Braves

By nathan

September 9, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

I’ll post this again since DOB directed everybody to the NEW blog.

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 SaltyDog55

September 9, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

DOB Keep writin’…they’re scorin’!

By Calvin

September 9, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

What has gotten into LaRoche? I am poised to consider if he can carry this over for a full season, not just a half a season. I think Andruw’s knee is bothering him more than he lets on which is probably one of the reason he is slumping as bad as he is. I think Chipper should be shut down for the year. It doesn’t appear the Braves will run down the Pads for a playoff spot so they shouldn’t risk further injurying Chipper by rushing him back. One more thing Mr. O’Brien, what will JS do about Thomson and Reitsma?

By David O'Brien

September 9, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

Thomson won’t be re-signed, and unclear about Reitsma. Since they’re paying for his rehab (or insurance is), they might _ MIGHT _ keep him if they can bring him back at a significantly reduced salary.

As for RENTERIA, I forgot to mention he’s out of the lineup tonight because he’s sick. Got the but that’s gone around clubhouse.

By David O'Brien

September 9, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

that should be the BUG that’s gone around clubhouse.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for the blog! Nice rebuttle of the Furcal talk.

nathan: Last year Andruw hit 51 homers. Was that the one good season you refer to? Or was it 2000? Either way, that’s a least 2 good seasons. He’s hit at least 30 homers and 90 RBIs 8 out of the last 9 seasons. He’s pretty frickin good. We’ll see what he’s worth when the contracts are made up. I’d keep him. He’s on the path to the Hall of Fame. I’d like to see our HOF players finish their careers in Atlanta rather than New York or elsewhere.

Adam Worth: My point about the winning percentage was, he has kept the Braves in the game, despite his crappiness this season. My point of all of that post was that he is still better than Odalis Perez.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

I still say that the insurance on Hampton is closer to 30% than 50%. If it was 50% he’d have done more than he did this season and he’d have crowed a little more about it, too. And someone tell JS that those red suspenders went out when Gordon Gekko went to jail.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

Also: 4,000,000. That’s 7 numbers and 2 commas. Next season 6,000,000. That’s 7 numbers and 2 commas. I suppose we could go into his bonus’s, net worth, assets and so forth, but his salary is 7 figures. If you chose to go beyond his salary, then I’ll agree, he brings in more than 7 figures in one season.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Dob, start pointing out Druw’s numbers more often!!

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Dawgs 10 - Chickens 0 in the middle of the 2nd qtr.

By nathan

September 9, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul….

I never said he wasn’t good.

I’m just saying, I’m not sure he’s worth 13+ million dollars.

I’m not saying that 30 HR and 90 RBI guys are a dime a dozen. But they surely are not a dime a 13 million. LOL.

Speak of the devil. What do ya know. A homerun!

Is that what baseball has come to. You just have to hit 30 HR with 90 RBI and bat .260 to “earn” 13 million dollars?

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

David could you tell me if this salaries are precise http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/salaries?team=atl

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

When is Baez coming back, his off the 15 day disable list September 7.

By TennesseePaul

September 9, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Well, I’d imagine that you have to do that on a consistant basis while also winning 9 consectutive gold gloves.

WAY TO GO ANDRUW!!!

Who else can we talk about? Maybe Pena. Seems everyone we mention hits ‘em hard and knocks in runs tonight.

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Adam Worth, just pure ol’ curiosity: how/why did you choose this moniker? Was he a character you admired? :-))

By Calvin

September 9, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

What is the status on Baez Mr. O’Brien?

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Laroche could do the cycle he already did the difficult part a Triple and a homer.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

What will Bobby do with Davies wil he give him another start?

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

Whatever do you mean, CL?
And Tennesseee Paul, so I guess I was right. He’s NOT a big time, 8 figure MLB pitcher.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Even though he has averaged 8 figures over last season and this season and will do so from 2005-2006.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

2005-2009. sorry. trying to watch Georgia- trounce the chickens, the BRaves and a little wild Indian.

By Lew

September 9, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Nathan-He may not be worth that much, but yes, that’s what someone with Andruw’s numbers makes when he has eight consecutive Gold Gloves. What do you think Soriano will demand this off season? How about Pujols if he were free agent eligble. When Andruw signed for these bucks, Manny being Manny had just signed for $20 mil per and ARod for $25 mil per. Andruw signed for considerably less than he could have gotten in free agency. So. Is he worth it? I don’t know. But Dude, that’s the way it is these days. That Snickers bar don’t cost a nickel anymore and a Cokes a buck twenty, not a dime. Gas isn’t a quarter a gallon, either. Are you freezing in ND yet? We hit 40 tonight in Vermont.

By Don

September 9, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

At the All Star break, I felt that LaRoche was expendable but also felt he wasn’t one of the main causes for the team’s shortfalls and should likely be kept. I think LaRoche has resoundingly made the case that he not only should stay at first for the Braves but he may be a main fixture in the lineup for the next few years. Why then, do I get the feeling that Schuerholz may trade him in the offseason?

By nathan

September 9, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

I know this is a stretch. But on ESPN’s stats page they have what is called “players average stats/per 162 games played. Obviously this “benefits” a player that doesn’t stay healthy like Andruw has. But it gives us an idea of a players “ability” and “potential”

Player A: .254 BA, 30 HR, and 94 RBI over a 162 game “average”

Player B: .266 BA, 34 HR and 102 RBI over a 162 game “average”

Player A……Jeromy Burnitz

Player B……Andruw Jones

Are you telling me that Andruws defense is worth about 9 million more a year? Because if it’s not, than we obviously can replace Andruw’s “numbers” for considerably less than what HE will cost us.

Yes, I realize Andruw is going to the HOF and Burnitz is most definitely NOT. But in reality, what good does Andruws “past” qualifications for the HOF do for us next season? Yup. Absolutely nothing. I mean if all we wanted was a HOF’r on the roster to help us win. Why not bring back BOTH Maddux and Glavine next year. Oh yeah….been there, done that. Haven’t we?

It’s the same argument I’ve been giving for months. If (BIG IF) new ownership allows payroll ti INCREASE. Then YES, at all cost, sign Andruw and let him “finish” his career here. Because I’m sure that’s just what Atlanta would’ve wanted to do…watch Dale Murphy SUCK for two years. just to “watch the end of his career.” Why is it neccessary to do that? Aren’t the best years of a players career the beginning and the middle ones? I understand the “sentimental” value of watching an aging veteren “decline before our very eyes”, but why not remember the good years. Wasn’t it nice to watch Maddux in his prime and remember him that way?

But, if they don’t allow a payroll increase (which I’m sure they won’t), then we need to “use our resources better than wasting (yes, I said wasting) 1/5 of the payroll on a guy who could be replaced (at least offensively) for much less. And if you ask me by who? I’m gonna puke. People. We already have 3 young players on this roster that will most surely replace Andruw’s numbers over the next few years. LaRoche, Fracoeur and McCann. So don’t act like it would be the end of the world.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

A-Rod’s numbers a Batting AVG 282 31HR 105 RBI

Andruws numbers a Batting AVG 260 33HR 108 RBI

and Arod is making 12 million more than Andruw.

By SaltyDog55

September 9, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Please don’t yell…off topic, but Troy 16 Florida St 10 4th Quarter Yikes!

By nathan

September 9, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Lew

It’s supposed to get down to 34 tonight over night.

I love this time of year. It reminds me of the baseball playoffs. Oh Wait. THIS TIME OF YEAR SUCKS NOW. LOL Hot during the day and you can turn of the AC at night and freeze you bug off (that’s for you DOB. LOL).

Got up to 70somthing today. Was in the upper 80’s all week.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Nathan Burnitz is 39 and Andruw is 29, thats why.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

Thomas, AROD gets a COLA for NY.

By nathan

September 9, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

Thomas

Yup. Dead on with the ARod stats. They are BOTH severely OVERPAID. But if I recall Texas gave the Yankees a BUNCH of money - somthing like 75 million - in the trade (like the Boss couldn’t afford it!) Which if I remember essentially meant that the Rangers paid about 40 million a season for the short time they had him. THAT’S INSANE!

So in actuality, AROD is costing the Yankees “about” the same that Andruw is costing the Braves.

Listen, I’m not saying that he isn’t worth the pay he gets when compared to his peers. I’m just saying it “might” not be worth it for the Braves to pay that much for him again. Why have a 15 million dollar Gold Glove CF (that hits .259) when, the last time I checked, even Gold Glovers can’t catch balls that land 30 rows back. Of course the reason I’m saying this, is because if the Braves give him that much money again (with the current payroll restraints), that is what they will be able to afford for pitchers……guys that, well, guys that pitch like the pitchers we have right now. That’s really all I’m saying. Not that he’s a bum.

By nathan

September 9, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

thomas*

I’m aware of Burnitz’s age. I was just saying that on a “short term basis” if we wanted to spend our money on PITCHERS instead of on our Gold Glove CF, he could be replaced on a season to season basis. At least his bat. Plus, my guess is that Francoeur could play a pretty good CF if asked.

If you asked me if the payroll JS was given to work with. He could afford to keep Andruw and not sign any pitching help. Or he could let Andruw walk and get a frontline Rotation guy and a upper end closer or bullpen guy. Which would you choose? I’d take the pitching any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Offense is not our problem people. We are still scoring runs without Chipper in the lineup. We would do the same without Andruwm IMO.

Hell, I’d settle for the Starters we have coming up, and have JS spend all of the money “ear-marked” for Andruw on the Bullpen. But hey, that’s just me. I like pitching duels. Not Coors Field losses.

By NLCHAMPS

September 9, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

A Rod is going to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. Andrew probably isn’t.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

and to add on A-Rod he has made 20 errors and Andruw the best of the best in centerfield 2 errors. I understand your point that it will be a good part of Braves Payroll but everyone is being over paid, but if they want to win they will resign Andruw.Thats why the Braves need to get rid off Hampton salary.

By nathan

September 9, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

also to add to what NLCHAMPS had to say. For the better part of a decade, AROD has “changed” the way the opposing manager, manages. Or at least how he uses his bullpen. Andruw has done that one season….last year.

Other than that, I’m not sure any manager has EVER feared what Andruw would do at the plate. That might be an overstatement. But Andruw has not gotten near the “respect” throughout his career from opposing managers, than Chipper has. If I recall, most managers would rather pitch around Chipper and face Andruw.

Right now if I was an opposing manager. I’d fear McCann and LaRoche way before Andruw.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

Has anybody seen what Maria Sharapova is wearing in the US Open finals?

By nathan

September 9, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

thomas

I’d bet my left maplenut, that if Hampton has one of “average” season’s next year, that it will help the Braves more than Andruw having one of his.

Judging by what DOB has said. Hampton is working his bug off to get back to his old form. So I’m guessing it’s safe to say that he’ll be “more important” to the Braves success next year, than Andruw will. Just my opinion.

By NORM WERM

September 9, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

jernalis smith has left the glog for guud. jernalis could not mach witts witg the klever stinke glogger. NORM will be glogging from now on in place of loser jernalis no talend.

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

I truly hope a situation never developes where Bob Wickman has to try to run the bases.

By MEB

September 9, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

SaltyDog55… Unfortunately for Troy we lost to Florida State 24-17. It was a valiant effort in hostile territory but I’m very proud of the Trojans.

Talk about doing the chant, the Seminole fans chant and chop almost the entire game.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Wickman has a special batting helmit with a stick, a string and a drumstick.

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

My suggested trades for the Braves in the Offseason are Trade Hampton, and Davies for Matt Cain of the Giants agreing to pay Haptons contract, and Horacio for Dodgers top prospect Chad Billingsley. That will make 17million free of Braves Budget and the Braves will have an exellent and young starting rotation with the exeption of Smoltz, and the Braves can resign Andruw, Wickman, Baez, Giles, and whoever else.

By nathan

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

If we were gonna “agree to pay Hamptons’s contract” why on earth would we deal him?

What do you think we are? The Yankees and Red Sox are about the only teams that “pay” other teams to take players “off their hands”.

I suggest we trade Matt Diaz for Albert Pujols (with the Cardinals paying Pujols’s salary) and then turn around and trade Hudson to the Yankees for AROD and have the Yankees pay ALL of his salary. THEN WE WON’T NEED TO SIGN ANDRUW AGAIN.

Nice try though.

By MEB

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

Not one of Maria Sharapova’s better looks, in my opinion. However, the black dress may show Maria’s desire to appear emotionless and cold to her opponent. Her strategy worked as she beats Ms. Hardenne in straight sets tonight.

The dangling earrings are an odd look for tennis players. I wonder if they would help our bullpen?

Oh so pretty… Oh so pretty… and witty… and BRIGHT!!!

By nathan

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

And besides……if we were going to PAY for Hampton’s salary. How on earth would that “free up” 17 million dollars? Just because the player is not on the roster, doesn’t mean the money paid to them “doesn’t figure into the budget.”

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Maybe we could sign Roger Federer to help the starting rotation. The ball would be hard to pick up off his racquet and he can change speeds.

By Goat Horns

September 9, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with Nathan that signing Andruw to a long term, high dollar contract would be a gamble for the Braves. He is not very old but he has a lot of mileage.

Just look at Chipper. I don’t think he can ever be counted on for 150 games in a season again. We have all of that money sitting on the bench while the young guys are struggling to keep us in the hunt.

On a different note has anyone noticed that Ryan Howard might have a chance to set the all time single season (non enhanced) home run record.

By Thomas

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

No the Giants pay his salary.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Maybe Chipper should consider pilates or ballet instead of bulking up.

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 9, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Here’s a Braves factoid.

Every time Willy Aybar misses touching a base and gets called out on appeal, the Braves win. It happened earlier in the season against the Reds in Cincy (a Sunday, I believe).

We traded Wilson Betemit for a blithering idiot who cannot toe-tap a bag and a guy who gets an operation on our dime and will leave at the end of the season. JS, between not signing a closer, trading Andy Marte because you had no faith in playing Betemit at short, and then compounding your errors by trading Betemit to the L.A. Braves for the two aforementioned stiffs?

JS, you get my 2006 & On award for Idiotic Moron GM of the Year.

By elbravox

September 9, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

ESPN has all the headlines relating to injuries, plus no veterans having monster years in any position = players have no ‘roids to recover and grenies to excell. Only one player in the majors is having a monster year and he is young. The game was dirtier than I thought.

By MEB

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

Adam Worth… did you see the Federer vs. Pong commercial? Very funny!

Speaking of wearing black… the Gamecocks are wearing black tonight. However, they are not faring so well against them Dawgs. Steve Spurrier looks extremely stressed. The Dawgs must have harshed his mellow.

By Shaun Payne

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

I think Schuerholz should try to trade Giles and Andruw Jones 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.

Rumors has it the Angels are still interested in Miguel Tejada. Maybe they would take Andruw Jones 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.

And, finally, 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 Thomas

September 9, 2006 10:27 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 3pitch

September 9, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Dave O’Brien,

You are not painting an accurate picture of the Furcal negotiations. From Reports I read, Furcal really wanted to stay in Atlanta, but JS/Frank Wren low-balled the offer at less than $8M per. The cubs were higher by about $1M or so initially.

Now if the Braves had not dragged their feet, and started out with a more reasonable $8.5M or $9M offer, Furcal might yet be a Brave. (Remember, the Dodgers jumped in at the very last minute with their ridiculous offer.) As it happened, the Braves last offer was still less than $8M per. This type of negotiating is not going to get the job done.

Btw, the Braves are now last in the league in stolen bases, and have trouble manufacturing runs. Furcal has much better range than Renteria and he can bat leadoff. If you look for reasons the Braves lost in ‘06, well, losing Furcal ranks right up there with having no closer.

By flbravesgirl

September 9, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

LOL at your 9:36 post, CL. That is a rather alarming mental picture.

Back to back good games (though this one didn’t start out so well. I thought Aybar got the corner of 3rd.) Chucky is really impressing me.

How fun was it to see the LL Champs there, in the clubhouse, on the field with the Braves, getting paraded around in convertibles, etc.? Those kids won’t come back down to earth for a week.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

MEB, The chickens are wearing black because they knew they’d be in mourning before the end of the game. Also, the black visors taste better.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

3pitch, JS likes to get the bargain. That’s how we got Hudson.

By nathan

September 9, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Shaun Payne

WOW! Somebody who “get’s it”.

I’m not sure the other teams would “settle” for the proposed trades you mentioned. But you’re thinking along the lines of where you should be thinking.

We had more than a decade to “make a run” at the world series, since the 1995 WS victroy. Every year we had a shot to get to the dance. Other than 1999…we didn’t get there. That was with a veteran lineup, filled with future HOFr’s around every corner. I’m not sure what brand of rose colored glasses most of the Braves fans are wearing, think this team is only a “tweak or two” away from dominating the Mets, much less the rest of the weak NL. Face it. The Braves are the epitome of how “WEAK” the NL is. Mediocre at EVERY possible inch of the game of baseball. Yup. Just like DOB stated. The Braves are “near the top” of the league in HR’s. Real shocker there, with Bobby Cox at the helm. Good lord, he even has the team “stating” that the only way the Braves know how to win is by hitting HR’s. The other day, Francoeur said somthing to the effect of “running’ not really being their style of play. Nope. Not in this lifetime. Of course it’s hard to play “hit and run” style of baseball, when you don’t have anybody other than McCann, who actually knows how to “hit”.

This team needs a SERIOUS overhaul. Sure, JS could probably “tweak” here and “maneuver” there a little bit. To give us a shot at the post season next year. But why tease himself and us?

Blow it up. Keep the young guys, (McCann, LaRoche, Francoeur, James, McBride), the reasonably priced guys, (Renteria, Wickman, Smoltz - if he wants to stay), and the “untradables”, (Chipper & Hampton). The rest can go, IMO. Just start over. It will get worse before it gets better, but in 3 years it will be worth it. Look at the Marlins, and it didn’t even take them “That long”.

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Btw, the Braves are now last in the league in stolen bases, and have trouble manufacturing runs. Furcal has much better range than Renteria and he can bat leadoff. If you look for reasons the Braves lost in ‘06, well, losing Furcal ranks right up there with having no closer.

The Braves have scored the third-most runs in the National League, last time I checked. You could argue, if you take into account the ballpark, the Braves have one of the top two offensive clubs in the league along with the Mets (Philadelphia plays in an extreme hitter’s park and hasn’t scored that many more runs).

The Braves offense is fine.

Furcal’s a great player, but if you overpay for anybody it’s going to limit your ability to do things. It’s great if your the Yankees or Red Sox because a)”overpay” isn’t in the vocabulary and b)if an expensive player (or any player for that matter) starts stinking, you can just buy out his contract and release him.

As far as the bullpen situation, I agree that Schuerholz should have done something. But I do think there was no reason to expect Reitsma to fail as miserably as he did. I’m sure it was because of injuries and you need at least a solid backup plan with pitchers, but Reitsma is pretty solid when healthy. Schuerholz was banking on Reitsma and Joey Devine to carry the load. It didn’t happen and Schuerholz did too little too late to improve the situation.

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Hey, flbravesgirl! Was all your property OK when you got back?

By nathan

September 9, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

3pitch……did it ever occur to you that JS didn’t want Furcal back at any cost due to his incosistancy at the plate - like this year? Believe me, if JS thought that they couldn’t win without ANY player that has ever become a free agent, they would be resigned before free agency arrived. Just like Andruw, Chipper, Maddux and Glavine all had done in the pas when they resigned. I believe what happened with Furcal is a preview of what we will see with Andruw’s “negotiations” when he’s a free agent. If he is not traded by then.

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

nathan,

Yeah, I’m thinking of teams like the Marlins and especially the Twins. I think the best trade of the past five years was the AJ Pierzynski for Joe Nathan, Franciso Liriano and Boof Bosner. You have to be willing to take a chance trading your stars for young players.

I love Schuerholz and it’s hard to argue with finishing in the top three every year of his career except for 1990 and maybe 2006, but one of his weaknesses is his unwillingness to trade veterans for other teams’ prospects. It’s kindof strange because Schuerholz is so willing to bring up his own young players and insert them into everyday roles. But when’s the last time he raided another team’s farm system like Terry Ryan and Billy Beane do consistently?

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 9, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t have said it better myself 3pitch—how many times did we hear that when Furcal scores, the Braves win?…As Furcal went,so went the offence, he was the sparkplug that kept the offence running! John Schuerholz could have signed Furcal earlier and for millions less, but NO!!!…

By John K

September 9, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

D.O.B: Any scuttlebutt on the status of Schuerholz & Cox after 2007? Seems to me that at the close of next season, they plus Andruw will be gone.

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 9, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

PS

I remind the mavens of this blog to note that most insurance plans taken out on contracts cover anywhere from 50% to 60% on contracts of three years or less for pitchers. Also, when Mike Hampton was signed, management decided to take the amount the Braves were to cover for the life of the contract - the Rockies and Marlins covered the first two seasons - and divided it by the seasons left on the contract while playing for the Braves. Since 2003, the Braves have taken the average amount divided by the five seasons and made it part of the annual budget, so Hampton will be a relative bargain next year if he comes back to form and remains healthy.

This season proved that you cannot have enough pitching - starting or bullpen - so I would rather trade Andruw and Giles to save there and get a quality closer. Since John Smoltz is not getting any younger, Hampton will be in his walk year next season, and the jury will still be out on Tim Hudson’s ability to perform, the future is now with Kyle Davies, Chuck James, and Horacio Ramirez, who needs to stop being an injury-riddled wuss like Chipper and finally deliver on his enormous promise.

Yes, I know I am going to regret this, but I would re-sign Chris Reitsma if he took a pay cut.

In the end, this season proved that I’d rather pitch well than hit well.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 9, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I know we have butted heads a few times on here (just friendly debate) but I couldn’t agree more with you. I think exploring a trade of Andruw to the Angels for Kendrick and one of their good young pitchers (Escobar or Santana) is something the Braves should definitely do and is very realistic. I think Giles and maybe Horacio could be moved to a team like the Astros, Angels, or even the Blue Jays for some decent pitching. I think the Yankees would jump at getting Hudson especially since Pavano has lost a lot of favor with the orginization over the injury incident. We could trade for Melkey Cabrerra, who will be the odd man out next season. I still say a trade of Thorman, Horacio/Davies, and Salty/B. Pena to the Devil Rays could land a Carl Crawford. Even trading Andruw to the Blue Jays for a Vernon Wells would be a good trade because Wells will be more signable after next season than Andruw will be. By trading Andruw, Giles, and Hudson the Braves would free up money to be at least a somewhat viable player in the free agency pool and fill some holes.

Now, the question is will JS and the Braves do that. Also, I wonder just how much JS is thinking about not exercising Smoltz’s contract next season.

By flbravesgirl

September 9, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Funny you should ask, CL. Everything was OK here except the yard was a jungle (those of you who have seen how fast grass grows in the rainy season here know what I mean). So of course the mower decided to break down. Ever “mowed” an entire lawn with a weedeater?

By Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t have said it better myself 3pitch—how many times did we hear that when Furcal scores, the Braves win?…As Furcal went,so went the offence, he was the sparkplug that kept the offence running! John Schuerholz could have signed Furcal earlier and for millions less, but NO!!!…

Let’s see…the Braves let Furcal walk…and they are third in the league in runs scored, right up there with the best offenses in the league. Not signing Furcal has really hurt, huh?

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 10:56 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

Lineup:

2B Marcus Giles 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 Shaun Payne

September 9, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

…and everybody knows that Furcal’s defense is worth about negative 50-100 runs a year (about where the Braves would need to be to rank at or near the top in fewest runs allowed).

Oh, and did I mention the Braves are third in the league in runs scored without Furcal?

What a mistake by Shuerholz letting Furcal go!

By Thomas

September 9, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

Tha is your team, and you can resign andruw now that the giants paying hamptons contract.

By Carolina Lady

September 9, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

:-))flbravesgirl! My mower and I have had a running war ever since I bought the thing! (Whatever happens, never buy a John Deere!!) I’ve had 9 years of unhappy frustration/anger/tears with the thing and it came very close to the end of its life after I tried to use it for storm cleanup and it failed me AGAIN. A kindly neighbor +$90 has extended its life a little longer. :-)) Can’t even imagine that much ‘weedeating’! :-))

By Lew

September 9, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Thomas-I think you are way off on salaries. Smoltz makes $8 mil next year and Chipper, I believe, makes $9 mil. Pratt will not even be here and the major league minimum is already $330,000+ and they renegotiate this winter. Hudson only makes $6 mil next year and LaRoche will probably get a raise in arbitration to around $2.5 mil. The Braves will only pay $6 mil of Renteria’s salary.

By Adam Worth

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

Shaun Payne, The Braves have scored a lot of runs, but, a lot of those runs came in explosive bunches. They’ve stunk it up a lot at times, too. I wonder what a lineup of Furcal, Giles, La Roche, Jones, Jones, McCann, Francuer, whoever might be doing next year. We’ll never find out.

MiaBchBravesFan, if I get your bistro-math right, the braves supposedly got 4 mill in salary relief on Hampton. Wow, I hope JS didn’t spend it all in one place. Also, I think you’re right about Reitsma coming back on a paycut. He probably won’t, though. A lot of bad memories of this season will drive him away if there are any takers.

By nathan

September 9, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

Braves Lineup for 2007:

SP1) Johan Santana

SP2) Roy Halliday

SP3) Brandon Webb

SP4) John Smoltz

SP5) Chuck James

CL1) Mariano Rivera

CL2) Trevor Hoffman

CL3) Bob Wickman

CA) Brian McCann

CA2) Joe Mauer

1B) Adam LaRoche

1B2) Ryan Howard

2B) Betemit (JS changed his mind - and requireshim)

SS) Derek Jeter

3B) Chipper Jones

3B2) AROD (he can back up both Chipper and Jeter)

LF) Barry Bonds (he can provide “help” to Chipper and the other oft-injured Braves)

CF) Andruw Jones (JS will sign him to a 7 year 400 Billion dollar contract - confusing him with the NFL TV deal he was trying to negotiate for TBS)

RF) Jeff Francoeur

OF) Jermaine Dye (you can never have enough power)

OF) Ken Griffey Jr. (once he heard Bonds was on board, he knew “he find a way” to stay healthy for a full year)

Oh, did I mention the Steinbrenner was going to jump in at the last minute and by the Braves from Time Warner for 400 billion dollars? (he too thought he was bidding on the NFL package for the YES network!)

By Lew

September 9, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

What everyone who is proposing all of these trades is NOT taking into account is JS.Where in our experience with him as GM do we see him making all these moves? He will (maybe) make one fairly large trade (like Renteria last year), some small moves to shore up the bullpen, and he will resign Wickman (because he KNOWS better than to make that mistake again). That is the extent of the deals that will be made this winter. Y’all have seen how he operates and this season we have seen the Braves managment has done things the way they always do. There has been no deviation from THE WAY. There won’t be this season either. There will be enough money left over from the departure of Thomson, Reitsma (or at lots less), Remlinger, Jordan and Sosa to cover Wicky and raises. I will tell you now, this is how it will go down. It is thoroughly predictable.

By Greg

September 9, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

The need to get rid of Hampton and his salary. The Braves ought to stick with James and Davies. I would get rid of Horacio Ramirez, I thought he was going to be a strong lefty for the Braves, but is injury prone. Chipper needs to sit the rest of the season because I don’t see the Braves making the playoffs. I’d play for a winning record at 82-80. Renteria is fine, but Giles is a 2nd place hitter. I think will the Braves will trade him for an infielder who has speed, walks a lot, and hits between .280-.300.like Giles. They need a lead off guy with .380-.400 on base average and can still 40-50 bases next year.

By flbravesgirl

September 9, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

I was amused to see DOB’s mention of Marcus standing eye-to-eye with the LL Champs’ Kyle Carter, who is said to be 5’9”. Marcus isn’t anywhere near that tall (maybe Kyle stretched a little when they measured him?). Several years ago, I attended a spring training game up in Dunedin and saw most of the team very close up as they were getting on the bus. Marcus appeared to be my height, 5’6”. It would be interesting to see them from such a close proximity now since we have all these big bruisers.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 9, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Yea right Shaun Payne! Braves third in the league in runs scored!…Braves also 20 games behind the NL East leading Mets, with only the Nats between them and the cellar, 5 games out in the NL Wildcard with 6 teams ahead of them, and 5 games below 500, and most importantly to the Braves is the imminent end of their beloved streak of division titles. Nah, you’re right Payne, I can’t see where the Braves might be missing Furcal in any way!!!…

By nathan

September 9, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

I hear ya, Lew.

I’m just tryin’ to “keep up” with thomas.

I’m thinkin’ of going downstairs and firing up my kids’ playstation 2 and “playing GM” for a while. I wonder what kinda team I can put together? I’ll let you all know tomorrow. My “winter meetings” start in about a half hour!

By Lew

September 9, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

Jacka$$-Furcal’s value is maybe not debateable, but having him this year would have done nothing to counter the terrible pitching performances. It is pitching that has kicked the Braves’ behinds this year, not the loss of Furcal, no matter how much he made the offense go. And that he did do.

By nathan

September 9, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss

Did I miss somthing, or did Furcal sign with the Dodgers to pitch?

Because if he can’t pitch (start or relief), then he wouldn’t have done us one DAMN bit of good this year. DID YOU NOT SEE DOB’S STATS IN THIS BLOG COMPARING FURCAL AND RENTERIA? They are almost IDENTICAL. The only difference being that Furcal leads off and Renteria doesn’t. So how about yelling at Bobby for not trying Renteria in the leadoff spot. Then we would’ve had “Furcal like numbers” in the leadoff spot, and Giles could’ve hit second. I CAN’T BELIEVE BOBBY DIDN’T TRY THAT THIS YEAR AT ALL!!!!!!

But we need Furcal back, like we need Sheffield and JD Drew back…….in other words….WE DON’T!!!! Unless you think the Braves could use a designated driver when they are up in NY attending the Mets WS Victory Parade?

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

Howdy, All. Back in for a bit. Snowball, I thought you sounded a bit agressive and rude last night; now I know why. What a loser(stinky, not you). Braves did well tonight. I was oblidged to just watch bottom line for the score, as I was too busy at my local sports bar watching my DAWGS kick Spurrier’s behind. First time he’s been shut out since ‘87. WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF!

By TheSouythernJackAss

September 9, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

I know that LEW, and you, me, and the entire free world know that it’s pitching the Braves need and have needed, but I get tired of listening to fans belittle players after they leave the Braves, just like the comments that have been made by fans and players alike concerning Leo Mazzone. You will have to admit, for some reason the pitching has pretty much sucked since he left. I don’t blame any player for leaving the Braves if the Braves don’t want to pay the going rate, and any of you people would do the same. Most players that do leave will tell you that they would have prefered to stay with the Braves. Sorry to take up for Furcal, but I did enjoy watching him play, no one had an arm like that and he made plays no one else could have made. So enjoy Renteria until you can’t afford him either!

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 9, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Yes nathan I do believe you missed something—it’s called a “brain”!

By journalist jimmy smith

September 9, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Grinch smells like a@@.

By Lew

September 9, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

Yes, he was exciting to watch and had maybe the best arm I’ve ever seen on a shortstop. I will never dispute that. If, in fact, we could have re-signed him for $9 mil, then we were fools not to do so. If we would have have to pay him $13 mil, then he just ain’t worth that kind of money when you just don’t have it.

By Adam Worth

September 9, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed that Renteria is batting .231 in August and September while Furcal is hitting .338? And who’s in a pennant race?

By The Grinch

September 9, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy, I had no idea you were a moron. How original, stinky. Anyone still think I’m paranoid? Later all; I’m off again.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 9, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this

As much as this team needs Furcal right now, there is no way on God’s green earth that he is worth anywhere near $13 mil. The Dodgers way overpaid for him and will probably regret it, if they haven’t already.

I think if there was ever evidence of how speed can produce a run, it was Juan Pierre tonight. He gets on 1st, steals second, and then gets to third basically on two pitches. Anyone who doesn’t think having speed in the lineup would not make this team light years better is crazy. Speed can change the whole dynamics of a game. Just how good would this offense be with Pierre at the top of the lineup. They would be leading the league in runs scored and probably could have stolen about six or eight wins. Boy, wouldn’t those wins be nice about right now.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 9, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

Anything Pierre would have added with speed he would have subtracted with his “wet noodle” throwing arm. He can barely get the ball back to the cutoff man!

By Stinky

September 10, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this

Grinch, you’ve been played, but not by Stinky.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

Well, SJA, this team needs speed as any team that hopes to score runs consistently needs speed. While Pierre’s arm is less than desirable I personally believe that his speed would produce more runs than his are would take away.

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

Looks like my DD had too much to drink. Guess we ain’t goin’ back out. Stinky, I thought that sounded a bit juvenile for you; at least you usually try hard. You’re still a dick, though. :-) Pierre might not be the answer, but I do think we need a leadoff hitter and we could get one for Giles. I love the guy, but we have an equally good #2 hitter and a cheaper second baseman (or three) in the wings. It’s become a cutthroat buisness with this payroll.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 10, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

Grinch, nobody would want to hang out with your stanky a$$. So no DD is necessary.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

You’re absolutely right, Grinch. This team needs two good solid relievers, another reliable starter, and a leadoff hitter. Giles along with some combinations of Diaz, Langerhans, Hudson, Thorman, T. Pena, and B. Pena can bring us the pieces that would fill those needs. I love Giles to death. He along with Francoeur, Thorman, Diaz, and McCann are the only true hustlers on the team. But, sometimes you got to give a little to get a little more.

By Adam Worth

September 10, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this

Furcal has at least 3 more DUI’s than Renteria. Isn’t it better to have a shortstop you can party with after the game. Or if you’re a cop, you could memorize his plates and get a nice little gratuity…

By Raffy Furcal

September 10, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

I’m all for the partying.

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

I expect it’s easy to find people to party with when you’re a millionaire, plus, what if he gets a DUI on the way to a game? Then you have to start Pete Orr. Robert (JIB), true sayings. I think Hampton will surprise people next year, but I also think Hudson won’t. These additions (and subtractions) are neccessary. Later, All; gotta check on a drunk and make sure my bathroom carpet’s ok.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 10, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

When the Braves had great pitching then usually 1 or 2 runs were enough to win a ballgame…Pitching!…Pitching!!…Pitching!!!…I’m out, all this civility is making me want to puke!!!…GO TIGERS!!!…

By Head Coach

September 10, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

This argument is like a double edged sword. It has two sides and neither will win. They replaced the shortstop but not the athletic ability of Furcal. The Braves are certainly getting more bang for their buck from Renteria but he aint batting leadoff. Giles is a turtle on the basepaths and he will tell you himself that he isnt a true table setter in the classic sense of a guy who can bunt , steal bases , get to second without the benefit of a double , creat havoc for the opposing pitcher (Furcal did all these things) and help manufacture runs. Giles has done the best job he can with limited succes this season and will probably be traded due to the glut of cheap talented infielders. Which leaves the question , who will bat leadoff next season ? You all know my vote is for Gregor Blanco , but Cox will want a veteran presence at the top of his batting order. I completely agree not signing Wickman or a proven closer was a disasterous decision. But , in defense of Schuerholz he obviously didnt have the money to compete with other major league teams. How bout dem hairy dawgs ? Woooooo dawgy , they sure whupped spurrier and his gamecocks good didnt they !!!! maybe the Bravos can sweep the Cubbies and the Falcons can win too and that would make it a great weekend for Georgia sports.

By nathan

September 10, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss

Earlier you said this:

but I get tired of listening to fans belittle players after they leave the Braves, just like the comments that have been made by fans and players alike concerning Leo Mazzone. You will have to admit, for some reason the pitching has pretty much sucked since he left.

Here’s a stat for you:

Baltimore Team ERA: 5.28…..that’s good for 13th (our of 14 AL teams)

AND I’M THE ONE WHO NEEDS A BRAIN??? Nice Try Jacka$$!

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 10, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this

Florida Marlins are doing quite well on their $15 mil payroll—wonder how well ol’ suspenders would do with that kind of dough?…

By Adam Worth

September 10, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this

So Raffy, how’s the club scene in LA? Better than the ATL?

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 10, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this

nathan, have your mother or daddy read my comment to you again—I said “for some reason” the pitching sucks, neither giving credit to nor blaming Mazzone either way—what I was referring to was people badmouthing players and coaches after they leave the Braves—attack on some other basis!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this

I think Chuck James deserves some kudos. He has not given up and shown some mettle the last couple of games. Its funny about this team. I like that they haven’t given up and they still think they can win the wild card. But, at the same time I almost wish they would just throw in the towel and start looking to next season to avoid the fiascos that befell the team this year.

For the Braves to make the wild card they would have to go 16-4 or 17-3 in their remaining 20 games. I just don’t see it happening. I wish I could, but I don’t. The have nine games remaining against the Mets, Phillies, and Marlins and would almost have to sweep at least two of those series. I just can’t see it happening. Interesting enough I see them sweeping the Mets before I do the Phils or Marlins only because the Mets will be on total cruise control by the time they come to town.

LaRoche has been the man lately. This guy is a ballplayer. Where are all those people who wanted him traded. I was ridiculed when I said earlier in the season that almost every other team in the majors would want him. Heck, if the Angels had him right now they would be in first place in the AL West. I myself suggested trading him earlier but for totally different reasons. I believed and still believe he would bring some solid value in a trade. I honestly think LaRoche knew he could be trade bait in the offseason and has decided to show the team that he belongs here. He does. He said last year and in the beginning this season that if he played every day he would shine. He was right. I can only sit here and think what might have been if he was playing every day in April, May, and the first half of June (before BJ’s injury) instead of being in that silly platoon. LaRoche would be pushing 40 HRs and 110 RBIs right now.

I have to defend JS on the closer thing. Look, he didn’t have the funds. He offered Wickman the same deal Cleveland did and he took the Cleveland deal. He had nowhere near the money to land Gordon, Wagner, or Hoffman, or Todd Jones for that matter. Jones wanted an extra year on his deal and JS was uncomfortable giving a 37 year old closer a 3 year deal. Who can really blame him. It is easy to sit here in hindsight and say that he should have done it, but I still say being saddled with a contract like that to a guy like Jones would be silly. I think where JS made his mistake was once he saw he wasn’t going to sign a closer was to not go out and get a couple of solid proven middle relievers. He instead decided to try his luck with the likes of Ken Ray. I also believe that a mistake was made in not exercising Thomson’s contract earlier and trading him before spring training ever started. If he had done that, then Thomson’s injury would have been of no concern to the Braves and they may have actually had someone here who could’ve helped and still be helping.

Don’t be surprised if Giles, Langerhans, and Thorman are moved in the offseason. JS knows that he has got to make the moves that will ensure this team is a contender next year.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but SJA you’re right. Pitching has been this team’s problem all year. It is the sole reason the team is in the position that it is. For Francoeur’s wild swings; the teams inability to play “smallball” when its necessary, the injuries to Chipper,Andruw, and Giles; Giles struggles in the leadoff position; and that stupid platoon of LaRoche and Jordan the only reason the Braves are six games under .500 is because of the pitching (both starting and relieving). If the just a mere 10 of those blown 26 saves could have gone the other way the Braves would be 4 games over .500 right now and in first place in the wild card. If Reitsma, Sosa, and Ray never would have happened this team would truly be in the thick of it right now. I’m not sure of the exact numbers but it sure does seem like a lot of those blown saves have come at home, which would greatly explain the losing record at Turner Field.

By Kentavo

September 10, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

Time for Andruw to go. Ever notice that we haven’t won the big dance sine he arrived? He basically personifies the Braves’ offensive approach - swing at pitches outside the zone, don’t hustle all the time, and don’t come up with clutch hits late in ballgames. His lack of plate discipline influences the younger players in a negative way. He has always been an incredible defender, but his eratic offense is not worth $13. It would be better spent on pitching.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 10, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

I started watching Braves games during the heydays of Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, Stanton, & Wohlers, and often saw them hold a one run lead!…pitching is the key to any teams success.

By nathan

September 10, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this

southernjackass

I believe this quote is yours:

Yes nathan I do believe you missed something—it’s called a “brain”!

Who’s attacking who?

We obviously can agree that “pitching” is the issue at hand.

And for the record. The Braves didn’t pitch all that well last year, and Leo was still here. But I get your point. But two things have altered the pitching “luck” if you will.

1) 2 less HOF pitchers in the rotation. Hudson was on his way, but now it appears as though he’ll have to stand in line like the rest of us.

2) 1 less HOF pitcher in the Closer’s roll.

As soon as those two things happened, it all went downhill. Now I understand that Smoltz has been pretty “outstanding” as a starter the last two years. Even you have to admit, that a combination of Smoltz as the closer and darn near anybody in the rotation, along with our offense would have given us a few more victories this year. I realize that using a lesser starter would have put us in a hole more often than not, but with our offense, we often came back from defecits only to have the “closer of the week” blow the game for us anyhow.

So IMO just having Smoltz as the closer (even without him in rotation) probably “nets” us at least 10 more wins. I mean how many wins does Smoltz have, 12? You have to figure whatever thug took his place was going to win at least 5-6 games. That’s only about 8-10 less wins than Smoltz (when you factor in no decisions that the Braves still won - just an estimation)

Doesn’t take a math major to add it up to figure out that 10 more victories puts us in the dance.

Thanks JS, Thanks Smoltz, Thanks Reitsma, Thanks Sosa, Thanks Dan Kolb (yeah I know it was last year, but I’m still mad)

Didn’t mean to jump on you southernjackass, sounds like we actually agree on more than we disagree on.

Have a good night.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this

Can someone help me out? According to the standings the Braves have played 141 games but they only have 20 left on the schedule. Is there a makeup game that I am unaware of?

By nathan

September 10, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this

Not sure Robert. Is there another double header coming up?

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 10, 2006 01:45 AM | Link to this

No problem nathan—I live for this!…guess my sense of humor is a bit harsh at times, but it’s all in fun…

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 01:48 AM | Link to this

I don’t know. I can’t figure it out. If you look at the schedule the Braves have 2 left against the Cubs, 3 vs Phillies, 3 vs Marlins, 2 vs Nats, 4 vs Rockies, 3 vs Mets, and 3 vs Astros.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this

I just figured it out. A game was postponed at Washington back in April. I bet the Braves have yet another doubleheader when they go to Washington in two weeks.

By nathan

September 10, 2006 01:52 AM | Link to this

No, your sense of humor is fine. I 100 percent respect, and expect sarcasm on these blogs.I too live for the nightly “discussion” between Braves fans. Obviously we all are disappointed in the end result of most of these seasons since 1995, but in a weird way this season was almost as exciting as last year. Maybe I should say interesting, not exciting.

I think the core of this team is still good. But I really think some sort of major shake up is neccessary to wake these guys up. I’ll be really bummed out if JS does the status quo thing this off season and assumes that nothing more than “good health” among players already on the roster is all we need. While he may be right, I’d rather see him make some pro-active moves, not reactive. Just my opinion.

But what do I know? I’m missing a brain! LOL :-)

By nathan

September 10, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this

Obviously, that last post was directed to southernjackass.

OK guys, I’ve been waiting for DOB to come back on, he must’ve had a hot date! But seriously, 5 hours is enough tonight! LOL

Good night all.

By TonyG

September 10, 2006 04:13 AM | Link to this

hey, andruw does need to go after this season, and i think that he is hurt more than we know; but you gotta give the guy credit for playing through injuries.

By Stinky

September 10, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

Yes, stinky got some powerful mojo. Turned this place into a Mets hangout. Turned esteemed journalist into blithering idiot (not much of stretch). Turned ferociuos Southern JackAss into tame baby seal ( a simple procedure done at any vet). Now, for next trick, Stinky will have DOB start his next blog in Olde English. Chaucer, perhaps. Just Kidding. Maybe.

By NORM WERM

September 10, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

jernalis smith is gone from glog sinse not able to deal with stinke. jernalis was overmatched by brite, articulatte stinke and ajs and other identittyz. stinke is rite. has turned glog into hangout for ajs many identittyz. only one on glog this morning talkingto self. stinke finds stinke.

By Lew

September 10, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

I should have known it was really the Blue Worms responsible for all the nastiness this past week. To answer someone’s question earlier. Yes, there is a makeup game on Sept. 18 with the Nationals.

By Jeff

September 10, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Fair enough re: Furcal. What really interests me is Schuerholz saying the payroll will be the same next season. I guess that’s a victory of sorts, given the corporate tightwads have no real investment in Atlanta as a community. Fact is the Braves payroll is too modest for a market Atlanta’s size. No one expects the Barves to carry a payroll as big as the Yankees or Red Sox, but it needs to be increased to land quality pitchers and, over time, retain players who hit their six-year obligations.

I don’t think Time Warner or Liberty Media give enough of a hoot about Atlanta to budget the Braves on par with the market their occupy.

By Lew

September 10, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Jeff-You may be right.Definitely about Time Warner, but Liberty Media has not yet purchased the Braves. They are unable to tell JS how much to spend one way or another. The Head of Liberty has said that they want to run the Braves as a team with a winning tradition. We don’t even know if they will be the new owners. Not only does the deal have to be approved by MLB, but the SEC (that’s Securities and Exchange Comm., not Southeastern Conference) must rule on the legality of this sale before it becomes a done deal. So let’s put the blame where it belongs-on Time Warner. Let’s keep in mind that there are teams owned by corporations that do spend a bit of money and with the huge tax break Liberty would receive with the Braves’ purchase, maybe they wiould be inclined to spend a bit more. Then again, maybe not. We will have to wait and see.

By Metropolitan Man

September 10, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

The season was lost many seasons ago when you never retained MLB talent because they weren’t homegrown. It wasnt evident many years ago but it is now. If you weren’t born or raised here, take a walk in your walk year. (braves motto). Smoltz who took a discount is p** and itching to jump ships. But dont worry, Chipper, Hampton, and Hudson will carry the load….excuse me, I mean make a load. So for the baby braves playing now, the minute you guys gel into a winning team it will be walk year and the wallet will be tighter than ever. Mlb teams are already evaluating your talent, soon they will be an everyday producer on a team that will pay them for their performance and loyalty, not just the big payday but both.

By Metropolitan Man

September 10, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

The season was lost many seasons ago when you never retained MLB talent because they weren’t homegrown. It wasnt evident many years ago but it is now. If you weren’t born or raised here, take a walk in your walk year. (braves motto). Smoltz who took a discount is p** and itching to jump ships. But dont worry, Chipper, Hampton, and Hudson will carry the load….excuse me, I mean make a load. So for the baby braves playing now, the minute you guys gel into a winning team it will be walk year and the wallet will be tighter than ever. Mlb teams are already evaluating your talent, soon they will be an everyday producer on a team that will pay them for their performance and loyalty, not just the big payday but both.

By Metropolitan Man

September 10, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

The season was lost many seasons ago when you never retained MLB talent because they weren’t homegrown. It wasnt evident many years ago but it is now. If you weren’t born or raised here, take a walk in your walk year. (braves motto). Smoltz who took a discount is p** and itching to jump ships. But dont worry, Chipper, Hampton, and Hudson will carry the load….excuse me, I mean make a load. So for the baby braves playing now, the minute you guys gel into a winning team it will be walk year and the wallet will be tighter than ever. Mlb teams are already evaluating your talent, soon they will be an everyday producer on a team that will pay them for their performance and loyalty, not just the big payday but both.

By 96,sc

September 10, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Braves lineup 2007 2b B. Roberts - from orioles for Hudson 3b C. Jones c B. McCann rf J. Francoeur 1b A. Laroche ss E. Renteria cf C. Crisp - from boston for AJ lf M. Diaz p Smoltz,Hampton,Davies,Ramierez,James,Wick

By Shaun Payne

September 10, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

According to the Win Shares method, Furcal is worth about two more wins than Renteria. That would put the Braves about equal with Cincinnati or Houston in the Wild Card standings.

Let’s assume the Win Shares method is off. It would have to be off by 15 Win Shares in order for Furcal to put the Braves atop the Wild Card standings.

Okay, so Furcal has been more valuable than Renteria. I’ll give you that. But Furcal makes $7 million more dollars than Renteria. So you spend an extra $7 million, enough to acquire a very productive player, for two extra wins.

The Braves were clearly better off letting Furcal walk, getting Renteria for $7 million less and spending that $7 million elsewhere.

By Ron Roberts

September 10, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

A few things…

1. Uh, Mr. Schuerholz, what did you spend the Chipper Jones $6 million on, then, if most of it’s already been spent? It didn’t show up in spending for a closer.

2. I’m on the fence about trading off Andruw. We don’t need starting pitching during the offseason, but we might feel differently leading up to next season’s trade deadline, so maybe that’s the time to dangle him out there.

3. Seriously, we don’t need starting pitching. We have… John Smoltz, Chuck James, Hudson, Horacio Ramirez, Lance Cormier, Mike Hampton, Oscar Villareal to choose from … seven viable options for only five spots. Find me another MLB team that’ll be in that enviable position going into next season.

4. Andruw’s been dealing with a nagging injury all season and is still having a 30+ HR, 100+ RBI season… he deserves more from the organization. It ain’t his salary that’s weighing the team down… add his to Chipper’s, Hampton’s Hudson’s and Smoltz’ (but remember, Smoltz’ option is only at $8 million next year, folks…) and you can see that all of their salaries collectively weigh the franchise. But Andruw, acting as his own agent, gave the Braves a hometown discount when he re-signed with us, and if he loves playing for Bobby and the Braves (as he’s always maintained), he’ll do the same again, shark-for-an-agent or not. He’s still young and unlike a Jeromy Burnitz, he’s dependable, reliable and consistent with his output. Give ‘em til the trade deadline next season, and let’s see where we are.

By Shaun Payne

September 10, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man,

Glavine was homegrown. Furcal was homegrown. David Justice was homegrown. Schuerholz all let them walk. I think I’ll take one “bad” season if it means we have a chance in most seasons. I’d even take a bad season here and there to avoid several bad seasons in a row (Florida Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds).

By KC

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

MetMan:

When you don’t have nearly unlimited resources like the NY teams, Boston, or LA… you have to let a good player walk from time to time. As a Mets fan, I’m sure you will never be able to relate.

Let me give you a reality check. If you think you’re going to win the World Series with the starting pitching you have… well, I’ll have a good laugh at your expense in October.

And you sure are talking a lot of s-, but I strongly suspect that if the Braves get right back on top next year… we won’t hear from you for a while. You’ll go hide under a rock somewhere.

By Metropolitan Man

September 10, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

When I say homegrown I mean born in Georgia, not the farm system. The team now consists of players who played for low level ball for GA. their entire lives. Pretty soon we will see the Columbus little league team as your starters.

By Metropolitan Man

September 10, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

No KC I will be everywhere spouting baseball as long as I live. I love the game. And I do beleive we will win the W.S. because we match up well with any A.L team. Sure our pitching is old at the top, but it gets younger as the rotation rounds out and so far with Glavine, El Duque and Pedro not pitching (All recieved rest in AUG), we never skip a beat or missed them. Now with them well rested and proven, print those W.S Winner banners orange and blue.

By Greg

September 10, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

Going into the season with no speed in the lineup and no closer are the reasons why John Smoltz will have plenty to time to play golf this summer. So, yes, keeping Furcal would have been better than batting Giles in the one spot.

And I blame Scheuerholz. For the last five years, he’s been telling us that he can field a competitive team for the meager budget supplied by his Time-Warner masters, but he really didn’t. He just lucked out because the Mets and Phillies spent their money like drunken sailors instead of with a real plan. We lucked into our last five titles, and it showed in the playoffs.

Now we know what happens when our opposition spends their money wisely, 20.5 games out of first, five games under .500. Is this what Scheuerholz and Time-Warner call competitive? I’d hate to see what they call impotent.

I watched Braves games on TV even when we were losing 100 games a year. I can’t watch any more of this year. It’s just too awful. And beating up on the feeble Cubs this weekend doesn’t mean a damn thing.

If we don’t have a closer and a leadoff hitter with some speed next season, I’m going to become a Marlins fan. I’m really angry. I’ve supported the Braves since 1969 and this was a travesty.

And don’t throw the Marlins at me as a team that succeeded with no budget this year. Yes, sometimes a team can excel with low-priced young talent. But if you really want to win, spend money. The Mets added Billy Wagner and Carlos Delgado to an already potent lineup. We added NOTHING. NOT a GD thing.

If Time-Warner or Liberty or whoever owns this team next year expects me to support it, then they better add some talent. Some real players. Otherwise , I’ll find something else to do with my summer rather than spend money on the Atlanta Royals.

What a way for the streak to end. It died because of lack of interest from the owner. Time-Warner can kiss my a*.

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

I’d have to agree regarding Mets’ World Series chances _ they’re clearly the best overall team in the NL over 162 games, and their lineup, when healthy, is as good as any in baseball. But that starting pitching doesn’t match up with rotations of the Tigers, Twins, W. Sox, A’s and Angels. And in the postseason, starters are more important than ever. You only need 2-3 starters on top of their game to carry a team in a postseason series. Great pitching trumps hitting more often than not.

But you might not have to worry about meeting up with one of those teams or the Yanks in the World Series. Because if Clemens and Pettitte are healthy, I’d take Houston and the Rocket/Oswalt/Pettitte trio over the Mets in a five-game series. You should definitely pull for San Diego to win the wild card, anybody but Houston.

Although, if the Padres’ starters are healthy, they’d also give the Mets a helluva run in a short series. Point is, if you’re considering it a given that the Mets will make the World Series, there’s a very good chance you’re going to be heartbroken. It’s always about starting pitching in the postseason, MetMan. Always.

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 10, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

To Adam Worth:

No bistro math there, as the four million budgeted paid for two/thirds of Renteria’s contract this season. Wow, Adam, you must be doing quite well if $4 mil is chump change for you. Of course, this example gives me pause because…

RobertJITB:

I DON’T defend JS because if he would’ve shown a little confidence, Wilson Betemit woul’ve been the starting SS this season (although he would be playing 3B in place of a chronically injured Chipper, with Tony Peña at short) had he not traded for Edgar Renteria. That trade was a panic move for “experience” in the infield when he had Chipper, Marcus, and Adam - all vets - playing the diamond. Betemit is no baby chick and could’ve handled the job. I know his range was limited, but Peña could’ve spelled Betemit at short in the late innings. Come to think of it, had the Renteria trade not been made, Betemit would still be at short and Andy Marte would be playing third in place of Chipper, gaining valuable experience. You know, the same experience he is getting at Cleveland, where he has been hitting as of late. No Renteria, those 6$ mil plus the $4 mil per year budgeted on the Hampton contract would’ve garnered Billy Wagner instead of Bob Wickman.

If you trade Giles and save money for a solid 2-3 starter, an infield of McCann/B. Peñ-LaRoche/Thorman-Orr/Prado-Betemit/T. Peña-Marte would have been Marlins inexpensive, and better than any young infield in the majors. Plus, you validate the best efforts of your scouting department by playing the guys you found and developed.

Trade Andruw, and you do not lose a helluva whole lot with an outfield of Diaz-Langerhans (in CF)-Kelly Johnson-Francoeur. They are all inexpensive and have shown they can play well and only get better.

This is the first year where I can say that JS really got screwed by the pooch!

By Metropolitan Man

September 10, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

So true on the pitching front, but not 1 METS fan will throw Traschel in the mix, our only joke this year. All of our other pitchers know how to keep the METS in a game on most days becasue they all feel the same way, hang in there long enough and this offense will get me something. I look at the METS stats and can say if an opposing pitcher is on, and dosen’t complete the game, he wont get the win. It will be another hard luck no decision. And yes, the Astros is the only Pitching team to fear becasue we didnt face their best staff when we played them but won the series. So other than the Stros, I dont see us losing more than 2 game in a row to any team….including the Stankees!

By Metropolitan Man

September 10, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

And we swept the Padres, heck we own the West thisn year!

By Head coach

September 10, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

I just wonder where we would be if the Braves had kept Andy Marte and used that 6 million( Renteria’s salary) to sign a closer(Wickman at 5 Million) ? Betemit would have been the SS and Marte could have backed up at 3B and SS. I wonder what would have happened ?

By NORM WERM

September 10, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

jernalis smith is gone and stinke pottee mouth rules this glog wiht diferent idetittyz. ajs stinke using identittyz of otherz is nassty and gloggong with own stinke self. stinke asj sick puppie. trying to disgize identitty with ruse.

By Scalp 'em Braves

September 10, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

On the argument that the Braves could have kept Furcal for less than market, see below.

“MIAMI — Free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal has set a price tag of $50 million over five or six years for his next contract, agent Paul Kinzer told ESPNdeportes.com.

“Things have changed significantly since the free-agent period started. There’s only one Rafael Furcal available and whoever wants to get him will have to pay for what he is worth,” Kinzer said Friday. “We’re looking for a five- or six-year contract, and $50 million is a pretty realistic figure.”

Furcal had previously said he would look for a contract similar to the one Edgar Renteria signed with the Red Sox before the start of last season, worth $40 million over four years.”

Furcal wanted big bucks, and would not have stayed in Atlanta for less. The fact that the Bums severely overpaid for him should not reflect poorly on the Braves management.

I missed his bat and speed this year. He was (and still is), a disruptor for the other team. I did not miss his launching throws to first into the 5th row of the stands, no where near the target. He has an incredibly strong arm - unfortunately, he would often rely on that and take more time making his throw.

Edgar, on the other hand, doesn’t have Furcal’s range or arm. He also doesn’t make stupid mistakes, and doesn’t appear to be non-chalant in the field, like Furcal always struck me. I’m not cracking on Furcal here - I loved his abilities, and I think he played hard. He just seemed to be the type to be easily distracted, and his errors in the field were often costly.

If everything were equal, (i.e., money), I’d rather have Furcal. But I like Edgar, and think is still a top 10 shortstop, offensively and defensively. We can buy some good talent to fill other holes for $6mm.

By Bravo Nam

September 10, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

1). Don- You said that you have a feeling that Laroche is going to get traded in the offseason. I think you were just suffering a bad case of indigestion. No way known on this earth JS is trading a solid fielder/good hitter who costs the Braves virtually nothing…period.

2). Three guys that should be traded- AJ, Giles and HoRam.

3). No way known I’d bring back Baez- too much for a pitcher who is as erratic as he is. JS should instead trade for Gonzalez of the Pirates, and put him in as the set-up man to Wickman.

By TheSouthernJackAssRadioPersonalityGoneHayWireRR_Savant

September 10, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Whoever posted under TheSouthernJackAss lastnite be man enough to step up and give your name and a good place to meet and I’ll stomp the $s** outta your f* a$S, and you other ignorant pukes that keep spewin’ your cute little $hit, I’ll stomp your f***’ a$ses too!!!…GO METS!!!…

By You Dont Say

September 10, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Its not Andrew I would worry about next year its Chipper. If I were the braves I would have to ask Chipper to retire. Hes not played a complete season for three years and the last two he has missed 1/3 of the season. Nobody pays that kinda of money for a part time player. Its time to hang it up Chipper. Hes hurting the club now and not helping. Take the money and get a 3rd baseman and a left fielder. We need both.

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

Anyone who thinks LaRoche is going to be traded this offseason can be excused. I know it’s sometimes difficult to separate the feelings that some fans express towards and player and what his teammates, manager and front office say about a player. Understand, Adam LaRoche is held in high regard by his teammates and the people who sign the checks and make out the lineup. He’s not going anywhere long as he’s affordable, makes plays like he just made in the first inning, and hits near .300 with 30-plus homers. It’d be rather stupid to trade him this winter.

One other thing: Still talking Betemit instead of Renteria at shortstop? That’s a head scratcher. Betemit, really? What’s the 26-year-old done that gives you so much confidence that he’d be a solid shortstop? I mean, maybe he would, I don’t know, but I just look at the numbers and what I’ve seen on the field and, to me, he pales next to Furcal or Renteria.

By the way, since our old friend no longer updates us on Betemit’s progress (we got daily reports, relentlessly and unsolicited, from him immediately after the trade when Betemit was raking at the plate), here’s one: After going 0-for-3 last night (and 0-for-4 the day before), Betemit was batting .230 (17-for-74) with three doubles, four homers, nine RBIs, 24 strikeouts and a .275 OBP in his past 22 games.

For the season, he’s hit .274 (87-for-318) with 22 doubles, 17 homers, 46 RBIs, 3 stolen bases, 28 walks, 91 strikeouts a .331 OBP and a .503 slugging percentage.

For his career, he’s hit .277 (170-for-614) in 268 games with 34 doubles, 21 homers, 69 RBIs, 5 stolen bases (in 10 attempts), 56 walks, 165 strikeouts, a .335 OBP and .448 slugging percentage.

Seriously, am I missing something?

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

Oh, and by the way ANDRUW JONES is out of lineup today resting sore back. Started hurting him again in doubleheader Sunday at Philly.

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

Postseason Look:

AL

Yankees vs Twins

Oakland vs Tigers

NL

Mets vs LA Dodgers

Cardinals vs (wild card winner coming from the East)

AL Championship

Twins vs Oakland

NL Championship

Mets vs (wild card winner coming from the East)

World Series

Twins vs Mets

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Cormier is pitching really good, he is changing speeds like a master, he has thrown three kinds of Fastballs 97,89, and 91.

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

and the Twins win the World Series, Because the Mets Finally have a Weakness, and it is lefthanded pitching, with Johan Santana, and Francisco Liriano.

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

I heard Baez would be in the clubhouse by next week.

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

Mr. Obrien how is Renteria feeling today, didnt he have a bug?

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Hey, Lew…Falcons up on Carolina 6-3 and Tampa down to Ravens 14-0 so far. Like the way this is heading. :-)

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Great outing by Cormier, I guess Bobby wont give another start to Kyle Davies, with Cormier and Villareal pitching well.

By Shaun Payne

September 10, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

Mets Post-Season Hopes

If Martinez and Glavine are healthy, the Mets definetly have the right ingredients for post-season success. They have a high strikeout rate, good defense and a good closer, and those seem to be the common characteritics of teams that win in the postseason (click here for more info).

The Astros could do some damage if they reach the post-season because they have most of the right ingredients also.

I think the Twins are the team with the most “right” ingredients in the AL, but it may be a question of whether or not they can get in.

Oh, a quick and dirty, non-scientific way to make your World Series picks: look at teams that are near the top in both batting average allowed and strikouts. I looked at the second half numbers because a team’s pitching staff could be different after the trade deadline and with mid-season call-ups. I did that over the last four years and virutally every year the playoff team that had the best combined rank in both batting average against and strikeouts made it to the World Series.

By Shaun Payne

September 10, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

Betemit update: he’s been worth about 4.8 runs above a “fringe” level player at his position since joining the Dodgers, according to Baseball Prospectus. Not too impressive, huh?

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Ok now looking of personal perfomances who desserves to be the MVP this season.

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

IF the Phillies win the Wild card i’d say Ryan Howard, if not Albert Pujols.

By Shaun Payne

September 10, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

MVP’s: Beltran and Jeter, as much as it pains me.

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

Beltran has had a good year but look at his teamates Wright, Lo duca, Delgado, and Reyes, and Pujols has better numbers less games, and Rolen has had a good year but Edmonds hasnt, look at that team without Pujols.

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

and i agree with Jeter.

By Stinky

September 10, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, quit crying in your rootbeer. Be a man. Blog. Don’t wallow. There’s no crying in Braves blogging.

By Shaun Payne

September 10, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

I think Beltran win the MVP in the NL over Pujols, although both are great candidates. Beltran has the impressive traditional stats that voters love (.266-37-101) and he will get a lot of extra credit for playing centerfield on the obvious best team in the league.

Jeter win in the AL. He doesn’t have the RBI the voters like but none of the RBI leaders are really strong candidates (their teams won’t make the playoffs) and Mauer and Morneau will likely hurt each other’s chances. Jeter does have some impressive traditional stats (.347 AVG, will score over 100 runs and steal over 30 bases) and does play shortstop on a team that ran away with the AL East title.

As far as the “sabermetric” stats, Jeter and Beltran may also be the best candidates there. Both are among the leaders in Win Shares and Runs Created. And both play tougher positions than anyone else in the top 12 or so in Runs Created.

I wish it could be different, but my money’s on Beltran and Jeter for MVP’s.

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

and if the phillies win the wild card?

By ncscoots

September 10, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

props to Cormier today, he looked great. GREAT curveball (I don’t know how many he threw, but I only saw two hangers, both of which he got away with), and the slider/cutter/whatever had a lot of snap, too. Don’t know if he can translate that kind of performance to the bullpen, though. Pitching infrequently, rather than regularly, might cost him some command on the breaking pitches, which seem to be the diffference-makers for him. Who knows? But if can consistently pitch like his last two outings, man, you couldn’t go wrong with him as a fifth starter, could you? Kyle who?

By Thomas

September 10, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

AL MVP CANDIDATES:

• Derek Jeter AVG 344 12HR 87RBI

• David Ortiz AVG 285 47HR 125RBI

NL MVP CANDIDATES:

• Ryan Howard AVG 314 56HR 138RBI

• Albert Pujols AVG 318 44HR 116RBI

• Carlos Beltran AVG 284 39HR 113RBI

By TennesseePaul

September 10, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Well another brilliant outing by Cormier. I tell you, every time he and Villarreal go out and produce, I rest easier and easier. That Estrada trade is looking pretty frickin good. The one thing I don’t understand is, why the Braves refuse to hit when Lance is on the mound. Check this out:

Pitcher Team Average
Smoltz .261
Davies .271
Hudson .272
James .316
Cormier .158
Villarreal .297

Cormier doesn’t get any breaks. I’m glad we got the win for him this time. He’s throwing well right now!

GO BRAVES

By TennesseePaul

September 10, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Howard is going to get the NL MVP. If he doesn’t, it’ll be a crime (if Pujols gets it, it’ll be more like a misdemeanor). He’s making league minimum and about to break the Marris mark in the post roid era. He’s keeping the Phillies in the race. He’s unbelievable.

By ncscoots

September 10, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

TPaul, re no offense for Cormier, at least today there might have been an excuse, No Chipper, No Andruw, Edgar in a miserable slump, and Mateo actually threw pretty well against them. Hope all the “speed” lovers on the blog will clue me in AS to how a blazing basestealer could have “manufactured” some runs today, LOL!

By Adam Worth

September 10, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, did not mean to be too standoffish yesterday. Enjoy your dedication to the Braves.

By TennesseePaul

September 10, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

ncscoots: True. Just about every start Cormier has made has been with the bench backing him up. Typically Pratt catches, and all the sluggers sit. Cox really makes him work for it. But, Cormier is earning them now. He’s been fabulous for the past three starts.

By ncscoots

September 10, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Cormier is caught in the web of being perceived as the “worst pitcher” relatively of the starters. There’s a school of thought that says play your bench for that pitcher on a staff. If he keeps pitching so well, though, maybe he can start a game with the regular 8 in there. Course, it would throw him off so badly to get some run support, he’d probably give 6 in two-and-a-third! :-)

By Chris

September 10, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

David…always love your column, but you are TOTALLY WRONG FOR THE FIRST TIME I CAN REMEMBER I saw the original four member of REM perform a surprise at the Minus 5 show at the Georgia Theatre in Athens just a few months ago. INCREDIBLE!! Hope you have a great time at Hall of Fame show.

By 3trees

September 10, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

Well, folks just got back from the game. A nice day in the sunshine in a field box seat and what the scoreboard said was good ol’ National League baseball. I KNOW it was the Cubs and Lee wasn’t in the lineup, but Cormier looked really good with a nasty breaking ball (I think). No delusions about this season, I’m looking toward next. He’s had some decent outings over the latter portion of this season. And most importantly to me, got out a couple of tight spots - especially with Blanco at 3rd w/no out. Several nice defensive plays (Francouer’s misplay notwithstanding). Beautiful execution when Langerhans led off with a double, Cormier laid a nice bunt down to get him to 3rd and Aybar’s groundball out to 2nd scored him. Small ball. Woo Hoo! And Yates didn’ implode after the lead-off double. Tons of strikeouts for both teams today. Really liked those back to back opposite field doubles by LaRoche and McCann.

CL - Sad to report that all the Braves ground crew’s machinery appear to be Deeres. Hope they have better luck with theirs.

Oh, there’s an interesting Dylan article in the Sept.4th New Yorker by Louis Menand.

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

Chris, thanks for the info. I had no idea. I’m kinda of amazed that I didn’t see anything written about that surprise REM appearance. Maybe I just missed it in Rolling Stone or our paper or wherever. I’d heard that Stipe was going to appear at a Minus 5 show in Athens or here, but sure didn’t hear about Bill Berry and the entire lineup performing.

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

Chris, just found an article about that surprise REM gig in Paste Magazine. But you had to settle for one song, “Country Feedback.” We’re going to get at least three Saturday. So there.

Damn, I can’t wait. It’ll be even better than Cormier was today (just trying to wrap it back around to the Braves _ not that it’s necessary or anything).

OK, gotta write a game story

By journalist jumpin jimmy jungle schmit

September 10, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

i gotta right a gay story.

By bobby

September 10, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of morons. If most of them were running the Braves, they would probably have a 162 game losing streak.

By Lew

September 10, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

Do we need to figure Cormier into the rotation next year? That was an excellent game. 4 out of 5 of the emergency starts by Villarreal and Cormier have been good. Maybe the trade for a catcher we didn’t really need anymore is looking better. Grinch-I heard the Bucs got spanked. Looks like you win this round. Long way to go, though and the Bucs are always late bloomers. They haven’t got to the Falcons yet, either. Howard definitely is the NL MVP-he’s on my fantasy team. I saw him hit while standing next to the batting cage at Spring Training the year Thome joined the Phillies. He put on quite a show and he was still a baby. What amazing potential.

By bobby

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

What a bunch of morons. If most of them were running the Braves, they would probably have a 162 game losing streak.

By MEB

September 10, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

DOB… Reference the 05:22 PM post, can we get rid of this moron, please?

By Carolina Lady

September 10, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

3trees, LOL!! They must have a maintenance staff to keep them running - or they’d need to issue Andruw et al machetes in the outfield! :-)))

Enjoyed reading your account of the game today! Good for you!! :-)

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 10, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB:

You must be on the take from management. From a strictly dollars standpoint, the Renteria trade never made one drop of sense. For the reasons I delineated above, the Braves would’ve survived the season quite well with Betemit at short. As I recall, Betemit was raking prior to his trade to LA. I am quite sure that he is still disappointed over the fact that not only was he traded from Atlanta, but that management never had the faith in him to be the starting SS this season. Again, Betemit’s average prior to the trade was hovering between .270-.290; when he got playing time when both Chipper and Renteria were hurt, he hit extremely well. He’s a switch hitter with power potential who would’ve only gotten better in a Braves uni as a starter.

So, I ask you Mr. O’Brien. Would the Braves have been better off with Renteria at short and no closer this season?

Or would the Braves have been way better off with Billy Wagner, or hell, at least Todd Jones or Bob Wickman as the closer, and a tandem of Betemit and T. Peña at short (with Marte now playing third for the oft-injured Chipper)?

To use part of your earlier quote, if you opt for Renteria in this scenario, you need to leave the room - fast.

And leave your journalist’s card on the table.

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

MiaBchBravesFan, yes. I’m on the take from Braves management.

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

oh, and JumpinJimmy, I think it’s great that you’re so out in the open with your situation. Good for you, fella. Stay the course.

By Don

September 10, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

“By the way, since our old friend no longer updates us on Betemit’s progress (we got daily reports, relentlessly and unsolicited, from him immediately after the trade when Betemit was raking at the plate), here’s one: After going 0-for-3 last night (and 0-for-4 the day before), Betemit was batting .230 (17-for-74) with three doubles, four homers, nine RBIs, 24 strikeouts and a .275 OBP in his past 22 games.”

O’Brien, it’s your old friend. I left you alone because you said “you’re ruining it for me man”. Why can’t you at least show me the courtesy of not lying about what I said? I didn’t relentlessly cite Betemit’s short-term stats, I relentlessly said I thought it was a lousy trade. And I was relentless about it largely because you confined yourself to reciting the John Schuerholz spin instead of debating it intelligently or God forbid, actually doing some reporting by talking to somebody who works for or follows the Dodgers to get something other than the Schuerholz Party Line on Baez and Aybar.

Your post also demonstrates your continued willingness to cherry pick statistics to make a point. Betemit, in the last 22 games…

Why 22 games given that Betemit has played more than that with the Dodgers? Because you want to infer that Betemit is a mediocre to lousy player, and if you used 25 games or 28 games or all the games Betemit has played for the Dodgers or even his full season, the numbers wouldn’t support your point as well. It’s pretty amazing, you actually have to go back and look game by game to cut right at the end of Betemit’s last good streak. How fundamentally dishonest.

Let’s just look at the statistics since the trade since that’s the biggest sample of data. Betemit has a .260 BA and .810 OPS. Upside Aybar has a .254 BA and .589 OPS. And when the Braves carry Aybar to back up third, they also have to use a roster spot for Tony Pena, he of the .138 BA and .435 OPS (full season, maybe you can find a 5 game stretch more to your liking), to back up shortstop. So instead of Betemit and an extra relief pitcher or pinch hitter, the Braves carry Aybar and Pena. Why is it you, the guy who proclaims who knows baseball (anybody who agrees with you) and who doesn’t (anybody who disagrees with you), have never made that very basic point about the trade? Because it doesn’t support your argument, or because you didn’t figure it out?

And we’ve seen firsthand what the Dodgers found out about Baez, that every third or fourth game he can’t throw a strike or get anybody out. So you can’t put him in a close game without having somebody already warming up behind him, not what you want in a guy you want to slot into an 8th inning or closer role.

Baez won’t be a Brave next year. So the outcome of the trade will be Aybar and Pena taking two roster spots as backup infielders and delivering no power off the bench rather than Betemit taking up one backup infield roster spot and giving you a pinch hitter with power.

And by the way, if 22 games is a reasonable period for evaluating a baseball player, I guess it’s time to release Andruw Jones, isn’t it?

By Tired of Hearing It Over and Over

September 10, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Same old Same old. When are we going to get a break from anger over a trade of two utility infielders. Who even cares what they did in 22 games or any games? It’s about damn time that certain people just got over it. The whole situation is getting old. Betemit is not coming back to Atlanta. He wasn’t going to be a starter and it is doubtful that Aybar will be either. Who cares unless you’re one of their agents. Get a new rant. Please.

By Carolina Lady

September 10, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

Tired of Hearing It Over & Over, I’m with you. It is way past the point of being boring now. Somebody please give that topic a decent burial and may it rest in peace.

By Tired of Hearing It Over and Over

September 10, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

CL-Yes, that and several other topics are well worthy of the funeral pyre for sure. Anyone who has to endlessly argue with such bitterness over such an insignificant trade surely needs rest at the very least. We get he wasn’t in favor of the trade and we get that he doesn’t care for the Esteemed Mr. O’Brien. I have yet to figure out why he feels that continual bludgeoning with his point of view is necessary. I think we get the point.

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Howdy, All. Looks like I stepped into an argument that doesn’t even involve the usual suspects. How shocking. It’s a nice day, people, and the Braves won! Fire up the grill and watch some Sunday night football. Don’t make me do it alone…

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

By the way, CL, I’m afraid I must apologize to you on the behalf of my city today. The vicious, NC-17 rated beating the Falcons administered to the Panthers should not have been aired where women and children could witness it. :-)

By Tired of Hearing It Over and Over

September 10, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Others can be every bit as argumentative as you, have no fear, my friend. Maybe it’s time for the Jacka$$e$ to feel the pain that they administer to others. Let it begin.

By Carolina Lady

September 10, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Have no fear, Grinch! You know I have no loyalties to defend! :-)) Glad you enjoyed the game!

There’s no argument - just asking for the music to be changed! Been listening to the same song too long. :-))

WHERE IS JOURNALIST BOB??? He has been MIA for far too long and is badly missed!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

Good game today by the Braves. I was proud that they could keep their composure and win a one run game. They really don’t think they are out of it and they are playing like it. Gotta give them credit. They have to do tomorrow night what they have trouble with lately and that is finish off a series with a sweep. In the last few weeks they could have swept the Marlins and the Giants but failed on the last game. I would say that it is a good thing Smoltz is going tomorrow, but he was the one that went against the Giants and couldn’t get it done not to mention he has not been nearly as sharp since the whole “homeboy” incident.

By NORM WERM

September 10, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

there is no need for jernalis smith to glog. postz appeer evury day and jernalis doezn’t post thim. now thear are many jernalis jimmme smiths or at leeast there are many posts from the jernalis smith wannabee.

By Stinky

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

Stop the psycho babble jimmy, it’s tiring.

By Carolina Lady

September 10, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Norm, I wrote to a friend recently:
There are some truly ‘mental’ people on computers, aren’t there?? They go around in their nice suits during the day, conducting their business, being pleasant, smiling, etc. but when they get on the computer anonymously, their true evil character comes to fore. Kind of like the nice, polite, quiet neighbor who stays to himself and never bothers anybody - then the police come and start digging up his yard and basement. Reeeeeeal creepy!

:-)

By Ron Roberts

September 10, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Getting Renteria was probably the one offseason move Schuerholz made that actually made the Braves a consideration for postseason play, frankly.

He saved his budget-conscious ownership money, picked up a bat that hits for average all-season long, not just the second half, which is what Furcal was usually good to do. His defense was sound, and he’s a proven winner.

What was wrong about the Renteria trade? I don’t get it. When the Braves were even considering locking up Furcal for four more years, they were doing so at their own peril… the salary structure of this team is already bottom-heavy with Chipper, Andruw and Smoltz’ contracts essentially gobbling up half the $80 million “salary cap” they’d been ordered to play under. Is Furcal @ $10 million (1/8th of the team’s payroll, mind you) worth a .270-.280 guy who frankly didn’t run enough for the skill he has to and plays above-average defense?

Nahhhhhh.

I’m glad to see another quality start by Cormier today. The guy’s 4th or 5th starter material, and should be cheap, too. I’ve been saying his name as a rotation consideration for a little while now, and I saw Lew (first guy I saw today, anyhow) jump aboard. He’s pitching his way into next season’s equation, I think.

And really, if you add him to Smoltz, James, Hampton, Hudson (with Horacio Ramirez, Oscar Villareal along to consider), the Braves don’t seem to need to be looking for a big-money free-agent pitcher. Let’s go re-sign Wickman, look around for a free-agent left-fielder who can run the bases (or re-sign Matt Diaz, which would probably be cheaper), and figure out what else to do with the $9.75 million we should have after Thomson, Reitsma, Jordan, Pratt etc. salary departures. With arbitration and all, I’d imagine at least half that’ll be gone by the beginning of the season.

Then again, Alfonso Soriano will be a free agent this offseason, which makes the whole “trade Andruw” talk interesting, to say the least, right?

Either way, I’d hedge my bets on the rotation options we have now. Re-sign Wickman, bring Yates, McBride along, and let’s see what Boyer, Foster have to offer, but go get a middle relief no-brainer and I think this team’s set.

The only thing I’m not sure what I’d do anything about is Giles. Not sure he’s worth keeping, but not sure we have anybody ready to step in at 2B who’s as good or can pickup anybody who’d do as well or better for the money.

By Tired of Hearing It Over and Over

September 10, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Stinky-If you actually understood psychiatry, no would scare yourself. We really like the Journalist Jimmy Smith. The fact that you don’t says much more about you than him.Jacka$$e$ abound. Go bray somewhere else.

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

Back again. Tired of hearing it: I feel you, bro, but the amount of fire it would be neccessary to combat fire with here would be entirely inapropriate. I have been on the verge several times of going whole hog, but what little inner decency I still have made me reign it in. The folks in question do not posess such scruples, making them a difficult foe on a family blog. CL, that painted an interesting picture. Have you ever considered writing?

By journalist jimmy smith

September 10, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, journalist is finally here at the beach. the earlier blogs are not from this journalist. stinky/sja whatever is blogging with himself. journalist enjoyed fine seafood tonight. too many pleasant things going on to worry with stinky/sja whatever. so you will know this is the real journalist jimmy smith here is something known only to you: there is an oak tree close to the home of journalist jimmy smith. see? could be no one else. not to worry about this journalist - cannot be run off the blog by a vulgar wierdo. in time, he will break parole and be off the internet. now, baseball … braves win!

By Tired of Hearing It Over and Over

September 10, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Inner decency is a good thing and it is good that you possess it. We are proud of you. We are glad the Journalist enjoyed his seafood. Stinky is a jacka$$. He does not possess inner decency in any of his incarnations. They are to be pitied.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 10, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

grinch, journalist sees no need to try and catch up on the blog. journalist suspects most posts are not authentic. journalist will be on the road again tomorrow traveling the coast in search of the perfect grouper sandwich. beware any posts with this journalist’s name - not likely from this journalist. g’night all.

By Tired of Hearing It Over and Over

September 10, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Goodnight Journalist-Hope you find your sandwich.

By Adam Worth

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

A near perfect weekend. The Braves are 3-0, and the Falcons and Bulldogs win. If only Roddick had won.

By The Grinch

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

Back again. Not to worry, JJS; I can pick you out. Perhaps that’s because there is also a large oak tree next to my house, creating some sort of synchronistic symbiosis. Tell us of the sandwich when you achieve it. To all not watching: the Manning bowl (Indianapolis vs. NY Giants) is an excellent game. I highly recommend the upcoming fourth quarter.

By Adam Worth

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

Grinch, which Manning are you pulling for?

By The Grinch

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

I equally do NOT recommend overcooking ribs. Dry ribs are not to be trifled with, no matter how skillful the marinade. Such is my lot for watching (instead of listening) and grilling. Thank (insert favorite deity here) for extra alcohol and backup microwaveable stuff! Back to the game.

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Though I’m not a big fan of either, I’d have to say Eli, both because he’s the underdog in every sense and because Peyton thinks a little too much of himself, despite of the intense effort lately at making him look fun through silly commercials. If he wasn’t an a$$, he wouldn’t need that kind of marketing.

By wg

September 10, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

I hate to think of the Braves without AJ but it makes sense. Sign the kids JF, BM, AL, to 4 or 5 year contracts because you can get them all for AJs money, and take a good shot with Langerhans in center (he can play) based on last year not this year. He has shown the ability to go the other way and just needs some experience and everyone says his D is excellent. I think Hudson will come back from this year and that should give the Bs a great rotation. Sign Wickman for 2 years, give Devine a chance to develop, hold off on signing any high priced free agents for a year and let’s go for the next 14 years. Oh yes, get Smoltz signed now.

By Adam Worth

September 10, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Peyton does seem a little more AL Gore-ish to me, too. But, he does have a good work ethic. Plus he has all the physical tools you look for in a QB - tall with a good arm. I think I’m pulling for the Colts. They had such a good season going and then that tragedy happened last year.

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

True, Adam; I’m not knocking the guy as a quarterback. He’ll likely be a hall of famer. Giants just scored a touchdown to pull within 2 points and pull the crowd back in with 8 minutes to go. Good stuff.

By Louis Vales

September 10, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Morons, The Marlins Have a midget second baseman as their everyday centerfielder, Amezega, they have no viable right fielder since that dog Hermidia has generated absolutely nothing—but he does “command” the strike zone—, they have 4 rookies in their rotatation one of whom already has more no-hitters than Maddux, clemens and Martinez combined, they have no fans, play in a football stadium with a payroll less than 5 individual Yankees and you IDIOTS have the audacity to complain about payroll. By the way this expansion team formed two years before braves’only world championship have won more world championships than the Braves. And who would bet against the San Antonio, Las Vegas, Portland, Charlotte, Northeastern Virginia or whatever Marlins winning another World Series before the poor cash strapped Braves win again?? This is a country that prides itself in rooting for the underdog—Well, The Marlins make the team in Major League look like the Yankees.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

You do have an interesting point, Ron. Lets say the Braves trade Giles and Andruw (in seperate deals) for some good young pitching and a position player. That would free up plenty of money to make a run at Soriano. You have to figure that a good $14 or so mil would be free up by those trades alone. Not to mention the money that will be freed up by getting rid of Reitsma, Jordan, Pratt, and the albatrosses that were Jorge Sosa and Mike Remlinger. I, for one, don’t think it is so inconceivable to think the Braves could make a run at Soriano and get him. I mean lets be real. Offensively, Andruw is nowhere near the player Soriano is.

If the Braves were not able to get Soriano, you still have the likes of Torri Hunter, Carlos Lee, and Matt Holiday available. And I think that they may have to reconsider their position on Juan Pierre. He is still a very good player.

Question is would Soriano want to come to Atlanta. Initially I would say yes because almost everyone wants to play for Bobby Cox. The Braves problems in recent years has been not being able to offer the same money as other clubs can. Of course, the temptation of going to the likes of the Angels, Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox, and White Sox could be too tempting.

JS has a lot to ponder over the offseason. I don’t evny him. Getting rid of Andruw could be a PR nightmaare (despite maybe being good for the team in the long run), if someone of great value isn’t acquired to replace him (ie: Soriano, Lee, Hunter).

I think Andurw could be traded to the White Sox for some pitching (the Sox have already made it clear one of their starters a gone this winter) and a guy like Pablo Ozuna, Igucci, or even Juan Uribe. Now, I realize this doesn’t sound like anything near equal value for Andruw, but if we can get a couple of top prospects plus a guy like Ozuna or Uribe who are good solid players and it frees up money to get the likes of Soriano then I say its worth it. I love Andruw to death but can anyone here honestly say he is a better player than Soriano? Soriano has played much better than expected in the outfield and he is arguably the best offensive player in the National League. If the Nats were in playoff contention would the MVP be such a sinch for Howard? No, it wouldn’t. The Braves could sign both Pierre and Soriano. Pierre could be signed to a year contract and keep the seat warm untll Blanco is ready or another option is found.

How is this for a wishful thinking lineup next season? LF Soriano CF Pierre SS Renteria 3B C Jones C McCann RF Francoeur 1B LaRoche 2B Prado

By Adam Worth

September 10, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

wg, I’m not sure that Andruw is gonna have as much leverage as everybody assumes. His knees and shoulders seem to be hurting him an awful lot and it seems like he’s missed more balls in the outfield than he used to. If he misses out on a golden glove this year or next and finishes next year with an offensive falloff, he may not reach that 20 mill level that had seemed likely. He’s got an awful lot of miles on him.

By Louis Vales

September 10, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Oh, by the way—Please sign boss bashing, Mr Homeboy to a nice 3 year deal because he deserves it, and when his elbow finally blows out completely in next two years I’m sure Smoltzie—Anyone else hate silly nicknames for grown men??—will say “You know I appreciate all the money I’ve made over theyears and it would be silly for me to cash inrest of this deal since i can’t contribute. So let’s just call it a wash and cancel the deal or donate the rest to some deseving charity that would benefit”—Huh Huh!!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

I also think that JS should pursue a deal with the Blue Jays that would send Andruw there for Vernon Wells. As I said the other day, the Jays would listen because Wells has made it clear he has no intentions of staying with the Jays after next season. The Jays could resign Andruw much easier than the Braves could. Now, while the turf could be tough on Andruw’s needs he could always split time DHing which would keep his bat in the lineup and save on wear and tear. Wells is a much better hitter than Andurw and honestly his defense is more than adequate to replace Andruw’s.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t hold my breath on the Braves signing Smoltz to a three year contract. That isn’t realistic. Smoltz will probably command big money after next season. The Red Sox and Yanks will pay whatever he wants.

By Louis Vales

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

Robert, How about Cano at 2b, Vlad in right, Pujols at 1b, and put Willie Mays in a time machine and bring him back to play center?? But you know what?? They’re still the Atlanta Braves and where there is an opportunity to feel the stress of a post season series you know they won’t fail. You should really be glad Mets are spending money, think how silly it would have been to have 25!!!!!!! of those banners in left field with only one a special color.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

Hey, Louis, go have a drink and lighten up on the sarcasm. I actually think that lineup is very possible next season.

To all the people who say Soriano is a cancer in the clubhouse you have no flippin idea what you are talking about. Soriano has received nothing but praise from his teammates. He got a rep for not wanting to play the outfield this year. It sounded like the Rangers lied to him when they traded him. They knew what the Nats were going to do. Can you really blame him. How many of us would be pleased if we went to our respective jobs tomorrow and was told we had to start a new job that we were totally uncomfortable with. And don’t give me the crap about you are just happy to have a job because you know you would be p**.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 10, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith you’re a lying ba$tard!…

By Adam Worth

September 10, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Robert, I’ve often skimmed over your posts because they were a bit too long, but your analysis of AJ makes a lot of sense. I’ll be reading more of your stuff.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

SJA, you’re such a nice guy. I just can’t understand why DOB and so many on here don’t like you.

By Louis Vales

September 10, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

You’re right!! The RedSox and Yankees are also paying Carl Pavano, Matt Clement, Jaret Wright, 2 year deal for a 42 year old left hander, Sheffield(Mr. Disabled List) and I’m sure there are some I’ve forgotten—Oh, Beckett!! Josh Johnson, Scott Olsen and Anibal Sanchez have won more games than Beckett, Burnett, Pavano, Clement and Wright at a cool cost of ONE MILLION DOLLARS as opposed to I believe this year it is 43 Million for the 5 just posted. You know what, maybe let them sign a upper 30’s right hander with a history of arm problems. Maybe they aren’t very smart but have Daddy’s money to burn.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Adam. Sometimes I tend to ramble and for that I apologize. I try to think of ideas that would truly help this team in the long run and the short run.

By Louis Vales

September 10, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Robert, It is very possible, but the uniform will make them choke like dogs if they make the post season. And history demonstrates that is not sarcasm, but cold, unadulterated fact!!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 10, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Perhaps, Louie.

By wg

September 10, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

Adam, I’m not saying anything about AJ’s leverage, but given his agent, the Bs should get ready to say goodbye and do it during the off season getting what they can. I missed one thought and that is trying to get Sorriano. What a huge difference that could make.

By Louis Vales

September 10, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Robert, Perhaps??????? And you can spell it Louis, Louie, Lou, Luis or any other appelation, but PERHAPS???????? Please tell me what I’ve missed since the 3rd year of the Clinton administration??? Perhaps, Quizas(think that is Spanish for perhaps)—but in any language PERHAPS???????

By Chris

September 10, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

DOB…yes we did get just one song at the Athens Georgia Theatre show, but it really was great…and I’m jealous. Have fun at the show. YouTube has the song from Athens posted. Some guy shot it on his cell so it isn’t exactly good quality, but it’s there.

On another note, Paste Magazine is great. The publisher is a friend and supporter of a friend of mine Bill Mallonee who used to be lead singer of the band Vigilantes of Love from right here in Athens. Bill’s doing the solo thing now…but anyways, love the magazine, and those guys at Paste have done a great job covering a lot of the music I love.

By flbravesgirl

September 10, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Another good game. Amazing how Cormier and Villareal seem to have performed so much better as starters. Hopefully Smoltz has bounced back from those last 2 starts and pitches like he normally does tomorrow.

So did anybody feel the earthquake? It was almost directly out in the Gulf from my area. I read that people as far away as GA & AL felt the tremor.

By Stinky

September 10, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith rode the short bus to school, for obvious reasons.

By The Grinch

September 10, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Louis, drop the straw and back away from the mirror, hands facing me. Now, take this pill with a little water, and sit in the corner for 25-35 minutes ‘till it kicks in. There you go.

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Chris, it is an outstanding publication, and I felt that way even before I found out it was published right here in Atlanta (Decatur, actually).

Robert, Louis, etc: I hear you on Soriano. He’s a huge offensive force, and not bad in the outfield, either, for a guy who didn’t want to play there. But he’s a butcher at second base, and more importantly, the reason I don’t think Braves would go for him, is simple. He’ll make at least $15 mill. And if the Braves trade Andruw, it’ll be for financial reasons. If they get away from one huge commitment to a player, I can’t imagine them bringing in another who’d be a similar drag on payroll. They already are basically tied to a few _ Chipper, Hampton at least _ for two more years, and I don’t think they’ll try to trade Hudson, simply because if he’s pitching well enough for another team to want him, then Braves probably aren’t going to want to deal him, and if he’s not pitching well enough for another team to want to take on that rising salary after next season, then the Braves would have to give him away and get nothing in return, probably. If that makes any sense.

Anyway, point I was trying to make is, I don’t see them taking on another huge salary, and who knows how high Soriano will go? Could be closer to, say $18 mill per year than $15. And if you can get Andruw to take slightly less to stay here than go elsewhere, with the concerns some teams might have about Andruw perhaps being an older 30 physically because of the beating his body has taken, then you might be talking about a difference of $3-5 mill per year between what you could keep Andruw for and what you’d pay for Soriano.

Again, it’s all speculation. But it’s interesting to consider.

By David O'Brien

September 10, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Lew, Grinch, others into Allmans and blues/rock: Any of you have any stuff by the North Mississippi All-Stars? I keep meaning to ask and forgetting to, but if you guys haven’t heard them, I implore you to try to find some of it on the net or listen on headphones at a store, anything. Because I’m telling you, any Allmans fan would love these guys.

Their latest CD, that came out in past 6-10 months, is Electric Watermelon, and it’s just pure rockin’ blues. Robert Randolph, Lucinda Williams and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band help out on some songs.

The band is a trio that includes Cody and Luther Dickinson, sons of the renowned record producer Jim Dickinson. It’s really, really good stuff.

By Louis Vales

September 10, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

Grinch, It’s funny how you Phi Beta Kappas will not address the question of the perception—outside of Atlanta—that the Braves are choking dogs. Now as far as pills, I’m not taking any, but I hope Jim Jones never manages the Braves because you guys not only will drink the Kool-Aid you will probably try to dispense it from lilburn to Savannah. Still waiting for a legitimate response to the “Perhaps??” query. 1995, Monica was still in college, Spurrier was still winning the SEC and if your child was born he or she is now 11!!! Andruw Jones had not started retaining water and Smoltzie was in his 20’s. I know 14in a row, and once—to use a crude analogy—you actually scored!! The Braves have done more teasing than a dancer at one of Andruw’s preferred Gentleman’s Club—Is that an oxymoron by the way?? Perhaps???

By Louis Vales

September 10, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Dave, Inever told you how much I enjoyed your play by play of the World Cup. The ability to maintain your continued excellence in covering the Braves while being in Germany was truly remarkable. I remember listening to you when you were just an analyston Marlins games back in 1993 with Joe Angel. Now the ESPN work, the column and the blog—if there is a Pulitzer for sports journalism, you are my choice!!

By Tony Almeida

September 11, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

No DOB, but i have some stuff by Tim McGraw if you wanna take a listen to.

Oh that’s right, you dont consider his music “good music” because you don’t like it.

Another blogger made a good point when they said you trash a blogger because you don’t like the music they like. Just because you don’t like a person’s music doesn’t mean it’s bad. I’ve seen all the people you have mentioned. I don’t care for half the music you mention either, but I won’t say it’s “bad” just because I don’t like it.

You should actually listen to a tune by Tim McGraw. It’s called “Things Change” and here is a verse….

some say it’s too country, some say it’s too rock ‘n roll, but it’s just good music if you can feel it in your soul

Just because you don’t like it doesnt make it bad. People have different tastes. Can you accept that fact?

By The Grinch

September 11, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Louis, I wasn’t disagreeing with you neccessarily; the Braves do have a history of choking that I’ll be the last to deny. I was simply making the observation that you seem to be awfully worked up over a baseball blog. One or two capital exclamation points is usually enough to carry your point; six or seven warrant a drug test (which, for that matter I’d probably fail myself, though in a different direction). Take it easy, dude. It’s all good. If you feel such contempt for the Braves, why are you here instead of partying at the Mets (or womever)’s version of Phi Beta Kappa?

By The Grinch

September 11, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

DOB, haven’t heard them but I’ll check them out. And Louis, not trying to be a weenie; just being light-hearted.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 11, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Well now ain’t that just the s** mr Robert(justice whatever the s**)!!!…DOB and the rest of you ignorant inbreeds don’t like me—whatever in the f*** will I do?…oh the humanity!…jimmy smith has mentioned me in nearly every comment he posts as being the blogger doing this or that to him!…well, it ain’t me!…The “only” way you bastards will ever get rid of me now is to block me from this site, so have it!…and jimmy smith is still a lying BASTARD!!!…

By Bay-ta-meeeee!

September 11, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Hey, DOB!

You called Don out earlier on Betemit, and he kicked your tail a few hours ago with his post. Aren’t you gonna crunch some stats and post a response, or are you afraid it’ll bore Carolina Lady?

By Stinky

September 11, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this

Yeah, jimmy, you are no longer wanted hear, go back to the home.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this

Louis, I can’t lie: I did the play-by-play of the World Cub games from over here, using a live feed of the game sent to me online wherever I happened to be at the time with the Braves. It was a grind, but a worthwhile and gratifying experience.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

World Cub, World Cup, whatever it takes.

Anybody seen the new Bukowski movie, Factotum? I haven’t, and was Just wondering if Matt Dillon is able to pull that off, playing the great, grizzled poet….

By teoa

September 11, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

Tony, Tim McGraw is the antithesis of good music. Period. Artless formulaic payola pop is bad whether it’s rock, country, rap, whatever — and that’s exactly what Tim McGraw is. Honestly, is he even trying to be anything else? I mean, McDonalds isn’t trying to pass itself off as fine dining. It is what it is — fast and convenient and tastes good to a lot of people and has a huge corporate marketing machine behind it. Same with Tim McGraw. There is room for taste in music discussions, and I admit that a lot of music that has artistic merit isn’t necessarily my cup of tea. But in no way can Tim McGraw be considered good music. I would argue that crap isn’t even music at all — bad or any other variety — but that’s just my humble opinion. Regardless, when DOB says that the Tim McGraws of the world should be left out of a serious discussion on good music, I’m fully on board.

By Tony Almeida

September 11, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

Then you should be put in the same classification as DOB. Who is to say what is good music and what is not? You? I don’t think so. DOB? I don’t think so. Good music is in the eye of the beholder. To say that your OPINION overrules somebody else is saying you are superior to someone else. And, I’m sorry, but I dont think you are.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’m afraid it’ll bore Carolina Lady _ and 83 percent of the others here, as well. But I’ll just repeat the stats from before, without using any number of recent games or whatever that might allow me to be accused of manipulating stats (and these were before today, because I have no idea what he did today):

For the season, Betemit had hit .274 (87-for-318) with 22 doubles, 17 homers, 46 RBIs, 3 stolen bases, 28 walks, 91 strikeouts, a .331 OBP and a .503 slugging percentage.

For his career, he had hit .277 (170-for-614) in 268 games with 34 doubles, 21 homers, 69 RBIs, 5 stolen bases (in 10 attempts), 56 walks, 165 strikeouts, a .335 OBP and .448 slugging percentage.

Again, if that’s the guy that should be playing shortstop instead of Renteria, OK. I certainly never said Aybar should be, but the Braves folks did tell me that Betemit wasn’t an option for them as a full-time second basemen and had slowed to such a degree and lost so much athleticism in the past three years that he had trouble scoring from second on a single or advancing from first to third. They saw Aybar as the type of player Betemit 3-4 years earlier.

Again, it was a trade of two utility player hopeful of becoming every-day player, one of them (Aybar) less accomplished but younger and more athletic, along with a veteran reliever (Baez) the Braves hoped would help them get to the playoffs this season, and nothing more (they told us the night of the deal that Baez was being brought in for this season only, and they’d evaluate him like anybody else after the season when he became a free agent).

Dumb Braves should have known Baez would need an appendectomy, right?

Tony A., sorry but we took a vote and decided your music is bad, dude. Really bad. Do you have a McGraw poster in your dorm room.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 01:20 AM | Link to this

SJA, why on earth would we block you? Your unique perspective comes with a certain panache, and your observations are astute and to the point.

So whaddya think of Tony’s man, Tim McGraw?

By teoa

September 11, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

But to say that anything can be considered good music just because someone likes it is to say that there is no such thing as artistic merit. There is such a thing and there are tangible ways to judge it. Of course ultimately it must be somewhat subjective and there is always room for debate, but honestly if you read any music criticism at all, you’re not going to find anyone even trying to make the argument that the Tim McGraws are advancing the art form in any way. There is such a thing as good art and bad art and non art, so let’s not bring the discussion down by pretending it’s all just a matter of taste. Like I said, you may think McDonalds tastes good and a lot of people would agree, but no one is trying to say it’s better than a five-star restaurant. You’re comparing apples to oranges.

By Tony Almeida

September 11, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

You have proven my point completely. Because YOU don’t care for his music, the music is CRAP. So if someone doesnt care for the music you like, they are complete morons correct? People have different tastes, and it’s sad that people like you and DOB can’t be man (or woman) enough to respect other people’s tastes. Like I said, I dont care for HALF of the music DOB likes, but i’m not going to be so pathetic as to say it is complete crap because I (ONLY ONE PERSON) do not like it. If someone else likes Green Day, (which i do not), more power to them. But I’m not going to say it sucks because I don’t care for it. Broaden your horizens people.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

TEOA, you do realize that he’s not serious, right? He’ll keep going on as if he is, but c’mon, there is no way in hell that anyone is going to seriously argue the artistic merits of McGraw’s music. But Tony A. must be given credit for continuing the ruse day after day, week after week, as the conversation goes from Cash to Hank to Haggard to Yoakam, and he offers one “artist” and one alone. It’s a beautiful thing.

By the way, regarding his hot and equally soul-less singing wife, F. Hill, you want to see a fine-looking country singer with integrity, check out Lee Ann Womack’s last album, “There’s More Where That Came From.” It’s outstanding, a cheating-and-broken-hearts album like Loretta used to do.

And there’s Allison Moorer, who is Shelby Lynne’s equally good-looking sister and a helluva country singer/songwriter.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 11, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this

DOB I think Tim McGraw looks like you in drag!…how’s that for panache?…

By Head Coach

September 11, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this

The Whole Renteria , Betemit , Marte thing is an endless argument…… nobody knows what would have happened had the Braves kept Marte , signed Wickman and let Chipper , Marte and Betemit play the left side of the infield and we will never know. I do know the Braves , Bulldogs and Falcons kicked A.S.S this weekend !!! Smoltz is overdue for a win and those Cubbies are putrid , lol. Cormier , ten strikeouts ? are you kidding me ? lol. Well hell I do seem to remember I watched the Braves on WGN playing at home while TBS (Total Bulls.h.i.t Station) played back to the future reruns and of course the Bravos will be on WGN again tomorrow , how sad is it that we are reduced to watching the Braves on somebody elses superstation ??

By Tony Almeida

September 11, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

DOB, you keep losing my respect more and more, (I know you could care less, but…)

I haven’t once said anything bad about what singers you prefer. But yet, you keep making it clear because YOUR OPINION rules all, the singers that you don’t like are flat out LOSERS. Sorry, but the people we are judging are artists. Some artists you like, some you don’t. Because we don’t agree or your groupies don’t agree, doesn’t make it right. AGAIN, I have my opinion, you have yours, it astonishes me that you are so close minded to other people’s opinions.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 11, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

What a bunch o’ A*******clowns!!!…

By Head Coach

September 11, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

DOB , can you find out if the Braves are going to make up a game against Washington or are they just going to play a 161 game schedule ? thanks.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

Hey, at least you said he looked like me in drag….

Head coach, couldn’t agree with you more about the sad and declining state of Braves’ availability to a nationwide audience. Skip, Pete, Don and Joe were a nationwide institution, and now the national telecasts and being whittled and whittled until there will only be, what, 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 on TBS in another year? Won’t be too much longer before they’re just another team, as far as the national audience is concerned.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this

They’re making up the rained out Washington game on Sept. 18 at D.C., which was a scheduled off day. That’s now a three-game series, was originally a two-game series.

By Head Coach

September 11, 2006 02:02 AM | Link to this

Never mind , I got my wires crossed , it all adds up to 162 , I better go get some coffee.

By Head Coach

September 11, 2006 02:06 AM | Link to this

Yea , I looked at the updated schedule and figured it out. I guess I’ll have to cough up seven or eight hundred bucks next season for a new computer , broadband cable and MLB.com if I want to watch a substantial number of games next season , but thanks for the info.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 11, 2006 02:08 AM | Link to this

ol’ DOB must have gone overboard tonite and drank an entire wine cooler!…

By The Grinch

September 11, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this

DOB, just gotta chime in on this discussion. Allison Krauss may be classified in the new country era, but she’s a 20 year veteran (despite being only 33), and one of the very few people I’d ever just want to sing me to sleep every night. Of course, it could be argued she’s bluegrass, and it could also be argued if she was in my room while I was trying to sleep I shouldn’t be trying to sleep, but still…Y’all know my vote.

By teoa

September 11, 2006 02:21 AM | Link to this

DOB — agreed. This guy can’t be serious. Keep up the good work. I always enjoy the discussion on music here whenever I have time to read — unfortunately not very much for awhile now. I wasn’t aware of this long running joke. Anyway, I’ll leave the musak debates to Tony. I have to admit, when it comes to most of the crap played on popular radio, I don’t know how to differentiate one “artist” from the next — must less debate who is the best at perpetuating the mindless formula. Tony must be an expert, so I’ll leave those judgments to him in the future. I’m sure his opinion is much more informed than mine when it comes to that stuff.

DOB, one more band to throw into the mix of real modern day country music — the everybodyfields. I mentioned them once before, but I think they’re doing a really interesting neo-Appalachian-folk thing. The female singer has a little Neko Case/Gillian Welch in her and the guy is a brilliant songwriter, great harmonies, etc. There website is not too up to date, but their my space has some samples. The song “TVA” has been a big award winner at festivals nation-wide…

www.myspace.com/theeeverybodyfields

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 02:56 AM | Link to this

Grinch, came down to turn off the laptop and saw your post. ahh yes, the lovely Ms. Krauss. She and her band, Union Station, do trample the walls between country and bluegrass and popular music, but they do it superbly. What a voice she has.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 02:57 AM | Link to this

and don’t forget Patty Loveless…

By The Grinch

September 11, 2006 03:03 AM | Link to this

Ahhh….after a night of overindulgence…feeling unsure of one’s place in the world and perhaps some anxiety involved in such a feeling…wrapping up in a nice big comforter with the A/C blowing and having her cuddle up next to me in an outfit [or lack thereof]) of one’s choice singing “When you Say Nothing at All” while softly stroking my head…fellas, it just doesn’t get any better than this…

By The Grinch

September 11, 2006 03:05 AM | Link to this

Patty Loveless would certainly do as a check-down…:-)

By The Grinch

September 11, 2006 03:28 AM | Link to this

I also apologize for my verb tense. Night, All.

By gpburdell

September 11, 2006 03:41 AM | Link to this

Allison Krauss is great. I love her voice.

By gpburdell

September 11, 2006 03:48 AM | Link to this

the braves magic number to win the division is 20. unfortunately, their tragic number is 2. better just win the rest of the games.

By Knockahoma

September 11, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

Wondering where everyone went? Look no further than the UGA & Falcons blogs. Fans have shifted their interest to a couple of teams with a reasonable chance for success this year. The Braves have proven they can beat the worst team in baseball. Congrats guys!

I am still looking to take a bet with the guy who said the Falcons will have a losing season. He’s probably one of those who still thinks the Braves will win the WS this year. LOL

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

Howard is going to get the NL MVP. If he doesn’t, it’ll be a crime (if Pujols gets it, it’ll be more like a misdemeanor). He’s making league minimum and about to break the Marris mark in the post roid era. He’s keeping the Phillies in the race. He’s unbelievable.

I think it’s between Howard and Beltran. I think Pujols is somewhat a long shot, but who knows? Beltran is playing gold-glove centerfield for the best team in the league. I think those facts will get him a lot of “extra-credit points” and at least push him over Pujols, if not get him the award. If Howard hits close to 70 and keeps hitting as good on the road as he does at home and the Phillies make the playoffs, it’ll be tough for anyone to vote against him.

I don’t see what Howard makes has anything to do with the MVP discussion. The voters have never taken that into account before.

I don’t think steroids will be a factor in the voting either. Post-roid era? Please. As long is there is stuff out there no one can detect (HGH, which you can’t detect even in blood) there will always be the posibility that players are using steroids. But the voters will assume that it’s a level playing field.

By Sam

September 11, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Hey Guys…let’s not pat JS in the back. The guy is trying to cover up for his mistakes. He should have signed Wickman in the off season. Also what is this gabbage…JS is not a team player….remember he let go many good ballplayers that made him famous. Glavine, Maddux, Justice,Lopez, Dye, and many more. Why didn’t JS resign all the ballplayers that had great years with the Braves, like J. D. Drew, Sheffield….JS is not doing his homework. Also Andruw is my choice the best fielding CF in the history of baseball.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

Sam,

He let go of a lot of these guys because the Braves had younger guys to take their place and because it didn’t make since to keep them financially. For example, Maddux is still a good pitcher, but is he worth $8-10 million a year? Same with Glavine. Javy Lopez is solid, but Schuerholz made the Estrada trade (which worked out fine as Millwood became overvalued). Justice got hurt and the Braves had players like Andruw Jones and Dye waiting in the wings. Dye hasn’t really been as good as some of his stats seem to indicate; he’s pretty much an average outfielder. Drew became overvalued after his one good year with the Braves. Sheffield will always be Sheffield but he was getting old and Drew was a better option.

I’m sure you can find some bad moves by Schuerholz, but it’s difficult. Most of his moves seem to make sense. The “problem” I have with him, although it’s hard to argue with his track record, is his lack of creativity trading veterans for youngsters. He seems to trust his farm system over everyone else’s. The Braves have had a top farm system for a long time. Why couldn’t Schuerholz trade some veterans for more youngsters to blend in with the ones he already had?

But any criticism of Schuerholz is just nit-picking. Hard to with his results: the only time his teams have finished below third place was 1990 (maybe 2006).

By Lew

September 11, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

Sam-JS is hardly the only GM in baseball that lets players move on after expired contracts. It is a time honored tradition. Players are traded, released and in recent decades, allowed to leave via Free Agency. That is baseball. You field what you consider to be your team with the best chance of winning within your budget. In recent years the Braves salary structure has gone from approx. $120 million to $80 million. It was impossible to pay all of these inflated salaries with a depleted budget. Why else do you think they are gone. That JS didn’t like them?

By geauxbraves2000

September 11, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

I hope I’m wrong, but I have a fear that the decision to not show Braves games on TBS in 2008 (am I right about the year?) is obviously going to cut off the national following, they’ll lose fans that way and won’t get any new fans the way I became a fan (grew up in Southern Louisiana watching them on TBS), thereby eventually making the Braves a small market team. Small market teams can’t compete. I know there’s always exceptions to the rule, ie the 2006 Marlins, (wow) but as a general rule, see KC, TB etc.

I think TW and TBS have accomplished their goal of completely demolishing the Braves as we know them. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

I’ll still find a way to follow them though, they will always be my team.

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

September 11, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

GeauxBraves-HeadCoach was talking earlier about getting the MLB computer access. Living in Vermont, the only way I can see everything is with the MLB ExtraInnings plan on digital cable. It is not cheap ($160 per season, in 4 payments on the cable bill), but is quite good. I have only missed 6 games this season (televised) and I caught those on the XM radio feeds. You don’t always get the Braves broadcasters:it’s sometimes the other teams hacks, but it is still Braves games on TV. Tjis is where MLB is getting a sizeable chunck of tv revenue, so it is in their interest to show as many of your teams games as possible. Like I said, expensive, you have to have Digital cable, but it beats being a Red Sox fan.

By Carolina Lady

September 11, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

NEVER FORGET 9/11

By flbravesgirl

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

GeauxBraves, that’s how I feel about it too. They’re going to dump the team in this tax deal and then try to kill their fan base.

I also have the MLB ExtraInnings package. Most of the time we get the Braves feed (wish it was still Skip, Joe, Pete and Don.) but you do sometimes get the opponent’s broadcast. My mom just bought a car with XM installed and I listened to some games on it while we were out of state. The only problem with it is that you get the home team’s broadcast. Those Phillies announcers needed some coffee or Red Bull, they all sounded 3/4 asleep.

By Lew

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

I think we need to face the fact that the only way you will get Skip and Pete anymore is on local radio. However, these tv packages is where MLB is now making a fortune. With all the TV and the other merchandising, you can’t convince me anyone is losing money anymore (if they ever really were).

By TennesseePaul

September 11, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Payne: What Howard makes is irrelavent, but it does add another dimension to his “value”. Howard provides more bang for the buck than any other player. Pujols could win it easily if not for Howard. Pujols has an entire pro history to back up this season’s performance. But, my statement is based on bias. I like Pujols much more than Beltran. Making it to the playoffs has little to do with the award. Bonds and A-Rod both have won the MVP while their teams have struggled.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I know how much Howard makes is relevant to some discussions, but my point was that MVP voters have never taken that into account.

And making it to the playoffs has meant a lot to the award. The only way someone from a non-playoff contender wins the award is if they are having a historic season or their are no other clear cut candidates or both.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

And I do agree that playing for a contender shouldn’t matter in the MVP discussion because a players on last place teams can be worth just as many or more wins to their teams as players on first place teams. But the voters take the standings into consideration when they vote.

By Louis Vales

September 11, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t Tim Mcgraw a first baseman for the White Sox??

By Sam

September 11, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

I think TW and TBS have accomplished their goal of completely demolishing

GeauxBraves, TBS has nothing to do with it. They are now owned by TimeWarner and these decisions (trying to bag our announcers a couple of years ago, taking the Braves off in ‘08) all come from NYC. TBS, as we knew it, doesn’t exist anymore. Ted is long gone and has no influence or control with any of his former holdings.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Sam and GeauxBraves,

I think MLB and the Braves makes more money without TBS. You get TBS around the country with basic cable, but you have to have satellite TV—which equals more money—to get TurnerSouth and FSNSouth.

By TennesseePaul

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

Payne: Then you agree with my points exactly. As for Howard, he’ll win. He is on a historic level of production and he is the reason his team is as close to the playoffs as it is. He’s hitting over .300, about to hit over 60 homers and maybe have around 150 RBIs. If that type of season is not awarded the MVP, then it is a crime. And the voters don’t hold the teams results with too much weight. A-Rod won when his team finished last. The Rangers were awful, but A-Rod hit 50+ homers, over .300 with a ton of RBIs. And Bonds has 7 MVPs. His team rarely makes it to the play-offs and typically sucks in the play-offs. Basically, Beltran can hit 40 homers, and bat close to .300 and be on a stacked Mets team, it looks good. It even looks great, until you look at what Pujols is doing (Over .300, with 50 homers and ton of RBIs, and hardly any Ks). Then you see what Howard is doing… Beltran should be 3rd in the ranks.
Especially amazing about Howard… this is his Sophomore slump year. He followed up rookie of the year with this. Amazing. If only Francoeur… Well, Jeff is 22 Howard is 26. I’ll givum time.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

The voters do but a lot of weight into where a team finishes in the standings (although I disagree with that) unless a player is having what they view as a historic season. Bonds and Arod won in historic seasons/seasons when there were no clear favorite. Look at 1998: Sosa won it because the Cubs won the Wild Card and he had more RBI. McGwire broke the most famous single-season record in baseball and posted a better OPS.

By michael

September 11, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

I just get sick and tired of fans complaining about how much money professional sports players make. None one is America is complaing about how much CEO’s in the corporate world is making. If those who are complaing would get a salary offer of what Andruw or A-Rod is making they would not say no. Andruw is the best centerfielder in baseball since Willie Mays. He may go into slumps with the bat but his defense saves a lot of runs. If people what to cry about something cry about the head of Exxon who was give a retirement package of $400m a few months ago.

Michael

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

Knockahoma, I looked as you suggested. What on earth are you talking about? I don’t think anybody was wondering where everybody went, except maybe you? And they weren’t where you suggested we look.

By journalist bimbo bimini

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

Could anyone please tell me how to get to the Braves blog? I thought I had clicked on it from the main page, but somehow I got redirected to this country teeny-bopper blog. Who is DOB? Is she a country singer or something?

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 11, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

BLANKET APOLOGY At this time I wish to issue an apology to all of you folks who have put up with me in the past. It started out as a joke when I insulted someone but when I saw how much reaction I could get, I felt empowered and let it go too far. I’m really not a bad guy. I was born and raised in Commerce Ga.,so you see I really am a ‘Southern JackAss. I love the Braves, and have followed them since this magic run began in 91. I especially want to apologize to DOB. I just wanted to have some fun, but I acted like a 3 yr old. From now on, I will have my fun by conversing like an adult. My favorite ‘Man In Black’ tune was COCAINE BLUES. My favorite music in general is ZZ Top. I like BBQ. And once again—sorry all.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

But I think you’re probably right, voters are going to be way too impressed with Howard’s homeruns and RBI’s to give the award to Beltran. And Howard, Pujols and Beltran are all very close.

Howard has an edge in both the “traditional” and the “sabermetric” stats offensively. But it’s hard to say who deserves it because Beltran is more valuable defensively.

The flashy stats will probably give Howard the award and you can’t really argue with that.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 11, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

PS…I’m particularly sorry for stomping the pure dog$hit out of journalist jimmy smith!…Amen!

By Knockahoma

September 11, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien- with all due respect, you have done a fantastic job of running and moderating this blog throughout the season. It is nice to see an author actually read the blog entries and respond. That said, this town has now moved past the Braves to the Bulldogs, Falcons, & Jackets. This would have happened to one extent or another even if the Braves were doing well this year. It’s just the way it goes in the South. Even reading ajc.com, one has to search for the small Braves headline amongst the bolder “Stafford will Start”, “Falcons Dominate Carolina”, and “Gailey has Hope” headlines. Fortunately, the Braves will not have to compete with football during the postseason this year.

By TennesseePaul

September 11, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Payne: If you must get into semantics, have fun. I say the voters don’t put too much weight on it, you say “they do, but…” Either way, Howard is having an historic year. He’ll be the 6th guy in history to hit 60 homers. He’ll be the first guy to do it in the post steriod era. He’ll be the only guy to do it in his sophomore season. And as far as value to the team, Howard and Pujols are far more valuable to their teams than Beltran. The Mets would still be where they are in the standings in the East without Beltran. The Phillies and Cards wouldn’t without their guys. Or, you can look at it this way, Nearly every team would benefit more from having Pujols or Howard over Beltran. Or you can go with numbers, Pujols and Howard have better numbers. The only thing Beltran has an edge on (over Howard anyway), is his teams standing, and I don’t think that’s going to tip the scale for him when the other guys are doing what they’re doing. Pujols team is also in first place and more than likely going to the post season. So, if it comes down to the teams standings then it’s Pujols vs Beltran, and Pujols is having the better season.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Knockahoma,

Of course casual fans are going to be less interested in the Braves and move onto football because the Braves aren’t really playoff contenders right now. And we are in the south and football is more popular. But there are plenty of hard-core baseball fans and, if the Braves were winning, they would be getting plenty of attention as soon as football opening day fever wore off.

Besides the people posting regularly on this blog are the hardcore baseball folks.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 11, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

journalist must also apologize for my juvenile behavior ever since journalist has been blogging on blog. journalist is sorry for posting under numerous aliases and for pretending to be other great bloggers by using their monikers. journalist is most sorry for pretending to possess education when in fact journalist is elementary school dropout with IQ in single digits.

journalist understands now why some people likes esteemed journalist on blog—heck everyone likes a retard. journalist is sorry for endless, mindless, monotonous babble day in and day out, drone, drone, more drone. journalist most sorry for wanting to be like DOB, heck journalist “want” DOB! journalist want to be journalist so bad always report on toes, cheese, CL, seal, pie, but most disgusting is……well, y’all know.

journalist will try to be better journalist from now on.

By Stinky

September 11, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

Yes, Stinky has powerful mojo. SJA is now citizen ready to participate in polite society. All hale Stinky. But Stinky is merciful to the no hugs crowd. SJA, you are hereby commanded not to lose your edge.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I don’t know which player is worth more wins (runs created/prevented), which is how I would determine value. It’s hard to say. Where the Mets would be without Beltran probably depends on who is in his place.

And actually it depends on which numbers you’re looking at, Pujols, Beltran and Howard have very similar important numbers if you consider context and their positions. (Keep in mind Beltran doesn’t have quite the offensive production but plays Gold Glove-caliber defense.)

And what I said is that I agree, the voters do indeed put too much emphasis on the standings. The fact is they do look at the standings, and players on contending teams have an edge over players on non-contending teams. That doesn’t mean players on bad teams can’t win, it just means they have to put up very impressive “traditional” numbers and/or do it in a year where there are no other obvious candidates.

And I also agree Howard is the favorite because of his homerun and RBI totals. But looking at context, his season is not quite as impressive as it seems, although it’s still very impressive.

Click here for the importance of context.

By geauxbraves2000

September 11, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Thankfully to the technology nowadays, I will be able to see the Braves in the future via MLB Extra Innings (thanks for the info Lew) or MLB Gameday on my computer. I do appreciate that. Nonetheless, TW’s decision is not in the fans best interest, once again proving that TW does not give a crap about the fans. And it’s the fans that made the Braves what they are today. And it’s the fans that fill up the stadiums so Roger Clemens can make $1 billion per pitch thrown.

I am glad I still get to watch them though, I sure hope things don’t start going downhill in ‘08, and I sure hope an individual steps up to buy the team, one who cares about the fans.

If I weren’t so loyal to this team, I would’ve walked years ago.

Geaux Braves!!

ps - sorry if I’m beating a dead horse, just get a little peeved at the direction management has taken this team over the past few seasons.

By Lew

September 11, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

ShaunP-In exactly WHAT context is Howard’s season not as impressive as it seems. I think you have to look long and hard to negate the season this guy is having in any way, shape, or form. I don’t think there’s ANY context in which this is not impressive.

By David O'Brien

September 11, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

Knockahoma, thanks. But with all due respect, you said to look no further than the other blogs at this site, the football ones, etc. And I did. And I just asked you where those people are that you claim to have moved on. Numbers say otherwise, my friend.

By KC

September 11, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

What if… Lance Cormier is actually as good as his last two starts would indicate? That would be incredible.

I will say this much, if Cormier continues to pitch like this over the last few weeks of the season, or if Kyle Davies can turn it on and seriously impress… Tim Hudson may very well be dealt this winter.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Well, he’s played 140 games, roughly half of those in an extreme hitter’s park in a league where homeruns are above average relative to baseball history. Howard is having an amazing season. But you could argue that Travis Hafner and Albert Pujols are having better seasons, if you take ballpark into account.

Hafner .308AVG/.439 OBP/.659SLG Pujols .321/.421/.675 Howard .316/.413/.682

The percentage numbers for Hafner and Pujols are just as, if not more impressive and if you click on the link I posted above you’ll see why certain percentage stats (AVG/OBP/SLG) are more telling than counting stats (HR/RBI/R).

Here’s the link again: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2562

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Hafner .308AVG/.439 OBP/.659SLG

Pujols .321/.421/.675

Howard .316/.413/.682

By Stinky

September 11, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Wow. Stinky is more powerful than Stinky thought. Journalist is now contrite. Unexpected this is. Stinky must consult the Book of Daddy. Stiniky out.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

Hafner .308AVG/.439 OBP/.659SLG

Pujols .321/.421/.675

Howard .316/.413/.682

Exerpt from the article Baseball Prospectus Basics: Measuring Offense by Dayn Perry http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2562

Counting stats (RBI, HR, runs scored) aren’t very informative because they’re highly context dependent and don’t account for how many outs a player is using up.

Percentage stats are far better than counting stats, but only in the presence of a sizeable data sample (i.e., plate appearances).

Percentage stats are only negligibly influenced by teammates and lineup slotting, but, like all traditional statistics, they are influenced by ballpark and historical era.

Players at the corner positions generally produce better offensive numbers than those players at the more vital up-the-middle positions.

AVG isn’t really useful unless viewed in tandem with OBP, SLG and plate appearances.

And the greatest of these is OBP because it can also tell you how often a player creates outs at the plate.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

The fourth point above indicates why Beltran is an MVP candidate right up there with Howard and Pujols.

By TennesseePaul

September 11, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

There you have it folks. Bill James has spoken. It is written. Let it be law.

By TennesseePaul

September 11, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Payne: If you want to add context to Howards homers… check his road vs home stats. They’re practically identicle, negating any attempt to posture his season as slight less impressive than it is.

By Carlos Amato

September 11, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

What the hell… After everything that’s happened this season, I look at the schedule and still find hopes of a post-season berth.

We play 13 of our last 20 games at home. We are 3-0 on this 10-game homestand. We play Philly and Fish at home. If we could sweep those series, it would mean cutting 3 games against them in the wild card standings.

Then we play Washington and Colorado away, both bottom at their divisions. It couldn’t be better than that (well, it could’ve been the Cubs again…). Then we close out against the relaxed Mets and the Astros.

I honestly think that 85 wins could get it done. That means finishing 16-4. With the schedule we have, it will be hard, but far from impossible.

What do you guys think?

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

There you have it folks. Bill James has spoken. It is written. Let it be law.

Good comeback against someone who has presented the evidence. Funny, I didn’t see Bill James’s name in anything I posted or in scanning that article.

Why don’t you tell us why HR, RBI, R are so reliable? Besides “because that’s what everybody uses to measure player performance.”

By TennesseePaul

September 11, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

I think it means we have to rely entirely on Cormier, James, Hudson and Smoltz and pray Davies can figure something out or put Villarreal back in there. And that makes it seem like more of a long shot. But I’ll cheer for it. I wanna see this team get over .500. That’d make it 16 years in a row.

By KC

September 11, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

Maybe it’s not overly rational after only two great starts, but is anyone else greatly encouraged by what we’ve seen out of Cormier in his last two starts?

This is a kid who’s been coming back from arm surgery, and it seems to me that he could now be coming into his own. No way to know after only two excellent starts, but that very well could be the case.

BTW: Anyone want to lay odds as to whether Hudson will be back next year? I say there’s a 40% chance that he’ll be traded.

By Shaun Payne

September 11, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

It’s not just about home/road stats. I agree, he’s just as impressive on the road. But it’s not just about home/road. (I shouldn’t have brought that up.) It’s also about historical context and the pitchers/defenses he’s facing, how often he’s in the lineup, etc.

I agree that Howard has had an impressive season, an MVP-worthy season. But he’s not having the historical season as some of the counting stats seem to indicate.

By KC

September 11, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves will finish over .500 this year… I really do. If not over 500, then at least at 500.

By The Grinch

September 11, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, I admit to posting a comment or two on both a Dawga and a Falcons blog yesterday and the day before, but nothing extensive. As I’ve stated here in the past, as much as I love the Braves I’m a bigger football fan than I ama baseball one. It just so happens that the intelligence level on this blog (with a couple of HIGHLY NOTEABLE exceptions) is much higher overall. Here you have reasonably good folks discussing a wide variety of topics in a friendly way, with only two or three losers (though they post as 12 or 13). There you have 12 or 13 losers triple (and even quadruple) posting every stupid idea/response. It’s like the beat writers throw a bone into a pit of crocodiles and then run off.

By TennesseePaul

September 11, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

KC: Cormier also had surgery? I knew Villarreal did, but I thought he was the only one in that trade that had surgery. Props to him. Both Villarreal and Cormier are under control for quite a few more years which is nice. It’s the kind of “trade allstars for young pitchers” type of trade that people have been calling for. So far, it keeps getting better and better. Not to say Villarreal and Cormier will toss a no-hitter, but they’ve done quite well this season. I think they will improve more next year as well.

It truely is a sad day when a person can witness a player hit 60 homers in a season and try to detract from the historical significance of such a feat.

By KC

September 11, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

TennPaul:

I was sure that he did have some kind of health related setback early on… but I can’t find any info on it now, so maybe that was all in my head. I dunno.

By KC

September 11, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Is the ChopChick still alive? I just noticed the same 4 blogs ubder her name that have been there for ages.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 11, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Attention all The 1:35pm post was not me!!!! I think it must be stinky. He has a way of stealing our identities.. Please ignore him and maybe he will go away.

By David

September 11, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

The Braves will be winning the world series this year—-so I really don’t understand why the fans are starting to panic. Did anyone see what the Braves did this weekend? All they did was slam the door shut on the Cubs and keep their playoff hopes on life-support. Like I said before, if the Braves can miraculously claim their first wild-card bid and sneak into the playoff sweepstakes, I have no doubt whatsoever that the Braves will win the world series this year, but that is provided that they get into the post-season. If I’m right, then the Braves will celebrate in about a month from now, their second world series championship since ‘91. Let’s all get behind the Braves and watch the magic happen again! Go Braves!

By Stinky

September 11, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

No, SJA. I didn’t do that one. I got a kick out of it, figuring it was you, but I am not responsible. Maybe it was Jimmy trolling for sympathy.

By harvey meinen

September 11, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

seems like smoltz is more concerned about next years option than pitching in september.if we trade andruw sure will miss him playing center wouldnt miss his strike outs.

By adam the gay blade

September 11, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Hey SjA,just want you to know that Journalist Jimmy is the best Journalist there is.Way to go Jimmy.keep it up.

By Grinch

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

I also suck donkey peckers!

By Louis Vales

September 11, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Johnny “Calling The Boss Homeboy” Smoltzie—Can’t this organization get some nicknames associated with men instead of Chipper, Skip and Chip. Is this a teeny bopper party?—hasn’t won since he shot his mouth off. Please offer him a nice 3 year deal and tie up 30 Million for an aging pitcher with a bad elbow. Please do it Homeboy or Smoltzie might call you something else. And now he hurt his groin, he can join Larry on the bench and they can join Coxie in shouting out encouragement. That 14.9 Mill payroll is now 31/2 up on the chokers and I think Cubs are off the schedule unless Jane and Ted can come back and pull a coup.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 12, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

louise vales what do you know? i am esteemed journalist here, i own blog, answer to me BYTCH!

By ROL

September 12, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

2 cents on Andruw:

When’s the last time you saw him on Web Gems??? When’s the last time he had a tough ab against a good pitcher?

He’s a mistake hitter, and puts up his numbers against mediocre pitchers. Good pitchers make him look like a fool. His little smirk after he strikes out is not a good example to young players. He’s not yet 30, and should be in his prime, but he’s in physical decline.

By daxxed

September 12, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

IMP the season was lost after the 5th blown save and Smoltz did not step up and take control of the closer position. At least temporarly, till they did sign a closer. Then how many blown saves would we have. Where would we be in the standings. Probably in the lead for the wild card and on the heels of the Mets. But he did not, the streak has ended, and the team just did not have another miracle in their bag. Ala, and go Falcons. Hope we KEEP Wickman, he proved himself this half a year.

By David

September 12, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

The wild-card hopes took a turn for the worst last night with a good ole fashion beat down from the Cubs. As of now, I think our playoffs hopes are hanging by a thread, if its even that strong. But gang, here’s the wonderful part of playing for a wild-card. Its all unknown. We don’t know who will qualify for that playoff spot. Who is to say that the Braves won’t go undefeated from now on and claim that wild-card berth? I’m certainly hoping that that scenario unfolds because I think that is probably the only way we get in from here on out to the end of the season. I hope that the Braves players are reading my blog right now—because I think that if each of those professionals would treat each individual baseball game from now until the end of the season as if it is a WIN OR GO HOME deal, meaning a single loss would eliminate them, then I think you would see the Braves win out remainding games and get into the playoffs. That’s all I can really hope for coming off the heels of a good ole fashion beating at the hands of the Cubs. Good Luck Bravos!

By unclepeepot

September 12, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

Southern jackass,why you keep hiding from uncle pee pot,i am looking for you,you have been messing with my nephew Adam the gay blade and my cousins the 2 homo boys,i am gonna kick your a$$.i am 89 yrs old but i am a very mean dude who will put you to shame.

By (unclepeepot) journalist jimmy smith

September 12, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

i just had a C** and a smile!

By unclepeepot

September 12, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy is the best jounalist on this blog,keep up the good work Jimmy, All you others on here better listen to Jimmy,he is very bright and knowlegeable.I say Journalist Jimmy should win the journalist of theyear award.i read all his messages on this blog,Jimmy I am a true fan of yours.keep up the good messages on this blog.All you others take heed,uncle pee pot has spoken.