Braves

By RR

September 19, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

Hey Guy - are you gonna take this back when kyle complains to DOB…or are you actually gonna stand by your opinion?

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

Davies’ outing was excellent, I’ll be the 1st to admit that. His outing though is just another outing in the “inconsistency” department. Someone would start or come in from the pen, throw lights out one night and get lit up the next. Inconsistency. I truly hope he does turn it around. Does he remind anyone of Millwood?

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

By Bootleg

September 19, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Yea this is a great idea, get rid of a strong armed 22 year old and keep a Hampton who has been a bust and has not pitched for a year and a half. Lets face it, with the new owners, money is going to be the issue and Davies will be much cheaper over the next few years thatn any of the “Big” 3 of Smoltz, Hudson, and Hampton. We should all prey for Hamption to show weel in the Spring and early next season and try to get someone else to take on that contract. Hudson should bounce back, hard to believe he will be this bad again and Smoltz should be good for a couple of more years. You have to start trying to get Davies, James, and Ramirez the next 2 years to establish themselves as the rotation for the future. They need time, remember the “Young Guns” of the early 90’s had to take their lumps. Look no furthur from Detriot to see what live arms and patience can bring.

By John Bama

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

I honestly think this is a good idea. He or Ramirez are both but not spectacular pitching prospects. If your rotation is going to consist of Smoltz, James, Hudson, Hampton and Ramirez/Davies trade one of the last two for a guy that can be slid into the leadoff spot or more proven help for the bullpen next year.

By dustin

September 19, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

if we can get rid of hamptons contract that would be great. While he is a good regular season pitcher…in the big games he not a big time pitcher! Smoltz and Hudson should stay at the top, and Ramirez should be good if hes healthy. James is fine and Davies could be good 2. You can never have enough starting pitching…why not keep everyone in case of a injury?? Unless we can get Zito or some big name pitcher. But no matter what….Smoltz MUST stay!!!

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000: I don’t know. I fear signing big contracts to Oakland pitchers. Didn’t used to, but now I’m re-thinking that whole idea.

What is the point of Guy’s post? He really offers nothing. No stats, not numbers. Just fat-fingers it out there.

Payne: I could see a package deal being made. That’s more along the terms of what I was thinking. Sending Hudson and whoever in the minors off to a team for a ready to play and some far-away’s doesn’t sound bad. I’m not sure who or what team though. That’s a little wait and see scenerio.
The Boston Globe is still pounding the AJ trade. What’s the over/under for how long it will take the AJC to march in beat? I think the AJC will get real loud about it right in the middle of contract negotiations… maybe slip some booze to a coach or two and get a nasty quote to toss out there and ruin everything.

As for the Davies speculation… I say keep him. If it’s decided to go with Hudson, Hampton, HoRam, James and Smoltz, then have Davies ready in the minors. It’ll only be about 2 weeks before an injury occurs. He’ll be back in the rotation in no time. And he’ll be lights out. HoRam is solid, but that guy can’t stay healthy. Davies has a lot of potential and is young and cheap. If a trade must occur, trade HoRam. We have a ton of lefties and Chuck James has proven himself quite capable.

By Chop Chop

September 19, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Horacio Ramirez is the odd man out. The Braves aren’t going to have three lefties (James and Hampton being the others) in the rotation. Horacio is also due to make $4 or $5 million in arbitration. That’s too much money to pay to a guy that can’t be trusted.

By Bob

September 19, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

One things for sure … it took Guy a lot longer to get it posted than it should have taken him to create and type it!

As an aside, the Jeff Schultz article was a surprise … better than expected.

Responding to one of the other Blog’s posts…

Shaun, you and Scoots bring to mind a visual of Anthony Heald being invited to lunch by Anthony Hopkins.

I am intrigued by your statement that “Baseball players generally peak in their late 20’s and start to decline in their 30’s” … suggesting perhaps that some don’t start their decline until later … wouldn’t that be nice, especially if we could get them under long term contract!

Your “buy low/sell high” comment brings to mind an old “buy high/sell higher” book, the essence of which I used as the basis for the development of a stock projection system; back before institutional and mutual fund purchases became dominant forces with which to be reckoned.

I would suggest that the AJ market has already been tested … but remember, it’s pretty complex … some of us believe that there’s nothing really wrong with selling low; provided the value you’ve received during the time you’ve held the asset, plus the selling price, provides you with an adequate rate of return … giving due and proper consideration to expected replacement costs and the impact the transaction has on the rest of your portfolio.

just an opinion …

By Peter

September 19, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

I’m going to go to the NO side on this. Back to my old mantra of “trade no more young pitching unless you get young pitching back”

The value that Hampton, Hudson have is being used to bring young pitching back in return. When Braves fans talk pitching we always want to go back to our HOF rotation but the Braves developed only drafted one of those guys, Tom Glavine.

It is fair to say that we really developed John Smoltz. Lerew and BB, Joey Devine took steps back. But it takes time. We’ve always lost good prospects to injury (Burlingame, Smith [Pete] McGlinchy and others)

The system has probably two (that could help next year) 3-4 guys in Harrison and Wright and one 1-2 (Reyes or Stevens)

At some point we’re going to have to say “we’ve got to develop our guys” especially if the payroll, in spite of rising media revenues, stays the same. We have to remember that sometimes the payroll isn’t just about the Joneses. We’ve got good young players coming up to arbitration soon.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

AJ is probably worth 200 RBIs a year. The ones he knocks in plus the ones he saves in CF. I would rather get one more year out of him (Boras man + contract year usually = awesome #s) than trade him. If he walks, then he walks, there’s nothing that can be done about that. Plus AJ is a 10/5 guy now, can veto any deal. Why try to trade him and make him feel not wanted? A player not wanted plays like a player not wanted. If the Braves show him they want him around, he will produce and maybe sign a “hometown discount”.

I know AJ won’t be AJ forever, but he still is young, he’s healthy and he is a force in the lineup when he is on one of his “hot streaks”. One thing about him though, his defense never goes into a slump. IMO trading AJ now would be a major mistake. Huge in momumental proportions.

CJ on the mound tonight, come on Braves, let’s ride this winning streak all the way through Oct 1st!!

Geaux Braves!!

By ncscoots

September 19, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

and I LOVE fava beans…

By ernesto

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

Tip of the cap to the Metlins by the way. They’ve had a tremendous year. I’d still take our guys over their guys though.

By Bob

September 19, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

10 Paul, you’re a delight!

What is the point of Guy’s post? Perhaps he’s hoping to add another notch to his gun … the headline should make Smoltz smile and please Kyle! “Fat-Fingers” … I like that.

Apologies to Guy … he’s just being Guy.

As for your Davies speculation, I generally agree and think you’re right about both Kyle and Chuck James … and while “quite capable proven” may be superfan retoric, you’re entitled.

By Bob

September 19, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

It was a pleasure to behold! Hopefully, the connection of my last pagagraph to Baseball wasn’t too oblique.

By GeorgiaVol

September 19, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

I think the first person out of ATL should be that worthless excuss of a pitching coach. Yeesh!

By Bob

September 19, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

These delays are like having TV Commercials between every pitch … something’s wrong! You could run an FBI background check in the time they’re taking to process the post and refresh the screen!

Back after supper …

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Bob, don’t say “oblique” out loud around here…Oops, too late. Chipper just went on the DL again.

By Carolina Gent

September 19, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

As Journalist Jimmy would say, “Oh the humanity!” Third time I’ve tried to finish this contribution, without success the first two, so here goes one last time… Let’s hold on to Davies for at least one more year. He’s too young with too much of an upside to deal away now. With two members of Guy’s vaunted rotation coming off injury this year, and HoRam being the King of inconsistency at best, here’s one interesting (at least to me) scenario as to how we could potentially upgrade. Assuming that Andruw can’t be re-signed to an affordable extension (and when was the last time that the words “affordable” and “Scott Boras” were used in the same sentence?), let’s do a 3-way. Trade Andruw and Marcus to the Red Sox, who would then ship Manny Ramirez and ?? to the LA Angels. The Angels then send Ervin Santana (14 wins, albeit with a 4.75 ERA but also with 189 IP to date) and Scott Shields to the Braves. Santana is young (24 I think) and improved from last year to this one. He does have a problem with the HR ball, but perhaps maturity will help with that. By the way, for all of the regular bloggers to this space (JJS, Lew, Carolina Lady, TennPaul, GeuaxBRaves, etc, etc) I’m one of the many who read, with interest, your daily contributions. They are immensely entertaining!! And even though DOB is not posting today, his attention to this blog is what makes this possibly the best MLB blog out there. Keep it up everyone!

By SAL

September 19, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

Davies stats are in the Jorge Sosa class. In his last “good” outing he still only went 5 innings and threw 95 pitches(a typical Sosa start). Yea, Davies has a strong arm…just like Sosa. Braves don’t need 5 inning, 100 pitch pitchers. It will wear down even a good bullpen over 162 games.

Braves could have started this season with a proven closer if they would have included Davies in a deal. How bad has the 25+ blown saves hurt in the standings? What was Davies contribution?

Braves need to make an agressive move or two this off season to regroup and get competitive again. I would not be disappointed to see Davies, Hudson, Ramirez, or Hampton traded to improve the team. I certainly would not be entertaining offers for James. If I had to select one to trade, it would be Hudson or Davies depending on the return.

Regardless of what happens with the starters, I think the first order of business is to resign Wickman and do it now. I would like to see Baez pitch the last few games to get an idea of how good he is or isn’t. Before his surgery, he and Wickman made a good 8th and 9th inning closing combination. Perhaps with Thomson and Reitsma leaving (I hope) their $7 million salaries provide enough to keep Wickman and maybe Baez. Time will tell.

By ncscoots

September 19, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

Hey, Bob, BTW I happen to LIKE Shaun’s contributions, even though I seldom agree with any of them. The boy’s got sand…when he first started posting here, the blog ragged on him to provide sources for the rationale behind his non-traditional views. Which he did. Then the blog ragged on him for quoting the same source too often! Man, as we say in my part of the world, “you can’t hardly even win that dice game”. But still he plugs. Besides, responding to his view requires us old-schoolers to codify our own opposing view, and if we are unable to do so with confidence, well, then maybe the boy’s GOT something there, yes? Anyway, I always like to hear differing points of view…you don’t ALWAYS hit-and-run on two-and-one, do you? LOL

By Lew

September 19, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Davies is still young, just coming off of serious surgery. I say give the kid a chance. He pitched better last year than most rookies do. I wouldn’t count out Villarreal and Cormier, either. Villarreal has been extremely impressive in long relief and in two of his three spot starts. He, too was just coming off of TWO surgeries. This is also a point in Hampton’s favor. It has been proven time and again, that it takes a professional pitcher 1 1/2 years to completely come back from these surgeries. Yet they still come back after a year. Hampton will have his full 1 1/2 years in the spring. He will be back with a new arm and new knees. No one has ever questioned his work ethic or his guts. He will be fine and quite possibly become the new ace. Geaux Braves- After seeing what Hudson has done and the fact that Mulder has also fallen apart, both physically and on the mound, I don’t wonder that Beane has let these guys go. I wouldn’t trust signing Zito, especially at the salary he will command.

By TennesseePaul

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

Sheeeesh! Jeff Shultz laid the schmack down. Great little blog/article he put out there. Probably didn’t take too long either. A phone call here, an email there. Mix in a dash of sound logic and a sprinkle of reason… viola! Good article. Good topic. Taking notes Guy?

I was not so much a LaRoche fan at the beginning of the season. I liked him for showing up for the Braves and playing solid defense. But after this season, I’m proud of that sandbaggin sumbitch. He’s done a helluva job! Kudos. Kudos! I assumed his improvement was a little two fold… playing everyday instead of platooning. And JS calling up another left handed hitting first baseman. If it were me, that’d get my attention. Maybe part is to the credit of his Focusin. But even still, it only shows how much better he is when he keeps his mind in the game.

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

He will be back with a new arm and new knees. As well as a shiny new ball cap and pressed whites! And his toes are in immaculate condition. It’ll be marvelous!

By TommyB

September 19, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

Tivo Alert: John Rocker on FoxNews’ “Big Story” Wednesday at 5pm (Eastern)…

For those with a morbid curiosity. I guess that includes me. I’m certainly curious why he is headlining a hard news oriented show. If it were the Jim Rome show, I wouldn’t bother. Anyone have any clue what it could be about?

By Lew

September 19, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-Indeed it will. When healthy, Hampton has been a good pitcher for the Braves. I think our rotation will be fine next year. Chuckie got cojones, if nothing else and should continue to impress. Smoltz is Smoltz, both on and off the mound. Hudson doesn’t look too bad if viewed as a four starter. Let the rest of the kids fight for #5.

By Shaun Payne

September 19, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

Why would Kyle Davies be put on the trading block? That is the most rediculous headline I’ve ever read on ajc.com. I guess the headline was just to grab some attention because, in fairness, the post doesn’t really say anything about the Braves trading Davies. It just talks about Davies being part of the starting rotation.

Why would you trade a 23-year-old starter who had 8.97 K/9 in the minors and has 6.37 K/9 in the majors, and who’s never given up more than 9 homers in a season at any level?

I am 99 percent certain Schuerholz would never consider trading a player like Davies at this point in his career.

Is he the best option for the Braves? Maybe not. Is he the best option already on the roster for the price? You could make a good argument that he is.

By Shaun Payne

September 19, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

To continue the discussion…

I don’t think John Schuerholz should “go for it all” next season. If there is a trade out there for some quality young players for Andruw Jones, Marcus Giles, Tim Hudson or other veterans, I think he should pull the trigger. Obviously it depends on the quality and quantity but I think he’s got to start thinking about the peak years of McCann, Francouer, etc.

There are veterans he’s not going to trade or can’t like Smoltz, Chipper Jones, and Renteria. If the Braves stay healthy, their pitching improves and they can get some solid young players for Giles, AJones and Hudson (all of the above or some of the above), they should contend. But I don’t think the Braves are going to jump in the standings that much; I think 90 wins is an extremely optimistic prediction.

And the Braves now have to deal with the Mets, who are not quite the Yankees but may be the Red Sox in terms of payroll budget. The time is now to start building for the prime years of the McCann’s and Francouer’s, etc. and go out and get more young players that will also peak in three, four, five years.

If Schuerholz doesn’t start looking at the quality youngsters that he could pry away from other organizations for players like AJones and Giles, he may not get a supporting cast for Francouer, McCann, James, Davies, etc. Yes, AJones or Giles could remain productive into their mid 30’s. But why not get 3-6 productive players that will be productive and at their peak at the same time as Francouer, McCann, etc.?

Why not give up a possible 90-win season at the very best for a more likely 95-100 win season down the line? You don’t think trading away players like AJones, Giles or Hudson could likely bring in the players necessary for a 95-100 win season? Take a look at the Minnesota Twins. Take a look at the Oakland A’s.

And I could be wrong, but I think there are teams with plenty of young players who would give up some prospects for a player like AJones, including the White Sox or Angels.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 19, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

Guy has some good points but I personally think that Horacio Ramirez will be the guy to get traded. First, because he makes more than Davies. Secondly, because Horacio is more attractive than Davies because he has somewhat of a track record.

As for Hudson, I won’t say he will for sure be traded but I believe he will be will be shopped. I also believe that there will be suitors. Now, the question will be will any of those suitors give the Braves what they need and what they want?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 19, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Lew, my problem with keeping Hudson is exactly what you said. “Hudson doesn’t look bad if viewed as 4th starter.” I have to be honest and say I have a problem with a guy who will be making six million being a #4 starter unless the #1-#3 were Halladay, Schilling, and Zambrano.

By JMar

September 19, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

We started off this season with six starters and potential plans to trade one. Then we lost Horacio, Thomson, Davies, and Hudson went downhill. So let’s hold off on trading a starter until we figure out which Horacio, Hampton, Hudson, and Davies is going to show up, k?

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

flash - journalist has just learned that chipper is now suffering with itching! whether it is an itching oblique is not clear. itching between the toes is a possibility and that may require an application of absorbine jr. whatever is itching was itching before and is now returning. journalist mark bowman is reporting this itching issue. chipper is also considering returning to eating cheeseburgers and dismissing his persoal trainer, bridgette. whether hot wings will be on the training table is a matter for mrs. jones. now, is bob no longer a journalist? now, trading davies … this team needs more pitching, not less. and hampton was about the best pitcher in the league early and before his injury as this journalist recalls. now, gent … welcome back and please blog more. someone please wake-up bob for the game.

By Bo

September 19, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

IF “Thats a BIG if” you can better the team do it TRADE HIM.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 19, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this

Payne, I’m scaring myself because I actually agree with almost everything you said. I think the Braves should look into trading Giles and Andruw and Renteria for that matter. They will get quite a bit for all three of them. The only thing I disagree with you on is that they couldn’t be a much better team. If this team can get a couple of good arms in the bullpen and keep the rotation healthy along with a good leadoff hitter, this team will contend for the NL East next season. The Mets will have to spend a lot of money to shore up that rotation. I really don’t know if they will exercise Glavine’s contract option. Is he worth that kind of money? Lets be honest, if that were Smoltz, JS would not do it for the Braves. Smoltz at $8 mil is a steal; Smoltz at $12 or $13 mil would be risky.

By Paul Hamilton

September 19, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

I’m so glad some of you aren’t running the Braves front office. I’m not against trading Andruw, but if we aren’t getting a KING’s ransom in return than I would much rather keep him and let him walk. I’m not about trading the best center fielder in baseball just to trade the guy, give me a break. And can we stop with the trade Hampton crap. Nobody is going to trade for a pitcher making over 14million a season with his track record, especially after coming off an injury. We should all keep our fingers crossed that he comes back and has a great season for what we are paying him.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

Keep the ball down Chuckie, you are in a bandbox.

Geaux Braves!!

By Stinky

September 19, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

OK, Jimmy, I’ll come out and play.

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

With money from jettisoned players we should be able to re-sign Wickman. Trading Giles, Ramirez and a position prospect or two should get us a leadoff hitter and another bullpen arm. Trading Hudson (and keeping Ramirez) would be lovely (he’s worth what he’s making this year, more or less, but definitely not for the future), but I doubt he’ll be taken.

By Thomas

September 19, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

Soriano with bases loaded.

By Thomas

September 19, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

he struck him out.

By Thomas

September 19, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

I prefer young pitchers who could develop into an allstar in the future like Davies, whatever happens after next season i think we should get rid of hampton and keep the others exept horacio.

By Bob

September 19, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, we had the good fortune to see the marvelous Miss Merman in a couple of ourdoor performances … the only unmiked performer and the loudest! Nobody left early, but leaving the immediate area would not have been much help for those seeking relief from the noise level. John Raitt was another I enjoyed who needed no mike.

Regarding Glavine, I always pulled for him when he was in Atlanta but am a little surprised at his resurgence. He was never one of my favorites, even in his early years … but I was especially disappointed in the way he presented himself after becoming recognized as a pitching star.

Jack Parr, Rock Hunter and Tom Glavine … Oh the humanity, to quote an adroit purveyor of wisdom and wit.

Would you believe that I paid close to $8 for 2 tomatoes and then overcooked a pound of bacon … so as to ruin the BLTs … all because I lost my patience when learning that they’ve yet to ship the Black Jacks!

Give your hartebeest my best regards and a couple of ZanTac 150s while I place an order with Outback.

By Head Coach

September 19, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Curtwright , did you hit your head on concrete right before you posted this blog ? Kyle Davies just came off the DL and has very little trade value , makes the major league minimum and has all the highside of a young prospect pitcher in the mold of a Justin Verlander , Jonathan Papelbon or Chuck James.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

journalist bob, this is a most unfortunate occurrence with the blt’s. journalist can sell bob 2 tomatoes for less than $8. they will be with the hartebeest when he arrives with the molasses candy. journalist figures journalist has about $85 worth of molasses candy now (using bob’s black jack prices as a gauge). hartebeest will accept visa - but no checks, please.

oh, the humanity! 3-0 and men still on base - runners advanced on the throw.

thomas, if hampton gets back to being hampton he will be a tough, tough, pitcher. of course, who knows if he will be the same … young pitchers have more upside than old worn-out pitchers - but pitchers who can win cannot be dealt.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Oh, I didn’t realize the Braves were facing a first time in career starter. Oh well, maybe they can start a new streak together tomorrow.

What is the deal? How come the Braves cannot beat a rookie? How come they can barely get a hit off of a rookie? If I were an opposing manager I would call up 3 AAA pitchers to face them, and pretty much guaranteed a series sweep.

Seriously, does anyone know why the Braves (not only this year) can’t hit the rookies?

Oh well, the Braves are still my team, even if they don’t get another hit this year.

Geaux Braves!!

By Metropolitan Man

September 19, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

Wow, we won a division title. It means nothing until we recieve our WS rings next year at Shea during a METS braves series. Then the real sports heckling will begin, until then continue to revel in 14 titles of nothingness! LETS GO METS!!!!

By Metropolitan Man

September 19, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

Am I banned????

By Carolina Lady

September 19, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

jimmy, you owe me a new keyboard. Baby Seal has chewed this one while waiting on these 5-min delays!

By Carolina Lady

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

We got 14 titles of nothingness; what did the Mets get during that time?

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

CL, the Mets received many lovely parting gifts for having “also played” during that time. :-) JJ Smith, I hate to ask where one would slide one’s Visa on the Hartebeest to be approved. Bob, I didn’t recogize you earlier or I would have spoken longer. Have you shed your persona? Are you travelling incognito? Have your pen and ink been confiscated? Elaborate! As for baseball, James has certainly shown us his entire repetorie (?) tonight. I thought when the mighty Langerhaans jacked a fly ball darn near out of the infield it would start a rally. Oh, well. Geaux, I think you may have something there; the Braves have almost ALWAYS been shut down by anyone another team picks up off the street. Funny how (coversely) many of our most memorable wins have come against 20-game winners and star closers. Geaux figure. Hampton must not be traded; he will be a noteably better pitcher next year than Hudson. Unlike everyone in our rotation save James and Smoltz, he’s got heart.

By Metropolitan Man

September 19, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

We got to laugh at your 14 titles of nothingnness CL.

By Mr. Wrestling No. 2

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

If we’re just talking next year, keep every starting arm that’s in a Braves uniform.

Horam was hosed up this year, but he had some quality starter flashes and he was good for 200 innings last year. He won’t command much more than what he made this year on the open market if he wants to be a free agent. So keep him.

Hudson. With 2 down years in a row will still have averaged 200 innings over the past 2 years. You don’t jetison 200 innings. Keep him.

Hampton. With 18+ months of vacation, damn well better give 240+ innings. If he doesn’t, his teammates should kindly give him a blanket party.

Davies. Cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Cormier. Cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Villareal. Cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Smoltz. How long has it been since his last elbow surbery? Keep him. But Guy needs to prod him occasionally.

If it comes down to trading anybody named Jones or Giles for more pitching, do it.

The Fences. Push’em back. Make this a
pitchers park. No team ever went broke pushing pitching and defense.

Wickman. Keep him.

Baez. If he wants to be a Brave, keep him.

Reitsma. If he wants to be a Brave, keep him. He gave the Braves 160 appearances in the two previous years. That means something.

The Phrase “If he wants to be a Brave, keep him”, means paycut or same salary as last year, depending on the pitcher.

Keep the rest of the pitching staff as long as they make 500k or less.

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

So every year your team played terribly in the division and finished 12, 15, 20, 25 games behind us and acheived nothing, you all were laughing at us for doing it to you? Props to you guys for finally winning the division, but man oh man is your fan base wierd.

By Carolina Lady

September 19, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

Met, ours got ‘em and yours didn’t. Can’t change that no matter how you try. Case closed. :-)

Grinch, hartebeest is a very powerful animal. Visa must be used as delicately as possible AND on the first try!

Carolina Gent, where are you in this fair state? I admire your taste in blogposting, sir! :-))) :-)))

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, you and baby seal must be mistaken. your posts are only two minutes apart. that means stinky is going to be here soon … stinky says he wants to come out and play. probably a good time for him to come out (wink, wink) but finding someone who wants to play his games may be tough. there was a stinky in our neighborhood when little jimmy smith was growing up. he never got to play much with the others and always blamed it on them rather than recognizing how truly odious he was. same deal here. stinky wouldn’t get to play if he was the only one who owned a baseball. now, baby seal . . , this journalist hopes his heart is not still broken. perhaps a nice banana pudding would be in order for baby seal. did you hear that bob paid $8 for two tomatoes? journalist knows where bob can buy two tomatoes for only $7. oh, the humanity! don’t you love free enterprise? now, baseball … tonight goes as the season has gone.

By fastfoodfreak

September 19, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man,

so I take it you’re not the one who wets his finger and sees which NY team is doing better, deciding which bandwagon to jump on right?…. NAH!! Didn’t think so.

By Metropolitan Man

September 19, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah, if you aknowledge you dont have a snowballs chance in hell,its funny to watch people scramble for the finish line when they cant even see the finish line let alone .500. Us fans know when to pack it in and we know when to celebrate,not mock celebrations 13 out of 14 years.

By Bob, journalist

September 19, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Apologies Jimmy … while there are those who would posit that my having ever been a journalist is beyond the realm of reason … I simply forgot having earlier removing the tag when posting to another AJC Blog.

I don’t recall the Carolina Gent but he’s obviously of good stock and I share in both the welcome and call for more participation!

Scoots, you know me well enough to know that I wouldn’t “have him on” in a mean spirited way … God and the good doctor are the only ones who might possibly know the reason for my reaction. Your indulgence indicated that you were enjoying the discourse.

I like watches and people that can take a licking and keep on ticking … they’re as valuable as they are rare … makes Shaun a keeper, nicht wahr?!

No I don’t but speaking hitting and running … got to drive to Outback; back a bit later.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

grinch, poses an interesting question - where to swipe the visa? well, grinch, this is a family blog. journalist cannot be graphic. were the visa swiped where grinch is suggesting … surely bob would not wish to use that visa again. instead, the hartebeest has been equipped with a wireless, digital, card reader hung from his mighty neck. that will ensure a complete transaction without running the risk of having the hartebeest fall in love with bob on the front porch. as carolina lady says, the first swipe better count.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

Howdy CL, good to see you on here. The Braves 14 year run is something that will never go away, it’s a feat that most are jealous of. I bet if you ask any ball player they would say the 14 year run is aweseome even if they didn’t win any WS titles. Ballplayers know how tough this game is and how hard it is to consistently win.

Tonight’s pitching inconsistency is exactly what I was talking about early. Yea! CJ is pitching tonight, he’s been awesome lately, and then, 5 innings, 5 runs. CJ has a bright future, so I’m not knocking him, it’s just you don’t know from night to night who is on the mound, and that get’s very frustrating. And now the offense get’s shut down by a no name pitcher. Who is his next outing will probably get pounded. As per JJS, oh the humanity.

I love baseball season, but I don’t think I’ll ever be so thankful when this season ends. Then again, is it April yet?

Geaux Braves!!

By Carolina Lady

September 19, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, they were submitted 2 min apart. Didn’t show for 5-min. (You still owe me a new keyboard.)

$4 tomatoes??? Jiminy Christmas!!

Tomorrow I start training yet another new aid. This last one lasted 4 days; the earliest she got to work was :45 late. :-(

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

Oh, the humanity! Bob has overpaid for tomatoes and is now overpaying for a steak! Methinks Bob would have been better off with a nice bowl of instant grits (with cheese for protein). No fuss, no muss and a full tummy for about 50 cents!

By Carolina Lady

September 19, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

Hey there, Geaux! Thanks! I’ve heard and read comments from players, managers, GMs, coaches - those intimately involved in the game - and they unanimously applaud the Braves’ accomplishment. Only those who are uninformed do anything less. (I would have to acknowledge that feat regardless for whom I rooted!!) Jealousy’s green eyes do not see clearly and detrimentally affect reasoning abilities.

By The Grinch

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

I have all the fresh tomatoes I can stand (and then some). And except for the seeds, manure, topsoil, gas for tiller, fencing, deer repellant (in addition to bb’s, unless I’ve had a lot of beer), miracle grow, water and labor, they’re free!

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! this team needs pitching! journalist would like to see bobby get mad and see how this team would react.

By geauxbraves2000

September 19, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Well, I guess I’ve had about all the fun I can handle, time to go wrestle with the kids. Aww, we had to go to the E/R tonight, my 5 year smashed her pinky finger in the car door. Pretty nasty, swoll up real good, but fortunately nothing broken. She’ll have something to show her classmates tomorrow :). She’s tough though, I’ll tell you that. She cried for a little bit, then was laughing moments later.

I’ll check in later, but for now I must depart. Maybe the Braves can come back in this game. Not holding my breath, but after that Florida game, we all know anything is possible.

Geaux Braves!!

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Alright. I’ve gotta appologize. I’ve been the worst possible baseball fan on the planet. Not to mention the most awful human being. I’ve shown no respect to any individual on this blog nor to a team that actually did come in first place for the past decade and a half. For that I’m sorry. And, I must admit, my team, the beloved Mets, splurged this past offseason. We brought in players from everyone because our players just couldn’t get it done. And, finally, when every other NL team was weak, we managed to claim the top spot. We are kings among ants. Had this been any typical NL year, we wouldn’t have made it in the Wild Card race. Besides my team possessing the worst team colors in the world (how we managed to work black in there I still don’t know) we also hold most of the single season losing records. Let’s face it, the Mets haven’t come in first in nearly 2 decades. We’re terrible. But this year… this year we are kings. No one else showed up to play, and we won. So that’s what I wanted to say.

By TennesseePaul

September 19, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Now, why can’t a mets fan say something like that?

By TennesseePaul

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

Anyway, back to braves baseball. I have no TV feed of this… Was James just that off today or what?

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Geaux, you think your daughter would be interested in trying out for the Braves rotation? That would put Thompson or Ramirez on the DL for 6 months! TennPaul, denial is an ugly place to be, isn’t it? Poor fellers…

By Lew

September 19, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Maybe they’re not cheaper, but I bet they taste better than those at WinnDixie. ShaunP-Now this fixation with youth for veterans has got to be tempered. First-let me point out the way our Esteemed GM tends to do things. He will NOT make the wholesale changes the way many think he will. He never has before and he will not start now. Even during this season which was as terrible and frustrating as any in memory, he has not gone out and done anything different from the way he always does. Why do you think he will change over the fall and winter? I will bet that Andruw will remain a Brave. First of all he can veto any trade and has repeatadly said he wants to stay. He may end up leaving as a free agent, but will be here for 07. JS will also view him as his best bet to get to the playoffs. He knows that no matter who he traded him for, Andruw would STILL be the best bet to win. The same is true with Giles. At $5 million, he is still relatively cheap, especially when you have to view this year as an abberation for him. He only had a lousy start, but has been fine since May. Even playing hurt. Now-young players. Young players are a crap shoot at best. For every Anabal Sanchez or Jonathon Paplebon, there are 40 or 50 who make absolutely no impact whatsoever. Also in this mix is the fact that EVERY TEAM wants good, young, cheap superstars and will be loath to give them up. The people that can afford veterans making a lot of money are teams like the Yankees and Red Sox who have no farm system and are looking for good, young cheap pitching just like us. My prediction is that JS will resign Wicky with the money left from saying Sayonara to Thomson and others, which will also pay for arbitration raises. He will then (maybe) make one trade like he did with Renteria last year and then shore up the pen with veterans. This is it. No massive changes or youth movement. Besides, don’t we already have young prospects of our own?

By Carolina Lady

September 19, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

TNPaul, bravo! Ain’t it the truth?! I was just looking at the winning percentages in the NL and they are pitiful:
West = .534 (79-69)
Central = .527 (79-71)
Wild Card = .523 (78-71)

By Carolina Lady

September 19, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Would someone take the trash out, please?

By Bob, journalist

September 19, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

My Lady, how much do you pay you aides … one tomato an hour, two?

Can you imagine … last week, they were $1.29 per pound … today, $3.89 plus tax … they were large tomatoes, but still?!

Grinch, during the war, my folks rented out one section of the house to a navy Commander and his wife … Mama got mad ‘cause I liked the Commander’s wife’s grits better that her own … since then, primarily out of stubbornness, my intake of the mighty grit has been limited but I still love hominy.

Three other things that mother cooked frequently that I hated … boiled okra (loved her fried okra), rutabaga, and dumplings.

Grinch, I think that all of the above Bob posts on this blog belong to me … I removed the journalist tag when I posted to the Jeff Schultz Blog and forgot that the change became permanent.

I don’t care that much for Schultz but that was, in my estimation, an excellent piece and a worthwhile read.

When’s the hartebeest due to arrive in Nashville?

By Carolina Lady

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

Journalist Bob, does Mrs Bob let you do the shopping very often??

Aides usually get 2-and-half tomatoes an hour + mayonaise.

:-))

By Lew

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

Boiled okra is not to be tolerated.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

the hartebeest is a fleet animal - among the fastest known - but this hartebeest has been slowed by molasses (wink, wink). bob should expect the hartebeest’s arrival sometime tomorrow afternoon. now, bob has confused this journalist again - the commander’s wife was named “hominy”? oh, the hominy! and bob, there is no such thing as a “grit” … this journalist would favor a bowl of grits now, perhaps with a little red-eye gravy poured on top. mmm… and where is the grinch now that we are talking food? journalist is also thinking about a delicious banana sandwich with peanut butter and a touch of mayonnaise. cold milk to drink. pumpkin pie for dessert. yes, it is too painful to discuss tonight’s game - we must talk okra and such. okra, japanese pitcher in american league, right?

By Train Wreck Bystander

September 19, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

I still believe this team can climb back to .500, though I am not as certain as I was yesterday.

I do hope one of the Braves steals a base in the 2nd inning so someone can get that gas card. Doesn’t have to be me… just someone.

By Carolina Lady

September 19, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, tell Hartebeest that my favorite Book says that “this too shall pass.”

By journalist jimmy smith

September 19, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

yes, journalist is familiar with that passage … however the hartebeest is grumpy in this state and would be relieved for passage of his own. may not get relieved until he hits tennessee. hope it is not on journalist bob’s porch. bob must take note of the card reader and swipe the right device. oh, the humanity! the thoughts are remarkable! journalist bob surely would be angry - let us hope the molasses crisis passes before nashville and bob’s porch. now, bob taking credit for all posts labeled “bob” - journalist knows it ain’t so.

By Shaun Payne

September 19, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Lew,

If Andruw leaves as a free agent, it will be a major opportunity missed. And to respond to a previous post, I wouldn’t trade Andruw for the sake of trading him. The Braves must get at least a couple of a team’s top five prospects/players under 23 or one “super prospect.” I just think Andruw is the Braves’ most valuable commodity on the trading block so why not use him to strengthen the core of McCann, Francouer, etc.? That’s the next, most likely chance at a 95-100 win team. I don’t think next year’s team can realistically be expected to win 95 games. A low 90’s win total would be a very optimistic goal. And I believe everything would have to go nearly perfect for the Braves to win 93-94 games next season.

I think if the Schuerholz can turn AJones, Giles and Hudson into 5-10 quality young players it would go along way to building a 95-100-win team in three, four, five years. The Twins and A’s are the ideal. Did anyone think Billy Beane was sane for trading away Mulder and Hudson within a period of a few weeks? But look at the A’s now. If not for a couple of key injuries (Harden and Bradley), the A’s would probably be right up there among the best teams in the league.

There are prospects who don’t make it, which is why the Braves have to make sure they acquire the right guys for some of the vets. Almost all top hitting prospects turn into something. Pitching is more of a risk, but you can get something, if you do your homework. The example I keep bringing up is AJ Pierzynski for Franciso Liriano, Joe Nathan and Boof Bonser. You have to be willing to take risks like this if you are going to compete with a team like the Mets, who are fast becoming the big-spenders of the NL and aren’t showing any signs of slowing down.

Most teams are going to approach things like the Twins and A’s in the near future because that’s what has worked. The Braves can either be ahead of the curve or behind it. And the Braves need to be one of the teams ahead of it because the Mets are fast turning into a Red Sox-type spender if they haven’t already. Even if the Braves get a new owner willing to increase payroll, they probably still aren’t going to be able to throw the kindof money around that the Mets can or will.

Trading Giles, AJones and Hudson wouldn’t cost much in the standings, either. Trade these players while they have a lot of value (except Hudson). Buy low/sell high.

By Carolina Lady

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

Tomorrow is another day. Good night, everyone! God bless! :-)

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 19, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I totally agree with you. I think that if Andruw can net a couple of good prospects and a major league ready player then the Braves should trade him. The chances of him staying after next season are 50/50 at best. Getting some draft picks is not anywhere near compensation for Andruw. Now, if Andruw would agree to an extension in the offseason then by all means he should be kept. But, if he can’t give a verbal committment at least then he the Braves have to look at the big picture. Lew and others, are you honestly saying you wouldn’t trade Andruw to a team like the Angels for Howie Kendrick, one of their multitude of high quality minor leaguers, and a starter like Erwin Santana or Kelvim Escobar? If not, why not? I would rather know we would have the likes of Kendrick and Santana/Escobar here for the next few years then to lose Andruw in free agency and get some bogus draft picks.

By The Grinch

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

Back again. Jimmy, late breaking news! The Falcons have signed Morten Andersen. No, really (I thought that too, at first). He is the NFL’s all-time leading points scorer. Unfortunately, he’s also 84 years old. Perhaps they mean him to handle the under 40 kicks while our mighty punter hits the long ones (assuming his confidence isn’t irreperably damaged at this point). Could be classic if it works, as he last kicked for us in our superbowl season in ‘98. I’m glad you’re in agreement that peanut butter and banana must have mayonaise and not jelly (sugar overload). Regarding the season premiere of Law & Order SVU: They had academy award nominee Marcia Gay Harden (an excellent actress) guest star as an FBI agent from the south. Further proof that nobody outside the south has a clue what goes on here (she’s really from Brooklyn). She got the accent and attitude down, but in a diner scene, she splashed salt and tabasco sauce on her steak, eggs and hashbrowns (which was appropriate), then doused the whole lot in ketchup, which only a yankee would do. Oh, the lack of hominy! Why, why is it so hard to be authentic? All you have to do is ask! NO KETCHUP! EVER! Unless it’s on a hot dog. It’s like Shakespeare putting a chiming clock in Julius Caesar: all the “refinement” in the world can’t mask their mistaken belief that their culture is the only one that matters. Hubris!

By The Grinch

September 19, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

And if Bob is responsible for all “Bob” posts tonight, he must have developed Turrett’s syndrome. Robert(JIB), I’m afraid I must agree with you somewhat; Andruw should absolutely NOT be traded unless something really worthwhile develops. If it does, and would demonstrably be better for the team in the long run, then so be it. It would be sad, but as they say, it’s a business. Personally, I hope Liberty gives us a little more flexibility so that doesn’t have to happen. It’s in their best interest too, after all.

By Bob, journalist

September 19, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

My Lady, “let” is not the operative word … she makes a list, checks it twice … sends me out to empty the trash, locking the door behind me … so you can see, I have little choice! To be fair, I must admit that she’s sweet as can be whenever she wants an ankle rub or a back scratch.

She wanted tomatoes so I got two! Years ago, I designed the first Long Term Care policy that fully integrated Home Health Care and Nursing Home Confinement benefits but I’ve never been on the delivery system side of things … still, 2-and-half tomatoes an hour + mayonaise is mighty tempting.

Regarding the streak, had there been but two teams in the Division each year; the probability of winning 14 consecutive titles would be 1 in 1,048, assuming that they were evenly matched … while such a streak would be remarkable, so doing with 4 and 5 teams in the mix borders on the unthinkable. Folks mock that which is beyond their reach and attempt misdirection by suggesting that lessor feats, within their reach, are of greater import.

Speaking of the trash, my study of probability and statistical inference make me suspicious of the timing of the vulgar posts and my post suggesting to Grinch that all of the “Bob” posts were authored by me.

It’s as if a Trojan Horse had successfully breached AJC server security; intercepting submissions … delaying subsmssions and allowing interlopers to inject objectional posts; perhaps adjusting the database to reflect false ip addresses.

Regardless, the filth is inexcusable and has been reported!

Mrs. Bob says it’s late but thinks we should have fries and a movie before going to bed … Oneida then ‘Night All.

By Skippy

September 20, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

Wonder whatever become of old LeTwang Anthony?

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

Pleasant dreams, Bob!

By Bob, journalist

September 20, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Grinch, before reporting to the kitchen, I must say that I was struck by the coincidence of the posts that arrived so conveniently just ahead of mine.

I can’t imagine so doing … even with Turrett’s, you would think one would have the decency to refrain from hitting the submit button … it’s despicable.

By journalist's damned journalist

September 20, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

Damn, you people are absolutely mentally bankrupt!!!!!!!!!!!!

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

No problem, Bob; I never really thought it was you. I was just being facetious. Fowl language doesn’t bother me anyway unless it’s aimed at those I care about (or in this case under an assumed identity of same), and you can take care of yourself. I doubt anyone who knows you even superficially considered you a suspect. Enjoy your movie!

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

Speaking of imposters and mental bankruptcy, “Journalist,” you sound like your keyboard’s writing checks your imagination can’t cash. Feel free to go somewhere else; I doubt you’ll be missed.

By NPD

September 20, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

Grinch—don’t enter into an intellectual conflict that will ultimately lead you to noetic Armageddon!

By gotigers72

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

If it were up to me, I would trade HoRam instead of Davies. I’d give Davies another year or two. He’s only 22. Right now it’s million dollar arm, 5 cent head, but as I said he’s 22 and still has lots of time to learn to PITCH as opposed to THROWING.

HoRam is 4 or 5 years older, and hasn’t improved much, if any, since his rookie year. He reminds me of Odalis Perez. A soft tossing lefty that must have pinpoint control. If he doesn’t have pinpoint control, he gets lit up like downtown at night.

By Lew

September 20, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

ShaunP-Buddy-The point I was trying to make is not to expect JS to do anything radical. He hasn’t in the past and he won’t now either, especially with the sale of the Braves in limbo. You’ve got to think like he always has in the past. He does nothing more than is necessary to put a winner on the field. The emphasis is on that one season and everything else works itself out over time. This is the way he has always worked, particularly since the money has dried up. Don’t expect radical changes and a youth movement.

By Lew

September 20, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

Noetic?

By Alex Rodriguez

September 20, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this

Metro Boy , me and all my Yankee buddies will be waiting in breathless anticipation to kick you and your headheaded stepchild of a softball beer league team right out of the playoffs. So , bring it punk. I will name my next dog shea and kick him every chance I get.

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

That was a bit redundant, NPD, but many thanks anyway. Especially since I doubt that fool knows many Greek-based words that sound Scandinavian, which identifies both you and him as Stinky. Nice try. :-)

By NPD

September 20, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

No surprise the word would leave you with a blank stare “Lew”—no surprise whatsoever.

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Lew! Colorado’s bringing Ralphie the Buffalo with them to Athens this weekend when they play UGA. What if this beast takes a dump between the hedges? Are hooves allowed? BTW, it was originally donated to U of Colorado by Ted Turner; did it come from Cordele? Oh, the humanity!

By NPD

September 20, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

Your first smart move Grinch.

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

If you’d been around me for the last few years, you would likely have seen several smart moves(as well as several stupid ones). Use makes master.

By Bob Wickman

September 20, 2006 01:39 AM | Link to this

This is for all you fly by the seat of your pants , mentally bankrupt morons. Horacio , Chuck and Kyle are three young talented pitchers who will be the face of this proud franchise for many years to come and trading them is just about the stupidest idea you guys have come up with so far. John and Tim are veteran gamers and deserve nothing but respect and the opportunity of pitching for Bobby just as long as they want. Really knowledgeable fans are aware that champions are built around pitching , defense and sound fundamental hitting. Andruw is a once in a generation player. Trading him would be akin to what boston did to the bambino back in the day. some of you neophytes need to grow a brain , appreciate the greatness you have witnessed over the past fifteen years and stop complaining over one single season where things didnt roll your way.

By Bob, journalist

September 20, 2006 01:39 AM | Link to this

Lew, I don’t have a problem with Noetic … but the post suggests either a limited understanding of the terms or intentional vaugness … since “intellectual conflict” and “noetic Armageddon” are relatively redundant when proffered without clarification.

By Bob, journalist

September 20, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this

of course, I don’t know how anyone could be intentionally vauge about anything.

By NPD

September 20, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this

Nothing is without intention—and a mere conflict is a far stretch from the “Battle to end all battles”, abstract thought isn’t everyones’ cup of tea however.

By NPD

September 20, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

Time to break out the spellcheck old man—mispelling vague twice is, well, rather redundant!

By Calvin

September 20, 2006 03:24 AM | Link to this

Davies did pitch a really good game earlier this year against the Mets where he threw a complete game only allowing a homerun to Chris Woodward and scattering the other 2 hits. Other than that game, I can’t really recall him pitching as consistently as he did when he first came up last year.

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 03:57 AM | Link to this

AAAArrrrgghhh! My cable went out! It has now fixed itself, however. Bob, you have underestimated our sneaky little friend; what seems to be is and what doesn’t might also be too. Stinky, I actually do regret that my last couple of hours has been spent first on hold with those bumbling fools at Comcast and afterward with “Celebrity Poker Showdown.” I normally prefer petite women but Alsison Sweeney is a goddess…anyhoo, I’m afraid I’m on my way to bed and am out of mental energy (just made a last minute check and found everything actually working…computer wise). Later tonight? Same place, same channel? You are an amusing fellow, if somewhat misanthropic. G’night!

By Bob, journalist

September 20, 2006 05:28 AM | Link to this

NPD, Is there really an noetic Armageddon that is indeed the “Battle to end all battles”?

In the overall scheme of things, it matters not since truth is truth, regardless of our respective postures. Regardless, you’re absolutely correct … I prefer both a good smoke and a cup of hot Kenyan tea over struggling with the notion that thought covers a range of abstractness.

To me, the concept of thought is, within itself, rather abstract. Conversely, I find the concepts of good and evil to be rather concrete. John Cash and Bill Boyd aside, it’s usually better to wear a white hat, don’t you think.

While it’s much ado about nothing, I would be remiss if I failed to note that my repeated use of “vauge” was not a redundancy … only the initial instance was a mispelling of “vague”.

More importantly, at least from my simple perspective, is that we’re all flawed; have our own weaknesses, and make many mistakes … you, me, everybody.

I belong to the group that believes that it behooves us to recognize this, join together and strive to befriend those in need of a helping hand … so that we can all enjoy life to the fullest possible extent … it’s as simple as that.

Unfortunately, at least from my view, there are those who derive satisfaction from exposing and exploiting the flaws and weakneses of others … they have a different perspective. I can’t imagine you wanting to belong to this group … but indeed there are many who so do.

The simple truth is that we don’t need to engage in intellectual debate or abstract thought to decide the group it is to which we each desire to belong … but the choice is ours to make and only we can make it!

Unfortunately, there are many belonging to one group while believing they belong to the other … an illusion from which it is difficult to recover.

I don’t know what NPD stands for … I use “bob” because it’s short like me, easy to remember, and if I get confused and spell it backwards, folks don’t seem to notice. Making new friends is a good way to travel … it beats making enemies ‘bout 100% of the time.

By ncscoots

September 20, 2006 06:28 AM | Link to this

Bob, that’s a mighty fine post, but it’s a lot of time to spend on someone like NPD, who is just a kid watching the game because he didn’t get picked. Though I give him/her props for being able to use a thesaurus…

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 20, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

Okay, comparing trading Andruw away to what the Red Sox did with Babe Ruth is just ridiculous. Yes, Andruw is a great player but he is far from Babe Ruth.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 20, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this

The Braves would have to go 8-3 in their last 11 games to be at .500. I wish I could say with certainity that they will do it but I can’t. They should. They have five games coming up that they should win at least 4, which means they would have to win the last two series with the Mets and Astros.

This season has been disappointing to say the least, but I see a bright future. It alredy looks like Francoeur is getting it a little. He’s been more patient this month than he has all year. McCann is simply a stud. James does look a lot like Glavine. McBride gives me reason to believe he will be a good pitcher. Prado and B. Pena have done well in the bigs. A couple of key moves, some of which will be hard decisions, and this team will be in the thick of things next season.

By Bob, journalist

September 20, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this

Now Robert, you’ll have to admit that the Babe struck out more times in his career than Andruw does in a year!

By Greg

September 20, 2006 07:52 AM | Link to this

Had to respond to the post about “mispelling” vague. As an object lesson, dude, the word is spelled “misspelling.” Young man, time for YOU to use a apellchecker (Ha!). We live in post-modernist times. “Abtract thought” is little more than a social construct. What does it mean, anyway? Although I live my life differently—really, how is it possible to live without some sense of good and evil, some sense of death and life—I recognize the fallacy of dualism (everything is either this or that) In life, often the best we can hope for is some compassionate clarity in word, thought and deed. By the way, I love philosophy and writing, but isn’t this a sports blog?

By dadgum

September 20, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

Andruw Jones may be one of the Top 5 CF of the last 50 years when you look at all his tools. I won’t go into looking up stats to compare him against the others. He may or may not be in the top 5 after such a comparison. Defensively I will say I have NEVER seen better. Power numbers he can probably hang with them. No question he has lost a step in speed and this year his average is way below acceptable although the OPS isn’t bad with the 35 homers.

Point….I think the Braves want him back on their terms and I feel that the contract speculation is hurting Andruw’s performance a little along with the nagging injuries. The low average works in the Braves’ favor to resign him prior to the winter meetings.

If Andruw wants to remain a Brave he will most likely get a 5 year contract extension but is aware the Braves aren’t going to mortgage the farm to keep him either. He should get a nice signing bonus with yearly numbers in the 14 mil range. If 14 mil/yr for 5 years plus signing bonus isn’t good enough for Andruw then he should do the classy thing and tell the Braves immediately they have no chance to sign him. JS can begin working with teams that Andruw most likely will waive his veto power to play for i.e. Dodgers, Yankees, Angels, Astros to name a few.

Plugging our other gaps far outweighs keeping Andruw though. A good CF replacement won’t hurt as bad as many think. The Braves need as many good starters as they can accumulate. That is always the formula for long term success with any team. The Braves have too many question marks on their starters returning or projected to return not to acquire one or two proven starters prior to ‘07. It may take trading Andruw to do it. This is a business after all remember.

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

Lew,

I agree with you that Schuerholz hasn’t taken as many risks in the past. But, I would argue that he should have. In my humble opinion, he should have attempted to trade Maddux and Glavine during the offseason before the final season of their contract (maybe he did, who knows?). Getting a couple of young, quality already professional players is better than a draft pick in most cases.

But now it’s even more important to start taking risks like trading vets for other teams’ quality young players because the Mets aren’t going to lower their payroll anytime soon. And how do teams with lower payrolls compete? By getting young players before they are valued high.

Look at the Marlins. Yes, they are the extreme example and it seems their way of running a team is too alienating to their fans but it works. I would want the Braves to be more like the Twins or A’s, as I’ve said before.

And look at the Red Sox. They traded away a ton of quality young players trying to worry about competing with the Yankees right now. In hindsight, they would have been better off keeping players like Hanley Ramirez and Annibel Sanchez.

Trying to compete with a team like the Yankees (or Mets), teams that can go out and get any player they want, every single season is fruitless. You have to pick your spots, pick out certain seasons when you can say, “okay, we are going to go after them this year.” I think for the Braves the time to go after the Mets is in a few years when McCann, Francouer, James and Davies are in their primes.

Does this mean the Braves should totally give up on next year or the years leading up to McCann, Francouer’s peak years? No. They should do as much as they can to win a division title in the next couple of years without jeapordizing a chance to be a great team during McCann, Francouer, etc. peak years.

They would be taking a slight risk because maybe they have injuries and they can’t be a great team, but the reward is to great to avoid the slight risk.

By Thomas

September 20, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

damm mets.

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

dadgum,

I agree. Even the best players are worth about 3-4 wins (maybe 5) at most. And I agree that Andruw is a great player. While he may remain have plenty of good seasons left in him, I still don’t think it’s worth keeping him instead of acquire 2-3 productive younger players.

By Bob, journalist

September 20, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

Scoots, that didn’t take very long to do … it’s strange but I actually wrote two others that somehow didn’t get posted … one to The Grinch who thought I had underestimated NPD, who evidently became infamous during my absence … just one of the many perils associated with my giving one the benefit of the doubt … in that post, I used many words to coincidentally convey what you just told me … and another to NPD suggesting that it was much nicer inside than it is looking in through the window, especially in bad weather; essentially the same ado from a different perspective.

As Greg politely overlooked, I too was guilty of incorrectly spelling “misspelling” … not out of ignorance but rather a result of putting NPD’s text into the “textarea” for modification rather than creating my own from scratch … I’m probably guilty of some new form of plagerism on that one.

later …

By matt

September 20, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

I agree with some of ya’ll. I don’t know how you can get rid of a young pitcher with great potential who doesn’t cost much and keep a guy with a HUGE contract who isn’t producing. Bullpen help is the biggest key in my mind. With 28 blown saves I don’t see how that’s not priority number 1!

By Ken

September 20, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

On the Kyle Davies thing: I think it is possible he has gotten in Bobby Cox’s doghouse. If that is the case, he probably will not be back. I could be wrong, but Cox has been kind of critical of Davies in the media and that is not something he usually does. Living only a few miles from Richmond, I had the opportunity to follow him while in AAA. He was almost a “human highlight reel” here. He just doesn’t seem to pitch with as much confidence against the big boys. Maybe he will get straightened out during the winter.

By Jeff

September 20, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

“Could” is the right word to put before “strong rotation” for the ‘07 Braves. Hampton hasn’t pitched in a season and a half. How long will it take for him to regain form, if he does so at all? Smoltz is super, but his arm will be forty next season and has been rebuilt twice, I believe. Hudson has been a bust this season. He just doesn’t seem to have the command anymore. Ramirez has spent parts of the last two seasons on the DL. James seems a bona fide number 1 or 2 starter.

Management should be open to exploring the trade value of any of its starters, including Smoltz. The team needs to stock up with good young arms, even if that means another sub-par ‘07. It may be sub-par anyway. And this club should be building for a string of runs, not just trying to squeeze one more divison title out of the current crop.

By Jeff

September 20, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

“Could” certainly needs to be put in front “strong rotation.” Hampton hasn’t pitched in a year and a half. How long will it take for him to regain form, if he does so at all? Smoltz is super, but his arm is forty next season and has been rebuilt twice. Hudson was certainly a bust this year. Could he just be having the first off-season of his career? Ramirez has been on the DL parts of the last two seasons. James seems to be a bona fide number 1 or 2 starter.

Management should explore all trade possibilities for its vets, including Smoltz. The team needs to stock up on good young arms (you never have enough good young pitching). Better to suffer through a season or two more developing young guns than to patch up this team for just one more division title run.

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

It’s way too early to consider doing anything with Kyle Davies. His pro track record speaks for itself (good K/BB ratio, low HR rate throughout his minor league career). Barring injury, he’s going to be a good pitcher. He’s still 3-4 years from his peak. Players’ abilities don’t remain stagnant. I guarantee he’s not going to pitch like he has this season over his entire career, given his track record.

By ncscoots

September 20, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Yes, Bob, many whips of the wet noodle for that copy-paste thing, LOL!

now, baseball (for Greg, so he doesn’t think we’re only about philosophy and pie, HA!)…this team is going to score in the neighborhood of 800 runs this year, with Giles having a down year, Andruw hitting .250, Chipper in only 100 games, Francoeur striking 130 times, and Langerhans hitting .230, etc., etc. Unless you think ALL those circumstances will be repeated in 2007 (that is, that none of the players having down years will improve their performance), why is there any worry about the offense? That’s one of the reasons I don’t get all that excited about a base-stealing threat at leadoff, since I just don’t see how that dimension will significantly impact the run-scoring potential of an already-potent offense. BTW, as an aside, I believe Langy has a lot more to show than that limp-stick-.230 he’s hit this year…don’t have a shred of fact to base that on, just a feeling that he’ll rebound large next year.

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

I agree. Everything will have to be perfect for the Braves to win 90-93 games next year. They need to be building for the next best shot to win 95-100 games, when all the youngsters start to peak.

By NYC#1

September 20, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

STOP your crying about payroll. Check the standings, the Twins, A’s are small market teams in first place. In your own division the Marlins are ahead of you as well. Your payroll is the top 10 in baseball so STOP CRYING!! The Mets spent plenty in previous seasons and had nothing to show for it. The difference this year is their general manager made the right trades and signed the “Right” free agents. More bad news for you brave fans…..He’s gonna be here for a while. Face it…you got your a-s-s-e-s-s beat by a better TEAM.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 20, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

matt, teaching school today? same matt? looks like the stinky blogger came out last night and was, well, stinky to bob. stinky seems to underestimate the bloggers on the dob atlanta braves man in black blog. might be surprised if he knew more about some of the people he is blogging with. never will, though. stinky has no friends. now, baseball … last night’s game was just terrible. journalist needs to see the team play some good baseball before the season is over to leave a good taste. like playing golf, leave on a good shot.

By rammerjammer

September 20, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

Interesting how the bullpen looks pretty good for next season…Wickman (assuming he’s signed), Paronto, McBride, Oscar, Yates and (perhaps) Devine. All have performed well in the last month, some for several months.

Starters: Count on Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson and James to begin the season. No point on talking trades involving any of those guys, for reasons stated by others.

Spring training will be devoted to selecting/trading for a fifth starter. Could be Davies. We’ll see if adversity makes him better. Seems to be working for Devine.

Most intriguing situation, by far, is necessary trade of Andruw. Already on the hook for mega-millions with Hampton, Hudson and Jones…and ALL THREE have dubious futures. Simply can’t absorb another “lifetime” contract.

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

NYC#1,

Who’s crying about the payroll? I’m sorry you have to make up conflict so that you can rub the Mets’ success in Braves fans faces (even though none of us controls what either team is doing) and because you can’t simply enjoy your teams success.

I don’t know if you are referring to my post, but if you are referring to my post about the Twins and A’s, if you read it carefully, you will see that I’m saying the Braves should be more like the Twins and A’s. I’m actually agreeing with the tiny bit of logic that is surrounded by all the anger in your post.

Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t see any posts with “crying” about payroll disparity. Can you show it to me?

By 10-7-4

September 20, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Armageddon looms near!! sign of the end times-for sure. ‘Sean Penn to play Einstein in tv drama.’ Sounds like something out of ‘MAD’ magazine. I’ll concede he’s a very good actor but ‘I knew Einstein. Einstein, was a friend of mine. Sean Penn, is no Einstein.’[I really didn’t know Einstein]. He probably thinks it’s a movie about ‘one of the brothers who invented the bagel What’s next -Sylvester Stallone does Shakespeare??—‘Yo, Romeo!! Who needs jokes?? The truth is funny enough!!!

By Lew

September 20, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Shaun-I agree with you, Dude. JS should have done things differently in some cases, but he is JS and didn’t and won’t now. How many times in the past did we see players walk instead of trading or resigning them? I don’t think I need to ennumerate them-you all know how they were. What I’m saying is that he won’t change course now. He will put the 07 team together the way he always does. Now youth-Evewryone wants those good young players with their huge upsides. EVERYONE. The Braves don’t have an edge getting them, or anyone for that matter. We saw that last offseason in regards to a closer. Their payroll is not what it used to be and there are teams out there with huge money to spend. Now we have already seen that not much was offered for Andruw, earlier in August. Would you have pulled the trigger on Hansen and Crisp for Andruw? I sure WOULD NOT. Crisp misses an average of 25 games a year, and the lasat I checked, has a lousy BA against RHP. Hansen is young, but has no track record and has been less than sterling in his ML debut. A pre cancerous Lester was asked for an all of a sudden the talks ended. Add to this the fact that Andruw has not exactly torn up the world the secon half and has been acknowledged to have sore knees and back, his value is definitely dropping. This thought some have of getting 3 young studs for him won’t happen. Andruw will be a Brave next year.

By geauxbraves2000

September 20, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

I gripe about payroll, I’ll be the first to admit it. I know trying to buy a championship doesn’t always work, but when other teams are constantly out bid by the NY teams, they have no chance of signing that top free agent to make their team better.

Question NYC #1, if the Mets had the Marlins’ payroll this year, would they have won the division?? Maybe, who knows.

OTOH, I’ll also be the first to congratulate the Mets and their fans, and good luck in the playoffs.

Geaux Braves!!

By composer jimmy smith

September 20, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

and to stinky:

I’m not Le-twan, my name is jim-mee … Le-twan left here … months ago.

Your worms are not blue … talkin’ pie don’t please you … ‘don’t let the blog door hit your asz.

apologies to jesi and dob

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Lew,

I’m not sure the Braves would have to settle for a deal like Crisp and Hansen for AJones. I think a team loaded with prospects (Angels?) and ready to make a World Series run next year would be willing to give up some of their extra prospects to acquire a player like AJones.

At the same time, I do agree that it’s not likely Schuerholz will move AJones. Maybe at the deadline if the Braves are out of it, if at all.

By Lew

September 20, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

NYC#1-I’m certain you’re proud of your Mets and rightly so. They won the division and stopped the Braves run. However, before you get too warm and fuzzy with thoughts of your own dynasty, there are some points you need to be aware of. First your starting rotation. Glavine leads the bunch with an ERA just slightly south of 4 runs per game. He is already 40 years old and are you even going to pick up his option next year? Pedro has a 4.03 ERA and is only 9-6. This is your Ace? Trachsel has a 4.96 ERA and has allowed 252 baserunners in only 159 innings. Smoke and mirrors, Dude, as well as a potent offense has led to his won-loss record this year. El Duque has a 4.85 ERA and is older than God himself. Your staff has 7 pitchers over the age of 35 and 3 over 40. THIS YEAR. Delgado has had a good power year, but has missed 14 games. Beltran has missed 17 games and Cliff Floyd has missed 59 games. Floyd has also only played more than 113 games in the past four years. Absolutely you have durability questions abounding. Shawn Green has been less than spectacular since coming to NY. Just why do so many players have a hard time in NY? Is it the obnoxious fans? Dude, you have many questions facing your team next year. Don’t count on starting a dynasty. At least not without spending so much of that payroll you claim we keep crying about.

By NYC#1

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

Lew you are correct on most of your points. After the season the Mets payroll will be trimmed down to about 75-80 million. Glavine and Floyd will not be back. The Mets have a new cable network (SNY) that will also increase revenue. This is all bad news for the braves. They will go out and address their needs. They will do after Zito and/or Schmidt and a power hitting outfielder to replace Floyd. The Mets will have the funds to improve their weakness’s. As you have seen in the last two years, Minaya will address the Mets needs and be ready for 2007.

By Robert

September 20, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

It would be nice to have Davies back next year. It would be much nicer to not have Cox back next year

By Lew

September 20, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

NYC#1-Like I said-You will go spend all that money you say we whine about. I will say this, though. If you want to beat the Braves in Atlanta, you better not sign Schmidt. He can’t pitch here and doesn’t like it, either. The strong point of your staff this year has been the pen and I doubt they canrepeat their performance. If you guys have an injury problem HALF of what the Braves had this year, you will be playing the Nats for last place next year. You have a lot of fragile players on that team. Minaya is a good Gm, for sure, but even all of that money won’t do you any good if half the cylinders break down on that engine. If I were you, I would also hope that Pat Gillick in Philly doesn’t find a way to get a bona fide pitching staff there.

By TennesseePaul

September 20, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Payne: I don’t get it. What about the Twins past 15 years is superior to what the Braves have done the last 15 years? Why would JS take what he has accomplished, and toss it out to mimic what another team has done? The only team which has done better, prior to this year, has been the Yankees. And it’s no secret why.
Did anyone think Billy Beane was sane for trading away Mulder and Hudson within a period of a few weeks?
Billy Bean reaped zero, 0, nada, nothing, zilch, squat, hill-o-beans, for trading Hudson. Is that the model you are suggesting for Andruw? That we trade Andruw for 3 players which will have no impact what-so-ever on the team?

I’m not for trading Andruw, but that’s irrelevant. If JS trades him, then he trades him. I’m certain he’ll get more in return than Billy Bean ever would. But I don’t think JS is suddenly going to stop and look at the success of the last 15 years and say, what was I thinking? They got it all figured out in Minnesota. I mean, it was only a decade and a half ago that we were playing them in the WS. Since then, well they haven’t done too much, but we’ve competed for the title every year. I’ll follow that model.
I expect JS will make more moves than in years past, but I don’t expect him to trade 3 veterans. Or at least, 3 veterans of that caliber. If he somehow trades Pratt right before FA, I’m not going to count it. That’s like trading Kolb back to the Brewers last winter.

JS always, always, infuses youth with veterans. He has the building blocks of the future, surrounded by veterans right now… this is exactly why Pratt is on the team this year. When Francoeur, McCann, James and Davies are in their prime, they will have, right beside them, the next group of talented young Braves and a few Hall Of Fame veterans.
And I still don’t see 10 prospects coming back for 3 veterans, all in down years. I love Giles and Andruw, but this is not their best season. It is shaping up to be their worst. Same with Hudson. All 3 of these players are undervalued right now, so it’d be a stretch to get 10 quality minor leaguers back.

This team isn’t that far from winning 90+. It needs pitching. The offense has been pretty good. We’re averaging over 5 runs a game even with Giles at lead-off, Chipper on the DL, Andruw hitting .250, and Francoeur striking out 150 times. Our pitching needs improvement. Had the pitchers averaged 3 runs allowed, we’d be 95-56 right now. 13 games lost when scoring 6 or more. 23 games lost when scoring 5 or more. 11 of those by 1 run.

I just think JS is going to make moves for pitching, but not too many massive moves. I think he’ll trust the young pitchers he has and build on them. But if he does that full on next year, I hope he makes moves to get a rock solid pen. Young guys get in trouble early, as this season has shown. It’s no help to bring in Kevin Barry to put the game totally out of reach. I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I dread how awful they’d look… how many times the reliever has come into the game and put it completely out of reach. Why restrict it… Let’s include meltdowns like Sunday… we came back, but it shouldn’t have been necessary to score 5 runs in the bottom of the 10th.

By geauxbraves2000

September 20, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Apparently though, if you want to beat the Braves, all you have to have is 3 guys off of the streets, dress em up, put em on the mound and enjoy a series sweep.

Something has got to be done about the lack of offense the Braves exhibit with a no-name pitcher opposing them. It’s a pattern that has lasted several years now. Can they not prepare? I don’t know what it is, but something is broke and it needs to be fixed.

Okay, a win tonight is a series win, and at this time of this year I’ll take what I can get. But, Ortiz is on the mound, at 10-14 w/a 5.30 era. We all know how well the offense does against this caliber of a pitcher.

Prove me wrong offense, I dare you.

Also, good morning Lew, jjs, Shaun, Robert, 35, NYC#1 and CL if you are out there.

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

September 20, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

NYC#1-If you have this lucrative tv deal, why are you cutting payroll to 75-80 million? Good Lord, you have been playing with a payroll of over $101 million for AT LEAST two years and you finally took us off the top? Do you seriously think you can compete and maintain your lofty status next year while dumping $20-25 million dollars? You think you can dump that much and still bring in those expensive free agents? Good Luck, Dude, I just don’t see it. You have no effective farm replacements for these guys and cutting that much salary won’t let you replace the old, worn out cogs with shiny new pieces. Believe me. We KNOW.

By NYC#1

September 20, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

To be honest with you the braves have many more issues to address than the Mets. Yes, you do have players with potential but potential is probably the worst and most overused word in sports. your pitching staff has many questions as does your bullpen. The Mets are in a better position. I wasn’t saying that the Mets don’t spend. I was just trying to point out that Money alone guarantees nothing. The braves are in the top 10 in salaries and like the Mets in previous years it didn’t help.

By NPD(narsissistic personality disorder)

September 20, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

Bob, journalist—like jimmy smith—perhaps if you weren’t so eager as to interjecting your “persona” into the colloquies of others in a condescending fashion your apparent social deficiencies or(quite possibly hamartia) may not be so readily pointed out. So as I perceive this situation, Bob, had you refrained from making your dismissive and contemptuous comments, and had attended to your own concerns, you would have saved yourself much “ado about nothing”, but then that isn’t your nature is it?

By ncscoots

September 20, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

Hey, TPaul, check out my 9:37 post re offense and your 11:43. Scary the way two people can think!

By NYC#1

September 20, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

It’s where their payroll will be because of contracts coming to an end. Like Glavines and Floyds. I don’t know all the specifics. I read that a few months ago in the Mets website.

By Lew

September 20, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

NYC#1-Being in the top ten of salary is a bit misleading. If you check this year’s team salaries, there are the top five (Mets included) and then the second five (of which the Braves are #9. Their is a difference of AT LEAST $10 million between the top five and second five. That’s the price of a quality pitcher or two good bullpen arms. Do you think the Braves would have come in this far down if we had another top notch starter or two reliable bullpen pitchers? I think you would not have clinched the division if we had. The amount of injuries we sustained this year were totally unbelieveable. More than double the year before in games missed and 05 was no picnic injury wise, either, with 3/5 of our starters on the DL at once. With that much time missed, how well do you think the Mets would have fared. You act like spending money makes no difference, and many times it does not. However, with what that $10 mil could have brought us this year, it would have made your road to the division a whole other ballgame. Enjoy your crown, but remember, uneasy lies the head that wers it. We know. You’ve seen the flags.

By Lew

September 20, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

NPD-Your selflessness is SO refreshing.

By TennesseePaul

September 20, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

ncscoots: Nice. I hadn’t even read that far down. very nice. Now I gotta go catch up with the rest of the page.

By NYC#1

September 20, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

You make many good points Lew. There many factors that go into winning. Managment, injuries, luck, talent, money ect ect. Yes, you had injuries but thats part of the game. The Mets had many and didn’t miss a beat. Losing Leo Mazzone was bigger that most people thought it would be for you guys. As for 2007, I’ll worry about that after the season. We still have unfinished business to take care of.

By Carolina Gent

September 20, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks to those who welcomed me back to the blog last night. Hard to get to the computer during “prime time” as kids are using it to talk with friends (referred to as “homework”)! So I have to pick my spots.

I completely agree with Shaun and others who feel as if a few tweaks for next year will produce only marginal positive results. We still have way too much payroll tied up with a few players, which reduces flexibility. And even though I’d really miss Andruw I do wonder if some move of the sort is what it will take to jump start this team.

With the overall weakness of the NL this year, it won’t take much to become competitive again. But I’m ready for something beyond another division title. Yes, those beat this kind of year, but I’d almost rather do that than suffer through another first round meltdown.

On another subject… after 2 consecutive days of TBS, followed by another night with the doldrums of TS, I just have to say that I find the TBS crew, especially with their Sunday-Monday pairings of Skip-Pete, Chip-Joe, FAR more entertaining than “Boring Bob” Rathbun and Jeff “Me Too” Torborg. I’m really sad that OUR guys (the TBS crew) are being cut out of the Braves telecasting mix. Does anyone out there know if those guys will be involved when TBS picks up the postseason? Does anyone know if Skip and Pete’s BBQ come with tomatoes and hartebeast meat, and come with a Baby Seal of approval?

By Lew

September 20, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

NPD-What, exactly is your point here? Are you trying to impress us with the fact that you are familiar with the works of Aristotle? Are you trying to impress us with your knowledge of vocabulary? Or are you trying to prove your superiority to others by pointing out what you believe to be character flaws? No matter which, if not all, of these possibilities are the true reason for your bombast,all you are managing to do is to exhibit your own pursuit of narcissism and to prove that your own social inadaquecies are prevelant in the extreme.

By Lew

September 20, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

NYC#1-You certainly do.

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

JJS, You’ve got stinky on the brain. You see stinky where stinky is not. You must have rectal optosis. Are your dependz too tight?

By 10-7-4

September 20, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

geaubraves2000—good mornin’ back at ya.[still morning at my location]. You make a good point about Braves lack of success against ‘unknown’ pitchers’. I think it may be a lack of ‘good info’[scouting] concerning the pitcher combined with a certain ‘stubbornness’ {unwilling to adjust] that many of our hitters possess. Whatever the reason, it seems to occur far too often.

By geauxbraves2000

September 20, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

The Braves have been built around pitching. Not 5 IP pitching, but solid 7 innings, 8 innings and complete game pitching. With starters like that the Braves didn’t need a superior bullpen, just a good enough one. This year, the pitching has let the Braves down this year, exposing the bullpen. A bullpen full of rookies and castaways. JS didn’t address the pen IMO for he thought the cast of starters would be good enough to hide the weakness of this team. Hopefully now though, he has learned the starting pitching is weak and will:

A) Get another solid arm

B) Shore up the pen with a few vets.

Just stating the obvious of course.

The lineup is fine.

Good to see you two also TennPaul and Carolina Gent.

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

September 20, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

35-You’re post about good ole Sly Stallone was hilarious. However, did you know that Mel Gibson played a credible Hamlet (with Glenn Close as his Mama fixation)? Who knows? Maybe Sly would make an acceptable Rosencrantz or Guilderstern. He could at least do a decent portrayal of Yorick’s skull if he uses any more Botox.

By TennesseePaul

September 20, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

It blows how bad we are against some rooky types. Last night was retarded. That guy was the Nats 8 year minor leaguer. We should have hit him all over.

But, in the Braves defense, we did absolutely destroy that Philly phenome, Galvin Floyd. We pounded him right back down to the minors. I guess other teams use the Braves as the measuring stick. If you can’t get the Braves out as a rookie, then you need more time in the minors. If you can, then you’ve earned at least one trip around the league.

By Robert

September 20, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

www.fire-eeyore.com

By 10-7-4

September 20, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

Lew—yeah Mel has played many roles, including a ‘coherent person’. Imagine Sly doing another ‘Rocky’ movie!!! I heard it was being discussed.

By NYC#1

September 20, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

“Rocky Balboa” is coming out on Christmas. You can see the trailer on MSN. Go into “Entertainment” and type in Rocky Balboa.

By Del

September 20, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

10 Paul… One reason we didm’t knock their rook around last night was our over-aggressivness at the plate. After 3 innings our rook had 60 pitches, theirs had 20. We never gave him an opportunity to be bad. Not the first time this has happened. Seems like this has become the norm for our Bravos.

By Del

September 20, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

10Paul … I agree. One reason we didn’t torch their rook last night was because we were overly aggressive. After 3 inning our rook had 60 pitches, theirs had 20. We never gave him an opportunity to be bad and beat himself. This seams to have developed into a norm for this team this year.

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

Morning, All! I now have a signal amplifier affixed to my cable connection and should have no further problems beaming my nonsense your direction! Everyone as pleased with that prospect as I am? Good. Lew, I’m sorry you found Gibson’s “Hamlet” credible. :-) I, too heard that Sly’s making a new sequel, only I heard it was a new “Rambo.” Can you picture him out there in the bush slapping around some poor, toothless old VC vets that are just trying to grow some rice now and get on with their lives? Or carrying out the last, possible surviving POW over his shoulders and having his knee blow out on the set? Hee-hee! I’m off to the gym; see y’all later…

By geauxbraves2000

September 20, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

You know Del, you make a good point there. I didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to the game last night, was having fun with the kids watching “Deal Or No Deal”. Anyhow, the Braves are over aggressive at the plate against the rookies. It seems like they’d learn from their mistakes. Let’s see, who has the highest or one of the highest averages on the team, that would be the patient Brian McCann. Go figure, patience can lead to higher BA’s, more runs scored, higher OBPs. You see more pitches, you start to recognize the pitches. Amazing what patience can do.

It seems like all the rookies coming up swing at about everything, McCann can tend to be aggressive at times also. That tells me their either teaching aggressiveness in the minor leagues or they are not teaching patience.

I’m off my soap box. I sure am tired however of seeing the 1st pitch foul outs, pop outs and double plays.

Nonetheless, I look foward to tonight, I’ll support my team even if they lose every game. I might get a little cranky with them, but when it’s all said and done:

Geaux Braves!!

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Of course John Schuerholz’s ways have worked so far, but how do you know that some of the approaches Terry Ryan or Billy Beane take wouldn’t have benefited the Braves even more? Maybe they would, maybe they wouldn’t. I just know that the Braves’ situation has changed. They can no longer spend with the big boys and the Mets seem to be willing to outspend anyone in the division.

As far as Andruw or Giles or Hudson overvalued, I don’t know if they are now (well, I think Hudson is overvalued). But Andruw and Giles will be overvalued very soon. They’re production is likely to decline soon, given their ages. And I’m talking overvalued in terms of salary. The Braves can probably get a lot more for the money they are paying those three players. Even the best player is only worth about three or four wins. Why not get those three to four wins for a lot less money and use the left over money for even more productive players.

Of course there is more than one way to run a franchise and I can’t argue with the results of Schuerholz. But I believe it’s a different situation now and I firmly believe that one of his weaknesses is his unwillingness to give other teams’ prospects a shot.

By TennesseePaul

September 20, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000, Del: Thanks, I did not notice that. I did notice that there were no walks, at least if I remember correctly. It’s a shame. The guy is a rookie, take some pitches and see what he has. Foul off ones you don’t like. Make him earn the win. Don’t just hand it to him. Of couse, Diaz flaunts it. He’s hitting .500 on the first pitch. But that ain’t the norm. And these young Braves should remember, walks are the way to go. Just think back to the NLCS against the Mets. Without that walk… well we’d still have won, it was the Mets. But we won on a walk. A walk!

Francoeur has shown some improvement in the patience level. I hope he continues to improve. Last off-season he worked out with Andruw. McCann worked out with his dad. I’d like to see the whole team work out with McCann’s dad. If they all improve, then hire him as the hitting coach. I’m sure they will.

By Bravo Nam

September 20, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Oh brother. Just as I’m building up K. Barry, he goes out and puts in a stinker tonight. At least he’s consistently inconsistent! Came on to the scene with a bang, then sucked, then a bang, and now another big suck!

Braves will trade Hudson (will get reasonable value for him and save a bunch of money) and HoRam (save a bunch of money and get rid of an inconsistent pitcher). No way known they’ll trade Davies this coming year- he’s a local boy, young and cheap.

By NPD

September 20, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

Lew .. lew .. lew .. I was merely making a simple statement to Bob, “journalist” as was clearly noted, however I’m none surprised that it struck a note with you, or that you were impressed, but if the shoe fits wear it .. Aristotle? .. No, I would much rather embrace the bravery and Athenian thinking of Socrates!

By Carolina Gent

September 20, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks Geaux. What Del points out has been a problem all season long. It does seem as if each time we face a new pitcher, the hitters swing at the first thing they see. Where is Coach TP’s supposed “patience teaching”? Of course, by the same token, James was clearly off his game last night so we’d have had to really have our hitting shoes on to stay in the game. Perhaps the team was taking a night to protect their toes or something.

Carolina Lady, I’m on the opposite side of our fair state from you, in the mountains. It’s wonderfully fall-like up here today! Love the coast, but it’s hard to beat the mountains this time of year. :-)

To bring up yet one more topic, heard awhile back that Fredi Gonzalez and Terry Pendleton were both considered to be strong managerial candidates in the offseason. Don’t know too much about the behind-the-scenes functions of a 3B coach but wouldn’t it be nice to get the Rangers hitting instructor to come here? He seems to be thought of as one of the best out there. Or is there someone else within the organization respected by the players enough to do the job?

By 10-7-4

September 20, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

NYC#1—thanks for the info. I wonder who he is fighting in this movie—Santa Claus??

By Lew

September 20, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

NPD-Indeed, if the shoe fits. Now, I’m sure you realize, being the pseudo-intellectual that you are, that “noetic” and “hamartia”, which YOU used, are Aristotolean derivitives. However, it is obvious from your posts that you are into Greek. Surely someone of such elite intelligence and superior educational background is familiar with the Platonic concept of “Ultimate Reality”. I can assure you that in the ideal of ultimate reality, your portrait is not enshrined with the ideal of either intellect or genius. However, I’m reasonably certain your image may well represent the ideal of “poseur”.

By geauxbraves2000

September 20, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

December 22nd, 2006:

Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) steps out of retirement and back into the ring, pitting himself against a new rival decades after his initial glory. When a computer simulated boxing match declares Rocky Balboa the victor over current champion Mason “The Line” Dixon, the legendary fighter’s passion and spirit are reignited. But when his desire to fight in small, regional competitions is trumped by promoters calling for a rematch of the cyber-fight, Balboa must weigh the mental and physical risks of a high profile exhibition match against his need to be in the ring.

By TennesseePaul

September 20, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

Payne: Beans trading record isn’t the best. So, I’d say if he followed that, then it would hurt the Braves more. Moves like Hudson of Thomas and Cruz. Either for Meltdown and so forth. Moves like Ryan made don’t happed all the time. Sometimes they’re a bust. Most of the time they’re a bust. It’s only when you know you’ve got a sucker that you can really pull this off. There aren’t too many suckers left out there either. And I think everyone in the majors has realized the value of pitching. So that’s going to be even tougher to get.

But, I just don’t think JS is going to change course after one bad season out of 14. One bad season that had a weakness from the start which was exploited all year. JS’s mistake was in the lack of improvement to the pitching. He made it based on the assumption that all his starters would be healthy and good. I don’t think he’ll make that same mistake again.

I don’t believe it’s fair to say he doesn’t take a chance on other teams famrs, he got Villarreal and Cormier. Both show a lot of promise to be good. It isn’t completely impossible for him to do it. He did this by trading Estrada, who, if you recall, was a minor leaguer with the Phillies whom he trade Milwood to get.
JS takes the chances on other teams systems. I just don’t think he’s going to gamble that much this offseason on non-proven pitching. We did that all this year. This team needs more reliable pitching. He’ll have to trade a “big” name to get something really good. But I don’t think we’ll see a third of the starters traded in one off-season for 10 A ball players.

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Well, you can say the Hudson move didn’t work out, but that depends on what he used that extra money for. And Meyer is still young enough to become a quality pitcher someday.

And I don’t know if moves like Terry Ryan makes are a bust most of the time. If you have the right scouts and know what to look for, you can make moves that are less risky with young players. Pitchers are very risky, but almost all top hitting prospects become something.

But I do agree that evaluating and getting talent from other organizations is not one of Schuerholz’s strengths or he’s not willing to do it.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 20, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! journalist has hit a stinky nerve! but, so have others. hey, stinky … feel the love?

By Shaun

September 20, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Also, I think Beane knew that Hudson was going to drop off, as he showed signs of doing towards the end of his Oakland tenure.

By Lew

September 20, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

Shaun-AgainI ask the question, what do you think is wrong with OUR farm system. We have produced the likes of Chipper, Andruw, Glavine, Avery, Giles, Lemke, Blauser, Justice, James, etc, etc. There are plenty more in the pipeline. Our problem this season is that last year we called up the entire AA team to fill in the injury gaps. Half of these guys would not have seen the inside of a ML stadium for at least one or two years. The farm system is hardly bankrupt and the Braves have several players playing regularly that are in their early twenties. What’s the problem? We HAVE a young team. Hampton’s contract ends in two years. So does Chipper’s. So does Andruw’s and Giles is a free agent in a year. Smoltz contractual days are numbered. There will be plenty of salary freeing itself in a normal manner in the next couple of years. Why should we trade our best chances to get into the 07 playoffs for kids who may or may not work out, when we already have plenty of our own.

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith was dropped on his head as a baby, suffers from obsession with worms and pie and pretending to be a journalist. Oh the humanity!

By Lew

September 20, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

And Stinky suffers from the obsession of thinking that his opinions merit consideration from any concerned individuals. Talk about being infantile. You’re much more interesting in your NPD personna. At least there you appear somewhat intelligent. Even if you are still a stuffed shirt as that particular personality.

By The Grinch

September 20, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

Back again. Man, this is WAY too nice a day to be typing. Lew, that was rather harsh…like he’s ever said anything nasty to you! ;-) Geauxbraves, is that really the plot or did you make that up? Neither would surprise me; Sly’s ability to come up with unbelievably hokey crap is beyond ledgendary. I’m going to go bask in the cool sunshine for a bit. Ciao.

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Lew suffers from the need to always be right…and swings from both sides of the plate…if ya know what I mean…

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

Dependz (theres that word again) on what you mean by “feel the love”? If you’re talking about feeling the love twixt you and your hartebest, well, deal me out. You know that sort of thing is still illegal in Georgia, don’t you?

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Lew suffers from the need to always be right…and swings from both sides of the plate…if ya know what I mean…

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Looks like somebody got impatient for me to post again and posted for me at 3:32. I guess some people can’t get enough of Stinky. Maybe Jimmy’s posts aren’t all Jimmy’s.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 20, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

grinch is laying by the tomatoe plants soaking up the sun. you know, lew, this blogger took the name “stinky” from us. we gave it and we can take it back. can’t recall all the names he used before except when he was using ours. let’s not let him be stinky anymore. he can use one of his other identities for his tirade. morons come in many sizes and shapes. bet he is feeling the love today …

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

3:51 post not mine.

By TennesseePaul

September 20, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Payne: Bean didn’t have a lot of extra money from that move. He traded Hudson when Hudson was making less than 4 million. He traded Hudson because he knew, like he knows now with Zito, that he isn’t going to be able to afford him on the free agent market. Hudson was in his last year of arbitration when he was traded. Instead of arbitrating, he signed a contract extension.

I haven’t read JS’s book yet. I intend to. But I’ve heard he talks about the Hudson deal in there. Apparently he wasn’t too keen on signing a big contract. I have a filling Hudson will be traded. I think that was the plan. But I think they were hoping Hudson would pitch well and therefore increase, or at least maintain, his trade value.

Lew: Nice point. I don’t see much wrong with our system. There are some talented youngsters down there. They don’t need to be near the top right now because the top is very young as well. I think Smoltz will be resigned for a few more years though. I see no reason not to. He’s a franchise icon. He’s still good. He’s a local land mark. And he’s good for the young guys. But Hampton’s contract won’t be renewed. I can’t imagine it anyway. They’ll be plenty of spare change around to do quite a bit. The Braves need pitching. Pitching, pitching and more pitching. I hope they spend the winter getting it.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 20, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

string is another word that has gotten some play. still got that string in your nose? savant to know the truth. you appear less intelligent than the sda - are you the child impostor? never know who we’re blogging with anymore since you guys came around. not to worry, the end of the month is approaching and your cable service will be lost. where will you go for amusement? not much love for you on the blog, is there? dob was right: nobody likes you.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 20, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

not much fun here right now. journalist will let him blog with himself.

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

jimmy, no more psycho babble, go play with your legos.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 20, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

journalist confesses to blogging as stinky. journalist is hipocritical poser who actually takes advantage of his fellow journalists by using other identities to insult fellow journalists. journalist practices all of the things that he decries as unseemly, just for the sake of manipulation of blog. beware this journalist.

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

I knew it!

By journalist jimmy smith

September 20, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

stinky, you are nothing but low life. journalist will leave and play with himself.

By Stinky

September 20, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

You’re going to go play with yourself? You might want to keep that little detail to yourself jimmy, Oh the humanity!

By John

September 20, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Hampton and Hudson are beyond redemption and any staff that relies on them will be a loser.The Braves made two disastrous decisions in signing each of them to big, long term deals. The team needs to eat these losses and buy some young talent for the starting rotation and the pen. The failure to do that last winter is the reason the Braves have lost this year. Winning take money and the management with the guts to spend it.

By NPD

September 20, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Lew .. skip to my lew .. Lew, I must say that I initially overestimated your intellectual capacity—but the more you post, the more evident it becomes that you’re barely above average intelligence—also, lew, before you embarass yourself any further with your nescient attempt at using “noetic” and “hamartia” in the context that you did … you might want to research them a little more than just a quick Google!

By dadgum

September 20, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

It is a real shame that the old “Expos” relocated to DC. Living in Richmond less than 2 hours away from RFK I would never give attending a Braves game up there a thought. The hassle isn’t worth it and frankly it isn’t worth it living in DC. DOB is right calling it “that armpit of a stadium” but believe it or not that is being nice.

The real shame in all the relocation mess is the deal MLB struck with Peter Angelos whom you may recall was getting his drawers in a wad about another MLB team in “his” market. The Orioles are a moribund franchise and most likely will always remain as such in terms of being competitive so why the hell does MLB cater to him every time he cries foul. The bottom line for Braves fans which I will say far out number National fans in this area is that all telecasts involving the Nationals are blacked out for a 100 mile radius. Richmond is “maybe” close to that at best but no Braves games are shown involving Nationals even if they are playing at the Ted. Yeah that makes great sense.

All this means that the city that is home to the Richmond Braves can’t view the parent team except for perhaps 35 games next year. There is no Turner South or whatever to carry non TBS games here. Any TBS scheduled games involving the Nationals won’t be shown. Perhaps a stray ESPN Wed. night game or NBC weekend game will be shown but that is about it. The Braves are moving away from being America’s team but they will always be my team. To quote Dylan ” the times they are a changin’”.

By D'Andre

September 20, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

Trading Kyle Davies would be a stupid mistake. He is only 22 years old, so he is going to go through some growing pains sometimes. He is also coming off a groin injury. That could really throw off your leg drive. Meaning lower velocity and your control would be off. The person I would trade is Tim hudson. mainly because Ramiez is young and showed a lot of promise. You just don’t trade John Smoltz period. Hampton you cannot trade coming off Tommy John surgery. Chuck James looks like the second coming of Tom Glavine. speaking of Tom Glavine I assume that he would come back to Atlanta next year. The rotation might look something like this.

1.John smoltz 2.Tom glavine 3.Chuck James 4.Haricio Ramiez 5.Mike Hampton The Bullpen lrp.Kyle Davies L.Will Startup mr.Blaine Boyer mr.Tyler Yates su.Mcay Mcbride su.Joey Devine Cl.Bob Wickman I also believe that you would see Phil Stockman, Anthony Lerew, Kevin Barry, MattWright and Matt Harrison(minor league starters)

By Head Coach

September 21, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

Trading starting pitching is ALWAYS a bad idea , ALWAYS.

By Lewse lips sink ships

September 21, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

Yea Head like trading away Albie Lopez, Russ Ortiz, Sosa, etc…

By Carroll

September 21, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

I’m not a huge Davies fan, but at this point it makes a lot more sense to keep him and try to trade Huddy or Hampton or Ramirez first. Mainly because of budget constraints, getting rid of the dissapointing and/or oft-injured Huddy, Hampton and Rammirez just makes sense. Plus, at this point in their careers it seems like there’s more of a chance for improvement from the young Davies (see John Smoltz early in his career), whereas you already know what you’re gonna get from the other three, and it aint that great.

By Chris

September 21, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves need to trade Ramirez. He is starting to resemble another former Brave who had lots of talent but just couldn’t ever put it all together - Odalis Perez. Aside from his 1st year in the bigs Ramirez has been inconsistent and injury prone. He shows us his usual flashes of brilliance, but more often than not he was horrible out there. Also Ramirez never wins important games, whenever the Braves need him to deliver he goes 2-3 innings and gets yanked because he was shelled. I also think it should be Ramirez who is traded because the Braves won’t get anything for Hampton (his is getting paid way more than he is worth) and while I have been disapointed with Hudson I think he still has a couple of good seasons left.

With Hampton and Chuck James already in the rotation why would the Braves keep a 3rd lefty? I like Kyle Davies a lot more than Ramirez. Kyle is younger and with 2 years behind him and being able to fully recover from the groin injury, I think he will be more consistent next year.

With Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Davies & James as the starting 5 I think the Braves will be at least top ten in pitching.

By Robert

September 21, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

“Francoeur has shown some improvement in the patience level”

Um, wrong. Francoeur’s walk rate is worse than it was in ‘05.

I think that Francoeur is a decent ballplayer, but if he follows the track record for Atlanta’s home-grown long-term keepers, we likely will never see him improve significantly

Chipper, Andru, Javy, and Furcal are good examples - good ballplayers all, but never got better as they matured

Klesko did - after he left the Braves

So, what does it say when a team has an inability to see it’s young players continue to develop and improve?

You guessed it - It says that they have a donkey as manager

By TONE-TONE

September 22, 2006 06:03 AM | Link to this

Why do everyone like Tyler Yates. This guy sucks. I can’t remember when the last time he has come into a game and had a 1-2-3 inning. I hold my breath when this guy picture is showned warming up. I hate this guy.

Given Hampton and Ramirez history of injuries, the Braves would be betteroff to keep all of their pitchers. After all, the bull-pen can use any help they can get. Heck, I may try out next year.

It’s a shame! just 7 more wins and the Braves woul have been in the play-offs. For example, their current record as of 9/21/06, they are 75-78. Seven more wins would have boost their record to, 82-71. Remember,7 more wins would equal 7 less loses.