Braves

By Bryan

July 3, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

His stats were sinking in oakland - Tim was a risk and the Braves luck ran out on him (and Hampton …) JS has some unique tricks to stay on top of the GM game but we need to actually spend some money to keep out players.

By Matt

July 3, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

I know Huddy has been pitching bad, but I don’t count him out yet. He is still pretty young for a pitcher and he has to be getting smarter. I think and I hope that he is just stressing and trying too hard due to the young team. But we’ll see in the next couple of months. Maybe he isn’t an ace, maybe he just needs to be tucked in the rotation as a 2 or 3.

By Fred Zepplin

July 3, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

His contract balloons to 13 million next season. TRADE HIM !

Next season we’ll have Smoltz, Ramirez, James, Davies & Hampton.

Use the money to address our pressing needs in the bullpen & left field !

He was fading his last season in Oakland.

By Johnny Taco

July 3, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Matt,

Hudson is still “young” ?

He’s at least 30 and should be in the prime of his career.

Like your buddy Chipper, I see a whole lot of money tied up in a guy not producing.

Let him stress elsewhere.

Why do you want to coddle these overpaid millionaires?

By matt

July 3, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

still think it’s too soon to start talking about trading him. everybody has slumps, especially pitchers. remember ‘91 when smoltz went something like 2-11 and finished at 14-13? ain’t no way the braves will trade him, he’s too good of a player, and besides, slumps like this will be good for him in the long run. it is unfortunate, though, that he’s having such a bad stretch when we need him the most.

By Matt

July 3, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

30 isn’t old for a pitcher. JohnnyTaco, do you just want this Braves team full of 22 year old kids. How old is Smoltz? Clemens? Johnson? Unlike you, I am a Braves fan, not a Braves basher.

By paluka

July 3, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

Hudson should be traded ASAP, his value is not going to get better. Even if the Brave do not get “equal value” for him at least his salary will be off the books and can be used to solidify the bullpen and/or the leadoff situation. I do not think JS can be demanding a great return for Hudson with the way he has been pitching, but he can either package Hudson or get decent but not great players back in return for him alone.

By paluka

July 3, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

I just read on Foxsports that Texas is looking for a solid DH, would Chipper fit this need. I think Chipper might accept a trade to Texas, being as though his ranch and family are nearby. But who would Atlanta get in return, maybe a package of Kevin Mench and Bryan Corey? Maybe Texas would also be interested in Hudson as well and Atlanta could send Hudson and Chipper for Micael Young and Bryan Corey. I would love to see Texiera come to Atlanta but I really don’t think there is enough there to acquire him.

By javis

July 3, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

Trade him? Who would take him? $13 million next year for a rapidly deteroriating talent? It drives me crazy when people suggest that we trade our struggling players to address our needs. Do you think the other teams in MLB aren’t watching?

By Art

July 3, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

I would like to see Chipper play 1st and Betemit play 3rd. So trade Giles for a leadoff type 2nd baseman and Laroche for a strong left field bat and put Thorman at 1st.

By Greg

July 3, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Hudson would be a guy who could reap a huge return at the trade deadline. I’m not saying move him out of spite, but if he can fetch a top pitching prospect and a decent corner OF, why would you not make that move? I would trade Hudson for a guy like Jon Lester who’s close to being a major league impact pitcher.

Don’t trade him just to trade him, but if you can increase the odds of long term success by moving him for top guys, then let’s not get too sentimental. This is what teams that fall out of contention do in July. We might have forgotten that.

By Gil Del Valle

July 3, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

The problem with Hudson and other pitcher in the major league is The Umpire…there no many calling outside or low Pitch any more…most of then you have to come belt high and in the midle of the plate…and all major league player kill that ball..Huson is a low pitcher and every time he not have that call they kill him..beacuse he have to elevate his pitch. And for all people to want change in the team..don’t worry we have to go to this bad year one in every 14…we have a good team still..the pen need to improve that it.

By craig t

July 3, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

The problem with Hudson is that;s he’s wearing a tomahawk across his chest, some guys can’t pitch for certain teams, even more so for their home town teams. Hudson hasnt bbe worth the trade or the money, and he never will be. If he’s in a slump, it started the day he was traded here, because he has stunk the place up with his pitching. 20-17 isnt an ace pitcher folks, TRADE HIM NOW WHILE YOU STILL CAN

By Bill

July 3, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Guy or DOB,

I know both of you get sick of hearing people talk about the Braves trading Andruw Jones, but I thought I’d mention this to see if you’d heard anything about it. Steve Stone mentioned the other night on the White Sox broadcast that the Sox have offered starting pitcher Jon Garland, a major league reliever (didn’t say who) and AAA outfielders Jerry Owens and Ryan Sweeney to the Braves for Andruw Jones. It seems to me like Sweeney and Owens are two stud outfielders and Garland would fit right in as our 2nd or third starter. It may not happen, but you have to think the Braves are at least entertaining offers for the guy when it appears he may sign elsewhere after next year. Any truth to this?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

journalist bob, jimmy smith has no such sensitivities regarding uh, chipper. given that same math problem chippper might have stomped his hoo …uh, foot on the ground repeatedly in answer. could this lead to foot distress and soreness? the mr. ed comparisons will not leave jimmy smith - who started this mr. ed foolishness? even the hartebeest knows you must preserve your toes in baseball.

now, another reason journalist jimmy smith loves baseball. bobby was being interviewed yesterday and the subject of reitsma came up. bobby said something like, “he may not be back this year, it’s very painful and he can’t feel anything, and if he can’t get back this year then we’ll invite him to camp and see what he has next year.” now, bobby stands second to no one on that statement- casey, yogi, dan quayle, nobody.

now, somebody will explain that to jimmy smith and that’s fine. somebody needs to. and what of paronto? jimmy smith is ashamed that he abandoned paronto as a “p” player when he had two bad outings. of course, bobby ran him out there day after day until he faltered. overuse can cause toe problems and a sinker that does not sink.

hudson? just let horacio be the ace and the guys can fall in from there. this ace business is overplayed anyway. this team has mostly had three aces over the years.

By Matt

July 3, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

I thought somebody said that AJones and someone else said they would retire before they played anywhere else? Was that true. I am watching ESPN, and half of the show has been about NY and Boston.

By Bill

July 3, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

Matt, that was John Kruk who said that, and I take his words with a grain of salt. Andruw would be foolish to retire for a stupid reason like that.

By This gets old

July 3, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

Tell me please where it appears that Andruw Jones “may sign elswhere after next year”

As miserable as the pitching has been this season where would we be if we traded a guy who cuts down runs with his defense.

Jon Garland??????

You’re joking right? We trade an under 30yr. all star for a marginal starter and some prospects.

Go play fantasy baseball.

By Ralph

July 3, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

The problem with Hudson is that he is chewing gun and try’s to pitch at the same time, someone should tell him to spit out the gum and concentrate on pitching.

By Dirty Dawg

July 3, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Has Hudson ever had a decent fastball? Cause he ain’t even trying to throw it now. Makes you wonder if he isn’t indeed hurt, or in one way or another ‘lost’ something on that fastball. Remember everytime Smoltz was hurting he’d go with breaking pitches cause he couldn’t break a window-pane with the fastball. Why not just admit it and shut it down for the season…pitching like this he’s certainly no help to a team that’s gonna need a quality start from every one of their ‘starters’ from here on out if they’re gonna stand a chance to even get us excited about baseball after the All-Star Break.

By the way, do you know the answer to the question: What are the only dates of the year when none of the professional leagues - specifically, Major League Baseball, the NFL, the NBA or the NHL - play a game?

The day before and the day after baseball’s All-Star Game.

By Peter

July 3, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Pitchers go through phases where they can’t get anybody out. The staff that we saw in our heyday was an abberation. Live with it.

Glavine is an all star again. Let’s hate on him, right? Braves have let pitching go and I don’t have any sympathy in that area.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We’ve won MOST times. We’ve got to deal with it and I think it’s good. Now we’ll stop taking [what flies through a goose] for granted.

By The Grinch

July 3, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

Reitsma must have some seriously compromising pictures of Bobby.

By peter scott

July 3, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

He’s pitching scared. He needs to remember how he pitched once before and let the ball go.

Pitches are not that hard to master. Why doesn’t he work on other pitches to throw instead of relying largely on what he used to do.

How is it possible that you’re in the dugout with guys who throw a whole host of pitches and you don’t seek out one or two that works for them when yours are not working?

peteS

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

We pay AJ 13.5 mil in ‘07; if he keeps up his current pace, it’s gonna take probably $20 mil per over 5 or six years to keep him beyond that. He’ll turn 31 the first month of the ‘08 season, so that contract will probably lock him up til he’s 36 or older.

To keep him will require the same kind of commitment we made to chipper a few years ago. His agent is Scott Boras, so don’t expect any home-team discounts.

By A Point

July 3, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

It’s almost completely unrelated, but I did want to point out that Leo’s pitching staff may be the only one in MLB worse than the Braves. His loss may be overstated as the driving reason for the Braves pitching failures.

By PA Bravefan

July 3, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Here is something that would clear a lot of cap room and help us out.
1. Trade Giles to Oakland, who always seems interested, for a pitcher (one of the starters preferably) 2. Trade Andruw to White Sox (they really have wanted him for a while, and need a centerfielder) for either Scott Podsednik or Iguchi and JD Fields their stud Minor league third baseman, and possibly a bullpen pitcher. Either Iguchi or Podsednik would be our leadoff guy. Fields can come to the majors and play 3rd immediately! (Check out his numbers they are ridiculous!) Shift Chipper to first. If we get Podsednik, Betemit takes over at 2nd. If we get Iguchi, then we still need outfielder. Which leads to # 3 3. In the latter situaton, we now make a trade for Carlos Lee, only if we can sign him to an extension immediately!! If not, wait until the offseason and go after him hard. With the money cleared up from Giles and Andruw, we can afford it. He is a guy that always hits for power and average. We put him in left next year and move Francouer to center. 4. This one really hurts me being a lifelong braves fan! Trade Smoltz to Detroit so he can win anohter title, for Zumaya, and Miner or Colon back. Zumaya is a closer for the next 4 -5 years for cheap! I know smoltz is a steal for a starter next year, but we are thinking longterm here and over the next 5 years Zumaya will be great, and the other two may end up being very good as well.

1. This trade comes only at the deadline if things don’t start to look up. Trade Hudson to anyone who is interested to get a rightfielder with some pop (remember we moved Frenchy to center earlier in this rant.)

2. Finally, We do whatever it takes to get Willis from Florida, and sign him up long term, because we now have money!

Lineup with these trades:

1. Podsesnik LF or Iguchi 2B
2. Renteria SS
3. Chipper 1B
4. Lee LF or RF (Depends on Pods)
5. McCann C
6. Francouer CF
7. JD Fields 3B
8. Betemit 2B (If we get Podsednik) Rightfielder (If we get Iguchi) (Diaz, Langerhans, or other from trade)If we get a good power hitter with the Hudson trade, this person could bat higher.

9. Pitcher

   Willis Hampton Ramirez (Pitcher from Giles Trade, James, or Davies - Choose 2)

I know it is pretty far fetched but I think it will leave us in a better financial situation. It also cut down the stikeouts in the lineup (LaRoche, Andruw, Giles). Puts speed and youth in the lineup without going entirely with rookies. Again this is all base on building for the future without sacrificing everything.

Well there it is. Some of these moves are painful (Smoltz for all and Maybe Andruw to some), but they would help out tremendously!

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Tim is an awesome pitcher he just need to gain more confidence, and work on his location which has been his mayor problems. Every player in Baseball has slumps thats what this is a slump. He has tremendous movement on his pitches, I think he should do what Don Sutton tells us in his broadcast aim toward the middle of the strikezone and the ball will go toward the outside corner

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, you’re on top of your game!

Actually, I had reached a similiar conclusion about the “orphan”. I tried to put my “best” foot out “front” in my last post when I said I wanted to be careful about stepping on toes, especially Larry’s … his foot is a genuine concern.

I did say howdy to The Lady … my first and most relevant post of the day … it’s worth repeating “Today’s a winner … even if we get beat 100 - 0 … Welcome back, My Lady!!”

You’re right about Bob Horner … and Cobb was right about Mathews.

What about Hudson? Our “Yo-Yo” reactions to players are interesting … but Hudson’s problems are a mystery. I suspect that most of it is above the neck and he may be a bit too mechanical these days, especially with runners on base.

It’s a shame we have to have an “ace” on the staff … that’s an unnecessary burden when you have a talented staff. I “lost” a good employee once when I gave him a title … he couldn’t take the pressure of the added responsibility.

By Joe Roman

July 3, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Maybe Tim Hudson is Edgar Renteria in reverse. The Renteria example would seem to be a good bargaining chip if Scheurholz decides to make a move. There are quite a number of A.L. teams with far more to spend on personnel than the Braves. A GM like JS can turn weakness into strength in a case like this.

By javis

July 3, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

1. There’s a salary cap in baseball?
2. Oakland is going to give us a starter for Marcus Giles?
3. Detroit is going to trade their closer in preparation for a playoff run?

Nice.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

PA Brave fan who is JD Fields.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

Last night on ESPN, John Kruk said that he had interviewed both Chipper and Andruw. Both said that if they were forced into a trade (which they can’t be) they would retire because they don’t want to play elsewhere. Now, in terms of Chipper, that pretty much means that he will retire a Brave. He’s going nowhere. Get used to it a get over it. Please quit kicking dead dogs. It ain’t gonna happen. As far as it relates to Andruw, last time his contract was up for negotiation, he told Steve Boras to go away and he did the negotiations himself for considerably less than he could have gotten as a free agent. If he doesn’t want to play elsewhere, don’t you think that he might do it himself again? What needs to happen is this. It is not the high priced players killing us right now, it is the mid-priced guys. Next year, Thomson’s contract ($4.5 mil) is over. They won’t re-sign him unless he is possessed by Cy Young’s spirit for the rest of the year. Reitsma’s contract is also up ($3 mil, I think), Jordan is gone ($1 mil), Sosa is gone ($2 mil). That right there is $10.5 million. If we were to trade Hudson and Giles we should be able to get some value. Next year, through arbitration, Giles could get $5 mil. Hudson is due $6 mil next year (the $13.5 goes into effect in 08). That is another $11 million, for a total of $21.5 million. This also leaves us next year with a rotation of Ramirez, Smoltz, James, Davies and Hampton (who should be as good as ever with his new knee and elbow). I fail to see how with this much money we can’t address all of our problems and still keep Hamton’s Chipper’s and Andruw’s salaries well under control.

By Calvin

July 3, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Javis, 1.Not really. You have to pay a certain amount of “taxes” when you go over 100 million. 2. I seriously doubt that. Giles might fetch a couple of bullpen arms and maybe a second rate minor leaguer 3. Heck no.

By PA Bravefan

July 3, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

Tomas He is White Sox Top Prospect (non pitching) Chec out his numbers in AAA. He is blocked by Crede at 3B.

By PA Bravefan

July 3, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

mlbtraderumors.com is reporting a potential trade with the White Sox for Andruw Jones. Their sources are all inside people. DOB, Have you heard anything, founded or unfounded?

By Dr. Jay

July 3, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

Andruw is older and presumably wiser, but don’t forget he gave scumbag superagent Scott Boras(s) the finger when he last negotiated a contract with the Braves, and signed out of loyalty for less money than he could have extorted from another team. He may not be as expensive to keep as some of us fear, although I’m quite intrigued by a possible trade with the White Sox. With the balance of power between the NL and AL so skewed towards the AL, maybe we should take 3 AL players for one NL All-Star. So much hinges on the new ownership…

By Lew

July 3, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Brian Anderson and young pitching for Andruw? How much young pitching? Six or eight young pitchers? Anderson may have great AAA credentials, but is hitting .176 at the big league level. This is not a deal as far as I’m concerned. Maybe if they included half of their AAA roster.

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, people who can’t feel anything are usually a major pain … maybe that’s what Bobby was saying.

The thing that has surprised me in recent times has been the apparent diagnostic ineptness of those in Sports Medicine … that not a rap on Sports Medicine … they just seem to be far less sophisticated than I had imagined them to be.

You have to give credit where credit is due … I don’t remember the quote, but Dan Quayle said, in effect, that if you really want people to take your ideas seriously, tell them Ben Franklin came up with it first.

By Gota love em

July 3, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

In a couple weeks, all you haters of Hudson will be singing his praises. Hes to good for this. He has a mechanical mix up, but he will get that straight and then we will be very strong. I just dont get it. A pitcher with the stuff Hudson has gets into a little trouble and everyone wants to trade him. Hudson is not Reitsma. Where Reitsma has given us nothing in the last three years, Hudson is proven. He will get things worked out. And he will do it in time. Give the man a break.

By Mets Stink

July 3, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t be opposed to trading Andruw, but we have to get something better than Anderson in return. A guy who has already proven that he can play in the big leagues.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

It’s not a matter of hating Hudson. It is strictly practicality. I hope he does start to do better, it will make his value even higher. Starting pitching is exactly where our strength lies. If we trade Hudson, we are likely (especially at the deadline) to get a high return for him. While he is still relatively inexpensive next year, we can absorb his loss from the rotation better than anywhere else except for the middle infield, which is why I suggested trading Giles, whoc also would have value and who will be considerably more expensive next season. Not hate. Sheer practicality.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

IF I WHERE THE GM OF THE BRAVES:

Trade Marcus Giles, John Thomson, and Langerthans for Huston Street, and Mark Kotsay, then trade Mark Kotsay for Scott Podsesnik and a minor leaguer. Then trade that minor leaguer for Nick Green.

Lineup: 1. Scott Podsesnik LF 2. Edgar Renteria SS 3. Chipper Jones 3B 4. Andruw Jones CF 5. Brian McCann C 6. Jeff Francoeur RF 7. Adam Laroche 1B 8. Wilson Beitemet 2B 9. Pitcher

Bench: 1. Pete Orr 2B/ UTIL 2. Matt Diaz LF 3. Todd Pratt C 4. Scott Thorman 1B/ LF 5. Nick Green 2B/ IF

Pitchers: 1. John Smoltz SP 2. Tim Hudson SP 3. Horacio Ramirez SP 4. Jorge Sosa SP 5. Chuck James SP

Bulpen: 1. Oscar Villareal RHP 2. Tyler Yates RHP 3. Lance Cormier RHP 4. Macay McBride LHP 5. Chad Parronto RHP 6. Kevin Barry RHP 7. Ken Ray RHP(Setup man) 8. Huston Street RHP(Closer)

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Thomas, Josh Fields is hitting about .330 for the Charlotte Knights … even with the high batting average, he’d fit right in with the Braves … I think he strikes out about 30% of the time.

By Jeffrey

July 3, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

On the Andruw Jones to the White Sox rumor:

Chicago Sun-Times Williams: Anderson’s our guy July 3, 2006

BY JOE COWLEY Staff Reporter

Before the rumors and speculation could start to snowball, White Sox general manager Ken Williams went on the offensive Sunday to stop them in their tracks.

Internet reports out of Los Angeles said the Sox were interested in acquiring Angels infielder/outfielder Chone Figgins, while nationally, Atlanta Braves center fielder Andruw Jones’ name has been thrown around.

“I’m not out shopping for a center fielder,” Williams insisted. “That ought to say something.”

What it said is that Williams and the rest of the organization have full confidence in Brian Anderson, despite his .176 batting average.

“Part of development, part of evaluation, is not just being able to evaluate when a guy is going good,” Williams said. “It’s being able to make decisions on when a guy is struggling. It’s not unlike the [Juan] Uribe situation. Aaron Rowand struggled, and because we were in a different mode, we went out and got a guy. But [Jose] Contreras, [Joe] Crede — how many times did we hear, ‘Get rid of Contreras, get rid of Crede’?

“It’s very difficult to find talent that you feel good about on a championship club, and once you do have a plan, you best stick to your guns. Our plan is that [Anderson] is part of the infusion of keeping our club young and energetic and a guy we have in our long-range goals, as well as our short-term goals.”

Not sure if that is the same Joe Cowley who pitched for the Braves in the 80s or not.

By JSizzle

July 3, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

AJ is the best defensive CF of our generation. PERIOD. All the guy does is save a lot of runs and drive in even more. I say keep him here as long as possible. I think our biggest need is a leadoff hitter. I’d like to see the Braves make a serious run at Carl Crawford: an everyday, lead-off LF with serious speed and occasional pop. Drop Giles further down and let him do what he’s best at, driving in runs. That would improve the lineup. Moving langerhans and diaz to the pine makes the bench that much better. Trade candidates? LaRoche, Thorman, Betemit, Chuck James. Betemit is too good to be riding the pine. He needs to start, if not here then let him star somewhere else. Stop wasting his time.

By ILL-logical

July 3, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

If there are trades to be made,and there are, then trade for speed and athleticism,which is in very short supply on the Braves. JS and BC are still playing 20th century baseball with 19th century marketing,eg Jeff Francouer as the Center fielder of the “future”. The money is there ;it is just a question of how it is spent ,something that JS has not proven to be good at these last couple of years. the cornerstone of this franchise is Andruw but he isn’t from the suburbs,so.. ..

By Matt

July 3, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

You would put Sosa back in the starting rotation? Also, why would Oakland trade Houston? Remember, we still have Devine, who was only drafted in 2005. Does anybody know when Davies is coming back. I agree to try to trade MGiles, but trying to get Pods for him, that seems too much to me. Don’t we have some kids down in AAA that play middle infield and can run. Prado, Pena and somebody else. They could lead off. Trading Giles would only ok to me b/c he might try to go to the west coast after this year. It would be nice to get some speed though, but Frenchy has speed if he can learn how to steal. I trust JS to make the right trades, but I still think this team can easily compete if are bullpen stays as strong as they have been the last 2 weeks.

By tfbrave

July 3, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

When Andruw signed because of how out of control contracts were yes he did give the Braves a bargain. However, if you look at today’s standards he is paid approximately what he is worth. Derrick Lee who compares very favorably IMO to Andruw signed a contract in April for $13M per until 2010. Andruw will make $13.5M next season. With a number of contracts coming off the books in the next couple of seasons and the possibility of trading Giles, Hudson, etc. The Braves should have enough to easily hold on to Andruw at about $70 over 5 seasons. Averaging out to $14M per. I might even try to front load the contract while the kids are still pre-Arbitration so in a couple of years the team will have more money to spare to lock them up.

By Matt

July 3, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

I seriously hope the Braves do not trade any of our young starters James or Davies. We need all the pitching we can keep. But your right, we have plenty of everyday player options to trade. If Betemit isn’t playing everyday, trade him to the AL where he can’t hurt us all year in the future, we have plenty of young guys to fill his spot. Salty, Prado, Pena, even Schurholts Jr. He might wind up shocking people. He shocked me this Spring.

By Matt

July 3, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

Good idea about front loading AJones contract tfbrave.

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

tfBrave, I agree that AJ is being paid adequately. But if you don’t think the Yankees, Bosox, Chisox, Dodgers, Cubs etc will run up the price on the best CF in the game, then you’re watching a different MLB than I am. Maybe AJ will indeed discount the deal to stay here; if so, the Braves should lock up that deal asap. I have a feeling he’s more secure in himself now and won’t be quite so willing to take a discount.

Anyway, I still think our #1 priority should be D. Willis. That makes Hudson (or another starter) expendable , if need be; and then we should try to pry Street or one of Detroit’s mid-relievers - Zumaya, Rodney, etc - away. Know they’re running first, but they may have pitching to spare for the right deal.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

Matt, Giles is still arbitration eligible next year and a free agent AFTER next year. He is however, due for a raise for close to a $5 million contract. Trading him will free up salsry and bring a decent return, but he can’t leave next year. Did anyone hear Kruk talk about his interviews with Chipper and Andruw last night? It was reight after the All Star show during the rain delay of the Mets-Yankees. I think Andruw will re-sign with the Braves at a very resonable price. I only advocate trading Hudson and Giles because A.We could get a godd return B. We can replace them pretty easily with parts we already have C. We would save about $11 miliion next year and address our needs.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

Matt Oakland need someone who can play seconbase and hit, which marcus giles fits perfectly,plus we would not trade giles alone but Thomson, and langerthans, and Sosa pitch badly the first starts of the season has gotten better, Devine is not ready, as for pena and prado they dont hit.

By Greg from TN

July 3, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Ken Williams said he isn’t shopping for a CF’er and even if it’s a smoke screen, JS would be flat out crazy to do it. He hasn’t had any nibblers yet because other GMs would be run out of their respective towns on a rail if they threw in the towel on their seasons and started fire sales this side of the all star break.

Has the team dug themselves too big of a hole to climb out of? Perhaps so. The Mets and Phils aren’t exactly lighting people up right now. We won’t gain a lot of ground fast, but if the blowpen gets some stability there’s always a chance.

By Matt

July 3, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Ok, we have Giles for 2006 and 2007, so does everybody think we should trade him now while his value is down or trade somebody else to get a leadoff hitter or let him keep playing and see if he keeps getting better and trade him in the offseason. I don’t know anything about Oakland, so I was just asking about Street, they could have another stud reliever for all I know. We could probably get better return trading Betemit to Oakland then. If we can get a decent return for something we need, I would hesitate to trade Giles or Huddy, just don’t want to trade them for crap.

By hk

July 3, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, welcome back!!!

… for me, all’s right with the world with your return, and the Braves beginning to turn it around at the same moment (coincidence ?? …. hmmmm) … can see it reflected in jimmy’s and bob’s posts, never have I seen them both more cheerful than today …

… I feel like the rest is what you needed, my guess is you often put those around you first, and it just flat wore you out …

… got an email awhile ago entitled ‘kill the crows !!”, that (aha, maybe an answer !!) … turned out it was political thing, most disappointed ..

By Joe Roman

July 3, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

Everybody seems to have ignored me, but I’m tellin’ ya. I’ll make it easier to read. Tim Hudson may be Edgar Renteria in reverse. At least, I’m sure an AL team with a player budget more realistic than the Braves, could be made to see Hudson as a worthy addition for the second half. Doesn’t that sound like something Schuerholz could sell? As far as specificv personnel are concerned, don’t ask me. Frankly, I don’t pay that much attention. I just believe some changes could light a fuse. When so many things go wrong at once, the chances of bad ju ju in the clubhouse are good.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

Matt the thing is is that giles has more value than beitemet in the trading market and to get someone like Husto street you have to sacrifice something of great value like giles

By Matt

July 3, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

Joe Roman, who might be right, but then again, Renti didn’t have too bad an offensive year compared to his career in Boston, his defense hurt him. But then again, Huddy got rocked by the AL teams. I still think he is just pressing too hard. Maybe b/c of the bullpen? But I am starting to think that it might be best to trade some of our young everyday players to acquire a closer, only IF Sosa doesn’t work out and Devine doesn’t start cutting it. I think Sosa will be good in a closers role b/c he doesn’t seem to be scared of nothing. If McDowell can keep him calm if a runner gets on base, I think he might be lights out.

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Joe, guess I don’t quite get the phrase, ‘renteria in reverse.’ But, one thing; a team taking on Hudson is taking on more than a second-half addition; they’re also taking on big commitments for $26 mil in ‘08/’09. He’s not a free agent. If he were, at this year’s salary, we’d have a ton of leverage.

btw, Houston was 12.5 games out on this date last year, and played in the WS. Keep Hope Alive!

By Matt

July 3, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Just a question, not disagreeing with you: Why do you think MGiles has more value? Me personally, I think the opposite. Betemit is a switch hitter with more power and plays more positions than Giles. But Giles does have more experience.

By berigan

July 3, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

MBATL, there’s little chance of of getting Dontrelle Willis. The Marlins traded almost everyone but Miguel Cabrera and Willis. Willis IS the face of the Marlins, and while he can file for arbitration, he won’t be a free agent for a few years yet. As pathetic as the Marlins attendance has been, I imagine they can raise their payroll a bit beyond 15 mil in the offseason. If they play .500 ball the rest of the year, they may be the team to beat next year.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

MGiles was an allstar in 2003 had 49 doubles that season, and three season interumpted by injury but hit over 290.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Matt-You have to balance how much we can get vs. what Giles as opposed to Betemit may make in the next several years. Next year is Giles last year before free agency and in arbitration after this year he will be able to make $5 mil or so. Then you can count on him being gone via free agency. Betemit still has four more years until free agency and two more before arbitration. He may be more important to Braves’ long range plans than Giles (almost certainly is). Giles is having an off year with the bat, but his defense is as good as it gets. He could bring a good deal of young talent in return as he is a proven competitor, whereas Betemit has potential.

By John the Handsome

July 3, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Tell it like it is Taco. Hudson has always had a high ERA. Chippie is too coddled. Hire Jim LeLand. He’ll run off these over priced players and let the ones that produce play. Cox is a joke.

By berigan

July 3, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

One thing in defense of Hudson, I missed the game, but seeing the “highlights” on espn, Baltimore got some cheap *ss hits off him. balls low and outside were pulled, which shows he didn’t have that much velocity…but it didn’t look like he was just hanging them in the middle of the plate…

By Lew

July 3, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

You know, I like Hudson and all, but I seem to have heard Cox complain that a lot of the multitude of hits off of Cris Reitsma were cheap a**, too. They still look like the proverbial line drive in the boxscore. He still only went 2 2/3 innings. Totally not acceptable for the “Ace” of the staff. Sorry Berigan.

By berigan

July 3, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

John the Handsome , Hudson has always had a high E.R.A.? His career E.R.A. is 3.42!!! And that was pitching in the A.L. most of his career. Last year he was 14-9 with a 3.52 ERA for the Braves. Not saying that we shouldn’t consider trading him if he has a few good starts in a row, but he will be cheap next year as well, so it wouldn’t kill us to keep him.

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

berigan, can’t disagree. Florida’s rebuilding seems to be on track, and ahead of schedule… they have some pretty nice young talent.

Early on it was thought that Willis would be on the block, … but maybe not. If I were Braves GM, I’d make a pretty strong offer, including prospects…but you’re probably right.

Giles is affordable this year and next. I’d trade him for value, but not just to dump the still-modest salary. This team was built on pitching, and I wouldn’t make any major move that didn’t improve us in that area.

By Matt

July 3, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Lew, with your logic, wouldn’t that make Betemit even more valuable, b/c of Betemit having 4 more years? I couldn’t agree more about trading Giles, but all I’m saying is if a club would rather have Betemit in order to give us a valuable leadoff hitter or bullpen, then I would say to trade Betemit. Thats all. Anyways, I am just trying to see what people think. Me personally, I would trade MGiles, Orr, Langerhans, Salty, Thomson and Reitsma for a leadoff LF and a proven relief pitcher. If we could get a leadoff 2B, I would trade Betemit too. I am not saying trade all these guys for 2 players. I am just saying that all these players are expendable.

By hk

July 3, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

journalist bob,

… greatly stimulated by yours and jimmy’s discussion of sousemeat … quite a revelation, I always thought that it had something to do with carefully prepared ‘grinch’ … can relate to your ‘you don’t want to know’ comment, the same is often said of the contents of Philadelphia scrapple, which I love …

… your ordeal in the car reminds me of one time headed west on route 40 in western Kansas, it was 106, AC went out, talk about hot … then, off in the distance, snow capped mountains !! … few hours later, we were driving in the snow … aaaahhhh …

… my take on Huddy .. think Gil del Valle’s point on the strike zone change from the AL is a good one, I remember how that hurt Glavine and Maddux a few years ago when ‘low and away’ got penalized … took a good while for both to adjust, but they did … I think Huddy will too … there’s something else though …

… when things go really really bad on a team, ‘the worse it gets the worse it gets’ is usually a factor … these guys are all in uncharted territory in this situation … but at some point, things bottom out and there is a rebound of sorts, and ‘the better it gets, the better it gets’ …

… different guys bottom out at different times, I don’t think Huddy has yet … he is an emotional guy, pitches with alot of heart, which can actually work against you in a downer environement …

.. my feel is that the team has bottomed out and is in fact beginning to rebound and Huddy will rebound as well … I think he will be just fine …

… if I seem to be more talkative than usual today, you’re right … I’m so glad Carolina Lady is back …

By Lew

July 3, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah. I saw the game and not only did he give up 6 runs, but the Braves threw out two runners at third.

By Matt

July 3, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

And I would release Pratt and bring Pena back up. Make Pratt a pitching/catching/bullpen coach or something.

By Miss Matha Met

July 3, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

Maybe he meant to say Tim Hudson is Edgar Renteria on Thursday nights. That’s when they go to the club. Nice analogy, Romer. So you think the people who blog here aren’t up to your standards? Mr. Met could blog better than you and his head is made of thread. Willie Randolph for Governor!

By Matt

July 3, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

Willie Randolph only has a job b/c he has a $200 million dollar payroll like Joe Torre. Bunch of underacheivers who try to buy championships.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

Matt- You may be right as far as that goes, but you have to think like a GM. Giles is A.Much more expensive B.Much more likely to only play one more year with the Braves and then they get nothing in return and if they had traded Betemit, too, they have very little in return and less to spend patching holes next year. Believe me, Giles will bring a good return, especially at the trade deadline, when contending teams tend to spend irresponsibly (remember Len Barker for Brett Butler, Braves’ fans)?

By hk

July 3, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

jimmy,

…. reflecting back, I think I see a correlation between the timing of some of your comments about Chipper and injuries to his toes on the field … do you suppose he senses that you are stepping on his toes ??? … thought about a spreadsheet to analyze, but have drawn a blank on criteria … :))

By PA Bravefan

July 3, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Matt and Tomas

There is NO WAY that we are getting Huston Street from Oakland. If Beane took Giles, and Langerhans, Thomson (Which they don’t need starting pitching), and Sosa (Which can’t start and hasn’t shown to any significant extent that he can close.) He would be fired the next day!!! Street is one of the best closers in all of baseball and he is YOUNG!!!!, Which means they have him locked up for a long time!! We all keep waiting for Giles to snap out of it and start hitting like he has in the past. Myself included! I like the guy, but he is tradable because he will make too much for a guy hitting below .250 and striking out as much as he does. PLUS!! We have people in teh system coming. One of you said that Pena and Prado can’t hit. I agree with Pena, but Prado has hit around .300 everywhere he has been. (currently .294 at Richmond) The Guy who can come up and play is possibly Yunel Escobar. He has been playing SS in minors but can play 2B and 3B. Someone earlier said Schuerholtz! PUHLEEEEEEZE? He is pathetic! He has never hit well (currently hitting .156 in 211 AB’s) We need to face facts that some of our favorites are going to have to go to retool. Betemit, has no trade value yet because he has not shown that he can be an everyday player at the Big League level yet. However I do agree that if and when he does play, he will eventually be more valuable.

By Roger C

July 3, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Hudson has not nearly lived up to the hype we heard when JS signed him. He’s pitched a few games when he was unhittable, but for the most part he’s been shelled and has walked a ton of batters (44 already this season). I say trade him and reload after the season, especially if we don’t make the postseason (which is highly uinlikely). Like you say, Hudson is supposed to be an ace, but we don’t seem to have anyone that fits that description anymore for the Braves.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

HK, being an ex-Philadelphian, I, too love scrapple. I have never wanted to know what it is made of though. Souse meat does not sound too appetizing. Unless maybe LeTwan’s mama could make a sousemeat pie. I hear she can work wonders.

By Chop Chop

July 3, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

Alright, MBATL. If the Braves keep Giles, who hits leadoff next year? What about all the young middle infielders in the minors? What about Betemit? Is Giles worth enough/affordable enough at $6 million (which I think is closer to what he’ll get in arbitration) to trump the production of Betemit or Prado at second base?

Look. Giles has been a miserable failure in the leadoff spot this season and Cox still hasn’t figured it out. We’re literally past the halfway point of the season and Giles is still hitting leadoff. Of all the moves that people criticize Cox for, I think “Giles in the leadoff spot 82 games into the season” is the one that is the most damning. Even if Giles starts hitting soon, he’s helped contribute to that 12 games under .500 as much as any hitter on the team. If the Braves had been consistent at the plate in the first half of the season, they’d be hovering around .500 and have a much better shot at making a run at the postseason. It’s just a fact. To me, Giles has been the main culprit in all of this. After all, he’s a veteran player who we all expect good, solid numbers out of. We can’t say the same for Francoeur, can we? Chipper’s numbers aren’t great, but they certainly aren’t bad. On the other hand, Giles has consistently struck out, swung at the first pitch and hit flyballs, which is exactly the opposite of what you want a leadoff guy to do. Put Renteria in the leadoff spot and see if Giles gets back on track in the second spot. It’s not a difficult move, is it?

By Kenny the Big Guy

July 3, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

JS needs to make these trades NOW!

Send LaRoache to St. Louis for Pujols, Chipper to NYY for A-Rod, Hudson back to Oakland for Barry Zito, and get rid of Reitsma! San Diego would be a good place for him and let’s get Hoffman for him.

That still leaves us without a true lead-off batter, but I’m working on that solution.

And, oh yeah, fire Cox while we’re at it.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed Giles’ batting stance? When Giles is on his game, his power is to the right center field alley. He has been using as open a stance as you can use. This is definitely a pull hitter’s stance, not someone’s who goes to the opposite field. If you try to go to the right side with this stance, you either hit a grounder to short or pop up to the 3rd baseman (especially with an uppercut swing). Starting to sound familiar? Why hasn’t Pendleton figured this out?

By hk

July 3, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

jimmy,

… one other thing, Bobby’s “it’s painful he can’t feel a thing” is definitely a Yogi-ism, am betting it will go down as a classic, oft repeated and never to be foregotten …

… but like all of Yogi’s quotes, there is some wisdom underneath … one can experience considerable pain ‘above the neck’ when one loses feeling ‘below the neck’ …

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Wow, Chop Chop, guess I hit a sore spot.

Again, I don’t consider Giles untouchable by any means, but he’s a career .285 hitter with ‘gap power’ and a very good glove. Yes, he’s had a bad 1st half (who hasn’t?). Also hitting in a new position. I don’t know, maybe he’s done, but I have a feeling not. Trade him? Okay. But don’t dump him for the sake of salary.

Who should Bobby have at leadoff? Betemit, in place of Giles? He’d probably have a litte higher OBP, but not as good in the field. And Giles would be sitting, with no value at all. Can’t do that. Renteria? Okay with me!

I can’t believe you’re hanging the Braves’ bad first half on Giles. How ‘bout the BULLPEN??? 17 saves in 34 opportunities?

Hey, I’d rather see Giles batting #2, or 6 or 7. You solve the leadoff problem, and I’m all for it. Meanwhile, I don’t think it’s Giles’ fault, or Bobby’s, that we don’t have a leadoff hitter.

Above all, if we had any pitching, the offense is just fine … middle of the pack with guys having below-par years. Pitching, not Marcus Giles, is the problem.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

PA Brave Fan, yes i know Huston Street is very valuable, but everybody has his price, and i think giles thomson, and langerthans are enough. Who would we get as a proven closer.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

No Giles is not the problem, but is immediately replaceable, will cost a bunch for a year and then be gone. He does, however, have value. As much as people would like to see Chipper (won’t happen as has been discussed ad nauseum), Andruw (same arguement as Chipper), Reitsma, Thomson and Sosa (what can you realistically expect to get), Smoltz (has value, but is too good at what he will make next year) gone, the best bets for trades, both in return value and monetary savings, are Giles and Hudson. No blame, just reality.

By CurCur

July 3, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

A quick fix for some added offense might just be putting Chipper at 1st, and Betemit at 3rd. That gets horrid LaRoche out of the lineup and hot hitting Betemit in. As for the pitching goes im available for the late innings…hey it can’t get any worse, can it?

By Head Coach

July 3, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Wow , Guy Curtwright has opened a can of worms. Some of you guys have good ideas , the rest just want to argue. I will add this : Thomson is as good as gone if for nothing more than a bag of baseballs. Both Cox and Scheurholz want Betemit in the lineup and the only place to put him is at 2B. Giles might be on the trading block , If HUDDY is traded I’ll eat my socks. Scheurholz doesnt want the appearance of a fire sale , he just wants to unload a couple of contracts ,pick up some decent, cheap players and build for 2007. I wrote this team off at the end of May and let the FAT LADY SING , they have done nothing to change my opinion so far and I can tell you for sure that the Cardinals and Reds will make it an ugly finish right before the all-star break. So , GO YOU STINKING BRAVES !!!!!!!

By 1 + 2

July 3, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

We are complicating things - - Everything is actually simple - - send Hudson to a shrink; make Giles drop and give 20 pushups for every uppercut swing he takes (50 if he continues to uppercut bunt attempts); get Andruw on Slimfast (I love the boy but damn is he getting extra chunky or is it me?); Move Chipper to 1st base so he doesn’t have to run and field (I’m waiting on his next injury - charging a ball); Finally, Terri Pendleton and Marcus Giles to the Marlins for Cabrera

By Lew

July 3, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Head Coach I don’t particularly agree with the tone of your post, but I do agree that this season is, in effect, over for our Braves. If, after the ten game streak we had gone on atear, but 5-4 ain’t gonna do it. Let’s look ahead without emotion and with a thought to putting the Braves back in winning form. We have a good team nucleus, but have several gaps that need filling. Giles and Hudsons trades could definitely help, without it even looking like a firesale.Also, as I posted earlier, with Hudson and Giles gone, not only do we get a return in players, but we free up what could be $11-12 mil next year. Add to that the attrition of not renewing Thomson, Sosa, Jordan and Reitsma, we are looking at about $21-22 million to spend to fill these gaps. This doesn’t have to be a major rebuilding project, just a two year (this year and next) retooling.

By Nate Raymond In Maine

July 3, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

I just went to mlb trade rumors and read the piece about Andruw Jones. I cant see the braves doing that trade. We get jack Sh*t in return. If we do that trade the braves are stupid. Play Andruw throught the season and maybe next year deal him. Work on dealing hudson know.

By Nelson

July 3, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Hudson was shown by JS as the last cocacola in the desert, still he has to prove that and this is putting a lot of pressure on him. He is falling behind the hitters trying to make the perfect pitch, when he try to hit the zone they are ready for him and the result is what all we have seen up to now. He needs to watch a lot of videos of himself back on those days when he was effective and try to figure it out what is he doing different, probably need some help looking for that answer. But I don’t think we should trade him, if we want to have a team with heart we have to start keeping players like him.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

On a totally unrelated subject, I know a lot of people are tired of the ESPN analysts. My problem is with Jon Miller. The man can’t pronounce a name. Just when we get rid of FOUR CAL, we now have to deal with BATE A MEAT.

By Mets Stink

July 3, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Betemit will soon find himself playing everyday because Chip’s hurt again. Read the atlantabraves.com article. He’s having an MRI today. He has the same symptoms as he had last year when he went on the DL. If Chip’s out Giles isn’t going anywhere.

By Kentavo

July 3, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

The most immediate positive things the Braves can achieve is addition by subtraction - which is already working. Subtracted - Remlinger. Subtracted - Reitsma. Subtracted - Jordan. Subtracted - Sosa from the rotation. Now, subtract Giles from the lead-off spot and add him later in the order and it would work wonders. Renteria leads the team in SB and is more selective at the plate. He can lead off. Who led off for the Marlins in ‘97?

By The Dude

July 3, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

I FIND IT VERY AMUZING THAT NONE OF YOU KNOW THE ANYTHING ABOUT BASEBALL. I JUST READ AND LAUGH! SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE A WORTHY POST.

People, please realize that major league baseball is a business. A lot more goes into these trades than will give you this guy for that guy. It just doesn’t work like that.

By johnny

July 3, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

GOOD QUESTION==WJHAT IS WRONG WITH HUDSON.

HATE TO SEE REITSMA HURT. BUT HE IS SELFISH BY TRYING TO PITCH WITH AND INJURY, BEFORE TELLING THE STAFF. I THINK HE SHOULD BE DOCKED IN PAY= TO MANY PLAYERS ARE PUTTING THEMSEVES ABOVE THE TEAM CONSCEPT. HATE TO SEE ANYONE HURT==BUT, HOW MUCH MORE DAMAGE DID HE DO==BY TRYING TO BE SUPERMAN.

I STILL SAY THERE IS A PROBLEM IN THE CLUBHOUSE, BUT NO ONE WILL TALK, EVEN THE REPORTRS WILL NOT BRING IT UP. WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, I DO NOT KNOW—BUT I BET IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH SOMEONE’S EGO. FOR ONE I AM GLAD SUPER ROOKIE DID NOT MAKE THE ALL STAR TEAM. HE HAS MANY YEARS AHEAD. BUT TO ME HE IS STILL A ROOKIE, YES A FAN FACVORITE. BUT STILL GREEN, I WILL BE PULLING FOR HIM IN THE FUTURE. STILL CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW HE CAN GO TO THE PLAATE, AND HAVE HIS FREE SWINGING ATTITUDE. HE NEEDS TO BE RINGED IN JUST A LITTLLE BIT, AND LOOK OUT FOR THE TEAM, YES, I AM REFERRING TO NUMBER 7. LOOK AT DAVID WRIGHT, THE NUMBERS HE IS PUTTING UP. HE DOES NOT HAVE THE FREEDOM TO SWING AT ANY PITCH. I THING TERRY AND BOBBY BOTH SHOULD CONFER WITH JEFF FRANCEUOUR.==TELL HIM, HOW IT TAKES A ENTIRE TEAM TO WIN BALL GAMES, NOT JUST ONE PERSON. HE NEEDS TO BECOME A TEAM PLAYER, THEN ALL THE NUMBERS HE IS SEEKING WILL COME. JOHNNY L. EVANS. CHESAPEAKE VA

By Lew

July 3, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

The Dude-exactly what aspects of a trade are we missing. Please enlighten us poor idiots who don’t know the anything about baseball. Could it be negotiating the trade with another team? the finacial spects of the trade? Or maybe it is filling needs both for your team and the other trade partner. Please fill the voids in our life with your profound wisdom Oh Wise One.

By Head Coach

July 3, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

I know Lew , I keep nailing it and rubbing evrybody the wrong way , such is life, lol. My bravos just ended the worst month of baseball in the 40 year history of Braves baseball , finished dead last in runs scored for the month of June. The offense ranks 3rd worst in the majors with a team total of 620 strikeouts. If you think I’m brutal you should go read todays article in the USA TODAY sports section. It kind of spells out just how awful this team has played in the first half. Dont take my word for it , go read the article.

By hk

July 3, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

… one other thought about chipper at first … picture him trying to stretch out the way roachy does on a close play (almost does the splits) … chipper has history of hammy problems … similar concern for playing outfield, quick starts, diving for balls, etc … least injury prone position 3rd base by a wide margin …

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Ha! Well said, Lew. I await the first worthy post of the day (or, maybe of all time!) with bated breath!

By The Dude

July 3, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

LEW, I DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO EXPLAIN IT TO IDIOTS LIKE YOU.

By 1 + 2

July 3, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

The Dude - - you want some analysis?

Giles = Sucks Pratt = Sorry Chipper = Slow Pendleton = Scrotum Andruw = Slimfast Frenchy = Strikeout LaRoche = Sleepy Cox = Stubborn Sosa = Sendoff Ticket Cost = Ludacris

By Lew

July 3, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

The Dude-You don’t have time to explain it to us poor idiots. or you have your head stuck so far up your-sorry I’m too dumb to complete that thought. Really The Dude, I await your enlightenment. Jerk. Head Coach, I agree the Braves have benn atrocious this year. Guess we’ll just have to be like fans of all other teams and “Wait ‘til next year”. Of course, we may need to pull off some of those trades that we idiots have no clue about.

By The Dude

July 3, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

LEW- I will retract my statement. I had to go back and read your post and you actually did make a few valid points. My statements were mainly directed toward the “fantasy managers” out there.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

The Dude-apology accepted. I was about to comment earlier how we actually have played nicely today without too many improbable suggestions or any realyy vitriolic responses. It is so much nicer this way, don’t you think?

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

So, The Dude (I love it), nice that you apologized to Lew. As one of the un-apologized-to, just wondering, do you have any baseball-related insight to add, or did you show up just to critique the rest of us?

By hk

July 3, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

MBATL …

.. glad you have re-appeared, think we all faded away when things got really bad there for awhile …

..repetitiveness of various thoughts does wear one out a bit, but really no way around it, hard to keep track of what has already been said … does give a good feel for consensus though …

… all in all I feel like the posts are on the average about as good as I’ve ever seen them here ..

By Head Coach

July 3, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

Dude , shut your Fu.c.king hole. You are a four foot tall moron who looks up at the world with an IQ of 45 and argues with his mama , because you still live with her. Go make yourself usefull and play dodgeball with the cars out in the street.

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

hk, thanks, and agreed, a lot of great posts in here lately. Been on vacation and was prohibited from blogging… almost killed me!

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Giles doesnt suck but he isnt a leadoff hitter, I like how he plays he is one of the best second basemen out but its not what the braves needs. What are the braves needs? A leadoff hitter who plays the outfield and an allstar caliver closer, and it needs to be cheap. Maybe trade laroche for a leadoff man, and put beitemet on third and chipper in 1B.

By Nate Raymond In Maine

July 3, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

Smoltz needs to win tonight and we need to start to make a comback. The mest seem to have hit a reality check when they played better teams. The braves with the right trades or team leaders can start to clime to the top.

By Nate Raymond In Maine

July 3, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Tomas. Well said. Laroche sucks and I cant stand to watch him

By Perplexed

July 3, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Hudson will get better…

By Kenny the Big Guy

July 3, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Hey, THE DUDE: It’s called satire.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

hk, journalist jimmy smith had to go for propane. a hartebeest will require significant tenderizing overnight and considerable time on the grill tomorrow. now, a response to your posts: imagine journalist bob tomorrow at the grill with that little souse turning on the spit. he must take care not to burn dinner!

certainly, journalist means chipper no harm. it is purely coincidental that chipper’s toe injuries follow jimmy smith posts. and what will today’s mri reveal? only 2 toes? is the rumor correct? did dob mis-inform this blog to take heat off chipper and the braves organization? will the toe doctor have an answer? how ironic is it if the toe is again the culprit? see what jimmy smith means about healthy toes and baseball? this is why stomping should be prohibited in math.

now, baseball … hudson’s pitches all looked alike. nothing much was working. we know what he can do when the pitches work. this is where mcdowell must prove his worth and solve the problem.

7:05 PM game tonight. somebody wake up bob. carolina lady will be watching the game with us. the elephants will be home in a little while. remind bob to check for ice cream salt.

By Chop Chop

July 3, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

MBATL, welcome back from your hiatus. I just wanted to clarify something for ya: To me, the offense, middle of the pack or not, isn’t “just fine” if it cannot consistently convert scoring chances into runs. I’m not hanging this on Giles, for God’s sake. I just singled him out because, in my opinion, he’s the main culprit among the position players of which strong numbers could reasonably be expected. Even so, he does have value because he’s still young, has had strong offensive seasons before, and he’s not making a huge amount of money. At $6 million, he’d be too pricey for a team that would do better to get two players out of that sum of money. I just feel that he needs a change of scenery and the Braves can get a solid player or two for him via trade.

Now, to start pinning blame…let me say that anyone with half a brain knew that the bullpen and starters would struggle this year. Hudson’s control has been all over the place for the last three years of his career. He simply is not the same pitcher he was early in his career in Oakland. Smoltz didn’t get any run support or help from the bullpen last year and that has carried over. The rest of the rotation has been an absolute mess for most of the year, but Ramirez and James look like they’re easily capable of improving on the twin disasters of Thomson and Sosa. The bullpen isn’t even worth talking about because there’s nothing left to say.

So, as you might be able to guess, I pin the blame on Schuerholz. He thought the Braves could just “get by” in left field, first base and in the bullpen. Hell, I agreed with him when he thought the Braves could do just as well with Giles in the leadoff spot as Furcal. I made the statistical arguments before the season as to why Schuerholz was right. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I’ll admit it. However, the expectation that Sosa and Thomson would be solid (especially when they were trying to trade Thomson for most of the offseason) and that the bullpen would magically come together without even an average closer or set-up guy among the group…well, that’s on him. I guess his next book should be “Built To Lose: The Story of the 2006 Atlanta Braves”.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

What allstar closer would be available for a trade? J.J Putz is now the seatle closer he is having an amazing year, they had Eddie Guardado as there closer at the start of the season, Joe Nathan allstar closer and the twins have a lot of solid relievers they need hitting and a good defensive first baseman, Scott Shields would be a choice he is not an allstar closer but he has electric stuff and is the setupman of Francisco Rodrigez.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith is having difficulties with journalist’s eyes … some blurring while reading the blog. still, most of the posts are topical and show insight - it is worth the effort to read. one post though, bothers jimmy smith. this suggestion of an all-star cadaver closer. true, a cadaver would be a step-up from reitsma when he had that painful lack of feeling in his fingers … but, come on … a cadaver? and what cadaver would you pick? quisenberry? mcgraw? wilhelm? why would an all-star cadaver be better than say, a soso reliever who lives? all-star loses its luster when it comes to cadaver closers. other than that, it has been a good day on the blog.

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

CC, thanks for getting back. I put the blame on JS too… but at the same time I cut him some slack, based on his record. Even the mighty Casey struck out once in a while. It still makes me sick to think that BJ Ryan was out there for the taking. Hindsight is 20/20, I guess.

For the record, I overstated in saying the offense is ‘just fine.’ Thought Adam and Frenchy would hit a little better, Giles too, and even AJ has had a mediocre year. But I still say every move we make should be for pitching.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith doesn’t see a cadaver helping this team, all-star or not.

By Juan

July 3, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

Happy A* Hudson needs to be sent back to Oakland. He has done nothing for the Braves this season. Every time he pitches it is a merry go round on the bases for the other team. Everybody hits, everybody scores, Braves lose. Send Hudson, Reitsma, and Giles to Oakland for Barry Zito (another lefty would be killer in our rotation) and up and coming star Nick Swisher.

By hk

July 3, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

… a while back I started plotting team BA’s and Braves ERA’s during the game, amazing how much they move up and down from inning to inning, fun to watch … posted this the other day, but the following things weren’t as visible then:

(1) … in the last 2 weeks, Braves reliever’s ERA has dropped from a peak of 5.37 to 4.85, a huge change …

(2) … starter’s ERA peaked at about the same time, at 4.63, is now 4.55 …

(3) … as a result, overall ERA has dropped from 4.86 to 4.65 …

(4) … during the past week, Braves BA, which had been declining steadily all season from a league high of .277 to a low of .260, has inched back up to .263 …

… signs of a turnaround ???

click here for curves

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Juan theyre getting to much plus your not filling the closers role nore the leadoff spot in the braves.

By Carolina Lady

July 3, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Good evening, everyone! Bob, HK - thanks for your warm welcome! Much appreciated!

Isn’t it great to be able to have a civilized discussion here??!!! Very nice! I’ve enjoyed reading it this evening.

Souses: Bob, from my previous post earlier today: “I think there’s a bunch of them nesting about a 1000 yards east of the house; saw some signs of their presence last time I was out that way. Not bad little guys, but they don’t smell very good.” Let me know if you need more - I’ll see if I can trap a few for you! :-)

HK, I love your charts and graphs! Thanks for posting them for us!

Almost game time! Fingers crossed here!

By Lew

July 3, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

People. Do you really want Chipper at first? All I have heard this year is how his defense has dissolved. This at a position he has played for years. He was not good in the outfield. Why do you think he would be any good at first, a position you would have him take up in the middle of the season. Also his toe hurts again. He may not play for a while and then you can have BATE A MEAT at third full time. When this happens, hopefully the mob of Chipper bashers will just shut the f**k up. I’m really getting tired of hearing the same old proposals which rational people have shot down for weeks. Get over it and try to come up with something else to harp on until we all puke. Oh yeah. He brought his average up 25 points in a week and hit three HR. His talent and ability are still there. Honestly, at the moment he is our hottest hitter. I’m sure he’s really sorry that his HRs are not coming when you all think they should. Could it be that pitchers pitch him differently with runners on base? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give it a rest already.

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

HK, you know the Dutch, the traded away some good trinkets … and look what they got in return. I blame them for a lot of our troubles but they did know something about Apples and pigs.

I haven’t had Scrapple in probably 30 years … back when we were living in Valley Forge. Our homemade Sousemeat and their Scrapple are rather close kin.

I don’t believe that the move from Oakland to Pineland has much to do with Hudson’s current problems. It could have something to do with the catcher … and maybe watching the nightly misadventures of some of his teammates … and I agree with the snowballing idea. It’s difficult to know what makes a man tick … maybe that’s why Bobby makes the big bucks.

We don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes but I’m comfortable that he’ll get things straightened out, sooner rather than later.

What Price Glory? There’re usually good reasons why talented players are in the Minors rather than the Majors … one might be to allow them to mature and futher develop their skills before being thrown into the Major League environment. I often ponder the extent to which potentials are be deminished when players are called up prematurely.

I do feel good today! In addition to the exhilaration of hearing from The Lady, I survived 72 holes in 3 days and somehow find myself still alive following yesterday’s trip.

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

ESPN is blacked out in Nashville … how bad was Frenchy hit … I assume he’s okay … as he’s still in there.

By JJMB

July 3, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Don’t you know Pujols is sweating getting beaned. Let’s see if Smoltzie backs Frenchy up.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Looks like he was hit in the ear flap, Bob. I guarantee that Smoltz will nail someone this inning. Their guy hit Giles to lead off the game, too. I agree with your post about calling up players too soon. We all need to realize that last year when we brought up most of those rookies, we brought them up from AA, NOT AAA. Half of our team should still be at Richmond this year. Let us not forget this when McBride walks a batter and Frenchy swings at stupid pitches. They are still babies.

By JJMB

July 3, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

chickensh*t Smoltz

By nathan

July 3, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Why the hell didn’t he throw at Pujols?

It would go a long way as the “team leader” to PLUNK somebody BIGTIME.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

I’m VERY disappointed with Smoltz for not nailing sombody this inning.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

this pujols is not the typical “p” player to which we have become accustomed.

By Justin

July 3, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

cutting the t.v. off game is over, another bad start for smoltz, braves aint comming back.

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, who suggested the cadaver? Sounds like maybe one is pitching tonight … are you sure that’s really Smoltz?

By nathan

July 3, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if Francouer is only in his second year. Or how old he is. He’s the future of this organization. If I was him, I’d be in Smoltz’ face back in the dugout.

He obviously doesn’t have it tonight. So why not get ejected.

Sombody’s gotta say somthing. Remember when TP walked off because Glavine didn’t throw at sombody after a Braves player was hit. (I think it was glavine?)

No real leader on this team, is there?

By MEB

July 3, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

Not even a pitch inside to Pujols. I don’t understand why we let Reyes and the Cardinals get away with it.

By Justin

July 3, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

another bad start for smoltz,nice blast by giles

By Chop Chop

July 3, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

It was Marvin Freeman, Nathan. I remember that game quite well.

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks Lew! Was there a warning so that John would have been ejected? At least Marcus just got his payback!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

bob, journalist jimmy smith misread the post. he was asking for an all-star caliver closer. journalist thought he was talking cadavers. some good ones out there - but probably no movement left on their pitches.

back to back. will he hit another batter?

By nathan

July 3, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

Was it Freeman? Cool, I kinda forgot about him.

That’s right, it was Glavine who wouldn’t throw at Murphy when he was with the Phillies, right?

That was awesome when TP walked off the field. Too bad TP isn’t as good of a hitting coach as he was the leader of the team on the field. You KNOW he was thinking sombody should be drilled by Smoltz.

Thanks for the info on Freeman. I appreciate it.

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Guys, if you know baseball you know there was no need for retaliation. St. Louis is NOT intentionally hitting the leadoff batter 2 innings in a row. It’s a couple of pitches that got away from a rookie.

Smoltz is a standup guy and would do what needs to be done. But in this case, nothing needed to be done.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Chop Chop,

Since you remember the game well. (I don’t think I was watching - just remember the highlight) What did Bobby say after the game about TP walking off the field? Did he agree with it, or was he supportive of TP?

By nathan

July 3, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

MBATL…..I agree with you that it wasn’t intentional. But you still gotta back up your player by at least throwing inside. Smoltz has enough “control” to not hit Pujolz. Why not throw one “up and in” just to let the Cardinal know they aren’t gonna put up with it. Besides, was “grooving” one to Pujols such a good idea? LOL

But I agree, it didn’t look intentional, but if his control is that bad, that sombody could get hurt, he shouldn’t be out there. IMO

By Lew

July 3, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

No warning was given, so he could have retaliated. I guess he felt that the way he was pitching tonight, he couldn’t afford another baserunner. Ain’t it great, we go back to back and the sky falls in. I guess Smoltz is done for the night. Bring on the bullpen. At least he got further than Hudson.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

MBATL, besides, maybe that’s what this team needs is a little “bean ball” action to get them unified and on a roll! LOL

Anything to get these guys on the same page would be fine by me.

By Chop Chop

July 3, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t remember the game THAT well, Nathan. I was thirteen or something at the time and didn’t pay nearly as much attention to postgame press conferences or newspaper articles.

By JJMB

July 3, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

I love these “if you know baseball” guys. They’re related to “if you know football” guys. In other words, if you don’t agree with them, “you don’t know baseball, football.”

Frenchy got one in the earhole. Pujols should have been hit. I know, MBATL, you can read minds and know what the pitcher was thinking. Thanks for the insight!

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Nathan… yeah, better to hit Albert than serve up a gopher ball, I guess. Hit batsmen aside (and I really don’t think there’s an issue there except among bloggers), we need better than this from Smoltz, he of the “8 and 2 or die” speech.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

guys

I didn’t see the game or any highlights on Saturday. Was Hudson hit really hard, or was there a lot of dribblers that found holes and bloops?

IMO - he’s gotta be traded and soon. He’s gonna cost way too much money after next year to “gamble” that he’ll find his old form. It’s disappointing, I was extremely excited when they traded for him. But with a 20-17 record in 1+ season, I think it’s safe to say that he’s been a bust in a big way. At this rate he’s starting to make Hampton look like a bargain! LOL

By nathan

July 3, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the honesty Chop Chop! Me too, with the aftergame BS. I guess we all grew up in the ESPN “overhype” with all the press conferences and what not. It’s kinda like cell phones. You wonder how people “lived” without pregame and postgame interviews 20 years ago.

I was just curious if Bobby was for or against it. I guess I can’t really see Bobby saying “hey TP, way to be a leader”. But I think it showed the young guys what was expected of them by the veterans.

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

To all the legit bloggers, if my “if you know baseball” struck a wrong nerve, I do apologize. Didn’t mean it that way. JJMB, that point is taken; your point that Smoltz should’ve beaned Pujolz is not.

Situations develop in baseball where a it’s clear one team has made a statement, and the other needs to answer. This wasn’t such a situation. IN MY OPINION, jjmb. I know you would’ve put a hit on Pujolz, but I wouldn’t.

Nathan, that’s the thing about Hudson. He wasn’t hit hard the other night, just couldn’t make the out pitch. He’s not given up a lot of HR, but his walks are up and his K’s down. Someone suggested maybe the adjusted strike zone has affected him… maybe so. To me, he looks pretty good, just not getting guys out, a lot of ground ball singles, a lot of close pitches called for balls instead of strikes. So it takes him 20 pitches to get through an inning, and sooner or later, something goes wrong.

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, a Caliver Closer might be a good idea at that but those things aren’t cheap and … from what I understand … were even less reliable from 90 feet than the ones we currently have … I’m afraid doing that might even result in a few new cadavers.

Good Evening My Lady! It is indeed a blessing to have you back with us! Alas, I have no place to keep the little critters … but, what size and color are they? Some are quite smart and make good pets if you clean them up so they don’t smell bad … and have the patience to train them.

Billy, I once commented that of the many good reasons I blog … getting to associate with folks like the Carolina Lady was the best … when you get back from the game, assuming you went, take a look at her posts … she’s the genuine article!

By nathan

July 3, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks MBATL.

I kinda figured that. He never seems to get hammered all that bad. But he sure aint fooling anybody IMO. I guess I’m not ripping on him by calling him a bust. I, like everybody else, just assumed he’d come “home” and be what he was in Oakland. He hasn’t. So IMO he’s been a bust. For the most part the Braves Minor League teams are filled with guys that could be essentially .500 pitchers in Atlanta. So by saying that, I’m saying that at his current salary and how much it’s going up after next year, he’s gonna have to be dominating for me to feel the Braves are getting their “money’s worth”. And from what I’ve seen of him the last two years, I find it hard to believe that he’s gonna dominate. It sucks for me because I like his fire, (other than the dirty look he gave Diaz a couple of weeks ago. LOL), he has the attitude and emotion you want on the mound. He just doesn’t seem to have “it” anymore.

But thanks for the insight on the game the other night.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Lew Chippers defense in third hasnt been the best this year 1B is an easier position, and would minimise the risk of injury, and you will finaly have a position for Beitemet. Plus trade Laroche for a closer or a leadoff hitter, and trade an outfielder.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Pujols is awesome no weaknesses.

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

Nathan, I’m not defending him either. If we got a good offer, I’d let him go, especially considering his contract in 08 and 09. But, with the knowledge that he has some talent and it MIGHT come back to haunt us. Yeah, if we could get out of that deal, I’d do it too.

I do remember that look, btw…

By Jeremy

July 3, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

What was up with that throw from Renteria to the plate in the 2nd inning on the Miles double? Encarnacion was just hitting 3rd base when Renteria caught the ball from Andruw, but gave a weak, one-bouncer to the plate. I guess he made up for it with the homer though!

By nathan

July 3, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Jeremy, I thought the same thing as it happened. But I guess we all got spoiled watching Furcal’s relay throws for the last few years!

But you are right, that was a pretty WEAK throw.

By Jeremy

July 3, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

I heard that the Braves may trade Smoltz to the Tigers. I would never want to see him go, but if Detroit offers the Braves Granderson and Zumaya, that plugs 2 major holes and would have to be considered by JS.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

I’m totally with you on the possibility for Smoltz. IT WOULD SUCK FOR HIM TO NOT PLAY HIS ENTIRE BIG LEAGUE CAREER AS A BRAVE.

But…….If they are out of it (which I think they will be) by the deadline. JS HAS to at least consider it. Even with Hampton coming back next year, and the thought that this year was the “fluke bad year” in this run, moving Smoltz and some other veterans could be the defining moment to make sure that this is the last (GOOD JOB MCANN!) bad year, before the beginning of another long run of success.

By Jeremy

July 3, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

When was the last time the Braves hit 3 homeruns in ONE inning? Let’s hope they’ve started a 21-6 month, instead of the 6-21 June!

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

That’d be a hard deal to turn down. Is that a real rumor?

Look at the Braves pounding the ball!

By nathan

July 3, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

NOW WE GOT SOME FIRE!!!!

MBATL, maybe you were right. No need to retaliate with a bean ball. Just hammer the pitcher into submission! LOL

PS….I’d still plunk somebody. But that’s just me. I don’t like LaRussa, maybe Smoltz should throw at him and say it slipped in the rain!!!

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 3, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

wow…..wish I would’ve went to the game……..

By Calvin

July 3, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Brian McCann is a freaking stud. Thank goodness for him.

By Jeremy

July 3, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Or scored 5 runs in an inning?!?!

By MBATL

July 3, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

p.s. I’m sure our journalist friends will note the term “real rumor.” I guess a rumor is real the minute it’s spoken or written … you know what I meant.

By Jeremy

July 3, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

I’ve heard Zumaya and a starter (like Conlon or Miner), but they may deal Granderson too. Especially if the Braves give them Langerhans to play LF.

By Jeremy

July 3, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

But maybe that’s just wishful thinking because I’m not sure they’d want to give up their leadoff hitter, with the way they are playing!

By nathan

July 3, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is still the Man as far as I’m concerned. Total class act. You know he doesn’t want to go, but he also wants to win. If the Braves can’t get him another ring or at least a legitimate shot at it in the next two years. They owe it to him, to move him to a team that can, and in turn they could receive a KINGS RANSOM for him from “desperate” teams looking for an experience post season arm for the stretch.

Funny how careers come full circle, isn’t it. Pretty much how the Braves got Smoltz in the first place. I’m sure just as much as he doesn’t want to leave, he’d love nothing more than to help Detroit win a WS title if he can’t do it in Atlanta.

I wish him well, wherever he finishes his career.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

HMMM….High and Tight to Smoltz.

You think he throws at sombody now?

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

Trading Smoltz i would normally not even consider it but if you offered a young awesome pitcher Ill do it. Barry Zito.

By Tomas

July 3, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

No runs !!!!

By brian

July 3, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

The only way I see Andruw traded is next year at the trading deadline if the Braves are out of the race. He would be traded for a top prospect or two to a contender, and then the Braves resign him in the offseason with a no trade clause.

As far as Giles, I agree he likely will be traded and his bat awakening is just upping his value.

Hudson may very well be traded and even though he has struggled , he still will command top value. He could also be the biggest name pitcher on the market if the Marlins keep Willis off the market. As someone put it above he is like Renteria in reverse. I agree with the Boston move. Boston has the top pitching prospects - Lester or Hansen, combined with a top position prospect would probably cement a deal. For Boston they would have Schilling, Beckett, Hudson, and Wakefield with Palpelbon in the bullpen.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Well, the predictable collapse of the Mets pitching staff has begun. 16 runs last night and the Pirates just went up 7-1 in the bottom of the seventh. Keep in mind we still have 9 left with the Mets. Ain’t wishful thinking great?

By nathan

July 3, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Gotta love HACKING at the first pitch with a guy on the mound struggling to find the strike zone.

That’s what seperates Andruw from Pujols in a nutshell! (not that andruw isn’t great, but……)

By brian

July 3, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

Juan,

I just don’t see the A’s trading us Swisher and Zito for Hudson, Giles, and Reiksma. I do like your thinking on Swisher though - he will be huge, but unfortunately will have a huge pricetag - assuming Zito and Hudson are a wash, it would take more than Reiksma and Giles for Swisher

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 3, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Man this game seems like it has alot of energy…….

Mabey this is the spark.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Good points Lew.

I too believe the Mets will come back to reality a little bit in the second half.

Now if the Braves can play like they are capable of. Then again maybe it will be the Marlins that take advantage of the Mets “easy to predict” summer swoon, if the Braves happen to be already playing how they are capable of. LOL

By Johnny Taco

July 3, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

The time to trade Tim Hudson is NOW while other teams might be interested !

He’s due to make 13 million beginning in 2008. Should he continue to be mediocre (this goes back to 2004 w/Oakland), his value will plummet.

Who will want him this time next year when he’s due to make big bucks the following season?

In 2007 we will have Smoltz, Ramirez, James, Hampton & Davies.

Lets use the savings to address our pressing needs !

Go Braves !

By Bob, journalist

July 3, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

MBATL, very good posts tonight … to which rumor were you referring? … the one that would be good if true.

Excluding those made of whole cloth, I wonder what percentage of trade rumors actually realize fruition. In most situations, one would think that it would behoove the parties to maintain a high level of security and secrecy.

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 3, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Man I just www.mlbtraderumors.com, which should not be considered a reliable source, and was shocked at the rumor…….I’m not sure I would watch the Braves anymore if they traded Andruw. Espically for the guy mentioned.

As I’ve said before, its hard to come up with the run production that Andruw provides. I would imagine that the Brave’s would have to get someone who could provide some where close to what he can.

I really hope AJ’s not on the block.

By Lew

July 3, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

The Pirates just went up 10-1 on the Mets. Has anyone noticed the lack of Mets fans thumping their chests on the blog today? 26 runs in two nights. Can you say choke, neighbor?

By nathan

July 3, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

How refreshing is it to see a “little” guy like Eckstein choke up on the bat and hit it where it’s pitched as opposed to watching Giles hack away like a 30-40 homerun guy?

Uh-Oh!…..can you say: 7 blown saves in Smoltz starts? Good Lord.

Whew! I guess I spoke too soon. Nice DP. I stand corrected…….for now!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

paronto is no “p” player. he is a ground ball machine. “good job” to the big man with no discernible neck. langerhans wants his position back. you can tell by the way he is playing.

By The Grinch

July 3, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

True, Nathan…fundamentals are something Braves fans see very little of. However, this is turning out to be quite a game. I hate to tempt fate, but it almost looks like a turnaround game. Lat week Paranto would have given up 5 runs to that lineup in that spot. Nice to see them playing hard and getting the fans into it.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

I just saw the All Star game commercial and actually paid attention to it.

Kinda odd that Chipper’s in it don’t you think?

By brian

July 3, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones will not be traded. It is the figment of baseball writers’ imagination. Andruw should not be traded.

The White Sox rumor is no different than what a lot of us expect other teams to take for our underachievers. I can’t believe they seriously mention Garland. If they want to really start a rumor, it should be McCarthy, Brian Anderson, plus two top prospects for Andruw Jones. No less. Give Jones some respect.

By nathan

July 3, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

I’m with you grinch. I’m the eternal pessimist. But if they play good on this homestand, they just might claw back into it. I doubt that they’ll win the division, but you can imagine how scared the Mets might get if the Braves can creep back to say, 8 or 9 games back before the break.

Tell me they wouldn’t be a little nervous.

I tell you what, if Ray can do this in the 8th inning and Sosa could be even remotely better than anybody we had in the 1st half of the season, that wild card is definitely within reach. I’m not saying they are going to do it, just that it’s reasonable to think that if the bullpen is improved. Not to mention what an actual “threat” from the leadoff position would do to the rest of the order.

Go Braves

By Greg

July 3, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

I thought this vent was about Tim Hudson and his stuggles, not every possible trade that the Braves could make.

By Reality

July 3, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Very Simple ….. Hudson just SUCKS. Enough Said ????

By The Grinch

July 3, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Edmonds looked like a bird flying into a closed window on that McCann double, didn’t he? I’m worried about Brian’s ankle, though…he didn’t look too good pulling into third. I love to see him in the all-star game as much as anyone, but he needs to rest that thing in the interests of preserving the season. Pratt being the everyday catcher doesn’t seem to do it for me, for some reason.

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 3, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Now that looked like the Braves I know and love…….hopefully this game will cary over……gives hope….especially since we did this against a good team…..

By The Grinch

July 3, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

Sweet. It’s not so much the victory, it’s the way they won. I was b*** as much as anyone last month, but it was because they weren’t trying. Even if they miss the playoffs, they’ll be worth watching if they maintain this intensity. I think Whore-hey finally found his spot.

By MEB

July 3, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Nice win for the Braves and it was great to see all facets show up at the same game. Now how about some fireworks on the 4th of July. Go Braves!

By The Grinch

July 3, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

And say what you want to about Giles hitting leadoff, but he’s a scrappy little bugger.

By hk

July 3, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

… great post game interview with Gilly, no way they trade him …

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 3, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

here come all the bandwagons

By Jane

July 3, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

I agree with “the journalist.” Everytime Langerhans gets benched for a few games, he gets back in the swing of things. Stop talking about trading him. >:O

By Glass Half Full

July 3, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Though Sosa may still have some bad outings and give up too many HRs, his addition to the pen allows Bobby to work backwards from him. Has anyone noticed how much better the bullpen is with Sosa in it?

By The Grinch

July 3, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Which journalist do you agree with? There are at least a half-dozen here.

By brian

July 3, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

The “good rumor” which is not even a rumor was Smoltz to the Tigers for Granderson and Zumaya. No way do the Tigers trade their young CF/leadoff hitter and setup man who is one of their most promising pitching prospects.

Smoltz is fine and needs to stay a Brave. Now, Hudson for Zumaya or Hudson and Giles for Zumaya and Granderson sounds good to me. Once again no way the Tigers do that.

For the Tigers, payroll will be a big issue and I do not see them eating a big contract. They could, however, use a veteran starter with playoff experience to go along with their young guns.

By Glass Half Full

July 3, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

With Ray and Sosa showing confidence, the others guys are starting to do their jobs in the pen.

By brian

July 3, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones is not on the block.

The rumor on mlbtraderumors.com states they picked up the trade rumor on bleedcubbieblue.com blog. Give me a break. This trade rumor is right below the A-Rod to the Cubs for Aramis Ramirez and prospects, Jacques Jones, etc rumor. Let’s see, a Chicago blog gives the Cubs A-Rod and the White Sox Jones.

Heck, our site has given the Braves Zito and Swisher, Granderson and Zumaya, and all sorts of players.

By brian

July 3, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

There is only one “journalist” that posts here.

By Chop Chop

July 3, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

Well, if Giles is truly starting to progress to his mean, maybe the Braves can put together some wins and cut into the wild-card and division deficits a little.

By The Grinch

July 3, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

“Billy, retired journalist,” “Journalist Bob,” “Journalist Jimmy Smith,” etc.

By jon

July 4, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

I have been reading this group for months now and can say I have thoroughly enjoyed the discussions. Sometimes the negativity gets in the way of real thinking and becomes emotional outbursts, but “fans” is short for “fanatics”, so it is to be understood. I did a comparison of leadoff hitters (the wonder of computers that generate instant stats) to see how this blog’s most maligned player stacks up. I used a rating system with 6 categories (BA, OBP, 2B, HR+BI, SB-CS, and Runs). A month ago, Marcus Giles was 16th of the 16 most frequently used leadoff hitters. Today, he is 12th and closing in on Carroll of Colorado and Cameron of San Diego. Maybe the answer to the leadoff question is patience. The two areas that are down for Marcus this year, Runs and doubles, will come along as he starts hitting, and those who follow him start batting him in more. I will wait until August to do another comparison and see how he fits then. Meanwhile, I will enjoy reading the journalists who enter here.

By Boomer

July 4, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

The Braves were in need of a spark.

Frenchy getting beaned seemed to fire up the rest of the team.

They showed some emotion from the bench and raised enough of a rucuss that Pujols was complaining about what the bench was yelling.

Its refreshing to see the players show some emotion!

The beaning could turn out to be just what we needed to start playing with some attitude.

You never know what the turning point of a season might be!

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Would still rather have Smoltzie pitching one inning every 2nd or 3rd night,instead of six,possibly seven innings,every 5th night.

By Spike

July 4, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

You would think that if people are reading these comments they would be Braves fans, but in reading the comments it seems like a site for grumpy old men. If you guys don’t like the Braves, log on to the Met’s website so you can support a winner and leave the Braves site to those of us who root for the Braves because we are Braves fans. Trade Chipper, trade Hudson, trade Andrew, fire Bobby and JS….GIMME A BREAK! 14 straight seasons as Champs and one bad month and the bandwagon leaves town…hope you guys leave with it.

By Head Coach

July 4, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

Hank Aaron was traded , Dale Murphy was traded and it could happen to Smoltz or Andruw. I hope it doesnt , but never say never. Nice game guys , good pitching all around , good defense and the long balls helped too. Just think , if the bullpen pulls its collective head out of its butt and Schuerholz can scare up an outfielder like a Ryan Freel , Cory Patterson or Carl Crawford to bat leadoff this team could start to look respectable. I said could start to look respectable , lol.

By David O'Brien

July 4, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

Just reading through the blog, trying to get the vibe on what folks are thinking out there while you guys watched the game tonight.

Have to say … I’m left shaking my head and throwing my hands in the air. By that I mean, while I admire the passion, I’m truly amazed at how some well-intended fans repeatedly _ and man, I mean repeatedly _ get taken by these ridiculous rumors that simply aren’t coming from anybody with any credible sources.

Where’s “Inside Man” or whatever his name was a couple weeks ago, the one that was going to “earn our trust” with his well-placed sources and information? He lasted a few days, until everything he said fell apart.

Here’s a hint: If the rumor came from bleedcubbieblue.com or cardinalredgetsmeexcited.com or ourteamgeeksunite.com or any other blog that is nothing more than fans and fantasy players trying to run stupid rumors up a flagpole to see how far they’ll go _ well, if the rumor comes from there, folks, it’s not worth wasting the space repeating it here.

Jim Leyland came out the other day and adamantly made it clear they weren’t trading Zumaya, but hey, he’s just the manager. Not someone armed with Google who knows what’s really going on.

Oh, well. Whatever keeps interest up, I guess. But please just don’t ask me what I know about every rumor you read on these silly sites, because I’ll write something about a trade rumor when I have legit sources telling me there’s something to it, and not before then. So really no reason to run them all by me.

That’s for you guys to do, if that’s what you want to do, toss around these far-fetched, complicated, never-going-to-happen trades. No harm, no foul. Just don’t expect us to comment on all of them. That’s pointless.

Oh, and by the way, Chipper’s not going back to left field this season. Chipper’s not going to first base this season. And Chipper’s not going to be traded this season. If anybody cares.

And be careful what you wish for when it comes to Betemit at third base. The guy just isn’t that good over there. Not that Chipper at this stage of the game is a Gold Glove winner or anything, but he’s at least as good as Betemit defensively at third base, and he’s still more a threat at the plate than Betemit, especially in late innings.

Also, this latest Chipper injury is a reminder why the Braves didn’t trade Betemit this spring _ because they can’t afford not to have a backup to be ready to take over if/when Chipper gets hurt.

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this

DOB makes his Ali like return……stole it from a movie….if you can guess it I’ll give you a cookie.

By Head Coach

July 4, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

Hey , David O’Brien made a cameo , lol. Well spoken David , as usual. I just cant resist taking a potshot at Jimmy leyland and the Tigers. We all know the Yankees , Redsox , Whitesox and Tigers are the four front runners competing for three playoff spots in the A.L. I’m telling you right now , those Tigers are going to win 85 to 95 games and they will not make the playoffs. Kenny Rogers arm will fall off , it happens in the second half of every season he pitches. The rest of their rotation consists of youngsters and rookies . While they are highly talented and pitching great , they are rookies and that will explain itself in the second half. Bye Bye Tigers , O yea……. I detest Jimmy Leyland.

By flbravesgirl

July 4, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

Now that was a fun game! I almost hate to say anything but it seems like the team has turned a corner. The bullpen looks like guys are settling into place and there are definitely some guys heating up with the bats. I know everyone thinks Marcus is likely to be traded but I’d sure miss him. He is one tough little guy. And how much do we love Brian McCann?!:-)

By LittleChopof Horrors

July 4, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this

Hey, Head Coach!

I just read on www.tigersareontoptostay.com that there’s going to be a Bobby Cox-for-Jim Leyland swap. The Detroit organization heard about how all the Braves fans want Cox fired, and they think they can avoid a second-half slump by swooping in to acquire the AJC-proclaimed “greatest manager of all time” while his stock is down. Thoughts?

By LittleChopofHorrors

July 4, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this

Hey, DOB!

Anything to this Cox-for-Leyland rumor? What a dream deal that would be for 90 percent of the venters on this blog! Gosh, I hope it’s true!

By chopthis

July 4, 2006 01:43 AM | Link to this

Maybe the Braves can throw in Hudson and Giles. Nah, the Tigers still wouldn’t go for it.

By brian r

July 4, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB what do you think of the Braves inquiring about Joe Borowski of the Fish. I think he’d be a great addition to the pen. Any chance he’d be made avaliable?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 4, 2006 05:27 AM | Link to this

this just in toe it is a toe injury to chipper jones. oh, the humanity!

journalist jimmy smith revealed the strong possibility of toe injury to readers two days ago. sadly, the injury involves the “second chipper jones’ toe” - and reference to a second toe does nothing to prove or disprove rumors.

journalist hopes the best for chipper jones- his bat is hot and is needed in the braves lineup. still, toes are not to be trifled with.

jimmy smith thanks brian for his comment, “only one journalist posts here” - it is nice to have fans, brian.

only one brian, too.

By ernesto

July 4, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this

3 and 1 on our way to 8 and 2? I sure hope Smoltzie ends up looking like psychic, but Thomson v. Carpenter doesn’t fill me with unbounded optimism.

By Kentavo

July 4, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

It seems the past two years the team has done fine without Chipper (hey Guy or DOB, what are the stats with Chipper on the shelf)? It doesn’t seem logical, but maybe it inspires the guys to play harder in his absence. I am not advocating Chipper out of the lineup on a permanent basis, but if he needs to sit out a few or go on the 15-day DL, it’s not the end of the world, IMO.

By CharloteDave

July 4, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

I have to disagree with Dave Obrien when he says Betemit just isn’t that good at third base. He must not have seen Betemit last year when he got an extended opportunity to play there. He was sensational at third base. As for this year, let’s be fair: Betemit has been bouncing around at three different positions and playing sporadically. That will sometimes affect your defense a little, but I think there’s little doubt Betemit would be a very good defensive player if he could concentrate on one position and play on a more regular basis. Also, as far as a hitting threat late in the game, let’s remember Betemit has been about the best pinch hitter in baseball this year. Most of that has come late in the game.

People just seem a little wishy washy about Betemit for some reason. He keeps doing all these good things off the bench and in some of the starts he gets here and there. People get excited and want Bobby to get him in the lineup every day. Then, he happens to go a couple games without doing very much or he makes a couple of errors and people start to doubt him. He’s like everybody else folks: He can’t do it every time.

By Hammerstone

July 4, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I think Betemit is plenty good enough to play everyday with about any team out there (he might not supplant A-Rod with the Yanks), but I think he has to prove himself a little more than the others because he was such a hot prospect for so long and he just seemed to never make the team after spring training. In fact in 93/94 it seemed like they might have been about to give up on him after horrible spring trainings. But I think he is legit and here to stay, if Braves dont trade him away in a “lesser of two evils” attempt to better the team.

By Kentavo

July 4, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Betemit was in spring training in 93/94? When he was 10?

By David O'Brien

July 4, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Betemit’s been outstanding as a pinch-hitter and shown versatility to play adequate/more than adequate at three positions … which is precisely why I think the Braves shouldn’t trade him this winter and should bring him back in the same role a year from now. Championship teams have deep, experienced benches, and I can see Betemit growing into role of veteran bench player with enough skill to fill in for extended periods. That’s key, especially with a team that might have to make the best of a situation with an oft-injured veteran at a key position.

By Amber

July 4, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

Hey, “Bob, journalist”: Do you have any idea why ESPN was blacked out in Nashville last night? I was trying to get BBTonight on my other tuner and got nothing. That’s never happened before.

By Bob, journalist

July 4, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

Amber, I think that, at least for this season; when home games are carried on both TurnerSouth and ESPN, they have been Blacked Out … with the ESPN Channel redirected to ESPN News. I don’t know why.

I do know that MLBTV coverage is also blacked out in Nashville for all home games.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 4, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

and what to my wandering eyes should appear but dob and a post on here. it is good that dob works on the fourth of july so that we can have baseball news. now, let’s talk toes … more specifically, let’s talk inflammation of the medial collateral ligament of the second toe. this is not good. toe woes as everyone knows are the worst woes because of sore toes. and sore toes in athletic hose after a time are hard on the nose. that’s why we must take care of our toes, don’t you suppose?

By CharlotteDave

July 4, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

I agree that Betemit could be a great bench player for a long time, but I just believe he can probably be much more than that. He’s still only 24 years old, despite being listed as older than that, he’s developed good power, good plate discipline and is a switch hitter who hits to all fields. Maybe most importantly, despite the patience Betemit has shown so far, I doubt if he would accept being a part time player on a permanent basis: He’s probably ask to be traded eventually.

By Amber

July 4, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Bob… all this blackout stuff is just confusing!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 4, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

just like ward cleaver was once hard on the beaver, chipper has been hard on his toe(s) … that is why he is experiencing toe woes at the all-star break. toes must not be trifled with! famous baseball players have succumbed to toe injury - dizzy dean for one (one player, not one toe). famous chipper jones and famous pedro martinez have endured toe woes this season. pedro once wore a big, red shoe. will chipper jones turn to the big, red shoe on the field, and if he does, will chipper’s daddy jose guillen take him out at third base? this is a good bet. now, shoe contracts … what shoe does chipper wear? journalist would not buy such a shoe. repetitive toe injuries speak volumes. now, cowboy boots … are these the culprit? are these the cruel shoes steve martin once spoke of? someone must research and correct the toe issues for the second half.

By Bob, journalist

July 4, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

A very Happy 4th to everyone!

By Head Coach

July 4, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

David , Wilson Betemit would be a legitimate starting 3b or SS if he were playing anywhere except Atlanta. I have said many times , play him or trade him because he deserves the chance to be a starter. He is a nice insurance policy for Chipper and a big bat off the bench. Unfortunately , the infield logjam problem has stymied his career and unless Giles is traded or Chipper gets hurt he will remain on the bench. Ya’ll have a great 4th of July !!!!!! Go Bravos !!!!

By MEB

July 4, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

ESPN was blacked out down here in lower Alabama as well. First time I can remember not being able to watch both. That’s the way it is in my south. By the way I am praying for Chippers rapid recovery but I know that toes can be very uncooperative.

By David

July 4, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,I don’t know who is doing the blog today? you or Guy, but could either one of you let us know what roster move is made when Thomson is activated?I’m sure one of the Cormier,Yates,Barry trio will depart.Any news will be appreciated.

By Beachcomber

July 4, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Probably the best possible use of WB is in your roto league where defense doesn’t count. Did you see that “double” that got under his glove last night?

By brian

July 4, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Good posts as usual DOB and thanks for the guest appearance. The only hard part about keeping Betemit around is someone will offer him the money and opportunity as a starter. We need to keep him I agree, and it is looking like we should have kept DeRosa as well.

ONLY THE BRAVES HAVE A WINNING RECORD IN THE NL EAST IN THE LAST 10 GAMES AND THE BRAVES I BELIEVE ARE ONE OF ONLY 3 TEAMS IN THE WHOLE NL WITH A WINNING RECORD IN THE LAST 10 GAMES.

The Braves could still make this interesting. The Phillies have imploded, the Nats and Marlins have peaked, and the Mets , well the Mets are short on pitching. If the Braves can just make a run on the Mets they will choke. They always choke and they know it. Hard part is the Braves have to make it close. I don’t like the win 8 out of 10 ultimatum, go one game and then one series at a time and see where we sit in 2-3 weeks.

By Jim

July 4, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

PAFan,

I just read your proposed set of trades post from yesterday. There may be a good reason why any or all of these moves won’t or can’t happen, but I wanted to compliment you on your thinking. You realisitically examined the possibilities from BOTH teams’ perspecitives and focussed on the need for the Braves to remain competitive for the near term and in the future.

Also one possible leadoff hitter for next year — Kelly Johnson. He has shown good plate discipline, takes walks, has some speed, and when healthy has been a decent hitter with some power. (If only we could combine KJ’s offense with RL’s defense this solution would be almost perfect.)

By Matt

July 4, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

ESPN was blacked out in Gainesville, GA also.

By squadbossmsp

July 7, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

Need a leadoff hitter that is also a second baseman, who hits for avg. and power with a high obp.? I have only on word for you all SORIANO