propects to add to that - minimum. It’s just a shame these good young kids are being managed and run by their grandparents.

By You got to be kidding me

July 3, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

I’ll say this, Tex is no Fred McGriff

By gp

July 3, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Of course you trade Tex. Different story if the Braves could sign him before free agency. It is a 100% certainty however that Boras will take Tex to free agency. As such, if the Braves felt like they couldn’t live without him THEY could sign him then – same as any other team. In the meantime they could get something back for the 7 players they gave away for him.

This season was squandered when the Braves managed to lose 20 one run games. Win half of those and it is a different story.

BTW, when was the last time the Braves regretted letting anyone go via free agency instead of overpaying? Maybe Furcal (haven’t had a real lead-off man since) but the Dodgers offer of $11 million seemed absolutely ridiculous.

By Phil

July 3, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

For once I agree with Bradley!!!!!! I think he’s been reading my posts where I predicted the Braves would be 10 games out at the Break, now he’s even saying that is a possibility. Maybe reality is starting to sink in his thick skull. Does this team look as though they could make a run?? Please…..

So with that said, I say yes we should trade Tex. He’s not going to be here next year, that’s a fact. So trade him to a contender now and get all you can get for him. Moron Cox and Schuerholtz should have never traded Salty for Tex to begin with, but this is where we are.

Milton Jeff, You can blame TP all you want and rightfully so. But who is responsible for TP not doing HIS job??? Moron Cox, that’s who. I love TP but he’s simply not getting it done, he needs to go. Heck, let Chipper’s Dad have a crack at it, he’s a pretty good hitting coach.

By by johnny

July 3, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Trade him for Andrew jones and then Cox wouldn’t have to worry about the line up each day. He can have his two great hitters. Jones and Frenchy.

By Sam

July 3, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Texeira is not the problem. Trading for him was a great idea on paper. Remember the first two games when Chipper, Tex, McCann, Andruw, and Renteria all were healthy? They scored over 10 runs each game but Renteria got hurt and they were back to 4 big hitters.

He has not been the problem this year either. Injuries and a certain right fielder are, so don’t blame Tex. It is time to let him go because he’s not coming back and the Braves can’t beat the Phillies. So trade him and get anything you can/

By Mark Bradley

July 3, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I agree that the team looks lifeless at the moment, but every team looks lifeless when it’s losing and when it isn’t hitting. Win three in a row and you’d be amazed how different things can seem. (The trick, I’ll concede, is to win three in a row, something the Braves haven’t done since the week before Memorial Day.)

By Sentenceguy

July 3, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Mark Texiera is not the only problem the Braves have. Trading him is just one step in a much larger plan to revamp the team and make it competitively fiery. When have the Braves been fiery under Bobby Cox? That should indicate where you need to start.

By Sam

July 3, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Texeira is not the problem. Trading for him was a great idea on paper. Remember the first two games when Chipper, Tex, McCann, Andruw, and Renteria all were healthy? They scored over 10 runs each game but Renteria got hurt and they were back to 4 big hitters.

He has not been the problem this year either. Injuries and a certain right fielder are, so don’t blame Tex. It is time to let him go because he’s not coming back and the Braves can’t beat the Phillies. So trade him and get anything you can/

By EF Hutton

July 3, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Phil-I’m sure Bradley hangs on every word you write.

BTW-nothing more tired than the “fire the batting coach” demands. There is nothing more overrated than the impact of the batting coach.

By James

July 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

The Braves are going to be fine if everybody back stays healthy and we have no more injuries. The team does need to go back to fundamental, ABC baseball, and I think that is about to happen.

Jeff Francoeur is as fine a player as he is a person, and when he breaks out of his slump all of the same people on here putting him down will be back on the bandwagon.

One thing: I would like to see Buddy Carlyle get a chance to start again. He has been fantastic in his last three relief appearances—and he completely dominated the Phillies Tuesday night.

I think that until Glavine or Hampton comes back, he should be in there instead of Morton.

By Elizabeth

July 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Why are we worried about Tex when it’s M. Hampton who needs to be “freed”. He is the highest paid player but hasn’t played a single game for the two years we have had him. Tex is fabulous in the field and everyone needs help on the offensive side - no one is hitting right now (except Chipper of coarse). Keep Tex - rid Hampton.

By cw

July 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Trade Francoeur while your at it.

By P-Town Brave

July 3, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Bradley

You have to remember that trading Tex would only make sense if we get back proven or ready talent and in multiple numbers as we’re set to earn two draft picks for Tex if and when he walks after this year…

I kinda like the Arizona idea, but I don’t see them doing that w/ having Connor Jackson at 1b and I don’t think they’d have the money or the cahones to mortgage a couple future stars on a 3-month rental.

I would be more apt to see if we could pry Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, and a pitching prospect from the Yankees…

They seem to be getting pretty desperate right now.

Cabrera would take over in LF, either move Kelly to another team or to RF and put Cano at 2b…Take Francoeur and move him to Triple A until he gets some things figured out and only then can he come back and be part of the team…

At least with those guys you then get immediate value for Tex.

By 1ST BASE

July 3, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

By GeorgiaYankeesFan

July 3, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

How much mediocrity can one team and fan base take? Braves had a nice playoff run but unfortunately were only able to win one championship. When will this team’s fanbase stand up and say enough is enough. It is not enough to make it to the playoffs and get bounced in the first round. It is not enough for this team not to score any runs. It is not enough to have borderline closer. And it is not enough to trade Tex or let him go via free agency. It is time for this time which is making oodles of money to start investing in some players, it is time to rethink who is running the ship - Bobby Cox is a respected manager but if this were a Fortune 500 company performing below expectations Bobby as CEO would have been tossed a long time ago. Sometimes change can be good. Enough is enough - sign the one HR threat this team has Tex - go get one more big bopper, an ace, a lights out closer and get a new manager so that the Braves can get back to the playoffs and win a championship. Mediocrity needs to end - the fanbase deserves more than another division title banner - go win the NL championship and World Series.

By SL3

July 3, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

I like some of your ideas southga, but finding it on the free agent market is not the way to go. You trade guys like Tex in their prime for young talent. Most of the best players on many of the teams are in their pre-free agent years. Look at Philly. Howard, Utley, Hamels etc are in that category. You can get them when they are 30 something for 20 mil a piece and their best years were in Philly.

By don

July 3, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Some of you need to return to reality. The Braves can’t get much for Teixeira. He is going to be a free agent. He certainly is not the gamebreaker that gullible Braves fans were led to believe. Why would anyone waste much on him now?

One thing is certain, if traded, the Braves wouldn’t receive 20% of what they sacrificed to get him.

Still, I say get rid of him. Anything is probably better than a mere draft pick.

Will some of you finally admit that it was a dumb trade when it was made and even dumber now?

By Joe

July 3, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

James, hate to break it to you, but Frenchy is not in a “slump.” He just sucks. I am sure he is a nice guy, but that is really irellevant at this point.

He tried to put the Braves over a barrel by not resigning last year. Looks like a brilliant move now that he has proved he is not a major leaguer.

By Drew

July 3, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Trade for A-Rod! He’s just as overrated and twice as expensive! The fans love him.

By used cars

July 3, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

We need to start building for the future…we have some good young arms to start working with. If we can take Texiara and turn him into 2-3 good young prospects..either from the Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers or Diamondbacks, then turn Hudson into some more prospects that are ready, I think that we will be in a good spot..Then we have a total rebuilding project..We have some cornerstones for the future in McCann, Escobar and Francouer..Yes, he’s struggling now..but he’s a hard worker and hopefully can work around this..If we can make the right, agressive moves, then we can be more like the Phils of three years ago, when they got rid of Abreau (that doesn’t look right, whatever), and reload instead of starting over like we did in the late ’80s.

By Bud Wiser

July 3, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I think a Teixeira/Francouer package could bring the Braves a number one pitcher, perhaps a decent infielder and outfielder, plus a couple of prospects. The problem is finding the right fit with the other team, and it would have to be a team that feels it can contend now with those two in their lineup….and there lies the problem.

Jeff Francouer couldn’t get his bat hot with a welding torch right now. Cox backs his players and coaches (TP) to the point of incredulity, and this faith allows him to overlook their shortcomings. Yes, trade at least Tex for now, because that madman he has for an agent is going to suck the life right out of any franchise he ends up with.

By ugadawg

July 3, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

EF Hutton I totally disagree with your comment on the hitting coach. As a coach I rely on the hitting and pitching coaches wholeheartly. They set the tone for what will be done. Players have to execute but the coaches have to be the leader in that area.

By JohnnyAppleseed

July 3, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

It’s pretty evident that all those division titles were possible because of the strong starting pitching the Braves had for so many years. Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz were the mainstays of the rotation and made it possible. Now we no longer have the starting pitching and we have become a very mediocre team.

It is also evident that Cox was not the genius he was portrayed to be all those years. The last three years have shown that a manager is no better or no worse than the talent of his team. Quit looking to Bobby to perform a miracle to pull this team out of its misery. He can’t perform miracles, and is no better or worse than any manager with a flawed ballclub. The Braves are going nowhere this year, same as the past three years. We know Tex is not going to re-sign with the Braves, particularly since Boras is his agent. So, trade him NOW while we can get something in return for him. He will not change the course of this season if he stays till the bitter end. And the Braves will get nothing in return for him if, and when, he leaves. This rent-a-player mentality is simply ludicrous and should be stopped by the front office.

Finally, there is a burning need to get a younger man in charge to build a fire under this team. The current situation is not working and maybe if we get new blood in the leadership, the team can ignite and start producing. We moved Andruw and are better off for it. Something drastic needs to done about Francoeur. He is fast becoming the Andruw of this year and is killing this team with men on base. One can only pray that he strikes out with men on base with less than two outs because we know he will hit into a DP and kill the rally. I feel sorry for the kid, but feeling sorry will not win ballgames and that is what he is paid to do. Bench him or send him down to learn anew how to hit. He is no use to us as he is now.

TRADE TEX NOW and rebuild for the future!

By Caleb

July 3, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Why cant Frenchy strike out with the bases loaded? Does he have to hit into a double play! They should just give him the take sign and pray! Its ridiculous. And the sad thing is he is not going to be benched or sent down. Marketing and money reasons! The guy is a terrible hitter and will never be anygood. He might wanna thing about taking that scholarship to Clemson

By Cardog10

July 3, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Xavier Nady!

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Play to win now, always. Rebuilding is for losers. I’d keep Tex and keep trying to sign him. If you lose him to free agency, you use the extra draft picks and stock up your farm system that way. Keep in mind that most of the prospects you get in a midseason trade don’t pan out (look at who Atlanta gave up to get the guy; buncha nobodies). And the idea that Arizona would give up its starting 3B and best young arm for a three-month rental is just silly. You ain’t getting that big a haul for the guy even if you do trade him.

By Brian

July 3, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Ive read all the post and here we GO:

Yes, Tex should be traded, not that hes done bad, he never hits .300 ! He is just a consistent power threat. He is way out priced for our market here. We should be able to get good value for him. We have a couple of 1b in the minors that would be suited if we can trade for GOOD pitching. Now to the real Point. Chippers protege model school has not been working for Frenchy! He is pulling his hips out every swing. If he made the smallest adjustment and pulled his arms in and kept balance he would wear out the right field. Here again is the problem! He is NOT being a team player. Yunel started the year wearing out RF but not HR , and guess what his AVG. plummeted. He then went back to swinging WHERE THE BALL IS PITCHED !!!! This is waht I teach my little leaguers. Simple Baseball. COme on Jeff. You have proved your a major leaguer, and all you have to do is MAKE the adjustment, and quit saying you are going to do it. DO IT!!!! This is not a bad team. They make bad swings in crucial situations. Cut the 1 run losses in just a 1/3 or 1/2 and we are in 1st Place. It is NOT cox’s Fault. If anyone needs a chewing, TP, make your hitters listen or bench them!!! ‘Nuff said!!!!!

By don

July 3, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Don’t bother to check with the Rangers. They wouldn’t give the Braves Saltalamacchia back let alone the other four prospects that they conned from the Braves.

By Brock

July 3, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Getting Rid of Tex is not the answer. You will miss his defense and then be b*** about who is playing there next. Get rid of Bobby. This team needs managing not letting go of key players.They need inspiration. Bobby and McDummmy on the bench provides none of that. Send Bobby away and get Mazzone in here. He doesn’t play around.

And I’m not so sure Tex will be after a lot of money. He turned down Texas for what $140mil? Maybe he likes Atlanta, unfortunately fairweather Braves fans don’t like him.

By hatfieldgeoff

July 3, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Trade Tex now. He has been a good player, but his agent is not going to settle for anything but the highest offer and Tex has not made any comments to make us think that is not the case. If he is hot now great, then we should be able to get more for him. Why hang onto the guy for two or three useless months. The pitching staff has fallen apart (although Jurgens and Campillo could be great building blocks for the future). Chipper may be back now but what are the chances he doesn’t miss any more games this year. Not good. Lets use Tex to restock the shelves that the Braves have emptied over the last 6-8 years with mid season trades for guys that didn’t make a difference and didn’t bring us a championship. Come on Frank Wren show us something as the new GM. It is really a no brainer. Bobby Cox may think this team can win it all but that is crazy. Other than perhaps Chipper the days of the old guard are over. We will have to win with new players so lets start adding them now. By the way, in 5 years Jeff Francouer is more likely to be selling insurance than starting an all-star game. It is time to buy some new blood and Tex is the best currency we have.

By GotCurry

July 3, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Bring back Julio Franco to be the hitting coach. TP ain’t gettin it done.

By ChrisB

July 3, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley its over. This team is mediocre in a horrible National League. Trade him and its time for Cox to go. Braves should go small ball a style which would really work in Turner Field. The lack of speed on this team is a JOKE. Braves must invest in a bullpen, and redevelop farm system.

By SL3

July 3, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

You never know don. Some GM might be as stupid as Sheurholz was last year when he made the Tex trade. Teams smell a chance at a pennant and they make dumb moves. It happens every year. I am sure the Braves wished they had those minor league prospects back now. One throws 97 mi an hour fastball. Salty as a backup for McCann would have been nice too. For every good trade Sheurholz made, I bet there were at least 3 bad ones over the years. Hopefully, Wren will be an improvement.

By Phil

July 3, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Francoeur is fast becoming the Andruw of this year

Well said JohnnyAppleseed.

But I don’t think it’s totally hopeless for the kid, I am not one of those who says he needs to be traded. He needs to be coached up! He has some talent but he needs some serious one on one work. Philly just sent Brett Myers to AAA, they realized he needed to go down and try to get his act together. Francouer needs to go down and get his together as well.

It’s not the end of the world if he does. He might(and should) feast against AAA piching and this could get his confidence back. Maybe he would come back better than ever. I think the Braves should seriously consider this.

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing that Cox is considered one of the great managers ever by real baseball people but constantly dissed by the Bulldog/NASCAR morons who pass themselves off as Braves fans. Learn the game, Bubba. “A younger man to build a fire under this team.” That’s pure football talk. The game’s best skippers are all 60-plus (save maybe for Scioscia) and there’s a reason for that. It ain’t about fire or yelling or all that other nonsense. It’s about knowing the game and getting players to play for you. Bobby does that as well as anyone, but he won’t be really appreciated by you knuckleheads until he’s gone (see Dan Reeves for a more recent example).

By L.W. Cook

July 3, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Let’s not all get on Tex so bad.

Frenchy is something like 2 for 20 with bases loaded and it isn’t even the All-Star break yet.

My guess is very few times does a player come up to bat with bases loaded in a year. 20 times in incredible and just hitting .300 in that situation probably wins us 4 or 5 more games.

I’m not sure what they do with Frenchy but he is holding the team back right now.

At best bat him 8th in the lineup. His glove is still pretty good. That or send him to the minor’s and see if he is going to be able to hit Major League pitching. M.L. pitchers have adjusted to him and if he can’t figure it out he may have wished he signed that contract last year.

By FAT BOY

July 3, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Tex has his heroic moments but he is not the consistent force that everyone thought,Chip is no better off with Tex behind him than he was with Andruw behind him and he deserves so much more. he needs a guy like Lance Berkman behind him. If Chipper comes up with anyone on base and a base open he is pitched around. Sell the minors and trade Tex and them for berkman if he will sign a long term deal. Berkman produces more than anyone in either league.

By The Truth

July 3, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

You’ve got to seriously consider trading Tex at this point. I honestly wouldn’t consider being 6 games back or 10 games back to be honest with you. Looking at this time I would ask the question do the Braves have a chance of winning the World Series. All things are possible, but I seriously don’t see it happening this year. That being said you gave up a lot to get Tex…you’ve got to get something in return and not let him just waltz out of town leaving this team full of holes in the outfield and in pitching (bullpen).

Looking at the Braves roster we have to find somebody in our system or FA that will be able to play 1B after Tex is gone. I’d move Kelly back to the outfield because I like his bat and I think he’s better suited in the outfield (LF) then he is at second. Prado or Infante could take over at 2B. We’re good at SS and Chipper may have a couple of year left at 3B. That leaves CF which I guess Shaffer is going to take and God only knows what will happen with Frenchy. We’ve got to go out and sure up this Bullpen AGAIN because Bobby has misused these guys so much that it seems like we would need two different bullpens for each half of the season.

So in the end trade him…we have holes to fill.

By ugadawg

July 3, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

I find it funny that most that are saying Frenchy sucks most likely could not even hit a 90 mph fastball much less a breaking ball. He has been a winner at every level and has done well until this slump. This slump is in his head he is thinking to much and not letting he instincts take over. He is opening his hips up to early and not keeping his hand inside of the ball enough. relax and just hit and he will be fine.

By Tim

July 3, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

I’ve had the same thoughts Mark. If we’re not going to re-sing him whay don’t we trade him? I thogut htis was the way to go till I heard Joe and Boog talking about it the other night. Joe made a good point, With Tex being a free agent he would probably be only a rental for whomever traded for him. That being the case would we be able to get top dollar ( maximum return ) for him. Joe said that if we loose him to free agency we get some kind of supplemental draft picks. So the question is; can the Braves help the club more by trading him and getting good players but maybe not the best, or, trying to rebuild through the draft? Regarless of what they do I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer. Oh yeah, there is a lot more wrong with the Braves than Tex striking out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth last night.

By Jeff R

July 3, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Trade Super Tex for a couple of top pitching prospects, or for a top pitching prospect and a solid 3B prospect, if that deal could be had.

Super Tex is another example of a rent-a-player deal gone nowhere (Remember J.ust the D.ough Drew?). Get value for him before he vanishes.

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Let me explain how this trade thing works to you bubbas: If you trade a veteran to a contending team, you get back prospects. No team in a the race is going to give up a starting pitcher, or a starting anything, for a guy who can bolt to free agency in three months. It … doens’t … happen. And understand that Francoeur’s value is compromised because he’s eligible for arbitration this offseason. That’s a big word you’ll just have to look up. But it doesn’t matter what the Braves do, because by mid-August y’all will be busy watching kiddies play football anyway.

And by the way … it’s Schuerholz. You dropouts learn how to spell, please.

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Let me explain how this trade thing works to you bubbas: If you trade a veteran to a contending team, you get back prospects. No team in a the race is going to give up a starting pitcher, or a starting anything, for a guy who can bolt to free agency in three months. It … doens’t … happen. And understand that Francoeur’s value is compromised because he’s eligible for arbitration this offseason. That’s a big word you’ll just have to look up. But it doesn’t matter what the Braves do, because by mid-August y’all will be busy watching kiddies play football anyway.

And by the way … it’s Schuerholz. You dropouts learn how to spell, please.

By Lex Luthor

July 3, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

The only thing the Braves need to trade is front offices.

By Star Trek 8

July 3, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

At least Mark Bradley will respond to some of the negative bloggers in a mature, non-threatening manner.

Dare to disagree with Dave “Company Man” O’Brien and you’ll be horribly insulted and degraded.

Hey Dave, who was it who predicted the Braves would win the N.L. East?

For the third year in a row I might add.

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Let me explain how this trade thing works to you bubbas: If you trade a veteran to a contending team, you get back prospects. No team in a the race is going to give up a starting pitcher, or a starting anything, for a guy who can bolt to free agency in three months. It … doens’t … happen. And understand that Francoeur’s value is compromised because he’s eligible for arbitration this offseason. That’s a big word you’ll just have to look up. But it doesn’t matter what the Braves do, because by mid-August y’all will be busy watching kiddies play football anyway.

And by the way … it’s Schuerholz. You dropouts learn how to spell, please.

By Jack G

July 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Chris Chambliss is the best hitting coach i know of, and would also be a good replacement for Cox

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Fourteen division titles in a row shows the Braves’ front office has been pretty good. Again, baseball people look at things a little differently; fans in the city may be too close to see it objectively. For whatever reason, no one seems to appreciate how good this team has been, and how expectations now are way off the charts. Still, I say win now; the future is for chumps.

And yes, I misppelled “doesn’t.” But at least I know better.

By Mark Bradley

July 3, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

A couple of things: You can’t trade Glavine or Hampton or anybody who’s hurt. No other team would be that silly. And the list of suitors for Teixeira will be confined to big-market teams in serious contention — not Pittsburgh and not Oakland, in other words. Pittsburgh wouldn’t give away Nady and/or Bay or anything for a guy it knows it will lose in two months, and neither will the A’s, who have to hoard every asset they can find.

A Teixeira trade would probably be the reverse of the trade that brought him here — one big name for a package of prospects.

And while we’re at it: I don’t consider the Teixeira trade an error in judgment. I consider it a reasoned move that hasn’t yet worked out. Sometimes that happens.

By Arkansas transplant

July 3, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

All of a sudden, everyone is on the “lets trade Tex bandwagon” but when I said 2 weeks ago to trade him everyone jumped on me. I tried to tell you he was overrated. He’s never proven to carry a team. Plus we don’t need someone that takes half a season to get started. The early games in a season are just as important and the late ones. This is the problem I have with the most of ya. Everyone seems to be so sold on Bay and Nady. Well, one is a bit overrated and the other is not only overrated but a part time player. I don’t see why the Braves shouldn’t talk to Boston about a Tex trade for Youkilis and Buchholz or Lester. But why stop there? I think they should explore a trade of Hudson and B Jones for a Holliday trade. Then lock Holliday long term. He hits for power and average plus doesn’t start slow. Those 2 moves would actually make this team stronger. Along with younger.

By Josh

July 3, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Dr. R, let me explain how this Internet thing works to you: Hit “Post” once. We don’t need to read your drivel multiple times.

By Jake

July 3, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Who cares?

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 3, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Mark is a productive hitter who is highly coveted by many teams. After this season he will sign a monster contract with someone. After the season! Trading him will be next to impossible because no team will want to give up valued prospects for a guy they can’t sign to a multi-year extension. Forget about trading him and do your best to win this year should be the philosophy the Braves adopt. Teixeira will be gone at the end of the season but not before.

By LivininAL

July 3, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Trade him…..bet we dont get 1/3 of talent we gave for him……….

By Jim Hertel

July 3, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Yes, please trade Tex. We should never have traded for him, but that is water under the bridge. Now that the strategy to get one more year out of an old and vulnerable lineup has failed, it’s time to restock for the future. Tex isn’t nearly as good as advertized or he and Borass think he is.

By roman88

July 3, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

win three in a row or not, it wont matter , the phillies and marlins are getting hotter, the braves arent gonna get on a run like yrs past. trade him and get as many prospects as we can, trim the deadwood off the team, they’re not gonna pay tex 20 mill anyway and not gonna win the div. or any wildcard, may as well get something. the richmond 1st baseman has good numbers, bring him up. drop dorky miller and clint sammons can back brian, when was the last time anyone saw a braves brawl? the laid back clubhouse approach isnt working.

By Jake

July 3, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Like JD Drew and Gary Sheffield, he will not stay in Atlanta when he can make $$$ elsewhere.

By Torpedo

July 3, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Don’t trade him, try to sign him for a change, Chipper doesn’t have that many years left!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Torpedo

July 3, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Don’t trade him, try to sign him for a change, Chipper doesn’t have that many years left!!!!!!!!!!!!

By root4au

July 3, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

The braves are not a good clutch hitting team, never have been.If they had been a good hitting team they would have won 4 or 5 world series instead of one.

By Sean

July 3, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Trade Tex for outfield prospects. Hopefully, one of the outfielders pan out. Braves are fairly strong in most positions. Starting pitching is good, relief is not that bad, the infield is set with exception of question mark at what will happen at first base. Frenchy will turn it around and provide a good arm, average bat, and some decent RBI/HR totals. You’d still need 2-3 more outfielders. They kind of have that now, but if they could upgrade either CF or LF with a good bat, they would be set.

By raymond

July 3, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I think that prudence saysthat the Braves start looking for possible parties to trade Teixiera. They are not going to win the diviison with or without him and the wild card is out of the question. We paid a huge ranson to get him and we need to minimize out losses. It was a calculated risk that did not work out. We have to accept reality, trade him and move on. he is not staying with a mediocre team for less money. The Barves are 4th in a 5 team division and can’t beat the Phillies head to head-even at home.

By WAR EAGLE

July 3, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Trade him! Boras bankrupts ball clubs-get prospects. the fact that he is waiting until the end of the season tells me he is not interested in staying. TRADE NOW!

By james

July 3, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

REALITY CHECK TO MY FELLOW BRAVES FANS. TEX MUST GO!!! The braves traded away half its farm system for him. The Braves are NOT going to the playoffs…period! Tex is not signing with the Bravos so send him now and begin rebuilding. How great would Salty, Elvis, Matt Harrison and Nefei look back in the Braves system. Texas also has catching prosepct Max Ramirez who the Braves gave away for an overweight closed Wickman.

Even if the Braves win 10 in a row this team is not going anywhere. They have no character and no clutch performers other than McCann and Chip. We have a horrible record in one run games. Just look at those last 2 games in the Jays series and that shows this season is not meant to be.

Frenchy has not value so stop idiotic trade Frenchy crap. Tex needs to go for the best package of prospects we can get. Look what Edgar brought. An ace and a future CF speedster. Tex can bring a nice package. TRADE HIM NOW WREN!!!

By raymond

July 3, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

I think that prudence saysthat the Braves start looking for possible parties to trade Teixiera. They are not going to win the diviison with or without him and the wild card is out of the question. We paid a huge ranson to get him and we need to minimize out losses. It was a calculated risk that did not work out. We have to accept reality, trade him and move on. he is not staying with a mediocre team for less money. The Barves are 4th in a 5 team division and can’t beat the Phillies head to head-even at home.

By raymond

July 3, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

I think that prudence saysthat the Braves start looking for possible parties to trade Teixiera. They are not going to win the diviison with or without him and the wild card is out of the question. We paid a huge ranson to get him and we need to minimize out losses. It was a calculated risk that did not work out. We have to accept reality, trade him and move on. he is not staying with a mediocre team for less money. The Barves are 4th in a 5 team division and can’t beat the Phillies head to head-even at home.

By james

July 3, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

REALITY CHECK TO MY FELLOW BRAVES FANS. TEX MUST GO!!! The braves traded away half its farm system for him. The Braves are NOT going to the playoffs…period! Tex is not signing with the Bravos so send him now and begin rebuilding. How great would Salty, Elvis, Matt Harrison and Nefei look back in the Braves system. Texas also has catching prosepct Max Ramirez who the Braves gave away for an overweight closed Wickman.

Even if the Braves win 10 in a row this team is not going anywhere. They have no character and no clutch performers other than McCann and Chip. We have a horrible record in one run games. Just look at those last 2 games in the Jays series and that shows this season is not meant to be.

Frenchy has no value so stop idiotic trade Frenchy crap. Tex needs to go for the best package of prospects we can get. Look what Edgar brought. An ace and a future CF speedster. Tex can bring a nice package. TRADE HIM NOW WREN!!!

By james

July 3, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

REALITY CHECK TO MY FELLOW BRAVES FANS. TEX MUST GO!!! The braves traded away half its farm system for him. The Braves are NOT going to the playoffs…period! Tex is not signing with the Bravos so send him now and begin rebuilding. How great would Salty, Elvis, Matt Harrison and Nefei look back in the Braves system. Texas also has catching prosepct Max Ramirez who the Braves gave away for an overweight closed Wickman.

Even if the Braves win 10 in a row this team is not going anywhere. They have no character and no clutch performers other than McCann and Chip. We have a horrible record in one run games. Just look at those last 2 games in the Jays series and that shows this season is not meant to be.

Frenchy has no value so stop idiotic trade Frenchy crap. Tex needs to go for the best package of prospects we can get. Look what Edgar brought. An ace and a future CF speedster. Tex can bring a nice package. TRADE HIM NOW WREN!!!

By Dr. R.

July 3, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Sorry that I am such a sanctimonious gas bag. I was running late for my Mensa meeting and felt my input was so important I furiously hit the “enter” button 15 times.

Still, I am way smarter than the rest of you rubes and rednecks.

By kirknga

July 3, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

If you trade him then at least get one player who is already playing well at the major league level.

All these people who want prospects are the same one’s who don’t give them time to develop at the major league level.

If fans can’t take the team’s inconsistencies now, then it is going to be worse if we subtract veterans and add more prospects.

All in all, I say go head and overpay. Give him his $20 million/year and used the rest of the money and prospects to get a stud starter, a stud bat, and solid late inning guy for the pen.

By Arkansas transplant

July 3, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Tex is not the person we need to build around. Go get Holliday. We’ve got a great pitching staff in the way of J.J, Morton, Campillo and JoJo. We’ve also got a Hanson waiting in the minors to fill a spot, also don’t forget about James. He’s been great since finding his way in the minors. Trade Hudson and lets free Hampton next year, plus throw Tex’s salary in the mix and this organization has plenty of room to hang onto these up and coming pitchers. If you ship Tex to Boston and pick up a Buchholtz in the progress we’ll have a staff that’s one of the best in the majors for years to come. The troops are coming in the minors, Hayward, Johnson, Freeman and Hernandez. Have a top notch pitching staff waiting on them and lets make another run of 14.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s stubborness about keeping and playing veterans (OLD PLAYERS = GLAVINE, for example) is surpassed only by the way he’s managing this year (1)BOYER IS STILL PITCHING, 2) NOT BENCHING FRANCOEUR FOR A GAME OR TWO, and 3) WAITING AROUND FOR HAMPTON). There are many more examples as well. Time to retool and rebuild, and, if possible, bring Bobby back into this baseball century.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 3, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Mark, if i remember correctly, I’m not sure I do, Teixeira was traded here from Texas after he refused to agree to a huge dollar extension. He already has a large enough salary that four dollar gas isn’t killing him, so it’s not about the money as an absolute need. It’s about status and about location. Teixeira wants the status of having a contract befitting his image of himself as one of the true sluggers of this era. He wants the controlled chaos of the spectacle of General Manager supplicants coming before him and pleading with him to take the fortune they offer. He also wants a stage he views worthy of his talents, like New York or Los Angeles or Boston. Chipper has been a loyal Braves player and has given the team a discount to remain here. He has always been a Brave in professional baseball. Tex started with another team and was traded here. He doesn’t feel any allegiance to the team and he shouldn’t. Teams don’t think twice about getting rid of a player. To them it’s all about the money. That’s the way it is with Tex too. He may not need it but he still wants it. Prestige accrues to those with monster contracts. Honestly, I don’t think any team will give the Braves decent prospects for Tex when they can wait and give him millions without giving up any of their other talent.

By kirknga

July 3, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

If you trade him then at least get one player who is already playing well at the major league level.

All these people who want prospects are the same one’s who don’t give them time to develop at the major league level.

If fans can’t take the team’s inconsistencies now, then it is going to be worse if we subtract veterans and add more prospects.

All in all, I say go head and overpay. Give him his $20 million/year and used the rest of the money and prospects to get a stud starter, a stud bat, and solid late inning guy for the pen.

By Danny

July 3, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I see us as still having a shot, but that is a small opening right now. I know people fail to think that things could change in the second half, but honestly, unless we have showed huge strides toward winning the division and being a World Series caliber team (which we do have the potential to be) by the trading deadline, we should unload Tex. I do love the guy, and since I go to GT, I have even more history in liking the guy than a lot of Atlanta fans have, and so I would hate to see him go. Let’s face the facts though; we need to make some big changes that may not settle well with people. First of all, Francoeur needs to be sent down to AAA as reports say is possible. He needs to build his confidence back up and find his swing again. He’s shown us what he can do. He just needs to harness that again. It’s obvious it’s mostly a mental thing formed from a bad slump (that everybody will have at some point) when you watch him in the outfield. When he first came up, he looked like he could run down anything and throw anyone out. Now he worries too much, he doesn’t get to as much, and he drops the ball when he needs to throw home. It’s confidence. He can regain that in AAA. Second, we need Diaz to come back and hit like we’ve seen him hit as well. I’m happy to have Kotsay back, but we need a big bat in the outfield. The idea of picking up Burrell in the offseason is mildly intriguing, but I highly doubt he would lower his cost for us. Lastly, if we haven’t really made any progress by the trade deadline, we need to trade Tex. The idea of getting Scherzer and some of the DBacks young talent definitely is intriguing. Remember that they were the other team going after him last year, so the interest is there. Plus, the DBacks could win their division with someone like him. If the A’s had the money to sign him long-term (which they don’t), then I would love to try to get Harden and Duchscherer, and the A’s would have a legitimate shot at their division. Frankly though, we need good young pitching (even if their moment to shine isn’t until next year…the rewards could still be worth it), and we need someone who can fill in at first base long-term. Obviously he won’t be Tex whoever it is, but they could still be good. Tex’s glove is the most impressive part about him in my opinion. You can always find good hitters, but a good hitter and a great fielder? That’s special. Unless Tex fires Boras though, there’s no way he’s staying here. I could say a lot more, but to bring this in, I will say to all the doubters out there: Bobby Cox is a HOF manager. His number should be retired in Atlanta as soon as he retires. He is the best manager in the Bigs, and I never feel completely out of it while he is still here. Nobody could predict the injuries we’ve had. They have absolutely decimated us, and there’s little we can do to come back from this until some start coming back (which is happening). Finally, Chipper Jones has a couple years left in him. He will get hurt every now and then, but it won’t be nearly as bad if we can take the whole team off of his shoulders. Right now, he has to carry us. If he had the opportunity to sit and rest he could get better, but we almost always lose when he’s not here. We do need a long-term replacement to take over in a couple years, but that’s one of the things we can address in the Tex trade if it happens. And by the way, the only problem I see with Mark Reynolds is his average. It is awful. He drives in runs, but if you guys were complaining about Andruw Jones’ production, then Reynolds will also drive you crazy.

By jcfromindy

July 3, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I WISH THE BRAVES TRADE BOBBY COX…..HE IS THE WORST MANAGER EVER. HISTORICALLY, ATLANTA IS KNOWN TO KEEP BAD COACHES FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME….ALONG WITH THAT I WISH THEY TRADE CHIPPTER CRYBABY JONES AND SMOTLZ TO!

Screw the Braves!

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Well, that wasn’t me, and I do apologize for the hiccups (computer problems; must be a Tech man in charge). And yes, I am a gasbag, but why post otherwise?

Back to the issue at hand: I think fans who fail to appreciate Cox may not remember, or have been paying attention, back in the day when the Braves were the doormat of the league every year. The “Bobby is the problem” crowd needs to understand that there IS no problem. We’ve had a competitive, entertaining team and a reason to go to the ballpark for 17 or so years now, and that’s impressive. Winning in pro sports is HARD, guys. It ain’t like high school or college where you can schedule Vandy and Western Carolina, run up eight wins and go the Meineke Muffler Bowl. You’re competing against 30 other teams that are doing the same things you are, at more or less the same level (yeah, a few spend more, but that doesn’t always translate to wins). Savor the moment, that’s all I’m saying. And this time, I’ll only say it once since you’ve indulged me this far.

By sportsnut4

July 3, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

http://www.total-e-sports.blogspot.com

By dustin

July 3, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I believe we should keep Tex, and obtain a free agent or trade B.Jones and another prospect for Xavier Nady. Hes young and he can HIT. As long as our young pitchers keep pitching well our staff will be fine. We just need some hitting, He could come in a take frency’s spot if we send him to AAA, or put him in left.

Nady’s Current Stats

.323 avg. 12 HR 52 RBI

By dustin

July 3, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I believe we should keep Tex, and obtain a free agent or trade B.Jones and another prospect for Xavier Nady. Hes young and he can HIT. As long as our young pitchers keep pitching well our staff will be fine. We just need some hitting, He could come in a take frency’s spot if we send him to AAA, or put him in left.

Nady’s Current Stats

.323 avg. 12 HR 52 RBI

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what’s worse: Posting multiple times or doing it in ALL CAPS LIKE YOU’RE SHOUTING AT US!

Bobby is not a coach; he’s a manager. Football teams are led by a coach. Basketball teams, by a coach. Baseball teams are led by a manager. And they don’t trade them, they fire them. And they have no players named Chippter or Smotlz that I’m aware of. Yet clearly you’ve made my point for me. Truth is, I am a redneck Southern boy like the rest of you (albeit the city version) but I still stay my beautiful, wonderful hometown is not and never will be a baseball town. Read the posts within and call me a liar if you will. Them’s the facts.

By Hal Todd

July 3, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Looking at so many opinions shows that Braves fans really do love them and what happens to them. Pretty knowledgeable opinions too. When changes are made, please Mr. Wren, hire a coach who can teach the players to BUNT. Or keep them on the farms until they learn.

By Arkansas transplant

July 3, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

All of a sudden, everyone is on the “lets trade Tex bandwagon” but when I said 2 weeks ago to trade him everyone jumped on me. I tried to tell you he was overrated. He’s never proven to carry a team. Plus we don’t need someone that takes half a season to get started. The early games in a season are just as important and the late ones. This is the problem I have with the most of ya. Everyone seems to be so sold on Bay and Nady. Well, one is a bit overrated and the other is not only overrated but a part time player. I don’t see why the Braves shouldn’t talk to Boston about a Tex trade for Youkilis and Buchholz or Lester. But why stop there? I think they should explore a trade of Hudson and B Jones for a Holliday trade. Then lock Holliday long term. He hits for power and average plus doesn’t start slow. Those 2 moves would actually make this team stronger. Along with younger.

Tex is not the person we need to build around. Go get Holliday. We’ve got a great pitching staff in the way of J.J, Morton, Campillo and JoJo. We’ve also got a Hanson waiting in the minors to fill a spot, also don’t forget about James. He’s been great since finding his way in the minors. Trade Hudson and lets free Hampton next year, plus throw Tex’s salary in the mix and this organization has plenty of room to hang onto these up and coming pitchers. If you ship Tex to Boston and pick up a Buchholtz in the progress we’ll have a staff that’s one of the best in the majors for years to come. The troops are coming in the minors, Hayward, Johnson, Freeman and Hernandez. Have a top notch pitching staff waiting on them and lets make another run of 14.

By Cooper

July 3, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Don’t trade Tex. He is just a lightening rod for the frustrations re: this team.

Build a team around him that is orders of magnitude better than what we have today.

The Braves are less than a year into Liberty ownership and corporations unlike private owners move slowly.

Budgets are set annually and they like to kick the tires on new investments before they do anything drastic.

Fans as so depressed now b/c the Braves have been playing like this for 3+yrs. The 4-5 years before that it was many one and done in the playoffs.

In other words folks have been waiting a long long time for a really great and well balanced team.

We don’t have one today b/c the Braves have not invested FAs (all star players cost money many suck many don’t - the Braves don’t even bother looking).

What they do is make feeble trades for one guy when 3-4 were needed (Tex is a great recent example of that). The Braves had no pitching in 07 and they signed Tex and that was it.

This team has been so financially constrained and set its bar so low that guys like CJames, Norton, Blanco, Corky, BJones, Resop, Ridgeway, Gotay, Kotsay and the the massively slumping JF are viewed as good enough to future stars.

Many Braves front office types and fans think the way to win is through the minors.

Well if the Braves were stacked in the minors you could say yes to that idea as the primary design center. Unfortunately they are not. It would only take hand to name prospects that “may” do something special in the majors (some day) but that is it.

Hanson, Gorkys, Heyward, Robo from there every prospect is either too far away (still a baby) or not all that special.

It will take years for the depleted farm system to get strong and have many ML ready guys chomping at the bit.

If the Braves had talent bursting from the seams in AAA/AA Frenchy would have been bumped a long time ago, Norton would be watching TV as would Gotay , Corky, et al

The best talent we had in the minors is already here - McCann, KJ, Escobar. There is nothing behind them that is near ready.

The sad fact is there isn’t anyone down there who the Braves think would be an upgrade for Jeff or his fellow offensive or defensive void peers.

This is the team that tight budgets and feeble trades (apart from JJ/Gorkys & Tex) have built.

So what does Liberty & Wren do? Trade Tex the only other guy on the team who can hit HR apart from Chipper, McCann and occasionally KJ? The best defensive 1B the Braves have ever had?

Maybe if he didn’t have to carry the team with Chipper he would be getting hotter sooner.

Also all those bullpen implosions early in the season. The one run types in particular are deflating for everyone especially a guy (Tex) who played for a crappy team and thought the Braves were an upgrade.

Anyway Braves fans have been waiting for well over 5 years for a team that gets them truly excited and plays consistently great baseball up to and including in the playoffs.

Winning 95-100 games in a season and the getting the booted by Houston or the Padres in round one doesn’t count. We have enough Flags already.

Fans, sponsors, investors want WS rings and the revenue bump that comes with them.

The answer for the Braves is to increase payroll $30mm now and stop messing around with maybes and could be rookies, 40+yo declining stars, injury cases and no name scrubs.

The only person that can fix this team and its prospects is John Malone (CEO of Liberty). His checkbook holds the key.

If not the Braves will have to gut their farm system again to get a few middling players and or a semi-star keeping the team on the same treadmill it has been on since JS famous “i hate the economics of baseball” speech.

Protect the farm unless it is for acquiring star players and boost payroll dramatically.

It is that simple and that difficult.

By Harpie

July 3, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Dr.R: Yes, there is a problem - the Braves STINK and they don’t even seem to care. And, Bobby Cox is the one who keeps playing Francoeur, even though he’s KILLING the team. The past is past, and right now Bobby Cox is not a good manager.

By Chris

July 3, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

You get two first round draft picks (one is a sandwich) if he stays and leaves through free agency. That means if you trade Tex, you need to bring back value that is equal to or better than two first rounders. Teams are not going to be willing to give up that much for a 2 month rental. Boras ALWAYS takes his clients to free agency. That is the big flaw in trading Tex. And with the farm system looking pretty bare, it might be the best decision to grab those draft picks.

By Mark Bradley

July 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Algonquin J. Calhoun (initials “AJC,” as you’ve probably noticed) is correct: Teixeira did indeed turn down an offer to re-up with Texas last July.

By Chris

July 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

You get two first round draft picks (one is a sandwich) if he stays and leaves through free agency. That means if you trade Tex, you need to bring back value that is equal to or better than two first rounders. Teams are not going to be willing to give up that much for a 2 month rental. Boras ALWAYS takes his clients to free agency. That is the big flaw in trading Tex. And with the farm system looking pretty bare, it might be the best decision to grab those draft picks.

By Chris

July 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

You get two first round draft picks (one is a sandwich) if he stays and leaves through free agency. That means if you trade Tex, you need to bring back value that is equal to or better than two first rounders. Teams are not going to be willing to give up that much for a 2 month rental. Boras ALWAYS takes his clients to free agency. That is the big flaw in trading Tex. And with the farm system looking pretty bare, it might be the best decision to grab those draft picks.

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Re: “Waiting around for Hampton?” What exactly are they supposed to do, put him in there hurt? No one’s waiting; they’re pitching whatever warm bodies they have left. Injuries happen and you can’t whine about them, but they are a factor. Take three veteran starters and the top two relievers off any team in baseball and they’ll feel it. Put a healthy Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton (yeah, not sure there is one), Moyland and Soriano back on the Braves staff and they might not have to pitch Boyer every day. I’m not sure what folks expect Bobby to do in such a case. Anyway, I’ve hogged the show here so I’ll bow out and let y’all have it. Mark, thanks for a lively discussion and keep up the good work. Enjoy your columns.

By T.C

July 3, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Danny write a book why don’t ya.i would say sell the braves to another city,sell the falcons to another city.hell why you at it, sell the hawks to another city too.then we wouldnt have to argue about sports.hockey don’t count because we have not had a team since the flames.this all adds up to all atlanta teams suck!!!!!!

By Johnny Danger Dawg

July 3, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Mark, I completely agree. I’ve enjoyed watching Tex play in Atlanta, but it’s time for fans to be realistic: The Braves don’t have the payroll to sign Tex after this year. Braves are not going to the playoffs this year, but a good trade NOW and a few less injuries next year could add up to a terrific team in 2009.

By T.C

July 3, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Danny write a book why don’t ya.i would say sell the braves to another city,sell the falcons to another city.hell why you at it, sell the hawks to another city too.then we wouldnt have to argue about sports.hockey don’t count because we have not had a team since the flames.this all adds up to all atlanta teams suck!!!!!!

By kevin L

July 3, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

U got right but time to fire bobby cox at all-star break…..he needs to go n TP also needs be fired also.

By Paul

July 3, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

With Boras as his agent, we have no chance of signing him for what he is truly worth- some moron will overpay, just like Andruw. This team has no mature pitching- all of our performance has come from youngsters who are not likely to stand up for the stretch run. With the lack of hitting, this means we have ZERO chance of winning this year.

I like Tex, but it is a business. If he wants to stay, resign him now with an Atlanta discount. If that doesn’t interest him, get something now rather than a draft choice when he chases the $$$$.

PS- he should ask Andruw whether he is happy with what Boras has gotten him now. Boras is the devil.

By don

July 3, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I must respectfully disagree with Mr. Bradley. The Teixeira trade was a mistake from the time it was being discussed. At this stage of the scenerio (and it should be no surprise to anyone), the Braves can get very little for Teixeira. As I said earlier, they can’t get 1/5 of what they gave up to get “Big Tex”. Therre is no way that the trade can even reach the level of just being bad. It was devastating and some of us said so at the time.

Not only did this ill-fated trade not produce anything the last year and a half, it probably guaranteed mediocrity for the next decade.

The Braves will not receive any prospects near as promising as any of the prospects shipped off to Texas.

When Schuerholz files his next resume, he is not likely to mention this trade.

Pitiful.

By Gman

July 3, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Dr. R. I respectfully submit that playing half of a major league 162 games against the NL East is roughly equivalent to your average college football schedule (your strained analogy-not mine). Certainly 19 games 11% of the schedule) against the Nationals qualifies as the Vandy game. There are tough games on the Braves schedule, and the season is a grind but they are up against a ton of mediocrity-and worse. The point is a slightly above average team could win one of the 4 playoff spots in the NL (see the 07 Rockies).

Another point to consider about Cox is that he was the GM that built the 91 Braves that he subsequently managed to the W.S. He did it with the same patience that everyone vilifies him for now. He wouldn’t trade key prospects when the Braves were abysmal (anyone remember Mike Greenwell for Tom Glavive? No? EXACTLY!) The point is, Cox has been so successful principally because of his patience and belief in what he is doing.

By Mark Bradley

July 3, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Dr. R.

By Phil

July 3, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Dr R,

I remember the days when the Braves were doormats. Then finally along came some talent, namely Smoltz, Galvine, Maddux and Chipper. Thus the 14 year run. Even Mark Bradley couldn’t have screwed up that 14 year run with the talent the Braves had back then. But when it came post season time, Moron Cox would blow the entire year with his ineptness. Heck, even Bradley could have somehow won 1 World Series title as well. Moron Cox, “the greatest manager of all time”, should have won 4 or 5! The clown simply gets out coached (or managed as you would say) come playoff time. Your opponent in the World Series is pretty much going to be on the same talent level as you are. This is where the ability of the manager comes greatly into the equation. And as we all know first hand, Cox sucks in a pressure packed critical situation. I wish there was a way to trade Cox, and to think we have another year with this bafoon.

By ronald

July 3, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

In spite of what some are posting Tex is not the problem. How many RBIs does he have? He’s driven in a bunch of runs which is what he is paid to do. He is not paid to be a .300 hitter. He’s paid to drive in runs. His production is very good.

No one on this team is untouchable, not even chipper “I’m an injury waiting to happen” Jones. When he plays he produces big time. The problem is that for the past few years there have been way too many times when he hasn’t played. That, in itself, makes him a huge liability as there is no one to fill in for him who is close to being productive.

Kotsay, I’m glad he’s back. He missed a bunch last year with a bad back. This year the back is acting up again. Who knows what we are going to get out of him.

All of this brings me to my main point. The problem, in my opinion, is the GM. Wren knew exactly what our needs were. He had the whole off season to fix them. He did not do that. Currently this is not a good team. I have been a Braves fan for over 40 years. I remember some middle of the pack teams in the 1960s and 70s. There were teams with the likes of the Hammer, Rico (big boy) Carty, Felix Millan, Alou, Clete Boyer, Dusty Baker, Ralph Garr. This year’s team is no where near as much fun to watch as those teams were. I say it’s time to retool, start over. Gut this year’s team and rebuild. What ever made some people believe that this team would win the eastern division and play in the world series?

One final note, Frenchy needs to go to the minor leagues until he learns the strike zone. He would not be the first player to be sent back to the oblivion of the minor leagues and then make it back up. As it is right now he is flat out killing us.

By Tomy Fournier

July 3, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

People…Atlanta is out…for now and for the next year…I guaranty that…why????Because Mr. Moron Cox will be there and he is the “CANCEL” OF THE BODY, TOGETHER WITH HIS “MORONES COACH STAFF” INCLUDING THE OTHER “MORON” MR.MCDOWELL…PITCHING TRAINNER..(THAT WHAT HE SAID…NOT FOR ME)I DO NOT WANT TO WATCH MORE TV GAMES OF ATLANTA(I PAID $150.00 IN COMCAST SPORT PACKCAGE)BASEBALL CIRCUS GAME AND ALL THE MEDIOCRE BASEBALLS PLAYER ATLANTA HAVE I HIS LINE UP.IN OTHERS BASEBALL TEAMS YOU DO NOT GOING TO SEE A LOT OF PLAYERS, TRYING TO HIT ONLY TO HOME RUN AND TRYING TO HIT BALLS OUT OF THE STRIKE ZONE,LIKE THE ATLANTAS PLAYERS…IT IS UNBELIEVABLEIN THE WAY THEY DID IT EVERY GAME AND NOT JUST ONE PLAYER…IT IS LIKE AN EPIDEMIC…VERY CONTAGIOUS…FRENCHY(LIKE ANDREWS)MACAAN,TEX,CHIPPER,BLANCO,GOTAY,CORKY….WELLLLL…EVERYBODY…AND THE PITCHERS…OOOOHHHBOY…WHAT I SAY!!!!AND THE HITTING CAOCH…JUST LOOKING WITH HIS FACE OVER HIS ARMS AND THE MANAGER…HELLO….NOTHING AROUND…IT’S A CIRCUS…POINT…ATLANTA…OUT!!!!!!

By gball

July 3, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

trade tex at deadline, agree with comment about fundamental bball. bottom in steals, no speed , look what speed does for phillies.mccann cannot throw anybody out, franceur is doing what got him to majors, doing things his way, now time to do things the correct way, bat him 8th, sit him down to learn, time to shorten the leash for him, if man on 3rd and he hits to lf side of infield without trying to hit to rt side take him out. 3 words, basics, basics, basics.

By Mark Bradley

July 3, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Don, you’re more than welcome to “respectfully disagree.” As I’m sure you know, most people leave out the “respectfully” part.

By Paul Lentz

July 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

I’m 36 years old and have been a loyal, diehard Braves fan since 1982. Seen both the good (1982,1983,1991-2005), the mediocre (1984, 2006-present), and the ugly (1985-1990).

The defense and baserunning I’ve seen from this year’s bunch reminds me of the Braves from the ugly years. Ironically the Braves are getting decent pitching. The bullpen isnt always going to hold leads or keep it close. However for the most part, the starters and bullpen have been keeping the Braves in games.

However clutch hitting, particularly late in games has been killing the Braves. Jeff Franceour for the past 2 months has been a drain on the Braves offense. His power, if he can make solid contact (which has been a rarity), is to left field. I was willing to be patient with Franceour, however his poor defense has forced me to take a good look at his overall game. While he has a cannon of an arm, if his throws arent on target, then he has a tendency to overthrow and miss the cut-off man. He isnt a threat to steal bases, nor does he move runners over. Plus, I do not see a day where his power numbers will be there.

I feel that while Franceour may be a hard worker, he simply does not have the patience that is required to become a disciplined hitter. This is his fourth year in the majors. He has had the opportunity to see upclose hitters who have patience and discipline at the plate, yet have consistent power numbers (Chipper, McCann, and now Texeiria) and hitters who just try to pull and go for the fences every at bat (Andruw Jones). McCann has become a much better hitter since 2005. Franceour simply has. Even when McCann, Chipper , and Tex struggle, they will still draw walks and move runners over. Franceour has a track record of not doing either.

While I am not giving up on Franceour (sometimes players develop discipline at the plate later in their careers), hit bat is killing the Braves at the plate. I’d send him down to the minors right now and tell him to work on his hitting. If his psyche is so fragile that he cant accept the fact that he isnt helping the team right now, then the Braves are better off knowing now, then before they have to pay him the big bucks that he desperately wants.

I would not trade Tex. I love having him behind Chipper. If he walks at the end of the year, he walks. However I do believe that the Braves will make an effort at resigning him.

By Dr. R

July 3, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Bafoons and morones galore, no doubt. Well, someone is buying tickets these days, and since it’s not you guys, I guess someone out there still likes baseball even if the team isn’t what it was. Every team is competitive these days, which is why the game is still great (the Nats are no pushover despite the record; you have to show up to beat anybody.) And five years from now when some true bafoon or morone is managing a fifth-place team before 12,000 fans, we’ll miss Bobby and Schuerholz and Crybaby Chipper and all of them.

Now I am gone, fer sure, promise. Talk amongst yourselves. I’ll pick a topic: Uga’s dead. Have at it.

By Milton Jeff

July 3, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

TC: This town could be a sports town if everyone would finally come together. We have the $$ for teams (except for the Spirit who is just destroying the Hawks/Thrashers)..I dont see why we cant as fans come out in force and raise hell at the TED and DOME. I say we need Blank running the Braves!! Trade TEX..quality for quantity.

By DS10

July 3, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Watching the game last night made me wonder who is still willing to pay to see the product Atlanta is putting on the field today. Frenchy is slumping and SHOULD be sent down to AAA. Tex is playing great defense and hitting good right now. Need to trade him while to get some value instead of just losing him to free agencies next year. remember it is a business! Any player no willing to hustle out a ground ball or that runs the bases like the Braves have lately, needs sat down or traded. Bobby cox - you are not doing your job. Send a message to these “players” or you can step down also.

By Pete

July 3, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Trade Tex ? At this point, WHO REALL CARES ??? The Braves have become totally irrelevant.

GO FALCONS !!!!!!!

By fred schwartz

July 3, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

I say trade Tex for some young guns and bring Jason Perry up from AAA.

By Paddy

July 3, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

It is all up to Scott Boros. There should be money to sign him next season but Boros must give the Braves some insight into their thinking. Without that insight from Boros a trade is the salvation to adding more good players. If you do not have a long range plan (see Hawks) about free agency, you are left out in the cold and years to catch up.(see Hawks). Power hitters are very hard to find and tougher to develop. The Braves may be in a tight corner, its up to old Scott, Gosh want a terrible person to have on your development and planning team.

By See Ya

July 3, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

See ya Tex….if he was a clutch hitter I’d keep and him and try to sign him. But he takes 2 months of the season to “warm up” and pads his numbers in games which are already decided.

By Arkansas transplant

July 3, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Cooper

I don’t know what that rant exactly was but it made no sense. Do you even know what they have in the minors? Oh, by the way, the minors have already given you 3 or our 5 current starting pitchers. Not to mention, our catcher, SS, 2nd and for the time being RF. So what positions are you trying to fill? The way I see it. That leaves 2 other SP positions, LF, CF, 1st and 3rd. But you have Chipper at 3rd and he’s going nowhere, at CF you have schafer and Gorky, so in all actuality the only positions available is LF and 1st. So, have you actually seen Heyward and Freeman? They are studs, plus they just happen to be a 1st and LF. I wouldn’t be surprised if they couldn’t make a difference next year but why rush them if you can send Tex to Boston and still strengthen your team? Not to mention trading Hudson, B Jones and say a Stockman for a player like Holliday? What would be wrong with a starting pitching staff of: Jurrjens Reyes Morton Campillo Buchholtz/Lester

W/ Hanson just a yr away from joining this lineup plus James in the wing. You’ve still got Smoltz and Glavine for direction. Bring Smoltz back next yr as a closer. So lets look at what that would do to the batting lineup: Escobar Youlikis Chipper Holliday McCann Johnson Kotsay Francoeur/Diaz/Infante

I don’t care what you say, that’s a stout lineup. With an awesome pitching staff, and did you look at the average age of a team like that? You throw Hayward and Freeman in there in year or two, that lineup will have a lot of power.

By MM2008

July 3, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

To everyone calling for a trade:

What kind of team is going to give up any sort of decent player or prospect for a guy who will be a free agent in six months? Dont think for a minute that a team that trades for Tex will automatically sign him to a long term deal before free agency. Boras wont let that happen. He wants to jump into the free agent market and start a bidding contest.

By Realist

July 3, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Some of you morons need a reality check. Outside of Chipper, Tex has been the Braves’ best player since the trade. That includes hitters and pitchers. The fact that the team has a losing record since it acquired him doesn’t mean he wasn’t worth it. It means the other weaknesses on the club have not been addressed (especially starting pitching).

You can blame Tex all you want, but he has MORE than held up his end of the bargain. If we had 7 other guys like him in the lineup, we’d be 10 games over .500.

By GM R

July 3, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Wren would be plain stupid not to trade him. The rent a player approach adopted by JS has cost this team dearly. Time to get another young starter (or two) and a power hitting prospect (any position except catcher). The rest of this year and next year should be rebuilding years until Yost replaces Cox. Let’s face it - this team leans more on Chipper than Tex -$20M a year for Tex makes no sense at all.

By TR

July 3, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Bye “morone”. We’ll miss your poorly spelled insults.

By NCBravesFan

July 3, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Mark - I think to trade or not trade Tex comes down to what you mentioned, as well as a couple of other considerations.

For one, I don’t think the Braves will be able to get a lot for Tex. The universe of teams that will bid for his services for two months will be pretty small. Added to this, Tex is a FA after the season as we all know. Barring a sign-and-trade (which I can’t imagine Tex or Boras going for), I just don’t see the Braves getting a lot for what amounts to a two month rental.

Unless someone is dumb enough to back the truck up and unload a lot of prospects for Tex, the Braves will definitely be perceived as having screwed up by trading for him in the first place if they get a lot less for him than what they gave up.

By holding on to him, they can say they gave it two shots at the postseason which was the plan all along. (And point to the two draft picks they’ll be getting anyway.)

Secondly, if they can get a key bat or two in the next couple of weeks and not damage their long term fortunes, I think they’ll actually be buyers in the market.

By jcfromindy

July 3, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Dr. R, No one is shouting at you, your about as stupid at Bobby Cox…………….. go away and take your redneck with ya!

By The Truth

July 3, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Arkansas transplant I was just like you saying that Tex would in the end be traded because of our record and I people called me crazy, so it is surprising to me as well to see so many people now saying he needs to be traded. Reading some of the other post I feel that some of the fans are confusing this over who’s the problem. You don’t necessarily have to be a problem to be traded. Tex and Chipper both have knocked in the most runs this year, and as far as I’m concerned Tex has played some stellar 1B for us. Tex is not a problem…the problem is that our chances of resigning him is very slim. So in the end we need to get some top prospects for one of the top first basemen in the game. If we can’t win it all what’s the purpose on losing him and not getting anything in return? By the way I keep seeing these Frenchy post…I thought this was a blog about Tex, not about defending Frenchy.

By Mike

July 3, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

I’ll say it again: a team loses a kazillion one run games because it can’t or won’t play good fundamental baseball. The players on this team can’t/won’t bunt, can’t/won’t hit behind the runner, and can’t/won’t make adjustments at the plate. Now, is that because the coaches don’t coach or because the players don’t listen? I don’t know.

And it doesn’t help any that our otherwise outstanding catcher can’t throw out a baserunner attempting to steal and that his backup, while sound defensively, just can’t hit, or that we have already worn out the bullpen before the All-Star break.

By Rye

July 3, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

I said before the Toronto series that Atlanta needed to go 10-5 in their last 15 games before the break. Of course, I said that without knowing Chipper and Escobar were going to be out of the Toronto series, but still…

If the Braves are going to reach that 10-5 mark (and that’s a big “if”), they’ll need to finish 9-1. After Philadelphia tonight, they’ll play 9 consecutive games against teams with losing records. This is, without a doubt, the most important stretch of baseball the Braves have played all season.

By Najeh Davenpoop

July 3, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Giving up half our top prospects to get Teixeira was stupid when it happened and remains stupid now. If they trade him they better get enough talent to make up for the players they gave away.

By DH

July 3, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

I like the Nady idea dustin was talking about what do yall think???

By Arkansas transplant

July 3, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

The Truth Glad to see someone else understand the circumstances and the reality. I’m in no means giving up this year. But I know Boston would love to have Tex to prevent NY from getting their hands on him. Youkilis would be a spark plug for this team, and then you throw in someone like a Buchholtz or Lester, you’ve gotten your money worth for Tex. Plus you haven’t given up on this year. Everyone is also so high on Hudson.. sure he’s a good pitcher but he hasn’t been the ace the Braves are looking for. All you have to do is look at his last start. It was that poor outting that started this string of loses. That start also can after 4 great performances by the other young starters. He should have step up and lead at the point when the Braves had the big MO on their side. I would love to see the Braves swing a trade for Holliday along with the trade of Tex. Let’s change the chemistry of this team and see what happens. Mr. Bradley, what do you think? Would these moves not make sense?

By Mark Bradley

July 3, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Let’s be clear: I’m not suggesting Teixeira is the problem. He didn’t hit much early, but he’s hitting now, and he’s a tremendous fielder. All things being equal, you’d want to keep him for the next five years. But all things aren’t equal — his contract expires at season’s end, and he’s Scott Boras’ biggest free agent of 2008. Odds are, he won’t be here next year. You can live with that if you think you’ll be playing in October, but the living gets harder if you’re 10 games out of first place with 67 to go.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

The Rays should be a re-education template for the Braves. They are ahead in their division and most of their players, I believe, are products of the farm system. They may have some free-agents and players acquired through trade but, primarily, the talent they have they’ve nurtured through the minor leagues. The Braves of 1995 and ‘96 were configured along the same line. Now don’t get me wrong, a championship team can be acquired piecemeal. The Marlins have done it twice. The second time the biggest addition was ivan Rodriguez who carried that team. However, those championships, as a result of how the team was put together, did not portend a dynasty. When the mercenaries were gone it was all over. The Braves are on the cusp of being what they were when I moved here-awful! Jeff Burroughs played in the outfield and couldn’t hit a lick anymore. Murphy was in his infancy and, I believe, one of the players was Sugar Bear Blanks. They were pitiful. The only bright spot was Phil Niekro. He just kept trying. He’d win twenty-two and lose twenty while the team was winning sixty or so. Fulton County Stadium was so bereft of patrons that one night Ted Turner had all those assembled come sit in his section and it still wasn’t full. Then the farm system started producing: Bob Horner, Brett Butler, and lots of others. Then, later, trading came into vogue. Brett Butler and a good third baseman traded for Len Barker. It didn’t work, much as the trade for Tex hasn’t worked. It’s time to realize that the Phillies are the power in this division. Look at their team. Most of their talent has come up through their system. The Braves need to get back to basics. Trading away one player won’t do it. Too many holes!

By billy stover

July 3, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

jeff francouer is a joke. he is laughing all the way to the bank with his big contract. I would not attend a braves game if the tickets were free. he can’t hit, maybe every once in awhile he gets lucky.

By randyh

July 3, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

someone said it earlier, the braves have only treaded water for the last year and a half. time to really go young and build. get what good prospects you can for tex and say sure hate it didnt work out. shore up the defense and starting pitching with good young kids and maybe you have to take a few lumps like the marlins did. get another young catcher in there and release corky. defense and pitching still wins, and a little timely hitting and smart baseball would be nice. if you lose please dont do it with a bunch of old guys or those who probably will not return next year.

By Cooper

July 3, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Arkansas you don’t get it and thankfully you are not a GM.

By Cooper

July 3, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Never said the core was not good. In fact the idea of building around Tex, Escobar, young rotation etc is what they need to do.

That will be through acquiring more experienced talent a few prospects.

The Braves should learn from the Rays but unfortunately for the Braves they are not coming off 10 years of top 5 picks in the draft.

The Rays are a model to study but there are elements of that model you do not want to duplicate - namely coming in last for 10 years.

By Roge

July 3, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Francouer reminds me of Andrew, throw a curve and you have an out. Where is Terry, telling these hitters to lay off what they know is coming?

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 3, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Mark, you’re right. Tex is not the problem. It’s just that there are too many problems surrounding Tex. Everyone points to him though. When a savior ain’t savin’ folks start changing religions and Tex is being de-deified right now. As for signing him here, that’s not going to happen! Boras will not countenance the Atlanta demand that he negotiate only with them. In fact, he will negotiate with them only in the most perfunctory fashion. He won’t steer Tex this way. The truth of the situation is Teixeira is here for the rest of this season and then he’s gone. Why would another team want to import a savior whose current parishoners view him as a false idol?

By braves70

July 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Sell! Sell! Sell! Steinbrenner Jr. is foaming at the mouth over his Yanks. We could get 4 or 5 top prospects most of which could play for the Braves right now. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry! Step right up to the great Braves Fire Sale. What am I bid on this fine firstbaseman, the Mighty Tex, sure to put your team in the Series? Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers, D-backs? Come one come all and place your bid before your rival takes him away.

By Arkansas transplant

July 3, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Mark, you said he’s starting to hit. Over his last 6 games he’s 4 of 16. That’s a clip of .250, during which the Braves are 2 and 4. During a span that’s been very important for a team with the loses on offense. I believe they could fill that hole with someone like Youkilis and a Holliday without depleting the farm system plus stay completive within the division and I believe it would also take some of the pressure of Jeff with 2 very good hitters added to a line up that’s struggling scoring runs. Holliday is a superior hitter to Tex. Do you not agree? and Youkilis is a very good contact hitter as well.

By Art

July 3, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

If Tex is traded and that should not happen then everyone will pitch around Chipper. Chipper and Tex go together. Get Chipper healthy, keep Tex, get McCann hitting better and Frenchy out of his funk and acquire a hitting left fielder and watchout.

By gayle

July 3, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

All of you people here talking about signing Tex…….

Before the Rangers traded him, they did try to sign him. Their offer was $140 million for 7 years.

Tex turned it down.

If there is anyone here who honestly believes the Braves are going to come up with more than that kind of money will also believe that Hampton will come back and throw a no-no, the Braves will be in the World Series and there is such a thing as a “home town discount”.

By BA

July 3, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Atlanta will resign Teixeira. Thank you, Bradley, for pandering to the idiot demographic with this flaming piece of s**t article. Six out at the All-Star break is in the race. So is ten out. This is baseball, you retard, not lame azz college football. AJC, we couldn’t be sicker of these short, half baked Bradley articles. You can’t tell me there isn’t somebody somewhere that could turn in something of quality. Then again, you’ve been running out that mouthbreathing race-baiter Terence Mooron for years, so am I really suprised?

By Ronald Millsaps

July 3, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Gayle—Did it ever occur to you that Mark Teixeira might be more willing to stay in a city that he went to college in and on a team that’s a perennial contender?

Did it ever occur to you, also, that if the team doesn’t re-sign Mike Hampton after this year that it can use his 2008 salary to cover 60% of what they could pay Teixeira on an annual basis?

Sure, he can leave if he wants to, but the odds of his staying are a lot higher than the naysayers and typically-shallow-minded fans would have you believe.

As for the Braves not going to the World Series, how soon some give up, and I’m not just referring to you here but thousands others. Even with John Smoltz, Peter Moylan, and Tom Glavine—and other injured players—this team is finally showcasing a somewhat-healthy product on the field. Chipper Jones is back in the lineup and appears to have had a speedy recovery; Mark Teixeira finally has regained his swing; Gregor Blanco has developed as a leadoff man; Mark Kotsay is back in the lineup, and Kelly Johnson is lower in the order, where he belongs. Yunel Escobar is back also.

I wish the Braves would do one thing differently: Attack more. Pitchers need to challenge hitters more/better, and Gregor Blanco needs to attempt more stolen bases. Last night, he was on first twice and wasn’t sent either time. Both times he got out via a double play. Double plays very much are hurting this team.

By Roy

July 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Where are Charlie Roberts and Jesse Outlar when we need ‘em the most. Sports reporting at the ajc is a joke. Start reporting and stop writing just to get your 500 words in.

By NCBravesFan

July 3, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Ronald - I look at the re-signing of Tex differently. Yes, the Braves could re-sign Tex to a long-term deal for say 7 years and $20 million per … but on a team that has no more than a $100 million payroll, why would you pay one player that much coin?

To me, a middle-payroll team like the Braves should only give that kind of money to a very gifted player. And as much as I like Tex, I don’t think he fits that description (especially as a first baseman, which is not as important a position defensively).

Also, what is Chipper worth, if Tex is worth that much?

Unless the Braves are willing to spend a lot more on payroll, Tex is gone folks.

By BravesFan79

July 3, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

This is why the Phillies are in 1st and were in 4th place. The Phills send down one of there top starters to get things worked out…..instead of running him out there game after game after game with the SAME results!
Redmen, Woodward, Orr, Thorman, Andrew and Now Corky and Frenchy. All players that the Braves should of had the balls to send back down to the minors before the wheels fell off the season!
Bobby cox and his terrible personel/bullpen decisions need to GO!
NO first place team would have such terrible useless backups like Corky!

You hear that Wren….you give Cox CRAP to work with…and hes gonna use that CRAP until the wheels fall off the season! Just look at all the CRAP JS gave Cox to work with last year and what happened to the season!

By GT

July 3, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I think its time to trade Mark Bradley for a columnist willing to see the iceberg before the ship is actually sinking and recognize the Braves’ season for what it actually is. If the AJC columnists were lookouts on the Titanic, they’d either be too afraid to wake up Captain Cox, or else they’d proclaim “we have enough lifeboats to still win the division.”

By CONNECTICUT BRAVES FAN

July 3, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Trade Tex for prospects and throw in Cox for free. Why in the hell was Francouer allowed to bat twice last night with runners in scoring position. Results were double play & strikeout. Great night 3 whiffs & a double play. Has Cox gone senile (he looks bewildered in the dugout). Frenchy must know some- thing about Cox that he wouldn’t want his wife to find out. This team is pitiful to watch.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 3, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Mr. Milsaps have you been wandering around in the ‘Smoky Mountain Rain’ or are you ‘Lost in the Fifties Tonight’? I love the Braves as much as the next bumpkin but the fact is they aren’t going anywhere but down in the division. The needs are great, particularly with pitching, and the assets are less than called for. As for Tex, where he plays, to a great extent, is not his decision to make. Steve Boros is his agent and he will do his job. Teixeira will be playing, next year and beyond, for the team that pays him the most money. Where he went to college will have no bearing on it. The decision will be made by Boros and his allegiance is to his client only! If the Braves offer the most money Mark will be here but I doubt that’s going to happen.

By Kevin

July 3, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

I want to keep Tex but i don’t see him staying. Yes are pitching isn’t the best it has been but its better than recent years. Inconsistent offense it our problem. If we trade Tex, trade Jeff with him for a big bat. I love Bobby Cox but he needs to retire and let Terry take over. If he keeps coming back Terry might leave for somewhere else.

By BravesFan79

July 3, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

No way we play bad against the Padres Dodgers and Houston! I think we gotta shot to get back to .500 before the all star break. But man even if we do that, if Cox stays 2 stubborn to admit he did the wrong thing by shipping off Pena and keeping Corky….then that will all be in vain. We will not win ANYTHING with Corky on the bench! Just like i knew we would not with anything with Woodcrap on the bench last year!

Oyea i think this team is built to win NEXT year….but please…PLEASE let Smoltz take the Clemens approach and rest up till the 2nd half of next season!

All we have to do is get a dominant starter to go with JJ and Husdon, keep the penant race close, then with the infusion of a rested Smoltz as closer after the all star break next year, it should be enough to push us over the top!

Oyea…PLEASE let someone else than cox take over the bullpen decisions and player personell decisions! Make Bobbys job as SIMPLE as possible!

By Theo

July 3, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Yup and Hudson, Diaz, Kotsay, Bennett, McBride and Soriano.

Time to clean out the wood shed.

Need to unload Frenchy too, if we can talk a team into taking him. Too damned set on hitting 6 run homers and pulling the ball. Andruw status at an early age.

Load up on upcoming talent who can run and hit.

Oh and fire Boobey while we’re cleaning the wood shed.

By David

July 3, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

HELL YA! TRADE TEX IF HE DOESN’T RESIGN! THATS STUPID NOT TO TRADE HIM FOR SOMETHING. WE DIDN’T ANDEW LAST YEAR WHEN WE SHOULD AND WHAT DID WE GET? WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE BRAVES IS WE ARE AFRAID TO MAKE A STAND, NO ONE WE ARE LOOSERS

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 3, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Teixeira turned down an extension for twenty million a year, which was offered by Texas before they traded him. Clearly, he wants more than twenty million a year and he will probably get it but it won’t be Atlanta paying him. He will wind up with one of the New York team or one of the West Coast teams. He will go to the highest bidder and that is not just for his own benefit. The players union won’t accept some silly acceptance of anything less and I don’t blame them. Several years ago, Boston tried to acquire Alex Rodriguez from Texas if he would agree to a lesser contract number. he did. The players union stopped that move and they were right to do so. There’s nothing to be gained by relinquishing salary advances voluntarily!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 3, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

I’m with you Theo. People here aren’t viewing this team objectively and that’s a natural thing but it’s not a good team. It’s going to take a few years to get back World Series contender. I also agree that it’s time to send Bobby into retirement. He was fired here, deservedly so, many years ago and he should be fired now. His successor here, before, was Joe Torre. Torre did well but was fired when Turner’s medication wasn’t working. It’s time to make a change!

By WIN ONE FOR BOBBY

July 3, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE GAME TONIGHT, IF WE AVOID THE SWEEP, THEN I SAY WE KEEP HIM, IF WE GET SWEPT, THEN DEAL HIM FOR SOME YOUTH, IT’S ABOUT TIME WE GET SOME YOUTH INSTEAD OF DOLING IT OUT AS USUAL.

By AJ 25

July 3, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Too bad they couldn’t get broken down players like 10, 29, 32 and 47 off the payroll. There would be plenty of money for Tex.

That won’t happen so get something for him today instead of nothing for him in 3 months.

By gp

July 3, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

A J Calhoun – Interesting about Torre. He won with Cox’s team (remember they started out 13-0 in 1982) then he got the wrap that he didn’t/couldn’t develop younger players and was canned in 1984. His teams weren’t bad here: 1st in 1982, 2nd in 1983, 3rd in 1984. He managed the Cards for 6 seasons never making the playoffs. The NY Post headline was “Clueless Joe” when he was hired by the Yanks. Just goes to show, a manager is only as good as his players/payroll.

I’ve always felt that the GM is twice as important as the manager. The manager can make a brilliant or stupid move here and there (some of these moves work out whether inspired or stupid) but good players win over time. Without the players, you can’t win. We’ll soon see what Frank Wren is all about.

By steve

July 3, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

www.banscottboras.com

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 3, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

gp, I agree Mr. Wren has a daunting task ahead. Bobby wasn’t a bad manager here but it took motivation he couldn’t provide. Bob Gibson was a real plus here until he demanded Niekro be let go. I fully believe that move, backed by Torre, was the undoing of that regime. Cox even came to his dismissal news conference and voiced his appreciation for having been given the chance. I thought it a mature move and so did the Braves. He’s a good guy and the players love him but it’s time for a real big change.

By Knoxville Dave

July 3, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

If I was GM, I’d sit down with Tex and offer him a fair salary and if he turned me down I’d trade for the best deal I could get before the deadline. I know he’s a slow starter but Tex is an incredible defensive player and that’s something we don’t have many of any more. Equally important, if not more important, is ask Cox to step down. He has shown me over and over this year that he can’t manage; Not sending Francour down to AAA to get his swing back and his poor handling of relief pitchers demonstrate that. A new leader is needed to inspire this team. We;re not as bad as many posters are writing here. Look at team batting average and ERA! Look at how many more runs we have scored compared to what we have given up. Losing so many close games is more the managers fault that the players.

By Michael

July 3, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

This is a tough call, depends on the record at the break.

College Football Schedules and Pro Football Schedules FBSchedules.com

By kenny

July 3, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Teixeira needs to be GONE! After all……he’s a NERD!

By Mike

July 3, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Trade Tex, Fire Bobby,It’s time to start over.The Braves want compete the rest of the yr,or any other yr unless they start to spend money.The Braves are not even mediocre.They need a makeover bad.

By sal

July 3, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Braves are not winners. They are a middle of the pack team at best. The sooner they look to move Tex, the more in return they can expect. Should already have had serious discussions on this matter with a couple of deals just waiting for Wren to say done.

Is it to late to cancel Cox’s one year extension?

By princetonbrave

July 3, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Trade em.

By rob

July 3, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

why does everybody say the braves can’t resign Tex, we lose Hampton,Glavine, and maybe smoltz. i thought the issue was the no trade clause. i’m sure Tex will get a raise but it’s not like they can’t afford him. besides 1b has been an issue for the braves no real prospects, and since almost all of you braves fan are short sighted, ask Chipper how valuable Tex is for protection. plus a goldglove 1b.Frenchy your hometown boy is hurting the braves more. maybe Texieira isn’t haveing a great year, but his numbers are not that bad, and he probably finish strong. this team needs a setup man to replace Boyer, and Acosta, and a solid starter. plus Huddy to get and stay hot. but again the offense has been a problem and the first person to look at is francoeur, then the inconsistant K.Johnson, Boyer and Acosta.

By jwest

July 3, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

I keep coming back to…is there a correlation between Chipper flirting with .400 and Tex batting behing him?

By scottbravesfan

July 3, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

They should trade Francouer but they wouldn’t get anything for him.

By ryan

July 3, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

start over fire cox should have after the 98 world series

By Hillbilly Deluxe

July 3, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Truth is if the Braves trade Tex they won’t get much for him because they have no leverage. Every team in baseball knows he is going to be a free agent. You’ll get prospects you won’t get a frontline player from a contender for a 2 month rental. And prospects, even those who can’t miss, often do.

By hop

July 3, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

yes, he has value now, but wait until august and the value for tex goes away.

the braves need to look at all their old players including chipper, since the farm system has suddenly gone dry.

the future looks bleak for the braves, it is high time to trade the old man before they run out of value.

yes, it is to rebuild, look at the florida marlins who consistently have a farm system that produces, not the braves.

something is very wrong at the top and the owners need to take a hard look all facets of the team just not the players only, but scouting,coaches, manager, general manager,everybody.

By Doug

July 4, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

My gut tells me the Braves passively shop Tex until late july, hoping the Braves catch fire. If not, they’ll deal him.

bravesinfo.wordpress.com

By Braint

July 4, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Trade Tex for prospects (we don’t need his meaningless 8th inning homers or RBI doubles down by 4 runs), drop Frenchy to AAA to get his head back on straight, and unfortuneately — ask Bobby Cox to step down. The time is now. This team is underachieving and needs a new skipper.

By kool$kat

July 4, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this

Braint - gotta ask who is the “new skipper” that is going to cause this injury riddled team to “overachieve”? Seriously, if you fire Cox, what proven winner is available? What motivator of men is just waiting to come save the Braves?

By h_charles

July 4, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

No point in trading him. He won’t command much as a 3 month rent-a-player.

Might as well keep him in the slim hope we can make a run, then use the Hampton money freed up next year to sign him.

The only reason to trade him would be to ensure he doesn’t end up in a Mets uniform next year, but that might be inevitable anyway.

By JEB

July 4, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren & BC NEED to sit down with TEX and have a good straight up talk (include Boras if they have to). Ask these 2 questions point blank:

then #2) “What kind of money are you seriously looking at?”

If the answer to #1 is 50/50 - then you know where his heart is = Trade him!

If the answer to #2 is so far out of their range = Trade him!

If the answers are within their scope for the future - work with Boras and get him locked up as soon as they can. It will be the best for the Braves and TEX. There is NOT a better 1B out there!

At least then the Braves and TEX know how the future is!

By Atlantarama

July 4, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Teixeira is absolutely not going to resign with the Braves, so by trading him, we can not only get something in return, we can at least prevent him from going straight to a rival, as the Mets.

By Max

July 5, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Hell Yes, Get Rid Of Tex..IF You Can Find Anyone That Wants Him!..Get Rid Of ALL The Re-Treads!! Anyone Close To 40 Or Past 40!! Why In The World We Wanted Glavine I’ll Never Know! Smoltz Should Have Been Gone Years Ago!

Look At The MARLINS..The LOWEST Paid Team In The League..Yet They STILL Manage To WIN Their Share Of The World Series AND Field A Respectable Team Year After Year!!!! Why These Other Teams Dont Follow Their LEAD Is Beyond Me!! ALL They Do Is Keep FRESH Legs & Bats Coming Up Every Year!! Give ME A Contact Hitter EVERY Time Over A Home-Run Hitter & I Will Beat Your Pants Off 90% Of The Time!! The Sorry A## Braves Management Team Does NOT Have A Clue!! Pendleton, What Is YOUR Job??..Why Haven’t You Done IT?

By JASON

July 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

there is absolutely no way whatsoever that the braves trade texeira this year or any other year because of the simple fact that they cleaned out the organization to acquire him in the first place giving up their six best players in the organization in NEFTALI PEREZ,BEAU JONES MATT HARRISON JARROD SALTALAMACCHIA ELVIS ANDRUS AND MAX RAMOS.having been a braves fan since the days of HAMMERIN HANK AARON DASHING DALE MURPHY AND BULLET BOB HORNER I THINK It is inherently more likely that they resign Teixeira with the money that will be coming off the books from hampton Glavine and smoltz’s salaries as all three are potential free agents after this year

By used cars

July 5, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Trade Hudson for a 3-4 player package…Maybe Milwaukee and get Laporte and a couple of other prospects..Then send Tex to Boston or Yanks…they’ll resign him after the year, so it will save them losing the draft picks…Try to get a bidding war and get a solid hitting prospect and two good pitching prospects and let’s move forward..Everyone cries about what we gave up for Tex…but Harrison and Jones weren’t going anywhere for us, Salty had no desire for 1b, Andrus was in A ball and you never know where he would end up..I was sad to see Salty leave and Neftali may end up being missed..But if we can get 3 prspects for him now, it was worth the chance..Now let’s move on, get what we can for the two, ‘cause it’s hard enough to pull for a Jacket and a Tiger as it is..

By Ben

July 5, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Everyone says unload him for young pitchers. Young pitching IS NOT the braves weakness at all. They’re rookie pitchers (reyes, campillo, and jurrjens) have all proven they are legit. Ontop of that, the Braves almost always take a pitcher with their top picks. This year their top 4 picks were pitchers and they took atleast 1 pitcher the previous 2 years. I agree the braves should trade tex, but I cant imagine them getting any player(s) that will put them in the post season this year. I say get some relievers, and an EVERY DAY left fielder. Nady would be a good choice.

By Ben

July 5, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Everyone says unload him for young pitchers. Young pitching IS NOT the braves weakness at all. They’re rookie pitchers (reyes, campillo, and jurrjens) have all proven they are legit. Ontop of that, the Braves almost always take a pitcher with their top picks. This year their top 4 picks were pitchers and they took atleast 1 pitcher the previous 2 years. I agree the braves should trade tex, but I cant imagine them getting any player(s) that will put them in the post season this year. I say get some relievers, and an EVERY DAY left fielder. Nady would be a good choice.

By tomahawkchop

July 6, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

**well the braves could try and trade tex somewhere…but my only question is, who needs a first baseman right now??? i mean every team that i see seems to be “set” at that position…

By Raymond

July 9, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

The Braves are not in any playoff race This is a fantasy. The wild card is not even a remote chance. They have to beat three teams in the NL east They can’t even beat the Phils 1 time in 6 meetings at home Who is kidding who ? Let’s facr reality and move on. The Teixiera deal was a claculated rsik that didn’t work. Let’s salvage what we can-sent him packing-before Andrus, Feliz, Slatalamacchia and Harrison make it look even worse

By Raymond

July 9, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

The Braves are not in any playoff race This is a fantasy. The wild card is not even a remote chance. They have to beat three teams in the NL east They can’t even beat the Phils 1 time in 6 meetings at home Who is kidding who ? Let’s facr reality and move on. The Teixiera deal was a claculated rsik that didn’t work. Let’s salvage what we can-sent him packing-before Andrus, Feliz, Slatalamacchia and Harrison make it look even worse

By TheAntiMe

July 12, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

I wish that somehow, some way it would be possible for the Braves to sign Mark Texeira to a long-term contract. Unfortunately, the reality is that Texeira’s agent, Scott Boras, would eat the Braves GM Frank Wren’s breakfast, lunch and dinner in contract negotiations. Alas, Tex, we hardly knew you.