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This blog has moved! Yes, already!

As of Thursday, Feb. 12, this little blog has relocated to a new home on AJC.com. It’s the same newspaper, the same Web site and the same writer (feel free to groan) — there’s just a new URL.

New features: Bigger type, more graphics, comments that load 10 times faster and a larger and more recent photo that makes me look pretty doggone old. I think you’ll like it (the blog, not the photo). But I am, as we know too well, often wrong.

Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2009 > January > 10 > Entry

Optimistic Braves GM Wren refuses to admit team is in rebuilding mode

By Mark Bradley | Saturday, January 10, 2009, 01:16 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Occasionally Frank Wren will check a message board. Friday wasn’t such an occasion. “I’m savvy enough to know this probably wouldn’t be a good day,” he said.

It wasn’t. According to some AJC.com bloggers, the Braves general manager deserves to be flogged, flayed and fricasseed for the sin of letting John Smoltz leave for Boston. “Fire Frank Wren,” wrote someone posting under the screen name Fire Frank Wren. “He is a disaster as a GM.”

Said Wren, speaking of the reason he strategically avoids such sites: “It’s not unlike talk radio, and I’ve stopped listening to talk radio. I don’t think the average sports fan calls talk radio, nor do I think he goes on the blogs. That’s a special group of fans — someone who wants the experience of making a call or typing a sentence. I don’t think that represents the masses. If you go by those, you get a somewhat distorted view.”

Fifteen months on the job, Wren has become a civic flashpoint. This from someone posting as Salmanator: “Another case of Frank Wren asleep at the switch. He got played by [free agent A.J.] Burnett, got played by [flip-flopping Rafael] Furcal and lost the face of the franchise by not making him a reasonable offer. Total, utter incompetence.”

Has the offseason indeed been a washout? Said Wren: “I don’t view it that way. I’m the eternal optimist. In this game, you have to be. Things change day to day.”

And maybe they do. On Saturday it was learned the Braves are on the verge of signing Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami.

About Smoltz, Wren said: “We were the first team to make an offer. But after what we all suffered through last season with injuries to our starting pitching, it was incumbent on us to put a pitching staff together that we were relatively sure would stay healthy and answer the bell. We told Tommy [Glavine] and John we had to put a team together [separate from the two pitchers] — that we could not look at them as key parts.

“We saw John [throw in December] and he was making good progress, but by John’s own admission, he was six months from pitching. He initially told us he’d be ready opening day. That [date] slid in the last month. We made a very solid offer. All we asked is that he be healthy enough to pitch.”

Even without Smoltz, the Braves intend to field a team. “We’re very good in the infield and at catcher … as good there as any team in our league or in baseball,” Wren said. “We’ve said all along we’d like to have another bat in the outfield, but we’re hopeful Jeff [Francoeur] will have a good year and that we’ll have speed and defense in center field. Our starting pitching is starting to come together, and our bullpen will be outstanding. There are ingredients that give us hope.”

Why doesn’t Wren admit what seems increasingly apparent — that the Braves are in full rebuilding mode and are targeting 2010 or 2011 more than 2009? “Because you don’t know exactly when things are going to click. It might be this year or it might be next year. None of us knows that. It’s a hope-inspiring game. If you get off to a good start, if a couple of young ballplayers show something … That’s what you hope and plan for.”

Wren was asked if a major move — the signing of Derek Lowe, say — might persuade some who just claimed to have sworn off the Braves to reassess. “I don’t know. I would hope so. Our guiding principle is to put a winning team on the field. I know fans get attached to players — we all get attached to players. And we would love to have John Smoltz on our club. But our goal is to put together a winning team.”

Pitchers and catchers don’t report until Valentine’s Day, which means the GM still has time to work. His many critics will take that as a threat. The undaunted Wren sees only an opportunity. Really. Truly.

Permalink | Comments (383) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB

Comments

By GeorgiaGirl27

January 10, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Wren stinks….

By Patrick

January 10, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

I can see right through his comments about Smoltz. His smugness is very apparent.

I hope the every Braves fan keeps up this revolt until he is run out of office!

By DenverDawg

January 10, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this

Glad he’s so optimisitc - the rest of us “don’t see it that way”….

By Sara

January 10, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

Yeah, normal fans might not usually blog, leave posts or make calls. When you let the face of the franchise go though…you make your normal fans irrate and they do call in, blog and leave posts. IT’S TIME FOR WREN TO GO!!!

By Frank Wren = Intellectually dishonest

January 10, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

Sure bloggers and talk show callers put the “fanatic” in fan. But if Wren wants to spin this as that they don’t represent the general consensus on the Smoltz debacle, then he’s insulting the “fanatics” and the casual fans.

He can call this a good business decision all he wants. Just don’t be surprised if fans also make a “good business decision” and stop using their hard earned money to support a franchise that isn’t very loyal to employees who give good service, and on top of that, thinks the fans are stupid enough to buy into the fantasy that it’s only bloggers and sports talk radio fans who are upset.

By Joel

January 10, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

So Wren, you don’t think the average sports fan listens to sports radio or blogs. YOU ARE AN IDIOT. I rarely blog and occassionally listen to sports radio but I do both enough to have an adequate idea of what is going on and how others feel about it. I boycotted the Braves last year after 25 years of going to 40+ games per year. I plan to do it again this year. I feel like we are the Green Bay Packers with one of the greatest QB’s and my GM keeps dumping all of my wide receivers. We are currently the laughing stock of baseball b/c no one wants to play here anymore. Last year we were laughable as well b/c our starting pitching rotation had no gas in the tank. Arguably, the best 3rd baseman ever, Chipper, is frustrated as well with current trends. Chipper has bled for this team and no one in the uppper office seems to give a damn nor provide him with a supporting staff of some blue chip players. Seriously man, get your stuff together and get some talent in here. Schuerholz doesn’t get my respect either even after all that he has done in the past. He sat there and didn’t evolve with the game and we are now a bottom feeding team. Nice book Schuerholz. I read half of and then we slipped below .500 and I used the last few chapters to wipe my rear. SPEND SOME MONEY JERKS!

By Tim

January 10, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

I was upset with Smoltz leaving and incensed that the Braves didn’t try to keep him… until i read what they offered him. I’ll always be a Smoltz fan, but, in all fairness, he was offered a good deal. 2.5 mil guaranteed? plus 1 mil incentives for making the starting roster and 1 mil for every 30 days he remains on the roster (and thus not on IR, or otherwise incapable of earning his pay). In other words, he would be paid for playing. Please, how much more fair do the Braves have to be? I know Smoltz did a lot for the Braves over the years, but he was paid handsomely for his work. He didn’t donate it for free, nor was he asked to do so. I think more contracts should be incentive laden, and when players have a great year, they’ve earned their pay. why refuse to play the next year if they’re not paid more? I never see them offering to refund the team when they have a crappy year. The Braves treated Smoltz fairly. I’ll miss him, and I’ll root for him. But I am not going to criticize the Braves for his leaving.

By richbrave

January 10, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

The masses don’t post here? No-o-o, but BRAVES fans do. FRANK what are you smokin’. Bloggers are the people who put their money on the line, and their fannies in the seats at game-time. If the collective denizens don’t represent the true body of ATLANTA’s fan-base then why am I, as a life-long BRAVES fan, typing this now?

Maybe the benefit of the doubt that I’ve allowed you to this point is misplaced. Are you so detached from the reality of living that you truely believe what you’ve just said? Sounds like conservatives in the late sixties during the NIXON administration. You know, the “silent majority” schtick. Surely you are not that arrogant. But you surely come off that way in this article.

By Joel

January 10, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

We are a laughing stock. What an idiot. I think Patrick is correct from statement above “smugness”. Derek Lowe is bound to say no thank you as well.

By average sports fan

January 10, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

Well, Frank, I’m your average sports fan that doesn’t post to blogs very often at all. And I’m here to say that you should be fired, fired, fired. Aside from your lack of action in the free agent market, you have managed to alienate a Braves icon, our best offensive player, and most Braves fans over a measly $2.5 million dollars. You stand to lose much more than that when Chipper refuses to resign and when your average sports fans vote with their wallets to no longer support your product. Count me in that latter groups as I will no longer come to the ballpark my usual 4-6 times a year.

By DannyX

January 10, 2009 1:58 PM | Link to this

Wren is 100% CORRECT on Smolz. You don’t pay an old, injury prone player big money.

Players have no loyalty to their fans, I stopped caring about individual players years ago. Greedy players and their union have almost destroyed the game. In today’s game its all about loyalty to your team not the players.

Go Braves. Go Smoltz, please, just go.

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

view of only a few??/ don’t represent the masses??? What are You smoking you arrogant sonofabitch???

I hope Your @ss is fired come monday, and everything you’ve ever worked for is GONE!! Frank Wren, You sir make me want to vomit!!!

I was starting to see things through the Braves eyes,but NOW You can Go To He11!!!!!

By sapelodawg

January 10, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is not only incompetent, he is stupid. As a business man, he should understand that there is more to making money than winning games. Certain players put bodies in seats. Two instances that easily explain this are Sandy Koufax and Dale Murphy. Whenever Koufax pitched, the dodgers averaged thousands more in attendance than on days he wasn’t the starter. In Murphy’s case, I have witnessed first hand literally thousands of fans staying in the seats with their young children just to watch Murphy in has last at bat. As soon Dale had hit. They left like rats deserting the ship.
Wren, do yourself a favor. Shut and and be thought stupid rather than opening your mouth and removing all doubt. Also, saying that the fans that are upset about the Smoltz affair are stupid is a real no-brainer coming from such a class act as yourself.

By Kevin

January 10, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

It’s strange to admit it, but I’d rather go to the Ted and watch a mediocre (do we know that?) Braves team WITH Smoltz rather than rolling the dice and ‘praying’ for a winning team without him. John, you’re a great guy, a great pitcher and the heart and soul of this ball club. You’ll be missed.

By Jt

January 10, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

Wren is catching flack unfairly. I am a life long Braves fan and have always been a Smoltz fan. But Smoltz has always been given a free pass. He made $14M last year and pitched very very little. Dr. Andrews referred to the damage in his shoulder as “extensive”. Is Smoltz a competitor? Absolutely!!! One of the best ever. But his ability to pitch is an uncertainty. His contract should be incentive laden and what the Braves offered him was based on that. The Braves cannot afford to go through what they went through last year in terms of DLed pitchers. Also, why should the Braves be expected to offer what the Red Sox offer. The Red Sox are second to only the Yankees in terms of payroll. The Braves cannot give the same amount as the Sox because it represents a larger percentage of their available payroll to an UNCERTAINTY! Come on John. Admit it! It is about ego and the desire to play for a contender, which he thinks the Braves are not. It is a sad day that Smoltz will no longer be a Brave. But he is a free agent and he made a free moral decision based upon his own ego and needs. It’s a shame he points a finger at the Braves’ front office. I. for one, am in favor of teams showing more fiscal restraint. After all who really pays? Me and you!

By Frank Wren's "distorted view"

January 10, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

Uh, Frank, that “distorted view” you are seeing is your own, as a result of sticking your head up your @ss before making Smoltz an offer.

By Bubba

January 10, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

Mr Wren, When are you going to wake up? Do you think the Atlanta fans are really stupid? Of course we want a winning team,but that can also include John Smoltz. When he is healthy he is awesome. Whatever possessed you to let him leave? Why can’t we get anyone to come here to play? Seems like we have had a few ready or willing to sign, then what happens? They don’t want to play here. You might want to change tactics, cause what you are doing now is not working.

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

I see another meeting of the Frank Wren Fan Club has been called to order.

By RCD

January 10, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

I’m a season ticket holder or now former season ticket holder.(money going towards the Falcon’s) I’m so sick of the GM he’s nothing more than a Steve Phillips .If i was Chipper i would demand a trade or i would pull a “Manny”till he got his way just to get out of here .

By trottsky

January 10, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry fans……money (season tix) talks……bull$… walks. Unfortunately, it may cost us a season or two. And even in the Turner years, the Braves seem to always turn their backs on their best once they’ve used them……Aaron, Niekro, Murphy, A. Jones……….

By PlusSizeModel

January 10, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

It’s easy to sit back and knock Wren for his (non) moves, but I doubt I would’ve done anything differently. He has had a snake bit off-season, plain and simple. I wonder how many of you jokers will pipe up if Smoltz pitches around 50 innings this year and thank Wren for making a solid call.

And Smoltz isn’t owed anything by the Braves. Not only is this just a game, but obviously it’s a business as well. Seems to me Smoltz has pulled upwards of $200 MIl from the Braves over the years. That’s the only thing the Braves “owed” him. He’ll be happier pitching for a contender in a legendary baseball town anyway.

By Steve

January 10, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

The average fan might not know every player on the 40 man roster, but they will know that John Smoltz is not with the team. Then the average fan will ask why. Try to explain that in 20 words or less to Joe Average.

Wren has looked anything but a MAJOR league GM. He seems to be out of his league. He is getting played like a cheap fiddle. You have to know that other teams in the league are laughing at the Braves.

The Braves still have a solid farm system that would be the envy of any team in baseball but the talent is a couple of years away.

Let’s find a solid baseball man to run this team the way it should be run and not run into the ground.

By TheBravesareFried

January 10, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

Poor Frank Wren! He has to work within the limits of his masters’ dime-store mentality. It may not make any difference with Smotlz (paying a higher figure) but this team needs talent and needs it now. Sure, the team has “catching” and “(out)fielding” but those players don’t have to throw change-ups and curve balls to hitters. Some one (or several for that matter) mentioned “Train Wreck” in blogging. John S. heard that whistle way ahead of time and threw Wren on the track.
Let’s face it: the Braves may have seen their glory days and will have to resort to reading about them in days to come - it sure as h* won’t be because Liberty has given them the $$$ to field a competitive team. After all, it’s the stockholders who must be pacified, not the paying fans.
I say start now, at the top. Clean house and start over with every management position down to the coaching staff. Could it be any worse that what we have now?

By PlusSizeModel

January 10, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

It’s easy to sit back and knock Wren for his (non) moves, but I doubt I would’ve done anything differently. He has had a snake bit off-season, plain and simple. I wonder how many of you jokers will pipe up if Smoltz pitches around 50 innings this year and thank Wren for making a solid call.

And Smoltz isn’t owed anything by the Braves. Not only is this just a game, but obviously it’s a business as well. Seems to me Smoltz has pulled upwards of $200 MIl from the Braves over the years. That’s the only thing the Braves “owed” him. He’ll be happier pitching for a contender in a legendary baseball town anyway.

By Frank Wren Hater / Smoltz Lover / Braves Supporter

January 10, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe FRANK WREN is stupid enough to make such comments. (Actually, I am starting to believe he is even far dumber than I actually thought. )

“MR.” Wren. I have been a Braves season ticket holder for over a decade, have been helping pay your UNdeserved & OVERpaid salary for some time now, have a very, very, low opinion of you and am posting my immensely negative view of you in this blog.

Does that not elevate me up to the level of “average sports fan” who doesn’t gladly invest in 6 months worth of tickets to support his/her team who you cited in your ill-conceived remarks, “MR.” Wren?

Do you think I just want to see my comments in print or hear my name on the radio like some 10 year old, “MR.” Wren?

I would rather have my beloved Braves honorably finish last every year WITHOUT you than win the World Series WITH you via your lies and unscrupulous methods, “MR.” Wren.

You will soon learn what happens to the “Head Moron in Charge” when abuse, insult, lie to and alienate the bulk of your paying customers, “MR.” Wren.

Simpleton.

Kill Yourself, “MR.” Wren.

By Michael

January 10, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

Smoltz got $14 million for 5 starts in 2008. He should play 2009 for free. But Boston doesn’t have this payment history. If their gamble fails they are out 5 million. If Atlanta’s gamble failed they would be fools for throwing another $5 million down the $14 million hole.

Smoltz has a lifestyle that requires him to get as many bucks as possible and 9 or 11 million $ paycut is substantial. Better go with the $9 mil paycut. It’s just business, not personal.

By Ken Brown

January 10, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

Wren is backpeddling because he made a tremendous error. Here’s a team that’s in dire need of front line picthing and he let his best walk. He thought John would take less money because he did so in the past. Smoltz felt disrespected and rightly so. An idiotic blunder by Wren and one no one will forget.

By Frank Wren just made a signing!

January 10, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

Breaking news from ESPN!!: Frank Wren just announced the signing of Bob, from Accountemp to take over for Smoltz in the rotation. The only bad news is the rumor Bob has taken the offer sheet over to the Dodgers to see if they will match it.

By southernidios

January 10, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this

I agree with Wren - most bloggers are rather slow witted, have too much time on their hands and despite never excelling at sports are somehow “experts.” Baseball is a GAME..if it is more than that to you then you have a serious problem. When a veteran player leaves it opens up a space for a potential exciting find. If no one left 20 years ago from the roster Smoltz wouldn’t have gotten a chance.

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this

I say, Frank Wren is $hit for brains!!! I am telling You that if he is left alone not only will this team be a laughungstock,He will singlehandedly make this the Atlanta Orioles!!! Support this LYING B@STARD if you like but as for me I want this useless scumbag in the soup line!!

By Whatever

January 10, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this

Hey Frank, Read my lips “F U!!!!” You are an IDIOT!!! I’d beat your azz if I knew where to find you.

By Sam Walton

January 10, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

FRANK WREN : Future Wal-Mart Greeter

( Circa Fall 2009 )

By FIRE Wren

January 10, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

Mistake 1: Not keeping Smoltz on a team that desperately needs the leadership and competitive personality he brings. Mistake 2 Wren consoling himself by thinking that this backlash isn’t representative of the majority of Braves fans. WRONG!! This is my first time blogging and it’s only because I’m a lifelong Braves fan and a native Atlantan who can’t believe what a shortsighted and amateur move Wren has made. Guess what Frank…you can’t just dismiss all the criticism you’re receiving…YOU DESERVE IT. Turn in your resignation NOW

By J Z

January 10, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is arrogant and lets his ego stand in the way of forward progress. For example; were not going to discuss Peavy any further unless were approached by the Padres. What this says to the Padres is that if you want to make a deal you have to come crawling back to us. There is no need for this hot head type of attitude. As Chipper put it, you take risks on players all the time, Smoltz was worth the risk. Just having Smoltz in the dugout would have been beneficial. Chipper was told that he would have a contract extension this winter. If that does not happen I will no longer attend an Atlanta Braves game until Wren is fired or demoted. My personal message to Frank Wren; You are a disgrace to the Braves and baseball in general. Best of luck Smoltz!

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

Maybe it’s me, but I like the one move Wren made — trading for Javier Vazquez — least of all. I didn’t have a problem with breaking off negotiations for Jake Peavy; the Padres were asking way too much. I thought the Braves got lucky when Furcal did his about-face because I frankly don’t think Furcal is anything special. And I wouldn’t have offered Smoltz $5 million guaranteed because the Braves need a starting pitcher who’s healthy from, er, the start.

As Wren suggested, Smoltz’s target dates tend to fluctuate.

By BeenThere

January 10, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

You don’t give a 41 yr. old pitcher a $5 million gift…period. If Smoltz wanted a handout, he should have asked for one. If Chipper Jones thinks a few million is worth throwing at an injured player whose career is over, then why didn’t Chipper step up to the plate and give Smoltz the money? Pretty easy to give other people’s money away.

Nope, Smoltz was just trying to game the system to get as much money as possible in his last year when he knows he won’t be ready on opening day, and we all know he won’t pitch the entire season.

Good move, Wren. Use that money that would have been a donation to Smoltz wiser elsewhere. This team put together 14 straight pennants by not being sentimental and nostalgic. That’s why the 80’s Braves sucked…no one wanted to let Dale Murphy go, and Murph wasn’t even that great. Focus on young talent…let the old players go preferable 3-4 years before they’re done so we can get talent in return. And build from within the organization. That’s what made the Braves champs for 14 yrs. and we need to get back to that successful model.

Those who are sentimental, why aren’t you asking Hank Aaron to suit up in the outfield this year? Folks, after age 35-36, a baseball players reflexes and skills decrease exponentially. Smoltz is done. He was great, but now he is done. Deal with it. Get over it. Move on. The game is about the future, not the past.

By larry

January 10, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

Ladies and Gentlemen , this isnt the first time the Braves have treated their legends badly. First it was Henry Aaron, who was traded to Milwaukee for Dave May and a pitcher. Then it was Phil Niekro, who left via free agency to Cleveland, then it was Dale Murphy, who was traded to Philadelphia. This has been going on since this franchise has moved to Atlanta. And now Smoltz. I mean even Warren Spahn wasnt allowed to finish his career with the Braves. So really this has been going on with this franchise forever.

By Joe

January 10, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Wow, Mr. Wren is way, way out of touch.

The average fan is the guy who talks on radio and writes on blogs. They are the same people who USED to buy Braves tickets.

He is absolutely clueless and has been terrible. I do not mind the Smoltz thing. The Furcal situation is the one that really gets me.

I just wish that he would admit that we are blowing the thing up and starting over. We really should have started that process 3-4 years ago, but Schuerholtz tried to hang on to a waning product just a little too long.

We are simply going to have to suffer through the next couple of years and hope like hell that Hanson, Heyward and co. are all they are billed as.

By Joel

January 10, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

We are talking about 2 or so million dollars that would have kept Smoltz here. Regardless of what you think of Smoltz in regards to age, health, whatever, he draws tons of fans and he is an asset to our program as far as knowledge of the game. If he pitched 10 games this year, it would be worth it b/c 30,000+ people would drive to the Ted to see it. Again, we are talking only a few million extra dollars. That is not much in MLB terms for a John Smoltz. IDIOT! I better see a Chipper contract extension soon!!! Very soon!

By PlusSizeModel

January 10, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

Some of you need to realize and accept that ‘09 will be a wash for the Braves anyway. I just wish they could save the cash for salaries this year and spend like a mini-Yankees for ‘10. Perhaps Wren is now busy doing exactly that. The fact is you are not privy to what’s really going on in the front office, but you act like you are anyway. “Ignoramuses” is a word that comes to mind…

By BroomeDawg

January 10, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

Ya know after reading comments like those…..

I dont think Frank Wren realizes that we have moved into the 21st century. The average fan knows how to use a computer and does so to keep up with their favorite teams and also to comment on the moves made by the team.

I am the enternal optomist. I have been on here defending Frank Wren and the Braves several times in the past saying to have faith in the Braves… NO MORE!

After being a fan since the mid-80’s when I was young and naive, all through the 90’s, and even through last years debacle…I am done. As of Thursday I put away my Braves Jersey and decided that I will no longer watch baseball. When I am struggling to make ends meet as an officer in the US Army, why should I plan for how to have enough extra money to go to a game when the Braves have 60 MILLION EXTRA…and then they dont make us a better team, and my favorite player leaves because another team offered him a few million more….MILLIONS…they are arguing over sums of money that most of us will never see..and 5 million is pocket change to them….

I am done. It may never effect the Braves or Frank Wren, but this soldiers butt wont be in a seat at Turner Field ever again.

By ShowMeTheMoney

January 10, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

Can’t you people just understand how difficult it is to try and survive on 2.5 mil/year? Smoltz did what any red-blodded American male (or female for that matter) would do: He called Tom Cruise and parrotted the “Show me the money!”. I understand how devastating it must be to try and make ends meet on 2.5 mil when one can hold out for 5.5 mil! Professional sports has become a “Rent-A-Player” business with the cities/sports teams taking it in the neck (as the Kimmer would say). If only Smoltzie had been paid a decent salary all those years with the Braves this would not have happened.
I will admit to enjoying Smoltzie’s “going for the gold.” After all, today’s news reported that over a half-million people lost their jobs in December alone. That makes it even more satisfying!! (Where is Scott Boras when we need him, by the way?)

By 74dawg

January 10, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

Mark,it’s more than just the Smoltz deal. It’s everything that has happened this offseason. I will give them some more time,because this organization has proven they have a clue. But if they really think they can compete with the current roster,I might have to re-visit that opinion. The Braves really need to decide if they are going to be competitive in the free agent market or rebuild w/ young guys. Either is ok, as long as there really is a PLAN.

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

Dime store mentality??? 94 million dollar payroll does’nt = dime store mentality…

This sshole just does’nt know what to do with this!!!

Smokescreening folks that is all this is!!! Liberty has a signed contract with the commisioners office to keep payroll levels at or above the same level as they were when Liberty acquired the team!!! So to eliminate any scrutiny from the HNIC, he pulls this garbage wasting time on a player like Peavy,then making offers to Players like Burnett,and Furcal that He knew would not be accepted and pryed that would not be taken, due to the lack of desire or need to have these players here!!!

Furcal was not needed,or wantede it was and is a farce to even offer this clown a contract!!! Smoltz was offered exactly what I would have offerd!!! Instead of making a strategic plan of action, this Baboon, decided to be a social retard, and skew the fans with all of this rhetoric..

Frank Wren is grabbing and shirttails in the wind trying not to be the Idiot he is percieved to be!!!

It is time to realize this baboon cannot run an organization!! He11 even Angelos fired his @ss after 1 year!!! That should tell you something…..

And don’t gimme that spiel about Schuerholtz either, He is equally as ignorant, it was not Schuerholtz that made this team GREAT, it was in fact Bobby Cox the General Manager that did!!!! And that folks is FACT!!!

If a mediocre player like Lonnie Smith wants to kill your @ss, something must be up!!! take a look at K.C. and Baltimore..That’s where this team is headed!!

and now these baboon’s are trying to sell Jordan Schafer,and Gorkys Hernandez as All-Stars already!!What a damn joke!!!

By Michael

January 10, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

The only employees Atlanta teams should not have let go were Dominique Williams, Joe Torre, and Mike Fratello.

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing this wouldn’t be a very good day for Frank Wren to check the message board, either.

By Bill M.

January 10, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

Ask Wren if a fan that has been supporting the Braves with time and money for over forty years is an average fan?

By BravesFan4Life

January 10, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this

So Wren is simply closing his eyes and hoping everything will turn out alright? I am glad no Peavy deal, way too much especially when we are rebuilding at the pitcher and outfield positions. But why trade for JV? It makes no sense and you are telling me we couldn’t get a better pitcher that could eat up innings for us? I would rather go on the rollercoaster ride of Morton and Reyes for a year than watch JV “dominate” ie: pitch 5 innings and give up at least a few runs every game. As far as Smoltz, according to DOB we have money to spend, just can’t find anyone who wants to take it. John would have and giving a one year deal would not cash strap us in the future so why not give him whatever he wants. And if it doesn’t work out who cares. I guess it is time to trade Chipper too if we can get anything for him.
I can’t believe im excited out the prospect of Lowe. What has happened to m Braves?

By Boog

January 10, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this

I think his views on Smoltz makes sense quite frankly. We need a whole lot more than Smoltz any way. And who really cares anymore… until baseball gets a salary cap every team is simply a farm team for the Yankees…once a great game is now a farce.

By Boog

January 10, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this

I think his views on Smoltz makes sense quite frankly. We need a whole lot more than Smoltz any way. And who really cares anymore… until baseball gets a salary cap every team is simply a farm team for the Yankees…once a great game is now a farce.

By BroomeDawg

January 10, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Bill M, it dont matter, Wren doesnt care about us. Fans dont matter a bit to him. Thats why he doesnt read message boards or listen to talk radio, or talk to fans. Our opinions dont matter. He knows what is best for us….

By 74dawg

January 10, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this

I haven’t seen this much rage since the Smith family owned the Falcons. That was deserved. This ,well,this is the Braves,and they have earned a tinylittlebit of patience,and respect. What if Wren had given Smoltz 5-10M and he never threw a pitch? Then he would be an idiot for wasting the $$ and a spot on the roster.

By Chuck Bagley

January 10, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

Will the The Fan that wants the best chance of winning please speak up.Will that Fan be willing to purchase tickets when players are DL’d or sent to the minors or wiil that Fan demand we get rid of the players that are or should not be on top rated team.

Check this BLOG for the names of Bloggers that will be asking for incentive laden contracts for rookies after the NFL Draft. Only the producers should be recieving top paychecks.

Some of these Bloggers use terms such as unloyal, traitors, selfish and other self serving terms to describe the college underclass football players exiting for the NFL. These blogers do not use the same logic when someone think as they do.

The Braves (Wren) and John Smoltz are both correct in their approach, each has their best interest at heart, that interest is for John to remain a Brave with NO RISK of injury or loss on money. Since there are no guarantees on either isssue John took the deal tha gave him the best opportunity to take as long as needed to get healthy, make the most money if he never gets healthy and make the most money if he doesn’t get healthy.

The Red Sox can afford to pay for services not recieved, the Braves can’t afford to take the chance.

Just remember August of 1994 and tell me who took care of parking lot attendents, private parking lots, vendors, Ticket sellers, ticket takers, ushers, club house attendents,greenskeeping staffs and all the other everyday people like myself when there was no MLB. Oh yes, I had friends that lost anticipated income because there was no post season.

I admire both Frank and John for their decisions as it protects both themselves and those that trust them to make the best decision today. Keep in mind; if foresight were as good as hindsight we would all be a damn sight better.

By BroomeDawg

January 10, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

Boog dont forget about the Boston Yankees either. They dont even need Smoltz yet they paid him to be a 6th or 7th starter. Gotta love the teams with no pay limits,,

By Lane Wells

January 10, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Keep Smoltz; ship Wren ~

By Brandon Greene

January 10, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren I can’t wait to see Smoltz shut the Braves down you go to Boston in June!! I have only been a Braves fan since 1976. Go Red Sox! Can’t wait to see Chipper and Frenchy in different uniforms so I can cheer for them again. Sorry Chipper, You are still the man.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 10, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Wow, this Frank Wren is a moron.

Those who blog and call in to talk radio shows are the ones who care enough about the team that they will follow it even during the bad times. They are the 10,000 or so folks who show up during the 60 win seasons.

The so-called “average fan” simply tunes out and stops caring.

If you can’t keep your die-hard fans around, there’s no way you are gonna be able to recruit the average fan.

By seh

January 10, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Everyone irritated with Frank Wren, get out a little. Get some fresh air, re-evaluate your priorities…Smoltz did. Smoltz showed he could not care any less about you buffoons who idolize him. Wren happens to be an astute businessman. Get a hobby folks.

By yma

January 10, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren’s incompetence as a GM is the beginning of the Braves’ demise. I really feel bad, and I’m a Yankees fan!

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

Apparently the Braves are close to signing Kenshin Kawakami. So maybe Frank Wren was right when he said the rotation is taking shape.

By Brandon Greene

January 10, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren I can’t wait to see Smoltz shut the Braves down when you go to Boston in June!! I have only been a Braves fan since 1976. Go Red Sox! Can’t wait to see Chipper and Frenchy in different uniforms so I can cheer for them again. Sorry Chipper, You are still the man.

By Brandon Greene

January 10, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren I can’t wait to see Smoltz shut the Braves down when you go to Boston in June!! I have only been a Braves fan since 1976. Go Red Sox! Can’t wait to see Chipper and Frenchy in different uniforms so I can cheer for them again. Sorry Chipper, You are still the man.

By Jesus

January 10, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

We thought he was cool all these years, but in the end, he was just a greedy b@stard like the rest. In the end, Smoltz sucked the fat one. ‘nuff said.

By eagle_eye

January 10, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone blame Wren? I am embarrased at the lack of loyalty from these so called Braves fans. Wren has done an OUTSTANDING job with the cards he has been dealt. I can see how Wren isn’t too worried about these fans because they don’t know what they are talking about. Everyone wants to complain about the Braves lack of loyalty to Smoltz? Wow,the Braves have been very loyal to Smoltz over the years, especially his injury years. Why doesn’t any of these fans talk about Smoltz being disloyal to Atlanta and the fans? I love both the Braves and Smoltz. Both parties made the best decision for themselves. Wren has the Braves best interest at hand, Smoltz has his own. I don’t blame either side. Smoltz wants an oppotunity to win another ring, and that probably wouldnt have happened in Atlanta this year, and Smoltz is running out of time, perhaps this is his last year. Plus who wouldn’t love to play a year at Fenway? Now, Wren wants to field the best TEAM possible (look at Falcons success). Fans have to trust Wren…and the fact that CEO John S. isn’t going to let Wren do anything stupid. If the fans can’t see what Wren and company are doing now, they will look back in a couple of years and say, “oh, that makes since what Wren did in that funky offseason”. You know many folks took it hard when Murphy left, but it wasn’t too long after that that we started contending. Fans, stick to your day jobs…let Wren do his. There are much more capable people to address Wren if it is ever needed. Yall just hold on, have faith, and trust that we will win again in the near future. As coach smith would say, “it is all part of the process”. lol

i will say the only thing i have raised an eyebrow at Wren is that Burrell signed for as low as he did. I do not like Burrell, but I would have signed him for what he got in this offseason. Wonder why we weren’t in that mix?

By Fading Fan

January 10, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

OK, so Wren doesn’t care what the fans think.

Not exactly breaking news.

Just so we are clear though- WREN SUCKS!!

By FireFrankWren.com

January 10, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Frank…This is only my second time ever posting a blog. I understand from your quotes, that you don’t pay any attention to Braves fans that blog here…because we aren’t the typical fan. You are soooo unattached from the Braves Fan base. Your quotes tell me that you don’t have a clue about the true heart beat of the Braves. JC, TM…if you don’t right this ship and fired Frank Wren…expect to see a shrinking population at the stadium. Get it right…FireFrankWren…now!

By saucybravesfan

January 10, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is so blind, he doesn’t see what he’s done to this tem and the fans…healthy to pitch my @SS….Smoltz has proven himself time and time again how much he give to be the pitcher that made us all so proud to be Braves fans…Wren needs to read the blogs and find out how much of a idiot he is…and we need to keep up with our disgust with him and what he’s done.

By FireWrenNowBeforeItIsTooLate

January 10, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

Wren is obviously completely out of touch and delirious. Sports fans due read and post on blogs. We are not just some fringe element. We are the ones who will actually pay the ridiculous prices to attend games and buy team merchandise.

His comments about our current roster either show he lives in his own world, or really has no clue about baseball talent. Best infield in baseball….really, has he not seen the current Yankees with Tex, ARod, Jeter, etc. Or how about the Phillies…just to name a few. Starting pitching is far from coming together, and to say our bullpen will be outstanding may be the most assinine of his comments. Smoltz was the fan favorite, and definitely deserved to be treated better….so we saved a couple of million, are we going to spend it on anything worthwhile, or more guys like Vazquez. This is definitely a rebuilding time for this franchise.

By seh

January 10, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this

Jesus…THANK YOU. I could not have said it better. We thought he was cool all these years, but in the end, he was just a greedy b@stard like the rest. In the end, Smoltz sucked the fat one. ‘nuff said.

By MBMBMB

January 10, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

Yes MB, you are right, with MOST pitchers in Smoltz situation it wouldn’t be a good idea to sign them and give extra 3mil, but we are not talking about most players, this move, (I promise you), will cost them way more than 3mil, because next is Chipper, then who do you have? and even if Chipper stays, I bet you we have a lot less people in the stands than we did on opening day last year and on the second, third, fourth, fifth and so on. WOW I bet your little 3mil adds up quick and wait until next year…..and I was a life long fan….now I am $%$%^!

By The Taliban

January 10, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Our offer still stands to host a public stoning of Frank Wren on opening day. It may be the only way to ensure a sell out.

By True Braves Fan

January 10, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

First let me say that I am a big John Smoltz fan, but look at the 2008 statistics;

IP Salary

Smoltz 28 14,000,000 Glavine 63 8,000,000 Hampton 78 15,975,000

We took a chance last year and look where it got us. Also, it looks like the Braves made John a fair offer considering his age and physical condition. The Red Sox already have a stable rotation and could more afford to offer John more money. I hope John comes back and finishes his career in Atlanta. Remember, Aaron, Murphy, Jusice, Niekro, Maddux, Glavine also were either traded or left the Braves. I only wish John and the Braves the best next year.

By It's not that hard to understand

January 10, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Some definitions, for the old-media types: Blog: A collection of posts Post: An individual story on one topic Blogger: The person who writes the posts Commenter: The people who respond to the posts. It’s really not that hard.

By Explaining why Frank Wren is an idiot

January 10, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this

As a general statement, what FW is saying is correct about aging players and the difficulty of determining when to let go…

But not the icon of your franchise! Not the face of your franchise! Not the most likely fan favorite of the franchise in this city and future HOF.

So, FW keep believing you are doing the right thing and watch fans continue to not show up at the TED and rip you.

Moron!

By BroomeDawg

January 10, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this

So we sign a japanese pitcher with a bad back who is used to pitching in a 6 man rotation and yet we wont sign a pitcher with a balky shoulder who has the drive to compete and pitch until his arm falls off? Yeah, yet another move that makes sense…

By THE BEAR

January 10, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, you can count me in the Frank Wren corner. I think he made the perfect offer to Smoltz. If he stayed healthy he would be paid and if he didn’t he wouldn’t get the big bucks.

Frank Wren is paid to put a competitive team on the field. If a player is not even sure himself when he will be able to play why on earth should Wren pay him $5.5 million?

After all that is what happened last year. Smoltz pitched 28 innings and was paid $500,000 PER INNING. I’d say the Braves stood by Smoltz all the way. At least I never heard the Braves complain.

Egos are always involved but dollars trump egos here. Smoltz wanted more money than the Braves were willing to pay unless he performed. Period.

One other thing, as for dissing Smoltz I wonder what Smoltz calls it when he called John Schuerholz “HOMEBOY” a few years back. Oh you say, that was different. No it is not different.

Keep up the good work Mr. Wren, not all of us are against you.

By Nuttin' but the truth

January 10, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this

What did you expect him to say, Mark? That he is worried sick that if he doesn’t put the pieces together so that the Braves show a “black” bottom-line that he better be looking for a job? I don’t know about the first part of the previous sentence, but I’d put money on the second part.

By Blog expert

January 10, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this

To all of the spineless bloggers who have the luxury of swaying public opinion while avoiding all accountability, I say….GET A LIFE. NONE of you folks have an idea about how to build or filed a Major League Baseball team much less 5 levels of Minors. You need to sell your imaginary season tickets and leave the Braves to the Braves. Do something constructive with your life. Turn your monitor off!

By Paul Cummings

January 10, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

The turnsile will be down this summer do to Wren’s moves, such as Smoltz. He doesn’t read blogs because we are not the average fan. Guess what, we are the paying fans and this will cost him his job sooner than later. Good ridence.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

January 10, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this

I’m fine with Wren having is opinion on the team - obviously, he’s paid to do his job the way he feels best and spin his decisions positively. He surely wouldn’t be the GM much longer if he said, “I screwed up by not offering Smoltz $3M more dollars.”

But Wren obviously doesn’t understand his fan base when he doesn’t believe the average fan reads or posts on these blogs. While the number of blog blowhards have increased in the last couple of years, the vast majority are fans that eat and breathe Braves baseball.

So here’s my friendly advice to Mr. Wren: Don’t insult your fan base - especially not after this off-season.

By Wren hater

January 10, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

Wren-That’s a special group of fans — someone who wants the experience of making a call or typing a sentence.

This arrogant f*k really doesn’t get it, does he?

Sometimes, we don’t even have to type a complete sentence to get the thrill.

F U Frank Wren

Rule #1) When you are in a hole: Stop digging.

By SNM

January 10, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

I for one love Atlanta Braves baseball and I have read and heard a lot about the Smoltz issue…..I also am a little miffed he has bolted to the Red Sox, but that will not keep me from attending games. I admit, Smoltz was well liked and admired and will be missed, but lets face it….he is a 42 year old athlete that has started to break down…..I don’t blame the GM for not wanting to risk a lot of money on a pitcher who will only pitch half a season….kudo’s to the Red Sox on willing to take that chance. I also have read where the Braves should be horse whipped for not being loyal to a franchise player……wake up people, the athletes are not nearly as loyal either. They will bolt to the next team if they shove enough money at them (greedy if you ask me…look at the Yankees) and then would want to renegotiate their contracts if another player just happnes to get a little more…..talk about loyalty…..they should be made to play out their contracts entirely before they even think of more…..lets put in the pay for performance policy like we as normal people live from our employers, most would never get a raise and wouldn’t if be great if we could perform at a 30% and make millions. I am quite sick and tired of all those ball players losing their focus and abilites over the course of their contract, only to bounce back in the final year of it and then demand a huge increase….give me a break!!!! If the Red Sox are that stupid and willing to take a chance on Smoltz, who isn’t supposed to start pitching until June….more power to them….just get off the back of Wren and let them do their job…..like I said, I love baseball, but I am not in Wren’s shoes….let them build the team they envision. Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!

By leland

January 10, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

Dear Mr. MB—we need a new paradigm is what we need. I am an average fan. Yours truly, Leland

By deborah

January 10, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe they let John Smoltz get away……what are the BRAVES thinking? They let Tommy & Greg get away……then let Javy go….I will not cheer for the Braves all season long…….as there are none left who are worth cheering for!

By Supes

January 10, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

PlusSizeModel - Most of the DOB bloggers and passionate Braves fans understand that we are at best another year maybe 2 away from being a competitive NL East Team once again.

However the problem is…when Frank Wren makes a statement about “fielding a championship” team…we all know he’s LYING. If he would just admit that we are in a REBUILDING MODE, I think the fans, we would all back off a bit (b/c so far he’s been a failure this off-season).

Problem is, he is either afraid to say it, or won’t say it…and then he basically lets the face of the franchise leave over 3 million (when you have 36 more to spare right now)…equals in a bad PR - Image for a long, long time.

Yes it would have been a gamble, if you bet on anyone to make it back, it’s John Smoltz.

He’s bled for this team for 20 years and this is how the front office treats him near his final year or two?

Inexcusable!

Mark, you are correct sir. Frank Wren may think whatever he wants about us bloggers on the AJC, but he is wrong about one thing. We do go to games and we do “vote” with our dollars. I’m not a season ticket holder (can’t afford it and don’t have the time to go there 81 times per year), but I have purchased a 12 game flex plan for the past several years, and I’ve also went to additional games outside of that when players like JOHN SMOLTZ were on the mound for the Braves.

This season, I’m not doing any of that. It’s my “vote” of confidence to the Braves front office. If even 20% of all bloggers who go to Braves games (and a lot of us do) did that, surely there would be a drop in sales.

I guess all the empty seats at the Ted come August will be all the “proof” that Frank Wren needs to know how we feel about the job he’s doing as a GM and with the fans from a PR point of view.

PS…signing a Japanese pitcher - Unless he’s Dice-K’s twin brother will not make up for the LOSS of John Smoltz of failing to land a Cy Young Award Winner like Jake Peavy!

Unless Jake Peavy and Derrick Lowe are in Braves uniforms come opening day or this off-season would have been a failure for me. Wren promised 2 front line starters. Vasquez and the Japanese guy ARE NOT IT!

By T-Bone

January 10, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

I didn’t read all the posts. There are too many. I do agree with Mark Bradley in one of his additional posts, though. I like all of FW’s non-moves so far. The Peavy price was too high. We already gave up the farm (literally) for rent-a-Tex. If we had Salty and Elvis now, we might have had enough bargaining pieces to get Peavy, or maybe we could have turned Salty into a 1B by now.

FW tried to get Burnett, but couldn’t compete financially with the Yanks (who can?). So you can’t fault him there. I hope that the Furcal attempt was simply to loosen things up for another run at Peavy, but I like Yunel better than Furcal.

I don’t like the trade for Vasquez. Flowers was worth more. Or we could have kept him. It’s hard to find power-hitting catchers.

As for Smoltz: Let’s think rationally, folks. Smoltz is not our pitching answer. He’s old and injury-prone. The contract FW offered was almost identical. It simply required him to be healthy and pitch (isn’t that what he’s supposed to do?).

Let’s face it. Smoltz wanted to leave and go play for a team with a good shot at the post-season one last time, and that wasn’t the Braves. Nobody got disrespected. [If anybody got dissed, it was the Braves and FW by Smoltz and the blog-fans.] I just wish Smoltz would have been honest with the media and not thrown the Braves under the bus.

He’ll pitch for the BoSox this year, as much as he is able, then he’ll hang up the cleats and be in the HOF in 5 years wearing a Braves cap.

By Cal

January 10, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

It’s a sure bet I won’t be marking the calendar to watch or show up at the Ted when this Japanese dude pitches. Woo hoo, we got someone nobody ever heard of and lost the face of the franchise, clubhouse leader, member of the community, and a rock solid pitcher. Smoltz was more than just another arm. Even if he didn’t throw a pitch for us next year, he was worth the money. Frank…go away!!

By Larry

January 10, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this

Iv’e been a premium season ticket holder for 20 seasons (since 1990) and I want the Braves to do one thing: purge the team of all the Smoltz’s, Glavine’s. Jone’s, etc and put a fresh new developing team on the field like we had in 1989 and 1990 that led to the 1991 team and many great years after. Stop living in the past, folks, and realize we need to do a total makeover, and for me, the first cut would be Bobby Cox. Give him his due and then give him his retirement papers. Time for a fresh new perspective and the players know this also. He just no longer gets the best out of a team and his in-game strategical decisons have bordered on the bizarre and some have clearly cost the Braves Victories the past few seasons. I want even detail the decisions throughout the years with relievers that cost the Braves playoff games.

Our problem, starting about 2001 or 2002, is we just kept putting band aids here or there with one year wonders when we needed total, reconstructive surgery.

Do not trade for Lowe, do not resign Glavine, do not pursue Andruw Jones! Promote the folks in the minors, give them a shot at the bigs, then, and only then, pick-up a difference maker before the trading deadline if this person or two can push us across the finish line—just like we did in 1991 when we got the closer we needed in Alejandro Peno.

Stop living in the past and look to the future—NOW!

By leland

January 10, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

Dear Mr. MB—hold it, I didn’t mean to say that. I meant to say I am a above average fan. Thank you. Leland

By SC Ace

January 10, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

Derek Lowe will not atone for letting Smoltz go. But he would renew my interest in this team.

By OldTimer

January 10, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

Dear Frankie You remind me of a redneck joke. Go’s like this… What are the last words a redneck will ever say? Answer…”HEY!! Watch This!!” The rednecks obit reads…”He was an optimist till the end” You know why we’re signing Japs now, because no one in America will deal with this clown.

By #1 Braves Fan

January 10, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

Wren, Please leave the Braves Org. You have not done anything productive since joing the Braves. You have taken a Braves team that is loved by it’s fans and destroyed it. Please do the city of Atlanta a favor and leave.

By JT

January 10, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Wren, It’s about being Loyal to your Most Valued Pitcher for the past 15 years. Smoltz will probably be done after this season anyway, and you are so worried about a winning team? hello? Smoltz = Domination!! give him the benefit of the doubt man! And if he were to get hurt bring up the kid from AA that pitched the No No!! Smoltz has been nothing but a True Professional for The Braves, I can’t believe Cox likes you to well right now. We know Chipper doesn’t you Moooron!! Face it no matter who we throw out there this year we still ain’t going to the Playoffs when you screw with the Chemistry of the team. Smoltz could help the young pitchers as well Bring back JS !!!!! As Trump would say ” You’re Fired “

By Willie T

January 10, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

Wren knows what he is doing. John has given us many good years and will be heading to the Hall; BUT he is damaged goods. Time to on to another venue.

By Plato

January 10, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren has MUCH in common with which of the following?

A) F-5 tornado

B) Oreck XL

C) Rock Hudson

D) “Food Saver” Storage System

E) All Of The Above

Correct Answer: E

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark,ask Ol Frankie Doolittle if he thinks we’re still stupid when the team is drawing less than 12000 per night.

I’m not perturbed about Smoltz leaving, I am perturbed about giving 8 mill to Tom Glavine last year, when everybody and his brother knew He was washed up!!!

I’m perturbed about A.Jones being linked to this team… I’mpi$$ed off that R.McDowell is still the pitching coach,see all the busted elbows last year… I am fully pi$$ed off about pursuing R.Furcal!!! and most importantly I’m P** off about all the LIES!!!

I am voting for a younger more athletic team,but for once want to see one of our own players retire as one of our own!!!

We pay these baboons, no one else!!1 The Fans pay these clowns!!!

Yes it was time for Smoltz to move on, but moving on means upstairs or to teach the younger pitchers the Braves way!!!1 not don another team’s Uni!!

It’s time to go after players that make sense, like a P. Maholm,Ian Stewart,J.Arrendondo,Scott Baker,and so on…get the picture. Instead this @ss Klown spends 6 weeks on a pitcher with a lot of miles,and no incentive to come here without a total raping of the farm system!!! Then this baboon offers 85 mill plus to a pitcher with a history of arm trouble much worse than Smoltz!!!

And let’s not forget the busted back SS that he tried to sign,and jumped the gun on I might add!!!!

Escobar should stay, and if Booby Cooks don’t like it, then He should take his old @ss home!!

I agree with Wren on JJ,Hernandez,Infante,and Ohmman… But Ohman has to be a priority,He wants to be a Brave!!! I also agree on Vazquez…But Boone Logan?????

I however do not agree with the stance on Kelly Johnson,Gregor Blanco,JoJo Reyes,and even Rafael Soriano!! These are valuable trade commodities, and should be used as such!!!

Stop spending precious moments wasting time on players that don’t want to adhere to the Braves way,and concentrate on the Derek Lowe’s,Bobby Abreu’s,and Max Scherzer’s of the baseball world!!!

Wren is the one that opened his big@ss mouth and said,and I quote, We have money to spend,we are going to get 2 top of the rotation starters,and a power bat for the outfield!!!

Then the amount available started to dwindle,wnet from over 50 million plus to 35 million plus,to now 25 million!!! Just stop the damn Lying and tell the truth!!! We can count!!!! and one more time here is the total available monies

Tex!12.5 mill Smoltz! 14.0 mill Glavine(a wasted )8 million Hampton! 15.0 mill prorated or not that’s the salary figure Kotsay!2.0 mill for now Ohman! 1.75 mill and Hudson! 6.775 mill vovered by insurance Folks anyway You add it that’s 60.0 million dollars!!! additions Vazquez 11.5 Ross 1.5 that’s 13.0 mill still leaves 47.0 million available dollars plus the promised payroll hike of about 8 million up from last year!! meaning the Braves have 55+ million available dollars UNSPENT!!!

So,I have no problem with getting younger, but I do have a problem with being a LOSING team while doing so!!! specially when there are 55 million reasons not to!!

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

This is just me talking, OK? But I think the reason Wren won’t concede the Braves are rebuilding is that such a proclamation gives people a reason not to buy tickets. So, from an economic slant, I kind of understand.

By brewdawg

January 10, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

I realize Mark Bradley, that you and I aren’t ever going to agree on this, but…

The Braves continue “moving forward” by signing a 33 year old Japanese pitcher, and courting 36 year old Derek Lowe, yet didn’t want to take a 5 million chance that Smoltz could be a solid contributor by June. The difference between that and say, making a late season trade for an aging star on a bad team, is that it costs you no prospects.

And if the Braves can overpay for Derek Lowe, they could have afforded to bring back the Hall of Fame face of the Atlanta Braves for 5 million dollars. Might even have turned out to be an absolute steal. Again, even if Smoltz turns out to be done, it would have been worth the minimal risk involved.

If Wren signs Lowe, then we have Kawakami, Lowe, Vasquez, Jurrjens, and then Hanson/Glavine/Whoever else. We wouldn’t have been counting on Smoltz at all. Anything he could have brought to the table would have been a bonus.

On another note, Wren’s comments about the “average fan not going on talk-radio or on sports blogs” may have not been meant as arrogant and condescending as it sounded. But the feeling here it was meant to be exactly that.

By Braves Fan

January 10, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

Any great franchise, especially the Braves, is always in “rebuilding mode”. The only reason Frank Wren won’t admit to it is because the idiotic sportswriters and double idiotic bloggers would have a hay-day with the term! If anyone doesn’t think the Braves were “in rebuilding mode” during their 1991-2005 dominance of their division, then how do you explain Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur, Clint Sammons, Adam Wainright, Jarrod Saltalamauchia, Matt Harrison, Yunel Escobar, Jo-Jo Reyes, Will Startup, Elvis Andrus, Brandon Jones, Van Pope, Eric Campbell, Scott Thorman, Joey Devine, John Johnson, Cory Rasmus, Martin Prado, Kalaka Ka’aihue and Tyler Flowers. Not to mention numerous dozens more that were either drafted or traded for and DEVELOPED for later (or “rebuilding” for you 15 word spinning, blogging idiots.).

Leave the Braves to the Braves. It won’t hurt the city one bit if you 19 idiotic bloggers (4 of which are the exact same person IE Paul Collins) sell your “imaginary season tickets” and retire. LOL. I would bet good money that none of you attended a game last season. Though you would love it, you idiots DO NOT speak for the 4 million Atlantan’s or the 50 million Atlanta Braves Fans worldwide.

Nice try “Paul”. LOL.

By G. Thompson

January 10, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

Wren has his head stuck in the sand … or maybe someplace else. I hope everyone joins me in boycotting the Braves and Turner Field.

By Frank Wren

January 10, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

MUAHAHAHAHA!!!

I SWEAR I WILL RUIN THIS FRANCHISE IF IT’S THE LAST THING I DO!!!!!!

MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

By brewdawg

January 10, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

JOEBRAVE

At least show some passion man! :) Good post.

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

Wren can’t even concede to wipe his own @ss!!!

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

It isn’t just that John Smoltz is 41. It’s that he’s 41 coming off shoulder surgery.

By Willie T

January 10, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this

It is obvious that 95% of you posting on this Blog don’t know the first thing about baseball. You call yourself fans, but you do not have a clue about the game itself.

By Oldtimer

January 10, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

The reason Wren doesn’t admit the team is rebuilding is because he is an idiot.

By Don!

January 10, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren, the Matt Millen of MLB.

That’s all you really need to know.

Later,

Don!

By Larry

January 10, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

Goober bloggers,

Note the below quotes:

“We’ve offered him a package that would get him in the $10 million range, if he were to pitch a full season and pitch well. For him to walk away from that and to go to another place, I’m just shocked and surprised.

“I read today in something that his agent said the other set of incentives [from the Red Sox] were ‘more attainable.’ If John Smoltz pitches like John Smoltz pitches, I think [the Braves’ incentives package] is attainable. If he’s not healthy, it’s not going to happen.”

This means that Smoltz left his team of 21 years that paid him about 100 million dollars during that time, left his current teammates, left his city of residence and left his children—sound like another selfish, inconsiderate guy we know that left for the Mets—so he could get more money in the event he can’t perform. Yes, it is that simple! He bolted for more guaranteed money if he can’t work rather than getting the identical money—and being a resident father—if he does work!

And you goobers are angry at the company?

Whew!

By hube

January 10, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

Who cares baseball is such a slow sport. It sucks!!! Lets talk football or basketball!!!

By Oldtimer

January 10, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

Obviously Mark has been smoking some really good weed. Having said that, I have always thought that if you’re not part of the solution then you are part of the problem. So here is my solution to the Braves current dilemma. All the Braves have to do is bring back Smoltz as player-manager. That my friend is game over.

By real Braves Fan

January 10, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this

Did the Braves draft anyone or develop any future players in their Minors during their 14 year dominance of their division?

Was Paul Collins with the Braves in 1991, 1996 and 2005 when they were voted Baseball America’s organization of the year?

Was Paul Collins with the Braves when USA Today voted them Organization of the year in 1996?

Was Paul Collins with the Braves when they were voted Baseball America’s AND Topps best Organization of the last 20 years?

I’m pretty sure Frank Wren was! Paul, go back to greeting Wal-Mart shoppers.

By BroomeDawg

January 10, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

Actually no Frank Wren was not. He recently came to the Braves. Before that he was a GM with the Baltimore Orioles for a year before he got fired.

By Kennesaw Dawg

January 10, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

Leave the Atlanta Braves to the experts (the Atlanta Braves). If you idiotic bloggers don’t like the way professionals run a professional organization, move to Alabama!

By Willie T

January 10, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

Hey, Hube:

Apparently you don’t understand the intricacies of the greatest game; therefore, you would think it sucks. So Sad.

By #1 Smoltz Fan

January 10, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

Frank,

I too am a business manager in a customer facing role. Let me give you a little advice. As a business manager you have responsibility of increasing existing revenue, bringing in new revenue, and driving down cost while ensuring the customer believes you are providing a top class product or service.

So in every interview you have had so far you have A. Stated that the product Smoltz provides is inadequate when your customer is telling you it is not, B. Alienated the customer stating you are not really my customer, C. Claimed you are going to provide a better service than years past yet all top FA are turning you down, D. Driving the new revenue / customers away by saying their opinion does not matter only yours, and E. Showing your desperation by stating you have no clue whether you product wiki be any good this year, next, 2010…. Come on man. Do you honestly believe that by insulting bloggers and people who listen to Braves radio you will fill the seats?

Might want to call Blank, or the boss in NY and take some lessons.

I pay your salary sir, and I am a blogger, fan, and used to be a paying customer. I will not give you the satisfaction of a single dime of my money this year sir.

Openning day attendance at the Ted will be a direct result of your arrogance, and ignorance.

JSchuerholz my resume is already in your inbox ….anything is better than franky the clown, he is clueless on how to run a business or how to please his customers.

See ya Frank my money is on you being fired before mid-season.

By Supes

January 10, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

Don

You said it! FRANK WREN = MATT Millen

Enough said! Get ready for some dark days Braves fans for the next 2 years the very least.

Not to worry, we still have one competend GM in town…Thomas Dimitroff will have our ATL. Falcons in contention again next season!

By FIRE THE OWNERS

January 10, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

THIS is the poorest excuse for management of any company. The only time I have seen less concern for the product or service is at may local McDonalds. Please sell team to owners who care. Thanks FALCONS!

By Plato

January 10, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this

Does Wren think “average fans, who don’t visit blogs,” believe he’s doing a great job?

Got news for you Frankie; they’re not visiting blogs because they’re too busy verbally bashing your azz to anyone who will listen!

By Mario

January 10, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this

I like baseball but reading all the above comments I can see that this are not real fan and really dont know anything about baseball.Ladys and Gentleman nobody in baseball is eternal the best players in baseball have change team because they are looking for a better life and better salary, is the same with all of us when it come to our familys and our jobs. Smolts sonner or later have to go. nobody play forever and pitch forever. So when the braves became the great Braves from the 90 to the 2000 they started with new blood and young personal. So pls dont become fanatic. Become fans and see what is in front. Aswer this question since they annouce that smoltz was going to go with the Boston Red Sox. They have sing four more player[Boston] but where is the signing of John Smolts. Boston have not say anythig.Can this be like another Furcal the adv that he was going to the Atlanta Brave to obtain more money from the Dodger. So pls wait and see when and if is true that Smoltz sing with Boston. There is no contrat show in any transaction that are shown by MLB

By Greg

January 10, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this

Like any of you Braves fan could do better than Frank? Frank was put in a tough situation as the older Braves were getting closer to retirement. The Braves have a limited payroll so they have to do the best they can with the few amount of resources out there. It was not Frank’s fault what Furcak did? It’s not Frank’s fault for giving up the entire farm for Peavy, which is a great sign of a good GM. It’s not Frank’s fault for Burnett wanting to play closer to home. Frank has been more active than any other GM, so you Braves fans, you do better. And if the Braves sign Lowe and bring Glavine back as a 5th starter, name a better rotation in the majors after today;s signings?

Frank, keep up the great work!!!

By Say What???

January 10, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

So the jackass Wren doesn’t think real fans listen to talk radio, call talk radio or do blogs????? Who the hell does this idiot think are fans?? Naw, real Braves fans own corporations and pay thousands for the lux boxes. I guess those a* holes are the true Braves fans. Screw you Wren. You are as bad as the fool who ran the Lions into the ground year after year. That is what the Atlanta Braves are now, the Atlanta Lions. Stupid dumb a*. Excuse my french folks, I have had it with these asses in the Lions front office.

By Braves crosschecker

January 10, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

Paul Cummings (Aliase Paul Collins)

You are a very small man.

The turnsile will be down this summer do to the economy even if the Braves have the best record in baseball!

He doesn’t read blogs because YOU are not the average MAN.

YOU speak for YOU, not the 4 million Atlantans and 50 million Braves fans world-wide.

You didn’t deserve the 1991-2004 Braves you got, courtesy of Sherholtz and Cox. You deserved the Turner/Kniekro tandem you almost got (courtesy of Terrence “easy story” Moore). I still have the article!

By Patrick

January 10, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

Kawakami<<

A move neccessitated by his blunder. Doesn’t make up for Smoltz!!!

By real Braves fan

January 10, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this

Broomedawg,

For the record Wren joined the Braves as Assistant General Manager to longtime Atlanta General Manager John Schuerholz, a position that he held for almost eight years.

By John Smoltz

January 10, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this

The reason I signed with Boston is because at my age, I wanted a chance to win a divisional title, get into the playoffs and go to a world series again. I knew as long as the idiots running the Braves were making decisions, my chances were battling Pittsburgh for the worse record in the NL. However, I am really pleased and happy to see all my fans supporting me. Since so many now hate Frank and his idiot owners out in Denver, support me and the Red Sox and maybe we can be out those hated Yankees this year. Thanks for the Support.

John

By rayk

January 10, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this

I think that Smoltz got penalized for all the wasted money the Braves spent on Hampton (after insurance). Now, they have neither of the two. If they had upped their guarantee only $1.5 mill to $4 mill, he probably would have felt respected and stayed. No one side is 100% to blame, but most of the fault lies with the Braves upper management.

By Plato

January 10, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

To all you Wren supporters out there; please don’t bogart that thang…

By Kennesaw Dawg

January 10, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

Broomedawg

And which MLB organization have YOU worked for? LOL. I’d rather get fired from the Baltimore Oriole front office than hired to sweep the floors at Kroger like you!

By fordcobra

January 10, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this

Good Comments Greg, but I would rather give Tommy Hanson a chance as fifth starter.

By GaLiberal

January 10, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

To the company that owns the Braves, they are just an expense to be controlled. They are not interested in winning a World Series or a division championship. Why do you think the Yankees have not money worries? Because the owner wants to win so he ponies up the cash. If you want to see the Braves winning, then you need to buy them and then give them unlimited funds. But since you didn’t and you aren’t, shut you’re damn pie holes.

By fordcobra

January 10, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

Good Comments Greg, but I would rather give Tommy Hanson a chance as fifth starter.

By Wren the other white meat

January 10, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

GOD he isnt fired yet?

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

Mark,this isn’t about Smoltz only or singularly!!!

This is about a fan base that feels alienated,and screwed over!!!

By Snewo DAWG

January 10, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

That’s right Frank Wren, keep alienating the dwindling fanbase you have left, you’re a genius. You need some PR training.

By Jake

January 10, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren has looked bad this offseason (thus far), but let’s not forget the trade that brought Jair Jurrjens to Atlanta- give credit where credit is due. He also got Omar Infante and Will Ohman for Ascanio (who?)

The Smoltz thing hurt, but I’m a big enough fan of the team not to give up on them…the Braves will outlive an unpopular GM…It may just be a good run of bad luck…

Go Braves.

By BroomeDawg

January 10, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this

Kennesaw Dawg

Actually I am a helicopter pilot for the US Army and I work to make sure that idiot’s like you can insult people without knowing anything about them.

If you read my previous posts you will see that I have supported Wren all off season until now. It is also not all his fault as I am fed up with these people arguing about millions of dollars while I work 18-20 hours a day in a war zone and have to worry about saving money for months so I can go to one game.

By Lew

January 10, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this

I think if Frank read the blogs occasionally, he might realize that yes, there are a few members of the Fraternity of The Lunatic Fringe bounding through the cyber aisles, but there are also some highly knowledgeable fans blogging.

He might also have realized that those of us who DO blog here (or on DOB’s blog) regularly realize and that is that over the past several days, 90% of the posts have been from those who are NOT regulars. It WAS the average fan speaking out. They were not pleased.

Now, I’m not one of those calling for Fricassee of Frank, or for his Rail Riding out of Town, nor will I contribute to tar or feathers or cease going to see the Braves (I’m going to see them at Fenway!) and I realize that there is still time to field a competitive team and fill our needs. However, the Braves will feel the effect of the backlash from letting Smoltz walk. I’m betting that unless we see an improvement and pretty soon, that attendance will go down this year.

Wish it wasn’t so, but I fear that’s what will happen. It will cost them much more than matching the Red Sox deal would have. Had they done so and Smoltz walked anyway, then it would be on him, but trying to feed us the line that the offers were the same judt insults our intelligence.

By RealityYech

January 10, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this

Kudos to you Mr. Wren. I for one am glad that you didn’t buckle. If any informed Braves fan has been paying attention, they’d realize the offer the Braves made would have been essentially the same as the Red Sox, only stipulating that he remain healthy for 60 freaking days. Why wouldn’t Smoltz agree to those terms? Hell, the Braves paid him 14 million last year to spend his time auditioning for broadcasting positions.

Also, if anyone listened to Smoltz last year after his injury, his verbage said it all. “I’d like to remain a Brave BUT. I’d like to retire here in Atlanta BUT. Why so many BUTS? Clearly this is something he was anticipating and was setting up all along. If he wanted to go out playing for a serious contender then great, just have the balls to say it instead of creating a charade to make the organization look like the bad guys to the lazy, uninformed fan. So again, great job Wren!!!

By Geezer

January 10, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this

Would not matter if Lowe signed or Kawakami comes on Board - Wren is still an unmitigaged disaster as a GM…Spin it anyway he wants..Wren needs to be fired and anybody else he trots out there to take the heat for him like Terry or John…….Chipper take note - you are next on Mr. Wren’s list…go to a good team while you still have a chance…

By real Braves fan

January 10, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this

To the Wren haters,

Smack down somebody who is NOT doing a great job. God bless them but how many years do Smoltz and Glavine have left, really? About the same as Greg Maddux!

It’s the nature of the business. Same thing happened to Dale Murphy and Henry Aaron. Like them, Smoltz will get over it in a few years and become a great spokesman for the Braves. Besides, Just because Smoltz owes Tiger Woods out the ying yang, doesn’t mean the Braves should have to cover it. There will be an A on his hat in Cooperstown. Bank on it!

By bravesfan09

January 10, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this

wren can almost redeem himself if he gets us Lowe, Kawakami, and dunn……..i think a rotation of lowe, jurjens, vasquez, kawakami, and morton would be pretty good rotation…..then we could give hansen more time to develop unless theres an injury or one pitcher doesnt pan out then we could still bring up hansen or have glavine fill in if he’s healthy…lineup of kelly johnson, escobar, chipper, dunn, mccann, francoeur, kotchman and infante/b. jones/blanco/anderson/or even andruw jones as 8th man or francoeur replacement…and the bullpen already is set up to be one of the best in baseball ….maybe there is hope should we make a couple of deals

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

Wille, what in the he11 are you taliking about, I doubt You know anything at all!!!

I have stated before and once again, Yes the Smoltz move makes very good baseball sense, I would have done the same thing!!!

I am saying this boob does not have a damn clue as to how to prepare a plan and then execute the gawddamn thing!!! And Kennsaw Dawg! tell me what a Braves fan is!!! You sir please tell me who played first base for the Braves in 1969??? what about telling me what year Dusty Baker was traded??? How many tours of duty did Adrian Devine have with the Braves??? who is Ralph Garr??? how bout telling me the entire 1982 division championship line-up on opening day?? @sshole I don’t think you can without looking it up!!! answers to the Above 1969 1B Mike Lum Dusty Baker-1974/75 for Jerry royster of all people!!! Ralph Garr only the greatest leadoff hitter in Braves history Adrian Devine Two-tours here. 1982 leadoff 2b Glenn Hubbard rf.Claudell Washington cf.Dale Murphy 3b Bob Horner 1b Chris Chambliss lf Terry Harper/A.Hall c Bruce Benedict ss R Ramirez Rotation P niekro P.Perez C.Mcmurtry Len freakin Barker and I do believe Gaylord Perry!!! might be wrong on Perry tho

I was a kid but I still remember when Spahn left for the GAWDDAMNED METS!!!

and who’s team did oe Torre openly admit to winning the NL west Division in 82 with??? Why it was Bobby Cox’s team that’s who!! How many games is the Atlanta Braves longest opening seaon streak??? 13 that’s how many!!!

So the object here is He11 Yes I am a Braves Fan and possibly a Braves Encyclopedia!! Before you challenge someone for not being a true fan have something to bring here to back that pi$$ant mouth up with!!! Do I think I can do a better job than Wren??? Ummmmmm He11 Yes!!

By Solared

January 10, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

You guys are ignorant, he said call talk radio not listen to talk radio.

Most GM’s and Managers don’t listen to radio, because they already know what’s going on with the team.

Talk radio is all hearsay, and Atlanta has some of the worst talk radio in the country period.

You guys get all upset, we will all miss Smoltz, but every other team has been laughing at us when we keep resigning old pitchers that break down, how much money has Smoltz gotten over the years, he can longer stay healthy and they say his shoulder can not withstand a baseball season.

Well Smotlz wants to start look we all love Smoltz but we been pandering to his needs too long, Smoltz wants to start he most likely won’t last long starting, he is a power pitcher he can’t pace himself, he most likely will blow out his shoulder soon.

You wanna pay 5.5 for a pitcher to pitch half the season, and maybe not be effective.

We are most likely offering Glavine a contract, he is a finesse pitcher, who just fixed a injury that has bothered him half his career, Glavine might be able to be a good pitcher again.

While Smoltz will most likely be good but get injured quick, the only power pitcher in recent memory to be any good was Clemens and we see now that he was on steroids and without them he was injury ridden an not effective.

Like the previous poster said, do we really want a Hampton situation with Smoltz pay him not to play.

We just signed Kenshin Kawakami, and are trying to sign Lowe.

Come on is Smoltz just being greedy?

Why is he going after guarenteed money, instead of incentive, because he most likely knows, that he will burn out soon, remember he is old anything on him could break down not just his shoulder, remember when he broke his finger while it was still in his glove, thats the sort of thing that happens to a older guy, who else breaks their finger tagging a runner.

It hurts but it’s obvious Smoltz didn’t want to be here. Of course Chipper is scared because he sees the Braves will no longer pay big money for their players to sit on the bench, and come on and off the DL, it’s not a knock on Chipper it’s just reality, older players shouldn’t be paid if they can’t stay in the lineup.

Look we can’t hold on to the past, so many things have changed Skip is dead Pete is gone, JS is no longer GM, Bobby will retire soon, Smoltz left,Maddux retired, Glavine may retire soon along with Smoltz, Chipper only has a few years left.

We all hate to see it, but it’s the end of an era things are changing.

It’s about the name on the jersey not the name on the back, either support the Braves or don’t.

By jeff

January 10, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

I’m a regular sports fan, and I totally agree with Wren. Smoltz pitched how many times last year???? He got a fair deal from the Braves. Wake up, he chased the money and a ring. He isn’t worth 5 million to the Braves. That money needs to be used to sign back Ohman. The Braves wasted money on injured pitchers and people complained, now they don’t spend money on an injured pitcher, and people want to boycott. People on blogs are cronic complainers, nothing will ever be good enough. Ya’ll probably flip out when your wife or should i say mom over cooks a grilled cheese. Personally, I’m looking forward to next year and not having to worry about when some injured pitcher and having it effect the whole team.

By Kennesaw Dawg

January 10, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

Broome Dawg,

I’ll buy you a ticket son

By '91Braves

January 10, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren in a year and a half you has not earned the respect of Braves fans. You’re looking more and more like Rich McKay and the Falcons fortunes turned when Blank finally parted with him! Braves owners take note.

By bill

January 10, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this

This isn’t very complicated - although many of you have strained to make it so.

Smoltz went to Boston because he’s getting old and has very few chances left to play in the post season. Makes sense and I have no problem with that. Boston is a better bet than the Braves and he doesn’t have time to wait for any rebuilding.

The Braves are not a contender. Boston is.

The management - near as I can tell from this far distance - is trying to field a team and rebuild. They would love to have had Smoltz. But they feel the obligation to find a pitching staff that is likely to last past the All Star break. That makes sense to me.

Many of you would be screaming if we had another year of shop worn pitching, of desperate calls to the minors and patchwork starters. You’d be right to scream.

The reality is that the Braves aren’t the Braves anymore, as far as being able to dictate terms or enter the season expecting to be in the playoffs. Lord, still, I keep thinking about my buddy who was a Cubs fan back when anything like that was impossible. We’ve been spoiled - and I’m grateful for the spoiling.

But the Braves, for now at least, are one of those normal baseball teams that have to scramble and hope for miracles. That isn’t such an awful thing. Believe me, when the miracle happens, it’s much sweeter than - oh, well, just another playoff.

Stick with them if you can and enjoy the ride. Truth is - for now at least - any surprises will almost have to be good ones.

By Cosmo

January 10, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is a fool to think that the average fan doesn’t blog or call in. If that is his perspective he hasn’t a clue. Will miss Smoltzy. He deserved to go out on his own terms in Atlanta.

By Charles

January 10, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this

When I see Frank Wren in the Golden Moon Casino Level at The Ted this season, I will be tempted to pour my soda over his head and show my weiner up his stupid @$$.

If there is any room left, I will probably shove my hot dog up there, too!

By bravesfan09

January 10, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

wren took over a bad situation…everybody thought the braves had a good chance last yr…..they would of been able to compete but injuries killed them…..he has made some bad moves (trying to pursue and overpay furcal and burnett being 2 of the worst) but the offseason isnt over yet…..give him a chance then if there is no improvement this yr then call for his firing

By Steve

January 10, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with Smoltz leaving. I have a problem with the way Smoltz left. It used to be that the Braves were preceived as nothing less than a first class organization, and you never heard a bad word spoken about the team. Now, Chipper Jones, a guy who was lauded in JS’s book as “the face of the franchise”, is talking as if the team were a dead fish that he is forced to smell. For God’s sake, Bobby and Co. managed to keep perennial malcontent Gary Sheffield happy. It seems difficult to believe that they couldn’t do the same for Smoltz.

As for who is to blame for this debacle, it seems like the blame should fall squarely on the surgically-repaired shoulders of John Smoltz. At this stage in his career, it’s difficult to believe that money is of any importance to John Smoltz. As Frank Wren has stated, had John pitched well in Atlanta, the Braves offer would have paid John as much or more than he would have earned had he pitched well in Boston. The difference is that Boston is willing to pay John more if he doesn’t pitch. So sorry, Smoltzie, but if you think that 2.5 million per year (~40,000 per week) is a bad living, try stepping out into the real world where most people get paid 40,000 per year. The face of the matter is that John Smoltz throws a ball for a living. Given the enormity of the issues that this country is facing, one pitcher who feels like he’s underpaid doesn’t seem like a terribly big deal.

By reaganj40

January 10, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this

He is not wringing his hands because he is too stupid to know how bad it is. Schurholz! Rescue us!

By fred

January 10, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this

Let’s review…

Peavy - Not Wren’s fault, in fact I think he did the RIGHT Thing in not giving up the farm for Peavy. Even Kevin Towers just admitted the Braves offered plenty back in Nov. Either SD was trying to get greedy or Peavy did not want to play here.

Burnett - Not Wren’s fault, a more than generous offer was made, but Burnett has never been nor never wants to be a #1 starter and therefore DOESN”T deserve more. The Yanks OVERPAID period. PLEASSSSE someone argue this with me…..

Furcal - The guy reneged on the deal. He USED Wren’s offer to get back with the Dodgers. How is the Wren’s fault???

Smoltz - This was a tough one. Did someone who’s done so much for the Braves deserve a little more money ESPECIALLY since the Braves had it? Maybe, but bottom line is the Braves money was the SAME as the RedSox, if not better, but required Smoltz to actually pitch to earn it. Why is that bad??? Plus everyone in the Braves brass agreed the offer INCLUDING the legendary Schuerholz, who no one in this blog would critize.

Bottom Line - The people in the Wren lynchin crowd don’t really have a leg to stand on. Plus they’re the same people who keep saying we have to rebuild. Explain to me where Smoltz is part of rebuilding process? Maybe to help coach the younger players, but is that worth 5-10mil of guaranteed money???

COME ON PEOPLE, LET’S GET FRIGGIN REAL!!! IT TIME TO USE YOUR BRAIN AND NOT YOUR EMOTIONS

By OldTimer

January 10, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

This should have never been an issue. Smoltz deserved to go out with the Braves the same way Cal Ripken did with the Orioles. Dearest Frank and Mark. Do you remember Cal Ripken? I think not. That is what baseball was meant to be. Not the charade that you two have been playing playing. Go JayHawks… straight to he11 in a handbasket.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 10, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this

The comments made by Mr.Wren are revealing in that the man has an enormous ego. This character flaw is not something we ever saw in John Schuerholz.

I applaud the addition of Kenshin Kawakami. Generally speaking, Japanese pitchers are mechanically sound on the mound. However, only time will tell as to what level of success he will attain. As far as calling Kawakami an Ace? NO, he isn’t. Atlanta just allowed the greatest big game ACE pitcher in their history to walk out the door in John Smoltz.

Dear Frank Wren, you have irked Cal Ripken Jr., disrespected John Smoltz and totally ticked off Chipper Jones. All three are in or will be in the Hall of Fame. I wouldn’t want this on my resume, that’s for damn sure.

By ToldMeSo

January 10, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this

I thought all the problems were supposed to go away when Time Warner sold the franchise — I guess there may be other root causes. There is simply no excuse for allowing John Smoltz, the undisputed leader of the team for many years, to depart without even painting the image of trying to keep him. This shows utter and complete disregard for the Atlanta fans. I understand business as much as the next exec, and I’m not saying keep John at any cost. But you need to at least give the impression that you tried to keep him here. Frank doesn’t give a rip about us.

By Steve

January 10, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

sign a big bat.,derrick lowe and ben sheets and then i will think he is doing a decent job.

By ColaDawg

January 10, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

Lynch Wren PAY CHIPPER NOW!

By Robbie T

January 10, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

You so called fans of the Atlanta Braves that are calling for Frank Wren’s head make me sick.People you have got to quit living in the past.The Atlanta Braves won 14 divison championships in a row but that stopped years ago.They won with great pitching staffs anchored with Maddox,Glavine and Smoltz who are all gone now.Leo Mazzone is gone.We have’nt won since Leo,Tommy and Greg left.Now Smoltz is gone.Baseball players don”t play forever.They all slow down and are less productive towards the end of their career.Some accept contracts for less money to hang on for another year or two.Some get lucky like Smoltz did with Boston and Glavine did last year with the Braves.Sometimes teams get lucky and get a good year or two out of players who are past forty and don’t want to retire.Maybe the Boston Red Sox will get a couple of good years from John Smoltz.The Braves certainly did not get it from Tom Glavine last year.And i’m sure that had something to do with the offer that Smoltz turned down.But the Braves are finally doing the right thing,they are getting away from offering big contracts and depending on older players with injury histories.You can’t ride the arms of the Smoltz’s,Glavine’s and Hampton’s any longer.They were great pitchers for the Braves in Smoltz and Glavine’s case but,their time is past.Age and injury has caught up to them and the team has let go.And non too soon have they let go.And its time you people who want to bi#ch and moan about management all the time to let go also.The management is trying their best to rebuild your team here in Atlanta and non of you have enough smarts to even know it.Throughout Major League history all the teams have had to get rid of ageing players and restructure personel in order to be sucessful.The Braves were winners for years but,they have fallen on hard times and now they are trying to get winning players back on the field.It takes time and a lot of money to do that.The management of the Atlanta Braves is doing the best they can with the resources available to them to build you a winning baseball club.Frank Wren is working hard every day to find players to help the Braves be a winning team.Its been three years since the team won the divison title and it could be that long or longer before they win again.But even if they won every year again like they did before,some of you will still be griping every step of the way!

By dogsbrekky

January 10, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this

I watched the 1996 WS this morning after taping it from MLB tv last night

Wish someone would show it to Andy Jones as he looked like he was 175 lbs ringing wet in that series and swinging so well, actually stading more upright and staying on the ball

SHALL I MAIL IT TO one T. Pendleton and Andruw for when he makes his return to spring training…. shall I also get a copy of Frenchy’s rookie year swing and mail it to him…

I was very upset about SMOLTZ until today and realised he was probably a 1-2 year possibility only, we need Lowe and Kawakami (seen him in japan, he has some nasty stuff) and the kids…

Looking forward to one big bat and then we are set

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this

So let me see, We have Vazquez #3 starter, Kawakami#3 starter,Jurrjens#3 starter….well if He signs a true #2 starter in Lowe, all we have to worry about is opening day…. Guess we will play forfeit in the first 2 games of every series!!! This is getting funnier by the minute!!!

That said Kawakami looks like he has good movement on that fastball!!!

I see the Inbreds left the scene, I didn’t think these anal retentive @ssholes knew anything about Braves Baseball!!!

By Devin

January 10, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

Guys, you are all overreacting. He is exactly right, the fact that you are on this website makes you a fanatic. The percentage of people that go on blogs to the overall fanbase is very small. Just like the fact that if you go to a video game website, statistically you are a hardcore gamer and do not represent the majority view of the overall gamer. Next time you go to a Braves game, ask around to see how many people post on here.

Frank Wren has done a great job and you are all overreacting by John Smoltz leaving. You guys need to get over the fact that he’s the same old John Smoltz. He’s not - he’s old, he’s injury prone, he has bad mechanics, he will miss April and May of the season at least, and he decided to continue to live in the shadow of Glavine and Maddux by copying them.

He can preach about Wren’s disrespect and lack of loyalty all he wants, Smoltz’s loyalty to fans is much greater than Wren’s loyalty to Smoltz. The Braves didn’t gamble an extra $3 million on John Smoltz? I’m sorry, but I do recall the Braves gambling $14 million dollars on him last year - how’s that for respect as a 41-year old pitcher with multiple arm surgeries? What about letting him improvise his own Spring Training routine last year? Letting him pitch in whatever role he wanted? Have a full out beard when everyone else was told to shave?

There’s a part of me that thinks Smoltz realizes he won’t ever pitch again - that’s why he went for more guaranteed money.

By Jeff321

January 10, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

I have an idea! How about you Frank Wren haters jump on my anti-Cox bandwagon! I would much rather get rid of the guy that plays AJ and Frenchy every single day regardless of the results. Oh and how can one forget about him trotting out Boyer, Bennett and Acosta to absolutely ruin all chances of a win?

With that said, I wanted Smoltz to stay but would rather him have a chance at winning.

By Steve

January 10, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

I’m willing to see what Wren has up his sleeve. If it works out that the Braves starting rotation is Jurrens, Vasquez, Kawakami, and Lowe (not necessarily in that order, of course), then he’s played his hand well. If he can add a power hitting outfielder (Ankiel, or dare we dream Manny?) then the Braves are bona fide contenders for the East once again.

I’m also not a fan of the way Smoltzie was let go. But he was offered $2.5 million, and would have had $5 million if he had stayed on the roster for 60 days. After the bloodbath the Braves endured in their pitching staff last year, I can understand why they had to be somewhat cautious. 60 days really isn’t much, and if Smoltz is really as sure of his rehab as he says he is, he could have taken it and stayed in the ATL for the same money he’s getting in Boston.

By J. Floyd

January 10, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this

In my opinion the braves Gen. Mgr. resign no sooner than tomorrow. He has torn everybody heart by not keeping Smoke. He was along with Chipper the life of the Brave. Since Frank Wren came to the Brave he has traded some very good players. One was the 1st Baseman. As far as I’m concern the Braves should try and get Smoke so way.

By Steve

January 10, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this

It just occurred to me while reading Wren’s comments about Glavine and Smoltz that their names are TOMMY and JOHN. Tommy John………..coincidence? I don’t think so. Both of them have James Andrews on speed dial. It’s only a matter of time before they hang it up.

By To Dawgs

January 10, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this

Joe Brave can kiss mine and Wrens a*.

By Tim

January 10, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this

Hmm, so we who would post on here are basically a “fringe element of the fan base”? Maybe mr wren will see that we are passionate about a team many of us have cheered for many years (in my case since 1974), hate to see such a lousy effort put into building a team, and spend our money as well (maybe the lack of our spending it on the braves now will change his mind a bit). I am sick of seeing what has happened to the braves. God love you Chipper and Brian. You will basically be playing against major league teams while on a AAA team.

By NYC Brave

January 10, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is my all time favorite Brave, but he earned $14 mil for 5 starts last yr. He doesn’t deserve even $2 mil guaranteed. He made his own decision to go; I can’t blame Wren.

By Steve

January 10, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

Would the St. Louis Cardinals have treated Ozzie Smith this way, lowballing him with an offer, after he had previously taken less money and shown loyalty to the team? The Braves are cutthroat business people despite their claim of being “different.” You won’t see me at Turner Field, unless it’s “tar-and-feather Frank Wren” night at the stadium.

By Ron Roberts

January 10, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this

They can sign Kawakami and Derek Lowe, and somehow pull off a trade for a power-hitting OF w/decent-to-good defensive skills, thus making the team a fairly complete, balanced, and competitive squad….

…and they’ll still suffer at the gates, and I’ll dare say it’ll be mostly from letting the face of the franchise go.

I understand making a sound business decision, and if John Smoltz had shown diminishing skills when healthy nobody would gripe about this. But the man had a near-2.00 ERA when he had a shredded shoulder last year, and in past surgical and/or injury-related comebacks, had never let this team down.

Two key memories will stand strong with me… 1. watching the Braves in the NLDS back in 2005, and hearing how black-and-blue bruised his back and shoulder was, and how impossible it would be for him to pitch if there were to be a pivotal game back in Atlanta - and yet if I’m not mistaken, that was his goal if our ‘pen had held that day. 2. Smoltz coming on to close in that electric playorr series vs. the Cubs in Wrigley and wondering if his arm would just fall the hell off. He gritted through the pain, got the save and sent the series back to Atlanta for the pivotal deciding game.

In an age and era where most players are vilified for frivolous injuries or prolonged DL stints, Smoltz was the Marlboro Man of bsseball. If he could possibly pitch, he would. Guys with that kind of heart don’t come around often; a bloody-socked former Red Sox pitcher comes to mind.

Now they have another grizzled veteran who’ll defy his body for a team win if necessary and possible.

Sure, it made perfect business sense not to match the Red Sox gauranteed offer; but I don’t understand at all why the Braves’ incentives were so alarmingly impossible to reach. I mean, knowing he wouldn’t return until late May/early June, you ask for 30 starts or 200 innings? Feed the guy’s ego a little bit, at least… how about a bonus getting his pay up to $5 if the Braves reach the postseason and he’s made no less than 20 starts? How about $2 million per start in the postseason, up to $5 million? It’s the incentives I think, that were the ultimate insult.

It was like offering $1 million to a legless person to play kickball; some things you know just aren’t possible. They knew many of their incentive goals weren’t possible, and I think that had to tick SMoltz off. Shrewd?

…to a jerkish extreme.

By Dear Mark and Frank

January 10, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this

Mostly DEAR FRANK

I assure you that for every fan who blogs and voices their opinion, there are 50 out there who follow the team closely, have the same feelings, but just don’t blog! These fans are hard core Braves fans. They keep up with what the Braves are doing in the off season. They want to see a winning product on the field.

Frank if the fan you’re concerned about is the guy who goes to the Chop House just to be seen and check out the ladies, then he may not care a bit about what kind of job you’re doing.

Frank If your concern is the fan who is a casual fan who shows up a couple of times a season and brings the kids….just because it’s summer and baseball season…..and who more than likely came to see the visiting team because he’s a transplant, then he may not care what kind of job you are doing.

Frank if you’re concerned about the fan who gets the corporate and/or good tickets given to him and sits behind the plate the entire game talking on a cell phone…..then he may not care what kind of job you are doing.

Frank wake up! Don’t disregard the bloggers and their feelings. If you blow them off, then you and the Braves may soon see The Ted filled with what Skip used to term “fans that come disguised as empty seats.”

Keep it up, Frank I can see you’re a one man public relations genius!

By joe Arenella

January 10, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this

according to Chipper -Smoltz is a dog having his day-Yo Chipper!- Smoltz made more money last year than most people will make in several lifetimes- get a grip dude- you’ve had too good for way too long- ever worry about making your mortgage payment?

By Don't Follow The Herd

January 10, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is correct. Most of the negative comments are coming from professional complainers. Like on many blogs, there are people who have lives that revolve around typing angry statements on anonymous message boards. Pathetic true; but reality.

Wren is smart enough to know that real fans don’t abandon their team over something like this. Yes it’s sad, but withholding your support just increases the likelihood that the Braves aren’t going to have extra money to just give to a guy coming off major shoulder surgery.

If the Braves have a good season and you don’t support them, then you are not a real fan. If they start winning and you’re still stuck on Smoltz(who wanted to leave) and not supporting the team, you are not the fan you claim to be.

And if everything goes right and the Braves make the playoffs and you are one of those people who don’t come to the games, you don’t make sure we sell out playoff games, then shame on you for even calling yourself a fan.

Wren and the Braves know how to win. They’ve done it now 15 out of 17 seasons. They’ve done with and without at various times, Maddux, Glavine, Chipper, Andrew, and they can do it without Smoltz.

By Steven

January 10, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

lol@ people that wanted to throw 5 mil guaranteed at Smoltz only to see him not pitch until June and then hit the DL after that. Good job Wren, you’re doing what you gotta do!!

By 2K

January 10, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

I’m still laughing at the following post:

By The Taliban

January 10, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Our offer still stands to host a public stoning of Frank Wren on opening day. It may be the only way to ensure a sell out.

My compliments…this is The Daily Show with Jon Stewart worthy.

By Adam Chitwood

January 10, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this

Does Wren even know anything about the Braves and their history?? He obviously doesn’t care about the fans…you know, the ones who pay your salary! I stand behind the words of Chipper! You are a disgrace to this organization Wren! STEP DOWN! Best of luck to Smoltzie!

By Native Atlantan

January 10, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

The brains (owner) in Colorado

The heart (Smoltz) in Boston

The coward (Wren) in the GM slot

A Native Atlantan here distraught at his team…where has it gone? I’ll have a paper bag on my head Opening Day like I did in the late 80s.

By Stacie

January 10, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this

Listen, if you look at it from a fans side, not signing Smoltz really stinks. But if you look at it from Wrens side, he trying to do exactly what he said in the beginning that got us all excited. Put a championship caliber team on the field and he always said he wanted two top starters not named Smoltz and Glavine. Heres the facts. Smoltz and Glavine are no longer ACES and if you want to continue last years run, sign Smoltz and Glavine. It was a risk that we took and it blew up in our faces.

Many of you complain that we have not been to playoffs for three years now. Why is that? Aging pitchers and injury. Have to put a stop to that. Wren is trying. If he signs Lowe and Kawakami, then our team is competitive again. Can we say the same thing with Smoltz and Glavine at the top of the rotation. As much as I hate to say it, the answer is no. Not even close.

Heres that sad thing. How will Smoltz feel if the Braves make it to the post season and he decided to sign with a team who could go to the post season? Thats something Smoltz will have to deal with it the time comes. I have an idea that come spring training we will have a competitive team and everyone that is blaming Wren will only have Wren to thank. This is baseball and players come and go. To bad Smoltz could not have waited a little while longer. He might have seem things different and the braves might have been able to increase his offer a little. We will never know.

By jackdawg

January 10, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this

Watching Tennessee and Baltimore makes me realize how much I like football. Let’s hope the Falcons get an OL and DL line like either of these teams. The Braves are a mess. Yes, Smoltz was a risk, but in my opinion a good one. Wren is a true disaster…thus far.

By Joe

January 10, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is doing the best he can he is trying to sign free agents to improve the team the fans need to be patent. I’ am glad that the braves have gotten rid of John Smolz he is old and injury prone we need new players to the team.

Go Braves 2009 will be a great year and I will be watching the games.

By D Adams

January 10, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

Joel , Joe Brave, Taliban yep…you guys and others like you are on the money. WREN you are incompetent.

What we have to look forward to this year:

Free Ginsu knife set on Opening Day

100 losses

Being out of contention at the All Star Break, just like the Jeff Burroughs years.

Our Hope:

The unemployment line lengthens by ONE person.

By Jt

January 10, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

Blogging is like trying to reason with fools. The crap people say keeps away reasonable humans.

If Frank Wren reads the blogs of fools then have mercy on him.

By Columbusite

January 10, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

I am a die hard Braves fan and have been since they moved to Atlanta. Yes, it’s been a long time. There were times I wondered if I’d ever see a World Series in Atlanta and low and behold we began what was a dynasty in the NL West, then it continued over into the NL East. Am I sad to see John Smoltz leave? Hell yes! Am I disappointed in his leaving? Not no, but hell no! He was offered an incentive contract which I’d love to see every player offered and he chose the easy out to go to Boston for a “more achievable dollar”. Look at what we hung our hats on last year. Tom Glavin, John Smoltz, Hudson and Hampton. What did that get us? We’ve go to put players in every postion on the field that we feel reasonably good about for staying healthy and able to play when called upon to play. We just can not and should not have to rely on aged fan favorites to give us the quality playing time that all Braves fans clamor for and wind up paying them enormous salaries while they sit in the dugout smelling of limament, and watching others play their positions. I defend Frank’s position and his decision of offer John an incentive ladened contract for his tentative services. This was John’s decision and I wish him the best, but feel he is the one we should be chastizing at this time and not Frank Wren.

By canedawg2140

January 10, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

WREN IS A 4 LETTER WORD…

By outhoused

January 10, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

wish and hope,wish and hope,wish and hope, wish and hope,wish and hope,wish and hope, wish and hope,wish and hope,wish and hope, wish and hope,wish and hope,wish and hope, That’s what we do as the Braves now…. But we know nothing!!!

By I Throw Strikes

January 10, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

I’ve asked this before, but does anyone know when open tryouts are in Lake Buena Vista? I would work for $100,000 a year. Bullpen or spot starter.

By Chop Chop

January 10, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

Hell, Mark. Don Waddell is optimistic.

Wren’s optimism means nothing to me. If he were pessimistic, my guess is that he wouldn’t have the job.

By wildbird

January 10, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this

Some of you people are so dumb. You think Frenchy is great for two years then he has a bad year and now hes trash. You talk trash about Kotchman. Frenchy and Kotchman are both very young with great talent. American league scout say Kotchman maybe the best defensive 1b to play in the Al last year.I feel the Braves will sign Mr Lowe to solidfify the starting pitching They the Brave have been talking About Dunn or Nady either would give that other power bat The pen will be strong. So get off Wren back and wait you find a 3team race to the end the Brave will be one of those teams. Most of you would grip if we had an all-star at every pos.

By Larry

January 10, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

We all know you’re an out of the closet liberal entitlement junkie, but really, can’t even you comprehend the concept of EARNING something? Is it always the owner’s or company’s fault?

Classic liberal mentality!

By Don't Follow The Herd

January 10, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

Wren’s optimism means nothing to me. If he were pessimistic, my guess is that he wouldn’t have the job. Chop Chop

But you’ve always been a fake fan haven’t you? Have you ever said anything positive about the team ever?You post a lot but always always negative.

What doesn’t mean anything is anything that you have to say.

By tore

January 10, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

Everyone needs to take a chill about this Smoltz situation. The braves gave him a great offer. $2.5 mil guaranteed with the possibility of making $10 mil if he pitched the entire season. For a player that might be through after this last surgery, I think it is very fair. Wren has made a few mistakes but this is not one of them. Good luck John, but the Braves did what was right, you just decided to take a higher guaranteed salary of $5 mil and play on a contender. If john doesn’t win more than 5 games, and we sign Derek Lowe and he wins 15 games, Wren will look like a genius.

By JR

January 10, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

Come on. I love Schmoltzy as much as any Braves player but be realistic. He wasn’t going to be able to pitch until at least 2 months in to the season and that was just speculative. The Braves offrered a great incentive laden contract so if he was tp pitch sooner and effectively he would be fairly compensated. What the hell is wrong with that? He went for the money. Get it? The Braves would have to give up a roster spot for a maybe. Think about it. JR

By Don't Follow The Herd

January 10, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

We all know you’re an out of the closet liberal entitlement junkie, .. Larry

Classic conservative loud mouth always shilling for the rich and never taking responsibility for the messes you make as a result of it.Classic conservative trying to make political hay out of a baseball comment. Please be quiet while “the liberals” fix the mess you people have made.

And this is for Braves comments, fake fans included. Thanks.

By Wayne in Utah

January 10, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Mark I feel for you man! In reviewing your blog here the past 30 minutes, I can see why FW would think that real baseball fans aren’t on blogs. Actually, there are a few around, but I would have to agree with him.

There are a lot of flaming azzholes on your blog today. My old friend JoeBrave doesn’t seem to know when to shut his pie hole.

Joe, your a frickin idiot.

There are a few voices of reason on, but their voices are drowned out by the whining and crying.

I usually frequent the MIB Blog, but because I am laid up for a few days. I am blog hopping, but not to worry, I am using protection.

Also, the Braves attendance might go down this year. Actually, it will be difficult to determine exactly why it will go down, but the fact that there is a huge economic disaster going on in our country might have something to do with it.

I don’t really think that the few flaming A-holes who are threatening to leave the fold are really going to matter.

A real baseball fan will examine the entire body of work of FW, and probably love the Braves still. So, if we lose less than 90 games next year, what will your arguments be. With JS for 6 games, we lost 90 games. What say we lose 85 games in 2009, how will we be able to blame that on Frank Wren or losing John Smoltz.

But heck, logic doesn’t matter with the whiners and crybabies, does it?

Fred, Robbie T, tore, JR and others, keep the faith.

Like I said, Mark, I feel for you man!

FW You are right, there is very little intelligent life on the blogs.

By proeye

January 10, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop 2:49 pm

Your comments are right on the money. Never ever disrespect the die hard fan.

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 6:59 PM | Link to this

To answer the question posed above: I’m pretty sure Frank Wren remembers Cal Ripken Jr. I’m sure he’ll never forget Cal Ripken Jr. Feel free to Google those two names if you don’t get my meaning.

By Jerald Holcombe

January 10, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this

When the news broke of Smoltz agreeing to terms with the Red Sox, I was purely pi$$ed and ready to take a year off from baseball. Smoltz is one of my all-time favorites and I have no doubt that he will come back and pitch like Smoltz later in this 2009 season. BUT! Now that I have the understanding that, by John’s own admission, he wouldn’t be able to go until some point in June, then I agree with Wren not signing him. We are coming off a 90 loss season and 4th place in our division. We have to have a team in place on opening day that we can count on to go the long haul, and Smoltz couldn’t give us that. I don’t agree with Mark Bradley, or anyone else, that says we are in a rebuilding mode. We have too many good players to be rebuilding. We have just signed Kawakami and along with Jurrjens, Vazquez, and either Morton, or my personal favorite Campillo, we have a reasonable 4-man rotation in place now with Hanson coming up quickly. What we don’t have is an ace right now, and signing Lowe won’t give us that ace. But, I wouldn’t be mad if he signed with us either. An ace is a strange thing. Even Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz didn’t start out as aces. They developed into aces. Jurjjens is the closest that we have to becoming an ace, and it may happen this season. Who’s knows until it happens. We all believe that Hanson will be the ace of the team down the road. But for right now, the Braves will be anchored, with or without Lowe, by a decent set of pitchers who won’t make us great, but won’t kill us either. We have a really good offensive/defensive infield in place with one of the best catchers in the game. What we need to get us over the hump is the outfield. If Francoeur can rebound, we stand a good chance to compete for a playoff spot. I would love to see Orlando Hudson signed and playing 2B and KJ in left and Schafer playing center. But all in all, we need output from the outfield in order to get us in contention. That, and staying healthy, for once.

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this

Here. I’ll save you the trouble of Googling.

By Counter Larry

January 10, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

Yeah Larry, you’re one of the guys who would do a great job in a corporate bathroom working for tips from Wall Street Types that got us into this finanacial mess! You could lick their shoes when they left to get that extra couple of bucks while you were at it. Larry….get a clue! Not questioning authority and assuming the Fortune 500 types know what’s best for this country has put us in this mess.

Larry…. you’re a dinosaur. Now why don’t you join Sarah Palin and cry about the press for a while won’t you? lol

By proeye

January 10, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah is a frickin’ idiot (your words). If you are with Wren thinking that we bloggers are morons and don’t represent popular opinion then we have to question what you are smoking.

The simple facts are that Wren has been made of fool of more than once, he has embarrassed the great Braves organization, and he has topped it all off by disrespecting the fans—the die hard fans no less.

When is it going to end? It is not about whining and this is why I don’t respect YOU Wayne. You can’t see anything that is so plain as day it is unbelieveable. How rude of you to say that we are all a bunch of idiots and flaming azzholes. Wow, if anything, you need to be removed from ever posting here again since this is the definition of flaming.

Don’t now tell us that you were only directing your comments to a few people. Not true. Look at your last statement: FW You are right, there is very little intelligent life on the blogs. I take offense to this.

I don’t normally call people out but this post takes the cake.

By corkylikesbeer

January 10, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz sold tickets in Atlanta!!!!!!!!!!!!

By mike

January 10, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

Smoltz knows he’s getting older, his stuff isn’t what it was, and most importantly, he badly wants another post season run. Now, while he has the chance, with Boston. Had the Braves landed Peavy, Burnette, and Furcal, he might have stayed. But you can’t blame the man wanting to add to his post season totals. I would have done the same.

By Wayne in Utah

January 10, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this

proeye I was completely serious. There are very few competent folks on the blogs these days, and YES, my comments were directed at you and your side.

And, yes, I include myself as one of the “idiots” as I don’t have a problem with ripping myself a new one. I am an idiot because I continue to argue with folks like yourself, who have very little common sense.

Now, go and attend no more Braves games if that makes you happy, but try to read all parties comments, analyze them and their motivation, and use some common sense. If you still think the blog truly represents a wide base of knowledgeable fans, then we will have to agree to disagree. I only call folks flaming azzholes when I see a firestorm of stupidity (from my perspective, understoon) coming in general from the blog. Or if I am severly drugged.

Have a nice life, and I mean that sincerely!

By proeye

January 10, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley…

It appears that Frank Wren is heading down that same path with the Orioles by embarrassing the organization (on more than one occasion), getting his own boss involved (you know your boss NEVER likes to have to intervene), ticking off two of the franchises’ greats (Smoltzie & Chipper), and he appears to have torque’d off the die hard fans.

Wow, this guy is really arrogant. Seems to me that GM’s should be level-headed guys because they speak for the organization.

By Mitch

January 10, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

Mr Wren is living with his head in an alternative reality.

The problem for Wren is this: When the Braves aren’t good, the fans don’t show up. This team is coming off a 90 loss season, and coming into a season where the economy is brutal. During the 1991-1992 recession, fans showed up every night, because they knew that they would see a young, good team, that would keep them on the edge of their seats. After 9-11, when the economy went bad, the fans could come to the park and see future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz pitch on any given night. We had over ten years of division titles, and a history of winning. Now, how different are we then we were in the late 1980s? Jeff F and Mccann are our Dale Murphy and Bob Horner of back then, and Jair J and Javier Vasquez represent the Rick Mahler and Zane Smith from that time period. Besides Mccann, an injury plagued Chipper, and an up and down Jeff F, we have nothing. Why should fans come to see this team? We missed every free agent signing except mediocre Javy Vazquez, Smoltz is gone. Glavine may or may not come back, and, if you read between his comments, he may not want to come back. Remember, folks, Tommy’s from Boston. With Smoltzie there, it would not surprise me one bit to see the Red Sox give him some kind of small contract, and for Tommy to hot foot it to Boston, to be near his family, and his friend Smoltz. I’m not saying that’s going to happen, but…

Getting back to Mr Wren. The Braves supposedly had all this money to spend, but no one wants to take it. This guy needs to do something big, anything, whether it be signing Lowe, making some good trade for a starter, or something, to even try to save face. Glavine coming back and winning 10 to 12 games would help, but, we cant count on that.

Should Wren be fired now? Maybe not. But, if he fails to do anything this offseason, or during the season, and we lose another 90 games, you would have to think back to back 90 loss seasons, a distinct possibility with the state of this team now, would call for a change in the GM, and maybe for Bobby and John S to hang it up too.

If Frank signs Lowe, that will help. If Glavine makes it back, that will help.

As you said, Frank, one month plus til pitchers and catchers. Do something, anything, to bolster this team. We need it.

Mitch

By bryan

January 10, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

F**k Wren!

By southga brave

January 10, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this

I have a question for you, just how much are we signing an unknown pitcher from an inferior league? Yes he had good numbers but so do some of the pitchers in the Mexican League. I am sure we could find a pitcher there also with those numbers and credentials. Maybe the pitcher from another inferior league would pitch every FIFTH day and not have a sore back! I may be wrong, but you do use your back a lot when pitching. Oh what he is a Japenese pitcher with good ERA? I believe the Braves had a proven pitcher they just let get away that had ALL the credentials against superior talent. If you dont think so look at Smoltz’s playoff record. If, and I said if they are both healthy which would you want trying to win game seven? I know we offered the Japenese pitcher more than we did Smoltz. That is the shame of it all. I am glad for Smoltz to get to pitch for a potential WS team again. Yes it is about ego and all professionals have one. Make no mistake you would too! No one likes being made a insulting offer when you are about to be HOF’er.

Do these guys make to much money? Yes and they have for about 25 years, but to single out Smoaltz when would have been paid middle of the road money is not fair. He would not have made what aNumber three pitcher ( Javier) on this team will make. Now if you were Smoltz wouldn’t you honestly be insulted? Smoltz on his worst day is better than a #3 pitcher! Get a grip people this was about respect and FW should none and will get none from me no matter what he accomplishes from here on.

For those of you that think you are fans and don’t know all the times Smoltz pitch in pain and the money passed over to stay with the Braves, get your head out of the sand! If you are a real fan you know that his shoulder hurt so bad a few years back he threw sidearm and knuckle balls because he could raise his arm over his head. No he doesn’t deserve the money, lets give 25 mil a year to a jerk (Manny) that plays hard when it is for him and if he has a headache he sits out 3 days. I will take a gamer not a loafer. Ask the Red Sox fans which they would risk their money on!!!!!

By Wayne in Utah

January 10, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

Mark We have never talked, but like I said earlier, I feel for you!

I have ticked off folks on two blogs today; my work is done.

By Reid

January 10, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this

After reading what Wren has said it just proves he not up to the job! Please firer him now while we can save what can be saved of the Braves as we know it!

By dthurmond

January 10, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this

Yeah, normal fans might not usually blog, leave posts or make calls.I am one of those that dont,but somthing this bad makes the normal everyday fan take up arms let everyone know how upset thay.I have not missed a opening day home game in almost 10 years.That will change this year!Wren is pathetic and your article sux also MB

By Supes

January 10, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah, I’ve always respected your opinion on The DOB blogs and I make a point to read your blog entries, but we are going to have to AGREE to DISAGREE this time sir.

Thank you and have a great night!

By To Dawgs

January 10, 2009 7:48 PM | Link to this

Joe Flacco rockie of the year Ravens

By Wren's signed a pticher!

January 10, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS FROM ESPN! ESPN is reporting that the Braves have signed Bob from Acountemps to take Smoltz’s place on the roster. Who says you need a future Hall of Famer, with a 21 year history of success on the roster?

The only potential holdup is the rumor that Bob has taken Wren’s offer sheet to the Dodgers…

By Eric Shelander

January 10, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

The idea that Frank Wren wants to say that folks that write on blogs and call talk radio shows are not main stream fans is a whole big bunch of hoooeeeee!

I really thought Mr. Wren was more astute and had more Sports Management acumen and savvy than that.

Obviously I am very much mistaken.

Frank Wren made a business decision, as did Bobby Cox, and JS. However, his follow through was lacking.

Truth finally filters out the Braves headshed was worried that Smoltz couldn’t come back. Ok, so you make the decision, you announce it and move on down the road.

Did not happen that way. Same thing with how JS has treated several other players over the years, and it is now catching up with JS and Frank Wren. The bottom line, players don’t think they can trust him. Will Lowe sign with the Braves, possibly, but it won’t be because of anything JS or Frank Wren does, it will be as a result of the players and fans reactions to how Smoltz was treated. I really believe that.

The word is out, despite all those good years, I really truly believe my dad may have been right all along and I just could not see it. The Braves did not win 14 divisions in a row because of Bobby, JS and Frank, they won it in spite of them.

By BravesFansNeedToTakeAPill

January 10, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this

Folks it’s just a game. We’re all human. It is a business and they need to go where the money is. Right now, we need to concern ourselves with keeping our economy moving and enjoy the game when we see it.

Right now, you need to nurture your kids and look to the future folks.

By barry p

January 10, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

I will never step foot inside Turner Filed again, unless it is to see Smoltz throw a pitch. And I hope it is a wild pitch that drills Wren, McGirk, & president Scheurholz. Disgraceful. Enjoy not seeing my money anymore. Now that Skip, Pete, & Smoltz are gone, Jimmy Cracked Corn & I don’t care!!!!!!!!!

By Get a Clue

January 10, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Smoltz can’t get the clue that it’s time to retire. You’re 42 - time to pull the plug and retire gracefully.

By Whatever

January 10, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this

If Frank Wren was such a good “business man” then he would stop insulting the fans through his words, actions and giant head and realize he needs their financial support.

All he has done this offseason is isolate Braves nation by suggesting that the type of fan to be upset over losing John Smoltz isn’t the fan whose opinion matters to him.

By Wayne in Utah

January 10, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this

Supes I did promise that I was gone, didn’t I. OOPS. Hey, go and read all the articles written about John Smoltz in the past 48 hours. (all of them) Then check out the responses from FW, Smoltz, McQuirk, and others. Analyze all that.

Realize that FW’s marching orders might be to turn this club into a winner, primarily by using our strengths, and don’t get caught up in over fantasizing the performances of the past. Just my guess.

Smoltz has always had a somewhat adversarial relationship with the FO. He probably blamed Schuerholz for Glavine leaving. The Braves have never been held over a barrel by a player or his agent. Remember the Maddux/Boras lie, a year before he left.

They just flat out don’t put up with that sort of stuff.

I just strongly feel that Smoltz got his feelings hurt because the Braves wouldn’t play by his rules, or the rules of the huge market teams, and took this opportunity to bolt.

Do you think that 5 million guaranteed for staying healthy on the roster for ONLY 60 days is an insult to a guy who wll be 42, and who just had major shoulder surgery. Heck, that’s even tough for our Superman Smoltz.

On top of that, he was making overtures about not being ready until later in the season. The Braves wanted to wait to get things done, but I suspect John’s impatience caused them to decide to make him a fair, but not overly agressive offer.

How do you deal with someone like that? Sometimes, if they want to walk away, you just let them.

Not trying to necessarily change your mind (well, maybe just a little bit!).

Did you get your feelings hurt when I said that there were a lot of azzholes on the blog, and that I agreed with FW about the nature of the blog? (gotta tell you, there are a lot of flaming a-holes here, and Frank was mainly right.)

I hope not, as I was not talking about people who disagree with me, but those who seem to go to extreme’s in their FW Hate tirades. Folks that don’t look at the big picture.

Let’s keep the dialogue open. I am heading across the street now.

By barry p

January 10, 2009 8:00 PM | Link to this

Turner Field….I’m still miffed.

By Shane

January 10, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this

Poor John Smoltz. Only offered 2.5 million. How on earth would he survive? Dont you people get it ? Smoltz doesnt give a da*n about you people. If you miss a mortgage payment call your hero and see how far you get LOL. Smotlz got 14 million to not pitch last year. When the economy is in the tank the greed these people show is amazing.

By Chance

January 10, 2009 8:03 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a huge Smoltz fan since he started with the Braves. It will be sickening to see him in another uniform. I also remember what it felt like to have so many pitchers drawing millions for not pitching last year. The braves will pay Hudson 15 mill. in 2009 and he may not throw a pitch. We just signed Kawakami and if we get Lowe too then I’ll feel better about our rotation than sinking 5.5 mill into an injured 42yr old that will miss the first two months of the season at minimum.

By Wayne in Utah's Alter Ego

January 10, 2009 8:03 PM | Link to this

A message to Frank Wren: Eat $hit and die!

Just kidding Frank, I still love you dad. See you at supper!

By Fire Frank Wren

January 10, 2009 8:03 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the quote, Mark, but when will you write an objectively critical piece of the missteps made by the Braves, and particularly Frank Wren, this offseason? I am glad to see that you admit that the signing of Vazquez is what it is—a mistake. But after boasting that the Braves have $40 million to spend and make the team better, what have they done? Are you on the payroll? Is that why you refuse to criticize an obviously hapless front office?

The Braves have been run like a business and not a baseball for the past few years, which is why they are losing. But, what these faceless business people who look at annual balance sheets strictly on a year-to-year basis don’t see is that they are losing fans—the source of their precious revenue—by not taking care of the “Assets” side of the balance sheet. They lost their biggest asset this week. They are poised to lose their biggest remaining asset—Chipper—this time next year from the sounds of things. If Chipper’s gone in a year, Heaven help the Braves. They will become the Florida Marlins and average a mere 7,000 fans a game.

America’s Team? They’re barely Atlanta’s Team anymore.

Frank Wren is a disaster as a GM.

Give me the job. At least I’d keep the fans in the seats.

By Frank Wren really DID sign a pitcher!

January 10, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this

A Japanese import; pitched in a six man rotation last year and still battled injuries, so he might be as big an injury risk as Smoltz.

No new word on Bob from Accountemps. Rumor has it Arn Tellem is his agent, and Schuerholz is about to nix the deal.

By Haven'tBeenInAWhile

January 10, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this

I came to Atlanta the same year the Braves did--1966. I enjoyed them much as a kid. So did my two, now grown, boys when they were coming up. But the last years have been miserable because of the traffic, higher priced seating, pushy and inconsiderate fans, and too many new faces on the team--and in the broadcast booth-- with heartbreak over the loss of familiar ones. But things are looking up--with the Smoltz move, it looks like I won't have to contend with traffic or fans anymore.

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this

That’s correct. I’m on the payroll. You know that $5 million they wouldn’t give Smoltz? It’s because I’m getting it. (Please note sarcasm.)

I’m paid — by the AJC, not by the Braves — to write what I think. Opinions are by their nature subjective. Sometimes I like what a local team does. Sometimes I don’t. And just because you and I might happen to disagree on something doesn’t make me corrupt.

By Wayne in Utah

January 10, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

A Japanese import; pitched in a six man rotation last year and still battled injuries, so he might be as big an injury risk as Smoltz

See what I mean. Even good news from FW will be turned into a negative. It doesn’t matter what the Braves do, some people just want to complain.

By Fire Frank Wren

January 10, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this

By the way, why haven’t you or anyone else made more of the fact that Frank Wren hasn’t learned much in the almost ten years since his disasterous one-year tenure as the Orioles GM?

Sign Albert Belle to a ridiculous contract? Check.

Royally tick off the most beloved figure in Orioles history by telling the pilot to take off when you know he’s stuck in traffic 5 minutes away? Check.

In doing so, tick off the owner (your Boss)? Check.

Over see a losing record with one of the highest payrolls in baseball? Check.

Has anyone noted that Frank Wren has repreated that second mistake here in Atlanta (ticking off a beloved figure within a year)?

When you KNOW Smoltz isn’t going to pitch until June, you know he isn’t going to get 30 starts or 200 innings! Sorry, not only is that not “easily attainable,” THAT IS NOT ATTAINABLE.

Instead, he signs a 32 year-old who’s never pitched in MLB and is chronically hurt in a Japanese league while pitching in a 6-man rotation.

Because he’s more dependable than Smoltz…

Send Frank Wren back to St. Petersburg Junior College to learn a thing or two before he does anymore damage, which seems to be compounding daily.

Once again, I’ll take the job. At least I have a 4-year college degree and know what it’s like to be on the field.

By Bill Mustachio

January 10, 2009 8:37 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to see the Braves turning loose some of these old pitchers. These old guys trying to pitch and getting hurt are tough to watch every year. Maybe Tim H can give us another decent year before it’s time for him to move on, too. The new Latino comes with a medical history; too bad. That means he’ll make it to July…maybe. Hey Chipper, shape up too, or ship out! It’s time for you to read the header on your checks. I don’t think it says “Fellow Union Member Smoltz!”

By Wayne in Utah

January 10, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this

Once again, I’ll take the job. At least I have a 4-year college degree and know what it’s like to be on the field.

No thank you. For all we know, you could be a 12 year old who stole your mama’s computer. (I am actually a 14 year old with lots of pimples, and a sinus problem to boot!)

By BravesFan79

January 10, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

Yea WREN your right…. “NORMAL” fans DONT watch almost EVERY single game of the season like i have since 1991.

I like the fact we dissed a Smoltz who had a 2.00 ERA, yet are gonna depend on a Jap pitcher that only pitched 111 innings last year…. in a 6 man rotation??

Ill always dislike Wren for dissing Smoltz, just like ive always hated Pete Babsukacock for trading Dominique to a team where i never got to see him play again.

By BravesFan79

January 10, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this

Look…. if the Braves were SERIOUS about contending this year, they would of taken the Roger Clemens approach and waited until the summer to have Smoltz come back and make a 2nd half run for the playoffs. Ive been saying this since last season!

Looks like were in for long summer nights of the Jap and Vasquez getting lit up like a christmas tree. Congrats “rebuilding fans” looks like were gonna have the crappy season yall wanted so bad.

By Fire Frank Wren

January 10, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this

Hey, Wayne! Sorry about your Utes. I saw them play in Ann Arbor against Michigan. They should at least have a share of the National Championship.

Ironically, I have a sinus problem, too, and it’s killing me this week. And if I am a 12 year-old with a 4-year college degree, the Braves should absolutely hire me and make a TV show about it.

Doogie Howser, G.M.

By Bill Mustachio

January 10, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

All you Braves haters go spend your time on the Mets blog! You’re plowing old ground. We already know you hate Frank Wren for doing the right thing.

By Ron Roberts

January 10, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this

Poor poor Larry still licking his wounds from election day, I see.

Larry, you’re old school Rush Limbaugh-esque “call ‘em names, put a label on ‘em and call ‘em week instead of trying to debate ‘em point-for-point” style is as ancient as the Edsel, dude.

John Smoltz has earned the respect of the Braves’ organization; the Braves set up incentives he couldn’t possibly reach - which was an insult.

Oh, and before ya go throwing around words like “entitlement,” Larry, remember whose side tossed out $750 BILLION to the white-shirts (without condition) to (air quotes) “save” the banking inudstry and the American economy, too. Talk about entitlements… you’re an overbearing Faux News Channel drone; hell you’re probably carrying love-child for all I know. Speaking of “closets….”

By Michael

January 10, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

Where are the Dwight Goodens and Kerry Woods? Are there not any more teenagers throwing 95 mph trying to get into the league? Who can do their 3 yrs with the Braves until the Yankees offer $25 million? The Red Sox are rich and crazy.

By Greg

January 10, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this

Wren - what is a fan if he/she doesn’t listen to the radio, call in to the Braves talk, read the newspaper or voice their opinion on the blog? Your idea of a fan is someone like yourself who doesn’t know what is going on. What other disaster can we expect from you in the coming days?

By ACE

January 10, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

I hope the Braves organization awakens quickly to see Wrens demise of the Braves. By the way Wren, true sports fans read these columns and attend games , as a lifelong Braves fan, you’ve definitely lost me.

By brandon

January 10, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

Say the Braves had resigned Smoltz and he’d not been able to pitch, the Braves would have gotten flack for relying on aging arms and being sentimental by signing the Smoltz…

The Braves are trying to start fresh, trying to start new. They want to compete next season and they can’t rely on aging arms and John Smoltz wants to pitch in the postseason. Atlanta would have loved to have held on to Smoltz, but, ultimately, Smoltz wants more than a chance to pitch. He wants a chance to win.

By Frank's Average Fan

January 10, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

Mr. Wren - thanks for drawing attention to the “average fan” in today’s comments. As an “average fan,” I have paid $$ for Braves tickets each year, putting off the purchase of other nice items, to support the Braves and the game I Iove.

After reading your insightful and inspirational comments, I went out and purchased a new Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenaline with Sirrus Radio. Before leaving the dealership, I saved all the radio pre-sets to ESPN and five other all-sports stations. Now, I can participate in sports-talk radio.

From there, I drove to the mall, bought a MacBook Pro, came home and set it up in order to enter the wild, wackly, wonderful world of BravesBloggers. This has truly been a busy and great day!

With the money saved by ceasing to exist as an “average fan,” I can pay for a new car, new computer, call sports talk shows, bolg, and order my MLB internet subscription to catch all the BoSox games for next season. Thanks Frank, for helping me see the light. Although you won’t see me in the future, I am an now an “above average fan,” with $$ in the wallet. I will use the time I save commuting to and sitting through Braves games to enjoy it. Sir, you truly are a genius!

By Johnny B

January 10, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

bradley & wren

You guys just don’t know when to leave it alone do ya?

So, I blog and listen to sports radio (not gonna sit on hold for 45 min. to talk on the radio!) and I’m not an average fan?

You’re right, I’m a FANatic from which the word fan is derived so I guess this makes all of us on here lesser in wrens eyes…Well guess what, you are much less a GM in my eyes so I guess it goes both ways!

What you seem to forget is I SUPPORT YOU’RE PRODUCT!! you needed me and my kind but my kind can certainlly do without you!

bradley you say Smoltz is 41 and coming off an injury so the Braves not matching the offer is good..So you as many before are counting him out..eh? So at years end when he has posted better numbers than any of the Braves starters you’ll write a article / blog eating a humble crow pie?

Somehow I figure not!

By Mark Bradley

January 10, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

I’ve heard of eating crow. I’ve heard of eating humble pie. I’ve never heard of eating humble crow pie.

By Canadian Braves Fan

January 10, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

I cant believe Wren disrespected the fans like this.  Will you Frank buy my Braves items, cause I dont want or need them anymore

By Canadian Braves Fan

January 10, 2009 10:23 PM | Link to this

I cant believe Wren disrespected the fans like this.  Will you Frank buy my Braves items, cause I dont want or need them anymore

By Canadian Braves Fan

January 10, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this

sorry about double post

By thad

January 10, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

smoltz wanted out. he didnt even give the braves a chance to counter offer. he just left. thats it, bottom line. smoltz wanted to leave.

By Canadian Braves Fan

January 10, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren needs to SHUT the H*ll up. He yapped about 2 front end starters and no Peavy, a big bat and NOTHING, now talks smack about bloggers. I sure hope JS fires your azz very soon Frank

By DAP01

January 10, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this

Best of luck Smoltz. Best of luck Boston.

PS: Boston, don’t be surprised when Smoltz says that he is great one day and then says I am out for the season the next.

The Braves disrespected him last year with that $14 million for April.

If Smoltz wanted to stay he would have believed that he could pitch for 60 days and made him money. Be truthful Smoltz and good ridance!

By Earl

January 10, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this

The “AVERAGE FAN” can’t afford the ticket, parking and consession prices because of the salaries that most of these egotistical players and bloggers think should be paid just to lure a popular name to the team. Good Job Frank Wren. Don’t give in to over paying.

By A-ville Ranger

January 10, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this

Contrast JS with Frank Wren in the photo on today’s AJC sports page.While Wren has a totally inappropriate grin/smirk.John looks very distressed.Wren is in way over his head and he’s too arrogant and self centered to get it.

By Cashews

January 10, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this

Wake up people. I grew up with a John Smoltz poster on my wall like the rest of us but we have to rebuild folks. The offer he was presented would have garnered him the same amount from us as the Red Sox deal except it involved him actually having to pitch.

I can understand the frustration, believe me, but seeing Tom Glavine waddle out opening day last year with a gut and a 64 mph change up really opened my eyes. It’s time we all stopped being emotional and start thinking about how to build a new dynasty.

Go ahead and stay home this season. We won’t miss you.

By DMBJAMS

January 10, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this

**Hey Mark, you gotta little sumpin on your chin.

Can we get a DNA analysis?**

By Cashews

January 10, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

Also, everyone seems to be forgetting that Hudson will be back. At least for a short while this season. If we pick up Lowe, our rotation will be stacked by then.

Now we just need a big bat that isn’t Andruw Jones and Francouer to shape the hell up.

By Ron H

January 10, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is gone. Let’s take the remaining lemons and make lemonade! Maybe we can add a strawberry or two that’ll sweeten the juice.

Smoltz was offered a deal. He didn’t try to negotiate and bolted to a team he thought would be a playoff contender…that’s how much he cares about atlanta…”oh, i love atlanta with……” I call BULL$H!T

Bye smoltz. I hope we get to see you (and beat you) in interleague play.

I have to hand it to you, though, you’re a businessman…

By THE BEAR

January 10, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this

I HAVE A QUESTION:

Let’s suppose John Smoltz had been a 42 year old pitcher for the Boston Red Sox for 20 years and whose surgeon had said had gone through one of the most serious cases of surgery he had ever performed. And Smoltz had told you he could not guarantee he could pitch until about June and was not even certain about that. What would your reaction be if Frank Wren paid $5.5 million guaranteed for that 42 year old pitcher who had only pitched 18 innings last year?

I submit you would want to tear Wren limb by limb because he has wasted 5% of the Braves’ annual salary budget. Not one person on this blog would support him.

All of you want to waste the budget money and to hell with putting a winning team on the field this year so long as you pay your favorite 42 year old from now on. Do you not realize that Smoltz got $14 million last year for NOT PITCHING? How stupid can you get?

By big o

January 10, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this

Mark you are wrong on this. The best way to judge a stock is to look at past performance. John will win at least 10 games for Boston. Like Chipper said you don’t bet against Smoltz. Wren is to the Braves what Babcock was to the Hawks. I hate him.

By JOEBRAVE

January 10, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah, Why don’t you lick the hairy spot between the cheeks of my piehole You snowblind peckerchomping crackhead!!!

By CW

January 10, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

Vazquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami, are a great start to our rotation and Derek Lowe will be an awesome addition. Not sure when Hudson is projected back and Tommy Hanson will likely be in the mix at some point.

Some of you need to settle down and get over the whole Smoltz deal. If you want to get pi$$ed about something, get angry about how we rented Texeira for a year and a half and paid a good bit of money and 5 prospects for the pleasure of doing so. Or get angry that a player that was paid $500,000 per inning last year now has the brass to claim he was “disrespected” by his team because they wouldn’t guarantee him $5.5 million regardless of whether he ever suited up.

Disrespect indeed. Let’s go sign D. Lowe and get ready to play ball.

By big o

January 10, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this

Stop being a punk Frank Wren. Bloggers are the real fans who care. You did it own up to it and read what we think of you. You are incompetent. From now on your name is Frank Wrong.

By Johnny B

January 10, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this

Bradley

Didn’t know which “flavor” you liked best so I made it a combo! :)

I don’t agree with what happened but what’s done is done and I wish Smoltz godspeed.

Still not impressed with wren and up until the Smoltz debacle I was defending him regularly on DOBs blogs. The arrogant attitude he seems to have toward the fans doesn’t help.

Tell ya what, I’ll readily admit I was wrong about Smoltz if he doesn’t have an outstanding season for Boston…I’ll take the humble pie! If I’m right you can eat the crow! Deal?

By turkey

January 10, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

Their here. The bad news braves are back.

By NO MORE BOBBY

January 11, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this

Wren and Cox are both cut throat and I can’t wait until the day they are on the other end to see what it feels like.

By BravesfaninMD

January 11, 2009 12:17 AM | Link to this

I agree with the minority here… Smoltz is done and simply wanted an excuse to go after another World Series ring. There is no way, after giving him $14m last year and he pitched so little, that he should’ve expected so much money. It is ridiculous how much money these guys make today and Smoltzie was just greedy. He could’ve done something special, unique and just retired as a Brave, but some guys just don’t know when to hang it up. I do hope that I am wrong and that he has a good year with the BoSox, but I don’t think that will happen.

By DANGER

January 11, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this

FRANK WREN DO THE WORLD A FAVOR AND JUMP OFF A CLIFF

By Johnny B

January 11, 2009 1:01 AM | Link to this

I don’t think it was a matter of Smoltie being greedy. It’s been well documented that he has taken less the last 2 contracts to stay in Atlanta.

the 14 million he got last year was on a contract he signed when healthy. He did everything in his ability to pitch thru it but just wasn’t able to continue.

Dr.Andrews said his shoulder was one of the worst he had seen and he does more surgery on pitchers than all the others combined.

I think more than anything he felt disrespected and that the Braves didn’t think he could come back, which he has proven time and again the naysayers are wrong.

If we were talking about 10 to 14 million this year I could understand, but we’re talking about a 3 million dollar difference in a business that regulary gives more than that to a HIGH SCHOOL prospect!

The PR backlash alone is enough to cost them more than that! This is JOHN SMOLTZ the Icon of the Braves and the ultimate warrior competitor. Even if he never threw another pitch you can’t excuse not signing him…IMO.

Maybe Smoltz took this opportunity to move on and have 1 last shot at another ring and I’m OK with that, I wish him godspeed.

In the grand scheme of things not signing him will and has cost the Braves more than the $$$ involved. wrens comments about the situation and how he views the fans comes off as pompus and arrogant..He should stop and reflect on where the $$$ for his salay comes from!

By MIke

January 11, 2009 1:11 AM | Link to this

The Braves first of all needs to stop being cheap.This is not attractive place for free agents.The braves have never been a team that could compete financialy for top tier players.Free agents want to go to a place were they know they could compete for championships yearly.If anyone notice in the Teixeira press conference with the yankees he said one reason he sign there was because he knew the Yankees arent scared to go after the big money players and the top players that would give them a chance to win night in and night out something the braves arent doing.The Braves needs to start fielding a team that could compete within the division and bring fans to a game.The Mets,Phillies,Marlins,and even the Nats dont have anything to worry about. And I dont blame John Smoltz for leaving I personally dont think the money was a factor he wanted to be on a team that could compete for a title and the braves are obviously not going to do that.

By Disgusted

January 11, 2009 1:26 AM | Link to this

The simple fact is that the Braves spent approximately $40 million last year paying Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, Soriano and Moylan not to pitch. To do that again this season by overpaying for a 42 year old pitcher coming off of major shoulder surgery and who would not be ready to pitch until at least June would be irresponsible. Don’t get me wrong, I think Smoltz is amazing, but those people who are making Wren out to be some diabolical force actively trying to sabotage the Braves is just plain silly. While it was somewhat impolitic of him to characterize bloggers as some sort of “lunatic fringe” separate and apart from “average fans”, give the guy a break, stop taking it so personally and see how things play out come spring training. Besides, it seems pretty clear to me that money wasn’t really the issue, and that Smoltz was more interested in playing for a contender in Boston with one last chance for another World Series ring than pitching in relative anonymity for a lesser caliber team here. Change is inevitable, players get old and have to be replaced, eras end, and its time to move on.

By Fan since '71

January 11, 2009 1:31 AM | Link to this

“At Wren’s order, the plan[e] took off without Cal, who arrived at the gate a few minutes later. Cal was then forced to make his own cross-country travel arrangements,” Foss said in the release.

” … In the opinion of management, there was no need for such an arbitrary and inflexible decision. In the meeting [on Tuesday], Wren defiantly dismissed our concerns [and] characterized them as ‘silly.’ …

“The Orioles management cannot and will not abide having a general manager operate in such an unreasonable, authoritarian manner and treat anyone in this way, especially someone such as Cal who has done so much for the Orioles and for baseball.”

Looks like Frankie learned a lot in the last 10 years. What a complete a*******hole.

If he was willing to spit in Ripkin’s face, you can guess what he thinks of the lowly fans. Oh wait, he already stated his POV very clearly.

Here is my POV:

Frank Wren you are a POS!!!!

By Mike

January 11, 2009 1:37 AM | Link to this

Get Ready for the new ATLANTA LIONS!!! 0-162

By #1 Smoltz Fan

January 11, 2009 1:41 AM | Link to this

Whats shocking me most on the blog is not the insanity basically stating Wren should be on death row, but those that are actually trying to defend the statement “I don’t think the average sports fan calls talk radio, nor do I think he goes on the blogs. That’s a special group of fans — someone who wants the experience of making a call or typing a sentence.”

HE JUST SLAMMED EVERY BLOGGER HERE, SPECIAL GROUP OF FANS WAS NOT A COMPLIMENT FOR THOSE THAT ARE “SPECIAL”

I will admit my ignorance as I had never read the reason Frank was fired from the Orioles (Thank Bradley for the link), but that fueled the fire even more.

To be honest, I think this guy may even have something against the veteran’s on a team. Is it that they compromise his sense of power? Could it be that he said to hell with Ripken because FRANK WREN waits for noone?

I think this guy is cocky, he does not seem to get the fact that the fans are the ones that pay the bills. HE MUST PLAY TO US AS HIS CUSTOMERS…not belittle us, not call teh Braves icon “aging” or infer that he is all washed up when we all know that the guy will more than likely win 15+ games or literally throw his arm off his shoulder trying.

There is no replacement for Smoltz, Wren knows it, McJerk knows it….this is why they claim to be shocked, and claim that they do not know what is going through Smoltz’s head right now…..because they did not do their job.

A japanese guy will not replace Smoltz (by the way KK was on the disabled list last year too, he had back problems I believe…so there goes the we dont want to take chances theory Wrenny), neither will Lowe. Nobody will pitch with the heart or dedication of Smoltz. We have let the winninest pitcher in post season history go because of some guaranteed money? Let’s not forget with incentives both contracts were for 10M….that is what they were signing up to pay him.

BOTTOM LINE, IN MY OPINION SMOLTZ, MADDUX, CLEMENS, AND A FEW OTHERS ARE WORTH 5M To SIT ON THE BENCH AND TALK TO JURGENS/HANSON ANY OTHER YOUNG PITCHERS. THEIR KNOWLEDGE IS IRREPLACEABLE….I DONT CARE IF SMOLTZ PITCHED A GAME IN 2009. YOU CANNOT ARGUE WITH THAT WREN SUPPORTERS

By #1 Smoltz Fan

January 11, 2009 1:42 AM | Link to this

Whats shocking me most on the blog is not the insanity basically stating Wren should be on death row, but those that are actually trying to defend the statement “I don’t think the average sports fan calls talk radio, nor do I think he goes on the blogs. That’s a special group of fans — someone who wants the experience of making a call or typing a sentence.”

HE JUST SLAMMED EVERY BLOGGER HERE, SPECIAL GROUP OF FANS WAS NOT A COMPLIMENT FOR THOSE THAT ARE “SPECIAL”

I will admit my ignorance as I had never read the reason Frank was fired from the Orioles (Thank Bradley for the link), but that fueled the fire even more.

To be honest, I think this guy may even have something against the veteran’s on a team. Is it that they compromise his sense of power? Could it be that he said to hell with Ripken because FRANK WREN waits for noone?

I think this guy is cocky, he does not seem to get the fact that the fans are the ones that pay the bills. HE MUST PLAY TO US AS HIS CUSTOMERS…not belittle us, not call teh Braves icon “aging” or infer that he is all washed up when we all know that the guy will more than likely win 15+ games or literally throw his arm off his shoulder trying.

There is no replacement for Smoltz, Wren knows it, McJerk knows it….this is why they claim to be shocked, and claim that they do not know what is going through Smoltz’s head right now…..because they did not do their job.

A japanese guy will not replace Smoltz (by the way KK was on the disabled list last year too, he had back problems I believe…so there goes the we dont want to take chances theory Wrenny), neither will Lowe. Nobody will pitch with the heart or dedication of Smoltz. We have let the winning-est pitcher in post season history go because of some guaranteed money? Let’s not forget with incentives both contracts were for 10M….that is what they were signing up to pay him.

BOTTOM LINE, IN MY OPINION SMOLTZ, MADDUX, CLEMENS, AND A FEW OTHERS ARE WORTH 5M To SIT ON THE BENCH AND TALK TO JURGENS/HANSON ANY OTHER YOUNG PITCHERS. THEIR KNOWLEDGE IS IRREPLACEABLE….I DONT CARE IF SMOLTZ PITCHED A GAME IN 2009. YOU CANNOT ARGUE WITH THAT WREN SUPPORTERS

By PHIL

January 11, 2009 1:51 AM | Link to this

If Wren doesn’t think that “the masses” are hot because he let John Smoltz leave, that’s further proof he lacks the judgement needed to do his job.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

January 11, 2009 1:53 AM | Link to this

Mark, the Panthers have now been blessed by the Cardinals. What did you expect? After all, these people are the one who select incoming Popes. You know they’ve got some influence with the Almighy!

By Atlantarama

January 11, 2009 1:59 AM | Link to this

Do you really think Smoltz’s pitching will add substantially to the Red Sox? No, it was a P.R. move. The Red Sox bought Smoltz’s NAME, that’s all. It was worth more to them than to the Braves, so instead of blaming Wren, blame the Red Sox for stealing Smoltz by offering more than the Braves knew he was worth.

By #1 Smoltz Fan

January 11, 2009 2:02 AM | Link to this

Disgusted et al,

I agree that last year was horrible, an enormous amount of money for a pitching nightmare. But we are basically already avoiding the same. Nobody is asking Wren to pay Smoltz 40M….I dont think anyway, the point is he should have recieved teh guaranteed 5M, or at least a courtesy conversation stating we will do whatever it takes to bring you back.

As a business man he has to manage the financial aspect, which I agree with, but with $40M+ to spend would it be that big of a risk to add $3M of guaranteed to a pitcher that you can be 80% certain will pitch for at least 75% of the season, mentor the young guns, inspire an entire team and be a lock #1, #2 pitcher when he is healthy?

Lets think logically here, A. Smoltz is ahead of his recovery schedule, B. the Dr.s must be fairly confident in the success of the surgery or nobody would sign him, C. Frankie was prepared to hand him 2.5M to do nothing, and provided what he believed to be reasonable incentives, so whats the difference in another $3M? Please someone tell me the risk in $3M, and how that outweighs the potential benefits of having a top of the rotation pitcher that happens to be the face of the Braves, and has dedication and determination of a Lion?

By Sam Turkell

January 11, 2009 2:23 AM | Link to this

Dear Braves,

Remember that email you sent us a few weeks back stating that our payments for our season tickets had to be in by January 23rd?

Well, you jokers let that idiot Frank Wren insult your entire core fan base and ruin the goodwill you had (emphasis on the word “HAD”) with your season ticket holders.

The value of the tickets for which you demanded my hard-earned, overtaxed dollars are now worth significantly less. This has less to do with the mistreatment and loss of one player than it has to do with revealing of a once-classy organization as now being nothing but a bunch of overpaid used car salesmen.

I had not sent it my payment yet, and you will now NEVER get another penny from my family as long as Frank Wren remains in your employ.

Good Riddance, Braves!

Your FORMER Client,

Sam Turkell Austell, GA

By Finance 101

January 11, 2009 2:32 AM | Link to this

I was just doing some math and thought I would put the financial terms of the Wren Debacle in terms we can all understand.

Lets say Wren is responsible for managing $100,000,000 or payroll. Let’s assume the average person has responsibility of managing $50,000 a year in their salary. This means in our average salary $1 of our dollars is equal to $2000 of payroll Wren has responsibility for.

That would mean that the offer to J Smoltz ($2.5M) would be about the same as you or I spending $1,250 of our annual salary on something we really needed, like a critical repair to your house.

Basically F Wren just said I will not pay $2,750 (in our dollars) for this repair, because I think he is only worth $1,250 (in our dollars). Oh and by the way you decided not to get this critical repair to your house with $20,000 in your pocket ($40M in F Wren world).

Does not make sense, to me at least.

By UGA75

January 11, 2009 2:33 AM | Link to this

Mark you are the best columnist at the AJC which isn’t all that great of a compliment, just kidding about it not being a compliment. I’m a 58 year old life long Braves and Dawg Fan, and like most Atlantan’s a sometime Falcon’s fan. I don’t write many opinions on blogs, and I never call in Talk Radio though I listen to Buck and Kincaid every day. I once held Braves Season Tickets, and have held partial ticket packages every year but 94 due to a personal health issue. Prior to the Smoltz situation I would have bought a partial plan this year. I feel like most of the people hear that Frank Wren arrogantly insulted the readers and bloggers of your column and any other column, and pretty much buried the listeners and callers to the two talk radio stations in town. The majority of the callers and bloggers have valid opinions they can back up with facts that they interpet through their own viewpoint. They are sometime wrong, we all are, but they largely attempt to deal with facts.

John Smoltz could have been kept a Brave for $2 million, that would have allowed him to be a quasi-pitching coach which would have been good since the Braves don’t have one. Smoltzie was a good will ambasador for the Braves, he did all the broadcast last year while on the Disabled list and was great to listen to. His game knowledge was incredible, and he made we fans more informed. It was clear from Frank Wren’s handling of Cal Ripken Jr. and his lack of respect for Smoltz and Chipper that he resents long time fan favorites and that they somehow cast a shadow he can’t be seen through. He tries way to hard to put his imprint on a team when that might not be the best for that team in the here and now. Chipper is as good as gone, he doesn’t fit in with the Frank Wren program. For what its worth I’ve written a complete history of Mr. Wren’s work and sent it to Liberty Media’s Chairman of the Board. While Liberty is trying to stay hands off of the Braves until they can sell the club, they do not want to appear indifferent and uncaring though that may be the truth. Appearance is everything to publicly held companies not named Time Warner.

By #1 Smoltz Fan

January 11, 2009 2:44 AM | Link to this

Sam, UGA75

I enjoyed reading your comments. And I think more people should voice their opinions to Liberty Media as we all know the real decisions are made from the top.

I am inspired by the two of you to write a letter to Liberty Media myself, if the good ole Google will return an email address I can send it to.

Anyone have Liberty Media info for fans to send letters of discontent too? Thanks again.

By SC Dawg

January 11, 2009 2:45 AM | Link to this

I remember 1991 roster looking a lot like this 2009 roster is shaping up. Anyone remember what happened in 1991??

I remember a braves team beginning a new decade 1991 with players like, tom glavine, steve avery, john smoltz, kent mercker, pete smith, mike stanton, mark wohlers, on the pitching staff with players like rafael belliard, jeff blauser, vinny castilla, brian hunter, mark lemke, and jeff treadway and out field that looked like ron grant, tommy gregg, david justice, deion sanders an dthe old man lonnie smith. did anyone think that young team would do anything?? Wow, out of now where at the end of the season we hear braves win, braves win, braves win. YOU know, we’ll all miss the ole man and his gritty performance on the mound. we thank him for his greatness and the memories in atlanta. But lets move on to the next season with the same unlikely expectations we had when 1991 rolled out. maybe just maybe we win 90 games with this bunch of young guns and bats and we fall crazy in love with our team again. and again we’ll be rewarded with a playoff run that keeps us at the ball park and in front of that new 60” HDTV watching until the final out at 1am to announce. The braves battled back one more time. now folks come back out tomorrow night and lets get that last win and move on to the play offs against those hated mets, marlins, or phillies. I’ll be back sceaming my head off>>>>Go BRAVES and pick us up hoss, we need a run!! I can’t wait spring training in orlando, a couple of games against the dogs and jacketts for a little fun. seeing those new pitchers warming up. the smell of dirt and hot dogs and popcorn and beer. what a way to start the spring. lets hear it from the ump behind the plate >>> Let’s play ball>>> first up batting in the lead off position….Yunel escobar, 2. kelly johnson, 3 chipper jones, 4 brian mccann 5. raul ibanez 6. gegor blanco, 7 jeff brancour, 8 casey kotchman 9. jorge campillo

GO BRAVES 2009 OUR TEAM

By Patrick

January 11, 2009 2:49 AM | Link to this

First I must say after reading more into the Smoltz deal..I will recant the need for Wrens head. Five screws in a shoulder….Hmmm will be a great story once Smoltz takes the mound and pitches. We looked at Hampton like a cancer because we were paying him to sit..basically for 3 seasons. John sat most of last season and was going to sit half of this one..As a fan..I teared up when I thought of not seeing John in a Braves uniform. I was p** that my team could treat him so wrong. Now that the smoke has cleared..I don’t think I would have done it differently. If this was the team of 10 years ago..sure we roll the dice offer the money and cross our fingers. We had Maddux and Glavine to handle any slack. Well it’s 2009 and this is a new team. With the clock ticking I believe Smoltz just to be on a playoff team was best served by being with Boston..their current record shows me they will be in the hunt come late Sept/ Oct. So if I only have a year left in the tank I blow it all on a sure thing..Boston not Atlanta.

Now Wren and his real fan comment…a poorly worded deflection to people showing passion and anger. If he thinks this is bad try being GM for a New York team..yikes. Bottom line true fans have a short memory..I hated losing Murphy..still went to games..I hated losing Justice..still went to games..hated losing Glavine..still went to games..hated losing Maddux still went to games..when all is said and done I root for The Atlanta Braves..I have some players whom I enjoy watching perform..when they leave I still cheer..but I always cheer and complain and daydream of a winning season for my Atlanta Braves..period.

Wren is not the problem with Atlanta Braves he got stuck with what became a problem and it trying to fix it without selling the farm and looking like a “copy-cat Yankees GM ” and buy everything that can swing or throw and hope it all works out in for a playoff appearence. Say the Yankees had to buy tickets to see the playoff just like we did..hmm I am hoping this year is the same.

Give Wren a break..and lets get ready for some baseball.

By #1 Smoltz Fan

January 11, 2009 2:55 AM | Link to this

SC Dawg

I would agree but Wren just let our Charlie Leibrandt walk away.

I did love watching Otis Nixon play too! I think he was there in ‘91 yes?

By Patrick

January 11, 2009 3:03 AM | Link to this

Yes Nixon was there in 91..hey remember we got rid of Deion Sanders too..because he wasn’t dedicated..that was a crock too.

By #1 Smoltz Fan

January 11, 2009 3:18 AM | Link to this

Yea I was upset about trading Neon Deon, although I am not sure he should have ever left football. He was awesome to watch on the Football field.

Remember Bruce Sutters split finger fast ball.

Oh and Rafaeld Belliards first (and maybe only) homerun? That and Murphy hitting a Homerun off the bench the day after getting stitches in his hand that he received chasing a pop fly are the highlights of my baseball youth.

I have loved the Braves since then and before, I remember Bobby Wine as temporary manager, I remember sitting in the nose bleeds at Fulton County wondering why we couldnt get closer (nobody else was down there), but I am deflated by this.

Wren has been here 15 months, and we have been in steady decline since then. Makes you wonder.

By Mitch

January 11, 2009 6:19 AM | Link to this

Someone wrote on here about “overpaying” for Derek Lowe. In reality, dont all teams “overpay” for guys who might be good, but sometimes dont live up to the potential of what they could be.

Let;s take Chipper for example. Great guy. Likely will be a Hall of Famer. I’m a huge fan of him as a player, and a person. No one wants to win more than Chipper. Yet, we pay him 15 mil a year, to play 120 or at most 130 games for us. He gives us now 20 homers and likely up to 90 RBIs. Do we not in a sense “Overpay” for him, based on the fact that he misses a third of the season with injuries? We do that, because the 120 plus games he does play, he tears it up for us with a 300 plus BA, and 20 plus homers.

Moving on to Lowe, to make my point. The Braves, even with the signing of the new Japanese pitcher, are still thin in the rotation. Derek Lowe has been a solid pitcher, and can win us 12 to 15 games. I think, considering the Smoltz situation, and the fact that Glavine may not come back, or the uncertainity if he does, we need to sign one more pitcher who has at least a chance to give us 200 innings. We have missed out on every pitcher we could have had this winter, for one reason or another, and now Smoltz is gone. After all that, I think it is worth a gamble, for a guy like Lowe, who is a good pitcher, "only" 36, and can win us some games, to try and stablize what is a very, very shaky starting pitching staff.

If there’s one thing I cant stand it’s dishonesty, and I think that’s what I have against Wren the most. Dont field a team like this, where we are coming off a 90 loss season, we lose Smoltz, Glavine is an uncertainity, every free agent but Vazquez snubs us, we have only two decent starting pitchers, hopefully in Jair and Javier, and tell the fans “We arent in rebuilding mode” That, to me, is either living in alternative reality, or is a blatant lie.

As bad as the Braves teams were in the 1980s, at one point, Bobby and Ted got real. They stopped trying to fill the void with one year stopgaps, accepted that we would lose for a few years, rebuilit, brought up a gentleman named Mr Glavine who will be in the Hall one day, traded for a recently departed gentleman named Mr Smoltz who will be in the Hall of Fame. Brought up another guy named Justice who won us a World Series. Yes, we lost 90 to 100 games a year, but we knew it was for a purpose, and Bobby and Ted were honest with the fans. Maybe times are a little different now, since players make five to ten times as much money as back then, and teams need to get fans in the ballpark, but, fans will be able to see throuugh Wren’s rhetoric. They’ll see it on the roster, on the field, they wont show up, they;ll know he’s not telling us the truth, and they;’ll want him to pay with his job.

Look at the Hawks: Brutal, Brutal, team, for.. 10 years. No one cared about them. They rebuilt, and drafted Josh Smith, and Joe Johnson, and such. They had a long, painful road back after some good years in the 1980s and 1990s, and now, are one of the better young teams in the NBA. If they arent of Boston or LA level, they certainly have the ability to win 50 games or around there, and play good ball every night. It took time, like it did with the Braves in the 1980s, but the Hawks did it, and are now reaping the rewards.

I dont know if there are any “quick fixes” with this team. We arent the Yankees, so we cant go out and sign CC and AJ Burnett to fix our ills. We might be in a position where we will have to take a few lumps for a couple of years. I always wish the Braves well, but, with this pitching staff currently assembled, I dont see positive things.

I dont know what Wren can do, if anything, to help this team. I hope he can pull a rabbit out of a hat, because, if he cant, this 2009 Braves team, at least, isnt looking promising.

Would anyone care to make a prediction on the amount of wins this team is going to have in 2009, with the team currently assembled, assuming we dont get Lowe, and assuming worst case scenario, Glavine cant come back?

Mitch

By BravesFan79

January 11, 2009 6:27 AM | Link to this

SO to all of you supposid “fans” that are glad to see Smoltz gone and blame him…

Think about this: Roger Clemens got over 20 million for HALF A SEASON… was he young? no! Now Smoltz isnt young either, BUT hes still a better pitcher than Clemens was during Rogers last few years! And WHY did they get Roger? to make a 2nd half run…. and for a STUD postseason pitcher……

so IF the Braves end up having a better than expected 1st half and wanna make a 2nd half run for the title….. WHO ELSE CAN WE GET THATS AS GOOD AS SMOLTZ FOR ONLY 5 MILLION!??
Anyone who dosent think Smoltz will help the Red Sox in the 2nd half is a MORON!!

By BravesFan79

January 11, 2009 6:50 AM | Link to this

And NOT ONLY the Smoltz deal bad for fans, and a possible 2nd half run, BUT think about this…. Signing Smoltz back sooner would of SAVED US $$ WITH CHIPPER!! Chipper and Smoltz always took a little less $$ to play with the Braves. So your telling me that NOW if Chipper was offered a extension by Wren that he would take the same amount as if he was happy with Wren?? HELL NO!!

And EVEN IF we DID have a bad season, and Wren decided Chipper wasnt in the long term plans, signing Chipper to a extension would of made him THAT MUCH MORE TRADABLE!! Better prospects in return!! So as yall see… it was a bad move all around!!
Then again, some of yall were dumb enough back in 2007 to defend Cox putting lifetime hitter .180 Chris Woodcrap on the team over a .350 spring training hitter Escobar!
And then the same group of idiots defended putting the “defensive specialist” Corky Miller on the team over a power bat in Javy Lopez, and then again when we traded Pena instead of Corky.

Perhaps i shouldnt be surprised by some of the stupidity on the blog.
Although i do think its the same person under diff names thats dissing Smoltz as done…. joe nobody….aka Willie,Atlantarama,ect….. Dude… whoever you are… your lame… your probably one of those college football fans that thinks their sport is the BEST sport on the planet. LOL…. hell EVEN the WNBA has a REAL CHAMPION!! Face it… College Football is a JOKE OF A SPORT.. .and will remain so until a playoff system is put in place.

Go Braves and GT!!

By Curious George

January 11, 2009 6:52 AM | Link to this

Did the Braves not bother to a background check on someone as incompetent and utterly arrogant with such poor public relations skills as Wren before they hired & promoted him to such a prominent role, or was he just an Affirmative Action hire?

By Ken Stallings

January 11, 2009 6:59 AM | Link to this

Perhaps, Mark, for the benefit of Mr. Wren, you could cull out this message and present it to him. This comes from a 45 year old man, a career active duty military office with over 24 years service. I’m a pilot. And I’ve been a Braves fan since childhood.

I sometimes post on these forum blogs in response to columns of interest. I would like to think I keep my comments honest, respectable, and worthy of consideration.

If Mr. Wren thinks “regular” folks don’t write on these blog commentaries, then he’s proven he’s not in tune with the fan community.

Yes, we have real jobs. We have real families (I have been married for over 16 years with two sons). But sometimes we have time to write our thoughts.

So, if you feel, please present this to Mr. Wren for me. He’s has done a woefully inadequate job and his low-balling of John Smoltz has angered me and most of the rest of the Atlanta Braves community, including those players who lead the team!

I suppose next Mr. Wren will tell us the comments of Chipper Jones mean nothing. Well, maybe they don’t. I guess Chipper and I have something in common after all.

By uo2k

January 11, 2009 7:07 AM | Link to this

smoltz can’t sell tickets on the disabled list

By Michael

January 11, 2009 7:26 AM | Link to this

There should be form contracts throughout all baseball where players are paid for walks, hits, strikeouts, etc. It may hurt the team concept but at least all players get paid for performance, not for their Hampton-like lounging skills.

By Disgusted

January 11, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this

1 Smoltz Fan

You make some good points. I concede that paying Smoltz another $3 million is not an enormous outlay against the entire payroll budget in and of itself. But if you believe Wren’s statements that Smoltz never came back to the Braves to give them an opportunity to match Boston’s offer, then the issue becomes academic as it reinforces my sense that he wanted to leave for a contender anyway. I also concede that having Smoltz on the Braves roster for another season would hold certain intrinsic value in terms of leadership, presence, mentoring (Jo Jo Reyes notwithstanding), and occasionally filling seats.

I do, however, question the logical assumption that Smoltz is ahead of schedule in terms of recovery. April and May count in the standings. The doctors can only guess about the success of the surgery (six screws in the shoulder?) and the inevitable wear and tear that throwing fastballs and sliders will have on surgically repaired bone and tissue. We also don’t know how many other teams seriously approached him with offers other than Boston outside of the rumor mill. The Red Sox are one of the only teams in MLB who can be profligate with money and throw $5.5 million around without any repercussions. They also have enough pitching and can afford to have Smoltz on their roster merely for name and P.R. value. Smoltz’s unquestionable determination and toughness notwithstanding, only time will tell how much he can actually contribute on the mound. The Braves do not have such luxuries in terms of finance and available pitching if the roster needs as much upgrading as last year’s disappointing performance revealed.

By Dave

January 11, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

What some here don’t realize is first a lot of players don’t have Atlanta as a premier destination right now they see our team as being a mid market team in payroll who is rebuilding. Blame this is on Wren, but these are the facts. He tried to get Peavy and he tried to get Burnett it did not work out. He was probably lucky the trade for Furcal unwound he might have regretted this one. He got the Japanese pitcher, Jurgens, and Vasquez .I am ok with what has happened. Some of you need to look at the Braves realistically and need to quit crying about losing a 42 year old legend in Smoltz who is better served going to a contender than spending his last year on a rebuilding team.

By MARK

January 11, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this

Funny that we as fans have gotten ourselves so riled up over loosing a pitcher who want even be ready til sfter spring training maybe not til June, we all ready have one pitcher (who is a ace) Hudson that will be coming in late maybe 2 Tom Glavine . Cant keep all the one armed prospects..Smoltz was oldest and most severe…

By braves101

January 11, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this

The Braves made Smoltz a very good offer, especially for a pitcher that may not even pitch again. I’m a huge Smoltz fan and I hate to see him leave but I don’t blame Wren for that. I don’t blame him for anything that has happened this winter. The guy has tried to bring the best in the free agent market to Atl and they’ve turned him down.

By braves101

January 11, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this

The Braves made Smoltz a very good offer, especially for a pitcher that may not even pitch again. I’m a huge Smoltz fan and I hate to see him leave but I don’t blame Wren for that. I don’t blame him for anything that has happened this winter. The guy has tried to bring the best in the free agent market to Atl and they’ve turned him down.

By Previous Ryan Skeptic

January 11, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this

Mark, I’m with Mr. Stallings as well. I have 10 years of active duty service and work in the aviation field. I’m not married nor do I have kids but I do work full time and attend college full time. However, I still manage to set aside some time to post on blogs(preferably yours). I’ve been a Braves fan since the days of Dale Murphy. I’ve supported this organization through thick and thin, every season, regardless of how confident I felt the Braves chances of winning were. I do have a hectic schedule but I do my best to attend some home games (during the summer when I have some vacation time) every season. It insults me to have Mr. Wren state that the average fan does not post on blogs. Either he is gullible or arrogant. I lean towards the latter. Either way, he does not deserve to be the general manager. The decisions he’s made or lack thereof warrants his firing. To neglect the thoughts of sincere, excuse me, “average” fans, by brushing them aside as if they are not important is inexcusable. Make no mistake, we, the fans, put money into the franchise. I’m confident that he will soon realize how disgusted we fans are when he’s sitting in the executive suite to only see empty seats at Turner Field.

By Old Man Ribah

January 11, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this

I think I can field Septic’s comment, Mr. Wren: What Mr. Wren meant, Septic, is that a normal person doesn’t waste time blogging. Only a mutant actually blogs. It’s true. 99 percent of fans dont blog. Read some of the comments, and note how closely aligned with mitochondrial research the sociopathology is. Then read your comment. Here’s your helmet.

Next.

By fieldofdreams

January 11, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this

Letting Smolt-Zeus go was (probably) the right move. It’s doubtful that he’ll recover sufficiently, to once again hurl his lightning bolts. He will be sorely missed, however, by those of us who remember that he was the only Brave who never choked under the pressure of a playoff game.

By fieldofdreams

January 11, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this

Letting Smolt-Zeus go was (probably) the right move. It’s doubtful that he’ll recover sufficiently, to once again hurl his lightning bolts. He will be sorely missed, however, by those of us who remember that he was the only Brave who never choked under the pressure of a playoff game.

By Previous Ryan S(k)eptic

January 11, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Old Man Ribah: Outstanding. Where can I can I view and analyze the research results?

By dgroy

January 11, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this

The Braves are not Atlanta’s team anymore….they’re on a downhill slide…the owner’s should take their investment to another city.

By Paddy

January 11, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wren, you are way to smug. You have missed the heartbeat of your fan base and the shift to different forms of sports media coverage. I am a senior citizen who has adjusted with the technology times. But I must admit not without some difficulty and trepidation. You could not be farther from the truth about knowing whom your fans really are and how they now get their information about the teams of their choice. If you stay this course, you sir, will not be around very much longer.

By Kelley

January 11, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

I for one am a fan of the team, not one player.

People in an uproar over John Smoltz need to look at the situation for what it is: Smoltz was paid 10 million dollars last year NOT to pitch. If anyone is being unreasonable or disloyal, it is Smoltz.

I am getting a little tired of hearing how Smoltz “proved his loyalty over and over again to the Braves.” Since when does loyalty come with an expiration date?

While he’s at it, I would support Wren for shipping Chipper off too. His comments to the press about his “outrage” in Smoltz being let go were highly unprofessional. Persoanlly I’m a bit “outraged” at the selfishness of these players. Our nation is in a deep recession and these players whine about a few millions of dollars. When is it ever enough for these people? It’s not like what they do is really life changing, they throw or hit a ball.

And hey Chipper, why don’t you make it through 162 games before you whine about anything?

But what do I know, I’m just a fan who writes on a blog (and buys tickets and merchandise).

By Old Man Ribah

January 11, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this

U R the research project, septic. This blog is the data. Read it. Count how many mutations are signing with their X chromosomes because they aint got no complete Y. (they put their John Hancock IN their John Hancock, get it?)

Then count the # of fans.

The average fans donts blogs, Mongo. (dumbed that way down 4U). Here’s your helmet.

Next.

Gadszooks, people, I hate the Cards. I hate them. I hate Phoenix, I hate their stupid unretracted roof, I hate their helmet insignias. I hate the cards.

You gonna make ‘em pay, Eli?

By Nick

January 11, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

I would have to disagree with Wren’s comments about those who call in and those who write on blogs. The fans that do this are some of the most diehard fans the braves can have. I will admit I have never called in on a talk show, but I listen; and I write on the blogs everynow and then. I have been a huge braves fan since I was 5, 19 years ago. I think Wren is just not admitting he screwed up and trying to tell himself the Braves fan base isn’t very upset with this offseason. Baseball is about winning, but also displaying good role models for children and John Smoltz was/is one of the best.

By john s

January 11, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this

The Braves with Wren are now a “small market team”

By richbrave

January 11, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

WAYNE IN UTAH:

You and I have found common ground on points in the recent past relating to the BRAVES, but….

You know I don’t usually call people out, but I have on occasion. I was quite surprised by your take on FRANK WREN’s attitude as presented by MARK BRADLEY.

Now its obvious that BRADLEY is relishing the sight of WREN squirming in the glare of the SMOLTZ spotlight. And I’ve gotta’ conjecture why.

It could be based on a personal slight, or the fact that each man disagrees on basic premises relating to the team. Maybe both. But it has been helpful for MB to point out some of WREN’s prior foilables. Those which reinforce MARK’s take on FRANK’s “tude.

I don’t know either man so I can’t determine which individual holds the higher ground in this BRAVES BOG of 2009….

But that doesn’t make me an idiot WAYNE. I have not been calling WREN out for being incompetant. I have counseled staying the course and not losing our collective heads over this. I did find the news of KAWAKAMI SLIGHTLY pallative, just slightly. And I do advocate trading the disaffected CHIP JONES now while his contract holds some equity.

WREN appears to be the perfect suit for an absentee ownership, and that’s what we have. So while I tip my hat to MARK for posting this article on his blog, and I concur AT THIS POINT in regard to FW’s arrogance, I still like having JURJENS and HERNANDEZ in the fold.

I did deplore the departure of RENTARIA, but that move was stellar. So FRANK’s got potential. His overbearing ways may have cost us some deals in this off-season, something you and I will probably never know, but I say WREN’s on the plus side despite his dismissive attitude toward myself as a patron here.

But WAYNE don’t bite the hand that feeds you. I and the others here are your body of work. This is your playground and we ARE the BRAVES fans not the “silent majority” masses alluded to by the obviously detached Mr.WREN. Just sayin’.

By LivininAL

January 11, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

Yes, the Braves needed some nips and tucks and a facelift; not a NEW FACE OF THE BRAVES. Somehow I just dont think Kenshin Kawakami is it.

By EP

January 11, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

The Braves have 3 signed players that make over 3 million dollars. They should have been aggressive on the market and kept Smoltz. He was worth a 5 million dollar gamble. Boston likes cherry picking guys with huge upside and low risk.

By baby seal, colummist

January 11, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this

BraVes maY haVe siGned thE WRong KaWaKami!!

I haVE lEArned thAt thE BraVeS maY hAvE miStaKenlY SignEd KeNsHOn KaWaKamI inStead oF KEnshin KaWaKamI.

KenShoN KawAKAmI waNTs tO dRive NAScAr. FrAnK WrEn doES noT SpeAK jAPaNESE anD kEnsHON kEpt sAyING “rACey, rAceY” anD FraNk tHOughT hE wAs taLkinG diviSion raCey.

HaS thiS moNey beEN wASted? MORe oN thiS StORy laTer.

By thelma

January 11, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

I am like Paddy in his post. A Sr citizan that has moved with the new age technology. I get my news about my Braves from different sources now. It appears the days of morning and evening newspapers at at a close Mr Wren. Smug is a good word but not one I would use. But being a lady of some refinement, I will not go there. Good bye Mr. Wren.

By dannyc

January 11, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

In today’s economy, I wouldn’t pay to see the Braves play if they had Aaron, Spahn, Neikro, Murphy and Smoltz on their team. Do you think any MLB player feels the crunch like everyone else?

By S(k)eptic

January 11, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

Old Fart Ribah, that makes sense. I’ll count every post on AJC and the NUMEROUS websites that blogger’s post on concerning the Braves all throughout the internet. I’ll even create an Excel spreadsheet that clearly depicts my findings in one column (including websites) with the number of Braves fans in the opposit column. In the following columns I will include their IQ, level of education, occupation, ethnicity and age. Regardless of what the results show, I’m quite sure that it will equate to 99% of bloggers NOT being Braves fans. Hell, how about I just throw together a powerpoint presentation while I’m at it. Brilliant, why didn’t I think of that? Wait, my X chromosomes is less dominant than my Y chromosomes.

By Captain Kirk

January 11, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

Beam me up Scotty! There’s no intellegent lift in this blog!

By Cashews

January 11, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Dear Season Ticket Holders,

We get it. I’ve seen so many of you write on here trying to throw your weight around. You’re p** because you can’t watch a 41 year old coming off of shoulder surgery sit on the bench for half the year. I’m sure you like to feel that you have a lot of clout with all of that money you have living in some surburban town and driving an hour to see some baseball in one of your 3 SUVs.

We, the regular baseball fans, invariably remain unimpressed.

Stay home this season. We will not miss you.

By old fart

January 11, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

Clean house … trade Chipper, Glavine, Smoltzie. All of them are old and can’t be expected to play day to day. Bring up the kids … watch em grow into champions. Forget about the post season for 2 more years. Wren will get it right. These are challenging times.

By Frank the Intolerant

January 11, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

We all know the REAL reason why Frank Wren didn’t want John Smoltz here, but few are saying it.

When Smoltz made his comments about his aversion to the gay lifestyle based on his religious faith known publicly, Wren clearly took that as a personal attack and has hated and resented the bearded Christian & future Hall-of-Fame pitch ever since.

There are just some people who you can tell like the taste of men the way the hold their faces.

The non-masculine, arrogant & condescending grin of a certain intolerant person in the Braves front office has clearly kissed its share of boys and wishes to destroy anyone who makes them feel guilty for it.

The Braves need some tolerance, sensitvity and public relations training for certain high-profile people in their front office.

By proeye

January 11, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

WAYNE IN UTAH SAID: ” There are very few competent folks on the blogs these days, and YES, my comments were directed at you and your side.

And, yes, I include myself as one of the “idiots” as I don’t have a problem with ripping myself a new one. I am an idiot because I continue to argue with folks like yourself, who have very little common sense.

Now, go and attend no more Braves games if that makes you happy, but try to read all parties comments, analyze them and their motivation, and use some common sense. If you still think the blog truly represents a wide base of knowledgeable fans, then we will have to agree to disagree. I only call folks flaming azzholes when I see a firestorm of stupidity (from my perspective, understoon) coming in general from the blog. Or if I am severly drugged.

Have a nice life, and I mean that sincerely!”

Isn’t this something? I call him EXACTLY what he called us and he gets all upset about it and rants and raves about how I’m the idiot.

I don’t even know this guy and he hasn’t even read any of my posts. He is basically calling me an idiot (and everyone else) just because I think Wren needs to be fired. I believe I have an opinion and I never resorted to name calling or flaming (except in this case but I only used his words against him).

But Wayne in Utah has. Nice, real nice.

Just hope you all know who you are talking to because he thinks YOU are an idiot.

By bravesfansince66

January 11, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

FRANK WREN LEAVE. YOU ARE A DISGRACE. JOHN SMOLTZ SHOULD BUY THE BRAVES AND FIRE YOUR SORRY BUTT. YOU GIVE A NEW NEED FOR THE TOMAHAWK CHOP. CHIPPER NEEDS TO BRING HIS DEER RIFLE TO TURNER FIELD NEXT TIME HE COMES THERE.WREN LOOKS LIKE DEER TO ME.

By Supes

January 11, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Dear Cashews

Enjoy going to the game where the fans come disguised as “empty seats”.

Trust me, if you don’t think letting John Smoltz get away is going to impact the overall gate numbers at the TED, I have some ocean side property at LAKE LANIER I’d like to sell you soon.

One more thing, we WON’T miss you on the DOB Blog Cashews, so there, even trade huh?

Wayne in Utah

No I’m not offended personally man, I just think you are fighting a losing battle here on this particular blog. I’ve never seen you get dragged down and call people names and flame before, you always came across as level headed and respectful to other bloggers, that’s all.

Anyone who advocates trading Chipper Jones has LOST their mind. Just stop the MADNESS people. Chipper Jones is the ATLANTA Braves even now more than ever!

By braves fan since 69

January 11, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

I was shocked and upset that Smoltz was leaving but after careful reflection on don’t blame the Braves. Have have been signals from Smoltz for months now that he was going to consider other teams. In the end the Braves offered him about the same money as Boston, he just get less if he can’t pitch. How can Smoltz really complain about that. I mean it’s not like he giving about any of the 14 million he got last year for five starts.

I love John but he can’t help the team if he can’t pitch. He just had the most serous surgery of his career, ( shoulder surgery is far more difficult to return from than arm) and June himself admits he will not be ready until at least June. That could easily into July or August or later. But then why would Boston a team he has no history with offer him more guaranteed money? For one Boston does not have the sending limits we have here in atlanta, and they are far more likely to make the playoffs which makes John’s mid season return less of an issue. Finally the fact is the fact they don’t have history. It’s clear that last season went down the tubes when John when on the disabled list, and the Brave could not afford to count on him to that degree this year. Yes they wanted him back, to the tune of 10 mill, if he pitched but not so much if he did not. Personally I rather see than spend the money on signing bonuses for draft picks and international players. This team needs to get back to start building for the future, and whether John comes back one more year or not has no effect on the future. The truth is the Braves have really tried with John included paying for his rehab even after his contract expired and they would not required to do and the classy thing for John to do would be to have just announced he was going to Boston to have a better chance of pitching in the playoffs vs. letting the Braves hang out to dry.

By Skeezix

January 11, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

Now, in addition to questions about his competence, Wren has a complete and total credibility problem with us fans. I read Smoltzie’s comments and I believe him - Smoltz is a man of impeccable integrity. And now I believe that maybe Furcal’s agent weren’t the total liars that Wren painted them out to be.

This circus won’t stop until Wren is the one gone.

By eddie

January 11, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

Wren, you fool! How detached from reality might one be. The readers and writers on the blogs and listeners to talk radio are the grassroots spirit of the Braves, much like John Smoltz was the personification in the flesh. I am one of the aforementioned whom you deem to not be the true cross-section of fans. How does buying season tickets for 11 years (missing only 3 home games one year) clothing my family in Braves merchandise, traveling with the team, using vacation to attend spring training impress you Frankie. My Dad was a professional player (minors), raised me as a fan from age three. I have been to every current park and many no longer with us (including Ebbetts Field and Polo Grounds). Yet I am not a true representation of Braves fans? Your incompetence as a General Manager is exceeded only by your total lack of overarching conceptual understanding. Pathetic, thy name is Frank Wren.

By Skeezix

January 11, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

And futhermore; re: Wren’s comments about fans who write in to blogs and listen to talk radio is insulting and arrogant. Further proof that he is out of date, out of touch and a clueless idiot.

By JR

January 11, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

The average fan, Mr. Wren? What do you know about the average fan? I have forgotten more baseball than you will ever know. It is pretty obvious to the “average fan” that you have had a horrible off-season and you are trying to patch the pieces together with these desperate signings. I do hope Frenchy rebounds, but believe me the “average fan” can see there is something fundamentally wrong with his swing. He extends his arms from his body too early which makes him sweep around the ball, thus losing tons of power. Plus, his decision making skills at the plate are poor. This is a bad combination. How’s that for the “average fan” Call me up if you need more help

By Nick

January 11, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

Did Frank really think fans wouldnt get upset cause i have my torch ready along with a few other people

By proeye

January 11, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

My respect for Peter Angelos just went up. I’m normally not a big fan of attorneys or team owners—still not—but my respect meter did register a higher number for him just because of what we all learned about how and why FW got fired from the Orioles.

Are we now seeing a repeat of what happened then? I think it’s pretty apparent FW disrespected John Smoltz and put a bad taste in Chipper Jones’ mouth. Then FW did the ultimate by disrespecting the fans.

I don’t know if anyone has noticed this but arrogant, self-serving individuals cannot be taught to act civilized and to think of the greater good. No matter what, their true personality will always surface no matter how hard they try to cover it up or are taught to.

So be ready for more gaffs by FW in the coming year.

By Amy

January 11, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

The comments Wren made about the blogs not representing the masses infuriated me. In fact they pretty much do represent the real fans. I’m not one of those people that blogs or makes comments about every little thing. I’m just a die hard Braves fan that is VERY disappointed in this offseasons deals and non deals. Smoltz was a very important part of the team. Whether he pitched or not he WAS a team leader and an asset to the team. To not let him end his career in Atlanta is a slap in the face to a man that gave us so much. Instead you try to deal for alcoholic party boys and has been outfielders?!!Why dont you just go ahead and trade Chipper too then there really wont be anyone left in the seats to pay your big salary. I hate to see the decline of the Braves. The attendance is going to fall. You’ve shamed us all Wren…maybe it’s time you DID read some of the blogs and get off your high horse and listen to the fans for a change.

By Ron Shaffery

January 11, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

I am as upset as anyone with John Smoltz ‘s decision to leave the Braves. But in this era of free agency, Can anyone tell me who was the last Hall of Fame pitcher to spend his entire major league career with ONE team ?

By THOMAS

January 11, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this

go get PEAVY AND STOP ALL THE BULLS—-,

By richbrave

January 11, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this

SUPES:

2007:

SIGN AARON ROWAND and JOHAN SANTANA. Call me crazy. How’s that working out?

2008:

SIGN A.J. BURNETT even if its upwards of 25 million per. Call me crazy. How’s that working out?

SIGN NORTON, OHMAN, and SMOLTZ. Let GLAVINE make a comeback elsewhere. Call me crazy. How’s that working out?

TRADE a disaffected CHIP JONES now while his contract still has worth. Call me crazy. Well-l-l, maybe….. Let’s see his attitude going forward. I’ll get back to you on that one.

By Wren fails the logic test

January 11, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

Three words: ad hominen attack. Wren can’t defend his actions, so he’s reduced to personal attacks of those who rightly point out the folly of his actions.

Those bashing him on the Internet aren’t average fans? But of course. I mean no “average” people use the Interent these days right? Just a couple of dozen techogeeks from MIT, and they don’t go to baseball games right? Dream on Frank, dream on.

By Mark Bradley

January 11, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

I’m not predicting it will happen — I’ve sworn off predictions for two months, owing to a recent run of abject stupidity — but what if the Braves sign Derek Lowe this week? Will Frank Wren still be incompetent?

By Mitch

January 11, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

Another issue with Wren: Wren sits in the GM office, behind a big glass window, insulated from the fans. If the Braves do fall apart again this year, lose 90 games, and the fans dont come out, he wont be hearing the boos from the dwindling crowds at Turner, as he goes to the mound to make pitching changes. You know who will be hearing them? Bobby, our Hall of Fame manager, who went to the playoffs fourteen straight years, and Roger Mcdowell, who is in a mess other people got him into. Bobby is a legend in baseball. Wouldn’t it be pathetic, if , for instance, the Braves are sitting in fourth or fifth place in July, and talk shows in Atlanta, and blogs here, start calling for him to resign, be fired, or retire? Wren will get criticized in the blogs, and on radio and TV, but he doesnt have to travel with this team, and hear the fans booing every night.

I understand what Mark said about Wren not being able to admit we are in rebuilding mode, because Wren still needs to draw fans now. I still think, that if Frank doesnt do something big between now and spring training, he is going to be Atlanta’s most criticized man, if the Braves arent doing well. Unless the Hawks unexpectedly fall apart, they arent under a microscope anymore, and neither is Mike Woodson. Wren, on the other hand, is under a microscope now, because of the state of this team. Frank’s behind is clearly on the hot seat.

From a financial standpoint, I’m not sure that the Braves would fire Wren this year, even if the team doesnt do well. If they do that, they still have to pay off two plus years of his contract. Their attitude might be: “We have to pay Frank anyway. Let him take the heat, and try to figure this out.”. If Bobby gets fed up, he only has a one year deal. He has the option of leaving during the season, or at the end of the year, while the Braves are still tied to Wren for two years beyond that.

Wren needs to get Lowe, and he needs Glavine to come back, and pitch decently. If those two things happen, or even if we get Lowe, and Tommy cant come back, we may have a chance to be decent. If neither of those two things happen, and Frank doesnt trade for, or sign, a starting pitcher, somewhere, this team may be looking at a long, painful summer, and this website, may be sporting (no pun intended) more blogs such as this one.

Mitch

By James Bond

January 11, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

If the British Secret Service and MI-6 owned the Braves, Frank Wren’s status and code name would be pronounced “*Double-O Dumb@$$.”

LICENSED TO SMIRK, indeed.

By Wren the Incompetent

January 11, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this

Mark to answer your question, even if Wren does sign Lowe (who they very well may end up overpaying, given they’ve painted themselves into a corner) Wren as a GM is still well below the Mendoza line.

By Mitch

January 11, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

Mark, to answer your question, if the Braves do sign Lowe, that would be a very good move. As to how it would look for Mr Wren, I would say that while it doesnt completely make up for Smoltz leaving, and everything that happened this winter, it is an important step of showing the fans that Frank did something to save face. With Lowe, we then would have three decent pitchers in Lowe, Vasquez and Jair Jurrgens. I dont know if that makes us contenders, but.. if Glavine can come back and win ten games, and the other guys play up to potential, maybe we can win somewhere in the 80’s, and compete for a wild card.

One thing, Mark, I’m a bit confused about exactly where you stand on Wren. Do you think that the Smoltz situation and all that has happened this winter is all Frank’s fault, partially his fault, or not his fault at all? I would say that while maybe one cant place the blame 100% on Frank, we also cant say he is totally “blameless”.

I will be very interested to read your next post.

Mitch

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

As a diehard Braves fan, I say “GTF over Smoltz”. 42 years old? If you want to “reminisce” and see a veteran player play….that is what they have county and state fairs for. There are many rock bands who are past their prime that play the fairs for fans who are nostalgic for the past.

After seeing $40 million in payroll devoted to broken down, old pitchers (Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton)….and now having another $11 million going down the drain with Hudson’s injury, I have no problem with the Braves letting Smotz and Glavine go.

I live in San Francisco and will have to fork over $235 to follow the Braves on Direct TV. I want to see healthy young players play who will give us a chance to not only compete this year, but also in the future. I loved watching Smoltz pitch for 21 years. However his time has passed. I wish him well with the Red Sox. If he ends up with another ring, I’ll be totally happy for him. However, the Braves cannot afford to allocate payroll to someone with his history of injuries.

Personally, I feel that Frank Wren has worked hard to improve the Braves. He has tried to make moves. If you’ve ever play poker, then you know that sometimes even the best moves you make dont pan out. Bad luck will beat a good player any day of the week. A player can suck out against you on the river. However in the long run, the better player will always come out ahead. I feel that in time Wren will come out ahead. He has just run into a few situations where the players he went after didnt want to come to Atlanta. That isnt his fault. He made more than fair offers to both Burnett and Furcal. They were just out bid by 2 large market teams. Wren made fair offers for Peavy. However giving up our best propsects for a pitcher coming off arm problems isnt the prudent thing to do. The Padres got greedy and Wren wisely backed off.

For you morons to say that Wren hasnt done jack, that he bumbled these potential acquisitions, just shows that some of you who post on blogs are just morons who just happen to have access to the internet. Wren didnt give up very much to get Vazquez or the Japanese pitcher that we are getting ready to sign. While they arent great pitchers, they should stay healthy and give us innings to save taxing the bullpen. If the Braves can sign Lowe to a decent deal, then the Braves rotation will look pretty good.

Plus there plenty of hitters out there who will be bargains that Wren can sift through. Patience fellow Braves fan. Help is on the way with the cavalry (youngsters in the minors).

By Mark Bradley

January 11, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

During games, Frank Wren sits in the GM’s booth — the same place John Schuerholz sat, and still sits — on the club level. The window is open, not closed. If enough people boo, I’m pretty sure he’d hear. (And I’m not suggesting you guys go and boo. Me, I think Wren’s offseason hasn’t been half as bad as many suggest, and if he signs Derek Lowe it could turn out just fine.)

By Previous Ryan Skeptic

January 11, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

Mark, Frank has demonstrated that he does not have the ability or capacity to sign a player of Derek Lowe’s caliber this day in age. Yes, he would still be incompetent regardless of whether he signs Lowe or not. I’m confident that Derek Lowe not only is looking for a nice contract but also another shot at winning another World Series. In addition, I think Scott Boras may be just a little too intimidating for FW. But then again, I’m not an “average” fan, so what do I know?

By Supes

January 11, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

Mark

Lowe is not a #1. He is a #2 starter.

So yes, Wren would have failed to bring us a #1 starter.

Kawasaki (that’s how I’m going to refer to him) is a #3 at best.

Javier is a #3 at best.

So even if Wren brings in Lowe…he will have failed to land a true ace.

Jake Peavy is still out there, for the love of baseball Wren needs to go back to that loser Kevin Towers during Spring Training and make the deal! Don’t give up Hanson, but I’m sure something can be worked out with Esco being the center piece in the deal.

I said this even before the playoffs were over last year…that for Wren to succeed he needs to land Jake Peavy and Derrick Lowe, not one or the other. Need both to return to dominance pitching wise in the next 2 years.

A rotation of Peavy, Lowe, Hudson (when back and healthy), Jair and Hanson for the next 4 years would have been formidable and guaranteed the Braves to be in the mix every season.

Instead Wren has complied a patchwork rotation of two FA #3 starters with what we currently have on the roster.

richbrave

What the Frak are you talking about sir? I would rather you not mention my name followed by an incoherent post:)

Chipper Jones IS THE ATLANTA Braves. He can NOT be traded (unless he makes it clear he wants out). That is the only way I can see Chipper Jones ever wearing another jersey in his career.

By Braves new marketing plan

January 11, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark,

Curious. Do you still feel that if Sugar Ray Leonard transformed himself into “185 lbs. of whipcord and steel” he could give Mike Tyson a run for his money?

Maybe the Braves could run the fight as a promotion; might be the only way this year they get a crowd.

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

Hey RICHBRAVE, for you to say that Chipper can never be traded, shows that you share characteristics with the female sex. Women get emotional and attached to a man, just like some of you moron fans do with players past their prime. Fans like you baffle me. While I have enjoyed watching Chipper and Smoltz over the years, I am FIRST AND FOREMOST an Atlanta Braves fan. I’m 36 years old and will probably live another 40 years. You have to learn to “let go” when the time is right. As a man, I know how to let go. Once I break up with a woman, there is no turning back. No hard feelings but when someone’s time has passed, dont let the door hit you in the a*.

If the trading deadline comes in July and the Braves are not contending, I’d be more than ok with Wren trading Chipper for some prospects. Of if he wants to let Chipper walk away as a free agent, I’d have no problem with that. Chipper will be asking for more than his history of injuries and age is worth paying. When I’m forking over $235 to watch the MLB package on Direct TV, I’m paying to watch the Braves, not to watch Chipper Jones or John Smoltz.

Quit being emotional like females and start acting like men. Get over it and move on. Grow up and sound off like you got a pair.

By Charlie

January 11, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this

To paraphrase…”A bird in the hand is worth…NOTHING, if it is a WREN.” Baltimore fired Wren. Too bad the Braves aren’t smart enough to do the same. I also believe that John Schuerholz is SERIOUSLY over-rated. Then too, of course, we have the dreaded Terry Mc (Ronald McDonald)on this team of management idiots, to complete the group of incompetents. Frank Wren has done everything possible to become the biggest loser in the history of MLB management. Someday HIS sorry a* will be out of Atlanta. Until then, this franchise is doomed. It would appear that our friend Frank, is to baseball management, what George W. Bush has been to American Government. Of course, like G. W., Frank seriously doesn’t get it either. Frank, as the “Peter Principle” says, as reached his level on incompetence, and shows it to the greatest degree possible.

By Mr. Obvious

January 11, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

Apparently, due to the handful of anonymous “Frank Wren is a Genius!” comments on here, it seems that Frank Wren DOES indeed visit and post on blogs… and so does his mother.

By What about you Lentz?

January 11, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Lentz, are you doing the exact same thing you accuse RICHBRAVE of doing; showing an emotional attachment to an organization long past its prime?

Woman.

By homer

January 11, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

Even if Smoltz couldn’t be ready opening day, with the amount of money the Braves supposedly have to spend, they could have matched the Red Sox offer to keep Smoltz here. Go ahead and put your staff together while waiting for Smoltz, then when he comes back in July/August, it’s the equivalent of making a big trade and if the team is in contention, a huge shot in the arm. Think outside the box a bit.
It’s obvious why the Orioles let Wren go years ago, and I used to think it was Angelos’ fault.

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

I do not allow my affinity for the Braves to judge my ability to reason. To the guy who responded to my post who called himself WHAT ABOUT YOU LENTZ?, I will say that I’m acting emotional. I’m acting logically. My logic tells me that not overbidding for Smoltz, Burnett, and Furcal were good moves by Wren. Wren has been hard at work trying to make the Braves better. However in life, sometimes hard work does little to get one ahead. I’m sure that plenty of people out there who work hard, living paycheck to paycheck can attest to this. Just because the fruits of one’s labor isnt there for all to see, does not mean that one isnt working hard.

Frank Wren has targeted a number of players whose demands far exceeded their worth. I read these blogs last year and the same morons complaining about the Braves having all these injured pitchers on the disabled list making all this money….are the same morons b*** about the Braves not throwing money after Smoltz and Burnett, both of whom have histories of injured arms. While Burnett had age on his side, Smoltz does not.

I’m sure that Wren will revist the Peavy trade, if the Padres are willing to lower their demands. Wren rightly deduced that the market for Peavy would be small. If Wren was wrong, Peavy would already have been traded by the Padres. By the Braves waiting like they have, the demands of the Padres can only come down. They are in a “cut the payroll mode”. They are not going to pay a pitcher $16 million, especially when they have no chance to compete. Few of you morons can see this.

The Braves have flexibility with their payroll. In 2010, when Chipper, Hudson, and Soriano’s come off the books, the Braves will have even more payroll flexibility to go after free agents who are healthy and younger. We are fortunate to not have a bad, long term contract. Ask S.F. Giants fans how they feel about the 5 years and $90 million left on Barry Zito’s contract. That is the kind of contract that can hinder your ability to improve your team in the long run. Over paying for Burnett could have very well put the Braves in that position.

In addition to acting like women, some of you morons act like drug addicts. You want a quick fix. Also, you want Wren to act like a women whose husband gave her a credit card. You want him to spend the free agent money right away. Well here is a news flash for you morons…….sometimes it is best to wait for something to come on sale. Good bargains can come to those who wait.

By LivininAL

January 11, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Mark, I don’t consider Wren incompetent all, but I think the non-signing of Smoltz is one of those things that will linger over Wren forever, regardless of future succes or failures. I hope the Braves do well and I hope Smoltz has a couple of great years.

By CJDawg

January 11, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

Just a thought here. Fink said the average fan doesn’t post in blogs or talk to sports radio and insinuated that the masses understand his move not to up the ante with Smoltz, right? Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but what did Chipper feel about it? And who knows more about baseball….Fink or Chipper? In my 30 years of following the Braves, I have never seen anybody who needs to watch the games from home more than Fink does.

Go Chipper!! despite me hating Wren, I will be pulling for my Braves again come opening day. But if he lets Chipper go, listen for a loud sound.

By Tom Perkins

January 11, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this

Hey, I think the previous 238 people who posted negative comments can speak for me. We are a proud organization who shouldn’t send our elderly out to pasture. It’s a shame we didn’t try harder to keep him, if nothing more than for leadership and experience. Smoltz was the last remaining Brave from the miracle 1991 season. I guess the glory days of winning are TRULY over! Sad, sad…so very sad.

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey HOMER, you are unbelieveable. You want the Braves to pay $10 million for half a season of play? There is no guarantee that Smoltz will play at a high level even then.

The past is the past. Let it go. Just because you have money to spend, does not mean that you have to spend it right away. You sound like some woman going on a shopping spree. Get off the rag and sound off like you got a pair.

By bravefalconhawk

January 11, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

NOW GO GET D.LOWE DAMMIT…AND THINGS MIGHT NOT LOOK SO BAD AFTER ALL.THE BRAVES WILL COMPETE FOR THE DIVISION WIT DURABLE STARTERS AND A STELLAR BULLPEN AND HOPEFULLY A POWER HITTING OF

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Hey TOM PERKINS, how much “leadership” did Smoltz offer last year for the 14 million the Braves paid him for being injured for most of the year? We still sucked. Our starting pitching stunk it up. Point is, leadership is overrated. Living in the past is expensive. Spending $10 million for an injury prone starting pitcher is just not worth it from a business standpoint.

By Old Southpaw

January 11, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

At the beginning of this decade, I shelled out a hefty sum and attended the Atlanta Braves Dreamweek Fantasy Baseball Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlanda. The franchise was still worthy of such an investment, and I was proud to walk into the Braves locker room and find a jersey with my name on it hanging in a major league locker.

My, how things have changed since then!

Facing 2009, with no Skip, no Pete, no Smoltz, no Tex, and maybe no Glavine, I doubt that I will attend a single game in person and will not watch or listen to many games either.

The Atlanta Braves will become a case study along with several Wall Street firms on how to mismanage an entity into a quick and maybe permanent fall from grace.

By Braves fan in Neb

January 11, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Let Smoltz go!!! Thank God most of you aren’t GMs! He is over 40, coming off surgery, and won’t be ready opening day. Stop acting like he is Cy Young in his prime!

By Horner's Corner

January 11, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

Mr. Lentz-

You are on fire today, I couldn’t agree with your posts more!! We all sat in disbelief last year when the rotation was built around the post-prime Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton. Once bitten, twice shy for Mr. Wren.

Any time the aging star refuses to retire (or take less money) there is ALWAYS discontent around his departure. Remember Montana and Favre. Or closer to home, remember Glavine (the 1st time) and A. Jones. Those guys were one the wrong end of their careers and the Braves decided not to bring them back. Both were great moves. Smoltz is a 42 year old power pitcher and the fact is there ain’t such a thing. His time is limited.

If the Braves are going to be mediocre then do with youth rather than tired, old veterans. Plus, I’d rather watch the Braves lose knowing Smoltz won’t be doing either the pre or post-game report than watch his smug a* sit next to Jerome J. (in uniform no less) and let the Braves continue to pay him while he shamelessly prepares for his future career.

By Horner's Corner

January 11, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

Tom Perkins – GET OVER IT!! You want to re-build a winning organization yet you can’t let go of the past. “Send our elderly out to pasture”?? Did you ever consider that maybe Smoltz has benefited from the relationship as well, probably to the tune of $25M to $50M? The Braves didn’t disrespect Smoltz, they’re just trying to move on. Why don’t you try to do the same.

Stick to your guns Wren and don’t sign Glavine either. He was horrible last year, even before his injury.

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren could have overpaid for Andrew Jones last year, he didnt. He could have overpaid for Hampton, Smoltz, and Glavine this year…he didnt. He could have broke the bank for Burnett, he didnt. He could have overpaid for Furcal. He didnt. He could have given up the farm system for Peavy, he didnt.

Instead he gave up very little to get Vazquez. His contract only has 2 years left on it for $11 mill each year (which is reasonable for a #3 starter). He robbed Detroit last year in the Renteria trade. Wren has tried to do other things, however it hasnt just worked out. Players either want too much money (which I feel they are entitled to try and get), or the GMs of other teams want an arm and a leg in a trade.

In another thread, I brought up the Dale Murphy trade in mid 1990. David Justice was struggling playing first base, which was not his natural position. Defensive struggles can affect one’s hitting. When Murphy was traded, that opened up a spot for Justice in right field. After the trade, Justice went on a 2 month tear that led to him being named rookie of the year. If we didnt trade Murphy and kept Justice at first, the Braves do not sign Sid Bream in the off season. I seriously doubt that what happened in 1991 would have happened if Justice hadnt been able to prove himself in right field.

Smoltz having a spot in the rotation serves no purpose for the Braves, other than appeasing weak minded, female minded Braves fans who cant get over the past. True Braves fans like myself want to see the team do well, not blindly be loyal to players past their prime.

By Apply Wren's logic

January 11, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

Let’s see, coming off an injury plaged season, not sure if the ability to be competitive anymore exists, not worth the money being asked; is Wren talking about Smoltz, or is he talking about the Braves?

Either way, I’m going to take a page out of Wren’s logic book, and take a pass this year on spending my money with the Braves. Thanks for the advice, Frank.

By richbrave

January 11, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY:

Never said he was. And your article only says he’s arrogant and detached from the fan-base. Do you have a personal agenda against the guy?

By richbrave

January 11, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

HEY PAUL L.:

I’m the original guy calling for CHIP JONES’ trade while he still has equity in his contract. Call me crazy. Hell, call me woman - hear me roar. Well-l-l, maybe. I’ll get back to you on that. Make any sense the second time around?

Hey MARK:

Put outlandish facts out there - get hits.

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this

What is your point RICHBRAVE? You suggesting trading Chipper a year or two ago has some logic to it. My “acting on your emotions like a female” remark would not apply to you. So I’m not sure where you are coming from.

By Robert

January 11, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

The Braves have been managed by an idiot for almost 20 years.

Now they are apparently run by one as well

By dannycardwell

January 11, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this

i see wren has friends family and a few hand picked employees on here taking up for him. bottom line is he has a bad track record going back to baltimore. he is after a japanese pitcher because of the vast amount of japanese fans that will come to every game he playes in. that i understand. he also tried to spend 30 million on a drunk mexican with a bad back. now is probably trying to spend 20% of the payroll on lowe trying to save face. he will never be accepted here by the fans because he already has shown its only about money. no loyalty of any kind, no class of any kind. if i had been ripken i would have beaten his a* about the airport escapade. he would be well advised to keep the window shut in his club seat. the way you walk talk and carry your self to the fans define you. now you look and smell like dog doo. may bobby will scoop you up and put you where you belong wren. in the trash can along with sureholtze and mcguirk and the monkeys that own aaramark

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this

Actually, I have never met nor spoken with Frank Wren. I’m just a 36 year old Atlanta Braves fan who has religiously followed the Braves since 1982. I can only imagine some of you guys at an auction. You may want something, yet is it worth overpaying for it? You cant get everything you want. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and say no.

It isnt that the Braves arent willing to spend money. They just dont want to foolishly do it. Some of you guys have short memories concerning last year and how the payroll was tied up in injured, over the hill players.

Wren has done a good job with the draft and has made a few astute trades. I still see a lot of upswing in Kotchman (you have to remember, when he came over to the Braves last year, I believe he was dealing with some family issues). Plus the Braves got a promising young pitcher in the trade as well.

Personally, I see no problem with how Wren has handled himself this off season. He attempted some moves, then backed off when the price got too high.

By Mark Bradley

January 11, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

I never said Frank Wren was arrogant and/or detached from the fan base. I certainly don’t believe he’s the former, and I doubt he’s the latter.

By richbrave

January 11, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY:

Well, thats my take and I’m sticking to it.

By Baghdad Bradley

January 11, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

This offseason has really went swimmingly. Nobody wants a Hall-of-Famer that has proven time and again that he can rebound and be successful after surgery.

Wren isn’t arrogant, he’s absolutely in touch with the fan base. Look how well this Smoltz thing has went over!

Wren is doing fine, and this economy is looking better everyday!

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 11, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

Lentz, you just keep right on defending the mediocrity of Frank Wren, I’ll keep winking at your ignorance.

Does Albert Belle and the Orioles ring a bell?

How about the treatment of Cal Ripken Jr. ? Now John Smoltz and Chipper Jones are equally at odds with our GM.

Word to the wise, Frank Wren does not learn from his mistakes and he will keep making them.

By You've gone too far

January 11, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this

Baghdad Bradley, you’ve gone too far. Not even Baghdad Bob at his most outrageous, would have tried to pull off the spin that Wren has.

By Mitch

January 11, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Mark, I want to ask you something about your 2pm Sunday post:

While I do agree that signing Derek Lowe would likely salvage Wren’s offseason, or at least save face, how can you realistically say that up to this point, Wren hasn’t done as bad as everyone makes it out to be? Except for signing Vazquez, and the new unproven Japanese pitcher, what has he done? He has missed out on Peavy, Burnett, and let Smoltz get away. He has not signed one hitter for our offense. I know that it must get frustrating as a sportswriter, to see hundreds of posts in your blog, busting Wren’s chops, but reality is what it is.

Until this offseason, I had no beef with Frank Wren. I hardly even knew who he was. All I knew is that he took over for wildly successful GM John Scherholtz, and that he had huge shoes to fill. I never blamed Frank, or said it was his fault, that Smoltz, Glavine, et al, were all injured in 2008.

Someone I used to know had a saying: They said, that sometimes, to accomplish something, have success, and make changes, one in charge has to “bite the bullet”, and take a chance, even if it doesnt work out. I think that Frank may well now be in that position. Bottom line, the fans supporting his team, pay his salary. He works for the Braves, and his job is to try and provide a quality product on the field, to please the fans, so they will show up, and continue to spend money on the Braves tickets, merchandise, etc, to fund the team, that pays his salary. If we as fans feel he isnt doing a good job of rebuilding a team that lost 90 games last season, with inept decisions, we have every right to express our displeasure. After all, Mark, we arent the opposing fans who regularly taunt us with “You guys won 14 straight division titles, and only one World Series”. That line is old. We had success for fourteen years, and were one of the model franchises in baseball. As GM, John S made very, very few moves that didnt work in the Braves favor, which is why we won every year from 1991 to 2005. Now, we arent winning. When teams dont win, fans complain, and blame the management. Fans want to see management make moves to improve the team. If the fans dont like the moves, there is going to be backlash. It’s just how things are.

For Wren’s sake, and the Braves, our fans, and myself as a fan of 26 years, I hope and pray that Frank can do something. I dont derive any pleasure of sitting here and ripping him every night. I’d much rather have a solid team, come on here, and say, like I used to about John and Bobby, every year we wont, and weren’t supposed to. “Wow, we overachieved, what a great guy Frank is. What a genius he is”. When a team loses 90 games the previous season, and has an offseason like we did, and makes the statements Frank makes, that isnt going to happen. It’s human nature.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Frank can and will do something to bolster this team before spring training. I’m sure, if he does, your blogs will no longer be the “Meeting of the Frank Wren fan club” as you said. I’m sure, if Wren does something good, that people feel will help, the fans will say nice things about him trying to help. Until then, he’s going to be criticized.

Mitch

By richbrave

January 11, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this

PAUL L.:

I was responding to your addressing me in an afternoon post. Did I mis-understand? And I began calling for a trade of JONES twenty-four hours after reading on several venues of his reactions to the SMOLTZ thing not years ago. I would think he meant much of what he said in the heat of the moment despite what he might say after he cooled off. I just think he’d be happy out of here. If so why not accomodate the man while the length of his contract with the BRAVES has some value. I’m not implying he’ll sluff off at the plate or in the field during 2009. I’m sure he has too much pride for that type of foolishness, but it might subconsciously affect his edge to some degree while in ATLANTA. Anyway, here’s your post from earlier today.

By Paul Lentz

January 11, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

Hey RICHBRAVE, for you to say that Chipper can never be traded, shows that you share characteristics with the female sex. Women get emotional and attached to a man, just like some of you moron fans do with players past their prime. Fans like you baffle me. While I have enjoyed watching Chipper and Smoltz over the years, I am FIRST AND FOREMOST an Atlanta Braves fan. I’m 36 years old and will probably live another 40 years. You have to learn to “let go” when the time is right. As a man, I know how to let go. Once I break up with a woman, there is no turning back. No hard feelings but when someone’s time has passed, dont let the door hit you in the a*.

If the trading deadline comes in July and the Braves are not contending, I’d be more than ok with Wren trading Chipper for some prospects. Of if he wants to let Chipper walk away as a free agent, I’d have no problem with that. Chipper will be asking for more than his history of injuries and age is worth paying. When I’m forking over $235 to watch the MLB package on Direct TV, I’m paying to watch the Braves, not to watch Chipper Jones or John Smoltz.

Quit being emotional like females and start acting like men. Get over it and move on. Grow up and sound off like you got a pair.

By Ripley

January 11, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this

Who is THE DUMBEST figure in Atlanta Sports History:

Michael Vick

or

Frank Wren ?

A very strong argument could be made for each, but at least Vick was too stupid to know better.

By Paul Lentz

January 12, 2009 12:37 AM | Link to this

Comparing Frank Wren to Michael Vick shows that some of you need to see a shrink so you can get prescribed some psychotropic medication.

By Doug

January 12, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Nothing would please me more than for Wren to concede Braves are in full rebuilding mode. Teams like Marlins, Rays, Diamondbacks and Brewers come to mind. Before casting off Wren, consider the mess he inherited from Shuerholz who pummeled the farm system to rent Drew and Tex short term. Take back the pitchers he traded and the Braves wouldn’t be dealing with Boras.

By BullDawg79

January 12, 2009 8:05 PM | Link to this

I see no reason to support or follow the Braves any more. When you need a program to see who is playing, you might as well support the other team. Outside of the team name on the jersey, I see no difference. Next year the other team’s players may be sporting your team’s uniforms. When we are told to support the Braves, we are supporting the front office. These are the same group that set ticket prices, beer prices, hot dog prices, etc.

This Smoltz fiasco has caused me to lose any affinity I had for the Braves….

By Phil

January 13, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

I thought last season was bad, but it’s beginning to look like this upcoming season will be even worse. Wren is an idiot, Cox is a moron, and with these two bafoons making all the decisions, we may be looking at last place this year. I’m serious.

Hey Bradley, you predicting first place again this year by July 1st????????????????????? Don’t be that dumb again this year, not going to happen.

By Phil

January 13, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

I thought last season was bad, but it’s beginning to look like this upcoming season will be even worse. Wren is an idiot, Cox is a moron, and with these two bafoons making all the decisions, we may be looking at last place this year. I’m serious.

Hey Bradley, you predicting first place again this year by July 1st????????????????????? Don’t be that dumb again this year, not going to happen.

By Long time dawg fan

January 13, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

I agree with Tim. I also love Smoltz and hope him the best but, why should the Braves waste money on a pitcher that probly wont pitch 1/2 season when they need to spend thier money in other areas. I also think they need to give up on Glavine and let him go. The Braves have added some pretty good pitchers. They need to go after a good center fielder and replace Francoeur with one of those young studs the have in the minors and stay with him. Some one that can lay off that high stuff.

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