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 |