Mark Bradley

By Theo

July 29, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Too little in return but we were over a barrel.

A long road back to respectability awaits us, a very long road.

Little to trade and little $$ to spend and a dubious eye for talent. Course the sunshine pumpers will rule the day, per usual.

By Fahim

July 29, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Very well written Mark! And my, was this a fast one too. When/How did you find out he was traded?

Don’t you think dumping Frenchy at fairly early in his career would be a bad move? He could possibly become another Jermaine Dye if he was traded away….

It’s just so early and he’s so young…this isn’t an overweight, impatient Andruw Jones…I truly think he can work his way out of it. Hell, let him work with BMac’s Dad :)

By Raleigh Dog

July 29, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Back in the day, in the 70s, my friends and I would go to games and buy cheap seats cause we knew we’d be sitting behind home plate soon enough. The crowds were that bad. I saw the “we are family” Pirates beat the stew out of the Braves about four days straight. This current batch of losers reminds me of the bad old days. Attendance and interest may wane now. The dream has turned to ashes. They stink.

By cooper

July 29, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Please ride Wren hard little Seattle Slew on the FA point.

We are not asking for insane Yankees baseball but to poo poo the FA market while bottom surf in the division is pathetic.

The Braves way frankly suxs.

While his model may appeal to pench-pinching accountants and rabid Baseball America fans the idea that prospects and over the hill veterans can lead you to anything but a going out of business sign needs to be burned into Wren’s gray matter.

If more than 40% of this team shows up on April 1st 09 it will be the 80s all over again. Empty stadiums and last place finishes. Explain that to Malone & Liberty Frank!

The fans are emotionally exhausted from the Braves way and unless Wren wants us to leave by the bus load I suggest he plan to open his wallet for CC, Burrell and or Bay and perhaps Orlando Hudson (2b) or Furcal (moving Escobar to 2b).

Getting Bedard via trade (if healthy) and basically a new pen he will show us that Liberty is not blowing smoke and that trading Tex was not an indication that the Braves will continue their cheapskate ways.

They will need to fork over 18-20mm a year for a starter so let it be CC.

13yrs since the last and only ring. 9yrs since the last WS. 6-7?yrs since the last playoff appearance that was not wasn’t a first round exit

Exactly what are they waiting for?

The Braves millennium at a glance calendar needs some urgency.

By hop

July 29, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

The corporate excuse has started to take hold and the underlining theme is, it will take a long time to get back as a contender.

the style of the braves is no free agency which means we are not going to spend the money despite the windfall of salary reduction with glavine,smotzie,hampton and few others off the books.

the braves will wait on the suddenly pitiful farm system that has run out of gas, to get back. this will take a very long time. thus- welcome to the braves of the 70’s and 80’s or the cellar dwellers playing in the national league east.

the owners of the braves the liberty corporate could care less, only balancing the bottom line.

i guess the braves will have to battle the washington team to decide who stays out of last place.

By The Dust

July 29, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Good Article Mark. Hate to agree with you, but I saw this coming.

Our development of young talent (coaching), our scouting, winning for too long (draft position) and payroll issues have caught up to us.

Morton, Reyes and James (yes, Chuck, remember him?) all have proven to be either not ready or busts. I tend to lean toward the bust side of things.

Francuoer may be done not with the Braves, but with baseball. His football mentality (over aggressive just like Marcus Giles) may put him out of the league. He has never faced challenges like he has faced this season, and his spoiled nature is showing itself.

Chipper isn’t reliable due to his injury problems. McCann can’t do it all by himself. Escobar needs to learn to control his temper.

Smoltz and Glavine should retire so everyone can move on. Hampton shouldn’t be re-signed on principle alone.

There are two starters pitching for Milwaukee that I feel would make the Braves a better team. Here’s to hoping there will be money to take a stab at them.

By D-Cider

July 29, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moron Bradley, Braves in 1st place yet? And where is Cox and his, “we’re buyers not sellers,” comments? This is not a very good team and most of the fans saw it in early June as the string of one run losses on the road piled up. What is amazing that you finally did. I thought you would hold out until September. Go back to your cave and tell us how the Bulldogs are going to win it all this year. Loser

By Mark Bradley

July 29, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Fahim, since you asked: Got the call at 6:30 p.m.; got to the park at 7:10; filed the story at 8:35.

I wouldn’t trade Francoeur for the simple reason that you wouldn’t get much for him today. Better to hope this season was an aberration than to give up on him at the age of 24.

By Uncle Dave

July 29, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

We need some good news in this town. It kind of reminds me of the mid 70’s… and trust me, those were bad times around here. Between the Falcons, Hawks, Braves and Thrashers, there is a lot of misery to absorb. No wonder people care more about College football around here.

By bp101

July 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Why not just see what the kids can do? How about moving Chipper to first, Prado at 2nd, Escobar to 3rd and Lillibridge at short. Go ahead and bring Schaeffer up and see what the kids got. Go with the young pitchers…Morton, Reyes, and Jurrjens. If we are going to give up this season, lets see what the kids can do.

By Nelson

July 29, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Dear Fahim: Please wake-up, this is the 3rd or 4th year of Francoeur and still the guy is swinging at pitchers over his head, face the reality he is not and never will be a good hitter, fielding is acceptable, do not steal bases, do not bunt, the only good thing he has is his arm, period.

By proeye

July 29, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

It’s very unlikely that Frenchy is suddenly going to snap out of it. Big time players do not go backwards in their development. If you are talking about “young players” that means they have YET to find their stroke, so there is some hope with these guys. Francoeur already found his stroke his first couple of years, then lost it. That’s a bad sign. Give it up. Pitchers have figured him out and if hasn’t made an adjustment by now, he never will. He sucks and he’s not going to get any better. Look at it this way, he has been in the majors for 4 years and has actually started sliding after year 1. Name one player who has gone from 29 home runs to 19 to 9 by age 24. That’s backwards people.

On another note… It really doesn’t look good does it? We didn’t get much for Tex, there aren’t any big prospects coming up, Frenchy is not going to snap out of it leaving a huge whole in RF, Mark Kotsay is not worth anything leaving a huge whole in CF, and LF is a big questionmark because we don’t know if Matt Diaz’ season was an aberration or if he really can’t hit. Was it steroids that he gave up during the off season? Did Francoeur do the same and that’s why he can’t hit now? Who knows. All I know is that people we could have relied on suddenly went belly up. Very, very odd.

But, Josh Anderson could turn out to be a huge find, Brandon Jones could be the next coming of Andruw Jones without the burgers in the back pockets, and Jason Perry could be someone who came out of nowhere. Kind of hard to predict baseball. LOOK AT THIS SEASON? WHO WOULD HAVE PREDICTED THIS DECIMATION???

By Hillbilly Deluxe

July 29, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

They need to rebuild the farm system and that takes time.

By andrew

July 29, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Sheffield was acquired via trade, not a signing.

By ku5h

July 29, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Knew it would come to this right out of spring training. I’m pullin for the Rays for the rest of the season.

By country boy

July 29, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

To DUST - - brother you are spot on !! Only thing I could add is naming Cox as a liability in Braves current state. No flexibility or innovation. I rever? Cox for steering our ship well in the big, long run of playoff appearances however he is ill-suited to deal with upcoming changes.

By Nelson

July 29, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Pro eye: I agree 100% with you. Now that they are giving up, why not to start developing all of those prospects, and forget about Kelly, Franchy, Kotsay, Corky and… many more!!!!

By Mark Bradley

July 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Andrew. You’re right. I’m correcting that now. (See what happens when you write something fast?)

By Bailer

July 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

You will alwaqys be sorry if u dont get something FOR jeff while u can. *I cannot believe he still strikes out swinging at pitches overn his head. no amount of coaching or talking can get through to him. that young white stuff has his mind all screwed up.

By proeye

July 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Hello, bp101… Apparently you haven’t been paying attention to this season… Schaeffer got kicked out for 50 games because he was taking HGH. He now sucks since he is batting .242 with 4 home runs. This guy is NOT the future!

By duaner

July 29, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

frank wren is a homo for making this trade i hop tex wins a ring and bad mouths the team for years to come

By John

July 29, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

I predicted this after the winter meetings and after spring training. Patched pitching and lineup, too much age, Hampton and Glavine etc. The Braves way of doing things stinks and the future is grim .New ownership and management is the only answer.

By Nelson

July 29, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Bailer: I’m not joking I don’t know if you watched the series against the Marlins. The Marlin’s catcher was asking the pitch while standing up and Frenchy SWANG AT IT!!!

By ErinJM

July 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Hey everyone lets stay positive. The Braves has a god future ahead think about the last time we where sellers in 1990 we went on a 14 stright division championship. So lets play GM for a min. With Tex 15 million gone along with Hampton then 8 million from Glavine then expect Liberty to add 15-20 million to the pay roll that should put us around 55-60 million next season. We know we starting pitcher maybe CC or Ben I wish both but being realistic maybe a 3 guy starter. Make the trade with the Pirates Brent Lilibridge and Bradon Jones and a prospect for Jason Bay sign him to an extension. Pray and hope Jeff comes back and this year was only a young hitter with wrong machenics. As far as the pen sign a lefty hope Soriano is health Gonzo is stronger and moylan comes back around all-star brake or before. And Smoltz maybe he can contribute someway. We really don’t need a Tex I mean we loved him but timely hitting and contact baseball wins more often then waiting on the homer. A bunch of 300. hitting players is far better than 260. hitters. As for the remainder of this year how bout letting Heywood and Shaffer and Hanson come up let Clint stay and just play around with the future and see what could be for 2009-2010 season

By Mark Bradley

July 29, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

That’s the question, isn’t it? The Braves are going to have money available over the winter. Will they spend it this time?

Terry McGuirk is on record as saying, “Free agency is so inefficient … It’s the easiest way to waste a franchise’s money.” And he’s right: It is the easiest way. But sometimes it’s the only way to get what you lack.

By Nelson

July 29, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

ErinJM: And who is going to be the manager of that great team? Sure not Bobby Cox Please!!!!!!!!!!!!

By buddy bell

July 29, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Don’t get the dumping on Thorman part. He’s leading Rich in HR and RBi’s and his arms being clocked at 90. Do him a favor and move him.

By JOJO REYES

July 29, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

The Braves are in the sad shape they are in because of TEX. They traded their future last year to get him. Would have loved to see Andrus and Harrison in Atl this or next year. Harrison wil be an arm the Braves regret letting go and Andrus has the speed that teams covet for the small ball game of today.

By Stewart

July 29, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Back when Ted Turner was the owner it was all about the game. Sad to say now it’s all about the money. Goodbye Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Goodbye Peachtree TV. Goodbye Sports South. Until the owners are willing to put forth a contender I have seen my last Braves game.

By Dave in Arizona

July 29, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark, you’ve written some of the best comedy material of this entire lost season, especially when you told us this rotten team was bound for greatness and would blow people away in the second half.

I just heard the Cardinal broadcasters say, “And they throw to the wrong base again.” Don’t stop the comedy now. Keep it up.

By Navigator

July 29, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Early in the 1990’s the Braves had great pitching, and smoke and mirrors for hitting. They need to return to that mode of stocking up on good young pitching, and let the minors provide them with the future hitting, just like the middle 1990’s when so many of the good players came through the minors. This is exciting to me, putting together a new young team, and surely beats watching the hospital brigade.

By JimK

July 29, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

I disagree about splurging on big free agents. We have two of the top three rookie starting pitchers this year. We’ve got some great young position players in A ball, so let’s save up for 2011.

The way to go now is judicious signings like Campillo, deals like Jurrjens, and above all development e.g. Tommy Hanson, and I haven’t given up on Reyes and Morton with proper instuction and conditioning. (Hint: call Leo).

Scouting and development is the responsible path, even if it requires us to endure some seasons like twenty years ago, when John Smoltz was 2-7 and Tommy Glavine was 7-17.

When we’ve got three young aces in place and producing, THEN it will be time to spend on one free agent pitcher, the way we added Maddux to Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery.

By Mark Bradley

July 29, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

If the Braves knew then what they knew now, they wouldn’t have traded for Teixeira. But they thought then (a bit optimistically, in my view) that they had a chance to make the playoffs last season, and they knew they were going to need someone to replace Andruw Jones in the heart of the order in 2008. The Braves left Lake Buena Vista this spring believing they had the best team in the National League and that Teixeira would be a huge part of that. Then everybody got hurt, and now he’s gone.

It was, I maintain, a chance worth taking. It used to be that most all the Braves’ hunches turned up trumps. This one, alas, did not.

By Forever Fan Jody

July 29, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

It’s truly a shame how far the Braves have fallen. Has the entire front office completely lost its vision? Yes, the Braves unfortunately had no other option than to trade Tex. And that’s just the problem. In the 90’s with Schuerholz doing the wheeling and dealing, the Braves were never in a position where they were out of options. They never had their backs against the wall. We just traded a PROVEN major league star for a couple of maybe’s. Kotchman may end up being fantastic, but he is as yet unproven over a period of time. All the injuries the Braves have suffered this year certainly deserve some of the blame for 2008’s implosion, but I think you also have to assign a hefty portion of the blame to Bobby Cox. It appears he’s lost all ability (and maybe even desire) to manage. He’s stale, just like the Braves are from top to bottom. Remember that it was Bobby Cox as general manager in 1990 who traded Dale Murphy to the Phillies for 3 little leaguers. I guess we should have realized then how bad he was at making the right decisions. Welcome to Atlanta Casey, I hope you enjoy your stay. (about a year if Wren holds true to form)

By Tommy

July 29, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

None of you are thinking outside of the line!! We can be way better next year!! We will have so many overpaid players off of the books. Hampton for example. That leaves us a ton of money to throw at CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets. And we may land a big hitter at tomorrows deadline like Jason Bay. I know they said they shot down our offer but that doesn’t mean we can’t rework it. Were going to have a very good bullpen next year assuming Moylan and Soriano are healthy. We will make a few trades in the offseason. We will be better.

By scott

July 29, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

I don’t have any faith in corporate baseball in Atlanta. The next seasons promise many empty seats at Turner Field, so Liberty Media will tighten the purse strings because no one wants to see the team play such as AOL Time Warner did (Hey….who are the billionaries here?) so I expect mediocre baseball in Atlanta for the forseeable future. Unless, of course, all us fans sell out every game, win or lose, so the suits at Liberty Media will shell out more money in the future to be a contender in modern pro baseball. I guess the public has to “front” the billionaires money so they can afford to field a winning team. Isn’t corporate baseball great?

By Boo Boo

July 29, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

The Braves have no one “for the future,” because the new ownership has pulled out the blueprints entitled, “How to run a small market team and still make money.” They never had any intentions of signing Tex; and they will never have any intentions of signing anyone represented by Boras. They will always be selling in July, looking for the prospects they can develop and sell in three years, for more prospects. They have returned to the pre-Ted Turner Braves. I see the future filled with, “Come on boys, let’s aim for an under 100-loss season this year” mentality.

By singndablues

July 29, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

202 536 3439

By Chris

July 29, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

There’s no reason to feel bad about this trade.

You get a guy back that puts up similar average, and only slightly less RBI than Tex did. And he’s still working on his power.

To the idiots who want to trade Francouer - for what? A single-A prospect? Good idea. Except it isn’t. Let’s see how he finishes the year and the first half of next season - he was a 100 RBI guy, you know. He’s starting to realize the mistakes he’s made and is trying to atone for it. Some good at-bats tonight.

If you can sign Kotsay, Francouer to 1-year deals, you do it. If either don’t work, THEN you bring up the kids. A Blanco/Diaz platoon (or even just Blanco) can hold down LF until/unless we decide we can do better. While I’d like to see our OF have more power, I’d just assume to have them get on base and steal bases in front of people.

Isn’t Thorman hitting in the .230s at Richmond? Not the guy I want up here.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Teixeira = Bust. End of story. It was a nice gamble on the part of the Braves. Unfortunately, it cost them dearly.

They trade away and traded for and then traded away nine players total including the two draft picks in 2009.

The Braves have Casey Kotchman, Brett Devall , Stephen Marek and two wasted seasons (07-08) to show for it.

2009 isn’t looking any better. To say that the Braves got hosed is an understatement. More like taken to the cleaners would be accurate.

By Peter

July 29, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

When Corporations start cutting money they start cutting in the scouting dept and extra instructors in the minors. This started with AOL and Liberty has said that they will not sell the Braves for at least 5 years.

Liberty won’t increase payroll because they have stockholders. Anybody checked Wall Street lately. Don’t rule out Chipper asking to be moved. Those of us who said last year that even with Tex we wouldn’t win were laughed at by everybody. All five of those prospects will play in the majors.

After Liberty sells the new owner (if he’s willing to spend) will need at least three years to start to turn things around. You’re talking maybe a decade of poor baseball.

Question: What happened to baseball preferring local ownership? Maybe they were tired of the Braves winning.

By alex

July 29, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark, have anybody on your free agent wish list?

By BravesLover

July 30, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

Tex is a corner stone player. I’ll miss him and hope that he’ll be back next year. It sounds like he wants to be here so let’s see what can be done. I HATE to think that we are going to be bottom feeders for years to come but that is what it looks like now. Here’s hoping that the winter signings bring back a ray of light.

By keith

July 30, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

I wish we could have picked up a solid starting prospect instead of Kotchman but that being said, he will be a good fit. There are just so many holes. Between injuries and overperformance, where do we go from here. With the right moves, we are back with the Phils and Mets. The wrong moves and we’re back to the late 80’s and 105 loss years. Lock up Jurrgens and quick, he is now our ace.

By BravesLover

July 30, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

I’m going to wear my Braves jersey inside out tomorrow in mourning for the season and the loss of Tex.

By keith

July 30, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

If I remember correctly, Liberty had to agree with MLB, that the payroll wouldn’t be slashed. We will have a ton of cash beginning this Winter. We could end up like the Philly Flyers of the NHL. Everyone loves and respects Bobby so let’s go for it. This roster is not impressive and should be overhauled and they will have the means to do it.

By Mark Bradley

July 30, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Here are three guys who’ll be on a lot of wish lists: Mike Mussina, Ben Sheets and Bobby Abreu.

By keith

July 30, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Sorry, meant to say underperformance. Read Frenchy. Your 3 for 22 with the bases loaded is what we would expect from a PITCHER. The Braves announcers have been saying over and over, the pitcher is the one in trouble when he walks the bases loaded (in FLA) yet Jeff swings at all 4 pitches he sees.

By dwc

July 30, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

get rid tp he has no coacing idea on batting

By Steve in Alabama

July 30, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

All the talk about who to trade for or who to replace is beside the point if the most important factor is ignored. Why has this team underperformed? Is it the injuries? I don’t think so. Is it the lack of pitching? I don’t think so.
More than anything it is the lack of execution at the plate. Whose responsibility is that? TP? BC? I don’t know. I’m not in the clubhouse. But the problem is not new. I thought getting rid of Andrew Jones would help because he was an awful example for the other newer Braves hitters, but it seems it is beyond that. This season is really an extension of the past 10 years. Good pitching kills the Braves.
I know, that is the truism of baseball, good pitching beats good hitting. But it seems especially so with the Braves. Why? Does it matter why? What have other teams done in the same situation?
They shake things up! Do you shake things up by bringing in a new minor leaguer or a veteran having a good season?
No way!
The Braves are stale, yet the players are content, even happy in their situation. They love their manager and feel that their situation is bad luck and just one of those things that happen. Maybe so, but they just make too much money for that attitude.
Somebody has to light a fire under these guys and make them just a bit uncomfortable. Make them appreciate what they have and where they are, and that person is no longer Bobby Cox. He is history, I’m sorry more people can’t see it.

By Robert S

July 30, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

In Kotchman, the Braves get a guy who is comparable to Tex on defense, batting average, and run production, not so comparable on power, but the guy is exactly what the Braves should be trying to get - a contact hitter, a guy who puts the ball in play, and doesn’t strike out much.

It is maddening to watch these Braves strike out with runners on base, and say what you will about Tex and his gaudy stats, but he struck out an awful lot with guys on, and in crucial moments. It seems his run production always came when either the Braves had a comfortable lead, or were far behind, and not in the clutch.

It’s a first step to correcting things, but there’s an awful lot of corrections that need to be made in order for the Braves to get back to prominence again.

As for Jason Bay, I’m not so sure that giving up four prospects to get him is a great idea. If the Braves send Lil’ Bridge and Brandon Jones and a fringe prospect to Pittsburgh, then it might be sensible.

Then there’s the curious case of Nelson Cruz of Texas, who is demolishing AAA pitching in Oklahoma to the tune of a .349 average, 37 HR, and 96 RBI. He hasn’t panned out in the bigs (the dubious “AAAA” tag), but could be had for less than the Braves would send to the Pirates for Bay. Could the Braves get creative and take a risk, hoping that he’s the next Josh Hamilton?

And a pitcher - who can the Braves plug in to mute the absence of Tim Hudson? Lord knows, I hope it won’t be Paul Byrd. Would the Braves try to lure Greg Maddux back for the rest of the year, only giving up a low level prospect to get him? Would Maddux accept?

Of course, sending Bobby Cox back to his farm in Adairsville would be another nice step too…..

By keith

July 30, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

The Braves payroll this year was around 106 million. If you include Hudsons 15.5 which will be insured because he won’t pitch next year, we will have 73.6 million available. That will buy a #1 starter, a #1 bat and 2-3 good pieces. Wren should have the green light. I wish they had locked up Tex but his money for a #1 starter would look as good or better.

By KNOW IT ALL

July 30, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

I have an interesting idea.

What if all of the Atlanta Braves fans got together with something like the Green Bay Packers are owned by shareholders (the team’s fans and investors) and the corporate end of the Braves can go shove it

I have no idea what it would take for this to happen, but I have a feeling as of right now I will be going to more AAA games in Buford than the big time in Atlanta, at least in Buford they will play w/ passion!!!

By Bo

July 30, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Good job Mark, thanks. The Braves got alot for Tex considering that Angels will only get two months service from him.

I believe the Fans will really like Kotchman once they see and get to know him . He gives 110%.

As for the rest of Braves the water is getting deep…we really don’t have a group of good players as stated by Wren. Management and press missed the boat on this team at start of year. Signing old players,and big talk about how great we are etc. and Bobby Cox’s Glory days are long passed. He don’t walk on water folks, get over it and gets some new blood to run this team. Same goes for TP and other coaches. McGuirk is a fi$%&*^# joke! Two days ago we were buyers, now we don’t need free agents, and BC is God in baseball world? Lord for give him and me. The sad part I still love the Braves.

By Robert S

July 30, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Mark, Bobby Abreu would be a nice addition for the Braves, but the question is, how much has he got left in the tank? His power numbers have fallen off, and he’ll be 35 at the start of the ‘09 season.

I truly think the biggest move the Braves can make for 2009 is to bring in a younger manager to shake the monotony of the last three years. Bobby Cox had tons of talent on his roster that hid his shortcomings as a manager, but now he has nowhere to hide. This team has always been lacking fundamentally, it’s only now that it’s being exposed with the undistinguished talent this team has.

They’ve always been beaten by great pitching (which only revealed itself in the postseason), but now they’re getting flummoxed by also-rans as well. Any other team this pathetic in one-run games would fire their manager. Any other front office that sees the mind boggling in-game decisions that Cox makes would send him on the nearest bus station to Adairsville. Any thinking man would seriously consider replacing Cox, but apparently neither Terry McGuirk or Frank Wren use their noggin much.

Hence, he’ll be back in 2009, and we can look forward to more of the same, maddening, fundamentally weak baseball that we’ve all been accustomed to seeing.

And this team will never win a World Championship again as long as that fact remains. I’ve been saying it for ten years now, as I’m sure many other fans have.

But us fans apparently aren’t as smart as the Braves’ brass think they are…………..

By keith

July 30, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

Trade of the week: Micah Owens for Jeff Franceour.

By Robert S

July 30, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Keith, Micah Owings is the better hitter, amazingly. And he’s a pitcher! But Frenchy’s not going anywhere, unless the GM of the Royals sees another reclamation project, a la Kyle Davies. But having Owings as a left fielder…..well, he can’t be any worse than Adam Dunn….

By Bill Donohoo

July 30, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

Name one top pitcher to come through the Braves Farm System in the last 7 years.

Move McCann to LF and save his health and his bat.

By Marc

July 30, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

McCann to left field?! HA HA HA.

Oh, God. Dude, thanks for the laughs. I needed them.

By ronp

July 30, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

The Braves need a player who can hit 37 homers, drive in 134 runs and hit around .300. Apparently, these numbers can easily be replaced because they just dumped the guy who did it: Mark Teixeira.

It is unfortunate they would allow such a talented player to drop right through their fingers..It will be a long time coming before the Braves can ever replace a player of this magnitude.

Good baseball teams step up to the plate and pay the going price for top notch talent.

How come the Braves could not pay the market price for Teixeira? They won’t have to pay Hampton anymore, they now save on Tex’s salary and they could retire Glavine…that’s at least $34 million plus coming that’s from non-performing areas…they have plenty of cash to spend..

These owners have gutted the power out of the middle of the line-up and this egghead move shall ensure at least three more years of mediocrity for the Braves.

I really don’t see what’s wrong with paying a player what he’s worth particularly when you have the money, the market and the fan support? Other teams raise the cash and do it on a regular basis.

They saved the bucks, don’t have to deal with Scott Boras but have sold the team down the river.

I don’t need to pay top priced season tickets to watch deliberately designed medocrity placed on the field by tightwad owners interested in stuffing their own pockets.

Future fan support should erode as this team continues to decline by design. Nobody wants to support a second rate product on the field..

By Robert

July 30, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

“Now for the bad news”

Bobby Cox is still the manager

By Mark Bradley

July 30, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

Micah Owings just got sent to Class AAA by Arizona. He and Francoeur are having similar seasons, for what that’s worth.

By vic

July 30, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

AMEN!!!! ROBERT

By Bo

July 30, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this

Mark you up might late tonight. Thanks for the effort.

By PaverDawg

July 30, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this

P** ON TEX!!! Good RIDDANCE YOU GT POS!!!

By JF

July 30, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

http://theblogofchampions.com/?p=159

By Greg

July 30, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

As an Angels fan, I am unhappy to see Kotch go and the prospects of signing Tex long term are shaky - due to that elephant in the corner named scott boras- but the future for the next two monts look bright us the angels.

the future for the braves look a little brighter courtesy of Kotchman. you’ll love him, he plays hard, is a good team mate from all reports and he should tear up the pitching in the NL.

enjoy the show braves fans! I for one will miss good old number 35 at first base. one thing to watch for: notice that Casey always stars a play with his glove on the ground - always. it may not stay there, but it starts there.

if that is not fundamental and something that the game could see more of, i don’t know what is.

goodbye, thanks and may your future sparkle Casey Kotchman. you will be missed not in southern california at the stadium with the two giant red hats bearing halos but in the hearts of the fans you have brought smiles to game-in and game-out.

By scottbravesfan

July 30, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this

The Braves made the best trade that they could and for people who don’t understand that, then you don’t know how the business of baseball works. The Braves will have a lot of money to spend this off season, they better spend it. CC Sabathia will look real good with a tomahawk on his chest next summer.

By Check this out

July 30, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this

minor league stuff

By Dave in Arizona

July 30, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this

Knowitall said: “I have an interesting idea.

What if all of the Atlanta Braves fans got together with something like the Green Bay Packers are owned by shareholders (the team’s fans and investors) and the corporate end of the Braves can go shove it.”

The Packers aren’t doing so well with Brett Favre right now. They’ve managed to turn Green Bay fans against each other like never before.

By BeachDreams

July 30, 2008 3:50 AM | Link to this

Congrats Frank - NICE JOB - You have passed your first big test. Casey is a good fit for rebuilding. 3 years to figure out if he is a corner stone before he becomes a FA. CAsey should hit about 300 - bonus dosen’t strike out - bonus And has a good glove And a pitching prospect to boot who cares if hes hurt maybe we can get a discount rom Andrews if you send him with Huddy. Thats not a shot. Pitchers today they all seem to have a surgery at one point or another well except for Maddux and Glav. But what pitcher today has their mindset of mechenics first let the ball do the work vrs your arm do the work - reasons for everything. Where were we. Okay Frank as soon as you finish that cigar and everybody has patted you on the back Its time to go back to work. And its gonna be tough my friend JS has left you a real mess to clean up.

By LA Boy

July 30, 2008 4:43 AM | Link to this

As an Angels fan, I would like to tell all the Braves fans, you got a hella of a first baseman. I am torn with this trade because Kotchman is well loved by Angel’s fans and a player that was brought up throught the Angel’s farm system. He has been around the Angel’s family since he was a kid as his father is a scout with the Angels minor league farm system for over a decade. Kotch, being just 25 and entering his second full season is really coming into his own. His offensive numbers will definitely get better. His defense, mirror or even might be a slight tad better than Tex. The best thing for the Braves is the fact that he is under contract until 2011 for the current annual salary of $1.45mil. The Angel are the ones taking the risk. But I hope both teams benefits in the long term with this trade!

By LAC

July 30, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this

First Vick, Then Hossa, Then Childress, Now Tex… Why are we cursed in Atlanta ?

Why do we not have a fire to win ?

It is really crap to watch all our teams IMPLODE !!!!!!

By Billy

July 30, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

Might as well have gotten something for Tex. He wasn’t re-signing here.

By RA

July 30, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

I don’t know that I agree that the Childress negotiations were the worst mistakes of the summer. I mean, for the 32 million that it would have taken to keep him (and to ensure that the Hawks nightly rotation remains at six to seven players as opposed to nine or ten), the Hawks have already gotten a talented swing man a desperately needed big. So, before we dismiss Hawks ownership as the inepts that the almost certainly are, let’s at least try to manufacture a little benefit of doubt.

By Drew

July 30, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this

The Braves suck but think about how much worse they would be with Andruw Jones on the team.

By justin

July 30, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

Name a team this decade that was able to become contenders because of one free agent signing? Fact of the matter is trades and player development is what rules the day. Even for the Yankee’s, when they were on top it was because they had the pieces to trade away in their farm system. Now all they have is money to put a band aid on a gushing wound. Free Agency is not the answer, and seldom is. Player development and smart trades are.

And by the way in his last 10 games Thorman was hitting well over .300, and has been for the better part of the past month. He’s also just as good with the glove as Kotchman. Not saying he’s the answer, just saying you should do some homework before ripping on a guy.

By ssiscribe

July 30, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

Mark, agree with you 100 percent. Braves had to get this done. Yes, it would’ve been nice to get a couple of major-league ready players and a top-notch prospect. But nobody’s giving that up for a two-month rental (though I think the Angels have perhaps the best shot at signing him long-term).

In my opinion, it’s a good deal for the Braves. Kotchman gives you a young first baseman with upside, who plays great defense and who is under contract through 2011. Marek throws hard and has experience as a starter and reliever.

And yeah, Owings and Frenchy both are struggling. The Braves now have the “luxury” of letting Jeffro work out his troubles here the final two months, while the Snakes are in a pennant race and can’t do that with Owings.

—30—

By Michael

July 30, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this

I disagree with “this had to be done.”

What happened to Liberty Mutual’s commitment to Atlanta fans to not cap the salary, and give the Braves the tools they needed to field a winner? This feels more like AOL days all over again to me.

If the Braves front office refuses to deal with any player represented by Scott Boras (and no, I’m no fan of Boras) - then why bother bringing them onto the team in the first place?

No matter how this is painted by the team, or the media, this is a downgrade for the Braves. Tex should have been signed - at market value - if for no other reason than to show Atlanta fans that ownership is serious about fielding a winner. Tex was the ONLY legitimate first baseman this team has fielded in years.

To me, this just shows a “we give up” attitude that I haven’t seen from the Braves in many years, and it’s a huge letdown.

Wake up, Liberty - there’s a reason there were more people cheering for the Cardinals than the Braves last night - only one of the two teams on the field is doing everything it can to win, and it wasn’t the home town team. This is a sad day for Braves fans.

By Lamar

July 30, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this

What bothers me is that why Scherholz (sp) tried to get the talent to win another World Series, he gave away too many of our young players to get these older players who continue to be injured. We should build from our minor leagues for the long haul — not from washed up veterans. It will take a long time to recover.

By George Jr

July 30, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

the thing i dont like is we should have kept texiera the rest of the year then tried too resign who knows maybe he would have taken the deal the braves offer him we really didnt even get a decent player i dont understand why we still have hampton is because were stuck with him can someone please explain

By George Jr

July 30, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this

the thing i dont like is we should have kept texiera the rest of the year then tried too resign who knows maybe he would have taken the deal the braves offer him we really didnt even get a decent player i dont understand why we still have hampton is because were stuck with him can someone please explain

By George Jr

July 30, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this

the thing i dont like is we should have kept texiera the rest of the year then tried too resign who knows maybe he would have taken the deal the braves offer him we really didnt even get a decent player i dont understand why we still have hampton is because were stuck with him can someone please explain

By George Jr

July 30, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this

the thing i dont like is we should have kept texiera the rest of the year then tried too resign who knows maybe he would have taken the deal the braves offer him we really didnt even get a decent player i dont understand why we still have hampton is because were stuck with him can someone please explain

By 66braves

July 30, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

Hold on people! If you look closely at the young nucleus that they are putting together, it is a lot better than 1988,89, or 90 class, which led to all those division titles. The level of young pitchers coming through the ranks is a lot better than the pitchers in those years. And the young position players are better as well. Before tomorrow night, they will add a few more pieces.

No, this not what I wanted either but I do think it is worth being patient on. This is NOT the organization of the 70’s and 80’s, so the sky is NOT falling!

Mark, do you see Bobby hanging around during this time frame to build a new Brave front?

By proeye

July 30, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

Did John Schuerholz move out of his position as general manager early because he saw the writing on the wall? Seems awfully strange with the timing—the year before the Braves imploded. He sure kept his legacy and his chances for the Hall of Fame intact!

By Michael

July 30, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

My bad - I blamed Liberty Mutual, and not Liberty Media for this mess. Maybe it was wishful thinking - a company called Liberty Tires would be an upgrade in ownership!

By Mike

July 30, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

I have read many of these “comments”. Not all but many are laced with backstabbing, I told you so, wishes for misfortune and just plain stupid comments. There are so many I couldn’t even begin to respond. You guys make running a baseball club seem so easy but you wouldn’t know a double-play from a double-fault. The Braves don’t need those kind of fans. Take a hike.

By RK

July 30, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

Liberty Media better start coming up with Yankee like money (175 mill +) or their so called ‘investment” will end up costing them more than than they bought the Braves for… penneywise and pound foolish… This buying the Braves could REALLY backfire. Then maybe the Art Blank can bring some sports passion/honor back instead of just thinking about tax writeoffs…

By TIMEFORCHANGE

July 30, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

Its almost to the point where the Braves will find it hard to sign any free agent. These players want to win and Atlanta has been a so so team now for the last three.

If they want to win they have to get rid of the so so players and sign some talent. That takes money. Resigning a Glaive or Hampton is a big mistake. It was a mistake this year. Glavine did nothing for us. I was against this from the start of the talks. It never works to bring back players.

Kotchman at 1st is fine, but we need someone other then a left field platoon and Diaz is not the answer. We need a solid 2nd baseman. Johnson is just so so. We need a pen. To many arms out there that yea they have a decent ERA but the holds are terrible. They walk to to mound and let every single baserunner score. We need to resign Ohman and thats that. Im sick of the good ones getting away while we continue with what 200K will buy. Pen arms are essential to a good club.

Other then Jurrjens and Campilla, I just dont see any pitchers that are ready. Jo Jo is not and either is Morton. They need more minor league training and we absolutely need a hitting coach, something that Pendleton is not. Im sick of watching these no hitting clubs year after year. Learn a lesson here. Ditch the non-effective and clean house. It needs to be done and now. Maybe then players will want to sign with Atlanta. Right now I believe they are just laughing at us.

By Tommy

July 30, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

One thing I’m getting tired of reading is ‘when Ted Turner owned the team. . ‘

Turner bought the Braves in 1976. His first 4 years as owner, they finished last. He blew money on Andy Messersmith, Bruce Sutter, Claudell Washington, and many more over the hill free agents, the team lost draft picks for tampering when trying to sign Gary Matthews, and Turner made a joke of himself and the team by trying to manage.

Under Turner, from 1976 to 1990 the Braves had three winning seasons, and lost 90+ games nine times. It was when Cox and Schuerholz took over that things turned around. The Braves only improved when Turner finally had the good sense to stay out of the way and let other people spend his money.

The Braves are going through a down cycle. Free agency and the draft make it almost impossible to win year after year. Over times things balance out.

About $70 million bucks comes off the payroll at the end of the year. They’ll figure something out. The Braves may not win a pennant for a couple years, but they aren’t going back to the Russ Nixon Era, either.