Braves

By Tony Almeida

August 4, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

You’re my hero Guy.

By shawn

August 4, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

Can you guys tell something we don’t already know? Is there anything to the waiver story? Any possible deals to be made? Is Chipper coming back on time? What is the Braves plans for next year?

By RW

August 4, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

I am afraid that JS has his eyes on the prize for next year. If there is any chance that AJ could be traded for good or legitimate arms I think JS will bite and I think that moving AJ salary would put them in a position to resign the current bullpen and move Fancouer to center and Diaz becaomes starting right or left fielder next season. Aybar gives JS a chance to trade Giles too.

I really will miss AJ and I would rather see him finish his career in a Braves uni… Then again it was a travesty that Maddux won #300 as a cub.

Oh the prefidy that is corporate ownership.

RW…

By dadgum

August 4, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

Yes there is a lot to the waiver story. This is one move to gauge interest in Andruw from other teams. The Braves are either goingto renegotiate his contract or trade him. Preferably all prior to Aug. 15th when both trading and resigning him become more difficult tasks. If he clears waivers Andruw can be traded for other players who have also cleared waivers or go into negotiations with the team winning the waiver claim. Or the Braves can do nothing and hold onto him. Yes there is a lot to the waiver story. Also you can bet that Francouer, Hudson, Giles, LaRouche, Ramirez and others are also on the waiver wire. Standard operating procedure which the Braves do every year. This year however there is perhaps a greater chance of teh Braves doing a waiver trade especially if they sweep Cincy to solidify their pitching for the wild card push.

Next I feel it is doubtful Chipper will return on time due to the specifics of the injury and the healing it needs. Don’t be shocked if Chipper is out until late August but hope for the best obviously. We need him but only at full strength.

Again any deals will be made but only if it is something that they can carry forward to ‘07 that will strengthen the pitching rotation. There is entirely too much uncertainty surrounding teh picthing staff as to injuries, retirement, contracts, etc. Of Ramirez, Hampton, Davies, James, Hudson I can’t say for certain if any of those guys will be effective or even be a bRave next year. Hampton will given his contract but will he be effective. Who knows.

So yeah there is a lot to the story but the real story line may be during the off season where I feel the Braves may be in such upheavel with trades we won’t know who is on teh team until the smoke clears. We’ll see.

By TennesseePaul

August 4, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe the fuss. Andruw is on waivers. From what I can tell, he is also still a Brave. He is in a Brave uniform. And he most likely will be through next year. The Braves will be able to resign him. Hopefully he won’t price himself out of their range. But it isn’t impossible to sign him. They can work the contract in such a manor that it would allow them to keep him, and these young ones for years to come.

I appreciate Wickman and Baez’s work so far. I’d like to think they could be resigned for a reasonable price AND perform just as well next season. But there is no guarantee of the contract or the performance. The only thing one can count on is Andruw playing like a Hall of Famer. He’ll be 30 when he’s a free agent. Hopefully we can sign him for 5 years, maybe 7, at a reasonable price. If not. I will resume egging Scott Boras’s house.

The one thing that article about waivers didn’t disclose was, if Andruw or any other Brave, has ever been put on waivers before. Reading DOBs input makes one think that this could be the case. And, thinking about it like that makes you realize that there probably is even less to this story than there was to the Smoltz trade rumors. Maybe the AJC feels out done by NY and Boston and feels the need to stir up controversy before anyone else can.

By Craig

August 4, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

Here is an email I got from ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick on Andruw Jones waiver situation:

Craig,

Just about every player gets sent through waivers, so that’s really no big deal.

If Jones gets claimed, the Braves can either: a) let him go to the claiming club (not gonna happen), b) pull him back off waivers. I think that means he can’t go back on waivers for 30 days; or c) try and work out a trade with the claiming club.

I wouldn’t read too much into this. I think the Red Sox were interested in Jones in July primarily as a means of spinning him off to Houston and trying to land Roy Oswalt.

But if you look at the history of August deals, very few guys get dealt now.

Thanks for the note,

Jerry

By shawn

August 4, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul don’t bet on it. I am not even sure the Braves WANT to resign him. As for HOF that is a bit premature. I really do like AJ but I don’t consider him HOF.

By shawn

August 4, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Oswalt, Lidge, Tavares and Ensberg for Chipper, Andruw, and Hudson

By Andrew

August 4, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

dont know if i agree with the complaints about how BC managed the rotation order. Think of it this way… the Braves obviously have a problem closing out a sweep as you can see from what happened yesterday. If they are going to hope to sweep the Reds then Smoltz needs to pitch the last game. Id rather see him finish it than any of the other starters. Huddy has struggled the most and he is out of the way now. The offense will reawaken tonight and tomorrow because their backs are against the wall. Then John Smoltz will promptly come in on Sunday sweep out the dirt and close the door behind him on what will be a very productive series. Thats what I hope anyways… GO BRAVES!

By TennesseePaul

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

What makes you think the Braves don’t want to resign the best defensive outfielder in the league? His hitting has improved. His home run power improved. He’s only 29. And there is no viable replacement in the system. Nothing JS, Bobby, anyone on the team, or Andruw himself, has said would lead anyone to believe they don’t want him anymore. Andruw himself has repeatedly stated that he doesn’t want to leave. I’m sure JS would laugh at such a remark as he did to all the Smoltz trade rumor speculation.

As for his credentials, yes, if he keeps playing the way he has, he will be in the hall of fame. He’ll have over 500 home runs (could be as many as 600 depending on how long he plays). He’ll have an ungodly amount of gold gloves. And he’ll have a few more silver slugger awards to go with at least 5 all star appearances. And for the little cherry on top, he’s still the youngest player ever to hit home runs in the WS in his first two at bats.

By KC

August 4, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN REGARD TO ANDRUW:

First of all, with absolute 100% certainty, I promise you… Andruw is not going anywhere this season. The waiver placement means nothing. John Shuerholz’s answer to the Red Sox when they inquired about him before the non-waiver trade deadline was… “make me an offer I can’t refuse, and he’s yours. But we’re in no hurry to trade him.” He’s not going anywhere this season. If you’re worried about that… relax, take a deep breath and think happy thoughts. He’s not going anywhere this season… period.

Now, this winter: The Braves front office will probably talk to Jones and Scott Boras (his agent) this winter, and try to gauge their chances of keeping him past next season. If JS feels they have a decent chance of re-signing him, then history indicates that he will hang on to Jones and make the best effort he can to keep him (even at the risk of losing him to free agency after next season).

However, if JS feels that AJ is going to listen to Boras this time and go after the highest bid from a team like the Dodgers, BoSox, Mets, or Yankees… then JS will be more motivated to move him this winter. However, you can be sure based on his track record that JS will not make a move that is going to significantly hurt the team’s chances to win next year.

In the winter of 96-97, JS worked a trade with Cleveland that trade sent David Justice and M.Grissom to the Indians in exchange for Kenny Lofton and Alan Embree. That move was made to free up money to re-sign Maddux and Glavine to long-term deals. BUT you’ll notice that Atlanta got a player who, at the time, was the premiere leadoff hitter in all of baseball, and one of the top superstars in the game overall.

JS is looking always looking to win now, as long as that’s realistic (and for the past 14 years, it always has been). If the Braves don’t feel they can resign AJ, they will listen to any offer that would not significantly hurt the team’s chances to win next year, and would give the Braves something of value beyond next year. If it appears likely that Andruw is going chase every dollar he can get next winter, the Braves might trade him this winter IF, and only if, the right deal comes along.

Again, you can be sure that JS isn’t interested in doing anything to weaken next year’s team. And in any event, the Braves are not going to just dump Andruw an effort to get something in return for him before he becomes a free agent. The Braves have never done that with a key player in JS’s tenure, and they’re not going to do it now.

By Braves20

August 4, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

Shawn - The Astros would make that trade in a minute. Fortunately anybody in the Braves organization not on drugs would not. Lidge has become another Wohlers, Tavares is a poor man’s Juan Pierre and Oswalt, while good, sure doesn’t justify trading a sure Hall of famer, a maybe Hall of Famer and a pitcher who could straighten himself out for that assembly.

By Craig

August 4, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

This just in from ESPN

Braves center fielder Andruw Jones has been claimed on waivers, but it’s not clear which team has claimed the eight-time Gold Glove winner, ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney reports.

The Braves placed Jones on waivers Tuesday. The team that claimed Jones has 48 hours to strike a deal with Atlanta; the window expires Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.

Jones will earn his 10-and-5 rights on Aug. 15, which means he can veto any trade. If the Braves pull him off waivers, they cannot trade him this season.

The Red Sox talked to the Braves about Jones leading up to the trade deadline. Some scouts believe that the Angels, who have been looking for a bat, would naturally have interest in him.

By fnreitsma

August 4, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

andruw isn’t going anywhere. but i am a little sad they even put him on the waiver list. the man deserves better treatment. he has stood by this organization every step of the way…he deserves better. HUDSON, on the other hand. :)

By KC

August 4, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

It is infinitely common to place a player on waivers, and just as common for a player to be claimed. It can (and does) happen a hundred times a season without a single player changing hands. Andruw is not going anywhere. When you consider the players a team would have to give up to get him… there’s no way all of those players would also clear waivers.

IF (and it’s not likely), Andruw is traded, it won’t be until this winter.

By Breaking News

August 4, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS

The Braves entire roster has been place on waivers and claims have been made. It appears the deals will go down. Every single player is being traded for cash and tax incentives. The Braves will forfeit the remainder of the season and the use the money to try and sign one extremely over priced reliever in the off-season. Next year will consist of a team of rookies making league minimum and one middle reliever making 70% of the salary. More details to come.

By Smitty

August 4, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

The fact that we haven’t heard about the Braves pulling him back yet means we are listening.

KC is right, this is common.

By Carolina Lady

August 4, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

Well put, TN Paul!

By KC

August 4, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

fnreitsma:

It’s not bad treatment to put Andruw on the waiver wire. Again, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything at all.

But even if they are doing it to gauge trade interest for this winter, that would only be becuase Andruw is not letting agent Scott Bor-a$$ do the talking, he’s saying stuff like “There will be no hometown discount this time.” With the tenor of Boras’s statements, JS has to talk to Andruw/Boras to gauge the likelihood of re-signing him, and then look at all his options (including Trading AJ if that’s what it comes down to).

But again, ATL will be in no hurry to trade AJ this winter. He’s a big part of their plans next year. They can be persuaded to change their plans, but only if another team offers something quite substantial.

By geauxbraves2000

August 4, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks, KC, well put. AJ isn’t going anywhere, so let’s talk about something else, like what does the team need to do to sweep this weekend.

James is a crap shoot, Shiell - well, hopefully the Braves can score about 20 runs that game (I can’t believe there’s no one else they can start) & Smoltz, wow, 40 years old and still kicking butt.

I think a sweep is necessary, but anything less than 2 out 3, well, technically the season is not over, but theoretically it won’t look good.

Geaux Braves!!

By Braves20

August 4, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Last year Manny Ramerez was on waivers so what? On another subject, two games over .500 is currently leading the wild card. We’re seven under and have had 20 blown saves. That is sickening. If only we had gotten off our wallet in the offseason for Farnsworth, Wickman, Baez, even Todd Jones, we’d be a minimum of 3 or 4 up in the wild card. Just disgusting.

By TennesseePaul

August 4, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Trades in midseason don’t pull down as much as they could in the offseason. And of course the Braves will listen. Listening is part of being a good GM.

By bh

August 4, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

nice way to jinx the bullpen dipsh**. i hope they dont read your crappy article

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Morning, all! I must apologize for my shameful behavior last night; the Grinch can be easily provoked in the wee hours after a few brews, especially by the unwashed denizens of Metropolitan New York’s sewers. Also, as Lew can tell you, I was already in a rather contentious mood pending an upcoming showdown with a mortal enemy of mine (next weekend:I’ll keep y’all posted unless my fingers are broken). Journalist Bob, I was expecting an admonition from you today and was not dissapointed. I am only a hero sometimes…often still I’m just another kid on the playground. I’m working on it. Dadgum, I WAS posting from my house, silly! Surely you didn’t think I was posting from the library at 4 am? Just messin’ with you. :-) My house and my office are one in the same. Speaking of which, time to get some work done. FlBravesgirl: meringue is also suitable for key lime pie…

By chop me gently; chop me slowly

August 4, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

Have you people been watching the same Braves of 2006 that I have? How many series sweeps does it take to get you to a 50-57 record? A sensible fan would be praying that the Reds don’t sweep us. The Braves had a chance to sweep the Pirates — the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates — and couldn’t do it. What makes you think Cincinnati is going to conveniently roll over for the mighty Braves? Shiell is starting the middle game, for God’s sake!

You’ve just become too accustomed to watching your team in October, I guess. Eventually, I suppose, when the games and opportunities have dwindled down to few enough that even you starry-eyed dreamers can do the math, then and only then will you accept your fate: you are rooting for a truly bad baseball team whose awesome streak of division titles and playoff appearances is flat out over.

Can any of you out there who remember the Braves of the 1970s help me convince these fans who have been spoiled rotten by years and years of success that these 2006 Braves are far more reminiscent of the Braves of Noc-A-Homa than the “bulit-to-win” Braves of the Scheurholz days? The sooner these folks get past the stage of denial they’re mired in and move on to acceptance and healing, the better off we’ll all be. Then maybe we can reach a day on this blog when all God’s children — black men and white men, Jews and gentiles, Protestants and Catholics — can join hands and chant together, “The run is done, the run is done; thank God Almighty, the run is done!”

By TennesseePaul

August 4, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Sheeesh what a rant from a guy who doesn’t know what it means to root for your team. Pardon us. We love the Braves and hope the best. This is America.

GO BRAVES

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

One Guy is enough, two’s a couple … but three is something else!

This is a stale continuation of previous threads but I hope I’ve got the closing stitches.

That nice girl from south of Georgia knows her pudding … meringue belongs on lemon meringue pie!

I’ve been confused by Mama’s old recipes for years. Mama never measured nothin’ or so it seemed … just a bunch of smidgens, pinches and dashes that she didn’t explain … though she showed me more than once what a pinch was. My Lady’s reference prompted me to get the skinny straight from Golda’s Kitchen and according to Golda; 2 smidgens = 1 pinch, 2 pinches = 1 dash, and 8 dashes = 1 teaspoon.

As an aside, I can’t count the number of times I got my fingers burnt stirrin’ the bubbly stuff while making chocolate fudge and banana pudding.

KC, when you say that you disagree with your own last statement, are you saying that … if you agreed but still felt it to be unfair, you would still consider your own beliefs fair and would defend them to the death? I think that I’d request a waiver on that … or take the fifth. Unfortunately, you can’t take the fifth, I found the empty bottle while cleaning up this morning; perhaps some nice puddin’ with that which shant be named.

Scoots, yours words were fine, the poor choice of words was mine … but who would have thought my simple observation … that JS shouldn’t expect that putting Andruw on Waivers will cause him to lose weight because banana pudding was fattening … would cause such a stir?!

But, you were right, it all made me think of Mama, and Diana Shore too … oops, she was apple pie.

Baseball almost: I thought we buried Arron a couple weeks ago and now he’s back pitching for the Reds as if nothing had happened … a lot shorter for sure, but you can tell by his eyes and chin that it’s him.

If James is tippin’ his pitches, maybe the Reds won’t notice.

I’m sure that we’ll get harangued on the Blog by members of the SPCA and some primate escapees from selected zoos throughout the country … but let’s not threaten him with more anesthesia, just knock him senseless … kidnap him after the game and take him back to the Atlanta Zoo where he belongs.

It’s starting to storm in Nashville … later!

By dadgum

August 4, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

Any team can claim a guy on waivers and if it is teh Angels you can bet that another team would lay claim and block a potential playoff team from possibly working a trade for him. Also the National league has first dibs if teams have similar records. My guess is that perhaps as many as 5 teams have laid claim to Andrew just as a way to block each other. Waivers are a screwy process. The fact that he didn’t clear waivers simply means that the Braves even if they wanted to trade him have more limited options.

You can bet that JS will be working every angle with Andruw to sign him to an extension prior to Aug. 15th. He can play out the year without worrying about off season deals.

Of most concern has been Andruw listening to Boras and not really talking to JS about an extension. It fuels the specualtion that Andruw will look for BIG money via Boras negotiations and I just can’t see the Braves coming out on the winning end of that no matter how they structure the deal. Andruw most likely will be looking for at least $20 mil/year for at least 4 years. Hey I know he said he wants to continue playing in Atlanta but that means raelly about as much as teh waiver process right now. In other words not much. All great players want to play on championship teams and be paid what they can negotiate to the max. The Braves may indeed be a championship team but will they want to mortgage the future by being the high bidder for Andruw. I doubt it.

I would like to see Andruw sign an extension now so to show his true commitment to the Braves like he says he has. If JS gauges that they just won’t be able to retain him then I feel he will traded at or before the winter meetings. The longer into next year this drags on the worse teh Braves’ position becomes and the less they will get for him and the harder it will be to resign him.

JS…..GET “ER DONE!

By geauxbraves2000

August 4, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

Until the time comes that the Braves are officially eliminated I will NOT give up hope. This has been my team for roughly 25 years, I will not give up, I refuse to. I’ve seen the good and I’ve seen the bad. This team in no way compares to any of the teams of the late 80’s.

Geaux Braves!!

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

It never ceases to amaze me how much more our recent success has affected the rest of the world than it has us. I had no idea peace in the middle east had been achieved through the common desire to see our division streak end…

By Braves20

August 4, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Someone please remind the moron who is obviously from New York, that Bench, Rose, Morgan and Griffey, Sr. no longer play for the Reds - in fact neither do Kearns and Casey. This ain’t exactly the Big Red Machine we’re facing this weekend. And Arroyo won his last game when?

By Smitty

August 4, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Bob

Andruw can’t sign and extension if he hasn’t been offered one and with new owners comming in soon, JS’s hands are tied. He doesn’t know what his payrole will be.

By dadgum

August 4, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

Hey Freietsma, if Andruw was a true Brave he would have been talking to JS about an extension instead of listening to that a==hole agent of his. Hey I don’t buy his company guy image he is selling.

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob…I promise you you’re not responsible for all the nastiness. It just shows what a bunch of stooges the rest of us are when someone innocently proclaims: “Pie!” and everyone else starts throwing them. We all belong in padded cells. :-)

By dadgum

August 4, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Everyone, it will all work out the way it is supposed to and nothing we say here will change the direction it is going to go. Whatever happens in the off season will have it’s supporters and skeptics. Just the way it is. The only thing I know for dead certain is that if Andruw can’t be resigned whomever we get will be in place for quite awhile and help this club well into the future.

JS will continue to work in that $80 mil budget so he does have an idea of what his limits will be. Maybe not exactly but close enough to where he can open talks soon.

By hop on chop

August 4, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Same old story for Grinch — get all dressed up, go down to Whoville, strike out with every chick there, get drunk, stumble home near dawn, log on to blog, spew bitter bile, pass out, wake up next afternoon all meek and ashamed, beg forgiveness.

It’s a vicious cycle, Grinch. Better to stay home and blow up you Cindy Lou Who doll.

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

Smitty, if your “Andruw Extension” post was directed to me, be assured that I appreciate the insight and information … though I suspect you were responding to another boob, not me.

Grinch, promises, promises … just wear your superhero suit at all times and it will help protect both thee and me from having a padded cell as home.

God’s bowling again, so I’m turning off the computer as I post.

By KC

August 4, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Buster Olney: “That Jones was placed on waivers is unremarkable; he was one of hundreds of players, including many stars, who were placed on waivers earlier this week. What makes Jones’ situation interesting is that on Aug. 15, he will gain 10-and-5 rights”

Why is that so interesting? Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t you think Andruw’s 10-5 status date has been on a calendar somewhere on a Braves’ front office wall for years now? Does Mr. Olney think that JS and co. were standing around a water cooler this week when somebody said “OH S_! Andruw’s 10-5 status is about to kick in. We forgot all about that! … And the non-waiver trade deadline’s already passed! We’d better put him on waivers and see if we can get something done.”

If it were a priority for the Braves to trade Andruw before he has the ability to veto a trade… they could have gotten something done involving AJ before the deadline. But the fact is that the Braves weren’t in any hurry to trade him a week ago or a month ago, so what makes anybody think that they’re trying to deal him now after the non-waiver deadline???

Ridiculous sensationalism by the sports media. Nothing more.

By Chop Chop

August 4, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

KC, since I understand the Andruw/waivers situation, I’m not wasting my time blogging about it. The AJC was just trying to get people stirred up.

Chuck James has a playoff start tonight. Let’s hope it goes well.

By Lew

August 4, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

I seriously think the days of $20 million are gone for the foreseeable future. I would be surprised if Andruw’s price tag goes much over $15-16 million. Well within the range of keeping him long term. Smoltz really only has next year on his contract, and I think they can buy out Chipper in 09. As far as re-signing Baez and Wickman- Sosa, Reitsma, Remlinger, Thomson and Jordan are gone and their combined salaries are in the $12 million range- a great start on Wickman and Baez-probably most of what they would command if Wickman decides not to retire. It isn’t necessary to dump Andruw yet, but I expect Giles to be gone-then we can resign the relievers and still have enough for a right handed bat.

By THE SOURCE

August 4, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

You have to look beyond what tommorows team will look like and look at what the team will look like in 2 years from now to understand what they are doing

Here are the scenarios:

A. We re-sign Andruw at whay will probably be 5 guaranteed years with two option years..paying him roughly $15 million on average. You then have AJ, Hampton, and Chip taking up a serious portion of the payroll

B.) We trade Andruw this winter…where has slightly less value especially to a contender bc if they aquire him now they have him for two years of playoff runs.

C.) We trade him now and get the most return we will ever get bc he is not considered a rental yet…and any team that trades for him will have an eyes towards re-signing him and they will have a year to work on that.

D.) He walks away and we get draft picks as compensation.

Don’t give Scheurholtz grief..at the end of the day no one cares a smuch for the Braves as they man whose job is to ensure they will win. Don’t look at this the wrong way!!!!

By Carolina Lady

August 4, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob, your 2:59 post is priceless! :-))

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

See, Bob? I could have said something very, very ugly just now, but I didn’t. However, it does strike me odd how many Met fans are pathetic enough to log onto the blog of a region 1000 miles away to make insults about blow-up dolls to the fans of a team that couldn’t really care less about them or their city. Makes you wonder how lonely and sad their lives must truly be. Hop, I think you just need a hug, even if it is only from a plastic doll.

By Lew

August 4, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Another thing we need to realize-The Braves are not in such bad shape that a run at the division NEXT year still looks good, especially with the dead wood gone and our injured pitchers for the most part returning. We have already seen that what has been offered by other teams for Andruw won’t come close to replacing him. Now answer this question honestly-Do we stand a chance next year without a 35-50 HR and 120 RBI performance and do you see us getting something in return for Andruw that would equal this performance? People, Coco Crisp and a rookie pitcher won’t do it. As the source says-So what if we lose him to freeagency instead of trading him? We still end uo with $13.5 million and draft picks in compensation. What’s the big deal? We still have an MVP caliber player for the relatively low price of $13.5 million. You couldn’t get one that cheap anywhere else. I promise that’s what’s on JS’s mind.

By JasonInMaine

August 4, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

It’s probably the Cubs that claimed him (:

By KC

August 4, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

LEW DITTO!

I think we can give the hand wringing a rest. We not going to move Andruw unless we get an offer we can’t refuse. We do have a very real shot at re-signing him. People keep saying that we wouldn’t be able to afford his salary beyond next year. That’s simply not true.

Most of the contracts players sign with ATL are slightly back loaded. Andruw might actually wind up taking slightly less money over the first couple of years of a new deal than he currently earns per year. If Andruw takes less money only in the first year of any new deal, that would be enough to make his contract very workable (since Hampton and C.Jones contracts both expire after the 2008 season).

Bottom line: JS won’t even consider trading him unless we’re being offered something of equal or greater value to us in return. And we do have a very good chance of keeping him.

By Andy

August 4, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

TenPaul I really appreciate your comments on a whole—thanks.

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

Hop on Chop, while waiting for windows to save and close, I noticed your post to The Grinch.

Regardless of whether your analysis is far off the mark or dead on point, you would be well served to place dignity and self respect ahead of self importance. The Infernal Regions are full of misguided folks who thought quite highly of themselves … think of your grandchildren as they proudly tell their little ones of how great-great-granddad honorably conducted himself as he slew the dastardly dragon … a true gentleman was he, the ultimate epitome of style, grace and eloquence.

A stretch perhaps … it ‘taint baseball but hopefully there are some points worthy of pondering if you’re so inclined.

By ncscoots

August 4, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

Bob, god love ya, civility and honor are righteous traits, no doubt, and it would be fabulous is if everyone were imbued thereof. But sometimes the only way to back a batter off the plate is to throw some gas about lip-high.

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks My Lady! Unfortunately, I’ve had all of my stuff appraised and most of it is priceless.

By Moe

August 4, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Infernal Regions?

Do you mean Jacksonville FLA?

By 22oz

August 4, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Can we place Terry pendleton on waivers? He’s obviously not getting through to frenchy and andruw. We need a hitting coach who has authority and will lay the smack down.

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Bob, that reminds me of “Kill Bill vol. 2.” When David Carradine jumps on his brother Bud for pawning the priceless sword he once gave him: “Bud, you PAWNED a Hanzo sword? That sword was priceless!” Bud: “Not in El Paso, it wasn’t.”

By Moe

August 4, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Terry P. does not lay the smack down, he smacks the Lays (i.e. potato chips) down.

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Double Deuce, I think if Bobby would lay the smack down (I.E. quit doing heroin), we wouldn’t have to keep watching Schiell perform…equally important, I think.

By Lew

August 4, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Moe-For we Bulldogs out there, the infernal regions are Gainesville, home of the Gators. Go Dawgs!

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Good one, Moe.

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Lew, please don’t bring up the Swamp; I just ate! Wearing one of many Dawg shirts now.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 4, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

civility? or lack of civility? the late aaron giraffe once said, “when once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness or decency.” it is clear that little effort is being made to return to civil discourse. this boorish behavior is more difficult to kill than rasputin. it is ironic that on a blog where there is pudding there is also obscenity - (though meringue on pudding is yet another obscenity). oh, the humanity! now, baseball … chuck james pitched okay -it is when bobby started calling him chucky james that the problems erupted. what will happen when bobby starts calling wicky to the mound? will wicky become a sissy who can no longer throw strikes? much to consider. journalist wonders how many banana puddings are being prepared now …

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Scoots, The Lip agreed with you, even when he wasn’t drinking Shlitz … he’d start a fight with his own pitchers if they failed to make their point!

I just think that most of these fellows are nice young men starving for attention who have unfortunately identified with the wrong media created role models … our apathy induced slience sends a strong signal that such behavior is acceptable and I just don’t want them to wind up old and gray before realizing the essence of Housman’s little lyric.

By The Grinch

August 4, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

I thought I was reasonably civil…for me, anyway. But then, I never proclaimed myself spotless christian hero. We are all of us flawed (some more than others, to be sure). My flaws happen to include being easily goaded and a weakness for fried pork chops. It could be worse…

By ncscoots

August 4, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

better send ‘em a copy of the poem, then, Bob. Might include the old saying about mules and two-by-fours, too, in case A.E. can’t quite get the job done :-)

By The Grinch

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

With two by fours and a mule you can definitely build a house-man…

By Andrew

August 4, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Why is AJ with that p******k Boras anyways? Anyone have any idea what kind of contract they have going? It seems to me that if I were a professional player, i would want an agent that was focused on do the best thing for my career rather than lining his own pockets….

By ncscoots

August 4, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

Andrew, guess it all depends on the perspective of “whats best for my career”. Is it worth 15% less money to stay with the only organization he’s ever known? Don’t know, he’s the only guy that can answer that. And I’ll bet Boras whispers in his ear in every other conversation that Bobby’s contract runsout in 2007.

By ELH

August 4, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

The Braves would be a fool to trade the best Center Fielder in the history of baseball. They should try to sign Andrew alone for his defense.

By TennesseePaul

August 4, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that people keep forgetting that Andruw already pushed Boras to the side and negotiated a contract which was “below market value” to stay with this team. I hope his experience with the Braves hasn’t been so awful that he feels the need to follow Furcals lead. I could understand the “jealousy” that could come with watching Furcal sign a contract that is equal to what you currently make. But honestly, Furcal had to turn his back on all his teammates to do it. Plus, if it looks hairy, I might start a pledge drive to raise the money to keep him in Atlanta. It’d bum me out to see yet another Brave take off for the money, but if it is so important to him, then I’m willing to toss in some of my coin to keep the guy in a Brave outfit. Because it means more to me than the money. I already buy everything that has his name on it, or the Brave name.

Anyone recall hearing Bud the Dud saying he’d perfer a local ownership in Baseball? Maybe, and I don’t know, but maybe it turns out that Arthur Blank is able to join in on the ownership in some minority manor. If that is the case, then we’ll for sure have the Money to sign Andruw. Whatever the deal is, I’ll light a candle for him.

And, if you look several years down the road, Smoltz is no longer here (sad to say, it’ll be an end to an era), Chipper won’t be here (again, sad) and Hampton, Hudson… if the long term contract is struck, Andruw will be the one that out lasts them all. If for no other reason than he is younger than them all. That far into the future, we’ll still be able to afford him and Francoeur and McCann and Davies, James, and whoever else. It’s all roses.

Anyway, next year we should be in a good situation. Lew spelled it out nicely. We’ll have all the deadwood off the decks and just the young guns left to battle it out. James and Davies should be in good form. Smotlz is back. Hampton is back. … hudson is back =(. I look forward to it. But until then there is this year. This season. This post season. And most importantly, this weekend. GO BRAVES

By TennesseePaul

August 4, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

What’s Boras going to whisper… pst. Andruw. Cox won’t be around forever. Turn your back on your fans and your team mates. The Yankees can flop in the post season. They pay tons of money. They boo you when you strike out. Throw trash at you when you don’t rob the home run. Attempt to stab you when you go out to dinner. It’s totally worth it.

By Charles

August 4, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Andruw was claimed off waivers by an unnamed team according to CBS Sports. According to the report, the Braves have until 1 p.m. Saturday to strike a deal or pull him back.

According to the report, on Aug. 15 Andruw becomes a 10-5 player, or 10 years experience, five years with the same team. This allows Andruw the ability to block any trade.

It appears that the Braves are possibly testing the waters to see what the market for Andruw will bring. Also, if he had cleared waivers, he could have been traded anytime to any team, most likely prior to the Aug. 31 deadline for postseason play.

The move prior to Aug. 15 allows the Braves to have control of any trade leverage.

Multiple teams placed claims on Andruw, so the Braves will either work out a trade with the team that claimed him or remove him from waivers. Expect the latter to happen. A star or two usually comes out on waivers the first few weeks after the deadline. It’s basically the same thing that happened with Manny Ramirez a couple of seasons ago. The Red Sox pulled him back.

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

Man, what a storm! It ain’t over but it ain’t overhead either so I’m back if for only a post or two.

It’s hard to find porkchops that are decent for frying … they’ve bred out all the fat, just as they’ve tried to eliminate the marbling in beef … but I agree that there ain’t much better than good fried porkchops, excepting maybe scratch biscuits, country ham and banana pudding!

All heroes are flawed regardless of their religion … just try to select those who will stand up for that in which they believe and place the proper playing of the game ahead of winning … it’s rare that you lose with heroes like that.

When things look hopeless and all my efforts seem to end in frustration or failure, my thoughts often turn to Harry Truman … who knew failure many times over … and I’m reminded that it’s not how many times a man falls down but how many times he gets up that really counts!

I agree with Reagan who said that in order to acheive your goals you must first get elected … and maybe the 2x4 reference is the best answer … but since I figure that most of those folks are going to skip over my posts and go after those easy targets who rise to the bait … the ones I’m really trying to influence are the good folks in the neighborhood who honor and appreciate charming Grace but need to realize that high noon is fast approaching … Frankie’s clearing his throat and ole Coop could sure use some help.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 4, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Well, Shawn, I’m glad you asked about does anyone have any ideas about moving salary. I think I have an idea about moving some salary and making enough room to offer Andruw a very fair offer.

Everyone please hear me out and think about this for a minute before making snap judgements.

I looked at the Braves payroll for next year. Given that it will stay the same the dispatched salaries of Pratt, Reitsma, and Jordan basically will be offset by Hampton’s returing salary. (The part the insurance didn’t pay) Now, if you include Smoltz’s option, which will produce an extra 3 mil (he is currently making 11 mil and the option calls for 8 mil)and the money freed up that was given to Wickman and Baez this year that is basically 9 mil. If Baez shows he can do the job the rest of the season there is no way he shouldn’t be offered a contract. I say whoever we get for the closer’s role should be offered no more than 7 mil. That leaves an extra 2 mil lying around.

Now, to the meat of my proposal. During the winter I say JS should give the Angels a call and make the following offer. We offer them Giles, LaRoche, Langerhans, and Ramirez. In return they give us Figgins, Erwin Santana, and Howie Kendrick. Before everyone starts saying, “Whatever. They would never make such a deal!” I disagree.

Here is exactly why the Angels would at the very least listen to the deal. They want a solid defensive power hitting 1B. Kotchman just didn’t do the job. They were hard after Casey and Hillenbrand. LaRoche fits that description. Look, Adam will probably hit 30-35 HR and 80+RBI by the time the season is over. If you consider that he only started playing full time a month and a half ago, those are pretty good numbers. Over the course of an entire season there is no reason to believe he can’t hit 35HR and drive in 100+RBI. Especially in the hitter friendly parks of the American League. They would take Giles because despite what you people say, Giles is a good 2B. He can hit and has very good defense. He would be a bit pricey at 5 mil but cheaper than what they would have to pay Adam Kennedy. Horacio would take the place of Santana in the rotation. Ramirez is a very servicable major league starter and probably would flourish under Bud Black. Langerhans would be an excellent 4th outfielder and defensive replacement and would have to be better than Curtis Pride. As for losing Figgins, the Angels have the money to replace him via free agency.

From the Braves perspectiive. Figgins would be an obvious upgrade. He gives us a true leadoff hitter. (The guy has 40 SB already.) Could you imagine that outfield with Andruw, Frenchy, and Figgins?! Santana would give us a terrific young starter with playoff experience. (Good playoff experience. Don’t forget he knocked out the Yanks last year in the ALDS.) And, Kendrick would give us another utility guy that could come off the bench and allow us to rid ourselves of Pete Orr. Figgins can play 2B, SS, 3B, and all three outfield positions. Kendrick can play anywhere in the infield.

The lineup would be: Figgins, Renteria, Chipper, Andruw, McCann, Francoeur, Thorman/Jurries, Prado/Kendrick, Aybar, and the pitcher.

The money would saved would give us an additional 5 mil, which added to the other extra 2 mil would give the front office 7 mil. They could take 2 mil of that to get an outfielder to replace Langerhans.

The position players roster would be the above lineup with a bench of: Aybar, Kendrick, Jurries, Bryan Pena, and whatever extra OF they could pick up. With Santana in the rotation James could go back down to Richmond and get more seasoning and be a callup if anyone gets hurt (ie: Hampton).

The best part of all this would be we would have an extra 5 mil and with that money we could offer it to Andruw. Make a offer of 17.5 mil a year over 5-7 years with options for the 6th and 7th seasons at a reduced amount (14 or 15 mil). We could get Andruw signed to an extension during this offseason or spring training.

James could take Smoltz’s place in the rotation in 2008 and a good 7 mil or so freed up by that. By the time Frenchy, McCann, Kendrick, Aybar, James, Davies, and Figgins would be up for arbitration Hudson, Chipper, and Hampton’s contract would be expiring freeing up a crap load of money.

Sounds ambitious I know. But, if you think about it it is very doable. The deal would benefit both teams in the present and future. Sure the Angels would be taking on payroll. However, LaRoche, Giles, and Horacio would be cheaper than any free agent signings they would have to make to upgrade those positions and all three would be fit in very well with Scioscia’s system.

So, let me have it. Tell me how asinine all of this sounds.

But, remember the key to all of this is it would allow Andruw to stay a Brave.

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

There are bunch of us folks not getting TS … so for those that do, how about sharing when you see something of especial interest that might be missed on WGST … Thanks!

Go Braves!

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

Robert, JITB … Goodness! I saw the length of your post and thought I’d somehow reposted … my next thought was it was Nathan … no matter, bunch of interesting stuff!

By MBATL

August 4, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

Wow, have you guys read the article that was (I think) just posted, about AJ’s reaction to finding out he’s on waivers? It’s on the AJC Braves page, but HERE is a link. AJ sounds like his feelings are pretty hurt; even if he is not traded, might this influence that “home town discount?”

By Boomer

August 4, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Aybar reminds me of a young Terry Pendleton.

He is built like him as well as a switch hitting second baseman/third basemnan.

His batting stance and swing even remind me of T.P.

His thowing motion at third is very similar also.

DOB;

Is there any way you could find out if this is coincidence or did Aybar follow T.P. while growing up and his mannerisms and style are intended to mimic T.P.?

By shawn

August 4, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

Robert how about AJ and Giles for those same people and then we still have money left to spend…..Just don’t think the Angels are going to do that deal but just my opinion. Anyone know who claimed AJ?

By MBATL

August 4, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

AJ’s comment that “I know they wouldn’t do this with Chipper or Smoltzie,” makes it sound to me like AJ is not so comfy with Braves management. Or, it could be Boras pullng a Cyrano and feeding him a reaction. Or maybe I’m Oliver Stone… who knows!

By David from Athens, ALA

August 4, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

Great fielding by Langerhans and Aybar …

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I understand the public spin put on it by JS and BC … what else could they say?

However, if I were in the ‘Druw’s shoes, I’m sure that I would feel the same way … and hey, he stood up and spoke his mind … got a single too, good for him!

By shawn

August 4, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

They wouldn’t do it with Chipper or Smoltzie because when the 10/5 came up we had a first place team with few holes to fill. If they were short of 10/5 right now don’t be so sure they wouldn’t move either or both of them.Nothing wrong with AJ only there are several glaring holes on the team that need to be filled or next August we will be in the same spot…

By journalist jimmy smith

August 4, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this

journalist bob has confused jimmy smith. bet bob confused you too, right? now, bob … just what is this reference to harry truman? did you not support dewey? and as to adlai stevenson - did he not have holes in his shoes? and furthermore, did you not vote for teddy roosevelt as well? as to the pork chops and pudding - when will they be ready? all the ingredients have been purchased for a nice banana pudding and journalist will enjoy it soon. journalist is now recalling from childhood a fried peach pie with a dusting of sugar. man, that was some good eating back in uganda! add a side of matoke fruit fiber and it’s heaven.

tp, there are those in the business community who say that arthur blank endeavors to have a minority interest so that he will have the inside track to full ownership when liberty’s tax breaks have been exhausted. liberty must retain ownership for a time to realize the tax benefits.

tonight, will francoeur see more than 5 pitches in 4 at-bats? isn’t langerhans a disappointment this year? remember the pre-season hype about his staking claim to left field?

By Bob, journalist

August 4, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

Shawn, Andruw was referring to now, not back when.

By Calvin

August 4, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

The way Andruw is talking it sounds like he feels he is gonna get traded.

By shawn

August 4, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

That is what I am saying…there is a difference between now and then. And if they were not 10/5 guys they might would go to…..still might

By MEB

August 4, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

After watching the interview with Andruw on TS I don’t think he understands the business end of baseball at all. You’d think he would since this is his 11th year.

Does anyone know how the waivers information was leaked to the press?

By MBATL

August 4, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Bob, I understand… just that the whole spin here has been that AJ loved playing here, was happy as a clam, but for him to jump to that kind of conclusion suggests to me that he’s feeling a little unappreciated - and that could affect, or be an indicator of, his signability.

One might assume that if there was nothing to the rumors, management might have sat AJ down and told him so.

And nathan, I don’t sense that AJ was saying it would never happen to those other guys because of the 10/5 rule, but for other reasons that I won’t introduce into this blog…

And, his comments, or at least the report of his comments, comes a full day after this “waiver” story broke. So he’s had time to think and to talk to his agent and/or to Bobby. I don’t know, just trying to read between the lines. Maybe reading too much.

No, I don’t think JS or Bobby could say much else. I just see it as a conflict, apparently charged with emotion, that no one really suspected was there, and even if nothing is happening this weekend (and I doubt it is) this kind of thing could really impact our ability to re-sign AJ.

By Tonight on TBS

August 4, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

After the game…

Reds (1981)

An idealistic journalist (Jimmy Smith) and his paramour (Carolina Lady) journey to Cincinnati and bear witness to the Marxist-Narronist attempts to create a regime that will dominate the wild card race. (4 hours)

By geauxbraves2000

August 4, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Oh where oh where has the offense gone, oh where or where has it gone?

By Moe

August 4, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

*(Boomer)Is there any way you could find out if this is coincidence or did Aybar follow T.P. while growing up and his mannerisms and style are intended to mimic T.P.? *

Unfortunately, Aybar decided to emulate the “old” TP rather than the “young” TP and therefore smacks down the Lays.

By MBATL

August 4, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

uh, that aside was for Shawn, not Nathan… need to grow another digit, I guess.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 4, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

who will own the braves next? when will the sale be completed? js will have a new boss and may receive new direction. for now, js should explore all options. if he believes he cannot sign andruw (remember boras) js will be wise to load up on young and affordable talent. having said that, andruw is so gifted and such a great player it would be terrible to lose him - especially if he really desires to remain here. andruw is a big boy in long pants so he had to realize that boras would be inflammatory to the braves - yet he hired boras. andruw’s reaction may, sadly, be scripted by boras. let’s hope this does not affect andruw’s play and that he will rise to the occassion and show leadership. sulking and crying will do him more harm than good. speaking out is not his nature but it is probably good that he voiced his (or boras’) thoughts. everyone is right that the waiver business should not have been leaked. this is sort of like flying another team’s football coach in to interview for your team’s coaching job - and there is no vacancy!! best to do that in secrecy, right?

By geauxbraves2000

August 4, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Huit (??) There it is!

By Andrew

August 4, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

well two pop ups to first for frenchy so far…go figure

By Carolina Lady

August 4, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

Grinch, what happened to Diane Lane? Jimmy Smith may not be pleased with the casting change! :-)

By Brian

August 4, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

not to be a jinx but chuck james b!tch has a no-no through 4

By TennesseePaul

August 4, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

James doesn’t need more seasoning in the minors. He needs to pitch in the majors. And so far tonight he is proving he can pitch in the majors.

Second of all, if you subract out Reitsma, Jordan, Sosa, Wickman, Baez, Giles, and Pratt from the future payroll and assum a 10% increase in eveyrone’s salary, you still come up way under the budget. With that, you can afford to pay Andruw about 100 million over 5 years and still keep all the guys. It isn’t impossible to sign Andruw. And you don’t have to trade away everyone either. We can still keep LaRoche. Assuming the 10% works. But a lot of that is up to the arbitration process. Probably why it’s called arbitration. It is very arbitrary. But whatever. JS will make it work with out butchering the team.
We’ve seen a lot of turn over in the past 5 years. A lot. But most everyone has been replaced with a home grown talent. There have been a few spots JS filled with trades and signings. But for the most part, JS is getting them from our system. So nothing to worry about.

GO JAMES! GO! so far he is looking real good. He has a real nice line. No need to send that guy down. No need at all.