Mark Bradley

By T MAN

September 29, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Resigning Mike Hampton- you must be kidding me. Three quality starts in 3 years. Please spend your money on someone reliable.

By fish3rm8n

September 29, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

If you get anything better than a batboy for HAMPTON take it.

By fish3rm8n

September 29, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

If someone offers anything better than a batboy for Hampton. TAKE IT

By Carl Childers

September 29, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

He plays baseball. He ain’t no good at it!

By Jack G

September 29, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

First of all, retooling starts with the Manager and Coaches. They have already stated that Cox and all the Coaches will be back. New players old player it dosent make any difference. 2009 will just be a replay of 2008 with fewer injuries same outcome.

The big tipoff is Hampton—-he should be gone. Resigning Hampton is almost as stupid as returning Cox and Coaches

By Keith

September 29, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Bring back Hampton. He will win the Cy Young next year. You heard it here first.

By BUSHWACKER

September 29, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

You typical faiwrweather fans know nothing about baseball and less about the man.

Instead of assuming he stole money from the Braves, let look at the reality.

The man has been hurt and unable to pitch. Now that he his healthy you want to run him off so he does not steal more money from the Braves.

I think you idiots are dead wrong, most team swould have released him long ago.

But the fact the Braves did not I

By Duane

September 29, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton should be resigned to a contract with the league minimum salary and incentives that kick in after twenty starts. If he thinks he’s healthy, he’ll take it.

By DJD

September 29, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Re-sign Hampton. We don’t want him pitching against Atlanta next season, as he gets rounded back into the Hampton of the past, a 15+ game winner in 09

By JimK

September 29, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

At least we don’t have to read the lyrics of North to Alaska, or anything else.

By BUSHWACKER

September 29, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Hampton does not need the money, more important to him, is the opportunity to help the club who did not give up on him and give him a chance toearn some of the millions he’s made here.

He’s a good man and a good pitcher, we need him worse than he needs us.

By guy

September 29, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton should pitch for the Braves in 2009 for nothing because he’s done nothing for three years. You can’t make these older players young again and also they stay injured a lot. That’s life and it happens to everyone!

By JKP

September 29, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Definitely sign Hampton, but for dirt cheap. For all the loyalty the Braves’ have shown him, he should sign for the league minimum plus incentives.

By Joe

September 29, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

First: Fire Bobby Cox

Second: Don’t re-sign Tom Glavine, John Smolz, & Mike Hampton. Release Jo-Jo Reyes and Charlie Morton.

Third: Try to get John Garland from Anaheim I think he is going to be a free agent. If you can somehow get another reliable starter.

Fourth: Try to get some new players in the fold and see what your luck would be for next year.

By Mark

September 29, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

You hate to give up on a season before it starts, but 2009 needs to be a rebuilding year. The Braves’ minor league talent is at the A and AA levels and you can get pretty excited at what 2010 could look like. To bridge the gap, sign Glavine and Smoltz because they deserve it and are great leaders. Let someone else take the risk on Hampton.

By Howard

September 29, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Take a look Braves fans, at the current and past editions of the Kansas City Royals, and you have the future state of your favorite Bobby Cox-led team. Schuerholz did the same thing out there and he’s done in Atlanta.

By alan from Atlanta GA.

September 29, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Are the braves proposing a bailout of hanpton? It’s almost as bad a congress, if we give him any money next year. He owes us money, for what I’ve paid for tickets. It’s bad enough they’ve already announced that mcdowell, pendelton, cox et al are returning. The braves must think we really are a bunch of shmucks. Are we also supposed to anticipate Smoltz and Glavine next year again? The braves need a top to bottom revamping, we can’t live on past glories which was only one world series win anyway. Are we going to be the shmucks they think we are? Probably. Boycott the braves in ‘09.

By kaye

September 29, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

bring back Hampton as a 4th or 5th starter….but dont over pay, i think he as shown he is back when giving the chance. put Josh Anderson in center and let him run wild out there….your infield is not consistent enough on the right side, the left side is hurt to much. The braves wont be able to get 2 top tier starters via trade or free agency. get one top starter, and another 2nd level starter to go with JJ, MH, TH. the lineup needs power….good luck…we will be in 4th place again next year….

By J

September 29, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

there bettter be some kind of crazy clause in Hamptons contract stating if he does not make at least 20 starts he doesn’t get paid in full. It’s time for Hampton to earn his paycheck.

By JEREMY SCHAAP, ESPN

September 29, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Wow, Mark.

This is just a fabulous piece of journalism. A hearty “Mazel Tov” from Bristol on actually writing something worth a read … oh wait, it’s calledREPORTING!!!

Watch my tv show, Outside the Lines sometime, and I’ll show you how it’s done!

Jeremy Schaap, ESPN.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

September 29, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

If we look at the Braves payroll in regards to the teams who are currently in the playoff picture, it’s more than revealing.

The top three teams in payroll are:

The Yankees at 209 million, DID NOT THE PLAYOFFS.

The Detroit Tigers at 138 million, DID NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.

The N.Y.Mets at 138 million, Choked again, NO PLAYOFFS.

The teams that DID MAKE INTO OCTOBER or are on the bubble.

Red Sox, 4th in payroll at 133 million.

White Sox, 5th in payroll at 121 million.

Angels, 6th in payroll at 119 million.

Cubs, 7th in payroll at 118 million.

Dodgers, 8th in payroll at 118 million.

Phillies, 13th in payroll at 98 million.

Brewers, 15th in payroll at 81 million.

Twins, 24th in payroll at 62 million.

Rays, 29th in payroll at 43 million.

Then when considering that the Atlanta Braves are 10th with a payroll of 102 million it becomes clearer that money and free agency alone cannot cure what ails this franchise.

Player development, drafting well, astute trades, investing in the minor league system, all of these facets are equally important to the health of any baseball franchise.

By OldTimer

September 29, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

It’s time for Bobby to go. He’s tired. His knees are killing him and he doesn’t need to be out there in the mid day sun. He’s given us a championship and is a true champion. However, he is no longer our future. He knows that and he is waiting for us to realize it. Here’s what you do. You let the man retire with grace and dignity. Who does he turn the reigns over to… none other than John Smoltz. That’ll put the Braves back in the race and the fans back in the stands.

By roja

September 29, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

When you have a BULLPEN that has lost over thirty games this season that the Braves were either leading or tied, it makes starting pitching, a center fielder, a back-up catcher or a change in management rather WORTHLESS changes.

Even if we had CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, Rich Hardens, Tim Lincecum and a 26 year old John Smoltz in the starting rotation, if you take them out in the 7th and bring in Boyer, Bennett, Tavarez, Acosta, Dessens, or Nunez, they can blow a 4 or 5 run lead in a heartbeat because they CAN’T PITCH! They are throwers - not pitchers.

We need 6 relievers and a closer more than anything else!

By Brett

September 29, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Yes, Resign Hampton but only for a bargain basement price. He owes us anyways.

By Threadkiller

September 29, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

I’m going to catch hell for this!! Chippers value will never be higher than it is right now. Strictly from a business point of view I would shop Chipper & Lilli to the Tigers for Mags & Renteria. Maybe a low level pitcher as well. Renteria to 3rd base. Chipper would be able to DH for the Tigers as well prolonging his career. We then make a serious run at Derek Lowe. We should also be looking at what the Marlins are willing to give up as well.

By Jason H.

September 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Bushwacker - FYI, the Braves didn’t release Hampton because he had a guaranteed contract. So if he’s released, then he still gets paid. However, insurance paid for some of his salary so it lessened the sting a little bit.

I’m okay with them resigning Hampton. It should be a low salary with incentives for starts and innings pitched. We need one frontline (number 1) starting pitcher, and that’ll probably have to come through free agency. C.C. Sabathia will probably end up with the Yankees, but it would be great for the Braves to make a run at him. Jon Gardland will be a free agent and he’s only 29 years old. Derek Lowe is getting older (35), but he’ll be a free agent too. Randy Wolf is another possibility.

Also, the Braves need a power outfielder. On the FA market, you’ve got Pat Burrell and Adam Dunn. Neither one of those are perfect fits and both strike out a TON. That said, both also hit more homers than all the Braves’ outfielder combined.

Mr Wren - You’ve got a lot of work to do!!

By Greg

September 29, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

He should be traded for a 5lb bag of flour.

By Taylor Isenberg

September 29, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Eight of nine quality starts to end this season? I’d say Hampton has his game back. Realistically, the Braves cannot offer him a Major League contract, neither can any team for that matter. I do say the Braves offer him a Minor League contract. If he makes it out of Spring Training healthy, maybe offer him a one-year deal with incentives. I was very impressed with how Hampton performed, and I think he has the potential to be a stellar starter next season.

By Mike in Montgomery

September 29, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

The braves need to look at next year as a gap year. They do not have to totally give next year away, but they need to look to getting the younger talent ready for 2010.

If the braves can get a Garland or #1/2 starter by all means get one, but if not, they need to look at what they can do.

If Glavine and/or Smoltz are healthy, bring them back on a ONE YEAR deal. Offer Hampton a One year League Minimum salary, with a ton of incentives, and a team option for 1-3 years at a larger salary if he meets those incentives.

Continue to develop Jurrjens and Morton, and possibly Parr (I have given up on Reyes). Start grooming for a 2010 rotation of Hudson, Jurrjens, possibly Hampton if healthy, Morton, and look to pick up a quality pitcher to round it out.

We already know next year will probably be painful, so give the old guys (Glavine/Smoltz) one last shot at something special if they are healthy, with the understanding that 2009 is thier last season as a Brave, and that the team is building for 2010.

If a big bat is available, great, if not, go it spring with Anderson in CF and playing Leadoff, Scheaffer in LF, Frenchy in RF. The infield is set with Kotchman, McCann, Chipper, Escobar and Infante. Dangle Johnson along with the prospects to try and get that big bat or quality starter.

By Ward

September 29, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Hampton will be fine in ‘09!!!! He will be a workhorse, pitch many innings, be a “pitcher”, and do a Brave job for his loyal Brave team. Reward his comeback and recognize that lefties w/ his type grit and experience are hard to find.

By hop

September 29, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

the braves have dropped from a contenter to a pretenter.

the farm is not producing and will not for a while.

the braves have no power,injury prone players, starting pitching that is at it’s worse in 10-15 years.

this team will battle washinton for last place next year.

By Brave fan forever

September 29, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Let’s not do something stupid. Smoltz should be back next year as a fireball relief pitcher. Glavin should be retained as a long relief pitcher. Huddie will be back next summer. JJ will be healthy for the year. The Braves should try and get one of the malcontents from Washington, Florida and KC.

Their biggest problem is POWER. Notice how Chipper’s production fell off after they dumped Tex?

They need a true leadoff hitter. How many bases did they steal this year. Send Frenchy to Winter ball to learn the strike zone.

They have the people in the minors who could be ready in a year or so, but a year or so is not next year. Bring up the phenom who got into trouble this year and play him in center. Play Josh Anderson in left.

By T

September 29, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

I agree there is a lot of work to do. Couple things i would definitely do: 1. Whether we keep Bobby Cox or not, I would run a tougher spring training. The country club atmosphere has proved to increase injuries over the last few years. 2. So long Tom Glavine. He showed no loyalty when he left the Braves, it’s time for the club to return the favor. Even when he was healthy, he wasn’t fooling anybody. The apologists will talk about his injuries… nonsense. He is done. I would much rather see a Morton or another young guy on the mound put up the same numbers with a future. 3. Add a bat with power! This team is desperate for power help. 4. Demand Francouer loose weight. He was to heavy to hit or play good defense in ‘08. 5. Add two better the avg starters . nuff said. Do these things and the ‘09 will be competitive.

By JoeJoe

September 29, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

If the Braves spend money again on Hampton, I assure you they don’t need to send the renewal form for my season tickets. He should have gotten out of the way years ago and let the team get some quality pictures and the season would have not been lost.

By Curtis

September 29, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

The fact remains, the 2008 season tanked primarily because of Jeff Francoeur. He had some of the best hitters in the game ahead of him in the lineup, and there were always runners on base. He didn’t drive them in. He struck out. He hit into double plays. And except for one glorious minor league weekend, Cox kept him in the lineup. Francoeur alone cost the Braves at least 20 games.

Sure the pitching wasn’t that great, but how much better could they have been if they had a lead to work with once in a while?

By Borat Obama

September 29, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout the Braves sign ME for 3 million. I can have just as big an impact on the team as Hampton has these past 3 years.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

September 29, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

This is for those who actually think that free agency will fix what ails the Braves.

By Ralph

September 29, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

maybe going to the noth pole and sign santa claus,to play first base.

By Ralph

September 29, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

maybe going to the noth pole and sign santa claus,to play first base.

By Navigator

September 29, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Give him another ride, he hasn’t taken enough from the organization. It’s the difference between a good organization that looks for mature pitchers with a history of playing, rather than a bad one that goes after pitchers with a history of injury. It’s up to Wren to show which he is.

By JD

September 29, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Boy, you guys are really rough on a guy who, for the most part, could have mailed it in after the second series of injuries. But, he came back to pitch for the team that showed a little loyalty and faith in him when they could have dumped him at any time during the period he was rehabbing his arm and other various ailments.

It’s really easy to sit back and say cut Hampton because he’s been hurt for three years, but put yourself in his shoes. If you had the series of bad occurrences that has happened to this guy, and you did everything possible to stay injury free and still have things happen to you that were beyond your control, and to come back and pitch respectably for a team that really was done after the All-Star break says volumes about the man’s work ethic.

Who says that if the Braves decide to re-sign Hampton that it’s gonna be for the money that he got in his previous deal? By all means, take the chance on the guy. He’s already shown you through the last month and a half of the season that he can be relied on to give you a quality start and at least go deep in the innings to where the bullpen isn’t all that stretched at the end of a game. JoJo Reyes? Sure he’s a young pitcher, but he just loses it after a couple of innings. In his last few starts, he hasn’t gone past the third or fourth inning. Hampton? He’s gone at least 6 innings or more in his starts. And this is the guy you all want to get rid of because he’s had two arm surgeries and a series of freak injuries.

You so-called baseball fans amaze me…..

By virgilshouse

September 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

bring up larry mcwilliams he is a fine looking young lefty at richmond.also buzz capra he could win an era title someday, along with craig mcmurtry and phil neikro this could be a fine rotation

By Branch Rickey

September 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

HAMPTON? GLAVINE? SMOLTZ? YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ! TIE UP TENS OF MILLIONS IN THESE HASBEENS !

THE FARM SYSTEM SUCKS. ITS BEEN LOOTED TO ACQUIRE THE LIKES OF DREW & TEIXEIRA< WHO ARE GONE.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ONCE BALLYHOOED SCOUTING SYSTEM?

WHAT QUALITY FREE AGENT WOULD WANT TO PLAY IN ATLANTA, THAT HASN’T GRACED THE POST-SEASON IN THREE YEARS ?

SCHUERHOLZ KNEW EXACTLY WHEN TO HANG IT UP. LET THE NEW GUY GET THE BLAME !

By P. Rose

September 29, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, Frank Wren: why don’t you SHUT UP? Didn’t Schuerholz teach you anything? Stop showing your hand, moron! You’re dealing from a position of weakness when you declare these stupid proclamations, such as, “We’d have a team that would finish somewhere in the middle of the pack,” or, “We need more power production.” When you’re playing cards, you don’t tell your opponents what cards you need. You did the same thing in early August, when you announced that if the team struggled over the weekend you were going to trade Teixiera. And look what happened: the team didn’t just struggle, they imploded! Keep your opinions to yourself and keep your mouth shut! John, please, have a talk with your boy. He’s killing us.

By Tomas

September 29, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

The free agent market isn’t deep??? Come on compare to last year, with Glavine, Silva, and Schilling as the top starting pitchers. This year CC, Sheets, Burnett, Dempster, Lowe, Garland, Hampton, Lohse, and Oliver Perez. This year is paradise. I think resigning Hampton will be an inteligent move depending on how much money he is asking, if he agrees to a 4 million dollar deal with incentives, thats perfect. CC, and Sheets are out of the question I would guess, so Burnett, Hampton, Lowe, Dempster, and Oliver Perez should be the guys Wren should be interested in(I hope), and signs 3 of them. Lets be realistic, if they do trade for a pitcher who would it be? Justin Duchscherer(who is injured and has had health issues)? Maybe Matt Cain, he is the only one that makes sense. The power hitter should come via trade, with Aubrey Huff, Magglio, and Holliday as the candidates.

By cooper

September 29, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Wren’s epitaph if he thinks the order for pitching will be to develop, trade and then FA.

There is no one not named Hanson that will be worth diddly come 2009 and even he is a summer call up.

JOJO is crap Morton is not cut out to be a TOR guy - no guts and not physically tough Campillo 15min are up

Medlen et al? Really who does Wren expect to magically improve over the winter?

The reality for this team is FA, Trades and a surprise in the minors.

Most of the arms in the system are too young and too far away to help Wren keep his job.

If he goes the bargain basement route and wheels out losers like Garland and Byrd as the FIX this team will come in 4th place again and Wren will be fired.

He better get a clue Malone over at Liberty is not a hands off firing manager. Wren blows it in 09 with a 110mm or so payroll he will not be asked to come back in 2010.

JJ is the only dude who should be in the 09 rotation which means FA and several trades.

By David

September 29, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

ADMIT IT! WE’RE BACK TO LOOSERVILLE THE NEXT 5 TO 10 YEARS. HANK AARON FARM SYSTEM HAS NOT WORKED AND WE ONLY HAVE SO SO PLAYERS AT THE MAJORS AND IN OUR SYSTEM WE HAVE NO FUTURE STARS. WHY DO YOU THINK SCHUERHOLTZ LEFT? COX IS ON IS WAY OUT SO NO BIG MONEY PLAYERS MEANS BRAVES DON’T WIN ANYTIME SOON…

By varoadrunner

September 29, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

A healthy Hampton is a lot better than a rookie that acts like a deer in the headlights. If he gives a good “loyalty” discount, take it. He’s looked good and will only improve as he gets more and more of the rust off of his delivery.

By JD

September 29, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Personally, I would rather have a man that has withstood the measure of adversity that Mike Hampton has. Why? Because when it comes down to it, if he’s gonna go down he’s gonna go down fighting. I’d rather stand side by side with a guy that won’t QUIT than to stand in the trenches with someone that won’t even hold his own in a reasonable fight.

Give me that guy any time…..

By Nelson

September 29, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

I agree with Coach and Roja. Bullpen is the No.1 Priority, then If we can get a good pair of outfielders, 1 or 2 starters and another manager probably will be in the run again!!!.

By johnr

September 29, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Bring back LEO

By Salazzo

September 29, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Biff Pocaroba & Ralph Garr look good in softball. Bobby likes old, washed-up players.

By Tomas

September 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Leo Mazzone may be heading to Detroit next season, according to mlbtraderumors.com.

By Nelson

September 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

For the future as a Braves Fan I would like to see in the field an aggressive and enthusiastic Team tat plays FUNDAMENTAL BASEBALL, with a balance in fielding, starting pitching, relievers and clutch hitting with another manager committed to achieve this performance and focused to win in the post season that make the money I spend in MLB Extra-innings, electricity and my time all worth to watch the Braves on TV. How many pieces we need to accomplish this?, is up to Wren and the cash he has to bring all pieces together.

By VERITAS

September 29, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

THERE WILL BE A TEAM (EVEN DUMBER THAN THE BRAVES) WHO WILL GIVE MIKE HAMPTON THE KIND OF MONEY MIKE HAMPTON IS ACCUSTOMED TO !

YOU DOLTS WHO THINK MIKE HAMPTON OWES THE BRAVES A FAVOR MUST BE SMOKIN SOME SERIOUS WEED !

HE WILL GET AT LEAST 2 YEARS FOR 7-10 MILLION A SEASON. MARK IT DOWN !

By BravesFan79

September 29, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Will everyone stop with the comparing Smoltz to Hampton and Glavine!! Smoltz is one of the best big game pitchers of all time (something Hampton will never be) and is still a good starter (something Glavine is no longer).
Smoltz was our ACE last season….but you fools act like hes worse than joe blow off the street.

So im guessing yall lump Smoltz together with the other pitchers you dont want back because of injuries?? So does that mean you think we should release Husdon also??
Straight foolishness.

By Mark Bradley

September 29, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Actually, Frank Wren said today he believes the bullpen will be a strength, what with Peter Moylan and Rafael Soriano apt to be back.

By Greg

September 29, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

What the Braves need? Put Josh Anderson in centerfield. Trade Franceour - the guy killed them this year. Sign another power hitting outfielder - then sign 2 starting pitchers. Of course, firing Bobby Cox would top my list. He and Franceour alone cost the Braves the playoffs this year.

By sharp

September 29, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

If they can Get Hampton back with an incentive based contract it would be great.

By Steve

September 29, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with a few other on here in that Hampton might be the ‘best’ affordable option on the market.

Yes, he has battled injuries and barely played, but that could be said for a host of other pitchers as well. He appeared to be back late this year, and he still has better stuff than most lefty starters on the market, certainly better stuff than anyone the Braves can afford to make a run at.

Hampton might come cheap for one. Second, he might give the Braves a discount because they have stuck by him during down years. Third, what else can the Braves afford?

Here are the free agent starting pitchers, broken down by category.

Too expensive for the Braves: Sabathia, Lackey, Penny, Sheets, Harden,

Possibly in Braves price range and relatively healthy: Garland, Loaiza, Lowe, Moyer, Oliver Perez.

In Braves price range, but ALL injury risks, and more costly than Hampton: Burnett, Byrd, Dempster, Pedro, Mussina, Wolf, Trachsel, Randy Johnson. All these would be considered injury risks.

Definitely in the Braves price range, but too inconsistent to be worth pursuing unless utterly desperate: Benson, El Duque, Looper, Mulder, Pettitte, Trachsel, Tomko.

Big time injury risks that should come cheap and have better upside than many of the above: Prior, Pavano, Hampton

For me, I would rather throw a $4 offer to one of those three and hope for the best than $10-$12 million at one of those in group two.

Add to this the comment in the original article abotu the Braves having minor league pitching depth is laughable. Nobody wants ANY of the Braves prospects that are less than 3 years away. ZILCH. The minor league system is horrible everywhere but middle infield. Even OF is not nearly as rich as it was once thought to be. We have nothing but crap at the corners in the minors, and our catching situation has gone from almost the best in the majors to pathetic in two shorts years (McCann coming up and Salty being traded).

Face it Braves fans, we sacrificed too much in recent years to pick up ‘journeymen’ pitchers and killed our team for it. If not for the Renteria trade, this organization would be in even worse shape. We got ZILCH for Tex (Kotchman is below average at first despite the hype). We held on to Hudson too long. We held on to James too long (everyone knows he sucks now). Our only tradable commodities are McCann and Jurrgens and possibly one of our young OF’s, and everyone else is just a major leage backup candidate that won’t get us anything in return.

Scheurholz didn’t leave the office, he FLED. He left this team completely barren of talent. he is a very smart man in that he knew he had run the Braves into the ground.

Oh, and Bobby cannot be blamed for this year. No team in basebaal loses three of its top four starters (Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine) as well as it’s potential fifth starter (Hampton) and finishes anywhere near 500 in the NL East.

By BravesFan79

September 29, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

If the Braves give Hampton or Glavine over 2 million next season im going to be sick to my stomach. Even worse will be if we cant resign Ohman because we threw money at Hampton.

2 get to the playoffs next year the Braves should…. resign Ohman, work a trade for Roy Halladay, and sign CC to a 20 million contract if thats what it takes.
And for the free agent outfielder i like Jermaine Dye. Hes a former Brave…and VERY clutch.

By Steven

September 29, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

I’m all for signing Hampton for the low low.

By Kay

September 29, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Resigning Hampton is not a bad thing. Hes still young and knows how to pitch. He had a hard time making it back because his body was out of shape. You can bet it wont be at spring training. Then you have another cy young capable pitcher at the bottom of your rotation. Did any of you really think that Hampton would just come back and pitch lights out after being gone 3 years. Come on now! I would rather have Hampton back with a lower contract and incentives then Glavine thats for sure. Glavine is washed up and surgery or no surgery he showed it the last two years being a Met.

By fieldofdreams

September 29, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Don’t touch either Hampton or Glavine; they’re both overpaid, underperforming mercenaries using baseball as a pretext for their greedy ambitions. Can you imagine what’ll happen the next time Hampton suffers an injury? Do you really want to pay him to rehab, again? And Glavine? What a joke. He publicly stated that he was actually pulling for the Mets, at season’s end! Are you kidding me! Send him packing back to New York! He’s no more a Brave now than any of the other pitchers who came and went over the years.

By Wet Noodle

September 29, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Get rid of Pendleton first. Many of the Braves bats have gone through slumps lasting months (Andruw, Francouer, Johnson, etc.). The team answer seems to be just let them play through it. T.P. apparently has no advice to offer. Get rid of him.

By ron

September 29, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

will any insurance company insure his contract from injuries.hampton is a poster child for cashing checks for non performance.

By Bob

September 29, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Resign Hamptom…? Did I read this right? Are you out of your #?#! mind? Get rid of him and take TP and Jeff as well. We need pitching and defense. If you cannot get two top pitchers this offseason, why not get Sabathia and build around him?

By country boy

September 29, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

This Wren guy sounds like a babbling idiot. Sounds CLUELESS.
First read OldTimers previous post. Bobby was great but overmatched in this retooling effort. “Offensively, if we did nothing we would be OK” and “we need older pitchers” … Damn Wren what were you doing this year when the Braves played their games.

By Royceb

September 29, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

If Hampton had any morals at all he would offer to play at the league minimum for the Braves for atleast next year to apologize for the past three.

Why not sign Sabathia? Seem to me if you take what we paid Glavine and Hampton last year we could more than afford it. He has shown he can pitch in the NL!

Not to mention if Smoltz does not make it back there is another $10 Million freed up.

By Flustered Fan

September 29, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

We need new owners who know baseball. The crew we have now don’t know anything about running an organization and look at what it got us…

By kirknga

September 29, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

And starting pitchers, Wren allowed, are a more pressing need. He wants to find two of them, and the fan’s kneejerk response is to think, “No problem! We just buy CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets!”

Mark,Since when did it become “knee jerk” to sign a free agent?Wanting to sign a warrior like Sabathia is knee-jerk?

The Braves need talent. To rule out one way of acquiring that talent is foolish.

Just say that the Braves don’t want to pay the going rate for free agents, don’t try and turn it around so it is somehow the people buying tickets(close to 2.5 million this year) who have an issue spending money.

It sure would have been nice if Wren would have been asked, if and when he thought the Braves would contend.

By will

September 29, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Why resign the bum? He has done nothing but cost Atlanta a lot of money. SEND HIM PACKING NOW!!!!!

By reddawg

September 29, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Get rid of Pendleton and watch how many batters will be able to hit again.
Pendleton took the top prospect in baseball and made a loser out of him (Andruw Jones) He took an excellent outfielder that offered at too many pitches (Franceour) and made him look like a Little Leaguer. If he is so bad; how did Chipper win the batting crown, you ask?
Simple ………. Chipper tells him to take a hike and goes to his father for advice.

By T'VILLE DAWG

September 29, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Reality says the cycle is about to repeat itself, the team went through several bad seasons to bank high draft players like Chipper and Glavine.The Cubs have done that exact thing in getting where they are. The same cycle plays out whether in baseball or football, it’s called parity unless you buy everything you need like Curious George in New Yauk, or the way Bastin has done in the last 5 years.

By Bob

September 29, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

I hope Wren knows what he’s doing, because it doesn’t sound to me like he has a great plan.

By Cooper

September 29, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Unless he was being coy to avoid showing his hand re: the off season Wren sounded naive and sad.

He did nothing in Baltimore but get fired after one year or so as the GM and it sounds like he is not looking to break that record by much.

Liberty and McGuirk have sworn up and down that there is no payroll cap and that the ATL org has full control of the team.

So why on earth would Wren close a door on anyone at this point?

Is he worried about his bonus? Any GM in his right mind would at least make offers to guys like CC, AJ, et al if his owners are saying spend what you need to in order to win.

Can we please hear from Malone b/c Atl is full of smooth talking bs artists.

Wren could be the worst or best thing to happen to this team. We will find out in 3 mos.

By Matt the Brave

September 29, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

I agree with Bob…that idea of developing from within would work great, but we just don’t really have the arms that we need yet. They’re about two or three seasons off. I would love to see the Braves get a couple of guys through free agency (as the FIRST priority) that would hold that gap until two years from now. Trading would be a bad situation because you’re throwing away the future for right now. In free agency you give up draft picks and you give up money, but no prospects.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 29, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

If I were Frank Wren, I wouldn’t spend money on anyone over the age of 30, with the possible exception of re-signing Chipper. The last thing a rebuilding team needs is to be overpaying some veteran based on past performance. And that is how the Braves should approach this situation, as a rebuilding team.

By matlanta

September 29, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

do not invest a ridiculous amount of money in sabathia, he is due to have health problems down the road so it’d be a mistake to try to build around him. re-sign hampton at no more than $3.5 million and add some incentives in there (100, 150, 200 innings for example). hampton, if healthy and i really believe it’s a more realistic “if” after watching him this year when he was actually available, would definitely contribute as a #4 pitcher after jurrjens.

By Robbie T

September 29, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton was simply the Braves best pitcher after he came back.In August and September he pitched as good as Jurrjens did earlier in the year.Aside from some early inning trouble in a couple of starts he was solid.Sure he left a pitch up a few times but,the man had not pitched in three years.It takes time to work the kinks out. In 12 or 13 starts Mike has proved that he is still a Major League pitcher.If nothing else he has proved that he is not a quitter.A lesser man may have given up after the injury’s and the setbacks he endured.If i’m one of his teammates i want him on my team because of his dedication and desire.Mike will be better in 09.The Braves will try and should resign him.Good lefthanded starting pitchers are not plentiful.I agree that the team needs at least 2 starters other than Hampton.And at least 2 power hitting outfielders.And i don’t think Frenchy should be one of them.The bullpen needs to be fine tuned also.No Boyer,Acosta,Tavares,out there next year.And Everyone who is still tooting Smoltz’s horn had better wake up.John Smoltz may or may not pitch again but,face it he has been hurt so many times now and he is also 42 years old.Its time for he and Glavine to face the music.That would let the team focus on more productive alternatives for the pitching staff.The Braves need to make plenty of player personel changes this offseason and loyalty to these injured 40+ year old players needs to take a backseat if the goal is to improve the team.Sure they are icons who gave their all to the team.However that was years ago when they were hosses.They are at the age now when recovery from major injuries and regaining pitching skill is very unlikely.Its time to move on.

By Jeff R

September 29, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Plain dumb. Wren yet again willing to trade off prospects or dip into the free agent market for a 36-year-old Lowe (or so go the rumors). This club used to be about long range solutions, not one-year fixes. Better stock up on good young prospects over the winter than try to jerry-rig this club for a run that isn’t likely to occur.

By kirknga

September 29, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Cooper, so true. I’ve wanted to bring that up about payroll and pursuing free agents, but I’ve decided to accept the low expectations, perhaps you should too.

I read Wren’s comments and don’t expect much. People tell me I’m wrong, but I think there is a way that people who expect to win talk, and there is a way that people who don’t talk. The two ways aren’t the same.

Wren sounds like a caretaker to me. I really hope I’m wrong.

By richbrave

September 29, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

I took MIKE HAMPTON’s words to mean he was going to pay ATLANTA next year not the other way ‘round.

By Mark Bradley

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

I don’t think Wren is acting like a caretaker. He thought he’d prepared this team to win, but a million things went wrong. I think he’ll try to prepare next year’s team to win, but my belief is there’s too much to fix in one winter.

By TMoney

September 29, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

If the Braves are looking at signing Hampton again, can I get a tryout? I can sit on the bench and fake an injury with the best of ‘em.

By Fred

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

Quit raggin’ on Hampton. Now he’s actually starting to look good everyone wants to throw him overboard. He’d be a cheap, incentive-ladened contract. Do the same for Smoltz and Glavine. If they get injured, you don’t lose much, just rid of them then. Better than paying big bucks to old man Lowe for the same potential results.

And of course, in the meantime, trade or sign young arms also. Wren obviously knows what he’s doing, look at what we got for Renteria. JJ wasn’t on anyone’s radar. Do the same thing again.

By dannycardwell

September 29, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

i for one will never buy a lot of tickets in advance again. i bought 4 tickets for 26 games the first of the season for my kids and grandkids. the braves won a total of 5 games out of the 26 many because wren sold us out when he traded tex. im sure next year many like me will repay this by staying home. the bottom line is if he thought the fans should keep coming to games the rest of the year he should have had the class to keep the best team he could get on the field. i figure ill save 150 a game by staying home plus 40 dollars in gas. good riddence

By mrincredible

September 29, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Those of you that want to fire Bobby Cox - you ain’t Americans, are you? He’s like Joe Paterno - he’s earned the right to set his own time of departure.

Now, if you want some starting pitching, look no further than the Tampa Bay Rays. They have five good starters that each won at least ten games this year, with at least five more in AA and AAA that remain in the minors because there’s no room for them at the Trop. I’ll bet there’s room for them at the Ted!

By Growler

September 29, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Wow all the talk about re-signing Hampton farther up in this thread is SO besides the point!! (for what it’s worth, if they could sign Hampton to an incestives-laden, low-base salary contract they certainly should. Wonder how much of a hometown discount he’d take).

Mark B. cyrstalized the biggest problem in the Braves’ strategy: they relied on old arms that broke down. NO ONE thought Francoeur would tank like that, but you can’t blame the Braves management for that. As for middle relief — yes they were downright awful at times—- but part of the reason was that the bullpen was worn out by July! (if you look at the stats in today’s USA Today of the final league leaders, with the exception of Chipper appearing in batting average, on-base % and slugging, the ONLY other Brave to appear on that list was Will Ohman, in number of games by a pitcher!). They HAVE to get 2 solid starters before anything else, even an outfielder. It doesn’t sound like the money’s there, and it doesn’t sound like the arms down in the minors are there.

Oh, as for Cox… well yeah all the players want to play for him and that is his big plus. But if the reality is: he’s only gonna be a lame-duck manager in 2009, then he should do what’s right and resign now. It would be cool to see him go into the HoF with Glavine and Smoltz.

By Tomas

September 29, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Kirkinga, I agree with you on some of your thoughts. But I really think Wren is being realistic. If they traded Texeira, because he wanted a deal worth more than 20 million per season, Sabathia will definitely be out of reach. The Yankees have 90 million coming off there imense payroll, and they need pitching. Use logic, who do you think will outbid the Yankees for CC.

If what you mean is Wren may be contradicting himself by saying they have a “next wave” of prospects which they won’t trade(according to him), and then saying they prefer to fill the starting pitching need by trade, because the FA market is thin, I may agree with you, because how would anyone expect to get an ace like Peavy, Cain, Meche, or Greinke without giving a top prospect like Heyward, Schafer, Hanson, etc.

The FA market is not thin…. Last year it was thin. He needs 3 pitchers even if he doesn’t resign Hampton, and the 3 of them should be good, and reliable, but he says he needs only two. That’s a mistake, if he really wants to have depth and be able to have a world series caliber team. The power outfielder should come via trade, that would be the best thing to do. Wigginton, Huff, Holliday, and Magglio would look very good in a team like the Braves. If they trade for Magglio, I can’t see them not trading away one of theire “next wave” prospects.

By Tomas

September 29, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

I would love to have Hampton back, but I know that it won’t happen. There is too much interest in him, and it would be dumb for the Braves to get in a bidding war to get him. If he agree’s to sacrifice at least 4 million, to “repay” the braves faith for him, it would be the only way he is coming back. But Hampton has always wanted the big bucks,and thats why he went to Colorado and got that big contract. Those are signs that reveal he isn’t going to sacrifice 4 million. mlbtraderumors say the Astros are the most likely candidate.

By RCD

September 29, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

I’m not going buy my season ticket package next year thats for sure .ive done let them know my views on this mess .

By Old TBS Fan

September 29, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Watching any team besides the BRAVES on TBS is blasphemy. Ok, I am nostalgic. 2 great arms…by free agency or selling off Chippers grandchildren will only get US back to what the Braves were. Ole Kelly was in a hit streak….should bring some good offers……..and Franceour….TRADE THEM for someone who can pitch without wincing when their turn is up. I DO NOT care about ‘homeboy’ status. You can’t hit AND you whine about being sent to the minors……….have a break out season somewhere else!!!! Thank you LIBERTY for bringing back Bobby. CHIPPER CONGRATS on the batting avg award. BTW, I hate fairweather fans of the Braves. and I hate the wave they do.

By curtis

September 29, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Saying Hampton was one of the Braves’ best pitchers after he came back, is like saying Ringo is one of the best living Beatles.

By James

September 29, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

My ideal lineup for next year: 2B: Orlando Hudson SS: Yunel Escobar 3B: Chipper Jones C: Brian McCann LF: Bobby Abreu 1B: Casey Kotchman RF: Jeff Francouer CF: Josh Anderson

Starting Rotation: 1. Zack Greinke 2. Jon Garland 3. Jair Jurrgiens 4. Mike Hampton 5. Jorge Campillo/Smoltz/Glavine

Relievers: CP: Mike Gonzalez SU: John Smoltz/ Phil Stockman SU: Peter Moylan RP: Will Ohman RP: Jeff Bennett RP: Blaine Boyer RP: JoJo Reyes

Bench: C Paul Lo Duca IF Martin Prado OF Gregor Blanco IF/OF Greg Norton

We could add Hudson($10m/yr), Garland($10m/yr), Abreu($10m/yr), and Lo Duca ($1-2m/yr) for probably around $32 million and that would leave at least $8 million to resign Will Ohman. We could use a combination of Lillibridge, Johnson, Brandon Jones, and maybe a pitcher like Morton to obtain Greinke from Kansas City, a team looking for young stars in the making. Or use them to make a 3-way trade to get Greinke or maybe a Matt Cain from San Fran. Also, we have to remember at some point toward the end of the season we will hopefully be in the race and adding Tim Hudson to the rotation. Abreu would just be a stop gap until Heyward is ready to come up and I believe that Anderson is a good ball player that could be around for a while or at least until Jordan Schafer is able to replace him.

By LuisG

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

We need help from the bullpen too!!! What about our bullpen?

I guess a rotation with Jurrjens, Garland, Lowe, Hampton and Jojo/Morton would be nice, but our bullpen will continue to be a weak spot (Campillo, Bennett, Moylan, Carlyle and Gonzalez. Then who???)

Our infield seems to be OK, with Norton as our PH. Please don’t keep Corky as our backup catcher!

By wally

September 30, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

the best thing the braves and falcons could do for all concerned parties is to sell the franchises…atlanta is not ready for the big boy stage. neither franchise wants to win…they hope to win. bring in crowd favorites and hope. no judgement of talent whatsoever. ole buddy system, just like john rocker said! it all starts at the top. steinbrenner ain’t pretty…but most of the time, he creats winners. this winners attitude does’nt necessarily have to be bought. just discovered and taught…so far they have done neither…just good ole buddies that are really minor league blenders. francoer is 3a ballplayer. chipper should have gone 3 years ago! hampton should leave on the next greyhound. purchase a new 30ft rv, face it away from the stadium with a tankfull of gas in it, and tell bobby thanks, but keep going till he arrives in florida. schurholtz is on the clock…he performed early on the job…he seems to wanna smoke cigars now…two more years and he’ll get his cadillac headed somewheres too!

By Kevin

September 30, 2008 4:26 AM | Link to this

Well we should try get CCSabathia be a great choice n harden also replace hudson who will never be a pitcher here…and replace glavine….however if Booby cox here he will ruin them also..Cause he try tinkle there way pitch n this is McDowell last chance for job if he screws up he fired along with TP also…and yes booby cox should been fired in 2000 season when lost to St.louis in NLDS,..But alas we kept n look where is now…Mr Wren please get the CC who pitch brewers in playoffs n be sure get some relief help cut morton n boyer out n get rid of Corky (hitless wonder) Miller…and Franky needs be release now! let him cry i just boo hoo..Of course if Franceor was on Cubs he get his stroke back under Gary matthews Sr…and hit 330. next year cause TP ruin him..

By Jeff R

September 30, 2008 4:46 AM | Link to this

This from Frank Wren to Mark Bowman at MLB.com:

“We were happy with the pitching depth that we had entering the season,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said. “But we couldn’t envision what happened. I don’t think anybody could have.”

What parallel universe does Wren live in? Glavine was showing signs of decline at the end of 2007. Smoltz, bless him, was 40-plus with a history of major injuries. Hampton was coming off nearly three years of major injuries.

And now we read that Wren is going to trade prospects to give the team a quick fix. He may pursue 36-year-old Derek Lowe, as if banking on older pitchers this season wasn’t enough of a lesson.

Good luck.

By Skeezix

September 30, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Resign Hampton? What?! He’s too soft. He has pitched only 6 or 7 games in three and 1/2 years while collecting millions! After all that time and rehab he can’t even get past 5 or 6 innings. Isn’t his ERA over 5.00? My word, what is Wren, daft! If a regular guy uses a sore pec or hamstring, as an excuse to lay out of work, he gets fired…or at least not paid. Look at how many times Smoltzie or Glavine have gutted it out when not feeling 100%. You win with gamers! Send that goldbricker back to the Mets or Rockies (where he was terrible).

By Steve

September 30, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

The thing that everybody forgets about Hampton, is that he did not cost the Braves a dime in 06-07, part of his salary was paid by the Rockies and the rest by an insurance policy that the Braves had on him. I am not sure how it worked out this year, but I know it didn’t cost the Braves anywhere close to the 15-16 million he collected. Yes resign Hampton, but for much less with bonuses kicking in for the number of starts that he is able to make. Also, on the very first day that you can make offers to free agency, call CC’s agent and offer 20 million per for 6 years, he is worth every penny , and the price will only go up when the Yankees get involved. I don’t have a problem with D Lowe being the other pitcher, even with his age. And please sign someone to play left field that can bat cleanup and hit 40 HR. That will make the Braves the team to beat in the National League, and not break the bank.

By Kelley

September 30, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I miss John Schuerholz.

Mr. Bradley, you have rained on my parade. I was wishing for CC Sabathia for Christmas. I knew it was a long shot, but I wasn’t giving up hope.

I’m not counting on Soriano or Hampton, they’ll both be hurt next season. Wait and see. As soon as Mike Hampton signs the contract he’ll stub his big toe leaving Wren’s office and will be out all season.

By elainer7

September 30, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Help me catch up on things. What pitchers from other teams are on the disabled list and their contracts are up? I just want to be ready for when the Braves announce them as their new starting pitchers.

By Doug in Tucson

September 30, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I have lived and died Braves Baseball since 1959 so I’m used to the ups and downs. I for one think bashing Mike Hampton is pathetic. Keep in mind when he signed the big deal with the Rockies that set him up for life. He didn’t have to have the operations and pain to rehabilitate his arm, he could have said he was finished and walked away. Instead he worked his butt off to get back on the mound for the Braves, he showed loyality just as Atlanta did for him. Bring him back at a fair salary and let him pitch…he has earned the right to be in the rotation again. I for one say thanks to Mike Hampton for gutting it out and not tossing in the towel.

By Mark Bradley

September 30, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

If the Braves were to re-sign Hampton, it would surely be to a very short-term deal. For what that’s worth.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

September 30, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

The Braves would be better served to concentrate on building up their farm system. Bringing in mercenaries hasn’t worked very well for them. It’s going to take several years to get back to contending in their division.

By Bill Wells

September 30, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Algonquin J. overstates things. Greg Maddux seems like he was a good free agent pickup and as been a few others since 1990.

By John

September 30, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

SIMPLE:FIRE FRANK WREN. THE MENTION OF SIGNING HAMPTON SHOWS HE IS CONCEDING NEXT YEAR ALREADY. SPEND MONEY,GET A TEAM. SIMPLE!!!!

By jeff

September 30, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

sure would be nice to have those prospects dealt for mark tex back

By Jeff R

September 30, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

How about Derek Lowe? How short is short term with a 36-year-old hurler?

By Mike in Houston

September 30, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

What if the comment about re-signing Hampton is really just a negotiating ploy? It sends a signal to the rest of the league that the Braves think Hampton’s problems are finally behind him. Then if they lose him as a free agent, they get some compensation they wouldn’t have received otherwise if they didn’t try to re-sign him.

By fieldofdreams

September 30, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Love the Braves but just to make a point: The New York Post printed a list yesterday of the 10 highest paid NL teams that failed to make the playoffs, and the 2008 Braves $100 million disaster movie was among them.

By don

September 30, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

I have continually posted my objections to the trades the Braves have made the last few ye4ars. And, I have repeatedly been chastised for doing so. The truth is that I have been correct.

The Braves need pitching, don’t they? How about Zach Miner, Kyle Dqavies, Matt Harrison, Adam Wainwright, and Joey Devine? These six, all of whom were discarded by the Braves for “rentals”, combined for a record of 54-28 in 2008. Miner wqas 85 with Detroit, Davies was 9-7 with Kansas City, harrison was 9-3 with Texas, Marquis was 11-9 with Chicago, Wainwright was 11-3 with St. Louis, and Davies was 6-1 with a 0.59 ERA with Oakland.

How did the Braves fare with their “rentals”? None of them- Farnsworth, Dotel, Teixeira, Mahay, Drew, Marrero, Kotsay- are still with the Braves.

The trades were stupid when they were made and truly tragic now. And, I haven’t even mentioned the four others who accompanied Harrison to Texas. But, then, you were warned.

By Jeff R

September 30, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Done makes a strong case. This team needs to be built for the long haul, not for a one-year fix. I don’t know what the pressures are on Frank Wren. Perhaps ownership is insisting that it wants results now. The Braves need a master plan; I don’t see it. I see a very reactive, very short-sighted management. Should be an interesting winter.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

September 30, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

The best deal that the Braves should offer to Mike Hampton is a one year contract starting at 1.5 million with incentive escalator’s up to 5 million with the team option for season two starting at 5 million.

By Skeezix

September 30, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Mark: Most Braves fans I know in these parts would agree that the only short term deal the Braves should offer Hampton is a swift kick in the a* out the door. I know Cox is a patient man with his players, but many of us fans, who work for a living, tired of his act long ago. When his team needed him most this season to step up and do his job, he feigned injuries. Only when he ran out of muscles to pull did he finally start pitching and by then the pressure was off-the season was already over.

By bravelee

September 30, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Does anyone besides me think Wren’s over his head here? He inherited some bad contracts, but has done nothing to improve this team…Jurjens being the lone exception. We gave away Tex before the trade deadline—was Kotchman the best anyone would offer? If so, why not ait until July 31?? Glavine was a huge gamble and bust…we miss Dayton Moore—Royals finished 3 games better than the Braves—no coincidence. We need better scouts, decision makers and management. Seems like the focus is on nostalgia and ticket sales instead of competing properly.

By old timer

September 30, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t sound like we’ll be able to do enough to contend, so why swap top prospects? Let’s just go ahead and rebuild.

By Abner Doubleday

September 30, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

What is it with these ANCIENT players the Braves always seem to be attracted to?

Nothing but a gimmick to lure fans to see a team that hasn’t been to the post-season in 3 years, and whose farm system is non-productive.

Force Bobby into retirement, & invest some money into scouting & player development. Free agency isn’t going to return the Braves to winning baseball.

By Whopper Dawg

September 30, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

The Braves MO is to trade the prospects for the one to two pieces that can get them “over the top”. And Wren suggest to do that again. Only this time the holes are more than one to two and it will take more prospects. How about this? Bite the bullet and let the prospects develop. Hear of the FLA Marlins, then use your financial resources to retain (which the Marlins don’t have) and go on a nice run again.

By Raymond

September 30, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Don is 100% correct. The team has traded away almost a complete pitching staff for temporary help. We have nothing to show for Miner, Marquis, Wanright, Devine, Davies and Harrison. We never even made the playoffs as a result of these quick fix panic moves. And wait until Feliz and Andrus join the Rangers in a year or two !

By Raymond

September 30, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Don is 100% correct. The team has traded away almost a complete pitching staff for temporary help. We have nothing to show for Miner, Marquis, Wanright, Devine, Davies and Harrison. We never even made the playoffs as a result of these quick fix panic moves. And wait until Feliz and Andrus join the Rangers in a year or two !

By Vince

October 1, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Please, stop all this talk of retaining has-beens. Somebody find out who the Marlins scouts are. How can they find so much talent the last 10 years and the Braves can’t find any.

By rk

October 1, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

The BEST thing my beloved Braves could do IS SIGN THE RED SOX GM. Period.

Any GM (Wren) who could not foresee 3 year injured Hampton, 40 + Glavine and Smoltz going down is NOT a Major League GM. Maybe AAA not MLB.

Hey Wren: Phil Niekro is still available and Biff Pocoroba would be an EXCELLENT backup for McCann… MORON

By mark

October 1, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this

Hampton would be cheap and looking at how he pitched he could easly muster 12-14 wins and pitch 7 innings I think he could be signed for less than 3-4 million.Gosh he can hit better than a lot of Brave hitters.Plays excellent defense as well. You need faith!

He would give you a solid 4-5th starter, the Braves need to trade/sign 2 proven starters to along with Jerrgins and Campe whatever his name is.

Very important that Jeff gets back on track as well.They need a power hitter, Im not sure they can afford to top starters and a power hitter.

By Mike

October 1, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

No time for panic mode people, Lets not die on our young pitching just yet, lets remember this! Smoltz and Glavine started off horribly in the beginning of there hall of fame careers. Don’t die on jo-jo reyes just yet; i like Jurrjens at the top of our rotation and getting Hudson back late in July could be a huge help to our rotation. I think we need to get Ben Sheets, at no more than 14 mill per season though, he’s a guy who can eat up a lot of innings and could get us 13-15 wins.

My Wish for the Off-season 1. Re-sign Chipper Jones(The guy f*cking deserves it) 2. Sign Ben Sheets(We need to make a quick offer before thee Yankees and other big market teams come running in) 3. Sign an outfielder 4.Don’t die on young pitching 5. Give Francouer one more chance(if he can’t do it, we need to trade and let him go, I’m sick of hearing because he’s “Young”, well guess what, so is the red sox team and other great young players, get it done frenchy

We could very well get back in this thing come next season. Is it time to say bye to Smoltz and Glavine? Absolutly not! They deserve the respect after they gave there lives to this pitching staff and was a huge factor on are 14-DT’s

By Tim Scott

October 1, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

PLEASE PLEASE FRANK GET SOME QUALITY STARTING PITCHING AND DO NOT FOR ANY REASON RESIGN HAMPTON. STOP PULLING GUYS OFF THE SCRAP HEAP UNLESS YOU PLAN ON BRINGING BACK LEO, MCDOWELL HAS SHOWN HE DOESN’T HAVE A CLUE. AND CAN WE UNLOAD THE JOURNEYMEN TYPE OUTFIELDERS AND SIGN A COUPLE OF GUYS THAT CAN FREAKIN HIT AND THAT DOES NOT MEAN SOMEONE LIKE ADAM DUNN WHO STRIKES OUT 200 PLUS TIMES A YEAR. ONE MORE THING FOR THE CHRISTMAS LIST A LEGITIMATE SECOND BASEMAN PUT KJ IN LEFT OR A SS AND MOVE YUNEL TO SECOND. THANKS FRANK WE WILL BE WAITING WITH BAITED BREATH

By ugaivfan

October 1, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Am I reading this right, they want to keep Mike Hampton. How about this idea you pay me half as much as it is going to take to re-sign him and I will come in and get rocked for the majority of my starts and then you can put me on the DL for the rest of the season. This way you would be wasting half as much money get the same results and actually make a fan happy. Frank Wren let me know if you are game for this idea.

By Bill

October 2, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

Florida will be moving some players this winter. Go for Jacobs at first and Williams or Hermida in the outfield. Then try for Snell and or Bedard, if checked out healthy. Both have potential and are under 30. Dempster would be great but probably not obtainable.