Braves

By Lew

August 28, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

Well, This Monday sure has been interesting.

By AJK

August 28, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

DOB: Great post, and couldn’t agree more. Pick up the option now - just no legit excuse not to. But I doubt it’ll happen, if for no other reason than that Schuerholz will want to show Smoltzie who’s boss. The one big negative with Schuerholz has always been that impossible ego…

By ernesto

August 28, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

There are few things l love as much as going out at sea becoming a hurricane, then not being one, then becoming one again, but the thing I love even more is seeing that Tomahawk on Smoltzie’s chest…He’s a steal at 8 million (I mean John “Oh my God I suck” Thomson gets 4 million. Extend Smoltz already homeboy!

By SaltyDog55

August 28, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

DOB…simply a classic, classic blog. You really ran with the story…I’m still laughing! Kudos!

Manic Monday…Bangles (at least the first verse…kinda captures that Monday AM blues feeling, you know, cold water in the face!)

Six o’clock already I was just in the middle of a dream I was kissin’ Valentino by crystal blue Italian stream But I can’t be late ‘cause then I guess just won’t get paid These are the days when you wish your bed was already made….

By dfree

August 28, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

js the gm and js the pitcher are having a battle royal with their ego’s….

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 28, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Pick up the option. I’d hate to see John Sch. lose any respect from the rest of the younger guys because they see the bearded face of the franchise standing his ground (and desevedly so). A negative clubhouse environment is the last thing these guys need at this moment. Not Saying that they are negative now, but they don’t need to fall into a he said/she said rut….

Let’s try this one on for size: “Headin’ up to San Francisco for a Labor day weekend show….. I got my hushpuppies on, I guess I never was meant for glitter-rock & roll….And honey, I didn’t know that I’d be missin’ you so…..

Come Monday, it’ll be alright Come Monday, I’ll be holding you tight I spent four lonely days in a brown L.A. haze And I just want you back by my side”

By Carolina Lady

August 28, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Trees are flexible and bend in the wind. Airplane wings are flexible and it adds to their strength. A body that is flexible enables that body to make full use of itself. Flexibility is a most desirable trait.

If I had an employee who has proven himself loyal and dedicated in many ways for many years, without whom my business would have suffered mightily, I would make myself flexible enough to acknowledge that employee’s concerns with a word or two. That’s all it would have taken.

I would have made certain that would never have reached this point to begin with. Ripples from a tossed stone reach every part of the pond. How do others in the company now perceive themselves and their relationship to that company? Is a rigid, hard-shelled ego worth the destruction of the company itself?

(Sorry, Scoots. Still love ya!)

By Greg

August 28, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Dave:

Whatever happened to the money Chipper deferred? We might be hanging a 15th division flag if JS had used it to sign a real closer in the off season. I predict that will be the last time a player takes a pay cut to help his team. Time-Warner is a bunch of greedhead bastards. I hope Liberty wants a ball club and not just a tax break, but I fear the worst. Remember, throughout the ’80s, the KC Royals were a baseball power. We could be in for a long decline.

By tyyosh

August 28, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

How certain are we that this was intended as a blatant insult, as opposed to a talkative guy using slang? (Homeboy = neighborhood friend, I believe). It would not surprise me to see Smoltz apologize and clarify that he did not mean it to sound disrespectful.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Could this stirring up of controversy Smoltz has done be some way of bringing the team together. You know all the attention shifts away from the play on the field and to Smoltz who at this point in his career and life can handle it. I’m thinking sort of what Ozzie Guillen does. He makes these outrageous comments and all of a sudden no one is talking about how badly the White Sox have played but about Ozzie’s strange use of the word, “pirahanas”. Interesting pronunciation he has on that word. Anyway, by Smoltz bringing this up for the last day no one has mentioned the horrific bullpen or Frenchy’s wild swings, or Andruw’s pension for wild swings, or the fact the starting rotation is currently a step above the Royals.

Its just interesting Smoltz brings this up now. Why not a month ago? Perhaps Smoltz knows it is truly now or never for the Braves and this young team needs to be focused and not continuously asked why they aren’t performing.

Now, if this isn’t some sort of stunt by Smoltz then JS should be ashamed of himself for doing this to probably the greatest Atlanta Brave that ever lived!

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

CL, I don’t have a single problem with what you posted. I’ve done the very thing myself, because there ARE some folks who have earned consideration. I am not, however, psychic and cannot know every single distress among every single employee without SOME input. I wish I could, but I can’t. For me, it still goes back to the forum Smoltz chose for making his displeasure known. Even if Smoltz can’t stand to be in the same room with Schuerholz, criminy, that’s why they MAKE agents. Schuerholz is not the bad guy here. I’m afraid this is one time that it would be pretty hard for me to change my mind on the issue, and that’s saying a lot for me.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Also, JS better watch how he handles this situation. Because if he screws over Smoltz, then guys like LaRoche, Francoeur, and McCann knows it could happen to them.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

while homeboy may mean neighborhood friend in somebody’s neighborhood, it probably is not the preferred greeting in js’ neighborhood. sure, it was disrespectful - it was likely intended that way. will the braves air their dirty laundry in the ajc or will they (have they already) talk it our among themselves? smoltz is a big boy and shouldn’t need a lot of lovin’ - just a regular check. jimmy smith can’t feel like smoltz is owed an awful lot - it goes both ways - the team didn’t abandon him when his arm was falling off. journalist thinks picking up the option makes sense for the team but if the player rocks the boat too much in this organization the player does not win - he is gone. too bad this is happening with smoltz - a fan favorite.

By hk

August 28, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

… Braves are leading the league in runs, rbi, total bases, slugging avg and home runs …

… here’s the hitter’s ‘MVP’ through last night, including Betemit’s numbers (still starting most of the time) … so far with LA, .239 avg, .290 obp …

Year End..Runs..Homers..RBI’s..MVP..Last

Andruw…..98…..38…..129…265…267

Frenchy….87…..30…..112…229…229

LaRoche….88…..33……94…215…207

Chipper….93…..26……90…210…204

Renteria..107…..14……68…188…188

Giles……97…..11……63…171…166

McCann…..58…..20……83…161…159

Betemit….49…..19……53…121…116

Langy……46……9……31….87….82

Team Average……………….179…176

click here for chart

By tyyosh

August 28, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

BTW DOB, What did you mean on the last blog early this morning, where you said there was a good chance JS (GM) would read [one of the poster’s] comments on the blog? Does JS read these blogs? Or maybe are there some well-connected people posting inside knowledge here?!?

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

Ty, yes, he does.

Manic Monday … good choice. Forgot about that one.

oh, and … Virginia Madsen.

By Carolina Lady

August 28, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Scoots, I have to agree that I think the wrong forum was used, just based on my limited knowledge of the events. I wish it hadn’t gotten so public; that never works. If Shuerholz had wished to respond to Smoltz’ original comment (something about hoping that mgt would step up), he should not have made that snide, dismissive comment about Smoltz to the press but should have used private communication. Badly handled.

By kevin

August 28, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Karma Police is nice

By SaltyDog55

August 28, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

CL and Scoots Both positions well presented…it’d be nice to sit around the table and gnash this one over pie and tea!

JS and JS let this get public and need to fix it just as quickly.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

So,DOB, if JS really reads this blog then what has he ever said about some of the posts? There have been some rather nasty things written about him here.

By Greg

August 28, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Dave:

If JS reads these blogs, then he must be acutely aware how disgusted most Braves fans are regarding this year and the poor team that we fielded. No leadoff hitter. And no bullpen. Plummeting to last place.

The wild card is nothing more than a cruel joke, and it’s been that way since June. We aren’t even .500.

If I owned Time-Warner stock I would flush it down the toilet. It makes me cringe to think of all those years that we lost in the post season because Time-Warner was too cheap to add the piece we needed to get to and win the Series. JS has been very creative and we’ve been lucky with the weakness of our division over the last few years. But this year Time-Warner’s penny-pinching bit us in the a*.

Maybe we should try to finish last to get better draft picks. As cheap as Time-Warner and as cheap as Liberty will be, we need really good young pitching that plays for the minimum salary. Finish last, boys, or we’re going to be really mediocre for the next decade.

By ernesto

August 28, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Homeboy = guy you like…it was actually a term of endearment. JS should just say “Gotcha Playah, I’m gonna extendizzle ya” I think the JSs are just keepin’ it real.

By ernesto

August 28, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Blue Monday (new order)…nah, I like the Buffett reference better.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

Maybe if we sent them Pete and Skip’s BBQ, pie and a jug of sweet tea, they could talk it out and come to an understanding. I’ll buy the pie.

By Carolina Lady

August 28, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

Hey, Salty! Thanks! You bring the pie(s) and I’ll bring the sweet tea!

The more I think about it, when first asked about picking up the option, instead of flatly saying he doesn’t negotiate until postseason, something a little more diplomatic like “I look forward to talking with John after the season” would have been so much better. Seems that ‘people skills’ may be somewhat lacking.

Oh, well. They are them and I am me, and what I think doesn’t matter a toot. I think I’ll sashay into the kitchen and warm up some of those good ol’ stuffed shells from last night! :-))

BTW, has anybody heard from SUDS (in China)lately??

By T.C.

August 28, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

In honor of the small firestorm created by the JS’s, how about:

“They Call it Stormy Monday”

By TennesseePaul

August 28, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

DOB: OK, now that I’ve read this blog I think I have a good idea what this is becoming. I recall a few weeks back when Andruw was put on waivers (Oh the horror!). My view of it then was that it was all AJC over-hype. Now I’m starting to think this is of the same ilk. There are a lot of issues with this team this year, but I don’t think any of these issues will result in Smoltz not returning. As far as everyone can tell from this side of the business, the front office is running on the Business-As-Usual schedule. Smoltz is Smoltz. That seems to be the gist of this storty.

I love Smoltz. He’s my all time favorite Brave. He has been since he came up. My Brother and I would fight over it. He was left handed and like Glavine. I’m right handed and like Smoltz. But, nevertheless, we like the Braves. The only blemish Smoltz has, in my eyes, is he talks a lot. But he’s always been like this. He has a strong will. It’s served him well in his career, but it does pop up on the ugly side every now and then. And no matter what, that man should be a Brave as long as he desires to pitch at this level of ball. Of all the Hall Of Famers that have played for the Braves over the last 15 years, Smoltz is for sure the one who should stick through and end his career here. I’d like to see him, Chipper, and Andruw all finish Hall of Fame Careers with this club.

Now, as a side note, Smoltz has been my best player since day one. But, knowing he is nearing the end of his career (Be it in 1 year or 7) I am strongly leaning towards McCann as my next Best. It’s as close match between Francoeur, Davies, James and McCann. But McCann is the front runner right now. That guy is just blowing me away.
And the beard is solid. Very solid.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 28, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Fats Domino’s “Blue Monday” is easily the best Monday song. What an oversight!

By Lew

August 28, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

There never is much in the way of GOOD young pitching that pitches for the Major League minimum, Greg. I’m not sure where you think to find it outside of the amateur draft. If you draft them, you have to wait several years before they get good enough to bring up. Then you have to hope that they are as good as you hoped. Then you have to hope they won’t get injured. We already have young pitchers working their way up. We will draft more. If you think you will get them from other teams, good luck. They are looking for Good young pitchers who pitch for the Major League minimum, too. Not everyone is as stupid as the Mets to give away pitchers like Scott Kazmir. We already have good young pitchers. What about Kyle Davies and Chuck James? What about Lerew? What about Horacio Ramirez? What about McBride and Boyer? The reason we are in the position we are now is because of two things-1. We’re a very young team and have been rebuilding for a couple of years, now. The Division Titles we won in recent years has masked this fact. 2. Injuries. We have had an inordinate amount of injuries the past two years. It forced us last year, to bring up a substantial portion of our AA team, at least a year and maybe two early. Life in the future is not as dismal as you make it. The run had to end sometime and we’re lucky it went this far. We’ll be back soon. Don’t turn out the lights.

By elbravox

August 28, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

On this one J.S. is full of B.S. This move will cost The Braves millions and/or players to bounce out of Atlanta.

By MEB

August 28, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

Ba-da ba-da-da-da, Ba-da ba-da-da-da, Ba-da ba-da-da-da

A happy Monday to all!

So… its Schmidt vs. Hudson tomorrow night, Giants vs. Braves, one of my favorite Braves rivals. Right behind the Dodgers and Mets.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

Hey, Columbus is playing for the LLWS title right now. They just mentioned that the Braves sent along best wishes to the team. Lets hope they can take it to Japan tonight.

By BravesLifer

August 28, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

DOB - I would think that you, moreso than anyone else on this blog, wouldn’t say something like that Schuerholz needs to pick up his option now. You usually have a level head about these types of things, and don’t get caught up in the emotion of it. You said that this won’t happen again…The reality is there is a very strong likelihood that this will happen again, and in the next few years (if I’m correct in assuming what you meant—that it’s because Smoltz is a lifelong Brave and fan favorite, and has given everything he has to the team). Look at Chipper and Andruw. I’m not sure of their exact contract situations, but there is a strong possibility that they may come into the same situation in the next few years…lifelong Braves that have an option to be picked up, and Schuerholz wants to wait until after the season to do so. You stated yourself above that teams always wait until after the season to pick up such options…why should this be any different? Some of Schuerholz’s success can be attributed to the fact that he rarely gives into players (which helps him to keep some sort of authority), never negotiates during the season (which means there are less distractions for the team on the field), and does not do “no-trade” clauses (which can handcuff an organization for years). I don’t think this situation is any different. If Smoltz’s arm falls off in late September, it would be foolish of us to have already picked up his option, and pay him 1/10th of the entire team budget for next year, when he would contribute nothing. And for those of you that say we “owe it to him,” why? We’ve paid him millions and millions of dollars, and stuck with him when he had serious injuries in his mid- to late-thirties. Granted, we stuck with him because he was still good and we thought he could produce for us…but that’s just it. This is a business. You can’t make decisions based on emotion, or wanting to show someone appreciation. He’ll get his option in due time, and can shower himself with $8 million worth of appreciation.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

Back again. Methinks this Smoltz-Schurholz thing is getting blown way out of proportion. Speaking of methinks, where is Bob? CL, I have stuffed shells with alfredo/parmesan sauce on the menu tonight, though I’m sure yours were better (especially on the second day). Lasagne is really more my specialty, right behind Taco Bell :-) Lew, your comment about Breyer’s the other day made me grab some mint chocolate chip, as well. 35, thanks for the reassurance, I was all ready to load my red-eared Guanaereo(?) speedwagon rifle. DOB, you said hold this check ‘till next Thursday, right?

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

Since I keep throwing Smoltz under the bus, I guess I should point out that I think his option SHOULD be picked up, in case anyone thought otherwise. I have great respect for the man between the lines, he’s got sand, and you can’t help but like that in a competitor. And 19 years (or whatever) gives the guy the right to push a LITTLE bit. But he’s already used that up this season, and now he’s stepped over the line, IMO. Schuerholz may have been snide in a comment or two, but he didn’t initiate this crapola, and I’d probably get a little testy myself (and everybody knows what a sweetheart I am :-)..don’t they?) when folks not privy to all goings on in the organization imply I’m not doing everything in my power to bring success. Maybe they work it out, and the option gets picked up in a couple of weeks, I don’t know. I don’t have nearly the ego Schuerholz is supposed to have, but I personally would have a hard time turning the other cheek on this one.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

if js reads this blog then he must be aware that our blog leader has won a wurlitzer. a small sign should be nailed to the wall of the pressbox signifying this prize. not even the old journalist has a wurlitzer. the little sign structure is probably already in house and and available since it will not be used for its originally intended purpose - this year. with just a little imagination the wurlitzer sign can become a major testimony to the journalistic endeavors of dob - and a fitting tribute in an appropriate venue. now, suspenders … sartorial splendor has been wanting on this team since the departure of prime time deion sanders. js with his suspenders is the best dressed member of the organization and certainly he cannot be considered a homeboy. what homeboy wears suspenders? erkel? not even close.

toes. address the toes of these players! hire a toe man and get right with baseball.

now, virginia madsen - lovely - and having no need for suspenders. dob has good taste in lovely ladies.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Breyer’s mint chocolate chip is the food of the God’s. Taco Bell is good, too. I agree that it is all getting blown out of proportion. Slow news day.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

Speaking of lovely ladies, it’s hard to think of “Manic Monday” by the Bangles without giving mad props to Susannah Hoffs, Homeboy-eeezz (I’m sure that’s the way Smoltzie meant it). She’s actually even still hot now. Jimmy, what are your ideas regarding sock-suspenders? Perhaps that’s what the Braves need to shore up their toe problems, and the wise and sage JS is trying to lead them down that path by example.

By Ptown Bravo

August 28, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

John Prine, homeboy. Boomtown Rats might be a little too upbeat for these Atlanta Braves on any given Monday. Jimmy Buffett is a strong second.

From his latest, Fair and Square, “Long Monday”:

It’s gonna be a long Monday Sittin’ all alone on a mountain By a river that has no end It’s gonna be a long Monday Stuck like the tick of a clock That’s come unwound - again And again

PS: can you even begin to imagine the soundbites we’d have if Gary Sheffield was in the Braves’ lockerroom this season?

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

Lew’s right. I’m done with it, guess my venom is spewed, LOL. Besides, it’s hard to stay mad with a wurlitzer winner in the house…and thoughts of Virginia Madsen in my head!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

Now, people hear me out before you go slamming me. I think it is becoming quite obvious that A-Rod can no longer play in New York. Its messing with his mind and I think Jeter lets him know every day that the Yanks are his team. Now, lets say the Yanks are willing to trade A-Rod and Andruw doesn’t committ to signing an extension. What if the Braves offered Andruw for A-Rod? The trade would be an almost straight up trade money wise because the Rangers are paying a part of A-Rod’s contract and in reality the Braves would only be paying him 15 mil, which is 1.5 more than Andruw will be making or at least as much as he would be making if he signed an extension.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

I agree. I got the kind with sugar, I hope you don’t think me impertinent (especially since we’re not sharing it).

By BravesLifer

August 28, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB) - The same thought crossed my mind today, but where would we put him? We have an unmoveable contract with Chipper, and an absolute steal with Renteria at short…so there’d be nowhere to put A-Rod. But I do think he’d thrive in a place like Atlanta, where the media and the fans are pretty soft, relatively speaking.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

Jesus H. Christmas, Robert! It’s a slow news day, indeed, but not THAT slow. However, I would be curious to see if A-Rod’s lips turn normal color in hot weather…

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

I apologize I posted my comments before I was finished. The Braves could then trade Renteria to a team like the Angles for a good young starting pitcher, who will also be cheap. They could still package some combination of Giles, Langerhans, and Thorman for a good leadoff hitter. If not, they should have enough money to get a closer (preferably Wickman until Devine or Boyer are ready to take over) and a leadoff hitter.

Okay, I’m ready to be ridiculed.

By Ptown Bravo

August 28, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Oh, yeah, one more thing, since it is an off day, maybe we could dedicate today’s blog to the lovely Virginia Madsen - just a thought.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

BravesLifer, that may be true about the Atlanta media and A-rod, but what about the NY media and Andruw? There’s a reason he took less money to stay here, and it ain’t the weather. That would be a really crappy thing to do to one of the greatest to ever don a Braves uni. Besides, Andruw’s cool and A-Rod isn’t, despite the slightly higher average. I’d be PO’d if this happened, which it won’t.

By paluka

August 28, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Not only should Smoltz’ option be picked up and announced but JS should also offer another option year as well. Speaking of contracts: any word on a possible extention for Andruw? And just for everyones information Manic Monday wes penned by Prince-the greatest song writter of our time!!

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

gawd, trade for the most narcissistic, self-obsessed player on the planet? puh-leeze…half the time I expect the guy to break into the royal “we” when he’s talking about himself (which is most of the time). Had he signed with Braves instead of the Rangers back in the day, wow, what he could have been. But now? Fish three days in the sun.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 28, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

BravesLifer — AMEN!

If I could have said it better myself, I would have. But I couldn’t agree more with your post.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Prince certainly had his moments (more so than most probably realize), but that’s going a bit far. He could really shred on a guitar, too, but didn’t do it on alblum, for some reason.

By krath

August 28, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

I grew up watching and playing basketball where you played good defense, came down the court, set up the offense and ran plays designed to get someone open for a shot. Pick and roll, lots of passing, trying to get a good shot.

It was effective and the teams that did it well were the most successful.

Anyone who tried to coach a team to play that way today on any level other than pee wee ball, would be lucky to win a single game! Sure you still have to play D but the offensive side of the game is so much faster, the athletes are so much bigger and quicker! It’s a running game and even though teams run offensive sets, it’s nothing like it was years ago.

Things change. Life changes. The game changes. People change. Loyalties change.

Look at baseball today. It’s a game where guys hit the ball 450 feet and then stand and admire the shot at home plate. Is there ever any retaliation? Sure, but rarely. The Russ Springer thing in Houston this year was to me the coolest thing. He nailed Bonds because Bonds admired one too many shots off Springer. Heck Bonds has been admiring them waaaay too long in my opinion. I admire any pitcher who goes after a hitter who tries to show him or the opposition up. It just doesn’t happen that often anymore though. I’m not trying to sound tough, but if I were pitching and Manny admired one of his shots like he does sometimes…. “Manny would just be being Manny” on his back the next time he came up even if he wiped the field with my butt! lol

Ok…. I rambled too long on that but my point was that things are different even than they were in 1995.

Sometimes, “the way we do things here” that worked in 1996 ain’t gonna work in 2006.

The General Manager who will not adjust his methods to meet the current state of the game,free agency, loyalties or lack thereof, may indeed be no different than one of his pitchers who will not adjust his game plan even if he’s getting hit all over the park.

Just because I have this opinion doesn’t mean that I necessarily side with Smoltz on this. He knows where he plays and knows who he plays for. He knows the drill even if he doesn’t like the drill. I’m not sure why he’s surprised, if he is indeed surprised at how the GM is handling this. It’s the GM’s M.O.

I just think the M.O. needs to change.

Just an opinion.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t think A-Rod is that cocky. He is no more cocky than Jeter or Smoltz or Big Pappi. And besides. Can you really blame him for not taking the money? Who here would have turned down $252 million dollars because “it is just way too much money for a ball player”. Please! Give me a flippin break. 99% of the people on here would take the money and run. A-Rod exercise the good capitalism spirit. What is wrong with that? That is why I think you people are out of your mind if you think Andruw would turn down $20 mil from teams like the Yanks and Red Sox if they offered it. Besides Andruw would be perfect for New York because he would just shrug off the media hounds. A-Rod does take things a bit too personal.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 28, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

BravesLifer, I was referring to your 5:57 post about Smoltz. No comment on your ARod-Andruw trade, because it’s useless to speculate on something that won’t happen.

But AMEN on your 5:57!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

what? no butter pecan? no publix butter pecan? and what about root beer? no root beer? and what about virignia madsen? she is coming over to jimmy smith’s in a little while for a root beer float. see what you are missing?

By Some guy

August 28, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Is there a real reason to post musical lyrics in your blogs? I don’t see it.

By Brad in KY

August 28, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

DOB

I think it’s a bit unfair to accuse Schuerholz of having an ego problem less than 24 hours after Smoltz’ comment.

First, he’s hardly had time to respond to the issue (if he does at all).

Second, I imagine there are policies in place concerning when options and other such contractual matters are dealt with. Following company policy is good business, not an ego problem.

What’s been disappointing about this season (other than the losing) is the foolish, immature and very public comments made by Smoltz and Andruw Jones. The fact that Smoltz can and does say whatever is on his mind isn’t a reflection of his statesmanship or leadership, but, instead, a reflection of his incredible immaturity. One can be honest and “straight” about things without going public. This is, again, the sort of matter that he should approach Schuerholz about through proper channels.

Instead, with the team on the brink of official elimination, Smoltz has created more tension in the clubhouse.

Ridiculous. Simply ridiculous.

By BravesLifer

August 28, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Tom A Hawk—thanks…and perhaps I should clarify on the Andruw/A-Rod thing. I don’t think we should make that trade! Just that it crossed my mind. I love Andruw. I’m scared that 155 games a year for the last ten years, and sacrificing of his body in the outfield over that same time are going to start taking away from his performance at some point down the road, but I still love him. Sorry for the confusion!

By MBATL

August 28, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

Other posters have made most of the points, so I won’t repeat them; but I think Smoltz is out of line in going public with this kind of thing. Have we ever heard Scheurholz or Cox publicly criticize a player, no matter how much money they were making or how poorly they were performing? I don’t think so. Smoltz has made over $100 million with the Braves; I think he’ll be okay waiting another couple of months to get the guarantee on the next $8 mil.

RJIB, interesting idea on A-Rod, but I’d rather trade AJ for young pitching, and trade the young pitching for a Carl Crawford-type; or, just keep the young pitching and sign Soriano with the leftover $$.

By The Grinch

August 28, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

Oh, the inhumanity! I just got a package from my ex-girlfriend labled “Important Photos-Do Not Bend” and I actually opened it! Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhh! I’ll likely not be back for a while.

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

jjs, would you please ask Virginia if she likes cobbler? And where she stands on the meringue-and-banana-pudding issue? Thanks, buddy. PS…could I have Diane Lane’s phone number now?

By Lew

August 28, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Diabetics pretend their is no sugar in Breyer’s ice cream. It is counter productive thinking. Besides, dairy products tend to slow the glycemation process. As a matter of fact, Brownies will jack your blood sugar because of the flour in them, but fudge, which is just sugar and butter won’t. Cheese cake won’t boost your blood sugar, either-it’s protein and fat. It won’t help you lose weight, though.

By supergrass

August 28, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

i dont know if js feelslike next year is the year things fall apart for smoltz, like this year is the year the division title ends, or if he has full authority to pull a deal with the pending sale of the team. smoltz is a great player,as a fan i think his option must be picked up at almost any cost. he should earn clemens type money. Then on the other hand, I understand it’s the way js does business, things are done in the off season. think of how bad the braves home record is, & he has 8 of 12 wins at home. whos the ace of this rotation going to be without smoltz- hampton, hudson, davies, ramirez, thomson, james ? it would really be the beginning of a new chapter.

The Mamas And The Papas - Monday, Monday my aunt suggested it, ive never heard it. my favorite sunday song is sunday morning by no doubt

By mike

August 28, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, Best post of the year could not agree. In the spirit of the working man and your love for music. I am 61 and a love for the great ones. So heres my take. Best Concert Yes Second Pink Floyd Most Talented Van Halen with DD Best Warm Up AC/DC in front of Alice Cooper Best Song ever witnessed Emerson Lake & Palmer “Fanfare To The Common Man” Most talented artist “Johnny Lang”

Married for 28 years a winner in every mans studio anything with “Michael Bubble” Out have to take the blood pressure medication.

By T.C.

August 28, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

Some guy — Because when a diverse group of intelligent people come together to discuss something they’re passionate about, they often find they have other interests in commen. It’s only human nature to share. My homebrew club gathers to discuss beer and brewing, but more than once topics have skewed toward totally unrealted items that we enjoy. At work, we don’t limit our conversations to “shop talk.” There’s nothing wrong with that. I think the Braves remain the heart of this blog, but if some people enjoy discussing other things they’re passionate about — and can feel free to do so — that’s a good thing. Not trying to offend you … just answering your question.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to trade Andruw either but wake up realize its 2006. Guys talk about loyalty but they don’t mean it. You are crazy if you think Andruw will turn down 19 or 20 mil to stay here for 15 mil. That is simply insane. Players aren’t like they used to be. I personally believe one of the reasons Soriano didn’t want to be traded was because if he was and he didn’t come through like he was supposed to or the team he was traded to didn’t make the playoffs it could somehow hurt his value.

All I’m saying is that if JS doesn’t get the sense that he is 100% certain Andruw will stay then he has to trade him and get something out of him then simply letting him walk via free agency and all we get in return is a draft pick that may or may not ever pan out.

By MBATL

August 28, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

I used to complain about the ‘off topic’ posts on this blog, but then came to understand that (1) there are some very interesting and intelligent folks posting here; (2) when it’s “game time” the non-baseballers tend to lay low, or stick to the topic of baseball, which is kind of cool on their part; and (3) on off days, or after a bad loss, it’s either varied blogs or no blogs at all.

By elbravox

August 28, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

Atlanta wins the World Series!! Little league thou.

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

And, SomeGuy, DOB says Schuerholz reads this blog, and I guarantee he gets more gassed over jimmy, Bob, Carolina Lady, and others, than he does over we baseball-spouting bloggers. Probably has a closet passion for Hag and X, too, but I’m just guessin’…

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

BTW, glad MBATL made an appearance. SomeGuy, if you want to check out good baseball posts, look for MBATL, TennesseePaul, nathan, among others. I know I do.

By T.C.

August 28, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

P.S. — I’ve been reading and enjoying this blog for awhile, but haven’t really posted before … so I hope I didn’t step on anyone’s toes with my post.

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

TC, you can park that worry. We’re the picture in the dictionary for First Amendment. However, careful of toes and the mention thereof, a sensitive and often-broached subject here on the blog.

By T.C.

August 28, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Gotcha, ncscoots. Will be careful of that one.

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

In case you didn’t catch this at the tail end of the behemoth…

Yo Dave…

I meant to say this in the earlier post, but by the time I started typing, I forgot. Since you’re a big Virginia Madsen fan, you —definitely— need to check “Long Gone” out.

Not only is it one of the best baseball movies ever, but the views of Madsen are triumphant.

By Beachcomber

August 28, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

Way to go Columbus! Sweet victory. Say this for the Japanese team - for the first time in several years, the “international champion” looked like a team of kids from the same town as opposed to some of the recent entries that looked suspiously like a national all star team. Same for the Mexican team - you have to love their little catcher - reminded one of a 12-year-old Marcus Giles.

By elbravox

August 28, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

I hear Smoltz is going to pony up for Georgia LLWS champs to come to The Ted, maybe they have some good middle relief for the cheap! New young blood never a bad thing. Just hope they do not cry when B.C. goes deep into his nose.

By Spiders9

August 28, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’ve gotta go with the Mamas and Papas Monday song. On the topic of John Smoltz, the GM should pick up the option for next year. He has given us the best chance to win a game each time he takes the mound. And chances are, he will continue to be that consistent next season. This isn’t the first time that JS hasn’t picked up a JS option until,well, everyone was wondering if it indeed would be picked up. I think it will be again. In fact, even baseball being the big business it is, the Braves should do everything possible to keep Smoltz and let him retire as a Brave. At least we’ll know which cap he will wear on his HOF plaque.

By mariner

August 28, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

Weighing in on the A-Rod discussion. I’d rather not pick up A-Rod in his current mental state. And he might actually be a worse defender this year than Chipper, and no one knows how he’d play returning to short. Another player who is rumored to be on the move in the off-season is Miguel Tejada. I think he’s a better shortstop than Renteria and a better hitter than Andruw. I think he’d fit in nicely at cleanup between Chipper and McCann. The Yankees keep insisting that ARod isn’t going anywhere, but the Orioles seem to be willing to part with Tejada as long as they get equal value. I think AJ and Renteria for Tejada and prospects is equal value for both teams.

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

RJIB,

You know that the Braves were the second highest bidder when the Rangers landed A-Rod…?

By Beachcomber

August 28, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

Just saw a few comments about the Mamas and Papa’s Monday, Monday which gets my vote - my era. But by far their best effort was not one of their major hits but their cover of the old Bobby Freeman Do You Wanna Dance. Just sensational!

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

You are correct. Prance can really play a guitar and he didn’t show it off too much in the studio, but on the full-length version of Purple Rain, he does in the last three minutes or so.

By supergrass

August 28, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

A-Rod might actually be a worse defender this year than Chipper What? AROD is definately worse of a defender this year than chipper.chipper is not a bad defender. why mention chipper as a bad fielder. arod fielding mistakes are magnified in ny, especially with the yanks being in the playoff hunt and the braves not. chipper fielding % .932 (17 errors), arod has 23 errors with a .933 fielding percentage. and their offensive numbers are comparable. considering chipper has spent time on the dl and arod hasnt, 118 hits to arods 134 hits, chipper 21 hr- arod 26 hr.

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

krath,

Very nice post, dude.

Change is life. To grow and survive, we need to know that and stay fluid and nimble.

Que sera…

By Carolina Lady

August 28, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Grinch, those shells sound great! Love Lasagna, too! Was very please about the award today; you? Would loved to have been a fly on the wall! :-))

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

perhaps she is the perfect woman! she is bright and witty and very beautiful. at first journalist jimmy smith was distracted by her charms but keeping things in perspective journalist sounded out virginia madsen about important considerations. jouralist finds that virginia madsen enjoys a good cobbler - does not tolerate meringue on her banana pudding - and she gives a great back rub. journalist and virginia are just now enjoying a cold, root beer float. this is so nice … wait! what’s that? the doorbell? oh, the humanity! it is diane lane! what will journalist do?

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Little League World Series on ESPN2!

Better be watchin! Just started…

By ncscoots

August 28, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

jjs, now would be the time to clue in to TommyB’s adjuration to be “fluid and nimble”. Hope you’ve read your Sun Tzu and Musashi Miyamoto!

By elbravox

August 28, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

TommyB, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT SCROLL UP!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

has anyone heard from journalist guy curtright since the ralph peepers’ pie was delivered? and how is journalist guy reacting to the wurlitzer news today? we must keep journalist guy as a viable journalist when dob is away because it looks like journalist jimmy smith is going to be occupied for awhile …

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

OMG,

It’s Erin Andrews….

OH, Yeah. : )

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

journalist just heard from journalist bob - it is madeline albright and janet reno at bob’s door! adlai stevenson indeed!

now, baseball … if andruw is gimpy it may be toes - not knees - but toes. if it is toes …

By TommyB

August 28, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

elbravox,

I’ll try. I can’t promise anything. But I WILL try.

By Jt

August 28, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Are you kiddin?!?! Smoltz is cheap- Hudson makes more (0n average), Hampton makes more! Hell, Albie Lopez made $4M! Mussina ($15M, at least)! Randy Johnson($20M?). NOT picking up the option would make NO SENSE! It will be done! That is why he wasn’t traded! Wining is about pitching! John Smolts is pitching! He is relatively cheap! He cannot be replaced at the price he currently makes!He WILL be back.

By MEB

August 28, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy… we know the heart of a journalist compels you to blog at a moment like this, but for humanity’s sake, don’t let Virginia catch you at the keyboard. A woman of her considerable talents would not appreciate someone who would blog and tell. Are you saving the Publix Butter Pecan for the coup de grace?

By dadgum

August 28, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the Georgia LL team! Great win….still would like to see another replay of that shot down third base line by the Japanese player. It hit fair short of the bag crossed over the bag and appeared to catch part of the foul line. Gotta be a reason it was only replayed once. The ump appeared to get almost hit by the shot and may not have been in the best position to call it correctly. Not saying it wasn’t foul or taking anything away from the US team just that I would sure like to see another replay. Hey gotta believe though that we have gotten our fair share of bad calls over the years.

By Lew

August 28, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Yes, TC-You must learn that Diane Lane makes lousy Banana pudding, Jimmy likes Publix butter pecan ice cream(from the tub)in his root beer floats, DOB won the Wurlitzer Prize for Music Journalism and making sense of Smoltz quotes, and that Al Gore (damn him, we were blissful in our ignorance) is responsible for Global Warming which caused the glaciers to melt and made the Yaks and Musk Oxen migrate to Cordele, Ga. If you can live with all of this and occaisionally with venom spewing by Scoots, you will be very welcome on this blog. Does this clary the situation? Amen and Selah. Abide with us Dude. Oh yeah, don’t worry about Grinch. We dress him nice and let him out at night. And always be nice to Carolina Lady. Evening, Ma’am.

By Carolina Lady

August 28, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

jimmy, there is a conspicuous gap in the coverage of your most interesting evening: what happened when Miss Lane appeared at the door? Are you sure that this is an appropriate situation for the parent of baby seal?? Where is baby seal while you are entertaining?

By Lew

August 28, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

Sir Jimmy-I warned you not to let Ralph Peepers send the Foreign Trunk Pie to Journalist Guy Curtright. Now he will never speak to us. If he was afraid to talk before, how do you think he feels now? Is he even able to speak anymore? Enquiring minds want to know. Hopefully you didn’t send him any of Diane Lane’s banana pudding.

By Carolina Lady

August 28, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Hey, Lew! Congratulations on your successful mission today! Well done, my friend!! Think the others should be let in on the recent conspiracy? As lead character it should be your call.

TC, the language is easy to pick up on here. The math can get a little confusing since we use the DOB method here. Poor 10-7-4 wound up as ‘35’ because of all the numbers and the calculation thereof. A nearby dictionary will be handy at times. And we welcome you! Almost forgot: by overwhelming majority the word s-u-c-k is banned from use on the blog, and any use will result in many demerits for the user. (Then you have to clean up the blogcarpet when anyone from outside the Braves Nation stumbles in and makes a mess on it.) :-)))

By Lew

August 28, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

No ma’am-This is DOB’s hour, not mine. I just helped him to realize his efforts are appreciated, as did we all. I think I mentioned before that he won dinner for two to Sizzler and the Complete Works of Zamfir. Besides, Jimmy made me do it.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 28, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this