Braves

By Phillip

September 8, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Trade Hudson, Horacio, Giles, and maybe Andruw. That should bring in some good players and/or free up enough money to fix our problems. Love to see Glavine get #300 in Atlanta, so maybe we could go with Smoltz,Glavine,Hampton,James,(#5..?) as our rotation. Looks pretty good to me.

By Phillip

September 8, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

Plus, this team needs some speed on it. I don’t care if it’s freakin Dave Roberts in LF, but this team needs someone who can steal more than 15 bases. It would be nice to have a Reyes,Furcal,Lugo,Crawford, clone.

By 22oz

September 8, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

The Braves can prepare for next season today by not letting Chipper on the field for the rest of the season. Same for Andruw. Having them fully healed will be a boost within itself. Until Chipper gets hurt again that is, but here’s hoping he can stay healty.

Does anyone know if Paul Byrd is a free agent?

By ncscoots

September 8, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

speed, huh? While it’s surely exciting to see a player scoot (heh, heh) around the basepaths, that speed has to produce at better than a 75% success clip to create more runs than it will erase. So, unless you have someone in mind who is going to have a better than .360/.370 OBP and steal 60 sacks, I’ll pass on the “speed” need. With the offense the Braves are likely to field next year, stolen bases are the least of the team’s concerns.

By MEB

September 8, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Why all of the desire to trade Giles? Y’all got someone better in mind. Has Giles not earned some respect by the Braves organization for his hard nosed play and enthusiasm while playing a great second base. Does anyone know what kind of budget we will be operating under with the new management? Lots of questions to be answered before we start trading off our star players.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 8, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

this is a guy curtright blog. 14 sentences, 14 paragraphs. did guy curtright get the pie mailed to him by car salesman ralph peepers? journalist curtright mentions john schuerholz but does not take note of his remarkable feet. very little effort was put into this blog. and music? no music and no bbq, no sweet tea, brunswick stew. or pie. oh, the humanity! the braves are out of the race! this is a difficult time for all braves fans. now, the jackass … despite threats made by the sja this journalist is unafraid. interesting time for the sja to come back to the blog at a time the stinky blogger has dominated all conversation. still, if sja will talk baseball he can be tolerable. should journalist give him benefit of the doubt? nah, probably not. probably has a shoelace in his mouth right about now trying to zip his pants. savants are that way. if not the sja, then who? does the sja know? want to get jimmy smith off your case? anything to be made of calling jimmy smith a Donkey? jackass calling someone a donkey? oh, the humanity! jimmy smith is not that way! now, baseball … the old maid tournament appears to have ended after the first round. uh, the old maid looked pretty good today- only made one bad pitch all day.

By Voice of Reason

September 8, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

I like Giles too; but you trade him because he has real value and the organization has depth at middle infield. Like they keep telling us, it’s just a business, right?

By Head Coach

September 8, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Yea lets trade some pitching , we have only used ten starting pitchers so far this season. Giles is gone , too many young inexpensive infielders are ready to play second. Resign Wickman and find a leadoff hitter , offer arbitration to Baez and evrything else will take care of itself assuming all the pitching comes back healthy in spring training.

By No Talent Loser journalist jimmy smith

September 8, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Oh the humanity!

By Ed Smith

September 8, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

NO TALENT LOSER journalist jummy smith My my, aren’t you the clever one!! Hiding like a snake in the grass, taking pot shots at one of the best bloggers we have. You need to really get a life.

By Richard Cory

September 8, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

No Talent Loser journalist jimmy smith—what goes around-comes around.

By ryan

September 8, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

andruw is one of my all time favorites, but how about sending him to toronto for vernon wells. wells hits for higher average and has some pop in his bat. then i would try my hardest to get rid of hampton or hudson.

By Glass Half Full

September 8, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

“But I….I work in his factory.”

By Glass Half Full

September 8, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

Hampton is untradeable. Not even the Yankees would take him with that contract. All we can do is hope he stays healthy and effective in 2007.

By Adam Worth

September 8, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, Thanks for your welcoming words. I believe that SJA, Stinky, and someone(s) else are about on this blog. Some of these less mature , more hostile members are probably suffering from chronic transfat abuse, so expect early onset pre-alzheimers dimentia to cloud their arguments. Be safe out there. Gotta go. Its happy-hour out there somewhere.

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 8, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Well, that Mets’ sweep pretty much sews it up. It’s time now to reflect on how truly fortunate we have been for the past 16 years. Smoltz-Glavine-Maddux was the tip of the championship iceberg; there were many players that made rooting for the Braves an absolute pleasure because of their class and ability. From JS, to Bobby, to Leo, to all the players and members of the extended Braves family, I thank you for bringing me great joy down here in Marlin land (ugh!).

But before I focus on our very bright future, I wish to vent on the awful mistakes of this past calendar year. I can pin-point three mistakes that were absolutely critical to our present conditon, as well as our long-term future.

As it has been mentioned repeatedly, the pre-season non-signing of Bob Wickman was the death knell to our season. Out of the 28 blown saves this season, I feel totally confident that Wickman could have salvaged just 10 of those, which would place us in first place in the Wild Card race. The loss of Wickman then was a turnaround of 24 hours that could have seen him in a Braves’ uniform.

What a difference a day makes!

If money was an issue, we could’ve saved major coin by NOT trading Andy Marte for Edgar Renteria. No slam against Renteria, but I was perfectly comfortable with Wilson Betemit at short - limited range and all - and Marte waiting in the wings to soon replace a fragile Chris Chandler-like Chipper Jones, who I am quite sure would’ve said yes to a trade to Tampa Bay or Houston.

Naturally, in the equation mentioned above, Betemit would have never had to leave Atlanta for Willy Aybar and a soon-to-leave-via-free-agency Danys Baez. Even if we would have finished out of the WC race, I would have loved the future infield of LaRoche-Orr/Prado-Betemit/T. Peña-Marte.

Ah, what could’ve been!

As I mentioned in another blog, the trades of Betemit and Marte will come back to ferociously haunt JS for many many years to come, just like the memory of the name Jeff Bagwell freaks Red Sox fans out.

Andruw Jones needs to leave too. Even though he is defensively the gold standard in CF, his lack of hustle and desire to pull everything and not be a complete hitter (I am sure he drives TP and Bobby batty with his obstinate ways!) makes him a liability. I can live with Ryan Langerhans and the new CF. He’s no ‘Druw - no one is - but he is a grinder, a good defensive outfielder, a good hitter in training, and an asset to the team - Bobby’s kind of player, a hustler.

The OF needs room for the likes of Langerhans-Kelly Johnson-Jeff Francoeur-Matt Diaz-Scott Thorman (who can spell LaRoche at first), and I am sure that Andruw can fetch a lot of good pitching.

I feel good about the rotation next year, as well as the bullpen. During our stretch, the pitching staff has never endured the spate of injuries that the 2006 edition has endured. We should be in very good shape there next year, with the return of Mike Hampton, the mercurial Horacio Ramirez (who needs to see a voodoo doctor, or something), Tim Hudson, John Smoltz, Kyle Davies, and the flavor of this season, Chuck James.

Remember that because Blaine Boyer, John Foster, Chris Reitsma, John Thomson, Hampton, and Ramirez were all injured, they all directly impacted the failure that has been the bullpen this season. The combined efforts of just four out of the above mentioned six healthy would have made a significant and positive difference to our bullpen this season - maybe even the difference in the number of games we are out of the WC at the present time.

A bullpen of Reitsma-Chad Paronto-Macay McBride-Foster-Boyer-Lance Cormier-Oscar Villareal is absolutely nothing to sneeze at. If the Braves actually place a crowbar in their wallets and sign either Baez or Wickman, they could work very well in tandem with a healthy and effective Reitsma.

Hey, I’d like a shot at JS’s job…

By gpburdell

September 8, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Just catching up from the previous blog…Dwight Yokum was on The Tonight Show earlier this week. I forget sometimes what a great voice he has and what good music he makes. The man has style. What do you think of Toby Keith DOB? Does he pass the “real country” test? And Trace Adkins too, for that matter?

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 8, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

You infantile morons trying to get on TheSouthernJackAss’s case is about the same as a tick trying to get on a dog’s pecker—annoying, but harmless!!!…GO AWAY!!!…

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 8, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

PS

By insinuation, I would trade Marcus Giles because, as mentioned above, a second base platoon of Martin Prado and Willy Aybar would be effective and cost-effective. If the Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers would take Mike Hampton, that would be OK. However, remember that for the first two seasons, Hampton’s salary was paid by the Rockies and Marlins. At that time, the Braves factored Hampton’s back-end salary on his present contract into the annual budget for the past four seasons, so the financial hit next season is not that big a deal (on top of the fact that insurance covered most of Hampton’s salary this season). Either Tim Hudson or Hampton can go via trade, but not both.

No need for a Todd Pratt clone next season as I would go with a catching tandem of Brian McCann and Brayan Peña next season, saving coin in that area too. I would not even hesitate to exercise John Smoltz’s option - he is essential. Again, ‘Druw to the White Sox, Yankees, Red Sox, or Los Angeles Braves; we’re stuck with Chipper “Chris Chandler” Jones because we made the egregious error of trading both Betemit and Marte.

By Kevin C

September 8, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

The job ahead is difficult for the Braves, yes resign Wickman and look to building back the pitching staff. Giles could stay because we could trade Renteria and use Pena at short—give up some offense for defense. Andruw staying would be a plus but here is something that could be huge, ESPN reported that there is some talk of getting rid of compensatory picks for free agents, would we let Andruw walk and get nothing in return? I do not know how much I would place my faith in the injured returning, be careful. As for lead off, I know people do not like him, but Juan Pierre in left would not be bad with Andruw in center. Then Giles moves back to number two. As for the rotation, I would try and trade Hudson to Boston, they are hurting for pitching—next year is Schillings last and they have mentioned moving Crisp also so there is a potential fit possibly. My rotation if all worked out well would be Smoltz, Hampton, James, Davies and someone from the Rameriaz, Lerew, or trade.free agent market—a back end guy.

By berigan

September 8, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss , That’s what I hear your last boyfriend said about your pecker as well, annoying, but harmless!!!…

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 8, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

berigan—I mean journalist jimmy is that you pretending to be someone else again?…now LeTwan, whoops, I mean jimmy, that isn’t very nice, or maybe berigan isn’t jimmy smith in drag, maybe berigan is the same berigan that is one of the 2 homo boys—how’s the ol’rectum boys?…honeymoon going well?…jimmy jimmy jimmy…you’re not clever, not even smart, mildly retarded and anal retentive maybe!…Well why don’t you go stick your finger in your mama’s pie, then slice us all off a piece—idiot!!!…GO ON NOW!!!…

By This gets old

September 8, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

Guy knows our system as well as knowing more than most about other teams systems. Let’s lay off of him.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 8, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

I think that Giles will be traded and should be. I love Giles and believe he is the heart of the team but he is the most tradeable piece on the team that can bring actaul value in return. I think a combination of two of either Diaz, Langerhans, or Thorman will be traded and can bring some value in return. I even think Renteria has to be on the block. Yes, he has been awesome this year and is relatively cheap. However, we have an even cheaper option in Prado who could play SS or that could be the free agent pickup that wold be the leadoff hitter. I read earlier that someone suggested that Hudson go as well. I totally agree. I think a contender like the Red Sox, Rangers, Blue Jays, or even the Indians would give the Braves some good quality in retrun for Hudson. And again, Andruw has to…..HAS TO be shopped. I don’t want him to go anymore than anyone else. However, the reality of the situation is that the chances of resigning him are 50/50 at best. Really. Someone earlier today suggested trading him to the Blue Jays for Wells. I actually think that is a good idea. Wells will be a free agent after next season as well, but will likely demand less in free agency than Andruw would thus making him more signable. Besides Wells is a stud who is on the verge of being a breakout superstar. His defense isn’t as good as Andruw’s but it is way more than servicable. The Jays will be looking to move Wells because he has made it pretty clear he has no intentions of staying with them. And finally it goes without saying that Wickman should be resigned. He brings a certain toughness and grit to that bullpen which could easily filter down to the rest of the team. As for offering Baez arbitration. That could be awfully risky, mainly because if he gets more than what he is really worth in arbitration then the Braves are saddled with a contract they can’t move. Hampton isn’t going anywhere. No one will take that contract. And Chipper should be given one more year to see if he can stay healthy an entire season. When he is healthy the guy is still one of the premier players in the game and is a Brave through and through. And yes, so is Andruw. The difference is Chipper won’t be in a walk year and Andruw will be.

By Carolina Lady

September 8, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

A very wise person once said, ‘Treat other people the way you yourself want to be treated.’

Do your posts reflect the way you want people to treat you? Just a thought. :-)

By Chief Thinkum Much Thoughts

September 8, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

To 22 OZ… who cares if Paul byrd is a free agent… To MEB… Giles is too expensive and we got depth at 2nd in the minors….. To Jimmy Smith…No Psycho Babble Bullchitt allowed o this blog….To MiaBchBraves fan…. Great Post much Kudos but dont ever bring up Chris Reitsma again or I will be forced back on Valium!!!!…..To GP Burdell….Get A Blog GPS system dude this is a baseball/Braves blog, please put the pipe down ok?…..To Kevin C….. Good Post, lots of truth and knowledge, keep it up!!!…..To Southern Jackass…You seem to know a lot about “Ticks, Fleas and Dog Peckers”…. you worry me and I prescribe sensitivity training and a part time job at the kennel of you choice…… To Berigan, very observant and informational…. Well Stated!!!…. Have a great friday nigt everybody……

By Glass Half Full

September 8, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Dear heavenly baseball gods, please save us from a humiliating loss to the Cubbies.

By Glass Half Full

September 8, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Interesting article on the Braves site about resigning Wickman.

By brad in KY

September 8, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

Guy

I think you’re incorrect in your assessment that better luck injury-wise and progression of young players will not be enough to make the Braves a winning team again next season. Here’s why:

The Braves are 7 games below .500 this season (so far) and yet they’ve scored 722 runs while allowing 705 - a difference of +17. Although a bit rough, this does tell us one thing (at least): the Braves have been the victims of some poor luck this season. Given their run/loss differential we would expect them to have at least a .500 record or better record this season.

All things being equal, the Braves could walk into next season with their current roster and win the wild-card (especially if their bad luck turns into good luck).

Two other notes. The Braves are 7th in all of baseball in runs scored this season, so I was more than a little disappointed to read (in the Macon newspaper) some quotes from Smoltz blasting the offense for only scoring one run in his last start against the Mets. The offense hasn’t been the Braves’ problem this season and if the pitching staff had done merely an average job this season the Braves would be the Wild Card leaders (and they’ve won big in the past with much worse offensive teams).

Second, unless there are serious payroll issues, I don’t see any good reason to trade Giles. Granted, he has underperformed this season, but I just can’t believe he won’t perform to his ability (which is substantial) next season. And a solid season from Giles means we have one of the best all around 2nd basemen in baseball. Giles’ problem is neither offense nor defense, it’s staying injury free.

By Adam Worth

September 8, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Psychologically, Hudson is an AL pitcher. Over there its ok to give up 4 runs per game. In the AL, a 4.00 ERA is the same as an NL 2.50 ERA. He also can’t handle the heat of Atlanta. Once a southern boy gets declimatized, he’s in troulble.

By Wendell

September 8, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Who cares? Better these clowns lose now than in October, like they always do!

By Haywood Jablome

September 8, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Hey AW, I think your right about Hudson. But I also think there is no way he gets moved this off-season. That would mean JS has to admit he made a mistake in signing him in the first place….and that’s not happening!! JS went through alot to sign him and he and Bobby will continue to run him out there every 5 days and try to hammer that square peg in a round hole!

By Adam Worth

September 8, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

When SJA talks, people listen.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 8, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady—an even wiser man once said, “Don’t go dancin’ in another man’s $hit!”…

By Adam Worth

September 8, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Well, maybe they ought not to listen too much. CL’s a nice gal. Lighten up.

By JuniorJackAss

September 8, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

HaHa, that some funny stuff. Carolina Lady loves Jimmy Sue so she won’t take heed.

“….. To Jimmy Smith…No Psycho Babble Bullchitt allowed on this blog…..”

Couldn’t say it better myself.

By Lew

September 8, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

Ain’t you Fred Astaire?

By Adam Worth

September 8, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Jeff Torborg, a career .214 batter talking hitting with Adam Laroche. Why not just hire Darrell Chaney as the hitting coach?

By Lew

September 8, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

Evening Ma’am-You know the jacka$$ is right-he does a much better job of dancing in it than you ever could.

By Carolina Lady

September 8, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Evenin’, Lew! Can’t figure out why he thought me post was directed at him! Interesting. Why would he choose to throw mud in my dirction??

Hope your eye is doing well, Lew. I’ve had a very minor problem with one of mine and it has been as irritating as all get out to put up with, and it is insignificant in comparison with your difficulties, so I appreciate what you have to endure.

Robert(JITB), how is your Mom? Better, I hope??

At least we won tonight….. :-))

By Andy

September 8, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

I have said from day one that giles and edgar are essentially the same offensive player and is is tough to fit two #2 hitters in one line up. they are both doubles guys with decent on base who can hit and run or bunt the leadoff man over. I really like both players, but one needs to go so we can get a true lead off man. everytime giles has been forced into that slot he stinks.

By Lew

September 8, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-The eye is in somewhat of a holding pattern, which is probably the best that will ever be hoped for. It isn’t slowing me down, so I will adopt the Mad Magazine philosophy of “What? Me Worry?” Yes, it was good to win tonight, but I am still troubled by Hudson’s performance. No stamina and too many runs again.

By Carolina Lady

September 8, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

I agree about Hudson, Lew. I don’t understand it or what could possibly be the underlying problem. Wonder if a battery of blood tests might be in order? He just hasn’t seemed to be a full strength.

By Lew

September 8, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-There has been speculation that testing is the reason for the decline. I surely don’t know, but he certainly is not the pitcher we thought we were getting. I hope he can be turned around soon. Time to head to bed. Talk to you tomorrow. Abide Dudes, and do try to be nice to one another. Make your sainted mothers proud.

By Carolina Lady

September 8, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

:-))) Didn’t think of it in that light, Lew! Let’s hope not………:-))) Good night!

By Scalp 'em Braves

September 8, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Thoughts on the year to come, since our current year is in the toilet, playoff-wise…

Glass- you are right about Hampton - all we can do is cross our fingers and hope he returns to form. He is damaged goods now, ano no team is stupid enough to take him on unless we pay the majority of his salary. We can take comfort that Hampton is a superb athlete, and a gamer - the injuries with he has dealt over the past couple of years, while us couch potatoes, may not seem to be much (strained forearm, etc), to a competitor like Hampton, are devastating. I think he will come through, after over one year of rest and rehab.

Adam - you have a point about Huddy pitching in the cool climes of Oakland. But, he hasn’t been any better on the road in cooler climates than he has been in the heat. Also, he has left several games this year with a lead, tied, or behind by one or two runs. I’m not willing to write the guy off at this point. While he has been disappointing over the last two years, I think he has the stuff and the moxie to be a good pitcher. I think he will come around next year.

I don’t understand anyone’s desire to let Anruw leave. This guy saves at least a run per game with his defense, if not more. Any year he is here is a potential breakout year offensively. I don’t give a damn if it takes 12-15mm to keep him. Every team has to have a few cornerstone players. Chipper is one, and Andruw is another.

My thoughts on Giles is similiar. $5mm to keep this guy? Pay it! Yes, I hear we are loaded with middle infielders. Giles is still relatively young, and a GAMER! If trades must be made, send some of this so called “talent of the future” elsewhere for the pitching talent everybody thinks is out there (got news for you folks, pitching talent is thin, and the price is extremely high, from other clubs). If I’m dug into a foxhole with bombs exploding overhead, and bullets flying over me, I want Marcus Giles as my fellow occupant. This guy gives it up every day, and watches his team mates backs on every play. I’ll take guts and desire over talent any day. The Braves need to keep Marcus Giles.

We have a lot of young players on the roster who show promise. But, don’t annoint them as our savior for the future. I am talking about Thorman, Ward, Pena, et. al. Flashes of brilliance can be misleading. Think of how we believed Frenchy would be our saviour in the future. He is a great talent, but needs time. I am not willing to say dump proven players for our next alleged Aaron, Murphy, McGriff, etc. For goodness sakes, let the system (which has served us well over the past 20 years) do its job in bringing folks along.

I also don’t understand calls for trading Edgar. The has only been our most consistent player all year. He doesn’t have Furcal’s arm. A few batters have beat out infield hits because of that. However, he hasn’t launched any throws into the 3rd row of the stands. I miss Furcal’s lead off and ability to disrupt the game. What I don’t miss is his cocky attitude, numerous errors and desire to swing for the fence ever time he is up. Edgar has been a steadying force for us, has fielded and hit well, and deserves to stay with the team. The guy is a rock, and steadying influence on the team as a whole.

We gotta resign Beefy Bob Wickman. He is what we need. His influence on the bullpen, not the mention that he has one blown save (and only 4 runs over 15 appearances, 3 of those runs in one game), dictate that we have found a closer who wants to be in Atlanta, and can get the job done, which we haven’t had since Smoltz went back to starting.

Our starting pitcing is fine for next year. No major changes needed. Our bullpen stinks, and needs a lot of work. We could definitely use a true lead off hitter (maybe Juan Pierre from the Cubs?) But, we have to be realistic. We can only get good talent by giving up talent. At what price??

By The Grinch

September 8, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

Howdy, All. Scalp em, I agree with most all you say. I’ve been saying all season Hampton will be back stronger than people think. Got to offer a counterpoint on Giles, though. Yes, he’s a hardcore player. Yes, he’s worth 5 million. In a perfect world we keep him (and if nothing well worth it presents itself in excange, we keep him anyway). Unfortunately, considering the glut of second basemen we have and the constricted payroll, I think we’ve got to look at ares of need if they’re offered for him. Trading away his likely replacements instead won’t yield nearly as much, and we already have a cheap, all-star #2 hitter. He’s an extra, and we’re pulling the belt tight. Unfortunate, but so is life.

By john

September 8, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

hey DOB what the H was the time change for game tonight. when was the last time we had a 7:05 game on friday. its wed and sat for those. i rolled in a good half hr late

By Adam Worth

September 8, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

Andy, I would keep Giles for 2 reasons. He’s homegrown and younger. I like Edgar a lot, but you’ve got a point about the ATL being too small for both of them.
Scalp’em, I think someone’s gotta go in order to afford Wickman.
And how’s this? Would Hudson be better if he were “the man”? John Smoltz may have stepped on some toes with his critical statements about management and teamates. Don’t forget the ruckus he stirred up on ESPN about where he might like to go “IF” he were traded. It seemed to be blown out of proportion at the time, but now it seems like it was strike one. I don’t know, but Smoltzie seems to be a little scared right now about HB resigning him. And fear does have an odor. (OK SJA, I gave you an opening with that last one, just lay off CL, OK)?

By Train Wreck Bystander

September 9, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

As bad as this year has been, I am optimistic about next season.

I like the hot stove talk as much as anyone, but I believe the team needs to spend the winter conditioning. A better conditioned team will be less injury-prone.

By gotigers72

September 9, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Keep: McCann, B.Pena, LaRoche, Thorman, Giles, Renteria, C.Jones, A. Jones, Francoeur, Ward, Aybar, Diaz, Smoltz, Wickman, McBride, Paronto, James, Hampton, Hudson, Devine.

Trade[if possible]: Langerhans, HoRam, Reitsma, Villareal, Cormier, Thomson, Orr, Ray, Baez.

To AAA: Davies, Lerew, Barry, Yates, Prado, T.Pena.

Release: Pratt, Jordan

Watch for these minor leaguers: Eric Campbell 3B [Rome this year] Kris Medlen RP [Rookie Ball this year] Kevin Gunderson RP [A ball this year] Isaiah Ka’aihue 1B [A ball this year] Brandon Jones CF [A ball this year] All of these guys [except maybe Gunderson who pitched college ball this year] are 2-3 years away, but will be guys to look for in the future.

By ssiscribe

September 9, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

A quick note here: Hope everyone is on their best behavior (SJA, leave CL and JJS the hell alone, dude). It’s the weekend, so let’s all try to smile and be happy.

Good win tonight. Yes, I know it was against a really bad team. Yes, I know the Braves need to win something totally insane, like 19 of their final 22, to have a prayer of getting into the playoffs. But, a win is a win is a win, and it was good to get one. At home, too, no less.

I really am starting to think about what this team needs to do for 2007, but I’m not going there until this year’s squad is mathematically eliminated from the wild-card chase, and that could be a couple more weeks. But I’ve got some ideas, as I’m sure all of us do. We’ll have quite a long time to discuss them come October, I fear.

May go to the yard tomorrow night. Playoff-bound or not, there’s nothing that beats sitting at the park on a pleasant evening, watching the ballclub, being with your best girl, a dog in one hand and a brew in the other. Man, I love being close to the team again. Four and a half hours was way too long to drive for a game. I like being less than 20 minutes from The Ted.

No DOB tonight (he deserves a break after the roadie from hell) means a bland blog and little life on here. So, in keeping with the spirit of the way things usually are on here, I offer the following as I head to bed:

BBQ: Hudson’s in Douglasville. Johnny Cash: “Girl Named Sue” (just funny as hell to me, listening to the story in the lyrics) Blues: Definitely a blues fan … actually, not a Blues fan, but all about Blueland and the Thrashers (playoff bound, baby!) Toes: Last I checked, I have 10, five on each foot, unlike Alfonseca. Pie: Never turn down a good piece. Apple and pumpkin at the top of the list. Rock: Love rock … always trumps scissors. Style: Headline writer for the blog needs to check the stylebook. No hyphen in offseason.

Nite, inhabitants of the blogosphere. Best wishes and blessings to all. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 9, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this

Carolina Lady who was your post directed at then?…I was simply adding to your point—I don’t know how that would be considered as “throwing mud in your “dirction”(CL spelling)…but you can’t take hold of fire, then expect not to get burned…oh well, I’m sure journalist jimmy will be here directly to defend your honor—as soon as he gets done with his mama’s pie!!!…and Adam Worthless, don’t address me unless I give my permission!!!…

By JuniorJackAss

September 9, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

I second the motion…Jimmy Smith, aka Donkey, just stay gone. CL - quit defending the Donkey, just stay sweet as you are.

By Snowball's Chance

September 9, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

I actually had to go back and work, or as Maynard G. krebs would say, WERK! You would have to be old to get that reference. I have been too tired to do anything more than read the dribble off this blog the past week. the first thing is the so-called Mets fans had s** to say when James pitched that masterpiece and then when the Braves laid an egg in the double header all one of that many headed blogger called who gives a f*** went apeshit on our hometurf. YUCK. Lew and Grinch I appreciate you standing up for the blog but it would be best to just ignore ignorant crap. After a burn out of a week I hit the deck with a cigar and a few libations. First up on the stereo was Heroines followed by John Doe. Both recommended by fellow bloggers. DOB has created a good scene here and it is inevetable to have nitwits try to f*** it up. The dude and dudettes will abide. I have to go back tomorrow to put out a fire, so goodnight all.

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

Scribe, I agree about the trip to the park. It’s all about atmosphere, else I wouldn’t have gone 500 times in the 80’s. Of course, it was a hell of a lot cheaper then as you could pretty much get tickets for free and bring your own 48-qt. cooler (many times we busted out bottles of Jack, Comfort, whatever and ushers rarely said anything). Plus, you could sit where you wanted and though there weren’t may people there the ones who were were ROWDY. Falcons games were the same way. Now, it’s so expensive and family oriented (you have family, and if I did I’m sure I’d appreciate it too if someone told me to shut the hell up cause of the kids)…still rocks, though. Also good call on pumpkin pie. I thought I was the only one down here who really dug it. I know this is rank heresy coming from a southerner, but I like it better than sweet potato. I also prefer rock over paper or scissors, but I’m afraid it led me to rehab. :-)

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

Snowball, I’ve been quite well behaved since Wednesday night, thank you.

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

You’re letting a fire burn all night while you smoke cigars before you go put it out tommorrow? Remind me not to move to your county, dude, if you’re a fireman and were speaking literally…just assin’ around with you. I think.

By Snowball's Chance

September 9, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this

Grinch…just shut up.

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this

Yassuh. :-)

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 01:20 AM | Link to this

The blog is dead. Time for a ressurection. Can I get a YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaHawwwwwwwwww………

By Sonwball's Chance

September 9, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

Grinch, shut the hell up. Please.

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

That ended in “Haw,” for those who care. Dang. Seems like every time I post something relevent, the AJC lets me down technically.

By Lew

September 9, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

Abide Dudes.

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this

Sonwball? Is that you, or stinky? I like one but not the other, and I doubt Snowball hung out waiting for that one. Sonwball, what kind of humidor do you prefer…this way I can know if you’re authentic. Otherwise, I’m afraid I must deal with you harshly. :-)

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

Lew! Watched “Wide, Wide World” last night. Loved it, but why recommend a movie involving a writer who commits suicide to a writer with documented suicidal tendencies? What are you saying? :-)

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

BTW, Seth McClung is 5-5 in save opp. since he was last called up. Lew. LEW. F-er. Later, all; gotta store some energy for tommorrow. GO DAWGS!

By Phillip

September 9, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this

Ok, here’s my updated roster for next year: C-McCann 1B-LaRoche 2B-Prado 3B-Chipper SS-Renteria OF-Franceour,Juan Pierre Bench-Aybar,Ward,B.Pena,Diaz,Langerhans SP-Smoltz,Hampton,James,Glavine RP-Wickman,Devine,Yates,Paronto,McBride,Boyer, Foster

I’m short 1 SP & a LF. We could pick up a good free agent to fill these spots, or use Diaz as the starting LF, and try to sign a good second baseman, and push Prado to the bench or something. Obviously when you subtract Andruw,Hudson, & Giles (plus all of those other guys that we need to cut ties with…Thomson,Reitsma, etc…) it’ll free up some major money. Hopefully by trading some of those dudes, we’ll get back some great prospects, and/or good major league talent.

By geauxbraves2000

September 9, 2006 02:30 AM | Link to this

Hudson does need to go back the AL, it’s obvious he’s not an NL pitcher. I wouldn’t care if the Braves traded Hudson for a PTBNL. Get the salary off of the books, go w/Smoltz, James, Hampton, trade for a good #3 or #4, and Villareal/Comier or a rookie #5. Maybe not the most potent pitching staff but certainly a servicable one. Davies needs to get out of the spotlight for now and maybe go back to Richmond, or trade him to a smaller market team.

I personally don’t want to see Giles go. I know he’s expendable, but he has game. He hustles, he is a great 2nd baseman and has a little pop in his bat. He appears to keep the bench lively. I sure would hate to lose all of that just over a few million dollars. True the Braves need a leadoff guy, but I really don’t think the offense is the problem with this team.

That’s all I got before I get too long winded.

Geaux Braves!!

By JIm

September 9, 2006 03:00 AM | Link to this

Are you serious with that Blog, you gave NOTHING! Any average Braves fan could have written that, I think the only think you contributed to that article was that Bob Wickman made 5 million dollars this year. Congrats, it would have taken the average American 37 seconds to google that one! Marcus is on the block (known that for months), Andruw can’t be traded, but too expensive to resign (heard that one since June), bullpen wasn’t the entire problem this year (clearly we are dealing with Einstien here) quit following the National Media, Hudson WILL never be traded, too big of an upside and would not be a fan friendly mood. Thanks for all the background info, I really hope you email me and tell me just how smart you really are because clearly you showed me NOTHING!!

By Drummerdad

September 9, 2006 03:20 AM | Link to this

Andruw is gone. That’s why they put him on waivers a while. Testing the water to see who may be there when the time is right. Scot Boras is not interested in Andruw staying in Atlanta.

I love it when Chipper is on, but those times are getting further and further apart. This is the 3rd year he’s been hampered with injuries and it’s been the worst by far. is this a progression? Time to groom the replacement or make a trade. Here’s a TWILIGHT ZONE idea: Send Chipper to the Yankees for A-ROD. Let them eat the rest of the big salary, and Bobby can put A Rod’s head back together with his game. They hate him up there and he’s unhappy. WHY NOT TRY?

The noise about Glavine coming back is just that, noise. If they brought him back, it would be more about helping him reach his 300th win than it would him helping the Braves.

MY PREDICTION?:
More pain in ‘07.

By ncscoots

September 9, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this

early-rising on the weekend and thoughts on the overnites…hot-stove season definitely causes the universe to shift ever so slightly. that’s why we see trades esposed that could only be envisioned in some other plane of reality than this one…mentions of Juan F. Pierre, Dave F. Roberts and the like make me want to go the range and sharpen my shooting skills a little. Spare me…Andruw is swinging as if all the physical nicks have caught up with him this season. He’s battling and trying to contribute, but maybe he does need to sit some…I keep waiting for McCann to hit the wall, and he doesn’t. Considering he’s never played this many games in a season in his LIFE, it’s doubly amazing how good he’s been…think the 2007 will bring one of two things; either the Braves will look drastically different, or the changes will be very minor. By that, I mean more than one marquee player being shipped (Andruw, Giles, Hudson, etc.), or status quo with reliance on this year’s injured/underperforming players contributing next year. Both scenarios have positives and negatives, so guess we’ll just have to wait and see…sun is starting to peek up, so it’s time for coffee and newspaper on the patio. See ya, and have a good weekend.

By Lester Reyes

September 9, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this

Wickman has WAY overachieved in his time with ATL; I’m glad he’s done it for ‘em, and agree that signing him to be next year’s closer (he’ll probably ask for,and get,a 2-yr deal), but don’t expect it to be this good all next year; just look at his career stats versus his few weeks with the Braves—it’s probably switching leagues and a variety of other intangible variables that won’t last much longer. I also agree Hudson and Giles are the most likely to be traded before next season, and Huddie winning 4 in a row down the stretch certainly helps him; he needs to go back to the American League where his comfort zone was, and he could get hitters to chase his out-of-the-zone breaking balls more often. It’ll be sad to see a popular favorite like Giles go, but Prado seems promising, at least in the short term; it seems to rather sharply delineate the need to have held on to the quality bench help we’ve populated the rest of the major league teams with in recent years (see Wes Helms, Mark DeRosa, Wilson Betemit, Tony Graffanino, all guys who can play multiple positions and hit with some degree of reliability and pop when coming off the bench). I haven’t been keeping up with what the press and bloggers have been saying about the Braves recently, but I hope no one is gonna get on that bandwagon that Schuerholz pioneered a few years ago that says, “we’re getting disabled veteran X back next year, so that’s like getting a free agent”, usually said when the front office has failed to land a free agent, or retain one. In this offseason that sentiment will apply to Mike Hampton, but don’t believe that any other team would give him anything more than an invite to spring training next year (while the Braves will be paying him how-many-million next year?). I hope he rebounds and earns every penny, because they’re gonna need it from him. The sale (actually, stock swap) of the team to Liberty Media should be done before next season starts, so there’s at least 2 years of their ownership to look forward to. I don’t see them doing anything but significantly lowering payroll, and while it’s true that certain of our aged veterans can refuse a trade, management is certainly within its ability to make a trade seem far more desirable than sticking around. I agree with a previous blogger who wrote that just having kids with another year under their belts isn’t gonna be enough to cut it next year, so don’t expect ‘em to cut it much next year. Bobby and John will do everything they can to make the team at least competitive on paper (they should’ve been more competitive this year, but fifteen years of karmic rewards came back around on them with a vengeance this year—too many injuries, slumps, and too much bad luck at exactly the wrong times). As bleak as it seems this late in the year, I can’t help but quote Rogers Hornsby, who was responding to the question, “what do you do during winter?” He said, “I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

By SaltyDog55

September 9, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

ncscoots Go Tigers…yeah? Could be a nail-biter, or…? Enjoy the sunrise, coffee, paper, and a preview of fall! Same on this end!

By Lester Reyes

September 9, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

Just one more thought, as I’ve had time to read the other blogs: I don’t want to start one of those petty cyberfights, but to everyone calling for the Braves to acquire Juan Pierre as a LF and leadoff hitter, watch the guy a little more carefully; he has substandard range in CF, which wouldn’t matter so much in LF, but he has absolutely NO arm out there, like even less of an arm than Phil Niekro would have if you rolled him out of bed right now. I’ve even seen Pierre toss the ball to another outfielder so a stronger throw can be made back to the infield; think about how important it is that teams now know how deadly Francoeur’s and Diaz’s arms can be’ especially throwing to 2B. On the offensive side, his career OBP is .351—not bad, but not good either, and it’s been below that for the last 2 years; he has only 258 BB in 4410 plate appearances, which is terrible for a leadoff hitter. For perspective, consider that Giles’ career OBP is .363, and that he has 267 career BB in only 2776 plate appearances.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 9, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

As much as I like Glavine, I don’t think he is the answer as another pitcher next year. He will be 41 and that will give us two 40+ year old pitchers in the rotation. They need to get someone good, somewhat cheap, and young.

Last night’s game was nice to watch. Normally I would say it is just the Cubs but after watching the way this team has played against the likes of the Pirates, Nats, and Brewers it was actaully a good performance.

The playoffs just aren’t realistic. Yes, it would be nice if the Braves could pull off a Oakland A’s type streak and win 19 in a row. But, it is simply not going to happen. The difference between those A’s teams and this one is the pitching. However, getting to .500 isn’t such a stretch. If the offense can go on one of those 10 game tears, they could get do it. What I hope I see is them not giving up or throwing in the towel. Last night they kept fighting.

What they do in these next three weeks could greatly affect next season. If they can go into the offseason with some momentum and confidence, then they will come to spring training hungry and ready to go. Last year the Tigers, A’s, and Mets all finished relatively strong. They went into the postseason with some hope. All three of their GMs made the necessary moves and now those teams are headed to the postseason. Let’s hope that happens here.

I will say again that Giles, Renteria, Diaz, Langerhans, Thorman, and Hudson have to be on the trade block. People have to realize that great trades involve give and take. You have to give away something good to get something good in return. The Braves are blessed with middle infielders (T. Pena, Prado, Aybar, and Escobar) that are major league ready; thus, making Renteria and Giles expendable if trading them fills some much needed holes. The Braves are also blessed with a surplus of OFs (K. Johnson, Diaz, Thorman, Ward, and Langerhans). Again, that means a couple of these guys can be moved if it brings some pitching and/or that leadoff hitter this team desperately needs.

LaRoche breaking out (which you could see coming because he has had two very solid seasons before this despite all the cries that he sucks) gives some leeway in moving Salty if it brings some great value in return. Even Hudson is expendable because if a top contending AL team (Red Sox, Yankees, White Sox, Rangers, Blue Jays, or Orioles) is willing to give up some good prospects or pieces that would fill the Braves’ needs (Corey Patterson, Vernon Wells, Cocoa Crisp, Scott Posednik, or Ian Kinsler) then he would have to be moved.

This team can contend next year for not only the divison but a WS if the right moves are made and some players (Francoeur, McCann, LaRoche, Davies, James, Aybar, and McBride) make the proper adjustments and improve.

By Head Coach

September 9, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

I just read the last ten blogs and I have to be brutally honest. Some of you guys are idiots. You want to trade Huddy ? trade Davies ? You are aware of the fact that the Braves have used ten starting pitchers so far ? And a playoff caliber team will need six quality starters over the course of a 162 game marathon. World champions are built around pitching and defense , plain and simple. Huddy is a career 118 wins 58 losses and he has never had a losing record and never won less than 11 games in any one season in eight major league campaigns. Yea , lets trade Huddy , Davies and torpedo 2007 before spring training even starts.

By Lew

September 9, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Lester-In an earlier post you mentioned that Bob Wickman had WAY over performed for the Braves. Did you check out his stats before you said this?Since the beginning of 2004 until the time Wicky came to the Braves, he was 74 for 83 in Saves vs. opportunities. I’m sorry Lester, but that is superstar numbers, Dude. He was just as good before he got here. Head Coach, I agree about the pitching. We need all we have. We also need to get more pitching if we trade Giles. We can make out fine without a leadoff hitter. We could still even keep Giles AND resign Wicky. We save about $12.5 million with the departure of Reitsma, Remlinger, etc. That should still leave enough after raises to keep Marcus And get Wickman back. Use the straight line theory of GM’s-always go the simplest way. Why make all of these huge deals if they are not necessary?

By Alex

September 9, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

For the Braves to be in the playoffs next year…two things need to happen.

1. Sign Wickman as the closer and stabilize the bullpen before the season starts.

2. Return to the days when the Braves Starters dominated in ERA. Have them stay healthy as a starting rotation. How many times this year the team was in the mercy of a AAA reject pitching every 4th or 5th day? Combined with the inconsistancy of Hudson that was the final nail in the coffin for the rotation. It stunk with the exception of Smoltz, most of the starts by HoRam after his return were good and James.

If those two things are addressed, this team will contend for a playoff position and the division next year.

By paluka

September 9, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Trading Giles for a starting pitcher would be a great idea. I’m not sure to who or for who. If not a starting pitcher than a leadoff guy. How about trying to sign Julio Lugo to play second and lead off, we definitely need some speed atop the order. I agree with dealing Hudson. Heat and humidity too much for a thin frame, although I do under stand that he grew up in Ala. How about Hudson to Boston for Coco Crisp? We also need a better backup catcher Todd Pratt just does not have what it takes even though I thought he was a good signing when he did sign.I don’t think B. Pena is the answer because I believe he could be a great bargaining chip in a seperate trade.

By Lew

September 9, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Paluka-I believe Pratt will be gone after this season. That leaves either Brayan Pena or Salty as back up catcher. Salty is not ready. I would look for Pena to be backup and Salty moved in a trade. With the emergence of Brain MCCann and now LaRoche establishing himself against LHP, Salty will probably never play for the Braves. I am not convinced that we need a bona fide leadoff hitter. I would maybe give Diaz the starting job in left and let him have a shot at it. I am still not convinced that Coco Crisp has the durability to play every day. He never has in any major league season. He doesn’t even lead off for the Red Sox. Give Diaz his shot. He has to be a better option that Raul Mondesi.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

Wow, we have almost seven more months of just this sort of hot/warm/cold-stove banter to look forrward to. Maybe this is what the late 80’s was like with bulletin boards instead of blogs.

By Ron Roberts

September 9, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

A few things to consider, folks…

1. Everybody’s gonna be after starting pitching in the offseason.

2. That being said, what the Braves have to figure out is Would we be better served picking five starters from Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, James, HoRam, Davies, Cormier and Villareal (all already on our team)?

3. Or, do we deal a Giles or Andruw Jones (we’d get a top-tier pitcher for Andruw Jones and a mid-rotation guy, at best, for Marcus Giles, I’d guess)? If you’re only going to get a mid-rotation guy for Giles, then why deal him? We have a plethora (see above) of mid-rotation guys to choose from.

4. What I’d do, frankly, is re-sign Wickman, pickup Smoltz’ option and go with Smoltz, James, Hudson or Horacio Ramirez (deal away the guy who gets you more in return), Mike Hampton and Villareal as our starting five, with Davies starting the season in Richmond and Cormier ready for long relief out of the ‘pen.

I’d do that because the Braves already have a solid offensive squad, with Chipper Jones healthy. You sew up the bullpen situation with returns of Boyer and Foster, plus guys who’ve shown this season they’re ready, i.e. Paronto, Yates (he’s withstood his rough spell and pitched better, and has shown flashes of brilliance before then) and you cut your losses with Ken Ray and Danyz Baez.

Then all this team has to do to improve upon this year’s squad is secure the LF position with a guy who’ll get on base (a leadoff hitter, maybe?). Having Matt Diaz stick around would answer that, I think. Sign him ASAP Schuerholz!

So to review, the moves I think the organization should make in the offseason….

1. Pick up Smoltz’ option.

2. Re-sign Wickman.

3. Set up rotation of Smoltz, James, Hudson-or-HoRam, Hampton & Villareal.

4. Use Lance Cormier in long-relief (or move him to the rotation if/when we get an injury there).

5. In dealing off Hudson-orHoRam, acquire a prospect and some salary relief and/or get a LF who can hit for average and run the bases (a lead-off guy would be nice). I’d rather us re-sign Diaz for LF, so salary relief and prospect(s) would be my angle.

6. Have Aybar, Orr, Thorman, Ryan Langerhans, Tony Pena (is he an option in LF, maybe?), Prado and Daryl Ward come off the bench.

My blueprint only has us dealing away a starter (either Horacio or Hudson) for salary relief/prospects or a LF leadoff option. A quiet offseason, for sure, but the X Factor into next season is Hampton and re-signing Wickman, frankly. Do that, get outta them what we’re hoping for, and we’re no worse than the wilc card squad next postseason.

The Phillies are gonna be good, but will need pitching pitching pitching, and the Mets will have pop in their lineup as well, but their pitching needs work, too. Frankly, their pitching will be their downfall this postseason, too, but that’s another matter. But pound for pound, the Braves will have as good or the better squad, the most balanced team, in the NL East next year.

Oh, and pack it up for the year, Chipper. It’d be nice to get a full year outta ya… especially the way you’ve hit when you weren’t injured.

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

I think Shuerholz should try to trade Giles and AJones for top young players/prospects including at least a couple of top young pitchers. If he can’t get great young players, I think he has to wait to see where the Braves are at the deadline.

I’ve read that the Angels are still interested in Miguel Tejada. Maybe they would take AJones for a pitching prospect and one of their top young infielders: Brandon Wood, Erick Aybar (Wily’s bro) or Howie Kendrick. Aybar or Kendrick would be preferable because Wood is probably a thirdbaseman.)

Maybe try to move Giles, a pitcher (Horacio Ramirez?) and one of those middle infield prospects (Prado, Pena Jr.?) to San Diego for their top pitching prospect Cesar Carrillo. The Padres probably won’t give him up, though, but who knows.

I think Schuerholz should try to move Hudson to a team like the Yankees; a team willing to take on his contract and willing to overpay for pitching. Maybe attempt to trade Hudson and another solid player (Langerhans, Diaz or Thorman?) for Philip Hughes, the Yankees top pitching prospect, and J. Brent Cox, a potentially dominant closer.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 9, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

The thing about the Braves needing a good leadoff hitter and closer is that the Braves already had(you know, last year, Braves last “winning” season)a good leadoff hitter/short stop(Furcal)with speed and a cannon for an arm, and a closer(Farnsworth)also with a cannon for an arm(both pie eaters with good toes)but the genius GM didn’t see fit to keep them. In the meantime, that genius GM wastes and squanders more money on bums, losers, and hasbeens(during this first losing season)to have kept Furcal and Farnsworth to begin with, and then allowed Chipper(fear me)Jones to restructure his contract so as to hang around even longer, sucking up payroll under the guise of freeing up money which was “supposed” to be used for that needed closer. I doubt next year will be handled any better!!!…GO TIGERS!!!…

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss,

It wasn’t a matter of whether the “genius GM” saw it fit to keep Furcal and Farnsworth. It was a matter of overpaying for them.

I agree Schuerholz should be more creative with the money and players he has, but I don’t think letting Furcal and Farnsworth walk was a mistake.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 9, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

My bad Shaun Payne, I keep forgetting the Braves are now a low-budget, cutrate, small-market team!…In the meantime look what Furcal has been doing for the Dodgers since he isn’t playing hurt now. You’re right tho, can’t have that overpaying stuff, gotta keep enough cheese(about 70% of the entire payroll for Chipper, Andrew, Smoltz, Hampton/Hudson). And you gotta say that the money spent on people like Kolb, and various other trash, was money damn well spent!

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

SJA, bringing life to the blog! Now I gotta find a foxhole to dive into.

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss,

First of all, I agree that it’s bad we have so much money tied into four or five players. But the Braves could be stuck with worse contracts than Chipper, Andruw, Smoltz and even Hudson. At least all of these players are somewhat productive and three of them are very productive.

And I agree that the Kolb signing was bad in hindsight. Still, Kolb strikout rate was extremely low so Schuerholz should have predicted he wasn’t likely to repeat as an All-Star closer.

Regarding Furcal, I don’t care how high-budget or low-budget you are, it’s still not a good idea to overpay for anyone. That really limits your flexibility. Furcal is a good player, I’m not denying that, but does it make sense to pay him as much as the Dodgers did? Probably not, for the Braves especially.

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss,

I agree with criticizing Schuerholz for his lack of flexibility sometimes. He’s been great at trusting his own young players, player development, and some other things. But he’s not a Terry Ryan, Billy Beane type; he doesn’t take a lot of chances in trading veterans for young players (see A.J. Pierzynski for Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano).

I don’t think you can argue with a whole lot of the moves he makes. They do make sense. It’s just that he could be a lot more creative in getting young players from other teams.

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

When’s the last time Schuerholz raided another team’s farm system like Billy Beane and Terry Ryan and some others do on a consistent basis? I can’t argue with most of the moves Schuerholz makes because they do make sense and it worked for him throughout most of his career. But he trusts his own young players more than other organizations’ young players, which is kindof strange to me for a guy who seems to embrace playing youngsters.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Shaun Payne, John Schuerholz CAN be criticized for quite a few moves that he made. Letting Furcal go, extending Chipper, GAMBLING on Hampton AND Hudson, trading Estrada for Cormier and Vilareal, ticking off Andruw Jones, not getting a closer, and writing a book called “Built to Win” before he retired all seem like questionable moves or non-moves to me. The truth is that he’s been on cruise control for quite a while. In my mind he’s been GMing not to lose rather than to win.

By Snowball's Chance

September 9, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

It’s great here. I can post once and have stinky carry the load under my name the rest of the night.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Stay with Hudson, sign giles or trade him for someone like Furcal but at second(When I say someone like Furcal I mean a guy who can Lead off, run like hell, have a good a Base on percentege, and steal bases ), resign wickman for a salary around 5 million, resign Baez but for a salary around two million, Trade Thomson,Horacio, and Hampton for two very good young starting pitchers, and get rid off their salaries, and resingn Andruw Jones for another 4 years, and 15 million per season.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Thomson, and Hampton together are paid 17 million, if they can trade them, they can resign Andruw.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 9, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

Well for the future I would like to see John Schuerholz test the waters this offseason as far as swapping Giles and(now my plug will be pulled for saying this)Andrew Jones for some young, quality starting pitchers. Of course, Andrew can veto any trade now, and probably will unless JS p** him off again, or if someone offers him a chunk o’ cheese so big that he couldn’t refuse it. Braves were always about pitching and defense, and that’s what it will take to get them back in the habit of winning. Yes Andrew and Giles are good, but not worth the money, especially Andrew. Players with comparable skill and talent could be had for alot less money. Move Francoeur to center and go from there. Pitching! Pitching!! and more Pitching!!! is the key. I would have liked to see Dontrelle Willis in a Braves uniform, I think he would have put fans in the seats and added a little more personality to the team. Just do something to bring some excitement back to the Braves!!!…

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Adam Worth,

I think it’s rediculous to suggest Schuerholz is trying to avoid losing rather than winning. You look at his track record in Atlanta and Kansas City and he’s been one of the best executives in the history of the game. He’s not perfect, neither are other great GM’s. I’m sure you can find a ton of questionable moves Branch Rickey made. It’s just idiotic to suggest he’s not trying to win.

As far as the specific moves you a criticizing:

1)Although he’s a good player, Furcal isn’t worth the money he’s making. The Braves are better off, in the long run especially, without him.

2)Maybe the Braves would be more flexible without Chipper Jones’s high contract, but Chipper is and has been the Braves best hitter for a long time now and doesn’t show signs of letting up. You can say he gets hurt too much, but his production is so much better than everyone else’s that he’s been more valuable. Baseball Prospectus estimates he’s been worth almost 10 more runs than Andruw Jones offensively in over 100 fewer at-bats.

3)If I’m not mistaken, the Braves aren’t paying Hampton’s salary until next year. I know they got some “free” years out of Hampton. He’s been pretty good when healthy and you can’t really predict injuries. It’s easy to criticize a move in hindsight.

4)Hudson looked like a possible Hall-of-Famer before he came to the Braves. Sure, if you did deep enough and in hindsight it was a bad move, but who actually thought it was a bad move when Schuerholz made the deal. Also, Hudson is overpaid, but he really hasn’t been bad. He just hasn’t been the consistent Cy Young candidate the Braves thought they were getting.

5)Estrada was expendable with the development of McCann. How could anyone say trading him was a mistake? Cormier and Villareal are still pretty young and could become solid. Actually Villareal has been decent and Cormier hasn’t been awful.

6)Ticking off Andruw Jones was just a matter of Jones not understanding the situation and someone leaking information and media sensationalism. Virtually every player in baseball is placed on waivers at some point after July 31. It’s difficult to blame Schuerholz for Andruw getting ticked off. And it appears that he’s over it.

7) Closers aren’t exactly easy to come by. And, again, in hindsight depending on Reitsma was a bad idea. But Reitsma is a solid pitcher when healthy and was solid in 2005. It’s easy to criticize Schuerholz for banking on Reitsma now.

8)Show me where writing a book has costs the Braves. Maybe it seems a little over-confident or arrogant, but how is it any different from a lot of other people in other walks of life?

To sum it up, things look easy when you have the benefit of hindsight. Most of Schuerholz moves made sense, but didn’t work out. If you’re going to criticize the moves that you have, you also have to criticize a move like signing Andres Galarraga. Galarraga was 36-years-old and hadn’t really proven he could hit anywhere besides Colorado. But Schuerholz signed him for three years, over $8 million a year. But in hindsight, it’s easy to not criticize that move.

Creativity, particularly in trading star veterans for young players, is not one of Schuerholz’s strong suits. I’m sure he has other weaknesses. But Schuerholz is one of the great GM’s in the history of the game and it’s rediculous to say he’s not trying to win when his teams have finished first, second or third every year of his career except for one, maybe two (1990 and maybe 1996).

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Creativity, particularly in trading star veterans for young players, is not one of Schuerholz’s strong suits. I’m sure he has other weaknesses. But Schuerholz is one of the great GM’s in the history of the game and it’s rediculous to say he’s not trying to win when his teams have finished first, second or third every year of his career except for one, maybe two (1990 and maybe 2006).

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

Trade Hampton, for Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers, and pay hamptons hole salary, and trade Horacio, and Thomson for Matt Cain of the giants.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

And get rid off reitsma.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Reitsma is makin 4million a year.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

Braves Salaries

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Hampton is tradable. I believe his contract has a no trade clause. Plus he’s coming off of surgery. While I think he will be fine next year, his trade value isn’t as good as it could be. As for Hampton’s salary, well, the official salary is different than what the Braves will be paying him. They have spread out the money they received with him. So while, on paper, we had several “free” years with Hampton, in practice, Hampton has been slated at 8.08 Million a year for his tenure with the Braves. If JS spread out the insurance payement as well, then Hampton will affectively cost us about 7.75 million a year for the remainder of his contract.

Hudson has an average of 10.83 million on his contract. That’s about how much Odalis Perez is making. And Hudson, while dissapointing this season, is certainly better than Odalis Perez. So trading him isn’t out of reach, but he probably wouldn’t fetch as much as he would have a few years ago. On top of that, We’ll have more lefties next year than righties if we trade Hudson. I’m not sure that’s a good move.

As for the offense… What we need is a leadoff hitter that doesn’t strike out a lot. If we can cut down on the strike outs, that’d be an even bigger boost than adding a big bat in left field. At any rate, next year we should be in a good position.

Chuck James tonight. Go gitum Chuck! GO BRAVES

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

Pitchers For next season:

SP John Smoltz 10 Million

SP Tim Hudson 10 Million

SP Chuck James 300k

SP Matt Cain 300k

SP Chad Billingsley 300k

RHP Lance Cormier 300k

RHP Oscar Villareal 300k

RHP Phil Stockman 300k

LHP McCay Mcbride 300k

RHP Chad Parronto 300k

RHP Danny Baez 2 Million

RHP Bob Wickman 5 Million

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

In Triple A if something Happens:

SP Kyle Davies

RHP Ken Ray

RHP Blaine Boyer

LHP John Foster

RHP Joey Devine

LHP Ryan Franklin

RHP Peter Moylan

RHP Anthony Lerew

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Technically Hudson makes 6 million next year and Smotlz’s option is for 8 million. Hudson’s average over three years is 10… He makes 13 and 13.5 the final 2 years of the deal.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

Defence/Lineup:

2B Luis Castillo 5 Million

SS Edgar Renteria 10 Million (paid mostly by Boston)

3B Chipper Jones 13 Million

CF Andruw Jones 13 Million

C Brian McCann 300k

RF Jeff Franceour 300k

1B Adam Laroche 300k

P (pitcher)

Bench:

1B Darryl Ward 700k

2B/Util Pete Orr 300k

LF/OF Ryan Langerthans 300k

LF/1B Scott Thorman 300k

3B/IF Willy Aibar 300k

C Todd Pratt 850k

By Ron Roberts

September 9, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

And somebody mentioned John Thomson… I don’t believe he’s under contract for next season. This was the option year we picked up last offseason, remember?

By the way, Thomas, those contract figures aren’t precise. Smoltz’ option next season is for $8 million, not $10. And there’s no sense in bolstering the option to please him for the future when he’s in his late 30s/early 40s.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Ron youre right about thomson, theres 5 million that goes of the braves, and as for Smoltz salarie see this page click here

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

If the team that I put up is built their total Salary Will be around 65 Million

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

TennessePaul, on the scale of sucky pitcher contracts, Perez is a 9. Hampton is an 8 (from the Braves Perspective). Hudson is a 6. But add Hampton and Hudson together and you are off the scale.

By Lew

September 9, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Thomas-Why would you trade Giles and get a second baseman to replace him who makes what Giles makes with arbitration this year. It makes no sense. Also, I have been saying this for months-Thomson $4.5 mil, Reitsma $2.5 mil, Jordan $1mil, Remlinger $1mil, Sosa $2.5 mil. They will all be gone, saving $11.5 million. This is enough to retain Marcus, pay raises to those eligible and retain Wickman-All of this without even making a move. Look for the simplest solution. Let Giles bat leadoff again. He’s done well after his slow start. Or let Matt Diaz do it.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Lew good point but the braves need to improve their baserunning skills(I mean more stolen bases.) Still trade Horacio, Kyle Davies, and Hampton if you can for Matt Cain and Chad Billingsley.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

Then you can resign Andruw Jones.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

How many is Marcus making next year.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

At the least, Hudson and Hampton have winning records with the Braves. And, even though Hudson has been less than impressive this season, the Braves are 19-12 in his starts. That’s the best winning percentage for any starter with 15 starts.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

Nothing but strikes from Chuck James in the first inning. Not a single ball thrown. This kid is good.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

LaRoche tripled! How is that possible? Jacque Jones must have no arm.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

How did Willy get out? I saw a run go up, then it was taken back? No TV, so I can’t see what’s going on.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

Dammet why is Turner South only watched in Atlanta.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

only watched? It’s a regional station. It isn’t available in California.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, Hudson doesn’t deserve credit for the wins when his ERA flirts with 5.00. I will say that his 195 innings have surprised me, though. He’s at least been grinding. But his frame just doesn’t seem to be that of a big time, 8 figure MLB pitcher. And JS’s “experts” assured him that Hudson’s 2004 season was an anomoly. Looks like it was the shape of things to come.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

I mean its not like TBS or FSN I live in Colombia, and they put on the games of TBS and FSN only for the Braves. They always put the Yankees on Yes, and My 9, and the games on WGN.

By MurphyRules

September 9, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

Did Aybar miss another base?

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

TNPaul, bottom 2nd: Francouer struck out, 2 out, bases empty Langy walked……….. TPena base hit to left Langy to 2nd, Pena on 1st CJames at bat - hit to left, caught by 3rd baseman, Langy out on the force.

………….

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Adam, he doesn’t have credit for all those wins. They are just the results of games he’s started. And Hudson’s size has nothing to do with his aim. He’s not doing good this year because he has no consistant control over his pitches. He can’t last long because he throws to many pitches. He’ll be at 100+ by the sixth inning. If he had his aim then he’d last longer. And lastly, he makes 7 figures this year. Besides, he’s still better than Odalis Perez.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks CLady. How did Aybar get out in the First inning? Did he miss a base or something?

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Top 3rd:
Miller struck out
J Pierre base hit to rt field - on 1st
Therriot at bat, Pierre steals 2nd
Therriot base hit that gets by Giles, Pierre scores
Ramierez flies out to Langy on warning track,
Derek Lee hit grabbed by Giles inning over - Cubs score 1

………….. (this plays faster than I can type!)

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

TNPaul, missed the first inning - sorry! :-))

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Laroche is awesome.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Way to go LaRoche!!! He’s on a good pace for the cycle.

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

TNPaul - do you want this info?? :-))

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

He made 16.75 mil last year with his signing bonus and averages 8 figures over the life of his contract. And to quote you:“…even though Hudson has been less than impressive this season, the Braves are 19-12 in his starts. That’s the best winning percentage for any starter with 15 starts.” What did you mean if you weren’t giving him credit for something?

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

Na… I’ve got GameDay pulled up. Thanks for the play back though. I appreciate it.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

McCann is Awesome.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

McCann!

GO BRAVES

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

Waht I meant to say is the Braves are awesome.

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Whew! :-)

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

That last post was for TennesseePaul. Sorry.

By nathan

September 9, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

Anybody notice that LaRoche’s numbers are FAR SUPERIOR to Andruw’s numbers this year, when you consider AB’s?

Oh BTW Andruw’s salary: $13,500,000

LaRoches’salary: $420,000

Anybody still wanna trade LaRoche and sign Andruw to an extention?

Time to let Andruw go people. Face it. Last year was the FLUKE. He’s gonna continue to put up a .260 BA with 30+ HR’s and about 115 RBI. Very good numbers for anybody. But IMO not even close to the numbers you SHOULD get for 13 million dollars!!

And don’t talk to me about his defense. Yes it’s good. But yes, it’s on the decline. I’ve seen WAY too many balls go over his head this year. Not that his defense is bad, it’s just not as good as were used to seeing from Andruw. And facts are facts. He’s NOT getting any younger, so before you make the “excuse” about his knees and back being at fault for his “play” being down from last year. If you think those injuries are going to GET BETTER with his age going up. Ask Chipper what he thinks about that!

I’m not ripping on Andruw people. I love him, appreciate him and have truely enjoyed watching him play. But we have enough young guys with power that “don’t know the strike zone”. We don’t need one that costs us millions more than a young guy would cost.

I’m tired of all the people on these boards ripping Francoeur about his plate discipline! ARE YOU KIDDIN ME???

He’s 22!!! He makes the league minimum and he’ll only get better. Andruw is NOT 22, he’s had one GREAT season out of 10, and I seriously doubt he will EVER “get it”. Albert Pujols, Andruw is not and never will be.

JS, cut our losses, and let him go.

By David O'Brien

September 9, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

I JUST POSTED A NEW BLOG, CITIZENS AND BLOG DENIZENS.

By psycho

September 9, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

Next year we will have Smoltz, Hudson, Ramirez, Hampton, Davies, James as starters. Sign Wickham and Daez, We have McBride, Devine, Yates, Poronto. Chipper at third, Edgar at short, resign Giles, Adam is fine. Left and right are fine. resign Andrew. McCann is fine. Keep Orr and Aybar.Get a better backup catcher. If the front office, who ever that will be, doesn’t part with the money, then get used to losing. But quit whinning about our guys.

By TONE-TONE

September 10, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

I am sorry BRAVES FABS. Here is the players that must go.

1—REITSMA 2—JORDAN 3—HUDSON 3—GILES 4—PRATT 5—THOMPSON 6—RAMIREZ 7—YATES 8—RAY

Projected Line-up:

ORR-2B RENTERIA-SS C.JONES-3B A.JONES-CF LOROACH-1B McCANN-C DIAZ-LF FRANCOUER-RF *

*FRANCOUER SWINGS AT EVERYTHING THAT COMES HIS WAY. THAT’S WHY HE IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LINE-UP. HE IS A RALLY KILLER 80% OF THE TIME. HE IS ONLY BATTING ABOUT .260. THAT’S 26% GOOD AND 74% BAD.

N

By TONE-TONE

September 10, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

Also, here is my starting rotation and set-up man and closer.

Set-up—-BAEZ CLOSER—-WICKMAN

SMOLTZ HAMPTON JAMES DAVIES LAREW

By nathan

September 10, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

I’m one of them there damn 2 homo boys, I once tried to feed my nuts to a squirrel, it hurt real bad, oh hunamity, I like me some penis once in awhile.

By Jeff

September 10, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

Aside from the core of good young players, the braves shouldn’t take anybody off the trading table. Giles, Hudson and A. Jones are at the top of the trade bait list. Hudson’s value may be down, but given the generally crummy state of pitching in the major leagues, he’d be attractive to a good many different teams. A. Jones—guess he’d consider going to a contender, but contenders may not want to give up the package of young talent the Braves should want. Heck, I’d even try to move Smoltz, not because he isn’t a rock-solid pitcher, but because he’d have real value on in the marketplace.

I think the real danger is trying to patch up the Braves for a division run in 2007 rather than building the team for a slew of runs thereafter. I’d trade for young talent, take my lumps in 2007 (possibly)and position the franchise as a contender for the next half dozen seasons.

By journalist jimmy (no balls/no dick) smith

September 11, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

My name says it all.

By journalist LeTwan jimmy Anthony smith

September 11, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

im DOB’s b***!

By adam the gay blade

September 11, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Southern Jackass this is your new lover Adam,I am madly in love with you,i like your style on this blog,come to me and let me show you a good time,you know you want it,try me and you will never go back.I spoke with the 2 homo boys today ,they said to say hi to the Southern Jackass and to tell him that they would like to send him some pictures of their wedding and reception and from the honeymoon in Cancun,They are having a ball.You and I could have a ball also.i will ball you real good.come to me i got a nice pecker just waiting for you.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 11, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

no adam the gay blade i want you more than anyone. leave jackass alone jackass will kick your a*. journalist wants to be your lover tops and bottoms adam. pitching and catching baby bring it to jimmy

By Jimbo

September 11, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

LaRoche should win Gold Glove this year. Sign Wickman and Baez for next year. Trade A Jones for pitching and everyday player. Let the dead wood players go..ex BJ. Try to get Crawford from Rays and D W form Fla. Tell JS and BC to put up or shut up.This team never had a chance for the start and JS knew it.

By Jimbo

September 11, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

DW FROM FLA not form sorry

By unclepeepot

September 11, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

Hey SJA you better be nice to my nephew Adam the Gay blade,because if you don’t i will come all the way from my country and kick your A$$.Also applies to my counsins the 2 homo boys.Uncle pee pot has spoken.

By juornalist jimmy smith

September 12, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this

oh unkle pee pot let me suck your pee hole.

By Elliot

September 12, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

Trade Andruw … with the 15 million freed up, sign Wickman and Juan Pierre (both free agents) …. centerfield, leadoff hitter and closer accomplished with no increase in payroll.

By Steve

September 12, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

I love to hear all these wanna-be GMs throw around their baseball expertise regarding Andruw Jones. “Hey, we need to package him to get some good players.” Yuk, yuk! Golly Gomer, who is better out there in the hinderlands than a 29-year-old Gold Glove centerfielder who hit 50 home runs last year and averages 30-plus? This town is full of brainchilds!

By Jeff

September 12, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it… Trade Chipper for pitching help.

By unclepeepot

September 12, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

Uncle pee pot is looking for southern jackass,I will come all the way to America to jap slap his a$$.leave my nephew Adam the gay blade along and also my counsins the 2 homo boys,us family stick together.you don’t want me to come and slap you SJA,i might be 89 yrs old but I am Mean.

By unclepeepot

September 12, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Ok Southern Jackass Uncle peepot has spoken,you better listen cause i am one mean dude.

By MOBRAVESFAN

September 13, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

ONCE AGAIN: Replace Giles with ALFONSO SORIANO no matter what the cost, Since we probably wont get any help elsewhere, we may as well get a 40/40 guy.