Braves

By hk

September 18, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

… here’s the hitter’s ‘MVP’ through yesterday’s amazing 10th inning … sure was good to see the guys happy, even if just for a few moments …

… Betemit still cooling off, Braves/La >>> .281/.248 avg, .344/.297 obp, .842/.768 ops …

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

Andruw…..98…..37…..122…257…261

LaRoche….89…..34……97…220…227

Frenchy….85…..27…..104…216…220

Chipper….86…..25……86…197…206

Renteria..100…..13……66…179…183

McCann…..59…..22……83…163…167

Giles……88…..12……63…163…162

Betemit….49…..18……51…119…124

Langy……46……8……29….83….84

Team Average……………….172…176

click here for chart

By Bravo Nam

September 18, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

K. Barry continues to put in a solid showing since he’s returned to the bullpen.

If the Braves can’t get Wickman, they should deal for Gonzalez. The last thing they need is to sign an inconsistent guy like Baez at 4-5 million per year- bad return on their investment- JS knows the Braves absolutely must have a dependable closer starting next season.

I’m positive JS will overspend/over-reach this time around, if that’s what it takes to get a dependable closer. I have a feeling though that rather than offer Wickman massive dollars, JS will offer him a multi-year deal and hope that Wickman is prepared to sacrifice a few dollars.

By Drop Trow

September 18, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Smoltz must feel a bit like Favre right now. You know, the great player surrounded by buffoons syndrome. Let’s start a new team with Smoltz, McCann, Frenchy, Wickman, and LaRoche and sack the rest. The rest of the team lead by Andruw and Chipper is a cancer. Pick up Girardi to lead the new charge after Florida parts ways with him.

By geauxbraves2000

September 18, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

A bad Smoltz is better than alot of teams good pitchers. I know Smoltz is better than those three outings, that’s why I thought he was injured. The 2-1 Smoltz is the Smoltz I’m used to. Let’s see however, if he has “it” in his next outing. No offense to Smoltz, and I’m not taking anything away from him, but he faced a line up of rookies, ditto with Hudson. If their next outings duplicate their last outing, then maybe things are better with them, if not, they we’ll know this was a fluke.

Smoltz is good. Plain and simple. A season of having to carry the entire staff, however, can be draining, emotionally and physically. That combined with a bad groin is what I contribute those less than stellar outings to.

Geaux Braves!!

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

a note to Lew from the previous blog…I don’t remember ever touting Andruw for young pitching, though many on the blog have done so. If he were to be traded, it would be illogical to do so for prospects or young pitchers without track records, IMO. If the Angels want more pop in their lineup and are willing to part with Ervin Santana, or even Kelvim Escobar, I might have to listen. But not for untried and unproven pitching…that way lies madness.

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Just realized Guy had posted a new blog, so I’ll transfer this post after filing first on the old blog:

The Coxian nickname quandry vis-a-vis Juan Pierre is an interesting and potentially perplexing situation. I see no obvious solution, either. As Jimmy notes, the name is inherently rather sissy, much like his arm (it’s NOT a LF’s arm, but rather a high school player’s arm. a high school SOFTBALL player).

But he is still faster than all hell and causes havoc on the bases, and with the Braves’ hard, fast infield, he’d get a load more infield hits. He’d be a menace if he hits anywhere like he has in second half. But again, I repeat, NOT a CF, not a solution if they can’t keep Andruw, that’s for sure. They’d move Francoeur over there first, and yes, there’s a couple of prospects who’d get a look in spring. But if Braves can’t keep Andruw, they need to get an OF in part of return package, like Coco Crisp or someone of that ilk, affordable but solid and productive.

Jessi Colter … you go too long without listening, and forget what a honey-sweet voice she has. And that look … wow. The cover of her greatest hits CD should hang in the Smithsonian as an example of American womanhood.

Listening to her and Waylon’s version of Suspicious Minds now. Almost, but not quite, as good as The King’s version.

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

I responded to mention of Baez as closer on other blog. Here it was:

Baez is absolutely not an option to be the full-time closer next year. Don’t worry your heads on that one. Not going to happen (he says, and immediately regrets that famous-last-words type of utterance).

Well, it’s off to the frame shop. Got me a Man in Black etching to frame, gift from a cool individual up north…

I’ll be back on the Braves’ case in Colorado, going out a day early to see family in Boulder. Guy can handle the three days at that armpit of a stadium in D.C.

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

DOB, you once again are guilty of non-PC utterances…how dare you insult every high school softball player in America? LOL

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

I’ve suggested on more than one occassion that some members of both the team and Braves’ management almost certainly read the Blog … regardless of protestations to the contrary. It’s a mighty good reason for embracing the team and supporting their efforts, regardless of results.

John Smoltz has long been my favorite Braves’ pitcher … for a multitude of reasons, from his enormous talent and competitive spirit to his dedication, determination and personal values.

Nevertheless, methinks his comments have always suggested awareness and possible oversensitivity to the evaluation of others regarding his abilities and/or performance as well as that of the team … in my book, he’s still the best.

Regarding the Blog that brought John’s expressions of ire, dismay, disgust, disbelief or whatever … I saw neither the Blog nor the response … but I can certainly understand a talented competitor objecting to the suggestion by a team beat writer that his performance bespeaks skill erosion as a result the ravages of advancing age.

It may well be that the writer’s comments served as a positive catalyst for John Smoltz but, the end doesn’t often justify the means and I suspect that the writer could have anticipated the reaction and perhaps been more skillful in delivering his or her retoric, regardless of belief or motivation.

Upon reflection, I suppose that applies to all of us … more frequently than we would like to admit.

By Shaun

September 18, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

If the Braves and their management read the blogs, here’s a suggested to Mr. Schuerholz: Please acquire some quality young players to strengthen and expand the core of McCann, Francouer, James and Davies. Try taking a chance on young players from other organizations not just your own. Other than that, you’re a great GM and keep on doing what you’re doing.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Scoots-Sorry, Dude, that was a generic post-didn’t mean to attribute it to you.

By 10-7-4

September 18, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

Lew—per your post on the last blog-concerning A. Jones. I will ruffle some feathers with my view -whis is-he has always been overated. Now let me clary. His lack of plate discipline resulting in too many strike-outs and non-productive outs, has been my biggest complaint. I know he has averaged 33 hr’s and 101 rbi’s over his career, but the .266 avg is too low to claim superstar status. I saw Willie Mays in his prime, and IMO there is really no comparison. A. Jones is an excellent cf and I do not dislike him- I’m simply saying that he will be way overpriced. There is a reason, why everyone is not lining up to take him off of our hands. Like you said-if he want’s to stay here and will work within our corporate budget-I’m all for it. I’m just hoping he doesn’t walk off, with us getting nothing in return. Old baseball wisdom says ‘better to trade someone, a year too early, than a year too late’.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 18, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

if the hartebeest is to deliver molasses candy today, then journalist bob needs to respond to jimmy smith. this batch now weighs just over 4-pounds and continues to expand. what a deal! dob, sounds like a wurlitzer-quality work of art you are having framed. let us know how it is framed. many ugandans prefer to frame using the ebony wood of an albergia melanoxylon. try it. you will like it. of course, may be too much black. now, baseball … if bob wants candy for the game journalist must hear from bob now. game time is 7:05 eastern.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 18, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, Jeff Francoeur in center field? Oh, the humanity! The Chop Shop would have to be renamed Jeff’s Butcher Shop!

By Jim

September 18, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Where is Baez by the say? In the 1950’s with more invasive surgical techniques, Eddie Matthews had an emergency appendectomy and missed 1 week. There was also a swimmer competing in the 1956 Olympic trials in the 100 meter free(he was either the world record holder in the event or had the year’s best time) who had an appendectomy 3 days before the meet. He swam and finnished 4th in the trials — good enough to make the relay team in the Olympics that year. (That was the year in which another American and an Australian finished the event in almost a dead heat. The electronic timer had the American winning and the judge with a hand timer had th Australian winning and at that time it was the hand timer that was official.)

After 3 weeks, shouldn’t he be ready to finnish the season in the pen?

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Lew, no sweat, bubba, I didn’t take offense.

By Kevin C

September 18, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

The offseason restructuring can not come soon enough. Baez will not be the closer as DOB stated but would he accept a multi year contract as the 8th set up man? Offer Wickman a multi year deal and sell it as look we will be back in the playoffs next year with you as our closer. Cleveland does not have a shot in that division or league. As for Andruw, word coming out of Boston is they will attempt to land him in the offseason. I agree with DOB get Pierre, place him in left and have Salty play right in the Arizona Fall League. Yes I know he struggled this year but he still is considered one of the best hitting prospects in baseball. Resign Smoltz to a 1 and 1 contract after next year—team option in year two, trade Hudson to the American league—Baltimore needs an Ace, maybe expand the deal to include Giles and move Prado to second base. Build a bullpen and do not count on the Boyers and Fosters to come back 100%—plan as if they will need more recovery time. If Boston wants Andruw, I would ask for pitching prospects at AA or higher, and hanson would have to be included or no deal.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

35-You missed what I was saying in the post. I’m not really sure whether or not it would be better to keep or trade Andruw. I am also at odds and could make a case for it either way. What my diatribe was really about was everyone’s (well a lot anyway) pre-occupation with a youth movement, which I feel is somewhat foolhardy and a last resort at best. However, I don’t think we will get much in return for him if the proposed Red Sox trade is any indication. First, I am not convinced that CoCo the Cereal Guy is a viable option (except maybe flanking Andruw in left) to replace Andruw. I have major concerns, as should everyone, with his durability and his lack of production against RHP, which is mostly what he would face. Be that as it may. The pitcher offered in the deal (Hansen, I believe) had no track record and was less than sterling in his few appearances. If this is what we could get in return for Andruw, not only would it not replace him, but would prove nothing except to save some bucks, which is not going to be our problem this year. As I keep trying to tell everyone, there will be enough $$$ from losing Thomson, Sosa and the rest of the dead wood, to pay for Wicky and all the arbitration raises, including Marcus. Not only is youth unreliable because they have no track record, but ain’t nobody offering zilch anyway.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 18, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

Any multi-year deal I offered Bob Wickman would be honored only on the condition that he … well, condition. I don’t think shedding 10 pounds per million he’s paid is asking too much. There’s nothing he can do, though, about being 38 next year. A multi-year deal for him is a dangerous proposition any way you cut it, especially with the Braves’ delicate payroll.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

Kevin C- With those moves, I doubt the Braves will see the playoffs next year. Salty is not even a bona fide AA player. Pierre is definitely a step down defensively as would Salty in right. Prado is certainly not the offensive or defensive player that Marcus is. Who do you think either Baltimore or the Red Sox would offer us pitching wise to replace Hudson? The Orioles staff, even with Leo is highly suspect and the Sox ain’t got no one to offer, pitching wise. Except Paplebon and I’ll bet they will run if his name comes up.

By Jim

September 18, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

Who could Boston give for A Jones? Their most compelling need is pitching. They have an aging Schilling, an aging Wakefield, an aging Timlin, a Becket who had a Hudson-like season, and their top prospect has unfortunately been stricken with cancer. They can’t afford to give up any pitching prospect they have left.

I think the Braves would need to get back Jacob Ellsbury and another top prospect and I can’t see Boston doing that. I think the White Sox might be a better fit for a trade with the Braves.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 18, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

If the Braves are really reading this blog, then maybe one of them is Stinky. And I think Julio Franco is a good candidate for Meterosexual Man. If he read the blog as a Brave, it’s only natural he’d want to rub it in a little on the team that let him walk.

Mr. Wickman, can I have your autograph?

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Jim, could you expound on your notion that the White Sox might be a fit for an AJ trade?

By Lew

September 18, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

One thing is for sure. You will not replace Andruw with “prospects”. You must have a center field replacement and I doubt there is anyone of Andruw’s caliber making much less. JS will look at what gives him the best chance to win in 07 and that will be Andruw. It will take a spectacular offering to get JS to agree to a trade and I’m betting no one offers a blockbuster deal.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 18, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

How about John Smoltz as Stinky? Now, hear me out. Stinky is angry, bitter and argumentative, right? Well, that describes Smoltz perfectly since the “homeboy upstairs” comment and the subsequent losing streak … which just about coincides with the time Stinky made his first appearance here, I believe. Did you see Smoltz screech in the second base umpire’s face the other night over a call the umpire obviously had gotten right? WWSD? — “What Would Stinky Do”? Finally, Smoltz ended up winning Friday night, which, again, coincides with the time a sated Stinky seems to have disappeared from this blog.

Coincidence? I think not!

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Morning, All. Just caught up on the last blog; it seems Journalist Bob has been reduced to streetwalking to pay a shipping bill! Our Bob on the corner in a hound’s-tooth fedora and support-hose…oh, the humanity! Tell us where we can chip in to help prevent this spectacle! :-) As for Pierre’s nickname; it’s French, right? Call him Froggy! Frenchy and Froggy. Now, for breakfast…

By Tom A. Hawk

September 18, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Sorry, meant to offer Saturday night as evidence of the Smoltz-Stinky correlation.

Gee, I hope this mistake hasn’t harmed my credibility any.

By Carlos Amato

September 18, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Well, the only guy I would trade in the lineup would be Giles, and even that would command an at least reasonable return.

Promote Diaz to the full time job. I dare you to show me a better outfield in the MLB than Diaz-Jones-Francoeur. AJ and Frenchy are top in defense and, altough they are strikeout machines, they can hit for power (HR). On the other hand, we have a guy (Diaz) who can hit and run for small ball. Work on his defensive skills during the offseason and that’s it. Top class outfield.

By Braveheart

September 18, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

With a MIRACLE finish like the one on Sunday, anything is possible, right? Well if the Braves can sweep the Nationals & get alot of help, Braves could be in 3rd place only 3 games back of the Dodgers & 2 back of the Phillies with 10 games left to play! Let’s believe in Miracle finishes!
Top 7 NL Wildcard Leaders Through Sun 9/17:
Team W L PCT GB E# L10 STRK
Los Angeles 78 71 .523 - - 5-5 L2
Philadelphia 77 72 .517 1.0 13 7-3 W3
San Francisco 74 74 .500 3.5 11 5-5 L2
Florida 74 75 .497 4.0 10 4-6 L2
Cincinnati 73 76 .490 5.0 9 4-6 L2
Atlanta 72 77 .483 6.0 8 6-4 W2
Houston 71 77 .480 6.5 8 4-6 L3
—-
Braves Sum GB 16.5

Mon 9/12 games involving top 7 NL wildcard teams:
Atl beats Wsh, Chi beats Phi, NYM beats Fl, Hou beats Cin, Col beats SF, SD beats LA
Team W L PCT GB
Los Angeles 78 72 .520 -
Philadelphia 77 73 .513 1.0
San Francisco 74 75 .497 3.5
Florida 74 76 .493 4.0
Atlanta 73 77 .487 5.0
Cincinnati 73 77 .487 5.0

Houston 72 77 .483 5.5
—-
Braves Sum GB 11.5

Tue 9/19 games involving top 7 NL wildcard teams:
Atl beats Wsh, Chi beats Phi, NYM beats FL, Hou beats Cin, Col beats SF, Pit beats LA
Team W L PCT GB
Los Angeles 78 73 .517 -
Philadelphia 77 74 .510 1.0
San Francisco 74 76 .493 3.5
Atlanta 74 77 .490 4.0
Florida 74 77 .490 4.0
Houston 73 77 .487 4.5
Cincinnati 73 78 .483 5.0
—-
Braves Sum GB 7.5

Wed 9/20 games involving top 7 NL wildcard teams:
Atl beats Wsh, Chi beats Phi, NYM beats FL, Hou beats Cin, Col beats SF, Pit beats LA
Team W L PCT GB
Los Angeles 78 74 .513 -
Philadelphia 77 75 .507 1.0
Atlanta 75 77 .493 3.0
Houston 74 77 .490 3.5
San Francisco 74 77 .490 3.5
Florida 74 78 .487 4.0
Cincinnati 73 79 .480 5.0
—-
Braves Sum GB 5

By Carlos Amato

September 18, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, sorry dude. That doubleheader against Philly ended my hopes…

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

man, this delay thing is reeeeallly starting to bug me. Practically impossible to follow a thread, or get one started, for that matter. Has anyone emailed the ajc to report it as a bug? (BTW, software architect to customer complaining about a bug: “That behavior is by design. If you want it changed, you’ll have to pay for the enhancement.” Ha!)

By Jim

September 18, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

ncscoots,

The White Sox have starting pitching depth, and they have a couple of highly rated pitching prospects at AA or above. They can afford to give up a starter, such as a Garcia that can be the inning eating solid starter that DOB has indicated is needed to add to the rotation, plus a prospect in that trade. The White Sox are also a need- to-win-now team. They have aging stars such as Thome and Dye, and a Konerko whose numbers are down this year. They are more likely to view Andruw as the missing ingredient in their order that will restore them to the top of their division and make them more competetive with the Yankees lineup. They have not had a lot of production in CF this year. Also they have had interest in Andruw in the past.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 18, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

The Braves haven’t had a sweep since the Padres in mid-July, have they? The Dream is over. All the Braves did right Sunday was put the ball in play. The miracle was how Florida butchered every potential out. Not much credit to the Braves there. All they had to do was keep running the bases while the ball rolled.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 18, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! while waiting to be dispatched to nashville the hartebeest got into the molasses candy! still two and a half pounds left and this batch continues to make noise as if it is expanding. the hartebeest appears somewhat constipated at this point, though, and may not travel well. where is journalist bob?

and if smoltz is reading this - journalist found a toupe on the street in charleston that is in nearly new condition that can be yours for only $30. what do you think, baldy? does this make you angry? journalist hopes so - because you are about the best pitcher going when you get that way. it is a pleasure to watch you pitch. greg olson told this journalist he was bruised and battered after catching esteemed john smoltz. a lot of those pitches dive to the ground and so must the catcher. if it becomes the job of these bloggers to keep you angry and motivated then we are up to the task. wait til you meet the undesirables that come out late at night. they will make you seethe. p.s. journalist guy curtright thinks you are a sissy. there, that should do it. hard to rough up your favorite pitcher but journalist must take one for the team.

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Frenchy and Froggy, how utterly ridiculous. Therefore, I love it.

Lew, you should know, the lady at the frame shop where I always go, she took a look at Johnny and said it was one of the best pencil drawings she had ever seen. That’s incredible, she said.

we’re doing it nice, double-matted with a great black wood frame.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

That was very noble of you, Jimmy Smith. You’re the very definition of altruism! Bacon and eggs have been decided on. Now they must be prepared and dispatched. Have you given the Hartebeest a suitable dose of fiber? Drinking a tall glass of metamucil would be a difficult task for an animal with hooves. Hmm.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Now, DOB, don’t go giving Lew an even bigger head than he’s already got; he might mistakenly get more confident in his baseball knowledge…:-)

By journalist jimmy smith

September 18, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

grinch, journalist hates to put a hartebeest full of molasses candy and fiber on the road to nashville. oh, the humanity! imagine the cars following closely on the roadway! it is probably best that journalist has not heard from journalist bob about this candy order. the hartebeest can use the night to regulate. oh, the humanity! more calls from the neighbors about jimmy smith’s “dog”. hartebeest has left some sizeable mementoes for journalist’s neighbors. well, it is good that dob heeded this journalist’s advice about the framing project. black wood will make a nice frame - and what color are the mats? hooves? what hooves? toes, this hartebeest has healthy toes. hair on top and bad nails, but toes just the same. and remember, it was toe journalism that won the wurlitzer. toes are not to be trifled with. now, baseball … has anyone checked the toes of kyle davies? oh, the humanity! what if that has been the problem all along? journalist should have asked this question sooner. still, one would think this organization would learn the importance of good toe health.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Y’all, check out the photo of the lottery winner on the front page. Does he look like he just won 163 million? His “longtime companion” is standing at the podium running her yap and he’s making a wrist-cutting gesture. I wonder how many times lately he’d considered cutting her up and burying her in the basement; now after winning this money they’re both in the spotlight and he doesn’t know what to do. You can just see all the dreams of potential happiness he had dying away with every word…she looks like she’d use a substantial chunk of that money keeping a P.I. on him wherever he went to make sure he didn’t enjoy himself. Ha! Amusing.

By Billy

September 18, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

is this guy jimmy on something? what is this guy talking about, and what does it have to do with the Braves?

By Lew

September 18, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Mistakenly more confident? Hah. And this from someone whom I have attempted to make allowances for. Just see if we dress you nice and unleash you on the public any more. How can someone be more confident when they are already always right most of the time? The Humanity! David, your framer is, indeed, a person of rare charm and perception. You should take her pie in my name. Really glad you’re pleased.

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

While I’m not familiar with our Dick Cory, I wonder what Dr. Noah would think of his attempts at self expression … he’s as much of an enigma as his Richard Cory namesake, made famous by E.A. Robinson.

He may well have some of us pegged but I’m somewhat disappointed with his evaluation of Jimmy Smith … “uneducated” and “naif” are so far off the mark as to make me suspect taht they may be more appropriate descriptors of his own retoric than that of the esteemed resident of this community.

Regarding worthy causes, you don’t gotta, as suggested by My Lady, … but if the Black Jack molassas candy turns out to be any good, this junkie may need serious financial help in supporting a new habit.

For those truly interested in worthwile causes, I know of some people and an orphanage in rural Central Kenya that are more deserving than most.

Of course, there’s always the need of financial support for the development of my Horse Racing projection system … before I give up in dispair.

Jimmy, “uneducated” and “naif” may well describe me but I ain’t interested in no experimental molasses candy … at any price, at least not until I’ve tried that which you induced me to purchase. While I eagerly await its arrival, Ralph remains suspicious and won’t let me forget recent events … first blue and now black.

Matt, it’s a pretty good bet that your advice will be heeded … too much attention has been given to this weakness for prudent management to otherwise so do … at least with regard to resigning Bob Wickman or acquiring someone else to effectively fill the closer’s role.

However, it may be a bit optimistic to posit that a good closer would have acheived a 92% success rate with all of the one run ball games we’ve played this year … still, it wouldn’t have an unreasonable expectation, and 15 titles would have been nice.

Scoots, your post season analysis is on target as per usual, at least from my perspective … I’ve commented before that as the playoffs are now structured, unless my rusty ‘rithmetic is faulty, the most common number of World Series titles that a playoff team will capture in 14 attempts … is one! Folks won’t accept that and granted, it would have been nice to have won more!

Later …

By Lew

September 18, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

Billy-You are no longer in Kansas. That is unless you are talking about the Dust in The Wind guys. Pay no attention to that Grinch behind the curtain. This is DOB land. The David O’Brien blog (though this is written by that scoundrel Guy Curtright). The Braves are, indeed, the purpose of this blog, but the blog denizens are known to digress into the themes of pie, BBQ, sweet tea, toe issues and the music of your choice. This morning, on the previous blog, baseball was the only topic of discussion. This afternoon and evening, we may discuss the Braves in particular and baseball in general. Then again, who knows. Certainly not me. I don’t know everything, despite what The Grinch may say about it. Do, however, be on the lookout for Stinky, Sybil and various Mets fans. They lurk and pounce upon both the suspecting and unsuspecting. Now The Journalist Jimmy Smith-he is a Ugandan Journalist of international and blogwide reknown. He has been known to hang with African antelope-type creatures and baby seals, as well as a strange species of blue worms, supposedly of a Ugandan nature, but more likely of alien origin. I hope this answers your questions. Welcome and feel free to discuss whatever you like. We will likely respond, but you may not understand the responses. Then again, maybe you will. It is virtually impossible to tell in advance.

By TennesseePaul

September 18, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Sure hope Davies bounces back in top form tonight. It’s the Nats… It’s possible as long as he doesn’t throw it down the middle.

GO BRAVES

By Head Coach

September 18, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

Other than Wickman , what other top free agent closer is available ? Nobody , thats who. JS better be prepared to cough up big bucks in the 8 to 10 million a season range. This(Pittsburgh) Gonzalez kid is currently on the 15 day DL with elbow tendinitis so any proposed trade will be filled with Kolbian risk. Which is why resigning Baez as insurance(if Baez walks the Betemit trade will look even worse) in case Scott Boras demands an arm and a leg for Wickman is a priority. Andruw is a 10-5 player. how would JS persuade him to accept a trade ? I would much rather hope that Andruw being in the last year of his contract would be motivated to put up a monster career season and help the Braves into the postseason. The Braves winning a world series in 2007 would be the tradeoff for losing Andruw in free agency after the season. I would much rather go for it all in 2007 by keeping Andruw , signing Wickman to a multi-year contract(less money per season ?) and trading for a leadoff hitter by offering Jarrod Saltalamacchia , Scott Thorman and or Matt Diaz as trade bait. O yea , trading pitching is always a bad idea. Go Braves !

By Billy

September 18, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

He sounds like a retard to me.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

They’re back.

By Carolina Lady

September 18, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Billy, don’t worry about it. Most bloggers know exactly what is written and the stories behind it all.

Journalist Bob, I can’t tell you how good it is to see your name again! (big smile!) All is right in my world again!

Jimmy, Baby Seal is doing well but misses his journalist parent. I have assured him of his place in my affections and he is happy. Except with the 5-minute delay. (Billy, don’t even try to figure this out! It is a long story.)

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Is that the Blogger we formerly knew as Billy? The Grinch is one of our good guys … highly intellegent, really nice … you’ll like him but he’s a little too wierd to be touted a a role model, except when he’s wearing his Super Hero suit.

Lew, forget what Grinch says … he’s just envious! The praise from Mister Wurlitzer was certainly well deserved and I have plenty of extra adjustable caps if expanded size is any problem!

Jimmy, I wrote my previous post earlier but got distracted and failed to suibmit. Even Ralph feels bad after having read about all the trouble you went to on my behalf. He suggested that you could send the candy for free and he would consider us even; assuming of course that the candy is any good … his words, not mine!

By Billy

September 18, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Is Smoltz signed thru next year yet?

By Lew

September 18, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-Have you checked your email? Billy-Being nasty to Journalist Jimmy will never do you any good. If it doesn’t meet with your approval, oh well.

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Head coach, you’re quite correct in assessment of the closer market this winter. Historically bad. And since the worst thing John Schuerholz could possibly do is repeat the Kolbian folly of last offseason (signing no closer) or the one before (trading for a closer who had a total of one good half-season in a small market, the aforementioned Kolb, who was so awful he inspired an adjective), then it’s time to buck up and re-sign Wickman, who wants to be in Atlanta, where his personality fits and he want have to run wind sprints in spring training.

If it takes a multi-year deal I’d do it, despite his age (he’ll be 38 in February). Gotta do what you’ve gotta do, and you gotta do this. A two-year proposal with a vesting third-year option sounds reasonable to me, and $6 mill or more per year is probably what it’s going to take. So be it. Make it happen, John, or risk the unholy wrath of Braves fans who simply aren’t going to accept the we-tried-and-got-outbid story again this time, after watching the 2006 season be undermined by the lack of a fit, proven closer B.W. (before Wick).

By the way, I try to avoid ever questioning a man’s recuperative process, for we never know how much pain or mental obstacles one is dealing with. But if Danys Baez, who had his appendectomy BEFORE Ben Rothleisberger (is spelling correct?), doesn’t pitch an inning before Big Ben plays an NFL game at quarterback … well, that’s just not a very good sign, in my view.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Bob, do not spend too much time on Dick Cory; he is one of the many fractured personalities of stinky. His M.O. includes making literary refences (in this case you were correct with Houseman) and the more attention you give him the more he will carefully analize your personality to see where your weaknesses are; then he will make a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle)pounce. He is very lonely and very sad, and we provide his only entertainment. Pity him, but do not hate him.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Lew, if her e-mail has been checked in the last couple of days, “I” sure don’t know about it…:-)

By Carolina Lady

September 18, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Lew, you have mail.

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Hey, I must’ve missed part of SportsCenter. How was the Mets’ clubhouse celebration?

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

Uh, that was supposed to be he “won’t have to run wind sprints.” Not “want” have to. Though I probably didn’t need to clary that. Ya’ll knew what I meant.

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

Billy, new to the blog, are we? You’ll find some posters you like, some you don’t, and the same for subject matter. For baseball, we got old-school (too many names to mention), sabermetrics (our buddy Shaun), gritty analysis (TennPaul and MBATL among others), trade-crazy virtual GMs, and all make and manner of hitting and pitching savants (the pitching would be me, of course LOL). But you’ll find that baseball is only one of many passions represented here, and while it’s boggling to me at least, some of the folks don’t really care all that much for the non-baseball material. If you’re one of those, we hope to change your mind and even maybe broaden a horizon or two, if you take the chance. But, if not…there’s always the scrollbar! Welcome!

By The Grinch

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

DOB, “Roethlisberger” is the correct spelling, and there are many die hard Steeler fans who can’t spell it even now; most just call him “Big Ben” to avoid the complication. I agree; Baez isn’t impressing me favorably. Unless he got peritonitis (sp?):-) from the bursting, he should’ve been back already. I guess he doesn’t want to get booed. BTW, be careful about insinuating Wicky’s getting old; he’s two years younger than Smoltz and your comments may infuriate our #1 starter. Also factoring in the incredible condition Wicky keeps himself in, we should have no worries about a long-term deal…

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

I misread Billy’s post … thought he was talking about the Grinch … the Billy I remember should himself remember Jimmy Smith, My Lady and Lew.

Regardless, welcome aboard!

Billy, don’t make the common mistake of judging a book by its cover … Jimmy, Lew, Grinch, NCScoots, The Carolina Lady … and many others have different styles ( different ways of saying things) … but most are good, intelligent people and to what they say is usually worth taking a listen.

They’re all good Braves’ fans … though getting used to some of them may take a little time … it’s well worth the effort.

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this

Re Wick’s, uh, physique…there’s a school of thought that says baseball players’ bodies are SO finely conditioned these days that more injuries are a predictable consequence (much as a Porsche spends just a leetle more time in the shop than a Chevy). If there’s truth to that, we don’t really have to worry about Wick’s body breaking down over the course of a 3-year deal :-). But first let’s check out his brand of beer, that’s a dead giveaway as to longevity, you know…

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

Bob, I just noticed your most recent post. I think Billy was talking about Jimmy rather than me (though I probably engender the same feelings), but thanks for the plug! Highly intelligent and really nice might be coming it a trifle high; I may have to borrow one of those adjustable hats…Weird I plead guilty to. Holy Hay-soos, a big storm is blowing in; it was calm 15 minutes ago. Better shut the ‘pooter down for now…

By Salty55

September 18, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

scoots Wicky creates his own backdrop…he can’t afford to downsize. White ball against a white uniform…tough to pick up. Probably doesn’t like the red tops!

BTW…how ‘bout the Tigers over ‘Noles! Just don’t kick!
:-)

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Salty, best darn thing about the game was listening to Tommy going into the locker room at the half, LOL. But they really did man up late; you get up big on the road and home team comes back to tie, the fat lady usually starts tuning up (old Mo and all that). Big win, no doubt, maybe this year we WIN the close ones all year!

By Billy

September 18, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the welcome everybody.

By narcissistic personality disorders

September 18, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Persons with this disorder present severely overly-inflated feelings of self-worth, grandiosity, and superiority over others. Persons with narcissistic personality disorder often exploit others who fail to admire them, and are overly sensitive to criticism, judgement, and defeat. More acute and precise diagnostic comments will be made in the very near future which will be on a more personal note. In the meantime, if the shoe fits, wear it!

By Moe Bandy

September 18, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

You people “welcoming” new bloggers to this site is about as pretentious as inviting strangers into someone elses home other than your own, geesh!!

By Lew

September 18, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Dude-Have you been wandering through the potatoes again? I didn’t mention you and email at the same time, so have no idea what you’re talking about. That’s ok, though, I realize you’re still waking up. You’re obviously just jealous of my world class talent and my ability to be humble.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

And you’re obviously jealous of my narcissistic personality disorder, too.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 18, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

I have a feeling that JS will not make the same mistakes that he did last winter and will get a closer (Wickman) and a leadoff hitter. Pierre would be a good option in LF and only a good option in center if they got a LF with excellent range, which would not be Diaz.

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

Good people are always welcome, be it pretentious to so do or no … and Billy is obviously good people.

Grinch, I noticed my error regarding Billy’s reference to Jimmy and referenced it in my next post. It’s hard to keep things straight with the posting delays.

“Highly intelligent” and “really nice” fit you just fine, as does “a little wierd” at times! We’ll let Billy decide that for himself.

There are plenty of the adjustable caps to go ‘round but I’ve seen no evidence of your needing same.

We can’t be having the same storm in Nashville but something’s afoot … I’m following suit and shutting down for a while!

By Sick of Smoltz

September 18, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Notice how few people responded to this goofy “Smoltz is god” blog.

First of all he was never a serious Cy Young candidate this season. The only ones who ever mentioned him in that light were—surprise—the Braves two beat writers.

He is the most selfish, stat-minded player on the Braves team.

Did you catch his little tantrum after he thought the official scorer had cost him an earned run.

Never mind that it might cost Edgar Renteria an error. Aren’t Edgar’s stats just as important to him and his family?

I’m also amazed that after every win, Smoltz claims he really focused on that game…that he had a play-off type intensity.

Why is it he can’t do that every game? He takes the field—and earns his salary—only once every five days.

I’m really tired of his whining and self-serving comments.

By Hammy the Brave

September 18, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Dave,

Do you think JS would change his policy of not resigning a player before the season’s over, with regards to Bob Wickman and Daryl Ward, considering their importance to the team?

By Hammy the Brave

September 18, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

Dave,

Do you think JS will back off his policy of not resigning players during the season, to resign Bob Wickman and Darryl Ward, because of their importance to the team?

By tyyosh

September 18, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

SOS,

The blog volume is more likely due to Guy writing this one instead of DOB. Unlike any of the other AJC blogs, DOB’s has built quite a following because of his high amount of interaction and investment as well as diversity of topics.

I personally think Smoltz is way less of a problem than your description. But I do hope he makes up his mind to watch his public words when something is not going right, because a lot of people are watching his example.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 18, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Well, Sick of Smoltz, I agree with you some. I think his openly whinning aboutt the scoring decision was a little childish and insulting to Renteria, even if Edgar didn’t take it that way.

As for his being star minded, I don’t really agree with that. I think he is a competitor who doesn’t like to lose. I happen to like Smoltz and think he is maybe the greatest Atlanta Brave of all time. My only real gripe with him was his not putting the team first and staying as the closer. He can’t tell me that closing really causes that much more stress on his arm than starting does.

You have to wonder what would have happened last year in the NLDS if Smoltz had been on the mound instead of Farnsworth. And Lord knows how the season would have turned out it he had been the closer this season. I know the Braves record wouldn’t be as good as it is without Smoltz starting, but in the same respect the starters this year have pressed and overthrown because they knew the bullpen would more than likely blow the game. Ask the Padres, Yankees, Red Sox, and even Mets starters how much easier it is to pitch when you know you have a closer who will seal the game for you.

By Stinky

September 18, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

So much gets attributed to me, but this blog to this point has been stinky-free.

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

It’s a bit disconcerting to leave the persona and expose ones inner self … but, I wanted to take a moment to express my genuine appreciation for the kind, if undeserved, words received over the last couple of days … it’s been a humbling experience.

Thanks!

By Head Coach

September 18, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

How encouraging , Hudson and Davies have looked great the past two games. Add Hampton and Ramirez into the mix next year and I have no doubt whatsoever , that barring injury the Braves starting pitching is going to be just fine. Whoever did the scouting on Daryle Ward deserves a big high five. This guy is a valuable addition to the bench as a pinch hitter and backup 1st baseman. I really didnt think the Braves had a chance to get back to .500 , but I sure hope they prove me wrong. Go Braves !

By flbravesgirl

September 18, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

Much better game for Davies tonight. Hopefully he can build on that.

I find it amusing that Guy wrote this blog praising Smoltz, when he’s the one that wrote the blog that ticked him off. I think John would pitch with his arm falling out of the socket if he thought the team needed him to. Never underestimate him.

Grinch, pecans and a little coconut in the cream cheese icing for the Red Velvet cake (though it could be made without if you prefer).

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 18, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

I think the first three things JS should do after the regular season is exericse the option on Smoltz’s contract, sign Wickman, and sign Daryle Ward. Then look to getting two more good arms for the bullpen and a leadoff hitter. If this is all done, there is no reason to believe the Braves won’t be in the thick of things next season.

By TennesseePaul

September 18, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

RJIB: Smoltz, I believe, was putting the team first when he asked to be back in the rotation. He had a valid point for it… He says he can do more to help the team in the rotation than in the Pen. He’s right. Had he been in the pen this year, we wouldn’t have all those W’s he posted. We’d have less. I say this based on all our pitchers filling in. Had we a need for yet another starter, it would have been more of the crap that’s been showing up. Maybe Smith for more than one start. Thomson and Sosa both starting the season in the rotation and Sosa staying in it.

I wish we had two of him, but we don’t. Him moving to the rotation has been the main reason this team is as close to the wild card as it is. In his post season career the Braves made it once past the first round with him as a closer. No amount of security in the pitchers mind is going to be enough to change what Sosa was capable of doing as a starter this season. The starters are averaging barely five and half innings per start without him. Most of these starters let the game get away in the first 3 or 4 innings.

By TennesseePaul

September 18, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Great game tonight Braves!! I like the positives I’ve seen from the starters as of late. Very encouraging. Methinks Hudson needs to be in a four man rotation. He seems to always come back strong on short rest.

Let’s get this team over .500 GO BRAVES!!!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 18, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Tennessee, I don’t think Smoltz’s reason for moving back into the rotation had as much to do with helping the team as it did that he never really wanted to close in the first place. I’m not raggin on the guy. He’s a stud. Like I said, I think he is the greatest Atlanta Brave of all time. But, don’t underestimate the effect a closer has on a starting rotation and the entire pitching staff for that reason. Don Sutton and Pete Van Wiren say it all the time. Nowadays the game is managed from the ninth inning back. How far do you think the Yankees will go in the postseason if Rivera can’t go?

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

RJIB: If the Yankees go with Farnsworth, then they’ll get as far as the first 4 run lead.
Smoltz doesn’t like relieving. But I think that’s because of his competitive nature not selfishness.

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Howdy, All! Fixin’ to sign off and get some rest. Flbravesgirl, that sounds mighty tasty. Grrr…now I’m in full midnight snack mode. I wish there was someplace open around here, but it’s a one horse town that closes shop about 9pm and I’m out of groceries. I’ll be creative, though. Bob, take it easy and hold down the fort. Remember what I said earlier; don’t get sucked into a late-night moral debate with the immoral. It’s a monumental waste of time. Night, all.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 19, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

I keep saying that Horacio will be traded but I am now wondering if Hudson won’t be the guy to get moved. How bad would it suck to have Hudson have another year next season like he did this one and then have to owe him all that money. I think JS will have to seriously consider trading Hudson. He has had two subpar years in a row now. Somebody will be willing to take on his contract. I know they will. The Red Sox, Orioles, or Blue Jays would all be willing to take the chance because if Hudson were to get his “stuff” back then any of those teams especially the Red Sox would really threaten the Yankees.

By Head Coach

September 19, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

Robert , Im not going to argue with you or anybody else about the quality pitcher that is Tim Hudson. My steel trap is going to remember you and everybody else who wanted to trade him next season. So, when he has another great year in 2007 , Im gonna remind you over and over and over just how foolish it is to trade quality starting pitching. I have to trot out the numbers one more time , lol . He has never in eight major league campaigns had a losing season. He has won a minimum of 11 games a season eight years running , he averages 15 wins and 7 losses a season and has never had any arm problems. the guy is a winner , period. If you want to trade a winner thats your perogative , your right lets trade him and replace his 15 wins with what ?

By Kentavo

September 19, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this

Here’s the worst part of the Braves and pitchers coming around when it’s too late. It will give JS so many excuses not to make any changes. I can just hear it now: we feel really confident with Hampton coming back and with what Davies and Hudson have shown us in their last few starts that we'll have the best rotation, if not the NL, then at least our division. As for the bullpen, we think Reitsma, Boyer and Foster will bounce back and help settle things down out there.'' And Cox adds:Reitsma really only made a couple of bad pitches.”

Barf!

By Billy

September 19, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

Seems to be alot of hostility between you people, no?

By Bob, journalist

September 19, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this

Esteemed journalist from Cordele Uganda, where the watermelons are unbelivably sweet … and ongoing experiments with molassas candy abound.

Your continued efforts to assist me in my search for the elusive molassas “aerated brick” candy are sincerely appreciated, regardless of any injected levity … not in the candy, but in my remarks. As indicated earlier, I’m much obliged and eagerly await delivery of the order placed earlier today, regardless of any associated financial strain!

Reading of your experiments caused my wife to reflect on the day when I bought that original batch … the storekeeper indicated that you could sometimes find folks making it up in the mountains, much the same way they boiled peanuts. We envisioned a large pot of some molassas mixture being boiled out in the frontyard but never found any evidence of either activity in that area along the NC/TN border.

Were your comments regarding candymaking experiments to be genuine, as I can well imagine they might, you can rest assured that it would be my distinct pleasure to sample the result of your labor … all of my efforts have resulted in failure; except where my old fashioned chocolate fudge is concerned.

The rain has abated and I’m headed to bed!

Later …

By Head Coach

September 19, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

G’night Bob ! sleep well.

By Bob, journalist

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

Billy, don’t let us get you down … it may seem strange but exhibiting hostility is how some folks express love and affection … or so I’m told.

By (NPD)

September 19, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

People with narcissistic personality disorder have difficulty recognizing the needs and feelings of others, and are “dismissive”, contemptuous, and impatient when others share or discuss their concerns or problems. They are oblivious to the hurtfulness of their behaviour or remarks, show an emotional coldness and a lack of reciprocal interest, exibit envy(especially when other bloggers are accorded recognition), have an arrogant, disdainful, and patronizing attitude, and are quick to blame and criticise others when their needs and expectations are not met. And as evident in these blogs, they believe they are “special” and can only be understood by, or associate with, other special or high status people. Am I getting warmer? Please stick around later in the week for my discourse on “mental illness and the alter ego”!!!…

By berigan

September 19, 2006 01:54 AM | Link to this

RJIB, from what I have read,(On this board as well I think) Smoltz was tired of sitting in the bullpen during the playoffs not getting a chance since the team was behind in each NLDS from 2002-2004 and were taken out. If Smoltz starts the first game, chances are we have a very good chance to win Games 1 and 5 and just have to have a starter win game 2, 3, or 4 and you get to the next round.

By Calvin

September 19, 2006 02:08 AM | Link to this

I am shocked and surprised that none of the malcontents from the Mets blog has come here saying blah blah blah about the Mets finally winning the NL East. That is rather appalling.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 19, 2006 02:48 AM | Link to this

Oh, my God! They played the game of the season in L.A. tonight! Trailing 9-5 in the bottom of the ninth, Jeff Kent, J.D. Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson hit back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs for the Dodgers to tie the game. It was the first time in 42 years a team had four consecutive homers, and only the fourth time ever. Then after the Padres took a 10-9 lead in the top of the 10th, Nomar Hamm hit a walk-off, two-run shot for the Dodgers to win it and take first place in the NL West back from San Diego.

Marlon Anderson, whom the Dodgers acquired from the Nats the same night the Braves traded for Daryle Ward, was 5-for-5 with two homers. Smart deal, Ned Coletti!

You can probably check out the replay on ESPN Classic in the next couple of days. They’ll be talking about this one for years, especially if the Dodgers can parlay it into a playoff run. Just incredible!

By Tom A. Hawk

September 19, 2006 02:52 AM | Link to this

Hey, berigan (by the way, is your name a tribute to Bunny Berigan, the great jazz trumpet player? I love him!), you can’t just stick Smoltz out on the mound and assume a playoff victory! After all, it’s not like Smoltz is Bob Gibson. Right, Head Coach?

By BravesBaby

September 19, 2006 03:17 AM | Link to this

Calvin, why would they? They know we are no threat anymore and what more we won’t be for some years to come. That Mets team is the team to beat for the next few years, period. We had our run, one that won’t be seen again in the foreseeable future. I can live with that. But I also am not foolish enough to think that the Mets are a fluke. After a decade and a half of anvils falling on their heads and them running off of cliffs the Coyote finally caught the Road Runner. Kudos to them.

By Head Coach

September 19, 2006 03:25 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk , arguing with you is like arguing with a tree stump , its useless. Bob Gibson went 7-2 in three world series appearances. John Smoltz is 7-0 in ten league division series , 6-2 in nine league championship series and 2-2 in five world series for a playoff total 15 wins 4 losses( his 15 wins is a postseason record ). You win , your right. Gibson is the better overall pitcher according to your math which is all inclusive to the world series.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 19, 2006 03:55 AM | Link to this

Hey, Coach, I’ll freely admit that NO pitcher dominates those 85-win teams in the Division Series like John Smoltz does!

But when it’s the best against the best in the ultimate test of pitching, the World Series, Gibson was 7-2 in nine starts while Smoltz is only 2-2 in eight starts.

Now, it’s not Gibson’s fault or Smoltz’s responsibility that in the days that Gibson pitched, he didn’t get to face candyass teams who barely topped .500 in the postseason. But it goes without saying — that means there’s no argument, Coach — that those are the teams that allowed Smoltz to pad his postseason wins total. So the only fair way to compare the two is by their World Series records. And except for a paltry two wins in eight starts, Smoltz’s World Series numbers are impressive. Gibson’s, however, are otherworldly.

1.89 ERA, Coach. Ninety-two strikeouts in 81 innings, Coach. World Series record of 17 Ks in one game, Coach. Nine complete games, Coach. Three wins in the ‘67 Series, Coach. Two wins each in ‘64 and ‘68, Coach. Two World Series MVP awards, Coach. Twice the rings Smoltz has won in two fewer World Series, Coach.

It’s still a huge tribute to Smoltz that he can probably claim the distinction of No. 3 all-time postseason performer behind Gibson and Sandy Koufax. Look at the company Smoltzie’s keeping! But that’s the best he’s ever gonna be, Coach. I’m afraid he can’t just be the best because he’s a Brave.

You go back to propping up Tim Hudson now, Coach. You’re a whole lot better at that.

By Head Coach

September 19, 2006 04:32 AM | Link to this

Ok , so your a Mets fan. thats become obvious. I suppose you didnt know that Smoltz and Hudson have near identical records as starters going back five years for both pitchers as starters. Smoltz is 70-39 Hudson is 69-42 and I suppose you would want the Braves to trade both wouldnt you ? You think your Mets would want both ? O yea and Gibson pitched in an era dominated by pitching and huge ballparks where as Smoltz has to deal with bandbox ballparks , armour suited steroid juiced freaks standing on top of the plate and God forbid somebody gets a brushback pitch or a baseball in thier ear ( ala Gibson). Your comparing apples and oranges , two different era’s of the game. Gibson got into the hall of fame with 251 wins and nobody from this era gets in without 300 wins. Yea I’ll keep propping Hudson and Smoltz up because they are both winners and unlike you I actually am a BRAVES FAN.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 19, 2006 05:34 AM | Link to this

You’re terrified you’re wrong, Coach. I can always tell because you start coming unglued and pitching a cyber-hissy.

I’m a baseball fan, Coach. You align yourself with one team and you’re asking for trouble. It’s starts coloring the way you view things, and before you know it, you start making utterly fallacious arguments, like Smoltz over Gibson.

As to Smoltz vs. Hudson, I couldn’t care less who’s the better pitcher. I was just giving you credit, I thought, by letting you know that you can make some decent points when you don’t let your raving Braves fandom skew your argument.

It’s like shooting fish in a barrel, but I suppose I’ll (yawn) address your points. First of all, Gibson didn’t enjoy any advantages in his era that any other pitcher of his era didn’t have, so what difference does it make how big the ballparks were or how puny the batters might have been? And if Smoltz has to shy away from knocking down batters in his more hitter-friendly era, well, so does every pitcher who faces him. It’s not like Gibson was allowed to throw at Carl Yastrzemski’s head and Jim Lonborg couldn’t retaliate because the rules prevented it so as to give Gibson an unfair advantage.

So your points about “different eras” don’t diminish one iota the fact that Bob Gibson has dominated postseason pitching as no other. Seven wins in 9 starts.

As to the ballparks, though, you’re wrong. Gibson made World Series starts in Busch Stadium (slightly more of a pitcher’s park than the stadium in St. Louis today), Yankee Stadium (Death Valley in left and center, hitter-friendly in right, much as it is now), Tiger Stadium (MUCH MORE of a bandbox than Comerica Park now) and Fenway Park (the same now as then). But it doesn’t matter, anyway, because they didn’t move the fences in when Whitey Ford or Mickey Lolich took the hill so the Cardinals could score, then shift them back to protect Gibson. Gibson just dominated anyway.

As to the steroids, the only players who ever actually seem to get caught juicing are pitchers. You sure Smoltzie’s clean? And enlighten me as to which “steroid juiced freaks” victimized Smoltz in the World Series? I just don’t recall any. Except maybe Roger Clemens in Game 4 in ‘99. But I guess The Rocket felt he needed that competitive edge since he was facing the greatest ever, huh? Well, he sure got it. SWEEP!

And I think you’re wrong about the Hall of Fame. Smoltz isn’t going to come anywhere near 300 wins, and I’m willing to bet you he’ll be elected to the Hall. Pedro Martinez won’t win 300, and he’s an absolute lock for the Hall of Fame. Randy Johnson is far from a sure bet to get 300 wins, but he’s a cinch for the Hall of Fame. Curt Schilling will get there, too, if only for the Bloody Sock game against the Yankees.

Now, don’t you feel silly? If you could just look at things objectively and admit when you’re wrong, you wouldn’t make yourself look so ridiculous and your blood pressure needn’t skyrocket as you desperately backpedal and sputter to support your ever-more-shaky assertions.

I’m afraid I’ve got to go now, Coach, but maybe someone else unbiased enough to understand that the best ballplayers need not necessarily have a big “A” on their caps can pick up a new debate with you that can last you through the rest of the morning. Try to make sure you’ll have a leg to stand on, though, because in this “discussion,” it was just way too easy for me to kick your tail. Good night!

By berigan

September 19, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk, Yes A huge Bunny Berigan fan, didn’t think anyone else here would even know him, what with all the talk of modern guys like Johhny Cash…..

By berigan

September 19, 2006 07:27 AM | Link to this

Head Coach, Tom A. Hawk you can stop arguing, cuz you are both wrong. ;) There is one guy you want in a big playoff game…… Babe Ruth.

*Babe Ruth began his career as one of the greatest pitchers, as he showed in two World Series. Ruth allowed a run in the first inning he pitched in 1916, then didn’t allow another for 30 innings. He pitched 14 innings to win Game 2 of the 1916 Series 2-1, shut out the Cubs 1-0 in Game 1 of the 1918 Series and finished up by beating the Cubs again in Game 4. * http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/cape17.shtml

By berigan

September 19, 2006 07:49 AM | Link to this

Oh, forgot to mention, like Tom A. Hawk said, the game of the season(I think they said the game of 21st century) was played in Chavez Ravine last night. I got chills seeing the highlights, and I really don’t care much one way or the other for the 2 teams. Footage they showed on sportscenter showed Dodger fans, yes Dodger fans jumping up and down like they won the World Series. Hell, like they won the lottery. They also showed the fans that always leave early to beat the traffic walking back to the stadium, I am sure the cheers were something else even in the parking lots. If you guys(and gals) can, catch ESPN news, they show it as the top story, even over Monday Night Football(And you know how much they want to hype that) and the Mets winning the division.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

HeadCoach and Tom A Hawk,

So we’re still on the Gibson vs. Smoltz debate. I’m sure there are more pitchers you can throw into the argument of greatest postseason pitcher ever. How did either one of you narrow it down to just those two?

How about Whitey Ford who won 10 World Series games? How about Lefty Gomez who was 6-0 in the World Series? How about Christy Matthewson who posted a 0.97 ERA in 101.7 World Series innings. How about Mariano Rivera and his 0.81 ERA in 111.7 postseason innings?

I would probably consider Matthewson over Smoltz or Gibson.

By Carlos Amato

September 19, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

Well, looking at the standings, makes me wonder what could have happened had we not lost that doubleheader against Philly. Or the other against Mets, the week before. Or that terrible never-ending june. Well, just makes me wonder.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 19, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

All very respectable arguments, Shaun and berigan. Ruth was indeed great in the postseason, and he is without doubt the greatest player of all time, but he only made three World Series starts. Gibson won three games in a single World Series.

Mathewson’s ERA is awesome, and to look at it you wouldn’t believe his World Series record could possibly only be 5-5, but it is. So obviously you can’t go by ERA alone, especially in the dead-ball era.

Lefty Gomez’s 6-0 record is indeed imposing, but it was compiled over five World Series, so obviously he never dominated any one series like Gibson did twice, and only a fluke play short of three times.

Same deal with Whitey Ford. He did win 10 games, but he also lost 8, and he pitched in an incredible 11 World Series.

Finally, it’s hard to argue with Mariano Rivera. His postseason numbers are absolutely stellar. But starter vs. reliever is much like comparing apples and oranges because the roles are SO different. Rivera compiled his record one and two innings at a time, always under intense pressure in the late innings, while Gibson took the ball, started the game, and finished the damn game every single World Series start. He never had the luxury of a Rivera in the bullpen, so the load was all his, from beginning to end.

So we can safely say that while Gibson is head and shoulders above any other postseason starter, Rivera is even more far and away the most dominant postseason reliever. The Diamondbacks know full well how fortunate they were to beat him. Just like the 1968 Tigers know Curt Flood makes that play 99 times out of 100.

Baseball is a wonderful game. And that ending last night at Dodgers Stadium is still incredible!

By KC

September 19, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

They’re gonna do it!!! They’re going to run the table in their remaining 12 games, finish the season with a 15 game win-streak, and win the Wild Card! It could happen. I’m going to keep telling myself that until they lose again.

Really, I’ll be perfectly happy at this point if they finish the season on a good run (9-3 would be great). That would allow them to finish the season over .500 and take some excitement into next season. That would actually mean that they would finish the season with a 12-3 stretch… certainly that would end a dismal season on a very positive note.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 19, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

And berigan, Bunny’s solo on “That Foolish Feeling” is as thrilling as a Bob Gibson curveball for strike three. Also, “I Can’t Get Started” packs a Ruthian clout.

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

NL East champs soon to be NL Champs. Remember back in April when you silly fans said the Mets had no chance. Yooz guys are so funny.

By KC

September 19, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

Congrats NLCHAMPS. Seriously… I know that had to feel good.

I’ll be happy if the Braves can finish on a 9-3 run (finishing over .500), so they can take something positive into next year. I am looking very much forward to next season.

If Hudson can bounce back next year to go along with Smoltz, James, Ramirez and the return of Hampton… Atlanta’s rotation will be second to none. The bullpen will be solid with the Wickman (who will almost certainly resign), and the Braves’ offense and defense are already as good as any in the league.

As for the Mets, you guys will still have as good and offense and bullpen as any in the league. The only thing is that I’m of the opinion that the Mets overachieved given a little bit given the starting rotation you have. However, I suspect that Omar Manaya will do everything in his power to bring either Zito or Schmidt to Queens. If that happens, I would look for a renewed Braves/Mets rivalry, and an awfully fun pennant race. Whoever doesn’t win the East between the Braves and Mets next year will probably win the Wild Card. I know you’re probably not thinking about next year yet since you still have the post-season to look forward to, but it should be fun.

By KC

September 19, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

Congrats NLCHAMPS. Seriously… I know that had to feel good.

I’ll be happy if the Braves can finish on a 9-3 run (finishing over .500), so they can take something positive into next year. I am looking very much forward to next season.

If Hudson can bounce back next year to go along with Smoltz, James, Ramirez and the return of Hampton… Atlanta’s rotation will be second to none. The bullpen will be solid with the Wickman (who will almost certainly resign), and the Braves’ offense and defense are already as good as any in the league.

As for the Mets, you guys will still have as good and offense and bullpen as any in the league. The only thing is that I’m of the opinion that the Mets overachieved given a little bit given the starting rotation you have. However, I suspect that Omar Manaya will do everything in his power to bring either Zito or Schmidt to Queens. If that happens, I would look for a renewed Braves/Mets rivalry, and an awfully fun pennant race. Whoever doesn’t win the East between the Braves and Mets next year will probably win the Wild Card. I know you’re probably not thinking about next year yet since you still have the post-season to look forward to, but it should be fun.

By Carlos Amato

September 19, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Hey, I like the stuff I have seen in Villareal. I think he’s one of the best long relievers in the league, and has enough stuff to start every now and then. That Estrada trade was awfully good, since we have Mccann rolling, Pena as a young and stable back-up, and Salty getting grooved.

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

And you silly brave fans said the Mets wouldn’t do much this year. Yooz guyz are soooooo funny.

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Yes kudo’s to the Dodgers that was just amazing. back to back to back to back home runs. Then they fall behind in extra innings and win it on a homerun. That’s why I’m a baseball fan.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk,

I’m not so sure it’s cut and dry. Matthewson’s numbers are still impressive, even for the dead-ball era. His WHIP is very impressive. But pitching was different then. It’s hard to argue against Bob Gibson post-WWII.

Another aspect of the argument is that the post-season is only a handful of games, so it’s difficult to make judgements about any player based soley on post-season performance. Obviously Bob Gibson was a great pitcher, but so was Greg Maddux and his record in the post-season is not so impressive. Ted Williams basically did nothing in 7 World Series games. Mark Lemke had 63 hits in 62 post-season games.

You can say Mark Lemke was a great post-season player, but are you really saying anything. Saying Bob Gibson or John Smoltz are great post-season pitchers is fine, but it’s not necessarily saying anything. It’s their record in regular season and postseason games that made/make them great pitchers.

I don’t know or care what Albert Pujols has done in the postseason, but I would still want him up to bat with a postseason game on the line. And I don’t know or care what Johan Santana has done in the postseason, but I would still want him on the mound if I had to win one postseason game.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

kc, journalist likes your optimism. let’s hope that they can indeed win their way out. journalist bob, overnight this batch of molasses candy has become huge! it continues to make a noise and continues to expand. this journalist does not know how to stop this candy expansion. if this expansion continues bob will never again need to buy molasses candy. journalist used a diane lane recipe left on the table. hmmm… don’t suppose diane lane set journalist up do you? more than a hartebeest can carry in one trip … now, baseball … “It’s hard to put it into words or into emotions, but this is what I came here for … because I thought in the period of time that I was going to still be playing we would have a chance to do this. And here we are,” Glavine said after last night’s 4-0 NL East clincher.

By KC

September 19, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Over the remaing 12 games:

Smoltz has 3 starts remaining. It would be nice to see him get to 15 or 16 wins, lower the ERA to around 3.50, and it would be really fun to see Smoltzy lead the league in strike outs again for the first time since the late 90’s.

In Tim Hudson’s remaining starts, you just hope that he can string together several impressive outings to finish the season. That would certainly be an encouraging sign looking toward next year.

It would also like to see:

• Chuck James finish the season with a sub-3.00 ERA.

• Adam LaRoche finish with 100 RBI and a .295 or better batting AVG.

• Giles finish with a BA of over .270

By KC

September 19, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

Journ.Jimmy:

In all seriousness… Of course I know it’s extremely unlikely for the Braves to go 11-1 or 12-0 to win the Wild Card or force a one game playoff, but as long as there’s still a chance… I’ll keep pulling for the Bravos.

If not, I’ll be happy to see them finish strong and keep BC’s streak of over-500 seasons in tact.

By Carlos Amato

September 19, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

Now wait a minute. Am I reading this? Is it possible that a Mets fan, whose club has won the division for just the 5th time in their ENTIRE HISTORY, is trying to give us stick? Wow, I guess those 14 consecutive division titles must have messed up his brain…

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk,

And I’m not saying the postseason doesn’t or shouldn’t matter. Obviously if a player performs well in the post-season, he’s going to help his team possibly win a World Series. And players should get credit for good performance. But we have to take postseason performance for what it’s worth—it’s only a handful of games. It’s nothing compared to a player’s entire career. All things being equal, I would still take Craig Biggio over Mark Lemke as my secondbaseman in a postseason series, even though Biggio only hit .234 AVG/.297 OBP/.323 SLG in the postseason.

And the evidence that I’ve seen suggests that there is no innate ability in players to perform any better or worse in “important” games or “important” at-bats.

By Lew

September 19, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

My My, what a lively crowd this morning. Tom A Hawk-Are you afraid of committment, Dude? Not having a favorite team, indeed. My favorite teams are the Braves and whoever plays the Mets. NL Champs-It’s still early to be using that tag, Dude. We shall she what transpires. After last night, the Dodgers look powerful. Four HR back to back. I would have like to have seen that. Now Champs-you do realize that the difference is Julio Franco, don’t you?

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

I love it when fans taunt other teams fans even though neither have any control over what their teams do.

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

Carlito thinks all baseball fans should kiss his @ss because the braves had a good streak that now is over. All I said was the truth. Brave fans kept saying that the Mets would not achieve anything this year.

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

Putting bias aside. If you were betting with your own money I would think it would be on the Mets representing the NL in the World Series. That’s IF you can stop being biased.

By Carlos Amato

September 19, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I have to disagree with you. You’re talking about the uncountable, about something that stats will never show. Prime time. Clutch time. Decision time. And, as incredible as it may seem, some regular guys step up and some all-stars collapse. It just happens. Some people thrive on the pressure, the adrenaline, the game-in-line. Others feel their legs weighing 300 pounds, their muscles shaking, their hands sweting.

The only other sport that I am crazy about (other than baseball) is football (soccer in America). It’s not a sport so heavy in stats as baseball is, but nevertheless there are all-stars that don’t perform when it counts the most, and average guys who become lions when it matters. Of course you can never tell in advance, or just watching one post-season appearance, but after watching 5 consecutive post-season performances, I would take Lemke over Biggio any time.

By Carlos Amato

September 19, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Well NLCHAMPS, I certainly wasn’t one of the guys counting the mets out. You had a solid team before, and with the aquisitions of Delgado, Lo Duca, Wagner, and yes, super ageless Franco, you guys had one of the best lineups in the whole MLB. Starting pitching is still a problem, though. But I trully, honestly think the Mets will go to the World Series. But beating any AL, uhm… most unlikely…

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

journalist has read stinky’s last post and has this to say: stinky likely has pens envy. stinky desires to be a journalist and have ink-stained fingers like other journalists on this blog. because he is no journalist, he attacks those who are journalists. why does stinky attack others? if journalist could answer this riddle, journalist would. why does stinky stink? this journalist is magnanimous and hereby awards stinky the title of “stringer”. a stringer is a contractor-journalist - can’t hold a regular job - but gets to carry a journalist’s pen. now instead of pens envy stinky can develop some new social disorder that makes him not get along well with others. oh, yeah … stringer seems to fit.

By Lew

September 19, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Champs-All season long (and actually for some time before that), we loyal Braves’ fans have been continuously told by Mets fans that the true and only achievement was to win the World Series. That and only that was the true mark of baseball achievement. If this is true, then thee Mets STILL have not achieved anything. You have won a division title. Good for you. We won 14 straight and had the accomplishment constantly sullied by jealous fans of other teams (mostly the Mets). The Mets are not our peers quite yet. Let them win 14 in a row. Let them win ONE WS championship during any division run. You haven’t done that since 1986. Let’s see what happens in October before you start telling us how great the Mets are. What do you think of that NOT YET NL CHAMPS?

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Carlos Amato,

If it’s true that some guys step up in big games or in big situations, wouldn’t it show up in the stats at least a little bit? Well, it doesn’t. There are certain numbers that might suggest good situational hitting, but there’s really nothing that suggest clutch hitting.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=betweenthenumbers/ortiz/060405

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

I didn’t know if the Mets would be able to win the division this year, just from their history of signing top players and not winning. This year really was no different at first, but they “clicked” and now they are the NL East Champions. Congrats NLChamps and all Mets fans. Now, as far as the Mets representing the NL in the WS, I think they have a great chance, if their pitching holds up. Without pitching, I think they have no chance, but that holds true to all playoff teams.

Different subject, I know the Braves have very little chance of winning the WC, that’s okay I can live with that, but I would love to see the winning streak continue, but they have to go 9-3 for that to happen. Can they? Of course they can, but will they? Pitching, pitching and more pitching.

Geaux Braves!!

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Carlos….A month ago I would have agreed with you. The American League looked so dominant. But look at them now. Boston has disapeared. Chicago is fading fast. Detroit has come back down to earth. The Mets took 4 of 6 from the Yankees during interleague. I gotta say the Mets chances look better now than they did back then.

By Miss Manners

September 19, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Can you say “pens envy” on the blog? That is definitely what Stinky has! Spelling may be off just a little though.

By Carolina Lady

September 19, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

Good morning, jjs! I also saw that quote from Glavine. THAT’S why he left the Braves?? At the time he said it was to be close to family in MA(who now live in ATL according to recent reports). Say whatever fits the current situation? (Sounds like any garden variety politician to me.) According to other reports I’ve read, he told his agent to get him to ATL at any salary. Interesting if true, huh? Here, we’d say he was talking out of both sides of his mouth. :-))

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

LEW, I’m not gonna get into a p** contest with you. Stop being such a war monger. Yeah, the braves did something incredible for 14 years. I don’t think it will ever happen again. But to be honest with you the Yankee have done it better. What, 8 or 9 straight with 4 titles. You’re post come from prejudice and frustration over your own teams failures.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

I’ll give the Yankees their props, for they have dominated, but with an unlimited payroll and the ability to go out and fill any need at any time with anyone they want, well, if KC had that they’d have 9 straight with 4 titles now also.

Yes, the Braves also had the ability to spend what they wanted, but not $200M.

Still, the Yankees won, so I give them their dues.

The Braves did a decent job with what they had last year, they won a division with a bunch of kids. The pitching didn’t hold up and they were sent home. Again this year the pitching didn’t hold up and again they’ll be sent home (more than likely). Anyone notice a pattern?

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

September 19, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

No-My post comes from being extremely tired of hearing exactly what I posted infinite times from Mets fans on this blog this year. Whether or not you want to argue with me is quite immaterial. Every Braves fan on this blog will tell you that I speak nothing but the truth. We HAVE been told that our division streak is no accomplishment. We have been told that the ONLY measure of accomplishment is the WS title too many times to count. For that matter, CHAMPS, we have heard it from you. Do not come here looking to stir up dissension and then get pi$$ed that you get said dissension. I’ve told you before to win it all before you come looking to tell us how great you are.

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

We’ve had a great season so far but the goal is a World Championship.

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

I’m a big Braves fan. So maybe my prejudice is getting in the way, but I can’t seem to see how the Braves coming in 1st for 14 straight is a failure. Yes. The Yankees have done it 8, soon to be 9 times straight and have 4 WS titles to boot. So the Braves are in company with the Yankees… longest streaks of coming in first. How is that a failure NLeastChamps? The Mets have come in first for the first time in the past 15 years. Kudos. But that has yet to be anything. They still have three rounds of playoffs and 13 more years to go… Or, 8 more years and 4 WS titles to go. Which ever you think is easier…

On a different note… I think next year is going to be more than just a two team race. Philly has a new GM. A GM who can trade Abrue and a pitcher and improve his clubs chances. The Marlins are good and should only get better with age. The Nationals will be weak again. From the starting line, if the Marlins team doesn’t change too much, the Mets, Phillies and Braves shore up pitching, it’s going to be a tight race the whole season. It should be pretty nail-biting. I look forward to it.

As for this season… The Braves should win tonight. They must win tonight. I hope it’s not rained out. I’m sure the guys are tired of double headers.

By Lew

September 19, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Champs-Indeed it is.

By Lew

September 19, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

BTW CHAMPS-Do you like pie?

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

One more thing Captain Lew. As a fan I will not use what the braves accomplished as a measuring stick. I have given credit for the streak but not winning 4-5 rings does takes away from it whether or not you wish to admit it. If the Mets win it all they will have accomplished more than the braves in their history (3 titles to 2). This is only true if your measure success as World Series Championships. If you don’t we have nothing further to discuss.

By NLCHAMPS

September 19, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Here’s a question brave fans: Would you trade 13 of those divisions for 2 World Titles? I would, but I’m curious what brave fans would say.

By Lew

September 19, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

No CHAMPS-We could always discuss pie, sweet tea, BBQ and music. Personally, I grew up a Phillies fan. I attended game 8 of the infamous losing streak in 64. I have been a Braves fan for over 35 years and dealt with my share of losing teams there, too. Add to that the fact I’m a Buccaneers fan and lived in St.Pete for 12 of their 14 straight losing seasons, I have even more experience with losing than the 62 Mets (now there’s a record I am SO envious of). Big deal. My problem with Mets fans on this blog has nothing at all to do with who wins the division. It lies in the fact that said Mets fans insist on pointing out our wretchedness on a consistent basis. I mean, look at your posts today. Fro 9:15 until 11:00 you posted 6 times and 5 of those times was thumping your chest about the Mets and/or denigrating the Braves. If we had not had to listen to this crap all season long, we might even be cheering for the Mets in the post season. For some odd reason, this won’t happen. Don’t feel too bad, though. As a Georgia Bulldogs fan, I can’t stand the Florida Gators, either.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

NLCHAMPS,

I don’t know what the entire argument is, but yes, only winning one World Series does take something away from the division titles. However, it’s still about as impressive an accomplishment as is possible with a baseball team without winning multiple World Series titles in a decade or so. I don’t think the Braves are as impressive as some of the great dynasties of all-time, but I think they are a notch below, for whatever that’s worth.

I’ve said this before—it’s easier now to win division titles and harder to win the World Series than it was before ‘95. Obviously we’ll never know, but I would guess under the old system the Braves would have at least one more World Series title and maybe two or three more. I’m sure there is some advanced computer similuation you could run to see if the liklihood would increase for the Braves under the old system, but that’s neither here nor there. Still, it would be interesting.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

IMO a winning season is quite a success. It’s a marthon 162 game season, and if time and time again you win more than you lose, that is a success. If time and time agein you win more that anyone else in your division, that is a major success. If you win the NLDS, that is a sucess, ditto with NLCS. WS Championships are the icing on the cake. It’s not always the best team that wins it all, it’s the team having the best couple of weeks. WC winners are not the best teams, if they can’t even win their own division, but the WC has produced many WS titles. If the Braves win the WS one year via the WC, I will admit they were not the best team, they just had the best couple of weeks like I stated earlier. So, IMO, 14 consecutive division titles is not only sucessful, it’s is absolute dominance.

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

September 19, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

TePaul-You are, indeed, correct. Now the Marlins-does anyone else see a major decline next year? I think that the kids way overachieved this year (not to take anything from them-they were way better than anyone gave them credit foir doing). Next year,however, expectations will be much higher. Can they still achieve with all the added pressure? I would worry more about Philly if they can snag some more pitching. They already have a potent lineup. There are not many 2nd basemen I would rather have than Marcus, but Chase Utley is definitely one I would take. With Rollins and Utley setting the table for that stud Howard, the Phillies are worthy of much respect.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

GO FLORIDA GATORS!!!

Just kidding Lew.

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

September 19, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

No, I wouldn’t trade 13 divisions for one more title. We could and maybe should have won in 91, 92 and 96 as well as 95. But you know what? Even if we had won those three as well, giving us four titles, we would STILL have it thrown in our faces that we lost 10 times. Such is the nature of the beast. We still did something no other sports franchise has ever done. I guess we will just have to live with that.

By Lew

September 19, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

GeauxBraves-Now if I were abetting man, whcih I’m not, I would say from your handle that you live in the Louisiana area of the world. This would make you an LSU fan. Am I right? What did you think of Auburn the other day? I’m worried about them more than the Gators.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

I agree, even if the Braves would’ve won 14 consecutive WS titles, they wouldn’t have won them in enough games, not dominant enough, too many close games, etc.

Geaux Braves!!

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Lew, please tell me you didn’t just equate the Mets to the Gators. They are both hateable, but the Gators have owned the Dawgs about as much as the Braves have owned the Mets in the last decade+. Big difference between jelous hatred (and yes, I’m as big a Dawgs fan as they come for everyone else) and contemptous scorn/pity. Shame on you.

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Lew: I think they “over acheived” only to the extent that, who’d have thought they’d be this good for 23 rookies? But that pitching. That pitching I think is legit and that’s what it takes to win. That team didn’t start out strong, but they are finishing on a good pace. It’s something to build on. Had they played this well the whole year, they’d be much higher in the standings. And now that all those starters have the experience, I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that they will be good next year.

We are at the beginning of a new era of pitchers. The previous era’s greats are nearing or entering retirement. Clemens, Pedro, Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, Schilling are all on the back end of their careers. Some of them could carry on for a few more seasons. But this new crop coming up is looking outstanding. It should be fun to watch what they can do. It’s been too long that we’ve had to watch teams and fans cling to hope based on Pavano, Burkett, Becket, Wood, Prior, and all the other failed pitchers. That class was a bust with a few exceptions. This new class looks sharp. Wang, Billingsly, Santana, James, Hing Chang, the Marlins, C. Zambrano, Kazmir, Z. Duke, and on and on. There is a lot of potential there. A few of those are older, I know, but they are good and should only compliment the younger ones in the group. I’d venture to say that, despite ESPNs woes and pains, there could be a 300 game winner in that group somewhere if they’re on the right team, and pitch to their potential. The longest drought between 300 game wins is 20 years. Glavine should get it next year, which would put any of the new class in line to make it in the next 15 to 20 years.

By Lew

September 19, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Morning Grinchy-I’m not equating Gators and Mets, just comparable loathing, that’s all. Actually, I’ve been a Gator Hater much longer than I’ve disliked the Mets. Now-The world at large. I find it interesting that our Esteemed Presidential personage was just talking about ink-stained fingers and earlier today old Regis and Kelly were discussing pie. Do you think this blog is becoming way famous? Now Champs-Dude, I hope you realize that I hold no personal animosity towards you. I’m sure we would have a great time sharing pie and milk sometime. But, Dude, The Mets? Please. Must go now to feed the diabetic beast. Later y’all. Do abide, one and all.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

NLCHAMPS and Mets Fans on this blog,

I would trade division titles for World Series titles, but reality is not that cut and dry. I would take having a chance to win the World Series every year over the alternative of finishing .500 or under. As fans, that’s all you can ask for. I consider myself lucky to come from a city where a team had a chance every year and actually won a World Series title. Yes, I would have liked it better if the Braves had won 3 titles in a row, but the fans had what they could ask for—a team that had a chance every year.

The Braves have been in a better position the last 15 years than pretty much every other team except the Yankees. There are teams that won multiple titles but haven’t done much else in other years. The Blue Jays dropped off quick and really haven’t done anything since ‘93. The Marlins dismantled every few years.

I’m not sure what you want us to say about all the division titles and one World Series title, but the only team’s position I envy really is the Yankees. Other than Yankee fans, we Braves fans have been about as lucky as any over the last 15 years.

But do we really have control over what our favorite teams do in any sport in any city? No. And do you really think any real Braves fan is going to say “we only won one World Series, so I think I’ll start rooting for the Mets or some other team”?

Maybe you just have control issues or something deeper is going on. I’m just not sure what you want out of Braves fans. Why can’t you just be happy that your team is headed to the playoffs like most Braves fans were? Do you want us to apologize for any Brave fan that rubbed it in to you about the Braves division titles? Well, I’m sorry there are a few obnoxious fans out there. Don’t be one of them!

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Yes, I am a huge LSU fan. I grew up in Southern Louisiana, lived there for about 25 years, but have since moved to IL.

That was quite a game Saturday. After averaging nearly 45 points a game or so for the first two games, it was quite disheartening to see that offensive performance. I had hopes of a National Championship this year, but from what I saw Saturday it’s going to be tough.

By Lew

September 19, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-Maybe you are right, but God help the NL East if Philadelphia finds pitching. The problem with the Marlins is the whole team is young and expectations will be much greater next season. We shall see. I guess that’s why they actually play the games. Later.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Oh, and NLCHAMPS & other Mets fans,

There are a few teams that haven’t won anything over the last 15 years so we consider ourselves lucky. What do you want us to say? Would Pirate or Royals fans trade all their teams’ last-place finishes for half of the Braves post-season trips? Probably so, but so what? What’s your point? If I lived in Pittsburgh, I’d still be a Pirates fan. If I lived in KC, I’d still be a Royals fan. There would be nothing a Mets fan or a Braves fan could say to change me.

By Head Coach

September 19, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Tom A.Hawk a.k.a. Stinky a.k.a. Metropolitan Man you have been unmasked my friend. Exposed.

By Braves20

September 19, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

I think we should all congratulate the Mets fans on their divsion win and sincerely hope they win another in the next 17 years

By Jeff

September 19, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

Management should be looking at every option to trade its vets for good young arms. Giles, A. Jones and Smoltz would attract a lot of interest. As much as I like Smoltz’s character, competitiveness and talent, he is a 39 year old with a rebuilt arm. Get real value for him now: younger pitchers who could contribute for years to come.

By Phd(NPD)

September 19, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

A telling development indeed, this professional set the trap, an obvious trap this professional must say, and almost immediately this professional has success—Not surprising to this professional though—Yes, this individual that ostentatiously calls himself “journalist” jimmy smith took the cheese—Now the telling part of this situation is that jimmy smith believes that this professional’s prior comments were aimed at him, and blames it on a fellow he calls “stinky”, yet this professional pointed fingers at no one—This should provide some insight as this professional’s endeavors to uncover the severity of this malcontent’s personality disorders, now baseball…it’s a childs game!

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

Mets fans on this blog

We (true Braves fans) have been lucky enough over the last 15 years to have a team in a better position than most others. Us true fans love our team and baseball. Winning is great, but the game and our team are much more important; unlike many Mets fans that post on this blog whose only concern is their team winning it all and cannot enjoy the game or their team unless their team wins it all.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

I agree that Schuerholz’s number one goal this offseason should be getting quality young players around the same age as McCann, Francouer, James, Davies, etc. That said, I think he’d have a hard time trading certain vets. But I think we have to build for the prime years of the young core we have in place. That’s our next best hope of a World Series title or two or three. Obviously try to win next year, but don’t do anything to jeapordize winning during McCann, Francouer, James, Davies’s peak years, like sign and 33-year-old player to an expensive long-term deal.

By Carlos Amato

September 19, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

You should consider yourselves lucky. I am a Braves fan all the way from Brazil, South America. I have followed the Braves by reading newspaper throughout the “glory days”. Ocasionally (or should I say rarely) on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN International. So basically, during the 90s, I’ve watched the losing part of the season (the playoffs). Ok, I admit. I bring bad luck. Shouldn’ have watched the Braves afterall…

Anyway, the last few seasons I have been able to “watch” the games on MLB gameday. Nothing can be more frustrating. So I decided to save some money and sign MLB-TV next season.

So consider yourselves lucky to be able to see the Braves on cable everyday, let alone go to a braves game on the Ted or Fulton. I envy you.

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

I’d like to win next year. That said, if we trade all our vets for unproven rookies, our chances next season will be even less than the Marlins of this season.
JS has a game plan when he builds his teams. Lew has already postulated that he will not deviate too much this off-season. I concur to an extent. I do think JS will make bigger changes than he has in the past because this team needs a lot of changing to be better. And, in the past, he was taking a championship team and tweaking it. So it didn’t require big changes. But, I think that he will stick with his usual game plan and that is, get solid veterans to support a solid youth chore. We have an impressive amount of youth on this team with McBride, Devine, Davies, James, LaRoche, Francoeur and McCann. We have, in the waiting, the young talent to take over at SS, 2B and much later, 3B. In the pitching rotation, we have two solid veterans returning in Hampton and Smoltz. We have a grip of young guns to go with as well. I say all that because, I do not think that JS is going to all of the sudden trade his veterans (who are reasonably priced) for young guys and go with 100% youngsters out there. He hasn’t done that once and I can’t see him starting now. I could see a few traded if the right trades came up. I don’t see JS trading for the sake of trading to get young talent.
Giles and Hudson seem like the most logical veterans to trade, but I’m not completely sold on the idea that JS will trade them. I think he’s going to sign Wickman, or do everything he can to get a closer. He’ll trade for an innings eater starter. And sign/trade for a leadoff hitter for either LF or 2B. Maybe he holds on to Hudson to see if he can bounce back… then he’ll have mid-season trade bait, or next off-season trade bait.

By Miss Ann Thrope

September 19, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

This blog sucks!

By Georgetown Kid

September 19, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I like what you wrote, and I very much hope that you are right when you say that JS will acquire a solid mid-rotation starter and a leadoff hitter, all while re-signing Wickman.

However, I worry about our financial flexibility and our resulting operational flexibility. With raises due to Giles, HoRam, and LaRoche, and with the high market value of Wickman, I don’t know how many transactions will be viable for the Braves this offseason.

If we were to trade Hudson, that would give us more flexibility. But with his salary and poor performance, I don’t think we would recieve comparable value in return.

I am afraid that if we want to see significant additions to next year’s team, we will have to be willing to part with some quality players like Giles, HoRam, Renteria, or even A. Jones.

I am a huge fan of Giles and Jones, and I certainly hope that they can be kept while other pieces are added. But with corporate ownership that demands a solid profit margin, I don’t know if that is realistic.

I believe that A Jones will be our most marketable commodity this offseason. I also believe that he does not have many all-star seasons left (I know he is only 29, but I predict a Dale Murphy / Mickey Mantle type of finish in which Jones declines rapidly in his early 30s).

For these reasons, and with the assumption that we will have to sacrafice quality players if our needs are to be addressed this offseason, I think we should seriously pursue any potential interest in Andruw Jones.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I think it depends on which young players the Braves get as to whether or not they would be better off next year than the Marlins this year. It would be wise to trade for a lot of players who are going to be good in four, five, six years now, while they are undervalued (see Terry Ryan and the Twins). Obviously there are some vets the Braves can’t trade and they shouldn’t just give up on the next one, two, three years, but Schuerholz should be doing all he can to build for the peak years of McCann, Francouer, etc. He should do all he can to try to win next year without sacrificing the chance to be a dominant team when McCann, Francouer, etc. are in their peak years. If he can get other teams’ top prospects for AJones, Giles, or Hudson, he should go for it. Obviously it depends on quality or quantity, but again, look at Terry Ryan and the Twins who got Liriano, Nathan and Boof Bonser for AJ Pierzynski.

By 1 for 14 (7%)

September 19, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

Only brave fans prefer regular season success over championships. I guess that’s your teams priority as well since their post season record is so pathetic. the euphoria of a championship CANNOT be replaced. Anyway, I visit your blog for a few giggles and now that I’ve gotten that I’ll be leaving.

By ncscoots

September 19, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Actually, I get a little concerned when I see bloggers blithely characterize Braves’ middle infield prospects as “major-league-ready”, and so think trading Giles would be no great loss. Most folks here know I’m a big fan of both Yunel Escobar and Elvis Andrus, but, folks, they are not nearly ready. And Prado and Pena, I’m simply not yet convinced that they can replace Giles, either offensively or defensively. Course, I’ve not seen the young guys play very much, either, so I don’t have a big sample of work on which to base a judgment. Maybe DOB might give us some skinny on Braves’ evaluations of the middle-infield prospects?

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

Let me put it this way: if Schuerholz doesn’t get more young players around McCann and Francouer, he’s going to risk having only a few productive players and a lot of just okay players/old players. Why not try to trade AJones and Giles and Hudson for top young players in their early 20’s so that you have a team full of very productive 26-, 27-, 28-year-olds in a few years that could win 95-100 games?

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Georgetown Kid: It’s a reasonable concern, but I don’t think we need fret about it. We have already shed the following salaries: Thomson (4.75), Sosa (2.2), Reitsma (2.5), Remlinger (1), Jordan (1). That’s a total savings of about 11.5 million. Hudson’s salary only increases 2 next year. Andruw only increases .5 next year. On top of that, we were a little below mark with the restructure of Chipper and the insurance on Chipper and Hampton.
Wickman, who knows, but last year the market for closers reached an all time high and he still signed for around 5. JS might trade Giles, but that isn’t going to be to free up salary as much as it is to get what he thinks the team needs. Same with Hudson, though after this season I’d be more keen to move him regardless. Anyway, our situation isn’t as bleak as an 80 million dollar payroll would make you believe. We have enough room to make moves without having to collapse the team and start over. Look at the Marlins. They have two expensive veterans in Cabrera and Willis (Willis more so) and that team is spending 15 million. If we follow that lead, we have 65 million left to spend. Basically, I don’t think it’s necessary to make drastic cuts. The money is there.

By Head Coach

September 19, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

You guys are jumping the gun just one season to early. JS will try to resign Wickman and or Baez , find a solid leadoff hitter and put all his eggs in the 2007 easter basket. But, believe you me if they dont at least make the N.L Championship series in 2007 we will see this organization rebuild around youth , talent and draft picks afterward. And yes , a few veterans would go bye bye after 2007 if they fail to go deep into the playoffs.

By Bob, journalist

September 19, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, I just read your 10:06 post. The proof of the pudding, as they say … have you yet had the courage to taste it?!

Methinks Glavine has always been a piece of work who relishes the spotlight but it’s good to finally have the skinny on why he went to New York … at least until his next interview!

Some interesting posts herein … nice to see Christy Mathewson’s name … My grandfather’s favorite … he throwed real good!

By ncscoots

September 19, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

Shaun, for goodness sake, I like Terry Ryan as a GM, too, but your “raiding other teams’ prospects” theme makes it sound as if every trade he ever made equaled the Pierzynski trade. Not quite correct. Your other position that Schuerholz has NOT grabbed other teams’ prospects is also slightly off, I think. The Braves have had less need, and indeed, fewer opportunities, to trade aging veterans for non-organizational prospects. Their farm system has been extremely rich, and they have seldom kept big-salaried, unproductive vets around too long. Whether that has been by luck or design, who knows? But that’s the way it’s worked out. And, frankly, I imagine the Braves’ organization trusts constant sight and evaluation of their own prospects over their outside evaluation of other teams’ prospects.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 19, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

And the evidence that I’ve seen suggests that there is no innate ability in players to perform any better or worse in “important” games or “important” at-bats.

Tell that to David Ortiz. Tell that to Roberto Clemente. Tell that to Reggie Jackson. Tell that to Kirk Gibson.

As to the “worse” side of the coin, tell that to pre-steroid Barry Bonds.

The only thing “exposed,” Coach, is your arrogance and ignorance. It’s not my fault you take losing so hard. Been a long season for you, huh?

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

I believe that A Jones will be our most marketable commodity this offseason. I also believe that he does not have many all-star seasons left (I know he is only 29, but I predict a Dale Murphy / Mickey Mantle type of finish in which Jones declines rapidly in his early 30s).

Baseball players generally peak in their late 20’s and start to decline in their 30’s. Now would be a good time to test the market for AJones while his value is high. Buy low/sell high.

By ncscoots

September 19, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Let’s see…do you think Shaun might have said something like this in, oh, 1993 or 1994?

“Let me put it this way: if Schuerholz doesn’t get more young players around Chipper, Klesko, and Javy, he’s going to risk having only a few productive players and a lot of just okay players/old players. Why not try to trade David Justice and some others for top young players in their early 20’s so that you have a team full of very productive 26-, 27-, 28-year-olds in a few years that could win 95-100 games?”

Course, that would have meant not winning a few division titles, pennants, and a World Series, but…

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

Payne: It just isn’t JS’s MO. He always, always, complements young players with good veterans. He never, never, trades all his veterans for top prospects. So far, his way of working resulted in 15 straight winning seasons. I think he’s on to something.

Anyway, my point was, he doesn’t need to do this to win in the short term or the long term. His goal 5 years from now will be merging in the next crop of home grown youngesters to play with the veterans Davies, James, McCann and Francoeur.

If he had a team of all the same age then they’d all get old at the same time which would result in a massive turn over. This makes it hard to carry over tradition and learning from the franchise perspective.

When JS first came here, he saw the talented youth with little leadership on the field. He brought in vets to provide that leadership. Now, in this day and age, JS has the luxurary of already having the vets in place that have winning experience. They also happen to be home grown vets (for the most part). It’s what he was always building towards. Now he just cycles in the young ones when the time comes.

Having said all that, I don’t know who he’ll trade or for what. But I would wager that Andruw would be the last one traded. Giles and Hudson first. I doubt he will be trading all three of them in one offseason. Our farm system is pretty solid as it is. Considering the average age of the club is pretty low, most of the farm won’t play for Atlanta at the pro level. There is plenty of time to develop more players through the draft and other trades.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I would rather see Schuerholz set the Braves up to win 95-100 in 3-5 years than set us up to maybe win 90 in the next 1-2 years. I guess we could have it both ways, but it would increase the chances to win 95-100 in 3-5 years if we traded players like AJ, Giles and Hudson for 6-10 quality young players.

And they still have Chipper, Smoltz, Renteria and LaRoche for next few years so it wouldn’t be a full-on firesale.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

ncscoots,

Knowing what I know now, maybe I would have said that in ‘93. And who knows, maybe the Braves would have been even better in the mid-late ‘90’s. (What if we had traded Justice for a young prospect named Billy Wagner, for instance?) Of course, the economics were different back then; the Braves didn’t have to deal with the Mets who are on the verge of becoming the Yankees and Red Sox if they haven’t already.

By Thomas

September 19, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Smoltz shouldnt have been critiziced by losing two straight start he has been the only consistent pitcher this year(along Chuck James). I like the braves attitude they will not quit, really Yogi Berras words are put to action, “its not over until its over.

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

Payne: Suppose we get 6-10 players by trading only 3. We can’t play them all. We have only opened up 3 spots on the roster in that move. They’ll just sit in the minors and rot while the team loses for 2-3 years. I love AJ and Giles, not so much Hudson right now, but I don’t see how we could get 10 guys for those three. Hudson, I think, we’d be lucky if we got 2 players and didn’t have to send cash in the deal. Giles and Andruw aren’t going to pull in 4 top prospects each. If they are that valuable, that talented, then we shouldn’t be trading them. 4 prospects for each one?! That’s an orginizations entire future. Which team is looking that needy? The Angeles? Please… this year they were needy and Stoneman wouldn’t budge. He loves his prospects. The Yankees don’t have any prospects. The Redsox gave all theirs to Florida. And Colletti is building for the future. He’s got his team lined up for the next few years. He isn’t trading LaRoche, Billingsly, Kemp, and Either for anything.

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t get this site. If want to limit posts per person then do so, but don’t prevent a post from showing. It’s taking 5 minutes to see what’s been posted. Is there a new spam block on there or something? Is this because of Cutty?

By Thomas

September 19, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Mr. Schuerholz I know I shouldnt tell you what to do, but please keep giles, have you seen the spirit he brings to the clubhouse, and has been a great clutch hitter this season, plus he has learn to bat leadoff. Money…. well dont resign John Thomson, Chris Reitsma, Baez, thats around ten million that goes away, enough to resign giles and Wickman. If you need more cash trade Horacio Ramires, you really have enough starting rotation with Smoltz, Hudson, James, Hampton, Davies, and you can use Villareal, and Cormier if someone gets hurt.

By Shaun

September 19, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Well, if we get a player or two or three players that are going to peak around the same time as McCann, Francouer, etc. it would be worth trading Jones and Giles. Jones and Giles aren’t going to stay productive forever and chances are they will be a lot less productive during the peak years of Jones and Giles.

But if we have five or six quality young players, we can sort them out and trade the ones we don’t need. That would be a good problem to have.

By Georgetown Kid

September 19, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul:

I agree completely with your last post. Our problem is not depth, and we therefore should not trade 1 of our position players for multiple position players.

What I believe would be a smarter move would be to package a few of our players in exchange for 1 legit player (a proven leadoff man for instance) and a few solid prospects.

For example, a package of Giles, HoRam, and Thorman could fetch us a very solid leadoff hitter, plus 2 or 3 top notch A-ball prospects.

Such a move would relieve the backlog of players at LF and middle infield, it would yield a solid leadoff hitter, and it would replentish a somewhat depleated farm system.

For we have to keep in mind that the Richmond Braves were the worst team in their league, and the MS Braves and the Rome Braves were among the worst teams in their respective leagues as well.

This would indicate that for the next 2 years, while our minor league cubbard may not be bare, niether does it runneth over with talent.

By atlprofessional

September 19, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

Well it’s about time for the drones to show up!

By atlprofessional

September 19, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

It never ceases to break me up when I hear you people refer to the Braves organization as “we” when discussing what you think “they” should be doing!

By BB FAN

September 19, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

NLCHAMPS,

Well, all that spending every year has finally paid off for the Mets. It only took 18 years…but they have their division championship. Congrats, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch. The Mets need to get good pitching for them to advance to the WS. And right now, I don’t see it. They have the potential, but Martinez and Glavine need to step up and stay healthy for the next 5 weeks for them to have a chance.

And just so you know, the Braves have 3 WS titles already. One in Boston (1914), one in Milwaukee (1957) and one in Atlanta (1995).

Oh and when the Mets win 13 more division titles in a row, with more than 1 WS, then you can brag.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Anyone here at all interested in trying to sign Barry Zito? Maybe he could help Hudson??

By Tom A. Hawk

September 19, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

Looks to me like he’s bragging right now despite your attempted sanctions.

Any of you who think the Mets will lose out in the division series or NLCS better start rooting hard for a miracle comeback by Houston. Nobody’s else’s pitching can stop the Mets power, unless a staff gets really, really hot.

Nightmare scenario for Braves fans: NLCS Game 7, Maddux and the Dodgers vs. Glavine and the Mets.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

pens envy seems to have struck a nerve with someone. perhaps it is true. as lew notes, ink-stained wretches are very much in favor these days. it is easy to understand a non-journalist wanting to become a real journalist like jimmy smith or bob. once, we aspiring journalists wished to be a journalist like journalist dob, wurlitzer winner. but there are no titles of “journalist” availabe to the stinky blogger - after all, we have standards. instead we have stinky, “stringer” - almost a journalist, but not quite. always with the string. now, molasses candy … bob, it is a poor cook that devours all the product - besides the hartebeest is exhibiting signs of some serious gastrointestinal issues much like our stinky blogger. awhile ago the hartebeest was making some etherlmerman-like noises and journalist left the area. now, baseball … please don’t bring back glavine. not sure why - just seems that we have moved beyond that by now.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

bb fan, that you? where has bb fan been? if this is the original bb fan the blog will be better immediately. journalist and bb fan do not always agree but bb fan has good baseball knowledge. same bb fan?

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

ethelmerman - american league, right?

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

A new, even slower blog has been posted.

By Stinky

September 19, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

stop the psycho babble jimmy

By jim

September 19, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

NL Champs, congrats on a divisional title well bought, you are the second best team money can buy, after your powerful performance against Pittsburg (losing 3 straight) I can only imagine how far you will go from here. I only wish the Braves had zillions to spend, Trevor Hoffman would have been here now and with even 15 of the 30 or so saves we lost we would be celebrating our 15 consecutive year in the playoffs. I applaud the Braves, Twins, and teams like them that continue to grow “home” talent and dont buy their way into the playoffs. With the starting pitchers of the Mets they might out hit everyone in the NL but it will not happen in the WS, you cant count how the Mets did in the Regular season against the American League, as my memory serves me the Braves did well in the past only to lose the WS. Pitching and defense is where it is, and that is what the Braves lacked this year, we have too many young undisciplined hitters going for home runs, swinging at 2-0 and 3-0 pitches all the time. Thats why having Chipper out of the line up so much hurt he calms the young ones. Francouer will be fine if he continues his patience at the plate which he has done lately, McCann needs to get back to patient hitting as well as his average is dropping as I think he is pressing too hard. I would trade Andrew (only because I know with his agent we will never sign him) Giles, Renteria, (only to get some speed and better infield coverage) Ryan L, Hudson, get as much good youth, starting pitcher, speed burner out of them. I truly think Scott Thorman will make an impact with playing time.

By Metropolitan Man

September 19, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

1st step is complete, WS ring is next! LETS GO METS!

By Metropolitan Man

September 19, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

I think I’m banned, Oh the humanity.

By Metropolitan Man

September 19, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Thank you all baseball fans who congradulated the METS. Shame on you braves fans who still cant get over June. Anyways hope you watch us on the grand stage in the WS, thanks for the competition this year (or lack of). Now maybe, just maybe, we will take it easy on you on the 26th-28th. But if you continue to be nasty, I will instruct them to sweep you, (again) and ruin any chance of reaching .500!