Braves

By ZBPike

June 12, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

And to think, we all thought that WE were taking a chance on Renteria and the rookie McCann….Not the formidable gold glover Renteria taking a chance on going to a team who is rebuilding!

By ernesto

June 12, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a Brave say something like “When we hit, we don’t get the pitching, when we pitch we don’t get the hitting, or some flukey error beats us.” But when you have that many glaring weaknesses (not to mention the windmill power of our elite corps of whiffers) one of them is bound to jump up and bite you on any given night. Its’ not a slump when there are real problems that need to be fixed.

By Beisbol

June 12, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Trade Smoltz to Detroit for a top prospect, preferably a leftfielder with speed and on-base capabilities. Lets Smoltz finish his career on a contender, and the chance to win 200 + games !

Trade Giles to Minnesota or San Diego for one of their bvetter relievers. Put Betemit on secondbase, permanently.

Release Chris Reitsma.

Release Brian Jordan.

Trade John Thomson & get whatever you can.

By TennesseePaul

June 12, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the post DOB. It’s brutal and painful to read. It’s spilling blood all over the place. I don’t think I can take a single comment from this team seriously. This “we’re all good, just in a rough patch” talk has gone on too long. Change must happen. And these guy have to step up and take the lead. They can’t wait for someone else on the team to do it. Everyone on the team must. Everyone is a part of this league worst, franchise worst, embarrasment that is taking the field every night.

I would have hoped that the end of our impressive streak would have been us going down with a fight. Instead it appears we will just role over like the French. How depressing.

By AZBravoFan

June 12, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

As I was venting to my brother about the sorry state of the Braves, he suggested perhaps it was time to set the broadcast booth on fire again. Can’t think of any better ideas short of wholesale changes at 1B, 2B, LF, starters #4 and #5, and the entire bullpen short of Ken Ray and maybe Paronto.

By ben

June 12, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

DOB,

We are in a mess. Does Reitsma have any minoe league options left? I really think we should send him done if he does to try to figure out his problems. He is worthless in a trade. How about Villarreal does he have any options left? These guys are not helping now, and it would be to everyone’s benefit if they could get their heads and arms together OUT of the limelight. I think the Braves need to make a majoe decision about what they want out of this year. Either, make some MAJOR trades to try to continue the streak, consider retooling (ie firesale) to prepare for the future or try to finish the year with the talent that we have in the majors and minors. I would love to see the streak continue, but we also have to look at the future. The Nats will be retooling with Stan Kastan’s help, the Marlins are retooling, the Mets are in good shape for awhile and are spending money like it’s going out of style. I would like to see us make some trades for Willis and Crawford and maybe a reliver.

By Jimbo

June 12, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

DOB…Thanks for the depressing stats. The stats indicate to me there is no quick fix and that a lot is wrong with this team from top to bottom. How can JS wait to make deals when with each day we fall farther behind. I never believed this team, would raise the white flag, but it sure looks like its getting close to that time. If he waits until the trade deadline it could be too late.

By pat dobbs

June 12, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

forget all those numbers,,,,,release rietsma,jordan,pratt,,,,,call up pena,,,play betimit at first and leadoff,,,,,drop giles to 6 behind mcann…trade laroche for any kind of middle relief help,,,,,,,,,do this NOW and maybe we can make a wildcard run….wait any longer and that ship wouldve sailed,,,

By Carroll

June 12, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

I’m beginning to wish that we hadn’t traded Johnny Estrogenanada, and instead, trained he or McCann to play firstbase, and gotten rid of CrapRoach, and never gotten Oscar Villa-un-real to begin with. I also remember the Rockies coveting Reeksma back in the offseason. Why didn’t we take advantage of that again?

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

After you set the broadcast booth on fire, come over and set the writers’ side on fire, too. Please.

By Mets Stink

June 12, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Trading Smoltz is the absolute last thing the Braves should do. Get rid of BJ. He can’t hit, field, run, or anything. Smoltz is the leader and still great pitcher. Let’s not talk about getting rid of any pitching that the Braves do have, there’s already not enough to speak of. Trade Giles for a leadoff hitting left fielder and move Betemit permanently to 2B. That at least takes care of a lot of the lineup woes. The bullpen is an utter mess. Almost unfixable this year.

By Choppin Bob

June 12, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

I haven’t puked in 2.5 years but if this crap keeps up that streak will come to an end. This team doesn’t want to win. They are coasting. Taking the East for granted has finally caught up 10 fold. The last 2nd baseman to hit .230 was Lemke and he batted 8th. And he was better defensively too. Might as well try to get Kolb back for Reitsma. Spend some money for something productive. I should be a full blown alcoholic by the end of the month, if not the end of July.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Braves wanted Rockies closer Brian Fuentes AND Matt Holliday, from what I was told from a very reliable source at the Rockies’ end.

If that was true _ and I have no reason to believe it wasn’t _ then the Braves settled for slightly less in the end, don’t ya think?

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Choppin’ Bob, 2.5 years, huh? I think it’s been 3.72 years since I puked.

OK, gonna go ride my motorcyle _ WITH my full-face helmet on, I might add.

Sorry, Steelers fans. Today must’ve been even worse for you than the past two weeks have been for Braves fans.

By Voice of Reason, not a journalist

June 12, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

Too… painful… to comment… Hurts… too… bad…

By Jason

June 12, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

Hey David…I haven’t posted before, but I live in New York and have have been watching the Braves since my parents finally relented and got cable in ‘91. It’s been a great run, but talent wise its pretty obvious that Atlanta can’t compete with the better teams in the NL.

You’ve said it all when describing the bullpen. I think a few kids in little league would have more sucess than Reitsma, and Villareal. Take away Oscar’s solid start (when his K:BB ratio was still 1:1, which always hints at impending disaster) and he’s been as bad as anyone in baseball. Its getting to the point where having these guys enter a game automatically means 3-5 runs for the opposition. The talent (and money) just isn’t there. Nothing is going to change out there this year. I also see no options in the high minors.

Also, I would rather have my 83 year old Grandmother out there every 5th day than Jorge Sosa. I love Bobby as a manager (except when he was starting Dave Gallagher in left field against lefties and sitting Klesko in the early 90’s. Threw a pen at my tv and chipped it. I was about 12…) I feel like throwing something everytime I see Sosa and Thomson trudge out there to the mound. Maybe I’m psychic, but during their warm-up pitches before the first inning I can just see the opposing team rounding the bases and the runs piling up…I can take a losing season if I have to. The Braves have been good to great for a decade and a half. Eventually the payroll constraints (another conversation) were going to catch up to this team. But for g-ds sake, if we are going to be a sub .500 club, can we at least develop some more young talent?

I know the high minors are pretty bare, especially after all the promotions from last year, but there are a few kids down there who not only deserve a chance to play…they deserve a chance to start. Chuck James just went 6.2 scoreless innings in his latest start for Richmond. His WHIP is about 1 and he’s looked good in his few relief appearances in Atlanta. Please tell me he’s going to be given a chance to earn a spot in the rotation! Kyle Davies may be out a while longer, and although his era was over 6 this year, something tells me he still has a chance to be a really solid player. Toss Sosa in the pen and see if he can be a viable power arm (I doubt it, but its worth a shot, right?). I don’t see another starter in the system to replace Thomson…My Grandmother has a wicked curve. If Bobby and John want to give her a call, I’ll get them her contact info.

Also, our production at first base is awful. I’m tired of hearing that Laroche is a .280 hitter with 25 homerun power. The dude is raking a cool .247. It’s embarassing. It’s depressing. Crap! I’m at work and I just dented my office wall thinking about him waving at pitches in the dirt!!! Why not give Scott Thorman a shot. The guy is big (6’3, 235) hits left handed and has been hitting for power and average in the minors. His OBP is .390, which shows he can take a walk once in a while. Can he be any worse than what we’ve put out there so far this season? Don’t get me started on Brian Jordan…I’ll put my foot through the wall and be escorted out of my office by security if I think about his production for more than 15 seconds…

Which brings me to my last suggestion. It was cute last year when Langerhans ended the season with some solid hitting. Now, he is providing nothing at the plate. He doesn’t hit for average, power, doesn’t move runners over…Meanwhile, Betemit looks great at the plate everytime he has a chance to start…despite the fact that his opportunities have been few and far between. One would think that with consistant playing time he could be even better. I know Bobby wants to get him more at bats..thats not enough. this guy should be in the lineup everyday! He is a solid defender at 3B, SS and 2nd. I bet he could be serviceable in left field.

Giles has been an utter disaster this year, but I’m not ready to give up on him. He plays his heart out and has been great with the bat in the past. I’d give him another month to prove he is capable of putting together a competant season…

David, I’ve seen you respond to a few postings in the past…Please let me know what you think of my suggestions. They won’t make the Braves contend with the mets this season, but I think they would help get this team on the right track for the future. All my friends are Yankees/Mets fans so I have no one else to vent to! Thanks…

By bravebeliever

June 12, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

I have been reading these post from the start of septemeber last season and i must say Dave, you do a good job in reporting some good stuff. i admire your work. Now that being said, i still believe as my name indicate that the braves will make the playoffs. I dont think that they will catch the mets, but i do believe not winning the division for a change might do them some good. The braves havent been playing meaningful games the last two weeks of the season, so i do think this will help them in the playoffs. Changes need to be made no doubt, like designate reitsma for assingment, keep brian jordan on the bench and let Adam start hitting left handers more consitently. Either start playing Wilson more, or move giles out of the leadoff spot. As far as the bullpen not counting Chris, well, i have no idea on how to fix that…LOL.

By craig t

June 12, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone complaining, all we need is ANOTHER NUMBER 1 STARTER, overhaul the bullpen, and put Betemit at second, not because Giles is struggling, but because you can get the same production from Betemit at a fraction of the cost. Oh yeah, need a new first baseman, and a new leftfielder, and leadoff hitter if it’s not Betemit, and we’ll be set. Hey DOB any word on possible trades with FLA for Willis or anyone else, because unlike years past, if we wait until July we’ll be 30 games out

By ernesto

June 12, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

What we really need is another baseball strike this year, somebody get Tommy G. on the phone.

By Jason's Grandmother

June 12, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

*Braves wanted Rockies closer Brian Fuentes AND Matt Holliday, from what I was told from a very reliable source at the Rockies’ end.

If that was true _ and I have no reason to believe it wasn’t _ then the Braves settled for slightly less in the end, don’t ya think?*

Who did the Braves offer for those two, and when? Also what did they settle for?

By D from Tennessee

June 12, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Time for change - Pitching Coach due to a disaster across the pitching staff, Attitude How about some hustle instead of major league cool, especially The Roach, Giles, Chipper. Some speed at lead-off, Giles is a disaster, Kick-butt field coach, sloppy, slow, half-speed doesn’t cut it, Basics, Get em on, get em over, get em in. Let Go, Option, release, bench non-performers, give new guys a a chance, Salvage Time, While we still give a ….

By Mets Stink

June 12, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

Strike, HA! That’s perfect. Or, maybe Bud Selig will shut down this season because of HGH use. Keep the streak alive!

By Savage

June 12, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

If Detroit offered you a top prospect - an outfielder w/speed, great defensuve tools & high onbase percentage, FOR John Smoltz, you wouldn’t go for it ?

How much gas is left in Smoltzie’s tank?

We need to look beyond this season. Trading Smoltzie would free-up $8 million for next season, while allowing this great man the chance to end his carer on a winner, & giving him the chance to win 200 games. If he stays in Atlanta, not only will he NOT win 200 games, his arm will be mincemeat by this August by the way his senile manager overuses him.

By Patrick

June 12, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Oh well that’s easy. The Braves sent an all-star catcher to the D’Backs and we got their two worst arms in the bullpen back.

By Mets Stink

June 12, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Smoltz has a couple more good years left. Yes, he does get overused, but bullpen help will fix that. If you want to unload salary, then trade Chipper. His skills have declined greatly over the last 3 years. He’s not nearly the player Smoltz is. Trade Chipper for a LF and closer, and move Betemit to third.

By Bob, journalist

June 12, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

There are some stats that aren’t so ugly … like those of Ray, Renteria, McCann, Diaz, Pena and Betemit!

Shades of Celestine Sibley and Ralph McGill!

Who would have ever thought that we would see such variety on yesterday’s “Baseball” blog … but, as “The Lady” said, this is more than a blog … it’s a neighborhood.

Interesting people … interesting posts.

Speaking of “The Lady”, I just looked out at a birdfeeder, intended for Finches, and saw about 25 Crows feasting away … could sure use her humor, patience and Daisy.

It may not be popular or practical, but I support Patrick’s post of yesterday suggesting that the Atlanta Media serve as a catalyst for change. Confronting respected friends with whom you have a good relationship is always difficult, to say the least … but most of the surface interviews with Bobby Cox and the players are of such limited informational value that they only serve to exacerbate our frustration and speculation.

His plead to DOB was basically “Why don’t you or Guy get on Bobby’s case and ask him some tough questions? … Somebody needs to shake things up and if Bobby won’t then the Atlanta media should!”

Jimmy would probably caution that stepping on toes could place somebody on the DL … it ain’t easy, but I think it needs to be done.

By Mothball

June 12, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Someone, please, jump on and tell me this all adds up to a miraculous turnaround in the second half. Then, I’d have to ask if you can smell what you are shoveling.

Pathetic seems inadequate. Thanks for the stats.

By Mets Stink

June 12, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone complain about the Estrada trade? Look what McCann’s doing this year. Villearal has been terrible this year, but wasn’t it worth a shot? He had a great rookie year and was injured last year. The Braves got the wrong end of the deal, but some chances are worth taking. Other than the last few weeks without McCann, has anyone really missed Estrada?

By ChrisinPA

June 12, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

I love Bobby and John, but…

1) Brian Jordan - he made the team because of veteran leadership? What has veteran leadership done to stop this slide? Are Chipper and Smoltzie NOT veteran enough? And (I love ya BJ, BUT…) he is definitely a liability at 1B and is not hitting.

2) I don’t know the reluctance on their part to give Betemit a shot @ 1B. I hate Tony LaRussa, but he puts about anyone over there and does fine doing so…is Hector Luna a first-baseman? NO! But he has about the same body-type as Betemit. I know LaRoche is a great fielder, but enough is enough.

And what is this about Fuentes and Holliday?

By bigboy

June 12, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

MetsStink,

Estrada s/b catching, McCann on first, & LaRoche s/b working in cigar store as a wooden Indian.

Trade both Smoltz & Chipper. Sign Andruw longterm.

By George Beavis

June 12, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

Braves suck enough said

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

I dunno Why da he!! wasn’t Reeksma traded /releansed after game 5 of the 2004 NLCS, He has been a curse on this team ever since…

Many of Us Braves fans know that we were 10 back in 1993 but that was a way different team than we are now, not to mention that we had the money and Farm system to trade for the difference maker (Mcgriff)

With this teams attitude and inconsistancy we’re gonna need a miracle to save these guys because they Stink…

And Carroll, I don’t miss Estrada at all, I miss Furkey more than anyone, even though Schuerholtz was smart not to get suckered into overpaying him 13 million. Renteria was a great move but he has half the range and arm that Furcal has…

By Bill

June 12, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Brian Jordan needs to be released and offered a job in some sort of coaching capacity, either in the minors or with the big club, and Scott Thorman should be brought up from AAA. Jordan’s numbers this year are eerily similar to Mondesi’s from a year ago, and pitchers salivate when he comes to the plate. I honestly think JS is doing his best to try to trade Reitsma, but if it doesn’t work I bet he will be released some time over the next two weeks because he is too fried to pitch. DOB, your thoughts?

By Johnny B Dumbass

June 12, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

The Reign of the Braves is over.. NO hitting no hustle, Chipper ‘Always looking high in a post Game interview’ Jones Suxs Jeff ‘Who is a easy out’ Francouer needs to go back to double a and learn how to hit properly. release pratt jordon reeksma and most of the bullpen.

Oh yeah Fire bobby cox cause frankly the old man needs to hang it up.

By RW

June 12, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

Put anyone other then BJ at first. The man has the hands of a brick. I can’t believe how often he kicks the ball around over there. That play on Biggio was a prime example. I am pretty sure most of the writers here today could have caught that ball!!!

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

I love B.J. but man he is washed up, I’d much rather see him go into retirement now and stay along as a coach, even though I know he is working on his developments in the “A”

Bill, Come Late September, if we finish 5 games or under to the Mutts, We can all blame Reeksma for the Run being over, and Furthermore, seeing more, and more Bandwagon Mutts Fans

By Postal Joe

June 12, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Braves Fans, We can b!tch and moan about needing to make moves before its too late, but IT IS TOO LATE. There are 20 teams in Major League Baseball with better records. That means 2/3 of the other teams think they still have a chance, so they’re not gonna give away talent for prospects. The other third who have talent are in a seller’s market. And even if the Braves do get serious about acquiring talent and somehow lucked into the playoffs, they could never win the Divisional Series. Bobby Cox would find a way to put Brian Jordan and Chris Reitsma into a situation to lose it all. ITS TIME TO CIRCLE THE WAGONS AND PREPARE FOR NEXT SEASON, BECAUSE THIS SEASON IS LOST!

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

I dunno what it is wit chipper and Andruw but on of them needs to call out some of these guys who ain’t cuttin it. This is why I miss the days of Justice, Gant, Sanders, Maddux, and Grissom, because they wouldn’t put up with this neolithic execution (or Embarassment) of the game

By Steve

June 12, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

This team is doomed if serious changes are not made and fast.

1) Gut the bullpen: Rimmy, Ken Ray, Banero McBride stay, the rest go.. Resitma, Villeral, the new guy etc etc

2) Marcus giles hits 8th, Edgar Renteria leads off with McCann second.

3) Jorge Sosa to the bullpen or better yet the minors…

4) John Thompson moved to Bullpen or made 5th starter…

5) Trade for a closer, another bat and pray for a miracle

By JLS

June 12, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

Giles was on steriods. How else can you explain the decline since testing has been put in place. He used to hit the heck out of the ball. No more. Play Betemit!

Terry Pendelton and McDowell need to go. Especially TP. OK, he did so much as a player, but the guys are not responding to him. Not only should a hitting coach teach hitting technique, but he should also go over opponents pitching strategies. What pitch to look for? Clearly, we strike out too much fo a reason.

Oh yeah, trade LaRoche and just show Reitsma to the door. IT IS TIME TO QUIT BEING NICE TO THESE GUYS AND PUT A FIRE UNDERNEATH THEM! Lolligaggers!

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Oh yea Braves Fans, Try living in Cardinal Country, where I’m gettin clowned on a daily basis by many of these bandwagon Cardinal fans out here, Makes me Sick to see my boyz from the “A” go out like that

By Chop Chop

June 12, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

JLS, the Braves aren’t going to fire McDowell after 64 games. Pendleton may get fired at some point, but McDowell won’t be. If you think Leo would’ve saved this pitching staff from destroying itself, you’re wrong. On the whole, these pitchers suck. Not even Pope Leo could reverse that much suck.

By linda

June 12, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

well lot good advice i always felt this was year to fall fall fall. hey guys they need to get out let others win for a change and they need big big changes. giles larouche bj chris r are some let go off uh benemit 2nd be good or good try for 1st rl out left and diaz in BRING ON TROUPS some minors may do but big trades needed for real soon or next yr latest. may need let cox go sorry folks but he gone has far as he can time for younger fresher ideas maybe upstairs needs changing too think positive we need get to world series not division only!

By NYFan

June 12, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

Whatever happened to that cocky attitude from LaRoche commenting on how after the first two weeks of the season passed, the Mets would be wondering what happened to their season this year… I wouldn’t mind Chipper saying it, he deserves it, but that kid should know he is a nobody and was never a part of that amazing run. Like Pedro said to Karim Garcia after drilling him “Who are you? I’m Pedro Martinez. Who are you? you play baseball?”

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this

JLS, You’re right about McDowell, I just can catch on that guy…If Leo had this pitching diaster I think he would pull a Bobby Knight on their a-s-ses. McDowell has that Damn complacent attitude that is notorious throughout this team…

BTW I wonder what Attendance will be like at the TED When the Braves get back…

By Dick

June 12, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

I think Franceour should be considered as trade bait, he isn’t doing much.

By mark

June 12, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

Renteria and McCann have been $. Franceour is always going to strike out a good deal and swing at some bad balls…I can deal with that. Andruw’s been solid as usual. The rest of the hitters… bleh. Chipper seems to have definitely lost some. I agree with the people who have questioned Brian Jordan being around… great guy, but time to call it. LaRoche and Reistma…don’t even get me started on them.

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Watch ESPN (Dreadfully) last night I saw Derek Jeter make the last out on a ground ball where he ran as if the the Season was on the line. I used to hate that dude with a serious passion, but I got to give props to him, and furthermore If I see Chipper, Andruw, LaRoche Jogging again as if they were “El Guapo” running, I’m gonna cuss out the Television (like its gonna do any good). Bobby needs to quit tolerating that Shyt

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

Looks like Rothlesburger pulled a Ron Gant, Lets see where his career goes after doing something so dumb as riding a motorcycle without a helmet (Jacka-s-s)

Damn I’m in a Bad mood…Thanks Braves!

By Jeff

June 12, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

I keep hearing trade Giles, Langerhans, LaRoche, Reitsma, etc for Willis, Zito, etc. Lets get something straight. Which GM in their right mind would want these guys for such top flight talent?? Everyone keeps saying Giles will net them top talent now that Betemit is ready. BUT reality is if we WANT top talent we have to trade players like Betemit (who is already better and makes less money than post-steroid testing Giles), Salty, McCann and Ho. Ramirez. So stop this non-sense trade rumor crap! If you seriously think we can net Willis for Reitsma, Giles and Langerhans is a fool. Maybe McCann, Betemit and Davies for Willis THEN they might actually listen…

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone wants to go there with Reeksma, I don’t see how he lives the Atlanta area…

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

Jeff, I have been tellin people to Kill that noise for weeks now, a lot of these people still don’t get it evidently

By Head Coach

June 12, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

At the beginning of the season , spring training actually , I said we needed a closer and a leadoff hitter and now this team has totally imploded due to the inability to compete at all levels of baseball. Personally , I would shred this team with a massive fire sale. Smoltz , Hudson , Chipper , Renteria , Andruw , Giles , Thomson , Sosa , Jordan , Villareal and Reitsma if anybody will take him. Basically everybody with a multi-million dollar plus contract. Rebuild with the draft , trade for pitching and draft picks and start over. Atlanta is a small market team trying to compete with a top heavy salary cap, five players eat up 60 million of an 80 million team salary. John Scheurholz is hamstrung , especially by mike Hampton with about 40-42 million left on his contract. Somebody suggested trading Andruw to the Yankees and dumping hamptons contract with him and it sounds like a good idea financially. I’m a 30 year die hard Braves fan who bleeds red white and blue and I’m saying pull the damn plug , rebuild because its a huge waste of money and the rest of the season to continue to let this team underachieve. I’m tired of throwing beer cans at the TV and cussing at Bobby Cox….. So lets Gitter done already and start the biggest fire in HotLanta since Sherman marched through.

By Jeff

June 12, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

If the Braves were smart they should rebuild because what’s more important? extending the streak and losing in the playoffs (lets be real guys we cant win it all with this team) or rebuilding to try and win it all? We have a lock at C, SS, 3B (Betemit), CF (re-sign him), RF… good building blocks. Now I love Chipper and Smoltz but like the marlins when they had their sale of big name players, we need to trade Chipper and Smoltz (imagine what we can net from them from playoff contenders?). Heck even the Mets I would trade with. If I could get Milledge as our LFer and one of their top pitching prospects for Smoltz I would do it truthfully. Or Smoltz to Red Sox for Lester, Hansen and another prospect?

By TennesseePaul

June 12, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

Furcal… Whatever runs Furcal’s range and arm prevent, Renteria’s bat more than makes up. Renteria doesn’t have the big RBIs because Giles is hacking up there and not getting anything. But I’d much rather have Renteria than Furcal. Last I checked, Furcal was near the top of the NL in errors this year. At least, at the time, he had twice as many as Renteria.

Chipper and Smoltz aren’t going anywhere. They are 10-5 players. You can’t even dream them out of Atlanta. It would be easier to slap a roof on Turner Field and send it to the Marlins than it would to move those two cornerstones.

Our tradable peices are Hampton (if someone wants him…) Sosa, Thomson, Betemit, Giles, Langerhans, LaRoche, Reitsma, Jordan, Villarreal, Orr, Diaz, Pena, and whoever else is in the minors. Some of those players we probably couldn’t give away.

Untouchables include: Smoltz, Andruw, Francoeur, McCann, Chipper, Renteria and more in the minors or on the DL.

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Head Coach, Thats funny you throw beer cans at the TV, I myself have gone through about 3 remotes so far, gotta quit throwing them, as 4 me I do More cussing at the players (mainly the pitchers) than Bobby

The thing that p** me off, Is I can predict what happens (example LaRoches at-bats, I’ve seen hi whiff so much I have the pitch sequence down pat)

And the other night 4 example when Giles had that Error as a result of not playing with a sense of urgency when trying to throw out Lamb, I knew Berkman was going to make the Error Bite us in da a-s-s, especially with our luck and he already having hit a homer in the previous at-bat,

Man This team Stinks

By Jeff

June 12, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

No our TRADABLE pieces are: Smoltz, Hudson, Chipper, Betemit, A. Jones, McCann, Salty (but not now his value dropped quite a bit), Francoeur (who I would trade while his value is still respectable). Everyone else NO OTHER sane team would even go near and pay for. Or give anything up in return. Giles (his money and lack of production), Hampton (no way with that contract ) Sosa (one good year terrible every other years) Thomson (career 4.60ERA) Jordan (1000years old), Villarreal (umm.. yea) Orr (Nick Green part2), Diaz (real old ‘prospect’) Pena (flew under the radar and surprised many, but still people say he lacks upside - no power or real strengths) LaRoche/Langerhans (AAAA players) would net at most Jason Grimsley’s kits!

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

I like that marlins team, They remind me of the once promising baby braves, minus the Egos of Chipper, Smoltz, and Andruw, and the teamwide complacent attitude

Gotta Roll guys, Check ya at about midnite

By JJMB

June 12, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

At the risk of being a bore, how is Ramirez doing? Concussion?

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Don’t compare Orr to Green, Green wasn’t the next Jeff Kent but at least he was somewhat consistant, Orr is just plain Garbage, who needs to be at AA Mississippi, I’d have Green leadoff anyday before H-ORR

By Jeff

June 12, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Back to Francoeur. His career numbers eerily resemble Sexson. In fact they are the exact same offensive players just in different positions defensively.

By Tomahawkin

June 12, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Head Coach I just can’t get over you throwing beer cans at the TV, Dat was da funniest Shyt I’ve heard all day, I wish I could see It…

By journalist jimmy smith

June 12, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

if you want to talk uggla stats, check this out. dan uggla is hitting .310 with 10 hr’s and 36 rbi. in the same number of at-bats giles is hitting .235 with 3 hr’s and 20 rbi. now, that’s plain uggla. do you remember chipper’s comment as the mets were getting better, “we’ll be layin’ in the weeds waitin’ … well, chipper come out of the weeds. it is time. 10 games behind and time to come out of the weeds. journalist out.

By nathan

June 12, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

how ya’ll doin?……did ya miss me?

I’m in Colorado on vacation. I’ve gone to two Co.Springs SkySox games (Rockies AAA team). I’m not BSing when I say that they play much better defense and with more passion the the Braves do. Of course that could be expected when they are trying to get to the Show, and all of the Braves (and other major leaguers, for that matter) who are cashing in there millions……CROOKS!

Anyhow, nobody seems to be calling me the pessimistic idiot anymore, Do you?

This season is a lost cause. There is only one solution to this problem…FIRESALE!!!!!

I’m not saying I want to watch a team suffer through a losing season. Oh, wait! I’m already doing that! I’m just saying get what you can for every “star” / “veteran” on the team. Load up on prospects now! Yes……that also means dumping Smoltz, Chipper, Hudson, etc….

DOB. I have a question for you. When teams sign “marquis” (like the spelling?) players as free agents or trade for “high prices” players, they raise ticket prices. Do you know off hand, when teams “firesale” or dump players and bring up youngsters, do teams lower ticket prices to what they used to be?

I’m only asking because when I first started coming down to CO in 1995(my inlaws live here), the Rockies has just signed Larry Walker to a huge contract and justified raising ticked prices about $3.00 per ticked just to pay his salary. But now that all they have left (in “high” salary) is Todd Helton, so I’m curious why they haven’t lowered ticket prices?

Because if teams do lower ticket prices with a lower payroll, maybe the Braves should “firesale” off all of the high priced “talent” (to call it talent is debatable!), bring up some young exciting players (besides McCann, Betemit & Francoeur), lower the payroll & ticket prices and get some people back out to the TED!…….just a thought.

By nathan

June 12, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Hey, I forgot to add this little nugget of a thought.

Reitsma is so bad, I would trade him even up for Dan Kolb at this point.

I wish that Bobby & JS were my bosses. Because there is NO WAY HUMANLY POSSIBLE that I would still have a job if I SUCKED that bad at what I do. But Bobby just keeps putting him out there night after night. Bobby needs to realize that 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th inning, it doesn’t matter what inning he comes in. He can and will cause the game to be out of reach once he enters. Why not start him everyday, so we can be in a 5-0 hole every game……Oh Wait! That pretty much happens anyway.

GOD DOES REITSMA SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By paluka

June 12, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

DOB: Is there any rumors out there that have any merit. I read an earlier article by Schults stating that JS has called many GMs. Do you have any idea who he has talked to and about who coming and going? All the talk on this blog center around Giles, any concrete rumors concerning him? I don’t see any other GMs being interested in anybody else except Tim Hudson or Edgar Renteria. I’m sure some would be interested in Andruw, but I don’t think JS would trade him unless he is overwelmed. What do you think?

By Ralph

June 12, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

I readied that the Braves organization just don’t care about this year the owners how a good taxes write off and the player can go thought motion of acting as baseball players, and from the way they have been playing its obvious. When they are down by 4 runs, they just give up don’t care, quit, tomorrow is a new day, etc. Bobby Cox is the one that’s surprises anyone the must he looks lost and he must be by putting Giles as lead-off man and all Giles try’s to do is to swing for the fences, strikes out every other turn at bat, he’s not that good this year and he wasn’t that good last year. Francoeur starts swing at the pitch before the pitcher relieves the ball, half of the time he has no idea where the ball is going all he knows is that he has to swing kill more flies than one cares to admit ,even if he gets luck once in a while and hits one. What can one say about LaRoche, the guy make jello nerves, when he bats he remains me of a slow 1920 slow motion movies, one of these days someone is going to hit a line drive when he half asleep and well the rest is history. Jordon he try’s but he just doesn’t have it anymore, there should be a rookies playing in his spot. Pratt what were the Braves thing about when they got him You have a better catcher than Pratt in the minors stop giving us the crap that he bring exprience to the team. The pitching staff you have to tip toe around that subject or you may get something on your shoes. Bobby Cox its time to stop being a players manager and become a fan manager. Play Diaz and Betemit even if they strike out for the rest of the season, why if the Braves are not hitting do you have players like Giles and Langerhans still playing. Bobby needs glass and JS get off his book sign tour and wake up you are in 4th place. Bring up a first baseman, Every other team make moves the Braves make excuses. Stop doing The Musical Auny because you are running out of tomorrows. So Management stop bring a cold blood nor-caring a— and think of the fans. Do something, it is better than having Sutton and the rest make excuses game after game, why the Brave stink game after game. We fans can see for ourselves when a team try’s or gives up and folks the Braves don’t care. Nothing makes a fan madder than when a bunch of millionaires just go out there and make a fool out of the fans by imitating a professional athletic. The Braves you look like a bunch of overpaid fools.

By Mike from the coast

June 12, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

If there is a flaw to BC’s thinking and here’s one fan who think’s there is, it’s relying on veteran’s to much. Brian Jordan needs to be released, so does Reitsma, so does Pratt. We do have a wealth of talent at the AA and AAA level. There is no way they can be worse, Pena’s already shown he has more to offer than Pratt, there are certainly more outfielers than in the system that have more to offer than Jordan and relievers please we have to have better than Reitsma. It is time to infuse young talent much as we did last year, what the heck do we have to lose. Yeah Bobby’s a heck of a manager but get over the old guy’s. I would include Remlinger in that equation also. Bring up kids that are hungry, I am sick of seeing the same ol’ same ol’ at this point.

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

June 12, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Okay, folks, this is going to be a long one but there are somethings I have to say. This is just my opinion but I think its a fair and sensible one. There are so many doomsday advocates and downers on this blog that don’t offer reasonable opinion, but just off the cuff remarks and suggestions that don’t make sense to me. Some players are maligned that really should not be maligned. So, here is my suggestions for the team and comments. First, this team is not anywhere near as bad as it has looked the last couple of weeks. Is this team a WS team? No. Is it a playoff team? I think so. Lets face facts. This team despite all its offensive shortcomings would be in or near first place right now if the bullpen could do its job marginally well. Thats a fact. To blame the offense is not fair. The pitching has been the problem. The cancer on this team is the bullpen and it has spread like wildfire throughout the team. You wanna know why all these strikeouts are occurring? Because these guys feel they have to score 10 runs a game and that is just to give them a shot at winning. You can’t have complete games all the time and eventually the bullpen has to pitch, which of course leads to disaster. I know I will get some laughs but I think this is a decent analogy. My son’s little league team can hit the cover off the ball, but can’t field to save their lives. So, they go up trying to hit everything as hard as possible because they know they have to score lots of runs to win. As a result, they have a lot of hits and a lot of strikeouts. Sound familar? Except for Ray, Paronto, McBride, and maybe Remlinger this bullpen has to be torn apart. I actually believe it can be rebuilt and done without having to make a bunch of trades. Get Davies and James into the rotation. Then Thompson and Sosa can go the pen and immediatedly up its value. Hear me out. Sosa has electric stuff but its not meant for starting. If he knew all he had to do was pitch one inning or to a couple of batters he could come in and let it rip. When he is starting he knows he needs to pace himself but after a couple of innings that electric stuff turns into ordinary pitches that get smacked all over the field. Same for Thompson. I also believe that we can get Willis, which would allow us to get rid of either Thompson or Sosa and put James in the pen if needed. I don’t think we should mortgage the future but sacrificing a couple of prospects like Lerew and either Jurries or Thorman would be worth it to get Dontrelle. C’mon. Dontrelle, Hudson, and Smoltz at the front of the rotation matches anything the Mets could muster. They aren’t getting Zito because any trade with the Mets for value will have to include Milledge and the Mets would be idiots to trade that kid. As for the offense. We need a leadoff hitter no doubt. Giles isn’t comfortable at all. I think we could package Langerhans, Pena or Salty, and mabye Giles himself and get a quality leadoff hitter. Carl Crawford is a bit out of range but Joey Gaithright isn’t. Or heck even Julio Lugo. I believe the Rays would jump at that offer because they get quality players and aren’t necessarily getting rid of a face of the franchise. We could even offer LaRoche instead of Giles because LaRoche isn’t seen in the same light around the majors as he is in Atlanta. I think a lot of teams would jump at having his glove. In either case it opens a spot for Betemit who needs to be given a chance so we can see what he could do playing everyday. A trade of that caliber would greatly improve the offense. My other problem is all the bashing of Francouer. Yes, he strikes out way tooooooo much. Lord knows. However, this kid is on his way to a 30 HR 110 RBI season out of the six hole. The SIX HOLE! You know how many teams other than the Yankees would kill for production like that that far down in the linuep. He is only 22! Give him a break. He will learn. At least he is showing some desire to adjust. This kid is gold and all he needs in some teaching and some patience. Patience that yes needs to be relayed to his at-bats. Chipper and Andruw are not pulling their weight but we all know in the end they will be there. My last point is Bobby Cox. I read something today that when asked about his “positive” attitude despite the ship starting to sink he said something about he doesn’t throw food because food is too valuable to waste and he did that in the minors. I am guessing he means there is no need to have a temper tantrum. Well, I whole heartedly disagree. Bobby, this ain’t the minors. Its the majors. And these guys need a fire lit up under the behinds. And now!!!!!!!!!!!! A temper tantrum is needed. Something or someone has to ignite this team. Sunday was the most horrific thing I had seen since the 1988 Braves. And one more thing. The following individuals need to go no matter how good of guys they are. The list as follows: Jordan, Pratt, Orr, and Chris Reitsma should not even be allowed to call anyone associated with the Braves. I feel for the guy. I really do. But, he has single handedly put this team in this position. Yes, Reitsma. Why on earth Bobby keeps sending him out there is a total mystery. If I didn’t know better, I would say Bobby is getting some sick pleasure out of watching this guy implode each and every time on the mound. I think the other hitters feels sorry for him and intentionally get themselves out so they don’t have to watch the train wreck any longer. Seriously! It is pathetically sad. Horrendous. DOB, is he still a Brave? Why? Also, Ron Roberts, I don’t always agree with you but you are by far the most sensible person on this blog. Keep it up, brother.

By Bob, journalist

June 12, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

Head Coach, you know that I buy into the fact that they’re underacheiving … but, if that’s true … isn’t the problem with the manager and coaches rather than the players?

Looks to me like you’ve got more than one viable option for leading off … and Ray appears to be a viable candidate for closing.

I can’t agree with the firesale … even one like that following the old Winecoff Hotel fire would be too much. We shouldn’t expect management to tip its hand but IF they aren’t doing something to address the internal problems that are manifesting themselves in “poor fundamentals” and “underacheivement” … then maybe we should put John, Bobby, Terry and Roger on EBay. That’s a bigh if … and I suspect that they are … but it doesn’t look like it!

The suggestion/argument someone made that Giles was on steriods may be valid but is weak. Steriod use is not at the heart of all performance problems. Giles has a swing that is made to be exploited … I think that, coupled with leaving him to his own devices to become a “leadoff” hitter, is more likely to hold the answer.

That same post posits “Clearly, we strike out too much fo a reason” … I agree, and the person responsible for seeing that it doesn’t happen should be immediately “terminated for cause” … and if that isn’t done, then the person responsible for so doing … should be replaced!

Coach, I’d throw Coke Cans at the TV but the TV’s already busted and Coke has gotten so darned expensive that I’ve switched to tap water.

By TennesseePaul

June 12, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

The mailbag guy on mlb.com is saying to expect Chuck James in a week or so. That will be huge. That would also mean a move would have to happen. They’ll have to make a serious choice. It in all likelihood would be Villarreal. I believe I read that they traded for these two D-Back stinkers because they had options. So that could be one down! Sure hope this happens. Sosa or Thomson could go to the pen. This team isn’t completely out. We just need a few peices fixed. The Lead-off/Leftfield/1B/Bench situation could be done in one promotion and/or a trade (with one firing squeezed in there). The bullpen could be improved by promotions of starters or relievers from the minors. Sure hope it happens soon.

Florida tomorrow. LET’S GET ‘EM BRAVES!

By Sam

June 12, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

You gotta remember that you’re looking at these stats at the worst possible time. If you looked at them at the hight of a Braves hot streak you’d think this team is insane. A team is never as good as it looks when it’s going good and’s never as bad as it looks when it’s going bad.

By Woogidy

June 12, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

I could go with a firesale, but who would anyone want? You might be able to get a few prospects for Kenny Ray, Tim Hudson, and maybe Laroche for a team looking for a lefty with some pop. Let’s face it, their not gonna trade Renteria, Chipper, Andruw, Francouer, McCann, or Smoltz. All the older players could nix a deal, seing as their 5 and 10 guys not including Renteria. I dunno, I am so frustrated with this team.

By Drummerdad

June 12, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a fan for 40 years. Saw Hank hit one out when I was a kid. I have loved this run since about 1989 because they had fresh vision for how to build a winner and acted on a plan. It was just a matter of time before the plan took effect. BUT!!, this current malaise reminds me of the post Joe Torre 80’s. I think a lot of us fans were fearing this. Every phase of their game is suspect. Inconsistency is ruling. Laughing stock comes to mind. As we’re all saying, something gotta be done.

By Hal

June 12, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Hmmmm i dont see anything “sensible” in suggesting Jorge Sosa would be any better in the pen . Nothing in his past suggests that at all his last season in Tampa spent mostly in the bull pen he was 4-7 with a .553 era not exacly the savior this bull pen needs .yes he throws hard unfortunatly he also is wild and dosent have a lot of composure .His only season with any success at all was as a starter .True we need change out in the pen but just shifting guys around for the sake of change isent the answer eather

By What The

June 12, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

1. To those calling for Chipper to be traded: he can’t be for he is a 5/10 guy and even if he agreed, the Braves would have to eat half his salary.

2. Smoltz should retire a Brave and we are stuck with Hampton. A. Jones is our best option for a salary dump and players.

3. Cox is back moonlighting at the liquor store. How else to explain starting Giles & Jordan while trying to get out of a slump and batting Mccann 8th.

4. Reitsma and Jordan should be released immediately. Bring up minor leaguers as they could not do any worse and would be more fun to watch.

By Hal

June 12, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

Just noticed Scott Thorman went 4 for 5 tonight bringing his average up to .326 at Richmond JS kid went 2for 4 bringing his up to .140 .My question is who do you guys think gets called up first lol

By brian

June 12, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

Here’s to hoping Scott Thorman is called up tomorrow. I don’t know who would go down. Also to hoping Startup and Stockman get called up as well. Reitsma and Remlinger the ones getting DFA

By Apples ....

June 12, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Poor little Brave fans….you have won the division 14 years in a row and now when things get a little tough, your throwing beer cans at the TV..Your not as bad as Yankee fans, but your a close 2nd..instead of lashing out at your manager and team, how bout’ giving them a standing ovation for a decade and a half of great baseball…As a Met fan, I have no idea how it feels to win 14 division titles. As a Mets fan, I think what the Braves have done is unbelievable and may never be duplicated..I applaud the Braves front office, it’s management & it’s players…

By hoho

June 13, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

APPLES- we’ve applauded OUR BRAVES for the last 14 division titles. we do it every season, everytime we tune in the game, every time we go through the turn stiles. we’re just steamed at the way the team is playing right now. surely you can appreciate that feeling as a met’s fan. we just aren’t as adept at coping as y’all are. one of us will have to come october, that’s certain.

sorry you don’t have a good place to blog with your met’s buddies.

BTW that wasn’t a beer can, it was RC you mutt.

By hoho

June 13, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this

ROBERT (justice…)- good points man. realistically optimistic. i agree, this team could be a playof team (could be).

please, hit return every now and then when you’re composing those chapters. we all need to take a breath when we’re reading your latest works, and most of us probably are squinting when doing so.

Paragraphs man, paragraphs (or something like it)

By Todd A

June 13, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this

I wish Shuerholz/Cox would make these moves before the All Star break to see if it lights a spark in the team and gets them back in the race.If the Braves are still 10+ games back at the break,I would start purging salary and rebuilding for 2007.

1.Obviously,release Reitsma.For the good of the team,and for Chris as well.

2.Bring up Chuck James and drop Thompson from the rotation.He’s lost it.He can’t pitch with any adversity.None.He’s worse than Sosa,and that’s saying something.

3.Play Betemit at 2nd base and lead-off,and use Giles exclusively as a pinch hitter until Wilson cools off.

4.Release Jordan and bring up Thorman to see what he can do.Platoon him with LaRoche if necessary,but this kid is hot,and maybe he can help us.

I’m not calling for Pratt to be released,because he is here to tutor McCann anyway.Doubt Schuerholz would release Oscar since he was one of his few off-season acquistions,and I’m not sure if anyone in the minors is ready for the jump yet.So,I would leave the pen alone until the break.These would be minor moves the Braves can make without the benefit of a trade.If they work,and ithey somehow ignite a spark in this lethargic bunch before the deadline,then go out and get another quality starter,a leftfielder, and bullpen help then shoot for the wildcard.If they don’t,start shopping veteran players to contenders like Giles,Hudson,Renteria,Chipper Jones,and (gasp)Andruw Jones…if the right offer comes along.Forget trading Smoltzie.He’s an icon here.IMO,he’s earned the right to pitch here until his arm falls off or he calls it quits.Whichever comes first.

By Tomahawkin

June 13, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this

Oh apples, You want to go there about being a Braves fan during hard times, Funny how I haven’t seen your name until the mutts started clownin, I bet you yourself are one of those closet yankee fans who usually by august get your yankees shyt out of the closet when the mutts become ESPNS annual diaster, Now Tell That…

And furthermore as a mutts fan You don’t have a good place to blog, awwww….I’m crying crocodile tears here, Why don’t you spit your nonsense at The philly.com discussion boards if you think we are insensitive

Go Braves!!!! Holla…

By Head Coach

June 13, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this

I hear ya Bob , A fire sale is extreme and a tough pill to swallow. but , what happens if those baby Marlins catch us in the standings before the july 31st trading deadline ? Its highly unlikely and just about impossible , but if it were to happen I think the front office would be left with no alternative but to pull the plug. The team can be tweaked with a trade ore two , but somebody needs to thump bobby Cox on the noggin and tell him that Giles is an 8 hole hitter at best. I agree with Bob , the coaching is ineffective and directly responsible for the attitude of the players. Everytime Cox trots Reitsma out there you can see and feel a collective ” O my God , He’s doing it to us again ” from the players. Reitsma’s a nice kid , he just needs to find a new line of work. This three game set with the Marlins is going to say volumes about the Braves as a team. Hey bob , coke is .99 cent at wal-mart in 2 liter bottles , but you might want to make sure they are empty before you chuck them at anything.

By James

June 13, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

People,People, Why all the smashing of the Braves? Don’t ys know the last 2 years have been rebuilding years? They just happen to win the divsion last year by 2 games! It could be a blessing in disguise. If they really want it bad enough they could release or trade LaRoache,Rietsma,Giles,Villareal,Jordon,and a few more before the trade deadline. The only way I see they have a chance this year is to put Betemit at 2 base leading off.Bring up Scott Thorman to play 1b and bat 7th.Trade for a real closer from a team out of the playoffs and use Ray, McBride and Paranto for the 7th and 8th inning.Put Sosa in the bullpen and Bring up Chuck James and if they are determine to win this year JS and Nats Man Stan Kasten can maybe work out a deal fo Soriano to play left field. We can get some good talent before the trade deadline. The only way I see we have a chance if we don’t give up is to have a line up like this 1)Soriano,2)Renteria,3)Chipper,4)Andruw,5)McCann,6)Betemit,7)Francoeur,8)Thorman,9)pitcher. If we can not get Soriano use Betemit leading off and trade for an good hitting outfielder for left field. Get a closer and revamp the bullpen.Thats a good lineup for a building team. My starting five pitchers would be Smoltz,Hudson,Ramirez,James, and take your choice Sosa or Thompson.If they decide to get good talent for next year they can get some good pitching by the deadline and improve the team in general this year!

By teoa

June 13, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this

We had a chance at Fuentes before the season???!!! This team would be at least 10 games better if that trade had been made.

I’d be willing to bet that this is the first time in major league history that a relief pitcher (Reitsma) who has served as his team’s closer for at least 80 percent of the team’s games this far into the season has had the worst ERA in baseball.

Question: Does that make him the worst closer in history or Bobby Cox the dumbest manager in history?

By Tomahawkin

June 13, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this

James, U asked why all the bashing of the Braves? Because They deserve it, and furthermore it seems like they don’t even care that they get their a-s-s-es handed to them

and Teoa watch in september when we finish 3 behind the mutts, We can all place our lost season on Reeksma, S-0n of A Byt-ch

By gotigers72

June 13, 2006 02:14 AM | Link to this

The Braves don’t have to give away the farm. They can make trades with guys on their roster now, and bring up guys from the minors for the other needs. Scott Thorman is now hitting .326 at Richmond with 14 homers and 41 RBIS. Why is he down there still, while we are putting up with a first baseman with a .250 average who made one of the worst plays in history due to lack of effort? Phil Stockman has dominating, knock out stats AS A RELIEVER. Why isn’t he up instead of some we have in that horrendous bullpen? Why do we keep Jordan. Or Reitsma or Villareal, or Sosa for that matter.

It is really time for a good old fashioned house cleaning. One that I do think is salvagable is Marcus. Move him out of the leadoff spot. An experiment gone bad. He is salvagable because of his intensity, hustle, and the way he plays defense. He has never had such a bad year offensively, and I think it’s because he’s pressing due to leadoff duty. Betemit seems to have fit right in at leadoff the times he has been there. The problem is where to play him, if they keep Marcus. It doesn’t look like Langerhans is going to hit enough to be a regular player, so I wonder if Betemit could play there.

By Tomahawkin

June 13, 2006 02:17 AM | Link to this

I like Bobby but, at times this year he has really pi ssed me off especially with his loyality to Reeksma, and LaRoche in the 5th spot

Gawd I long 4 da dayz of Sanders, Justice, Mcgriff, And Gant, The dayz where those squads kept us on the edge of our seats, I’m out Peace.

Keep Holding It Down Dave, I guess I had to keep the Blog alive, It seems like These Choppas in the “A” are as Down as I can remember, (Twice as worse as that skip in 2001)

By Tomahawkin

June 13, 2006 02:27 AM | Link to this

The way Dem Bulldawgs are playin I bet they could take the Braves, especially If they got to hit B.P. off Reeksma…

By Bill Clyde

June 13, 2006 03:09 AM | Link to this

I had to respond to Head Coach, who posted above that ATL is a “small market” (this is also a primer for others who make that claim):
Atlanta’s metro population is over 4.7 million. The closest National League teams are Cincinnati (373 miles) and St. Louis (469 miles), and the closest American League team is Tampa Bay (414 miles), which is only of interest to the people who live within walking distance of Tropicana Field. That’s an incredibly large pool of potential customers from which to draw, one of the largest geographically of any team in the majors. It includes the entire states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, both Carolinas, and the Florida panhandle. By contrast, the Yanks and Mess have to compete with each other, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, and Baltimore; the Dodgers have to compete with the Angels and the Padres, the Cubs compete with the Brewers and White Sox, etc. While the Braves have likely lost some of their national fanbase with the move away from showing games exclusively on TBS, they’ve also kept many fans whose best chance to ever see major-league ball is on Ted’s Superstation (remember when the announcers would read notes from fans who came from places like Alaska to take in a Braves game?). The Braves aren’t spending money because the owners-who-really-don’t-want-to-be-owners-anymore won’t let them. With fewer resources, no local connection, and a dim, if any, desire to run a team, Liberty Media will likely be worse. They are required to own the team for 2 years before another transfer of ownership, so it could get uglier than just one bad season.

That being said, my suggestions for a potential fire sale (not that JS would ever do such a thing, but talking trades and such is MY fantasy baseball):

Trade Chipper to Houston. Yes, he’s a 10 & 5 guy, but that trade would put him much closer to his family ranch, which he’d likely enjoy, having a young family and being in the twilight of his playing career. Plus, the Astros have been in a spending mode the last few years (I’m sure the Braves would have to eat some of his salary), and the big name would give them some good headlines to compliment the Rocket’s return. We could get a serviceable 3B in Morgan Ensberg and a pitching prospect or two.

Keep Andruw! Yes, he makes alotta $$, but old-time scouts who saw Mantle, Mays, DiMaggio, et al, say he’s the best CF ever, and he is just now enjoying his peak years.

If Hampton has 3 consecutive quality starts during the first two months of next season, trade him for anything: groundskeeping supplies, glove oil, whatever. If nothing else, think of it as a trade to get 15 million dollars back.

I’d say trade Smoltzie because the guy deserves to finish his career with a team that can get him some wins (especially playoff victories, which I believe will be essential for him to get into the HoF), as other writers have mentioned; however, the guy is nothing if not loyal, and is also a 10 & 5 guy who’d have to approve the trade.

Trade Edgar to a team he can actually help win (a contender will have to pay for it, maybe we could get St. Louis to give Adam Wainwright back with a top-tier prospect and David Eckstein to bat leadoff and play 2B—he’d be the second coming of the Lemmer), and thus let Betemit play his natural position every day.

Trade Giles to San Diego for some bullpen help. They want him because he’s a local boy done good, just like his brother, who happens to already play for them; I’m sure their front-office salivates at the marketing possibilities.

Release Reitsma, Villarreal, Brian Jordan, and Todd Pratt. They ain’t getting the job done, and trying to trade ‘em is only gonna bring us back someone else’s problems. Plus, we already have the pieces in the minors to fill their vacancies.

Conversely, JS could just make yet another shrewd move that has all of us scratching our heads at why we didn’t think of it and how in the world he got it to work so well that this whole trainwreck is salvaged and we make it to the WS as a wildcard this year—the ‘97 Marlins established the formula: overspend on surly, pampered veterans, let ‘em spend the first 4 months of the season learning how to get along and play together, build up a head of steam in August and September, and roar through the playoffs when everyone else who was spending the season winning their divisions is exhausted. Then tear it all apart, gut several teams’ farm systems in trades and win it all again 6 years later.

By Chop Chop

June 13, 2006 03:42 AM | Link to this

teoa, I think DOB was saying that the Braves wanted Fuentes and Holliday for Estrada (at least that’s who I think DOB was talking about in a trade), but they settled for Villarreal and Cormier.

What that tells you is that the Rockies said, “B**, you must be crazy!”…and turned the Braves down.

Someone (I think it was Jeff) mentioned that the Braves could trade Smoltz to the Red Sox for “Lester, Hansen and another prospect.” The Red Sox aren’t in the mood to trade their top pitching prospects. They have enough old pitchers as things stand on that team. There’s no need for them to trade two top prospects for a 39-year-old.

I think we all need to take a deep breath, forget about our trade wishes and just sit back and see what Schuerholz does. The odds are that whatever he does won’t please us, so we might as well relax, let him do his thing, and then pillory him afterwards.

Teehee.

By Glenn Stewart

June 13, 2006 04:00 AM | Link to this

With the pending sale of the Braves, could there be a clause in the sale contract that limits the Braves management regarding trades or other personnel moves that would add significantly to the total payroll cost of the team?

By teoa

June 13, 2006 04:57 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop, I took that to mean that the Rockies might have been willing to trade Fuentes for Estrada straight up, but the Braves were insisting on Holliday also. If Scheurholtz decided on Villarreal and Cormier instead of Fuentes, that was an incredibly stupid decision. Fuentes was dominant last year and is again this year. How could anyone think two relievers with 5 ERAs are better than one closer with a 2 ERA? I hope you’re right and I’m misreading this…

DOB, clarification?

By chipster

June 13, 2006 05:10 AM | Link to this

Braves are falling like Dow Jones. Please direct me to the nearest anger management class! JS please hurry and attend to the (many) needs of this team.

By Carroll

June 13, 2006 07:08 AM | Link to this

Chop chop and teoa: No…the ROckies wanted Reeksma (for some god forsaken reason), and the Braves were asking for Fuentes and Holliday. Hell they shoulda been willing to take a bucket of spit in return…at least we’d have been rid of his ridiculous salary and suckdom!

By Carroll

June 13, 2006 07:09 AM | Link to this

Tommy: Estrogenada is having a great year for Zona…it would be a helluva lot better to have he than the zombie that is CrapROach.

By clint ellison

June 13, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this

Great responses, for the most part, from fellow passionate Bravos fans….but!—-the one overriding factor in all of this is the pending sale of the team. There is absolutely nothing of import going to happen on the trade front while the two sides dicker.

And, remember this—-the buyer of the team is not interested in winning, per se—-the buyer is interested in maximizing its bottom line by reducing taxes. You good fans can get used to mediocrity for a few years, or at least until the Braves are sold to an interested local buyer who is as passionate as you are about baseball and WINNING. Until then, keep replaying the ‘91 and ‘95 season tapes.

By Ron Roberts

June 13, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

Ya think Estrada is happier playing in an environment where fans don’t maul his name with ridiculous mis-nomers?

It’s amazing to see how some fans just berate and abuse a player in BravesNation. Sometimes I have to remind myself that “fan” is short for fanatic, and tell myself, I’m not a fan, I’m a supporter.

By Apples...

June 13, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

Tomahawkin…I guess I was wrong to think Brave fans had class..but your going to have to get over the fact that the Braves no longer matter…your run is over & the Mets are now the beasts of the east…perhaps, you’ll finish better than the Marlins, perhaps..oh by the way, you know where you can stick your tomahawkin….

By Dubya Cubed

June 13, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Has anyone heard any reliable trade rumors? I just heard Pete “The Professor” Van Wieren on 96Rock saying that JS was working the phone all day yesterday. He felt that something would be announced before the game tonight.

By Ken

June 13, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Everyone is talking about “trade this person or trade for that player”. Who in the wide world of sports would want LaRoche or Sosa or Reitsma or Jordan or ….{fill in the blank}? I don’t think it is that easy. You could kind of see the end of the division streak coming for a while. Face it, LaRoche has never been a effective major league hitter, Giles is not a leadoff hitter. Sosa had one good stretch. Thomson has a losing career record. I am a Chipper fan, but he is on the downside of his career. Francouer and McCann are still learning. I just don’t believe the Braves have enough to come back this year. Besides if they do, the Mets will just buy some more players to counter anything Atlanta does. I will forever be a Braves fan and will continue to make my 500 mile trek every year for a couple of series. It pains me to watch this years offerings, though. GO BRAVES!!!!!

By Mets Stink

June 13, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

JS needs to do something. Either try to win this year or start over with young talent. My thought is to try to make a couple moves now to get the team going. If things don’t improve by the deadline, then make some moves to dump salary for some young talent and try again next year. If the Braves did move a guy like Andruw, then it would free up some money to go after a couple of free agents in the off season.

By ronald

June 13, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this

It’s Tuesday morning. Is Reitsma still on the roster?

By Dubya Cubed

June 13, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

ronald - give it until about 6 PM. I’m betting he’s gone. Keep your fingers crossed.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 13, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

from the nytimes interview with js: Pitching, he said, “has always been a hallmark of this team.”

He added, “We need to tighten up our pitching.”

“It’s fair to expect that we are working as aggressively and as diligently as we can to improve our team,” Schuerholz said. “If that results in a trade, we wouldn’t be surprised by that.”

“…Just look at our history and the body of evidence. It indicates this organization knows where the weaknesses are and most often fixes them. We know what we need to do to get this team poised to win.”

there, js is going to fix it.

By Guy from Waterboy

June 13, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Oh No! We Suck Again!

By Mike

June 13, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Why not let Betemit play third and move Chipper to first? Trade LaRoach for pitching (any decent pitching would help, i.e. Kansas City’s Mike MacDougal or Jeremy Affeldt) then trade Giles and Langerhans for more pitching or a full-time left fielder. John Thomson needs to be traded for anything else and Sosa needs to go to the pen. Call up Prado and let him play defense (he probably won’t hit major leaguers for another year). Then we can say things will look better.

By Mets Stink

June 13, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Who’s gonna want LaRoche? He sucks.

By Mike

June 13, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Kansas City might possibly take a chance on him with Sweeney near the end of his career and no one is ready in their system to make the jump to the majors. Plus, I think the two GM’s might have a history together or something.

By Mike

June 13, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

He does suck, but could benefit from some of the AL ballparks.

By James

June 13, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

This Atlanta Braves team is nearly as bad as the AJC overall sports paper. The AJC sucks.

By Mets Stink

June 13, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

He could benefit most by fixing the gaping hole in his swing.

By Postal Joe

June 13, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

“Built to Win”. What a joke.

By Ron

June 13, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Over? Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Do everyone a favor. Release Reitsma. His career is done. Put a fork in it. MARCUS GILES IS NOT A LEADOFF HITTER. We have to get Betemit in the game every day as our leadoff hitter. Put him at second and bench MG. Or move Chipper to first and put WB at third and bench LaRoache. Or put Betemit in left. Just get him in there! BTW, we can’t trade Smoltz. He could veto the trade. Besides, we need him in the post season - when and if we ever get there again. Fire McDowell as a symbolic move. He’s the sacrificial lamb and he’s expendable. Hire Phil Neikro or Dr. Phil or ANYONE but shake up that pitching staff, for Pete’s sake (and Skip’s sake) before it’s too late!!

By Ron

June 13, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Maybe we give Schuerholz too much credit. Imagine a team composed soley of former Braves we’ve allowed to slip through our fingers: Glavine, Maddux, Schmidt and Marquis; Dye, DeRosa, Drew, Sheffield, Lofton, Furcal; I could go on, but it’s killing me. We’re stuck with Thomson, Sosa, LaRoche, Langerhans… It really hurts to be a Braves fan right now. I always thought the run would end gently, like, say, a fall from first to second place. Not all the way to LAST, which is where we’re heading fast! Maybe Schuerholz shouldn’t have published that book and revealed his secrets. Leo, come back!

By Smitty

June 13, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

The German’s didn’t bomb Pearl Harbor. We need to make a move, but not a panic move. Remember this is the same team that won 18 games in May. We just need to put a couple of good game together and go from there. There aren’t a lot of teams out there willing to make a move yet because they are still in the race. we arfe going to have to win with what we have and do some tinkering for a few more weeks. Our goal needs to be to get the Mets lead down to 6 or 7 by the break and go from there.

By Ron

June 13, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Hey Smitty, thanks for the history lesson. BTW, there’s this new movie just released on DVD called Animal House. You should rent it.

By Postal Joe

June 13, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

If only Chipper would move to LF. He’s not an All Star or Gold Glove thirdbaseman. Put him where he can do the least damage. If his feet of clay can’t hold up in the outfield, trade him to the AL to DH. If he vetoes the trade, bench or PLATOON HIM.

By ernesto

June 13, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Two good weeks and we’re back in this thing…but we’ve got to make changes. It’s only a slump if you’ve got the horses but they’re not performing.

I think some of our horses aren’t really horses.

By Todd A

June 13, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

LOL Ron.

By Ron

June 13, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

In the past, we could always relax, knowing The New York MESS would self-implode. Sadly, though, this year it looks as if Pedro and the boys might be our daddy.

By TennesseePaul

June 13, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

Something is going to happen soon. I have no doubt in my mind. Chuck James is about completely stretched out.
DOB: When is Chuck eligible to come off the DL? What days has he been starting?

When Chuck comes back, a move must occur with the roster. Someone will have to get packing. Now, if you already have to make a roster move to open up room, and you have an extra starting pitcher, and you have needs in Left Field, the bench, and the bullpen, then you might as well make a big move in one day. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see a posting saying the Braves traded for a bat in LF and a pitcher (of any caliber) while making room for Chuck James to join the rotation.
This season isn’t over yet!

Also, what in the world is all this talk of trading Smotlz so he can end his career on a contender?!?!?! HELLO!? If you really want Smoltz to end his career on a contender, then you better start hoping and praying that JS makes the right move in the next week or two that makes the Braves a contender!
We’re down in a hole, no doubt, but that is no reason, NO reason, to write off the next 2 to 3 years of Braves Baseball. We have the minor league talent to make trades. We have the major league talent to win. We have the flexibility needed to do this. JS himself has said so, he’s only hard part is finding the right guys. We’re down now, but I think a change of personal in a few areas will be enough to breath life into this team.

Subtract Reitsma, Villarreal, and Jordan and replace all of those with Chuck James (Thomson to the Pen), Stockman, and Thorman and you have immediately improved the club.
JS is going to do something amazing. I just know it. When he does… all the players on the team will know it, and they’ll realize it’s time to play fundamentally sound baseball. Braves Baseball. The type of baseball which celebrates supior fielding, pitching, and situational hitting.

By Yelling Last Night

June 13, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

OMG, after reading that string of statistics I found myself laughing. It’s so painful I had to laugh to keep from crying. What did I get out of all that…Langerhans, The Roach, Giles, and the entire bullpen suck. Brian Jordan should be realeased immediately. Why is it so painfully obvious to us that Betemit should be playing everyday, and his coaches say he should be playing everyday, yet he somehow is still on the bench. If some moves, even if they are only releasing BJ & Reitsma, aren’t done today then I know that JS & Bobby have given up.

By TennesseePaul

June 13, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

That should have been his, not he’s. Doesn’t change my point or enthusiasm.

GO BRAVES!!

By Mets Stink

June 13, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Smoltz should not be traded. He deserves to end his career with the Braves, and the Braves desperately need him in the rotation.

By Tony Almeida

June 13, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

JS and Bobby have given up? Were they ever trying? The bullpen has been crap since last year, and this so called genius hasn’t figured it out yet? Idiots, both of them.

By DaleMurphyJr.

June 13, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

I think we’re slowly learning that a good, productive lead-off hitter might be one of the hardest holes to fill in baseball. it’s a shame furcal had to take the money and run because it’s taken the greatest toll on giles and it sure does show on the field…but Bobby seems determined to keep hammering that square peg where it doesn’t fit…

By Josh

June 13, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

EVERYBODY! Reitsma will be just fine…give em a few more games.

JK

By Carroll

June 13, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Ron: don’t get all bent outta shape over a joking comment, like our good friend Tiff. It was just a joke, and I’m sure Johnny himself would smirk about it. Plus, you have to admit that he wasn’t exactly the toughest guy to ever sport the “tools of ignorance.” But I’d like to have him back right about now.

By Half Full Glass

June 13, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Have heart, Braves fans. According to MLB 06: the Show, the Braves will not only win the division, they will sweep the Rockies in the NLDS, win in 7 over the Astros in the NLCS, and win in 5 over the Red Sox in the World Series! Unfortunately, next season they will lose in 4 games against the Rockies in the 1st round. But there’s hope…in 2008 they’re up 2-1 in the DS over the Giants.
I’ll keep you all posted!

By Postal Joe

June 13, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

Josh, What are you smokin’. I want some.

By Eric C.

June 13, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

*The formerly pitching-rich Braves have fallen to 15th in the NL with a 4.78 ERA, and have only 389 strikeouts with 214 walks.

That to me says most of it. However, it’s funny how quickly stats can turn around…Thomson was actually the league leader in ERA not too long ago before his collapse!

By SR

June 13, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

I am not sure which is worse, the fact that the Braves mananagement team was convinced that this roster filled with has beens, never weres and never will be’s was (despite most of our feelings to the contrary) built to challenge for a division title or the fact that they tried to convince us of it.

By Jimbo

June 13, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

SR…I call it whistling past the graveyard.

By Jimbo

June 13, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Carroll….I’m not upset they traded Estrada, I’m upset with what they got in return.

By Tomahawkin

June 13, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Apples, your hateration must stemm from the fact that you are truely one of those closet yankee fans , who only support the Mutts when they are rollin, but that must have been hard to do over the last 15 years ya think??? Especially since they are ESPN’s annual disappointment, and I expect this year will be the same…

ESPN calls the Mutts the 2006 World Champions, Man Please!!!

BTW I hope the Phils beat the crap out of your Mutts

By Cleanuphitter16

June 13, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

Three points:

1) Someone above said the bullpen was the cancer of this team and it had spread to the offense. The more I think about that the more I agree with it. Look at the strikeout and walk ratios…this is NOT a team that is trying to manufacture ONE run in an inning. They KNOW they have to pile 10 runs on the board and even then it may not be enough. They press, they swing for the fences…what they don’t ever do is consider giving up outs to create a single run in an inning. With this bullpen, whats the point? In past seasons small-ball was enough and you actually saw people like Chipper moving runners over. They know HOW to do it, they just don’t have much reason to do it with this pitching staff.

2) The Braves are officially in the position of Tampa Bay and Toronto. By that I mean the Braves are going to be looking up at a huge-market, big spending team for years to come and trying to figure out how to compete in the division with a sizeable payroll handicap. In the AL East, Tampa Bay and Toronto have yet to figure out how to overcome NY and Boston’s free-spending. The only reason the Braves have been outspent by the Mets and won up until now is because the Mets were, frankly, idiotic in the deals they made and the contracts they signed in the past. If only Steve Phillips were still the GM of the Mets and not spouting nonsense on Baseball Tonight….

3) And finally, I hear all the calls for trading Giles, but to be quite honest I would hate to see that because he is one of the VERY few players in that dugout who seems to care or brings any energy to the dugout. In a way, he counterbalances the uncaring attitudes of people like Chipper, LaRoche, Cox, TP, etc. (ok ok they probably care too, but they sure don’t LOOK like it.) I would be the last person to say intangables like “heart” and “will to win” are more important than statistical production, but you have to have a LITTLE of those things if for no other reason then to give fans a reason to care. Why should the casual fan care if it LOOKS like the team doesn’t? Move Giles down in the order, teach him to stop rolling his top hand under on every swing, see if the guy can hit line drives for a change, and hope he starts throwing stuff in the clubhouse with as much energy as he celebrates…well…ANYTHING good a teammate accomplishes!

By Tomahawkin

June 13, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Why Da he!! was Cormier sent down but nothing was done to Reeksma, that one is beyond me…

By ernesto

June 13, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with Bobby and Josh, Reitsma will be fine, it’s all location.

Whenever he’s located on the mound he gets lit up.

He needs to be located in AAA.

By Jimbo

June 13, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Cleanup….Giles is part of the cancer too. Other players watching him and Frenchy have to be demoralized. Maybe if those two got around to playing fundamental baseball it would be contagious.

Giles and The Roach have to go. I can’t stand watching them any more and would love to be playing against them.

Maybe the steroid whispers about Giles are accurate. He has had the same swing since I can remember. Last year he had moderate power, this year he has warning track power. What happpened?

By Jimbo

June 13, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

I check this site every hour or so hoping to read of some player movement and every time so far I have been disappointed. JS needs to do something even if its relatively minor just to get the ball rolling.

By Glass Half full

June 13, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Braves advance to 2008 NLCS facing the Brewers! Oakland vs. Cleveland in the ALCS.

By Jimbo

June 13, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

I would rather have the Marlins’ secondbaseman Uggla then our Ugly secondbaseman.

By TennesseePaul

June 13, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

You know it does make since. The offense is striking out a lot because everyone is trying to hit a five run homer every time they go up to bat. But it’s still no excuse. No matter how bad the pitching is, the batter must continue to practice and produce with fundamental baseball. Once the pitching comes around, then they’d all be on the same page and ready to role. But with this attitude, they’ll never get on the same page.

Something still has to be done and I’m almost 100% positive it will occure when James comes up from the minors.

I like Giles. Suggesting trading Giles, for me anyway, is simply because, even though he is struggling, he has more value than Thomson, Sosa, Reitsma, Villarreal, Jordan, and Orr. So to get something good, we’ll have to give up something good. And since Betemit has shown he can handle 2B and swing the bat in the leadoff spot, Giles is at least worth dangling as bait. Think about it… If Giles and maybe a pitcher could return a lock down solid bullpen arm and a speedy left fielder who gets on base, then it’s worth it.
It is ironic though. Thomson always has trouble right when a trade could happen.

You know Thomson, this isn’t going to help your Free Agent Market Value.

By Bob, journalist

June 13, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

Coach, I bought 5 of the 2 Liter bottles but two of them seemed flat… so I gave up on them … I’ll give them another try … not much need to worry about my throwing them, at least when they’re full.

“Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?” Why does everybody pick on Pearl? First the Japanese, before the war, then the Germans … and now Ron. Just to set the record straight … It’s all just a malicious rumor … Pearl never bombed; she was always great! She had a wonderful voice and when she wasn’t singing and acting, she stayed busy attending all those Cracker’ and Braves’ games. She’d never give up on the team and wouldn’t talk bad about anybody … but I wonder what she’d think about how the current version is being handled … she might quietly say to a select few that it’s our manager and coaches who are doing the bombing!

By Mike

June 13, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

I would rather keep Giles too, but he is about the only person (outside of the Joneses, McCann, Frenchy and Smoltz) that would get any return value. The Braves have too much middle infield talent in the minors. Thats the reason you won’t see Renteria around for too long either. As much as I like Renteria and Giles, they have too much depth at the positions in the minors to keep them for too long (Giles will demand a long-term contract by the end of this year or next).

By BravesFaninRockies

June 13, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

The problem isn’t really BC or JS but TW, which has frozen payroll while long-tern salaries have gone up. I figure about 2/3 of the payroll is tied up in 6 players — the Joneses, Smoltz, Hudson, Renteria and Thomson (argh). The rest of the roster has to be filled with kids or veterans past their prime or guys who are happy to be in the majors. When you’re playing on the cheap, you occasionally get a heartwarming, Kenny Ray story, but mostly you wind up with the Remlingers and Villareals and whoever else is occupying space in the pen. And because JS doesn’t believe in “Moneyball,” preferring guys with character over guys who produce great statistics, you wind up with folks like Reitsma who may be fine fellows but can’t cut it on the field. I agree that Giles may be the most tradeable because there’s no logical spot in the lineup for him (while there is for Betemit) and there’s plenty of middle infield talent in the pipeline. LaRoche might actually do OK in the American League with the smaller parks. I’d hate to see Langerhans moved because he’s the ideal 4th outfielder, could fill in if someone gets dinged up, and doesn’t cost much to keep around. Bring up Thorman and hope he rakes!

By Mike

June 13, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget Mike Hampton who’s been on the DL. He’s got a large chunck of salary eaten up, too.

By BravesFaninRockies

June 13, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Mike — good point, but I think Hampton’s more or less “free” until next year. If I’ve read right, insurance is paying most of this season’s salary because of the injury. At his price, let’s hope he can win and save 30!

By Mike

June 13, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

BFiR, You’re right, but I’m sure the $10 million or so for next year is in the back of JS’s mind, too. Don’t forget, he should drive in 100 at that price, too. I agree LaRoache would do better in the AL. I think the only feasible place for him is KC. There wouldn’t be much more than average relief pitching in return.

By Cleanuphitter16

June 13, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

Jimbo, thats a tough one because I really can’t explain Giles’ loss of power. He LOOKS exactly like he did last year—none of this obvious Sosa, Pudge, etc loss of muscle mass. The only thing I can think of is now that he is batting lead-off he is not trying to hit HRs, he’s trying to find the gap and become a typical leadoff hitter, but he is failing miserably at it because the mechanics of his swing will rarely result in a line-drive single. He may mentally be trying to slow his bat down, become a contact hitter, and get on base, but he is failing because his mechanics are still that of a 3-hole RBI hitter trying to drive the ball into a gap. If its something THAT simple, TP needs to be fired for not helping GIles get it straightened out by now.

Just a theory. The only thing I know is he flys out to mid or deep RF about twice every game. Most of them aren’t even warning track distance anymore. He’s either lost bat speed or hes TRYING to fill his new leadoff role but can’t figure out the mechanics or approach to make it successful. After spending his entire career as an RBI guy, he could just be lost up there right now.

Who knows.

By Mike

June 13, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Granted, Giles has never started the season this miserably, he’s always been a slow starter. That and slumps tend to take their toll on the batter’s psyche. If he could get a two-hit or three-hit game, you may start to see him come around. I still think he or Betemit may be trade bait. I like Betemit’s bat better, but I like Giles’ defense and energy.

By Cleanuphitter16

June 13, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Oh and Hampton will be owed $14.5 mil next year. His $13.5 mil salary this year is being mostly paid by insurance. So what the Braves are actually spending on payroll this year is in the $70-something million range (BoSox are paying for a lot of Edgar this season too, remember.) JS has to be thinking of this $$$ hit next season while he looks for help THIS season.

By Mike

June 13, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

Unbelieveable. Future looks kinda bleak, doesn’t it?

By Cleanuphitter16

June 13, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

When that Hampton contract (and the Neagle one for that matter) was announced years ago I thought “What are those idiots in Colorado THINKING?” I never would have thought that contract then would cause the Braves this much grief now…or EVER for that matter!

Blah. Just….. Blah.

By Metropolitan Man

June 13, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Just relax and enjoy the slide. Remember now, you had 14 tries to do something special and all you did was squander the opportunity. So stop complaining and learn how to adjust to the cellar, you’ve been there before. It was fun hearing and reading you guys complain, now its just……who am I kidding, its still fun. I’m from NY, but been here since 96 (I know go back) and I must add this is the most vocal your team has been since your 14 failures. Usaully there is a golf clap and no excitement. At least the braves horribles play has got you guys vocal again. Might be hope for the braves yet! LETS GO METS, say it with me now!

By Mark

June 13, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

It’s not like this years teams is much different…McCann is hitting better than Estrada, and Renteria is hitting better than Furcal…..Bullpen and sophmore jinx

By Cleanuphitter16

June 14, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

“Since your 14 failures” … I suppose thats one way to put winning that often over that many years. More than anyone else in MLB to be precise.

I guess what you mean is no ring = failure a.k.a. the Steinbrenner philosophy. Well hey, at least we got one and got to enjoy the WS a few more times. Getting there and losing in 7 is nothing to be ashamed of either in my book.

Lets get a win tonight!

By JD

June 14, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

So….where are all the “It’s still early in the season” people now?

By Aaron

June 14, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Brian Jordan, do the right thing and retire. Tonight. Before the game starts, give the Braves your 2 minute notice and let them call Thorman to replace you on the roster, give the kid a chance. I’m begging you, BJ - walk away man.

Chris Reitsma, you should be driving the car when Jordan needs a ride home tonight. Still, going on the DL with a mysterious “two numb fingers” is probably the first step toward you taking the rest of the year off and seeing the same psychologist who turned Smoltz around a dozen years ago. Yeah, you should have that shrink on speed-dial right about now.

Sosa - the bullpen is calling you. Pick up the phone. Comprende??

By Cleanuphitter16

June 14, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Well, its NOT still early in the season, so I would assume they have moved on to talking about pressing issues such as the bullpen, leadoff hitter, outfield, etc.

By Aaron

June 14, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Send Giles and Langy to Tampa for Carl Crawford. There’s our lead off man for the next 3 years (unless the Yanks get him next week) and it lets Betemit move to 2nd permanently. Martin Prado needs a callup, Orr needs to go to Richmond and perfect his baffled look. LaRoche and Reitsma to Kansas City for Bobby Keppel and a six pack of O’Douls (that’s a good deal for Reitsma). Jordan retires and Scott Thorman gets the callup to take over at 1B while Diaz starts working on his glovework at 1B. The bullpen… we’ll need David Blaine AND Criss Angel to work enough magic to fix that foosterclook….

By Kwadwo

June 14, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Braves Fans I need help! Why are these guys struggling with batting and striking out so often. I am a novice to batting but what can the batting coach TP do? This guy was a wonder with the bat but why are his guys so horrible? Somebody please explain to me