Braves

By Carroll

October 31, 2005 04:27 PM | Link to this

You obviously missed my point about the Smoltz to Detroit story. It wasn’t about the rumor itself….the guy simply wrote an interesting article.

By Ed

October 31, 2005 04:29 PM | Link to this

The White Sox can keep Manny. Andruw stays put. That trade talk is BS.

By doc

October 31, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this

dob, great ramble. dont think manny would fit in bobby’s dugout and is his risp good enough ? :). just kidding!

thompson makes a lot of sense. dont think you could get someone of his caliber for that money even considering his difficult season this past year. wish we would have had paul byrd on such an arrangement this year as he bounced back from something more severe to help the angels.

what i would like to see of chipper is that he rededicate himself to next season. if he is going to take that much money then be the pro that smoltz is and the type that aj became with off season conditioning and PLAY out his contract in great shape instead of the injuries that come with aging without conditioning. i think all fans would like to hear some sort of story from you in this off season that describes something along those lines. that would be my first wish for some off season news.

between you and sekou you add a lot to the game(s) ….thanks

By Robert

October 31, 2005 04:33 PM | Link to this

You know I have read these blogs with some enjoyment. But, I am a little tired of the Chipper bashing. Chipper is still one of the best players in the game and should not go anywhere. The Braves need some life put into it. THey need someone who is relaxed and brings fun to the clubhouse. I think Bobby Cox should let up on some of his rules and have a looser atmosphere. I think a Johnny Damon or a Manny Ramirez would be a great additon although I that will never happen. THe Braves need two main things to get them over the hump. One is a solid bullpen. We have never really had one. THe other is a quality lead off hitter. If that is Furcal, then fine. We need someone who can take some pitches and get on base consistently. This swinging for the fences crap is getting very old. Where would have the White Sox, Angels, and Cards have been without the likes of Posednik, Figgins, and Eckstein.
If Chipper is so bad, then who should take his place and who could produce the same nummbers he does yearin and year out.

By David O'Brien

October 31, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this

I was talking about Manny, as in Manny Ramirez, of the RED Sox. It was a three-way deal, see, with Manny coming from Boston, Andruw going to Chicago. I haven’t been able to find out who the third guy is, going from Chicago to Boston. (Better watch out, or this chain will be picked up by someone from Chicago doing a Google search, and next thing you kinow this will be an official “rumor.”

I’ll add Red Sox to original post, to clarify, just in case.

By Carroll

October 31, 2005 04:42 PM | Link to this

And David, you say “no team would take on CJ’s salary”. However, the Mets just signed Beltran to a 7 year $119 million contract which breaks down to $17 mill per year. And his numbers compared to CJ? He’s a .282 career avg and only one season above .300 whereas CJ is a career .305 with nearly every year being at or above .300. He averages 25 homers per year versus CJ’s 32. He averages 101 rbi per year versus CJ’s 109. But yet there’s “no way” anyone would take CJ’s contract???! And CJ has said before that he would entertain trade offers. Never say never.

By David O'Brien

October 31, 2005 04:43 PM | Link to this

Hey, just so I’m clear on Chipper. I’m not bashing him at all. Just trying to point out why he won’t be traded, so we can move on to other matters this winter. And the reason he got that huge contract was because that’s the kind of deal that was being handed out in that two-three year window _ it was a very good time to be a star free agent or star player approaching free agency.

I think Chipper had a solid year, considering he missed six weeks with the toe thing. And he’s a very big presence and benefit for the young guys, for sure.

And I should add, I asked Chipper about that toe problem the day after the 18-inning division series loss, and he said it’s good and he’s encouraged. Remember when it seemed a given he would have to have off-season surgery? Apparently that’s no longer being considered or necessary. Just cross fingers and hope it all holds up.

I do agree that a regimen like the one Smoltz and Andruw went through last winter might do him some good, but it’d have to be altered a bit, considering Chipper spends much of his winter on the ranch in Texas, and on various other rural properties doing a lot of huntin’.

By David O'Brien

October 31, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this

If I’m not mistaken, Beltran is slightly (wink) younger than Chipper.

And remember, there was a lot of howling when Beltran signed, a whole lot of teams incredulous that he got that much.

Just curious, if you’re a team with $17 mill a year to spend on a player, how high would Chipper be on your list of potential names to whom you’d give that sum?

By David O'Brien

October 31, 2005 04:59 PM | Link to this

Actually, Beltran’s only four years younger than Chipper (why does it seem like it should be more?). So take the wink out of that previous e-mail. But point I was trying to make doesn’t change.

OK, that’s it. I’ve hijacked this blog long enough. Too many of my replies. It’s all yours (except those who speak in the third person. We’ve decided to edit out all those replies because it leaves such a pompous air over the whole blog).

David’s out.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 31, 2005 05:02 PM | Link to this

From that description sounds like Chipper’s got that “Deliverance” thing going. Would hate to run into him in the woods. LeTwan hopes he’ll be huntin’ a way to stay healthy.

Wow, what a contract and here we thought JS was the sharpest GM in the game. Guess DOB is right - it was a function of the times - but the times they is a changin’.

DOB has it right, guys. Chipper ain’t going anywhere. With that kind of money we just have to hope professional pride will cut in. Smoltz has it in spades.

DOB, you say Chipper and LaRoche are buddies. How about Chipper and Smoltz? Think Smoltz could help him out or would there be a problem? Wish he would emulate someone who lays it on the line. With that talent and a mind he’d be incredible. LeTwan

By doc

October 31, 2005 05:03 PM | Link to this

at however many mil he takes away he could afford to take his equipment with him along with a trainer. again, i know chipper can help the braves but he will help them more if he is healthy and has rededicated himself. look what bonds was able to accomplish after the age that chipper is. okay maybe not a good analogy.

many players still have a lot of baseball in them at the age chipper is especially if he ups his program. the sheff is one example. it sets the tone for the young studs and ups the ante all around. hope to hear that story about him shootin doves in chile or mexico in the morning and pumpin iron in the afternoon.

i agree teams will be less likely to pick up chipper with his price tag at his present rate of prodution tempered with two seasons beleaguered by injuries to some degree…. hamstring, foot, shoulder, anything else?

By LeTwan Anthony

October 31, 2005 05:05 PM | Link to this

oblique, toe, heel, etc. etc.

By Robert

October 31, 2005 05:07 PM | Link to this

The Braves need a big signing. I know Manny can be problematic but if he’s happy then there is no beter teammate. Billy Wagner has to be a priority to sign. We need a closer.

By Chop Chop

October 31, 2005 05:18 PM | Link to this

I find the mere thought of anyone wanting to add Manny Ramirez to the Braves to “loosen” them up hilarious. If you like lack of hustle and selfishness, that’s just Manny being Manny.

Now, as for Chipper, I think he’s a great hitter and a good defender when he’s healthy. I just hope that he doesn’t become a 135-140 game a season guy from now on because the Braves need his bat in that lineup. He gets on base and he drives in runs, period.

I have a question for DOB: Do the Braves have any interest in signing Brian Giles if Furcal doesn’t come back? It seems to me that, although Brian Giles doesn’t steal many bases, he might be perfect for the leadoff spot because he walks so much and hits for a high average. Besides, if the Braves keep Marcus Giles, the two can play together. Having Marcus might help lure him to sign here. On top of all that, it would give the Braves another guy (along with Chipper) who averages over .400 in OBP, which would be a great asset to a lineup that has some free-swingers in it.

By Kevin

October 31, 2005 05:39 PM | Link to this

David How about the Braves trade for Juan Pierre to play left and let Betimet play shortstop IF they DO NOT sign Furcal? Good points about Chipper not going anywhere but I am still not sold on LaRoche. Too many two to three week slumps, if he stays we do need to get more production from him. Billy Wagner is a must, Fransworth could be a gamble or Ryan could be a solution. What has been floated in other publications is that Todd Jones would be interested in Atlanta also. The assets the Braves have to strenghten the team are young players who can obtain reasonable veteran help, Estrada, LaRoche, Langerhans,Johnson, etc. Make smart trades to help the club and use Hampton’s money to sign Wagner. How about this for opening day—IF FURCAL is not signed Pierre—Left Giles—2nd Jones—3rd Jones-CF Francouer—RF LaRoche—1st—pending a trade MCann—C—could flip with 8 spot Betimet—SS Smoltz

7th—Boyer 8th—Lerew/Devine 9th—Wagner

Just something to get the Hot Stove going Thanks for great columns

By JMar

October 31, 2005 06:07 PM | Link to this

Good call on Thomson - letting him go just doesn’t make sense when you consider the market for starters right now. Thomson for one year, $4.75 mill is a steal when you consider there’s talk of guys like Esteban Loaiza getting 3 years, 6 mill per. At that price, he could even be signed and dealt away during the offseason if the Braves wanted, rather than simply letting him go to another team.

By Greg

October 31, 2005 06:09 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to pay Billy Wagner $10M a year to close, when you might get a younger BJ Ryan for two-thirds of that. And you’re likely to like that contract in 2007, when Wagner’s arm falls off.

But first move has to be to re-sign Furcal. Has. To. Be.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 31, 2005 06:33 PM | Link to this

LeTwan agrees. Re-sign Furcal. Devine has the stuff to be our closer if he hasn’t lost all confidence being used the way he was. He needs another pitch and McDowell may have just the answer.

By dannycardwell

October 31, 2005 07:05 PM | Link to this

theres nothing wrong with chipper. when healthy he was a stud. i think he looks better at third now than other. i see some of you guys are already trying to spend a lot of money on more hitters. why? have we not watched boston, the mets, yankees, and larussas losers in saint louis this year. all good hitting teams. what were they missing? the same thing we were. if we dont have a starting staff average 7+ innings a game, it wont matter who is hitting. the middle relief will never hold up i dont care who they are if they have to pitch day after day. we have as good an out field trio as you could want, jones francouer, and langerhans, if our over rated gm dont trade them for another dead arm. if furcal signs, great. if not, betemet and pete orr. orr got the shaft from cox this year. he can do a good job at lead off if given the oppertunity. if langerhans had started game 1 in the play offs we may have made it to a fifth game. it starts and ends with pitching. if you dont have that, the rest wont matter. me and glavine and maddux will all be watching the playoffs on a big screen and crying in our beer.

By Carroll

October 31, 2005 07:12 PM | Link to this

DOB: there may not be a whole bunch of teams chomping at the bit to take cj at that high price, but when you factor in the weak free agent base this year, there just may be a team out there willing to pay extra for the quality of player that cj is…..especially if we do a trade with a team whereby we take a high-salary albatross off their hands in return.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 31, 2005 07:29 PM | Link to this

The more I think about Chipper’s contract, that’s a lot of money. LeTwan was so poor growing up I had to wear my grandmother’s shoes to school. That got me beat up several times. If I was making the kind of money CJ is making I’d figure a way to report in better shape. Maybe if the opening of bird season was moved back to the third week in October we’d get past the first round in the playoffs. One man’s opinion.

By Jeremy

October 31, 2005 07:39 PM | Link to this

I agree about Thomson. There’s no reason not to pick up his option considering the need for good starting pitching around baseball. Pretty much any team could afford Thomson at under $5 million for one year, considering the production he should give them. So if we decide we don’t want him, he and Estrada should be quality bargaining chips we could use to bolster the bullpen or leadoff slot if Furcal doesn’t return.

By Marc Spoor

October 31, 2005 08:12 PM | Link to this

First of all, Chipper is no tgoing anywhere. He plays solid D at 3rd and will hit 30 homers and drive in 100 runs. Team that up with AJ and Frenchy and you have a good middle of the order. Also everyone b*** about Chipper’s salary, but he has gone to JS every year including this one, and offered to restructure his deal so the Braves can bring guys in. That sounds like a leader and someone who wants to win. I would love to see the Braves resign Furcal, trade Giles for pitching, and play Orr at 2nd. I think Furcal and Orr setting the table for AJ, CJ and LaRoach would be awesome. I like our outfield of AJ, Langerhans , and Frenchy. Our starteres are strong with Smoltz, Hudson, Thompson, Ramirez, and Davies. All we need is acloser, and 1 other bullpen arm to go with Boyer, McBride and Devine. Use any money to bring in Ryan or Wagner. The Braves could trade Giles, Estrada, Ramirez, or Kelly Johnson to improve the team. I am confident that JS knows the weaknesses of the team and has enough to make the right moves.

By Adam

October 31, 2005 08:28 PM | Link to this

David O’Brien…so what you’re saying is that Andy Marte’s gonna get traded…right? What else could the Braves possibly do with him?

Man…we better get something great for him.

By Larry

October 31, 2005 08:28 PM | Link to this

Just one question and I have to admit that it’s bugging me more than it should…why does LeTwan (or anyone, for that matter) speak in the third person? I’m actually not bashing you, LT, ‘cause I know I mis-spelled a word an’ all, but…See? I told you it was bugging me more than it should…

Oh, btw…another good rant by the author. You can always tell it is one when ‘they’ call it such…

By JB

October 31, 2005 08:33 PM | Link to this

So,in short,Chipper Jones controls the braves destiny?He is what 34 ,will be 35 next season,with declining production for the last three years.And his salary increases;not good,people,not good.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 31, 2005 09:03 PM | Link to this

JB, you hit it on the head! If no one has the courage to move him, CJ does indeed control the destiny of this team … and he’s on record that he won’t move to another position. CJ’s heart will determine what we have for 3 years. Not much heart there in the playoffs as I remember. Remember Murph in his declining years? It was not pretty - and he was playing all out.

Larry, LeTwan’s Auntie taught LetWan composition and encouraged LeTwan to write in third person. Letwan has done so ever since. However, LeTwan does not talk in third person because someone might kick LeTwan’s Chipper.

Senator Dole often spoke in third person during the election, and LeTwan admits it did not help Dole very much. Still, LeTwan finds it comfortable. I hope LeTwan’s explanation is helpful to Larry.

And, back to baseball, LeTwan thinks Marte and Betemit need to play. If Chipper is going to be here, maybe he should move to first. That’s where the old guys go to hide.

By Stew

October 31, 2005 10:01 PM | Link to this

Devine will be the closer next year. Don’t throw any money at Furcal or Wagner. We need a big banger. We got no pop in our lineup. Can’t we overwhelm the Brewskis with a bunch of Baby Braves for Carlos Lee? I know he’s a headcase. I’d rather see him than that fruitcake Manny. Manny for Druw? Someone’s tokin on too much chiba chiba.

By Allen

October 31, 2005 10:40 PM | Link to this

I am sick of reading all this crap about Chipper not being dedicated to conditioning and the game. When did tearing a toe ligament have anything to do with conditioning? Somebody tell me what workout regimen would prevent you from tearing a toe ligament. I have been a workout freak for a long time and I know of no such workout. Have you ever seen the guy at spring training? He comes in ripped up with no fat on his body. I don’t think you get that way from sitting around the ranch eating pizza and donuts. I know for a fact he has tremendous workout facilities at his ranch and stays in shape year round. Chipper is just getting a little older and unfortunately things don’t heal as well or hold up well as when we were young. It would be nice if we could all stay 25 forever but that is just not possible. I know that Chipper is as dedicated as anyone in the game. Heck, he played for a month with a torn ligament in his toe that would have had most of us crying for our mommies!!!

GO BRAVES!!!

By BB FAN

October 31, 2005 10:45 PM | Link to this

Chipper will not get traded. However, there are a couple of possibilities:

1) CJ misses enough games or gets enough rest to finish under 450 at bats next season. He only has about 825 at bats the last 2 years combined. SO it’s possible. This would allow the Braves to buy out the contract. Then if CJ wants, he can sign for less. Much less.

2) CJ restructures his contract (as he said he would) so that the 2007 and 2008 options become guaranteed. However, he takes a pay cut for those extra guaranteed years. Like a $10 million paycut. I know there are stipulations from the union that a player can not give up money, but I think if the Braves made the 2007 and 2008 years guaranteed but for less money, it would be an advantage for CJ because they would be guaranteed. I don’t know if CJ would do it, but if he is the true Braves team player, he would. I mean how much more money does he really need to make?

Thompson is good for 4.75 mill but do the Braves really need him? Smoltz, Hudson, Ramirez, Sosa and Davies could probably do good enough. That 4.5 mill could be spent on the bullpen. Just a thought.

Furcal baffles me. He could not hit anything for 3 months (I know the should was supposedly hurt), then he did so well from July on, but then ndisappeared in the playoffs again. I’m not sure he is the answer in the lead off spot. I liked his defense this past year, but again, was that just because he was a free agent. Is he going to play like a gold glover from now on? It’s a tough decision. I may try for a different lead off guy though. I’m sure there is a speedy leftfielder available. Langerhans could be the 4th OF. He could still get 350 + at bats. BC just needs to give guys regular rest. AJ should get a little more time off through out the real hot months for sure. I say 145-150 games is enough for him. He might stay fresh for September that way.

Anyway, the biggest concern is the bullpen. That needs to be fixed.Wagner is not the answer because he is too expensive. I say BJ Ryan, Farnsworth or Tom Gordon for closer and G Mota and/or Urbina for set up roles.

By BB FAN

October 31, 2005 10:48 PM | Link to this

Allen, I will have to agree with you. I would bet CJ goes to Florida in great shape each year. Injuries happen.

By David O'Brien

October 31, 2005 11:30 PM | Link to this

Just couple of things that maybe I can help out on:

1. Todd Jones is definitely interested in Braves; I’ve written it and said it on radio spots myself. He told Florida writers (I used to cover Marlins and still know those guys) that he wanted to pitch only for Florida or Atlanta. But do Braves believe in his great season last year to give him a two-year contract for about 7-8 mill? Probably what it would take, but maybe not, maybe they could get him to accept a one-year because of his age, with an option based on performance. I think he’d be a solid, affordable closer.

2. Chipper’s contract, even if the options don’t vest, requires a $5 mill buyout. So if he only had 449 plate appearances next year and didn’t make All-Star team (that’s the other automatic vesting trigger), Braves would have to either exercise the $15 mill option for 2007 or pay him $5 mill buyout. If they bought him out, the final option would be off books at that point, to my understanding. But it’s not overly important, in my opinion, because he’s not leaving and he’s far from a washed-up player. Still very good.

3. Marte will get traded, I’m inclined to believe. For obvious reasons _ he’s done what he can do in minors, and Braves don’t have a space for him. Unless … UNLESS … they decide to wait one more year, see where Chipper’s career is headed and whether he can stay healthy before dealing Marte, who could come back to bite them if something happens to Chipper and they need a 3B in a year. But, again in my opinion, Marte isn’t quite the next-Mike Schmidt or Scott Rolen we may have once expected. I just wasn’t overly impressed from what I saw this year at spring training and in his time with Braves. I could be wrong, but I just don’t see superstar potential in him the way I do Francoeur.

By BB FAN

November 1, 2005 07:56 AM | Link to this

I think CJ is still a great player. But his contract is a little on the hefty side. But I have no doubt that he shows up in shape and ready to play. It’s just unfortuneate that his body has broken down the last few years. And he has played above average defense at 3rd since moving back there.

I would be skeptical of trading Marte this year. Only because CJ has been injury prone lately. I think the Braves have enough trade bait with Estrada, Johnson, Reitsma and maybe Ramirez if James or Lerew is ready. That should be enough to get some decent bullpen guys. Hell, they could trade Giles if they had to for a true lead off guy. Betimit could probably play second and then get a Walt Weiss type SS.

By scott

November 1, 2005 08:06 AM | Link to this

If the braves dont sign Furcal, would they make a low ball one year offer to Nomar?

By BB FAN

November 1, 2005 08:18 AM | Link to this

If the Braves could get a lead off guy, Nomar would be great. I think he will sign for less than the 8 mill he did last year.

By Todd

November 1, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this

I think all the talk about Chipper is fair. Yes he is a very good ball player during the season, But when it comes to the playoffs he disappears. Going 3-18 3 years (approx)in a row from a guy eating a good chunk of our payroll just doesnt make sense. He is supposed to be our big gun and he is reduced to a pistol in the playoffs. But what bothers me most is the fact that all that money he gets ties up other players we could get to make a championship run. Tom Brady took less money to free up cash so the Pats could sign some better talent around him. And their contracts arent even guaranteed.

By Fabrizio Di Muro

November 1, 2005 09:16 AM | Link to this

scott, BB Fan - I’d hope they’d go after Nomar if they can’t re-sign Furcal. Nomar’s going to probably get a one year deal at less then $8M (probably $3 or $4M I would guess)

For a closer, Tom Gordon could be good. Is there more pressure being a set-up man in New York or closing anywhere else? I think we’re out of the Billy Wagner sweepstakes, and in the Todd Jones-Tom Gordon-Jose Mesa sweepstakes.

By Paul Hamilton

November 1, 2005 09:27 AM | Link to this

Correct me if I’m wrong but didnt Chipper take less money already to stay with bravos? My memory is not the best but I remember something with his Dad telling him to get a grip and stay with the bravos becuase they had treated him well.

By BB FAN

November 1, 2005 09:29 AM | Link to this

Fab, I would take Gordon, Ryan or even Farnsworth but not Mesa. And I’m not sure if Todd Jones’ season was just a fluke, so I would have my doubts about him too. I bet Gordon and Ryan could be had for around 5-6 mill/year. There must be some “true” lead off guy out there. Can you think of any? I’m drawing a blank.

By Ken

November 1, 2005 09:43 AM | Link to this

I am a Chipper fan so my opinions are biased. Yes, he does seem to disappear in the postseason for the most part. But without him during the regular season, I don’t believe the Braves make it anyway. There are a bunch of high salaried “superstars” who don’t play up to potential in the playoffs, in all sports.

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this

Hey guys. First, out of the options Fab listed, I think I’d take Mesa. It seems he’s been more successful AS A CLOSER over the long haul than those others. Plus he can overpower which is what you need from a closer…especially in the playoffs. Todd Jones was decent last year, but as the year wound down even the Braves were able to mount a couple late comebacks against him.

Also, somebody keeps mentioning Carlos Lee and Manny Ram. In Carlos I see another Andres Galaraga…..a guy who ONLY brings a little power (no defense, speed, smarts, etc) and, much like Galaraga, that power would prolly dissappear against the tough pitchers and in the playoffs. As far as ManRam, NOTHING is worth the poor attitude he would bring. We already have enough bad attitudes. If we’re going to get an outfielder at all it should be Giles. Or perhaps we make a trade for a different one.

But the main focus should be power pitching. Thomson is definitely worth keeping at that price. We should prolly try to make some trades involving some youngsters (HoRam and/or Davies) to get one more power starter (Zach Duke?) and of course get several power relievers.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

LeTwan hopes you are right about Chipper being ready for the season. LetWan would hate to see him have to undergo another nine-at-bat torture like he had in the elimination game.

“I lost track of how many at-bats we had today,” said Chipper Jones, who had six at-bats plus three walks, giving him nine plate appearances. “After seven or eight at-bats, the bats starting getting heavy. Guys hadn’t eaten since 10 or 11 this morning. It takes a lot out of you. You’ve got to gut it out. They did. I wish them luck. They played an outstanding series.”

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 09:52 AM | Link to this

BB: in re the leadoff man, I like one guys idea of trading for Pierre. Let fooky walk, trade some youngster for Pierre. He just had an off year so we should be able to pull this off. I know you typically don’t see trades w/in the division but it did happen before with the Hampton trade. Pierre’s only making about 3.7 mill per year and shouldn’t be expecting any kinda raise based on last year.

By doc

November 1, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this

for those seeking nomar you are living in the past, like three years ago. he is broken to the point he might not ever be close to the player he was. if they do get him it will be like raul or brian, a veteran who can only remember what it was like to play the game without pain. noamr would be a defensive and offensive liability at this point in his career.

if you get nomar it should bring a smile to betmet’s lips as he will surely get to play a full season at third and short if we can just allign nomar and chippers injuries to not overlap.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this

If, while you are making $15 million: the bat gets heavy because you’ve been up nine times in an elimination game; you’re hungry and feel inconvenienced that the game is dragging on; you’re preocccupied with the Fox(y) reporter when the game is in the 17th inning … maybe, just maybe, you aren’t ready to play. 3 more years of this, folks.

By BB FAN

November 1, 2005 10:02 AM | Link to this

Carroll, Mesa? Have you seen what he has done? Yes, he has over 300 saves, but he also has an ERA over 4.00. He would be my last choice. Now, I agree with you that C Lee and Ramirez would be bad choices. Besides neither one would be possible. DOB was just messing with you with those trade “rumors”. Now why are you ragging on Gallarraga? He was more than an above average 1st baseman. He even won a few gold gloves.

Where are all these Zach Duke ideas coming from? The Pirates would not trade him until he starts making too much money. Right now, he he young and cheap…just what the Pirates want.

Fab, how about Kenny Lofton? I know he is older, but he had one of his best years in 2005. Even if he gave the Braves 400 at bats, he has a high on base percentage and steals some bases. Perfect for the lead off spot and I believe he only made about 3 million last year. He did well (.333 AVG, .409 OBP) the one year he played in Atlanta. Then sign Nomar to play SS. I think the Braves could get both Lofton and Nomar for less than what Furcal is going to get. And Lofton is a true lead off hitter.

By BB FAN

November 1, 2005 10:10 AM | Link to this

Carroll, Pierre would be good as well.. as long as he is the Pierre of years past. Like you said, maybe he just had an off year.

doc, you might right with Nomar, but it would be worth a chance because he has produced when he did play the last few years. Not like he used to, but good enough. With Betimit as a backup, it would be fine. The Braves offense is pretty good so a lot of improvement is not needed. I would like to get a true lead off guy though and let Furcal walk (if he asks for too much, which I’m sure he will).

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

BB: I know DOB was being a smartass with his “rumors” but some other bloggers keep bringing up Lee, and manram, so I was responding to them.

Galaraga had a good career but in 2 or 3 playoffs with us, he was a big letdown both defensively and offensively.

BB, what about Pierre?! We could also have him and nomar for less than fooky; and Pierre is younger and doesn’t carry the baggage of Lofton here in the Atl. But i certainly wouldn’t mind Kenny and agree with you that he had a solid year here in the Atl. I never could figure out what everyone’s problem with him was….guess he just rankled BC’s fur.

But I don’t really want Nomar either…he’s another one that seems to wet his britches in the big games…we certainly don’t need another of those. I’d just as soon see Betemit at SS.

And as far as Mesa, I clearly said I picked him out of the options Fab listed (which weren’t fantastic).

By BB FAN

November 1, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

Carroll, I’m not sure why Lofton was so hated in Atlanta in ‘97. He had a great year except for stolen bases. Anyway, like I said, I agree with you about Pierre. He probably just had an off year.

About Mesa, I just don’t trust him. I trust Gordon more than him.

Nomar is a tough decision. I would take a chance as long as it was for 3-4 million.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 10:41 AM | Link to this

Pierres’s name does not lend itself to a nickname a la Fooky and Gilly. Frenchy is already taken. He has no arm and this team values a strong outfield arm. Pierre will not be a Brave. Remember the name Jonathan Schuerholz.

“Jonathan Schuerholz, who was the Pelicans starting second baseman in 2004, is swinging a hot stick so far this fall. Yesterday Schuerholz went 3-6 with a double, and two runs scored, pacing the Desert Dogs offense. Jonathan’s three-hit effort raised his batting average to .400, which is good enough for 2nd highest on the team.”

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 10:46 AM | Link to this

LeTwan: CArroll disagrees with you about Pierre. We could always call him Pepe…and if he sucked here, we could call him Pepe Le Pugh! Or maybe Frenchie deux? As far as him arm, he’d be playing LF which doesn’t require a strong arm. He would be a great fit here. He is such a menace at the plate and on the basepaths.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this

Carroll, given that reasoning, LeTwan agrees that Pierre might fit. Now, he’s on base … who will move him over?

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

Oh, and Carroll, you look good in third person. Your buddy, LeTwan

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

He can move himself over with that blinding speed.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 11:00 AM | Link to this

That would be NL ball, wouldn’t it?

By Robert

November 1, 2005 11:14 AM | Link to this

Chipper is still one of the best 3b out there. Who’s better? Rolen, A-Rod, and Aramis Ramirez. That’s it. As for the rest of the roster, I think we are in good shape. The bullpen has to have some work done to it. I would like Wagner but Ryan is younger. My only concern is is he for real. Will Ryan be consistent for the next few years. Offensively we are in good shape. Another good power hitter would definitely be nice. I think Manny would be a good addtion because he can hit for power and average. Yes, he’s a headcase. But, tell me this? Does he or does he not show up for the playoffs. I love Andruw but if trading him brings some balance and excitement I am all for it. If we can have both, all the better. Langerhans should not be traded. Marte should stay also. Johnson and Estrada are good trade bait. McCann is the future. It would be insanity to trade him. I love Giles also but if we can trade him to get a “true” leadoff hitter, then it should be done. I don’t think getting all of these “veteran” hitters and pitchers will work. “Veteran” means old. If we could get just two good solid middle relievers and a closer, we would be in good shape. Francoeur, McCann, Langerhans, and Bettemit remind me of the days of Justice, Gant, Lemke, Blauser, and Chipper. I just hope they turn out to be as good.

By Pocahorner

November 1, 2005 11:23 AM | Link to this

Let Thomson walk. Sosa, Rameriez and Davies have shown they can succeed in the show (hopefully McDowell can teach them a thing or two along with setting the perfect hot-foot).

Use the $4.5M to bolster the bullpen (HECK NO to Mesa, Wagner) or resign Furcal. If you believe MLB stats, lead off hitters are hard to find, and to sign a good one, F******* would be a steal at $7M. Use Marte, Betemit, or Estrada as trade bait. And seriously, what the will the Bravos do with Kolb’s contract?

Nomar would be a good pickup only because Mia Hamm would be at a lot of the home games.

If there’s anything the past few WS champs have shown us, waiting for the 3-run HR inning won’t win you the ring. We need contact hitters, speed and some pop. After helping Andrew this season, TP needs to preach situational hitting over HRs. Those 18-innings in Houston should be enough to convert a few of our free-swingers.

And let LeTwan be LeTwan! Not only are LeTwan’s posts on the mark, LeTwan makes Pocahorner laugh.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 11:39 AM | Link to this

Nomar would be a good pickup but one that I don’t think will happen. He wants to stay in Chicago, and if the Cubs will let him play lf then I think he will stay. Besides, if he is only going to be here one year, then he’s not worth it. I would rather let Betemit have it so he will know that he is the ss of the future. ONe year wonders don’t work.

By Baron

November 1, 2005 12:17 PM | Link to this

I think we need to consider what is more important- making the playoffs every year or playing in (and winning) the World series every 3-6 years. Nomar, Manny,Pierre, god, did somebody say Joe Table? Folks, this ain’t the way to ensure your future. Those are deals the Mets might make. I agree with Robert and his assesment of our young talent. Has any team shown such promise and at such a wide variety of positions as the Braves over the last few years? Let’s let the youngsters (maybe) take their lumps next year and gear up for an all-farmhand team to take the WS in 2007. How about: McAnn/That other dude LaRoche/Chipper (what happened to Mike Hessman, anyway) Giles/Orr Betemit/Marte Chipper/Marte Francouer/Kelly Francouer/Andruw Langerhans/Kelly Also, what’s all this about a true leadoff hitter? How about a little plate discipline for Frenchy, Kelly, Langerhans, Betemit, even Marte? Orr’s got a good eye and they seem to like him as a pinch runner, so I guess he ain’t slow. It’s a delicate balance, but I think Billy Beane has shown that OBP trumps speed anyway. Anyway, cheers to all long suffering and utterly spoiled Braves fans out there like myself. I enjoy reading your posts. John Smoltz is the greatest (Atlanta) Brave ever!!!

By Fabrizio Di Muro

November 1, 2005 01:07 PM | Link to this

Carroll, BB Fan: Another closer that I forget to mention (and I think BB might have mentioned him) is BJ Ryan, the young lefty from Baltimore. I’d probably go with him or Tom Gordon. Mesa could be a good candidate as well - but he’s hard to figure. Although he has over 300 saves in his career, he’s still not considered a top notch closer - he has too many impolsions, blows too many saves. Hard to figure.

Juan Pierre and Kenny Lofton would work at leadoff. If we bring either one in, then what do you do with Langerhans? Trade him for relief pitching? Langerhans is ready to play, I believe, and it might not be in Atlanta.

As much as I like Nomar, doc’s post makes lots of good points. There are risks, but the worst that happens is that we get him, he gets hurt, and we play Orr/Betemit at short, which will probably be the plan anyway if we can’t re-sign Raffy (and that’ll take 5 years at $53M is my guess). Nomar can work if we don’t pay him much.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 01:11 PM | Link to this

We have the nucleus. We just need a few parts. If Francoeur can show some discipline, I think he could be our Pujols. We still have plenty of talent in the minors as backup. I think this team can compete for another title next year. Like I said earlier, we do need another good hitter. And lord knows we need relief pitching. I’m telling you that relief pitching has cost us about 5 more WS appearances and at least a couple of titles.

By AZBravoFan

November 1, 2005 01:15 PM | Link to this

Getting back to the McDowell hire, this could prove to be great for our staff because, if I recall correctly, McDowell’s bread and butter was the sinker. If he could get the sink back in Ramirez, Thomson, and Hampton (in 2007) then the HR’s would come down and the ERA’s should improve.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

I agree that Smoltz is a great Brave. But, there needs to be a serious evaluation done on how long he really has left. It really does not matter how well he pitches in the regular season, if he is just going to break down in the post season. I really appreciate and understand his desire to be a starter but I think he serves himself and the team better as a closer.

By Chop Chop

November 1, 2005 01:27 PM | Link to this

Lofton is a decent option as a veteran leadoff hitter, but Chop Chop doesn’t think the Braves would make that move. As for the reason why people don’t like Lofton in “the ATL”? Well, it’s because he was part of the trade (along with Alan Embree) that sent David Justice and Marquis Grissom out of town. Also, now that Chop Chop thinks about it, the Braves haven’t won a World Series game since Lofton spent a year with the club.

By Lew Hartman

November 1, 2005 01:28 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t mind seeing Furcal play somewhere else. $*mil can be much better spent to build the most dominant pitching staff around. Giving up Giles would be insanity. He is quite possibly the best 2nd baseman in the NL. He is much more steady and reliable than Furcal and there is less chance of him nbeing killed in a drunken accident. Betemit has earned his chance at short. He was long considered the Brave’s best prospect and he filled in quite nicely for Chipper last year and hit .300. Let’s also not forget that he’s cheap. Go buy pitching!!!

By Pocahorner

November 1, 2005 01:32 PM | Link to this

The Braves just picked up Thomson’s option for next year. I think this will limit the kind of moves the team makes this offseason. Furcal won’t be back not because the Braves won’t make a decent offer (maybe Time Warner will loosen the purse strings a bit), but someone (Cubs? Mets?) will offer him way too much (Fabrizio’s 5yr, $53M sounds about right - and too much for Furcal).

Manny wouldn’t like Atlanta nor would Bobby put up with his Manny-isms (remember when Bobby yanked Andrew out of the game for not hustling to catch a fly ball?) Besides, Manny has his heart set on going to Anaheim…uh, I mean the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The only thing from Boston we should even remotely think about would be Theo Epstein (JS contract is up in 2006 if he decides to retire).

And no I’m not advocating signing Nomar, but I am for bringing Mia Hamm to Atlanta.

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 01:32 PM | Link to this

Is Chop Chop honestly trying to suggest that it was somehow Lofton’s fault that we made the trade for him? If Carroll remembers correctly, Lofton was as p** about the trade as anyone. And surely Chop Chop isn’t saying that it’s Lofton’s fault that we haven’t won a WS game since 97? I mean, you won’t give any blame for the failures to BC who has actually been a constant through all the failures, but you will blame a guy who wasn’t even here??!! Unless he’s joking, Carroll thinks Chop Chop just blew his credibility.

By Chop Chop

November 1, 2005 01:36 PM | Link to this

Robert, Chop Chop thinks Smoltz is fine in the starting rotation, but Bobby Cox has to be smarter with him. After all, the reason why Smoltz broke down this year was the fact that he threw almost 230 innings.

When was the last time Smoltz even threw 200 innings in a season?

1. Bullpen help, please.

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 01:37 PM | Link to this

Pocahomer: I wouldn’t rush to congratulate the job Epstein did with the Sox considering the virtutally limitless resources with which he was blessed. I’ll wait and see what he can do with a mid-market team before proclaiming his worth. And I am in no hurry for JS to leave anywho. As much as everyone praises BC for his work over the years, the Braves were nothing before JS and who knows what might happen when he leaves. He is truly responsible for this run.

By BB FAN

November 1, 2005 01:37 PM | Link to this

Fab, I would say Lofton would only be able to play enough for 400 at bats any way. That leaves Langerhans with plenty of at bats. He can play all 3 OF positions too. And I really think Cox needs to give AJ more time off during the hot months. 145-150 games is plenty. He would probably stay fresh for September that way. Of Course, Lofton would only get a 1 or 2 year deal for 3 mill per. And he seems to play better in a playoff race, and he has hit well in the post season the last 3-4 years. Like you said, Nomar would be good for only 3-4 mill and 1 year. Maybe, Maybe not. It would not be a mistake to let Betemit have a chance at SS either though.

I just think Furcal is way over-priced. And he is not a great lead off hitter. The guy can not understand that the Braves do not need him to hit homeruns. Sure, he had good numbers from July on, but I am afraid that is because he was anticipating becoming a free agent. I just don’t trust him to stay that gold glove caliber SS and great lead off hitter after he gets his money.

Baron, I would rather be competing for the WS every year than do what Florida has done. They may have 2 WS titles to the Braves 1, but they have no fan base because they are so inconsistant. I like to have a chance to win every year. And the Braves do need a true lead off hitter. Furcal is too homer happy. I agree that a M Ramirez, Nomar or C Lee trade/signing would be something the Mets would do but not Pierre or Lofton. Pierre is still young (just turned 28 in August) and makes under 4 mill/year. Lofton is 38 but coming off a great year and would only command about 3 million for a year or 2. And everybody agrees that Nomar would only be worth 3 or 4 million for 1 year. Although as I said before Betemit would not be a bad full time SS.

Pete Orr has never been a guy that draws a lot of walks. Check his on base percentages in the minors. They are not very good. So I would not want to count on him at the lead off spot.

By Chop Chop

November 1, 2005 01:40 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Chop Chop is always kidding when Chop Chop makes remarks like that. You know, rehashing the things that moronic fans use as a warm blankie whenever the Braves don’t get the job done. That is just Chop Chop being Chop Chop.

By the way, the last time (prior to ‘05) that Smoltz threw 200 innings in a season was 1997. Ouch.

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 01:42 PM | Link to this

Chop: we stand in agreement about Smoltz. In fact, as I said before, I’d be tempted to make him the 5th starter…especially sice we re-signed thomson. That way, he’d be facing the opponents’ 5th starter more often than not, so he should get good run support and could come out of games in the 5th or 6th innings. Plus, he’d be the beneficiary of all those times when the schedule dictates that a 5th starter misses his turn in the rotation. I know it’d be a blow to smoltz’s pride, but it’d give him the ultimate chance to make up for it in october. I mean…If he can’t go in game 1 of the playoffs, then that means he is not being used in the most productive way for this team. Period.

By Pocahorner

November 1, 2005 01:42 PM | Link to this

Stop the insanity!!!!! Any talk of Smoltz serving the Braves better as a closer is crazy talk. Yes, he was a dominant closer, and yes, you do have to ask how many season he has left (can he go as long and be as effective as Clemons?) but imagine where the Braves would have been this year if he didn’t start. Better management of his innings next year (and a bullpen Bobby is confident with to turn the ball over to in the 7th) will extend his effectiveness in the playoffs. Remember, he hadn’t thrown this many innings since 1999. He dedicated himself to a tougher off-season training program last year, and you know he will dedicate himself to it again this off-season.

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this

Chop: in the proper context, that would not be a moronic statement. For instance, if everyone was clammering for the braves to overpay for fooky because of this notion that we need to have the prototypical leadoff man at any cost, but a smart fan was to point out that we had that leadoff man in 97 and then with fooky from 2000-present, and that it has never helped us win a WS, then that would certainly NOT be moronic. To blame it on Lofton would be, but I know you were just joking.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 01:54 PM | Link to this

I agree that Smoltz should have been used better, but I pose this question. Would all of the games that were blown have been blown if Smoltz was the closer. I honestly think it is easier getting a quality starter than a consistent closer. How many shutdown closers exist right now?

By Pocahorner

November 1, 2005 01:57 PM | Link to this

Carroll: It’s an intriguing thought to use Smotlz as the 4th or 5th starter (that did wonders for Jon Garland this season) but do you really think Thomson, Sosa or Ramirez could beat the top team’s 2 and 3 starters (Pettite/Oswalt, Mulder/Morris, etc.)?

By Chop Chop

November 1, 2005 02:00 PM | Link to this

(End of third-person. My ego is satisfied.)

Carroll, Smoltz’s spot in the rotation is inconsequential to whether he gets used too much early in the season. The blame rests squarely on Bobby Cox (for letting him go so deep in games) and John Schuerholz (for not putting together a better bullpen) for Smoltz wearing down. If the Braves have a better ‘pen this year, Cox won’t be dumb enough (I hope) to let Smoltz throw 120 pitches a game.

As for a leadoff guy, I still stick with my idea of signing Brian Giles (in lieu of Furcal) and putting him in the leadoff spot.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this

Here is my point about Smoltz and I could be wrong. Do you really feel confident with Farnsworth or Devine closing out games next year? No matter how good your starting pitching is, if the closer blows it then what good is it?

By Chop Chop

November 1, 2005 02:11 PM | Link to this

Robert, I think the Braves will bring in a guy like Tom Gordon or Todd Jones for a year or two and try to develop Boyer and Devine as set-up men first before turning over the reins.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 02:18 PM | Link to this

Honestly, I am unsure of Gordon and Todd Jones. Remember Todd Jones broke down at the end of the year. And Gordon got to set up Mariano. Gordon is not exactly a spring chicken. I realize Wagner isn’t either but has a long history of success. If Devine hadn’t been used so stupidly in the playoffs I would say he would be great, but you have to wonder where his psychi is .

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 02:22 PM | Link to this

LeTwan would like to thank Pocahomer for taking up for LeTwan. LeTwan would also like to recognize Chop Chop for his comments made in third person. Makes LeTwan feel special. LetWan sees that Carroll also has ventured into third person. That, LeTwan finds scary.

LeTwan does not favor trading for a single old, used up dude. When you feel the need, just look at Hollandsworth and remember that the Braves gave up two young(?) pitchers to get him.

LeTwan says play the kids. The big deal will be whether the vets that stay pull their load. Can you say Jordan, Mondesi, Estrada? Can you say Chipper Jones in a broken body?

Please, nobody mention “sophomore jinx”. We’re all hopeful these kids will be just as good and better next season. Your Friend in Baseball, LeTwan Anthony

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this

LeTwan: Carroll was just giving it a shot…no need to be scared….and he’s not doing it anymore. I’m going back to normal now (perhaps that’s just as scary?)

Anywho, Chop, it seems virtually a done deal that St. Louis is going to get Giles. Do they ever learn? And when will people start recognizing them for being every bit the fraud that the Yankees are. Outside of Poo-holes (who was more of a diamond in the rough…a pleasant, lucky surprise more than a true instance of great scouting and development)…what players have the Cardinals cultivated and developed recently? They buy championships (attempt to anyway).

A couple other closer or set up candidates for the Braves: Braden Looper (Mets didn’t pick up his option); Keith Foulke (is he healthy yet?); Rob Nen (no idea as to his status…just throwing it out there as a possible cheap reclamation project). I say don’t throw any kind of significant money at a marginal or otherwise unproven closer (Gordon, Jones, Ryan). I think Kolb proved how futile that can be. But if we can get one of the guys I mentioned with the intention of soldifying the setup roles, at a bargain price it could be well worth it…and who knows, maybe they will step up and be a great closer, a la Todd Jones in 2005.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 02:57 PM | Link to this

With all due respect, getting Looper will be Kolb II. Looper is worthless. Nen could be worth the risk and Foulke would be great, but he is not leaving Boston. I think a closer is important. Does anyone think the Yankees would have made the post-season wihtout Rivera. I will even argue they would have finished 3rd in the division without Rivera. Where would have the Angels been without K-Rod.

By Joe

November 1, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this

I was just about to voice concern over counting so much on all these second year kids. Frency slowed down a lot at the end of the year, kids can look good at first, but once the big leaguers fid out how to pitch them then they start making them loook bad. Look what happened to charles thomas this year.

Let furcal go, play betemit or orr and sign giles to let him play left, gives pop and grit, goes well with his younger brother. Not sure if i bat him leadoff though, would like to see CJ, AJ, Brian Giles, Frency as my 3-6. Maybe marcus one and laroche 2. McCann 7 and betemit 8. Then lets us trade away Johnson or langerhans for bullpen help. I like davies and Horatio in the rotation. But that leaves us with 6 starters. (smoltz, hudson, thompson, and sosa). Only reason i would get rid of one is becasue we have James and lerew ready to call up if needed. I like all six so i dont knwo who i would move, but i would move one for bullpen help along with the fifth outfielder and estrada.

If we lose franco do we have a backup first baseman? Can orr or marte play there.

Would like farnsworth or ryan as the closer. Mesa, gordon and wagner dont fit, too old or too pricey. Not your normal BC type of player either.

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this

Francy had a relatively solid stretch run and playoffs if I remember correctly.

Looper had about 30 daves last year. He’s not great but certainly doesn’t deserve to be equated to Kolb. And he could make a great setup man if not a closer.

By joe

November 1, 2005 03:07 PM | Link to this

What about trading estrada to the mets for cash and matsui and letting him try short again. And he can bat leadoff. I know he hasn’t looked good but i think we could take a gamble on him.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this

I think Looper would be a great setup guy. Just not a closer. I just don’t truast him.

By Ryan

November 1, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this

Gosh DOB. I feel like I’ve been scorned by my third grade home room teacher. Lay off the caffeine, dude.

Guys, Kenny Lofton will never, ever be an Atlanta Brave again. Never! Neither will Manny Ramirez.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

We don’t need Lofton. We need someone who will be here for awhile.

By josh

November 1, 2005 03:36 PM | Link to this

if Kenny Loften were to put on a Braves uniform on again, then you can just call me a yankees fan… IT AINT HAPPENIN!

By Robert

November 1, 2005 04:02 PM | Link to this

Here’s a name that could be worth looking at. Angel Berora from Kansas City. What about Mike Sweeney. I bet the Royals would be looking to unload some salary or potentially high salary for some good cheap prospects. To me that is the one thing the Braves have never done well is use their vast minor league system to get quality players instead of aging hitters or “reformation project” pitchers.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 04:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the probability of signing Furcal is good. The Mets will throw whatever amount money it takes to get Furcal if they want him. If Furcal wants to stay fine, but when a large sum of money is presented its hard to turn down.

By Fabrizio Di Muro

November 1, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this

John Thomson’s contract just got renewed for next year at $4.75M. I just don’t understand this move.

The rotation will be Smoltz, Hudson, Thomson, Ramirez, and Sosa. What about Kyle Davies? Won’t he be ready by next year? I would have figured so……

Does this mean that the Braves are thinking of moving Sosa back to the bullpen and have Davies in as a starter? Or is Ramirez going to get traded? Or do the Braves think that Davies is still a year away? Maybe I’m reading too much into this. Couldn’t we have used Davies as the fifth starter and used that money to try to re-sign Furcal?

And what happened to some of the posts? There are 43 posts now, but before there were 59 last I checked….

By joe

November 1, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this

Angel Berora would be nice. Had a bad year if i remember correctly, not sure if hes ready to be a lead off hitter but if the price is right.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this

Carroll, LeTwan thinks you broke the blog talking third person. What happened to all the earlier discussion? LeTwan Anthony, Esq.

p.s. I think Bobby’s nickname for Lofton is probably not a very nice one.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 04:42 PM | Link to this

Again. Was Lofton that bad when he was with the Braves. I know he can have some attitude. But, was that bad of an experience.

By Chop Chop

November 1, 2005 05:07 PM | Link to this

Okay. So I went to the Cardinals’ website to see if Brian Giles was mentioned…and he was…by an e-mailer. In other words, if a free agent’s name is mentioned by an e-mailer on another team’s website, “it’s a virtually a done deal”? If that isn’t where you got it, give us better info, Carroll. It is your duty as an unpaid blogger to provide us with accurate info. Shame on ya!

As for Lofton, I don’t think Bobby Cox had a problem with Lofton, but the Braves didn’t want to spend the money to re-sign Lofton after the ‘97 season and ended up getting nothing (but Embree, who was next to nothing) for Justice and Grissom, two popular players. That is why Lofton is disliked by Atlanta fans. I don’t think it was his attitude. It was the loss of chemistry that his addition (and the resulting subtraction) meant to the team. It was also the first salary dump by Schuerholz that I can remember. It was a signal that the Braves were not going to continue to do everything they could (i.e., spend more money) to get to and win the World Series.

By Chop Chop

November 1, 2005 05:09 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, I forgot that Lofton was awful in the ‘97 NLCS and that Grissom and Justice both helped lead the Indians to the World Series that year. That also had something to do with fan anger at Lofton. He was a lightning rod for criticism at the time and Braves fans don’t easily forget, I guess.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 05:13 PM | Link to this

I see. Well, I think Lofton is too old to go after. If it was for utility purposes I would say fine but not to depend on all year. We do need a leadoff hitter. Marcus Giles just doesn’t have the patience. Brian Giles could be good. I think JS needs to be very aggressive with his free agent signings. If they are not going to spend money, then I say dump all the salaries and let all of these kids start playing like the Indians did and just be prepared for a couple of years of .500 baseball.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 05:25 PM | Link to this

What about Johnny Damon? Have Damon play in left. Imagine how good our outfield defense would be. It would solve our lead off problems. NOt to mention Damon brings a certain attitude and one that could help the Braves when the postseason comes.

By BeanBall

November 1, 2005 06:07 PM | Link to this

Oh I’m sorry this is a Blog…I thought it was a “Boog!”…

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 06:25 PM | Link to this

Curveball, that you, man? You know something we don’t?

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 06:32 PM | Link to this

LeTwan sees potential in a Looper acquisition. “Loopy” will fit well with Frenchy, Gilly, Fooky, and Doofus at third.

Lofton is 38 and just had his knee worked on. Can you say, Brian Jordan?

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 06:34 PM | Link to this

Rob: Johnny Damon is going to be way too expensive (moreso than keeping fooky) and we could get just as much outta Juan Pierre for a lot less.

Chop: I read that on an article in the Chicago Tribune. Here’s a snipit:

With free-agent right fielder Brian Giles appeared headed for St. Louis, the Cubs are likely to sign or trade for one or possibly two outfielders, depending on the Patterson decision. Florida center fielder Juan Pierre reportedly is on the market, and despite a down year with a .276 average and .326 on-base percentage, his 57 steals and experience as a leadoff man would aid the Cubs.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-051031cubs,1,7925414.story?coll=cs-cubs-headlines

Hopefully the Cubs won’t seize upon both Fooky AND Pierre!

By Lew Hartman

November 1, 2005 07:13 PM | Link to this

I like the outfield of Langerhans Andruw and Francoeur. That is possibly the best defensive outfield in baseball. All are great fielders and all have great arms. Langerhans hit much better at the end because he got playing time. He can hit lefthanders, too. I think Estrada and Sosa/Ramirez will be traded to beef up the bullpen. I still like Betemit at short and money saved on Furcal would buy much pitching help. The leadoff hitter is somewhat problematic, but Langerhans or Giles could work in a pinch. Furcal was not your prototype leadoff hitter anyway. He really didn’t use his speed like he could have and every time he hit a HR, he was an easy out for the next two games. Buy pitching-that will equate to success.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 07:31 PM | Link to this

Defensively the team is sound. The Braves must have more pitching in 2006. Pitching and defense will win ballgames.

We’re saying it over and over - everybody on this team is trying to hit homeruns. That may be what Bobby wants out of 3 and 4 (in situations) but c’mon, not out of Fooky and Gilly.

This team does not manufacture runs. Doesn’t or can’t. It doesn’t seem to be part of Bobby’s game. Sure could have used that ability in the playoffs.

Let LeTwan throw out one more idea (LeTwan hopes he is wrong): Maybne, just maybe, Bobby’s sign for “swing away” is going to the nose. If this is true, it is a tragic thing - and it may explain why all batters are swinging from the hips when all we need is a little Jermaind Dye type hit. Respectfully submitted, LeTwan Anthony

By bravefan

November 1, 2005 07:42 PM | Link to this

We can buy all the pitching available but if the Braves trot out a lineup with M.Giles or Langy as1-2 or worse yet waste money on B.Giles that will be the end of postseason appearances by the Braves.

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 07:49 PM | Link to this

Is LeTwan really an Esq.?

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 07:58 PM | Link to this

LeTwan didn’t mean to let that slip. LeTwan is just glad to be here on the blog. If Giles didn’t uppercut everything he swung at the last month or so of the season he could have had 50 doubles. Why, oh why, are the little guys swinging for the fences?

By Mark

November 1, 2005 08:00 PM | Link to this

Reality check ! The Bravos are a second tier (small market) team and can no longer afford to compete financially with the Yankees, cubs , mets and redsox etc. Unload Andruw , he had a career season , Atlanta can get a boatload of young talent for him. Chipper’s leg’s are gone (knee,ankle,hamstring,bigtoe ,what next?)He is overpaid and Atlanta is already stuck with his contract. John smoltz is one arm injury away from retirement( he said it himself)julio franco is 47 , did anyone enjoy watching him hopelessly flail away at the fastball’s the astro’s threw past him. Ditto for jordan. Look , the braves have the best scouting department in the game of baseball from paul snyder on down and I’m sick and tired of atlanta continually trading away young talent before they have the opportunity to contribute , anybody remember jermaine dye ? jason schimdt, jason marquis, ryan klesko, kevin millwood, odalis perez ,wes helms , bruce chen , adam wainwright, sickening isnt it ? 18 rookies this past season was a step in the right direction , build from within and trade the veteran’s for everybody elses young talent. Example : furcal a veteran , he is too expensive ( NO atlanta cant afford resign him)and should have been traded before the trading deadline last season.It’s simple , play the young talent and right before they hit that fifth year of eligible free agency ,trade em and reload. It’s what oakland his been doing sucessfully for years.

By True Braves Fan

November 1, 2005 08:20 PM | Link to this

All of this fantasy trading talk is good discussion…BUT OPINION..NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN UNTIL THE FURCAL CONTRACT IS SETTLED ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. ONCE THAT IS SETTLED, JS WILL GO TO WORK TO PUT TOGETHER A COMPETETIVE TEAM WITHIN THE TW FINANCIAL GUIDELINES.

By BeanBall

November 1, 2005 09:09 PM | Link to this

So who do you’s guys think will be “Fooks” replacement after he signs with the Mets?…and about this McDowell fellow..I bet after all this talk from John Smoltz and others in the Braves organization about how miniscule the role of pitching coach is..I bet he feels about as important as being hired as lifeguard on the Titanic…and I heard that the future of Braves success for the next 3 years depends on whether or not Chirper Jones can show up in shape and ready to play with a little vim and vigor…Wow!..I would put his tired a* out in left field till he begged to be let go…bring on more younguns!!…

By Adam

November 1, 2005 09:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks, David O’Brien. It’s pretty great for a fan to get the story straight just by asking a reporter! Thanks for answering questions about Marte.

I thought he hit well during Spring Training last season—I recall a 2 HR game against the Phillies, at least—and I feel like the Braves should hold on to him for one more year, if they can, to give him a real chance should Chipper go down. Maybe in ‘07, he’ll approach being worthy of a rookie’s salary plus Chipper’s 5 mil buyout…

By LeTwan Anthony

November 1, 2005 10:00 PM | Link to this

from the NYT: “Their fans have become so accustomed to the Braves’ early exits from the postseason that there is almost a resignation when October arrives that the fun of the regular season will quickly stop. The players, however, say they will not let the moribund fan strip away the pride of regular-season success.”

“I don’t care what people think, if they want to think we’ve failed because we’ve won only one championship, fine,” Jones said. “If I listened to what everybody said about us, I’d get ticked off a lot.”

BeanBall, you and LeTwan are being moribund. Bird season is underway. Armadillo season follows. Forget him reporting in shape.

By bravefan

November 1, 2005 10:08 PM | Link to this

Yeah,Mark the Oakland/Billy Beane way has produced exactly ZERO titles and ZERO postseason series victories.Hopefully the Braves can resist the temptation to emulate the oakland model of supposed success?

By Carroll

November 1, 2005 10:09 PM | Link to this

After all LetWan, Esq., it’s just a big chocolate chip cookie to the ole “tough out”, right?

BTW, LeTwan, where’d you go to law school (just curious).

By Bill

November 1, 2005 10:30 PM | Link to this

The outfield positions are set or at least should be with Andruw hitting at least 30, and Francouer/Langerhans belting at least 20 each. And the outfield defense is just amazing!! If big brother Giles wants to play with little brother Giles then trade Marcus to San Diego. The double play combo and 1-2 punch of Furcal and Orr would be amazing. McCann and Penya are your catchers for the future so money can be spent for relief. Wagner, Hoffman, or Gordon would be ideal as a “bridge” was built to them consisting of Boyer, Farnsworth, and one of the big three names above.
I read somewhere that the Braves and Yankees needed a shake-up so there needed to be a trade between the two whereas Andruw would go to the Yanks and A-Rod would come to the Bravos. No! Not gonna happen. First, A-Rod sucks. Andruw will be the MAN for many years to come. Andruw is a true Brave. However, a shake-up is not a bad idea. Mazzone leaving stirred a few people up so imagine what would be said if the legend himself left. Yes, Chipper. Betemit’s more than adequate at 3rd. Obviously his offense leaves something to be desired but in around 115 games his averaged stayed around .300. Not a bad leadoff number either, by the way. As I stated at the beginning of my rant we should have enough offense especially considering the outfield. LaRoche is pretty much guaranteed to belt 20 as well. However comma how cool would it be to have Piazza playing first for Atlanta provided he doesn’t suck at first and provided he stays healthy. He is still one of the most powerful bats in the game.

By David O'Brien

November 1, 2005 10:39 PM | Link to this

Man, who says Braves fans are apathetic? Great offseason stuff here. Anyway, regarding Thomson option (since Fabrizio was wondering). As we know from this past season, you can never, ever have too much pitching depth. Someone gets hurt, someone stinks, etc.

I’d say Smoltz-Hudson-Thomson-Sosa would be the penciled in top four going to spring training, but it’s so early. Braves could probably get something decent in return for Sosa or Ramirez, if they so desired, be it this winter or late spring or whatever. Both Jorge and Horacio are eligible for arbitration, so gonna get big raises. Davies should definitely get a chance to compete for a spot, since he’s cheap and showed a lot in the early going last season after his initial callup.

Anyway … it’s early. And Thomson’s option is relatively cheap for a guy who was as solid as he was from 2004 All-Star break to this past season’s injury. Can’t judge anything on his performance after his three-month layoff. Long as the finger holds up, he should be good for 14-16 wins or so.

By BeanBall

November 1, 2005 10:42 PM | Link to this

Let’s see now—that’s Andruw hitting 30, Francoeur/Langerhans belting 20 each—that’s 70, then LaRoche will belt another 20, ok that’s 90 runs—I don’t think that will be enough runs for success in a 162 game season—and as far as Chirper showing up in shape, or being traded for that matter…well the odds of either happening are about the same as John Rocker kissing a black baby!…

By doc

November 1, 2005 11:02 PM | Link to this

le twan (looks funny without the caps, huh?) doc says you are killing me man, love the foxy lady comment. havent wiped the smile off my face as i catch up here for the day. fab glad to see you back but if my short mem serves me doc doesnt think you are going to like what doc says. he says that both loften and nomar are not good clubhouse guys and you know chemistry is so vital for the braves. no one was disturbed that kenny left the first time and i dont think arms will be wide spread the second time. nomar had no tears shed for him after he left the bosox which was very surprising as he appeared to all to be mr. bosox, something amiss there as well.

now what doc really doesnt get is this conjecture for adding a defensive liability to an outfield that has four very good players to fill three spots especially since he really didnt set the table that much this year and may be a flash in the pan a la charley thomas. lets not lose the goal here which is to establish strength in the pitching.

now doc really goes out on a limb to go outside the box, dont be surprised if the braves dont sign furcal, he is going to be gosh darn expensive and as much as i respect his abilities a reminder that he has been eratic in the field and sometimes eratic a bat when he gets too excited after hitting a home run and forgets what his role is. by the way i dont remember a classic lead off hitter on too many of the playofff teams, it may be an over rated position. finally, fookie hasnt been the missing ingredient to getting over the hump. he has had many opportunities to be our mr. october and i dont recall him manufacturing a lot in the post season.

now for the walk to the wild side, consider playing giles at short and put him at lead off. i think he was there at least once this year and it opens other possibilities for what we know is available without breaking the bank. i wouldnt be surprised to see it at least tried.

By doc

November 1, 2005 11:13 PM | Link to this

btw sorry to see the alienation by chipper in the above sited interview, doc, was really trying to appreciate him but he makes it hard.

though he may have deserted us this week in his time of grief (bit by a gator i hear) it may be time to sik the mad dawg matthew on chipper if he loses his enthusiasm seen this year.

yeah matthew you may have a point, here! be my guest.

By Curveball

November 1, 2005 11:13 PM | Link to this

I heard Chipper Jones went bird hunting yesterday and bagged 16 without even firing one shot…those birds fell from the sky from fear!…

By BB FAN

November 1, 2005 11:41 PM | Link to this

I’m tired of the stupid nose picking comments as well as the CJ bashing. I have never seen CJ show up to Spring Training out of shape. Where the hell are you people getting that from? I know he has had injury problems the last two years, but that is not from being out of shape.

Lofton would be a great signing because he would be cheap and is coming off a great season. He and Langerhans could platoon in left field. When Lofton does not play, Giles can lead off. He did it in 2001 or 2002. Furcal is going to want too much money. And it would not surprise me to see him go back to making 30 errors a year and trying to hit 30 homeruns. Thats all he cares about. I say let him walk if he wants more than a 4 year $30 million contract. He can easily be replaced for that kind of money.

By doc

November 2, 2005 12:08 AM | Link to this

very interesting, just read in cnnsi t+r section that fookie says he is willing to play second for the mets. now are we to believe that this look see in contracts with the braves is in good faith?

By Bill

November 2, 2005 12:51 AM | Link to this

BeanBall: That’s only 90 runs if they’re all solo shots, plus you’re forgetting Chipper, having a solid season he’ll be right there with Andruw with at least 30, and then Giles hitting double figures and if Betemit plays 145 games or so should produce at a minimum 10. As well, the catching tandum should be good for close if not more than double figures. Also not counting only homers you have Giles with about 40-50 doubles, plus a lead-off guy, a healthy Giles, a healthy Chipper with a .300 batting average. Add in at least a .280 or better clip from Francouer and you have a fairly dangerous line-up with excellent defense. Don’t forget our pitchers can hit as well. Focusing on pitching: Smoltz, Hudson, Thompson, Sosa seem to be a better than average foursome. Add in a revitalized Ramirez with the help of McDowell to keep the ball in the ballpark and lower his road ERA and the Braves will throw a tough 5-man rotation out there. And yes we all know something needs to be done about the bullpen. With Reitsma and Kolb out of the way and the comeuppance of the rookies and Farnsworth I think if we could add one or two reliable relievers we could throw out a championship caliber team once again. Jason Christianson is available from the Angels and he could be a reliable lefty out of the pen. His numbers could be misleading as he’s spent(if i’m not mistaking) the better part of his career in the offensive happy AL.

By Curveball

November 2, 2005 01:50 AM | Link to this

Wow Bill!…didn’t mean to make you think that hard…and I just heard, Boogie might have Thomson’s problem—a partially torn flexor tendon in his fingers—man, that could be the end of a long career in baseball—and a long finger up the nostrils!…

By bravesdude

November 2, 2005 02:21 AM | Link to this

Im gonna start my own rumor and play GM for a minute since everyone else does.Furcal will demand too much on the open market…we had a chance to sign him cheap and JS blew it with his non-negotiating during the season. Word is NY and the Cubs already want him. NY wants him to play 2nd…this is stupid and will never happen. Now the Cubs may have a chance considereing Nomar is free-agent also. I say we let um have Furcal and take Nomar….this would fit their recent image of local talent(Nomar was a Tech Grad) I bet we could get Nomar cheaper than what Furcal would demand….and other than last year , hes been more consistent. Yes he had injuries,but look at Furcal! Keep Farnsworth…he did a great job minus 1 showing in NLDS which really was not his fault….might have saved us a few mil re-signing him. Wagner is a dream…forget that….will never happen in this lifetime. Keep Giles we need his crazy clubhouse presence….hes the only guy continuosly jacked up and having fun. We got Thompson back so starters are not an issue in my opinion. Shore up the bullpen with a proven hammer and i think we have #15 in the bag…..Thats it for me …Carroll lets hear what you think

By Bill

November 2, 2005 02:44 AM | Link to this

I agree that Nomar is destined to have a breakthrough season especially under Bobby. I also like what people are saying about bringing Pierre into the mix. If we could sign both for less or the same Furcal is asking then it would make sense. While Pierre would obviously bat lead-off, where would that pit Nomar? For me it would probably only work with him batting sixth or seventh, I really can’t see him batting higher with the line-up the way it appears to be stacking up.

By mark

November 2, 2005 04:21 AM | Link to this

The 2004 World Champion boston Redsox. The 2005 World champion Chicago Whitesox. My money is on the Cubs for 2006 because they actually have some ownership that gives a damn about winning , unlike the Bravos corporate monkey’s.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 07:24 AM | Link to this

Curveball: were they falling due to fear or the bird flue? Chipper better be sure to wipe his hands! That’s all I have to say!

Bravesdude: Not sold on Nomar. I think he’s another labotomized zombie in the clubhouse who runs and hides in October. Lord knows we don’t need another one. Basically, I wouldn’t waste any money signing offensive players cuz the last few WS have shown us that only pitching matters. To that end, I would only make trades that would either even out money-wise or free up more money. (ie-Juan Pierre to replace Fooky as a REAL leadoff man.)

I wouldn’t mind seeing Gily go either. His free-swinging mentality literally killed us in the playoffs. And him playing shortstop (as one guy suggested) would never happen. Basically, I’m up for trading anybody on the team if it would bring us a lot of quality power pitching…and yes that means anybody.

By A Lifer

November 2, 2005 07:42 AM | Link to this

I really like juan pierre as a lead-off guy, but do you really want to get rid of langerhans (an possibbly johnson too, since pierre would be playing left)? Carroll, I actually agree with you regarding your giles comment. I would rather trade him, keep furcal, bat him second, trade giles (probably comboed up with estrada or something) for power pitching and play orr at second, with him leading off. I say this because (without looking at numbers) furcal seemed to be so much better disciplined at the plate with a man on as opposed to no one on. Since furcal is a switch hitter, that makes him a perfect guy in the number 2 hole for all situations. Plus, defensively, he is growing into one of, if not, the best in the NL. Regarding the outfield, I just like the langerhans, jones and francoeur lineup for both their defense and offense.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 07:59 AM | Link to this

I agree with your assessment of Fooky, and think him batting second would be good. However, I feel that he’s as good as gone. The Braves are simply not going to pay premium price for anything other than pitching anymore. Also, I like Langy, but would take Pierre in a heartbeat over he or KJ. Keep one as a utility guy and lefthanded pinch hitter and trade the other for power pitching.

By BB FAN

November 2, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this

Carroll, I have to agree with you about the pitching in the playoffs. Power Pitching is what wins. I would think the Braves could get some good pitching for Estrada and Johnson.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this

BB: you’re prolly right….maybe one decent power pitcher for the combo of those two.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this

I know that the Yanks are looking for a catcher. What about trading Estrada for Tanyan Sturtz? I don’t know much about him but my perception is that he’s a dependable, rubber-armed type hard thrower (like a david weathers) who could be very servicable outta the pen or spot starting? Does anyoneknow about him?

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 09:00 AM | Link to this

Or Estrada to the Mets for Aaron Heilman?

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 09:18 AM | Link to this

okay nevermind sturtz….he’s much much older than I thought and apparently not very effective. But I still like the Heilman sugestion.

Also, for leadoff, Jaque Jones is a possibility. Not my first choice but We know that JS seems to have been coveting him for years now. I guess he wants to corner the market on the Joneses. If we could just get Todd Jones too, I think we’ve just about accomplished it.

By BB FAN

November 2, 2005 09:39 AM | Link to this

Heilman would be good. I would think the Mets would consider him for Estrada as they are looking for a catcher.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 09:42 AM | Link to this

LeTwan feels bad pickin’ on Bobby. BB Fan is right, there have been too many nose jokes on this blog.

For instance, just last night LeTwan himself suggested Bobby was going to the nose too often and sending the wrong signals on the field. That was in poor taste. Now, LeTwan feels bad.

Curveball and Carroll also have disrespected Bobby with unkind references to his constant nose pickin’ habit. We won’t even go into what Booger has had to say. Where is Booger, anyway?

Why do you think Erin Andrews talks with Garner and not with Bobby? Well, it’s the nose thing. C’mon. Girls think that’s gross.

Now, if McDowell is really a cut-up as has been suggested, LeTwan wonders what he could do to Bobby while Bobby’s in his nose. Come up behind him, scare him and cause brain damage? A little super glue on the fingers? Grease the dugout railings so boogers won’t stick? How about McDowell picks his nose, too? That’d mess Bobby up.

Heard that Chipper had Bobby out for a bird hunt last year but that he was so disgusted when he got his shotgun back that he’s not going to invite Bobby back anymore. Can you imagine what the man could do to a ring? A big ol’ championship ring? Yuck.

LeTwan agrees that the Braves need power pitching. Everyone is quite content with our starters and most everyone is penciling Smoltz in. LeTwan thinks Smoltz is a big ol’ question mark. He’s older, surgically repaired, and hurtin’ - and he pitched a lot of innings - more than he should have been asked to because of a suck-o bullpen. LeTwan thinks Smoltz is the best - but LeTwan has no confidence in him being a season long pitcher next year. If he’s not …

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 09:52 AM | Link to this

LeTwan wishes to expound.
1. LeTwan didn’t start the nose pickin’. Bobby did. 2. LeTwan don’t pick his own nose. LeTwan’s momma would not allow it. 3. LeTwan thinks Booger started this discussion a few weeks ago. Now, Booger is nowhere to be found. (Somebody else take this one - LetWan is already in trouble).
4. LeTwan regrets offending BB Fan.
5. How ‘bout them Braves!

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this

The coffee hasn’t kicked in this AM, but I thought I read a suggestion to trade Estrada for marginal setup men. This can’t be right. For a player of Estrada’s caliber - and no, I don’t think he’s one of the top 5 MLB catchers - and the fact a lot of teams need a decent hitting catcher who can handle a pitching staff, we could/should get a few highly rated prospects. The Bravos would be better off with them rather than some overrated pitcher like Sturtz. JS will probably troll the free-agent market for some decent and inexpensive arms for setup guys.

Pierre or Jacque Jones would be excellent additions to the team…if we could get them. Please Time-Warner, may we have another good hitting, speedy outfielder?

And really. Just admit it. The bloggers who keep saying Nomar would be a great addition to the team are actually Mia Hamm fans. She’s the only reason I would want to see Nomar as a Brave…and that isn’t a good enough reason to see Nomar at SS next year. Almost….

By BB FAN

November 2, 2005 10:02 AM | Link to this

It’s not offensive, it’s just stupid. It’s been over done. The first few jokes were funny but now it’s just become tiring.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 10:06 AM | Link to this

Boogers? The Nomar SS fantasies end now. Mia would never let him sign with the Braves.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 10:07 AM | Link to this

I didn’t realize Bobby’s boogers problem were that bad. I guess the Nomar SS fantasies end now. Mia would never let him sign with the Braves.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 10:08 AM | Link to this

Trevor Hoffman is also out there, but I don’t hear anyone talking about him. I’m skeptical cuz I think (A) he’d be too expensive (B) he’s too old (C) he’s a soft tosser isn’t he? We need a fireballer.

Pocahontis: I already poo-pooed my Sturtz suggestion.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this

Sorry about the double post and the booger reference. I will try not to do either again.

By Guilherme

November 2, 2005 10:14 AM | Link to this

Guys, I’m a Braves fan from Brazil and I don’t one tenth of the knowledge you have about beiseball (as I believe it shouldn the oppositte about soccer). But the thing is I trully think Giles is a hard playing guy that is really important for this team. In fact, in my opinion, the only weakness Braves had the past season was the Bullpen. And, for me, we do have a lot of trading options to bullster it. One question: Chipper has talked more than once about re-negotiating his contract to free-up money for re-signing important players or strengthening this team. In fact, is JS going to talk about it or not??? And what about Smoltz contract??? He’s also talked about it… Thanks you all. Best regards from Brazil.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 10:17 AM | Link to this

Boogers and poo-poo? What’s next? Howard Stern?

Hoffman is old, is surgically repaired, and he’s not the fireballer he was before the surgery but he managed 43 saves last year on a Padres team that barely won 80+ games. He might not be as pricey as he think he is and might go to a team on the cheap in the spring. But there’s always one or two dumb teams that will overpay him now.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

Not to be redundant but Here is a post I made on another blog, and I think it’s very good point as to how the Braves should conduct business this offseason…

The WS of the past several years have shown us that power pitching trumps all. It beats offenses as good as Sheff, CJ, JD Drew, A-Rod, Jeter, Vlad Guerrero, ManRam, Big Pappi, et al, AND it compensates for offenses as weak as Jason Lane, Chris Burke, Willie Tavarez, Juan Uribe, Brad Ausmus, Adam Everett, etc.

All you need is power pitching and timely hitting. You can control whether or not you have the power pitching….you can’t control the timely hitting….you may have an offense as good as the Yanks or as bad as the astros, and one is just as likely to get a timely playoff hit as the other. So load up the power pitching and hope that it only takes one or two timely hits (a la the ChiSox game 4). After all, 52 homers in the regular season don’t help you in the playoffs when all you need is a measley pop fly with a runner at 3rd and 1 out.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

LeTwan wishes to rise above the chaff. There will be no more disparaging remarks about Bobby’s nose pickin’ from LeTwan. LeTwan got carried away and BBFan has helped LeTwan become a better man.

BBFan, LeTwan thinks you may be too optimistic about what we can get for our cast-offs. Estrada may not be even the second best catcher in the organization. Saltamacchia is coming and may be stronger than McCann in time. Good talent at the postion. A strength for the team.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 10:25 AM | Link to this

Amen to that, Carroll.

Good pitching always trumps good hitting. Good power pitchers are a must. They are also hard to find and when you find one, very expensive to trade for. That’s why most teams try to develop them them in the minors. Not to say that JS shouldn’t try to land one this off-season. He should if he can.

By dannycardwell

November 2, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this

so furcal wants 9 million plus? screw him and his agent. we have orr and betemet. put the money into pitching. keep giles and let him lead off.

By BB FAN

November 2, 2005 10:33 AM | Link to this

I just thought of a solid replacement for Furcal when he signs elsewhere… Julio Lugo from the Devil Rays. Now before anybody laughs, he had the following numbers in 2005: .295 AVG, .362 OBP, 39 SB, 36 2B, 6 3B, 61 BBs, 72 SOs, 6 3B and 89 runs for Tampa Bay. He has consistantly improved his numbers each year he has been in the league. And he is only 29 years old and makes under 4 million/year. Tampa Bay might trade him because they have Upton coming up. Lugo does not play D as good as Furcal did last year, but he is decent.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 10:48 AM | Link to this

BJ Ryan, Todd Jones and Jose Mesa have been a few name bounced around this blog as potential (realistic) bullpen help. Here are a few other names on the wire that I wouldn’t be too surprised to see on the Braves roster in 2006. Eddie Guardado (mutual 2006 option though), Octovia Dotel (great setup man in Houston, not so good closer in Oakland), Bob Wickman (not a hard throwing closer; could be another Kolb), Chris Hammond, Doug Brocail, Joey Eischen (all decent middle innings/situational relievers). McDowell was a former reliever. He can only improve his rep if one or two of these guys sign with the Braves and have a good/great year.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this

BB: Not a bad idea, but I still wouldn’t spend that kind of money on a guy who’s prolly not much better than WB.

Eischen is a good idea for lefthanded mid relief, Pocahontis. WOuldn’t want hammond, Wickman (unless strictly mid relief), Dotel (unless mid relief), and don’t know much about Brocail. And you’re dang right that power pitching is hard to find and trade for, and that’s why I suggested before that the Braves commit to using the first 15 picks of every draft to promising power pitchers. If just 3 of those 15 every year become bonafied major league starters or relievers, we’ll have a strong chance to continue being a successful team and hopefully improving our success in the playoffs.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 11:17 AM | Link to this

BB: plus, Lugo had some off-field tomfoolery a few years back w/ the ‘stros….we all know how BC and the Braves avoid those situations like the plague (or try to). Furthermore, I can only imagine Booby’s nickname for Lugo and it’s not pretty!

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 11:18 AM | Link to this

It would be almost as bad as Bobby’s nickname for Orlando Hernandez would be if we ever got him (just think about it for a minute :)

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this

Carroll: I’d only want these guys in middle relief. Sorry I didn’t make that clear. Dotel has proven he doesn’t have the makeup for a closer. Brocail would be a project for McDowell. He’s the type of journeyman lefty type that Bobby and JS like to gamble on….like they did with Hammond a few years ago. Hammond didn’t have a bad 2005, but is very prone to the injury bug. Easy Eddie and Wickman are/had good closer numbers but after Kolb, I think JS will stay away from them both. I think Eischen’s numbers make him great pickup.

And please Carroll, the name is POCAHORNER. Don’t make me refer to you as Carroll Brady.

By BB FAN

November 2, 2005 12:16 PM | Link to this

The thing about Lugo is he has speed. He could hit lead off. Betemit has no speed. The off field problems were like 4 years ago. But you might be right about the braves avoiding that. And I like Betemit as an extra infielder. He can play SS, 3B and 2B if needed. I’m sure he could play 1B as well.

The relievers mentioned were decent. Dotel would be great as a set up guy. He was awesome for Houston in that role. Eischen and Hammond are both good middle relievers.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 12:25 PM | Link to this

I know….just having fun. What is the origin of that name, by the way? Does it have anything to do with Bobby Horner?

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 01:12 PM | Link to this

LeTwan can think of several players that must necessarily be off limits to the Braves: All Japanese Players with “ishi” or “iti” in their name.

Nate Bump, Paul Lo Duca, Marco Scutaro, and Nick Swisher. The Braves can never bring up Jason Bourgeois from Richmond.

There are more but LeTwan will save them for Carroll. And what would Bobby’s name be for Pocahorner?

By OUTLAWED

November 2, 2005 01:16 PM | Link to this

The Braves are not going to spend extra money on Furcal. Chipper, they are stuck with. Let Giles go to the Cardinals as he wishes. More Baby Braves are on their way to repeat what their brother Braves did this year. It is economical and it worked for the Braves in 2005 they will try it again in 06. Nomar is not coming here, we have younger,talented babies down in the minors ready. Closer for the Braves in the 06 season is going to be Marietta native Todd Jones. Sign him for a year and wait for Devine to develop. Betemit is going to stay with the Braves, he need us and we need him, he is a great utility man. Zack Duke is not coming here maybe to the Yankees but not here. After all said and done the Braves will be getting their 15th Divisional Championship Ring in 2006. I like you guys hoping and praying for advancement next year to the World Series. This is my opinion Iwelcome yours.

By James Pierce

November 2, 2005 01:25 PM | Link to this

I guess its my turn at GM. Nothing will happen till we find out about F*******. I believe we will not see F******* and Giles together in 06. It all about keeping the payroll about the same or slightly higher but just a lttle.I will love for the Braves to keep F*******. So heres my wish list as GM. If they keep F******* they will need to trade Giles and LaRoach.Betemit/Orr can play second.With LaRoach and Giles gone we can afford to get Nomar to play first. He can and will play any infield position except catcher.We are deep in the Braves Farm system in catching so we can Trade Johnson/Langy (just one outfielder) Estrada,LaRoach,Giles,or a couple of our pitchers in the bullpen for some pitching help and just maybe Juan Pierre. So the lineup will be 1)Pierre 2)F******* 3)Chipper 4)Andruw 5)Nomar 6)Francoeur 7)Orr?Betemit 8)McCann 9)Pitcher. If they lose F******* keep LaRoach. 1)Pierre 2)Orr/Betemit 3)Chipper 4)Andruw 5)Nomar 6)LaRoach 7)Francoeur 8)McCann 9)Pitcher. Like I said we have plenty of trade value. Keep Marte on the roster.I can’t see it raising the payroll at all

By Adam

November 2, 2005 02:02 PM | Link to this

I love how there is this sudden consensus amongst AJC bloggers that it is well nigh impossible to trade Chipper Jones. As if that stopped anyone from loudly demanding it before.

Now, maybe if a reporter swoops in and lays down the law a few more times on the senselessness of being a fantasy GM, we’ll be getting somewhere…

Although, I guess, we won’t have anything to do if that happens…

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this

Carroll: No problem. Fun was had. Origin of the name? Two of my favorite Braves - Bobby “I never met a buffet I didn’t like’ Horner and Biff Pocoroba, excellent Bravo backstop. If I could have worked Mike Lum and Marty Perez in the name, I would have.

I’m following a trend with the bloggers about signing hometown products (Nomar, Todd Jones, Farnsworth). I guess that has something to do with all the local boys/Braves done good this year. If that’s the case, can we add the Dominican Republic to Metro Atlanta?

By Fabrizio Di Muro

November 2, 2005 02:30 PM | Link to this

DOB - Thanks for the clarification on the Thomson issue. I thought that the Braves weren’t going to take him back because they had younger, cheaper options who could be just as good, and the money could have been used to re-sign Furcal.

doc - Good points on the team chemistry. Lofton probably wouldn’t fit here. Nomar might, though. I don’t think he’s a bad clubhouse prescence.

BB Fan - Lugo would be a pretty good replacement. He’s grown a lot of the last few years, and he can steal a base or two. I don’t think he’s a FA, so it depends on who we have to trade to get him. Maybe Johnny Estrada and/or Kelly Johnson?

By Warren

November 2, 2005 02:32 PM | Link to this

Regarding Chipper: If anyone was seriously watching this year, you could plainly see that he was more intense and ready to have a super year. It is unfortunate that injuries played a part but that comes with the territory. He was destined to have a tremendous year and I believe he will come back again next year with the saame intensity. We need Furcal and I hope that they can get some payroll flexibility to sign him. I too was disappointed with Adam L’s lack of hustle on the bases, but he just finished his 2nd year and is still learning. Besides, he has the sweetest swing to come into the league in years and just needs more time to develop.

By Chop Chop

November 2, 2005 02:47 PM | Link to this

“Not sold on Nomar. I think he’s another labotomized zombie in the clubhouse who runs and hides in October. Lord knows we don’t need another one.”

Carroll, I’m not a big Nomah fan, but your comment caused me to look up Nomah’s career postseason stats:

.323, 7 HRs, 21 RBIs, .391 OBP in 26 games (96 ABs)

Not too shabby.

Nomar has been hurt for the better part of two years. That is the reason not to sign him. He’s not Raul Mondesi, but the Braves can’t take a chance on Nomar playing less than 130-140 games in a season. Even if he had a great year as a Brave, he’d end up skipping town after a one-year deal anyway.

By Chop Chop

November 2, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this

In 1995, a young catcher named Javy Lopez came into his own. A reporter asked Braves manager Bobby Cox if there were any guys on the team that he picked to be an All-Star one day. Cox promptly slid a finger up his nose, dug up a gem, walked over to Javy, put the green, brownish, and half-bloody boogered fingertipped hand on the young man’s shoulder, surreptitiously wiped/rubbed it a little and said, “I pick him. Javy’s a great kid.”

By James

November 2, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this

If we do lose Furcal there is no upgrade at that position.But Nomar would be my choice and not necessary at short. He’s been in the NL for a year and a half. He’s play hurt or been on the DL most of the time. But when healthy as he was in September he put up some real good numbers plus he should know some of the NL pitchers by now.The most he will get will be a year or two contract if the Braves offer. He can play other positions in the infield also.I like Giles alot but could be use for Trade.I am not sold on LaRoach tho.Bottom line is if Furcal goes elsewhere there might be more than one trade coming.Most of the high price Braces players are sign through 2007 and 2008 and I can’t see any more contracts over 2 years for position players. Texas Second baseman Soriano has a year on his contract (Rent-a-player) and They need a second baseman and pitching. Ya never know.

By Curveball

November 2, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this

It’s a good thing John Wesley (Boog) Powell doesn’t play for B. Cox…

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 03:51 PM | Link to this

People, please. Enough talk about Nomar. I like Nomar. Nomar has put up some great numbers. Nomar married Mia Hamm. But Nomar is not the answer to replace Furcal. Why? Many of you have mentioned it - he’d be a rent-a-player. No way would management offer him a long term contract (he was grumpy in Boston because he wanted a long term, $12-15M a year I think). He signed a one year with the Cubbies for $8M this year so he could ‘audition’ for other clubs and get a bigger contract. No way would he sign for less ($8M) and at that price, we could make a serious offer for Fooky - a younger, better arm/glove/range player - not that it seems Fooky will be back.

He’s also injury prone. I don’t know how many MDs are out there but don’t you think when you tear the muscle away from the bone in the groin area, you probably lose a step or three? And he’s creeping into his mid-30s. Peak years for most, but with all the injuries he had, it’s more like longer recoup time for Nomar. 120 games would be a miracle.

And, not to pile on, but before his injury, he was hitting in the neighborhood of a buck-fifty. He did OK at the end, but Dusty gave him lots of time off to protect him from re-injuring himself.

If you want a Garciaparra roaming the infield, you should be looking at his brother Michael. He’s young, plays short and has a lot of potential (he also seems to have inhertited the injury gene though). If he’s half the hitter Nomar is/was, it might be a good trade/waiver/Rule 5 pickup (that is if Seattle leaves him unprotected).

So can we please stop talking about signing Nomar! It’s as bad as saying we should trade Andrew for Manny…not going to happen.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 04:01 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop has taken us to a new low. Chop Chop, LeTwan had to promise BBFan that LeTwan would not bring up Bobby’s nastiness anymore. Since LeTWan is now out of commission, will you please carry the torch? At least until Booger returns, if he does. I think Booger got his feelings hurt by a real, true fan who thinks pickin’ is okay if you’re discreet.

Curveball, Did you hear the one about Chipper on the deer stand?

By David O'Brien

November 2, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this

Well, at least Furcal and his agent won’t be able to use “Gold Glove” for bargaining power. He’s not going to get one today when announcements are made at 5 p.m. Only Andruw from Braves is on the list.

Not that it’ll make much difference in Furcal sweepstakes, I’m afraid, for Braves sakes. He’s going to get 9 mill a year or more, I think. He’s hitting market at absolute perfect time for him to get max dollar, with so few others available.

For those looking outside the proverbial box for options at SS, don’t be surprise if the name Edgar Renteria comes up at some point. From what I’m told, BoSox might be willing to pay $3 mill or so annually of the $10 mill he’s owed per year over next three years to make him go away, so underwhelming was his first season at Fenway. Trust me on this _ Renteria is a damn fine player, a clutch player, who never complains, never mopes, and is universally popular in clubhouse and with fans (at least with fans outside Boston; they turned on him pretty quick, simply because of performance. I have to believe he was hurt last year, but he’ll never admit it because he doesn’t make excuses. If he passes a physical and Braves could be convinced he’s OK for long term health-wise, I’d say he’s a very good investment at 7 mill per year over three years, about the time that Hernandez or Elvis Andrus should be ready to take over. But that’s just me throwing something out there, to consider. $21 mill for Edgar for three years or 40 mill or so for Furcal for four years?

As for No-mah … No Mas! Folks, he was a shell of his former self, even before and after injury this year. Lost a lot of range and not nearly the hitter he once was. But if Mia’s sitting in front row, well, something to consider I guess.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this

Maybe we should sign Mia instead…

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 04:20 PM | Link to this

Hammy?

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 04:24 PM | Link to this

Renteria is interesting. But was last year an fluke? Was it the NL/AL transition? He looked totally lost out there at times. For me, it would depend on who we would have to give up and how much the BoSox would eat of his contract. If we gave them Wilson and a couple of AA pitching prospects it might be a good deal for everyone.

By Chop Chop

November 2, 2005 04:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, according to the Boston Dirt Dogs site (and a link to a Boston Globe article that contained the info), in his end-of-season wrap-up with beat writers, Terry Francona admitted that Renteria had a number of nagging leg injuries during the season. Not surprisingly, that led Sox fans to wonder why he was still hitting second in the lineup AND why he wasn’t given a rest.

I don’t need to tell you that, if Renteria had been benched and/or given rest, Sox fans would’ve turned on his replacement and wondered why Renteria wasn’t in the lineup. That’s just the way it is up there.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this

Yes, LeTwan. Mia Hamm. And as you just pointed out she already has a Bobby Cox friendly nickname.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this

LeTwan thinks Mia Hamm is a great athlete. However, no consideration can be given to bringing her to the stadium as a player or as a fox. Chipper would be hittin’ on her the whole time. That boy needs total concentration when he’s in the game. It’s also a reason why he can’t wear a number bigger than 10.

Carroll is right (LeTwan agrees with Carroll again?), spend the money on pitching!

By Robert

November 2, 2005 05:03 PM | Link to this

I don’t really like the idea of having Nomar. There’s a reason the Red Sox got rid of him. I find it funny that none of the players seemed to care that he was gone. I do like the idea of Renteria, but that surely doesn’t solve the lead off hitter problem. Lugo could be a good fit for that role. Juan Pierre would be good too. Having him and Langerhans platoon would be great. I still say if the deal is right Andruw is expendable. I have this feeling that 52 Hrs won’t happen again and he seemed to be falling into his old ways as the season came to an end.

By Robert

November 2, 2005 05:07 PM | Link to this

And by the way, don’t get me wrong. Andruw is one of my favorite players but we need to win a championship and whatever mix works works.

By Braxton

November 2, 2005 05:11 PM | Link to this

One thing that bothers me is to hear Tom Gordon as a possible closer…he’s not all that people. NY has overused him over the past 2 seasons. He’s no Todd Jones. I don’t think we need to spend funds on a closer, more like MIDDLE RELIEF! It was getting to Farnsworth that was the problem in the playoffs. I still think trading Horacio for some middle relief might help. I still the like to hear a Smoltz-Hudson-Thomson-Sosa-Horacio rotation. I’d rather put Chuck James in Horacio’s spot and send Horacio packing for some bullpen help or a lead off batter

By Robert

November 2, 2005 05:13 PM | Link to this

I agree. Gordon is not the answer. If he was, the Cubs would have kept him. I wasn’t that impressed with him with the Yankees. If you want Gordon, then you might as well go after Wagener

By Robert

November 2, 2005 05:28 PM | Link to this

LeTwan I have to say that you are hillarious. I like BC but I have wondered why he goes to his nose so much. Everytime the camera is on him his hand is at his nose.

By Curveball

November 2, 2005 05:52 PM | Link to this

That Chop Chop is one nasty dude…probably takes a dump and leaves it for the next guy to see…oh, and I did not hear anything about Chipper on the deer stand…

By doc

November 2, 2005 05:57 PM | Link to this

guys it is not about offense when you go to the middle of the field it is about the defense. that has been the major factor in the braves for the last many years of success, strength up the middle on defense. you dont move andruw until he cant move. there is no other center fielder in the majors that can stand next to aj. i think he hasnt had a career year offensivly but has just come into his own and it doesnt matter. he is going to give you excellent d and offense and when he is done frenchie and aj switch places.

any speculation on ss will start with defense. give up on the nomar(or pierre in of) stuff. some bloggers can only think in terms of runs produced, not taken away, with the latter being maybe more important. the opposition can take away offense not defense. the problem is you cant quantify it so it is deemed irrrelevant to those thinking stats only. it wont be found in the box score as easily, you have to see it or understand it.

renteria fits the bill, good defense, speed and some clutch hitting. cool.

By Robet

November 2, 2005 06:18 PM | Link to this

I think Furcal is not worht 10+ mil. If he can be had for 7-8 mil then fine but the Cubs and Mets will pay top dollar and he will be gone. I think Lugo or Pierre would be good additions. I like Marcus Giles but I think that a call should be made to Texas and see what it would take to get Soriano.

By Robert

November 2, 2005 06:40 PM | Link to this

Estrada should most definitely be moved. He is a good catcher who a lot of teams would trade for. I think McCann and Pena are the future of the Braves but Estrada can still be a very good catcher and a lot can obtained for him.

By BeanBall

November 2, 2005 06:40 PM | Link to this

“Roses is red, violets is blue…if you’s can’t get to it with you’s index finger, then you’s pinky will do!”…”The nite was bright, the sky was blue, up the nosehole Boogie’s finger flew, a cry went out, a shout was heard, instead of a booger, he pulled out a turd!”…

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 06:44 PM | Link to this

LeTwan, Esq: in regards to CJ and his need to concentrate, thank gawd the count can never go higher than 3-2 in a single at-bat.

Chop Chop: I am highly impressed. I never expected that level of disgustingness from you. Good job!

By James

November 2, 2005 06:45 PM | Link to this

Don’t think the Red Sox will give up on Renteria unless they sign Furcal.I know Molina,Byrd,and Washburn of the Angels are free agents. Thats 2 starting pitchers and catcher, so maybe a call to them and offer Estrada,starting pitcher and AAA player for Shortstop Orlando Cabrera.And I will take Soriano in a heartbeat if we lose Furcal and trade Giles. Texas also need starting pitching and a First Baseman

By Robert

November 2, 2005 06:48 PM | Link to this

Texas needs a 1B. Bye Bye LaRoche. I think we could upgrade. Scott Hateburg’s option was declined by the A’s. Something to think about.

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 07:05 PM | Link to this

Why on earth would texas need a firstbaseman with a gold glove, silver slugger award winner in texieria?!

But I do love your Hatteberg idea.

By James

November 2, 2005 07:20 PM | Link to this

Your right Carroll, I type Firstbase but I was thinking about second base like trade Giles and starting pitching for Soriano. It is was it is .If we lose Furcal we can not upgrade there. But we can at 1B 2B OF and Pitching.Cabrera is no Furcal but with maybe Nomar 1B Soriano 2B or Pierre LF will be a upgrade. Maybe not all three but maybe 2 positions at least.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 07:27 PM | Link to this

As it was told to LeTwan, Chipper and his best friend was out in the woods in deer stands. After a few hours Chipper went over to check on his buddy and found that he had fallen out of his deer stand and he lay unconscious on the ground.

Chipper pulls out his cell phone and dials 9-1-1.

“My friend is dead. What should I do?”

“Take it easy. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.”

There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Chipper comes back on the line and says, “Okay, now what?”

By Robert

November 2, 2005 07:28 PM | Link to this

Lets say we could get Pierre, Soriano, and Hateburg to light a fire under LaRoche’s butt. Then here’s the lineup. 1.Pierre 2.Betemit (at SS) 3.C. Jones 4.A. jones 5.Hateburg 6.Soriano 7.Francoeur 8.McCann I think that is a solid, balanced, and explosive lineup. Not one easy out in the lineup. With Pierre at the top of the lineup fear will be struck into pitchers knowing they will have to face two guys after him that don’t strikeout much in Betemit and Chipper. I have Soriano in the six hole because that will take some pressure off of him and he does have a tendency to whiff a lot. Besides he would have plenty of RBI opportunities with Chipper, Andruw, and Hateburg hitting in front of him. Not to mention that it would provide some protection for Francoeur because pitchers will pitch around Soriano and be forced to throw strikes to Francoeur.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 07:36 PM | Link to this

LeTwan heard another one. Chipper and LaRoche was out huntin’ last year and LaRoche wandered off. Chipper heard a shot and later that evening LaRoche came back to camp with a huge buck. This was the biggest buck Chipper had ever seen, and he asked LaRoche his secret.

“It’s easy, Chipper. I just found tracks and followed ‘em.

The next day Chipper decided he try the same thing. He was gone all day. That night he arrived back in camp all bloodied and bruised.

“Chipper, what happened?”, asked LaRoche.

“Dunno, I found the tracks and followed ‘em and I got hit by a train.”

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 07:41 PM | Link to this

Francoeur is a raw talent. He has no plate discipline. After the league caught up with him he stopped getting strikes. Did he walk? No. He made outs. TP’s job in the spring is to ehlp Francoeur develop some discipline and selectivity. There is no telling how good this kid can be if he gets the right kind of coaching help. He’s smart enough to learn, too. He won’t be following train tracks.

By Robert

November 2, 2005 07:43 PM | Link to this

LeTwan, you got me cracking up here. That was too much.

By Billy

November 2, 2005 07:51 PM | Link to this

The problem with Chipper making that kind of money is that his October performances don’t merit that kind of money. He folds in October and, hence, so do the Braves. Mr. October he is not.

By Robert

November 2, 2005 08:13 PM | Link to this

I personally think that the Braves’ problems in the postseason can be attributed to Bobby Cox’s clubhouse rules. Keeping a tight rope on them during the season may be fine but in playoff time you need to be as relaxed as possible. The stress of the playoffs itself is enough. I think the clubhouse needs to be looser. I know a lot of people scoff but look at the Red Sox. Everyone thought that against the Yankees they just didn’t care with Damon in the dugout clipping his toenails and such. But, that was not the case. It was simply that with Damon, Manny, Milar Arroyo, and Ortiz that these guys kept everyone laughing and loose. So, when that pressure really mounted they were relaxed enough to take a deep breath and just go out and do what they do best. I have heard the announcers even make comments to the effect that the Braves are too business like. They need some levity in the clubhouse and some guys that don’t think they’re cursed. Chipper, Smoltz, and Andruw would deny it but you can’t tell me that losing in the playoffs all of these years didn’t enter the psychi when this year’s postseason began.

By MBATL

November 2, 2005 08:19 PM | Link to this

Wow, DOB, great column. Haven’t read the blogs yet, but will. Then I’ll share my 2-bit opinion.

Could you maybe cover the Hawks as well? Hard to get any of this type of news/rumor/analysis over there. Their “opening night” topic is “who will win tonight?”.

By Pocahorner

November 2, 2005 08:24 PM | Link to this

LeTwan, you slay me. Comedy genius the way you tied the joke and Frenchy together. Great laughs.

A lineup with Pierre, Soriano and Hatteberg makes for a really good roto lineup, but reality will not make it so. Just to add Pierre and Soriano would add about $11M to the budget (not to mention the prime talent we’d have to trade to get two one year, rent-a-players. Hatteberg was bought out for $250,000 by Oaktown because his option was for $2.5M. Say he get’s that, so let’s add that to the $11M and for three players you’re asking TW to add $13.5M. Ummm, yeah.

If we’re going to spend that much, it’s better we go after a long term contract for a starter - although right now, besides A.J. Burnett, no one’s on the market is worth that much (and neither is Burnett). Sorry I’m being a big bag of downers. I’m going back and re-read Chipper’s huntin’ stories.

By Robert

November 2, 2005 08:31 PM | Link to this

I think Soriano could be a stretch, but Hateburg and Pierre are very realistic goals. Not to mention a trade for Lugo, whom I think is relatively inexpensive. Betemit plays second base. Lugo and Pierre at the top of the lineup gives unbelievable speed. I agree that TW seems a little on the cheap side. That’s why I said earlier they need to make a decisive move. Go the Indians route and get rid of all the big salary players or simply spend a little extra cash to bring quality talent to this team and earn a WS ring. Then that extra cash will be nothing more than a drop in the bucket.

By BeanBall

November 2, 2005 08:47 PM | Link to this

ok i think the braves should get some guys and get rid of some guys and move some other guys and do some other things, but keep some things the same cause the more things change the more things stay the same and look at that and look at this and fire a few here and there and do the things that winning teams do and win more cause thats what winners do…Comments:

By Carroll

November 2, 2005 08:53 PM | Link to this

Has LeTwan heard the story about the time Chipper and ole Boogie Cox went bird huntin’ together? Boogie got bit on the right index finger by a rattler. Chipper frantically called his ole huntin buddy, mike Hampton, and asked him what to do. Hammy told him that in order to Git-R-Dun, he’d have to suck the poison out. Chipper thought about it for a moment, stared down at Bobby’s booger-stained finger, then looked him solemnly in the eye and said: “I’m sorry, but you’re gonna die.” (Could you blame him?!)

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 08:54 PM | Link to this

Robert, LeTwan didn’t know about the toe nails in the Red Sox dugout. That is similar to a certain thing that goes on in the Braves dugout but LeTwan can’t talk about it because he promised BBFan that he wouldn’t. LeTwan’s question for Robert is this, “What does Damon do with the toenails and such?” Especially the “such”. IF we can find out, maybe we can find out what someone in the Braves dugout is doing with the __ he is removing throughout the entire game. Thanks for your help, your buddy, LeTwan Anthony

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 09:01 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Chipper’s still mad at Bobby. As LeTwan reported earlier, Chipper had Bobby out for a bird hunt at the ranch but he was so disgusted when he got his shotgun back that he’s not inviting Bobby back again.

By Robert

November 2, 2005 09:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what Damon does with his toenails. But, think about this. If Damon was a Brave, then maybe Bobby could pick his nose with something other than his finger. I mean all Johnny has to do is whip his shoe off real quick and get some ready to use instruments within seconds. It’s a win-win situation.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 09:11 PM | Link to this

Uh, oh, BBFan is not going to like this. LeTwan thinks we better change the subject. How ‘bout them Braves!

Giles had more energy in the dugout than any other player. LeTwan thought he would kill Frenchy after his big hits. This is the dugout “attitude” alluded to by Robert.

Contrast Giles with Chipper who barely acknowledges Frenchy (yes, he tackled him on the field after “clinching” the division and winning the sign). After Frenchy’s HR’s Chipper looked pained.

If we discard the Gillys and keep the dullards it will be a mistake.

By Robert

November 2, 2005 09:22 PM | Link to this

I think they need more energetic guys. Francoeur and McCann will bring that. Chipper is just fine. I don’t think Chipper is the problem. I hate to say it but I think Cox is the problem. If he managed in the postseason like he does in the regular season then everything would be just fine.

By Curveball

November 2, 2005 09:33 PM | Link to this

“You can talk about bad habits, about things that aren’t nice, Talk about dysfunction, ‘bout your favorite little vice’, But I’ve got me an obsession that’s as crude as it goes, I’ve got Rhinotillexomania, I just have to pick my nose!…Rhinotillexomania, excavating all day, Rhinotillexomania, clearing stuff out of the way, You can try facial tissue, even toilet paper too, But it’s Rhinotillexomania when nothing else will do. Call your fine psychiatrist, let him mess with your head, Talk to your group therapist, relate until you’re dead, All the counseling in the world won’t raise you from the mob, Rhinotillexomania is a hands-on kinda job. Rhinotillexomania, puts your hygiene on hold, Rhinotillexomania, going straight for the gold, You can try a Roto-Rooter, or an icecream scooper too, But it’s Rhinotillexomania when nothing else will do. Rhinotillexomania let’s you get back in touch, Lets your fingers do the walking, and it doesn’t cost you much. It may be a filthy habit, but some things you gotta do, And you gotta get the Boogiemen, before they come get you. Rhinotillexomania, never minding the pain, Rhinotillexomania, careful, don’t hit the brain, When it comes to filthy habits of the solitary sort, you know that Rhinotillexomania is my second favorite sport. Rhinotillexomania, strip mining your way, Rhinotillexomania, keeps congestion at bay, When other methods fail you, and you cannot smell the rose, It’s Rhinotillexomania, Yeah, Rhinotillexomania, It’s Rhinotillexomania, where the digits meet the nose!”…and it beats the Hell outta “Frenchy” and his constant Peotillomania too!!…

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 09:36 PM | Link to this

Robert, you have some good thoughts … but LeTwan wants you to think about something. In a five game series you need power pitching (the other guy probably has it) and the ability to score runs. Push one across and let the pitchers keep the lead. We had no pen. Period. But we also had no ability over 9 innings in the last game to push a run across. If we always wait for the HR - and that’s Bobby’s way - won’t we fail 13 out of 14 times?

By Robert

November 2, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this

You’re absolutely right. The fact we had no bullpen and our “leadoff” hitters have a Barry Bonds complex are the reasons we did not advance further. I can’t understand why whenever we get a decent reliever we let him go. Another thing is Bobby’s conservative managing in the playoffs. I still say that if Sosa was left in Game 3 and Hudson in Game 4, we could have gotten to the NLCS. But, oh no, Bobby had to turn the ball over to the oh so reliable bullpen. Let me get this straight. Lets let Smoltz stay in the game in the regular season until his arm falls off because our bullpen is so horrible but in the playoffs when that same bullpen is horrible lets take out the starting pitcher that the opposing tean can’t hit. Makes no sense whatsoever.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 2, 2005 10:30 PM | Link to this

LeTwan says this is the last one.

Chipper went to visit his farmer uncle. For the first few days, the uncle showed Chipper the usual things - chickens, cows, crops, etc. After three days, however, it was obvious that Chipper was getting bored, and the uncle was running out of things to amuse him with.

Finally, the uncle had an idea. “Chipper, why don’t you grab a gun, take the dogs, and go shooting?” This seemed to cheer Chipper up, and with enthusiasm, off he went, dogs in trail.

After a few hours, Chipper returned. “How did you enjoy that?” asked the uncle.

“It was great!” exclaimed Chipper. “Got any more dogs?”

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 3, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

When I read the AJC headline, “Man Kills Deer in Bedroom with Bare Hands” I immediately thought of Chipper. Then, I reasoned, more likely than not, it will be Chipper that gets killed in somebody’s bedroom.

By Carroll

November 3, 2005 09:30 AM | Link to this

Ol Coach: good point. After all, if Chipper could barely make it through game 4 of the NLDS, I doubt that he’d have the stamina to wrestle a deer to the death.

By Carroll

November 3, 2005 09:32 AM | Link to this

Maybe we should get that alligator-wrestling bloke to play third base. He damn sure wouldn’t shy away from that foul pop like Chipper did.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 3, 2005 09:45 AM | Link to this

I was thinking more of somebody’s husband shooting him.

By Lee

November 3, 2005 12:11 PM | Link to this

back to the original question of a new pitching coach…Reitsma and Kolb are a couple of guys who haven’t prospered under Leo’s guidance. I’m not saying he’s worn out his welcome; I hate to see him go. But John Burkett and Jared Wright aren’t around any more. Maybe McDowell could get Kolb untracked, and, if so, he’s better than any of the available free agents. As to Furcal, I sure hope we can re-sign him, but, hey, Wilson Betemit did everything asked of him last year, led our team in batting average as a part-time player (which is hard to do with long stretches between at-bats), and he should be given first crack at Furcal’s job. Forget Nomar unless you’re planning to use him to back up Betemit.

By OUTLAWED

November 3, 2005 01:29 PM | Link to this

Reitsma and Kolb too inconsistant players, thats a fact. McDowell is not a proven coach, so don’t expect too much from him, nobody knows how much pitching coaches had to do with the pitchers performances anyway. Renteria will stay with the Red Sox. Furcal will sign with the Cubs (Hopefully). We need to get a first baseman, La Loafer is not going to cut it. He is been around Chipper too much he is slow, unmotivated and doesn’t seem to care much. As i mentioned before we are stuck with Chipper, he doesn’t care he is making his money and already has a ring. This is my opinion I welcome yours.

By David O'Brien

November 3, 2005 02:00 PM | Link to this

James, that’s what I was implying _ Renteria could be an option and not a surprising one, but that’s obviously only if Boston were to jump in the Furcal sweepstakes and get him. And from what I’m hearing up there, they might just get involved and see where it takes ‘em, figuring they can get Furcal for under the 10 mill a year they’re paying renteria, and that it’d be worthwhile to trade Edgar even if they have to eat 3 mill a year or so of his remaining three years.

But anyway…I know folks are just having fun with Chipper, but for those of you who might really believe some junk you read about him, I thought I’d offer this: Believe me or not, but let me just say Chipper’s a good dude. He really is. I only know him on a professional basis, but I’m around him enough and talk to him literally every day for nine months, and I’ve just got to tell you, he really is a good guy. I’ll give you that his wit and intellect don’t often come over in radio and TV interviews, and that he can come across as cocky, etc. But there aren’t many guys I’ve come across in 20 years of writing sports who are more genuine and knowledgeable about their profession. Seriously.

I’ll put it this way _ at least 90 percent of you, I’d guess, would come away thinking he’s one of the nicest, funniest and most down-to-earth guys you’ve met if you ever got to spend an hour in a relaxed atmosphere with the guy. And no, I’m not writing a book on him, not getting any royalty checks, and have nothing other than a professional association with him and his agent B.B., who’s a sometimes-blogger here as some of you know.

Anyway, I know you all are mostly just having fun with him, and he’d laugh at the stuff himself if he read it (he really would; he’s got quite a self-depracating sense of humor, more than most of us can say).

OK, that’s it. I know some of you won’t believe me or care anyway. Just thought for those who wonder what he’s really like, that I’d offer to share that. Let’s just say when we get to spring training, he’s the dude that writers and other players want to talk to about what happened in the offseason, what he thinks about this or that, etc, because he’s genuinely interesting and never full of cliches or guarded comments. He speaks his mind. When he’s gone, we’ll all be cursing.

That said, Andruw’s about to be named player of the year in the entire majors at the players choice awards, which are no longer on TV but just internet. I’m told he’s the guy, at least. Should be announced any minute, if it’s not already

By Astro Joe

November 3, 2005 02:15 PM | Link to this

Let Reitsma walk. Sign BJ Ryan and re-sign Farnsworth and let them compete for closer vs. set-up man. Piece together bullpen of youngsters (Boyer, Devine, McBride, Davies), make sure that Davies starts 10-12 games to keep Smoltz fresh, sign Grissom as 4th outfielder, trade Kelly Johnson, Ramirez and LaRoche to Oakland for Zito, let Furcal walk, find serviceable SS, teach Marte to play 1B, teach Orr to play SS and pray.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 3, 2005 02:45 PM | Link to this

The News about Andruw is great!

LeTwan thanks DOB for sharing his feelings about Chipper. Really, DOB, it was useful to read that because LeTwan’s opinion of Chipper has diminished over the past few seasons - and LeTwan can now have a new appreciation for Chipper.

LeTwan does not know Chipper personally but I have visited his website at chipperjones.com and have had the opportunity to uh, hear him, uh, speak on the radio and I have read his absorbing diary in the AJC. “Intellect” as you put it, is not readily apparent, but LeTwan will take your word for it.

Other than that, LeTwan only knows Chipper from paying to see him play - and from hearing young LeTwan tell me constantly that Chipper Jones is a great bb player. YLT then cites statistics that are quite impressive. Regular season statistics.

LeTwan will say, Chipper can be very, very good. Ask the Mets and Astros fans what he can do when he is hot.

LeTwan has noticed, though, that sometimes Chipper doesn’t hustle as much as one might hope for a guy making $15 million.

Remembering that he is a bb player and not a diplomat or a surgeon, LeTwan feels better about Chipper now.

LeTwan wonders if you’ve heard the one about Chipper’s job as a painter before he made it to the bigs?

By Robert

November 3, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this

I haven’t heard it but I would like to.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 3, 2005 03:13 PM | Link to this

Struggling to make ends meet while playing minor league ball, Chipper decided to work part-time as a painter. It was a job that required no special hours and Chipper liked the smell of paint. Most of his work came by referral but he sometimes had to prospect for work.

One day, Chipper was going door-to-door looking for work. He knocked at one door and was greeted by the lady of the house. “I’m uh, a painter and I wondered if you need anything uh, painted.”

“You came at a good time. My husband wants our porch painted and he’s bought the paint already but he just hasn’t had time to paint. Take a look and see what you will charge to paint it.” With that, she went back in the house.

In about twenty minutes Chipper knocked again at the door. “I can paint the porch for $200 and that’s with two coats.”

“My, that’s a good price for a porch that size. The paint is in the garage. You can start right away.” She then went back in the house and let Chipper start to paint.

About an hour later, Chipper knocked on the door and said, “All done - 2 coats - and I had a lot of paint left over. And, one more thing, lady - it’s a Maserati, not a Porsche.”

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 03:30 PM | Link to this

I started the Chipper-to-1B theory on one blog (not that it’s such an original theory), just out of curiousity. Interesting to hear that it “ain’t gonna happen.” I’ll drop it.

I’m glad (and not at all surprised, given the contract) to hear you say CJ will be back. And, thanks for your insight on his personality. I would really like to see him stay healthy. The way he swung the bat this year, in a full season he’d post some great numbers and silence some of the critics. And, frankly, he’s the LEAST of the Braves’ problems. Never seen a lack of hustle. Maybe he’ll get a chance to dive into the stands a’la Uribe or Jeter, and all will be well again.

Post-season is post-season; take any 5 or 7 game stretch, at any time of the year, and the best hitter might be at .200, or the worst at .400. Look at what Lemke did P.S. Not that he was a bad hitter - he was a great player - but for SOME reason he hit like Dimaggio in the p.s. I don’t think you can trade a guy, or trade for a guy, based on that dumb luck.

By LarryJones

November 3, 2005 03:32 PM | Link to this

Dang…237 replies on this blog…68 of them from just 2 know-it-all geniuses…

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 03:34 PM | Link to this

LeTwan, my grandfather told me that story in 1972, but it was a Porsche, a Thunderbird, and Dave Kingman.

By Robert

November 3, 2005 03:34 PM | Link to this

That was good LaTwan.

By OUTLAWED

November 3, 2005 03:39 PM | Link to this

To David O’Brian: What is Chipper being a good guy to do with his lack of enthusiasm to play a childs game for more than 10 million a year. Us fans do not give a hula hoop what kind of personality is playing for the beloved Braves as long as they try their hardest to win games as opposed to players like Chipper and LaRoach or Estrada..You write that you have been a sports writer for a long time, I respect that, you are a professional and definitely a knowledgable person about baseball, please tell me what is Chipper being a super guy has to do with his lack of hustling on the field? I understand if you don’t answer my question. Go BRAVES

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 03:44 PM | Link to this

Geez, Outlawed, he’s just sharing some perspective that most of us don’t have.

BTW, I’ve got some concerns about LaRoche too, but Estrada was the toast of the town in ‘04, and never recovered from a cheap shot at the plate in ‘05. McCann’s the future, but Estrada’s a pretty good ballplayer.

By Robert

November 3, 2005 03:53 PM | Link to this

I agree about Estrada. He is a good catcher. I just think McCann is a better fit and the present and future.

By David O'Brien

November 3, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this

Outlawed, why wouldn’t I answer your question?

Simple answer: I don’t see the lack of hustle you’re referring to. He plays hard in the field, takes the extra base when he gets a chance, is a smart baserunner, and steals bases when he’s healthy.

Now, if he doesn’t bust his a*@ to get to first base on every routine groundout, it’s because he believes the remote chance of a misplay is outweighed by the fact that he’s putting less stress on his aging and lately injury-prone body, much as Gary Sheffield did at times and much as Barry Bonds and other fragile-bodied veterans do.

And don’t bother giving me a smarta* response about making $10 mill (and that’s not right anyway; he’s making 17 mill) means you can bust your butt at all times. Because if the Braves agreed with you, Bobby would be on his a# and tell him he wants to see him running full-bore at all times, injuries be damned, regardless of whether it’s a routine grounder or pop fly. Bobby doesn’t, because Bobby’s smart and knows the point is to keep him on the field as much as possible, not to please every Little League coach who thinks that hustling to first base is the only thing that matters, regardless of the player’s health.

If you don’t care about his personality, sorry. Don’t read it. I was just offering a little insight.

By David O'Brien

November 3, 2005 04:38 PM | Link to this

Oh, and if you don’t think Estrada plays hard, well, then you lose all credibility. There’s a difference between not hustling and simply being slow as hell. Johnny is slow, but I know of no one (except you) who’s accused him of jaking it or not playing hard.

Does anybody on the team play hard enough for you, by the way? Just curious.

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 04:41 PM | Link to this

Go DOB!

By Robert

November 3, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this

Look, Chipper is my favorite player. I really enjoy LaTwan stories about him. They are hilarious. But, the truch is Chipper is still one of the best players in the league. I think Andruw could be a lot more accused of not hustling then Chipper. As for Chipper not producing in the postseason, that is a little blown out of proportion. He has had some very good postseasons. Besides, it is hard to drive in RBI’s when no one is one base ahead of you.

By david

November 3, 2005 04:49 PM | Link to this

Well said DOB there’s a lot of frustrated little league coaches on this blog that don’t know a GD thing about professional athletics.They are under the misguided notion that you can just want it more and therefore it will happen.Thanks for the perspective from the inside.

By david

November 3, 2005 04:52 PM | Link to this

Outlawed just leave the blog you’re a disgrace.

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 04:55 PM | Link to this

LeTwan, Chipper went to the same high school as me, Bolles Academy, in J’ville (well, I was only there for about a week before we moved to “the ATL”). Anyway, I heard that in the fall after his graduation, he worked in a bar… the legal age was lower then. On Halloween, three guys dressed as a fried egg, and 2 strips of bacon, walked in and sat down. Chipper looked them straight in the eye and told them: “Sorry guys, we don’t serve breakfast in here.”

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 05:15 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, since you’re tuned into this… what IS going to happen with the catching? Is Estrada gone, or will they do the same thing next year and bring McCann/Pena along slowly?

By Robert

November 3, 2005 05:16 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea. Sign Furcal and trade him and LaRoche to Boston for Renteria and Bronson Arroyo. The Sox will be looking for a 1B because Milar is not coming back.

By david

November 3, 2005 05:24 PM | Link to this

Nice trade Robert we take a downgrade at SS and acquire Arroyo a pitcher who can not crack our starting rotation plus we give up a 1b who hit 20HR/80RBI just for the hell of it.Great trade maybe when JS leaves you can take over.

By david

November 3, 2005 05:27 PM | Link to this

PS:Arroyo will be able to perform at some of the venues around town maybe the Braves can provide this as a public service for the ATL.

By Robert

November 3, 2005 05:28 PM | Link to this

Well, David, I would not say that Renteria is a downgrade at SS. I love Furcal, but lets be honest. Has ever been the leadoff hitter he is capable of being. He goes to the plate swinging for home runs. He is not a HR hitter but he is the only one who seems to not know that. Besides we can’t afford Furcal. He is not going to sign and stay. For him to be signed there would have to be a lot of sacrifice that will not be worht it.

By Robert

November 3, 2005 05:30 PM | Link to this

You say Arroyo could not break the rotation? Are you telling me that Horacio or Davies is better?

By OUTLAWED

November 3, 2005 05:32 PM | Link to this

To David: I respect your opinion that I am a disgrace. Disgrace to what? I am just writing my opinion about what O’Brian wrote about Chipper. If you don’t like it that is fine I am not changing my opinion about what I wrote about the players I mentioned. To O’Brian: Hustlers on the team are too many to mention here Orr, Giles, Furcal,Smoltz are some examples. Estrada is slow I agree with you, you can be slow and still hustle at least kick it up a notch, Estrada does not show any signs of hustle that is what I am saying. As i said it before it is my opinion you don’t have to agree with me. Fact is a diffrent thing it is a fact that Estrada is not a hustler. You said that I lose all credibility because I don’t believe that Estrada plays hard, if I believe that he does not hustle than why should I believe he plays hard? If you don’t respect my opinion and you don’t believe that I don’t have credibility that is your right and i do respect that but please don’t tell me the mention players play hard just because you are a sports writer and occasianally talk to those players and I am just a blogger that really does not matter. Hey David by the way WHENEVER YOU ARGUE WITH ANOTHER WISER THAN YOURSELF IN ORDER THAT OTHERS MAY ADMIRE YOUR WISDOM, THEY WILL DISCOVER YOUR IGNORANGE. Go Braves.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 3, 2005 05:34 PM | Link to this

MBATL, that is a good one. LeTwan would be interested in knowing how you look an egg and two strips of bacon in the eye. If anyone could do it, it’d be Chipper.

LeTwan wants to remind everyone that Saltamacchia is coming up and he is a good one. A team this deep at catcher should be able to deal one of them and get some help. Which one(s) will go?

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 05:54 PM | Link to this

Letwan, of course they had to cut out little holes so they could see… so their eyes were exposed.

As to catching… I really think that Estrada/McCann should be on the roster next year, and Pena and Saltamacchia used to attract some pitching or a speedy SS prospect. But, I don’t know just how good these prospects are. The guys we’ve played have proven to be VERY good defensively and in handling pitchers; the young guys should attract tremendous interest.

I think the Braves are too smart to GIVE any of them away, so it’s a great situation.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 3, 2005 06:05 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I think I may have been in that bar once when Chipper was working.

A guy came in and ordered a B&C.

Chipper said, “What’s that?”

“Bourbon and Coke.”

His buddy ordered a G&T.

“What’s that?”

“Gin and Tonic.”

I ordered a 7&7.

Chipper said, “alright smart a** what’s a 15?”

By LarryJones

November 3, 2005 06:33 PM | Link to this

Chipper can count just fine…$1 milliom, $2 million, $3 million, $4 million, $5 million, $6 million, $7 million, $8 million, $9 million, $10 million, $11 million, $12 million, $13 million, $14 million, $15 million, $16 million, $17 million next year…$1 million more than last year!…

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 06:46 PM | Link to this

LarryJ: is the problem his PAY, or his PLAY? It’s one thing to trash a ML player for his play on the field, or even his actions off the field, but puh-leeze (as Carrol always says), let’s not trash him for accepting the money they pay him.

By MBATL

November 3, 2005 06:51 PM | Link to this

LarryJ: guess you’re just joining the joke…sorry to take a shot.

Does anybody out there really think that Chipper is a part of the problem? Geez… we need a bullpen and (now, I guess), a SS/leadoff man.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 3, 2005 07:04 PM | Link to this

Larry Jones, with that much money can you imagine Chipper’s game room? Betcha he has Play Stations everywhere. Now, the library - - - that’s where he parks his four wheeler. The salaries are really obscene, aren’t they?

MBATL, you sure can’t blame him for taking the money. You hope he has the character to do all he can to earn it.

By Carroll

November 3, 2005 07:05 PM | Link to this

What about the time the mushroom came into the bar….hopped right up on the stool and ordered a drink….Chipper defiantly proclaimed: “we don’t serve yer type in these parts.” The shroom quipped: “why not? I’m a fun guy”.

By Carroll

November 3, 2005 07:19 PM | Link to this

Then there was the time Chipper and Ole ROachie were on their way to spring training practice when Chippers ford pickup broke down. As they walked up the road, they came upon a dog who was sitting there licking his go-betweens. Stunned, Roachie exclaimed “damn I wish I could do that!” Chipper, dumbfounded, replied, “that dog would bite yooooouuuu!”

By Stew

November 3, 2005 07:39 PM | Link to this

Let’s try to get Scott Linebrink from the Papas. He’s gonna be the next great reliever. Also, let’s go after Carlos Lee. These 2 players could make us odds on favorites to win the World Series. Both would be impact players.

By LarryJones

November 3, 2005 08:02 PM | Link to this

But…After Chipper divides that money up between all his kids…it really ain’t that much…

By LarryJones

November 3, 2005 08:08 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones went thru a McDonalds drivethru the other day and saw a sign on the window that read “free condiments”…”Dang!” he said, “Wish I knew that sooner, um I wouldn’t have had so many uh dang kids!”

By Hooters Girl

November 3, 2005 08:49 PM | Link to this

If you think a few bloggers took notice of Chipper’s antics with the FOX Sports reporter, think what it must have been like for him at home (and at bars in every NL city). Babies’ mommas cannot take a joke. Two more babies and Chipper’s got an infield.

By bravefan

November 3, 2005 09:55 PM | Link to this

Quite possibly the sorriest blog in the existence of blogs.The staff writer makes a legtimate attempt to share some pertinent info and 4 or 5 jackasses who exhibit absolutely no humor try to sit around and see how many ways they can display their lack of class and their overabundance of ignorance.

By Pocahorner

November 3, 2005 10:05 PM | Link to this

A friend told me this so I don’t know how true this is….

The bartender at Hooters was washing glasses one afternoon when an elderly Irishman came in.

With great difficulty, the Irishman hoisted his bad leg over the barstool, pulled himself up painfully, and asked for a sip of Irish whiskey.

The Irishman looked down the bar and said, “Is that Jesus down there?” The bartender nodded, so the Irishman told him to give Jesus an Irish whiskey, too.

The next patron to come in was an ailing Italian with a hunched back, who moved very slowly.

He shuffled up to the barstool and asked for a glass of Chianti.

He also looked down the bar and asked if that was Jesus sitting at the end of the bar.

The bartender nodded, so the Italian said to give Him a glass of Chianti, too.

Then Chipper swaggered into Hooters and hollered, “Barkeep, set me up a cold one! Hey, is that God’s Boy down there?”

The barkeep nodded, so Chipper told him to give Jesus a cold one, too.

As Jesus got up to leave, he walked over to the Irishman and touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed!”

The Irishman felt the strength come back to his leg, so he got up and danced a jig out the door.

Jesus touched the Italian and said, “For your kindness, you are healed!”

The Italian felt his back straighten, so he raised his hands above his head and did a flip out the door.

Jesus walked toward Chipper, but Chipper jumped back and exclaimed, “Don’t touch me! I’m on the D.L.!”

And much props to Andrew for winning the Player of the Year award. That kind of recognition from his peers proves AJ has made it.

By True Braves Fan

November 3, 2005 10:56 PM | Link to this

bravefan: The serious baseball fans left this blog long ago when it was taken over by juveniles with gutter humor that they think is funny. I guess they get their kicks on it.

By Juiced

November 3, 2005 11:11 PM | Link to this

It’s about time that freakin’ Andruw Jones did something!…

By Keith

November 4, 2005 01:28 AM | Link to this

If anyone is interested, Salty’s is hitting .322 in Arizona Fall League while Marte is hitting .184 in the Dominican Winter League.

By A Lifer

November 4, 2005 07:44 AM | Link to this

laroche hit 20/80 lsat year splitting time with franco….he will be in his 3rd year in 06 and i can imagine that if we retain franco, he will likely produce less, giving more time to laroche….he could be ready for a 25/90 or 25/100 season…why is everyone so ready to git rid of the guy? aside from his one baserunning gaff this yer, he actually hs performed well in late september the last two years (anyone remember the g.s.?) might i add that he is still very inexpensive to retain.

Spunk or no spunk, giles and estrada have the highest trade value of our major league-ready players (that are most easily tradable) and they are two that we can replace the easiest. (mccann/orr). those two guys could would be a great combo package for a power pitcher and maybe a couple power-pitching prospects.

if we do that, homerun harcio and/or davies could be great trade bate…..could even free up enough money to sign furcal at second (still the best ss in my eyes.) if we do that….i would like to see a batting order of 1.) orr 2.) furcal 3.) chipper 4.) andruw 5.) laroche 6.) francoeur 7.) langerhans 8.) mccann (order is not set in stone)

let’s not forget that we get $8M in insurance money back to the payroll this year for hampton’s injury…money can be drummed up to keep furcal if he wants to be here.

thoughts?

By A Lifer

November 4, 2005 07:47 AM | Link to this

“…money to sign furcal at second…” meant to say play at short stop and bat second….. sorry

By BB FAN

November 4, 2005 08:22 AM | Link to this

If funny that all of you idiots are ragging on CJ and saying how dumb he is. Take a look at all of these stupid jokes. None of them are even funny. With the CJ jokes, the nose picking jokes. And they are all absolutely stupid jokes. But you are cracking yourselves up with this bullsh!t. And you are claiming CJ is the dumbass?

I obviously don’t know CJ personally but have met him a few times in Montreal over the years. He is pretty down to earth. He does not sound like he sounds in interviews. Do you think maybe he just gets nervous for interviews, therefore says “uh” or “um” once in a while. Or maybe he just does not enjoy public speaking. That happens to many people. I know that is what happens to me. Amoung friends and family, I never say “uh” or “um”, but in a public speaking forum, it happens a little. None of you idiots have to deal with your life being in the public eye so you have no idea what players deal with. He could be just trying not to load the media with anything they can run with and twist. I know the media is famous for that. No offense DOB. I’m not saying all the media does it.

I have seen enough Braves games to know CJ, AJ and those guys bust their a* on the field. And some of you think players can just turn it up a notch, and win the WS. Real geniuses. These blogs have bevome a joke since they are free. I think I would rather pay the $20 so I can interact with some actual Braves fans and have some intelligent discussions.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 09:20 AM | Link to this

Did you guys see the schedule for next season? We start the season on the left coast (10pm games to start the season)! But maybe it’s good to get the west coast kick outta the way right off the bat. The past few years it seems that we start to slip out there and it sends us into a tailspin.

And again, we get to play the freaking BoreSox in interleague play…woopee! WHy are they trying to shove this matchup down our throats?! Nobody cares about the Braves v. BoreSox!! I’d rather see Tampa! And I really miss getting to play the Yanks every year. But I guess it’s more important for them to play the mets again for the 15,000th time.

BB: lighten up! Even DOB said Chipper himself would prolly laugh at some of these jokes. For goodness sakes it’s not like we’re talking about the pope or something. Let Chipper sleep in the bed he made.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 09:22 AM | Link to this

By the way, it looks like the Mets are gonna try and take Julio away from us again. I like Julio a lot, but so be it. Anything to shake this team up and give different people a chance is fine by me.

By Pocahorner

November 4, 2005 09:28 AM | Link to this

Lighten up people. Chipper Jones doesn’t walk on water nor can he heal people by touching them. He’s just a baseball player with faults. So what that people are making jokes about him? If some of you so-called fans took time to read some of the posts from these juvenille idiots, you’d see a lot of intellegent observations about players, the team and baseball. Unbunch those panties and stop your hero worshipping. When you sit around the hot-stove all winter long, it helps past the time to make a few jokes (bad or good). These posts are supposed to be fun. Lighten up for crying out loud.

The Braves have proven everyone is expendable (Klesko, Glavine, Maddux, Millwood, Dye, etc.) Should they get rid of Chipper? It’s not up to me or you do decide. But if someone on this blog says they should, then don’t jump all over his case by saying what a wonderful person Chipper is, you’re a jacka@# for thinking that, that’s why I never read this blog for intellegent discussions (then what the H-E-double hockey sticks are you posting on it?) Say something like, “There’s no way they can trade Chipper because his salary would make any trade unattractive to any team. Since his move back to third, Chipper’s productivity has increased (insert stat here) and his leadership qualities, next to Smoltz, is invaluable. Marte and Betimit might be great players one day, but the loss of Chipper isn’t worth any realistic trade.

DOB: No matter what some people think, great thought about Renteria. Here’s another one. Someone mentioned Orlando Cabrera. With Manny wanting to be traded (Angels his preferred choice) they might entertain the thought of dumping Cabrera’s salary. They were really high on Maicer Izturis when he filled in for Cabrera last year and he’s definitely cheaper than $6M+ a year. Signed for another 3 years, Cabrera might be another realistic alternative at short.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 4, 2005 10:05 AM | Link to this

TBFan, BravesFan, BBFan, CeilingFan, and FanBelt, your feelings have been made known.

You can only say, “gee” and “wow” so many ways and so many times, then your comments become somewhat tiresome, too.

Lighten up.

Chipper has so much money that he won’t have to learn social graces. Not to worry. He has at least another year of bb in him at $17 million.

He can probably stand the heat from a silly blog if someone wants to read it to him.

If Chipper is smarter than he comes across then Hudson must, you know, be, too. Hey, they’re just bb players.

Bobby is at the top of his profession and looks to be back next season. LeTwan hopes he gets another division sign and more.

All together, now …

“This blog is your blog, this blog is my blog … this blog is made for you and me.”

LeTwan Anthony, therapist

By LeTwan Anthony

November 4, 2005 10:20 AM | Link to this

Carroll, Julio was a class act. If he is gone, LeTwan wishes him well. Nobody on the Braves was better (some were unwilling) at hitting behind the runner. He must have learned that in another organization.

You always had confidence when he came to the plate that he’d put the ball in play. Sometimes he surprised with a HR, even a slam. He is a credit to the game.

But that bat really, really slowed down at the end of the season. Julio was no match for the power pitchers in the playoffs.

Now, does LaRoche play every day or are there other plans?

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

No to CArlos Lee or any “big bopper”! Too many of them have gone silent when it matters most. Let’s load up with the high obp, contact, and speed guys. Look for guys who have really low strike out and double play numbers. Don’t you see…these are the things thast KILL the Braves (and every losing playoff team)….double plays that kill rallies…unable to move runners and get something going….strikeouts with a man at 3rd and only one out. The Braves HAVE NOT been victimized by lack of power in the playoffs…..didn’t you see how the sox just won it?! Power pitching, solid defense, 2 bloop, timely hits, and a lot of heart and desire. DOn’t waste anymore money on “big boppers”…we have enough who are and enough who think they are already! Get more professional hitters and power pitchers. And they don’t have to be big name power pitchers….hell, I think John Thomson is a quality power pitcher. These guys typically step up big in October.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 10:29 AM | Link to this

LT: I’d love to see Laroche gone too. I know a lot of people think his slightly-above-modest numbers make him worth it, but no player who lacks effort (especially in an elimination game) is worth it to me, period. If we could free up some money I’d love to get Sweeney…he’s not really just a bopper like Lee, rather, he mixes power and solid gap hitting (I think…haven’t looked at his numbers). I also like Overbay and the guy from the A’s who was mentioned here the other day.

By Curveball

November 4, 2005 11:14 AM | Link to this

LeTwan, “None” of the Braves players were any match for the power pitchers in the postseason this year…Julio for hitting coach!…

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 4, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this

I’m the only coach on here - or at least the only one easily identified - so I guess DOB and this other guy dave are after me.

No, I’m not a LL coach but I’ve never been a MLB coach either, so I really don’t understand the idea of saving your body in the playoffs, especially in an elimination game.

Guess if saving the body wasn’t the thing to do Bobby would have told ‘em to run through the base, hustle and try to get to the next round. Oh well, never too old to learn.

I saved something, too - the money I’d have spent on playoff and WS tickets.

Like LeTwan says, golly.

By Alonzo Anderson

November 4, 2005 11:23 AM | Link to this

Everyone, the Braves are rock solid for next year. Andruw: must maintain his consistency and not allow last year’s performance to be regarded as a fluke. Chipper: he should be a Brave lifer. The guy cares, he plays hard, he plays hurt and he produces. He’s earned the money and he will continue to earn it. He’s had a lot of big hits in the playoffs and he will again. He’s clutch, but, everyone fails even in clutch situations from time to time. Francoer: He’s not the next Dale Murphy, he’s the first Francoer. As long as he continues to work hard and improve he will be a constant all-star and future MVP .280/.300 avg, 30-35 hrs, 110/120 RBI potential from the 3/4/5 spot every year. The dude is one big chunk of potential. 500 hr Hall of fame calliber all the way (as long as he “gets it” and I think he does). Langerhans: I absolutely LOVE this guy! He reminds me of Paul O’Neill so much. Great glove, potential .300 hitter, hits lefties, he just needs to play everyday, he can be a solid 20/80 guy. LaRoche: I like the guy still but his stock dropped a lot with me after the Houston debacle. He loafed around the bases with a 5 run lead. Period. And that makes him tradeable. If anyone loafs in a elimination playoff game for any reason what does that say about their character? Orr: he’s a scrapper, I like him, reminds me of Lemke with speed a glue/Eckstein type of guy that every team needs. Betemit: proved that he can be solid and hit. Give him a year at short and let’s see what happens. He won’t kill us and he’ll drive in at least 50 runs while hitting close to .300. Estrada/Ramirez: Trade them while they still have some value, maybe for a 5th starter or a solid bullpen guy. McCann is ready, and Pena has the talent also. The starting pitching with Smoltz, Hudson, Thomson, Sosa and possibly Davies is rock solid. THE BIGGEST HOLE OF COURSE IS THE BULLPEN. FARNSWORTH IS NOT A CLOSER, NEVER WILL BE A CLOSER, HE’S A SET UP GUY, REITSMA SHOULD NEVER TOUCH ANOTHER BRAVES UNIFORM AS LONG AS HE LIVES! KOLB, HE HAS THE TALENT, I’D BE WILLING TO GIVE HIM ANOTHER SHOT, HE JUST IMPLODED AND LOST HIS CONFIDENCE. HE MAY NEED A CHANGE OF SCENERY TO AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THERE ISN’T AS MUCH PRESSURE/EXPECTATION (SEATTLE MAYBE? HOW ABOUT ESTRADA/KOLB OR RAMIREZ FOR PINERO OR FRANKLIN?) ——- THE BRAVES WOULD HAVE LEAD THE MAJORS IN VICTORIES AND WOULD HAVE WON THE WORLD SERIES WERE IT NOT FOR THE BULLPEN. I WATCHED NEARLY EVERY TELEVISED BRAVE GAME LAST YEAR (AND I HAVE THE DVR TO PROVE IT) AND THE BULLPEN HAD TO HAVE COST THE BRAVES 15 VICTORIES AT LEAST. SICKENING!!! THERE WERE NO DOMINANT TEAMS THIS YEAR AND THIS YEAR WAS SO LAID OUT FOR THEM. I’D PAY WAGNER, OR BJ RYAN TO GET THEM HERE. IF TODD JONES WANTS TO SIGN, GET HIM, HE CAN SET UP AND CLOSE FROM TIME TO TIME. LEREW, DIVINE, BOYER ARE SOLID. Sorry for yelling but, last season was so depressing for me because I saw what could have been.

By BB FAN

November 4, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this

The point I am trying to make is that it gets tiring when all everybody is doing is making nose picking jokes or CJ is dumb jokes. It’s not about worshipping him. In fact, my point was that he is just human like all of us. And he may just be nervous in a public speaking forum like many people are. However, he has everybody in the world looking at him. Unlike us. BUt when it comes down to it, he is just human. He has made mistakes. We all have. Why should we judge him. Anything on the field is fine. But nobody can say he does not hustle. And he has had good post seasons before. And overall, he has decent numbers. Sometimes a guy is on, sometimes he is not. That IS baseball.

I just don’t understand why people are always looking to “pick” on people or make jokes about them. Maybe CJ would have laughed…at the first few, but it has been WAY over done. Same with the Cox jokes. Move on people. That is my point.

Now back to baseball. AJ has been raking up the awards for his season. That is great. He deserves it. He had an awesome year. The Braves should be fine next year as long as they improve the bullpen. Furcal’s range at SS will not be replaced, but his lead off abilities can be. Trading for Renteria might not be a bad idea. He is still young enough. He just turned 30. But the leadoff spot is needed. Betemit can play SS and hit .300 but he is not a lead off guy. It should start to get interesting next week wit hthe GM meetings.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 4, 2005 12:55 PM | Link to this

Coach, it’s not LeTwan that says, ‘golly”. But that’s okay, we don’t want to get that started again.

It is LeTwan’s personal hope that Chipper and Bobby go out together as World Champions. I hope they do it 3 years in a row and we can name some downtown streets and things for them.

The number ten bus line can become the Chipper Jones’ Commemorative Bus Route. Likewise, Sidney Mucous Boulevard can be renamed for Bobby.

LeTwan is trying to be serious but the devil has hold of me and I can’t help myself. I am going away for a time until I can control some of these unkind remarks. Carroll, please take the torch while I am away.

And, Carroll, why is an organization that is so very, very deep at catcher and some other postions without a quality 1B? Or, is there one out there that LeTwan doesn’t know about?

Your buddy, LeTwan

By OUTLAWED

November 4, 2005 01:00 PM | Link to this

To all you Chipper, Estrada, La Roach defenders out there; I understand being slow, naturally. Here is a true HUSTLER for you, SID BREAM. He was a slow runner, probably slower than any of the current loafers in the Braves team. Sid also had major knee problems at the time he ran the bases and score the most exiting run in a baseball game BASEBALL ever seen. Compare his effort in that Pirates game to the some of the recent base running these loafers had, NOBODY can even come close. SID didn’t even know how he beat Barry Bond’s throw from the outfield. At the time Barry Bonds was considered the best outfielder in the majors and the strongest arm out there. Maybe these loafers should watch that clip to learn how a naturally slow player should kick it up a notch. Have some heart. GO BRAVES.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 01:48 PM | Link to this

I was the one who mentioned Hateburg from the A’s. I think we could afford him. I like Julio but he needs to go. THe man is 47 for God’s sake. As for the Chipper jokes, they’re funny but I do hope these people realize that this tean would be nowhere without him.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 02:01 PM | Link to this

I agree about Bream. That play in NLCS may have been the best ever. Again, Chipper is one of the best. I watch almost every Braves game and have never seen him loaf. I can’t say that for all of Braves. I don’t necessarily want to see LaRoche go but if we can get a better 1B than him then why not do it.

By OUTLAWED

November 4, 2005 02:05 PM | Link to this

This team would be nowhere without Jones that is correct. What is not correct is, it is Andrew Jones not Larry! GO BRAVES.

By OUTLAWED

November 4, 2005 02:11 PM | Link to this

Chipper is a good player that is correct Robert. It is my opinion that I don’t see him hustle, I don’t care what kind of character or personality he has as long as he performs as a Brave.That is what matters. I am not a fan of a individual player I am a Braves fan. LaRoach may have a future with some other baseball team but not here. GO BRAVES

By Robert

November 4, 2005 02:21 PM | Link to this

I agree about LaRoche. As for Chipper, I guess I don’t see the same thing. And I love Andruw but you can’t honestly say that he always hustles. I can think of at least 10 times (one of which being in this year’s playoffs) where he didn’t hustle down to first on a ground ball and if he had he would have beaten it out. The fact is the Braves would be nowhere without either of them but to lay it all on Chipper’s feet is unfair and a little ignorant.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 02:29 PM | Link to this

In response to those of you who claim that you’ve never seen CHumper loafing, maybe you’ve never been to a game in person and paid attention when he comes to bat. I succintly remember being at game 6 of the 98 series against the Pads (another elimination game). This was back before I realized what a non-caring loafer Chumper truely is. He hit a ground ball to shortstop (I believe) and the guy booted it pretty badly. In one instant I thought, Great! Now we can get someting going! In the next instant, my heart sank as I looked down the line toward home plate and noticed that Chumper hadn’t even started running yet (he was walking). He ended up getting beat by two or three steps because of his laziness. And DOB this was before injuries were a factor for consideration…he was much younger and healthier. I never really yell at ball games, and had never really gotten down on CJ before that point but I remember instinctively blurting out at the top of my lungs, “why don’t you run hard you jerk!” Nobody else around me seemed to share my sentiment, however, these were the same people who later stood and cheered for (I guess for a “nice effort”?) after the last out was recorded and the Padres continued a long tradition of opponents celebrating on our turf. Anyway…just a “little perspective”.

And there were plenty examples of blatant lack of effort defensively in the Astros series this year.

LeTwan, please don’t go! Without you and booger, et al, this will go back to being a dull blog.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

I’ll give you that there have been times Chipper has loafed or whatever. If he was not on this team, where would it be? A 4th or 5th place team that everyone would be calling losers. If you want Chipper gone, fine. All I’m saying is be careful of what you wish for and if you get it remember that you wanted it.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 02:46 PM | Link to this

I also agree about LaTwan. Don’t go. It would not be the same.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 02:46 PM | Link to this

I gotta call BS on that one Robert. This team did just fine when Chumper was out for a good chunk of the season. Plus when you consider all the salary that would be freed up if he left, which would allow us to get prolly 4 really good impact players (maybe a mike sweeney, and a couple power arms), then I think you’d have to say w/out a doubt this team would be better off without Chumper.

By OUTLAWED

November 4, 2005 02:52 PM | Link to this

I without a doubt %110 agree with CARROLL I could not write it better myself how much of a loafer Chipper is. He should be a shame of making all that money and not give a &#@%$ about the fans or his team. Money does spoil you in this world. GO BRAVES

By Robert

November 4, 2005 02:55 PM | Link to this

Should Andruw go as well. Because Andruw is notorious for loafing. Like I said, I love Andruw but I have seen him dog it to first on hundreds if not thousands of occassions.

By OUTLAWED

November 4, 2005 02:58 PM | Link to this

” I never seen Chipper loafing ” and “there have been times Chipper loafed or whatever ” these are your words Robert, make up your mind! You know deep in your heart that he is a slacker! GO BRAVES

By Basher

November 4, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this

LeTwat is gone…Carrol follow him please…

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 03:00 PM | Link to this

AJ is still young and showed signs of turning things around last year…. EVRYTHING…from his general outlook on the game, to his stance, his swing, etc. CHumper on the other hand has been on a downward spiral for a few years, and there’s no reason to hope anything will change/improve. Chances are we can’t get rid of him anyway, so it’s moot but my opinion remains.

By OUTLAWED

November 4, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this

Yes the Braves and Andrew were better off without the CHUMPER for a while this season, but no DELUSIONAL SELF SERVING EGO-MANIAC had to come back and break up the unity the Braves were building around Andrew and were ready to go forward. Chipper must go. GO BRAVES.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 03:18 PM | Link to this

As I said earlier, I have never seen Chipper loaf. If you say he has, then I’m taking your word for it. So, that would obviously not make it double talk. If you hate Chipper, that is fine. I could care less. All i’m saying is don’t accuse him of things that others are guilty of as well. Perhaps, the Braves would be better off without Chipper but remember this team was in 2nd place behind the Nats until Chipper came off the Dl and gave them a spark. I’m not a Chipper mark, I’m just pointing out facts. I’m sure the Phillies or the Marlins would love to take Chipper and take him all the way to the N.L. East crown.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 03:20 PM | Link to this

Perhaps, we could send Chipper to the Yankees. I’m sure there would be no problem with Jeter moving to 2nd, A-Rod back to SS, and with Chipper at 3rd. THat would be some combo.

By OUTLAWED

November 4, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

They don’t keep loafers in NEW YORK for a long time at all. If CHUPPER goes up there it would be great, more reason to hate the *&^%#! Yankees! Robert you are right about that you said you never seen Chipper loaf you said he might have loafed, it is my bad buddy I am sorry. As always GO BRAVES!

By Robert

November 4, 2005 03:31 PM | Link to this

I personally think the Braves problems have more to do in the dugout than on the field. Bobby Cox is a great regular season manager but in the playoffs he sucks. He manages not to lose instead of managing to win. I think he handcuffs his players and does not give them the opportunity to succeed. He reminds me of Tom Landry of the DAllas Cowboys.

By OUTLAWED

November 4, 2005 03:36 PM | Link to this

I agree COX sux as a post season manager! It is not going to change in 2006 either.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 03:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand his philosophy. I still say if he kept Sosa in one more inning in game 3 and Hudson in at least one more inning in game 4 then the Braves would have made it to the NLCS. The offense did its job. Cox didn’t.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 03:48 PM | Link to this

Here’s the question about Chipper? Can Marte or Betemit hit .300; 30+HR; and 100+ RBI. Because if you want to get rid of Chipper, that is the production that you will have to replace. And when you start mentioning that if “we just get 3 or 4 guys”, that should tell you that you are saying it will take a few people to do the job of 1. That’s all I’m saying. If we could get equal value for Chipper that would produce a WS title I would be all for it, but I highly doubt that would be the case.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this

Remember, when Chipper took over for Pendeleton he was ready to step in and equal TP’s production.

By Robert

November 4, 2005 04:15 PM | Link to this

Where’s LaTwan? I need to hear a good Chipper story.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 4, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this

You are right, LeTwan, I was confused about who says, golly. Sorry to put that off on you.

I hope you are reading this and that you will come back to the blog before it turns back into what it was. You-know-who is trying again to run Carroll off. I think you took a lot of heat off Carroll before and he probably could use some help now.

Heck, they’re after me, too, calling me a little league coach just because I don’t care for Chipper’s lack of effort on the baseball field. And that’s from the top. He sees it but prefers to call it injury avoidance. I call it pennant avoidance.

If you are serious about the devil having hold of you, contact me. I know some folks who can help.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 05:42 PM | Link to this

Robert: just a few points.

1. The Braves fell several games behind the gNats WITH Chumper…then he went down and the babes built unity around AJ and battled back….then Chumper came back just in time to take the glory of the Braves getting back into first.

2. I’m not saying it would take 3 or 4 players to replace Chumper. Obviously, they were able to replace him just fine with one baby brave last season (Betemit). What I’m saying is that without his albatross salary, we could get a couple power pitchers and/or another position player like sweeney who could give ya everything we get from Chumper numbers-wise PLUS a better attitude ta boot, for less money.

3. I agree that BC is not a good playoff manager and that’s because he doesn’t inspire his players. And the players, with Chumper as their leader, defintiely need some inspiration. That’s why I’ve consistently said that either chumper or BC need to go. That is, if Chumper goes and we get a new team leader (AJ?) who can fire the team up and lead them with passion on the field, then BC will be fine in the dugout. IF we can’t get rid of Chumper, we need a firey manager like Sweet LOu who can light a fire under Chumper’s a*, and by extension, the rest of the team.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 05:46 PM | Link to this

Ol’ Coach: don’t worry bout me. Those “guys” have been trying to get at me for some time now. But it’s not gonna work. You see, I have too much down time in class where I have nothing else to do but cruise the net and talk Bravos.

But it is nice to know that there are other tolerant, considerate, open-minded, logical-thinking peeps out there like you and Letwan, RObert, MBATL, and (sometimes) BB ;) among others.

By Booger

November 4, 2005 08:47 PM | Link to this

I’m back, Carroll. I have no conscience like Robert or letwon so anything goes. I read in the Houston Chronicle that Tony LaRussa was fighting mad in the dugout. Seems he got something on his uni when he was leaning up against the railing in the visitor’s dugout. Now, I don’t know what it was, and you don’t know what it was, and DOB probably don’t know what it was, but what it was was a booger. A first round loser booger. How about them Braves! Oh, yeah, in the absence of an intelligence test we won’t really know how smart Chipper is or isn’t, but we can form an opinion as he wears his cap backwards and blows bubbles uh, during interviews. Is he smart or is he a dummy? You pick. Booger

By Booger

November 4, 2005 08:53 PM | Link to this

Chipper and LaRoche, were holidaying on the beach in Florida while the Astros were playing the Cards in Round 2, and Chipper couldn’t seem to make it with any of the girls. So he asked the local lifeguard for some advice.

“Man, it’s obvious to me.” says the lifeguard. “You’re wearing them old baggy style swimming trunks that make ya look like an old geezer. “They’re years outta style. Your best bet is to grab yourself a pair of Speedos - about two sizes too small - and drop a fist-sized potato down inside ‘em. I’m tellin’ ya man…you’ll have all the babes ya want!”

The following day, Chipper hits the beach with his spanking new, tight Speedos and his fist-sized potato. Everybody on the beach was disgusted as he walked by, covering their faces, turning away, some laughing, some looking sick!

So Chipper went back to the lifeguard again and asked him, “What’s wrong now? I’m still not picking up babes.”

Holy Cow!” said the lifeguard. “The! ! potato goes in front!”

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 4, 2005 09:02 PM | Link to this

Well, things should be interesting from here on. These new posts bring up a question - who do you think is the smartest Brave? I should say after Smoltz who is an obvious choice. Are pitchers smarter than position players? Are catchers smartest of all as McCarver would have you believe? There have been a good many catchers who have gone on to be successful managers. What do you think?

By outlawed

November 4, 2005 09:08 PM | Link to this

Mind is like a parachute if you don’t open it it won’t work.

By outlawed

November 4, 2005 09:11 PM | Link to this

Mind is like a parachute it won’t work if you don’t open it.

By BashtheBraves

November 4, 2005 09:24 PM | Link to this

you dont have to be very smart to manage…bobby cox example…

By bravefan

November 4, 2005 09:42 PM | Link to this

Lifer it looks like you have a very well thought plan for the 2006 season.

By bravefan

November 4, 2005 09:51 PM | Link to this

Pocahomer, Renteria makes 10mil per year and Cabrera makes 8 mil per year and on top of that,the Braves would actually have to trade good players to acquire either of them,wouldn’t it just be smarter to resign Furcal at 9mil per?Why would the Braves even consider a move that weakens the team.If either of the SS you mentioned were FA and could be signed at a lower rate than Furcal then maybe?but once again it has to be pointed out that both have fairly expensive contracts and the Braves would also have to give up talent.

By bravefan

November 4, 2005 10:03 PM | Link to this

Carroll just so you know Sweeny makes 14million starting this season.Quite possibly the worst contract in the Majors.Still want him?He’s a DP machine.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 10:09 PM | Link to this

ok, bravefan…nevermind then. i wasn’t sure about him.

By Carroll

November 4, 2005 10:13 PM | Link to this

Another Chipper story. After the bartending job didn’t work out, he decided to take a job in the meat department at a local market to make some extra cash. One day, near thanksgiving, a lady came up to him and said excuse me sir, do these turkey get any bigger?

Chipper replied, “no ma’am….these turkeys are dead.”

By Outlawed

November 5, 2005 09:59 AM | Link to this

By Joe Roman

November 5, 2005 10:05 AM | Link to this

I’m happy. The Braves’ off-season moves haven’t been very sexy, certainly not the stuff to make the fantasy freaks all wet and gooey. They are, however, both pro-active and reactive. Some new opinions should be good for reconstructing the bullpen. Up here in Baltimore, I’ve had the opportunity to see what happens when a franchise allows itself to calcify with “tradition” by needlessly hanging onto team fixtures. I hope Furcal is retained, and I believe Giles is back no matter what. Still, whatever the organization does is OK with me. Like the 12-step programs, I am willing to defer to a higher power. Until the streak is broken, you’d have to be a fool to do anything else.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 10:38 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know the status of Mr. Kolb?! I have this bad feeling that Boogie might wanna see what Roger can do with Kolb this year (since he was a successful sinkerballer). I hope Boogie realizes that Kolb’s problems have less to do with mechanics or sinkers or velocity, etc, and more to do with him being a complete head case. I doubt Roger or even Dr. Phil could help him with that.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 5, 2005 10:57 AM | Link to this

Not everyone sees things the same way.

From MLB.com

“As they’ve proven with Adam Wainwright and Jose Capellan in the past two offseasons, the Braves aren’t afraid to trade top pitching prospects to help them fill an immediate need at the Major League level. By dealing Wainwright and Capellan, they were able to land J.D. Drew and Dan Kolb.”

“With Ramirez and Sosa both set to receive significant raises as arbitration-eligible players, the Braves could choose to trade one of them. Sosa’s 13-win season and impressive work as a starter has his stock higher than it’s ever been.”

By Joe Roman

November 5, 2005 11:15 AM | Link to this

Dave, don’t you think many of the outrageous impressions some of these people have about hustle, attitude and personality are based solely on watching games on TV? Baseball looks much easier on television than it really is. Base runners’ efforts are rarely shown either in their entirety or context and neither are player reactions. Perhaps it is just a human failing to draw conclusions on inadequate evidence, but the practice is rampant on these blogs. Add the envy factor and how it contributes to bitterness, and hostile attitudes toward players are inevitable.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 11:16 AM | Link to this

HoRam really should go. HE’s proven to be no more than a poor man’s tom glavine. completely unreliable both in terms of his performance and health. Don’t give him a significant raise….there’s plenty of teams out there that would be more than satisfied with the quality of pitcher that HoRam is: the Giants, Indians, Reds, Brewers….you know, all those small to mid market teams that can’t develop their own good pitching, so they jump on the mediocre pitching of other teams and treat them as if they were greg maddux. Ie-the Reds signing Eric Milton last year.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 11:18 AM | Link to this

Now Sosa…that’s a different story…I think he could blossom into the next Pedro possibly. Hang onto him at any reasonable cost.

By True Braves Fan

November 5, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

Carroll: Do you give people deragatory nick names (A-Fraud, Chumper, Boogie, etc.) because you think it is cute and funny; or because you are jealouse of their fame and success; or does it make you feel better about your own feelings of insecurity and inferiority?

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 12:11 PM | Link to this

Carroll, regarding the Braves/Bosox: I agree! So the Braves were in Boston back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Who cares!

The interleague scheduling is a joke. When 1 game in the standings could mean playoffs or not, Florida plays the D-Rays 6 times, while we got Boston.

No ‘excuse making’, as the Braves have still managed to win their division (and yes, I know, get knocked out first round…not the point). I don’t like interleague anyway, but if you’re going to have it, it should be by division, with ATL, FL, NYM, PH and the Nats all playing the same schedule.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this

TBF, Carroll is only insecure and jealous because he IS inferior. He looks funny, has little teeny hands (if you know what I mean) and has a low credit score too.

But he knows his baseball.

I’d hang on to Ramirez, I think. When he’s good, he’s real good. Seems like there’s a frequent loss of concentration, and boom, there goes the long ball. Maybe McDowell can do something about that.

By Pocahorner

November 5, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this

bravefan: You and I must be looking at different sources for salaries. At the money level you saw, yes, we should make every effort to resign Fookie. But if the sources I checked were right, Renteria and Cabrera would make a good plan B and C … again if the Angels are serious about landing Manny and are looking to dump salary, we might be able to get Cabrera without giving up too many prime players. Between the Cubbies, Mets and possibly the BoSox, someone is going to seriously overpay Fookie. But good for Furcal if he can get the quan. It’s going to be interesting few days leading up to Nov. 11.

By Pocahorner

November 5, 2005 12:38 PM | Link to this

I heard the Phillies are shopping Jim Thome. He’d make a good upgrade at first….wait, I was confused. I thought this was 1995….

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

Pete Orr’s fielding pct at SS was 1.000% last year (okay, he played one game there.) Overall, 6 errors in 42 games… not great, but not as bad as Renteria, I bet.

I look for the Braves to give him a shot at SS/leadoff. He has good speed and a decent bat (I wouldn’t expect him to hit .300 if he played more, but not bad), and if that doesn’t work we go to Betemit and live without a true leadoff hitter until the trade deadline approaches, and evaluate then.

If they do make a move, it’ll be a “minor trade” or FA signing, for a backup with a good glove and a little speed, not a top tier guy making $5 mil or more.

Just have a feeling that JS and our buddy Time Warner want to get a year closer to the end of the BIG 3 contracts before they take on any big salaries.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 5, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I had heard that about Carroll, the part about him knowing his baseball. I saw somewhere that the people who are taking shots at Carroll used to have to pay $20 to get someone to blog with them. Now, Carroll can teach them some baseball for free.

By bravefan

November 5, 2005 01:35 PM | Link to this

Pocahomer,my source is MLB.com there is a contract subsite that deals with finances and contract length.Renteria was signed prior to the 05 season to a 4yr/40m fully guranteed deal without options.Cabrera was signed to a 4yr/32m fully guranteed deal without options.Furcal though it’s speculation is expected to receive either a 4-5 yr deal at 9-10per.He will have the same salary as Renteria and probably be making 1-2 mil more than Cabrera,then the question is? Pay Renteria the same as Furcal and trade prospects for him or trade prospects for Cabrera and pay him 1 mil less than Furcal.While you are right that the Angels have been mentioned as a possible destination for Ramirez,the owner Moreno has indicated that if he acquired any high salaried players that it would be accomadated by an increase in thr payroll and not dumping contracts.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 01:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Coach!

I’m re-thinking the nice stuff I’ve said about Carroll, after going back and reading that he thinks AJ should be the Braves’ “leader.” Now, I’m not in the clubhouse, and don’t know AJ any better than I know Chipper, but I really don’t see AJ as the rah-rah guy to “charge up the troops.”

“Come on guys, don’t do it like I do it…YOU should run under the ball and catch it with TWO hands!”

(I don’t dislike AJ, btw, just don’t think he’s a leader)

I have a feeling that Giles, Estrada (if he’s here), Smoltz and (one day but not yet) Francouer will fill that role. And of course Chipper, unless Carroll finds a taker for his contract.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 01:36 PM | Link to this

Everybody knows what small hands means…small gloves.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 5, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this

LeTwan had to type this three times. LeTwan kept deleting the parts that were unkind - and now LeTwan has a very nice post. LeTwan thanks Coach, and Robert, and Carroll, and Booger for thinking about LeTwan while LeTwan was strugling with the devil. LeTwan had already promised BBFAn no more nose pickin’ jokes. Now LeTwan has put the Chipper Jones jokes aside. LeTwan feels like a new woman.

LeTwan thinks Kelly Johnson will be a star someday but it may not be with the Braves. Bobby played him even when he wasn’t hitting (1-30 start). Then, he hit well enough to win NL Player of the Week and Bobby stopped playing him. Go figure.

If KJ could get the at-bats and work with TP or with Julio (great idea, Curveball) he might become a strong everyday player. Maybe he could learn how to play 1B well enough to stay in the lineup if Langerhans is going to be in left. KJ had a rough start but one week in June he had a league leading 11 RBI, .417 batting average and three homers. LeTwan thinks KJ needs to play more.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 01:54 PM | Link to this

Good point, LeTwan (and Carroll, if you made it earlier). KJ is kinda the forgotten man. I’m not 100% sold on Langerhans’ bat, but I’m certainly not down on him. And he plays a great left field. I THINK KJ started as a SS, so guess he can field a ground ball. Interesting.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 5, 2005 02:04 PM | Link to this

AJ, team leader? Well, he has the credentials now, doesn’t he? He would have to grow into that role. One can hope. A leader does need to emerge. My most skilled player one year was a mush head. He should have/could have been the leader but the players knew he was a dummy and that forfeited his leadership. I think that may be the case with Chipper though I know that is tough territory to explore in this blog.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 02:19 PM | Link to this

AJ did a great job leading this team whilest Chumper was out for a while. I even started to see some emotion from him…no more s**-eating grin that never goes away.

LeTwan: very good idea about KJ playing firstbase. He doesn’t offer much more spunk than Roach, but definitely better speed, instincts, smarts, prolly equally as good power, and better contact/average hitting (if given enough consistent at-bats). Very good idea.

By Curveball

November 5, 2005 02:28 PM | Link to this

Julio Franco should have been the Braves lead off hitter…makes the pitcher throw a lot of pitches and usually gets a hit up right field….

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

I have nothing AGAINST AJ being a team leader; I hope he is! I just never equated the guy having the best year statistically as by default being the team leader. Maybe I don’t understand the term. Was T.O. the Eagle’s team leader last year? Andrew was NOT leadership material in ‘04, but when he learned to lay off the slider low and away, and adusted his stance a little, he became one? Oh well.

Anyway, not that big a deal. I think this leadership thing is overblown anyway.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 5, 2005 03:18 PM | Link to this

LeTwan’s mama says Andruw has a nice smile. He looks like he is happy playing baseball. He sure is good at it. LeTwan isn’t so sure Andruw led the team as much as he carried it earlier in the season. It would be nice if he could inspire the other players. LeTwan thinks Andruw is a more likely leader than Larry.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 5, 2005 03:27 PM | Link to this

They don’t need a leader. They need a manager. And a coaching staff. Before the playoffs, I remember reading a vent that warned Bobby was going to do something stupid in the first round like starting Jordan. He sat Langehans who was the hot bat at the time and started Jordan, Estrada, and Franco in game 1. Five game series. Down 0-1. No pen. Good night.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 03:32 PM | Link to this

Are you honestly trying to compare AJ with TO? I’m sure LeTwan’s momma would tell me not to judge people, but that statement is quite revealing.

Look folks, all I know is that the team not only held their own in Lary’s absence, but they excelled. In fact, it was also in the absence of Thommy, Hammy, Raffy struggling in the worst slump of his career, and Estrada having a very bad year. I can’t say who was the leader or who said what to who or who inspired who, but whatever it was…whatever happened, it worked.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 03:51 PM | Link to this

Carroll, as you’ve had occasion to say to me once or twice: “PUH-LEEZE.” No, I’m not comparing AJ to T.O. (though they do both have nice smiles, Mrs. Anthony) and you know it. You’re just trying to smear me in a desperate attempt to convince TBF that you’re smart.

Anyway, yes, he definitely carried the team in the early summer.

So I guess that made T.O. the leader of the… oh wait, here I go again!

I’m not gonna argue the leadership thing anymore…I just get hurt.

But maybe we should make Andrew player/manager?

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 04:23 PM | Link to this

If we delcare Andrew the LEADER of the Atlanta Braves, can we trash HIM next year if we don’t win the World Series?

By LeTwan Anthony

November 5, 2005 04:28 PM | Link to this

LeTwan would like to weigh in on this discussion between MBATL and Carroll. I asked Mama how she feels about Andruw being the leader of the team and she said he is a nice boy but has too many tattoos to be an effective leader. Mama also says that Andruw is not likely to post those kind of numbers again and it may be time to see how much the Yankees would offer. Would the Braves trade him?

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 5, 2005 04:42 PM | Link to this

Maybe they got Hollandsworth to be the team leader. Gotta sign him now as a FA team leader.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this

LetWan, to my mind no one is untouchable. What mightthe Yanks offer? I agree that we’re not all that likely to see 50/130 from AJ on a regular basis, but we are likely to see 30/100 and a Gold Glove.

Today’s BB economics dictate that you’ve got to change, and know how to evaluate talent, to stay successful. Braves’s front office is pretty good at this game, so nothing’s out of bounds to me.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 5, 2005 05:19 PM | Link to this

MBATL, well, it is said he is, “arguably, the best CF in baseball.” And, the Braves have zero World Series Championships with him out there. He won all the awards this year. He is a gold glove winner every year. Will they win one because he’s out there or are they more likely to win one if they get a ton for him in a trade and use those players to climb over the top? LeTwan doesn’t know the answer.

LeTwan is reminded that the Vikings wanted Herschel Walker really, really bad and they gave up 5 veteran players and 8 draft choices to get him. The Cowboys took off in the 90’s as a result of that trade. They became top echelon in the league. One of the picks turned out to be Emmitt Smith.

Could the Braves make a trade that would make them that much better? Something is missing to put them over the top. They need to find it.

What would they get from the Yankees? Not sure. The Yankees buy other teams’ stars. Right now they look old and ugly. It would take a lot to get Andruw. Maybe somebody will offer a lot like Minnesota did long ago.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 05:29 PM | Link to this

MBA: “So that TBF will think I’m smart”!!!?? OMG!! ROFL!! That’s kinda like saying “I hope Dan Kolb will think I’m a good pitcher!”

Anyway, I don’t think Ms. Anthony would appreciate that you keep comparing AJ (A really nice, respectful young man) to that total jackass, TO.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 05:30 PM | Link to this

Yeah, LeTwan, Herschel is the classic example (man, he was SO GREAT at UGA and then took that damn UFL route…never the same). The Braves haven’t won championships with AJ, but I don’t blame AJ for that.

I’d trade AJ for Jeter (I know that ain’t gonna happen.) I’d trade him for Cano and a couple of really great prospects (like Avery when he was in the minors), but the Yankees ain’t got.

No, I’m not pushing AJ out the door…he’s the best player we’ve got, and in ‘05 maybe the best in the game, so it would have to be a sweet deal. In fact I’m not down on any of the Braves players (well, Kolb). But Old Man Time does keep doin’ his thing, and if the right deal came along… sure.

By James

November 5, 2005 05:35 PM | Link to this

Like I said a few days ago I don’t see Giles and Furcal in 06. Cabrera is still my choice at short. The Braves won the div by 2 games. They had over 15 blown saves. So they should have won the div by at least 17 games.Kolb never should had been the closer and maybe a 8th inning guy would prove better. With that being said. They should go for B J Ryan for the closer. If they do the only lefthander starter they need Washburn from the Angels.If they keep Furcal chances are they will trade Giles and if they do just let Betemit/Orr take over but if they trade Giles might as well trade LaRoache and get Konerko.But B J ryan is a must.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 05:35 PM | Link to this

Carroll, with your attitude, you remind me a lot of Terrell Owens.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 05:37 PM | Link to this

About this leadership thing: You trash Chipper for his percieved lack of effort, smug attitude, smirks at the girlie reporters, big teeth … whatever.

Isn’t Andrew the king of the smirk? Doesn’t he drag a__ down to first on ground balls? And hit into more DP’s than almost anyone in baseball? And never move a runner over (I know that’s not his job, but when it’s in order, he fails)? Swing for the fences when a single to right is all we need? Doesn’t he loaf under the ball and catch it like he’s playing catch with his brother in the back yard?

I’m really not down on AJ, as I’ve said over and over. He’s a very good BALLPLAYER and I’m glad to have him. He has his failings just like every player. I just don’t grasp your criteria for leadership. Is hitting 50 HR the measure of a leader? Is Manny “I want out” Ramirez a leader? Is A-Fraud, as you call him?

I keep wanting to let it go, but just trying to get a grip on it cause despite what people say about you, I respect your opinion.

By Jamesball

November 5, 2005 05:39 PM | Link to this

Thats if they trade Ramirez then get Washburn cause they need a lefty starter

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 05:46 PM | Link to this

James, I suspect that Giles will be back, but not Furcal (that’s just my gut feeling). And haven’t heard trade rumors on Ramirez, but may have missed them. Washburn made $6 mil last year, Ramirez less than a mil… what’s the upside?

Do you have any insight into the Braves’ thinking on this?

By LeTwan Anthony

November 5, 2005 06:05 PM | Link to this

Sure would excite the fans in NY if the Yanks got Andruw coming off all these awards, a gold glove, and 52 HR’s to play where the Mick once played. Wouldn’t be so bad for Andruw either.

To make that happen somebody would have to give a lot.

MBATL sees the good and the bad of Andruw Jones. Not everyone on this blog can say that. Andruw right now will bring more in trade than he will ever again bring.

Some fans will say he should never be traded. Some might say in trade he could bring some players who could get us past the first round and maybe another WS championship.

Now, before everybody with “fan” in your handle attacks LeTwan about trading the Braves best player, remember that there are some young outfielders ready to play and if JS could plug one in CF and give Bobby some more tools on the mound and in the bullpen, and maybe at 1B or SS, maybe, just maybe Bobby could take the team deeper in October.

By JohnBonRocker

November 5, 2005 06:14 PM | Link to this

The only thing that Bobby is going to take deeper in October is his fingers up his nose…and I can’t believe you people used to pay for this crap!

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 5, 2005 06:16 PM | Link to this

Kinda like that game show … the guy wins $500 and decides to fold rather than open the door that has a Cadillac behind it. I liken the $500 to one of those little division championship signs.

That Cadillac would be a pennant or a WS ring.

The guy who wouldn’t open the door would never, NEVER, trade Andruw Jones. He’d take that $500, watch it get old and msuty, and watch the Astros and Cardinals fight for the pennant on TV.

On another subject, they’re not singing Rocky Top very loud tonight.

By LeTwan Fanthony

November 5, 2005 06:29 PM | Link to this

Ol’ Coach, LeTwan does not understand this Rocky Top business. In an effort to become loved rather than hated by certain bloggers known to all of us . . LeTwan has incorporated the word “fan” into his handle. Please don’t tell LetWan’s mama because she wouldn’t like it. I hope this makes LeTwan a bestest, truest, Braves fan. LeTwan recommends that Carroll try a new handle making use of the word “fan”. Perhaps you can become “Hatedfan”. Let LeTwan know what you think.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 07:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah, LetWan F., a deal for AJ would be big news in the big apple. For his sake, and ours, I hope it doesn’t happen!

By LeTwan Anthony

November 5, 2005 07:42 PM | Link to this

LeTwan doesn’t want it to happen either -just taking this somewhere other than golly, gee.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 08:28 PM | Link to this

MBAtl: I said AJ turned the corner last year. Yes he had that stupid smirk, and lack of hustle etc, but I really feel that his whole outlook on the game, attitude and approach changed last year. I still have hope for him…I can’t say that with Chipper. By the way, I already explained all this earlier…did you skip over that part?

LeTwan: I see whgat you’re getting at with the comparison to the hershel trade. HOWEVER, hershel was in the twilight of his career at the time. The Vikes thought they were pulling a similar move last offseason by trading away moss. Problem is, Moss was obviously a huge part of their success that could not readily/easily be replaced by a bunch of draft picks.

I feel that trading AJ now would be more like the vikes trading moss away than when the vikes traded for hershel. We’ve put up with all AJ’s bs over the years, so why trade him now when we could finally reap the benefits of our patience over the years? It would have to be an awfully sweet deal.

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 08:32 PM | Link to this

And by the way, MBAtl, you are the only one who has talked s** about me in quite a while. Others don’t like/appreciate my baseball opinions, but nobody has attacked me on such a personal level as you did. I certainly don’t care what you think, but just find it a tad hypocritical of you.

By James

November 5, 2005 08:36 PM | Link to this

MBATL, The only upside to washburn is that hes the best lefty starter out if they decide to trade Ramirez.I personally think they should keep him.They will need a lefty tho. My gut says Furcal gone anyway.But if they do keep him I think others will go to free up cash for other deals Giles, Ramirez and others are to make more money this year unless they are unloaded.JS won’t make a blockbuster deal but he will as always try to put the best team out there.If we get weak in one position and can’t get better there JS will improve another position. BJ Ryan should be a great pickup if we do lose Furcal.If we had him this year we would not have 15 0r more blown saves.Just as good as Wagner but younger and cheaper.And to all them bloggers out there who keep on saying to fire Bobby. I went through the 70s and 80s with the braves losing and barely getting to the playoffs. I would rather seeing them in October every year with a chance than the old days. And in them days when the Falcons and Braves were poor teams the saying was “Go Braves and take the Falcons with Ya!” I Rather be a Braves fan then go what Pirates,Rangers,Nats,are going through now. When Bobby and JS Retire and by chance the Braves go through losing seasons like the 70s are you wish you had them back? I don’t always agree with certain moves BC makes but look at other managers who make alot of bonehead moves and therefore didn’t make the playoffs.JS and BC were successful in Toronto and Kansas City. Kc always had a winning record and in playoffs with JS

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 08:46 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I’m really surprised. I attacked you wrongly once, about a week ago, when I took something out of context.

The stuff tonight was ONLY kidding around. I thought you knew that. I don’t agree with a few of your opinions, but I sure meant no disrespect. Man, if you don’t see that, I will move on, with apologies.

By James

November 5, 2005 09:08 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know what year of this Braves starting lineup? 1) CF F Alou 2)2B F Millan 3)RF H Aaron 4)LF R Carty 5)1B O Cepeda 6)C J Torre 7)3B C Boyer 8)SS S Jackson

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 09:23 PM | Link to this

sounds like their first year in the Atl, James.

By MBATL

November 5, 2005 09:33 PM | Link to this

May Cox-hating and Chipper-bashing rule. I didn’t come here to insult people, but guess I have. Even sent public AND private apologies to the offended, but got no response.

Kind’a thought that “sports guys” had a little thicker skin, but guess not.

Sorry for any offense, and goodbye.

By James

November 5, 2005 09:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks Carroll, I really didn’t know.I ask that for a couple of reasons. 1) To see if I am the old dude in here and if I am maybe I ought to change my name to Papaw and 2) I didn’t know but that was the year I became a Braves Fan.My dad(Pirate Fan) would get his Falstaff or Black Label Beer and hand me a Nehi Orange drink and we will go the the porch and listen to the game.

By James

November 5, 2005 09:37 PM | Link to this

MBATL, Not Insulted Its Opinions and Fun

By Carroll

November 5, 2005 09:45 PM | Link to this

James: not quite old enough to remember those days, but I hear Don and Pete and gang talking about those old teams from time to time. Prolly late 60’s early 70’s I’m guessing. I remember going to old Fulton County Stadium as a kid….Bruce Benedict was my favorite player in the mid-to-late 80’s (don’t ask why…just kinda an underdog lover I suppose). But I would get so upset at the games when he’d come to bat and everyone yelled “BBBRRRRRUUUUUUUUCEEEEE!” I always thought they were booing him. And I’ll never forget the funky smell at that stadium, particularly around the dugout, and the delicious hot dogs (they just don’t make ‘em like they used to).

MBATL: don’t get all p** :) I honestly took no offense whatsoever. I would be a hypocrite if I did (after all the nasty things I say about CJ, Boogie Cox, et al). It’s all innocent fun and games.

By Papaw for formaly know as James

November 5, 2005 10:00 PM | Link to this

Yea I had Great times at the Launching Pad a few times.My favorite player was Lemke and Maddux. Lemke was just a good dude and player all around. I hope they bring Maddux back for a year or two so here can retire here.My favorite memory is when the Dodgers came to town and I was in a low seat in left field and I been ragging on Kurt Gibson all day (Shame on me I was drunk then)I kept on telling him he needs to go back to Detroit.He finally spoke to me and gave me a ball to shut up. Note:Don’t drink no more or wild

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2005 10:04 PM | Link to this

Someone asked what would be the point of getting Renteria when Furcal at 9 mill would be 1 mill per year cheaper than Renteria. My whole point was that word out of Boston is the Sox may be willing to eat $3 mill per year of Edgar’s remaining contract in order to move him. In that scenario, he’d then cost a team _ Braves? _ only $7 mill per year, as opposed to Furcal’s $9 or $10 mill per year. It’s just a hypothetical, and it’s only assuming Boston jumps into the Furcal bidding and were to land him. OK? That’s it, that’s the reason it would make some sense. That’s all.

I’ll talk to you guys from GM meetings Monday. Not much gonna happen out there, but plenty of preliminary discussions on trades, etc.

Rookie of Year will be announced Monday. My gut feeling is Ryan Howard and maybe even Willy Taveras finishes ahead of Francoeur. But we’ll see. You never know.

Try not to tear each other’s throats out before then.

O’Brien out.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

November 5, 2005 10:05 PM | Link to this

James, that lineup would be from around 1967 or 1968. Since you mentioned Falstaff (ugh!), before the Braves came to town we used to get the Yankee games on TV with Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reese. Falstaff was the sponsor.

By David O'Brien

November 5, 2005 10:08 PM | Link to this

Lest anyone think I’m serious with that “O’Brien out” line. No, I’m not that cheesy. Merely mocking the most pathetically lame signoff in TV history, “Seacrest out.”

plus it’s an homage to third-person bloggers.

By James

November 5, 2005 10:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks O’l I just never forgot that lineup hereing it on the radio all the time.I will never forget that beer Falstaff,Black Label or even Pabst.But that Nehi was good

By LeTwan Anthony

November 5, 2005 10:16 PM | Link to this

DOB is a wordsmith. “Try not to tear each other’s throats out before then.” That’s exactly what LeTwan’s Mama would have said. Now, MBATL, you and Carroll put your differences aside and come back to the blog before all the people with “fan” in their handle get back on here tomorrow after church and start going “golly”. LeTwan, can’t stand that stuff, that’s why LeTwan has never and will never visit the Carter Center.

By LeTwan Anthony

November 5, 2005 10:33 PM | Link to this

LeTwan is a third-person blogger and LeTwan is flattered. Thank you, DOB.

LeTwan out, as well.

p.s. We are striving toward harmony.

By joec

November 6, 2005 07:47 AM | Link to this

Lugo is a good option, but who would the Braves give up? Would Tampa take KJohnson or JEstrada? If Estrada is gone would the Braves be interaseted in bringing in a veteran to back up McCann such as Todd Pratt? As for J Pierre who would the Braves give up and would Florida trade him within the division? Last time we traded with Florida they got stuck with Spooneyberger and they probably haven’t forgotten about that.

By JohnBonRocker

November 6, 2005 01:58 PM | Link to this

The “last” thing that the Braves need is to bring in another catcher…and Chipper Jones went thru a McDonalds drive thru last nite (same McDonalds that employs John Rocker) and he saw a sign on their window that read “free condiments.” As he pulled up to the window he said, “Ummm, I think I’ll have 3 ribbed and uh, 4 lubercated!”…

By Carroll

November 7, 2005 07:09 AM | Link to this

If Fooky walks (which I think and kinda hope he will), and the Braves opt NOT to make WB the starting SS, here are some free agent possibilities. Royce Clayton: I know he plays great D and is adequate offensively with some speed and the ability to hit leadoff. Also, Tony WOmack (not sure if he’s a free agent, but even if not, the Yanks would surely give him away for a song). I know he had a rough year, but that was in a tough place to play, and playing out of position. He’s played a quality SS before and led 2 different teams to the WS,and is the ideal leadoff man with blazing speed.

As far as relievers, what about Chad Fox? Not as a closer, but he proved a very serviceable 7th-8th inning guy with the Marlins in their WS run.

Thoughts? Other ideas?

By BB FAN

November 7, 2005 08:00 AM | Link to this

Clayton would not be a bad choice, but I think he will be asking for more than he is worth. I read somewhere that he considered the 1 year deal worth $1.35 million that he signed with Arizona last year to be a discount. He only hit .270, with a .320 OBP and 13 SB last year. If he accepted the same deal from Atlanta then I would say he was worth it, but not for more.

Womack would be good if he accepted the league minimum. I’m not sure how much he has left. Though, like Carroll said, NY is not an easy city to play in and he was playing LF. The last few years, he has played 2B, but he did play SS with Arizona for 3 or 4 years before.

I still think the best option would be Lugo. He could play SS and hit lead off.

By Robert

November 7, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this

Lugo is the best choice at SS. Clayton is too inconsistent. Womack possibly but I don’t trust him either.

By joec

November 7, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this

How about this trade: JEstrada and MGiles to San Diego for SLinebrink and DRoberts?

By joec

November 7, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this

I forgot to include MLoretta aa well

By joec

November 7, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this

I also think the Braves could trade Andy Marte to the Dodgers for Yhency Brozoban

By BB FAN

November 7, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this

Somebody mentioned Brian Giles before to hit lead off. And the more I think about it, it might not be a bad idea. The guy always has an OBP of .400 or better and he steals some bases (He usually has about 10-15 a year). He has always said he wants to play for Marcus, so hemight take a 2 year, $16 million contract which is a lot less than Furcal will want. Then the Braves could use Langerhans as a 4th OF and trade K Johnson, Estrada for bullpen help and sign a defensive gem to play SS. Maybe Clayton if the price is right.

By BB FAN

November 7, 2005 12:32 PM | Link to this

That was supposed to be “He has always said he wants to play with Marcus, so he might”

By Robert

November 7, 2005 01:31 PM | Link to this

Brian Giles could work. I think Clayton would be a bad idea.

By Pocahorner

November 7, 2005 02:36 PM | Link to this

bravefan: didn’t know MLB.com had that salary resource on their site. I Googled for the 411. Plus, I’m bad at addition and subtraction. Didn’t know the Angels wanted to add salary if they got Manny. But I think we both agree in principle. Make a fair (and good) offer to Fooky. If he decides to chase the big bucks then Renteria and Cabrera (and others) could be options if we don’t give up the farm.

James: According to Baseball Almanac, that lineup never existed. The majority of the lineup played together from 1967-1970, but Torre and Cepeda were never Braves teammates (Torre signed with the Cardinals in 69, which was Cepeda’s first year with the Braves.) Maybe another source has it differently.

As a long time fan (Braves/Cubs in ‘75 was my first game) I remember when the Braves would trade young talent for past their prime players (anyone remember Bruce Sutter, Willie Montanez, Joe Pepitone, Len Barker, et al). We now have one of the most talent rich minor league system in baseball. Last year team was proof of that. I have faith (and fingers crossed) that JS won’t make foolish deals and trade away prize prospects for one year wonders, players on the decline or journeymen just to plug a hole on the roster. I hate seeing young players we gave away prospering on other teams, while the player we traded them for is no longer with us (the recent list is far too long and far too painful to repeat - JD Drew).

By Pocahorner

November 7, 2005 02:37 PM | Link to this

Although that Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz deal worked out pretty good….

By Pocahorner

November 7, 2005 02:39 PM | Link to this

Oh wait, the Braves traded an old, past his prime player for a young unproven talent. Like those kind of deals better.

By Robert

November 7, 2005 02:52 PM | Link to this

I like the idea of trying to obtain Cabrera but he is not the answer at leadoff.

By Biff Pocoroba

November 7, 2005 04:03 PM | Link to this

The Cubs want Furcal? This may be a stupid thought, but what’s Garciparra’s health status? I’d consider a sign and trade to get the Nomah, if the price was right.

By Robert

November 7, 2005 04:26 PM | Link to this

Getting Nomar would not be a good idea. I think he is a good player but don’t think he would be a good fit in the Braves clubhouse. I’m still bothered by the fact that not one Red Sox player seemed too upset over the fact that he was gone. That just doesn’t sit right.

By Biff Pocoroba

November 7, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this

You may be right, Robert. Like I said, just a thought. I know he doesn’t solve the leadoff problem. I always thought of him as a standup guy, a team player, a “player’s player”, and he is a tech guy, which would be fun. The Red Sox clubhouse is perrenially disfunctional anwyay, so I’m not sure how much stock to put into that. But, I’m not pushing it…just a thought.

By Carroll

November 7, 2005 07:25 PM | Link to this

Nomaaaaaaaa is a FA so we wouldn’t have to do a sign-n-trade.

By Austin

November 8, 2005 05:21 AM | Link to this

WAKE UP ATLANTA Everyones talking all these big names, Manny, Giles, Pierre, Wagner…are you kidding me??? Time Warner will not, I repeat, will NOT allow the Braves to make any significant trades or free agent signings due to the budget. Yes, we will lose Furcal and Farnsworth without a blink of an eye. Wilson Betemit will be the shortstop. All the while, the Mets go pick up whomever they want. And to all you Chipper bashers, you need to go jump the bandwagon on some other team because you have no clue what you are talking about. Despite his postseason numbers, without Chipper, the Braves run would have ended long ago. Though he is overpaid, what player isn’t? What other player would take a decrease in pay to better the team? Not many, if any at all. So you supposed “Braves fans” that like to Bash on Chipper, don’t jump back on the bandwagon when he’s healthy and putting up the numbers he used to.

By Carroll

November 8, 2005 10:15 AM | Link to this

hhhmmmmmmmmmm…the braves jumped back in the race this year without chumper….but oh yeah…the run would definitely end without him…right!

By Austin

November 9, 2005 01:42 AM | Link to this

Carroll, you are exactly the type of “fan” I am talking about. But if your Braves knowledge goes back past 2005, than just ask any Mets fan how big Chipper was a few years back, oh yeah his MVP season. My point was, and still is, without Chipper that year, and most years for that matter(with the exception of 05 too keep you Haters at bay) the streak would have ended. But as you and others have shown is that you guys live by the phrase, what have you done for me lately? All the blame can’t be put on Chipper for all the October failures. Typical Atlanta fan, show support when things are good but when all fails, turn your backs and b***.

By mickhael

November 13, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

We don’t need furcal, he only want to be another “tiny type of slugger”, we need a really lead off player with a decent OPS %, go out and try to get a solid bullpen for the next season, at least we can see j smoltz more healthy for the season ending part.