AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > June > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStill a chance in the NL (L)East
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For those of you not old enough to remember the cartoon show “Gulliver’s Travels,” there was a gloomy character, I think his actual name was Glum, who would always say with a tone of utter despair, “We’re doomed. We’re never going to make it.”
I’d guess there are a lot of Braves fans feeling a bit like that after the heinous weekend display at Turner Field, where the Bravos were swept aside in a four-game series against the Diamondbacks, making it six losses in the first seven games of a 10-game homestand that has been utterly wretched.
Alas, folks, it ain’t over. Not yet. I know it’s getting tiresome saying “it’s early” and “the Braves have been in this position before,” so I won’t say it. Besides, it’s not THAT early (35 percent of the season is complete, after all).
If the Braves were in the NL West, I’d say it was over. They’d be in fifth place, behind the San Francisco Circus … I mean the the Giants.
But they’re in the East, which is turning out to be rather pedestrian, what with the Mets refusing to run away from the pack and the Phillies just about as erratic and flawed as the Braves. Unless and until the Mets land another ace to add to their thin rotation, I don’t think they’re going to open a lead too large for the Braves to overcome. Now, that could happen. They could add a stud to go with Pedro and Glavine, in which case only a major injury — David Wright, for instance — in their lineup would probably prevent the Mets from winning the division.
They are simply a better team than the Braves, on balance. But again, with their pitching situation, the Mets aren’t assured of anything. The Braves can reel them in, no question. Not saying they will, but can.
OK, what are the Braves’ biggest problems? We all know the bullpen is bad. Really bad. Reitsma not only isn’t fit for the closer job, but at this point, his psyche is so battered, I don’t know if he’s fit for anything other than mop-up work or middle-relief in blowouts. Maybe he’ll get it turned around with a few solid outings in middle relief, but first Bobby Cox has to admit Reitsma has totally fallen on his face and that it’s time — for his sake, the team’s sake, the tortured fans’ sake — to move the big right-hander to a place where he can’t do any more damage.
The Braves simply have to acquire a proven, hard-throwing reliever who can get strikeouts and close games out, because they’re not good enough to win the division or the wild card with so many one-run losses. Such a trade almost certainly means they’ll have to overpay in the form of a prospect or two that they don’t want to give up, but you know what? It’s time.
The division-title streak is on the line, and there’s no sense in building one of the best farm systems in baseball if you can’t use a piece or two once in a while to fill a hole, even if it’s a trade that you don’t “win” — and the Braves have won enough of them to concede perhaps a small loss in terms of getting value-for-value in a deal when desperate times call for desperate measures. This is getting close to desperate, even though it’s June. Not at desperate yet, but like Stuckey’s or South of the Border, the signs are coming up every freakin’ minute it seems. Desperation, just around the corner.
Move Smoltz back to closer? I say no, for a few reasons. One, he doesn’t want to do it, and he’s earned the right, after four elbow surgeries and much blood (or at least fluid from having his elbow) spilled for this team, to not be asked to do a role he feels compromises both his health and his ability to help the team most in the postseason. I know, I know, you have to get to the playoffs first before he can help there, but just remember how many people _ including Smoltz _ were frustrated when he sat in the bullpen helplessly watching the Braves’ postseasons end when he was the closer.
The man absolutely lives for the biggest games, and the biggest games are in the postseason, when he wants to be in control. Can’t do that as closer if your team doesn’t give you leads.
Here’s a stat: Smoltz, the winningest pitcher in postseason history, is 13-4 with a 2.55 ERA in 27 postseason starts, including seven innings of one-run ball last season in a win against the Astros in the division series, when he pitched with a shoulder so stiff that he could barely raise his arm without excruciating pain. Folks, he’s a rare breed, and he needs to be healthy and ready to take the ball for two starts in a postseason series. If the Braves get there, they can win any series with a healthy Smoltz and Hudson pitching the way he is now. Starters are that big in the postseason, as the Braves have been reminded during their recent playoff losses to Big Unit/Schilling D-Backs, Prior/Wood Cubs, Rocket/Oswalt/Pettitte Astros, etc.
In the past three postseasons as closer, Smoltz made a total of six appearances and was 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA and one save in two opps. ONE SAVE.
The Braves don’t need to move one of their two best starters to the bullpen. If anything, they need to add another elite starter to make sure they have at least two healthy aces for the postseason. If they can get Dontrelle Willis, who’s making $4.35 mill this year, the Braves should do it as soon as possible. The Marlins love prospects, and Willis is still so young and good (don’t care what his numbers say this year) that I’d give up — drum roll, please — Saltalamacchia to get him. I would.
Imagine having Willis, whom I think would get straightened out real quick with a move to the Braves, along with Smoltz and Hudson down the stretch drive and into the postseason?
OK, gotta get out to the park, so I can’t get into a few other things I wanted to discuss. But let me just say, Marcus Giles’ leadoff work isn’t at top of list of things killing the Braves. People, he’s hit .310 with two homers, nine runs, 12 RBIs and a .431 OBP in his past 11 games, with only five strikeouts and eight walks in that span. He’s coming around, but I know people still point to him because they’re trying to find the solution to an offense that looks so inept in some games, so explosive in others (mostly inept the past couple of weeks).
I think much will improve when McCann gets back. With the exception of a few games, the Braves have been bad offensively since May 20, the day he got hurt. It’s not a coincidence. He and Renteria have been their best hitters all season.
I still think Betemit needs to be in the lineup at least 4-5 times a week, mostly in LF but also give him a first-base mitt NOW and try him there. B.J. is giving the Braves next to nothing in 1B platoon with LaRoche, and Langerhans has taken a big step back this year in left. Betemit could also spell Chipper once a week at 3B and Renteria once every 10 days or so at SS.
Finally, the Francoeur honeymoon should end. Why is it that everyone else who slumps gets a “rest” but Francoeur plays every day? He’s got all but two — TWO — at-bats by a Braves RF this year, and has the second-worst OBP in the NL (.260), including a punty .240 vs. right-handers. He’s 12-for-64 (.188) with three RBIs and 16 strikeouts in his past 16 games, and Francoeur’s high RBIs for the season are a direct reflection of the fact that he and Andruw have gotten so many more at-bats with runners in scoring position than anyone else on the team, rather than them being more efficient in those at-bats (they haven’t been).
Fromm the RF position, the Braves are last in the NL in OBP (.262) and only 10th in slugging (.432). Again, Francoeur has every at-bat but two at the position. Try Diaz over there from time to time. Move Jordan out there a time or two and have Betemit play first. Something. Just don’t keep waiting for Francoeur to recapture the magic of the second half last season.
Not to claim I was alone in this opinion, but my biggest concern about this team entering the season was the reliance on so many guys who had less than in a major league lineup. A couple of those, Francoeur and Langerhans, have taken a step back.
OK, out of time. Talk to you later.
Comments
By disgruntled in AL
June 5, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Dead on about Francoeur, I don’t care how “agressive” he wants to be, he must become more selective at the plate. His Ks to BBs ratio is an embarassment. If he doesn’t shape up, he will fast become an embarassment as well. No wonder his Franks have quit showing up at the Ted. Who could blame them? It is obvious his problem is lack of patience at the plate and EVERY pitcher he goes up against knows this. Sit him for some games and let him stew on it for a while. Reitsma must go. He might be the greatest guy in the world, but that doesn’t count for jack when he’s out on the mound. He is worse than Kolb ever was.
By nathan
June 5, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
Well put DOB. Time is “tickin”
Couldn’t agree with you more on all points & believe it or not!!!
I have nothing else ot add!!!!!
By ernesto
June 5, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
I hate to say this, (and no one’s hoping they turn it around more than me) but this isn’t all the surprising. I was surprised to hear so many people pikcing the Bravos this pre-season. Of our starting rotation 3 through 5 would be 5’s on other team’s rotations (and Sosa wouldn’t make it on many). All of our rookies, except McCann, have played unevenly to poorly - no shock from rookies. Andruw has been Andruw sometimes great sometimes not, but he hasn’t been the monster he was when he carried the team last year. And Chipper’s just been lackluster good, certainly not the dominant Chipper of old. And the bullpen has been exactly what everyone feared it would be - maybe even a little worse. But we went to a world series with Rafael Belliard playing short so nothing’s impossible. It’s Bravos magic that’s missing more than anything this year - and we’re losing like a lot of average teams.
By Chop Chop
June 5, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
Damn, DOB. You laid it out as plainly as possible in this blog. I hate to say that I agree with so much of it, but…I do.
The main point you make that I agree with is this:
A team wanting to make the postseason has to be willing to make moves with top prospects if it has holes that need to be filled. The Braves moved Marte for Renteria and it immediately paid dividends. Moving a guy like Salty for a pitcher like Willis would make even more sense because Willis is young and affordable. The same thing holds true if the Braves want players like Carl Crawford or Joe Nathan.
Anyway, damn good blog. Keep up the good work, dude.
By Lew
June 5, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
DOB-I can’t argue with anything you said. It is definitely time for some changes. I like the idea of Betemit at first at least part of the time. Dontrelle would be incredible, but could we eat the $4.5 mil salary this year? Next year wouldn’t be a problem with Thomson likely gone-the salary would be pretty much a wash. How close is Chuck James to joining the rotation? He could make it possible to move either Thomson or Sosa to the bullpen, although I’m not so sure that really improves the bullpen. As far as giving up Saltalamacchia in a deal. Would that be a major problem considering the emergence of McCann and still having Brayan Pena as a future backup?
By Rob
June 5, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
I agree that Betemit needs ABs, but why would he go to left field where Diaz is already proving himself very effective as a right handed batter? Unless the assumption is that Betemit would spell Langerhans against right handed pitchers, since Diaz hasn’t been given many ABs against righties.
By Rutuger
June 5, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
Moving Betemit into a rover role is the best thing we can do to add some punch to the slumping offense. I said a couple weeks ago, look at Bill Hall, Chone Figgins, etc.—proof that the rover idea can be successful if properly implemented.
DOB, you think we have an interest in or a shot at landing Dontrelle? That would be sensational, but it seems like the Mutts or Jankees will grab him up instead. Then there are also rumors of the Philthys even having interest in going after him. I think we would have more Minor League prospect appeal for the unloading/rebuilding fish though.
Things are looking bleak, yeah it’s a long season, slumps and streaks, yadda yadda yadda, but there are some serious issues here that go beyond slumps and streaks.
Let us pray.
By Jack
June 5, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
DOB, we all love your info-filled posts but don’t treat the Braves like a fantasy team with your yearnings that we pick up Dontrelle Willis. He’s a great pitcher, but you’re the reporter (and a good one), not the fantasy player.
By Adam
June 5, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
DOB: One of your best blogs of the year, and I enjoy ‘em all. Yes, move Salty for Dontrelle if we can get him. Getting even a decent OF bat would be a plus too - we need the help at both corners. It may not be desperation time yet, but in another 10 days if the Braves are 6-9 games back, it’ll be over. Trade now, or concede the division.
By Adam
June 5, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
And one more thing - has there been any discussion about sending Orr down and bringing up someone that can actually hit the ball? Aren’t we wasting a bench spot on nothing but a pinch runner?
By Chop Chop
June 5, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Adam, the only time Pete Orr should be on the roster is as a postseason pinch-runner.
By Atlanta Media Guy
June 5, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Get ready Braves fans! Turner Sports is firing 40% of their TV production staff today. Plus, they were told they would lose their severance pay if they went to work for Fox Sports South. So Turner Broadcasting sells Turner South to Fox and then tells the incredible talented production staff if they happen to work for Fox Sports South they would lose any and all of their severance package. Isn’t that nice? Time Warner is slowly selling off all of Ted’s empire. No wonder Ted left the Time Warner board, why would he want to see his empire completely gutted and sold to his arch nemesis Rupert Murdoch? I’m glad I sold my stock in Time Warner back when it was at 54, seeing where this company is headed today I don’t think we’ll ever see the stock back at the levels when Ted ran the show. Due to Fox’ very tight production budget when the Braves go on the road Fox Sports South most likely will be taking a feed from the home team local broadcasters. I’m sure those producers will make sure we get a fine broadcast that’s up to the standards of the former Turner Sports. Please send your letters to Mark Lazarus and David Levy, the leaders of the dying Turner Sports. What a sad day, the lead director of the Braves, Garry Lehman, is being shown the door today, he had passion for the game and the person most likely to succeed him is a college football and basketball director. This is unreal, just wait with only 45 Braves games on TBS next year, I’m sure Don Sutton and most likely Skip Caray will not have their contracts renewed. 6-6-6 happened a day early at Turner Sports and the once proud sports division is being gutted so TBS can keep you laughing with Raymond, Friends and Sex in the City, reruns, over and over and over again! I’m not laughing… Way to go Time Warner! Keep up the good work. Lower ratings, shotty production and the team is headed south since all the money is being spent on salaries for NBA talent and well TBS programmers really don’t like having to place the Braves on the Program schedule. Well at least the Braves are good.. wait Time Warner is doing their best to make sure the Braves fail too. Ted Turner, where are you!
By Voice of Reason
June 5, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Atlanta Media Guy… That was the kick in the groin I needed after the ol’ one-two I received over the weekend from the Bravos.
By Mitch
June 5, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’m sure you hear insignificant trade rumors every day, but is there anything substantial being bandied about regarding the D-Train or anyone else for that matter?
By Chop Chop
June 5, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Media Guy,
You posted that on one of the other blogs. Where did you get the info from?
By hk
June 5, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
teoa,
… good analysis (your 1:53am post this morning in the other blog) … I suspect as ornery as Leo is, he’ll take some getting used to up in Baltimore … your half a run per game value for Leo got me thinking (hmmm, not much … wait a minute, that’s alot !!) .. I have a weakness for spreadsheets, so
(here)
… my instincts told me you were probably right on the money … got the league stats for hitting and pitching, subtracted runs allowed from runs scored, then ranked the teams accordingly … eyeballing all the numbers, won/lost records, etc, it looks like half a run a game would amount to 5 more wins for the Braves thus far, 14 for the season, would put them right up there with the Mets !!!
… then I thought (I wonder what each Brave is worth in runs per game ???) … I posted a little Braves model a few weeks ago, equating projected performance of each player to final won/lost record for the season (click on ‘Braves’ tab in above spreadsheet) … according to that, Leo-.50 runs per game, Smoltz-.37, Huddy-.34, Andruw-.32, Chipper-.29, McCann-.26, etc etc ….. hmmmm ….
By Robert
June 5, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
I agree there is still a chance. We could fire Bobby Cox.
Until that happens, we will remain mathematically eliminated from winning the World Series
By Robert
June 5, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
What’s Cox’s runs per game value?
I’m guessing about negative one
By geauxbraves2000
June 5, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Well put DOB. Question, we all know the Braves need to make a deal, but will TW let them?
By td
June 5, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
I would make a play for D-train and M. Cabrera, too, but only if some kind of long term deal can be worked out. I have grown tired of getting players for a season or two (drew, sheffield, farnsworth, etc.) In addition to all the problems identfied above, I wonder about LaRoche in the number 5 spot. although his rbis are ok, they don’t seem to be coming consistently, but maybe it is just me.
By Atlanta Media Guy
June 5, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Chop Chop, I got my information from several people inside Turner Broadcasting. It’s getting uglier by the day inside the fences at Techwood Drive and CNN Center. They are firing people who have over 20 years invested at Turner. I guarantee you if the new bosses had their way there would be no Braves games on TBS. Just look at the Neilsen ratings, they double their audience when they show movies and the re-runs. When I worked at Turner in the 80’s and 90’s we used to run Andy Griffith Show during Rain Delays and the ratings would usually shoot up during this time. There was an exception, during 91, the worst to first year and of course the early 80’s when Torre was manager and they won 13 in a row to open up the 82 season. The new programmers at TBS could care less about the Braves, since they have literally cut the broadcasts from 150 to 125 to 75 and next year just 45 games, over the past 7 seasons. It’s a sad day at Turner Sports!
By bravesfansince66
June 5, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
DOB I agree that the time is right for some major shakeups, to instill some passion in this team which is sorely lacking. How about some of these as alternatives.. let Francoeur find his swing again at Richmond and give Diaz some RF time. Release Reitsma and Jordan. Bring up Thorman and James. However, don’t gut the farm system for another Division title folllowed by three and out. It hurts me as much as it does everyone else to watch this team struggle, but streaks do come to an end. I’d rather see improvement on this team, more seasoning for the supposedly-deep farm system, pick up some free agents in the off season (if Liberty will permit such), even if it meant the streak stops. As long as JS and Bobby perform miracles each year with a reduced busget, owenership will think all’s well. Perhaps a down year with the W-L and at the gate will open some ownership eyes. At least we can hope for that, can’t we???
By Vol
June 5, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
What are the odds of us landing Dontrelle in the next few weeks? Greater than 10%, or is this something that just isn’t going to happen? Does anyone know his long-term contract terms? You’ve got to make a move to get him if it’s reasonable at all.
Media guy - I already complain that there aren’t enough Braves games on TV because I don’t live in the southeast anymore. I remember writing a letter a couple of years ago to get Skip and Pete back. The drop in televised games is 100 times worse.
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
Well put DOB.
A trade is needed. I hate the idea of giving up Salty, but if that’s what it takes, then so beit. Maybe dangling some one like Salty combined with Betemit, Reitsma, Langerhans, Orr and a player to be named later could procure both Cabrera for LF and Willis in the rotation. The line up would be drastically improved and maybe having great hitters surrounding Francoeur will open his eyes to the difference between being aggressive and being productive.
What a dream… it’s so much more pleasant than the nightmare that is Braves baseball right now.
Let’s Go BRAVES!!
By BP
June 5, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
DOB - right on with many points - the best being:
Why is it that Francoeur never does get a day off?
His reward for being a rally killing automatic out is more at-bats than anyone else in the league.
Let’s sit him now and again. I know Bobby is trying to show faith in him, but the kid is never going to learn if you don’t try to correct the behavior.
By Miranda
June 5, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
DOB… I agree with all of that! WONDERFUL read…I had been waiting all day for the new blog and it was worth the wait!
too bad Bobby won’t listen/read any of that… I think he needs to
and I agree with trading Salty and getting someone in return… Pena has done very well backing up while McCann has been hurt and with McCann being as great as he is right now I don’t think trading Salty is a bad idea at all
By Braves Fanatic
June 5, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
Bettemit needs to be in there everyday at FIRST BASE!!! LaRoche is about as weak hitter as I’ve seen in a while at first0, even though he has picked up as of late. The everyday lineup should be as follows (when McCann comes back)
Gilly Renty Larry Andrew McCann Frenchy Bettemit Langer/Diaz (Diaz should play way more, even when a right hander is pitching).
I would also recommend giving up Salty for Dontrelle. I realize Salty can and probably will be a stud one day (I see him being similiar to Adam Dunn), but Dontrelle is still young AND affordable; and we all know how Time Warner and Liberty love that. Everyone hang on for the time being, remember we were all saying the same things last year before the Braves went on their annual summer run. Go Bravos!!!!!
By Swangirl
June 5, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Media Guy, Turner South is indeed becoming a joke and it’s really sad. To watch a Braves game on that channel, we turn down the volume and listen to the play-by-play from the REAL broadcasters.
So is Turner South going to start showing chess matches and high school track meets? It’s bad enough that they’re showing football in JUNE. What a joke. And lacrosse? HUH?
One question from a closet fan. Is Junkin’ officially dead?
By Dave nockahomer
June 5, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
THE BEST BLOG EVER! THANKS, DOB!!!!!!!
Now, just find JS’s ear and get Willis up here pronto! They can have chipper if they want him…….we need Willis!
enjoy the TV games while we can. Who knows what next year holds! Tis a shame.
the Braves truly look and play horrid. A very demoralized team right now who need a skipper who can take names and kick butt while also building up some confidence! It can be done but not by Cox.
No matter……this is MY BRAVEs and I will love them to the end even while complaining like hell!
yep……
MY GAME
MY TEAM
AND MAYBE MY SOUTH!
By alfonzo
June 5, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
I would definitely do the Salty for Dontrelle trade but “ONLY” if I could get Dontrelle to commit to a long term contract. I’m not giving up a “TOP” prospect for a one year rental. I think another possibility that could fix the Braves is a trade with Minnesota. Trade “Devine and two or three additional prospects that might include Escobar or Kelly Johnson” for Joe Nathan and Shannon Stewart. This would give us a young proven closer as well as a corner outfielder who is a proven leadoff hitter. I would rather have Carl Crawford but the price might be “TOO” High and with his current contract, TAMPA ain’t moving him. If we had Nathan and had 75% of the possible blown saves back, we would be in or very close to the division lead. Additionally, batting Stewart leadoff would allow us to drop Giles down to the seventh or eight spot in the lineup. Langerhans would be our fourth outfielder, a role more suited for him because of his versatility.
By Hal
June 5, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
I have been a defender of manegment since JS got here BUT i think they made a huge mistAke in player evaluations coming into this year ! Of those 18 rookies of a year A year ago only two are players Mccan and Betemit and one of those is wasting away on our bench a luxury we sure as hell cant afford ! Couldnt agree more on your assement of frenchys “talent” to this point hes been nothing more then embarrasing and before everyone starts waxing poetic about his big home runs (2) may i point out that anyone getting that number of at bats is going to get lucky once in a blue moon . When he learns the nuances a player needs at this level he has all the ability in the world but im sorry swinging as hard as you can on every pitch and throwing the ball 15 feet over cut off mens head dosent cut it and the local hero makes good is getting old fast .With a team as flawed as this one as Nathan has pointed our repeatedly and correctly the little things need to get done .If they dont look for the Barves to be sellers in a month and a half
By Bear
June 5, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
I know it’s looking bad…and the breaks are beating the boys…but hang on, true Brave fans! The magic will return and the Bravos will pull out the NL East! After that, though…no prediction…sigh…
By Rob
June 5, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
Media Guy,
While I know the ratings are much lower for Braves games than other programing, what the suits at TW need to realize is having the Braves is what brings viewers to their station in the first place. I guarantee if they didn’t have Braves baseball, my cable provider could cut TBS tomorrow and I wouldn’t miss replays of “Blade 2” or “You’ve Got Mail” one bit.
By Michael
June 5, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
Dave, I can’t say I disagree with one single word of that synopsis. Let’s hope Schuerholz is on the same page (but don’t hold your breath).
By Chop Chop
June 5, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
hk,
You come up with some crazy spreadsheets.
Part of the problem when trying to determine Leo Mazzone’s value to the Braves is the turnover in pitchers from last year to this. The bullpen is completely different except for two guys (McBride and Reitsma). McBride didn’t have that many appearances last year as a rookie, so you can’t really judge him. Reitsma has been awful this year, but I recall him being kicked out of the closer’s role last year in favor of Kyle Farnsworth.
As far as the starters go, Smoltz’s ERA may be up some at this point (3.72 vs. 2.99 at the same time last year), but most of the rest of his stats are similar (even the 4-3 record compared to 3-4 last year…not a whole lot of run support and a crappy bullpen will do that). Hudson was 6-3 with a 2.96 ERA at this point last year. He’s 5-3 with a 3.99 ERA at the moment. Of course, he had a terrible April and has slowly been whittling down the bad numbers, so I’m not worried about him. Those two guys have not been affected much by Leo’s departure.
As for Horacio, Thomson and Sosa, Horacio never got along with Leo and hasn’t really pitched enough so far this season to figure out if he will be negatively impacted by him leaving or not. We do know that McDowell made him get rid of his cut fastball and he is keeping the ball down a lot more, which should help him produce better numbers. The sweaty-browed Thomson started out well, but he’s just plain awful at the moment. He pitched well in ‘04 for Leo, but wasn’t that special between injuries last year. He’s not that special again this year. Sosa has had the most notable drop-off without Leo. Of course, Sosa wasn’t very good with the Devil Rays before he came to Atlanta. Even if you account for the rugged AL East lineups(Yanks, Red Sox, Blue Jays) he had to face out of the pen, he was a below-average pitcher. Last year, he was generally solid. He wasn’t giving up the long ball and kept the Braves in games. Aside from his three good starts in a row this year, Sosa has been relegated to “staff filler” as opposed to the important piece he was last year. In my estimation, Leo helped him out some, but last year was basically a fluke.
Is McDowell to blame for the pen? It was believed that he might be able to handle the young guys better than Leo, but the pen has a lot of washed-up veterans in it. All I know is that McDowell is going to get some blame if the Braves don’t win the division this year. It may end up being undeserved, but he replaced “a legend”. That might be one reason Dayton Moore chose to go to KC. He didn’t want to replace “a legend” like Schuerholz.
By Robert
June 5, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
“However, don’t gut the farm system for another Division title folllowed by three and out.”
I agree entirely. Problem is, until Cox is gone, there’s little hope of anything BUT three-and-outs, no matter who is on the playing field for either team.
I am a Braves fan and am always amazed at how most of my fellow fans are able to console themselves by going on and on about how great our x number of division titles are, about how other fans envy us, and so and so on
It aint so people - Sure, they may tell US that. But I know better. They laugh at the Braves and their fans. All of the league. From Florida to San Francisco to New York.
Most of all in New York
Opposing managers and out of town sportswriters laugh too. Hey, vote Cox Manager of the Year. That way they wont fire him and they cant win when it counts. What a great scam!
By Atlanta Media Guy
June 5, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
Swangirl, Junkin is officially dead! Turner South is dying a slow death since being sold to Fox Sports South. I expect you’ll see a couple of shows until their contracts run dry. I expect Fox to change the name of Turner South eventually. I saw Quincy Carter score a couple of touchdowns today on Turner South. There are a lot of sad people in Turner Production and Turner Sports today.
By Robert
June 5, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
By the way, the offer was Salty, Cox, and Reitsma for Dontrlle, which is why the Marlins are hesitating.
By Balthazar
June 5, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
Pete mentioned during the game yesterday that the Braves tried having Betemit play some outfield in the winter leagues this past offseason and it didn’t go well. That was the first I’d heard of it. Any truth to it? I assume Pete isn’t just talking out of his backside.
Dave is right, the production from our corner outfielders is pathetic. Sadly, I see no other options. Diaz needs to get more time, yes. Jordan stinks. He isn’t the answer. Betemit seems like the most logical. Well, Chipper back to the outfield makes the most sense. He’s absolutely atrocious defensively at third. We know that’ll never happen, though.
By Rob
June 5, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
Robert,
You are an idiot. And since you Bobby Cox only has about 2,120 more wins, 15 more postseason apperances, 5 more league championships, and 1 World Championship more than you, would you please shut up? Unless your name is Joe Torre, which I’m pretty sure it’s not (and even then you aren’t close on the wins or postseason apperances)
By Atlanta Media Guy
June 5, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
Rob, The suits from TW are mostly from New York and California. You’re right when you say they bring viewers in but these days sports programming is getting closer and closer to pay per view because of the expense to broadcast them. Remember, even though the Braves are owned by TW they still have to pay a pretty stiff fee to MLB to broadcast the Braves on TBS, just like Tribune Co, does with the Cubs. Pretty soon it will not be economical and we’ll have to stick to the internet, radio, ESPN and Fox to stay in tune with the Braves.
By DHD
June 5, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
The Angels have Colon coming off the DL. I read todaay where they are looking to trade one of their starters. Jeff Weaver is who they’ll probably try to trade unless they don’t want to seperate the brothers. I would take a shot on Weaver for the right deal. the next thing is trying to get one of these set up guys like Shields. So, maybe a package for Weaver and Shields would help.
That would allow us to do something like have Sosa as a setup with Shields the closer.
By Chop Chop
June 5, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
Robert,
The same people in other cities who laugh at the Braves fans who brag about division titles are also the same people who wonder why the Braves don’t get more fans to show up to home games. Kind of a contradiction there, don’t ya think?
In short, the people who don’t show up because of frustration with the status quo outnumber those who brag on division titles. Both sets of fans are “real” Braves fans. Some just require more from their team to make them happy than others. That’s no different than any other baseball city that doesn’t have “history” or “tradition.”
By Hal
June 5, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
Swangirl i thought that was “junkin” we watched this past weekend ohhh wait no it was just Junk lol
By Robert
June 5, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
Rob,
I have just as many World Series titles as I should have (0 in 0 chances) and you say I am an idiot
Cox has about three less than he should have. What does that make him?
By Texter87
June 5, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
DOB you are right 100 percent this time not 99 but 100 percent. I couldn’t agree any more. Salty for Willis would be a great trade, neither one is doing good right now but the thing about Willis is that he is got the stuff to become an HOF type of pitcher for the Braves. I believe he would love to become Smoltz’s teammate. Go Braves…!
By Atlanta Media Guy
June 5, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, I bet more people start going to the games when the Braves start to win and fewer games appear on free TV. Remember, when Ted bought the Braves he used it as content for WTCG, WTBS now TBS. As fewer games get on TV I’m sure fans will head back to the ballpark. “The Ted” is just one giant TV studio and as long as viewers watched, Ted didn’t care, since he made money with TV advertising well Ted is gone and as fewer people watch on free TV, maybe they’ll spend a buck.. wait 100 bucks to go to a game. MAYBE!
By Todd
June 5, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
Who is expendable to get what we need? Giles and Renteria are keepers, and Chipper is a 10-5 player so he’s not going anywhere. Andruw and McCann are indespensable, and I doubt anyone is totally giving up on Frenchy yet (though he is way too streaky to be every day right now). Betemit I’d hate to lose, as someone said above the super-sub thing can definitely work if done the right way. As far as pitchers go, I’d consider only Smoltz and Hudson untouchable, though I’d like to hang on to Davies and James if we can.
That leaves LaRoche, Langy/Diaz, Sosa, Thompson, Ramirez (though his last two games were very good), the entire friggin’ bullpen, and some very good minor league catchers and pitchers. How about looking into a trade to San Diego for Linebrink or Cassidy for bullpen setup help, to Pittsburgh for Gonzalez to close, and potentially Cincinnati for Ryan Freel to bat leadoff and play OF? These aren’t blockbuster deals or marquee players, but they’re better than what we’ve got.
By Not Huey Long
June 5, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
Willis, Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Ramirez, Davies, Sosa, James…who do you cut loose next year?? Too much starting pitching…we need help in the ‘Pen, NOT at the beginning of the game.
Finally, move Chipper to first and get Betemit playing third, and for goodness sake, give Diaz some more AB’s!
By Robert
June 5, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
I am probably in the minority, but I’d rather have one division title, one league championship, and one World Series, than umpteen, five, and one
As the playoffs go, if you dont win it all, then what was the point of getting there?
Now I conced that isnt the organization’s philosophy. Winning in the regular season and making the playoffs generates revenue, and to the guys in the front office, the balance sheet is and always will be what it’s all about
But as a FAN, it is incredibly hard to maintain a positive attitude when you KNOW yopu have no chance
I am first of all, a baseball fan. I love watching well played baseball. As a Braves fan, I would so love for it to be my hometown team that plays the best baseball.
Instead, what I have seen is teams that have gotten by with poor fundamentals and lacksadaisical play either because they had three HOF starters in the rotation and a big payroll on offense, or lately, because the rest of the division fell apart
When was the last time you saw a Braves player really get p** about failing? (like Cub Maddux beating the crap out of the water cooler recently)
In fifteen years, I have seen Bobby Cox kick a player in the pants ONCE. Way back when, he pulled Andru out of a game for doggin it.
The last guy we had who was even remotely emotional was Rocker, and that was channeled in all the wrong ways.
Kolb smashed a cooler or two, but what else?
As a whole, the Braves players are content with winning the division every year. Oh sure, around October 5th they say it hurts, they say it stings, and blah blah blah, but that’s an act for the fans
In pro sports, DESIRE has so much to do with how far a player or a team go.
And every year, the Braves get just as far as their desire takes them
Now, what, or rather, WHO, has been the one constant thruout this entire saga.
BOBBY FRICKIN COX
I dont CARE how many regular season games he wins, or how many division titles. His attitude is that the World Series is a bonus
And that attitude, which is tantamount to acceptance of failure, has no business in a big league dugout
You dont care about winning a World Series, go manage Kansas City or Pittsburgh, but get out of Atlanta
By Robert
June 5, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Cox and his Braves WOULD LIKE to win a World Series.
But you have to WANT to win it
There’s a world and half of difference between the two
And that difference is worth far more than 2130 games or 114 straight division titles
By Robert
June 5, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
It’s not a coincidence that almost all the guys who have played for Bobby give him ringing endorsements
It’s exactly because of the above attitude. He WILL NOT bad mouth his players. He WILL NOT call them to account. Heck, it takes a major catastrophe before he’ll even considering doing something that might hurt a utiltyman’s feelings
Come to Atlanta. Play big league ball for a team that wins a lot of games. Make a heck of a lot of money for doing so. And have no expectations or accountability to perform when it really matters
What a cush job. What player WOULDNT love a manager that has this philosophy?
By Todd
June 5, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Bad day at the office there, Robert?
Virtually every team in MLB would give their firstborn to have Cox manage their team.
By KneeJerk
June 5, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Robert, your last post was pretty weak. There is NO other manager I’d rather have. How many postseason GAMES did Torre win before meeting up with Steinbrenner and his limitless funds. The real joke around the national media is that there are actually some Braves fans that would like to see Cox gone. Braves fans wanting to see Cox fired is the funniest thing I’ve read since Ron Roberts said he coached T-Ball and made his kids give up an at-bat to advance a runner. Nice one, Buttermaker
By bob
June 5, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
Not Huey Long= Not Very Smart
Why would you rather have one of each than 15, 5, and 1? No matter how you put it, every year we can at least look at the 12 teams who didn’t make it and say “We’re better than you.” If we didn’t win 15 in a row, what would New York say about us? They have no room to talk because we can at least make the playoffs. They can’t. I just want to point out that you never know what you had until it’s gone. What would everyone say if we were the Devil Rays or the Pirates? Think! Just be glad that we can COMPETE year in and year out.
By Bw
June 5, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, Heard Kelly Johnson was hurt again last week, anything to that?
By Robert
June 5, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
Life isnt about riding contentedly along when get dealt a good starting hand. It’s about what you do with your opportunities, what isnt handed to you but is possible for you, absed on your choices, your desire, and your performance
If I were the Devil Rays or the Pirates, my philosophy would be that if I EVER got a chance, boy would I be sure to make the best of it
Wasting chances year in and year out that other teams would die to have just once
That’s the disgusting legacy of the Bobby Cox Braves
By Robert
June 5, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
“we can at least make the playoffs”
OH that is just the kind of talks that boils my blood.
My friend, as long as we have that attitude “at least we make the playoffs”, we’ll have as much chance of winning the big one as those 12 NL teams that dont play in October
“At least we make the playoffs”
That’s a loser’s way of justifying his acceptance of losing
By Jimbo
June 5, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Great Stuff DOB I especially liked your take on Frenchy. Sit him for a while. Just like sound fundamental play is contagious, so is what Frenchy is doing. Only place I slightly disagree is on Giles. He may not be hurting us right now but he sure isn’t helping us either. His home run swing infuriates me every time he pops out.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this
BW, Kelly Johnson had season-ending elbow surgery last week.
And by the way, I hear that John Foster might be having similar season-ending surgery as soon as Tuesday. So any thoughts of him helping with the situational lefty matter should be tabled.
As for Dontrelle, I’m in agreement that the Braves need to have some assurances they’d keep him long-term. However, he’s not eligible for free agency until after the 2008 season, so they’d have plenty of time to work that stuff out. He was first-time arbitration guy this winter, and he’ll get another good raise next winter if they go to arbitration.
But don’t you think he’d want to sign a multi-year deal here and buy out the last couple years of arbitration and first year or two of free agency? I’m betting he would. Again, there’s way of finding out his thoughts on such matters before making the deal.
Anyway, that’s just a suggestion I threw out there. I know they’re interested in Willis, but so are at least 10 other teams. The Braves have a lot more of the prospects the Marlins want in trades, though, than almost all of those teams, if not all of them.
By Voice of Reason
June 5, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this
You know, it’s a sign of just how spoiled we are that we are this jacked over the Braves possibly NOT taking the division for a 15th straight time. The cold truth is, the Braves are in a rebuilding phase. Most teams rebuilding aren’t also fighting for a playoff spot. Don’t get me wrong… I’m as frustrated with the bullpen, the strikeouts, the inconsistency as the next guy. But this isn’t exactly the ‘27 Yankees trottin’ out there. They are a pretty mediocre bunch. While the youngsters such as Franc and (gulp) even LaRoche may look sick right now, the experience they are gaining will shorten the learning curve for the future. That’s why I get so bent over the failings of guys like Rem and Reits. Stockman and Startup are just as capable of letting us down, they’d at least be gaining some experience.
By utahjoe
June 5, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
I like the Dontrelle trade, but this is only fantasy. Florida is not going to trade him inside the division and see him return 3-4 times a season-unless they move. A better trade would be Giles, Tony Pena, and either Anthony Lerew or Horacio Rameriz to Minnesota for Luis Castillo and Joe Nathan. Minnesota is falling far out of the race and need a good hands young shortstop and everyone can always use an extra arm. Than trade LaRoach to the Angels for Scott Shields. Play Chipper at 1st (and hope his power comes back) and put Betemit at 3rd until Scott Campbell is ready. New lineup:1.castillo 2 mc cann 3 chipper 4 andruw 5 renteria 6 francouer 7 langerhans 8 betemit
By Pete
June 5, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
By Atlanta Media Guy
“I’m glad I sold my stock in Time Warner back when it was at 54, seeing where this company is headed today I don’t think we’ll ever see the stock back at the levels when Ted ran the show.”
I got news for you: Ted NEVER “ran the show” at Time Warner. He was on the board, and was pretty much a figure head. What makes you think he ran the show? Unfortunately for Braves fans, he certainly did run the Braves, until the late 80’s or so. During Turner’s reign, it was ugly.
By Head Coach
June 5, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
DOB , maybe a new leadoff hitter who can run , a starter like Willis and a closer would help this team , but its just not going to happen. JS is hog tied by an 80 million cap on team salary. He would have to unload a significant contract or two before he would have the money and minor league players he needs to horse trade with. Cox is set with Giles and nothing will change with the lack of speed and baserunning ability at the top of the order. O yea , THERE ARE NO CLOSERS AVAILABLE. Play or trade Betemit , he is too valuable to be sitting on the bench. BOBBY BALL is killing this team , want proof ? how many times has this team hit and run so far ? thats a big fat ZERO , NADA , NONE. Got a single , stole second , bunted the runner too third and got a sac fly to drive in the run , ZERO ,NONE , NADA. Small ball is an ALIEN concept to Bobby Cox and you know it , I know it and every other major league manager knows it too. The Cox Reitsma soap opera is a joke , it has underminded the confidence and cohesiveness of this team. You have probably figured out how totally PI$$ED I am at Cox. The problems and solutions start and end with Bobby Cox , he needs to pull his freaking head out of his freaking butt and start managing like he means it.
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
Wasting chances year in and year out that other teams would die to have just once
And we have it all the time. Go Braves!!
Out depth in the starting rotation is what makes me think we can pull off a good trade. I think we could do it without giving up Davies or James. Salty might be needed and maybe someothers, but JS can do it. He traded one minor leaguer for Renteria and cash.
1 minor leaguer! Unbelievable.
The Sox turned around and had to include even more to get Coco Crisp.
I’d rather not be in this position, but as long as JS and Cox are behind the wheel I know there’s always hope.
By student
June 5, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
Oh go away Robert. What you guys tend to miss is that the playoffs are something of a crapshoot, particularly the first round series. The last few years I agree the problem has been a lack of dominant pitching, but the truth is that its just hard to win 3 series and you need some luck to do it. The idea that a team that has won 15 straight division titles isn’t interested in winning is…well absurd would be a kind way to put it. I mean we’ve lost 3 straight division series in 5 games, 5 games and 4 games and 18 innings. Thats maddening of course but I don’t think it speaks to a team that has some secret plan to make the playoffs and not get any further. Yeah, a bigger budget would help but as the Angels and Marlins proved you can win without spending a huge amount. But honestly the most important thing in the playoffs is just being hot at the right time. And I don’t agree that somehow 15 straight pennants doesn’t count for anything. The regular season is the ultimate test for a baseball team. I think your priorities are somewhat off, I would much rather be us than the Marlins who have 2 world series titles but a whole bunch of seasons in the middle and afterwards where their fans had to watch a terrible team with no chance. But thats all, I should stop being bated by idiots.
By Chad
June 5, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Dontrelle Willis, the guy who should have won the Cy Young last year, a proven major league ace not yet making proven major league money, for a minor league catcher? I don’t see that happening.
That catcher may turn out to be the best ever, but I can guarantee you that the Marlins are not going to trade a proven major league ace who is 24, for unproven talent.
Lots of guys have upside and clean up in the minors, but you can’t trade an all-star in the majors for a guy who has never played there for more than a cup of tea, unless there’s a lot of marajuana or vodka involved on the Marlins end.
It will take 3, 4 Salty-type prospects to land Dontrelle Willis. The only teams with a chance to land that guy are going to be the teams with the most minor league talent, because it will take a lot more than one guy whose never proven himself in the big leagues to get one of the best pitchers in baseball (who is 24!). The Braves have it, but will Schurholz give up his top 3, 4 guys? I say no, but somebody will do it.
By Pete
June 5, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
By student:
“What you guys tend to miss is that the playoffs are something of a crapshoot, particularly the first round series.”
Judging by that comment, you must be related to Cox. If its always a crapshoot, why is it the Braves always crap out, and other teams dont? Shouldnt it even out?
By Atlanta Media Guy
June 5, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Pete, You think Ted never ran the show? I hate to tell you, I worked in that building for 20 years and Ted did run the show until 1998 when Gerry Levin and Steve Case forced Ted out in what was the worst deal in media history, the company is still reeling from that merger with AOL that never worked. Ted ran CNN and TBS and I hate to tell you it was Terry McGuirk, Stan Kasten and Ted Turner who hired John Schueholz and the rest is history. I guess you forget the days of hanoi Jane sitting in Ted’s box doing the chop etc… Trust me, I worked in a management position at Turner Broadcasting back when it was a cash cow, in the 80’s and 90’s! Now they are spending money on CNN talent, studios and look where CNN’s ratings are.. in the toilet. Rupert took Ted’s model and 10 years later FOX News has triple the daily audience than CNN. When Ted ran the show it was a great place to work, TW has run Turner Broadcasting into the ground and I hope someone can bring it back but I think now it’s too far gone. Pete check your facts, I was there and it was a blast to work for Ted. You never knew what he’d dream of next! Time Warner could use an out of the box thinker like Ted again.
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Meanwhile, the Braves have another 2005 draft pick who might be on the fast track to Atlanta’s bullpen.
The way the pen has looked so far, I’m not sure if I could take that as a compliment.
By Ron Roberts
June 5, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
Not that Saltamacchia’s LIGHTING IT UP IN AA BALL THIS YEAR, ANYHOW…, but a question that runs through my mind is…
…why should we make another move that makes this team playoff “capable” if it doesn’t make this team *”World Series contenders?”
A lot of folks have said this already, but face it, folks… the Braves are re-building. The fact that we won the NL East last year while re-building speaks volumes for Schuerholz and Cox and Mazzone and their abilities, but this year, the sophomore slumps have deflated our expectations from so many of last season’s rookie surprises.
Grabbing Dontrelle would be nice (let’s remember, he was a popular Cy Young candidate going into last season), but does adding him make us a potential World Series team? Heck no. All it does is add another questionable “potential” dominant rotation piece, and we’ve got Horacio, So-So-Sa, Davies, Chuck James already waiting to be the “good” #3 guy behind Smoltz and Hudson.
Bullpen help and a leadoff guy, to me, could come cheaper or at the same cost, and would do much more for us and make us a better playoff team. Dontrelle can only affect eveyr fifth game.
By hk
June 5, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
… thank you Chop Chop :))
… I imagine we’ll see Baltimore’s pitching numbers get better next year as they get to know Leo better … McDowell has got to be still feeling his way at this point, it’s a whole new experience for him … my read is that he’s definitely not a negative up ‘til now, and will get better …
… Smoltz and Huddy are fine, and I feel like Sosa is steadily settling in … Horacio has been a delightful surprise … I don’t fault him much for that play at first the other night, he’s still getting his sea legs under him, think nervousness shows up on a play like that … he is an emotional guy, though, his performance will likely vary quite a bit from game to game … I was worried about Thomson from the beginning, think his body is beginning to break down, afraid maybe Chipper’s is too … that kind of thing can effect you from the neck up (voice of experience) … all in all, think our starting pitching will be OK …
… relief pitching is the problem … mostly new guys, and when your closer doesn’t work out, it has a snowball effect on everybody else … my vote at this point would be that big mooose Paronto for closer … Ray has looked good, but not sure he has the emotional toughness required for closing (same problem as Reitsma) … jury is still out on the big moose as to toughness, but I just don’t see us getting any help from outside, think we’re going to have to make do with what we’ve got …
… hitters have been streaky, but I feel like if the relief situation can get half way resolved, the overall pitching will stablize … if that happens, I think the hitters will perform more evenly … Giles has been doing much better lately, the only guy that concerns me among the hitters really is Frenchy … think maybe McCann’s return will help him … Frenchy rides on his emotions big time, is influenced by the situation around him … but if the Braves turn it around, and I think they will, Frenchy will be OK …
… there is no manager in baseball I would rather have, in the present situation, than Bobby Cox …
… you may have to eat your hat yet !!
By Pete
June 5, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this
By Atlanta Media Guy Pete, You think Ted never ran the show? I hate to tell you, I worked in that building for 20 years and Ted did run the show until 1998 when Gerry Levin and Steve Case forced Ted out in what was the worst deal in media history, the company is still reeling from that merger with AOL that never worked.
I agree 100%. Maybe I misunderstood you, because what I said is Ted never ran TIME WARNER, which is different than running CNN/TBS. If you read your original post again, it seems as if youre saying Ted ran all of Time Warner.
By b driks
June 5, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
I agree with all of the comments except Giles at leadoff. Giles drop can be traced to no Furcal on base forcing fastballs against a possible steal. Reitsma - stand up guy, but not the closer; is it possible he could be converted to a starter? Let’s get Willis, but not for Salty. Stick Chipper at first, and start Betemit at 3rd. Package LaRoche and a few prospects for relief pitching or Juan Pierre.
By JeffsMom
June 5, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
If Jeff Francoeur was just about half as good as he thinks he is, then he would be HOF material!
By Atlanta Media Guy
June 5, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
Pete, Thanks! Maybe I did mislead with my rant, Ted ran the show at Turner even after he merged with TW. Maybe Ted should have been running the whole show, I’m sure he wishes he was now. Gerry Levin made some terrible business decisions that led to where TW is today.. 40% of Turner Sports employees were laid off today that included their lead director for the Braves. The average viewer will never notice but remember one thing fans will notice, Pete’s, Skip’s, Don’s and Joe’s contract all end at the end of the season and I can guarantee you the broadcast booth will never be the same after this season. I hope I’m wrong, but the economics do not add up with only 45 games slated for TBS, next year. Don’t be surprised if nothing happens with the roster, TW has given JS an edict about spending. Who knows maybe someone with money will buy the Braves and they can return to the days of a 100 million dollar payroll, but I think that’s doubtful too.
By Chambers
June 5, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
Capatilism, folks It happens. Turner South, much like its newly named sister station, got lazy with its production and I, for one, am glad to see it go. Junkin’ makes throw up a little. Any network can spend less on Blade 2 and get higher ratings than baseball. Thats life. You can’t ask any corporation, no matter how much emotion you have tied up in their product, to make less money. Just like you cant ask AOL or Liberty Media to spend more on the Braves. Ted spent because he didn’t care about the bottom line. Same for Arthur Blank. AOL doesn’t care if Reitsma can’t close games. Reitsma has nothing to do with QVC’s advertising schedule. Sucks, but true. If the games have value, someone will pick them up. If they don’t, oh well. At least you have radio…for now.
By By Cory H
June 5, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
I agree with everything but i would like to add an idea how about we trade a high prospect or dare i say it Chipper Jones for Ichiro and a quality closer. We need that boost at the top of our line up and lets face it chipper isnt the impact he used to be case in point look how we did when he was injured last year. And last i checked ichiro was lifting the WBC Championship imagine Ichiro, Giles, Francouer, Jones, Edgar, and Maccan We need a guy who can get 200 hits for a change not occasional power. Remeber the Red Sox won it all when the traded the face of the franchise nomar its time while we can still get full value for him and have money to sign Andrew the best outfeilder in the game.
By Atlanta Media Guy
June 5, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
Chambers, You;re right about corporate decisions, the bottom line is where it’s at. But you said, “Turner South, much like its newly named sister station, got lazy with its production.” Before Turner South was bought by Fox Sports South, The same production team produced the Braves on TBS and Turner South, now that WILL NOT be the case. Personally, I think the former Turner South executives spent too much money trying to make the network a southern network, hell they spent 11 million on marketing a year! 11 million dollars marketing a regional network? That formula is doomed for failure. But like you said, TW needs to sell assets so they can relieve their debt load and that’s what happens in business. However, we can certainly be sad for the fine folks at Turner Sports, since their production team was hands down the best in the league when it came to local team broadcasts, we’ve had it pretty good the last 30 years from a viewers point of view.
By bob
June 5, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this
Ichiro will never come here. The only reason he is in Seatle is because they at least have a Japanese culture. But that kind of life is non-existant here. He’ll stay on the west coast
By Chad
June 5, 2006 07:16 PM |