Mark Bradley

By brewdawg

January 16, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

I’m just not sure how “tangible” an aging 60 million dollar pitcher and over age 30 Japanese free agent are. To me, this rotation has just as many question marks as last year’s. But we’ll know soon enough I suppose.

By oldbird

January 16, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

The braves overpaid for a 35 year old pitcher and signed another pitcher that has never faced American major league hitters. They still have the same outfield that did not even combine to hit 40 homers last year and no legitimate leadoff hitter. Sorry Mark, you’ll have to excuse me if I am not all giddy about the beginning of spring training.

By Realist

January 16, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this

We couldn’t spend on free agents in recent years because we had too much money locked up in long-term deals with injury-prone players like Mike Hampton. We didn’t want to make that mistake again, so we let Smoltz go to Boston. Now we commit $60M to a guy who will be 40 when this contract ends. Glad to see we learned from our mistakes.

By Geezer

January 16, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is still an idiot. Spent too much, spent unwisely. He is still an goofy smiling idiot.

By Tom B

January 16, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

The Braves have 750-800 innings of quality (not dominant, but quality) starting pitching going into spring training. They ought to be “in” the game every night. Sure I;m much more excited about this season that I was a week ago.

By Mark

January 16, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

Wow, really trying to pump up Wren, Mark? Did he slap you hand at your last meeting or is this a willing change of heart?

By Geezer

January 16, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

And oh by the way Mark, you need to get that brown stuff of your nose and face - it is unbecoming of a journalist who is supposed to be objective.

By bRAVES FAN 4EVER

January 16, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

You goofy sonab1tches don’t know JACK !!

By JOE

January 16, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

everybody get happy. we have pitchers now that can actually go 6 plus innings a start. if we get one more bat, watch out -the braves will be back and in the hunt for the play-offs…i’m pumped..!!

By brewdawg

January 16, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

Again, let me emphasize I can’t understand how MB agrees with spending 60 million dollars for, as Realist points out, a pitcher who will be 40 when his contract runs out, and yet applauds not spending five million for John Smoltz. Just doesn’t make sense to me.

By DAN C

January 16, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE BRAVE’S DID SPEND SOME MONEY. YOU WON’T KNOW THE RESULTS TILL NEXT OCTOBER.STILL NEED A BIG BAT. I THINK THEY ARE BETTER OFF THEN THEY WERE 10 DAYS AGO.JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.

By DAN C

January 16, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE BRAVE’S DID SPEND SOME MONEY. YOU WON’T KNOW THE RESULTS TILL NEXT OCTOBER.STILL NEED A BIG BAT. I THINK THEY ARE BETTER OFF THEN THEY WERE 10 DAYS AGO.JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.

By CB

January 16, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

I have got to hand it to Frank Wren, in my opinion he has got three pretty good pitchers. I really believe Lowe will be more productive than AJ Burnett and as good as Peavy and we kept our best prospects. Now lets get an outfielder who can hit

By Ricky in Dallas

January 16, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

ATTENTION Haters

Please go back and do your clean-up on aisle 9. We are Brave fans who lived from 1966-1990 with nothing but hope. We love Bobby Cox and our city. Good signings. I will be at Spring Training to enjoy this 2009 Braves team.

By STRETCH

January 16, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

Well, i really like the pitching at the moment. Anything is better than all the worn out arms they had. But realistic thinking should be to look for a legit lead off guy and that outfield is just not going to cut it!

By Tomahawk Matt

January 16, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

We have definitely improved the pithcing staff which couldn’t have gotten much worse than where we were. Nobody to knock the socks off of opponents’ batters but I believe we can compete on most nights.

The Big IFs now become the offensive production. We’ve got to produce some runs with speed if we’re not pounding the ball over the fences.

It’s good to see Infante and Diaz agreeing to new deals - bench depth is crucial - including Norton - we’ve got some good bats coming in for pinch hit situations.

Plus, Mike Gonzalez (for the whole season this year), Pete Moylan coming back, hopefully Soriano is feeling good… please SIGN WILL OHMAN!!!!!

Look what the Falcons did - totally different sport I KNOW - but the teams you’re not worried about are often the teams that beat you.

GO BRAVES!!! GO BRAVES!!! GO BRAVES!!!

By CB

January 16, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

I really believe the Braves are going to suprise some people. The Braves are going to start winning a lot of those 1 run games thry lost last year

By Sir Stealth

January 16, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this

Unless and until we get back to the World Series, Wren will always be the maladroit who let Smoltz walk away.

By craig

January 16, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this

Who’s going to hit? Chipper, McCann, yes. But then what? We can hope Frenchy gets back on track (which I think he will), but that still leaves a lot of sub par bats in the lineup.

By nique

January 16, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this

This offseason could have allowed the Braves to compete with the Mets and Phillies. Instead, they’ve put together a team that will compete for 3rd place and taken huge PR hits with the fans and the team itself to do that (see Chipper, Escobar and Johnson). Lowe’s signing didn’t really change that.

We spent $15 mill per year on a number 2 quality starter and the rest of the rotation lacks anything above a number 3. It’s pretty unbelievable that we signed Infante and Ross for millions but couldn’t make Smoltz’s money a little more attainable.

Wren’s moves are not reflective of a plan for the offseason. He seemed to be doing everything day to day and most of his moves haven’t made sense given the other moves/non-moves. Hopefully he gets a decent bat.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

No offense, but how many World Series had John Smoltz — or any Brave — pitched in lately?

By Mike Lum

January 16, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

For those so disappointed when the Braves don’t win the World Series every year: What free agent pitcher isn’t too old or overpaid? Even CC weighs too much. Lowe is a much better option than Smoltz, who is six years older and out until June anyway. The Yankees spend $200 million every year…but doesn’t buy them a pennant.

By Matt Yoder

January 16, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this

For you guys that think 35 years, is OLD go stick ur head in the sand or something!!! How old is Chipper??? If I’m not mistaken he won his 1st batting title last year??? At the tender age of 36! Need I say more? Derrick Lowe and Jappy have plenty of innings left in their arms!!!! GO BRAVES;-)

By Mike Lum

January 16, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

For those so disappointed when the Braves don’t win the World Series every year: What free agent pitcher isn’t too old or overpaid? Even CC weighs too much. Lowe is a much better option than Smoltz, who is six years older and out until June anyway. The Yankees spend $200 million every year…but doesn’t buy them a pennant.

By Murphy

January 16, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

Seriously Bradley. Who do you work for exactly? This is the 3rd (at least) article in a row that slams the fans for their distrust of the front office while dutifully defending their moves. I bet your thesaurus is getting quite the workout as you find more words to describe what a great job Wren is doing!

That being said, I like this signing of Lowe but in NO WAY does it excuse Wren for letting Smoltz go. They are two different cases completely. Smoltz and Chipper are really the ONLY two Braves that should fall into that special class of ICONS and be treated as such, but that is a whole other argument.

Lowe has been a quality pitcher for a while now and while a debatable ACE, he will be our ACE. Since we were not going to get into the bidding war for CC, I think this was the next best pitcher on the market. He is MUCH more durable than AJ.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

Mr. Mike Lum is correct. Every free agent is overpaid. It’s a question of picking the right one on which to splurge. And I’d say Derek Lowe is as sound a bet as any. (Much sounder than A.J. Burnett.)

By ET

January 16, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

Wren goes out and signs two free agent starting pitchers who have proven themselves to be very durable and he traded (albeit at a high price in prospects) for an innings eater in Vasquez and these quasi-fans can only cry about what they think he did wrong.

We could be fielding a top tier team this year if we hadn’t traded away most of our top prospects in the past 8 years. From Wainright to Elvis everything that we now need is right there on that list of players we traded off.

Wren tried to keep most of our current talent in the system. When he traded for Vasquez the talent was covered by other prospects in the system. He kept the best pitchers and most of the position players. He ultimately had to trade something to get a pitcher that could last a full season.

In the future the best thing Wren can do is protect the farm system. Sometimes the best trade is the one not made…ie. the Peavy trade.

By getnathan

January 16, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

Getnathan’s take on the winter acquisitions for the Braves:

Javier Vazquez - GOOD David Ross - GOOD Kenshin Kawakami - ? Greg Norton - EXCELLENT Derek Lowe - EXCELLENT

All we can do is wait and see. I’m actually excited for the season to start. And we’ll be tested right off the bat with the Phillies in that box of a ballpark. Lowe will start and we’ll see how he stacks up against the World Champs.

MARK: Is Magglio Ordonez a remote possibility for Braves outfield? He would be exactly what the Braves need in the middle and we would then contend for the NL East (not be beaten 15-4 by Philadelphia)

By don

January 16, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

Well, they may not be cheapskates but they are still morons. Lowe’s typical 13-12 season won’t make a dent in the di9vision race nor will the usual season of Vasquez. Throw in a med8iocre, at best, pitcher from Japan and you don’t have much.

By MC6

January 16, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

C’mon, the Braves didn’t let John Smoltz walk away. He walked away because he thought he had a better chance to win in Boston. Can’t blame him for that. He should have been up front about it, though, in my opinion. Don’t throw the Braves under the bus for it. He didn’t need the extra 3 mil. He got paid plenty last year for 2 months of work. In my book, put him in the same category as Tom(You Hurt My Feelings)Glavine and Mike(Take The Money And Run)Hampton. These athletes are so disconnected from the real world, it’s mind boggling.

By brewdawg

January 16, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

Mark,

For the last few years, Smoltzie was the arguably the most reliable pitcher the Braves had - until last year, when the injury he’d been pitching through for a couple of years finally became too much. All I’m saying (and all I’ve ever said) is that resigning him would have been a minimal risk to take, especially after he had corrective surgery. And we still could have gotten Lowe and Kamikaze.

Also, when can we get a column on the sorry state of UGA basketball? Felton has had ample time now, and we have all of two players that will be signing with us for next year. I appreciate what he did in bringing this program out of the hell Harrick left it, but we should be contending for an NCAA berth by now. (Miracle SEC runs notwithstanding).

By Joey

January 16, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

Maybe you first 4 posters should become Yankees fans, so you can smile and rave about all the talent they buy up on a daily basis. It’s a business, you fools. The Braves do not have a cable tv empire owner that blows money trying to keep up with the big market (NY, NY, LA, Chi, Bos, etc) clubs anymore. Wren has done a superb job this off-season with the $$ he has to work with.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this

I work for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Have since March 5, 1984. Thanks for asking.

By roman88

January 16, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

alot of people wanna bad mouth the lowe signing, but he’s reliable, era barely over three, more than capable. losing smoltz is rough though, lowe will be there every start and is a better signing than burnett anyway. a outfield with power and put up numbers is really all that’s lacking, just wish freeman and heyward and those guys were ready now. hansen hopefully will be here from spring training on. and if hudson could come back later on in the year, the rotation will really be stacked. face it doubters , 80% of the team was injured last yr, and no production from the outfield, the braves will rebound just don’t jump on the bandwagon then.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

Georgia basketball should be coming soon. Thanks for asking.

By big o

January 16, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this

FRANK WRONG DOES NOT GET A PASS FROM ME. HE IS STILL AN IDIOT FOR LETTING J.S GO TO BOSTON AND SPENDING 60M ON LOWE. HEY IDIOT SIGN A. JONES PLEASE

By don

January 16, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Did I just read that the Braves are paying the Japanese guy $23,000,000? Surely not.

Wren is even dumber than I thought. Moron is too kind.

By The Grinch

January 16, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

Every penny Smoltz has made in his adult life (including 14 mil last year for squat) has come from this city and this team. He walked out on us, not the other way around.

Wren has done a fine job so far. Getting JJJ for peanuts, not raping the farm for Peavey, not overpaying for Burnett, getting an Asian pitcher to tap into a new local fan base and landing Lowe for 20 mil less than Burnett? If he lands us a bat we’ve had just about as good an offseason as can be expected. Grow up and support the team.

By Ry

January 16, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

Wren gave us a decent shot at winning this year. But whats more is in 2010 when our rotation is Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Lowe, and the better of kawakami/vazquez. Thats automatically tops in the bigs!! Gives another year to develop the OF and see who is staying and which spot must be filled next winter. Decent Job Wren!!

By X902

January 16, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

Mark, seriously, do you just have an enormous man-crush on Frank Wren, or is there some other compelling reason that you’re always so quick to rush to his defense?

I know he’s gotten a bum rap this offseason. It wasn’t his fault that Furcal played him. And I don’t blame him for letting The Icon leave for Boston.

But Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez and the Japanese guy whose name I haven’t even bothered to learn yet are not going to suddenly transform us into anything more than a mediocre team.

By your logic, resigning Andruw Jones and getting a somewhat improved performance from Jeff Francoeur will make us a lock for the World Series.

By coachrob

January 16, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

These inning-eaters will be HUGE to the club. If we hadn’t called on middle relief every other day to pitch 4+ innings, we’d have been in MUCH better shape. I’m telling you folks, Gonzo is an ELITE closer. Big time heat, 3 good pitches and, most importantly, the mentality. We finally have guys who can get it most if not all of the way to him. I see him with 40+ saves. Also, Vazquez in the Bobby Cox clubhouse will be HUGE. He is a big time strikeout guy. He will flourish under Mac. Cheer up fellow Bravos!!!! It’s all coming together. This is the thing the Phils don’t ant to see. The awakening of the sleeping giant that is the Braves. (Mets don’t care, they’re too busy choking on their baseballs

By big o

January 16, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

Hey grinch, maybe you Bradley and Frank Wrong should snuggle together to keep warm tonight. Because yyour lips are firmly planted on Frank Wrongs A$$.

By getnathan

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

X902 its kawakami

By JS

January 16, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

Mark— ever since your claim that the Braves are a dynasty (after game 2 of 96 World Series) things have not been the same. So, it has to be your fault.

By The Grinch

January 16, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

We’ll have your mom in between us, big o; I’ll tell her you said hi.

By X902

January 16, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

Also, let’s address your argument about Lowe being a better investment than Burnett.

You’re right, he is. I never wanted them to sign Burnett, so it was a relief when he went to N.Y.

But let’s remember that the only reason Burnett isn’t a Brave is because the Yankees won the bidding.

Wren was ready to plop down huge money for an overrated, injury-prone pitcher.

The only reason we have Lowe is because Wren was out of options on free agents pitchers.

By Supes

January 16, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

Mark

Where is the article questioning what is WREN going to do about our abismal OF production?

You must be on Wren’s payroll or something of that nature, I’m yet to see anyone but Shultz challange anything that Wren has done this off-season.

Our rotation is not set, it’s serviceable and will probably keep us 3-6 games behind whoever is leading the NL east until Hudson can come back in August (you know our REAL number 1 pitcher, not Lowe).

However who is going to produce the numbers we need in the OF?

Now that is a topic worth discussing!

By getnathan

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

A lot of people don’t like Frank Wren. He is wheeling and dealing. I have to like that. And on top of that, he’s not giving away the whole farm system for some washed up veterans. He’s doing things the right way.

By Political Foreskin

January 16, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

What happened to the deal with the Crimedog?

By Reality Time

January 16, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

What is the deal with comparing a 36 year old who will be 40 when his contract is up, with a pitcher who is 42 now. The guy you are worrying about will still be two years younger when his contract is up than the other guy is now. Why don’t you say a pitcher who will be 40 when his contract is up in four years to a pitcher who would be 46 if he were signed to a four year contract. Get over Smoltz, he’s gotten over you.

By the way, Japanese pitchers don’t need to pitch to American batters before they pitch over here, they seem to do a real fine job of getting them out anyway.

By brvs1fan

January 16, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

Geezer is still an idiot. A goofy, smiling idiot. If ignorance is bliss, he is one happy mofo.

By brvs1fan

January 16, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

Geezer is still an idiot. A goofy, smiling idiot. If ignorance is bliss, he is one happy mofo.

By Zach

January 16, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

The Braves now are significantly better than they were at the end of last year. That’s called a good offseason. Lowe will end his contract when he’s forty. Smoltz would have ended a contract when he’s 42. He walked away from us.

Innings eaters help the bullpen, which helps us win one run games, and we did not win a lot of those last year. The Falcons are a rarity. Wren is building a team, not waving a magic wand so a World Series magically appears.

With another bat, I’d prefer Abreu over Dunn (strikes out too much and is a defensive liability), this is a very good team, injuries aside.

And come on, haven’t we all complained how cheap the Braves have been for years and years? I’m delighted to see them throw money at somebody for the first time in my life.

By roman88

January 16, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

hampton, glavine, smoltz had a combined 8 wins last year, lowe has averaged 15 wins for like the last 7 yrs. at least wren didn’t give in to the padres for hansen and the rest of the farm system for peavy. sure there’s no ace starter but they’ll be reliable and with gonzo, moylen back with the others hopefully they won’t have to count on blaine boyer,

By brvs1fan

January 16, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

And Don, Lowe has averaged 15 wins and over 200 innings pitched over the last 7 years……that’s hardly “13-12”. If you can’t get your numbers right go back to Metsland.

By big o

January 16, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this

Grinch there won’t be room for my mom with your sister there and all. Besides,my mother has standards. You have to have a brain if you are discussing Braves baseball.

By Braves Fan in PA

January 16, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why everyone thinks the Braves can’t win-the key is if we stay Healthy- If anyone would have said the staff here in Philly was going to win the WS in the start of the season would have been called crazy-bottom line is phillies stayed healthy for most of the season-if the Braves rotation stays healthly they will make a run at the east again. The bullpen should be stronger this year. Let’s not talk about age-philly again got 16 wins from a 45 year old. I think Lowe and the rest of the staff will do just fine this year IF they stay HEALTHY! MHO of course- Go Braves!!!

By J Dub

January 16, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

Mark, I think the frustration and skepticism doesn’t come from what Atlanta has or has not done this year alone. The frustration has been building as we have watched Dye, Drew, Tex, Glavine, Maddux, Andruw and now Smoltz (and countless others) walk away from the Braves and our big signing of the offseason in return is that of Mark Kotsay or an aging Brian Jordan or Raul Mondesi or a useless Mike Hampton (bad luck) or Chris Woodward. When we were dominating, we were signing McGriff’s, Gallaraga’s, Young Jordan’s, etc. Now we are getting pumped because we resigned the best pinch hitter in the game. Not that we don’t need to resign him but let’s taper back the confetti celebrations because of those type signings. I am pleased with the signing of Lowe. I don’t know much about the Japanese pitcher and am not blown away at all by the signing of Vazquez. The truth is that we have not always been able to hang onto our young guys over the years. Andruw (until last year) and Chipper aside, we have let “the next big thing” walk away. I left McCann and Frenchy off of that list because who knows what will happen to them in the next 3 years (as far as trades) and they are still loaded with potential. Sometimes it has worked out for the best i.e. Andy Marte and Wilson Betemit. Sometimes it hasn’t i.e. Jermaine Dye, Adam Wainwright, etc. I think that most Braves fans are resigned to the fact that our studs will come from the farm and not via free agency because we typically don’t spend the money necessary to bring in a Manny or Magglio or Peavy. We typically overspend for the poor man’s Manny or Peavy. I am sure I am not the only Braves fan that was blown away when we got Big Tex but I am also sure I am not the only Braves fan that was blown away when we let him walk one year later. We even shopped Escobar this year and tried our same routine of bringing in Braves retreads that have iffy pasts a la Furcal and now Andruw. That’s why I don’t buy the jersey anymore. Never know what will happen. My last purchase was Marcus Giles. See?? All we ask is that our management do the best that they can to make us competitive every year. We are all spoiled with the 14 in a row and seem to forget about what we had before the 14 in a row. We also can’t sweep under the rug what the 14 in a row got us. 1 championship. While we can boast about the 14, 1 out of 14 is not the best percentage. We can thank Lonnie Smith for one of those losses.

By The Artist Formerly Known as Too Hot For Teacher

January 16, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

The Grinch brings up a point I hadn’t noticed yet - Kawakami, even if he doesn’t win 15 games and the Cy Young (certainly a hyperbole here!) will gain us a new fan base. Certainly won’t replace the old TBS fan base but it will give us some more people following the team and willing to shell out some cash to come to the ball park or buy Braves merchandise. That could have financial dividends in the future.

Everybody who thinks we overspent on Lowe while refusing to sign Smoltz is a fool - look I’d like to have Smoltz back too and I was mad that we took a chance on an injury prone guy like Burnett and didn’t go after Smoltz. But you can’t compare Smoltz and Lowe for next season or compare a 60 million contract with a 5 million dollar contract. Lowe is gonna go 200+ innings and have a mid 3 era - wins are dependent upon run support. Smoltz is MAYBE gonna be available for half a season.

So if you wanna compare cost you have to divide - Lowe is gonna make 7.5 million for the second half of this season, and Smoltz is gonna make 5, maybe as much as 10. Smoltz is older and may not even be available for that. Barring an injury to Lowe, Lowe is going to outperform Smoltz this year no matter how you slice it. Now I’m upset because he’s gone and we’ll miss his leadership but let’s not crucify Lowe and blame his money for it.

Wren’s job is to put together a winning team on the field and you would crucify him if we were out of contention in July again - so let’s not drill him for improving the team on paper.

By HAL

January 16, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

what people do not seem to rember is it wasnt wren who commited all that money to hamton or made the trade for tex i know its not popular on this blog but the “IDIOT” might have moved up and so somay not be as dangerous to our braves as before

By bobby

January 16, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

I doubt that the Braves will be a contender this year but it is better to bite the bullet for a year or two than to make stupid trades like for Texiera. Most of the players we traded for him will be playing in the majors within a year or two.

The Braves or no one else will ever be dominant to win 14 years in a row again. That streak defies was unbelieveable.

By Tomahawk Matt

January 16, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how 80% of the people that blog on the AJC Braves page “claim” to be Braves fans but believe in nothing but the worst and hate everything done to improve the team.

If any of you haters & doubters had more baseball knowledge than Wren $ Schuerholtz & Bobby, well - I guess you’d be on the NY Yankees payroll - RIGHT?

If you have such little faith, GO FIND ANOTHER TEAM!

Sure you’re entitled to an opinion. AND I apologize for not respecting all of the doubters’ & haters’ Nostradomus-like sports visions and forsight into the future.

GO BRAVES! GO AWAY LAME “FANS”!

By Racism

January 16, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

Matt Yoder Can we not call Kawakawi “Jappy”? He sounds like a nice fellow who’s happy to be here and doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment.

By fresh

January 16, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

i like some of the pitching moves that wren made, but they are all righthanders. we need a lefty in the 3 or 4 spot in the rotation. the phillies with all those left handed bats killed the braves last year.

By keith jump

January 16, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

i grew up when the Braves 1st came to atlanta so i have seen the good and the BAD< REAL BAD> but i have always been a braves fans !ST. i didnt have another team like alot or most of the doubters and skeptics here. yeah Smoltz leaving hurt my heart to but if smoltz had wanted to stay he could and he KNEW the braves were m,aking a good sound business decision. so get of your soap box and high horse. We the REAL Braves fans will stick with our team through thick and thin, not always like the moves BUT will back OUR team. I hope now we get a big bat plus A. Jones and re-up chipper. and all you with the negative, remember when the braves ARE in the playoofs with another W.S. chance this year, stay off our Braves Train we do NOT have room for you.

By ET

January 16, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

By getnathan

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

A lot of people don’t like Frank Wren. He is wheeling and dealing. I have to like that. And on top of that, he’s not giving away the whole farm system for some washed up veterans. He’s doing things the right way

This is how I feel and am too lazy to retype it so I copied it.

By Political Foreskin

January 16, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

CNN just reported that a tugboat made an emergency mooring at LaGuardia Airport in New York City after it sailed through an especially thick gob of raw sewage on the Hudson River. The pod of whales didn’t help either, nor did the irate baby seals who attacked the propellers after it saw the sarah palin sticker on the poop deck.

By AK-47

January 16, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

Smoltz should have retired, and Boston was foolish to sign him. He hasn’t finished a complete season as a starter in forever, and you can’t expect him to do it again this year after having surgery. Get over it.

To rail against signing Lowe by complaining that he will be 40 at the END of his contract means you will not be satisfied no matter what the GM does. He’s a good pitcher, just be happy we finally landed a big fish. We’ll have 4 years and possibly 50-75 wins out of him before then.

I am glad to see that the woeful rotation (could say nonexistent) has been improved significantly in the past 2 weeks. Wren has signed 3 legitimate starters, when signing just one is the toughest thing a major league GM can try to do. Give the man some credit. It’s infinitely more than Don Waddell has done the past 2 seasons for the Thrashers.

By what

January 16, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

Political Foreskin, I think you’re on the wrong blog fella.

By BravoMan

January 16, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

Haha, I like Tomahawk Matt’s last comment.

It’s overwhelming at times how many doubters I see on this site, but I for one am not going to torture myself by thinking negativily all the time about the team. There were many this offseason who believed the only significant move the Braves were gonna do is resign Hampton. I knew that wasn’t going happen and I knew Wren wasn’t going to sit around and not try to improve our rotation in some way. He aquired to guys who’s specialty is throwing 200 innings every year in Vazquez and Lowe. This will help us win games and help a preserve a bullpen that has been depleted in the few years. He added depth in signing Kenshin Kawakami and opened a new door to Japanese talent. Wren also improved the bench by signing David Ross and holding on to guys like Norton and Infante. If I had to grade Wren on his dealings so far I’d give him an A+ for sure.

O and I say this to the negative Braves fans out there, It’s okay to be happy when your club has a successful offseason. We just took Lowe from the New York Muts, and you can’t go wrong with that.

By J Dub

January 16, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Couple of questions I have for some of the posters on here:
1) When did airing concerns over moves or voicing an opinion make someone a bad fan? 2) When did walking in line and letting management do whatever they want to do without some sort of accountablility while WE are the ones paying for jacked up tickets and merchandise make you a “REAL FAN”.

I’ll agree that some people on here are just here to gripe but you can’t lump every poster with a bone to pick a hater and not a “real” fan.

By getnathan

January 16, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

X902

Maybe getting Lowe was better than even getting Burnett. Burnett will land on the Disabled List at least twice this year and he has a history of elbow an

By Joey

January 16, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

Supes, Baseball 101. Try it sometime. Good pitching beats good hitting. Thanks to Wren, we now have 5 starters ready for spring training with proven sub 4.00 ERA, not counting Hudson, who may get back late in the season. Serviceable? Not many teams have this kind of lineup in their staffs.

By Dan

January 16, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

Mark

The Braves are not winning anything anytime soon. They still do not hold a candle to Philly or the Mets. I don’t even think they will beat out the Marlins.

The team can’t hit a lick.

What is so special about Wren anyway? Mark, you took great pleasure in ripping Billy Knight at every turn, but you nut suck Wren every chance you get. Not saying that Wren is going to do good or bad. Just find it funny how you dish out free passes to anyone in the Braves organization.

By WNC Fan

January 16, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’ll admit I was irate over the Smoltz affair, but now I realize that at this point in his career, it’s more important what hat he wears going to Cooperstown than what hat he wears next season.

Given what the Braves went through last year, Lowe was probably the safest signing for a #1 the Braves could expect to sign. As for $60M, that’s what top-flight pitchers make — don’t like it, but that’s the way it is.

I liked Vazquez as an Expo and hope he can recapture that. He has a decent bat and eats innings. Kawakami is an unknown, but he’s not being asked to be more than a #3.

I’m more excited about seeing Jurrjens continue his emergence — like Hamels did in Philly, he could leapfrog over everyone to be the de facto #1.

Yeah, a big bat in LF would be nice, but it would be nicer to see Francoeur and Kotchman catch fire. Small ball can win games, and Anderson and Blanco make the game exciting.

Keep our promising bullpen rested and healthy — Go Braves!

By Mr. Obvious

January 16, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

Wow.

Frank Wren must REALLY have some dirt on Bradley with this “Love Fest” I just read.

Confess your sins to the world, Mr. Bradley, and take away Wren’s influence over you.

In the immortal words of Lewis Grizzard: “Tell It All, Brother! Tell It All!”

It will make you feel better. I promise!

By big o

January 16, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

Well said J-Dub. Some of these people are like sheep. Relax people. Don’t question anyones fanhood because they disagree with the moves this team has made. We love the Braves and are passionate about the team and will still be at the Ted.

By oldbrave

January 16, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

I wonder how all the bellyachers have managed to overlook a strong trend in the Braves organization during the last few years? That is a healthy farm system which is developing talent in numbers. I also notice that these up and comers are sparkling examples of good baseball. Skill, hustle and seeming enjoyment in what they do. I also seem to notice that Mr Wren has managed to add significant talent in the off season while still maintaining the integrity of his farm development. This is a majorly good job. As for Bobby Cox, I remember that the braves began their improvement on many levels when Bobby was first manager then GM in the late 80’s. There has been nothing but good while he is here. He could honestly be called the rock upon which our prolonged success is based. 2009 will be a good year and I believe we are poised for many more!

By Tomahawk Matt

January 16, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

“REAL FANS” have faith in the organization and support their team through thick and thin times. THAT’S MY OPINION. Some people act like Frank Wren is sitting at his desk with this sinister laugh saying “ha ha ha I’ve really F-ed this team up now… haha ha!”

You have to do the best with what’s out there on the market. If Wren has done such a bad job, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENT? SUGGESTIONS PLEASE? because so far Wren has done rather well given what he’s had to work with on the market.

You people voicing your opinions is great and awesome. It’s fun to read and that’s why we’re all here. Most of the negativity here though comes along with paperbag arguments. Support your beliefs with supporting facts.

I don’t agree with every move my teams’ may make BUT I DO SUPPORT MY TEAM ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THEY KNOW WHAT’S BEST.

GO BRAVES! GO AWAY UNREAL FANS!!!!!

By bigjohnchopfan

January 16, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

Wow, baseball season can’t get here soon enough!!!

By roman88

January 16, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

keep spending big new york, and keep collapsing every time, braves 85 wins in ‘09 and the wild card, all the starters 55-60 wins, relievers 10-15 wins, closer 15-20+ wins

By jimmy

January 16, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

500 pitchers 500 ball WREN needs to go

By cvbraves

January 16, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

Right on, Mark!

By CW

January 16, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

Smoltz, Smoltz, Smoltz, Smoltz, Smoltz, Smoltz.

All this wringing of hands, gnashing of teeth and rending of garments is all because Smoltz got impatient and bolted for Boston.

Is it really Wren’s fault that he didn’t get Peavy or Burnett? Then, while Wren is desperately trying to rebuild the starting rotation, Smoltz decides he better get while the getting is good. And when he did so, he wasn’t thinking about the fans here. He was thinking about a change of scenery and a chance to play for a team that can afford to buy any player they need. That’s it. End of story.

I’m glad we didn’t get Peavy and give away a bunch of prospects. Lowe may not be Smoltz, but that dude is still a warrior. He’s got a great track record of coming out every 5th day and keeping his team in games. Considering that last year Glavine, Smoltz, Hampton and Huddy all spent huge chunks of the season on the shelf how can any of you not say that Vazquez, Lowe and Kawakami aren’t going to be an improvement?

Anybody with any baseball sense sees that Wren made the most of a very difficult situation. I believe that by the end of next season this rotation and the GM that put it together will be vindicated.

By Spanos

January 16, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

I * would* say that FRANK “WRONG AGAIN” WREN is THE BIGGEST mistake the Braves have ever made…

However, I went to BRAVES FAN FEST 2008 , so I really can’t accurately make that particular assessment about the team’s current General Manager.

By roman88

January 16, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

yeah I know I put wins with closers, but still the revamped pitching will still go from 72 wins in ‘08 to at least 85+ wins this year,

By dobearsbare

January 16, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

Yes, the Braves overpaid for Lowe. That said, I’d take 210 innings of a guy with a 3.5 ERA over 110 innings of a guy with a 2.4. And that’s what you have in Lowe and Smoltz.

Still, MC, you are flat wrong. Smoltz didn’t walk away because he wanted to win. That chance is a happy perk. He walked away because the Red Sox will pay him $35k a day for every day he’s on the active roster, while one of the Braves’ biggest offered incentives hinged on him pitching 230 innings. I’ll go out on a limb and say nobody in baseball will pitch 230 innings this year. As such, that incentive is unattainable and an insult.

The Lowe signing will indeed be good for the Braves. It remains to be seen whether it will heal the public relations scar caused by their dealings with Smoltz.

By J Dub

January 16, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

Well, for the record Matt Tomahawk, I am a real fan and if you read my post, I did not blame Wren for anything that he has done this year. I spoke up the build up frustration of not landing a big fish and losing several big fish and losing young talent and not replacing it. I would not waste my time on a blog if I were not a real fan. As for having faith, I am a Dawg fan and have lost all faith in Willie Martinez so I guess I will have my “REAL” identification card revoked.

By J Dub

January 16, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

Well, for the record Matt Tomahawk, I am a real fan and if you read my post, I did not blame Wren for anything that he has done this year. I spoke up the build up frustration of not landing a big fish and losing several big fish and losing young talent and not replacing it. I would not waste my time on a blog if I were not a real fan. As for having faith, I am a Dawg fan and have lost all faith in Willie Martinez so I guess I will have my “REAL” identification card revoked.

By For States rights

January 16, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this

Why don’t we see if Andrew will pay us $1000 a game to just sit on the bench so the paying fans will not forget him, because he is most forgetable.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t agree with everything Wren has done. I wasn’t crazy about the Vazquez trade, and I was opposed to bringing back Rafael Furcal, which the Braves attempted to do, and there’s no way I’d even entertain the possibility of re-signing Andruw Jones, to which the Braves seem open.

But that’s just me. And if I’d had my pick of one free agent pitcher — other than CC Sabathia, who was always out of this team’s price range — I’d have picked Derek Lowe.

By big o

January 16, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

All the Frank Wrong lovers out there who think we are not true fans because we see he is an idiot. Please be reminded (YOU CAN CONFIRM THIS bRADLEY) Frank Wrong said last week that anyone who blogs is not a real fan and is just someone who likes to punch keys. Never ever question my fanhood.

By JR

January 16, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

Come on guys. Think about it. Would you rather have this bunch than what we were facing 10 days ago? We have 3-4 possible decent 5th starters and a lights out bullpen. . Geez what a bunch of pessimists. We’ve got 3-4 budding superstars in the outfield here and down on the farm. A vacuum cleaner for an infield and one of the top catchers anywhere. And you know Frenchie is going to bounce back. How ‘bout it? JR

By braves4ever

January 16, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

Mark, Our pitching will be very good and when Tim Hudson returnes that will be intersing issue, he will bolster our staff and what do we do with a very good pitcher left over at say August,hmmm maybe I hear the rush of trade winds blowing at that key time, we could fix other issues,maybe a biggg hitter. just thinking out loud ,but I bet the Braves have had these discussions. And a few moves this week doesn’t get Frank Wren off the hook, a few years of good moves builds trust,we will see.

By fieldofdreams

January 16, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

Although it’s doubtful we’ll win the East this year, I’m perfectly happy with an organization that’s got an eye on the future; with the staff at least stabilized, our young outfield prospects get to audition in winnable games. It’s time to let the young outfielders show their stuff, cede second to Prado, and hand Hanson that damn ball. If they can stay in the race until August, make a deft trade as needed, they might even squeeze playoff lemonade from what looked like a season of lemons. And please, Frank, don’t blow the rest of the wad on an over the hill rent-a-Brave like Bobby Abreu; at this point in his career he’s going to be as devoted to the Tomahawk as a loser on his third wife.

By big o

January 16, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this

what’s up grinch ? no snappy comeback !!! but i guess you can’t hold your laptop while you are greeting people at walmart.

By Tomahawk Matt

January 16, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

You’re still not answering the freakin question!!!

What would you do differently????

WHAT? WHAT? WHAT???????!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

GEEZ… come on… stir the fire : )

I would NOT have let Smoltz go for a few million chump change. Other than that - I can live with things.

Wren said “most fans don’t blog” - which is very true. Most fans don’t. Most fans don’t listen to sports radio either. I just like arguing with people. That’s why I’m here. And I love the Braves clearly - my legal name shows it.

Sincerly, Real Braves Fan a.k.a. Tomahawk Matt

By Bill

January 16, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

Mark B..Thanks again…Bottom line is to win and thats what Wren and Braves have got to do. I’d rather over pay Lowe than lose him. Now get a Big Bat in LF… Not A. Jones. Thanks again Mark, love it when you post on Braves..

By dogsbrekky

January 16, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this

Don - I will try to be semi-nice here, stop CRYING LIKE A LITTLE girl or get a new team

If you srriously do not like the Kawakami signing at a bargain price (he is BETTER than Kurdoa who got $12M more from LA) then what do you want

I was as upset about SMOLTZY as anyone but Lowe is bloody good, very very good with our ball park I say and he is a trier, a gamer and a post season gun (see CC and AJ Burnouts records). He is also a sinkerballer with a very good infield behind him (bar the 2nd base)…..

I am Australian and have followed our Braves through thick and thin since 1971, we will fight on and be a better team in 2009

Remember last year in mid May, we were 1 game from 1st before INJURIES to pitchers ripped us apart..

Vazquez is a big strike out guy, Kenshin is a gun (former Rising Sun MVP and Cy Young) and Jair Jurrjens has the nouse and guts if a MADDUX…

Get Hanson ready or Parr and off we go…

1 bat and we are better than the Metamucils from up here in cold as gob-s** New York

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

What would I have done differently? Bought Microsoft stock back in 1985.

By Political Foreskin

January 16, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

Why would anyone want andrew jones? A non player if there ever was one. Remember when he took off for second in the world series against the yankees and it wasn’t even close? He thought he noticed a balk or something and just took off, and the yankees got an easy out. Another Bobby Cox running game special.

Bobby Cox’s achilles heel is the running game. It’s like he’s never thought about it. “Yeah, the runners run the bases, so what?”

Is it miller time yet?

Oh, and what: You’re on the right blog.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

Why, thanks, Bill. Thanks very much.

By Tomahawk Matt

January 16, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

Here’s the “blogging real fan” quote which doesn’t mention “real fans” at all…

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.”

Read it and weep gentlemen. Enjoy : )

Here’s the link… http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/bradley/entries/2009/01/10/optimisticbravesgmwrenrefu.html

Yep - I use smileys.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Ron Roberts

January 16, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this

Mark, just on the sight test I’d consider Andruw. I’m not sure if you’d seen the clip of ‘Dru working out with CHipper and McCann in a batting cage last week…dude looked slimmer’n he’s looked in many a year, and I can’t think of two guys I’d rather see him working on his hitting with other than Tony Gwynn or Wade Boggs.

I’m with ya, though, on the Furcal situation. Didn’t really make much sense, unless the Braves and Padres had worked on a deal to send Peavy here for Yunel and a package and we needed to show Peav’ we had a SS lined up. The line the Braves were feeding us just didn’t make sense.

By Steve

January 16, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s on his way back for sure. Rumor has it that the Braves just ordered a dozen size 5XL jerseys and an Andruw Jones model bat. Why only one bat? They figure it’s safe; it’s not like he’s gonna hit a ball with it or anything.

By Tomahawk Matt

January 16, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

No doubt Mark… I have some Microsoft shares. I’m working on buying the Montreal Expos and moving them to East Atlanta. Thanks for the input Mr Bradley.

My “what would you do differently” question was also more for the doubters and nay-sayers… they’re still looking for a way out of that paperbag.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this

I didn’t see the clip, Ron. And I probably shouldn’t be so close-minded about Andruw Jones. But I hate it when a big-time talent wastes his talent big-time.

By Mitch

January 16, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this

Mark, I do agree with you that the Braves have made some very nice aquisitions this offseason.

As for where they will land in 2009: The problem for the Braves is that they are in an extremely tough division. The Metropolitans just signed the most lights out ninth inning closer in the game, plus they have a decent rotation, and good offense. The Phillies are coming off the World Series win, and it will be interesting to see whether they have another great season like last year, or suffer a hangover from that.

Unless a disaster happens, the Braves are not, by any means, a 90 loss team. That being said, I think we can look at, realistically, maybe competing for the wild card. We might be able to win 86 to 90 gmaes. Hopefully, neither the Mets or Phillies will run away and hide in the NL East. It will also be interesting to see how the Mets react, psychologically, to blowing the NL East title two years in a row, after seemingly having the division in their hands, late in the season.

I think the Braves will have a good, fun team to watch in 2009. As to what our final win total is, that remains to be seen, but, I’m optimistic.

By Blackberry Cobbler

January 16, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this

We don’t need Andruw Jones.

He still has 2 major problems……….. an ego large enough to keep him from listening and learning from anyone who might have a constructive thought

AND, an affinity for cheeseburgers and donuts!!!

By VAROADRUNNER

January 16, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this

Tomahawk matt

I could not disagree MORE! It is a fan’s RESPONSIBILITY to call out both ownership and management when they put inferior teams on the field. I will agree that Wren is not intentionally fielding a poor team but we weren’t exactly shaping up to be competitive until the last couple of weeks and I’m still not sure if we have a team capable of making it to the post season, but with our last signing he has taken a huge step in the right direction (IMO).

For you to be so bold to say we are to sit back and watch or PAY TO SEE inferior baseball is ignorant at best. Last year, fans went to the Turner Field and watched a triple A ballclub while paying Major league prices. Now I think there were some decisons made last year that contributed to the dismal outcome but not all of that can be blamed on management or the front office….Injuries are a part of baseball. We sucked last year for many reasons and some, IMO were management’s fault, but not all.

Hopefully the baseball Gods will shine a little friendlier on us this year.

But please take your tomahawk and stick it…….. well you find a place.

By CW

January 16, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Wow, did I just read a criticism of Andruw Jones dating back to the 96 World Series against the yanks?

I know that A.Jones hasn’t been very good since middle of 2006, but I thought we could all at least agree that he was pretty good the 10 years before that.

By scottbravesfan

January 16, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Brewdog

They didn’t want to spend money on John Smoltz because the guy has had FIVE major surgeries on his arm. Derek Lowe has had ZERO surgeries on his arm and he throws a sinker ball which never slumps. The guy has shown he can pitch in Boston and LA. You should be on your knees thanking him for coming to the city of Atlanta.

By VAROADRUNNER

January 16, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

CW And I for one silly individual think Andruw still has some productive years ahead. HE needs help though with his head. Good luck Andruw.

By brent a.

January 16, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

Georgia basketball should get plenty of attention after Mr. Meeks comes to town on drops 30 on them this Sunday.

By AceCometh

January 16, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

oldbird, that 35 year old pitcher won huge post season games for the Red Sox and even has a ring to show for it. So how can you even say he’s never faced American League hitters? Frank Wren’s IQ went up, your IQ has gone way down.

By the Braves not trading the farm for Peavy, they have very good talent almost ready for the Show. With the additions they’ve made, the next four years should be fun to watch. All the Braves need now is a proven bat in the outfield. Adam Dunn and his 08’ BA of .236 doesn’t fit the bill. Neither does a fat Andrew Jones. His days in the bigs should be over. I’m sure he could get a new gig doing food eating contests. Judging by that spare tire he’s developed, I’d say he’s already been practicing for it. The media shouldn’t even encourage the idea that Jones might be back in Atlanta. Andrew Jones is the laughing stock of Baseball and the Braves would be laughed at for re-signing him. Besides, Andrew still gets the rest of all that money for the next 6 years. He has no incentive to play! He already has the cash, so he won’t bother putting forth the effort in the field or at the plate.

Here’s hoping that Wren doesn’t rehash anymore ex-Braves. Except Glavine. He’d be good for a spot start or two if his arm holds up. As far as another hitter goes, Wren is probably going to have to find one via trade.

By thewyzyrd

January 16, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

Hi Mark, I actually remember that day in 1984. I was on the 6th floor to welcome you to the Walrus’s rag-time band. Like anything in sports, everything is a crap shoot. Especially free agents.

By thewyzyrd

January 16, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

Hi Mark, I actually remember that day in 1984. I was on the 6th floor to welcome you to the Walrus’s rag-time band. Like anything in sports, everything is a crap shoot. Especially free agents.

By Dave

January 16, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this

Still not terribly interested, not with Smoltz gone.

But go ahead and sign Andruw to minimal contract - what’s to lose? He could be a late inning defensive replacement, at the least.

By Truth and Consequences

January 16, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this

The people on here remind me of Congress: Not too bright, and they have no problem with spending other people’s money. What would make them happy, other than outspending the Yankees? Yes, the jury is still out on Wren’s moves, but he made moves!

No one loved Smoltz more than I did, but giving him money now would be the Hampton fiasco revisited. I hope John, once again, surprises everyone and comes back and pitches well. But, that is a gamble that the Sox can afford to take(with a pelethora of other pitchers)and the Braves can not. And I feel much better about going into the spring with this rotation than I did last year.

A bat is still to be had and Andruw does not necessarily fill that bill, but I hope they give him a chance. That is a gamble that we can afford to take.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Here’s what I remember about my first day at the AJC: I was a little late because — stop me if you’ve heard this one — traffic was thick on the Connector. And then I had to drive to some place on 10th Street to get a physical. And then I came back to the office. And then I headed off to the Marriott on Windy Hill, my home for that first week.

The next day I tried to figure out how to get to Conyers to interview a high school basketball player named Traci Waites.

By AceCometh

January 16, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

@Truth: The only move I’d consider a bad one is getting Javier Vasquez. But I totaly agree with you on the Smoltz issue. The Braves don’t have the cash or the players to be able to sign Smoltz to a contract. John might not be able to pitch again, regardless of how he feels now. His rehab isn’t over, not by a long shot.

By Art

January 16, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

Sign Andruw and put him in left field and put one of the young fast one in center

By AceCometh

January 16, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

Which one’s the fast one?

By Truth and Consequences

January 16, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

AceCometh Vasquez is definitely not the greatest thing since sliced pumpernickel but when everything washes out he will be a #3 or #4. Keep in mind what we had in those slots last season.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this

The Walrus, you folks should know, was our affectionate nickname for the late Van McKenzie, who had assembled one of the best — if I do say so myself — sports departments ever. (Dave Kindred, Furman Bisher, Jesse Outlar, Gary Caruso, Tim Tucker, Gerry Fraley, Tom Stinson, John McGrath, Earnie Reese, Jeff Denberg, Jack Wilkinson, Steve Figueroa, Chris Mortensen, Glenn Sheeley, Ed Hinton, Karen Rosen, Tom McCollister, Prentis Rogers, Glenn Hannigan, Mike Luck, Evan Grant, Bruce Ladd, Jim and John and Al Smith, Tom Whitfield, Bill Whitley, Ken Blankenship, Kent Mitchell, George Cunningham, Frank Hyland, Darrell Simmons, Gerry Overton, Paul Shea, Roger Peavy. I was proud to be in the same building with those folks, a few of whom are AJC’ers to this day.)

By Truth and Consequences

January 16, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

Mark You sound as if you are preparing to write your own obituary. :>)

By AceCometh

January 16, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

True. Campillo and Reyes weren’t ready for what was asked of them. But I still consider Vasquez to be the only bad deal Wren has made this offseason. We overpaid for Lowe, but everyone overpays for clients of Scott Boras.

By Truth and Consequences

January 16, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this

Overpaid? Look what the Yankees have shelled out. It is a totally out-of-control situation that will eventually crash in the same manner as have the “Ponzi schemes” of real estate, banking and commerce. Until then…what ever the market will bear. And if you won’t pay it, some other sucker will!

By used cars

January 16, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

Big O,

I would welcome you to lay out your plan for returning our Braves to the playoffs. Let’s compare it to what Wren has done so far (and let’s remember that he has said all along that the changes probably wouldn’t be done until well into spring training. ALl Mr. Wren (or Wrong as you say) has done is add a steady, dependable and HEALTHY No.1. He might not be as flashy as some others, but Lowe’s numbers have been consistently good over the past 6-7 years. Added a pair of seasoned veteran pitchers to fill out the 2-4 spots with Juurjens. I would say the comination of Vazquez, double K and double J matches up well with anyone’s 2-4. To add those three guys and give up basically one upper tier prospect who hasn’t played above single is pretty impressive. He also got both free agents for the price that aj burnett got by himself. The addition that no one is talking about is David Ross replacing by far the weakest player on last years roster. Keeping Norton and Infante is important as well. All of this without giving up Hanson, Escobor, KJ, Medlen or either of the cf prospects. Not saying he’s been perfect (I love Smoltzie too), but there’s no doubt in my mind that this team is better constructed than a year ago.

Now, BIG O, tell us all what your plan would have been to get our Braves back to the playoffs.

TICK, TOCK….You’re on the clock

By thewyzyrd

January 16, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

Hi Mark, That’s why you always needed guys on the desk trench. it was Pavey, not Peavy. We were voted Best in the Nation, still have the poster to prove it. Also, the Braves need to show a little heart. Give Andruw a shot.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this

You’re right — Roger Pavey. I’m still an idiot 25 years later.

You guys were voted best in the country in 1983. In 1984 you hired me and the slippage began.

By Skeezix

January 16, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

Mark: Forget Wren, I’m sick of hearing about him. The Braves should be about winning championships. Since now you are happy with where the Brave are - state your case for how the Braves will win the NL east with no #1 pitcher, but still a ‘pretty good but not great’ rotation, a very average bullpen and a subpar offense (i.e, the outfield).

When we about winning championships, we had an A++ rotation ( you could say 3 #1 pitchers), a solid bullpen (with usually a great closer), great defense and a B to B+ offense.

By thewyzyrd

January 16, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

HI again, What did you think of Meeks the other night? He left some UK greats in his rear-view mirror.

By Meanwhile...Mrs. Lincoln is not appeased.

January 16, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Now that you, at least to a limited degree, have to anwser queries, not unlike the athletes have to answer from you guys, do you have a little bit more appreciation of the athlete’s point of view when it comes to the media?

And, speaking of point of view, can you not appreciate the point of view of those, for all Wren’s done in the last few days, who will still see every post-Smoltz move as “Other than that, how was the play Mrs. Lincoln?”

By Sir Stealth

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

Mark, what I think you don’t understand when you note that Smoltz hasn’t taken us to the World Series lately is that sentimental value really does matter. Obviously, the first goal is always to win the championship or to at least get into the postseason. However, we are just talking about sports here, and in some rare cases the value of having one player (who’s stature derives largely from longevity with an organization) stay with that organization can be very high. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t want to directly sacrifice the future in order to keep Smoltz around, but I don’t see how signing him would have done that. Economically, one could argue that the money spent would have been worth it for fan enthusiasm (or team morale).

So yeah, we hadn’t been to the World Series with Smoltz lately, but letting him go doesn’t seem to make us closer. I support the Lowe and Kawakami signings and hope that they make the Braves more likely to get back there. But it is still a big maybe. Having Smoltz, the ultimate Brave, stay a Brave would have been at least one guaranteed good thing about the franchise, and the value of that shouldn’t be diminished, even as I do support the positive tone of trying to steer us towards optimism over the future. But as far as Wren, I just can’t forgive him until he gives something of equal value to what he took away by letting Smoltz go, which in my opinion was a lot and should not be understated.

By big o

January 16, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this

Used cars I will respond more after dinner I will say now that I’m not opposed to Lowe I just think we should have kept Smoltz. Hell Chipper has not been extended. ALso I would get rid of K.J. he is a reserve at best. I believe the Padres would have taken K.J , Morton and flowers for Peavy. Then we are looking at Peavy and Lowe.

By used cars

January 16, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

Enjoy supper, hope it’s better than the burger and fries i just choked down….I beleive McGuirk commented this morning that chipper would be taken care of..I’m all for dealing those three for Peavy…but what is the basis for thinking that would happen….If anyone has heard where that idiot Towers would have done that deal let me know..I don’t think he was going to do anything with hanson or a pair of the lower level guys like rohrbough (?)…On the Smoltz deal I just don’t see that he was going to sign with the Braves…And the 10 million they would have been putting aside for SMoltz can hopefully go towards ohman and our lf hole

By Greg

January 16, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this

Big o, you are so far off base if you think the Padres would have taken KJ, Morton and Flowers for Peavy. The Padres weren’t trying to get RID of Peavy, they were trying to get a huge return for him. Those are two different things.

KJ is not a reserve at best. I guess you haven’t noticed his continued improvement at the plate. He is putting up very nice numbers for a 2nd baseman already. His defense is solid and will continue to improve as will his bat.

And lastly, get over Smoltz. He liked the idea of playing for the Red Sox. The Braves didn’t let him leave, he chose to leave. The Braves needed 5 gauranteed arms to start the season. That was priority NUMBER 1. Smoltzie’s arm is anything but gauranteed. If he couldn’t wait for the ballclub to stabalize itself, then that’s his decision. Quit blaming the Braves organization. Fran Wren is doing a very good job at creating a ballclub that can compete over the next several years. We have an above average starting rotation locked up for several years…. and that’s how you build a ballclub.

By Truth and Consequences

January 16, 2009 8:11 PM | Link to this

Lots of folks on here who couldn’t sell space-heaters to Eskimos, think they can steal players from hardened GMs for $23 and a handful of beans. They have been there, done that and ain’t going to do it again. EVERYONE of them wanted Hanson and thought the Braves would be desperate enough to include him. As has been said on here several times: Sometimes the best trade is one not made!

By DT Townsend

January 16, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this

The Braves now have the pitching and defense to be in nearly every game. Plus, Hudson and Glavine may be back for the second half of the season.

The real question is, will we generate the offensive numbers we need? The answer is yes… if Chipper stays healthy, Francoeur returns as the “Frenchy” of old at the plate, and we are successful at finding a decent leadoff hitter. Josh Anderson may be the answer. Excellent centerfielder, speed on the bases and was hitting .294 at the end of last season.

Wren finding a “big bat” for left field would be icing on the cake.

I’m confident the Braves will play at least .500 ball this year, with a good shot at making the playoffs (probably wildcard).

By Skeezix

January 16, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this

Andruw was the best defensive centerfielder since Willie Mays. I loved watching him play. He probably averaged saving us a run a game with his defense. But he has clearly lost it at the plate and he’s too out of shape to cover center like he use to. Why am I saying, cover center? Hell, in his prime he use to cover most of the outfield by himself.

Bobby thinks of him as a son, so I don’t know if he can be objective evaluating Andruw. I don’t see him making a comeback—-but if he commits to getting in shape, I say let him in Spring training camp. Maybe he can help coach the young outfielders (in how to catch, not hit).

By overrated andruw

January 16, 2009 8:53 PM | Link to this

Geez, All you Andruw lovers have to realize that his best days consisted of one year. He never, NEVER had a clue about how a given pitcher was going to pitch to him, and he never met an outside pitch that he could lay off of, except for that one year. Outfield? Nice glove, several gold gloves, to be exact but I wonder how many of those ESPN highlight diving catches would have been unnecessary if he had been a little faster, which he would have been if only he had not played most of his career as a larda$$. I mean, come on folks, look at his pictures through his career and tell me you don’t see a guy who was always 15-20 pounds heavier than he should have been.
It’s time to MOVE ON!

By Blobie

January 16, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this

When I heard Smoltz was signing with the Red Sox I was stunned. Next, I was p**. I wanted to blame someone, but waited until I heard the whole story to place blame. I have come to the conclusion I am putting the blame in three places: Smoltz, the Red Sox, and the Yankees. Smoltz wanted to play for a winner, for guaranteed money, and wanted to get it over with while his recovery was looking good. No one knows how effective he will be in June. The Braves needed him by May, so needed more time to evaluate him. The Red Sox are looking for a “down the stretch” pitcher and have more money than the NL Central. Plus, they need to compete with the Yankees. They understood he preferred the Braves, so they threw a bunch of money his way and he bit. Why is it when you damn fools talk of Smoltz, you assume he will return as a Cy Young candidate after major shoulder surgery. How often did I read from Mets fans ” If we can stay close until Pedro returns, we will pull away.” He returned and they folded, in large part because he sucked. He still does. The money being spent by the Yankees is sad for me as a fan. I have always supported the players in labor disputes, but the tide has finally turned too much. Some form of revenue sharing and salary cap needs to be added in the next basic agreement. Will it happen? Not until the fans demand it. In other words, not likely. The Braves need to develop kids, make good free agent choices,(don’t bid against the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, or other big market teams for star players), and pick up bargains where they can. Remember there are always players available at a fair price. Don’t fall in love with anyone, anyone can be replaced.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

I knew I’d omit someone from the AJC list above, and sure enough I left off the unforgettable David Davidson and Rick (Zip) Zabell. And Bill (Psycho) Ward.

By Optimistic Phillies Fan

January 16, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this

The Braves are still a 4th place team in the NL East. So, don’t get your hopes up too much Braves fans. The Phillies are going to wipe you out again like they did in 2008.

By Mark Bradley

January 16, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

And I’m not allowed to comment on Kentucky basketball for fear someone on this blog will go, “See? There he is, writing about Kentucky basketball again!”

(But Jodie Meeks was pretty darn good.)

By DT Townsend

January 16, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

The Braves now have the pitching and defense to be in nearly every game. Plus, Hudson and Glavine may be back for the second half of the season.

The real question is will we generate the offensive numbers we need? The answer is yes… if Chipper stays healthy, Francoeur returns as the “Frenchy” of old at the plate, and we are successful at finding a decent leadoff hitter. Josh Anderson may be the answer. Excellent centerfielder, speed on the bases and was hitting .294 at the end of last season.

Wren finding a “big bat” for left field would be icing on the cake.

I’m confident the Braves will play at least .500 ball this year, with a good shot at making the playoffs (probably wildcard).

By AceCometh

January 16, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this

Andrew Jones would still cover most of centerfield. Except this time he wouldn’t have to move!

By Meanwhile...Andruw's mass alters the space/time continuum

January 16, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

Physics, Newtonian or quantum, I’m not sure which, tells us Andruw wouldn’t have to move. His mass is such that the gravitational pull of any ball hit past the pitcher’s mound would automatically be pulled right into his glove.

Of course any hotdog not firmly secured would also pulled right into his glove. Even with the Dodgers paying his salary, I’m not sure the Braves can afford the hit from the loss of concessions.

For those who are up on the physics; if the Krispy Kreme light came on near Turner Field, would the light itself be able to escape Jones’s gravitational pull? Of course we know the doughnuts wouldn’t stand a chance.

By SCRusty

January 16, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

I started reading the AJC blogs late last season. The team was already in their downward spiral and the blog negativity just sort of turned me off. Unfortunately, I’m an optimist. I love my Braves no matter who’s on the team and who’s running the team. I always look forward to the start of the new season and this year’s no different.

Been totally reading the blogs this off season and well, the negativity is still there. However, with the way this off season has progressed, I believe much of it was warrented. But people who say “I’m no longer a fan” and “I’ll never root for this team ever again” really irk me.

Now for this season. Well, the starting pitching has got to be an improvement over the injury plagued 2008 starters. And if the starters do better (and pitch longer into the game), the bullpen will be better.

What really worries me is the offense. As it stands now, our 1-8 hitters are basically the same group that, for lack of a better word, tanked last year. All those one run losses, many of which were low scoring affairs, could have been different with a few clutch hits here and there. If we don’t get a big bat for the outfield, I hope that last year was just a fluke, a result of the numerous injuries, and these guys can rebound.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to this season. It should be exciting and they’ll be fun to watch. Biggest surprise that I read today (and I’m shocked no one has mentioned it)—8 teams are interested in Andruw?

By richbrave

January 17, 2009 12:41 AM | Link to this

SCRusty:

Those “fans” who are supposedly turning their backs on the BRAVES really don’t mean it - if they really are fans. They’re just blowing off steam. Now this economy we’re just beginning to head into, that might cause a lot of fans to show up disguised as empty seats, as the inimitable SKIP used to say.

BTW for those of you who want to dump CHIP CAREY and retrieve DON SUTTON please, make my day. I would love CAREY on NATIONALS games over having to listen to “DANDY DON” tell us listeners how much he knows about baseball. And over, and over. You’d think every person watching was seeing the first game of their lives. No wonder he and SKIP used to trade barbs. Also, that “fro” he sports is wearing thin.

By Henry V111

January 17, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

THANK YOU FRANK WREN FOR MAKING THE BRAVES BETTER THAN THEY WERE WHEN YOU TOOK THE REINS.

NOW WE CAN COMPETE WITH THE METS AND PHILLIES.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

By NO MORE BOBBY

January 17, 2009 1:28 AM | Link to this

Anyone that thinks these desperate singings make the 2009 Braves better than the world champ Phillies are crazy! I love my Braves but honestly lets face the truth… we are rebuilding and it will be another long summer in the ATL.

By Ken Stallings

January 17, 2009 1:47 AM | Link to this

I still say, Mark Bradley, that John Smoltz being able to pitch in the bullpen come July or even August could very well make an impact for post season qualification, and most certainly for success in the post season. Considering what is paid for quality bullpen relief, $5 million guaranteed for someone of Smoltz’s proven talents is chump change.

His potential for the bullpen would be if the Braves suffer no starter injuries and Hudson comes through to pitch. Both are as much long shots as Smoltz breaking down in rehab. In fact, like Chipper Jones, I’ll go out on the limb to say Smoltz would be less a risk.

But if we suffer starter injuries then Smoltz healthy in July would give us a second number one starter when it matters most.

The attachment with Smoltz goes beyond the obvious community and team connections. It comes down also to an objective measurement of talent. Wren is obsessed it seems about avoiding injuries in the rotation. Well, that sounds good on paper. However, year in and year out it is illusitory to anticipate no injuries to your starters. It happens enough to anticipate it happening. Smoltz would have been a superior insurance policy and even a miracle in the rotation would have given us one of the best relief arms in baseball history.

That’s not the rantings of a blogger, Bradley. I think it’s some pretty sober considerations of a true baseball fan who knows something about the sport.

By big o

January 17, 2009 2:23 AM | Link to this

Greg, We never knew exactly what the priests were offering Frank Wrong pulled out too soon. K.J put up most of his stats when the outcome had already been decided. When the heat was on he did not perform. Don’t get it twisted I am for the braves 100%. I just can’t get over the Smoltz thing. He was loyal he played hurt. We should have given him a shot. We need speed if we don’t have power. K.J. should be traded for some speed. I like infante at second better

By big o

January 17, 2009 2:37 AM | Link to this

Greg part deuce, I can think of two games the phillies and the cubs that K.J.’S errors lead to a lost. Correct me if I’m wrong but the philly game we were just 3 back it help kill the season dude. I would have traded him in a heartbeat in a peavy package. The firstbaseman has no power. who will drive in runs ? Who is feared in our lineup. Frank Wrong Blew it. . We should have not traded flowers. Atleast he had power. How many games will we improve with Vasquez. Frank Wrong is an idiot.

By AtlSlugger

January 17, 2009 5:35 AM | Link to this

I have hated every single comment that the “big o” has stated on this blog!!! A true fan would support the gm’s moves this offseason. We as Brave fans should consider ourselves lucky to have the players that Wren got for us… This offseason could have turned out to be waaaaaaaay worse than it was. Everything turned out fine in the end, and I think that we’ll just have to wait and see how this team turns out before we start pointing fingers at Frank Wren. With Peavy, Burnett, Furcal, and Smoltz not in a Braves uniform, 2009 could have been a distaster. But personally, I think Wren salvaged it to the best of his ability. So… shut up already “big o” and support your frickin’ team!!! Seriously, you haven’t even seen them play a spring training game yet!!!

By MichaelS

January 17, 2009 5:37 AM | Link to this

“Wren feels no vindication”?? Huh??? What??? Because he got used and abused by Scott Boras and overpayed a 35 year old # 2 starter by 24 million dollars thus limiting the clubs ability to make an further moves to improve itself beyond 3rd place this year? Mark Bradley - comedian. Not sure who’s more clueless, Wrong Move Wren or Mark Bradley. “This team might or might not win the 2009 World Series”?? Psssst…. hey Mark, the Braves don’t make the playoffs with this team. Stick to football Mark. You embarrass yourself with your lack of baseball knowledge.

By j salter

January 17, 2009 7:01 AM | Link to this

Trade Jo-Jo Reyes and Brandon Jones For Corey Hart (20 home runs last year and bats right handed) This will open up a spot on your roster, then sign Andrew Jones for $400,000-this has a big upside.

By j salter

January 17, 2009 7:01 AM | Link to this

Trade Jo-Jo Reyes and Brandon Jones For Corey Hart (20 home runs last year and bats right handed) This will open up a spot on your roster, then sign Andrew Jones for $400,000-this has a big upside.

By braveshoo

January 17, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this

I would like to see the braves sign Ken Griffey.I think he can be had for 2 million for 1 year or 4 million for 2 years. I know he is 39 and in the decline of his career. But looking at last years ststistics, he is still good for 250-275 BA; 17-25 HRs and is a decent fielder. Put him in LF and platoon with Dias. Griffey bats left; dias bats right. The two should be good for 25-30 HRs and 75-85 RBI. This is a significant upgrade from last year, and is much better than trading for Nady or Ankiel for one year and giving up prospects. By next year, some of our oung OFs like Schaffer, Hernandez, Heyward should be ready. I would also sign A.Jones for 400,000 and see how he does in spring training. You can always cut him if he doesnt make it.

By Mark Bradley

January 17, 2009 8:44 AM | Link to this

Woke up this morning — sounds like a blues song, huh? — and realized I’d also omitted Paul Bodi from the list of Van McKenzie’s all-stars.

By Political Foreskin

January 17, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this

Ken GriffeY? The Bob Horner of post Y2K?

We need youth. More than anything we need guys in their twenties. We need japs. We need south americans. We need koreans.

They shouldn’t allow anyone to play over 35 years of age. It’s like Cassius Clay: His myth carried him rough his last ten fights. Mickey Mantel. Babe Ruth. Joe Dimagio.

They become liablities quickly. The problem is that we love them and cant let go. People love smoltz, like he’s their son, or something.

But smoltz is finished. Just like Brett Favre was finished last year. Brett should get into announcing football games in the booth. ANything but the nincompoops who host the pregames now. The Fox crew is torture. The other guys barely any better.

Maybe smoltz could announce. If we want to keep the old heroes around, why not in the booth?

But give the new guys the gloves and bats.

word up (yours)

By monty

January 17, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

The nice thing about Lowe is he is 4-6 years younger than Smoltz and Glavine! He doesn’t depend on throwing it 96 mph or living off of throwing a change-up off the outside corner and hoping batters chase it. He has a live sinking fastball that depends on letting batters hit it and getting themselves out. His last 10 starts last year he was almost unbeatable.

I wish Smoltz well and he may surprise a lot of people but I doubt he will be able to blow his fastball by hitters again and it’s probably going to hurt his arm to throw lots of splitters and the hard slider again, so, it will be interesting to see what and when he contributes to the Redsox.

By Remy

January 17, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

Why is Roger McDowell even still our pitching coach?

Especially with Leo Mazzone avaiable, WHY is Leo Mazzone still our pitching coach??????

I

By braveshoo

January 17, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

I think we have a good chance of making the playoffs this year. Starting Pitching Lowe, Vasquez, JJ, Kwas, and Glavine/ Morton/ Hanson Relievers- Campillo for long or short relief; Gonzo to close; Moylan and Soriano to set up; Bennnett, Boyer & a LH pitcher to be determined Starting Lineup: Schaffer/ Blanco/Anderson in CF; Escobar at short; Chipper at 3b; McCann at catcher; Griffey/Dias in LF; K.Johnson/Infante at 2b; Francour in RF; and Kotchman/Prado at 1b. Against LH pitching, I would play Prado at 1B, Infante at 2B, Dias in RF. This would give you 6 RH hitters including Chipper, Escobar and Francour Against RH pitching, I would play Kotchman at 1B, Johnson at 2B, and Griffey in RF. This would give you 6 LH hitters including Chipper, McCann, and Schaffer/Anderson/Blanco in CF. Either way your bench is strong, and we have Norton to PH as Well. I like this team.

By Dean

January 17, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

If there are no affordable big bats out there, has there been any thought into bringing in Orlando Hudson to leadoff and move KJ back to Left. This would give us a legitamate leadoff hitter and would let KJ get back to some better power numbers without the worrries of playing the infield.

By DC Fan

January 17, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

I think almost every Braves fan is disgusted at this point - 14 years of winning will do that. However, all I can think is that it could be worse (ie would could have Peavy on our DL and Hanson could be winning RoY in San Diego). The Braves will be improved (they have a huge upside), and we still have some very promising prospects waiting in the wings. Let’s hope Wren finds a bat, as braveshoo said without giving up more prospects, even if that means a flyer on Jones.

Let’s go Braves.

By dogsbrekky

January 17, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

braveshoo - genius I agree wholehearteldy except for Griffey, yoy should the manager !

Seriously, I love playing Prado and RH bats against the lefty dominant pitching of Mets and Phillies

By dogsbrekky

January 17, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

braveshoo - genius I agree wholeheartedly except for Griffey, you should be the manager !

Seriously, I love playing Prado, Infante and other RH bats against the lefty dominant pitching of Mets and Phillies

By Cathy

January 17, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

Look at the braves since 1998: They’d get into the postseason with very poor percentages. The talent must be so evenly dispersed that a .550 team can..go…all..the…way.

ANd that makes baseball weird. Expansion was supposed to do this: make every team a contender. I suppose that helps the ratings on tv.

But that means no more diamond gods. That means it boils down to hard work and sweat and hustle and geting lucky once in a while.

I guess that’s okay too. But can they do something about the cold hotdogs and warm beer?

‘muff said

By JO

January 17, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

The new additions will take some heat off of Jair. As much as we are talking Lowe now, let us not forget that JJ has the potential to be a star. He will win 15 or more games this year. I am glad that we have 3 guys who can win 15 or more in the rotation AND we still have others who might surprise too. Add a bat and give them run support….all will be OK.

By Paul

January 17, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

You cant really judge a team till after the all star break. Even then, the law of averages takes over, and you get disappointment.

The law of averages has ruined more post season fantasies that any other law. (or outlaw).

By Meanwhile...Andruw's crime syndicate connections

January 17, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

With all this city has gone through with shady characters in sports, the Braves simply can’t afford to sign an athlete like Andruw Jones, with his connections to organized crime.

Is the AJC deliberately not covering the organized crime connection with Jones? I don’t know. All I know is, if there wasn’t some legitimacy to the rumors, why do the folks at Krispy Kreme refer to Jones as “Andruw, Bag of Doughnuts”?

By SCRusty

January 17, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this

Good morning all! Regarding the Bravos overpaying for Lowe, I look at it this way: It’s all a matter of market conditions. CC was the number one FA. He signed first and got #1 money. That determined the market. Burnett was rated #2, he got #2 money. Lowe was #3, and he got #3 money. Whoever was rated #4 (Sheets, Perez or whoever)will get #4 money.

By Ultrasuede

January 17, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

Strutter

By Brian

January 17, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

I see Lowe as a pitcher in his prime…damn his age! He became a starter in what, 2000, maybe later? In his press conference, he said it’s all about his priorities to his workouts, etc. That tells me he can be just as effective in year 3 or 4 of his contract if he sticks to his routine.

I think almost everything has worked out for the best this offseason, except for Smoltz, who I’m not so sure he didn’t prefer to play for Boston anyways.

By big o

January 17, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this

hey atlslugger you idiot that is my point. Frank Wrong did the best he could and we deserved better. He is incompetent

By big o

January 17, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this

hey atlslugger you idiot that is my point. Frank Wrong did the best he could and we deserved better. He is incompetent

By md2020

January 17, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

How stupid is Frank Wren? Phillies sign 25yo Hamels for 20.5 million and 3 years. Braves could have had Peavy for less than what they gave Lowe. Sorry Lowe but you aren’t worth $60 million but don’t blame you for taking the money from that mental midget Wren. Now sign Andrew for a hundred million. Would fit with the other stupid decisions you’ve made, Wren, including losing Smoltz.

By Steve from OH

January 17, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

Mark, I can understand why you aren’t excited over the Vazquez deal, but keep in mind that there is a lot of statistical evidence to suggest that his inflated ERAs are a result of the pitcher’s park in Chicago, poor defense, and bad luck. All of that will improve in moving him to Atlanta, along with not having to face a DH, and moving to a lesser offensive league. And don’t forget that he does have great stuff, and a good hard fastball.

Don’t be surprised to see him post a sub-3.80 ERA and be among the league leaders in strikeouts next season.

By Steve from OH

January 17, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

Dude, Hamels was still under team control, and the Phils signed him for close to what he would’ve made in arbitration (though less, I’ll admit). They didn’t buy out any FA years. Read up on service time rules before bashing Wren next time, bud.

By AtlSlugger

January 17, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

hey big o…

why cant you shut you mouth and wait at least until spring training before you start bashing wren?

seriously, STOP WHINING!!! we are all sick of it.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 17, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

All right, take it from somebody who understands pitching.

The three acquisitions ( free agent pitchers) that have been added have plenty of question marks.

Derek Lowe is a proven winner, but he ain’t no ace. I can name twenty other pitchers right off the top of my head that I would rather go to war with. Lowe is at best a number two type starter. Good pitcher, except the Braves overpaid for his services.

Javier Vasquez? You must be kidding me. This underachieving headache has pitched his way out of four other MLB cities. Ace stuff with back of the rotation results for eleven seasons tells me every thing I need to know. He has a career losing record and that won’t change in 2009. He’s an inning eating .500 pitcher at best who is going to drive Brian McCann and Bobby Cox crazy during this upcoming season. If not for Boone Logan, this trade would have been a total waste of four young Braves prospects.

Kenshin Kawakami looks solid. But I must caution the Braves fan faithful, there will be an adjustment period. He is going to have to throw more of his off speed stuff than before. His fastball is 89-90 and big league hitters will sit on it all day long. Kawakami does have great control, throws strikes and moves the ball around. I think he will be successful, eventually. But again, most Japanese pitchers by and large have failed against big league hitters historically.

Jair Jurrjens may actually be the real ACE who will shine in 2009. For the young right handed Curacao native to have 21 starts in 2009 where he gave up three earned runs or less is telling. Especially when considering that 2009 was pretty much his rookie campaign.The kid has great stuff and he is going to get better.

Tom Glavine is an unknown commodity in that he isn’t even on the team as of yet. Rumor has it that the Hall of Fame lefty is making the same noises we heard from Smoltz. I think he will return. But health and the Braves front office are two hurdles that have to addressed first.

Now for the real issue. the Braves have no reliable depth. They do have plenty of question marks in Jorge Campillo, Jo-Jo Reyes, Charlie Morton, James Parr and Anthony Lerew.

Tim Hudson can be penciled in for 2010. Tommy Hanson is the latest hot pitching prospect but he has no big league experience.

Simply put, Atlanta has four decent pitchers, plenty of question marks and not nearly enough answers. I’m not sold as of yet and you shouldn’t be either.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

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

OOPS, I should have referenced 2008 when referring to Jair Jurrjens pitching stats. My error.

By big o

January 17, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this

Hey atlslugger you say we are sick of it. I don’t think you speake for all bloggers. I just read about 30 posted comments that agree with me and I stopped after the firsr 50 or so. Have the person who is typing for you read you the comments. You are in the minority dude. Frank Wrong Sucks.

By AtlSlugger

January 17, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this

Im not sayin I have loved everything this offseason, all Im saying is that it could have been way worse. And one could credit Wren with salvaging what could have been a disasterous offseason. It would just be nice to hear some positive things that come from the big o instead of all negative!!!

By Greg

January 17, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this

Coach, your list of 20 pitchers or 30 pitchers or whatever it was in the other blog was baseless, and I sure didn’t agree with it. Lowe fits in perfectly with our ballclub and is easily considered a # 1 starter. And he’s not intimidated by it either, which is more important than you will ever understand. Javier Vasquez is such a sleeper this year. He’s going to light your arse on fire. Wait and see, and enjoy that bbq’d crowe!

By Greg

January 17, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this

Coach, your list of 20 pitchers or 30 pitchers or whatever it was in the other blog was baseless, and I sure didn’t agree with it. Lowe fits in perfectly with our ballclub and is easily considered a # 1 starter. And he’s not intimidated by it either, which is more important than you will ever understand. Javier Vasquez is such a sleeper this year. He’s going to light your arse on fire. Wait and see, and enjoy that bbq’d crow!

By big o

January 17, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this

Im a huge braves Fan and a huge Smoltz fan atlslugger. I’m just going to need some time to get over this one. Why frank why didn’t you sign him. I cant wait until opening day. I want the bravos to win. I just think he could have made other moves. As I said yesterday I like Lowe and I’m glad he didn’t trade escobar who will flourish this year that would have been dumb.

By Max Tayback

January 18, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this

The Law of Averages: Good Pitching beats Good Hitting.

By Murphy Swings

January 18, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

I’m starting a new comic book superhero: GoodPitching. His arch enemy is GoodHitting.

In a cornfield a diamond was found. When They came, He was amoung them: GoodPitching. Every game ended the same way: 27 batters. 27 K’s. Except for when it rained, then, every hitter got a home run, but it never counted, because they always called the game in the third or fourth inning.

Then one day, GoodPitching’s pitch grazed a small errant bird and the pitch deflected into the batter’s face. He was out for the day.

There were no substitutes who weren’t on suspension for gambling, so they called on this fat little batboy. “Me? I cant stand up to 130 mph fast balls. I wont do it. You cant make me. Free hotdogs? I’ll do it.”

GoodPitching went easy on the kid. Homerun. The first batter who didn’t K. The crowd was stunned. You could hear a kernel pop. The fat kid took a full three minutes to round the bases, and so the plate umpire called him out for making a travesty of the game, (but it wasn’t a K).

And there was something else about that day. The bird that ruined the flight of the pitch was an endangered species, and GoodPitching spent that night in the hoosegow.

TBC

By firefrankwren

January 18, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this

murphyswings dude you need to share some of that

By Chippr knows

January 18, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

To MB-

You are correct in that Mr. Smoltz hadn’t pitched in a World Series in some time. However, your assessment of that fact is flawed. If we had players in ATL that showed the professionalism and dedication to their craft like #29, then we likely would have been hanging more significant banners in the outfield rather than those that are there.

You choose to defend a GM that has botched four chances to improve his team and overpays by a huge amount to get Lowe to save face in the general public. Meanwhile, you attack the only true warrior (and his body of work) this pitching staff has had for the past 5 years.

It appears that you are an apologist for the team you cover just to stay in their good graces. Maybe they let you into the clubhouse more if you do so???

By Wren the birdbrain

January 18, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

Wren’s logic is flawless when you look at it: “Why do we need a pitcher with a 15-4 record in the postseason when, as long as I’m in charge, we won’t even have a whiff at the postseason?”

I mean when you look at it that way, he has a point, doesn’t he?

By proeye

January 18, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this

Coach… Don’t you think you are going off the deep end here? The pitching staff isn’t that unfortunate. The main thing is: Can you name an NL team with a better 1-5 other than maybe the Cubs and the Mets if they sign Perez? Doesn’t EVERY team have question marks? I think it comes down to who has the fewest.

The Cubs will be there and the Mets will be there but other than them, every NL team just doesn’t have the depth. The Phillies don’t have much outside of Hamels and talk about a question mark in 46 yo Jamie Moyer! The Diamondbacks don’t have anyone outside of Webb and Haren. Maybe the Cardinals will have a decent staff with Carpenter coming back but they had a 4.19 ERA last year.

Maybe the Braves won’t make the playoffs but I’m looking at 2010. At least we have a fighting chance to get above .500 and if we are lucky we might even see 85-90 wins—that is if we can get a decent left fielder.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 18, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this

Dear proeye, want to know who actually has the best overall young pitching staff in the entire N.L.?

Surprise, it’s the Marlins. and if you think our Braves in their current state can leap frog the Marlins, Mets and World Champion Phillies, you my friend have a few screw’s lose.

By Paul Lentz

January 19, 2009 3:01 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, after reading a number of responses to your article, I have to admit that many of these Braves fans do not really know what they are talking about. Just because a team scores the first touchdown does not mean that they have won the game. And just because a team makes a splash right away in the beginning of free agency does not mean that other teams “lost out”.

A number of Braves fans cant balance the need of fielding a competitive team, the need to have a flexible sensible payroll, and the need to be smart about acquiring players who will be a good fit.

I like the job Frank Wren has done this off season. I paid the $235 full price to subscribe to Direct TV’s MLB Extra Innings package last year so I could watch all the Braves games in HD (I live in San Francisco). I repeatedly watched the debacle of what you called our starting pitching. Our bullpen started off as a strength and simply wore down due to overworking. We dont necessarily need pitchers who will pitch shutouts. We need pitchers who know how to pitch, who know how to go 7 innings, who will stay healthy. The Phillies showed last year that you dont need a rotation full of studs to win. Other than Cole Hamels, who in the Phillies starting rotation would you consider to be a stud?

Lowe, Vazquez, Jurrgens, and Kawakami are 4 guys who can be consistent and give the Braves innings. If they can keep the Braves in the game, that gives the offense a chance to win it. I’ll take consistency over “feast or famine” any day of the week. I feel that letting Smoltz walk was the smart thing to do.

A lot of Braves fans are very emotional (the very thing that we as men accuse women of being). While I appreciate the service that Smoltz and Glavine gave the Braves, the simple fact is that their time has passed. I’m a Braves fan first and foremost. The Braves spent $22 million on both Smoltz and Glavine last year, and another $17 million on Hampton. What did we get in return? Very little. Nothing personal, but I’ll take Lowe, Vazquez and Kawakami over Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton any day of the week in today’s world. When I say that, I’m talking about the ability to perform today, not past accomplishments. Some of you Braves fans need to wake up and get past your inability to let go emotionally of unproductive ball players. Some of these Braves fans remind me of women who stay with abusive husbands because they were “good to them” in the beginning. They stick with them because they “hope” that they will go back to being “good”. Braves fans “hope” that Smoltz and Glavine will go back to being Smoltz and Glavine. Here’s a news flash for some of you. Those days are over. Both Smoltz and Glavine are not going back to their “old selves”, just like an abusive husband is not going back to his “old good self”.

There is still time to make moves. While I doubt that the Braves will do this, I’d love to see Braves management make a run at Manny Ramirez. Imagine his right handed bat batting 4th, in between Chipper and McCann? Left, Right, Left power in the 3-4-5 spots. Bobby is the right kind of manager who can deal with Manny. Despite of what many of you personally think of Manny the person….the fact remains is that he is a hell of a hitter. He plays left field and has pop in his bat. Realistically, if Wren can sign Manny to a 4 year contract at $20 million a year, I’d consider it a steal. Manny takes care of his body and there is no reason why he wont be productive when he is 40. Speed has never been a part of his game, so aging wont affect his contribution that way.

However, I’m a realist and I realize that the Braves wont go after Manny. I dont think that Adam Dunn would be a good fit. The Braves need a right handed power bat that will add some balance to the line-up. Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson and Casey Kotchman are left handed regulars, with the possibility of either Josh Anderson or Gregory Blanco in center. The need for a right handed power hitter in left is even more important. I’m not sure of who the Braves can get via trade because I am not privy to who is really on the trade market. But I’m sure that if Wren targeted a player on another team, then chances are he could make something happen.

I just ask that Braves fans be patient. I am so glad that the Braves didnt throw obscene money at Burnett or Furcal. Not trading for Peavy was a great thing. While Peavy has the stuff to dominate games, he is a risky investment. Derek Lowe has a history of staying healthy. After last year, I’ll take my chances on the guy who will help keep the Braves competitive, not on the guy who will either throw shutouts, or spend significant time on the disabled list. Wren has shown that he is a cool customer under pressure. And some of you guys have been applying unfair pressure on him. I’m not saying that pressuring someone is always the bad thing to do. I’m saying that in this case, many of you are unfair and unrealistic in your expectations.

By Sports Nutt

January 27, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this

I hear that Traci Waites is now the head coach at Atlanta Metropolitan College. Congrats Traci! I am happy to see you came back from retirement. Kudos