AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > June > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz trade rumors a crock
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We in the media can be the most self-important group of people imaginable. All of us.
But the self-perceived levels to which we can raise ourselves never ceases to amaze me.
Case in point: The sudden John Smoltz trade “rumors.”
Let’s be clear from the top. These rumors have come from absolutely no one within the Braves organization. Not even the media members who started these rumors, and those who’ve stoked them for two days in the way only media members can, have ever suggested that they heard anything from anyone connected with the Braves that the team has any intention, any notion, any thought whatsoever of trading Smoltz. Nothing.
This is entirely a case of, since the Braves have been horrible for 20 games (3-17) and realistically fallen out of the division race, well, then, they might start trading veterans. That’s it. So from there, the next step is to name the most visible, recognized, accomplished and highly paid members of the team, and start saying “what if.”
And since John was involved in one of these rather famous summer trades many years ago, the one that brought him from Detroit for aging veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander, and since John is now the aging veteran, and just as importantly, since John has never shied from a camera or microphone or reporter’s question — and for that, we are grateful: thank you, John — the TV folks just asked him point-blank. And John, as competitive as any athlete I’ve ever covered and as upset by all this losing as anyone, answered with a frustrated and reasonable reply.
They asked him “if” the Braves approached him about a trade, would he consider dropping his no-trade protection afforded him as a “10-and-5” player (10 years in majors, five with current team) in order to go somewhere like, oh, Detroit, where he’s from. What’s he supposed to say, when asked this in the middle of yet another loss? I mean, he could’ve said, “Listen, I don’t want to talk about trade rumors or anything else right now, I just want to focus on trying to get this turned around.” But the frustrations, etc., I’m sure led him to reply with something along the lines of, “Sure, I’d listen.”
OK, that’s it. That’s the entire basis of these rumors. Again, stemming from nothing more than the ever-fertile mind of one media member. Not from a Braves executive, not from another team that said the Braves have dangled Smoltz. Simply from the mind of the person asking the question. Which is fine, if it ended there. But of course it never does.
From that one interview, the words get twisted, strengthened, molded into much stronger messages by other media outlets. Then fans, understandably upset at the lousy month the Braves are having and the dismal postseason chances, hear it and run with it. All of a sudden, people are having serious on-air debates over whether Smoltz should be traded and what the Braves could get for him.
Again, nevermind that this hasn’t been discussed by the Braves (I got that from a very good source Monday) and they have no intention of trading John for a couple of huge reasons. Nevermind that it makes little sense to trade him, or to have a fire sale or start a rebuilding project.
Ladies and gents, teams generally have fire sales when they’re losing tons of money in bad ballparks, or when they have decrepit lineups that need to be blown up and rebuilt.
The Braves aren’t the Padres at old Jack Murphy Stadium, unable for years to get a new ballpark and willing to trade off Gary Sheffield and others once they made too much money. They aren’t the Marlins, drawing 5,000 fans in a football stadium with a bad lease, unable to get a new ballpark built or drum up more interest despite winning two World Series.
The Braves are about to be sold to an ownership group that, despite what so many fans insist — again based on nothing more than feelings and hearsay — have given no indication whatsoever that they plan to reduce payroll, much less strip it down to anything remotely similar to Florida’s.
Much as some have suggested, there are no signs yet of a fan “boycott” (righteous cause, brothers — let’s boycott the Braves, who have the temerity to not win more than one World Series while going to the last 14 postseasons) and the Braves aren’t losing money.
Finally, getting back to Smoltz in particular. I’m not going to get into the particulars of why the Braves aren’t likely to trade Chipper (he’s a Braves icon, his production’s down, he’s owed $11 mill each of the next two seasons guaranteed, can veto any trade, and the New York teams have third basemen, just to name a few reasons it won’t happen) or trade Andruw (he’s going to win a ninth consecutive gold glove, hit 40-45 homers, drive in over 100, led the majors in homers last season, and is going to make a reasonable $13.5 mill next season, and the Braves could wait to trade him this winter or next summer if they don’t think they can afford to re-sign him).
I’ll just stick to Smoltz (actually, I just named a lot of the particulars on why they probably won’t trade the Joneses. Oh, well.) Anyway, back to Smoltz: People, he’s not Doyle Alexander on a crappy team that needs to be rebuilt.
Smoltz, despite his 4-5 record, is still a very good pitcher, a top-of-the-rotation pitcher who has a solid 3.78 ERA, .251 opponents’ average, 88 strikeouts with 25 walks in 102-1/3 innings, and has no arm problems for the first time in a long time. He has worked six or more innings in 11 straight starts, including seven or more in eight of those 11. After struggling in his first two starts on the West Coast this season, Smoltz has a 3.39 ERA in his past 13 starts. The Braves have scored two runs or fewer in EIGHT of those 13 starts. Eight. And the bullpen has blown potential wins in at least five. (Have we mentioned the Braves have the worst bullpen in the NL? Oh, we have. Good.)
My point is, he’s still a horse, still a pitcher hitters hate to face, and still gives the Braves their best chance to win. And he’s making ONLY $8 MILLION NEXT SEASON.
Let’s reiterate that, since I’ve seen everything from $12 mill to $15 mill quoted as his salary next season: The Braves have a club option for $8 million in 2007. Do you know how relatively paltry that salary is for a pitcher of Smoltz’s ilk? I mean, you can’t get a Matt Clement for that. Hell, you can barely get Jaret Wright.
The only reason the salary is that low is because Smoltz, who wanted badly to stay with the Braves and wanted badly to return to starting, agreed to rework his contract a couple years ago, dropping a $100,000 per start clause on top of his $11 mill salary back then, and agreeing to an extension at a relatively bargain-basement price. He knew that with his four elbow surgeries, the Braves were taking somewhat of a risk extending his deal. The man has been very fair with the team.
Anyway, $8 mill next season. Since returning to the rotation last year, Smoltz is 18-12 with a very solid 3.28 ERA in 48 starts, and a team-high 332 innings in that stretch.
And here’s a remarkable stat: The Braves have scored two runs or fewer while he’s been in the game in 24 of those 48 starts. HALF OF THEM. If they score, say, four in half of those 24, he’s got another 6-7 wins, easily. But I know that’s playing with numbers. I’m just pointing out, two runs or fewer in 24 of 48 starts is awful luck.
The Braves expect Mike Hampton to be back strong next year, and so far in his rehab he looks very good. He had elbow and knee surgeries, and he’s moving better than he has in years. He’s still in his prime years, or should be, and even though he’s gotten hurt a lot, Braves have reason to believe he can still be solid. He’s also untradeable, completely, with that huge contract.
So they have Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Hampton back at top of their rotation next year, with Kyle Davies and perhaps Horacio Ramirez or Chuck James. Seriously, that’s the makings of a formidable rotation.
And they have Francoeur, McCann, Renteria, Chipper, Andruw at five of eight positions.
So why would they blow this up? Makes no sense. They used 18 rookies last year, and won a division in what other teams would consider a rebuilding year. No team in this situation would now blow this up and start over.
Once more: Smoltz makes $8 mill next year. Mike Mussina of the Yankees is making $19 mill this year. He’s 21-11 with a 3.95 ERA, .264 opponents’ average, 280 innings, and more than six support runs per nine innings over the past two seasons (Smoltz, again: 18-12 with a 3.28 ERA, .245 opponents average and 332 innings in that stretch, with 4.7 support runs per nine innings).
Boston’s Clement is making $9.8 mill this year. He’s 18-11 with a 5.09 ERA and .268 opponents’ average in 256 innings since start of 2005 season, with 6.7 support runs.
Tom Glavine, already a 10-game winner this year, is making about $10 mill this year and is 23-15 with a 3.52 ERA and .269 opponents’ average in 307 innings over two seasons, with 4.9 support runs per nine innings).
Texas’ Kevin Millwood, making $7.8 mill this year and more next, is 17-14 with a 3.38 ERA and .261 opponents’ average in 285 innings over two seasons, with 4.5 support runs per nine innings.
Toronto’s A.J. Burnett, who’s making more than $10 mill per year over four seasons, is 12-13 with a 3.58 ERA in 219 innings over two seasons.
Just trying to offer some perspective. My point: Smoltz is very affordable, the kind of guy the Braves would be dying to get next season if they are contending and needed a starter, and they have him for $8 mill. He doesn’t want to be traded, they don’t want to trade him. He was asked a hypothetical question and answered that he’d listen. That’s all.
But if the Braves don’t approach him about a trade, which I’m told they have no intention of doing, then why is it even relevent? He’s certainly not going to ask to be traded (or if he did, it’d shock me, given what he’s said about wanting to remain a Brave. And if he ever did ask for a trade, don’t think we wouldn’t hear about it from the Braves, who’d make it clear it wasn’t their idea to deal him).
OK, that’s it. Just thought I’d try to bring some level-headed perspective to this “rumor” mill. From one self-important journalist to all of you out there making much too much out of casual media speculation.
Comments
By Blake
June 20, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
AMEN!
By Johnny Taco
June 20, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
The Braves’ need to free up some payroll to bolster the bullpen and make upgrades at first base and leftfield.
I’d hate to see Smoltzie go but at the rate Cox is using him his arm will be out of its socket by August! If Detroit came a calling I would not be surprised if John pondered the possibility of playing on his boyhood team, winning 200 career games, & having a chance for the big show one more time. With five (5) wins taken away just this season already, he’s not going to get 200 wins playing on a team with a disastrous bullpen and free swingers.
Chipper Jones is the one I’d like to see peddled. Surely Texas or Houston would be appealing to him as he has a ranch in the Lone Star state.
By The Mad Hungarian
June 20, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
Thank you a thousand times, DOB, for doing such a great job.
By elbravo x
June 20, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
trade Smoltz NOW!
By JasonInMaine
June 20, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I wish they would trade FOR somebody! I know JS probably has been on the phone, but man; a good bullpen would have us in this damn thing!
Can you tell me why they are so adamant that they won’t trade Salty? McCann isn’t going anywhere, and they haven’t asked Salty to move positions. You would think if they planned on that, it would already be done.
Jason
By Johnny Taco
June 20, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Jason,
Regarding Salty, what value does a .220 hitting catcher @ AA have?
I was hoping he would be getting some action on firstbase by now.
Perhaps Salty is the future behind the plate, with McCann going to first at some point?
By Brad
June 20, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
I really hope that JS makes some kind of trade just to help the bullpen out a little bit, the guys out there can’t have much confidence left. We probably won’t catch the Mets, but we could still compete for the Wild Card if things start going better. Any news of bullpen help at all DOB?
By JasonInMaine
June 20, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Taco,
From what I remember others and DOB stating in a blog a while back, McCann is superior defensively to Salty. I would guess that if either was going to be moved, it would be Salty.
I am not sure of his value. I just know he is a highly ranked prospect that the Braves refuse to consider trading. DOB mentions the fact in the article that talks about there being no firesale.
Regards, Jason
By David
June 20, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Nice response DOB,to the ignorant masses.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
DOB…..LOL!!!
you pretty much answered my last question on the other blog!
Great job of clearing that up. I hope Hampton is healthy next year. Like Bobby or JS would say if he comes back and is formidable: “that just like adding a BIG TIME free agent! - Just a little toungue in cheek there people!
Good Job - DOB!
By BOB C
June 20, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Dave - Your blog makes way too much sense and gives all of us hope for the future - five good position players back next year, six strong potential starting pitchers. Really, an upgrade at either first or left and the obvious retooling of the pen and we’re back on top in ‘07 if not sooner.
By jason
June 20, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Just save your energy. This season is blown just like Smoltz’s arm will be by Sept. Watch the red sox.
By Sophia
June 20, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Agreed DOB. 110%.
By Antonio McNugget
June 20, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Nice post DOB. Wish some of these lunatics would actually read it, like i don t know say Johnny Taco, elbravo
By Phillip
June 20, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Those idiots on Baseball Tonight were practically salivating last night, talking about Smoltz going to Detroit or even better… the official ESPN teams: NY or Boston. They showed the Smoltz interview from Sunday night and totally twisted his words. Even my wife was disgusted at their blatant BS.
By ficklerx
June 20, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Question for DOB.
What’s the deal with Antonio Alfonseca? I know that he has been on the DL with elbow tenderness and Texas ultimately released him. His record for the year isn’t stellar but ranks above most of what we have.
By Rob C
June 20, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
If we do decide to pack it in and start trading for prospects (which I really doubt), the only players I see that we would get rid of that anyone might want would be Thomson and Sosa, and it’s doubtful we could get much for them. Both have medium range salaries, could help a contender from the bullpen, and probably won’t be a part of our staff next year. Beyond that I really don’t see anybody that is not too good or too cheap to trade (with the possible exception of Giles).
By John the Handsome
June 20, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is the only one that deserves to stay. Maybe A. Jones. Has Hampton given his salary back? Run the whole lot off including B Cox.
By Hairy Dawg
June 20, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
I like when someone refers to the “ignorant masses” and botches the punctuation in his comment.
DOB, good blog today. You just confirm what I’ve been thinking all along about this team. The Braves are going to stand pat and hope things change this year because they don’t want to jeopardize next year. There isn’t going to be a “fire sale” because the Braves have too many talented young players who are cheap. They’re a team in transition. Then again, do the Braves really believe they can count on guys like Boyer, Foster, Devine and Hampton to make this pitching staff significantly better next season? That’s why a lot of dead wood is going to have to be cleared in the offseason. The Braves’ organization has fooled itself about players the last two years and that foolishness has left Schuerholz scrambling for answers. It’s not a good idea to go into seasons with big question marks, is it?
As for the “boycott” thing you refer to, I have to admit that I laughed pretty hard when some blogger posted that tripe. Turner Field is rarely more than half-full, so the boycott’s been in effect for years. In fact, Atlanta is a “bad sports town” because of that.
One last thing here. I was one of those who contemplated the possibility of a Smoltz trade yesterday. I can talk about any Braves player being traded and not blink an eye. That doesn’t mean I think it will happen, but it can be interesting to BS about that stuff a little. It makes the time go by, I suppose.
By Dave
June 20, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Trade Smoltz? What friggin MORON came up with that? The media in this town doesn’t know how to handle the Braves losing. Hey, since the Falcons just had (another) bad season, let’s trade Vick and all the veterans!
By jon
June 20, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Thank you DOB! It doesn’t get anymore simple than that so QUIT talking about trading Smoltz! I’m sick of hearing it too! People say trade Smoltz and get bullpen help…well who is gonna start for us idiots? DOB, one quick question…I would like to have your expert opinion on this…do you think Giles will be a Brave this time next month? Is there anyone else you see not wearing our uniform this time next month? Whats the biggest name you’ve heard..not from Braves officials, but other sources across MLB? Thanks and keep up the good work DOB
By matthew W.
June 20, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
Heyz,
Why wont the Braves Put Smoltie back as Closer? He was Doin’ AWSOME as Closer, Were havin a problem of wat starter to use and such… stick Smoltie in the bullpen… and worry aout the rest at another time.
Peaces
By Brent
June 20, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
It all makes sense.
If Smoltz was a Free Agent after this year, then it makes sense to trade him, pick up some prospects, and then re-sign him in the off-season (like the Rangers tried to do with Palmeiro a few years back, but he refused).
But, he’s not a free agent. He has a club-option (C-L-U-B), for $8 million, meaning that we would trade that option to the Tigers, who would exercise it.
Then, next season, we’d be complainig because the guy (insert fave FA pitcher here) we wanted is making $10 million a season, and people who can’t do math would be questioning why JS didn’t “try” to sign him.
Smoltz, next year, at $8 million, is a steal.
The Braves are not a lost cause.
In a few more weeks, this season may be a lost cause (and in that case, we might get to rest Smoltz’ arm a little); but, next year still has some promise.
I would be happy for John if he could go to Detroit and win a world series. But, I’ll be much happier seeing him pitch his last game at Turner Field - next October!
Go Braves!
DOB,
You have way too much common sense to write for the AJC.
By John Finklea
June 20, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Forget trades! It’s time to bring back Chief Nokahoma’s Teepee!
By Bobby Cox
June 20, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Alfonseca would be a nice pickup. Alfie would nicely compliment Remmy & Reitsma out in the bullpen.
Can’t wait to get Reitsma back out there. He’s been looking sharp in our simulated games. He struck out Francouer on three pitches.
With Gilly having problems on second, I’ve talked to John about bringing in Keith Lockhart for a look. Wouldn’t that be something! Never have enough veteran leadership.
By Bob in SF
June 20, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
We’re spoiled folks! Think about it, the Braves already have made a heist trade this year, for Renteria. Boston is basically paying us to have an all-star caliber SS. Edgar probably isn’t quite the player he was in his prime in St. Louis but he has made the loss of Raffy a little more palatable. And I just don’t understand the vitriol aimed at the Jones boys. Chipper busts his tail everyday and plays hurt until his body quits and he can’t play anymore. He is a legitimate HOF candidate and people are calling for Betimint, a guy who is at best a decent player and serviceable ML’er to replace him?C’mon! And Andruw is one of the best CFs since Mays and we are privileged to watch his artistry on his way to Cooperstown. Yeah, he strikes out a lot and so he hits .260, that’s 260 pts higher lifetime than most of the schmucks on this blog. His defense+offense combination overall makes him one of the most valuable players in baseball and he is on a pace to hit over 500 homers in his career. Smoltzie needs to retire a Brave, case closed. This guy has pitched with his arm hanging out of the socket, dropping to 3/4 a few years back, for Pete’s sake, to gut out a season and the playoffs. His charity work and the citizen he is for Atlanta is exemplary, he means more to this team as a leader than anyone on the roster right now. Get over it folks, go back to your little lives and realize JS doesn’t listen to the press or fans when it comes to making deals (which is a very GOOD thing). There will be some trades but they will be minor adjustments, the core of this team will remain and it will be competitive again. There is a team that all you folks who believe in shredding your players if they don’t finish in first every year can root for, they’re called the Yankees and you can go root for them with all the other bandwagon clingers-on. While your at it, get your Cowboys, Lakers, and Notre Dame gear out too or just pull for whoever happens the be in first this week.
By Chop Chop
June 20, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Just to clarify, “Hairy Dawg” is my alter-ego. I’m “Hairy Dawg” for the UGA blogs and forgot to change the nickname.
I’m also “Thrashy Thrashy”, “Harry Hawk”, and “Great Falconi”.
By Braves Fanatic
June 20, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
People don’t realize that we’re only 8 games out of the wildcard, with some pretty crappy teams ahead of us that will fade for sure (Florida, Washington, Colorado, Milwaukee, Arizona to name a few). Great point by DOB in saying we don’t need a firesale. We need upgrades in left and at first and obviously need to replace the bums we call our bullpen. A stat I saw the other day tells the story: Atlanta leads the league in blown saves with something like 15 out of 30. When Smoltz was closing, he was closing probably 27 out of 30, a difference of 12 games. We win those 12 games and we’re 2 games out and nobody is saying a word. Get a closer (How about Joe Nathan, trade Giles and insert Bettemit at second if need be) and we’re fine. I still feel JS is going to make a move to improve our ballclub for now rather than for the future. At least I hope.
By Rob C
June 20, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Brent,
Couldn’t agree with your post more. Especially the last line. Without DOB’s blogs I probably wouldn’t even do the free registration for the AJC website.
By Chop Chop
June 20, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox, that was a funny post. I’m imagining the real Bobby Cox saying that on the pregame show.
Yep. Makes sense.
By Andrew
June 20, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
Trading Smoltz would be a huge mistake. He is a Braves’ icon and a great one at that. He is one of if not the most respected man in baseball. He has done nothing but win for the Braves throughout his career. I agree they are is desperate need of relief pitchers but trading Smoltz would not be the way to go about it. Smoltz gets the loudest applause at the ballpark and it would devastate the fans if he were to go. I don’t believe any of the rumors because JS has been the best GM in baseball for many years and knows it would be a mistake to trade one of the greatest pitchers the Braves have ever seen.
By Antonio McNugget
June 20, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
I really think people seriously post before reading your blogs.
Hey Matthew W. Latest news is Smoltz has agreed to go to the bullpen if need be, no questions asked. He said thats where he wanted to be all along.
Johnny Taco, JS said today Chipper is on the trade block, he has no problem at all shopping him.
By mike p.
June 20, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
thanks for making rational sense out of a dissapointing season.what you say does give hope for next year.i do remember a few years back the team being down several games behind a fast starting Mets team. after the all-star game the mets started to lose in august and the braves had a great second half record and won the division.lets hope history can repeat. “go braves”!!!!!!
By T Robb
June 20, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Deal Smoltz to the Tigers for Doyle Alexander, Jr.
By Collective Soul
June 20, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
DOB, you’re soooo drunk!!
By Jeremy
June 20, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
I was at the Braves-Red Sox game in south Boston Sunday night. I’m not going to talk about how tough a loss it was, because I’m sure everyone has already done that. In BP, about 90 minutes before the game, Roger McDowell was working with Oscar Villareal in the bullpen, which is a good thing, because we all know he needs the help! But the problem was, that he showing him how to bounce a baseball off a baseball hat at the edge of the mound and still get it to the plate. That’s why I just started cracking up when a caller called in on the radio and asked what McDowell is doing with the bullpen pitchers. WELL, THERE’S YOUR ANSWER! And by the way DOB, what else does this bullpen need to do to get some drastic changes down there? You can’t make the playoffs with a bullpen with 2 major league caliber players and even that’s a stretch right now! If they make some changes, I think they can contend with this team, but not with the current group!
By John Hoar
June 20, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
David- great article! I for one had rather watch Smoltz in a losing effort than most pitchers in a winning one. I have never seen any one as competitive and still remain one of the good, very good, guys. When his day passes it will be a long time before we see the likes of him again. In fact, we won’t.
By LA Brave
June 20, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
DOB, I hope it’s not lost in this clamor how fans are outraged when a player leaves an organization they were raised in for more money. The fans cite lack of loyalty and blame greedy ballplayers. Now, look at this after 14 years of dominance the fans jump ship on Chipper, Andruw and Smoltz. Maybe these fans will remember their own lack of loyalty next time we lose a homegrown player to a team willing to pay a little more. It’s a disgrace that you even have to acknowledge this subject in blog.
By TennesseePaul
June 20, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Well said DOB. Well said.
Let’s do this tonight Braves! We can win it. Let’s see some team work. Some execution of Fundamentals. Singles, Bunts. Hitting the cut-off man.
GO BRAVES
By The Dude
June 20, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
As much as I’d hate to see him go, it does make sense to trade Smoltz. He’s a great pitcher that could seriously help a team making a run at the playoffs. Smoltz still has the value to get a great young arm. Plus the guy only has 2 maybe 3 years left in the tank. The Braves don’t have the talent to get to the series in the next 2 years, so why not get what you can now. With that said, I wouldn’t trade him just to clear payroll.
On the other hand, Andrew has got to stay. Yeah the guy strikes out a lot, but he’s still going to have 100 RBI’s and 40 HR’s. Oh, and don’t forget he’s one of the best CF’s in history. Plus, he’s still very young. Has everyone forgotten that he carried this team last year.
By rowland
June 20, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Is Bob Wickman of Cleveland a closer possibility?
By Mike
June 20, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
I’m not for getting rid of anyone. Smoltz in particular. The formula that won us 14 straight division titles was pitching FIRST. If any veteran at least needs to restructure his contract or be dealt its Chipper. With the team spending down from the 90’s and Chippers production down, I would like to see him take a cut for the team. But seriously, let the team heal up from injuries and address the bullpen before calling for trades.
By Chopper Campbell
June 20, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
The Braves need money to vastly improve the bullpen, firstbase & left, in addition for the dire need of some speed and a leadoff hitter.
Emancipate Smoltzie to Detroit, & trade that primadonna on third to free up some money so we can address the Braves of 2007 & beyond !
Chipper an ICON? Maybe for his Mama & the girls dishing out the beer & wings at Hooters !
By Billy
June 20, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
I think the reason Salty will not be traded because the Braves are keen to the fact they would get no where near the talent they should for their number one prospect.
In other words:
Teams know the braves are desperate (to a certain extent) and it does not help a players tradabilty if he is batting .220 at AA (as a blogger posted earlier).
Bottom line is you cant trade Salty if your not going to get a fair amount back…espeicaly if your playoff situation is precarious (spelling?) at best.
I think the Braves will spin him off when his stock is at his highest…..see Andy Marte.
By Eric
June 20, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
Nice article. In your opinion DOB, I was just curious, what COULD the Braves get in return for a Hudson or a Smoltz? Not trying to stir something up, but I was just wondering what we could possibly get in return for guys like that. I have to look at the fact that Willis seems to be staying put in south Florida for now, and if J.S. dangled them (again a 1 in a million chance now) they would be easily the 2 best pitchers available, and you probably would get a whole loud of young talent in return, maybe 5-6 top prospects for the 2 of them? Just wondering.
By diehardfan
June 20, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
How sweet would it be to come from 14 back, win the wild card and beat the Mets in the playoffs? Wild card teams seem to have the edge in postseason anyway. Things have a way of leveling out. Tom Glavine is not going to win 20 games and the Mets … well they’re still the Mets. We’ll see.
By pat
June 20, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
The only thing that suck worse than the 3-17 braves record and the bull pen in general, are the fans. Everytime something goes wrong, it’s “Fire the whole team! Make Bobby Cox shovel S*! Scherholtz has got to go!” Sure lets get rid of a smodering chance at a play off run in the next decade by unloading the reasons we got there so many times. IF you want to make sure the Brave don’t go to the play offs for a long time, lets unload the vets, fire Bobby Cox and kick John Schurholtz out the door. We need a bullpen, not a pigpen. We get a bullpen, we can get us a winning season and who knows, maybe the Mets will collapse.
By Kman
June 20, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
DOB: Amen. I have no idea if the Braves will come back to playing the way they’re capable, but I certainly don’t agree with the masses (J.Kincade included) who are throwing in the towel with 90+ games left. He’s so accustomed to doing so with the Phillies I guess it just second nature. The Braves have not had consistency this year and have their share of problems, but yes, this is the same group that performed so well last year and I just think based on playing poorly in stretches in past years before the break, they will find a way to turn it around. Don’t know if it will be too late for a wildcard birth or not, but when they get some help (Davies, Chuck James, Horacio, etc)it could happen.
BTW, did anyone else notice during the Sunday night game after Frenchy hit the 3 run blast how Chipper had zero emotion? Maybe he was counting on the pen to blow it as they did, but I’m about tired of his attitude. The comments he made after the Remlinger throw where he said that even if he came off the bag to make the catch, they would have just a little chance to get out of the bases loaded jam p** me off.
By The Dude
June 20, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
Trade Chipper? Who is going to take his $13 million. By the way, he has restructured his contract, twice. He made concessions for the Braves last off season so they could resign Furcal and get a closer, which they did neither. Reitsma had proven he couldn’t be a closer, but the Braves couldn’t pull the trigger on anyone. Let’s see who was available: Billy Wagner, B.J. Ryan, Tom Gordon, Trevor Hoffman, Bob Wickman, Danny Baez, Kyle Farnsworth, Octavio Dotel (he’s about to come off the DL I think). The arms were there, how did the Braves get lost.
Someone the Braves should target…Scott Shields for the Angels. He’s got closer stuff in a set up roll.
By Lew
June 20, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
I can’t think of a better way to put it. Thank you DOB. It is now time for all true Braves fans to shut up and let it all play out. Go Zen people-it is what it is and next year will be better.
By Billy
June 20, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
DOB, mabey the chipper lack of excitement latley (if its true) could be a scoop for ya. I really dont know if thats the case becasue 90% of what we all see is preception and only half the time that pans out ot be true. But it’d be nice to know that he still part of the team. Shed some light on this because it make me worry that our clubhouse is fractured….and to me thats worse than losing since our organzaiton is built on chemistry. (well almost).
ahhhh….mabey tommorows blog…
By brian
June 20, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Great blog DOB. Smoltz isn’t going anywhere nor should he. Smoltz we want you a Brave for life.
DOB - I did notice in all those articles where they mentioned veterans not being traded nobody mentioned Giles as not being traded
By mcdwag
June 20, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
we need a lead off hitter-move chipper to 1st base-play betiment (3rd base) everyday as lead-off and get giles back to 2nd or even 7th-oh and by the way we need a closer
By J
June 20, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Regarding McCann & Salty, wouldn’t it be great if since they are still so young they can both learn to play a decent first base and rotate from first and catcher so both could be in the lineup… assuming they both keep progressing that is.
By Mad Mike
June 20, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
I just heard this rumor about Smoltz requesting to be traded earlier today at my office. I refused to believe it. It just hurt me to hear that Smoltz would do such a thing.
But I was at the game Sunday night (silver lining: I didn’t have to listen to Joe Morgan call the game)…after such a gut-wrenching loss, a frustrated reply on camera isn’t surprising.
I agree with your interpretation of Smoltz’ comment DOB, and I hope your article helps to minimize such unhealthy discussion. Think of not only what the Braves organization would lose, but also think of what the community of Atlanta would lose if such an unspeakable thing were to happen.
I think something else contributed to Smoltz’ frustration…the fact that a game played in Atlanta turned out more Red Sox fans than Braves fans. And they let me know they were there…as heartbreaking as it is to lose on a streak like we’re on, it’s even worse to be outnumbered in the stands at your home field. Don’t think for a minute that the Braves players aren’t affected.
By Not-A-Blogger
June 20, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
I noticed Chipper’s bored indifference, too, Kman.
Everyone in the dugout was cheering and glad-handing Frenchy, but when he walked over and hugged Chipper, our “team leader” never cracked a smile.
By Ed
June 20, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz knows he’s good enough to help a team win a world series now. He wants another ring and he knows his window of opportunity is closing. The Braves show no signs in the near future to make you think they can accomplish the winning of a World Championship. Not a Division title but a World championship. Other teams have become more aggressive in the free agent market and have shown a true sense of urgency to win. The Brave veterans have become complacient and the sophmores are starting to understand how long a major league season can be. McCann looks good but the rest of the kids including Frenchy have a lot to learn. How far out does a ball have to be out of the strike zone before Frenchy won’t swing. It’s getting old. The Tigers are were in the same position with their rookies about three years ago and now you see the results of their willingness to develop their kids. John Smoltz cannot wait that long before his career is over.
By carrollrmc
June 20, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
I believe that the announcer in sunday’s game said that smoltz himself had mentioned something about the possibility of him being traded.
By Adam
June 20, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
DOB: Ok, I confess, I was one of the bloggers advocating trading veterans and retooling for the future. Consider me abashed. Given that we do have 6 apparent strong pitchers for 2007 (with the return of Hampton), so you still think the Braves should go after Dontrelle Willis? Wouldn’t we be better served trying to trade for bullpen help?
By Ambiguata
June 20, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Smoltz deserves another shot at a WORLD SERIES title, not just the division - since niether is going to happen in Atlanta again during the remainder of his career, I say trade him out of respect for what he’s done for us……I saw the ESPN interview, and unlike everyone else I actually thought John sounded a bit excited about the possibility of going elsewhere, paticularly when he mentioned the Tigers by name. Anyone that thinks he wouldn’t love to finish his career with a competitive Detroit team is really kidding themselves.
By Kevin
June 20, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
DOB Great blog, I do have a question for you reagrding Andruw. While the Braves will keep him for this year and next, what are the chances of him again telling Boras he will do his own deal? I know last time he signed what is considered a below market contract. Will the UNION force him to let Boras negotiate or take a contract that is more than the Braves can afford—or will the new owners open up the check book? Thanks in advance
By The Dude
June 20, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Good post Ed.
By the way, I actually heard the interview with Smoltz. He didn’t just say “I’d consider it.” He specifically mentioned the Tigers and said that he understood that he still had value to a team that was making a run at the playoffs. He also said that he expected, not wanted, to be traded as soon as the front office decides the Braves have no chance of making the playoffs.
By Drez
June 20, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Everyone is screaming for bullpen help, but no one has suggested any names. There aren’t too many above-average closers on losing teams. Therefore, the Braves are stuck with what they have. We may get lucky and pluck a serviceable guy to booster the pen, but don’t look for a major splash. Closers are hard to come by, and the teams that have good ones, aren’t letting them go.
By Adam
June 20, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
I know there aren’t too many closers on poor teams that we could grab, but perhaps JS could pull off another Farsnworth-type deal. No one saw that coming, and he wasn’t widely viewed as a premier closer, but he sure did the job for us (in the regular season.)
By Phat Bat Boy
June 20, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
I haven’t done the math, but if the Braves have an $80M payroll, are they spending 5% (or $4M) on their bullpen? Maybe it is 8%, but I doubt that it is any higher than that. Is there any other reputable team in baseball with that type of imbalance? The reason to make a trade of one of the higher salaried players is to improve the bullpen by adding maybe another $4M in salaries to that crew (most likely next year). Of course, JS has to spend wisely, but is there really a way to build a quality bullpen by wrapping pennies and holding car washes? Telling me that our starting rotation looks strong next year and that we have 5 above average position players means nothing if we remain locked into an $80M budget and continue to shop for relievers at the Dollar Tree.
By The Dude
June 20, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Kevin
The good news about Andruw and his contract, the Yankees just signed Damon and the Mets have Beltran. There shouldn’t be too many other teams throwing out $20 million contracts except maybe the Red Sox…maybe they’ll go after Tori Hunter.
By paul kasko
June 20, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Hey jason, why would I watch the red sox. I like to watch winners. The Braves are a winning, classy organization. They’ll get it back together. The Red Sucks are a whining, losing organization. And have no class as their fans showed at Turner Field last weekend. P.S. How long are you going to milk that championship? 100 years of so.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB….I know it was another blog. But I have to ask you.
What’s your take on this whole “Chuck Tanner” thing?
just curious.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Great Post Phat Bat Boy.
By Adam
June 20, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
I bet Joe Borowski, the closer for the Marlins (and former Cubs closer) could be had for the right price. His 3.77 ERA and 11 saves in 12 opps would be welcome at Turner Field. Wonder if Schuerholz is exploring that one…
By nathan
June 20, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
I realize he is better than what we’ve got right now Adam, but if I’m not mistaken, we had Borowski at one time or another and he was HORRIBLE!
Kinda funny how things come full circle, isn’t it!
By Young
June 20, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
I think we need to trade all writers from the AJC and Atlanta. My grandmother can still write better than all of them even when she is dead.
By Bill
June 20, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Letting Smoltz go makes as much sense as letting Leo Mazzone get away - none.
By Tom McGill
June 20, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s contract can not be moved because he is dead wood. He has not done anything in the post-steroid era. They need to trade Smoltz, Thompson and LaRoche and get some young arms and a third base man with range. Also cut your lossses with Brian Jordan.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Yeah, your right Bill.
WHERE WOULD Baltamore’s pitching be without him?
By The Dude
June 20, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Bill,
Leo Mazzone is the most overrated person in the history of baseball. I’m not saying he was a bad pitching coach, but he was not the reason the Braves pitching was dominant for so long. You give anyone Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux…and they are going to have great pitching. By the way, Baltimore has a team ERA of 5.30, the Braves have a team ERA of 4.83.
By Brianna
June 20, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
What’s fair for Smoltz? The bullpen has blown five wins for him this season. That’s five career victories he deserved and which he should have added to climb the list of career win leaders. He’s at the point of his career where those things matter more than ever. At what point do we say it’s better for him somewhere else? I hate to say it, but it’s just not fair for him. Smoltz deserves better. And the fans do too. Either get some people to finish out the games or poor Smoltz will have to finish every game he starts if he ever wants to ensure a win again.
By Blake
June 20, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Young,
That is not funny, just stupid. You are now on two week posting probation
By ben
June 20, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Great blog DOB! I agree with you completely. Do you feel a trade involving LaRoche, Giles or Langerhans is in the works? I know it has been quiet for awhile, but I keep thinking the Braves are going to get Brad Lidge. I think the Astros might like to save a few bucks after the Rocket signed and they think highly of Qualls and Wheeler, and they did the same thing with Billy Wagner….Your thoughts???
By David O'Brien
June 20, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Couple quick things, while we wait for the Braves’ pre-series meeting about Blue Jays to end:
I didn’t mention Giles in the group of veterans, because yes, I think he could be traded before the deadline. If they could get some serious bullpen help for him, I’d do it and let Betemit play second base for rest of year, even though Betemit’s not a second baseman and won’t be exceptional there. At least he should hit.
Alfonseca, if he clears waivers is worth a shot because you’d only have to pay him prorated portion of minimum.
Wickman, yes, I think he’s a possibility, and moreso if the Indians fall faster.
By the way, Chipper just said in clubhouse that Smoltz and him and the others are all loyal to Braves and want to stay here, but that if _ IF _ they were approached about being traded they’d have to listen, just because they wouldn’t want to stay if they weren’t wanted here. Makes sense, right?
He also said that he’s certain “Johnny” wants to finish his career here, and Chipper said that he (Chipper) absolutely has not been approached by anyone from the Braves asking him about a trade or if he’d be receptive or anything else. He said if they had, you’d have heard about it in the paper by now (meaning he’d say so the minute they approached him).
By nathan
June 20, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
Well said The Dude. I was going to post the team ERA’s too, but I figured IGNORANT won’t pay attention to stats anyhow. Stat’s are just numbers. This whole 162 schedule thing is just a crap shoot!
Oh, BTW…thanks for the info DOB.
Are you avoiding my Chuck Tanner question?
By nathan
June 20, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
i meant to type IGNORANT PEOPLE in my last post.
And ignorant probably isn’t the right word. More like people with unfounded blind faith.
By Danno
June 20, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
Trade Smoltz and his cheesy beard out of the South post haste.
By Danno
June 20, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Trade Smoltz and his cheesy beard out of the South post haste.
By Antonio McNugget
June 20, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
carrollrmc Your right. Breaking news. Smoltz has accepted a trade to the Tigers but only if he is moved to the closer role, which he really wants anyway.
By Chop Chop
June 20, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
Thanks for that update, DOB. That’s why I like this blog so much. Getting the lowdown from the players is invaluable to fans like me.
By Thomas
June 20, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
Braves have 70% of their salaries tied up in Smoltz, Hudson, Jones, Jones, and Renteria. They are strapped and can’t afford a decent bullpen. I think it is time to look to the future now so we don’t go back to the Braves of 70’s and 80’s. I don’t see players ready to go in AAA and AA. Maybe Chuck James and Joey Devine are two to look for, but outside that I don’t see players in the pipeline to fill gaps for next year.
By billy g
June 20, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
I admit that I don’t know anything about handling a MLB team. All I can say is that it is a shame that Wilson Betemit is not a starter on this team. He has been patient and has worked hard to become a very good ball player.
With guys like Giles and LaRoche performing at mediocre levels, Shouldn’t the Braves at least look to trade one of them for a promising pitcher? Giles has appeal because he is miscast as a lead off hitter. He would look attractive to teams looking for some power at second base.
By Danno
June 20, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
Any chance Marcus Giles was on the juice based on his numbers?
By journalist jimmy smith
June 20, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
golly, great post. jeepers. and what is this, “casual media speculation”? was it casual media speculation when another newpaper journalist from a suburban newspaper broke the story that the atlanta braves were to be sold? that speculation was scoffed at and dismissed as so much ill-informed blather. turns out the other guy was right - they are for sale - maybe already sold. so, is it casual media speculation that some veterans might be moved to contenders? (always wanted to be a conten-duh.) journalist jimmy smith says if you commit troops and say they have orders not to shoot and have no ammunition then they are not to be feared. if you say the marines are here and they are the meanest and best we can bring - there’s no telling what they’ll do if they are provoked - you give pause for thought.
if js plays it close to the vest as dob reports, then he doesn’t reveal his plans. there is nothing to gain from having his thoughts and strategies publicized for all to see - unless he wants to send a message to some guys who may still want to be braves next year. the better message might be, we need to win some games and our vets need to step up or there’s no telling what we may do to get things straightened out. that’s the message that might bring some results.
By paluka
June 20, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
DOB: These people who say trade Smolts, chipper et al. are not true baseball fans. In todays market haow can any team sign a top of the rotation pitcher for 8million and a career .300 hitter for 11 million. On top of that these two Chipper and Smoltz have been extremely loyal to the Braves organization. By thje way any more rumors about Betemit to San Diego for Scott Linebrink? I think Bobby has played Betemit the last couple games at third to showcase him for San Diego. I would think they are desperate for a 3rd baseman.If they do trade Betemit I would not think that would stop JS from still trying to trade Giles. Remember the Braves have a glut of middle infielders in the system. Do you think Toronto may have any interset in Giles. They could use a 2nd baseman. I’m not sure who would come in return. I dont think (as previously mentioned) that Hillenbrand is a good fit for the Braves.Also who may be intersested in Horacio. With next years probable rotation Haracio doesn’t really fit.
By Poopy pants cox
June 20, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this
I just took a massive dump of crap. It took 3 trys to flush the damn turd down. It was filled with corn as well. I need to get my colon scoped.
By dfree
June 20, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this
thanks DOB, it’s good to have someone to set the record straight, i think objectively looking at this team, the bullpen has basically kept them from being where they are accustomed, the hitting is streaky but a lot of that is due to the moral of this team being zapped by hurendous bullpen work, the starters are pretty good,strike thomson and sosa, and add davies and james and things will be fine, if they could just get a true closer, or someone (sadly not ken ray) to take over the job, the bullpen might settle down, plug in some new names, a young guy, the bullpen is the problem,hopefully it can be fixed
By Jace
June 20, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this
I have been a Braves fan since the day I was born. I can honestly say that i am a subscriber to every Braves publication both on and off the internet. For ten months out of the year I dedicate my life to the Braves. For the last thirteen years I have always known that the Braves run in the playoffs would eventually end, but if the Braves end up trading off the players that built this franchise, what kind of message is being sent?? Thanks for the memories, but we are looking for next year. No, the Braves are not the Yankees or Mets, who dump players as soon as production begins to fade. We are the Braves and we build our team to succeed. BC and JS have stuck to their recipe for all of these years and it has worked. Who says it won’t again. Granted the Mets are the best team in the NL right now, our team is in shambles, but we can’t give up on them this easy. This is the time that OUR team needs us the most. Their confidence is shot and it doesn’t help when an away team has more fan support in our own back yard. The team needs its fans and the local media to stand up for them. For the first time in many years, we need a town to stand by its team like it did in the early 90’s. Remember the “Beat L.A.” signs? Remember when the “Chop” was started. The Braves were down during those times, and they fought back. This team has always been a fighter, this year’s team has fight left in it. They showed us last year what they could do. So what if they dont make the playoffs this year? The streak is going to end sometime. Maybe its time to show Atlanta that we have been spoiled, and its time to bring back the fan support of old. I know we just had a record weekend against the Red Sox, but what about the other series. The Marlins came to town and that kind of attendence didn’t show up.
Another thing is that the Reds are leading the wild card for crying out loud. We cannot give up on this team now. Regardless of how much it hurts for me to see this team play so poorly, I am not going to lose faith. It’s time for Atlanta to stand by its team, like we used to.
By Hal
June 20, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
unfounded blind faith theres a lot of that going around these days ! Btw the marlins took a shot at Borowski (who yes sucked here) we stayed with Reitsma .Now who has blind faith and who is in plast place ahhhh that is the question Julius
By michael
June 20, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
obviously the bullpen needs a lot of help but the Braves are in serious need of a leadoff hitter too! I love Giles and all but a leadoff hitter he’s not. I saw Reyes’(Mets) stats this weekend and thought it was a misprint. 30 stolen bases!! how about the Braves don’t have 30 stolen bases as a team!! having men on base changes everything. and why is andruw still batting 4th? and why does Pratt bat at all? oh forget it! So many holes to fill, so little time.(and money)
but, alas, I’ll still be watching and hoping the guys pull another magic trick this season.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 20, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this
journalist bob, aka rip van winkle, either you are taking a very long nap, or dob has succeeded in running you away from the blog. which is it? all self-important journalists must remember we are dealing with a professional (his ingers are registered as lethal weapons - but only the two he uses to type articles). return, bob, and do some more baseball journalism. a journalist must have a thick hide like the old journalist. your friend, journalist jimmy smith.
By sam
June 20, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
I would rather see management begin to rebuild for the future than to give up good talent in an effort to win the wild card this year. Short range planning is sometimes counter productive to long range planning and I think this would be the case in this situation.
By Nelson
June 20, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
A Smoltz trade will be a shot on the head for the Braves Organization! He is the only veteran with guts in this team and is my favorite player too, Andruw and Chiper still have to prove me that they can turn around this situation hitting in the clutch and under pressure, something apparently they forgot, to me that is the other problem we have (besides the bullpen), I said it many times that Andruw is a not a good clean-up hitter but every body jumps over me routing for him, and in my modest opinion this one-two is far away of that one we had in Justice and Mc Griff. We need what we can’t pay for, and in other hands is time Bobby Cox stop calling the players: Gilly, Rochy, Franchy, etc. and start demanding them to play hard and fix their offensive problems, make Pendelton work overtime with them or bring back Don Baylor (remember he made Chiper hit home-runs hitting right handed).
By fart
June 20, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
Good Article DOB,These morons can’t seem to get it in their heads that Smoltz can’t be traded without his consent.they evidently don’t understand how the 10/5 player status works.The problem is not trading Smolts or the Jones boys,they are not the problem and it makes no sense to trade them,the problem is with upper level management and also with local management,Bobby C is the problem and so is john S.Both need to be fired and replaced with someone new.Then the next problem to be fixed is to get rid of the deadwood,Jordan,Pratt,Remlinger,Reitsma.Also Thomson and Sosa.get rid of all these losers and use the talent we have down on the farm,ie Barry,sartup,Jurries,James,B.pena,then you trade Giles and maybe Laroche for a descent closer,not bob Wickman,Scott Sullivan is a much better option and also go after Alfonseca.
By Tony Almeida
June 20, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
What are you people talking about????? Trades???
Schuerholtz hasn’t made a trade all season, what makes you think he’s going to stop signing his books and start now?
By teoa
June 20, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
Nice article, DOB. I quit as a Braves fan if Smoltz is traded, so it’s good to hear there’s a little sanity and/or desire to win left somewhere in the organization. Now, if you can just get the morons to stop blaming Smoltz for Scheurholtz inability to find a closer. Obviously Smoltz is desperately needed on this team as both a #1 starter and a closer, but last I checked that’s not exactly possible. Whatever he says is best for his arm is the right thing to do. Smoltz is perhaps the only bright spot on the team this year, and it’s not his fault that everyone around him sucks, especially the bullpen which will prevent him from having another All Star year. If he was a closer, however, I have not doubt the weak starters would be preventing him from having an All Star year. With a team this bad, you can’t win — even with an all-time great winner like Smoltz.
By Nelson
June 20, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
Congratulations, FART I’m with you, both Bobby and JS were discarding players with attitude all over the years like Ron Gant, David Justice, Gary Sheffield,etc. etc. just because they were difficult to handle by Bobby Cox and the excuse were either discipline problems or Saving Money, giving credit to JS ability to trade but what they have done is killing the spirit of this team.
By David O'Brien
June 20, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy, I notice you conveniently left out the part about the Braves being sold to arthur blank, and your insistence for the next week or several weeks that it was still going to be sold to blank despite the AJC’s reports of discussions with other parties.
or did you forget that part, the part about blank, about how it didn’t matter what we wrote, that the team was going to be sold to blank and might have already been a deal done? just wondering if you forgot that. maybe I can have the tech guys fish up those many posts of yours, the ones with the no-doubt-about-it assertions that blank was buying them.
i do still have that two-sentence note from the suburban paper, if you want to see it again. the one you say broke the story, they had arthur blank in negotiations to buy the team. two sentences, nothing more after that. i guess that’s breaking the story.
i guess Tim Tucker at the AJC hasn’t been the one ahead of the curve on that story at every turn. no, it’s been the suburban paper, which did have that two-sentence note.
good work keeping us informed of the real chronology of how that story got reported, journalist jimmy.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
teoa
I’m sure there were a LOT of people in Seattle that said the same thing about Griffey JR, Arod and Randy Johnson.
But as I recall they did win 116 (or was it 118?) games a couple of years after trading those 3 guys. They traded 3 future hall of famers from their roster, cleared up a LOT of payroll. They made wise trades. Signed Ichiro. People keep talking about players such as Chipper being an icon. It’s justified based on his past in Atlanta. But you can’t play both sides of the coin.
What I mean is this.
Is JS a Great GM like everybody says? Well…..if he is, then he SURELY could be resourceful enough to make a move to bring the NEXT ICON to Atlanta.
Before you jump all over me, I’m not saying “TRADE CHIPPER”.
I’m just saying be open to the idea. Especially if HE is open to it. That goes for Smoltz and Andruw too.
I’m not saying it would be a LOCK to happen, but, who are you to say the players they got in return or were able to sign as free agents with the cash that would be available, wouldn’t be better TEAM players that would ultimately help this city win WS Championships. When I say TEAM players, I don’t mean that those 3 guys don’t like the braves or try to do what they think they do best. But c’mon! Sometimes change can be frightening, but it also can be a good thing.
I’ve said it before. If Dale Murphy can get traded (no matter how bad he was at that point) than ANYBODY can get traded.
Having said all that, DOB has opened my eyes a little bit with some of his “numbers”, and I feel with a couple of tweaks, this team will be fine NEXT YEAR. I think this year is a lost cause.
So don’t call other baseball fans, who have watched other teams “sell” off their good players, only to replace them with other good players or better players, bandwagon jumpers.
Sometimes the hardest thing to do with people (or sports heros) is to let go. For sure the hardest part is to know WHEN to let go!
By Chop Chop
June 20, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
I’m watching the local news (NBC affiliate WALB here in Albany, GA) and the lead sports story was Smoltz being open to a trade.
DOB, I don’t think they read your blog.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me Nelson? Ron Gant was discarded!!!!!!!
He won (at the time) the BIGGEST 1 year salary ever given to a player in arbitration. I believe it was around 5 million.
Then he proceeded to Ride a dirt bike. If I rembember correctly he tore his ACL. Not sure though. The Braves then tried to get Money back or void the contract (which I believe they successfully did). Chipper was to win the LF job after a good spring. He tore his ACL. Enter Ryan Klesko.
After that there was no “need” for Gant. (AGAIN another FAN FAVORITE! - had they dumped him for salary purposes, everybody would’ve jumped off a bridge. But they had GOOD replacements waiting.)
So don’t say he was difficult to get along with. Obviously people upstairs in the Braves organization didn’t have a problem with him, why else would they bring him back to work on TBS?
By Chop Chop
June 20, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this
In other words, it is “real news” if media outlets run with it and beat viewers over the head with it. Kind of like when Republicans push for votes on hot-button issues to try to get their base fired up. It’s not really news, but it is news.
By Larry
June 20, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
TRADE SMOLTZ NOW!!!!! HE SUCKS LIKE THE REST OF EM’, HOW ABOUT A SHUT OUT EVERY NOW AND THEN?
By Big Al
June 20, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
I think DOB is missing the whole point regarding the future of the Braves. Yes they can hang onto their core high-salaried players for 1-2 more years. But, unless major upgrades occurr with the Bullpen, the days of playoff games are little more than a pipedream. Then, JS is faced with rebuilding except he will no longer have viable trade options that he does now.
If we trade Smoltz now, we can get a young fireballer who can give us another 10-12 years of top production instead of John’s 1-2. Same could be said for Hudson. If we start a bidding war among the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and others, we could outfit ourselves for the next decade or more. ffered.
By krath
June 20, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
“And they have Francoeur, McCann, Renteria, Chipper, Andruw at five of eight positions.”
Last time I checked, they had those guys this year and although the pen has been the primary culprit in more than half the losses, this group has collectively failed to hit in the clutch many times in the last couple of months. A few timely hits would have resulted in perhaps a dozen more wins.
“And they have Francoeur, McCann, Renteria, Chipper, Andruw at five of eight positions.”
And this group is also part of the group that is striking out at a record pace for the Braves.
McCann has been great! Edgar has been steady (until late) Francoeur has been Jekyll and Hyde. Andrew has been Andrew (Hot or cold..but now is capable of luke warm to which is not bad) and then there is Chipper. The guy is on the downhill side of his career. Can we expect him to be steady for years to come both in production and health? Hey…. none of these guys suck, but you have to think about chemistry and what you might get in return if you change the chemistry. Don’t tell me it could be worse…..we are seeing “worse” now.
Smoltz will be cheap next year no doubt, but what is going to be different next year than this debacle if some of the faces don’t change? An affordable Smoltz pitching another year for a team that just doesn’t have the tools to win? Then why keep him to pitch for a mediocre team?
I don’t advocate a fire sale, but I don’t think there is one player I wouldn’t listen to offers for (including Smoltz) if it would help me in the future.
This is a young team. Would not hurt my feelings to get a couple of teams number one pitching prospects for a John Smoltz or even Andrew Jones.
Anyone who thinks that this team will be better in the future by not listening to offers and making tough deals has been drinking funny Kool-Aid. JS said in today’s AJC he isn’t moving vets or top prospects (Salty) Does anyone think other teams are just going to drop top talent in your lap for your scrubs? If… Boyer…If….Devine…..IF….Hampton.
Well if my aunt had…….. you get the picture.
Geez!
By Hotrod
June 20, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
I say leave the team as is and let them learn how to become winners again.We will be better for it and the season will be more entertaining. Bring up and send down but don’t go on a spending spree and trade our heart and soul.
These next wins will really mean something,you watch.
By Todd A
June 20, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
Let’s bring back Brad Clontz and give him a shot at closer.
By Nelson
June 20, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this
O.K. Nathan you won I forgot about that, but tell me why David Justice, after he and Glavine gave us th only WS in Atlanta? I want to know also why they didn’t keep Jermaine Dye? I know they preferred Andruw over him, but they could keep both.
By Steve
June 20, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
Anyone think that Mike Gonzalez of the Pirates could be available?
By journalist jimmy smith
June 20, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
a bit tender aren’t we, dob? yes, it was reported that arthur blank was in discussions to buy the braves. that was reported by associate editor bill kinney in the mdj. two sentences or two pages, most would call it a scoop for bill. the talks with blank did in fact take place - and blank confirmed it. the greater story was that the team was for sale- and we learned that from a neighbor newspaper.
jimmy smith’s recollection is that you were unaware. the fact the blank withdrew after the talks were made public and others entered the arena is of little consequence. jimmy smith’s insistence was merely that blank was indeed the one having talks with the braves - and that htose talks continued. he was indeed working to buy the braves. he continued talks beyond the supposed “withdrawal” - you can have your tech guy look that up, too. journalist also confirmed this from twb (that won’t mean anything to you - but tim tucker will know). tim tucker eventually reported blank got back in the talks and was one of three contenders (always wanted to be a contend-uh). so, spin it any way you will and be sure and have that tech guy take a shot at the archives. enjoy the game.
By Larry
June 20, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
IT DOES’NT TAKE A BRAIN SURGEON TO SEE THAT, IF WE HAD A DECENT BULL PEN, AND A SO-SO CLOSER, THAT WE WOULD BE RIGHT IN THE THICK OF THINGS.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
Ok, first of all there are no “trade rumors” about John Smoltz. Anyone who watched the game Sunday night heard him say….He’d liked to be traded to the Detroit Tigers. Ok, maybe not his exact words, but if you can’t read between those lines I can’t help ya. If we can get something to help our bullpen………I say thanks for the memories John and don’t let the door hit you on the way out. I frankly am disappointed that he would go on the ESPN Sunday game of the week and say………..well, since my team is struggling and for the first time in 14years I want to be traded. NO, that’s not what he said but that’s what I heard.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
Nelson. I agree with you on Dye. Even though he has been hurt through out his career. And Tucker was kinda serviceable for a couple of years. Not sure why Lockhart is not still not here since Cox thought he was so good! LOL
I think the Justice/Grissom for Lofton & Embree was a good trade. It just so happened that Lofton hurt his foot and couldn’t run. Too bad for us I guess.
Though Grissom was a “gamer”
By Todd A
June 20, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
Schuerholz needs to swallow his pride and at least entertain offers for Chipper,Andruw,Smoltz,Hudson,and Renteria.This ship has been taking on water for several years.1995 was 11 years ago.We’re not going to get back to that level with this core group of veterans.We wouldn’t be getting put out in the 1st round of the playoffs every year if that wasn’t the case.Oh….I lost my train of thought there for a moment.I was talking about a world Series championship.I forgot Schuerholz and Cox are only enamored with winning a division championship.Grab the duct tape,and go rent me a closer.
By krath
June 20, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
I agree with Mark. I know what I heard during the game Sunday night. Where Smoltz didn’t ask for a trade, the tone of his voice, the way he said what he said… he indicated that he would relish the thought of being in a pennant race with someone other than the Braves.
It didn’t take an ESPN, AJC, or SI reporter telling me what I should believe or not. I know what I heard and I know who said it. Sounded to me like someone who had given up and was looking for an “out.’ I wouldn’t give him away, but I would listen to offers because SMOLTZ TOLD EVERY TEAM IN THE PENNANT RACE HE WAS AVAILIBLE IF THEY COULD DO A DEAL WITH THE BRAVES!
By Todd A
June 20, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
It sure sounded like Smoltz was open to the possibility of a trade.He didn’t emphatically shoot down the idea.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this
I heard some points on Baseball Tonight last night about Smoltz that I thought were valid. He’s given his heart to the Braves through all of the division titles. So, if he like everyone else thinks this season is over (Yeah, it doesn’t look good!) and goes “PRIVATELY” to Braves management and says he’s willing to be traded if it will help the team and give he a shot at another ring in his home town. I’d say the Braves owe it to him for his services and dedication to the team. BUT to go on national TV and say my team stinks and it’s no fun so trade me is sooooo tacky!! Again, he didn’t say those words but he made himself very clear of what he wanted. Did anyone see Dale Murphy go on ESPN and ask to be traded?
By J WALKER
June 20, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
Of course John Smoltz shouldn’t be traded… The Braves have traded away their future… Adam Wainwright, Jose Cappellan, and Dan Myers… The scouting has been great for the last fif teen years… but the bad trades have detroyed the Braves…
By krath
June 20, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
Key word “future”
By ktthebrick
June 20, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this
Great post DOB. For those of you out there that would like to trade Smoltz, Andruw, Chipper, etc., why don’t you just go enjoy watching the Cubs or the Rockies win their divisions. Just SHUT UP! 14 division titles in a row.Are you even able to comprehend what kind of feat that is? Or are you so caught up in trying to assemble your fantasy team in Atlanta that you don’t know what is happening in the real world? I don’t necessarily think that the Braves will come back and win the division, but I do think that the organization should be given the benefit of the doubt. Do they need help in the pen? Absolutely. Need a big bat or two? Sure. Less loyalty (ie playing time)for Brian Jordan? Yes. Two baseballs and a wad of used tobacco for Reitsma? No doubt. But stop with all of these silly trade posts. With #29, you are talking about the best postseason pitcher in the history of the game! Just support the Braves. If it’s over, it’s over, but what a ride it’s been. Think about that when the pen blows one.We have been fortunate to see one of the greatest dynasties ever in team sports.Go BRAVES!
By BW
June 20, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this
Very well said. We’ve played terrible, but the team has potential - and a lot of great young players.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
ktthebrick. Smoltz didn’t exactly come out and put the trade rumors to rest did he? How about saying……..I support my team and we are going through a tough time but I have no desire to be traded. Or even but……..how about just say nothing. The was a taped interview that he agreed to give. He may as well have schedule an interview on CNN to the world saying…….please trade me to Detriot!
By Ran E.
June 20, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this
Great article, Smoltz is going nowhere any time soon, the Bravos learned a valuable lesson about putting thoroghbreads out to pasture to soon. Andrew Jones will be gone soon or by next season for sure, he’s proving last season was a fluke for sure. He has no discipline and after ten years in the majors he’s not going to change. His glove has kept him with the Braves for so long, that and the fact his contact demands were reasonable. The Braves have to move soon to captilize on last years remarkable showing. Now they can get a solid reliever and possibly a very good starter for the future.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this
Pete just said on radio that the pitcher for the blue jays tops out about 85 on the radar gun. Sounds like Bobby’s kinda man!
Let’s trade for him and put him in the closer’s roll.
By brian
June 20, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
Smoltz will not be traded and neither will the Joneses. I just don’t see it. The Braves do have a chance to right a wrong and bring back Wainwright from St. Louis. They want Giles and we need relief help. He is a young pitcher dominating in the bullpen with a high ceiling - could also develop into a #2 starter. MAKE THAT TRADE.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
Yeah, nice a bat Chipper.
I can’t see how all of you want to get rid of this stud. Millions of dollars for a Pop Up Machine!
Boy is he struggling right now. It’s actually really hard to watch (actually I’m listening), but either way!
By krath
June 20, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this
Won 14 in a row and the end is here. The “heart and soul” of the Braves has practically asked for a trade on national TV. (he wants out so you arent doing him any favors campaigning for his retention) There is something going on now that hasn’t had to be addressed for 14 years…it’s called rebuilding. Or should we just sit on the porch and rock and remember that the Braves won 14 in a row once? That post sounded like the right thing to do is just sit and not stir the pot and accept the fact that it was a great run. Let’s not ruffle any feathers trying to get back by moving some folks who have been here a while.
So if it’s silly to talk about making a trade that would strengthen the Braves in the future by moving a Great Guy who has been here since day one and is only going to be around another year or two and has told the world he would entertain a trade if the team would………then so be it!
It’s a business. Ask Glavine. Ask Furcal. Ask Maddog. Ask JD Drew. Ask Sheffield. Ask Andruw’s agent who said there would be no home town discount when Andruw’s contract runs out.
It seems it would be good baseball business to never rule out moving any player who could be more valuable as a trade piece.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this
Rumor has it the Bobby worked out Gene Garber today at Turner Field……….Bobby said, “the kid looked great!”
By nathan
June 20, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this
DOB…..ealier today I asked you about batting McCann in the 3-Hole. We agreed about it being a bold move and maybe bothering Chipper a little bit. Also you mentioned the speed factor playing in, and not wanting McCann to “clog” up the bases.
I thought of an exception to this scenario. Now hear me out, I’m not comparing McCann to him just yet. But what about Tony Gwynn? He sure wasn’t “fast” at any time, especially late in his career. Now, Gwynn maybe batted 2nd earlier in his career. But either way, it’s at the top of the order.
IMO your best hitter should be in the 3-hole. Chipper’s power is down but his average is still good. But overall, McCann has had way more “quality” at bats than anybody this side of renteria in this lineup.
Not tryin’ to argue with you DOB. I just thought about it a little while ago, thought I’d mention it.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
Who wants to bet that McCann gets on base somehow this at bat?
Here’s the bet:
If he gets a hit or a walk (I even spot you the errors), I’ll hang around and bother you all night.
If he makes an out. I’ll logout and stay off the blogs.
Just to prove my point that he should bat in the 1st inning every day.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
WP doesn’t count as an error, does it? LOL
See, he’s so good, he even knows “which” pitches to swing and miss at!
By Kent
June 20, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
DOB is absolutely right. The Braves aren’t trading Smoltz or anyone else that factors into Atlanta’s plans for next season.
I keep hearing phrases like “the beginning of the end”. That’s just silly. If by that they mean the end of the consecutive division streak, then yes, it’s the end. But that’s the only thing that’s ending.
We’re still in the Wild Card hunt, but we’ll fade out of that picture fast if Shuerholz can’t swing a couple of deals for relievers. However, the Braves have proven over and over that they will not pawn their future to stop the bleeding right now. If we have to sacrifice this season in order to preserve realisitic championship hopes next year, I’m okay with that.
In any event, the Braves future is still quite bright. That’s especially true of next season when Mike Hamton and Blaine Boyer should both return healthy. We will still need bullpen help, but if we’re talking about next season, there’s plenty of time between now and April.
This is more than just a little bump in the road, and it sure is hard for this Braves fan to take (even though I remember the 80’s quite well). But the Braves winning tradition is not coming to an end. We’re not even close to the end.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Nathan. McCann is a hitting machine. After he came up last year, I thought he would be a great catcher but not much of a hitter. The 3-run HR hit off Clemens in the playoffs last year started changing my mind.
By Braves Man
June 20, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
Elbravo X, you are a complete douchebag who should not be allowed to discuss anything about the Braves. Go pull for whoever is in first this year you loser. We need bullpen help, but not at the expense of Smoltz who has put everything he has into this organization and US (THE FANS) FOR 15+ YEARS! Smoltz keep firing the heat my man! ELBRAVO X = LOSER!
By Robert
June 20, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
Gonna repost a question here since noone answered it on another blog
To those who think Donkey Cox hung the moon
Please name for me the list of managers that y’all think could NOT have won one WS title with the Braves teams of 1991-2005.
They dont have to be real baseball managers. Any human being who y’all think could not have won a single WS with the Maddux-Glavine-Smoltz teams
My list - Boo Hadley, Lennie Small,Raymond Babbitt, and Mike Hargrove
By nathan
June 20, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
I don’t mean to beat a dead horse or repeat somthing I’ve said 1000 times. Isn’t it curious that most of the time Sosa gets throught the order once, before it starts to unravel. I’m not a GM or a Major League Manager, but it’s seems rather obvious to me that he has reliever written all over himself.
I’m not convinced he’d make a good closer though. I think he’s to erratic and inconsistant to be “relied” on in the 9th inning. But it’s obvious how electric his STUFF is. He just doesn’t have either the mental make up to be a starter by thinking and adjusting through the order the 2nd time, or his stamina is an issue. Location is a constant problem with him too.
But I’m sure Bobby will keep on puttin him out there every 5th day.
I can here the quotes already:
“the umps were squeezing him, just a couple a bloops. It’s really just a crap shoot out there on the mound. It could really go either way. You’ve basically got a 50/50 shot at winning or losing! LOL!
By Robert
June 20, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
You forgot “He only threw one bad pitch” (to explain the grand slam home run) “Sosey looked great out there.” and “He’s been highly touted for weeks”
Why is it that Cox will say some of the absolute STUPIDEST things you will ever hear, and the Atlanta press eats it up and treats it like he is making scripture as he talks?
I wish Cox would just tell the truth once.
“I really dont know what happened. I had one finger up my nose and one finger up my behind. That guy for the other team hit the balla long way. I said a bad word, licked my fingers, and went back to what I was doing”
By zulu
June 20, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
the name-calling is fantastic.
By Robert
June 20, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
More Bobby Cox
“I really never know which finger I’m gonna lick. It tastes better when it’s not the one that’s been up my butt, but it’s really just a crapshoot, literally and figuratively”
By Mark
June 20, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
Please name for me the list of managers that y’all think could NOT have won one WS title with the Braves teams of 1991-2005.
Chuck Tanner Eddie Haas Russ Nixon Bobby Wine
By hammerdown
June 20, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
So, robert and nathan, what you rather have Bobby do? Trash the guy in the AJC, so you can get the joy of his agreeing with you in public?
By Mark
June 20, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
Good job Sosa giving that run back….Please don’t give us hope or anything.
By zulu
June 20, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
If Smoltz wants to go back to yankeeland like Glavine, good-bye! I think John likes the Bible belt, though.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
hammerdown….. I think his point is “don’t blow smoke up are behinds” like we aren’t watching the same game he is. WE ARE TIRED OF HEARING EXCUSES! Just say we know we stink right now but we aren’t going to just quit!
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe how many times this team fails to get people over with bunts. BAD PLAYERS BEING COACHED BY BAD COACHES.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
just watch. Giles will fly out. It would’ve been deep enough to get the run in.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
hammerdown. what the hell are you talking about. Are you responding to somthing I posted 3 weeks ago. I don’t even recall, anything today that I’ve mentioned about having anything to do with Bobby disciplining anybody?
By zulu
June 20, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
Giles is a good .240 hitter. Keep starting him, Bobby!
By hammerdown
June 20, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
sorry, Mark, don’t think these guys actually have “points” other than to read their own words in the blog. Certainly excoriating Bobby with the less-than-humourous donkey references is evidence of a somewhat juvenile mentality.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
By the way. Leave it to the Braves and they’re GREAT advanced scouting, and ability to execute a “game plan”, to make a guy with 9.00 ERA look like Bob Gibson.
WHAT A JOKE. When it rains it pours!
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this
*The Jays called up RHP Josh Towers to start tonight, Lilly moved back to tomorrow. If Braves can’t win tonight, even with Sosa pitching, they might not win again this month. I say that because Towers is 1-8 with a 9.00 ERA in 10 starts this season. *
UH-OH! DOB. Not looking so good is it.
For those of you not on the other blogs today. DOB posted the above statement on one of them.
THIS IS UUUUUUUGLEEEEEEE!
By JasonInMaine
June 20, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
This team is ATROCIOUS!!! Another game…more failed attempts at playing fundamental baseball. Can’t bunt. Can’t get a runner over when runners on are 1st and 2nd no one out. Chipper has no range. Renteria has been great, but has not gotten to at least two balls that Furcal would have fielded and thrown the runner out. I keep thinking the last 20 games has been an anomaly, but they get worse every game they play.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
hammerdow. I think I figured it out. Your mocking me, mocking bobby’s quotes.
To answer your question. NO
I don’t expect him to trash him in public. How about just get him the HELL out of the rotation. It’s that simple. There has to be a rookie with promise in the minors that could do just as bad of job as he is.
But, yeah! Ripping sombody in public has been known to work before. Ask Jim Leyland how that worked out earlier this year. He’s a Major League Manager. Not their Mommy! Have somebody actually be accountable for their actions!
By zulu
June 20, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
I think AJ was a little peaved someone was challenging his arm.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
It appears as though I’m talking to myself, but I’ll keep going anyway.
Not only should Sosa NOT be in the rotation. But Bobby surely should not be trying to “squeeze” 7 or 8 innings out of him. I mean, what’s the difference. Sosa getting pounded, or bringing somebody in from the bullpen to get hammered.
By ernesto
June 20, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
It’s just occured to me, what’s our record since the Torborg/What’s his name duo took over…I blame them for this curse…and Sosa’s grooved pitches, and the Bullpen that never was, and Frenchy’s” I never met a bad pitch I didn’t like”, I mean plate aggressiveness. Damn you Fox!
By Mark
June 20, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
Nathan I’m hearing you and I agree with most of what you are saying……you aren’t alone.
By hammerdown
June 20, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this
nathan, do you have folks who work for you, report to you in some capacity? When they screw up, do you take them out in front of your other employees and berate them about their shortcomings? Sorry, that’s just not a leadership style designed to make your folks more productive. The quickest way to failure is to be afraid to fail, even more so for highly-skilled athletes. I don’t agree with everything Bobby does (I’m certainly not salivating at the thought of more Sosa starts), but his leadership of this ball club is not now, nor has it ever been, in question.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
Ok, now for my positive comment of the night……McCann can freaking hit ropes all day!!
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
Dang! Can McCann hit. He’s so patient and doesn’t over swing. Maybe Brian should entertain the idea of being player/hitting coach!
By Tony Almeida
June 20, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Anybody in the mood for a big fat bean burrito?
By Mark
June 20, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
Let’s talk about Bobby’s leadership in the playoffs………Ok, lets not and say we did.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
I disagree hammerdown. And I’m not being an A$$. Just my opinion. I think failure to fail is a perfect recipe for success. Keeps you on your toes. Yes I do have people that work for me. But , no….none of them make MILLIONS of dollars. If you’re gonna “take” the money, you better take the criticism like a man.
But I see your point. Everybdody handles stuff differently. If it was me I’d just not start him anymore. Action….not words.
By Todd A
June 20, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
Nathan,I hear you.I agree with much of what you say too(although I think Loftin for Justice was a travesty).I know you’re a die-hard,just like me.
I think Schuerholz is losing his grip on reality if he thinks this team +Mike Hampton will be able to compete with the Mets next year.Someone buy him a belt,because I think his suspenders are too tight.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
Well, I’ll be darn…..we tied it up. But just like I said the other night when Frenchy hit the 3-run jack……it ain’t over yet…here comes the bullpen!!!! Anyone feel confident????
By krath
June 20, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
Laroche actually hung in there and moved the ball which resulted in a run! Very good out especially considering how things have been going lately.
By Tony Almeida
June 20, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
God Bless Pete Orr and his .200 average.
By hammerdown
June 20, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
nathan, I didn’t think you were being an a$$. And certainly the blog here isn’t the right venue for a long discourse on management philosophy, or on fear (or lack of fear) of failure. just my two cents.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I agree……..If we are hoping Mike Hampton is the saviour of the team next year we are in trouble. I wasn’t all that excited when we got him or all the disappointed when he went on the DL.
By Todd A
June 20, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
well…that tie game was short lived.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
hammerdown. I meant to say fear of failure. which I assume you figured out.
And I meant to say “not trying to be an A$$ with what i’m about to say.”
It’s all good though. Just friendly discussion/argument/opions, right! LOL
NICE call mark on the pigpen! That’s my new name for all of them.
By TennesseePaul
June 20, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
Did anyone else see the first Dayton Moore move? Sheesh… glad he isn’t taking over for JS just yet. The Royals top prospect for Garthright… Not so sure about that move.
By Todd A
June 20, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
Uh oh…those dreaded four words: “Activity in the pen.”
By ncscoots
June 20, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
jimmy, wake up Bob. I’m back, and it’s time we returned some sanity to this blog.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
not sure about that one either Tennessee Paul. But hey, at least he’s making moves!
By Mark
June 20, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
Can we hit the “restart” button and start this season over???????? Seriously, other than Fracoeur’s Slam and Chipper’s game winner I’m having a hard time remembering much of this season worth remembering. If I’m not mistaken the bullpen had blown the leads in those games also. Thank goodness we had the last at bat in those two games.
By krath
June 20, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does this Stockman have pretty average looking stuff? I mean I know triple A ain’t the big leagues but he doesnt look like he has the kind of stuff to put up the kind of numbers he did down there.
By Nate Raymond In Maine
June 20, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
I think It is stupid to trade smoltz. If you trade smoltz trade them all. I think smoltz is still valuable and a good down to earth ball player. Trade laroche or even better Andruw Jones. His agent is a jerk and wont let Andruw sign for a hoem town discount. I want to keep him but I hate his agent Scott Boras.
By Bobby Cox
June 20, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
When the cameraman spots me in the dugout you might notice a finger or two up my nose. If its one finger, that means Remmy is about to enter the game. If its two fingers, Reitsma is about to come in. Just a little insight for you hardcore Braves’ fans!
Speaking of Reitsma, I can’t wait until he returns. He’s been looking sharp throwing batting practice. He struck out Frenchie on three piches.
Someone mentioned Brad Clontz. That’s ironic because John just told me our scouts spotted Clontzie in a beer league up in Wisconsin. Our scouts say he looks like the Clontzie of old. Davey O’Brien may have a big announcement in the next day or so, so stay tuned.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
ok….take that back… the two hotties in the red shirts they just showed was memoriable as well…..lol
By U Dont know me
June 20, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this
Aren’t 3 hole hitters supposed to actually hit the ball hard instead of getting wimpy singles ALL THE TIME!?! Also, Giles is a typical 2 hole hitter:a guy who gets on base, plays hard, and doesn’t try to do too much. He (Marcus is trying to do WAYtoo much in the lead-off spot. Why not have Chipper lead-off?
By krath
June 20, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this
lol Bobby
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
Notice how the duggout isn’t as excited when we take the lead or tie a game up???? The know the bullpen stinks as too!
By ncscoots
June 20, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Stockman has settled in quite yet, but his stuff is a good bit better than average. Fastball sits at 93-94, and his slider is sick. I admit he hasn’t shown us much yet, though.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
U Don’t know me.
for the most part I agree with you. But I’d take Chipper’s singles. If both Marcus AND Renteria were on base.
That is of course, if Chipper’s singles actually came when ANYBODY was on base, not with 2 outs nobody on or leading off an inning!! LOL
By Hunter
June 20, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Let’s be honest here. These Braves are not quite as good as the teams of the mid-90s. But, thank God, they are nowhere near as bad as the Braves of the mid-80s. That said, the clubs would be wise not to tamper too much.
What are the team’s problems? Offensively, they strike out WAY too much. Pendleton either needs to do a better job with the younger hitters or find another position in the organization. Of course, neither of the Joneses are entirely pulling their weight, either. Remember, though, that Andruw is only a year removed from a career year.
As for defense, the fielding is sound, but the bullpen is not. Well, the Braves can either join the rest of baseball in that regard or keep tinkering…find some hungry young blood…bring in guys who are too naive to know that they should be nervous. In other words, there is a reason that guys are in their early to mid thirties and with their third or fourth organizations.
Maybe this season is close to lost, but hell, maybe another 90-100 loss season will thin out some of the pretend Braves fans who were not around during the agony of the mid to late 80s. Good riddance.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
way to walk the first batter you face after your team has fought to tie the game up!!!
By Metropolitan Man
June 20, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
Trade Smoltz for all those 1 run losses. But as a Mets fan, you guys trading Smoltz is like waving a white flag with a bullseye on it. Its great to have competition but you guys squandered so many opportunities every non braves fan wants to see you go away and go away for good. Who knew it would actually happen before the All-star break. By the time you guys recover and become competitive again, the METS will have won 3 rings! (all without choking)
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
I remember the 80’s VERY well!! At least then we new we stunk and didn’t have someone making excuses all the time.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
gotta love this pigpen!!
WHAT A SORRY SACK OF LOSERS!
I don’t believe it……..I actually have nothing to say.
Pete just said on radio (and I’m paraphrasing) “I’m not sure if there is anything left for Bobby to do, he’s tried every concievable combination of relievers in different roles and order out of the bullpen.”
To which Joe Simpson replied:
“Maybe it’s time to try different people”
What a moron Simpson is! You think Bobby would actually have bad relievers on this roster. If Bobby can’t fix it. It aint broken!
You know who we could try in the pen, since nobody like him at the position he’s at?
Adam LaRoche. He has said he’d like to pitch someday. Maybe his dad could teach him the La-Lob! LOL.
I’m kidding, but honestly, how much worse could he be? And the bonus! He’d be out of the everyday lineup!
By nathan
June 20, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
You took the words right out of my mouth mark. But I was already typing my previous post and didn’t want to interupt myself! LOL
Talk about a doule play the hard way! Maybe our Outfielders should just sit in the bull..er pigpen on that bench out there. Then we can get outs on home runs!
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
Ok……now for my second positive comment of the night…….Francoeur is freaking awesome! Did you see that cannon! Before the season is over he will lead this team in HR’s and RBI’s and assist! I’m taking bets……..Any takers?
By John R
June 20, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
Where is McCann in the All-star game balloting?
By nathan
June 20, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
I hear you mark. to me, he is less disappointing than everybody is talking about. How can you rip on him, but stick up for Chipper or Giles. HE’S twenty-freakin-two! I read in a baseball preview this spring, might’ve been the Athlon one, that scouts were saying Francoeur will get worse before he gets better. Boy were they dead on. But I think he looks like he’s comin around.
Face it. The kid aint every gonna hit .350. But we’ve all settled for Andruw hitting 30 homers, with 100 RBI, and a .260 BA. for the better part of a decade other than last year.
So why can’t that be acceptable for Jeff?
The veterans though……B*TCH all you want about them!
Does this Giles AB have DP written all over it?
By nathan
June 20, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
I should’ve known better. Giles can’t actually hit the ball hard enough to ground into a double play anymore! (read between the lines if you’d like) Can you say warning track power?
By John R
June 20, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
What is the over/under on the days that Giles has left wearing a Braves uniform.
20?
By ncscoots
June 20, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
do you two guys have some mutual-admiration, we-gotta-post-every-45-seconds-to-agree-with-each-other society of which the rest of us are unaware?
By nathan
June 20, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this
John R.
hopefully he just pulled a John Kruk and grabbed his glove and bat and ran straight up the tunnel to his car, started it up and started driving and keeps on driving until he gets to SD to be with his brother (who also, strangely enough can’t hit anymore either!)
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
I think Francoeur will eventually be a .300 hitter…… I don’t think he’s even scratched the surface of his talent. No, he’s not going to win any batting titles, but I think his potential is unlimited. It kills me hearing everyone complain about how few walks he has!!! Sure, I’d like to see hit work the pitcher to get in a hitters count…… He’s the second leading run producer on the team and everyone wanted him at Richmond a month ago. I also think they should put him in the 3 hole and move Chipper down in the lineup. I think with Andruw hitting behing him that he would see better pitches.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this
nscoots…..it’s called reality! care to join us?
By ncscoots
June 20, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
I’m assuming that the Giles-traders in the group also want WB playing at second every day, too…should take about a week for that huge hole in his swing down-and-in to be exposed.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
No, we just happen to have like opinions and they happen to be fact. Very few have this ability.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
Yes, WB would be a much better second baseman and leadoff hitter…….. See you are starting to get it too!!! Good job!!
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this
ok……if we can get to the bottom of the ninth only down 1 we have a shot…..Granted that’s a BIG IF!!!
By ncscoots
June 20, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
nathan, no can do, bro…I’m afraid the “reality” comment went all the way over my head. Just thought maybe some other blogger might bring up a point that you two guys haven’t made (repeatedly) tonight. Anything for a new thread!
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this
ncscoots………Glad we have you up to speed now. You’re welcome.
By nathan
June 20, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
I can appreciate that nscoots!
Who would all you guys complain about on here, if I wasn’t up here buggin y’all!
So much for the Blue Jays “wasting” their money on that Ryan Guy! Huh!
By Hal
June 20, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
Todd
Noticed your comment about JS losing his grip on reality ! I think he lost it a couple of years ago actually and the people on these blogs that are preaching patiences make me laugh out loud some times lol
yes lets all wait for Hampton to come back next year and win 20 games that along with Reitsmas 50 saves and we will be cruising ohhh yea and the new managers going to be Bobby L Tooth Fairy
By Santa Claus
June 20, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
Hey Hal,
Can I be the pitching coach?
By ncscoots
June 20, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
Mark, I’ll assume that remark was most assuredly made tongue-in-cheek. Don’t forget, I’ve been reading your “facts” this evening.
By Mark
June 20, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
assume away…………….
By John R.
June 20, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
Can’t blame this one on the bullpen.
I don’t think this team is as bad as they think they are. The team has too many good players to be playing this bad.
Personally I think: Someone put some New Orleans voodo on them
By CCP
June 20, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
come on John S….Do something about the bullpen!!!
By Todd A
June 20, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
LOL Bobby.
By China Cat Sunflower
June 20, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
Time to wise up DOB and quit being a homer. These veterans you laud are not quite the second coming. Chipper hasn’t cared nor delivered in the postseason since I can remember, Andruw is great only when a game is not on the line, and Hampton may never be effective again. Problem is that Andruw is the only tradeable commodity as it would take an idiot to absorb Chipper or Hampton’s contracts. Chipper to the Hall of Fame? No. Andruw? No. Hampton? No. Smoltz is worthy of the Hall and the only one worth keeping as he has heart and talent. Trade Andruw for some good prospects as Braves won’t be able to afford him after 07’ season. I would be willing to eat $5M/year on Chumpers contract just to see him gone. We are flat stuck with that boatanchor Hampton.
Chumper and Cox are a large reason why the Braves have won only one Title and have seen countless celebrations from opponents on their field. Chumper’s performance in the postseason reflects his attitude. Remember the year 1998 when Chumper booted an easy ball in the final regular season game that caused the Braves to lose home field advantage? San Diego went on to knock us out that year. Cox would continue playing his “guys” until they were old and gray if he could. How many times in the postseason have you shouted at your TV wondering why Cox was putting a hitter with a .230 average into a critical situation? Or how about the times he throws the wrong pitcher out there(Liebrandt) and everyone but him knows it’s a mistake? Time for a new sheriff to come to town and flush this deadwood down the toilet.
By TheSouthernJackAss
June 20, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this
The Braves ain’t going to do “anything”!…I’ve been telling you knuckleheads this all year!!!…GO SCHUERHOLZ!!!…
By John Schuerholtz
June 20, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
To all you fair weather fans,I just wanted t come on here and let you know that there is hope around the corner,i am in negotiations with St Louis to see if we can work out a trade for Adam Wainwright which i regret trading,I am offering them Giles and Salty,and minor leaguer Carlos mendez plus $5 mil.We might just pull this off.
By Head Coach
June 20, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this
OK ,answer me this DOB. How can they tie 55-60 million up in five players with an 80 million dollar payroll and pay the other twenty players and expect to be competitive ? answer that one with your logical reasoning.
By John R.
June 20, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
CCSF: I agree about Hampton. It reminds me of the trade that the old Braves made back in the day when they got the first baseman with vertigo. Does any one remember the guys name?
By China Cat Sunflower
June 20, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Head Coach- DOB is bought and paid for. Don’t waste your time with him.
The answer to your question is you can’t tie up over half your payroll in 5 guys. Particularly older ones like Chumper & Hampton that don’t perform anymore.
By Jimbo
June 20, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this
I hoped they served pudding cups to DOB along with the Kool-Aide they gave him. Everything will be rosey in 2007. Yeah right!
By Santa Claus
June 20, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
John R. ……it was Nick Esasky.
And Bobby said he’s comin around and should be ready for the 2nd half!
By ChrisinPA
June 20, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
Ok…I thought it would have been posted by now, but Peter Gammons mentioned the possibility that the Royals traded for Joey Gathright in turn to trade to the Braves.
I think it will be Thorman to go.
Gathright LF, Renteria SS, Andruw CF, Chipper 3B, McCann C/Giles 2B, Giles 2B/McCann C, Francoeur RF, LaRoche 1B
That would be nice, although Gathright does not hit all that well, right now.
By Bobby theHoax Cox
June 20, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
Hee!…Haw!!…….Hee!..Haw!!……Golly!..Gee!!…Hee!….Haw!!……..GeeWhiz Shucks!!!……Heeee…Hawwwww!!!…….HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…HAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWHAAAWWWWWHAAAWWWWWHAAAWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!……………….
By Hal
June 20, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
Santa Claus
i would be proud to have you on our coaching staff could you stick a couple of relivers in your bag?somewone asked on another blog who i would like ,well its like this my expectations have droped a lot the last month ….someone who can get three outs without a run would be nice but i know theres none out there nor was there last Christmas Toronto must have a different santa Claus they got one
Thanks for replying and say hi to Rudolph ,His nose looks familiar
By John R.
June 20, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this
SClaus: Call’em up. I’m sure Nick won’t strike out as much as Francoeur.
By Fastfoodfreak
June 21, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this
IT just doesn’t matter, it just doesn’t matter, it just doesn’t matter…
By shame on you
June 21, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
Shame on you players shame on you Bobby and shame on your f%$#!ing face for not making a trade JS. I hope you all go to hell with your pockets full of money, you worthless pieces of $!&its..! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU BRAVES ORGANIZATION..
By glennbo
June 21, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul, Does 11 under .500 mean anything yet? How much more can the bullpen bleed? Can anybody stop the bleeding? Is it right to expect anything else of guys who collectively don’t make as much as Giles (if you throw out Reitsma)?
By David O'Brien
June 21, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
head coach, they’ll trim some payroll when they trade Giles, Sosa and Thomson and don’t re-sign Pratt. That’s about $9 mill there.
Jimmy, don’t mean to be short-fused or sensitive, but my god, man, you’ve thrown that Blank/sale stuff in my face how many times now? I mean, at the time, the day I was asked, I said here I didn’t know anything about such talks and didn’t think the team would be sold. later that day Tucker had a story.
Tim covers the sports biz side, and does a damn good job, I might add. I should’ve just not said anything, since I wouldn’t have opened myself up to your constant reminders about my response. The guy had the Blank rumor before we did. Great for him. Granted, it was just a mention in ellipses, I think, at the bottom of a notebook, but he had it. So he was the first to mention it, far as I know.
He had the scoop. He’s obviously a friend of yours, or you wouldn’t care to keep bringing it up. Fine. I’ll acknowledge he knew it and I hadn’t a clue about it. Then again, I don’t have much insight into any of the sale stuff until after Tim reports it, because that’s what he does.
That’s his beat, so myself and the other beat writers covering the pro teams don’t have to spend the many hours it would require to make those calls in addition to our own stuff. It’s a separate beat at all big papers these days, has to be because there’s so much technical and economic matters involved. He spends as much time doing that stuff as we spend covering our side of the teams.
But again, one last time: Your guy had it first. But Tim did have the rest of it first, including the actual group that’s buying the Braves.
By David O'Brien
June 21, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
Coach, I should clarify _ that’s about $9 mill off this year’s payroll figure, getting rid of those guys. Whether they trade Sosa and Thomson and Giles now or simply not re-sign Thomson this winter and trade Giles then, and either release or trade Sosa then.
By Todd A
June 21, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
If the 55-60 mil was tied up in Mariano Rivera,Derek Geter,Albert Pujols,Roger Clemens,or Curt Schilling…..it might be justified.Ok,I’ll give you Smoltzie.One of the best big game pitchers of all time.But these other guys?What has this team won with Chipper and Andruw in the middle of the lineup?Have either put the team on their back and carried them to a WS title?Hardly.Hudson hasn’t been as good as advertised either.Trying to tweak a sinking ship is just plain arrogance by Schuerholz.
Somewhere along the line,winning a WS title became unimportant in Atlanta.Everyone got fat and happy after 1995.Now,the Braves are all about entertainment.It’s about Tooner-field,Skip and Pete’s Bar-b-que,and being mesmerized by the many features of the new mega-million$ scoreboard.
As a fan,I’ve given up hope that this regime of Cox and Schuerholz will ever win another WS.This will be the 5th consecutive year that we haven’t sniffed an NLCS.After 4 consecutive 1st round play-off exits concluded last year,our genius GM chose to stay with the status quo.He ignored the significant moves made by the Mets in the off-season.Worse,however,he chose to ignore his own teams glaring weaknesses.The result?A trainwreck of a season…an unmitigated disaster.I will agree with D.O.B. about one thing.No need to blow up this roster.It wouldn’t do any good anyway.Not if Schuerholz and Cox were coming back to lead it.If we start over,we need do it with a new GM and MGR.
By David O'Brien
June 21, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this
OK, I just read that post, and again I wasn’t clear. It’s late and my head is spinning from trying to find new adjectives to descibe the nightly bloodlettings here at Turner Field.
Anyway, I think you probably understand what I’m saying _ those four guys account for about $9 mill on this year’s $80 mill payroll. Far as anyone knows, payroll will stay about same next year, but again, new prospective owners haven’t said anything for obvious reasons. They can’t until they buy the team.
Subtract about $9 mill from $80. Hampton’s salary stays same for Braves’ accounting purposes, about $8 mill annually is what they’re counting for their payroll figure.
Hudson’s salary doesn’t jump until 2008.
By johnmrog
June 21, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this
“Remain calm… ALL IS WELL!!!” (Chip Diller, Animal House)
By nathan
June 21, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this
DOB…..does this mean we aren’t gonna win the rest of the month?
By nathan
June 21, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this
DOB…..
Correct me if I’m wrong. I’m trying to keep up.
Are the Braves “counting” Hamptons salary based on an “average” system of 8 million?
Because from what I’ve read, isn’t he making 14 million next year?
By glennbo
June 21, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this
Someone pointed out Frenchy’s curtain call being prematuer against the Sox the other night. How about a GM writing a book titled: “Built to Win”.
By Head Coach
June 21, 2006 02:43 AM | Link to this
Hamptons contract is a big murky 121 million dollar mess. He is under contract through 2008 with a club option for 2009. As to who is paying what , you will have to ask the Marlins , Rockies and the Braves. John Schuerholz is taking a huge and calculated risk in 2007 by investing 59-60 million in six players , Hampton , Smoltz , Andruw , Chipper , Hudson and Renteria with a team cap of 80 million. The 2006 season is already sinking fast and he obviously has to trade Thomson , Giles and or Sosa to free up the 8 million Dave O’Brien has already mentioned. Does this mean JS has already pulled the plug or are we just getting the company line of bull**it ?
By teoa
June 21, 2006 02:47 AM | Link to this
Nathan, Dude, with all due respect, you all have made some really ignorant posts. The consensus among baseball experts is that Leo is the best pitching coach in baseball. Period. There is a long list of well documented “miracle cases” that he has worked with bargain basement pitchers to be sainted a hundred times over. It is also well documented that it takes years to establish a new pitching philosophy in an organization — one that is taught in the minor leagues from the time an 18 yr old prospect is drafted through his development as a major leaguer. Obviously it is ridiculous to judge Leo’s work in Baltimore after 70 games. What is not riduculous is to compare the pitchers who pitched under Leo last year and McDowell this year. Guess what? They don’t compare. Everyone is worse this year — everyone. Keep making your weak case that Leo didn’t matter. The stats don’t lie, and when there is an absolute consensus among expert opinions, there is really not even room for debate. Kind of like saying Jordan was a bad player — can you argue that one too? Keep telling me those Baltimore pitching stats and watch the Braves pitching go in the tank — it’s all a coincidence, right? You all should apply for jobs with Time Warner. You could help justify some more really stupid moves to the fans that hurt the team while saving money for those all-important stocks. Afterall, that’s what it’s all about now.
By Head Coach
June 21, 2006 02:50 AM | Link to this
I should have said 9 million , not 8 million. Andruw and Smoltz are both free agents after the 2007 season. Does this mean 2007 is do or die ? unless the new ownership raises the team salary it seems to me that we are already playing for next season.
By teoa
June 21, 2006 03:02 AM | Link to this
Clarification: Michael Jordan.
By berigan
June 21, 2006 05:20 AM | Link to this
won’t let that stop me!) I too saw the taped interview, and I agree with the others that said he looked like he would jump to play with Detroit. He mentioned again going to Tiger Stadium to see them in the WS in 1984. Why does he mention a possible trade? Perhaps the knowledge that even though he still throws 97MPH, he is 39, and he elbow can’t last forever. He is seeing Bobby isn’t able to adjust anymore. He is seeing J.S. acting like he can look for scraps to trade for come July 31st, when the Braves are 25 games out!Smoltz knows the bullpen is the worst ever for the braves, and will lose many more of his games. He knows if he plays here thru this year and 2007(perhaps his last year) He ain’t gonna get another ring as a player. Smoltz also knows if he is on the market, he becomes THE prize for any team wanting to get to the playoffs and wants to win the W.S. Boston, Yankees, Detroit, hell most any team would likely make him their #1 starter with his amazing record in the playoffs. And they would have to pay dearly for him, which would help Smoltz’s old team immensely. Or, he can stay here for this year and next, and go 8-14 each year.
By berigan
June 21, 2006 05:23 AM | Link to this
First line should have been I was a bit late to the Smoltz trade talk, BUT won’t let that stop me…
By John K
June 21, 2006 06:34 AM | Link to this
Dave, John Smoltz is 38. Obviously, while he would be the solid veteran achor to a potentially strong rotation in 2007, he won;t be around after that. Think of what Atlanta could get for him in August or September. The Braves, while not a fading team will be out of it for this year. Every contender needs starting pitching. Imagine for example, Boston with Schilling & Smoltz in October. What could Atlanta get from the Red Sox? Or the Mets. An October rotation of Glavine, Martinez & Smoltz. What would New York give up for that? Or Houston? Pettitte, Clemens & Smoltz. What I am saying is, while John is a Braves icon and has done much for us, he is 38 and has had four arm surgeries. I’d love to see him stay and retire a Brave, but not at the expense of the future. John Schuerholz owes it to the franchise to entertain offers for any current Braves player if the players received in return help the team. Ditto for Chipper. I don’t think he has too many 30 HR, 100 RBI years in him anymore. If we can get value in return form a contender who is willing to mortgage their future for one year, we should do it. If it looks like we cannot sign Andruw Jones, we should get what we can in return rather than just lose them like we did so many other free agents in past years.
By krath
June 21, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this
A bit late but the “Vertigo” player at first base was Nick Esasky.
I see the savings quoted by DOB by moving “fringe” players as 8-9 mil. That’s great, but I feel it’s a combination of moving salary AND rebuilding by moving at least ONE of the players who is eating up the bulk of the Braves payroll. It’s NOT a firesale. It’s moving an “in demand” player to make your own lot better. If that is Smoltz for #1 pitching prospect and others and dump another 8 mil in salary (freeing up a total of 16 mil for salary) so be it. If it is moving Andruw for a #1 pitching prospect and others and free up 13 mil (total of 22 mil in salary) so be it.
Ask yourself this, what if we could get a #1 pitching prospect who could be in the majors in a year…like this Johnson kid in Fla….AND free up 22 mil in salary. Just think what you could get by spending that 22 mil wisely AND having a quality young arm (or two) in the “bigs” in a year or two?
Being a fan is great and idolizing certain players is ok but if some changes aren’t made how does anyone expect this team to change their results? Boyer is no guarantee and neither is Devine or Hampton when they come back next year. Chuck James is a possibility but last time I saw him pitch for the Braves, Aaron Rowand had just hit one 420 feet and was telling everyone in the Philly dugout how James was “tipping” his pitches.
Now I suppose I’ll hear from the “real” fans here how I must be nuts for even considering letting some of our “cornerstones” go.
But as I have said before, you get what you pay for. To get quality in return, you have to be willing to part with quality.
By Joe C.
June 21, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this
Doing the Tomahawk Chop Ohh-oh-ohhhh!!!! How’s it looking from the cellar, Braves fans? How about those METS!!!
By Tom Glavine
June 21, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
Hey, Atlanta, here’s looking down on you !
It’s great to be back on TOP! A 3rd Cy Young & another World Series ring is on the radar.
Omar Minaya still has a couple of million to play with for this season. Gee, Smoltzie would look good in a Mets uniform!
While John Schuerholz scans the waiver wires and scouts the bush leagues for bullpen help, I’ve got to head to the bank to cash my big pay check.
Thanks for the memories !
Tommy G
By Tom Glavine
June 21, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
Hey, Atlanta, here’s looking down on you !
It’s great to be back on TOP! A 3rd Cy Young & another World Series ring is on the radar.
Omar Minaya still has a couple of million to play with for this season. Gee, Smoltzie would look good in a Mets uniform!
While John Schuerholz scans the waiver wires and scouts the bush leagues for bullpen help, I’ve got to head to the bank to cash my big pay check.
Thanks for the memories !
Tommy G
By krath
June 21, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
Direct Quote From ESPN.COM Article Today:
“Smoltz also said he doesn’t expect his comments to lead to serious trade offers, saying it’s just talk. He said he was surprised in the interest in his comments, saying, “I got a chuckle out of it.”
Some of his teammates were not laughing, however.
“I don’t know that as a teammate of his and a guy that wants to have the best chance to win, it’s not what I want to hear, obviously,” Hudson said.
Third baseman Chipper Jones said the questions about Smoltz could be based on more than speculation.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” Jones said. “I think we all first and foremost are loyal to our team. If someone finds it important enough to approach a player and pose them the question, then obviously it has been bantered about upstairs.”
It may be a crock, DOB, but the players even seem to think there is something to it.
By Randall
June 21, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
My brother lives in Detroit and says the Smoltz to the Tigers rumors are blowing there as well, especially with the Tigers looking to bolster their starting rotation for the pennant stretch.
I’d hate to see John leave but could not blame him if the opportunity presented itself. He should have at least 10 wins by now.
By Ken
June 21, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this
Here is my suggestion for how to handle the Smoltz situation: Waive the option for next year. Trade him now for some good prospects, this year is toast anyway. Then re-sign him in the offseason, the same the Indians did with Kenny Lofton in 97-98.
By Richard
June 21, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
Please Trade Smoltz, he has value and the team NEEDS bullpen help in the worst way.
By Franklins Tower
June 21, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
Cox & JS have their playoff exit statement down pat “We gave it all we had but we are pleased to give Atlanta another Division title”. Interesting how other sports franchises don’t view things the same way. Avery Johnson said “This was not a great season, we set out to win it all” after the Mavs lost last night. Even Mora & Blank have said that the Falcons’ organization will not rest until the Lombardi trophy is in Atlanta. Cox & JS have created a cancer of muted expectations here. Division titles have become their world series even though it pains the fans to see this.
Now on to Leo Mazzone. We are wasting our time with all the discussion of whether we should have kept him or not. Leo was a key part of this organization and shouldn’t have been let go for a $300,000 differential. Braves should have offered him $600,000 to stay. Why skimp when this guy was responsible for $30M worth of pitchers? Whatever they paid McDowell was a complete waste of money. Something tells me they would have gotten more value from Leo even though he would have been paid more.
By Wes
June 21, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
Chipper Jones should be at first. Marcus Giles at third. Adam LaRoche is a good lefty bat off the bench. Chuck James should be in the rotation and Jorge Sosa (who is always good for 3 innings) should be in the bullpen. A bullpen of Sosa, Ray, Big Australian, Remlinger and Poronto would be more than adequate if/when a deal was made for a closer.
But NONE of this is happening. It doesn’t make any sense and every Braves fan around should be more upset about it.
By ronald
June 21, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
Ok, there is no truth to the rumor that Smoltz is going to be traded. There are things that are absolutely true. 1. The bullpen stinks. 2. JS just sits there and watches. He does nothing to fix the situation.
Let’s see you try to spin those into the rumor category.
By Kent
June 21, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
krath, You make a good point. There may in fact be something substantive behind Smoltz’s comments.
But even if there is, it doesn’t really matter because it will be Shuerholz and company that make that decision. And they will not be Trading Smoltz.
With Hampton coming back next season, the Braves will finally once again have a “big 3” at the top of their rotation. And that’s what the Braves are looking forward to for next year.
I have read some comments here from people who doubt that Mike Hampton will help the Braves that much. That’s silly! Sports medicine has come a loooooong way with the “Tommy John” surgery, and nearly all players who have that procedure done are able to come back and pitch as well as ever.
The Braves will have a formidable rotation next year, and I’m sure their get the bullpen situation taken care of between now and April. Smoltz might not be here after next season because Hudson’s contract has him slated for a big pay raise in 2008, and Andruw will be a free agent at the end of next season. With all the other financial considerations Atlanta will be facing then, they might not be able to spend much on a guy that will be 40 or 41 years old at the point. But rest assured, Smoltz will still be a Braves next season.
By Kent
June 21, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
Ronald, I don’t mean to be overly harsh here, but don’t be an idiot. Shuerholz is the best in the business, and you have to know that he’s doing everything he can. He may be putting a good spin on things publicly, but he’s not blind, and he’s not satisfied with what he’s seeing. A deal hasn’t happened yet because there isn’t an abundance of pitching available right now on the trade market. And what is out there, would likely have cost the Braves way too much talent in return. He probably will pull off a deal in the near future, but he’s not going to do something stupid just to make everyone feel like he’s being proactive.
By dadgum
June 21, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
Hey, not sure anyone has really noticed or cares but the Richmond Braves have now lost 12 in a row. Not sure if this is a trickle up or trickle down effect but the Braves are one mess. Attendance in Richmond is now about 2,000 per game and the product on the field is simply not worth the time and effort to attend the games. Everyone here in Richmond has pretty much resigned themselves to the fact the Braves are folding the tent here and will move on to new digs. The mayor has pretty much said “don’tlet the door hit you in the a* on the way out”.
With JS & Bobby having one foot out the door already I feel many of the current players may jump ship too or at least be approached about a trade. Stay tuned, this horror show is only going to get ugglier.
The future of the Braves is in it’s amateur draft and developing that talent in the minors. They farmed the talent in the late 80’s and early 90’s and became what we have today. Throw in some key trades like Smoltz and free agents like Maddox and there you have it. Of course the nucleus is always complimented with stop-gap trades like McGriff but by and large you get my point.
People we as die-hard fans live on a ferris wheel. It’s exhilirating at the top but will bottom out. We are now rebuilding and with trades I feel the Braves will be back in a couple of years.
Starting pitching is again the key and getting Hampton back is not the only answer. Frankly, he is at best a #4 starter and with Smoltz in his waning years I am not sure that the Braves can be competitive next year with the starting pitching they have under contract. Hudson is OK to pretty good but you need 3 real good young arms and the Braves simply don’t have that. You throw in the bullpen and WOW. OUCH!!
OK I have stated the obvious now for a solution. The Braves have too much glut in certain positions. Catcher being the most obvious. The old JS mantra of having to trade talent to get talent is so true. That being said I would trade all of the following players…Giles, Salty, Langerhans, Thomson, Sosa, Reitsma, & Ray. Trade any combo of three players above for Willis. The only problem I see with that is that the freakin Marlins are on a big roll and won’t be willing to part with Willis just yet or ever. If they stay in S.Fla Willis is their poster boy and they have trouble filling seats as it is. Doubt they will part with him unless they fall flat on their face or decide to relocate to Vegas etc. Whoever they get will be too late for this year by the time they get him on board so it has to be a big time pitcher or two with eyes on next year.
By Mets Stink
June 21, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this
Yo Wes, who’s playing second if Chipper is at First and Giles at third?
By journalist jimmy smith
June 21, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
dob, that was a classy response to jimmy smith. not quite so cranky as before. thanks. this losing makes us all a bit short-fused don’t you think? the bullpen has to be the great disappointment for this team. they seem to resurrect themselves everywhere but the pen. carroll was right -estrada should have brought more in the trade - and where is wes obermueller? now, scoots, journalist bob is not to be found. jimmy smith suspects the bad language now found on this blog is a factor. also, bob and dob have not seen eye-to-eye when bob has been awake. maybe he can be persuaded to return to the blog. the loss of carolina lady and bob is too great.
By dadgum
June 21, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
Ken…. you make no sense. You can’t do what you mentioned. You must have meant trade him then resign him after he becomes a free agent from the team he was traded to. Why would the Braves ever do that? Especially at his age and a pitcher to boot. Just keep him. Besides he has veto power over any trade. You are also assuming that once he becomes a free agent the Braves will be the winning bidder. I wouldn’t put my money on that. Anyway nothing like that will ever happen with Smoltz this year.
By Kent
June 21, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
dadgum, I’m not a betting man, but I’m more than willing to bet real money that you’re wrong.
First of all, JS and Cox aren’t going anywhere. Not everyone is ready to bail out the minute things go badly. Especially when there is so much hope that things will improve next season.
Smoltz will not be too old to help lead the rotation next year. He’s not showing any signs of fading into the sunset, and his arm has held up quite well. Curt Schilling is a year older than Smoltz, and he’s still doing like always. A 40 year old Smoltz will still be better than a 27 year old… just about anybody!
Hudson hasn’t pitched as well as he’s capable of this year but he’s far better than “OK to pretty good”.
And you watch, Hapton will be sharp by June of next year. We all know the bullpen situation will receive a LOT of attention both this year and in the offseason.
Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, C. Jones, A. Jones, Franceour, Renteria, McCann… There’s a pretty good core of players there. They will have to consrtuct a new bullpen from the ground up and tweak a couple of things elswhere, but as long as that happens, look for great things from the Braves next season.
By Kent
June 21, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
Mets Stink, I think he’s talking about Wilson Betemit playing 2nd. And that’ might not be a bad idea.
By Moore Cowbell
June 21, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
What we needed to do 2 weeks ago and still do is to trade Salty, Davies or James and Thorman to the Marlins for Dontrelle Willis. I doubt that the Marlins will bite now that they are a wild card threat again, but its worth a try. Then you can trade Smoltz to whoever to restock your prospects or get a quality outfielder or 1st Baseman…AND YOU GET TO UPGRADE YOUR PITCHING ON THE CHEAP FOR YEARS TO COME! YEA!
Please, give it up on Smoltz. He is not retiring a Brave. He will play here through next season as a serviceable starter then leave to go to the Yankees, Mets,Sox, Dodgers, whoever for big money for 1 or 2 years. If we can get above market value in return you turn him loose. Its not even a question. This season is lost, you have to look to making your team better for the future and the future is now.
By Mets Stink
June 21, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
In retrospect, we got nothing for Estrada, but I don’t blame JS for making that deal. Villereal was hurt most of last year, but during his rookie year he pitched lights out. I think taking Cormier was the bad part of the trade. I don’t mind taking a chance on Villereal. It just didn’t work out. Maybe the D’backs knew something JS didn’t.
By Kent
June 21, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
moore cowbell, Do you have any idea what D-train’s era is this year, or how inconsistent he’s been throughout his career?? We’d be crazy to give up all the talent you just mentioned for Willis!
By Dave
June 21, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
Any team would be glad to have Clemens regardles of age. Smoltz is kind of in the same class. Chipper has never been a vocal leader on this team. He helps when players come to him. On this team Smoltz is our leader. He has been a player coach for both starters and relievers. We lost Leo in a way I think of Smoltz as a backup Leo he bridges that gap since a lot of players on this team haven’t played for Leo. Smotz is a bargain and his leadership can’t be replaced no matter who we get.
By Kent
June 21, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
DITTO DAVE!!!
By Mets Stink
June 21, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Kent, I thought that’s what he was getting at, Betemit at second, but why move Giles to third and have Betemit play second. If Chipper goes to first then play Betemit at third. Then you don’t have 3/4 of your infield playing at new positions.
It’s a little dumb for us to talk about Chipper moving anywhere. It’s simply not going to happen. I think Chipper’s too selfish to leave third. He thinks he can be a hall of famer at third (he’s wrong), and he knows if he moves to first, he doesn’t have a shot.
By Mets Stink
June 21, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Maybe we can trade the entire Richmond Braves team for Willis.
By Braves Fan to the End
June 21, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
Mets Stink — I would assume Betemit would be at 2B if Giles goes to 3B and Chipper to 1B, don’t you think?
By Kent
June 21, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
Mets Stink, sorry, I misunderstood. Yeah, it would make no sense at all to play Giles at 3rd.
But as far as Chipper being too selfish to move… I don’t understand why you would say that. Chipper has a history sacrificing to make this team better. He volunteered to give up his position several years ago and moved to left field so the Braves could get Vinni Castilla. He also restructured his contract and took less money so Atlanta could bring in more talent. I think Chipper has been a breath of fresh air in a sport (like any pro sport I guess) filles with spoiled brats.
That being said, Cox probably isn’t going to ask Chipper to move anywhere again. Although, I think he probably should move back to left field tomorrow to give Betemit a chance to play everyday (at 3rd) and help the offense.
By Mark
June 21, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton???? Mike H is Kerry Wood, minus the “potential.” Get him out of your plans. And as much as I love the Braves (I used to gladly sit thru games at the stadium when they were in the middle of 100+ loss seasons), let’s face the facts: they are great at evaluating the day-to-day on-field talent, but they suck at being able to evaluate bullpen talent. With all the great teams they’ve had, their weakness has always been the bullpen. There would have been a few more WS titles in Atlanta had they moved Smoltz to a closer role long ago (that and am I the only person who realizes that Tom Glavine’s weaknesses were in the first couple of innings - beyond that he was unstoppable). I know Smoltz and everyone else thinks of him as a starter, but his time as a closer proved he would have been the greatest closer of all time, and his national legacy would be greater than it will be when he retires (more people will remember Rollie Fingers or Goose Gossage, than John Smoltz).
By Kent
June 21, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Mark, you are correct. Mike Hampton isn’t a guy with a lot of potential. He’s already proven what he can do (unlike Kerry Wood).
There are a lot of players who seem injury prone in the years leading up to Tommy John surgery. There are problems there that aren’t entirely apparent until the arm finally gives out and they practically have to reconstruct it. The amazing thing is that they really can now! It’s extraodinary how far they’ve come with that surgery, and if recent history is any indicator… things look good. Smoltz and others who have had this surgery have done quite well afterward, and have spent far less time on the DL after the surgery than they did before it.
I would say that we should be very optimistic about Hampton’s return, and about the rotation next year in general.
As far as Smoltz closing VS. Starting… Arizona won the World Series in which their closer blew 2 huge saves. They had a lousy closer. Would they have won it if they had move Randy Johnson to the closer’s role?
Since the turn of the new century, 2 or three teams have won the World Series without a dominant closer. But no team has won it without great starting pitching. Don’t get me wrong, the Braves aren’t going anywhere with a bullpen as bad as this one, but Smoltz belongs right where he is.
P.S. I also sat through games many of those 100+ loss seasons. We’ve probably met (after all there weren’t many of us there) :o)
By Larry
June 21, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
I understand why you have to keep playing Chipper but for crying out loud please move him out of 3rd in the batting order.You can always move him back if his power returns.If Francour was hitting third he would have even better pitches to DRIVE.Im not blaming Chipper for this ridiculous collaspe,obviously our pen is absolutly atrocious and then some but come on BOBBY try to shake this team up a little!!!!!
By johnmrog
June 21, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
“Remain calm… ALL IS WELL!!!” (DOB, Kent, and “Chip Diller” from Animal House)
By Rob
June 21, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing what blogging has done to Journalism; Nearly as bad as what digital camera’s have done to photography. “Hey thats a great picture!”
Sure it is.
If the Braves even listen to another team wanting John Smoltz for prospects the boycott will certainly start here. Since his early troubles with hyper competitive tension there’s been none better. None. Some guys have a hang nail, their in the training room; A headache, and it’s fat pitch after fat pitch till a short night is prolog. Were I in charge at HA Drive I’d be thinking about signing John to even another extension. He’s a battler, he’s a Brave, and he brings it. Pure and simple.
By Mets Stink
June 21, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
I agree we should be optimistic about Hampton’s return, but it should be cautious optimism. Hampton has had a lot of injuries in the last few years, not just his elbow. Tommy John surgery should fix the elbow, but how long will it take for something else to pop up. Let’s all hope it doesn’t.
By Zerevon
June 21, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
There is a cure for this failure, it is called “BRING THE YOUNG GUNS BACK FROM YHE MINORS” and get rid of the dead weight.
By Mark
June 21, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Kent,
I would argue that Mike H hasn’t proven anything. His record in this decade is 68-58 with a 4.45 era; not, in my mind, the type of pitcher that makes for a strong starting rotation. And you’re right their have been some teams winning without a dominate closer, relying on strong starting pitching, but that is not always the case (see the Atlanta Braves). We’ve had the best starting rotation for the past 15 years, but the Braves have fewer WS titles than the Florida Marlins. I’m proud to say I’m a Braves fan and of their recent winning tradition, I’m just unhappy with this year’s team.
By Peewee
June 21, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
JOHN SMOLTZ’S heart is in Atlanta but he wants to get another WS ring and he knows that will not happen anytime soon.Nobody wants to win more than him. I don’t blame him if he ok trade. He will be greatly missed. Wouldn’t it be great if he was the MGR> OR GM> Then you would see some results.
By Wes
June 21, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
That was supposed to be Betiment at third earlier….
By journalist jimmy smith
June 21, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
after watching the braves bullpen, journalist jimmy smith has a few questions. (1) is numbness catching? (2) could it still be too cold to grip the ball properly? (3) are all braves’ pitchers’ toes in alignment when pitching? (4) can bobby dews still bring the heat? journalist is seeking the greater truth.
By Kent
June 21, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
Mark, You sound like a fair guy. When you refer to Hampton’s ERA “this decade”, you can’t possibly be holding the years he spent in Denver against him, are you??
The Braves haven’t won in October because our 1 and 2 pitchers most of those years (Maddux and Glavine)were finesse pitchers. October usually belongs to power pitchers. Reason being that guys like Smoltz and Schilling have another gear in the postseason. If a Greg Maddux were to try harder, the results would be worse, not better. If a finesse pitcher throws 89-90mph instead of 87, it usually means that his pitches straighten out and he sacrifices location… in other words, he gets creamed. As great as Maddux and Glavine were all of those years, their October numbers never matched up to their regular season success. The exact opposite was true of John Smoltz.
Statistically, Smoltz is the single greatest starting pitcher in postseason history. I’m not exaggerating. Look at the numbers. It Atlanta had two more John Smoltz’s in the rotation instead of a Maddux and a Glavine, Atlanta would have 9 championships right now.
BTW, Smoltz never really got a chance to make an impact on any of the post season series in which he served as a closer. That’s why he pressed for Cox & JS to put him back in the rotation.
By Robert
June 21, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
What do y’all think of “Donkey in the Dugout” t-shirts?
Atlanta Braves 1990-2006 - with like a cartoon image of Cox with the long ears poking up around his cap and the donkey tail sticking out of his uniform
I think they’d be great
By the way, just to correct another article that doesnt have an associated blog. This is NOT Cox’s first 8 game losing streak
He has an 8 game World Series losing streak that has been in progress for 10 years
By Justice of Storm
June 21, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this
THIS STILL IS A GREAT TEAM WHETER YOU AGREE WITH ME OR NOT, THEY WILL BE BACK, YOU SEE…GO BRAVES..! By the way YOU ARE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB FOR US TRUE BRAVES FANS DOB..Keep up the excellent job my brother..I just love my Braves,rain or shine win or not. God bless you all and GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS…!
By braves fan
June 21, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB. I was watching the Braves game on ESPN on Sunday while all this speculation was taking place and they showed a live shot of John Schuerholtz watching the ESPN broadcast, right after the trade speculation. You could tell that John was not amused. I guess that’s why the usually tight lipped GM, allowed a Braves’ source to comment to the contrary on the trade rumors. He was p**. But you should expect nothing less from ESPN. They put up a rumor that the Braves might trade Tim Hudson about 2 months ago. It was gleaned from some article in a NY paper, which did not claim to have an offical source. Pure crap.
By braves fan
June 21, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this
since when is p-i-s-s-e-d a bad word?
By Larry
June 21, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Great idea, Robert, I’d be the first to buy a DONKEY-IN-THE-DUGOUT tee shirt!
By journalist jimmy smith
June 21, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
it is believed that journalist bob is still monitoring the blog. we must bring him back. perhaps a kind word from dob is in order. and what of the scribe? ocean breezes would be welcome now along with a word from our correspondent on the coast. fewer journalists now than before. many voices have been stilled.
By PETE
June 21, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Robert-I will take 5 t-shirts Donkey in the Dugout.When you ready let us know. DONKEY KONG must go.
By Justice of Storm
June 21, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this
You guys are crazy..! Bobby Cox is one of the greatest managers of this century and you guys call him a “DONKEY”, shame on you guys. What about the passed 14 seasons was he a donkey then too? Don’t be a stupid fan be a smart one and know your facts. GO BRAVES
By Robert
June 21, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
What ABOUT the last 14 seasons? We have one WS title. We should have at least 3, more likely four, and could have as many as seven
Probably 11 out of the 14 years, we exited the playoffs sooner than we should have.
A couple of years, we flat out didnt show up
YES Cox was a donkey the past 14 years.
Bobby Cox is to good managing what Ripple is to fine wine
By Glass Half Full
June 21, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
Taking a page from ESPN and Fox Sports, we should all start unfounded and ridiculous trade rumors just to see how far they fly. I’ll start: Pete Orr and Chris Reitsma to the Yankees for Alex Rodriguez AND Chien Ming Wang; Chipper would then accept a trade to the Devil Rays for Scott Kazmir and Carl Crawford.
By Larry
June 21, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
The DONKEY Must Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By mizzlinda
June 21, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Amen, brother! Some people are panicking. They don’t seem to remember the Braves woeful team BS (before Schuerholz). He has done a wonderful job and so has Bobby Cox. If you read Schuerholz’s book, you’d understand the economics of trying to put together a winning team without losing money. Yes, we absolutely need a closer and I wish John Smoltz had stayed in the pen-he’d last longer and we would have a bona fide closer. He’s an awesome competitor! We could have won more world series with a real closer instead of a bullpen by committee. Don’t lose faith yet, you fair weather fans!
By Justice of Storm
June 21, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
Mizzlinda I agree with you and salute your faith in our beloved Braves. Robert you are right we should have won more WS rings but we did not and it does not make a HOF manager a JACKA$$…! Go Braves..
By Tony Saucedo
June 21, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
We’d love to have Smoltzy finish his fine career here in Motown!! I saw the interview and like some have said - if you think he was not serious about the thought of finishing his fine career in his hometown where he started it then you are fooling yourselves. It’s natural to want to do this. The Atlanta fans ought give thanks that Smoltz was theirs. He gave of himself so much to that town that they ought respect him if this type of trade were to ever happen. Indeed, he’d do great at Comerica Park and we’d welcome him home any day!!! Thank You!!
By Lloyd
June 21, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
Notice the Bravos haven’t been the same since Fox Sports moved Skip, Don, Pete and Joe out of the Turner South booth. Makes one wonder.
By braves fan suffering
June 22, 2006 06:42 AM | Link to this
Its funny all of a sudden john smottz wants to “help the team”, when all he had to do was stay in the bullpen and be the braves closer. Imagine how many games the braves blown that john smottz could/would have saved as closer, he is more important to the team as a closer than a starter but was to stubborn and now wants to jump ship to a contender, opps i mean be a team player and ask for a trade to “help” the braves.