Braves

By Lew

July 31, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

DOB-Man you’ve been burning the candle at both ends if you think what they offered for Andruw was worth it. Crisp has never played more than 145 games in a season and has never had more than 20 stolen bases. Hansen has a career 4.94 ERA and Epstein balked when Lester was mentioned. Are we really that hard up for an unproven pitcher and an outfielder of questionable durability? I’m sorry man, I guess I’m not the DOB clone Don thinks I am. Go get the new Wishbone Ash, dude, you need some time off. We’re working you too hard.

By hk

July 31, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

… thank you David, thought we were headed for a new record there for a minute :))

… all things considered, still think we’ve got a good fightin’ chance (maybe one in seven, compared to Cincy’s one in three) …

… here’s the hitter’s ‘MVP’ through last night … pulled Betemit’s numbers out of the Dodger stats, will continue to do that the rest of the season …

… it will be fun to watch his curves shoot up, playing every day …

Year End..Runs..Homers..RBI’s..MVP

Andruw…..98…..39…..142…278

Frenchy….90…..31…..115…237

Chipper….98…..23……92…213

LaRoche….84…..31……92…207

Renteria..109…..17……69…195

Giles……95…..11……56…162

McCann…..56…..19……72…146

Betemit….47…..14……45…106

Langy……48……9……33….90

Team Average……………….179

click here for chart

By Lew

July 31, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

DOB-More on the Andruw thing. I’m not against trading him, I just have a problem with what was offered versus what we woul;d have to replace. While I’m not convinced Crisp has the durability we need, where would we replace Andruw’s numbers? Crisp does have some pop, but will hit 15-25less HR than Andruw and as a lead off hitter, which he isn’t now, Youklis is, will not knock in Andruw’s 120 RBI. How do we replace these runs? Thorman? Plus, we will still need a left fielder to make everyone happy.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m in total agreement. You have a center fielder that has the potential to finish his career with greater than 600 Hrs and a chance at Cooperstown. He!! no you don’t trade him. What is wrong with JS for even entertaining such a motion? I guarantee anyone, once AJ stops roaming center field, that will be the day in which the Braves overall defense collapse.

By ColumbusBuckeye

July 31, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

Glad to see that we got rid of the curse that was Sosa. I think this off season will be a good time to move Andruw. He’s going to demand 15 million or so next season……and unless the new owners let us spend some more money, I think money would be better spent with a solid bullpen or a lights out starter. We’ve got plenty of outfielders. None can hit with the pop of Andruw, but I think Frenchy is about a year away from getting to his level. I’d love to see some speed implemented into that lineup, we’ve been too slow this season.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

One last thing… At what point do we stop sending off boys that were groomed in our system for guys that we are hedging a bet against. To be honest, I think JS needs a change of scenery. Let’s get new ownership, throw money at Billy Beane to be the next GM and convince Cox to stay another year or two to see what he can do with the talent that Beane has the ability to get with a limited budget.

By Stanford

July 31, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

I know there are limits, but if Furcal got $13 mil in FA, I hate to think what AJ will get. $15 mil sounds kind of absurd compared to the Furcal deal, doesn’t it?

By ColumbusBuckeye

July 31, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

Hey insane brave, I understand how valuable Andruw is to the organization. There are some young guys who are going close to Andruw’s level. Maybe not with the HR’s, but may hit for a higher average (McCann). I’d rather see more speed, and higher averages than a team that relies on the home run. Plus, Andruw would account for over 10% of the payroll. The economics don’t make much sense if (when)he demands big time money.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

No, Andruw is under contract for 07. He is a free agent in 08. We CAN re-sign him. $15 mil is barely $2 mil more than he makes now. We have the potential for a solid bullpen. Wickman and Baez are re-signable or JS wouldn’t have picked them up. If we can jettison Giles and Hudson’s salaries (yes, I know Hudson will be difficult unless he turns it around) we will have plenty to sign who we need. If, in fact, Hudson does come around, we’re that much better off. I still say you hang on to Andruw, or at least find someone who can replace him in the offense. We need Andruw and Francoeur.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

The Andruw trade would’ve negated the trades for Wickman, Baez, and Aybar (at least that would be the perception). Even if everything worked out, in the immediate sense fans and players would be irrate. Personally, I liked the trade proposal, but I don’t have anyone to answer to.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

He already had the chance for big time money (although if he’s not already making it, I don’t know what big money is) and he chose to renegotiate on his own at much less than he could have gotten when salaries were truly insane. He has repeatedly said he doesn’t want to play anywhere else. Maybe it’s time to take him at his word. Maybe JS already took him at his word. If necessary he can be traded next year before the deadline. Hang in there. Mark my words. Coco Crisp is nothing but the flavor du jour.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

I would be surprised in Giles returns next year; if someone wants win and we can get something for him, he’ll be gone before Christmas. Potential log-jam at 2nd base next season with Aybar and Prado.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Ton of typos in my last post…hopefully, you guys can decipher it.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

Question: Why is there the apparent ease of the Braves sending off minority players. AT NO POINT IN TIME, DO I RECALL THE BRAVES WILLING TO SEND CHIPPER OFF… OR FOR THAT MATTER LAGERHANS. Yet, here you have a CF that has won 8 consecutive gold gloves, hit 51 hrs in one season, while driving in 125+ RBIs, may hit 600+ HRs in his career, could very easily get 2,500 hits (with 2 million strikeouts), rarely misses a game (averages 156 out 162 per season), and has a very good chance at the hall of fame. YOU DON’T TRADE THAT PLAYER!!!!! Especially when he is only 29 years old!!!!!!!!!

Next year you sign the boy. AJ has said he wants to be a Brave for life. Remember, during the last contract he signed, he gave his agent the wrong address to the meeting place. Why? Because he didn’t want the guy to screw it up. Listen folks, everyone was upset at Tom Glavine for taking the money and jetting to the Mets… even though he was a Union Rep. Well today you have a guy that wants to play for the team you cheer for and more than likely will take a home team discount. People should be upset, however, something tells me that most will be okay with it, as long as the name isn’t Chipper, Frenchy, Salty, McCanns, and Smoltz. But for a potential HOF, what the hell, let him go.

By TennesseePaul

July 31, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

DOB: You’ve laid it all out there. And on a new Blog. Thanks! My computer had to be rebooted due to the other one.

This starting pitching is a disgrace. I love Smoltz. He’s always solid. James and Davies I’m not too surprised they’ve struggled as rookies. But Hudson is turning into a bad joke that never ends. I’d love to see them all turn it around, but I’m really starting to doubt it. They’ll probably go out on the road and kick some tail then come home and lose to a depleated Phillies team.
Sorry for the negativity, but some times the weight is just too much. I still think they can make the post season. But every one of them has to step up. Every last one of them.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

Anyone know the minor league stats on the AAA pitcher we got for Sosa?

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

I, too, think Giles will be dealt.It will save about $3.5 mil, Thomson $4.5, Sosa $2.5, Reitsma $2.5, Jordan and Remlinger $1 mil each. That’s $15 million. Will that pay for Baez, Wickman and another starter? I think so. Now, about Andruw-Show me a deal of Andruw for Dontrelle and Johnson of the Marlins and I’ll pull the trigger on that one in a heartbeat.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Nevermind. Found them on the Braves site. 22-5 career in the minors. ERA just over 4.

By Stanford

July 31, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

GHF, HERE you go…

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Insane Braves’ Fan-Please don’t start the racial crap. We really don’t need it and that what it is, too. Crap.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

Unless Davies is woefully ineffective, I don’t think JS will seek another starting pitcher in the offseason. On paper, the Braves like the rotation in 2007. Maybe they’re right. Maybe not. Relief pitchers (either Wickman, Baez, or both or others) and a bigger bat in left could be possible goals.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 31, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, a couple of things.

One do you think the Braves play better on the road because at home it always seem (this weekend withstanding) that the stadium is more empty than filled and those who are there basically sit on their hands. I remember 91-93 and on tv you could tell old Fulton County Stadium would be rockin’. Also, has the players indicated they feel more relaxed on the road and the pressure to perform isn’t as great when they are at someone else’s place.

Another thing. I don’t know if you read my priority list for the offseason if I were GM. But, one thing I said was that the Braves should hire David Justice or someone of his ilk to work with Francoeur and LaRoche on better pitch selection and how to use their strengths to their advantage. I think Francoeur is a lot like Vlad Guerrero and he will never be a patient hitter but that he needs to learn how to make the pitcher throw what he wants to hit.

I also said that I think Bryan Pena and Prado should be called up tonight. Pratt and Orr must go. They do NOTHING for this team. That crap about Pratt being a mentor to McCann is ridiculous. What the hell is he tutoring him to do? Be a .200 hitter that can’t catch up to a 85mph fastball. McCann is just fine and Pete Orr is the biggest waste of space on that bench.

By the way I agree with you about the Aybar deal. I think in the end the Braves will get the better part of that deal.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Stanford. Anything’s better than Sosa. I wonder if the Cards will try to pull another Ankiel and convert him back into an outfielder.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

If the Braves hired David Justice as a consultant, Terrance Moore would never again criticize the team.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB)-I agree with you about Pena and Prado. I, too, have wondered about the mentoring thing, as Pat Coralles was a major league catcher. I thought it was the coaches’ job to mentor. Pena is definitely big league ready, at least as a back up. Prado sure did look good what little we saw of him.

By supergrass

July 31, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

lookin at the “splits”, like home stats vs road/day vs night etc….thats been the main problem with this team, just inconsistency. its really nice to think they turned it around -hitting .382 with 77 runs and an absurd 24 homers during their seven-game winning streak July 8-18, then it gets frustrating cuz they hit .240 with 14 homers in their past 10 games and go (3-7). playoff? cough cough 9 teams in front of them in wc and after this mets sweep lets cut the b****** about winning the division. lets hope they can just get over .500. GREAT BLOG DOB

By Andy

July 31, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

I feel the braves need great/awesome young pitchers—if the braves give up Andruw or whoever for that—I tink the braves would have to consider it. The braves don’t have a tough road in Aug.(IF) the braves get on a roll anything is possible. And as cox always says the post season is a crap shoot. Anything can happen.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Lew, first and foremost, it is not racial crap. I am stating my observation. I believe if this boy was playing for another winning organization, they wouldn’t entertain the concept of trading him. And one last thing, what I have stated isn’t just my idea, this has been batted around by minority players that have come through the Braves.

By LeTwan Anthony

July 31, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

LeTwan makes a comeback tonight in honor of DOB and his “let’s eat pie” sign-off. Yes, “let’s eat pie” - delicious sweet potato pie with a cold glass of milk. Mama is busy now in the kitchen making the pie and tomorrow, LeTwan will drive down to the Ted and deliver it to DOB. Wait? Road game? Tough break, DOB. LeTwan will take care of this sweet potato pie and will see that you get one later in the season.

By Robert

July 31, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

The initial offer was Andru for Lester, Crisp, and Hansen.

The Red Sox rejected that offer, saying they wouldnt part with Lester

The Braves then tried again, offering Andru and Cox for Crisp.

The Red Sox rejected that too, saying the first offer had been better.

End of trade talk. Donkey stays in Atlanta

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

It is crap and is not needed on this blog. Besides, listen to yourself. You complain they get rid of minorities and call Andruw “This Boy”. Enough man. It is crap.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 31, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

We definitely need pitching. But, we also need some speed in this lineup. I keep saying it. We cannot maufacture runs. If we don’t hit a home run or a warning track double then we don’t win. DOB, can you track down the team’s record when they don’t hit a home run in a game? I gurantee its an ugly site. We don’t have one guy in the lineup that can steal a base. Maybe Aybar, but who else. Renteria is really not a threat. Chipper doesn’t have that kind of speed anymore. Giles never did. Francoeur is blazing fast but he takes to long to accelerate to be a base stealer. And good Lord Wilford Brimley could out run LaRoche. Andruw and Langerhans have good speed but aren’t very good at stealing bases.

Guys, just think if we had Otis Nixon or Deion or dare I say Furcal right now. Those guys could have spared us about 5-7 loses and if we had Wickman, of course, another 10-15 loses. Just imagine. Those Mets wouldn’t be popping champagne corks like they are right now; they would be popping blood vessels knowing the mighty Braves are nipping at their heels.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

Lew, two things: 1st - Do you know anything about slang. “My boy’ is not a derogatory statement (it goes both ways - - black and white). 2nd - You are not the blog police.

But enough about that. Andruw Jones is a Brave and should remain a Brave, just like Frenchy and McCann will. As for bringing in Justice to work with the young hitters, since when has he become the batting guru? And if you bring him in, you might as well bring in Ron Gant to be the assistant batting coach.

By ColumbusBuckeye

July 31, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

InsaneBrave,

Spare me bro. So, was Cleveland racist for dumping Jim Thome and his big salary? How about Manny? How about when they didn’t re sign Maddux, were people playing the race card after that one. Quit the racist B.S. it’s a joke, and you sound like a dolt when you spout of conspiracy theories like that.

There is only one thing that is worse than racism, and that is someone who constantly uses the race card to promote an agenda. And you, my friend, and toeing down that line.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 31, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

toes in the last blog and pie in this one. dob is closing in on the wurlitzer. had he gotten the interview with the elusive sosa on the way out the door, the prize would be assured. still, there has been some good journalism from dob over the past few days. and who broke the salamander story? now, baseball … “p” player pete orr is now hitting .193. the next at-bat should do the trick. “P” player todd pratt is now hitting .208. js should give bobby a better bench now that bait-a-meat is no longer a reserve.

By uljudo

July 31, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

dont forget the braves rotation will be better next year with davies and james getting another year under there belts and hampton will be back

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 31, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

LaTwan, welcome back. Hasn’t been the same without you. By the way, when you talk to Carroll tell him apologize for the other night. We got into a “dispute”. I apologized but never heard back from him.

By ColumbusBuckeye

July 31, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

By the way, sorry for the typo’s in my last post. It sucks that you can’t edit your post.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Lew and Lew’s best friend (Columbus Buckeye), Thome, is he a future HOF? As for Maddux he was getting up in age? What you may actually be shocked to see is what race I am.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Insane Brave-Say what you will I will not debate this further with you. Yes it is a racist slur and you have no basis for your original hypothesis to begin with. Debating this type of issue is repugnant to most people on this blog. I know this because I blog on it every day and have for over a year. If you like this type of CRAP, go debate it with the racist idiots who make Terence Moore’s blog a cesspool. If you want to talk about real Braves’ issues, feel free. If you want to speculate about BS that is insupportable, then please do it elsewhere. Go eat pie or smoke potatoes, or dunk your head in the toilet. We don’t care.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Conine is the kind of player likely to be claimed off waivers during August. Atlanta and others have expressed interest.

By Carolina Lady

July 31, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

I still think that if Reitsma & Co hadn’t blown so many saves in the first half, we would be in a pretty good position right now. Go back to the beginning and see again how it has unfolded.

Andruw stays. Period.

From my perspective, we don’t need massive changes for next year; a lot of the pieces are already in place with present players, those returning from the DL, etc. What we do need is for the team to take the field in April fully conditioned and physically fit for a change. Strolling around a golf course won’t do it. That’s 2 cents’ worth.

DOB, you do a fantastic job. Appreciate it!

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t care what race you are. I never asked. It is not an issue. Your stupid remarks, however, are.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

One wonders if the Braves had taken 2 of 3 from the Mets would JS have made a move today (other than Sosa)?

By Alan

July 31, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

Really, the racial crap has to stop. Betemit (a Latino) was traded for two Latinos. Sosa was terrible this year - his race had nothing to do with it - his arm, his head and probably his belly had everything to do with it. If the Braves are entertaining offers for Andruw, it’s because he’s marketable. And pricey. Again, this has absolutely nothing to do with race. The big problem with the Braves, as so aptly pointed out by DOB, is the starting pitching. Not the bullpen - the starters. Hudson has been a HUGE disappointment - good thing he’s caucasian or someone would be all over me. If he doesn’t turn his fortunes around - right away - the Braves are done. They’re probably done anyway, but I hope their pride gets them to suck it up and go all out for the wild card. They’re every bit as talented as any other team - besides the Mets and the Cards - in the NL. Smoltz goes tomorrow against the Pirates. Time to start a winning streak.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I agree that the Braves need to look into their strength and conditioning during the offseason. Too many injuries, especially to the pitching staff. Some injuries can actually be avoided.

By 1 + 2

July 31, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

You’ll need to quit talking about what’s racist. It’s making my head hurt. Trade Smoltz and get something for him. He is 54 years old and has 1 year left in the tank. Get some pitching for him. I wonder if the Red Sox would trade that young pitcher for Smoltzie.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

As for golf…I can really do without that “sport.” Putt-putt golf? Now, that’s different.

By LeTwan Anthony

July 31, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Robert, LeTwan has been incognito. Carroll will return and be okay. It’s RR that gets him steamed, not us. Heard any Chipper stories lately, or are they in poor taste in this time of oblique strain? You are right about the team needing speed but with Bobby in the dugout it won’t make much difference. He wants ‘em just fast enough to circle the bases after a three run homer. of course, if the starters keep giving up all these runs it won’t matter if the braves can manufacture a run anyway. They’ll always be down by 5. glavine looked gassed didn’t he almost blowing a seven run lead?

By Lew

July 31, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

LeTwan-Welcome back my friend to the show that never ends. How have you been? Is Mama recovered from her spring fall (my, isn’t that seasonal)? Don’t forget, you promised me peach pie. Maybe we can have a pie party with DOB and others this spring at Disney. We can be optimistic and non racial together.

By ncscoots

July 31, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Robert, I’m just noodling here, nut…may I have your rationale on how “speed” would have translated into “5-7” fewer losses? I guess I’m asking, did that number have some basis in logic, or did you just come up with it while your cranium was lodged in your nether quarters?

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is the only dependable pitcher in the rotation. You trade him, you’ll hear crickets chirping at every home game.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

“Shark week.”

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

Lew, saying my thoughts are ‘dumb’, that is fairly ignorant of you to insinuate that you and only you can define what is ‘intelligent’. If you do not like what I have to say, do not read it.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 31, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

The only good thing about the Braves record is that its the seventh worst in the Majors but they still have a realistic shot at the wild card. So, they could very well claim a few players off waivers becuase they have first dibs more or less. Of the six teams with worse records only Washington would probably even consider picking anyone up because they may have the extra payroll and they stil have a faint hope of the playoffs. The other five teams are small market teams and way out of contetion.

By anotherearlyexit

July 31, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you expect Hampton to be good for all of next year? I mean should we expect a couple of trips to the DL for tendonitis or scar tissue type injuries? In the last blog you mentioned he’s had about 6 months more than usual to recover from this than normally is required. Didn’t Smoltz almost quit because of those issues after his TJ surgery?

Also about Hudson. Have you heard anything from scouts or talking head types about his problems? Could it just be the switch in leagues? I would think the NL would be easier because of the DH. Although the AL does appear to be a swing early and often kinda of baseball.

I’d be shocked if the Braves pony up 5yr/75 million for Druw - not unless we get a face for ownership. What do you think?

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Good Evening Ma’am-You’re absolutely right about the strength and conditioning. I truly believe that the stupid-YES< STUPID-WBC this spring caused havoc with MLB conditioning. Every one was out of synch and never got the practice in that they needed, oir the time playing together as a team. Just look how sloppy the play was in the first half. All for a meaningless exhibition series. Not onlythat, it messed up the flow of spring training for the fans as well.

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

What has James and Davies shown that would lead anyone to believe they will be much better next year?James can get ahead of hitters but seems to lack an out pitch.Davis throws a “heavy ball” but lacks command of his pitches.Horam?Showed me all I needed to see friday night,when he immediately gave back the lead in the second inning.That inning set the tone for the entire weekend.Find a suitor for him this off-season.We’re stuck with Hampton for next year.But,outside of Smoltzie,we need a new cast of characters in the rotation for ‘07.

By LeTwan Anthony

July 31, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

LeTwan is well, thanks. LeTwan and Mama have been watching all the games and Mama has some good ideas for the team. Aybar needs to show he can play 2B since he sure isn’t going to play 3B next year. Mama thinks he should play second when Chipper comes back. That way, the most logical leadoff hitter remains in the lineup. Giles then becomes the substitute at 2B and Orr can be dispatched in favor of a stronger bat coming off the bench. Not fair to Giles? It happened to a guy named Treadway awhile back and worked out okay. Pena stays and backs up Renteria. Best glove in the infield - but a light stick. Belliardesque.

By Carolina Lady

July 31, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

Glass, if the Braves had the physical therapist that my mother has, they’d be in first-rate shape! She (the PT) is tough as an old drill sgt and knows her stuff! At the same time, she can get the most out of an elderly, stubborn old lady (mother! not me!!) and make her enjoy it.

I have to give Hampton credit for his continued work outs and keeping himself ready to pitch. I can’t wait to see him next year! I sorta get the feeling that for some (not limited to the Braves) having $x million in the bank lessens the interest in working out regularly. That problem resides between the ears.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

Insane Braves’ Fan-I just went back and reviewed all of my replies to you and I never used the word dumb. You have now had at least four people object to your remarks. I really don’t think you want to debate ignorance, because up to this point, your stubborn refusal to drop this debate is the definition of the term. Leave it already.

By Chipper's a Candy

July 31, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Let both the Jones boys go. One stays on the shelf, and the other can’t hit in the clutch.

By Joe

July 31, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

Yes absolutely you DO trade him (Andruw). Look, I love Andruw as much as the next guy but with a stern payroll of $85 mil., you have to get rid of ANY one player who is making $12 mil of that. If we could trade Chipper I would advocate doing that also, but his salary and age make that near impossible. If we can get a young stud (I use the term loosly) starting pitcher (especially a lefty)for Andruw then we have to do it. Add in Crisp and a relief pitcher and you really HAVE too make the deal when you consider the salary you open up (along with Giles salary next year thanks to the acquisition of Aybar which I think was a helluva deal). The Braves could always keep the status quo but I think we all see where that has gotten us.

By NYFAN

July 31, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Betemit, Sosa and many players from the carribean are black just like jamaicans. They’re just have spanish last names….If you want to be technical.

By Andy

July 31, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Funny I have so much more hope for the Braves pen next year than I do the starters—although I believe Hampton will be back and good—no reason than a belief okay—-but thats what I think—Hudson really is starting to scare me—Horam is good then really bad over and over again—Davis and James don’t really inspire me just yet. I hope the braves can bring in someone else to replace Horam or davis or james—how about all three?

By Bobbymahlon

July 31, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

I’m all for keeping Andruw on one condition. It’s up to Bobby to get him to hustle. AJ does not run out ground balls and now he is loffing in the outfield something he did not do in the past. He because of the weight gain has also lost a step in running down balls in the outfield. It does not seem fair that Laroche was chastized for not hustling once while Andruw has got away with it numorus times . This lack of hustle can be catching something I hate to see. Maybe because next year is a contract year AJ will get in shape in the off season and come back a new player.

By MBATL

July 31, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

Well said, Joe!

By Robert

July 31, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

“did that number have some basis in logic, or did you just come up with it while your cranium was lodged in your nether quarters?”

AKA - The Cox Position

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 31, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, how many games have we lost by one run. Now, yes the bullpen has a lot to do with those. But, also, how many times have we been unable to steal a base or lay down a bunt or have the speed to put pressure on the defense that would get a runner into scoring position. Everone on here has lamented at how we are unable to manufacture runs. Speed is what you need to do that. Well, and the ability to actually lay down a bunt. Honestly, 5-7 loses was an arbitrary number but the fact we can’t get on base unless its a double or a homerun is killing us.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Lew, Yeah you’re right, it wasn’t ‘dumb’ it was ‘stupid’. And what does that say about you continuing and not letting it go (check your 8:48 post). It’s done (unless there are some more verbal volleys).

By jed

July 31, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

i’m a white guy reading these posts and i understand both sides of the race issue. here’s my take: the braves are certainly not racist, however, the braves are running a business. as such, they try to appeal to their clientele. what better way to do this than to sign white boys from georgia (or the south, at least) to form the nucleus of their team. mccann, francouer, langerhans, boyer, mcbride, chipper, even tim hudson…they’re all southern white boys. i’ll bet 90 percent of the braves fans are white, as well. then, they fill out the rest of the lineup with the best talent they can find, regardless of color. (i should say here that if the braves signed black players out of georgia high schools, that would be appealing to the braves as well.) so, is ‘insane brave’ necessarily ‘insane’ for his views? no. not at all. are his dissenters wrong in their views? not necessarily. are the braves racist? no…they just like homegrown players the fans can relate to. are the fans racist? well…some, but the hell with them. the majority of us couldnt give a care what nationality andruw or bettemit are…we just like to watch them play. my point in typing this up is simply that i think white people have blinders on when it comes to how things work in american society. it’s not all black or white (no pun intended), it’s shades of gray…that’s how subtle race is in america. and a lot of well-intentioned white people cant see it. me? i hope we bring back gary sheffield next year. let him play LF. i loved that guy.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to get the feeling that nobody over the age of 27 is considered young enough to play anymore. When did this come about, when the Marlins won after dumping all of their players. The problem with our team has not been with the players making over $10 million per year. On the contrary, Chipper, Andruw and Smoltz have produced. It has been Giles($3.5), Thomson ($4.5), Reitsma($2.5) Sosa ($2.5), Jordan ($1), and Remlinger ($1mil) that have blown this season. I’ve got new for everyone. The Yankees, The Mets and The Red Sox, with payroll well exceeding $100 million dollars are the only ones who can compete. The Marlins may be successful with their kindergarten, but what’s going to happen in four years when they start to get too expensive? I’ll tell you, the cycle will start again. The Braves may never compete until they bring in ownership who is willing to spend with the big boys. As far as Atlanta being a small market team. Get real. How many million people live in Atlanta? I don’t thin St.Louis even has 1 million and they pack the stadium on a daily basis and have for years. The same in Boston. Their population is not big, they just have 500 colleges.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 31, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

mbatl, good to have you back. we now have a closer but no starters to fall back on - well, one starter.

By Carolina Lady

July 31, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

LeTwan! Welcome back!! We’ve really missed you and Mama. A big hug to her!

Even’, Lew! I’m in full agreement with you. This team has been like a wheel out-of-balance most all year. (Bear with me re: your birdhouse; I’ll have some photos for you a a few days. My time isn’t my own these days!! :-))

Jimmy, builtforbirds@ec.rr.com and I’ll send photos of some houses. :-)

By ncscoots

July 31, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

I’m with Todd…I just spent three days in ATL feeling as if I were on one of those reality shows that make you eat gross food. I’ve been a big Ramirez fan, but he completely spit the bit as a top-of-the-rotation guy. It’s a big step up from back of the rotation to top tier, and I no longer think he’s got that extra something. I still think he’s a fine pitcher, but I believe he’s more suited as a #4 starter. And Huddy…jeez, I had my binocs on him for most of his day, and I swear I can’t see what’s wrong with his mechanics. If he truly isn’t hurt, I’m afraid the Braves are stuck for three years. Historically, the team hasn’t eaten salary just to move a guy, and I doubt that would change, even to relieve themselves of Hudson’s big number. So, I would think the Braves have to find another front line starter somewhere, before 2007.

By supergrass

July 31, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

CAN SUM1 FROM AJC.COM BLOCK NYFAN FROM THIS BLOG …….. i mean this latest comment is over the top at the very least “Betemit, Sosa and many players from the carribean are black just like jamaicans. They’re just have spanish last names….If you want to be technical.”

By Bob, journalist

July 31, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

My, my, aren’t we touchy today?! Maybe it’s time for a hot tub.

Robert, I think that most poles would indicate that virtually all bloggers think that hitters with tremendous speed who can consistently get on base really do matter, regardless of their position in the batting order … especially those who know how to use their speed. Of course, that doesn’t speak for other ethnic groups.

Rather than discarding our poorly performing players like toys in need of repair, or of which we’ve grown tired … and then asking Mommie to buy us some shinny new ones that we think we’d like better … wouldn’t it be nice to see if they could be refurbished, if not enhanced, so they once again might shine and be the envy of all?

It wasn’t that long ago that each of them … well most, if not all … were held sacred and had a special, reserved space in our toy box.

We’ve got a talented group of players. If personel changes are in order, and I’m not suggesting that the are … I would think it prudent to first look at those whose job it is to motivate, evaluate and teach rather than those whose job it is to do.

Overly aggressive swings by one giving 100% effort are outs waiting to happen while pitches thrown with 100% effort, by one aiming the ball, wind up finding the gap or going over the wall … seems like something could be learned from that.

Somebody is going to teach these fellows how to play within themselves … how to better read pitches and improve both bat speed and control … how to pitch much less mechanically with much better mechanics … and those who do will win.

Somebody will … better we than they!

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

My point all along has been that this is not an appropriate forum for this discussion. Several others have also objected. Leave it alone. Insane Braves’ Fan, until YOU brought the whole thing up, I was debating with you in a neighborly fashion about Braves topics and having a good time doing it. You’re the one harshing the collective mellow. Let’s talk about other things and you and I will have no problems with one another.

By supergrass

July 31, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

NYFAN talk baseball -please!

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

well,at least Andruw’s name has officially been dangled out there in the trade waters.Will be interesting in the coming weeks/months to see how other teams react now that they realize he may be on the market.If the right deal comes along,Schuerholz has to consider it.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

MBATL-Where have you been? We thought we lost you over some misunderstanding and have missed you. Welcome back. Your input is needed.

By MBATL

July 31, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Good to be back, jjs - thank you! And good to see LeTwan back too! Go Braves!

By LeTwan Anthony

July 31, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Mama won’t let LeTwan in the kitchen. It may not be a sweet potato pie after all. LeTwan saw Mama with a big bag of peaches earlier … hmmm … If it is peach pie it will require ice cream. LeTwan has had a taste all day for some peach ice cream. Will that be too much peach? Nah! Peach State players make good Braves and all the uniforms are the same color.

By Ron Roberts

July 31, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

Letwan, who says it’s not the other way around, man? He gets me steamed, too, ya know? ;-)

Oh, one point to Lew…… not sure, but I’m thinking Wickman’s retiring after this season. He was sorta leaning towards it last offseason, and I think he’s more inlcined to do so this year now, more than ever.

By Robert

July 31, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

It’s not that we are UNABLE to steal or bunt or otherwise manufacture a run

The team simply doesnt try it enough.

The donkey manager is UNWILLING to try and manufacture a run - he doesnt believe it is necessary

You know what? in the mid 90’s we had enough talent that we could win a bunch of games without doing the little things.

Jackass Cox failed in the playoffs over and over again because eventually his team ran into another team that had talent and that also did the little things to win

Now, finally, the talent is depleted to the point that we cant even play .500 ball in the regular season playing Donkeyball

And Cox still does not have a semblance of a clue that paying attention to fundamentals and trying to manufacture runs might actually help win games

His incompetance as a manager is so blatantly obvious that you’d think noone could miss it even if they tried.

And yet he is STILL getting accolades - having been called best manager of all time by not one but two AJC writers within the past few months

Last weekend’s series against the Mets was very important to the Braves’ playoff hopes. It was, in essence, a playoff atmosphere

And true to the legacy of Cox teams in the playoffs, the Braves did not even bother to show up

WHEN, I ask WHEN, will the media stop treating this donkey like he is some kind of sacred figure or revered genius and expose him for the FRAUD that he is?

By ncscoots

July 31, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I’ll second all that, good to see your name, bro.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Ron-Could be, but he seems to be another of these players that like playing for BC and I thought that might make a difference. Plus, he might need an extra $5mil or so to buy food. More pants, too.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Lew, thanks for the quick debate. I am stubborn but I have followed this team since 1983 when I was stationed in Germany. I am in full agreement with you on ownership needing to spend money. It does make it very difficult to compete. Even the White Soxs, Angels, and Giants had to spend money to make a move towards the Series. Until there is new ownership that honestly wants to win, I fear that the run may come to an end soon, especially if Cox retires.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Maybe we could offer him stock in Pete and Skip’s BBQ. You know, some BBQ and peach pie with peach ice cream would be good right now.

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

After 1 bad start, everyone is bashing Chuck James…? Lighten up people, he arguably has been our best starter over the last month, Seems like the Team took off when he was put in the Rotation…But now we’ve hit a bump again…

Someone needs to call Hudson out, because he has been looking like Blow-sa Last month, and His card value is falling

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Insane Fan-I agree, despite what Robert thinks. I attribute much of this team’s success to BC. A few more WS championships would have been nice, but I think we will come to appreciate the past 15 years when the Braves are a mediocre team for more years. I’m afraid that that’s where we are headed. Back to where most teams spend their history. No one has ever had a run like this and it is unlikely we will ever see it happen again. Absence and fonder hearts and whatnot.

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

I like bobby, But, Robert is right he Sucks in big games, maybe 1 exception would be game 6 of the 95 series…

I think he could learn from Ozzie Guillen in terms of how to play A-B-C Baseball

BTW I think Bobby is the Worst when it comes to Having his pitchers Retialiate at other teams when Our Guys at the plate get hit intentionally…

By Robert

July 31, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

” like bobby, But, Robert is right he Sucks in big games, maybe 1 exception would be game 6 of the 95 series”

Oh yeah, Cox was GREAT in game six of the 95 series. I mean, the way he sat there and watched Glavine pitch a one-hitter was downright awe-inspiring

By ncscoots

July 31, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

THawkin, I’m not calling CJB out. I don’t expect a rookie fifth starter to be the stopper in a big series (well, I considered it a big series; yeah, yeah, “every series is important”, etc. I think this one was just a little more important than say, oh, three with Pittsburgh). I expect that dude to have some bad games, OJT, and all that. But the complete lack of step-up by Ramirez and Hudson just really left me abject. Guess that’s why I’m feeling a little snarky tonight (Robert, my snide remark to you re speed was uncalled for, brother, I apologize).

By ColumbusBuckeye

July 31, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

InsaneBrave,

Debating with you is a bit like trying to barter a carnie. You may get something small in return, but regardless……you leave the scene feeling a bit tainted, and dirty. So, we’ll leave the race debate for another forum. I think that anyone with any sort of wit would figure that race isn’t a driving factor for a professional sports organization.

By Bob, journalist

July 31, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Before I depart, let me request that my name be added to the list of those welcoming back MBATL … you can take down the “posted” and “beware of dog” signs I put in your front yard … just didn’t want strangers to think your place in the neighborhood had been left unattended.

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Hudson has so much torque in his delivery that I don’t see how he doesn’t have arm problems.He’s dropping his arm angle too low imo,causing the ball to break to the side instead of breaking down.Balls either break over the heart of the plate,or they break so far outside,hitters don’t offer.Right now,he’s a mechanical and emotional wreck.Hope JS gives Mike Maddux a call this off-season.

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

To that cat Chippers a Candy Blogger What Andruw Jones have you watched this year…?

Andruw is having his best season in terms of hitting with RISP…

But Chipper is becoming like Chris Chandelier, for all you Falcons Fans out there

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

I don’t know, Tomahawkin’, I kind of look at it like the Bills losing four straight Superbowls. I mean, did their coaching staff s##k? Did it negate Jim Kelley’s or Andre Rison’s or Bruce Smith’s career? The same with the Vikings Purple Gang. They were still dynasties and worthy of all they did accomplish. They all did something no one else ever di. I’ve always wondered. If the Braves had won in 91, 92 and 96 also, or just in 91 and 95-96, would fans be any more appreciative of their efforts. Knowing all of us Insane Braves Fans, I kind of doubt if 3 or 4 would have been enough.

By Robert

July 31, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

“BTW I think Bobby is the Worst “

I couldnt have said it better myself

By Robert

July 31, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

“BTW I think Bobby is the Worst “

I couldnt have said it better myself

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Need to change your handle to sick bastard.

By JJMB

July 31, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

You racial “fence-menders” make me want to puke! god, what a nation of puss*y apologists!

The Braves are now a second or third tier club. They can’t buy talent, so the only hope is to develop it internally. Florida would be a good system to emulate.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

MBATL-Where have you been. You left in such a hurry and in such a huff, we didn’t know what was wrong. Are you all right? We were concerned.

By ILL-logical

July 31, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Excellent point about the Braves “marketing strategy”-hiring young ,white georgians because of their appeal to the fan base. Now to some that certainly appears to be racist since their is a lack of players who represent some other demograhic.Others feel differently. What is interesting though is the reaction when the topic is broached.Sometimes it all comes out in the wash.

I am now going back on record as stating that DOB has drunk the kool-aid with his trade Andruw column.JS dictated that as sure as the sky is blue-no racial connotation intended.

PS. Because he will be a 10/5 player at the end of the year,Andruw can not be traded without his consent,so JS is going to claim,with the support of certain unnamed media sources, they are unable to pay him. Today’s column served to get the train of thought out there. Watch for little snide comments about weight; strike outs; and projections of Francouers “potential” over the next few months.

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Football Playoffs are a lot different than baseball playoffs because everything is done in 1 game instead of a series, one bad call by a ref in a SuperBowl game might cost you the game, at least in baseball you have more games to make up for mistakes…

We should have won in 91, upset in 93, and Cursed in 96…The Jim Leyritz Curse lives on…

But I’m Still proud of my boyz, If you look at Pirates fans, their only highlight of the season was the All Star game…That’s saddening for pirates fans…

By MBATL

July 31, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Thanks guys; took a remark way too seriously. Not much more to say about it.

Feel like some profundity is in order upon my return, but just ain’t got… we need to win some baseball games.

By Robert

July 31, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the Bills and Vikings teams that you mention as great teams?

No, their legacy is of being good teams that failed to pass the test of greatness

As for the careers of the players on those teams - they might be rememebred as very good or even great players. But they arent remembered as champions

A legacy of failure in the big games. Thank you Bobby Cox (aka Eeyore)

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Yeah right. Let’s see-Florida’s system. Sell all of your players for babies. When the babies growe up and get good and want a raise in their allowances, sell them and buy new babies. You must be a God Awful parent JJMB.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 31, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

journalist guy curtright has outdone himself tonight! possibly driven by trade rumors earlier, journalist curtright has written a hard-hitting story on joey devine, the braves future closer. know what devine’s future success hinges upon? toes that’s right, landing on his toes. toes mean everything in baseball. toes are not to be trifled with. journalist curtright’s story is now posted on the braves page.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, is it Bobby or does he need a new bench coach that can help fire those boys up? Come playoff time, we have always been lethargic. I think that’s because BC’s mojo is designed for the regular season. But come playoff time we probably need someone that has some attitude. From what I see, Pat just sits on the bench.

FYI: Something tells me I am going to be wrong on the Betemit trade. I now believe we stand to have gotten the best of that trade because Aybar has the potential to grow into an outstanding leadoff hitter. Now if we can get Baez to turned around.

Also Tomahawkin, you are absolutely right about James. The boy is only a rookie. He will have those type of games. He!! look at how Hudson and Ramirez did against the Mets… James will be a player. I am willing to go on the line and state that he will pitch a gem of a game that means the world to us this season.

By The Truth

July 31, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Andrew,

Just go away soon ….. You will not be missed at all. Good ridence and let me buy you a one-way ticket to Alaska to start your new career as an Eskimo. Take care LOSER.

By ncscoots

July 31, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Todd, I don’t know about Hudson’s arm angle. It looked to me as if his arm slot was fine, but, unlike his time in the AL, his pitches started low out of the zone and just broke lower (hence, no swings). And when he tried to elevate two inches, he elevated a foot. Bang. Bam. See ya. I guess we can say his fine motor control is just a little off, LOL.

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Not protecting your hitters is downright inexplicable.That’s not taking the high road.It’s utter stupidity.It’s weak and sends a bad message to your players.

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

JJMB, No offense, but The last time I looked every Team wanted to emulate us in terms of developing home grown talent

If you’ve notice since the late 90’s

Oakland Build their team around good young pitchers, as well as Minnesota is doing today…

The marlins win it all and then firesale, I don’t see that team down there by the end of the decade, There are too many Yankee, Red Sox/ Mutt fans down there for them to gain any fan base…

By Lew

July 31, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Robert-In five minutes, will anyone remember you at all? What have you accomplished that will even make you a footnote in history? Are you a world class satirist? Bobby Cox will likely end up in the HOF. Where will you be enshrined? Will anyone even care enough to call you a donkey? I doubt it. Your calling in life is apparently to castigate people that at least had the talent to compete-win or lose. Can you say the same?

By ncscoots

July 31, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

The Florida system? The FLORDIA SYSTEM!!?? There IS no Florida system, unles it’s “gush red ink like a sucking chest wound, because we play in a crappy stadium for baseball, it’s rains two out of every three afternoons during the summer, and we can’t draw a lousy two million even when we’re in the playoffs”. Do you think the Marlins traded Delgado, LoDuca, et al, because it was an oh-so-savvy BASEBALL decision????

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

Yea Todd thats why teams no longer fear the Braves anymore, I was watching a pirates game I think a year or two ago, and their commentators mentioned how teams no longer fear the braves no more when they play them like they did in the 90’s

By Dog the Bounty Hunter

July 31, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Lew, why do you feel the need to blog once every five minutes. Half this blog is all yours???? Get a hobby maybe? Just a suggestion?

By Bob, journalist

July 31, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

MBATL, profundity was in order … profundity was expected and it was profundity that was received … “we need to win some baseball games” … it doesn’t get much more profound than that!

By Lew

July 31, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

Dog-Thanks for the suggestion.

By Insane Brave

July 31, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

At what point will people stop dogging Cox. The man helped bring a winner to Atlanta. When was the last time the Hawks, Falcons, or Thrashers won a world title? BC managed a team to a world title, not to mention numerous division titles. Now, do I get frustrated when we get eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, of course I do. Do I continue going to every playoff game, yes I do. But I don’t blame Bobby for losing or for one title. Heck No!!! I blame Lonnie Smith and Charlie Liebrandt . Damn fools.

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Anyone agree with Steve Phillips’ comments on the Herd today about the reason why the American League is so much better than the National League?I know he was a loser as Mets GM,but I think he was dead on.The American League has dominated interleague and All Star games,and have fared better in WS.He said Boston and New York set the tone in the American League,and other teams are forced to either raise their level of competence or get out of the kitchen.

He said the problem with the National League,is that the Braves haven’t really set the bar all that high in the last 10 years as the flagship organization of the entire league.They have made do(with a modest payroll the last 5 years),and kind of finagled(sp?)their way.His words,but I found it interesting.Doesn’t sound like he thinks much of the Braves success the past 10 years.

By Glass Half Full

July 31, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

Perhaps the trade deadline hype is just that…hype. JS made 2 moves (3 counting dumping Sosa) that he thought would help the team. Had he done them all today, all the pundits would be talking about the “bold moves from Shurholz.” Maybe we were expecting too much from today. JS had played his hand already.

By JJMB

July 31, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Florida. TWO WS championships in 13 years of existence. Checking the curent standings…..ahead of the Atlanta braves.

By ncscoots

July 31, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

I doubt Steve Phillips has much love for the Braves, since his lack of success against them is one of the reasons he’s commenting today instead of trading.

By MBATL

July 31, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Regarding Cox, it’s the players, not the manager, who have cost us a couple of WS titles. Take a look at this

Maybe a good refresher if like me you were toasted - or maybe you were in diapers - in those years.

By Jim J

July 31, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves have made themselves a little better for this season. And, they have a chance to be a lot better next season if they can get another year out of Wickman and Baez. But what about the Dodgers? Give Ned Colletti a CEEGAR! Betemit, Furcal, Lugo, and Garciaparra on the infield with Kent as a backup. If they can get Soriano in the offseason, they will be stacked for next year.

By TDub

July 31, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

Steve Phillips? Whatever. He was so good as a GM he got run out of a job.

By JJMB

July 31, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

Lew, when I take parenting lessons from a bloated, diabetic, gassbag emphysemic… I’ll give you a call.

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Look at that 97 marlins team, most of the Stars on that team signed as free agents prior to that year, Renteria was developed in their system, as was Craig Counsell, but who else….And all were shipped off in the upcoming years…

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Cox inserted Leibrandt in to face Puckett.Doesn’t take George Will to recognize that’s a bad matchup.He also pulled Bielecki in the infamous Leyritz game,when Mike was virtually unhittable.Asking Wohlers to get 6 outs against that lineup,when he was a mental midget to begin with,was a terrible decision that cost that series.A collapse the Braves have yet to recover from.Don’t think Cox doesn’t deserve some criticism for 1 WS title in 14 years.He does.I just don’t place all the blame on him.

By David

July 31, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Changing the topic of conversation a bit, here is a fabulous blog discussion comparing Frenchy and Manny’s swings:

http://blog.swingtraining.net/2006/07/18/jeff-francoeur-and-the-x-factor.aspx

By earl

July 31, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

You can’t trade Andruw now. He’s still relatively young—even if he’s been a major-leage regular for about 10 years—and he’s the only real star offensive player on the team. Plus, you just can’t trust pitchers anymore. I don’t care who it is—promising young stud, or well-respected veteran—pitchers are just not dependable. A guy who’s money one year is cr@p the next; a guy pitches well for a month, then stinks for six month. Getting a young pitcher like Lester would be nice, but you can’t give up your Gold-glove, mvp-level center field for him and one or two others. Which raises the big problem with the Braves: They are a cheap team now, with a modest budget, and that’s why they’re mediocre. JS has been pretty successful cobbling together decent teams with middling talent in recent years—but it caught up with him this year. The bullpen looked bad from the beginning. If they Braves were serious about winning, they would have resigned Furcal—they were foolish to let him go. Cheap teams can only hunt to stay in the wild-card hunt, and that’s the Braves now—an under-500 team.

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

I love how Soriano didn’t go anywhere, despite How much hype he got from those turds at ESPN, Just goes to show that 85 percent of the stuff they say isn’t worth a Damn…

Erin Andrews is the only reason I watch their games, and I also like that broad for Cold Pizza, Dana Jacobson

By JasonInMaine

July 31, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

There is one question I would ask Steve Phillips…Are you the GM who traded Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano?

Regards,

Jason

By David

July 31, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

Florida. TWO WS championships in 13 years of existence. Checking the curent standings…..ahead of the Atlanta braves.

I never understand why comments like this should upset Braves fans. It’s much worse for say, the Phillies or Mets. Each of these organizations has had the same payroll advantage as the Braves yet neither has a WS win in the same time frame. For that matter, the Braves are one of the seven baseball teams who may claim a World Series ring in the post-strike era.

By Robert

July 31, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

“Robert-In five minutes, will anyone remember you at all? What have you accomplished that will even make you a footnote in history? Are you a world class satirist? Bobby Cox will likely end up in the HOF. Where will you be enshrined? Will anyone even care enough to call you a donkey? I doubt it. Your calling in life is apparently to castigate people that at least had the talent to compete-win or lose. Can you say the same?”

I can say this. Give me the teams Cox has had the past fourteen years, and I’d have the decency to admit I’m a failure and resign if I couldnt deliver more than one WS title

By Tomahawkin

July 31, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Glad we didn’t resign Furcal, He’s way overpaid…I miss him but the only player I’d give that kind of money would be Pay-Rod, E-Rod, A-Fraud, Gay-Rod or whatever you want to call him…

By David

July 31, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

There is one question I would ask Steve Phillips…Are you the GM who traded Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano?

Actually, he’s not. Somehow, he did throw under that man’s performance, however. Plus, Jim Duquette gets the excuse that ownership (inexplicably) forced the Kazmir atrocity.

By krath

July 31, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Who would it take in return to make Andruw expendable? Just wondering.

By Robert

July 31, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

“Doesn’t sound like he thinks much of the Braves success the past 10 years. “

Welcome to the real world. Very few people outside metro Atlanta think much of the Braves or their donkey leader

To the rest of the league, Cox’s teams have been playoff participants as opposed to championship contenders

By Bob, journalist

July 31, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

JJMB, when I said we were expecting profundity, this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind “Florida. TWO WS championships in 13 years of existence. Checking the curent standings…..ahead of the Atlanta braves” … while true, it’s like a Hamilition Burger objection.

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Btw,that Cox post wasn’t directed at you scoots.As far as Hudson’s arm angle is concerned,I didn’t notice him when he was in Oakland,so I don’t really know what I’m comparing it to.His balls break left to right,like a whiffle ball.If he starts it off the plate,it breaks right over the heart of the plate…and….BOOM.

By David

July 31, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Who would it take in return to make Andruw expendable? Just wondering.

A frontline starter (or potential one), a decent reliever and a respectable OF in return. That’s why the Boston trade made an uncomfortable amount of sense on our side, moreso than it did on their end.

By krath

July 31, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Buster Olney just said had the Sox got Andruw, they were going to try to spin him to the Astros for Oswalt. Interesting.

By new york joe

July 31, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

The party’s over boys. Lets Go Mets!

By JJMB

July 31, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Bob, Hamilton Burger? Perry Mason? OK. They still have 2 ws wins.

By Robert

July 31, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

The Marlins - a true small budget team that draws our ridicule on a frequant basis

Yet they have twice as many championships as the Braves have the past fourteen seasons

Tell me again, why do y’all think the donkey is such a good manager?

Oh wait, I know. The infamous wide strike zone.

The Legend of Bobby Cox the Genius is a myth that just refuses to die amongst hardcore Eeyore fans despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary

By Rob S.

July 31, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

The LaRoche day/night split leads me to believe that he needs to wear sun-glasses when hitting. I mean in all seriousness, is he not seeing the ball as well because of the glare?

By David O'Brien

July 31, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

NCscoots, love your comment at 10:01 p.m. (i think that was the time) about Florida’s “system” as JJMB referenced. Having covered that team, I can assure you that you are correct. Their “system” is try like hell to get a stadium built, and every time the latest bill fails with the city commission or state legislature, the strip the team down and start over. And if you happen to win two World Series along the way, so be it. And have the worst attendance in baseball, playing in in a football stadium in daily showers.

Yes, a helluva system. Maybe Braves should go to a $15 mill payroll next year like Florida, huh JJMB? Since Florida has same record as Braves, or better, then it follows that Braves should try the same thing. Nice logic.

ILL-logical _ did you really have to come back? Really? Ok, if you must, welcome back then. I’ve got more Kool-Aid here if you want to drink it. It’s good. J.S. just brought it by… Man, you really need to get out, get a hobby, get over the conspiracy theories.

I’d trade Andruw ONLY if you absolutely don’t think you can sign him. And if the Braves could sign him for $15 mill a year, they should make it happen. I’m just afraid that Boras will ask more like $17-18 mill a year, and at a certain point, with what you owe Hampton, Hudson, and Chipper, it just won’t work.

Andruw’s the best center fielder in a generation, and probably still the best. Doesn’t have the strongest arm, but it’s accurate. And obviously nobody makes the catches in the gaps and coming in better than him, though several make them better at the wall or above it.

As for his streaky hitting, he can carry a team for long stretches, unlike most center fielders. And yes, he’s hitting much better (.298) with RISP this season. If he’d hit that last year, he’d have had 150 RBIs and the MVP, hands-down.

And it has absolutely nothing to do with race. Anybody who thinks it does, simply doesn’t have a clue how the business is run. If they could trade Hampton, they would in a heartbeat, and keep Andruw. You trade Andruw, you get a ton in return. You trade Chipper, if you can trade him, it’d be a helluva lot less you get back, more like the other team taking his contract off your hands.

Though after the Yankees gave up what they did and took on Abreu’s contract, you never know.

By JJMB

July 31, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, you’re a good ole boy as far as I’m concerned. Still, for all the chaos Florida has endured, THEY STILL HAVE TWO WS. This has happened in 13 years of existence.

It is 2006, and Florida has a better team than Atlanta. With a totally crappy situation, Florida has a better team. WTF?

By Bob, journalist

July 31, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

How is All of the talk about Tim Hudson consistent with the “I survived the road to Hana” T-Shirts given to those who caught him this year?

By krath

July 31, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hank Aaron was the soul of the Braves. He ended his career with the Brewers. Dale Murphy was the heart of the Braves, he wound up in Philly. My point is that no matter what Andruw is to the Braves, if he can bring you true value in return by moving him, you have to consider it. When you have as much payroll tied up in 3-5 players like the Braves do, and you have limited payroll like most teams, you find yourself with a patchwork bullpen like we did when we started the season. Yeah we still had six mil to play with but that doesn’t really buy you that much these days it seems.

This isn’t the first time I’ve advocated moving Andruw for the right deal. His value will probably never be higher. If the GM is as brilliant as many people say, he has to have an inkling of what Andruw will cost him after 2007. If its a foregone conclusion that we can’t afford him, then you have to move him. It’s just like Soriano today. I’ll bet money that the Nationals aren’t able to resign him. If that happens then not trading him before the deadline and getting a little too greedy will cost them.

If Andruw is going to be a 17 mil player… just think what other services could be bought for 17 mil in payroll? The Rangers proved that you could tie your financial resources up in too few personel and it will kill ya! They finally dumped that burden on the Yankees who are one of about 3 teams who could have afforded ARod.

What I said above is’t the only scenario-solution…. but it has to be considered.

By Lew

July 31, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

JJMB-I am not emphysemiac.

By hop

July 31, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

let’s face it the braves are done this year and years to come.

the corporate greed has now overtaken the braves, especially when you talk about trading andrew jones. i bet you he will be gone by next spring because the old and new owners are not looking to spend the money to have a contender.

the braves will not be a contender next year, after next season bobby c and john s will be gone.

the team will be return to the pre-91 run. we will be royals of the national league.

By Jeremy

July 31, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Buster Olney said the RedSox were gonna try to trade Andruw to the Astros for Roy Oswalt.

By The Truth

July 31, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Not reading all these blogs, so pardon if I repeat what’s been said. First off, Bobby is a great manager and Schuerholz (who is beating his head against the wall b/c he finally got some bullpen help and the starters have gone bad) is a great GM…no denying that. If we can trade Andruw (who screws himself into the ground everytime he swings) and get a #1 starter and good reliever or outfielder this winter then we do it. The focus needs to shift back to the pitching and back to the farm system.

The trade of Betemit was brilliant. Aybar at 23 is just as good as Betemit at 29 and he has a higher ceiling.

Agree that we need more team speed, something we really haven’t had in quite sometime. Everyone can see the effect Reyes has had with the Mets.

Let Horacio get on another one of his 1 or 2 game hot streaks and trade him. He’s had plenty of time to impress and just hasn’t.

If Hudson will ever get this arm angle back up and start throwing his pitches vertically instead of horizontally then he could get back to his old self. Otherwise, we ship him out this offseason and let him lollipop that slider for some other team.

The Baby Monkey is still a heck of a defensive second baseman and will turn the DP with the best of them. One can only hope we move him back to the 2 hole and he regains his form.

We’ve got wonderful young potential, but I think it may be a really interesting offseason. As far as I’m concerned, without any starting pitching, this season is done.

By Ace

July 31, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

You gotta play Giles at 2B the rest of the year so that, hopefully, he can get hot and generate some good trade interest. Let Aybar fill in while Chipper’s hurt (and odds are he’s got at least one more injury in him this year) and when Chipper’s playing he can spell Giles once or twice a week.

What kind of return could the Braves get for LaRoche. His recent power surge notwithstanding, I’m not convinced he’s good for the long haul, though his defense is first rate. If they could get a good return for him, why not let Thorman have a crack at 1B or, if he’d do it, get Chipper over there. That would allow Aybar to man 3B and Prado at 2B.

By JJMB

July 31, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m just blustering. If you’re a Braves fan, you can’t be all bad.

By JasonInMaine

July 31, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

David,

Thanks for the correction…for some reason, I thought Phillips had made that trade. Oh well, he couldn’t beat us regardless (: Thanks again for the clarification.

Regards,

Jason

By Surfrider

July 31, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

Se La Vista Braves, it’s over. This overpaid, unperforming, poorly managed and complacent team is heading for a disaster of a year. Looking back it would have been better to keep Glavine, Maddox, Smoltz and even Avery since it was pitching that built the Braves, and trade the Jones Brothers.

By Todd A

July 31, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

Thought Betemit was only 24?

By Kentavo

July 31, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

Does anyone still believe Mazzone wasn’t the glue that held things together? Even if he wasn’t - it will sure look like it as the 14 years of division dominance comes to a sad end. I had high hopes for the wild card, but this Braves team folded in last week’s Marlin series and that will be the one looked back as the back-breaker, not the Muts.

By krath

July 31, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Just to follow up on my previous post, Lester and Hansen are likely quality pitchers who are each gonna be making like $350,000 range for a couple more years and Crisp isn’t making that much. I honestly haven’t checked his salary but what’s he making….4-5 mil? Heck the total salaries for these guys won’t be 6 mil and you’ve also aquired 2 young quality arms. If Andruw makes 17 mil in 2008 then that would man you would have these guys at 6 mil and 11 mil left over to sign other players! (These are reasonable assumptions I believe but your actual milage may vary.)

The deal wasn’t going to happen anyway because we were asking too much but the point of the blog was that DOB said he would have had to make that trade.

So would I.

By Kentavo

July 31, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

People talk of the Leyritz curse. It’s actually the Andruw curse. Since he came up in ‘96, the Braves haven’t won any world series. His lackadaisacal attitude permeates the team.

By David O'Brien

July 31, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

That glue must not work in Baltimore, kentavo. They have an ERA well over 6.00 in July. Getting worse as the season goes on, those O’s pitchers.

Betemit officially turned 26 on Friday. That’s what everybody goes by, that’s what I’ll go by.

He’s not the first latin player to have the wrong birthday, but most were actually found to be older, if anything, in that rash of cases after 9/11 when they starting checking birth certificates, etc, for visa and passports.

I’ll never forget the look in Pablo Ozuna’s eyes when I approached him during spring training and asked him about being 27 instead of, I think it was listed as 24. Anyway, he was shocked. Eventually admitted it (a team official had told me before they let him know).

He went from being a big prospect to being an aging fringe guy. He’s 31 today and has made a little cash and got a ring last year with the White Sox, so I’m happy for him.

Edgar Renteria, by the way, was one whose age went the other way. His brother later admitted fudging Edgar’s birth certificate so the Marlins could sign him at 16 (he was actually 15).

OK, I’m out.

By Don

August 1, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

Anybody see Big Papii tonight? The Red Sox were down 8-6 tonight to the Indians in the bottom of the 9th. Men on first and second and nobody out. Francona lets Loretta hit and everybody in Fenway is praying that he doesn’t hit into a double play because Big Papii is up next. If Loretta bunted them over to second and third it takes the bat out of Big Papii’s hands because they walk him. Loretta pops up behind second for the first out.

Big Papii steps in. I’m thinking I’ve seen this on the highlight shows, he always hits a blast to straight away center in these situations. He’s facing a guy he’s never seen before who looks like he’s throwing some pretty good heat, well up into the 90’s. Papii takes a pitch or two out of the strike zone. Then he gets a fastball, low and away (the replay shows it hits the bottom outside corner of the strike zone, right on both lines) and absolutely crushes it. Straight away dead center, like a Tiger Woods stinger 2 iron it gets up in the air maybe 30 feet high and then goes on a flat trajectory like a bullet. Over the center field wall, game over. 3 run walk off, his third walk off home run this season.

I don’t watch Big Papii day in and day out but based on what I have seen he has got to be the greatest clutch hitter in the last 40 years. As ridiculous as it might sound, I think maybe you’ve got to walk the tying run into scoring position in that situation and pitch to Manny Ramirez.

If Andruw had been traded to Boston and they put him in front of Big Papii and Ramirez in the batting order, he’d see 80% fastballs and hit 60 home runs.

By Robert

August 1, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

“First off, Bobby is a great manager “

This is hopeless. To those who love the donkey, fine.

As for me, it look like I will continue to have to watch the team I love knowing that they can not possibly win the big game because the donkey continues on in the dugout.

It is absolute torture having to watch that jackass screw things up season after season and then to have to listen to people proclaim his greatness

Heck, I’ll join the bandwagon. Nobody could have done what Bobby Cox has done

There I said it. And it is in fact true

By Tomahawkin

August 1, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

Andruw might hit 60 in fenway, lets just enjoy him while he’s here…

D.O.B. Glad you notice that Andruw has lost a step, That’s what those dives will do to ya, especially playing 158-160 games a year not including postseason or spring training… he is still da best centerfielder in the last generation

And if it had happen that trade to da sox would have been sick

Think about it Andruw, Manny and Big Papi, That would be just sick to pitch to…

Gald we see Eye to Eye D.O.B.

By Tomahawkin

August 1, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this

Oh yea, while im at it, This blog is dead…

Where You at Grinch…?

And New York Joe, I read Dese Blogs everyday… and haven’t seen Ur name til now…Wazzup wit that, You only want to come out when Ur Boyz clown on Us, Shyt, Ur probably a closet Yankee fan who lives in Queens, but only come out when the Mutts are winning, U Mutts fans are a Joke, and Dey say Braves Fans are the worse, I don’t think so….

By Robert

August 1, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

DOB - come on now about Mazzone. The guy got handed a pile of manure, and didnt even get to get their full attention during spring training because of the world baseball classic. And becaue under these circumstances he has been able to turn manure into gold overnight that means he wasnt the glue.

Leo - if you somehow read this, we dont all feel that way. Some of us miss you. Oh Leo, if only you didnt have to sit next to a farm animal for those 14 seasons.

By Snowball's Chance

August 1, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

Don, I was watching Big Papi. He has become my favorite player. There is controversy brewing whether he could be named MVP as a DH. People are saying he doesn’t play a position. If Andruw can’t get any consideration last year for how many runs his glove saves - some estimates are 50 per year- while Pujols gets all the credit for having a higher Avg even though he is an average fielder, then why bother with making defence a consideration. When Bonds was always winning the MVP, the word was he is the best left fielder ever. Isn’t left field where you put your weakest arm? Just ask Sid Bream.

By Tomahawkin

August 1, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

*Robert *Ur right, No one can touch Bobby in the Regular Season, but the postseason is a different matter

BTW Where is da best place in the “A” to buy Braves Memorbilla, I have 13 pennants on one wall in my house and I need some more, as well as that Red Jersey, that Red Braves Jersey is clean…

By Tomahawkin

August 1, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

As far as my favorite Playa, Would be Manny, Pay-Rod and Pujols, I love Manny,s Humor, and have watched him since 94… I invested in a-lot of his rookie cards

Manny has the persona of a T.O. without the cockyness…

After watching Pujols in Busch Stadium, Dat dude is the Truth…

By Snowball's Chance

August 1, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this

Can’t you see it, in a few years. A battery of Scalamandre to Saltalamacchia. Where is Harry Carey when we need him?

By Tomahawkin

August 1, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

Aight You Guys, Have a question 4 ya, Could Hudson Struggles Be Because of Black Jack McDowell, If Mazzone was still her I’d think he would get in Hudson’s a-s-s for pitching so poorly, and would have straightened out his location problem 2 weeks ago…Any Thoughts on That Matter especially D.O.B.????

And I know Black Jack was Jack McDowells nickname, but It sounds better instead of Roger McDowelll, Maybe he will flick off the fans if we don’t make the playoffs and the fans start booing him…

By Tomahawkin

August 1, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

I brought up that point about McDowell, because a Braves fan on another blog thought McDowell Messed Blowsa up in terms of his Mechanics…

BTW I Miss Harry Caray… I used to love watching him, and Steve Stone do Broadcasts on day games when I was little, Beat the He!! out of General Hospital and all those other looney Soap Operas

By The Grinch

August 1, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this

T’Hawkin’; I am here finally! I got a girl I picked up at a bar upstairs talking to an ex…I thought I’d check in with Y’all. I’d never let you guys down! Drinking heavily, obviously. Listening to Sepultura on my 580 watt comp. system and hoping she decides to slip into my arms…earlier indications indicate so. In the meantime, how go my peeps?

By The Grinch

August 1, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

I’d take Blackjack right now, if he’d come out of retirement…

By The Grinch

August 1, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this

She’s yelling; the odds are leaning in my favour…:-)

By Tomahawkin

August 1, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this

Well Grinch, This is my day off also, So I’m getting my drink on rite now…I went to da bar last nite, A place called Micki Free’s, I went in there and got F-C-K’D Up…

Gotta Go Be Back in an hour I’d imagine…

I Know D.O.B. Is gonna cut up once he see’s these comments…

By Lew

August 1, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

JJMB-Of course I’m a Braves’ fan. I’m just like everyone else and sometimes I take myself too seriously. I’d hate to be a pitcher having to face Papi Andruw and Manny being Manny. That’s scary.

By Robert

August 1, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this

Why can noone touch Bobby during the regular season? Is there some law forbidding it? Is he surrounded by an electric fence? Is he kept locked in a safe somewhere during the regular season?

I will simply repeat that noone could do what Bobby has done anmd let people determine for themselves exactly what that means.

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

I know that times are tough but at least we can be thankful that our ownership is callous and cheap, our management stupid, and our players untalented and inept. That certainly appears to be what gives us our basis for explaining why our expectations aren’t being met … and allows us to proffer our expert opinions on what really needs to be done to make everything right!

Think about how difficult it must be for fans of all those teams with understanding owners, brillant management and talented players. The last time I checked, only six teams win their Divisions each year and only one team in the playoffs wins their last game.

For marketing and/or structural reasons, we even let teams that aren’t good enough to win their own division, participate in the playoffs and crown them League Champions if they happen to win 7 games … after showing themselves to be no better than second best.

Regardless of whether we make the playoffs, we should take pride in what has taken place in Atlanta … it’s easy to talk the talk but they’ve walked the walk as it’s never been done before and not likely to be done again … you can color those who ridicule the signifance of that accomplishment … a bright shade of green.

By Calvin

August 1, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

I read somewhere that the Yankees and Brian Cashman were refusing to deal their top prospects like they had in the past. I guess all that went out the window when they traded for Abreu and Lidle.

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

Grinch, soulds like you live in a swanky place with an upstairs bar filled with girls … that certainly beats my one floor flat … just watch the sound and fury … it’s getting late and the noise might bother other folks trying to sleep.

To avoid the rub, one stays awake … I’m going to take my chances.

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

In fact, I may take an extended snooze and see if things aren’t a bit better when I return.

By Head Coach

August 1, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

Wow , We got a pitching prospect for Jorge Sosa ! The Cardinals are desperate for pitching. Hey , DOB I absolutely love the attitude of the team , in the back of their minds they probably realize the postseason is getting our of reach but in no way will they ever stop giving 100 percent effort on the field. I do think they still have a shot at finishing above .500 that is if the starting pitching ever figures out where the strike zone is. Yes , I would have pulled the trigger on that proposed trade of Andruw for Lester , Crisp and Hanson. Power leftys are as rare as the eclipse and two top pitching prospects plus Crisp equals a winner of a trade. Did everybody see the what the Yankees lineup is going to look like when they all get healthy ? Johnny Damon CF - Bobby Abreu LF - Derek Jeter SS - Alex Rodriguez 3B - Gary Sheffield DH - Jason Giambi 1B - Hideki Matsui RF - Jorge Posada C - Robinson Cano 2B…………….. THAT IS FREAKING SICK , SICK , SICK , SICK !!!!!

By Head Coach

August 1, 2006 03:55 AM | Link to this

That prospect we got for Sosa is Rich Scalamandre. A 5-11 190 lb. right handed pitcher selected by St.Louis in the 23rd round(702 pick overall) of the 2002 amateur draft out of the Dominican College(New York). In five minor league seasons he is a collective 22-7 3.98 ERA 230.1 innings 215 hits 102 runs 89 earned runs 12 HRS 97 BB 214 SO and 13 saves , he is primarily a right handed setup guy with a 91-92 MPH fastball and a breaking ball. Not bad for Jorge “homerun” Sosa.

By Nick

August 1, 2006 03:56 AM | Link to this

Well let the dude go to another team.I’m tired that the Braves never win the World Series.Wherever Andruw goes that will become my favorite team.And let The Braves stay with their beloved Chipper Jones

By The Grinch

August 1, 2006 03:56 AM | Link to this

Ohhhhh, my….that woman put somethin’ on me I ain’t been used to in a while…WhOOOO!!!! Gotta run; love ya, BOB…yes, my place is a den of iniquity, and I’m a bad person in general. But I’m cool with that tonight…

By Andy

August 1, 2006 04:19 AM | Link to this

Robert you can keep beating the drum about your feelings about Cox—-after the 10th or so post I think your point is clearly stated from your point of view. With that now over—-people who really know baseball—not us arm chair quaterbacks as it were—has voted cox as the manager of the year how many times—-seems you personal problems and your judgement are our there.

By Torre!Torre!Torre!

August 1, 2006 05:02 AM | Link to this

Take heart, Robert. It’ll likely be a long, long time before you see Bobby Cox blow another important game, or an important game in October, anyway.

And if Lonnie Smith weren’t an idiot, Bobby Cox would have two world championships, and maybe just a little bit of love from Robert.

I’d love to see you put in the pressure cooker situation of managing a World Series Game 7, Robert. You’d be crying for your mama. At least the donkey had the guts to make the calls and accept the blame. He wouldn’t even throw Lonnie Smith under the bus in 1991, as much as the moron deserved it.

You pitching coach wannabes on this blog just kill me, too, talking about watching Hudson’s arm angle and release point through binoculars. Like you’re going to spot something that all the true baseball men in the organization have missed all season. Get a clue. Coaching major leaguers is a hell of a lot harder than it looks, and requires a hell of a lot more knowledge than any of you possess. That’s why other, much smarter men than you are doing it.

But I guess you’re all less tiresome than the general manager wannabes who are convinced all the Braves need to do to get back to the top is acquire Juan Pierre to bat leadoff, and say so about two million times.

Guess what, folks? The Braves organization knows enough about baseball to get the best they can out of the talent they have. The core of that talent, for the most part, is now past its prime, and you’re seeing the disappointing results. There’s no simple answer or quick fix, so stop fantasizing that you know everything and, even worse, that someone cares.

And if Schuerholz and Bobby Cox don’t get it fixed and running smoother and more competitively by next season, you’ll likely have a whole new cast of characters to believe you’re smarter than in 2008. The tragedy of that will be, you might finally be right. We could end up watching reruns of “That ’70s Show: Atlanta Braves Edition.”

Then we’ll never catch up with the Marlins for world titles. But we can still reminisce about those good old days when Cox and Schuerholz were in charge.

By Grinch in a Clinch

August 1, 2006 05:09 AM | Link to this

Sounds like something else of the Grich’s grew two sizes last night. Hope that was enough for her, Grinch.

And what a gentleman you are, kissing and blogging.

By ncscoots

August 1, 2006 05:51 AM | Link to this

Torre, thought that actually was the point I was trying to make, that I COULDN’T see anything wrong with Hudson’s mechanics. I actually have no desire to be a pitching coach, but, FYI, I do have some experience and knowledge in the area of pitching mechanics. I wouldn’t presume to make such analyses if I did not.

By Head Coach

August 1, 2006 06:28 AM | Link to this

Hey , Torre. Lonnie did get deeked by knoblauch and he did get thrown out at the plate trying to score on Breams groundout which turned into an inning ending double play. They also had runners on second and third with nobody out and didnt score. then they loaded the bases with one out and the afore mentioned disaster happened. They didnt know how to play small ball then and 15 years later not much has changed. In all fairness to Cox he should have three world championships but its as much the players inability to execute under pressure as it the managers ability to make decisions that contributes to winning or losing.

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 07:17 AM | Link to this

Scoots, if his “mechanics” are that through which he goes to get where he’s going then maybe he just nees to change his destination.

By Robert

August 1, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this

Geez, my bad. Poor Bobby Cox. So smart that he can get teams to the WS over and over again only to have his bum players fail under pressure.

I mean gee, it’s not like maybe he shouldnt have had Liebrandt in there to pitch to Puckett, or Wohlers in there to pitch to Leyritz, or anything like that related to managing.

No, heck no. After all, he has been voted manager of the year by - (gasp) people who know baseball really well.

Well I have a theory about that. The people who know baseball really well know that with the teams he had, Cox should have won the WS over and over again. They figured out that the only way to keep the Braves from having a dynasty would be to make sure that the donkey remained in the manager’s seat. And how better to ensure that than to vote him Manager of the Year?

No, y’all are right. Noone else could possibly have even done what Cox has done. Mere mortals would probably pee their panties just from the pressure.

Poor Bobby Cox. The fact that his teams have rolled over and died when it’s crunch time every year since 1996 is not his fault at all. I mean, it’s not like a team bears the emotional stamp of it’s leader.

Poor poor Bobby Cox. After all, remember that his bum players started to fail his genius in the playoffs way back when he was managing the Blue Jays

Poor Bobby Cox. It’s not like we can sit and watch opposing managers predictably manipulate him like puppeteers to get favorable matchups late in games. No, no, no. It’s just that the bum players fail their genius leader under pressure.

How horrible it must be to be the misunderstood unerappreciated Einstein of baseball. Oh alas, how cruel fate has been to poor ole Bobby Cox.

By the way, didnt people who really know baseball used to give credit to Connie Mack and Casey Stengal for being baseball geniuses too, even when they were both so darn senile they couldnt even recognize their players?

I know baseball well enough to recognize that Cox has been losing ball games for years and years and years and that he is an idiot. I know that people who covet division titles and treat them like they are some kind of incredible accomplishment that other teams just swoon over are as dumb as the manager they worship

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this

Pardon and forget the previous post … it was three paragraphs and two somehow got lost. It’s intended “destination” was …

It’s relatively easy to direct the offense based on changing situations as the game progresses.

How much time do the pitcher, catcher and pitching coach spend working together in developing overall, individual hitter, and situational pitching strategies for each game … and how much is controled from the dugout on a pitch by pitch basis?

By Robert

August 1, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this

Oh Bobby Booby Bobby!

(falling to his knees in tears)

Can you ever forgive me Bobby? I doubted your genius Bobby. Lemme know you’ll forgive me for my mortal sin of doubting your donkey genius.

Hee-haw for me Bobby. Twitch your long ears for me Bobby. Shoo some flies with your tail Bobby. Anything. Just give me a sign that you forgive me.

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

Robert, there are theories and then there are absurdities. I would hope and actually believe that yours was proffered in jest.

To seriously suggest that “The people who know baseball really well know that with the teams he had, Cox should have won the WS over and over again” is a theory would speak volumes about the one making the suggestion.

By Robert

August 1, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

So it’s absurd to suggest that some of the Maddux-Glavine-Smoltz-Avery/Neagle teams were the best team in baseball in several different years?

1991,’93,’95,’96,’97,’99 - name me a better team those years

Heck, if he could avoid screwing up a wet dream just HALF the time, Cox would have three WS titles

Let’s not even talk about (heaven forbid) overachieving every now and then.

I counter that anyone who considers 1 for 15 to be an adequate success rate probably shouldnt be allowed to blog without adult supervision

You know what? Forget it man. Y’all can go on and keep getting your panties in a wad about whether we shouldve traded a backup infielder and bicker about which mediocre middle reliever we might take stab at next and lament about how cheap the organization has become (gee we only spend $80 mil a year on salaries) because you wont realize that none of this matters.

Look for the common denominator. Who had a hand in every questionable move and in every meltdown? But no he couldnt be the problem because the all knowing “they” think he is a genius

I wish I could just up and change team loyalties with the snap of a finger. I want my beloved Braves to win another championship or three. How do you think it feels knowing that this is impossible and knowing WHY it is impossible?

Braves fans as a whole (due apologies to the ones who dont fit this mold) are as big donkeys as the team’s manager. Y’all were made for and deserve each other

By Cornholio

August 1, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

Baez & Wickman are re-signable? We’ll have to wait & see on that. With relief pitching at a premium, I expect both will be elsewhere next season.

Joey Devine. Another Schuerholz bust ! Onnly the Braves would draft a sidearmer (#1 !!!) out of college and bring him up to get ripped up by major league hitting.

Duh !

By Matt M.

August 1, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

My opinion on the AJones trade, the trade sounds good, but somebody made a point about young pitching sometimes not panning out and then somebody else stated that AJones is getting hurt more often from diving. It’s a tough decision and no matter what JS does or would have done, somebody would’ve been mad. Glad I don’t have to make that decision.
The Abreau trade to the Yankees, that ridiculous. Though I think Abreau is at the end of his career and tailing off hard, it sickens me that MLB can allow 2 or 3 teams to stach themselves like the Yanks, RedSox and Mets. Anybody here for a salary cap. I think I am.
JS’s trades this week, excellant and will better our ball club this year and hopefully next. We only need Wickman for this and maybe next year until Devine, Stockman or the new guy is ready.
Our lineup could be set for a couple of years as it is. Aybar-2b, Renti-ss, CJones-3b, AJones-cf, McCann-c, Franceour-rf, Laroche-1b, thorman/langy-lf. Have Prado/Pena Jr as utility infield, Pena as backup catcher, Diaz as extra outfielder. Pitching starters-Smoltz, Huddy, Ramirez, Davies, James, Hampton. Bullpen-Wickman, Baez, Devine, Stockman, Scalablahblah, Paronto, Ray, McBride, Bower. Not bad, I’ll take it.

By Scott

August 1, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

As far as trading Andruw, he is going to become a 10 /5 guy in a couple of weeks. After that, he would have to agree to any trade. And if the Braves try to trade him before he becomes a 10/5 guy in a few weeks, he would have to clear waivers and that’s never going to happen.

And Chipper and Smoltz are already 10/5 guys so they already have the right to veto any trade.

By Matt M.

August 1, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

How many pitchers come out of college and shut down MLB players? Not many outside of HStreet and JWeaver. They are only rookies and they aren’t going to be perfect or know everything about the hitters. They will make mistakes, as everybody does trying to get adjusted to the new level of play.

By conyers

August 1, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

i hate to say it but all those people…okay some of those people…at turner field this past weekend paid good money to see the mets.

By Dirty Dawg

August 1, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

As much I love Andruw, I pull my hair out every time he flails away at a down and away breaking pitch. What is it with the guy? Why can’t Pendleton get though to him? On one of his at bats on Sunday, AJ looked as if he actually took it to right on purpose…got a hit and, of course, died on the bases. So we know he can do it only he doesn’t seem to be able to have a clue as to when it’s coming, or be able to adjust to it.

Earlier in the game, the Met’s Wright, a veritable rookie, watched as we pitched him away, away, away…the next pitch he lined out of the park - to right. I could do a better job of anticipating, and adjusting to, pitches than some of our guys.

By Terry Williams

August 1, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

Very well laid out logic on the prospective (but not consumated) Andruw Jones deal. Everything, everybody has a value. Andruw’s…..while impressive now…..has no upside from here. Can’t be said about others. Terry Williams

By YME

August 1, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

Hello All, Interesting comments.As for my opinion.When you talk about managers (BC) even I could manage a team when all the players go out and getter’ done! But management comes in when you have injuries and limited talent to work with. Also I agree that until (if ever) we get an owner who is genuinely concerned with a winning team and is willing to spend the bucks we will stay in this mode of FLUX. I personally think Andruw Jones day’s are numbered as a BRAVE. The seed has been planted and unless a major concession on Andruw’s part happens I look for him to be traded this winter. Also one final comment, one area I didn’t see touched on was on the trades, with the BRAVES in limbo between owners I don’t know how that would effect the trigger being pulled on any major deals?? Enjoy your Blogs. Blessings, YME

By ILL-logical

August 1, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

DOB, I didn’t know that you cared.Thank you. All things considered, JS has become predictable both in his planning and in his excecution,and simply put: I don’t like what he is doing. Why? Because other teams have won with less money,inferior talent and in smaller markets than Atlanta while he keeps up with the same excuse-budget. And he is so slick ;he doesn’t say it but you guys-the media-repeat the mantra:evil time warner is hampering our team’s genius of a gm. So when I read articles such as the trade Andruw to solve our problems of yesterday,I react strongly.Because I know that is a smokescreen for the real issue: the genuis is not what he used to be and hasn’t been for a long time.

By Lew

August 1, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

Robert-If you don’t get a grip on yourself, you’re going to burst a blood vessel. I think it is quite apparent to one and all on this blog that you think BC is the dumbest most inept manager in the history of organized baseball. OK-we get it. You talk about the stupid fans ranting and raving about this and that as if it actually matters and then you turn around and do the same F##king thing. Man, you got old a long time ago. Your vitriol and anger are more than any of us need or want to deal with. You say you wish you could change your team allegiance at the snap of a finger. Please try. We’re just as tired of listening to your s##t as you are of ours. Just pretend your an old soldier and fade away for all of our sakes. A##hole.

By Willy

August 1, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Unloading Smoltz to Detroit and Andruw wherever would have been (and still could be) the best thing this team could do to plan for the future. New ownership plus Scott Boras means that there is simply NO chance of the Braves resigning Jones. Like the Cubs sending Maddux to a winning team, the Braves should work a deal to let Smoltz end his career at home. Just those two players account for well over $20 million in salary. Forget the silly yellow flags and go for the one that really counts - the red one. Remember Braves fans, you only have ONE of those.

By ronnie

August 1, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

**what ever you do JS please get rid of Laroche and Giles soon. take minor leaguers and bring up Prado and move Thorman to first or bring up KK from Myrtle Beach ( has all the looks and power of another Andres Gallaraga

By raymond

August 1, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Lets face it, Andrew’s last year in Atlanta is 2007. Remember he has Scott Boras as a agent and there is no such thing as hometown discounts with him. The Braves will not be able to resign him and when we don’t, we will have nothing for him. In the long run, just getting CoCoa Crisp would lat least be something. When dealing with these issues, you have to think with your head and not your heart.

By Tim

August 1, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Taling about trading Andruw Jones is crazy. THe Braves haven’t been winning with him, but then again they aren’t 8 games under 500 because of him. Look at the bullpen for most of the blame. If you rebuild, you rebuild around Andruw, Chipper, McCann and Frenchy. JS made a trade to get Wickman this year and only gave up a lower minor league prospect - DON’T give away the corner stone of the foundation (Andruw)to start your rebuilding. New owners need to open up the check book; get one more bat, one more starter unless you think Hampton and Chuckie James can perform next year ( I don’t) and some more experienced bullpen help.

By Randy

August 1, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

If Andruw were to have been traded, I believe that I would’ve sold my tix for the 12th and 13th and headed to Boston. I don’t think I could root for Coco Crisp. Come on that’s a cereal! Just Kidding! Anyway back to my point. If he leaves for greed (which I won’t think he’ll do!)then so be it, but if the Braves trade him I will never forgive them. That would be my 2nd Brave that I have been a fan of be traded. The 1st was of course the Murph! I know that trade helped the Braves but it sucked to see him in that Philly maroon!

By Lew

August 1, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Willy-There is absolutely no guarantee that trading either of these players would lead to a WS title. The deal offered for Andruw yesterday was a joke. Crisp hasn’t played a full season yet (145 games is his best and he may play 120 this year) and despite all this speed he supposedly has, he has never stolen more than 2o bases in a year. Hansen has a career ERA of 4.94. When JS mentioned adding Lester, the only decent player on the Boston side of the deal, Epstein closed the negotiations. You want to trade the NL’s #2 RBI man for a part time outfielder og dubious durability and a pitcher with an ERA higher than pitchers we already have. Man, that’s a slap in the face. Who do you think we’ll get for Smoltz, our best pitcher? The reason we’re even having this discusions is not Andruw, Chipper’s or Smoltz’s salaries. The reason is the $12 or so million spent on people like Reitsma, Remlinger, Thomson, etc. You say we need young talent-we have it. You have to have some veterans in the mix. The salary thing will work itself out in the next couple years. Smoltz’s career is almost at an end and Chjipper might just retire if the injuries keep mounting. The reason we are in this position is because we had one terrible month and had a patched up pitching staff due to injuries. Just because the Marlins have won once with children and may do it once more is not reason to ditch everyone over 30.

By Dan

August 1, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

This is my first post, and as the thread is very long, I apologize if I have overlooked any discussion of this issue above.

Andruw is represented by Scott Boras. Last time, he ignored Boras and signed what Boras later said publicly wasn’t as good as what he could have gotten him. Have the Braves ever been able to sign, or resign, a big name free agent represneted by Boras? I honestly don’t know, but if you can’t work out an extension over the off seasoon, you have to trade him. I may be wrong about the Braves track record with Boras, but if I’m not, would you have any hope of resigning Andruw if you can’t work out a deal before next season starts?

By Lew

August 1, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

I think there’s a lot of hope of resinging Andruw. He has said countless times he doesn’t want to play elsewhere. Last time his contract was up he did his own contract on the advice of his father. He told Boras that the agent worked for the player, not the reverse. He not only did it without Boras, but also signed for considerably less than he could have gotten as a free agent (this was the era of ARod and Manny being Manny money). Why do you think it won’t happen again. He is already rich. He knows he is already rich. He will remain rich with any contract the Braves’ will offer him. Let’s just see what happens. Despite what Robert may think, he likes playing for BC and JS knows how to negotiate. Did it occur to anyone that we didn’t sign any of our past free agents because we chose not to?

By geauxbraves2000

August 1, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

August 1st. The day the WS champion Braves will look back on as turnaround day.

Geaux Braves!!

By Robert

August 1, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

So I am an a-hole if I have gotten frustrated by what I have watched happening on the field for ten-plus years? How dare we fans deem ourselves worthy to critique the product we are paying to watch?

I get it. Just bring the family, pay for our tickets, buy lots of stadium food, make sure to purchase reams of memorabilia, and then sit in seats and cheer like good little fans when the organist cues us.

P.S. -Dont forget to line up to pay for an autograph when one of our heroes makes a public appearance somewhere

By Tim

August 1, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

Dan - Andruw was in fact represented by Boras, but not liking the way things were going he replaced Boras. The “agent” that worked the deal for Andur then was his father. I do not belive Boras is representing Andruw now.

By Carolina Lady

August 1, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

Bob, journalist - (1:18am) Well Said!

Lew - (9:43am) Amen!

The postings of certain blogger/s can certainly ruin an otherwise great blog, can’t they?? Would somebody please check their meds?

By Sam

August 1, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

“Well I have a theory about that. The people who know baseball really well know that with the teams he had, Cox should have won the WS over and over again. They figured out that the only way to keep the Braves from having a dynasty would be to make sure that the donkey remained in the manager’s seat. And how better to ensure that than to vote him Manager of the Year?”

Congrats Robert. That’s the dumbest thing anyone has written on this blog all season. Well done!

By Lew

August 1, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

No Robert-It is because you go through the same old tired rant ad naseum. If you were really a Braves’ fan you would realise that what you have seen for the past ten years was high qualitynbaseball. You insist on castin aspersians constantly on BC, because you don’t think he is any good. If this product drives you this insane and ticks you off this bad, why do you keep coming back for more. Are you a baseball sadist or just a complete idiot who enjoys ragging on people. If you don’t like a product, don’t consume the product. Wjhy spend all of that money on games, food and memorabilia if all it does is make you mad to the point of continually ranting and raving. Isn’t that the defintion of insanity? If you have some possibly constructive remarks to make about the state of Braves’ fandom, I will never attack you. I may disagree with your point of view, but man you are one of the nastiest people on this blog. You are mean, surly, opinionated and you just seem like a very unhappy and obsessed person. Why don’t you go back and read your posts. You never have anything nice to say about nyone or anything. We get that you don’t like BC. So be it. And for your information, I don’t pay for autographs, I go to Spring Training, support my team and they are nice enough to sign for free, BC included.

By Lew

August 1, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Ma’am-I heartily apologize for my language, but sometimes an impact needs to be made. Please forgive this old boy.

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Robert, perhaps someone might consider it absurd to suggest that some of the teams were the best team in baseball in several different years, certainly not I.

That wasn’t the theory nor the suggestion.

If playoff teams in a given year were considered to be relatively equal, the most likely outcome would actually be 1 win in 15, the same as the Braves have acheived.

Given that most likely result, albeit the premise isn’t precise, would suggest your counterpoint to be somewhat harsh.

However it could be argued that the “Over and over again” in your earlier post isn’t suggestive of three. Even if it were to be, I seriously doubt that those who really know baseball well would think that Bobby Cox should have won many World Series … most realize that games and series are won or lost by the team as a group … and most outcomes are dictated by the combination of many, many interdependent factors occurring before and throughout the games or series, not just a select few decisions or plays.

Lastly, I must also admit that I don’t understand your “overachieving” reference in the later post … most successsful teams expect to perform well so you must be referring to our expectations for them … which, unfortunately, is much ado about nothing.

By Carolina Lady

August 1, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Lew! No apologies necessary; some things just have to be said! I get the stong impression that there are much deeper issues than just the Braves, don’t you?? :-))

I have a busy day today and tomorrow, but then hope to have time the day after to work on photos, etc of the houses to send.

By TommyB

August 1, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

Hampton’s Insurance Money

I posed this dumb question towards the end of the last blog.

If Hampton’s policy covers his salary this year (isn’t that $21M?), have we spent it?

By journalist PENN

August 1, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

[By Lew Now, about Andruw-Show me a deal of Andruw for Dontrelle and Johnson of the Marlins and I’ll pull the trigger on that one in a heartbeat]

Lew, what did you have for breakfast this morning? Do you honestly think the Florida GM is that ignorant? Dontrelle is a showman and a winner but Josh Johnson may well be the next super pitcher. That young man is a “player” and is destined for great things. Florida will not be parting with him.

Now let me hasten to agree with you on the racial thing. Nothing is more boring and annoying than seeing such ridiculous crap on a blog such as this. If JS is such a racist why on earth did he take Aybar? That fellow is not white but he can hit and he can play any infield position and he’s only 23. THAT is why JS took him and that’s the only reason. This racist garbage ought to be kept off the blogs even if it takes some editing to do it.

By Lew

August 1, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

Ma’am-No problem. The wife will post Braves’ pictures over the week end and I’ll send back yard pictures so you can see your exhibition area, so to speak. Good morning Journalist Bob.

By Robert

August 1, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Fine. Hate me. Call me names. Whatever.

Indulge me. Tell me why I should be impressed by a manager who took teams with six or seven future HOFers on them and CONSISTANTLY lost to inferiorly talented but better prepared and more motivated teams in the playoffs.

Why should be in awe of being able to beat Bobby Valentine or Larry Bowa with a starting rotation that starts off Maddux-Glavine-Smoltz?

Why are all the regular seasons attributed to Cox’s genius, but the playoff meltdowns are blamed on the individual players (and not the guy who had them out there in the wrong siuations)?

Cox is a great manager because he GOT to the playoffs 14 times. Isnt that gonna be the crux of the arguement in favor? And oh my gosh, in maybe three of those fourteen seasons, his team wasnt the overwhelming favorite in the division. This one time, at band camp, someone even picked the Phillies.

Well, suppose we have some ballplayers. One of them is 4 for 11. One is 1 for 14. And a third is 2 for 2.

Do we assume that the guy with the 14 at bats is the best ballplayer of the three?

No, we probably wonder who the heck is continuing to let bush leaguer play and why. Am I correct?

I am by no means a Yankee fan, but can we agree that in baseball, no team has had the overall success the Yankees have had? I mean, they have what, twenty some championships? Next most is I think St Louis with not half as many.

So, love em or hate ‘em, the Yankees obviously have something going as far as knowing what it takes and what it means to be champions.

Now, a hypothetical situation and a question. Cox starts managing Steinbrenner’s team in 1991, and has the record with them that he has had with the Braves.

Who here thinks he’d still be managing Steinbrenner’s team? Raise your hands people.

Better question, when would he have been fired? I say quite possibly 1994, and cant imagine Steinbrenner tolerating his shenaningans after 1997.

Of course it probably matters not that Steinbrenner has a track record as a champion since some people think he is such an a-hole

By Lew

August 1, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Penn-No I don’t think it is a possibility. I was posting in response to the proposed Andruw to Boston trade, pointing out that the trade was totally inequitable and then said that if Andruw were to be traded, that this is the trade I would make and nothing less-not that it was a vague possiblity. My point was don’t trade Andruw. You took that out of context, that’s all. No problem. It would give us our new Glavine/Smoltz though, wouldn’t it?

By old timer

August 1, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

Tough business. Guy plays his butt off for you for 10 tears, diving and crashing and sliding, getting hurt, playing hurt, playing great, carrying the team for long stretches, signs a long-term contract way under market, never complains, and since he might break down at some point because of all this, trade him? Second greatest Brave of modern times behind Henry Aaron. Let’s keep Andruw Jones.

By Robert

August 1, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

Bob - if playoff teams are equal, why 1 in 15?

Wouldnt it be 1 in 8, since there are 8 playoff teams every year?

A little more than 1 in 8 if all playoff teams are not in fact equal and yours is one of the better ones.

How did you get one in 15?

By Carolina Lady

August 1, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Robert, dear, you have been indulged long enough now. :-)

By dylan

August 1, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Lew how is 145 games not a full season only missing 17 games is the equivelant of taking a break here and there to rest some minor injuries. Coco Crisp isnt a bad player he isnt as good as andruw and definately wouldnt replace andruws power or his defense in the outfield but I did like th idea of getting 2 good looking young pitchers Hansens career ERA means nothin seeing as how he is a rookie and wont develop into his major league identity for another couple of years Lester is the same way I think it was obvious that JS was making the statement we will trade andruw if you are willing to give us your best pitching prospects as well as a major league ready player to replace andruw in center no team in their right minds is going to take that deal and the yankees dont have the starters we want. To answer the Boras question yes we have signed boras clients before Greg Maddux being the biggest. Andruw really does love atlanta I got a feeling he will stay here if we can just make a competitive offer.

By Realistic Ricky

August 1, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

While I would never say I am glad that the Mets swept us last weekend (or any weekend), I am glad that the Mets put us out of our 2006 misery as far as possibly winning the division. That is past history. Also, the trade deadline has passed, so we can stop worrying about that. Now, we can focus 100% on trying to win the wild card and getting into the playoffs, which is still very possible. Our hot streak in July before and after the All-Star game proves that we are capable of going on a real tear for 10-12 games, and that is all you need to do if you can make it to the “Big Dance” in October. First, we have to get there, and I believe the key to that for the rest of this season is Tim Hudson. If he can turn things around (and that is a very BIG if given his struggles the past two seasons in Atlanta), we still have a chance to make things interesting the rest of the season and in the playoffs.

By Carolina Lady

August 1, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Old Timer, I couldn’t agree with you more!

By Sam

August 1, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Oh Robert. You don’t even understand why the Yankees win. Since you feel so free to be sarcastic and caustic with the rest of us - buckle up. The reason the 1996-2000 Yanks were so dominant was that Big George finally backed off. He let the organization be run correctly for once by people who know baseball. When you combine unlimited payroll with wise decisions you typically get WS appearances (see Braves 1991-1999). George had been trying to buy the WS up until that point by just throwing together a bunch of free agents. Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson et al. didn’t do jack squat in the 1980’s for Big George. However, once the Yankees management was allowed to manage they got together an oustanding collection of home grown talent (Jeter, Posada, Rivera) and good fit veterans (O’Neill, Martinez, Cone). Now, when they went a whole year (gasp) without a title in 2001, George went right back to ignoring his people and trying to buy the WS. The results? Sheffield, A-Rod, Giambi and a big fat Zero for Four. So, George is both the prime source of the Yankees competitive advantage (unlimited salary) and their biggest problem (his baseball ideas are terrible - Kevin Brown anyone?). I wouldn’t expect you to understand that. Too nuanced for someone so blinded by misguided rage. Chill dude.

By Savannah Guy

August 1, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

TEAR DOWN THAT WALL, MR. TURNER Out of the box architectural suggestion to Braves management: Since Turner Field was designed as a “pitchers park” and our pitching is, well, less than spectacular…and mostly since the Braves hit so well at other stadiums, let’s move those outfield walls in just enough so that some of those warning track fly balls we’re constantly hitting make it over the fence.

Whether some have faced it or not, the Braves are now officially in a rebuilding phase, particularly in the pitching staff. Young guns will be the future…and the future starts this year if we’re smart (but please keep Smoltz if he’s willing). They’ll need run support for several years and warning track outs won’t do it. Don’t even say it…I know Ted Turner doesn’t own the team anymore but it made a catchy little headline, eh? (wish he or another individual that wanted to win buy buy the Braves).

While we’re rebuilding the pitching, let’s rebuild the wall.

By Lew

August 1, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

Robert-No one hates you. You are the one here who has the anger problems, not us. No one is happy that we only won one WS title. Would you have been any more happy if we had won in 91 and 96 also? I doubt it. But your personal attacks on BC are what is getting old. First of all, he is the only manager in baseball history (all of thos Yankee teams of the 20’s-late 50’s were an aberration) to put his team in a position to win 14 straight years. No one else ever did this. I know you think that winning is everything, but you’re wrong. I don’t know about you, but I grew up watching the Phillies lose consistently. I’ve been a Braves’ fan for 38 years-I’ve seen a lot more losing. I am even a Tampa Bay Bucs fan and lived in St.Pete during their 14 consecutive losing seasons. Believe me, I’ve had a blast watching the Braves these past 15 years. They have always been more than competitive. So they didn’t win but one WS. So what. Treasure it. Many teams don’t even have that one. More wopuld have been nice, but it wasn’t to be. There are so many reasons it didn’t happen that you can’t possibly begin to figure out why. Hell, if you asked BC, he would probably accept the blame before you could even call him a donkey. This is no reason to low rate the guy continuously. I swear you can be more gloating and negative than these damn fool Mets fans who have insisted on plaguing our existence. If you really want a reason for Yankees success, just say $$$$. We competed when our owner spent, now it isn’t being spent and we aren’t competing. So what. As far as Steinbrenner tolerating the shenanigans, they haven’t won anything either for quite some time. Despite the payroll. So much for that argument. Just lighten up man. I don’t understand your obvious anger. Displeasure, perhaps, but you, dude, are a very angry person. Just lighten up.

By Robert

August 1, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Wait a minute - in the past I have pointed out what a warrior Smoltz is. I have talked about players who I think would be good for the team. I mentioned that I thought the Braves made a very good trade in getting Aybar who I think has major upside

Yeah, for the past ten years we have seen high quality baseball. And it’s somehow the most unsatisfying mediocre high quality baseball I could imagine

I wasnt always this way about the Braves. My breaking point was the 99 World Series. I watched four games after which it shoudlve been 2-2 but after which it was 0-4 because of Bobby Cox. That’s when I gave up on them.

Why do I still follow them? Because, a good fan isnt just a far weather fan. It’s my town, it’s my team.

Why am I down on them and harsh? Effort, or lack thereof? This team has been humiliated in the playoffs the past seven or eight years. It just got humiliated in the biggest series of the season this past weekend. Where is the emotion from the players? Do you think they will come out fired up tomorrow night?

No, I bet we’ll see the same ole thing. Andru lollygagging to first on a groundout, LaRoche snapping at his critics, and Chipper chasing his personal stats.

I dont condone what John Rocker said or did, but good god, the guy acted like he GAVE a rat’s a*

Braves-Falcons-Thrashers-Hawks — that aint easy, as many of you well know. Especially when you quit folling yourself with false hope in 1999

By Ike

August 1, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

TOMMYB— in regards to hampton, we are not paying his salary, because it is being paid by rockies/marlins/insurance/donald trump/who knows. Our listed payroll is at $92 million, but as i’m sure you know as a braves fan, we’re only budgeted for around $80 this year. So the money was already being “spent” on the rest of the 80 mil payroll, and then the alleged extra 6 mil we had to play with during the season. I think this is pretty acurate info, but i might be wrong here or there, someone can correct me.

TO WHOEVER SAID WE SHOULD TRADE SMOLTZ: name two starting pitchers with sub 4.50 eras for us. i bet you can only name one (you guessed it). PLUS, at only $8 million next year he is an absolute bargain, on the FA market, $8 million wouldn’t even get you matt freakin clement.

By journalist PENN

August 1, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

Let’s take a look at Andruw for a moment. He burst on the scene as a teen and immediately became the youngest ever to hit a home run in the World Series. In addition he possessed an ability to run down fly balls not seen in a few generations.

However he was (and is) also lazy. He has not kept himself in shape and has made no effort toward learning how to hit to the opposite field. This has shown itself in his inability to steal bases although he arrived with the reputation of having exceptional speed.

He is in my opinion, already over the very tip top of his bell curve…not by much but over the top. His value will lessen each year from now on.

Andruw goes to the plate each and every time with the intention of hitting a home run over the left center wall. He has no interest in right field and very little in CF so far as hitting is concerned. Every pitcher in the major leagues knows this and they throw him outside and down. There is no way for any hitter to hit that pitch into left field with any power even if he gets lucky occasionally and gets a bat on it.

Brian McCann is the perfect example of what Andruw must be if he ever wants to be a complete hitter. And by complete I mean hit for average as well as power. If he ever learned to hit what is thrown to him he could become one of the greatest hitters of all time. BUT HE WILL NOT DO THAT. Why? I have no idea.

He only has to look at some film of Pujols and McCann to see how it is done. Pujols is a great power man but also hits for average. He knows the value of a single to right field with the bases loaded. Andruw does not.

BUT HE WILL NOT DO IT THE WAY PUJOLS AND McCANN do it. He MUST do it Andruw’s way even though it’s been proved that his way does not work. If he took those singles and doubles to right field that are available to him he could raise his BA by 50 points and raise his RBI totals by another 50. BUT HE WILL NOT DO IT.

Would I trade him? For the right package I’d trade him in a heartbeat. I would never pay him 20% of my salary budget to hit .265 (and even less with men in scoring position). And if JS signs him to a multiple year contract at $16 mil that will be 20% of $80 mil. No way is Andruw worth that much money.

Make a deal with Slimebrenner. He can afford him. Just think what a drawing card Andruw would be in Noo Yawk.

By Rodger

August 1, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

Robert Don’t feel too bad. I agree with much you say-I watched Cox the first time around with the same pitching logic-if a guy gets shelled one or two nights in a row, put him back in to see if it was a fluke. See Reitsma this year and late last. However, it’s time to give it a rest.

By Lew

August 1, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Dylan-That is Crisp’s most played season. His games played is 99, 139, 145 and 61 this year. Andruw hasn’t missed 17 games in his entire career. All I’ve heard this season is that Chipper is out all the time. Crisp won’t be much better. Not only that, but his stolen base record is 20 in a season.This isn’t much for all of this blazing speed I keep hearing about. As far as the two pitching prospects go, only Hansen was offered and he has a 4.94 career ERA. JS mentioned the inclusion of Lester and was turned down by Theo Epstein. So in essence, the deal was Crisp and Hansen for Andruw. On what planet is this an equitable trade? Andruw averages over 30 HR+ per season and is #2 in RBI with over 90 already this year. He knocked in 120 last year, and is doing it again. How are you going to replace this production? Certainly not with an outfielder who misses 17-60 games per year. Actually, if you discount his 99 game season in 03, he misses an average of 25 or more games a year. This is not durability.

By Dog the Bounty Hunter

August 1, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Lew, Lew, Lew….here we go again…

How about tennis? Or arts and crafts? I prefer kick boxing myself.

By Ron Roberts

August 1, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

…Nevermind the fact that for 14 consecutive years, Bobby Cox’s way worked well enough to win a division…

By Stinky Sullivan

August 1, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

Braves Manager Bobby Cox is a hall of fame manager no doubt in my mind. However, my biggest criticism of him now (with this pitching staff) and the late-90s (with that pitching staff) is his damaging reluctance to yank a pitcher when he is obviously getting hit and hit hard.

Robert, who posts above, is right

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Honorable journalist Penn, does “This racist garbage ought to be kept off the blogs even if it takes some editing to do it” refer to the individual or the retoric?

Either way, I agree … but, given my recent experiences with the Editor, my expectations for it being effective aren’t the greatest!

Morning Lew! I only read two of Robert’s posts before feeling compelled to respond … but, based on what I read, you appear to be on dead point and deserving of full marks.

Thanks My Lady! You should have read it before I toned it down … we all react differently to all of the baseball wisdom being cast upon the blog for our consumption … that was mine. My consumption’s no better neither … I would have preferred some old fashioned home remedies.

By Rodger

August 1, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Journalist PENN Part of what you say of Andruw is wrong-in the last couple of years, he has been much more willing to try to go to right, serve some balls out there to get a run in, etc. BUT, he will not run out ground balls, break up DPs, etc. There have been several times this year alone that just a little hustle would have been the difference in reaching base, sustaining a rally, and possibly winning a game.

Also, although I defended his contract because of his defense (per Cox-he’s got RBIs in his glove), to suggest he was undervalued in the first years of his contract is dead wrong. Until last year’s breakout, remember all the complaints of how OVERpaid he was.

By Lew

August 1, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

Dog-Kick boxing is good, too, but I don’t know much about it. I’m sorry you think I take up too much space, but others feel I have something to say. Go bust a crimanal, Bra.

By TommyB

August 1, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

Bobby Should Think of This Like a Pitcher Learning a New Pitch

I think Bobby Cox is worth all the accolades. What he has done and continues to do, is amazing to watch… especially at such close range.

I, like many, have experienced some frustration at times. We know really that it breaks down to two primary issues.

1) Leaving a player (usually a pitcher) in too long (usually in close games).

2) Not using a noticeably different strategy during post-season games.

It’s the second issue I’m writing about here. I recently had the thought that maybe it would be helpful to Bobby to think of this in terms of a pitcher learning a new pitch, to be able to have a greater impact on his game.

If Bobby could “add another pitch,” or “switch to a higher gear,” when in a critical series, he would hands-down become the Best Manager of All Time.

By Robert

August 1, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

Is the point of this blog not to try and discuss the team we all love and also how we think that team could increase it’s chances of winning?

YES?

That’s why I am frustrated to the point of angry irritation. Because I see good people who obviously care and many of whom obviously are intelligent and insightful who just buy into this idea that BC is a genius

Yes, Cox is the only guy to get a team to the playoffs 14 straight years. And if someone else had been manager since 1991, chances are THEY would be the only guy to get their team to the playoffs 14 straght years. Or maybe it wouldve only been 11 or 12. Big deal. I think they wouldve had more WS titles

I have watched the Braves as they have reassessed themselves year after year when the playoffs have ended in major disappointment. And each time, they start off with the premise that they have a great field leader and they’ll keep him by golly.

And it’s over right then and there.

In all honesty, am I being FAIR to Cox this year. NO - God couldnt manage this particular team to the playoffs. They just arent very good.

But I am going to try and point out that look, when he got a no good team, he did no more with it than anyone else, so let’s put an end to the genius notion

I am trying to get some fuel into a movement to be rid of the man. Look, if it pleaes y’all and makes everyone feel nice and happy, have a big celebration honoring his retirement. Retire his uniform. Enshrine him in the Braves HOF. Whatever it takes, just so long as he is gone, so that HOPE may be spring anew

I told y’all. I gave up on a Cox team having playoff success during the 99 WS. I have seen nothing to make me doubt my conclsuion sicne then.

By Ron Roberts

August 1, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

For the record, I don’t think the Braves were picked by many to win the division in many of their fourteern years as champions….

1991? Dodgers

1992? Most people said Dodgers still, counting the Braves as a fluke.

1993? Most said Braves

1994? Braves.

1995? Braves.

1996? Braves.

1997? I think it was 50/50 Braves/Marlins

1998? Braves.

1999? Braves, but let’s remember we went into the World Series without much pop in our lineup; hard to overcome a loaded Yankees squad with no offense.

2000? I’d say 50/50 Mets/Braves.

200-5 Mets/Braves/Phillies

2006? Folks were picking the Mets & Phillies, honestly, with the caveat “don’t count out the Braves,” almost in a *”I’d better say it only because they prove us wrong every year, anyhow” sort of disclaimer.

I think out of the 14 years the Braves won the division, they might have been pegged as the odds-on favorite 6-7 of those years… not all fourteen.

By TommyB

August 1, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Mike Maddux

Todd A: Man, that is a beautiful thought having Mike Maddux as pitching coach. I wonder if his contract is year to year. Anyone know?

By Lew

August 1, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Robert-You do have a point of view. To me, it’s your anger and spite that bother me, not the fact you don’t like BC. Sure he made mistakes. He does stay with his pitchers too long. The other day, I never would have kept James in to face Beltran, so he never would have given up the grand slam. But he is still a very successful manager. Tone down the rant, that’s all I ask. Penn-I agree Andruw may be a bit past his prime. My only problem was that the Red Sox offerwas a joke. If we trade him, let’s get some value. Diminished skills or not, he is one of the greatest run producers in baseball and is worth more than a questionable outfielder who will never match his production and a pitcher no better than what we already have. Dog, if you want to discuss tennis-this isn’t the place.

By George StinkBringer

August 1, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

Braves have no closer and no bullpen at beginning of season—Braves fall out of contention—Braves are then blessed with “2” Closers after it’s too late—Schuerholz is a genius—

By Lew

August 1, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

DOB just posted a new blog.

By JasonInMaine

August 1, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

From the Providence Journal in case anyone cares:

The Sox engaged the Atlanta Braves in talks for center fielder Andruw Jones. It was the Red Sox’ intention to flip Jones to the Astros in exchange for Oswalt, who won 20 games in each of the last two seasons.

But the deal then hit two snags. While the Sox were willing to include Coco Crisp and Craig Hansen to get Jones, they were adamant in refusing the Braves’ request to include rookie lefty Jon Lester. As good as Oswalt is, the Sox, currently shorthanded in their rotation, couldn’t see the logic in subtracting one pitcher to add another.

The Sox were willing to satisfy the Braves with another prospect. While the Sox worked feverishly to reach agreement with the Braves, the Astros began to get cold feet when they realized that they risked having Jones demand a trade after this season — as veterans dealt in the middle of a long-term deal have the right to do.

That scuttled the Red Sox’ plans to immediately extend Oswalt, who has won 19 games or more in three of the last four seasons, to a long-term contract extension. Oswalt is arbitration-eligible next season, then can become a free agent.

Was the trade actually a little closer than we thought? Of course it doesn’t matter, Druw is here and we need him to get hot, but I thought I would at least share it. Hopefully, no one gets to angry. I apologize for debating a point yesterday about Tommy John surgery. I guess I miss interpreted the intention of a blog.

Regards,

Jason

By Ron Roberts

August 1, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

I guess what I’m trying to say is….

…it’s awful hard to come down on Cox on his team’s postseason performances when lately he’s taken teams into the postseason that probably had no business being in it to begin with.

Last season was miraculous. The J.D. Drew season (the post-Sheffield season) was good as well. Having Russ Ortiz as our ACE and still winning the division… wow.

Other’n that, ya can’t pin Greg Maddux’s mediocrity in the playoffs on Bobby Cox, can you? He’s your horse, you put him in the race, right? Did Cox screw up by pitching Greg Maddux each year in the playoffs?

I mean, you can make minor quibbles about in-game decisions, or things like Brian Jordan in LF in Game 1 last year, etc., but there’s so much that’s out of Cox’s control once the game starts, and it should be just as much noted that Cox gets teams to playoffs that were probably outmanned in them to begin with, especially the past few years.

By BB FAN

August 1, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

journalist PENN,

Actually Andruw Jones is hitting .298 with runners in scoring position this year. He has improved his hitting a lot over the years.

I do agree with you that he needs to go to right more often than he does, that is not the only reason he is a career .268 hitter. The guy plays centerfield like nobody else in the league. He is contantly saving runs by diving and crashing into walls. This punishes a body over the course of a season and can cause a player to fatigue. It seems like he is at or around .280 every year with 3 weeks left and then he gets into a slump where he looks absolutely exhausted at the plate. And his average goes down 15 points. However, he has been able to come alive in the playoffs the last few seasons.

He still catches everything hit in the air though. His defense is superior to everybody in baseball. Guys like Andruw Jones are rare and only come around once in a generation. You don’t just trade them to make a trade.

I would not have accepted a trade for Andruw unless it included Lester, Hanson, Crisp and Wily Mo Pena. The reason is that Lester and Hanson are completely unproven. Crisp is a great defender but he has no arm and isn’t that productive with the bat. Pena is still completely unproven. Sure they all have potential, but potential doesn’t produce.

Jones is a 9 time gold glove centerfielder coming off a 51 HR, 128 RBI season. He is also on pace for another 40 HR and 140 RBIs this season. That is production. The Braves would include a low level prospect as well as Jones, but that would be a fair trade.

By Carolina Lady

August 1, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, I agree with your assessment. I rather think that is why his peers have voted him manager of the year at times, they believed that no one else could have gotten his team to postseason with what he had to work with. There’s no doubt that the Braves have been hugely overmatched in the post-season. We all knew it before the first October pitch had been thrown.

By BravesFaninRockies

August 1, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

Robert:

Understand the frustration, man, but go back and read the preseason “expert” previews back to ‘91. How many years were the Braves expected to win the division? Four or five … maybe. Most of these guys thought the Braves were flukes until the fifth or sixth division title in a row.

By ‘01, some of the writers threw up their hands and said, “Well, I don’t know how they do it, but it’s dumb to bet against the Braves.”

So why have they lost in the postseason? I’ve always said part of the problem is that the pitching staff has largely been built around control-type guys (Maddux, Glavine, Avery, Neagle) and these guys tend to get more hittable as the innings pile up. Smoltz is the exception, of course. And look at his postseason record compared to the others. They’ve rarely had a second hard thrower to back up Smoltz, and when he was in the pen, there was nobody. Had Jared Wright a) re-signed and b) stayed healthy, that could have been interesting.

That’s why guys like Hampton and Hudson — even at the top of their game — may not be good enough to push the team over the top. Better hope Davies becomes a strikeout machine. Keep your fingers crossed that there are hard throwers in the pipeline. Because that’s what the Braves will eventually need if they’re ever going to get another ring.

In the regular season you can tolerate a few losing skids. In October, no way.

You can fairly blame Cox for this only to the extent that he insisted on having this type of guy on his staff. Did he? Is it JS? Was it Leo? It’s worth asking, but nobody will probably never say until Bobby’s riding on his ranch. (Come to think of it, though, he sure did like flamethrowers in Toronto.)

By BravesFaninRockies

August 1, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

… meant to write “nobody will EVER say ..

By Bob, journalist

August 1, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Robert,

If you’re sincerely interested, somewhere in the archives, I think you’ll find a couple posts where I developed and/or displayed the probability that a team would win exactly 0 World Series Titles as well as 1, 2, 3, … 14; assuming the teams were evenly matched. While not showing all of the detail, I believe that those posts did a reasonable job of explaining it, assuming a simple binomial distribution of p’s and q’s … one must always watch their p’s and q’s, especially with probabilities.

Without going into elaborate detail, sufice it to say that there is a difference between the expected value and the most likely occurrence.

It’s been some time but if memory serves, one or both posts were directed at TennPaul.

By Brooklyn Braves Brawler

August 1, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Braves Fan in Rockies

I agree with you about the control guys. Although the flame throwers tend to get arm trouble easier and more often.

By BB FAN

August 1, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

BravesFaninRockies,

I completely agree with you about the hard throwing pitchers. I said something similar in another blog the other day. That’s the only way the Braves will win another WS ring.

Over the last 15 years, there have been many years, Braves teams should not have won the division title but made it to the playoffs anyway.

Of course, they should have 3 WS rings but no single person is to blame for squandering the other two opportunities. It was a combination of the Braves mistakes and the other teams taking advantage of those mistakes.

Until MLB gets a salary cap, baseball will not be an even field. The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Angels are going to continue to buy every top free agent or soon to be free agent to win.

Of course, Selig could get off his a-s-s and block these obvious salary dump trades for the best interest of the game. But he is such an ignorant jackass that he will never do anything in the best interest of baseball. The guy is a complete moron that should never have been allowed to become commissioner in the first place.

By Mike

August 1, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Here’s the deal on the Atlanta Braves:

1. They’ve played in an ridiculously weak division for the last 14 years.
2. They’ve always had stud pitchers who could shut down these division teams and we’d win 2-1 or lose 2-1 in the playoffs.
3. They’ve never been able to manufacture runs…either a HR or a strike out with very little team speed other than Furcal.
4. They’ve got no spirit or emotion when it comes down to rallies. (Except last August when the ‘Baby Braves’ were doing so well.)
5. They’ve got a coaching staff that doesn’t seem to be able to teach fundamentals or earn the players respect to listen & learn.

All said, The Braves need to gut their staff and implement a change of scenery for a lot of these talented players who seem to just be too comfortable & lost their motivation.

By JasonInMaine

August 1, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is a PHENOMENAL manger. One of the best, if not the best, ever. Part of judging how effective a leader is involves how the people he leads feel about him. How many times have you heard of a player not wanting to play for Bobby? He is a great, great, great leader.

If you ask any opposing manager who will take advantage of their mistakes, almost all of them will say Bobby C. I remember when ESPN asked several managers who in the other dugout forces them to be aware of everything, all but two said Bobby (Torre and LaRussa both were mentioned once). So, if the players love him and the opposing managers respect him as much as any other manager in the game, can they all be wrong?

Now, that being said, the one thing that I have often wondered if he ever considered when he had the “big three” was starting Smoltz as a game 1 starter. There arguments for and against, but I think the Braves could have had a little more success if Smoltz had more opportunities to start in a series. Just my two cents.

Regards,

Jason

By cowman23

August 1, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Love to see Andruw stay in Atlanta. And yes, we the pop of his bat. But overall, more games are won on singles and doubles than the long ball. Remember those lean years. Had several guys with lots of pop but no one ever on base. Remember way back when guys hit 45 homers and never cracked 100 rbis?

By BravesFaninRockies

August 1, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

BB FAN,

Thanks for the props, but a salary cap is the LAST thing baseball needs. The NFL and NBA are little more than rotating casts of characters — a few stars and a roster full of people who are happy to be paid to play sports. There are no dynasties in those sports because you can’t keep a roster together more than a season or two. And dynasties make sports great, because fans tend to adore or despise the best teams. (Think NCAA football and basketball, too.) You don’t have that passion/hatred in any other professional sport.

That’s why, for example, college football is a better sport for fans than the NFL because coaches can use different systems and keep their opponents off-balance; they have their players for 2-4 years, letting less-talented but better schooled teams win. In the NFL, everybody does the same thing. If you don’t have the talent, you lose.

A salary cap would kill baseball. Every team would be like this year’s Braves — 3 or 4 guys at the top end of the salary scale and a bunch of bargain-basement guys. Chemistry? Forget it.

Parity is death for sports.

By zack

August 1, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

the braves are a sad team this year, they knew they did not have any pitching going into the season but yet they chooseto do nothing about it. trading benimit was a bad mistake, now talking about andrews, may be they should trade the general mananger, i have been watching the braves since you could not give a tickett away many years ago and still this year i watch them ubntill the last pitch, even when they are far behind. we need pitching, as all the other braves teams have been built on

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 1, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget to put the Dodgers in that list of free spenders. They pretty much shocked the market last year with the Furcal, Baez, and Garciappara signings.

By Akagi

August 1, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

Insane Brave=troll. Of course the title “insane” in his name says it all, does it not?

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 1, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

You know I’m tired of fair weather fans taking this season like the Braves are some incompetent organization. Lets look at the problems realistically.

No Closer: 1. The Braves tried to aquire a top notch closer and they tried to resign Farnsworth but each time got outbid. Unfortunately with Time Warner holding the purse the budget is the budget with no wiggle room. 2. Reitsma showed some success last year when he was healthy. Who would have guessed that he would turn into goo in the clutch.

Sosa and Davies: How could the Braves have predicted the horrible results for Sosa and the Davies injury for such a young starter. And like it nor not this season might have been much different if Davies had stayed healthy. We could have left Thompson in the bullpen and we might have not had near the amount of late game collapses that this bullpen has endured.

Fragile Chipper: Sure he started to show this last year but how could the team of predicted that Chipper would turn into Ceramic sculpture this season.

Aging Andruw: Andruw is starting to look like the oldest and creakiest 29 year old in history. I think all those Superman plays have really taken a toll this season. He looks like he’s in pain with almost every swing of the bat.

Bullpen digs the long ball: Talk about stiffs. Its almost comical how bad this bullpen was the first half of the season. And some of these guys were successful last year so who would have thought that (McBride, Devine, etc) would be this bad this year.

Giles: I know he hates leadoff but he should have still been able to at least come close to his average.

Hudson: What else could be said here. Even with his drop-off last year it doesn’t explain his putridness this season.

Injury of the week: Has any team in the majors had this many injuries to the team that came out of spring. (Davies, Devine, Thompson, Smoltz(don’t forget he still has a groin pull), Ramirez, McBride, Reitsma(yeah right he’s injured), Jordan, C. Jones(2x), A. Jones, Giles(2x), Renteria(don’t forget his oblique injury), McCann, Pratt(Foot), did I forget anyone)

Just remember every other team is trying to win too. (Except for the Royals and Pirates)

By kevin

August 1, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

as far as the 07 rotation is concerned, arnt we all forgettin that the braves have a guy named mike hampton who will be ready to pitch by then. just my thoughts on that.

By RobertH

August 1, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

Any assumption that Mike Hampton will return to his old form is wishful thinking at best. I think it’s foolish to plan on him…anything we get from him will be a nice bonus. I sure wouldn’t count on 20-30 starts from him.

By Tomahawkin

August 1, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Mike, I totally agree on Your Statements 2 and 3, This team a-lot of times is boring to watch because of that…

It is imperative that we take 2 of 3 from the Pirates, If we’re going to turn things around…

By krath

August 1, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

Dear Atlanta Braves,

Thank you for giving me 14 of the most unproductive years of my life! That step that’s been creaking since 91’ is finally going to be fixed. That paint job on the house that I started in 95’ will be finished by October of this year. The skeleton of the family pet that died in 2000….well it’s time to dig a hole. Wow there are no clothes in my wife’s closet, wonder how long she’s been gone? My son has a full beard, and he’s really tall! It’s not right for an eight year old to have a full beard!

My employer thanks you. Those mornings after a game on the West coast when I stumbled through my job with one eye open are gone for now. The time that I’ve spent on the internet looking for Braves news while on company time is decreasing as well.

Hey, I may actually catch up on a few things in my life since I don’t feel like I have to catch every inning of every game any more.

Had I only realized this earlier, I might know when my wife left and when my son grew the beard.

Sex!!! Wow I forgot about that! I used to like that! Oh yeah, wife gone.

I miss baseball already.

I’m looking forward to becoming unproductive again next season.

By krath

August 1, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Dear Atlanta Braves,

Thank you for giving me 14 of the most unproductive years of my life! That step that’s been creaking since 91’ is finally going to be fixed. That paint job on the house that I started in 95’ will be finished by October of this year. The skeleton of the family pet that died in 2000….well it’s time to dig a hole. Wow there are no clothes in my wife’s closet, wonder how long she’s been gone? My son has a full beard, and he’s really tall! It’s not right for an eight year old to have a full beard!

My employer thanks you. Those mornings after a game on the West coast when I stumbled through my job with one eye open are gone for now. The time that I’ve spent on the internet looking for Braves news while on company time is decreasing as well.

Hey, I may actually catch up on a few things in my life since I don’t feel like I have to catch every inning of every game any more.

Had I only realized this earlier, I might know when my wife left and when my son grew the beard.

Sex!!! Wow I forgot about that! I used to like that! Oh yeah, wife gone.

I miss baseball already.

I’m looking forward to becoming unproductive again next season.

By BB FAN

August 1, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

BravesFaninRockies,

The NBA has had the Spurs and Bulls Dynasties over the last 15 years. The NFL has had Dynasties like the Cowboys of the 90’s and the Patriots of the last 5 years. Those leagues each have a different type of salary cap , but each has thrived. The NFL is close to surpassing MLB in popularity if it hasn’t already.

I understand what you are saying, but something needs to be done. I mean the Yankees have a 206+ million dollar payroll and that is completely ridiculous. Even the Red Sox are at 126+ million, Mets and the Angels are at 105+ million. And all those teams just sign or trade for anybody they need.

Maybe a cap on a players salary would work And then have a minimum team salary cap. That way, a player does not just go to the highest bidder. MLB could also use some contraction. There are too many teams and not enough talent. This is especially true when it comes to pitching.

I don’t know but I would rather see an even playing field. Or least more than 4 teams competing for the top players.

The 6 divisions has helped even the field a little. This has allowed more teams to get into the playoffs and go on a hot streak and win the WS (Marlins twice, D-Backs, Angels, Red Sox, White Sox). However, the problem with that is it does not allow the best team to win. And when I say the best team, I mean which ever team is the best in that particular year.

Something needs to change because from my point of view, fans are getting tired of the top teams getting all of the best players.

By Sam

August 1, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

The trade proposal….Jon Lester, Craig Hansen & Coco Crisp is to good to be true. The Braves would have made out like bandits. I don’t know if that is true from the Providence Journel about flipping Andruw to the Astros and Roy Oswalt going to the Red Sox. But I am glad JS didn’t pull the trigger and I hope Andruw retires as a Brave

By Sam

August 1, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Don, I like your thing about Big Papi. I am from Massachusetts and 6 months ago I moved to Florida. I get the baseball package and I get to see some Red Sox games. My true love are the Bravos but I love to see Big Papi play. The guy is outstanding. I go back a long time when the Braves played in Boston and Big Papi is the greatest clutch hitter that I ever seen and he should be the MVP of the AL.

By michael

August 1, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

JS has lost his mind. I wouldn’t trade Andruw unless I can get a good starting pitcher or a good and proven reliever. Part of the pitching problem is the fault of Roger McDowell. Mazzone would have been in Hudson’s case or straighten out what problems he has. I believe the Brave oraganization wants an all white baseball team to appeal to people in the south. They would never mention Chipper name in a trade. JS said that Chipper is their main stay at 3rd base. Frenchy is to harded headed and has a bad habit of swingint at bad pitches. I hope that the next owner comes in and fir JS, Cox and McDowell.

Michael

By David

August 1, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

I thoroughly understand why noone really wanted an Andrew Jones on their team. Sure, Andrew is usually among the league leaders in RBIs around this time of year; sure Andrew can play center field with the best of anyone who has ever played the position—including the likes of Ken Griffy Jr.; sure Andrew has a big salary, a big smile and a big swing—but truth be told; Andrew strikes out a bunch when the game is on the line; Andrew gets very few (almost none) game winning hits or clutch hits; and who would want a high priced pima dona who dogs it on the field on occasion; the other day he played a baseball so non-challalantly that an average runner was able to stretch a single into a double—that never happened to Andrew when he first came up in the league; but after making so much money and having so many empty moments at the plate, he can now quit on plays whenever he feels like it and noone will ever chastise him, not even his lazy manager, Bobby Cox (who himself is attempting to be the ejection king of all times; Bobby has a very good chance of being ejected from games more times in the history of the game than any other manager); what a great example Andrew has in the clubhouse. Let me give you a plan of action that you can take to the bank! Immediately Fire Bobby Cox—we don’t need him anymore, he is just not motivating his team to do nothing but play sloppy, listless uninspired baseball. After firing Cox, sell the team and get it out of here. I just don’t see any reason to follow this team anymore—the Braves have shown me absolutely nothing this year and I would never watch them again, even if someone were paying me a million dollars a game to see them—-it’s a complete waste of time. I can find something better to do with my time like playing charades or collecting butterflies.

By The Dude

August 1, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Michael,

You have got to be kidding me about the “all white baseball team.” Everything is a conspiracy.

By The Dude

August 1, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

David,

Then why are you wasting your time on this blog. Go catch a butterfly.

By BB FAN

August 1, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

David,

Are you watching the same Braves games I have been watching the last few years??? Andruw Jones has had multiple game winning homeruns and hits!! And he has improved his clutch hitting this year a lot as he is hitting .298 with runners in scoring position! He is on pace for 140 RBIs! Last year, he led the NL with 128 RBIs! He kept the Braves in the race last year by himself for 2 months while Chipper was injured! He has hit .500 in the playoffs the last two years!! Against Clemens, Pettitte, Oswalt, Qualls, Lidge and the rest of a great Astros pitching staff!

The guy gets to anything hit in the air on defense! He is the best defensive centerfielder since Willie Mays!! And that includes Griffey, Edmonds and Hunter. He gets to balls those guys only dream of. And he keeps improving his hitting. So what more do you want???

I don’t think some of you fans would be happy with Willie Mays himself!

By The Dude

August 1, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Ok, I guess I’ll write something somewhat substantial. For all of the McDowell and Cox haters. Let’s start with Cox and his ejections. Players love to play for guys who will go out there and stand up for them. This is one reason Bobby is well respected by his players and players around the league. Half the time he gets ejected is to keep his players from getting tossed. Besides that, players win championships in the Major Leagues, not coaches.

For all the McDowell haters. First let me point out once again that Leo is not fairing any better in Baltimore. Second, let’s look at the pitching staff McDowell had to work with. You have an aging Smoltz (still good, but not quite as dominant as years passed), a declining Hudson (14-9 last year under Mazzone was a far cry from years passed. I am also convinced something is wrong with him physically that just hasn’t shown up yet), Hampton out for the season, Sosa was picked to be the biggest let down of the year by ESPN, and then the bullpen with the only recognized name in Reitsma who had proven the previous 2 years he couldn’t be a closer.

For all the Mazzone lovers. I know many players who have played under him, both in Atlanta and now in Baltimore, who have said that he is great working with pitchers in their pitch selection, but he isn’t a great mechanics coach.

Overall, the pitching talent just isn’t there anymore. Players win championships, not coaches.

By Boomer

August 1, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

With Sosa going to the Cardinals the Reds are a lock for the Central Division title.

By VolunteerBrave

August 1, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

If you remember back across the 14 year cycle it has always been a good mix of young braves and some choice free-agent veterans that got them to the playoff. This year is the fluke. A healthy team would still be talked about for a 15th title. Chipper has only been healthy and confident about 4 weeks this year. As he goes so goes the team.

Fortunately I am not hearing anything about Mazzone leaving being the cause. Sit back and enjoy the rest of this year and the next 4-5 years as you watch this present team mature and win & win & win. Shoot, their starting left fielder isn’t even in the majors right now, Kelly Johnson, remember him. The guy who will occasionally even take a Base-on-balls. Aybar leading off, Renteria, jones, jones, mcann, francouer, johnson, LaRoche …. ought to be a lot of fun over the next few years and you haven’t even seen the young guns yet! It took Glavine, Smoltz, Stanton, Merker, Avery, … a couple years to get it right.

Let ‘em play ball The Volunteer Brave

By Tomas

August 1, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

2008: Mike Hampton 14million salarie, goes to free agency, Andruw Jones 13.5million salarie, goes to free agency, and John Smoltz 8million salarie, goes to free agency. If we resign Hampton, it would be for less than an 8million contract, Smoltz provobally would retire, but if he accepts less money maybe the braves would resign him, and Andruw would probobally ask for 15 to 18 million, and with hampton and smolz big contracts we would the money.

By paluka

August 1, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

The idea of trading Andruw Jones is both insulting and intriging. He is, by far, the greatest offensive and defensive center fieldr of our generation and would be a shame for him to retire in any other uniform than the Braves. At the same time, as a Brave fan (not just a fan of certain Brave Players) it is exciting to think of the talent we could get and the money taht could be spread around by simply trading one player.If JS could get Theo Epstien to include John Lester with Coco Crisp and Hansen, I think the trade should be made. I would even consider throwing in Tim Hudson if we could get back another prospect. I wonder if the Angels would give up Chone Figgins and Ervin Santana for Andruw? Anyway it is very exciting to think of all the possibilities Atlanta could improve this team with only trading one player

By Nelson

August 1, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Volunteer: I also like kelly Johnson. about Andrew I don’t know what to tell you, he is the best centerfield, but he is not a smart hitter, his time to learn is over and I don’t see any improvement, the spread leg stand at home plate worked last year, but again he got infected with the same virus, like a computer, probably if he goes to another team then he will start hitting the outside corner breaking ball to the opposite way. I honestly can’t explain myself why this pitching keep on fooling him over and over again, I will like to ask Terry Pendelton.

By Todd A

August 1, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

LOL Krauth.Good job.

By Todd A

August 1, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Mike,you’re dead on with the comments about Andruw.I think the Braves should seriously pursue a deal in the next 3 weeks(before the 10/5 rule kicks in),and try to acquire some young amrs in return to help rebuild this rotation.

And Torre……blow me,@$$hole.

By Ozzie Virgil

August 1, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Until the Braves shed some payroll - Smoltz, Hudson, A. Jones, C. Jones, & Hampton, I do not foresee good things for a few years. The starting pitching really needs to be addressed immediately. Ramirez, Hudson, & Thomson all SUCK. James & Davies are not proven yet. Can you build a starting staff around a 40-year old pitcher?

There is a huge dropoff from the days of Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, & Mercker, the staff we had in 1995.

By Fan, Fan, Fan

August 1, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

In my opinion,if we had some real BRAVES fans in Atlanta, we would find that our team would perform as good as or Better at home as they do away. REMEMBER David Justice? He accused the fans in Atlanta years ago of being the worst supportive FANS in all of baseball. Instead of proving him wrong we helped to chase him out of town. What a big mistake!

Now, “example” LaRoach, need I say more? He made an error of not hustling several weeks ago, we almost killed the guy with BOOS. Boo the official who made the bad call. LaRoach made the play!! He should have hustled a bit more. Now the fair weather fans are hailing the GREAT LaRoach. I do have lots more examples; however should our fans be that fickle to our players at HOME?

Let give the METS hell when they come to town. I was at the ballpark last Saturday & Sunday, the METS fan were louder than the BRAVES fans … In our park??? Shame!! We only cheer when the players make a great hit or strike an opponient out! Let shout when we are down to be the tenth player in the game at our park.

Now I know why we are better on the road. We don’t have to take the “fair weather fans” crap!

Side Point: The Braves need more speed in the line up? Guess what type of players provides that element of the game (Nixon, Furcal, A Jones - earlier)? Look at those players skin color ALL around the league, plus football, baseball, basketball, track & field. Now look at the Braves line up; its a fact! Don’t get on my case. HINT: - I am slow, real slow!

By Cornholio

August 1, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Assume Aybar does well while Chipper is out. When Chipper comes back off the DL, does the manager bench Giles in favor of Aybar, or leave Giles in the lineup and waste Aybar on the bench like Betemit was ?

My bet is Aybar rides the pine. I never felt Betemit would be given a legitimate shot to earn a starting job here. I’m happy for him. Bobby is too loyal to certain players.

By dadgum

August 1, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this

I still think that Andruw is going to be traded and here is my reasoning. Andruw still will bring something back that we need. Without Andruw the Braves would be fishing without a worm on the hook. We don’t really have anything GM’s want that we can afford to give up. Yeah, I know Andruw is very good perhaps the graetest CF I have ever seen but Coco Crisp is darn good too and will be for a while. Throw in a Lester, and cash or prospect and you have a must do trade. Obviously it didn’t pass the litmus test but something similar will present itself very soon.

We are all Braves fans here, for the most part, and the Braves are looking to the future now and that most certainly will mean the end of Andruw as a Brave. Is Andruw slipping a little, not sure, but I do know that his homers aside he can be replaced with the right trade. I like Andruw a lot but I also realize that if you want to improve in this business you have to go through change. Keep adding/subtracting until the best mix as possible is here. Personal feelings are always hurt when a favorite leaves but I have come to grips with how the game is played now…..have you?

By Tony

August 1, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

For the racial guy. It is very simple. If minorities supported the team then maybe JS would have more on the field. All you have to do is go to a game. Minorities make up about 7% of the fans at the most. If minorities do not support the team, they don’t have any say in the matter. Hey, want minorities, go to a Falcons game. You can watch the game under the bridge on the widescreen and cook out and listen to Jay-Zee.

By BravesFaninRockies

August 1, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

BB FAN,

Point taken. But of course the Bulls and the Spurs based their dynasties each on a couple of great players and an underrated supporting cast. Harder to do in football and baseball because the rosters are so much bigger (and in baseball you have the minor leagues; not sure how you’d account for them with a cap, given the length of the season, injuries, washouts, etc.).

The luxury tax system MLB has is better than an outright cap because it lets guys like the Boss spend insane amounts of money BUT they have to give some of it back to the low-revenue teams.

MLB’s problem is revenue-sharing. The NFL parcels out TV money fairly evenly, so even small-market teams could compete, salary cap or no. On the other hand, MLB forces teams to make their own regional deals. That means clubs like the Rockies and the Pirates will never be able to generate the revenues of the Yankees or the Bosox or the LA teams. Ted built the small-market Braves into a sport powerhouse using revenues from broadcasting games on TBS back when ESPN was broadcasting billiards and Aussie rules football in prime time.

Seems to me MLB could better distribute that TV money and give the small market teams at least a chance.

By Chipper's a Candy

August 1, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

Robert, I agree with you about Cox. I doubt you’ll read this, but he’s overrated as you say. With the teams that he’s had, especially the pitching, a monkey could’ve managed.

By Chad

August 1, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Whatever happened to Phil Stockman. He was lighting up Richmond and did well here until pulling a hammy in late June. I haven’t seen where he’s been activated, released, or transferred to a longer stint on the DL, what gives?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 1, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

john thomson has a fraying of his labrum. where is doc? we must know more about this injury. journalist bob, ever had a frayed labrum? is this a toe-related injury? is the labrum connected to the oblique and will chipper go down with this next? there are many questions to be answered.

By don

August 1, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Third Base Report:

After there was so much smoke blown about Aybar’s four hits in his first game as a Brave (another loss), I thought it was worth mentioning that Betemit had three hits in his first game as a Dodger. I see that Aybar was 0-4 tonight. Betemit, on the other hand, had two hits including a three run homerun for the Dodgers.

But, as some have stated, Betemit would never have been given a chance to start in Atlanta so I am happy that he escaped.

As for the Hudson for Cruz, Thomas, Meyer trade last year, it is beginning to look like neither team got anything. As we look at the full picture, it doesn’t appear that we did too well in the Drew for Wainwright, Marquis, King trade or in the Farnsworth for Miner and Colon trade. We could probably use Wainwright, Miner, King, Colon and Marquis.

By BB FAN

August 2, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

BravesFaninRockies,

You have a good point about the luxary tax system. It does give money to the low market teams. The only problem is they are not forced to use the money on players.

The Marlins are the perfect example. They traded away everybody before the season started. Of course, the Mets and Red Sox were able to take on all of the extra salary, so they traded for those all star players. I just wish there was something that could be done about obvious salary dumps. Although Florida did get a lot of great young players, they will trade them all away when their salaries go up.

I guess salaries are just too high. But it’s teams like the Mets, Red Sox, Angels, and Yankees that do it. He11, even the Rangers and Dodgers are guilty. The Rangers doubled every other team’s offer to A-Rod in 2001. And the Dodgers just about doubled the offers for Furcal. But I guess that’s America and I do appreciate the freedom we have.

A team should be able to retain the players they develope. The Braves are a perfect example

The Yankees do it every year. I mean they basically have an all star team now. Granted, a few of them (Matsui, Sheffield) are on the DL, but they will be back in September.

By cornholio

August 2, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

Don,

Excellent point about the players JS has given away.

While the Hudson trade w/Oakland may be awash, the fact of the matter is the Braves are stuck with another contract for a guy whose ERA is going up quicker than the price of gasoline !

Surely Boston or Texas could relieve us of Hudson.

By KC

August 2, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

Huddy is the answer.

If Huddy were to snap back into form tomorrow, we would win the wild card. And with a sharp Huddy to go along with Smoltz and Ramirez (as long as HoRam doesn’t have one of his periodic meltdown starts in the 1st round), we would have an excellent chance of doing some damage in October once we got there.

I said it yesterday, but it bears repeating…

• The offense is fine (especially if we can get Chipper healthy).

• The bullpen is fine now.

• Smoltz is Smoltz

• HoRam will win 6-9 more games between now and the end of the season. (He’s almost completely shut down the opposition in 8 of 11 starts since his return from the DL in May).

• I even think the bottom of our rotation will be fine once Davies gets back, which should happen soon. *(Sunday was the first time C.James has failed to at least keep the Braves in a ballgame, and that’s all you really ask of a 4th/5th starter… “keep us in the game”).

Huddy’s the answer. If Tim Hudson is on his game, and the Braves are healthy (especially Chipper), the Braves have the best team in the NL. With a sharp Hudson, we are significantly better than the Reds or any other team in the WC race. If Huddy is Huddy, we’ll get it done. If not…

By Robert

August 2, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

91 - nice surprise, team comes together they were better than the Twins

92 - ok, Blue Jays were better

93 - hands down shouldve won WS

94 - 6 games behind the Expos?

95 - pitching runs the table

96 - Cox had Wohlers out there, so it’s his fault

97 - Team wasnt ready to play, Cox’s fault

98 - 98 Yanks were one of the best teams ever, this team, with Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Neagle, and Millwood, should have given them hell - however they werent even ready to play SD - again, lack of preparation is Cox’s fault

99 - Bobby Cox single handedly destroys any chance Braves have

00-05 - teams havent even shown up for the postseason - manager’s duty to have team ready to play

Bobby letting Chipper play last week of ‘04 (“why not let him go for his 100th rbi” was I believe the quote) particularly donkey brained move and sure enough Chipper gets hit by a pitch and in going for his personal stats ends up unable to hold a bat and cant help his team in the postseason

No sir. What we have here is the legacy of Eeyore.