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.)