Braves

By Mark

June 19, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

Relax. This team just doesn’t have the talent they need to win. There are going to be bad years.

This past weekend it was so obvious which team had more talent.

By mathias

June 19, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

1. Bullpen 2. Bullpen 3. More Bullpen

This bullpen sucks! Everytime we put a good inning together offensively, the bull pen defaltes everything we had going. We need bull pen help.

By Rob S.

June 19, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

In the past few years, we’ve managed to avoid getting hit by multiple bad happenings. This year, it’s all happened to us and all at the same time.

• Injuries to key players. Imagine Blaine Boyer and John Foster actually getting outs in the bullpen. Mike Hampton could sure help out our starters right now.

• The Payroll cutting finally caught up to us. In the past few years, we’ve let go J.D. Drew, Gary Sheffield, Kyle Farnsworth, Kevin Millwood, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Mike Remlinger, Rafael Furcal, Julio Franco, Jaret Wright, Paul Byrd, Kent Mercker, and so many others. Just a few of those players and we’d be sitting in first right now.

• The Minor League pipeline is empty. For as much as I enjoy watching Francouer play (most of the time), he should still be in AA because Drew should be in RF. We used up our top talent to win last year, and we’ve got a year or two before more top guys like Elvis Andrus, Beau Jones, and Matt Harrison are MLB ready.

• There’s simply no one to trade for. The trade market is barren. There are very few good relievers available for a fair price. It’s just not worth it to trade Anthony Lerew or someone like that to get a reliever we won’t be able to resign.

• Moves for lesser known players didn’t work out. Villarreal and Cormier have been awful. Tyler Yates and Chad Paronto have been workable, but they’re not exactly like Jaret Wright winning 15 games. The only off-season move that’s worked out was trading for Renteria.

In past years, one or maybe two of these hit us, and we survived it. But this time, it’s all 5, and as much of a miracle worker as Schuerholz and Cox can’t survive all of the above. And let’s not mention that Chipper’s apparently no longer a power hitter and even our veteran pitchers are far from lights out these days. I’ve said it in the past, and I’ll say it here again, “It’s far better to lose in the division series than to not make the playoffs at all.”

By brian e

June 19, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Time to face it for what it is. Let the young guns play and call it a year. Rest your starters and see what you can get for trade value for the Jones boys. Nobody in their right mind would want anyone in the pen. Try just to win one game and go from there. It’s only a matter of time before John S bails ship and Bobby C retires.. It’s time for a new team, new owner and new management completely..

By alex

June 19, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

I really do not understand why all media, fans, etc keep asking what is wrong or what we should do. It’s pretty simple folks, the bullpen. They have blown what, 20 games for the Braves? Take just half of those back and we are at .500. The starting pitching has been shaky but not terrible. The offense has done OK also. The Braves just have an awful bullpen, it’s that simple. What should they do? There is nothing they can do. There are not any GOOD relivers out there.

By Johnny Taco

June 19, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

RE-TOOL FOR NEXT SEASON !

Trade John Smoltz to Detroit so he can win 200 career games, & end his career with a winner. He’s not the future of the Braves & is due to make 11 million next season, money the Braves could use elsewhere.

Trade for Carl Crawford of the D-Rays, a outfilder who can leadoff and has speed.

Take offers for Chipper Jones & get what you can for this fast fading star.

Acquire a legitimate first baseman.

Trade Marcus Giles & put Wilson Betemit on second.

By Johnny Taco

June 19, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

RE-TOOL FOR NEXT SEASON !

Trade John Smoltz to Detroit so he can win 200 career games, & end his career with a winner. He’s not the future of the Braves & is due to make 11 million next season, money the Braves could use elsewhere.

Trade for Carl Crawford of the D-Rays, a outfilder who can leadoff and has speed.

Take offers for Chipper Jones & get what you can for this fast fading star.

Acquire a legitimate first baseman.

Trade Marcus Giles & put Wilson Betemit on second.

By Johnny Taco

June 19, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

RE-TOOL FOR NEXT SEASON !

Trade John Smoltz to Detroit so he can win 200 career games, & end his career with a winner. He’s not the future of the Braves & is due to make 11 million next season, money the Braves could use elsewhere.

Trade for Carl Crawford of the D-Rays, a outfilder who can leadoff and has speed.

Take offers for Chipper Jones & get what you can for this fast fading star.

Acquire a legitimate first baseman.

Trade Marcus Giles & put Wilson Betemit on second.

By Merle

June 19, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

Burn it down. Trade Chipper. Trade Smoltz. Hell, trade Andrew. This year is done, gone, fini. But we have some incredibly valuable players who can create the nucleus for another run. And this time lets build for the post season. 3 excellent starters. A lights-out closer. A solid bullpen. And a bunch of high OBP players with a couple mashers.

By KneeJerk

June 19, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

Great post, Rob. I agree with everything you mentioned. Chipper is looking a lot like B.J Surhoff (in his prime) these days.

By jj

June 19, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Forget about trying to bring in help just to make a run a playoffs. Use the remaining games to promote good young talent to play at major league level and use offseason to dump all the dead wood and totally rebuild with a two to three year time frame in mind. that is what they did in late 80’s early 90’s. but bottom line Schureholz will need more money to spend to land a couple of key talented players (mainly pitching) if the Braves are going to contend. The players shouldn’t be whining and crying about the funk they are in; they should be in other players faces to pick it up a notch. I would be fighting mad. This team has too much talent to be sub 500.

By VP

June 19, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

Simple. Offer Leo Mazzone a deal that he can’t refuse!

By Lou

June 19, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

The Braves showed with their first run this season, that there is always hope in the NL East. I would not be surprised if we get some bullpen help, win the wildcard and make a postseason run.

By Braves For Life

June 19, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Shut them down. No just kidding.

This one is a nobrainer. Its time to rebuild like the Marlins and Nationals did. Get rid of the dead wood, get rid of the old players that are soaking so much of the payroll and giving very little back. Yes that means Chipper. If he were a team leader then I would have to second guess this statement, but hes not a team leader and at this point he needs to be a DH on an American League team.

Andruw well his days are over. Hes continued to become another Moe Vaughn and his defense is slipping because of his weight. He has gone back to his swinging at everything. Well maybe then again if we ditched Chipper then Andruw would come though. Seems he does better as the leader when he has to lead.

Bullpen has got to clear out. We have a team that has millions locked up in 4 or 5 players. Can’t have that anymore. The money has got to be divided here. You get what you pay for. Keep a few rookies (Francoeur, McCann) trade away the rest for players who can help our team.

By Rutuger

June 19, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

One “rebuilding” year out of every 15 isn’t too shabby. Anyone who abandons the team at the first sign of hard times can stay the hell gone. We suck, it’s miserable, but I’m a Braves fan for life and when we get it back together and start stomping a* again next year, the bandwagon-jumpers will be met with the bottom of my boot as they race to jump back board.

By Lew

June 19, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

Like JS told the ESPN guys last night-if we just bite the bullet this year, next year Hampton, Boyer, James, Davies, Foster and Ramirez are back. That right there helps the staff. I truly don’t know where we can get relievers. I guarantee there is no extra spending allowed because of the pending sale. We may just have to live with first to worse and take up the Mets perpetual chant of “Wait ‘til next year.” The one thing that kills me is that Chipper is hitting over .290. This is hardly scrap heap material. His power numbers are down, but that could be because they aren’t giving him pitches to hit. No one is truly afraid of Andruw. Andruw may be the one to trade with some value. Next year would probably be his last as a Brave, anyway. Like they were saying last night, all of those years of diving for balls and hitting the wall have taken there toll.

By Brian

June 19, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

First team ownership needs to be settled. Hopefully the Braves will end up with a local owner that cares about continuing the winning tradition over the long-haul, not someone who is only interested in a short term investment.

Secondly, it’s been a good run and it’s now time to build for the future. We have many outstanding veteran players under contract, so we’re in an excellent position to trade for young talent and/or multiple draft choices… and we have a GM that is adept at doing so. I’m sure the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Dodgers, and others will soon be in the hunt for players soon. With the core group of young talent already in place, I don’t think it will take long to be back on top.

By Alan

June 19, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

I agree with VP. All the focus on what kind of trade moves to make has obscured the fact that McDowell isn’t able to make diamonds out of coal like Mazzone could. Hell, he (McDowell) was SUPPOSED to be a bullpen specialist. Yeah right. I think letting Mazzone go for such a paltry sum was one of the worst moves in baseball history. Two years ago we saw the end of the Curse of the Bambino. Welcome to the Curse of the Mazzino…

By braves fan

June 19, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Trade Smoltz? Trade Chipper? Trade Andruw? Are you guys insane? If any of these three guys get traded this season, then you can forget winning next season, or the season after that. This is not the Marlins. There is a state of the art stadium and a fan base that supports this team (as difficult as it was to tell this weekend with the Sox in town). There is no reason to take this team all the way down to zero. A few good transactions in the bullpen and this team can win this season. Smoltz pitched 7 strong innings. Hudson has pitched very well, and so has Horacio before getting beaned. Add Chuck James to the rotation, get Davies back healthy. If they can get any good performances out of the bullpen, they’d be back to competitive. The offense has been potent, but inconsistent. I believe that if the hitters can relax and not feel like they have to score 15 runs to win, they’ll be fine. They are all just pressing trying to hit 5 run homers and keep the bullpen from having to hold it down. Trading the core players would be a mistake.

By DHD

June 19, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

It’s not going to happen, but just for fun…..

Trade Chipper/Andruw?Reitsma to the Yankees for ARod(the Yankees are not happy with him) and Dotel(who is coming off the DL)

Trade Giles to SD for Roberts(assuming he’s not hurt)

Trade Smoltz to Detroit for Zumaya/Rodney

Trade Thomson to Texas for Cordero

Lineup:

Roberts,cf Renteria, ss Betemit, 2b ARod, 3b McCann, c Francoeur, rf LaRoche, 1b Diaz/Langy, lf

The bullpen would be great.

By Rob S.

June 19, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

I say we option Villarreal, Cormier, & Yates, and maybe Paronto, back to Richmond. Call up 3 prospects like Anthony Lerew, Daniel Curtis, & Matt Wright. Try to turn them into clones of Jon Papelbon, who was a minor league starter. Call up Will Startup and give him the ball in the 9th. If Devine gets well, bring him up too. Trade Thomson for just about anyone simply to clear payroll and put Chuck James in the rotation.

Some other minor leaguers showing promise: Manny Acosta & Zach Schreiber have both been lights out in relief for Pearl. Give Brian O’Connor a chance to be the lefty in ‘pen. Kevin Barry has looked good at Richmond as well.

Pratt, Jordan and Remlinger. All good guys, all had solid careers. Remmy can still throw some and he might interest a team making a run for the playoffs. But all three need to go. Brayan Pena clearly has earned a shot in the bigs.

As to the lineup. Bill McCarthy was tearing up in past years in the Spring and at Richmond. Let’s give him a chance already. Wes Timmons should get a shot. Gregor Blanco already has 17 SB at Pearl. Let him lead off and play LF.

We clearly just need to make this a growing year. Andruw should be kept at all costs, but as much as I hate it Chipper and Huddy should be trade bait for the right players. But they should be MLB ready prospects, not future types. I think Smoltz has earned the right to retire here and we should go ahead and pick up his option for next year. If he’s traded, it should be to Detroit and nowhere else. Thinking of that, Joel Zumaya would look awfully nice closing out games for us.

By Walt

June 19, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

They should try Jorge Sosa to close the last 4-5 outs..Edgar Renteria batted some leadoff for the Cardinals, they should try him at leadoff and drop Marcus Giles to eighth until he gets his confidence back.

By Bill

June 19, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

This is a critical stretch for the Braves. Freed from trying to keep the streak alive, they can finally make some moves to benefit the team in the long-term.

If played correctly this could just be one down year before another streak starts.

If nothing else get rid of some salaries so there can be some flexibility going into this off-season. If the Tigers want Smoltz, give him the option to go.

The worst thing right now would be for them to win 10 of 12, give the front office hope, and delay any beneficial long-term moves.

By Jason

June 19, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

Here are a few conspiracy theories for Braves fans to consider:

1: At Turner Field, where all of the Divsion and NLCS banners are hung - There is no more room for a 2006 banner. If we were to win the Division in 2006, there’d simply be no spot to put another yellow banner… maybe they knew something! 2: I work for the Braves. They gave employees t-shirt last season when we won the division. They say 14 Straight and on the bank it says “Who’s Counting?”. Are they trying to say that would be the last one? Are we not supposed to notice we aren’t going to win another division title? 3: Ownership in limbo: There’s been next to nothing as far as news regarding the team ownership…hey AJC, where’s your inside man? 4: The Braves fan club, Bravo Club, is gone THIS year. People are mad as can be that it’s gone…they loved it. Why is it gone this year…the same year the Braves are in LAST place? Publix was the sponsor of Bravo Club. They decided to drop it and sponsor the fireworks every Friday night. The fireworks are great, but man, with Bravo Club, ya went home with pretty awesome stuff. 5: Was Leo really the one with the magic? 14 Straight years with Leo. Leo leaves, we are in last place. Hmmmmm…. 6: More Red Sox fans than Braves fans…in other words, half of New England came down to Atlanta….nuff said.

By roy

June 19, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

The Marlins have shown us how to do it. Let’s have a big fire sale and bring in hot new talent.

By Jason

June 19, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

88 MILES PER HOUR!!!

KABOOOOOOOM!!!! (GIANT SPARKY FLASH)

Monday, June 19th, 1990

By Rob S.

June 19, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

In response to Jason, no, I don’t think Leo leaving is the reason everything’s gone down hill. He was a superb pitching coach, but really, he just saw the writing on the wall and saw a really good opportunity to get out before he went down with the ship.

By Voice of Reason

June 19, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Why are you people piling on Roger McDowell? Last I looked, the Orioles pitching numbers weren’t much better than the Braves’.

The simple truth is, the Braves’ bullpen is populated by a cast of has-beens, never-was’s, and never-will-be’s. Paronto, Stockman, Remlinger, Ray, Villarreal, Yates, McBride. Honestly, how can you expect to win with that? I think there is hope for McBride, although right now, it’s guilt by association.

When you have a problem so glaring that it completely takes your mind off of the offensive shortcomings, it’s pretty sad…

By Jason

June 19, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

I say forget this season, rebuild and look forward to the Thrashers (hopefully) making the playoffs and bringing the Cup to ATL in 2 or 3 years. And, of course, it goes without saying: GEORGIA FOOTBALL IS AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!!

By Bravesfan too

June 19, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

Well lets take a minute to reflect shall we. The bullpen is made up of has beens and never going be’s.

1st base is covered by inconsistancy and has been for 4 years.

Braves payroll is paid to 4 players. Opps that does not work.

Manager sits on fingers and does nothing, not ever changing the lineup. Whats up with that one?

Bench consists of Pratt and Jordan who are each hitting a buck 90. Not good, not good at all. Both are past their prime and are not contributing either. Along with Remlinger all three need to say their goodbys.

The braves and Bobby are to eager to play veterans even tho their time has been over. Vets add something to a team I agree, but only if they are productive players too. If a vet is there only to mentor then your coaching staff needs updated because thats what they are paid to do. Players who do not produce and are soaking up payroll on a restricted club is a waist of money and roster space. It was a mistake last year and its a mistake again.

I will say one thing, Bobby is consistant as they get playing the old farts who cant play the game anymore. Its time to move on boys. Let go of the high priced vets who care eating the payroll and take this opportunity to build a team Atlanta can be proud of. Its been awhile.

By roy

June 19, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe that half of New England came down for the game. When North East Airlines merged with Delta in 1972, thousands of folks moved from Boston to Atlanta. Many of those folks are still here (many retired from Delta) and they still love the Red Sox and buy tickets to see them when they come to town. Of course, there are many who do travel BOS-ATL to see their beloved Red Sox.

By Robert

June 19, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

So, when do the Braves admit the biggest mistake they ever made? Letting Rockin’ Leo go appears to be a huge mistake!!!

By BP

June 19, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

It’s been a GREAT run!!!

Thanks to the Atlanta Braves Organization for giving us the fantastic teams for 14 years!!! Kudos!!! Does everyone understand that we have been the envy of every organization for 14 years, except maybe the Yankees??? Give the last 14 years, hell 5 years to the Cubs and see the reaction in Chicago (And how many empty playoff seats)!!!

All good things must end sometime!! We will survive and re-tool!!

Maybe next time Braves fans will actually fill the stadium and not take things for granted. (The playoff attendance the last few years have been embarrassing)

I’ve watched this team when they were in last place before and will continue!!!! Say what you want, they are (and were) always exciting, good or bad!!! Braves Fan Forever, GO BRAVES!!!!!

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

This is the greatest braves team of all time LOL

By James G

June 19, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

What needs to be done is move the team from Atlanta, it clearly isn’t a baseball town. This past series with the Red Sox was a disgrace to Braves fan everywhere. How do fans of any team let another teams fans come into their house and smack them around like they did over this weekend. It has been bad for years, as far as the fans base in Atlanta goes. When every other team is selling out every post-season game the Braves hardly have half their stadium full. Then fans wonder why the Braves can do anything in post-season. If the Yankees has fans like that they wouldn’t have won 27 world series. Come on, everyone who says to start trading players and build for the future, for what? So they can have another teams fans turn Turner Field into an away game for the Braves? I love Altanta and I know it could be a baseball town if everyone who is a Braves fan, even when they are losing, goes to the games and shows their support, even if they are losing. Because I am stationed in New Jersey, I only get to see the Braves play when they are in New York to play the Mets and I go to every game. I save all my leave days so I can watch them. Altanta is the only city I Love and the only city I will call home. I hated seeing what happened this weekend and if it didn’t bother you, as a Brave fan. Then find another team to follow because you aren’t a true Braves fan!

By Grateful for 14 years

June 19, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

While the bullpen is undoubtedly our biggest mess, I question Terry Pendleton’s job the most. He may have been a fabulous hitter, but can he teach what he knows?

I just think of all those leadoff basemen… stranded & unmoved three outs later.

I’m sure Google could tell me, but where is Don Baylor these days? That guy could COMMUNICATE & improve players. I’m not so sure about TP.

By Jason

June 19, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

We’ve won the division for FOURTEEN YEARS. FOURTEEN YEARS. It’s been a long time since 1990 and Atlanta has changed so much since then. We’ve taken for granted how good the Braves have treated us since 1991. Go find another city where their baseball team has been winning since 1991. Not even New York can say that. We’ve been treated to so many great and fond memories over the last 14 years. We’ve simply come to expect it. Every October, since I was in the 4th grade, I’ll I’ve ever done is eat, sleep, and watch the Braves. This October, I have no idea what I’m going to do! We forgot that most teams do have down years. We’re always in first or close enough to it to not have to worry. Now, however, we have to worry for the first time in 14 years. We haven’t had to worry in 14 years, so we don’t even know HOW to worry properly. We don’t know how to react because we haven’t HAD to react in 14 years. But this is what I advise: The Braves need a cooling off perioid: 5-10 years of lackluster baseball. And then, all of the sudden, we’ll have a great winning year and it will feel like 1991 all over again. Bring back the magic we once had. But just beacuse our beloved Braves are not doing so well is NO reason to stop being fans. Sox fans love their team no matter how they are doing. Cubbies fans do the same. Yankees fans always remain loyal. Mets fans do. Why should Braves fans be any different? They might be our Loveable Losers this year, but that’s no reason to stop loving them. Don’t stop coming to The Ted just because we are doing poorly…in fact, it’s all the more reason TO come out to The Ted…and cheer on your Braves…to help them all that you can to get out of this slump. Don’t you want to hear the chop going…without it blasting over the speakers of Turner Field…but just the crowd doing it on their own? If you want that, you better come out and help turn these Braves around. Don’t let the Marlins or Red Sox take your team pride away…they are just a couple of hot teams beating up on a team down in the dumps right now. Braves fans are the best and always will be.

By James G

June 19, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

I don’t want to see the Braves moved from Atlanta, I was trying to make a point.

By Gota love em

June 19, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Call for Liberty Media to tell Time Warner to open up payroll. If they are in the process of buying them and they want a winning team, then they need to say, hey Time Warner, we are not buying losers. Open up the payroll now and then dictate how much to open it up.

The fact is the Mets and Philly went on a buying spree and signed some really good names. They didnt stop at that, they kept on filling their holes. The braves only sat and held. Only an idiot and Time Warner could not see how much they improved. Bargan baseball, thats what the braves have become. Bargan baseball. What a shame to end this way.

By Hal

June 19, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

This is dependent on just how much chance the Detroit Tigers think they have of winning this year if in fact they do i would propose a trade sending Smoltzie to the Tabbies for Frenando Rodney and Zumala ! Bingo our bullpen is fixed for next year would the Tigers do this deal not if there real smart but one can dream lol

Then i would see what it would take to get Carl Crawford ,whatever it takes short of giving up all of our top prospects i would do it,maybe a Marcus Giles ,Anthony Lerew Ryan Langerhauns would do it .If so lead off and left field are fixed for the foreseable future

I would give Thorman a real chance to see if he can hit big league pitching (not the two weeks most fans think is time to give up)If He can hit our first base situation is now a pure power hitter ,with a great defensive back up and left handed pinch hitter available

these moves leave a huge vacancy in the rotation if Smoltz leaves the off season should be spent trying to aquire a younger starter with top of the rotation potential

I would NOT trade A Jones ,Frenchy or chipper and heres why

Chipper has no real value and you would get very little in return but hes still a very good hitter and a marginaly effective third baseman Andruw is still the best all around center fielder in baseball and replacing his defence and 30 hr 120 rbis is IMPOSSIBLE Frenchy,although at times i would love to throttle him for his complete disreguard for the nuances of the game still has tremendous up side .Hes a guy with 40 hr 120 rbi potential and young and cheap

I would Also entertain offers for Renteria .His hitting has been great but im not sure he has the range or arm anymore to play shortstop on a good team but his contract and offence would make him a great upgrade for one of the many financial chalenged contending teams

Thses Moves would make our finances better while making the team younger and addressing what is the worst bullpen in history

By Bob

June 19, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

I would combine a couple of trade deals which would get rid of Chipper Jones with Wilson Betemit taking over 3rd, Adam Laroche leaving with a legitimate 1st baseman with a strong bat taking his place (remember Klesko?), and revamp the whole bullpin. I would move a couple of your starters out to the bullpin and try to secure some new starters or bring up some of the power pitchers in the minors!

By nick

June 19, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

The Braves underestimated the impact of letting Leo go. He was the rock for our pitching staff. In addition, we have gone from a team very rich in pitching talent to a team of kids that don’t have the experience and tenacity to overcome our latest challenges. We have nobody in the bullpen that has the confidence to take the mound and shut down the other teams offense. Watching McKay last night was the hightlight, strikeout the opponents top two hitters and then completely cave. We need some senior, proven talent in the bullpen that can work with some of these young guys.

By Rick

June 19, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

I think trading John Smoltz is a good idea. Although he has been a big part of the success of the Braves in the last 14 years, he is 38 and has a big contract that the Braves can not afford. Trade him to Detroit, Boston, or Cleveland.

I don’t think Chipper Jones should be traded during the season but after the season is over I would definitely try to move him. His batting skills have diminished and years with a possibility of a DH will prolong his career.

Last niht during the bullpen explosion, Peter Gammons suggested that the Braves may trade Andruw Jones. I don’t agree with this. Andruw is still only 29 years old. His defense saves the Braves alot of run. Trading him would be a mistake.

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Mets didn’t buy anybody, they traded for most of the new guys this year like Delgado,LoDuca, El Duque. Only big free agent they signed was Billy Wagner. Oh and the ageless Julio Franco.

By Chambers

June 19, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Here’s the lineup:

LF: Diaz New Hybrid Short Base: Renteria First: Betemit Catcher: Bobby Dews Third: ARod (asuming the Yanks don’t blow your Reitsma opportunity) CF:Betemit RF:That sack of rosen P:Betemit

By Erron

June 19, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

I’m afraid this is going to be it for a while. Hello, 80’s Braves. Do we really think this company from Denver cares one way or the other if the Braves win or lose? The team was not what they wanted in the first place and they only got it as part of the bigger package. I don’t see much money getting spent to improve anything. The best thing we can hope for is the Braves being sold to an owner with a passion for baseball, not news.

By John

June 19, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Bring back Pete, Skip, Don and Joe to broadcast ALL of the televised games, including those on Turner South. The decision to dump the best announcers in baseball for the fourth-rate Fox crew has put a jinx on the Braves from which they won’t recover. It ranks on the same stupid decision level as the removal of Chief Nockahoma’s teepee in the closing weeks of 1983 to accommodate more fans.

By Kent

June 19, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

There’s really nothing that has to happen TODAY, because it’s time to start thinking about next year.

On the bright side, the Braves now have opportunities to start really auditioning players for next year’s roster. It’s a chance for Atlanta to really take stock of what they have now, rather than having to experiment at the beginning of the season (as they had to with the bullpen heading into this season).

It’s time to let all of the young guys play so they can see exactly what they have and what they’ll need to go get over the winter.

Obviously, they’ll need to go out and get proven bullpen arms, but lets take a very close look at kids like Stockman and Yates.

It’s time to give the old guys like Brian Jordan, and Todd Pratt their walking papers. Bring Brian Pena back up to back up McCann. Give Scott Thorman a chance to play regularly, and make sure Wilson Betemit is in the lineup nearly every day.

Marcus Giles will make 5-6 million next year, and since Betemit has created an overcrowded infield, Atlanta needs to trade Giles for a relief pitcher that can help them next season. If (and this is a big “if”) John Thompson and Mike Remlinger have any trade value at all, trade them as well.

Chuck James will probably be added to the Atlanta rotation next week. If he impresses, the Braves should trade Heracio Ramirez too.

Next years rotation will probably look like this: 1. Hudson 2. Smoltz 3. Hampton 4. James 5. Davies

If the kids come through, that has a chance to be a great rotation. Also remember that Blaine Boyer and John Foster should be healthy and ready to help in the bullpen next year. The return of Hampton, Boyer, and Foster should give a huge boost to the pitching staff. Add that to the fact that none of Atlanta’s big dogs are eligible for free agency this winter. So, we won’t be losing any key players to the Dodgers or the Yankees until the end of the 2007 season. And you can be sure that some significant bullpen repair will be done before April rolls around again.

YES, THE STREAK IS OVER. BUT NEXT YEAR LOOKS VERY, VERY GOOD.

By Jamie

June 19, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

I agree with Rutuger…all these fair-weather, so-called fans, who needs ‘em. I love the Braves good or bad, and we have just been spoiled for the last several years. They will get it together again and, if this year goes in the toilet, so be it, I’ll be here rooting for them anyway!! If everybody would stop giving them grief and start showing up at the games to CHEER THEM ON, that would help!! Hang in there, guys!! Shake it off and get on with the rest of the season. Remember, the All-Star break always brings us back to life!! GO BRAVES!!

By Head Coach

June 19, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

Gee whiz , I think I said fire sale about two weeks ago. Well , in reality John Schuerholtz should hold the fort until about 2-3 weeks before the july 31st trading deadline and then pull the trigger on whoever he thinks can be traded. The Yankees and Redsox will be key players in trades with Atlanta. JS can make this Baseball rivalry compete against each other for the services of Andruw , Smoltz and Hudson. Boston , Detroit ,and the L.A. Dodgers are loaded with top pitching talent. The Yankees George Steinbrenner would trade the farm to get Andruw in pinstripes , likewise the Sox would have to pony up for Smoltz or Hudson. Detroit would be a good fit for Smoltz , but I dont know if they have a real strong interest in him. The Padres are shopping for a third baseman and the Dodgers might be interested in Chipper or Hudson. Personally I would trade all the veterans and rebuild around Ramirez , Davies , James , Devine , Lerew , McBride ,Betemit , McCann , Francoeur , Langerhans and the rest of the rookies and Trade for top pitching prospects. Atlanta has a solid nucleus of young players and with the salary restrictions they need to get young and cheap in order to be competetive on the field and have room to grow financially inside an 80 million dollar payroll.

By The GM

June 19, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Head Coach, I reject your trade proposals. The key this season is patience. One game at a time is all, we’ll get back in this thing.

By crs

June 19, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

The first thing is the bullpen, bullpen needs a complete overhaul, item 1B, braves need to get Mazzone back, he is worth atleast a run a game over the course of a season, by most accounts he is not happy in Baltimore. Second, older vets like Chipper and John Smoltz need to be traded if the price is right. Third, guys like Andruw Jones, Hudson and Renteria should also be dealt if the Braves can not afford them in the next couple of years. The only player somewhat untouchable in my mind is Andruw but like I say if the Braves can not afford him we need to get some value. Fourth, Bobby is probably a slightly better than average manager but you see how big Mazzone was to his success. Sitting back and waiting for homeruns is not a viable option in the national league. The Braves have no real hitters, guys that make solid contact every time. We are in desperate need of speed, braves made a big mistake not trying to get a guy like Juan Pierre. No untouchables on this team in my mind. Seems to me there is little immediate help in the minors at this point as we have traded away most of our top talent the last few seasons particularly pitching wise. This is just a bad team, poor coaching, Cox gets a D, Mcdowell an F, Starting pitching is a C-, Defense is C-, Offense is a D, and Relief pitching is an F. Chipper’s decline reminds me of Dale Murphy, the injuries have taken a steep toll. John Smoltz is no longer a #1 or #2, he is a three and Hudson at best has always been a #2, Braves need to get a young #1 talent in return for a Smoltz or Chipper. If Andruw is traded he is worth atleast three or four big prospects. Scherholtz has a lot of work to do startign with getting Mazzone back.

By Ryan

June 19, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

REBUILD?!?!?

What exactly does everyone think this team is?

This team has been in a rebuild process for two years, but I guess everybody forgot.

Half the starting lineup has less than 1,000 career at-bats.

Adam LaRoche is a longtime veteran on this team, and he is only in his third season.

Trading Andruw is a ridiculous notion. He is still young, and is the type of player a rebuilding team would center themselves around.

Everyone wants to dump Chipper and Smoltz, but how are they different than the veteran presence that Pendleton or Liebrandt brought to the ‘91 Braves?

The Braves are in their second year of a rebuilding process, and it’s no surprise their struggling. The payoff will come in the next two or three years.

Scrapping that plan now would turn our Braves into the Hawks.

Y’all aren’t taling about a REBUILD.

Y’all are talking about self-mutilation.

By geekboy

June 19, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

1) We need a real closer. We will have to trade for one because no one in the farm system appears ready.

2) We need a real first baseman. Time to dump LaRoche and his career .260 average. I would ask Chipper to play first and if he was reluctant try Betemit. If neither of those work out, trade Giles and put Betemit at second.

3) We need a real leadoff hitter. They should play left field, play good defense, hit for average and be able to steal bases.

4) We need a real pitching coach. McDowell is not effective.

5) We need better relievers, but a real pitching coach would have made what we have a lot better.

6) We need a hitting coach. Terry Pendleton is ineffective. How can he be a batting coach? He used to change his batting stance every time he changed his underwear, which was almost daily.

7) Francouer should be our #4 outfielder until he proves he is not an idiot at the plate. We should never have let J.D. Drew go.

8) Get rid of the dead wood — why is Brian Jordan on the team? That roster spot would be better used by someone with a future.

Here is the team I would try to put in the field NEXT YEAR. The names in CAPS would have to be acquired by trade. I think these trades are FEASIBLE.

LF - FREEL or FIGGINS (fast and versatile) SS - Renteria 3B - Chipper CF - Andruw 1B - TEIXEIRA (the price may be right, he’s having a bad year) RF - HART (from the Brewers, should be cheap) 2B - Betemit C - McCann P - Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Ramirez, Davies.

Bullpen: McBride, Boyer, James, Devine, Foster, Sosa, PUTZ (all our closers are Putzs, so why not actually have one whose name fits?)

Bench: Francouer, Pena (the catcher), Pena Jr. (the young shortstop), Juries (1B)

Dump: Jordan, Thompson, Giles, LaRoche, Villareal, Cormier, Reitsma, Pratt, etc.

By Kent

June 19, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

HEAD COACH, There’s no reason to rebuild at this point. The Braves can put a much better team on the field next year without increasing payroll (because of the expiring contracts of Reitsma, Thompson, and Sosa… and the fact that they will probably trade Giles and mayne H. Ramirez).

With the return of Hampton and Boyer, and a retooled bullepen… there’s no reason not to give it another go next season.

By crs

June 19, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

People, Chipper is done, we need to get something for him now because soon he will be worth NOTHING!!

By Kent

June 19, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

CRS, We can’t trade Chipper unless he wants to be traded (and he doesn’t). He has 10-5 powers and can block any trade. So does Smoltz, and I believe Andruw Jones as well.

By LB

June 19, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

I agree with Johnny Taco toward the front of the blogs. Just count this year’s winnings as a loss, take the team and develop their skills. Another point to drive home is, every team can display a great attitude when the chips are up. It will be interesting to see how the Braves handle defeat. A winning team represents good sportsmanship no matter what the wins/losses are. If the Braves go belly up the entire year yet the players have good attitudes and are nice to their fans, their example will be very beneficial to our kids and many adults. A true winner in my book is a winning attitude and not necessarily numbers.

By Thrash

June 19, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Fix the Braves? FIX THE BRAVES? They’ve been broken for over a decade, what’s the rush? The Braves are the biggest underachieving team in baseball the past 10 years.

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Good ol Chipper…always doing what’s best for the team….

By NYFAN

June 19, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

C’mon brave fans. I think deep inside you always knew that it would be the NY Mets that ended your run. Why else do you feel the constant need to attack the Mets whenever possible. This year they have a good team and they get no credit or honorable mention from the brave fan.

By L.D.

June 19, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

Yeah, this is pretty bad, but welcome back to reality, folks. The dream that has been the last 15 years couldn’t last forever. Just wish more Atlantans appreciated the run the Braves have had. This team could’ve just as easily been the Royals(not that they don’t look like the Royals now). The Braves could make some moves to try to climb out of the hole this summer, but a lot is predicated on the sale to Liberty Media, who doubtless will want to make their new investment shine. First, make a trade to get Dontrelle Willis and/or Joe Borowski up here. Willis gives the team star power(and a cheap salary) now and for the future, and Borowski is better than just about anyone the Braves have in the pen now. Doubtless the Cubs will want to move Greg Maddux before the end of the year to get something in return. The Braves should not be afraid to bring him back to the fold now to try to shore the rotation up(no more Jorge Sosa!!), then use the money they save once he leaves as an FA next year. Move Betemit to 3rd now and put Chipper at 1st, since he’s probably gonna wind up there at some point. Then look at getting Shannon Stewart from Minnesota. He’s a leadoff hitter with power and he plays left field, 2 needs the Braves have to address right now. If there’s short-term pain now, fine, so long as there’s moves made to get this team back into contention for next year. But this is baseball; stranger things have happened, and hey, there’s still a wildcard spot to be had.

By Voice of Reason

June 19, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Alright, folks, I’ll type slow so that you can grasp this…

Braves/Orioles pitching stats:

ERA: 4.83/5.31 - Braves.

WHIP: 1.47/1.56 - Braves.

Avg. against: .277/.280 - Braves.

Shutouts: 2/0 - Braves.

Complete games: 5/1 - Braves.

Tell me again… Just exactly what would Leo do for us?

By Dan

June 19, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Does anyone remember that there is still a wildcard team that makes the post-season? This team may not win the division, but if the right changes are made (Bullpen, leadoff batter, and timely hitting) we can make the playoffs as a wildcard. We are only 6.5 games back in the wildcard, and honestly I will take the wildcard because the last 14 yrs of winning the east, we only have 1 World Campionship!

By Kent

June 19, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

NYFAN, the Mets didn’t have to end the Braves run. They’ve done it all by themselves. This is not a NY beatdown… it’s an ATL implosion.

By NYFAN

June 19, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

As a Met fan I look back at those 80’s teams and definitly think they underacheived. They should have won 2 or 3 world championships. Braves fans will eventually look back and feel the same way.

By Kent

June 19, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

DAN, I agree, the Braves still have a shot at the Wildcard. The problem is that they haven’t fixed the problems, and there are apparently no pending trades or anything on the horizon to fix the Braves this year. That’s why I’m turning my attention toward next season, which looks very promising.

By Robert H

June 19, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Why are we piling on McDowell? Because he’s an utter failure, that’s why. You seem to forget that he’s the coach, and it’s his job to coach. And it’s not just this year and these guys in our pen. Go back and look at the ERAs of his starting pitchers last year at Las Vegas: 6.38, 5.35, 7.17, 7.12, 5.56, 6.58, 6.42, 8.62, 7.20. (Source: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=400&stn=true&sid=t400&y=2005)

Go back and look at his experience and give me just one reason why he was worthy of ever being condisered for this job.

I’m not just piling on McDowell here. I’m piling on Schuerholz. There was absolutely nothing in McDowell’s resume to indicate that he deserved or was ready for a job of this magnitude. His team ERA last year at Las Vegas was over 6.00. Atlanta is not the place to hire a pitching coach that needs on the job training.

And fire Pendleton also. I’m getting sick and tired of seeing Braves hitters, especially Francoeur, be absolute morons in the batter’s box and then Pendleton do nothing but pat them on the butt and encourage them. Francoeur’s HR not withstanding…look at last night. 1st AB…strikes out on an 0-2 pitch in his eyes. Then, he bunts a pitch 6 inches off the dirt and a foot outside trying to get on base? Just plain stupid…absolutely no discipline at the pate. But the most irritating thing of all after the bunt was seeing Pendleton, when Francoeur gets back to the dugout, do nothing more than pat him on the butt as he went by. Pendleton should have been in his face. If Francoeur is ever going to be the hitter he should be, he’s going to have to get some plate discipline, and if Pendleton or Cox has to get in his face in front of a nationwide Sunday night TV audience, so be it. If it means Cox has to put his butt on the bench for a week, so be it. Or, better yet, send him back to Richmond and tell him he can’t come back to Atlanta until until he’s walked 10 times. This nonsense with Francoeur has been going on far too long.

I get a kick out of reading all these comments about trading this guy or that guy, or trading for this guy or that guy. Some people seem to forget that, if the coaching staff isn’t doing it’s job, it won’t matter who the players are.

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

NY Fan - Braves fans and Yankee fans are the same…it can’t be because other teams are better…it’s just that the Braves are bad.

By dtb

June 19, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Put Smoltz back in the bull pen and go after a quality starter and a first baseman

By don't trade Rick Mahler

June 19, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Oh the days of yore, youth, my 4 cylinder Mustang, high school, college. It’s like old times again, the Braves are in last place and I’m headed to the arcade to play some Pac Man and Galaga, then I’m off to Turtle’s to pick up the new cassettes by the Clash and the Cars.

By D

June 19, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

GET RID OF ALL THE DEAD WEIGHT AND GET SOMEBODY IN HERE WHO WANTS TO WIN AND THOSE DEAD WEIGHTS ARE LAROCHE,GILES,JORDAN,REMLINGER,THOMPSON,REISMA AND UF ANYBODY DON’T AGREE WITH ME PLEASE RESPOND BACK REAL SOON

By RobertH

June 19, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

And don’t give me any crap about being spoiled after 14 titles, about the streak having to end sometime, or continuing to cheer on the Braves, or whatever. It’s one thing to be well-coached, to play hard and play well, and get beat by better teams. But when you play stupidly (Francoeur and LaRoche in the batters box), don’t hustle (LaRoche, Giles in the field and Hudson running out bunts), when coaches don’t do their jobs, and when management blindly insists on keeping players whose careers are finished (Pratt, Jordan), then yes, this team deserves whatever abuse the fans heap on them.

By Southern Belle

June 19, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

I don’t normally post, but it’s been killing me that nobody on any of the blogs I’ve read has mentioned that Andruw Jones is a free agent next year and that his agent is… (drum roll please) Scott BorA$$! Does anybody in their right mind think that BorA$$ will get a lobotomy before the end of next year and say, “Sure, Andruw will take a home town discounted contract”? Just to jog y’alls memory, BorA$$ is Greg Maddux’s and J.D. Drew’s agent just to name a few. That’s half the reason (probably more than half) that they left the Braves. When you’re a BorA$$ customer, you care more about money than loyalty. So I say, trade Andruw and get something for him, before we just end up seeing him sign with another team that can dish up more money and get nothing in return.

By Hal

June 19, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

I Have some very good reasons for rebuiling

1 LAST PLACE

2 A payroll of 80 mil of which 60 mil is tied up in 5 players

3 A team whos on field performance is “disinterested” at best the best reason i know of to shake up the status quo

4 Areas of the team that are more suitable for a triple A team …yea the bullpens could use a “little” rebuiling

5 players who now have some value but soon may not have (ie) Smoltz

6 A fan base who have lost confidence and interest in this lacklustre bunch

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

LaRoche - More clutch than A-Rod.

By JK

June 19, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

I TRADE LAROCHE AND PLAY THORMAN AT FIRSTBASE AND TRADE GILES FOR BULLPEN HELP AND PLAY BETEMIT AT SECONDBASE AND TRADE LANGERHANS AND GET CARL CRAWFORD TO PLAY LF AND BAT FIRST

By Robert

June 19, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

There isnt one simple solution. Obviously the team needs bullpen help. More improtantly, it needs a new attitude. To that end

1. Trade Chipper - still a HOF level producer on offense, and we can argue his leadership/merits round and round, but I think he has worn out his welcome here. Best for both parties if we thank him for services rendered and part ways

2. Demote Francouer - a tremendous talent, but he needs to learn plate discipline if he is going to be a productive big leaguer in the long term. He basically needs to be told he will play be called back up when he walks once every ten at-bats over an extended period in the minors

3. FIRE BOBBY COX as manager - On a team that was full of superstars and needed no real managing, he was arguably marginally acceptable, tho even then he detracted enough from the team to cost them in the playoffs. On a team like this that needs someone that will not just let them play thru problems and that needs more than a babysitter, he is not just inadequate, he is woefully incompetant. Billy Heywood brought more to the table as a manager than Cox

4. I have excoriated Cox’s managing in this forum and to my friends for years. I have nothing but contempt for him as a manager. On the other hand, I cant find fault with what he did as a GM. If we are somehow hesitant to just punt him because of his long service time or because someone is impressed by winning 14 division titles and one WS when we should have 14 division titles and 4 WS, then give him some fancy sounding job in the front office. Just get his dumb behind out of the dugout

5. Everything hinges on getting rid of Cox as manager. Until then, we can stack the team top to bottom with HOFers and still wont win anything meaningful (cant argue it guys, the past 14 years are the proof)

By Hershell Fuller

June 19, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

Fire Bobby Cox immediately! Hire Terry Pendleton. ASAP! Allow him to make the necessary changes in the organization.Thanks, native of Atlanta.

By Burningit Down

June 19, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

It is incredible to hear these comments after 14 straight division titles. This fan base may the most spoiled lot in all of sports. Instead of basking in the glory of what may be the greatest achievement in sports history of 14 straight divisions. Everyone is crying over 1 bad year. These are the same unsupportive Braves fans who don’t even show up for playoff games. Any other city may actually appreciate this team and what it has accomplished. There is a reason the team is in last place and it is simple. It does not have the pitching or consistency on offense to compete. Get over it.

By D

June 19, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

JOEC LAROCHE IS NOT AND NEVER WILL BE MORE CLUTCH THAN A-ROD

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox - Managerial superstar.

By JW

June 19, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Get rid of the tomahawk chop. It is cheesy.

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

D- You obviously have not been to Yankee Stadium lately….

By MIke

June 19, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

The Braves can’t even sell out the stadium when they make the playoffs. Yet us red sox fans come to town and you guys sell out. What does that tell you about your team(s)? Atlanta is in my opinion the best city in the country to live in. I grew up in Boston and still feel that way. The sports teams down here are horrendous Lets take a quick look:

Braves: Can’t fill the stadium even in the playoffs. Last year I had a fan fully decked out in Braves gear ask me where the scoreboard was??!?!?! Those are your fans!

Hawks: Last night I sat in section 147. I could of picked any 5 people (drunks included) and they could beat the Hawks. I can’t even look at the Hawks because the uniforms are so ugly they hurt my eyes. Really who cares????

Falcons: Medicore fan base, Mediocre team. You guys have put all your eggs in one basket with Vick who statistically last year was .500 with some of the worst QB stats in the league. Thats the bottomline.

Thrashers: Atlanta isn’t and never will be a hockey town. That being said. The Thrashers aren’t half bad and it’s to bad more people don’t get out to see them.

I say thank god for the Dawgs!

By Jonny

June 19, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

Bullpen. We need a bullpen.

Oh, and Giles, all 5 foot 7 and 170 lbs of him, needs to quit swinging for the fences. For crapssake, get on base, pipsqueak!

The offense is good enough for the starters but very few offenses would be good enough for this bullpen.

Looking forward: Trade Giles and LaRoche for middle relief. Get rid of Roger McDowell and get a tough guy back as pitching coach. Keep both Jones boys and Smoltz. They are the core of the team. Put Andruw on a diet and , no, I don’t mean a Krystal diet.

The Rookies are learning and will continue to learn.

And don’t count these guys out yet. The are only 10 games under .500 and could go on a tear any game. I really believe that. And the Mets could easily falter.

By Burningit Down

June 19, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

The Mets easily falter? Have you looked at that lineup? Their bullpen? They haven’t lost more than 2 games in a row all year. IT IS OVER!

By Zerevon

June 19, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

Like it or not but not having Leo is the main reason for all that failure. It is not the only reason just the MAIN one. If I knew what to do with the team, how to improve them, I would, but I don’t, Bobby and JS does and they have done a fantastic job over the years. What goes up must come down..Roman empire, Byzantine empire, Ottoman empire they all were on top once and they all went down, it is the nature of this life no one ever stayed on top forever..in sports staying on top as many years as the Braves did was AMAZING..I LOVE MY BRAVES WIN OR LOSE ALTHOUGH I PREFER WINNING… Go Braves

By Warren Sands

June 19, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

I am 59 yrs old and have been a braves fan since I was a yougster..my math says thats a long time! So please excuse me if this sounds like a rant. This is “almost” without a doubt as a collective unit the worst I have ever seen the braves put on the field..yes there are a still a couple of bright spots, but not enought to compensate for the deep dark black holes.

By James

June 19, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Thanks Chipper but now the time to trade to a Texas team, Trade Smoltz to the Tigers. Trade Andruw cause he alone will save any team runs with his defense. Trade Giles and LaRoache for pitching. Doing that will get all more money to make a better team that will make contact with the ball instead of striking out so much. If we have 4 or 5 guys making 3/4 of the payroll well nows the time to get rid of them and use that money to improve for 2007. First get Crawford to play LF. Get Soriano to play 2B Get Cabrera to play 3B Get Coco Crisp to play CF.Then you still will have plenty plenty money left for good pitching. Lineup 1)LF Crawford 2)SS Renteria 3)2B Soriano 4)3B Cabrera 5)C McCann 6)CF C Crisp 7)RF Francoeur 8)1B Thorman/or Free Agent 9) Pitcher…. WE can get these players for a few years for alot less money than we are spending now. This would free up some money for pitching and a good closer.

By beast

June 19, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Fire our pitching coach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Evry starters ERA is at least 1 run higher than it was last year. trade for 1 good reliver maybe we cud trade for jose valverde or somone that we can put in without worrying if he will blow the lead. It’s the BRAVES are’t we supposed to be known for our pitching? It don’t seem like it rite now. Bes