Braves

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

You really didn’t have to bring up this date in 1996.

By Head Coach

October 26, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

The world series from hell , David thats freaking funny. Honestly , I will be shocked if Glavine takes the buyout. The Yankees problems are obvious , to many chiefs and not enough indians on that team. Giles to Cleveland ? maybe we can get Andy Marte back , I’m just kidding.

By geauxbraves2000

October 26, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

I’m not at all giddy about the prospect of trading Giles. He’s a great defensive 2nd baseman with some pop, and relatively cheap in today’s standards. Plus he brings an energy to this team that others do not, ie, Chipper. (Chipper a great player and all that, but he seems to be so apathetic at times.) I think the Braves need Giles on that team.

Geaux Braves!!

By Kentavo

October 26, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Glavine is not coming back. Nobody does that kind of sentimental thing anymore when you can grab more $$ elsewhere.

By tyyosh

October 26, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Prediction: Glavine will be back.

About that ‘96 series. Everyone remembers the Game 4 slider to Leyritz, but no one ever mentions the outfield umpire falling asleep in the 6th inning, blocking Jermaine Dye’s path to an easy foul fly ball that then dropped. That hitter (Cecil Fielder?) got a hit, and the Yankees went on to score 3 runs, paving the way for the 8th inning blow.

By Head Coach

October 26, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

DOB , would you do me a favor ? A certain blogger seem to be questioning my knowledge of past events in the Braves history. If you have the opportunity to talk to Jimmy Leyland sometime during this world series and if the slightest chance comes up , ask him about the Barry Bonds/Andres Thomas trade proposal way back in 1987-88 that was initiated by the Pirates. nobody seems to believe my intimate knowledge and if you can’t or the opportunity doesnt present itself I won’t hold it against you , thanks.

By StartANewStreak

October 26, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

I agree that I’m not excited about losing Giles, but I think it’s unfair to downplay the contribution Chipper has on the team’s attitude. It seems every year we hear about Chipper taking one of the younger players under his wing to help them along, LaRoche being one of the more recent examples. Obviously I’m not attributing LaRoche’s breakout season to Chipper Jones, but I do think it’s fair to say he probably learned a good bit from one of the best hitters in the game.

By Vikingsouth

October 26, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

With all due respect, the Braves need to trade Chipper while he still has value as a hitter. He’s injured playing the field half the time, but some American League team could sure use his bat as a DH. I would say play him at first, but LaRoche really came on last year. As for Andruw, let him go. His loyalty to the Braves onlys extends to the point that they pay him double what he’s worth. Why pay a guy Alex Rodriguez money just to make Alex Rodriguez outs when it matters? The Braves have some good young position players. They need to make the tough trades and get some good young arms to go with them.

By tvsportscaster

October 26, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

It won’t even take 7 to 8 million dollars for Glavine to come back. If the Braves offer him 5 million bucks he’ll probably do it. Afterall, the guy has only made over 100 million bucks in his career. I don’t think money will be the underlying factor in him coming back, his family will. I’d be shocked if he doesn’t return.

By Damn The Yankees

October 26, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

I agree with Stinky, please don’t mention this date in 1996.

By The Stranger

October 26, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

…formerly know as Ptown Bravo. I need a new identity here on the Braves & Man In Black Blog like Homeboy needs a new leadoff guy.

Have been in sequestration since dynasty’s official end - cold turkey on wry, booze & pills, American V just loud enough to draw tears, and a John Thomson-like aversion to anything baseball related. Thought I’d turned the corner. Thought I was past the pain. Thought I’d stop by for a cup of baseball nirvana from the greatest baseball scribe the AJC has ever known. Then the flashback to ‘96, like someone peeing on my favorite rug. Now, firsthand and finally, I know the terrible hurt that Sheff so often feels.

And yet, like the DOB, I must abide.

That Jim Edmonds has been more clutch than both of the Jones Boys is hard to stomach, even if it’s a statistical certainty. Maybe he’ll drop some eggs on the scorecard in his last 15-20 AB’s in this interminable series. But even if he doesn’t, even if he clutches up and puts on an MVP show against the Tigers, I will still go on the record as saying he never met Will Rogers. Yeah, I think it’s safe to say. Never did and never will - don’t care how many times he breaks wrong on a routine fly only to lay flat out for the pleasure of Joe Buck.

Nice to pop in today and see that the David O’Brien Braves & The Man In Black Blog is still humming. In the immortal words of The Stranger: The DOB abides. I don’t know about you but I take comfort in that. It’s good knowin’ he’s out there. The DOB. Takin’ ‘er easy for all us sinners.

By fjensen

October 26, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

My memory was that the pirates wanted Andre Thomas. The Braves demanded Bonds and that was the end of it. Earlier the Padres had offered Roberto Alomar, John Kruk and a decent pitcher for an aging Dale Murphy. Cox demanded Sandy Alomar and that ended those discussions. Trying to get too sweet of a deal.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

stinky coming at us from all sides - all kinds of names. the name stinky is too good for him. he should revert back to his other blog names. since this journalist named him stinky this journalist now takes the name back and will henceforth and forever call him “fruit cup”. maybe dob will tell us how fruit cup signed his letter to the ajc. bet his real name is percy. now, dob … pie should never be skipped. on a cold and rainy night go for hot pie and coffee. advice from the journalist - no charge. and what of the cheese sampler before the game? and is the old journalist on this trip?

By Andy

October 26, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

Andruw and Chipper will not allow a trade anywhere…okay. There is no trade… Andruw will play out his last year of the contract in the comforts of home. Sign a big, big, big contract with the angels or Boston or whoever. It sucks and pains me to accept—but people keep saying trade chipper or dump Andruw and get something for him. I don’t think anyone will trade for Chipper with the injury history and Andruw does not need to leave until the season is over with. Gary Schef. will never be happy until he get ‘Bonds’ type status—if he is talked about as the most feared hitter in baseball AND he gets paid more than A-rod. Then he would be like…. FINALLY you people see the light…not wow thank you so much….With the way people keep talking..I think we’ll know what glavine and the mets are doing in the next two weeks right? So at least we’ll know soon.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

Welocme back, P’town Stranger. Tvsportscaster, if his family was the underlying factor, he never would have left. If you’ll recall, he wasn’t exactly broke then and we offered him about what he was worth at that time.

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Howdy, Stranger! Enjoyed reading your post! And you’re right: it is good knowing that DOB is out there! :-)

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

Andy, you’re right _ I think we’ll know quickly on Glav this time around, not draw this thing out until December like those painful and ugly negotiations after the 2002 season.

You all will be happy to know (at least I think you will) that it’s not raining right now. Just a little mist and overcast, but it looks like _ knock on wood _ we’re going to play a game tonight.

My god, if this thing goes into next week i’ll have be3en on the road three weeks to cover two series, half as long as spring training lasts. And I’ll have changed at least four flights and four hotel reservations due to rainouts.

I know, you don’t care. I don’t blame you.

Man, do I wish this was 10 years ago and I could fire up a cigar sitting here in this open-air pressbox on a chilly October night … alas, political correctness prevails.

Enjoy the game.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, the old journalist wouldn’t happen to be Furman Bisher, would it?

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

Grinch, good point about Tom G. regarding assertion that money won’t matter. it will. still. just maybe not as much as it did before. not quite as much. maybe.

By Daybed Wagmoe

October 26, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

who on the indians would we pick up in exchange for giles? ol’ CC sabathia? man, i’d love to see us trade giles/langerhans for either peavy or carl crawford. i know crawford’s name always comes up, but the guy would be amazing to leadoff and play left everyday.

i’m not surprised that you said that an american league team is interested in giles. i think his hitting game would work very well in the american league, but who knows.

DOB - you ever listen to richard buckner?

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

What do these folks have in common: T.S. Eliot, Tennessee Williams, Redd Foxx, Josephine Baker and Chuck Berry.

Give up?

They’re all from St. Louis. Who knew….

Oh, and Nelly, for you contemporary types.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

DOB, I honestly wouldn’t really care if he came back, as long as he doesn’t handcuff payroll. We could certainly use a solid lefty starter. Overpaying due to sentementality when he never showed any to us is out of the question, though. I’ll smoke a cigar for ya; political correctness doesn’t go far in this house. :-)

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

Daybed, I’ve got one Richard Buckner CD from late 90s. Very interesting sound. Sort of dark, brooding stuff, right?

I saw that he just released another CD recently. Do you have it?

Can’t see D-Rays interested in Giles because of his salary, which is reasonable for most teams, but not for them, especially not since it’ll go up again sharply from more than $5 mill in 2007 to something a lot higher if he has a good season before free agency.

Sabathia? Can’t see them trading C.C.

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Nelly? Fox, right?!

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

the old journalist is the old journalist. hint: the old journalist has many awards but no wurlitzer. now, would dob have us believe the press box is all comfy and proper? no scratching, no gas, no cigars, no cheese?

what do these people have in common? jimmy carter, billy carter. miz lillian carter, and rosalynn smith carter (no relation to this journalist). plains. all from plains. go figure.

dob, it goes into next week we will have letwan’s mama send you a pie.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, either hip hop or american league. dob must dabble in hip hop during the off season to justify existence at ajc. consideration is being given to the atlanta braves man in black hip hop blog for the winter. not yet decided.

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

The only hip hop with which I’m familiar is the rabbits out back! American League knowledge isn’t much better, I’m afraid! :-)))

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, First you say that Glavine’s return is unlikely. Now, you say: Given that Glavine will get a $3 million buyout if he turns down the Mets’ offer to pick up or renegotiate his option, the Braves might possibly be able to sign him to a one-year deal for, say, $7-8 mill. Because if you combine that $7-8 mill with the $3 mill buyout, he’d in effect be getting $10-11 million for one season to live at home and get his 300th win in a Braves uniform.

Did you forget that he renegotiated his contract with the Mets for the 2006 season. Off the top of my head, he made something like 6 mill this past season. That 3 mill buyout is essentially deferred compensation.

That turncoat essentially cut the mets a lot of slack that he wouldn’t cut the Braves. Is that what you want in the Braves Clubhouse? A collaborator with the New York syndicate?

And which story do you stand by?

And, do you have a tatoo of a waffle iron somewhere on your person. Not that I care about your physical person, but you seem to be blowin’ in the wind here.

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

I wish Miss Rosalynn would post again. Loved those!! Wonder why Jimma doesn’t post? He’s a Braves fan.

By The Stranger

October 26, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

CL, Grinchy - it’s good to be home. Ain’t no southern comfort better than droppin’ by on short notice to find the best citizens of Braves’ Nation all under one roof.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

No, that old journalist is not here. no one from AJC but me. plenty of old journalists here, but not that one.

pressbox in st. louis not comfortable by any means. no heat, and we’re so high i might as well be covering the game from a plane circling overhead.

believe it or not, i can see the scoreboard from my hotel room …but not from my second-row seat in his ill-conceived pressbox. seriously. second row view goes only as high as about the fourth row of outfield seats. to see anything higher, including scoreboard, you must lower your head level with the table. not good.

no cheese or pie in pressbox. but plenty of coffee.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

Yes, I’d like a collaborator with the New York syndicate in the Braves clubhouse. Prefarably Tony Soprano, however. Although he’s a Jersey boss, he does collaborate occasionally with the families in New York.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Two tatts, but neither is a waffle iron. Although that’s something to consider.

OK, nearly gametime ladies and gents. Please pray for no rain. I’d like to come home before Thanksgiving.

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, how’s Letwan these days. Funny that you say Stinky is coming at you from all sides and with all kinds of names. Stinky has been only Stinky for quite a while now. Innuendo doesn’t look good on anybody. And stop being coy about the old journalist. There are two, maybe, three possibilities that come to mind. Drop some solid clues.

By 10-7-4

October 26, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

Evenin’ all—C. Lady, how is mom?

By The Stranger

October 26, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

Not sure who to attribute the misinformation campaign to, but after re-reading DOB’s reference to Glavine above, no where can I find a statement made that Glavine’s return is likely. Also, maybe I’m just a little old fashioned, but I was a little uncomfortable with the line of questioning about DOB’s body - weird and creepy.

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

DOB, Johnny Sack has the New York territory, even though he’s in prison. But, seriously, do you think Tom Glavine is gonna be sincere in negotiations to come back to Atlanta, or is he playing cute games because he’s so concerned about sucking that last nickel out of whoever he signs with.

The only thing I take comfort in is that if I ever meet him, I won’t have to fight the urge to knock his two front teeth out. A NY taxi took care of that for all Braves fans - Poetic Justice for a man who sucker-punched Braves fans 4 years ago.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

Stranger, uh, that line of questioning has become all too familiar from our friend. But I’m going to ignore it. Please do the same.

I was thinking the same thing, too, about what I wrote about Glavine. I don’t think I mentioned anywhere above that the Braves were likely to sign him. Thanks for confirming as much.

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

Stranger, good handle. Wish I’d thought of that. You were velvet in your earlier post until you started sounding you and DOB needed a room. The crux of the tattoo/physical person comment was that I felt DOB was going back and forth about Glavine. You know, waffling. Sorry you didn’t get that.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

Is that really true, Stinky? If so, he’s even worse than I thought.

Stranger, a little 80-proof SoCo would still accentuate it, though. :-)

DOB, the won’t let you smoke cigars but they still let you get high?

Y’all, there’s so much good music in the world and they spend so much time and money picking it out for the WS; why does it have to blow? Ziggy Marley. Yeah, nothing says baseball like watered-down Reggae. That stuff they played during that Cardinals montage sounded like Captain & Tenille. That Nina girl looked smokin’ hot, but even more so with the mute button on. And why do R&B singers have to see how many new notes they can add onto the national anthem? I liked it just fine the way it was.

Jimmy Smith, did you know a “Sweeping curve” goes from one side of the plate to the other while breaking? Me neither, ‘till Scooter the talking baseball told me. There’s no more imagination now than there ever used to be, age of information or no.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Stinky, since you did ask a serious question above (that post just came up when I refreshed), yes, I think he sincerely wants to come back. And the Braves would like to have him. It’s just going to come down to whether he’ll do it for the price they’re willing to pay. And that, I don’t have a feel for yet, but I still think it’s unlikely. Now, that might possibly change if, say, the Braves decide to raise their payroll just by a few million. Could make the difference. Again, I don’t know yet. Too early. But when I wrote that last week about Glavine, it was how I viewed the situations _ unlikely. I still wouldn’t call it likely. Just being honest and saying I don’t know right now.

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I don’t know that you’d want to try to punch Glavine. He was a damn good hockey player in his day, and still only 40, so he can probably still scrap a bit.

Grinch, I agree on the anthem singing. Why do some feel the need to do the Mariah Carey vocal gymnastics routine?

By MEB

October 26, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

DOB… someday you must give us a report as to the best and worst pressbox accomodations. So if you want a bite to eat you have to pay ballpark prices? Will the per diem provided by AJC cover the cost of a hot dog and cold drink?

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

okay, fruit cup, if you say so. you’ve been only stinky for some time now. how did you sign your whiney little letter? will you send a letter to dob’s mama, too? maybe his ex? stalk away, fruit cup. lew has you figured out - whiney and insignificant. now, you’ve been around a long time and some of us know your original moniker so don’t be coy. if we’re going to match wits you are at a disadavantage. of course, you’re probably used to that, right? now, fruit cup, this journalist has had this journalist’s say and will ignore you for a time while hoping you will not stalk jimmy smith like you do dob and approach journalist in a men’s room. probably fruit cup’s problem is that he is once again sitting alone at a table for two. understandable.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

Man, Bonderman just made Pujols look like a fool on three pitches.

By Lew

October 26, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Whiny Little Jerk.

By 10-7-4

October 26, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

Grinch-my favorite national anthem was simple but powerful. It was a guy named Tommy Loy, and he used to play the trumpet before the Dallas Cowboys games. Sometimes, change is not for the best.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Mariah Carey; oh, lord. Many a calf was aborted in nearby fields when that woman took a stab at the anthem.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

mike lum also sang a good national anthem.

By Lew

October 26, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

I still contend that the best National Anthem rendition was Ella Fitzgerald at one of the early Bronco Super Bowls. The echoe was terrible but she played it like it was an instrument in counterpoint. Totally amazing.

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

Glavine has the look of a hockey player now. No need for me to get involved in his makeover to money-grubbing thug. He’s there.

By MEB

October 26, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

35… I must agree with Tommy Loy as he was fantastic and was part of a class organization. Oh my, how things have changed.

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

Grinch’s political leaning. “What is Libertarian?”

By KJ

October 26, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Dave, any thoughts about the Boras comments in the AJC (re: Andruw) earlier this week?

Would seem to indicate that the Braves might look to trade him this off-season, imo.

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

Hey, 35!!!! Thanks for asking! We’re doing appointments, appointments, and more appointments. Still.

Due to a serious gum infection many years ago, she had to have all her teeth removed. Her upper dentures are fine, but the bottom ones hurt so she quit wearing them sometime last April while in the nursing home. At times it can be very difficult to understand her speech which is also impaired somewhat by the previous strokes she’s had.

She has so much bone loss that there isn’t enough of the lower ridge left for dentures to adhere to so we’ll be having 2 implants implanted (that’s not redundant, is it??) to which a denture will be attached. (Lots of fun to come!)

Before we went to the dentist’s office yesterday I made a big pot of vegetable beef soup for supper. While in the waiting room, we were talking about going home to get some good hot soup. And she said, “With grits!”

After a moment of puzzled silence, I asked, “With grits?” She said, “Yeah.”

Nobody said anything for several more minutes, and I asked,”You want GRITS with your SOUP?”

Again, she said “yes, grits!” But this time she held her thumb and forefinger in a circle and said, “The crackers!”

RITZ crackers!! We all just howled!!
:-))))

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, your last post regarding fruit cup sounded a little passive-aggressive. First you vent at fruit cup, then you say you will ignore fruit cup. If your your words had iron, and you were really into rising above someone you actually had the moral high ground on, maybe you would have just ignored fruit cup from the start. Instead, you showed a nasty side of yourself that you would probably like to hide from the world. Have a nice night and enjoy the game.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t Tommy Loy the drummer for Motley Crue? Just kidding. I’ll see if I can find it. One of the people who surprised me recently was when Trisha Yearwood sang it about 6-8 years ago. I despise “New Country,” but she did it in a pure, sweet, powerful voice with no embellishments. Right on. The only departure I usually accept is Hendrix, and he’s not appropriate for a sporting event. I admit to breaking him out every forth, though, by wheeling every speaker I have in the house (which is a considerable number) out onto the front porch and driving my next door neighbor nuts while swilling some cold brew. I have an extended live version I often play in a loop.

By 10-7-4

October 26, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

C. Lady - I love my Ritz crackers too! I have some with peanut butter almost every day. Tell ‘mom’ I don’t eat my grits with soup either.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Actually, Stinky, I avoid politics like the plague (especially since I’m not allowed to vote). They’re all corrupt in my opinion. However, that’s a close a guess as any. Like Aleister Crowley once said: “Do what thou wilt shalt be the whole of the law.” Of course, that only applies to people with a modicum of sense. I’m not an advocate of anarchy.

By 10-7-4

October 26, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Good ole Grinch—‘the neighbor from hell’.

By 10-7-4

October 26, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

MEB- I used to really like the Cowboys back in the days of Landry, Staubach, rapid Robert Hayes etc. etc. There isn’t quite the class there now. It’s a shame.

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Grinch, corrupt or stupid.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

I do my part, 35; that’s what he gets for cranking up his 2-cycle weedeater every Saturday morning at about 8 when I’ve got a hangover. An eye for an eye. :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

35, try peanut butter cheez-its, too. most excellent though hard to peanut butter a cheez-it. now, carolina lady’s mama might enjoy some cornbread with the soup. crumble, crumble. and should cornbread contain sugar? this is a question for all bloggers. journalist thinks not. journalist also favors yellow corn meal. this journalist might pull for glavine in certain match-ups (wink, wink). think glavine would hit a girl? now, national anthem … maybe they do it differently in st. louis. who remembers mccarver as a cracker? buchek, gagliano, shannon, journalist bob …

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Actually, I should have said all politicians are corrupt and/or stupid. Neither condition is exclusive of the other. But one of the two is required.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

one can learn much from watching the game on television. did you see that shot of the cardinals’ dugout? journalist has noted the difference in managers tony larussa and famous bobby cox - while in the dugout larussa puts his fingers in gloves.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Stinky, I’d love to take that question and run with it; believe me. However, I promised long ago not to bring up politics in this blog, and I’m nothing if not a man of my word. Like Scarface said: “De only two tings I got in dis world are my word and my b%$#s, an’ I don’t break neither of dem for nobody.”

Journalist Jimmy, cornbread should ABSOLUTELY NOT have sugar in it. Onions, yes. Hot peppers, depends on the company. No sugar. That’s a yankee thing, like ketchup on eggs.

35, you trying to say T.O., Parcells and Jerry Jones aren’t classy? Shame on you. :-)

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Sugar in the cornbread??? Not in my kitchen!

By Scalp 'em Braves

October 26, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Dave - great, thought provoking post, as usual. I went straight to the box, without reading the other posts. I’ll look at them in a minute.

I know you are in the eye of misery (weather wise). I know it is miserable for the players to stand/hit/pitch/run in the rain. But, I think this has been a great, competitive WS. Guess the snooty types in NY and on the left coast don’t feel it’s worthy of watching. Me, I’m a baseball guy, even if my Bravos aren’t in it, and I’m watching. We’ve seem some great pitching and some decent hitting at times. Always a formula for a great series.

On Sheffield. I didn’t want the Braves to sign him because of all of the negative stuff I had heard/seen/read about him over the years. Have to hand it to him, though, he was great during the season. During the post-season, he stunk, and I knew when he came up to bat in critical situations, I knew we were screwed, and he didn’t do anything to change my mind on that. He is griping now about “only” making $13 million next year with the Stankees? He should be charged with robbery. If it weren’t Stein-Stupid shelling this money out, I would have a problem with his being paid this ridiculous sum. I would otherwise love to see him test the free agent market and find out no one is willing to pay him more than $3- $5 million. As my grandaddy said of those who “just don’t get it”, “f**k em and feed ‘em to the fish” (and yes, he did say that - he was never one to mince words or be politically correct, even in front of a 10 year old kid).

Will comment on Braves moves later. Right now, the Tigers are up by one in the top of the 6th. Hoping it stays that way so my man Todd Jones (fellow Alabamian) can take the hill and get the save.

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Watch this Rodney kid; he can pitch. Would we had him in our bullpen.

By 10-7-4

October 26, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Sir journalist jimmy,— I remember those ‘crackers’. I also remember Johnny Lewis, Bob Burda, Bob Duliba etc. etc. Do you remember Ed Thilenius[sp]?? He did the games when they were on tv. Brought to you by ‘Khan’s’, the weiner the world awaited!!

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Told Y’all. He came in with one out and atruck the first batter out with nothing but change-ups, and the second guy with four straight change-ups and ploished him off with a 97-mph fastball. Filthy.

35, did you know Kahn’s makes Krystal’s pups? Kahn’s, Sabrett, Nathan and Hebrew National make the best dogs in my opinion (not necc. in that order).

By David O'Brien

October 26, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Just saw something I can’t remember seeing in a press box. A fan threw his towel into the pressbox and asked a writer in the row just below me to sign it.

But then, I think Mitch Albom has more fans than your trusty correspondent.

By Scalp 'em Braves

October 26, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady - could not agree with you more - no sugar, honey or anything else sweet in my cornbread - just eggs, milk, oil, cornmeal, salt, pepper and (my secret ingredients) sour cream and canned creamed corn in mine - best damned corn bread you ever ate.

On Marcus Giles - I have resigned myself to the notion that he is being shopped - I hate that, because I think he is a “throwback” (i.e, good, solid second baseman, in the Hubbard/Lemke (aka “Dirt”) mold, but I think he has more talent (offensively) than either of them. He’s not the best in the league defensively, but he’s pretty damned good. I don’t think anybody we have waiting in the wings in the minors can produce like him in the next year or two. I say pay him the several million he will command. But, who the hell cares what I think?

On Tommy G. I loved him while he was here - always a tough competitor, and outside of post season, was damned good for us. I wasn’t nearly as upset management let him go as I was over letting Mad Dog leave. We could not afford to give him the 4 year contract he wanted. As it turned out, the Muts only got one good year (2006) out of him - the other two were sub par. My thought is that if we could bring him back on a one year contract (who, in their right mind would sign a guy his age to a multi-year contract, other than perhaps Stein-Stupid) for a reasonable price, bring him back. I would love to see him pitch 300 in a Braves cap, and would really like to see all three of our aces go into the HOF with the A on their hat.

By Scalp 'em Braves

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

By the way - gotta say, the stench of Stinky’s comments turns me off - since last night, I have skipped over any post from him, and any responsive post (including Dave’s) that mentions his name. Giving credence/recognition/response to an idiot like him only feeds his fire. Ignore his comments and he will go away, or sit in his own little corner of waste.

Damn - Guillen just stole 2nd on Molina - after a perfect throw. Tigers may be pull this one out.

By 10-7-4

October 26, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end—oh well, nite all.

By Scalp 'em Braves

October 26, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

Red’s daughter can sing, and did “God Bless America” proud - no hip hop or Mariah Carey type changes

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Scalp, how much sour cream? Haven’t tried that. Sounds good!

By Stinky

October 26, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t Mitch Albom in the Spiderman movie?

By Scalp 'em Braves

October 26, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady - here is the recipe for “Charlie’s Cornbread” (passed down to me from my grandmother - God rest her soul - died in 2004 at age 92 - one hell of a great southern cook)

1 cup self rising cornmeal 1 small can cream corn 2 eggs 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup veg oil mix all ingredients together, pour into a heated greased iron skillet and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

Sorry to clog the blog with a recipe, but us cornbread lovers gotta stick together.

I cannot frickin believe another Tiger’s pitcher has made another error!!

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Much appreciated, Scalp! A shared treasure! :-))

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the Cards are up 4-3 and Rodney made an error, but what about four k’s for 5 batters faced? Filthy.

Scalp ‘em, nothing wrong with recipes here; this is not your average blog. I forgot to mention earlier corn is quite acceptable, as well.

By TommyB

October 26, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Fans of ‘Old Boy’ Alert

Davey O, Grinch, et.al… I just discovered that Old Boy was eithe the first or second installment in a trilogy. Third was one called “Lady of Vengeance,” which I just ordered.

Back to the game…

PS - I LOVE this series. I don’t care who wins. I just hope it goes seven.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

scalp ‘em is wise. jimmy smith will heed the advice. now, ed thilenius was old when jimmy smith was young. does 35 remember joe nossek when he played for the braves? seemed to be a can’t miss but missed. occassionally this journalist frequents a bbq establishment that puts cracklins’ in the cornbread. journalist eats them but doesn’t think about it. sorta the way of the souse mean and journalist bob. and where is journalist bob? carolina lady, please send this journalist’s greeting to bob. and now, baseball … the cardinals are giving the tigers all they want. too bad the braves could not be there for this one. adam wainwright has entered the game!

By flbravesgirl

October 26, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

35, I assure you that loud music does not make Grinch “the neighbor from hell”. I know this because the true neighbors from hell lived next door to me a few years ago. Loud music would have been the least of my worries. It was really, really bad.

That experience is one of the reasons I’m moving to rural NE Georgia in 1-2 years. Closing on a house with almost 3 acres tomorrow morning. Will I have to change my name to gabravesgirl when I move?

By Scalp 'em Braves

October 26, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

<~~~ admits gets totally lost by JJS’ posts! Though does understand, and accept, a southerner’s affinity for cracklin cornbread - I just cannot let on to my wife, a dietician, that I have fallen off the wagon and consumed fried pork skin! But, damn that crunch and taste is good!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

journalist is off to make some cornbread (after the game - great game by the way). not sure journalist has ever had any cornbread with sour cream. now, biscuits … buttermilk? white lilly? this journalist cannot, repeat cannot, make good biscuits. jimmy smith’s mama could make great biscuits but it was a little of this and a little of that and this journalist didn’t care to learn to make them - only eat them. now, jimmy smith wishes jimmy smith had learned some secrets. old boy. same as old journalist? hip hop? american league? tabby cat? oh, movie dob recommended, right?

By journalist jimmy smith

October 26, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

scalp ‘em, a journalist jimmy smith post that is hard to follow? oh, the humanity! this journalist will never win a wurlitzer like this.

the cardinals have taken the lead! the cardinals have taken the lead!

By Carolina Lady

October 26, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Good night, all! The clock goes off early! :-)

jjs - will do!

By nathan

October 26, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

DOB

This is a rule I’ve never quite understood. What the hell does it matter that there is a runner at first base and LESS THAN 2 OUTS that doesn’t allow a batter to take 1st base on a wild pitch 3rd strike?

I understand the Infield fly rule with less than 2 outs. But IMO, if you’re gonna throw a slider (or any breaking ball) in the dirt with 2 strikes, and the catcher can’t hang on to it. I’m not sure it should matter if there is a runner at 1st base and less than 2 outs.

Waddya know?! A little guy like Eckstein with a big hit. (questionable defense - but he made CONTACT none the less).

By nathan

October 26, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

So judging by your last post DOB, you’ve never lived the Rockstar Life and signed some cleavage?

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

not the braves, 35, the crackers! oh, the humanity! the wurlitzer is slipping away from jimmy smith. journalist must get more sleep. diane lane calls at all hours. now, will the cardinals win this game? wainwright looks good, huh? curveball like who?

By nathan

October 27, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

OK, sorry to be absent all night and then post 3 times in a row! (I know, typical for me).

But, DAMN wouldn’t Wainwright look a MILLION times better throwing that curveball in a Braves uniform? :-)

By Scalp 'em Braves

October 27, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

since I am in a cooking mood, here is the recipe for the best biscuits ever (honed by trial and error by yours truly over the years)

1 3/4 cups self rising flour (White Lily, of course- no self respectig southern cook would use anything else); 1/2 cup Amish Butter (can use regular salted butter, but it doesn’t have the butter fat or flavor that the Amish butter does); 3/4 cup of milk (if you use buttermilk, add about 1/2 tesspon baking soda to take the bitterness out); cut the butter into the flour until “pebbly” - GENTLY stir in the milk - GENTLY press out onto lightly floured surface and cut biscuits - place into pan with sides of biscuits touching - bake for about 15 minutes at 475 degrees (a few ninutes less in convection oven) - melt about 1/4 cup of butter and paint tops of biscuits, place back in oven for 3-4 minutes until tops are brown.

OK - no more recipes - seems the Tigers have found the recipe for disaster tonight!

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

That wasn’t Zumaya’s fault..he got robbed on the previous call that should’ve been strike 3 and his left fielder misplayed the next one. Oh, the humanity! Did y’all see him hit 102 on the next pitch?

Flb-soon to be ga-girl, what part of the state are you moving to? And do tell what was worse about you neighbors than loud music…tease us not.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

Scalp’em Braves, Stop using my name to get places.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

TommyB, thanks for the heads up; I’ll investigate.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

in some gated neighborhoods goats are roasted in a pit in the front yard. this may be objectionable behavior to some in the neighborhood. once, john smoltz did not like his neighbor whose garage cast a shadow over john smoltz’ pool. now there are carp swimming in the pool and a small seal is an occassional house guest. this journalist had blue worms in his yard earlier this year and found them to be objectionable. now, flbravesgirl, deliverance was filmed in ne ga. there may be surprises awaiting. whoa!

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

I must admit, I’m a little dissapointed (though not surprised) that someone who shall not be named didn’t respond to my last comment about their personal worth…I thought they were the king of that sort of thing. No real surprise there.

By Daybed Wagmoe

October 27, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

DOB - the richard buckner that i have is his self-titled cd, which is mostly (if not entirely) him and acoustic guitar, and “dents and shells,” which is excellent — it has a band, much more “sound” to it, and sounds like some older REM stuff. yeah, kinda dark and brooding, but some really good stuff.

can’t say i have the new one - i’ve heard the clips on itunes, and what i’ve heard is good. he’s coming to athens in a couple of weeks, so i’m looking forward to that. i kinda think of him as making music similar to that of ryan adams and jeff tweedy, but he seems more down-to-earth and less douche baggy than those two.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

let’s hope that was not leyland throwing in the towel earlier. dob, this is not all that unusual. famous race car driver richard petty used to drive with a towel in his mouth. he would often autograph the towel for adoring fans. journalist thinks grinch may have one, not sure. at the end, ol’ richard would throw up in the car so it became less a treasure (wink, wink). now, biscuits and gravy … is there a good gravy recipe out there?

By flbravesgirl

October 27, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

Rabun County, Grinch, the NE corner of the state. Home of the Foxfire museum, the Dillard House (very overrated) and Tallulah Gorge.

Now, neighbors-from-hell: Keep in mind this is a nice, quiet, middle-class family neighborhood. They turned the house, pool and yard into a garbage dump. At one point, 11 people were living in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house. The husband was arrested multiple times for domestic violence. The cops showed up on a weekly basis. Various members of the household would have screaming fights at the top of their lungs using the foulest language imaginable daily, usually in the front yard. They were scamming insurance and workmans comp. We suspect they were dealing in stolen property and possibly drugs. The wife made it clear she did not like me or my family and tiptoed around the edges of being threatening towards us. People would come and go, yelling and slamming doors all night long. After one all-night party, we were awakened at 5 am by the husband, his little boy and another guy beating a man with aluminum bats in the middle of the street. He almost died and is permanently disabled. They skipped town shortly after.

Trust me, loud music is no big deal.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, Cabrito is quite the tasy dish…can’t help it; I’m a baa-aaad boy. Ned Beatty is not likely to inhabit her neighborhood. No worries, Flb.

By nathan

October 27, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

flbravesgirl

Did the husband walk around with no shirt on, a cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other?

I think I saw him on C.O.P.S.! LOL!….sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Sounds like a pleasent time for you.

By flbravesgirl

October 27, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this

nathan, you probably did see him on COPS. He’s wanted in more than one state.

jimmy, I believe some of Deliverance was indeed filmed there. However, everyone I’ve met there has been very nice (unlike Florida these days).

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this

“Cooking your own cabrito can be real simple—if you want to dig a hole in your yard, as purists insist. All you need is a three-foot-deep pit with a mesquite or oak fire raging in it. Wrap a skinned cabrito in a gunnysack bound with wire and set the meat in the pit. Cover it with dirt to seal in the heat and let it cook all day. The cabrito will be smoke-seasoned and tender by nightfall.”

there, another recipe. that’s three today - a new baseball-blog record. of course, the secret to good goat is in the sauce. that recipe is proprietary.

now, has grinch gotten someone’s goat? appears so.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

Flbgirl, good choice. Your county borders the two counties of my nativity (I was born at Habersham county hospital, though our home was in Cleveland (White Co.). Welcome to my homeland. If I ever make enough, I plan on buying/building a cabin up in that area. You must check out Unicoi state park; their cabins are wonderful and not overpriced (though you have to reserve them well in advance).

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this

Well, that’s it, time to go enjoy some of the postgame refreshments/food (at the media/corporate sponsors/team employees postgame party), sign some … uh, nothing, and pray for a Cardinals win simply so I can come home Saturday instead of flying to snowy Detroit. I know i’m supposed to be impartial and I’d like to see my man Jimmy Leyland win another title, but these are extenuating circumstances.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

Don’t turn me in, Jimmy; they wouldn’t have appreciated that goat anyway. :-) There are no mesquite trees in my yard, but plenty of oak. I have a mighty one (approx. 150 years old) right outside my back door. Now I’m getting hungry.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this

“Your county borders the two counties of my nativity…”

God, what a group we’ve cultivated here. I love it.

By According to Jim

October 27, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

Best national anthem, hands down: Jimi Hendrix.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this

DOB, do inform us how the spread turned out. I sympathize. Gotta get a little snooze time myself. Chiropractic in the morning. Lesson to others: take care of your body from the get go; doing stupid %$#& will only get you where I’m at. Not that I’m not still beautiful…:-)

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 01:39 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’m too big a personality for one county. I shall not be confined. As per your 1:16 post, are you trying to tell us your autograph is not widely sought? :-)

By flbravesgirl

October 27, 2006 01:46 AM | Link to this

Grinch, I’ve been to Unicoi a few times, beautiful place. My family has vacationed up in Rabun for years so we’re pretty familiar with the surrounding area. Plus we have family living nearby, both in GA and just over the line in SC.

Time to go dream of the mountains. Goodnight, y’all.

By gotigers72

October 27, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this

Man oh Man, what wouldn’t the Braves do to have Adam Wainwright back now. Traded him for a one year rental, and now, with his stuff, it looks like he is going to be an elite MLB pitcher.

It would have been different if the Braves had KNOWN that they could have kept Drew for more than one year. Which was his best year by the way. But with his agent being Scott Boras, and with people like LaRussa doubting his dedication to the game, and with his history of injury, that was a huge gamble that didn’t work out.

Don’t get me wrong, the guy has all the talent in the world, and he helped us win ONE division title. But looking back, was it worth it?

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

G’night, girl.

DOB, tell ‘em you’re Patrick O’Brian and wrote Master & Commander. Don’t feel bad; I’m very, very rarely asked to sign anything (other than a bill or a confession). Y’all, It’s time to snooze, period. Night.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 04:27 AM | Link to this

The Wainwright/Marquis trade is probably the worst trade of John Schuerholz tenure as the current Braves GM. First fact of 2004 : The Braves won the division with a comfortable ten game margin. Second fact: A platoon in LF would not have produced J.D. Drews 31 HR 93 RBI .305 AVG , it would have been closer to a 15-20 HR 60-70 RBI .250-.260 AVG platoon of Hollins/Wise. Third fact: the Braves would have still won the division with a slim margin of 3-5 games and Kept Two first round draft picks in Marquis/Wainwright. It was an unnecessary trade and Schuerholz has since admitted that he gave up to much. Now , I just cant wait for Shaun/Grinch/Tom A. Hawk/Bravo Nam to try and refute everything I just said and we can proceed to turn another blog into a mudslinging free for all of hate mongering. I await the idiocracy with a smile and a beer.

By 10-7-4

October 27, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this

Mornin all—Head Coach,-ever live in Fla??

By Bravo Nam

October 27, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this

Caroline Lady, Lew and Grinch Thanks for the explanation on 35.

Jimi You wrote: “Robert, hurry back. At least he backs up his point.” Hurry back? Backs up his point? Man…that’s some pretty strong weed you’re smokin’!

DOB A few of the others noted some idiosyncratic comments of yours. But there was one a few blogs back that I thought was hilariously out of left field. Something about jumping sharks. I say…what?

Head Coach Gentle fella. Calm boy. Just because Shaun, Grinch, TAH and I may not agree with you, doesn’t mean we’re a*****. It’s a pity that you’re a turkey and don’t know it. Some of the things you write acutally makes Stinky sound intelligent…man, that’s pitiful.

DOB Any goss on whether the Braves might trade HoRam? If so, who to?

By 10-7-4

October 27, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this

Howdy Bravo Nam—it’s true. My friends, call me 35[you can call me 10-7-4]. No, no, just kidding. I use that same old tired line every time. I’ve been exposed[can I say that here?}, as one who likes to bring humor, or at least what he thinks passes as humor, to the blog. I often rant on the doings of Drunky Clint, who passes as my best friend. By the way, what part of the Nam, do you reside in?? Vacationed there once.Beautiful place[but some of the people weren’t too friendly]. Oh well, we were obnoxious tourist, so what should you expect??

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

G’morning Braves friends. Somebody please tell me who made the Tigers the favorites to win the World Series? I could see it if they were playing the Mets because the playoff experience would be similar. But Man!!! The Tigers look like they’re in their PE outfits out there against the Cards.

Head Coach, I agree with your sentiments about the Drew trade. It left a bit of a sick feeling in my stomach watching Wainwright pitch for somebody else last night. Kind of like seeing your girl dancing with another boy on prom night.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

Head Coach,

Well, in hindsight the Drew-Marquis-Wainwright trade doesn’t look all that great for the Braves, but let me throw out some facts:

Drew put together an MVP-type season for the Braves (at least he was probably the team MVP).

Schuerholz was taking a chance that he may be able to sign Drew to a long-term extension after the season.

Young pitching is far from a sure thing. If you can trade a couple of young pitchers for an MVP-type player in his peak, it’s awefully tempting not to do it; especially if he’s a hometown boy and you have visions of a long-term deal.

Marquis was not happy in Atlanta. He had several run-ins with Leo Mazzone. We’ll never know how good he would have been had he stayed in Atlanta.

You need to learn to not take everything so personal just because people have differing opinions. Just keep at it and keep trying to back yours up with some facts, instead of attacking everyone (like saying I’m a young punk with smart mouth).

By 10-7-4

October 27, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

Guys— one bit of perspective-a wise man [or perhaps woman?], once said “the biggest mistakes we make, in life, are not the things we do, but what we do not do”.

By MEB

October 27, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

35… Having grown up in the Dallas area and a life long Cowboy fan my faith was just lifted when I saw a Tony Romo interview and he was wearing a Braves cap! Could this be a revelation that Romo will lift the Cowboys out of the miry pit. Only time will tell but I am ever hopeful.

By 10-7-4

October 27, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

MEB-Just saw where a Cowboy assistant coach is suing McDonalds about a rat in his salad! He claims that his wife and their au pair, found a 6 inch rat in their salad. He also says that they were eating it and became violently ill upon finding the rat. My question is ‘just how big are those salads’, where you would not immediatly see something that large?? Must have thought it to be a cucumber—right??

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

DOB, Does Mitch Albom look like a space alien in person?

By MEB

October 27, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

35… Just one story about the many times I attended Cowboy games and enjoyed Tommy Loy’s performance of our national anthem on the trumpet.

I was at the Thanksgiving Day game against the hated Washington Redskins in 1974. This game will long be remembered for Clint Longley filling in for an injured Roger Staubach, he came in with less than a minute left, and threw a game winning 50 yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson.

Unfortunately, I left the game with about 5 minutes left and was on the expressway headed home to Thanksgiving dinner and listened to Vern Lundquist (Cowboys radio announcer at the time) call this famous moment.

Oh, the humanity! I was 18 years old and learned an important lesson that day.

By MEB

October 27, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

I know that many in Texas are guilty of exaggeration, but I have had many McDonald’s salads and the bowl is not large enough for an entire rat corpus delecti. Maybe a field mouse or gerbil, but not a rat. They need to check team loyalties behind the counter and see if there is a Redskin fan working there.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Head Coach- It seems to me that if anyone turns things into a “mudslinging Free for all of hate mongering” it’s you. I haven’t seen that you had a good word for anyone. You level off on Shaun for no reason other than you disagree with him. All you really prove is that you’re a jerk (and you’re opinions are usually no gems, either). Talk about the idiocracy-Dude you’re the Chapter Head.

By Paul Hamilton

October 27, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t care if Glavine agrees to play for FREE, he is a traitor. Sorry but it is true, you don’t leave the team you pitched your entire hof career for and sign with the hated rival. It was totally about the money for him then, so why mess with that image.

Oh and lets get back to the real story. Dave I’m sorry but we have payroll constraints. You are almost as bad as some of us fans. Lets all put this to bed, get over it! We need relief pitching, We need a leadoff hitter, We don’t need another aging lefthander for 10 million a season. I would rather see that money spent on Andruw, not Glavine. Can we all move past this payroll thing? I mean the A’s made the playoffs with like half the payroll of the Braves. I also bet the Tigers have a very similar payroll to the Braves. As you can see once again, playoff baseball is all about luck and that one clutch hit.

We might as well just make our own fantasy league, instead of working with the real numbers.

By 3trees

October 27, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

Morning. I’m in the “no sugar in cornbread camp” for sure, but there’s nothing wrong with re-heating it the next morning (maybe slightly toasted) with butter and honey. That’s good!! My Dad would take the leftover (when available) and a big glass of buttermilk, break it up and slurp down the whole thing.

DOB - saw Robb Cohen’s pictorial of the Hank III show on the AJC. The boy’s tattooed up. Sounded like a good show with lots of variety. I’ll have to check him out. Gotta say I never cared for his pappy.

Grinch - loved the vision of your herding all the speakers in the house to the porch for Jimi and the SSB. I’ve heard the 8AM weedeaters -ugghhh.

Some good plays in the series, some bad ones. I think Preston Wilson’s having a good one. Made some good OF plays, laid down a nice bunt to get Rolen over to 3rd, got that RBI single. Seems he’s found a home in St. Louis. I really like their catcher.

Oh, I think that Miles Davis is also from St. Louis (E. St. Louis, IL, actually).

By Lew

October 27, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Paul-What we need is an 8th inning set up man and another starter, as well as a right handed hitting corner infielder/pinch hitter (Wes Helms would do). We have done fine without a bona fide leadoff hitter and BC has said it is not a priority. I think Hudson is still iffy and I would either trade Horacio or non tender him (that should set off Head Coach) because he has proven injury prone and inconsistent. Four years is enough of a track record for indications. He is due to make $4+ million this year in arbitration and is a lousy reliever. Use the $4 mil along with whatever you save from Gile’s trade and buy a trustworthy pitcher. There are too many question with our starters and moves need to be made to solidify the rotation. As far as Andruw, it would be nice to have him finish his career in Atlanta, nut not at the $20 million being called for by Boras. We can’t tie up 1/4 of our payroll on one player, no matter Head Coach’s rant to the contrary.

By 2007 Mets

October 27, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

Would those who said all summer long that the National League would be crushed by American League in the World Series please stand up?

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

I don’t care if Glavine agrees to play for FREE, he is a traitor. Sorry but it is true, you don’t leave the team you pitched your entire hof career for and sign with the hated rival. It was totally about the money for him then, so why mess with that image.

Yeah, kindof like Terry Pendleton leaving the Cardinals or Greg Maddux leaving the Cubs, huh?

By geauxbraves2000

October 27, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

I’ll stand up. I did not think the NL had a snowball’s chance in a fire to win the WS. It ain’t over yet, but I never would’ve imagined STL on the cusp of winning this thing. Just think, an 83 win team could win it all. Oh the humanity. :)

I have no preference who wins the WS, it would be nice for the Tigers because of where they came from, but it also would be nice for the NL to return to the podium.

Do the Braves still have a chance this year?

Geaux Braves!!

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Shaun, Greg Maddux was not on a contending team in the same division like Glavine was. And Pendleton batted .230 in 1990, so the Cards probably gave him no reason to stay. They also finished last in their division that year.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Shaun, Sad to say, but J.D. got it up for one good year in Atlanta and even that took a little goading from some teammates. I remember Chipper saying some things in public to push him, because when Drew got here he started doing his injury thing. Seems like he was injured most of his first year with the Dodgers. Please check me on that.
It’s starting to feel like the Braves are the rehab and minor league system for the rest of MLB.
MEB, Speaking of Cowboys, have you ever been to the Texas Ranger Museum? I went there once. Absoultely fascinating place. Now what do you think your Cowboys chances are against my Panthers this weekend? I’ve never been much of a Cowboys fan. I like Parcells a lot. I thought what Jerry Jones did to Tom Landry was deplorable. Cheap and classless treatment of a good man and great coach. Here’s a name out of Cowboys ancient history: Danny Villanueva (sp?).

By 2007 Mets

October 27, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

I hope the NL can win the All Star game next year, that way the Mets will have home field advantage in the World Series in 2007.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 04:44 PM

I agree, knowitall; he shouldn’t be booed, and even in an off year his numbers are quite good. And I mentioned the contract wasn’t his fault. But that’s my point about Andruw not being booed. You don’t boo players you like, and when they have an off year you show them some support. I’m not saying the guy’s not a great player in general, I’m simply refuting Shaun’s statement that numbers are the only measure of a player and if A-Rod left and nobody cared then why should we when Andruw does? It goes deeper than that. Baseball is to a large degree a sport of numbers and statistics, but there’s also a huge human factor that can be quite emotional. A-Rod’s a robot, and a whiney one at that. Would our lineup be more productive in general with him than without him? Sure. If I had both he and Andruw on my team which would I feel worse about giving up (especially since we won’t have the money to adequately replace either? Please.

Yes, there are emotional factors and intangibles, etc. But player performance is very largely predictable. You can’t predict injuries and things of that sort, but you can usually predict within a certain range what a player will do given a healthy season—not always but usually. Why is this? Because numbers (if you look at the right ones) pretty accurately reflect skills. Skills are going to be affected by age and ballpark and playing time; once you take those factors into account, you can largely predict player performance. That doesn’t mean players are robots, it just means human skills are largely measurable.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

2007 Mets-The way the NL has played this year, I thought the AL would win, too. So what? You thought the Mets would win it all. You were wrong, too.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Good Morning Shaun-You could include in the whole loyalty debate, Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy and Phil Niekro-It works both ways. The Braves didn’t exhibit much in the way of loyalty with these players, either. How about the whole Andruw situation? How many people on this blog are all for trading him for rookie pitchers, when he has stated consistently that he wishes to finish his career in Atlanta? Loyalty is a street with many conecting little alleys. It takes both the player and the team before you can exhibit true loyalty.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Anybody here think the Cubs go after A-Rod?

By 2007 Mets

October 27, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

Just about every fan thinks their team will win it all Lew. I guess you have a problem with me doing the same. I’ve noticed many of your responsed to any of my posts have a hostil edge to them. I’m convinced your just a crabby old b***.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

Lew , Helms was my idea . Its okay to pay Andruw 13.5 million but not okay to pay him 20 million ? I’ll try not to giggle. Lew/Shaun and Grinch/Tom A. Hawk , you guys are not fooling anybody. DOB identified the two multipersonality disorder afflicted blogggers months ago and you know who you are.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

2007 Mets, I don’t think the Braves were ever 3rd in runs scored and 3rd in team ERA in the same year. The Mets did that this year and still choked their way into also rans. How original.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

Speaking of loyalty, the AP just announced that Bruce Bochy has signed as manager of the Giants. Doesn’t seem to be much loyalty on the west coast, either. DrummerDad-Do you think they would play him at short and resign Ramirez? Or would you have him replace Aramis at third? I think if they intended ARod to play third, I’d just as soon resign Ramirez-it would probably cost much less. Aramis is a better fielder, too.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Lew, if Andruw wanted to really stay in Atlanta, he would have Boras on a Shorter Leash. As for Murphy, he asked to be traded. Aaron, in his 40’s at the time, went to a city he knew, to DH an extra couple of years. Oooh, harsh. And Niekro, he got to pitch for the Yankees when they were contending. And he was 45 when he first pitched for the Yankees.

Are you of the Revisionist School of History?

By 2007 Mets

October 27, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

My post was a genenal questions pertaining to leagues, not teams. Why is it being twisted around???? Oh, and that final word describing Lew was B-I-T-C-H. Just in case you’re wondering.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Head Coach-Gee, It was your idea to go after Helms? I thought KC came up with that. I never realized you were so intelligent. It’s hard to tell from your vicious rants against Shaun. As far as multiple personalities, I can tell you for a fact (and so can DOB) that Grinch and I are two entirely different people. I also doubt that Shaun and Tom A Hawk are the same person. As far as Andruw-Do you know how to make a budget? Or do you just put it all on the Visa and hope for the best? There is no way on the face of this earth that the Braves return to any significant level of competitiveness if they pay Andruw 1/4 of their team salary. And, oh yeah, the difference between $20 million and $13.5 million is $6.5 million-about what a top flight reliever or a #3 starter will cost. I bask in the anti-glow of your intelligence( or lack therof).

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Drummerdad,

JD had his best year overall for one year with the Braves, but they knew he was talented. And they knew he would give them what they needed if they could resign him.

Yes, he was injured his first season in LA, but he was healthy this year and had a pretty solid season.

The Braves gave up something to get something. They probably thought Marquis and Wainwright would be easy to replace. And maybe they felt getting Drew was their best option that year. They had lost Sheffield and Lopez so they thought they needed another big bat—they knew Wise and Hollins wouldn’t replace Sheffield, but they knew if healthy Drew could come fairly close.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

That should have been “Historians”, not “History”.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Just about every fan thinks their team will win it all Lew. I guess you have a problem with me doing the same. I’ve noticed many of your responsed to any of my posts have a hostil edge to them. I’m convinced your just a crabby old b*.

Do they? Did most Royals fans think they could have won it all in the beginning of 2006? I sure hope not.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

2007 Mets-I reallyn didn’t mean that one to sound sarcastic. I know you want your team to win, just like we do. My point was that you are in good company, because we were ALL wrong. Braves fans were wrong in that we didn’t win this year, you because the Mets weren’t as good as you had hoped. All of us who thought the NL was going to get wiped out in the WS were wrong, too. Take some Prozac, dude. It’s really ok. Now a number of us are going to go see the Mets/Braves play in Atlanta next Laboer Day weekend. Why don’t you join us? Metropolitan Man is a Mets fan and he’ll be there too. And yes, I am a crabby old bi*. Get used to it or get over it Dude.

By MEB

October 27, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Drummerdad… The NFL has become very difficult to pick but I think the Panthers will cover the spread against the Cowboys. However, I am indeed looking for an upset.

You know one thing I love about baseball is that the players and especially the stars remain fairly humble. Can you imagine if we had trash talk like we now have in the NFL. Did you see and hear the recent Chad Johnson interview where he predicts how he will do against the Falcons? Yuk!!!

By Lew

October 27, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

No Stinky-You whiny little jerk-I’m not into revisionist history. My point was that players change teams all the times in this era of free agency, for all different reasons. You can’t however, blame a player for being disloyal, when teams get rid of long time players all the time on thier own. Why don’t you ask Jeff Bagwell about team loyalty?

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Yo Lew, I think the bigger issue is that A-Rod is reunited with Sweet Lou, set free from the tyranny of his New York experience and probably would wind up at short if Hendry can do a deal. They’re looking for a catalyst, and if they can get the boy, then they’re elated. Cesar Izturis was settled for last year when they couldn’t get Furcal. They trade Cesar for some other need they have, put A-Rod at short, Ramirez at 3rd, a healthy Derek Lee at 1st and that’s pretty impressive. And I’m not even a Cubs fan!! Hot Winter Meetings coming.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

Its okay to pay Andruw 13.5 million but not okay to pay him 20 million ? I’ll try not to giggle.

It’s okay to pay Andruw $13.5 million when he’s 29. But I don’t know if it’s wise to pay him $20 million over the next four or five years.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

DrummerDad-I just meant that if they were going to play ARod at third, I’d rather have Aramis at a lower price. With ARod at short and Aramis at third, they would, indeed, have a potent offense. It all comes down to pitching, though. I think the Kerry Wood, Mark Prior thing isn’t going to work.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

Everybody was watching Wainwright back then. Schuerholz hated giving him up. The Cardinals stipulated that they wanted Adam in addition to Marquis and King. In my opinion, that trade was the Braves version of the trade that landed Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish for the Boston Celtics way back in the 80’s. Problem is, Walt Jockety and the Cards came out with the goods. And if my memory serves me correctly, Hollins/Wise weren’t even playing by the end of the season, it was Eli Marrero and Charles Thomas in left. To be more relevant to Braves history, that trade rivals the trade of Bret Butler, Brook Jacoby, and a another player to the Indians for Len Barker. (I’ve talked about that trade in here on a previous occasion.) In both cases other teams got something they could build on and the Braves got nothing. Schuerholz is a “move on” from it kind of guy and his successes outweigh his blunders by a long shot, but I’ll bet you he’s still kicking himself for that one.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

Lew, yeah. the Wood/Prior is looking like a one hit wonder with potential that got side tracked by all manner of injury and such.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Shaun what is the most important commodity a baseball team can have ? and how does it apply to the success of the braves over the past 14 seasons ? then explain to me why trading Wainwright and Marquis was such a great idea. I cant wait to hear this, lol.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

DOB, If you’re reading this, do you ever do the In & Out Burger thing when you’re on the West Coast? I would imagine you’ve had the experience.

By rammerjammer

October 27, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

Indians want Giles. Indians have pitching. JS wants pitching. Westbrook, Georgia boy and huge Bulldog fan, is available.

All the planets are lining up, like it or not.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

Lew, “The Braves didn’t exhibit much in the way of loyalty with these players, either.” Those are your words. I thought your words might convey your point. OOPS.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

DrummerDad, your A-Rod Sweet Lou connection was right on. And your comparison of the Drew Incident to the Barker Affair was also rather keen. I would add, though, that Len Barker sucked from day one, and Marrero and Drew had career years. The Cards spanked the Braves in that deal, but the Indians did to Atlanta what Sherman did.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

DrummerDad-You’re analogy with the Brett Butler deal is a bit skewed. Barker pitched for a couple of games and was gone (if that much). Drew did play for the Braves for a full season and put up substantial numbers. I have never regretted giving up Ray King or Jason Marquis. Head Coach has pointed to the numerous games won by Marquis since leaving the Braves. As usual he doesn’t look at the whole picture. Marquis has hardly shown on a team that has won their division and been to the Series twice during his St. Louis tenure. This year he had an ERA of over 6 runs per game. He also did not shine under Leo’s tutelage and really has never been a force for anyone. It’s real easy three years later talking about how much we miss Wainwright. Funny, I never heard anyone complain about the move until we lost the division, 3 years later. Isn’t hindsight a wonderful thing?

By Jeff

October 27, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

I’m a huge baseball fan, but when you see fans bundled up like they’re at a football game is goofy. Should this series go seven games (not likely, but…), it would end just a few days before Halloween.

The World Series used to finsh in early October, when the weather was more agreeable. Not when we were less than a month away from winter. Cut the season back to 154 games, play more double headers. Finish earlier.

Glavine? I think his fastball is below 80 mph now. Let’s see: Smoltz is 40; Glavine, 41; Hampton, mid 30s, coming off of major surgery; Ramirez, regularly nagged with injuries; Hudson, no stamina; Davies, needs a full season at Richmond.

Wow, a pitching staff for the next ten years? I doubt it will get us to the All Star break.

Hey, Chuck James and pray for rain!

By Lew

October 27, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Stinky-You whiny little jerk-You wouldn’t know a point if it poked you in the eye. Go write a letter to someone who might care.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

On this issue of loyalty, I don’t see much of that when you’re talking about this kind of money. I’ll throw out the names of 3 players that made or make big money who I think are loyal. Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken, and despite what some people in here may say about him, Chipper Jones. Anybody else?

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

Lew, You’ve cut me to the quick. I’m so sorry I metaphorically pounded you the other day. How many times can I apologize. Should I send flowers? Or a copy of the Braves Encyclopedia?

By BB FAN

October 27, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Shaun

It sounds like you missed the meaning of that post. I think The Grinch was saying that numbers aren’t everything! (Correct if I’m wrong, Grinch)

Shaun, you are so stuck on numbers that you forget the human side of the game. The emotional element. You just replied with a numbers answer again, using age, and ballpark, blah, blah, blah. Are you a robot?

Andruw Jones has been with the Braves for ~14 years. He grew up in the system. He jumped onto the scene in the 1996 WS. Then he became a star with the Braves over the next 10 years. He will win his 9th gold glove this year. Just his defense has become an amazing part of Braves’ games…not to mention that he has become an offensive force as well. He has become the face of the Braves along with Chipper Jones. Because of this, Andruw has become a part of the Braves that some of us fans don’t want to see leave. He is part of the Braves family so if Andruw leaves for more money, it will be hard to swallow for some fans.

Obviously, with the Braves payroll restrictions, it may not be possible to keep him. And that hurts. It hurt with Glavine as well. I don’t understand how a player can leave a place he claims to love for an extra few million a year. Supposedly, Glavine left because he was pressured to take the best deal because he was a player’s union rep, but who knows.

Andruw’s wife and kids are in Atlanta, it’s warm in Atlanta and Cox is the manager. Jones has said he loves playing close to home, for Cox and in warm weather. We’ll see what’s more important to him: Money or Family. I’m hoping he’ll stay and choose a little less money for happiness. Hopefully, based on what Chipper Jones did last year, Andruw will see that money is not everything. Chipper took less money for security at home with his family.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

I like Smoltz and James and pray for rain.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Head Coach-You think that the Drew deal was so bad for the Braves? Let’s look at how the players we traded have fared in the 3 years since the trade. Marquis is 13-14 in 05 and 14-16 in 06 with ERA’s of 4.13 and 6.02. Yes he did go 15-7 with a 3.71 in 04. H These sterling numbers have been put up on a team that has gone to the Series twice and to the NLCS the third year. Wow. Mind boggling numbers. For his career, his record is 56-52 with a 4.55 ERA,. All of this when he has played on at least a division winner HIS ENTIRE CAREER. King was 3-4 with the Braves with a 3.51 ERA and is 19-22 with 2 saves for his career. His only reccommendation is that he wears the same size pants as Wicky and Paronto. Wainwright, although talented, is on 2-1 in his career. He didn’t help anyone until later this past season. I’d love to have him on our team, but he has hardly been a force for anyone since he left. Drew, on the other hand, put up career numbers with the Braves.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

Lew, 20/20. Ha!! Maybe I’m 20/30 on the Barker deal. The point was that they got something to build on, and we had and have regrets. J.D. got a year to get his act together and go make the big money elsewhere.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Lew , you skewer the truth better than anybody. Marquis has helped the Cardinals win their division three years in a row. Thats three trips to the playoffs and they are on the brink of winning a world championship thanks to his contributions this season. You simply do not comprehend the value a pitcher who can be plugged into a rotation for 30 plus starts and 200 innings , not to mention the 44 wins and 600 innings he has logged for the Cardinals since the braves traded him.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Lew, Marquis has pitched over 600 innings over the last 3 years. Those innings would have went a long way towards conserving the bullpen. The ERA was inflated because of a couple of bad outings where he took a couple for the team. Not that he was spectacular this year, but given the state of the Braves pitching staff, he would have been welcome.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

Lew, Marquis has pitched over 600 innings over the last 3 years. Those innings would have went a long way towards conserving the bullpen. The ERA was inflated because of a couple of bad outings where he took a couple for the team. Not that he was spectacular this year, but given the state of the Braves pitching staff, he would have been welcome.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it funny how I can put Shaun to the test and Lew answers the bell ? you are so busted , lol.

By Thomas

October 27, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

DOB, I agree with what you said of Marcus Giles, its only a couple of million, you can trade, langerthans, Diaz, and Ramirez, for a couple of relievers, and lead off hitter. I’m sure the braves read this blocks, because we tell (The braves) what the fans want.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

Lew, Ray King is a lefthanded reliever. He’s averaged 80 appearnces a year since 2001. I guess you’re right. He has no value.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

No Head Coach-I don’t belittle his contributions, but I still consider him to be a mediocre pitcher who did not thrive in the Braves’ system. 56-52 lifetime w-l is barely above .500. A 4.55 career ERA is certainly nothing to write home about. He had a 6.02 ERA in 06. What is so great about that? How am I skewering the truth? Tell me where I am wrong instead of calling me names. He is average, at best. I don’t care how many innings he pitched. He is mediocre. And all of these phenomenal stats were put up while playing for teams that NEVER di less than win a divison title. If he had pitched for an average team, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, because he wouldn’t have any numbers worth mentioning. I think you couldn’t understand the truth if it came up and bit you in your radically over-inflated ego.

By Robert

October 27, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

Checking in from the road

I predict that if the Braves do move Marcus Giles, then a lot of fans who have stated opinions that this would be a good idea or that we shouldve already gotten rid of him long ago will turn on a dime and then say that the loss of another good player like Giles hurt the Braves chances to make or succeed in the postseason

Just like all the folks who said Detroit in 4 or 5 are now writing how confidant they are in the Cardinals

Question for the group. Who is the person most responsible for setting the tone of the team - the mental and emotional character and outlook that the club takes onto the field day in and day out?

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

in and out burger thing? can say that on a blog? why would dob do such a thing? now, drummerdad … uh, chipper is not even loyal to his wife. drummerdad is right, this journalist thinks, about js being a move-on kinda guy. js will put all aside and make the necessary moves to improve this team.

By Shaun

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

Shaun what is the most important commodity a baseball team can have ? and how does it apply to the success of the braves over the past 14 seasons ? then explain to me why trading Wainwright and Marquis was such a great idea. I cant wait to hear this, lol.

The most important commodity in baseball is players who can create runs and prevent runs. The Braves have been successful mostly because of run provention, except in 2003 and 2005 they were really good at run creation. I don’t know if it was a great idea, but it wasn’t a horrible idea.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Head Jerk- If I was Shaun, then why would I argue with myself every day. That would make my psychological pathology even worse than yours. I have no identity crisis, you bombastic know it all. I am not Grinch, Shaun, Tom A Hawk or anyone besides who I claim to be. Shaun doesn’t respond to your bovine excrement because he is apparently a good Dude, even if we disagree with him frequently. I, however, am a Crabby Old Bi##h, as 2007 Mets has pointed out. You won’t get a free break from me just because you think you can bully anyone on this blog into your pint of view. Bring it on Jacka$$. You ain’t got nothing.

By BB FAN

October 27, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

I’m not worried about what Boras has said…yet. Boras is a business man and he is going to say a lot of things to get the most money for his clients. He ran his mouth back in 2000 when Andruw signed his last contract. But when it came down to signing, Andruw made the decision.

I personally think Boras is a piece of sh!t. He may be a nice guy, but when it comes to money, he is a greedy a$$.hole. He cares nothing about his athletes happiness. Athletes should realize that and keep him on a shorter leash.

Andruw may leave Atlanta for more money, but until it happens, we should just enjoy his greatness. I hope he has a great year in ‘07 (.290, 55 HRs, 150 RBIs, another gold glove) and the Braves win the WS. At the same time, I’m hoping Chipper talks to him about money vs. happiness.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

*Was letting David Neid go in the expansion draft a bad move? Was trading Pete Smith for Dave Gallagher a bad move? Was letting Terrell Wade go in the expansion draft a bad move? Was trading Damian Moss for Russ Ortiz a bad move? Lew is exactly right, in hindsight it’s easy to criticize Schuerholz for trading Wainwright. But, to be consistent, you have to say letting Neid, Smith, Wade and Moss go were also bad moves. *

By Bravo Nam

October 27, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

35 AKA 10-7-4 I live in Hanoi, Vietnam. Been here the past six and a half years. Shortly due to depart for Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Vietnam is a great country in many ways, but unfortunately with the rapid modernization and development that’s occurred here in the past 10 years, people have indeed become less friendly and very money-oriented, a bit like baseball ;) !

DOB Any news or rumours on Hudson or HoRam being traded?

That’s it for me- off to bed- night everyone.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

BBFan-I think it is as you say-an attempt to drive up Andruw’s price. If, for example, the Braves might have offered him $15 mil per to stay, they may now have to offer $17 mil or more. It is just a tactic, and until Andruw actually does sign with someone else, we should take him at his word that he wants to stay. He has never said otherwise and has rejected Boras’ advice in the past. Just because Boras is doing the negotiations, doesn’t mean anything, yet.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

“uh, you’ve got money - and uh, you’ve got happiness. uh, money sometimes helps happiness. happiness without money is okay but tough. uh, go for the money. restructure - load up on the back - and take the tax breaks. they’ll never be able to trade you.”

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

BB FAN,

Who said numbers were everything?

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

LEW, I don’t care how many innings he pitched? Do you even watch the games? Look. Pitching is like “marital relations”. As long as the starting pitcher lasts a while, the ladies are happy.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy, How should I say I checked my brain at the door? Okay, I checked my brain at the door. You have skewered the boy. Guess that one falls under “measure twice, cut once”. Thanks.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Shauna, pitching and defense win championships.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

No Stinky-You whiny little jerk. King does have value. However, he is a replaceable piece. Every team has them. They move from team to team for their entire careers. They do an adequate job in whatever role they fill, do it without elevating themselves to true star status and then move on to the next team. You do notice, of course, that King no longer plays for St. Louis? Even they thought so much of him, they let him go to the Rockies, where he continues to undistinguish himself.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones has been with the Braves for ~14 years. He grew up in the system. He jumped onto the scene in the 1996 WS. Then he became a star with the Braves over the next 10 years. He will win his 9th gold glove this year. Just his defense has become an amazing part of Braves’ games…not to mention that he has become an offensive force as well. He has become the face of the Braves along with Chipper Jones. Because of this, Andruw has become a part of the Braves that some of us fans don’t want to see leave. He is part of the Braves family so if Andruw leaves for more money, it will be hard to swallow for some fans.

I guess this is where we differ—I don’t mind seeing Andruw go if it helps the Braves. Now, I know if he goes, it may not necessarily help the Braves, but if the Braves get a couple of young quality players and use the extra money for more quality players I wouldn’t mind if he went. Would it be sad? Of course, because AJ’s a Hall of Famer and one of my favority players. But I would rather see the Braves win than to see them overpay to keep one Hall of Famer.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Was letting David Neid go in the expansion draft a bad move? Was trading Pete Smith for Dave Gallagher a bad move? Was letting Terrell Wade go in the expansion draft a bad move? Was trading Damian Moss for Russ Ortiz a bad move? Lew is exactly right; in hindsight it’s easy to criticize Schuerholz for trading Wainwright. But, to be consistent, you have to say letting Neid, Smith, Wade and Moss go were also bad moves.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

BB FAN, Boras running off at the mouth also hurts Atlanta’s chances of trading AJ. But DOB thinks he’s a great guy.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

LOL , you almost had it right , Shaun. 1. Pitching 2.Defense 3.timely hitting(or in terms of Bobbyball , the three run bomb). Thats the formula for success. You just got it a little backwards. Run prevention with great pitching and defense allows a team to outscore their opponent over the course of a 162 game marathon on a consistent basis. It’s not rocket science , it’s baseball played the right way. Lew , do you really want me to start slinging mud your way ? or do you want to keep it civil ?

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

And Journalist JS, In and Out Burger of SoCal is one of their cultural high points. Middle aged man heart attack food to be sure, but oh, the… Burgers, shakes, fries, and soft drinks. A few things, and a few things well done. Surely DOB has done this.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

October 27, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

I know he posted this yesterday, but my vote for quote of the day goes to The Grinch

*By The Grinch

October 26, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Mariah Carey; oh, lord. Many a calf was aborted in nearby fields when that woman took a stab at the anthem.*

That’s heavy right there, Grinch. Real heavy. My hats off to ya’.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

Morning, all. BBfan, thank you for your 11:51 post. That was exactly what I was trying to say.

Head Coach, Shaun doesn’t answer your posts because he’s calm and collected. Lew does because like most other people here he’s tired of your antagonistic, low-brow horse-%^$%. If you read these posts every day, and honestly think Lew and Shaun (who argue with each other constantly and have completely different writing styles) and me and Tom A. Hawk are the same (although you’re right in that Tom actually DOES go by several names), even though WE argue all the time and have totally different writing styles, than you’re even dumber than I thought, which would be a difficult state to achieve. You’re 54 and ex-millitary, right? Agent Orange might explain your brain’s inability to make basic thought procees, although I bet your one of those guys who goes around telling everyone that you were a Ranger or Navy Seal when you were actually a cook or a clerk who didn’t even pick up typing well.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Head Coach,

There is more than one way to win baseball games. I don’t think there is a “formula” for success except for score a significant amount of runs more than you allow.

By Bravo Nam

October 27, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Robert I was off to bed…and will be after this post. You asked: “Who is the person most responsible for setting the tone of the team - the mental and emotional character and outlook that the club takes onto the field day in and day out?”

You said before you left that you hope by the time you got back we could talk about something else than BC. And…then here you go asking this question.

In answer to your question, ultimately the team’s manager. And this is why BC is one of the best of all-time.

But of course, you knew this was going to be the answer…and now you’re going to spend 1005 posts trying to point out that in fact I’m wrong- that indeed Mr. Robert (that’s you, not your favourite sparring partner)- is THE BEST of all-time.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Shaun, if you have to quote Lew, well, you just ought to burn your sabermetrics books.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

The Grinch is fearless.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

I do answer Head Coach’s posts. I just answer them with facts and evidence instead of mindless profanity.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

Was letting David Neid go in the expansion draft a bad move? Was trading Pete Smith for Dave Gallagher a bad move? Was letting Terrell Wade go in the expansion draft a bad move? Was trading Damian Moss for Russ Ortiz a bad move? In hindsight it’s easy to criticize Schuerholz for trading Wainwright. But, to be consistent, you have to say letting Neid, Smith, Wade and Moss go were also bad moves. The Braves got less for Neid, Smith, Wade and Moss, so all you people out there criticizing Schuerholz for giving up Wainwright should be criticizing him even more for giving up Neid, Smith, Wade and Moss for little or nothing.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

C”mon Shaun , get your facts straight. Nied was a 14th round draft pick. Pete Smith was a Philles 1st rounder who they first traded to Atlanta in 1985 with Ozzie Virgil for Steve Bedrosian and Milt Thompson. The Braves got seven years of mileage out of Smith before they retraded him for Dave Gallagher. Wade was an amatuer free agent bust , the Braves gave up nothing. Damian Moss was the same damn thing , another amatuer free agent bust that the Braves actually managed to sucker the Giants into giving up for Russ Ortiz who went 36-16 in 03-04 for the Braves. Wainwright and Marquis represent two first round picks who have contributed three post seasons for the Cardinals and will continue to contribute for them vs. the one postseason Atlanta got out of Drew. Please dont continue down this road , I really dont enjoy watching you lose another argument , Shaun.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Hillbilly; nothing but the truth.

DOB, just for the sake of clearing this mess up, would you pop up and inform the blog that neither Lew nor I are MPD bloggers? No need to reveal who is, but if you could just do that you might help prevent much more bloodshed.

By Rip

October 27, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

I’m holding my deposit for Season Tickets until I’m sure Glavine not coming back. I know that will break DOB’s heart.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I think Head Coach just handed you your hat. Its time to go.

By Tomtom

October 27, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Coach is right . How can Shaun not admit it. Shaun you need to learn how to capitulate and admit when you are clearly outgunned.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-I couldn’t care less whether or not you sling mud in my direction. Doesn’t faze me in the least. I can stand up to you point by point. My problem with you is that you’re just mean and nasty. You low rate everyone you disagree with and you take particular delight in giveing Shaun grief, even though he as nice as anyone on the blog. Grow up. If you want to discus baseball, go for it. I’m certainly up to it. But if all you want to do is denigrate others on the blog, then you can go perform bizarre sexual acts upon yourself with a 2x4 for all I care. Be civil or not. The choice is yours. But don’t expect me to go whining and writing letters to the AJC aristocracy. You can say to me whatever you choose. Says much more about you than it does me. You ain’t nothing but a schoolyard bully. I sure wouldn’t want you coaching anyone I know. Reall don’t think you could, anyway.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Head Coach,

I don’t think Jason Marquis and Adam Wainwright are the primary reasons the Cardinals reached the post-season for the past three years. If you seriously think that, you need to get your facts straight. On the other hand, Drew was a key member of the 2004 division champs, quite possibly the team MVP.

Yes, it stinks that the Braves gave up Wainwright, but we got Drew. In hindsight it stinks even more because the Braves weren’t able to resign Drew, but that’s the nature of the beast. Sometimes you have to be willing to make risky trades. Wainwright was 21 years old at the time of the trade, if I’m not mistaken. And almost every pitching prospect is a flop. Go back and look at the top 100 prospects in baseball from around 2000. Almost all the hitters turned into something but almost all the pitchers were busts. Yes, you obviously need both pitching and hitting, but if you are desperate for offense and can get a MVP-type position player for a minor league pitcher, it isn’t a bad idea to pull the trigger on a trade.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Pitching , Defense and timely hitting , thats the Bobby Cox tried and true formula for winning. Not my way , his way and he is a hall of fame coach and manager. Although I will never be enamored with the job he did as a GM , the Smoltz/Alexander trade was his brainchild and it continues to pay dividends twenty years later.

By MGL

October 27, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

After 20 AB in Arizona, Salty is hitting for .600 AVG, .692 OBP, and 1.100 SLG. Burrus, Escobar, and J.C.Holt all have OBP > .400.

Pitchers, however, are a disaster.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

Stinky-You whiny little jerk-The only thing Head Coach handed to anyone today is an oversized load of equine excrement ( that’s horse crap-you mental midget). If anyone needs to go away, it’s you and your own sizeable parade of moronic alter egos. Why don’t you go write another whiny letter to someone who might care if no one likes you. Ever find that date yet?

By rammerjammer

October 27, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

I’m sure the Cards were happy with the innings Marquis ate up, but when it really mattered they kicked him to the curb and left him off the WS roster.

He might still have a future - he’s only 28 - but Marquis’ career is in decline. Strikeouts are down, HRs and ERA are up.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

Check one, two. Check one, two. Yeah, that mic works. :-)

By Rip

October 27, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Bless you Lew. We need more like you,God Bless America.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Shaun , you cannot admit when you are wrong and its getting funny. I mean hilarious. you simply cannot grasp the basic fundamental fact that quality pitching is the most valuable commodity in baseball. Grinch/Tom A. Hawk go kiss Shaun’s a.s.s some more , hell he might even enjoy it if you get on your knee’s for a knob job.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Do you remember what brought JD Drew to the national spotlight? It wasn’t him playing 5 half seasons for Cardinals. It was his holdout from signing with the Phils on the advice of his agent for mo’ betta muney. His spots came in right then.

And who was his agent? Boras. And what did the South Georgia native do as soon as a team took the time to help him play up to his potential? He went for the money.

You don’t blame Drew for going for the money. You blame JS for not seeing that as a distinct possibility and giving up too much on such a gamble.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, regarding “jump the shark” reference. Come on, weren’t you around when Happy Days was going strong? Once Fonz jumped the shark on his motorcycle in that one horrible episode, the show was officially never the same. They’d gone too far, made it too inconceivable and lost all touch with reality. Hence, “jumping the shark” ain’t a good thing.

By Head Coach

October 27, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

The two headed MPD that is shaun/Lew and Grinch/Tom a.hawk has showed its true colors. Ladies and queers , you have been laid bare for the world to see .Take a bow and get ready for the rotton tomatoes coming your way.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Lew, in all fairness, I think Stinky was being sarcastic.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Head Coach,

If the Braves refused to give up young pitching, they would have never gotten Fred McGriff, Denny Neagle, Alejandro Pena, Marquis Grissom, Gary Sheffield, Mike Hampton, Russ Ortiz, JD Drew, Tim Hudson, to name a few. Some of those young pitchers turned out to be good, but most didn’t. You have to risk trading young pitchers sometimes in order to fill needs and get quality players. Sometimes it’s going to cost you a quality pitcher. That’s the way it is. In hindsight we can pick apart one of those trades, but to be fair, we would need to criticize every trade that brought in all of those aformentioned players.

By Tomtom

October 27, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

You guys are so painfully obvious , I mean who do you think you are fooling ? Lew , the bad guy act and Shaun the good guy act is so incredibly transparent. give it up guys , you have been exposed.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

Stinky, yes, there is a resemblance.

By Carolina Lady

October 27, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Lew , you have a filthy mouth. you need some soap to clean it up.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Grinch-I wasn’t.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Lew, go wash your face. You’re foaming at the mouth (I think). You’d like to think that other dissenting voices are mine, but its just not so. You’re paranoid and delusional. It must be all that sugar in your cornbread.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Pitching , Defense and timely hitting , thats the Bobby Cox tried and true formula for winning. Not my way , his way and he is a hall of fame coach and manager. Although I will never be enamored with the job he did as a GM , the Smoltz/Alexander trade was his brainchild and it continues to pay dividends twenty years later.

What about the Hall of Fame managers that won other ways? One example is Sparky Anderson won with great offense and adequate pitching with the Big Red Machine. There is no one way to win.

And the Smoltz-Alexander trade was great for the Braves, but it also helped the Tigers. If you feel you are one player away from the playoffs or World Series and can trade for that one player, you do it. Again, young pitchers are far from a sure thing and you don’t know how many opportunities your team may get to win a World Series. Sometimes you have to give up young pitchers in order to get a player you need. It depends on perspective on whether the trade is a bad one or a good one.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t anyone else out there think that Mitch Albom looks like Mr. Spock’s son?

By Lew

October 27, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-I quake in fear. You mean to tell me that you’re going to be mean and nasty? Dude, I already knew that. Trip merrily along your path of delusion. Believe whatever you want about who I am. It won’t cause me to lose any sleep any more than that whiny little jerk Stinky bothers me by casting aspersions on my sexuality. Whatever.It will not drive me from the blog. Like I said before, you’re nothing but a schoolyard bully. I’ve seen your kind many times before and I’m still here. I tremble in anticipation of your future rants.

By Mets Fan

October 27, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

If Glavine was concerned about playing at home, then he would of never signed with the Mets in 2003. I am sure he would have taken the hometown discount the Braves offered and stayed.

Plus, why would the Braves want him back? Don’t they have close to 30 million in Smoltz, Hudson, and Hampton?

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Wainwright, sad to say for Braves fans, is definitely, without question, the real thing. And the reason: He throws hard (95 mph or thereabouts) and he has what others who throw that hard don’t have: A big, nasty “12-to-6” curveball. (that being the reference to hands on the clock, of course, but just in case some aren’t familiar with the term for a big curveball that drops like Wainwright’s.)

The fact that he’s 6-foot-7 also helps, because he’s coming from such a different plane with his arm slot than hitters are used to seeing, so much higher up. That curveballs looks like it’s coming from the upper deck when he drops that hammer on a hitter, after zinging a 95 mph heater past.

By knowitall

October 27, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

I think some of you are missing out on an important piece of the St. Louis trade for Drew. Marquis was a malcontent and the Braves just don’t keep guys around like that. Remember Tim Spooneybaurger(sp?) He said something bad about Cox in the press and was banished to Tampa Bay shortly after. Marquis was going to be traded if they had to trade hime for a bag of candy. So, they threw in some more players to fill some weaknesses that they had at that time. Plus I remember there being a lot of talk at the time that Drew would resign because of the whole home town thing. Plus IMHO, Marquis was just HoRam without the injuries. Good stuff but you never know what your going to get from them. No real way of knowing that he wouldn’t just like there was no real way of knowing that Wainwright would turn into what looks to be a solid major league pitcher.

By 10-7-4

October 27, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Hi folks!! Grinch, I too am ex-military[although not career], and all of us ain’t so bad. Some of us went on to be regular people. Some of us didn’t have much choice at the time.Bravo Nam— please call me 35. I wasn’t referring to the folks of today, I’m sure it’s quite different. My time in country was mid-June 68- late-June 69. Place called Lang Co, near Danang-Truong Son Mountains. “I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now”.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

you cannot admit when you are wrong and its getting funny. I mean hilarious. you simply cannot grasp the basic fundamental fact that quality pitching is the most valuable commodity in baseball. Grinch/Tom A. Hawk go kiss Shaun’s a.s.s some more , hell he might even enjoy it if you get on your knee’s for a knob job.

Well, I don’t feel I’m wrong. Pitching is a valuable commodity, but injured or bad pitching is not too valuable. And most pitching prospects turn out to be bad or get injured. So, if you feel you are one player away from the playoffs/World Series and can get that one player by giving up a young pitcher, you do it. I’m sorry, but refusing to trade young pitching under any circumstance is not a good idea.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Coach, you’re so easy to classify it’s not even funny. The reson you jump on Shaun so much is the same reason you tried to stuff people like him into lockers in High school (before you flunked out). Not because they did anything wrong, but they were skinnier and smarter than you and you were so insecure you lashed out the only way you could think of. I paid most of my way through college throwing punks like you out of bars. Come strutting in there in your BDU’s (because you have no identity of your own), then try to start some %$^# with the bouncer ‘cause you can’t hold your liquor and none of the chicks will give you the time of day. Then when we get you outside it’s all “Hey, man, we didn’t mean anything by it. Just tryin’ to have a good time, we don’t want any trouble.” Then when you get to the car you throw a full beer at the door and haul a$$ giggling like little b%$#*@s as if you’d done something brave. If you really had any sand, you’d be quiet and resonable. You’d let the situation dictate whether any force was neccessary. You’re the smallest little fish in a mighty big pool, and it’s a total shame you’re as old as you are and you’re still biting off more than you can chew.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Wow, that was funky. Dob answered my question before it appeared on the blog. Dob must use express postage.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

You don’t blame Drew for going for the money. You blame JS for not seeing that as a distinct possibility and giving up too much on such a gamble.

Or do you credit Schuerholz for taking a chance on a player that did a pretty good job of replacing Gary Sheffield’s production? If Wainwright had gotten injured, would you say this was a bad trade? Do you think all the other risky trades Schuerholz has made involving young pitching were bad?

Schuerholz is not perfect, but trading Wainwright is a bad trade only in hindsight.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

Adam Wainwright is the real deal, but how were the Braves to know that he was going to turn out to be the “real deal”? For every Adam Wainwright there are 20-30 (or more) Brian Taylor’s and David Neid’s. Pitching is unpredictable. Does that mean you should trade all your pitching prospects willie nillie? Of course not. But if you have the opportunity to feel a need with an MVP-type player by giving up one young pitcher, and you feel that one player can get you into the playoffs or the World Series, you pull the trigger. Maybe a lot of Braves fans have been spoiled, but your organization may only get one shot at a World Series title every 20-30 years. If you feel you are one player short of a chance to win the World Series title, a pitching prospect which may or may not pan out is a small price to pay.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

Where’s the response to this?:

If the Braves refused to give up young pitching, they would have never gotten Fred McGriff, Denny Neagle, Alejandro Pena, Marquis Grissom, Gary Sheffield, Mike Hampton, Russ Ortiz, JD Drew, Tim Hudson, to name a few. Some of those young pitchers turned out to be good, but most didn’t. You have to risk trading young pitchers sometimes in order to fill needs and get quality players. Sometimes it’s going to cost you a quality pitcher. That’s the way it is. In hindsight we can pick apart one of those trades, but to be fair, we would need to criticize every trade that brought in all of those aformentioned players.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Schuerholz is not perfect, but trading Wainwright is a bad trade only in hindsight. The guy is 6’7”. He’s a horse. A lot of people think that having a very big, strong, highly rated pitcher in the system is a good thing. But not you or, apparently, JS.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

Drummerdad, I stop at In & Out Burger just a few blocks from LAX every time I fly into the City of Angels. Every time. I LOVE that place. Best fast-food going. And it’s actually fairly healthy, or as healthy as burgers and such can be. Man, I’m hungry thinking about it.

Got into that and Fattburger when I lived in Newport Beach for a year. Now there’s a Fattburger right here on Piedmont near Buckhead. But I still like In & Out a little more.

By Carolina Lady

October 27, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

In retrospect , the Len Barker trade is regarded as the worst trade the braves made. I am telling you all and I’ve been saying it for two years now. Wainwright/Marquis will eventually surpass the Barker trade as the worst trade in the 40 year history of the Atlanta Braves. did Shaun actually mention Tim Hudson as one of GOOD trades the Braves have made ……noooooo way. Shaun , I know you have been scouring the Net looking for any reference to a Barry Bonds/Andres Thomas trade. Sorry dude , you wont find a shred of information about it. It’s privileged inside information being shared by a thirty year Braves fanatic who in the words of Garth Brooks says: Cause I got friends in low places , where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues way , but I’ll be okay , now I’m not big on social graces , think i’ll slip on down to the oasis ,O I got friends in low places…. see ya tomorrow fella’s its party time with the brethren down at the broken drum. yeeeeee haaawwwww.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Someone thinks obtaining the likes of Mike Hampton, JD Drew and Tim Hudson was a good thing.

By knowitall

October 27, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

I think some of your are forgetting the essential meaning of the term trade: you have something of value that I want so I’ll give you something of value that you want. Teams usually just don’t give away good players for nothing in return. I don’t think we should ever be shocked when a player goes somewhere else and has a good season or good career. The other teams involved in the trade have scouts too and they are trying to improve their team. Good teams try to make trades to improve their team while minimizing the damage to the team by what they are giving up. Would it be nice to have some of the players JS traded? Yes. But would those players have replaced the production that we got from the players we traded for? No. I don’t think that you can look at any of the trades that JS has made and say that they hurt the team’s chances of winning.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Anyone who wants to judge what I really think about Boras should read what I said about him, rather than the interpretation of someone who twists everything everyone else says to make it fit into his little agenda. Never did I say he was “great guy.” Never. A brilliant guy with brass balls, a hardass, a guy getting the best deal imaginable for his clients by any means, an interesting guy to talk to off the record, and a guy whose politics would probably surprise you if I could share them, and I can’t and wouldn’t in this space. That’s what I said about him. And as I said, I hate how money is the be-all, end-all for him with his clients, and if I was a fan of a team I’d detest him.

That’s pretty much what I said. Not “great guy.”

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

did Shaun actually mention Tim Hudson as one of GOOD trades the Braves have made

What did the Braves give up to get Hudson? Dan Meyer is still young enough to become a quality major leaguer, but Juan Cruz and Charles Thomas probably are fringe players at best. While Hudson has been a disappointment, he hasn’t been absolutely horrible as a Brave.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

No Stinky-Having Wainwright would definitely be a good thing. But that’s lookig at the situation 3 years down the road. Signing Drew long term would (maybe) have been good, too, but he DID contribute for the season he was in Atlanta. He actually put up career numbers. Marquis has benn mediocre in the interim and King was a disposable/replaceable part. Now Wainright definitely has potential, but to this point is only 2-1 with a good, but hardly phenomenal ERA, and it took him three season to get there. He would not have even helped the Braves until this season. Besides, we have our own prospects in the minors. Our minor league system is hardly bankrupt. Why pace so much emphasis on a pitcher that A. wouldn’t have helped us for two and a half seasons and B. May or may not continue his improvement. Half a season is not much of a track record. Let’s just see how he pans out, long term. If you want to look to the Braves’ future, check out Matt Harrison in our minor league system. See, I responded to you without calling you a whiny little jerk. OOPS.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

35, I grew up around millitary (my family included). Two of my very best friends in the world are Green Berets. If it wasn’t for my police record, I would’ve been in Gulf 1. My forte is millitary history. I’m certainly not going after the institution; I’m going after a certain kind of person that tends all too often to inhabit that realm and contribute nothing but a bad reputation and some underlying cowardice. I’m sure you’ve met your share of those. No offense intended whatsoever. You’re a perfect example of what I meant. You’ve never said a nasty thing on here; you’ve always been friendly. You tell some awful jokes, but there’s little harm in that. :-) You’ve probably seen the elephant and you know there’s no need to be an a* until it’s really time. Anyhoo, speaking of desperate times, I need a sandwich.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

fruit cup blogging with fruit cup. not nice stealing carolina lady’s identity. write dob’s mama yet?

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

Stinky, Tyler Yates and Phil Stockton are both somewhere around that height. Of course, they may also pan out for all we know.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

Shaun, were you born in Missouri?

By Carolina Lady

October 27, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

I’ve just returned home from medical appointments with my Mother to discover that someone is blogging using my name instead of his own. Now who could that be?? Who of those posting today has the habit of identity theft???

Lew, I didn’t write that I think you know. The second one so so far off the mark that I think somebody forgot to change the name before posting! Can’t even steal without messing up! :-)))

By knowitall

October 27, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

DOB, I used to despise agents like Boras and Rosenhouse but by working in corporate America I realized something: Those guys are no different from the CEO’s of companies. Their job is to maximize the profits of the companies they run just as it’s the agent’s job to maximize the deal that he gets for his client. Blame the system rather than the people who do the job.

By Shaun

October 27, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

I was born in Atlanta, believe it or not.

By Greg in TN

October 27, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I’ll agree whole-heartedly about the Len Barker trade. I shook my head about that one everytime I saw Brett Butler in a Cleveland/SF/LA uniform. Rick Behenna and Brook Jacoby were afterthoughts, but how in the world we agreed to send Brett Butler… Just mind-boggling.

I’m not sold that Wainwright/King/Marquis for Drew/Marrero is on that level, or even close. Ray King’s year in Atlanta looks half way respectable on paper, but that was a horrible trainwreck to watch (but not as bad as our season of pain this year before the arrival of Sir Wick). Marquis quickly became trouble and was headed to being a clubhouse problem, so I was quite happy to see him go.

On the back side, we expected to get more out of Drew than one year, but with his injury questions, I for one was happy for LA to pay him all that money and take the risk.

Look guys and gals, if we have an established need, we’re not going to go to many teams and get what we need and only give up a third-stringer in Myrtle Beach, a set of ginsu knives and an autographed 8x10 of Anderson Cooper. More often than not, JS gets what we need at the time and we move on.

Wainwright is in his first complete season in the bigs, so anointing him the next Lee Smith, Trevor Hoffman, et al is a tad premature in my mind.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

spoiled fruit. rat in the salad. impostor on the blog. wendell wurlitzer reports he has received a whiney letter complaining about dob and asking that the wurlitzer award be withdrawn. lots of shrieking and girly stuff on his voice mail, too. wendel will not waiver on the wurlitzer. now, “in and out burger thing” is not an ugly reference after all? whew! wonder if it goes in and comes out as quickly as a chili burger from the varsity? aided by grease, of course. and where is frank gordy a/k/a journalist bob today? now, wainwright … anyone who thinks losing wainwright is no big deal does not understand that pitching is the core of winning and is what successful braves teams have been built upon. the loss of dink pitchers is not so great. the loss of a power pitcher akin to wainwright is hurtful. ask detroit if losing smoltz was no big deal because they got what they needed for a year. oh, the humanity! they needed doyle alexander?

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

CL, and here I was all excited that you’d let your hair down…:-)

By Ricardo

October 27, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

If I remember correctly, I heard at the time Wainwright was traded that the Braves were concerned about his height - he was still growing at the time and they felt it was going to be hard for him in the future to have “all his parts moving in harmony” due to his length. Well, swing and a miss on that one.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

Lew, I admit to having deserved some of your trash talk. But lets us take some verbage from JS. He’s admitted to the trade being a mistake. He had to have some trepidation about making the move. And if you look at the state of the pitching staff this last season, you have wonder if he knows anything about pitching, anymore.

JS got lucky inheriting two HOFers and plucking another from the poor Cubs. Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux, in their primes at the same time, would be a great foundation for any run. But, what we saw on the mound this last season was indicative of his state of awareness concerning pitching.

By Greg in TN

October 27, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Oops. Then my post was directed to whoever decided to post as Carolina Lady…

Sorry CL!

By knowitall

October 27, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry CL, I can’t imagine that anyone who reads this blog on even a semi regular basis could have believed that you were behind those postings.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I just knew that wasn’t you posting. But, I am innocent. I did not post as you. My theory is that someone who doesn’t like me on this blog used your ID to smear me.

My first guess would be Jimmy Smith, but there are other candidates as well. Jimmy won’t mind me saying this because he ignores me, now.

By geauxbraves2000

October 27, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

Hi CL, knew right away it wasn’t you, someone posted earlier using your name and they forgot to change it. The word that comes to mind is, “Busted.”

Maybe trading Wainwright didn’t turn out to be the best move, but why don’t we let the Smoltz trade even it out.

I think we should look forward and not back. Wainwright is gone and there is nothing the Braves can do about it. Let’s see if JS gets the Braves a top notch starter, some middle relief, and possibly a lead off hitter that plays LF. I say keep Giles, let AJ play his contract out, (if he lets Boras price him at $20M, then he will have to go as much as I hate the idea of CF without AJ) and don’t even consider Glavine. Glavine was on the decline when he left.

Geaux Braves!!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

October 27, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I thought that sounded a little odd coming from you, Carolina Lady. I don’t post much on here, but I read everyday and can tell a CL post when I see one. You’re not one to call anybody “dude” or end a post with “yeeeehaaawwwww.” So welcome back.

By ncscoots

October 27, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

As I remember, also, there was some concern that Wainwright was getting TOO tall at the time he was traded. A late growth spurt could have taken him to 6’10” easy, and Randy Johnson notwithstanding, that kind of height makes consistent pitching mechanics a tough deal. And, at the time of the trade, the Braves were awash in pitching prospects, so there were solid reasons to include the guy in the deal, especially if he were the clincher. Sure, you hate to see one get away, but anybody who tells you they foresaw greatness in the guy at the time of the trade is yankin’. Projecting pitching prospects is such a total crapshoot that you’re bound to be wrong (on either side of the coin) most of the time. Being right about one on occasion is the REAL surprise.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

fruit cup. like a wild pig in the spinach. also posting as tomtom and a few others today. carolina lady can be assured it was you and not this journalist who posted earlier. forgot to change your name for the second one, huh?

now, the greater truth - “someone who doesn’t like me on this blog …”

suppose we could draw straws on that one if we could find enough straws.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

but scoots, wainwright was the top pitching prospect in the organization at the time … and what is wrong with pitching like randy johnson? sure, he could turn out to be a tall geek - or he could turn out to be the guy who has given up no runs in the post season. have the braves had one of those in awhile?

By Carolina Lady

October 27, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

Greg, no problem, my friend! There was no way for you to know!

Grinch, my hair is down…past shoulder length, in fact! :-))

Stinky, thanks for the disclaimer.

I know who the guilty party is:
Who hates Lew?
Who said I couldn’t manage the Braves?? Hmmm?

I hereby demote him to just plain ‘coach’ ….. with a lower case c.

Arkansas, yep, I think most folks can pretty much tell whether it’s me or not…. thanks! :-))

Abiding…… :-)))

By Gene

October 27, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

It is nice to watch baseball without the certainty thay your team is going to choke.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Alright Stinky-I’ll call a truce. Yes, I think in hindsight that maybe the Drew trade was not that great. But really only in hindsight. I truly believe that if the Braves had their customary season in 06, we wouldn’t even be experienceing these recriminations about Wainright. But have no fear. This is only one pitcher. We have more. Seriously, go look up Matt Harrison and look at his strikeout to walk ration. Now as far as the rest of the trade.-I really am not and never have been overly impressed with Jason Marquis. He has always seemed somewhat contentious and he did not do well under Leo’s system. Add to this the fact that his record the past 3 years has steadily declined and I don’t feel bad that he went bye bye.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

yeeehaaaww does not sound much like carolina lady, you are right. rarely does she call anyone on this blog, dude. so, it must be an impostor trying to implicate the lovely head coach and take some heat off his whiney self. who would do that? uh, oh, here comes another letter.

By Andy

October 27, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

For two years I lamented about the Wainwright trade—not the JD drew factor—I just felt he was untradeable—then a year later when drew walked—-I lamented so more—-but after two years..it was over. It s#### then and it does now, but its over. Be glad for him—he is glad he was traded. He feels really good about how his career is going with the cards. Good for him—bad for us. Its great watching him do well. If he strikes out a braves hitter in the 9th or pitches a complete game 7 against us in the NLCS then I will hate him—till then. Go wainwright(even if I can’t spell his name.)

DOB here’s to you heading home tonight.

By David O'Brien

October 27, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t know whether to read too much into this, but it appears Braves fans may have something to howl about when the Rawlings Gold Glove people announce their all-time team, “best fielder at each position” next week as part of the 50th anniversary of the award.

Anyway, here’s what I mean, a paragraph from the press release I just received. See if you notice anything that might cause some controversy:

“Nothing beats a great baseball debate, and voting for the Rawlings Gold Glove Golden Anniversary team will be akin to turning a triple play: it will be a tremendous challenge … and the debate will be feverish. How would America choose between Willie Mays, Ken Griffey, Jr., Jim Edmunds and Roberto Clemente? Johnny Bench or Pudge Rodriguez? Ozzie Smith, Derek Jeter or Omar Vizquel? Brooks Robinson or Scott Rolen? Jim Kaat or Greg Maddux?”

By rammerjammer

October 27, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

Time to get over Wainwright and look ahead. If Cleveland wants Giles, let’s get an outfielder with some speed. Keep an eye on 22-year-old Trevor Crowe. Had a .393 OBP in AA-AAA

By rammerjammer

October 27, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

We don’t HAVE to get just a pitcher from Cleveland for Giles. They also have a very good, switch hitting OF prospect who just finished A-AA this season with a .393 OBP and 45 SBs. Trevor Crowe, age 22. Could be payback for Brett Butler debacle.

By rammerjammer

October 27, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double posts…second one corrects information in the first one, sent inadvertently when gnarled fingers slipped on keyboard. Dang.

Rawlings is based in St. Louis AND Edmond’s a Cardinal. Bet he uses their gloves.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

andruw jones wears a glove from wilson. andruw could always pickett in center field. 634-5789 if someone wants to complain.

By wanna be GM

October 27, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

I believe once the Winter Meeting get going more teams will become interested in Giles. Toronto, Boston, SanFran, St.Louis and Clv. all have needs for 2ND baseman. If Giles goes to Clv for Westbrook and Glavine does in fact return, does that mean JS can turn around and offer Kyle Davies and a package to Tampa for Carl CRawford? Anyone out there have any thoughts or ideas

By Don

October 27, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

When will the Braves learn? Traded Wainwright and others to rent Drew for a year. Surely they won’t trade a longterm Davies for another rental? Oh, wait. This is the Braves. Of course they will do it.

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

DOB, Yeah, I thought you would be an In & Out kind of guy. Give me the Double-Double, Fries, and shake. The problem is, it’s over too soon. Now the Fattburger thing: are you speaking of a place or the San Diego band? Haven’t been to the place. The band is out of keeping with the musical tastes that you usually talk about. But the band is a long time combination of EXCELLENT players doing the smooth jazz/groove stuff. Tommy Aros is a world class percussionist.

Journalist Jimmy Smith, Now that you have DOB’s stamp of approval on In & Out you can try them someday. Great Eats!!

DOB, In your opinion, what does it mean that Paul Snyder is in charge of baseball operations?

By Drummerdad

October 27, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

Kicking the “Worst Braves Trades” around is amusing. Something for us to do looking backwards while we’re licking our wounds and waiting for the WS to finish. Then the Schuerholz Bus heads off to the Winter Meetings and we start to move forward again.

The Glavine thing: If the Mets drop 10 or 11 mil on the table to the boy then I have a hard time seeing him with the hatchet on his chest next year. Shoot…missed by 3 mil again. It’s almost Maxwell Smart.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

Back again. DOB, I swear if Edmunds gets that award and we have to watch some huge montage of plays where he looks like a gooneybird trying land on the beach barely making plays that Andruw would’ve caught over-the-shoulder with a grin while slowing to a trot I’m gonna go postal.

Guess Mr. “I hate MPD bloggers” made a total laughingstock of himself earlier, posting as CL right in the middle of an argument dennouncing people who would do that. If I’d known he was that sad, I wouldn’t have even bothered insulting him.

As for the Drew trade, remember he only had that one good year. Remember how much money his agent was demanding after that? How would y’all feel if we HAD signed him to that much and he was loafing around right field right now (when he wasn’t on the DL) tying up a monster amount of payroll while Frenchy languished on the bench. Be careful what you wish for.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

Hey Dob, Billy Ray is singing the SSB. Don’t you have all his albums?

By BB FAN

October 27, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, I think you are right about Wainwright. He will be a great one. But he may not have been the same for the Braves. Duncan is a great pitching as well as Mazzone. And young guys didn’t seem to take to Leo that often.

I do think the Wainwright trade will look like the worst deal the Braves have made. But you have to take chances. JS has done a pretty good job of trading the right pitching prospects. Wainwright may be the one that slipped through. He’s only human.

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

Maybe Scooter the talking baseball can explain “The Strike” to Verlander.

By BB FAN

October 27, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

DOB,

If the Rawlings people don’t even include Andruw Jones in the running for best defensive centerfielder, they don’t know anything about baseball. The only one in that list that might beat out Andruw would be Mays. However, I really think it’s a toss-up defensively between the two.

And Edmonds is not close to the defensive genius Jones is. Edmonds has to dive for balls Andruw can camp under and catch. Edmonds is good, but he’s no Jones.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

some humans ain’t human, some people ain’t kind, you open up their hearts, and here’s what you’ll find …

cannot generalize about humanity. oh, the humanity!

now, burgers … in and out. journalist visited the website and would gladly try a double double with fries and a shake. let’s hope wicky does not discover in and out. there will be no pants big enough for next season.

now, melted cheese while in the pressbox … a favorite of the old journalist. and that is a reminder. once, the old journalist was sitting in the pressbox in st. louis and beside him was a bowl of peanuts. a young dob struck up a conversation with the old journalist and munched on the peanuts. after a time of being regaled with journalist-stories that dob enjoyed very much, dob realized that he had eaten a lot of the old journalist’s peanuts. dob apologized to the old journalist who replied, “don’t worry son, since i lost my teeth i can’t eat peanuts anymore. i just eat the chocolate off ‘em and put ‘em in a bowl.”

now, baseball … the tigers don’t have baserunning down, do they?

By The Grinch

October 27, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

Gotta run, Y’all; the city streets await. Later.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

No one ever did apologize for jumping so quickly to conclusions regarding the impersonation of Carolina Lady. So I will offer apologies to: the terror of toe ailments and the the champion of cheese: Jimmy Smith. It didn’t make sense for you to missuse Carolina Lady.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

I’ve just returned home from medical appointments with my Mother to discover that someone is blogging using my name instead of his own. Now who could that be?? Who of those posting today has the habit of identity theft???

carolina lady names no names.

Carolina Lady, I just knew that wasn’t you posting. But, I am innocent. I did not post as you. My theory is that someone who doesn’t like me on this blog used your ID to smear me. My first guess would be Jimmy Smith …”

my fortieth guess would be …

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

this journalist is stubborn. once bitten …

as soon as head coach admits a mis-deed this journalist will offer an apology to fruit cup. until that time jimmy smith will remember the many times fruit cup has posted as jimmy smith. not above doing the same to head coach. great diversion while posting as tomtom and others today.

now,baseball … there is some brutal outfield play in this series and some outstanding infield play.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy, I have to admit that I did forget about one ID I used the other day that I consider inconsequential: Karo Syrup. But I am innocent of everything you have accused me of committing today regarding tomtom and Carolina Lady and Head Coach and whoever. None of them were me. But its nice to know that I’m in your head.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 27, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

just you and me tonight? goodnight.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Actually, Jimmy, she did name names when she said: I hereby demote him to just plain ‘coach’ ….. with a lower case c.

She can tell the difference. Why can’t you?

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

3 outs to go. Just think. The Braves untethered these 83-79 Cards to get to this point when they took 2 of 3 from the Astros in the last series of the regular season.

By Lew

October 27, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Well, I almost feel cheated. Head Coach never did come and sling mud at me after he promised. Yet Stinky actually apologized well, kinda, almost-but it’s better than usual. Does this mean Stinky may be somewhat human and not really be Head Coach. Inquiring minds want to know. Well, kinda, maybe.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

Lew, Stinky is Stinky, and no one else. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

By Stinky

October 27, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Jeff Weaver is going to star in the remake of The Big Lebowski.

By flbravesgirl

October 27, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

What on earth is wrong with the Rawlings people?! How can Andruw’s name not be mentioned?!? They’d better not give it to Edmonds. He’s a good outfielder but too flashy for me, always making plays look harder than they are. Andruw makes them look easier.

Congratulations to the Cardinals. I’m not crazy about LaRussa but OTOH they do have awesome fans so I’m happy for them.

DOB, I hope you get a few days off now.

By Calvin

October 28, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Congrats to the Cards. Didn’t see that one coming but good for them.

By Tigers Are Pussycats

October 28, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

Jeff Weaver, maybe the 189th best pitcher in baseball, the same Jeff Weaver who went 3-10 and was released by the Angels, dominates Detroit and clinches the World Series.

Where’s head coach at tonight? I expected him to post how he knew Weaver had it in him all along.

Like you’ve been telling us all season, coach, the NL is a disgrace and will be the AL’s b!tches in the World Series.

By the way, if you’re keeping score at home, that’s 2-for-14 for LaRussa now.

By David O'Brien

October 28, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I wonder if 2-for-13 is a fireable offense for La Russa from the fire-em-all protagonist. Of course, he would’ve fired La Russa years ago, after maybe 1-for-9 or 1-for-10.

This entire postseason has just underscored, boldfaced and pounded home the fact that the postseason is entirely unpredictable, when the Tigers can win three in a row from the Yankees, sweep the A’s, then not even take it past five games with the Cards, who beat the Mets in a Game 7 at Shea after barely surviving September to get into the postseason to begin with.

Hard to believe I’m sitting in the same pressbox watching the same team that I sat here and watched the Braves pummel after the All-Star break. A Cards team that won four more games than the Braves, whose season was rightfully considered a huge disappointment.

And Jeff Weaver … oh, nevermind. No sense trying to make sense of it.

I’m flying home tomorrow, and for that I’m grateful to the Redbirds.

By David O'Brien

October 28, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

You guys will love this: There’s still a few thousand Cardinals fans celebrating in the stands and a bunch of team employess and family members on the field running the bases, etc, and what do they start playing on the PA system?

Kenny Rogers: “You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em….”

Nice.

Selah.

By The Stranger

October 28, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

“Nothing beats a great baseball debate…”

 **?**

Jim Edmunds on a list with Willie Mays - seriously? Who’s debating this, Joe Buck & Tim McCarver?

First the bad-acid-flashback to ‘96 to lead off the blog yesterday, and now Rawlings is asking us to consider whether diamond Jim is a better fielder than Jr., or Clemente. Or Mays.

 **?!**

Borderline inflammatory. Libelous, at the least.

By The Stranger

October 28, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this

For the card-carrying members of the highly unofficial Braves Fans For James McMurtry Fan Club:

http://www.compadrerecords.com/downloadpages/godblessamerica.html

By ncscoots

October 28, 2006 06:37 AM | Link to this

While we weren’t looking, aliens transported us to an alternate universe in which pitchers such as Weaver and Suppan (please!) dominate. One in which the Cardinals, without Mulder and Isringhausen, pitch a Detroit juggernaut into oblivion. One in which Tiger pitchers, the darlings of the baseball world, make five, count ‘em, five errors (can you say experience does count?). One in which the Cardinals, life-and-death against a one-man pitching staff (the Mets), get clutch hits agsinst one of the best pitching staffs in MLB (the Tigers), who are fully rested and ready to rock. And at the end of the day, Cardinal fans and bookmakers everywhere rejoice. I admit, this is an interesting universe, but I really hope the aliens will bring us back in time for the Winter Meetings, and normalcy. In this alternate one, even Scott Boras and George Steinbrenner might get along, and a man can handle just so much.

By Bravo Nam

October 28, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

DOB I used to watch Happy Days regularly- loved it- but don’t remember the jumping the shark episode.

10-7-4 From now on, will call you 35. I don’t know what Lang Co was like when you were here, but nowadays it’s a pictureque place with sandy beaches and blue ocean. I can now understand why people weren’t too friendly last time you were here- coz it was the war! My father and cousin were in VN for the war, but for different reasons. My father was with the Aust Medical Corps. My cousin was with Australian Special Ops forces (the fly in, undertake a mission, fly out mob). It was a long-held secret until just recently- I’m not sure whether that was because he was asked by the Army to keep his involvement secret or not.

My father revisited Vietnam in 2002, and remarked the biggest thing he noticed was the smell- back then the place stank- rotting flesh, decaying vegetable matter, napalm, and smell of gas fumes- apparently, the smell these days is much more pleasant than the past.

By Stinky

October 28, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

“Now, on to Boras… where to start?”

“….OK, this is tough to say, I know it might brand me … I like him. Really.”

“He’s interesting, extremely smart, and just ballsy beyond belief. I like hardasses, and he’s one. “

“I honestly like talking to him because I know i’m talking to a person who’s just brilliant. And it’s rare when you get to talk to people you really have that sense about.”

I wonder who said all these things about Scott Boras and then had the nerve to criticize me about misrepresenting what he said when I wrote: (Mr X) thinks he’s great. In my opinion, someone fell off the fence they were haphazzardly stradling onto the Boras turf.

By ssiscribe

October 28, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Unbelievable: A season that started with me asking Adam Wainwright in March in spring training if he thought he would make the major league roster ends with Wainwright getting the final out of the World Series. Awesome!

As the great Joaquin Andujar (sp?), the former St. Louis pitcher once said, you can sum it all up in one word: youneverknow.

DOB, get some rest, dude. The Scribe and the Braves and the Man in Black and AW and barbecue and pie and toes abide. Congrats to the Cards and the gentleman closer from the SSI. Next year, it’s Los Bravos turn. Eleven years ago tonight, we won the whole thing in the old yard. Time to start working to make next October ours.

Peace.

—30—

By In the Light

October 28, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

Mr. Cox & Mr. S. - I have watched you build and manage teams over the last 10 years that have no speed. Meanwhile, I see a scrappy little guy in David Eckstein win two WS Titles with two different teams and a WS MVP trophy this year. What will it take for you guys to realize that speed IS important in putting together a championship caliber team? This Cardinal team won only 7 more regular season games than the Braves but the teams were night and day when viewed as built for postseason play. If the Braves would have squeaked into the playoffs, a 1st round sweep may have awaited them. The Cardinals were well balanced with speed & power which took them to the end.

Did anyone hear Bud Selig mispronounce Eckstein’s name in the MVO ceremony? Just another reason that Mr. Selig’s time past him awhile ago. When he can’t get it right on the grandest of stages, it’s time for him to step down.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

October 28, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

As far as the low ratings, I attest that to this. Baseball isn’t as popular as football or baksetball pure and simple. Now, because of that the fan base is smaller. For larger ratings to take place the casual fan has to be drawn in. Because the two teams that were in the WS weren’t “big market” teams those people didn’t tune in. If the Dodgers, Angels, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, or even the Rangers had been one of the teams in the WS I think the ratings would have been better. And really the NBA has a similar problem because unless the Knicks, Lakers, Bulls, or Heat are in the Finals then the casual fan tends not to care.

Regarding Sheffield, I was disappointed to hear him say what he said but I can see where he is coming from. Cashman picking up that option probably cost him an additonal $2 to $ 3 mil. Of course, from Cashman’s standpoint it was a brilliant move. Its one of those moves that makes me think this guy is a good GM and just someone who benefits from playing with more money than god. By picking up his option the Yanks can now trade him and get some really good value in return. If they had declined the option, he would have just walked. Not to mention a trade will bring players that can help beyond next year whereas Sheffield would have most likely been gone after next season. You would think it would be a no-brainer but a lot of GMs would have simply declined the option and let him walk out of fear they wouldn’t be able to trade him because of the contract. From the Yanks view they will be able to trade him (which I firmly believe they will be able to as well) and if they can’t they can afford his salary. That is what good GMs do. They don’t look at the individual player but what is best for the ENTIRE team. Sheffield is in a no win situation because he can’t block any trade, however, whatever team trades for him will probably have to do something to pacify him to keep him from being a distraction. Not to mention by not allowing Sheff to file for free agency there is no way the Red Sox can get their hands on him. Don’t think that didn’t have a huge role in the Yanks decision making.

By The Spirit of Jack Buck

October 28, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

Jeff Freaking Weaver stands in for the great Bob Gibson? I don’t believe what I just saw!

Go crazy, folks, go crazy!

By nathan

October 28, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Robert(Justice Is The Best)

but I can see where he is coming from. Cashman picking up that option probably cost him an additonal $2 to $ 3 mil.

Good point. But if Shef didn’t wan’t that scenario to be a possiblity, than he and his agent (did he use one for that contract?), should’ve negotiated the “team option” out of the contract. I’m SICK AND TIRED of players signing contracts, only to p*ss and moan about them at a later date. If these guys want to renegotiate EVERY year, then they should sign one year deals EVERY year. But no player in their right mind (not to mention with the pushing of the players union) would do that. Why, you may ask? Because then they would actually have to EARN every penny of what they play for, on a year to year basis. You think had JD Drew signed a one year deal with the Dodgers when he left Atlanta, we would be makin’ 13 million (or whatever ridiculous number it is), after that first season in L.A.? NOT A CHANCE, he woulda been LUCKY to get half of that.

Don’t for one minute feel sorry for Gary Sheffield….PULEEEEEEZ!

btw: You’re DEAD ON about Cashman making the right move by picking up that option. You better believe he’s gonna trade Sheffield for all he can get. Especially after his crybaby routine.

By Where Have You Gone, Don Denkinger?

October 28, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

Jeff Weaver has as many World Series rings now as Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. He has one more ring than Andruw Jones, Ty Cobb, Ernie Banks and Ted Williams.

So much for Ivan Rodriguez’s leadership abilities. I hope it makes you sick to watch while Weaver sucks again next year, Captain Pudge.

The expansion, dilution and utter perversion of Major League Baseball is now complete. The Red Sox and White Sox were able to end their epic droughts, and now an unimposing squad turns a mediocre 83-win season into a World Championship.

Jeff Weaver is an apt poster boy for baseball’s modern era.

Did this series get the ratings it deserved, or what? No wonder the National Pastime is fading fast from the scene.

By Stinky

October 28, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

The world series ratings might be better if they weren’t competing with the NFL, College Footbal, the NHL, NASCAR, and the NBA. Why play 162 games in the heat of the spring and summer just to have the game thrown on its ear in near winter conditions. The game we saw the last two weeks did not resemble in the least the game we watch the entire regular season. The Idiocracy wins.

By Thomas

October 28, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

“Atlanta we have a problem”:

• Andruw Jones seeking a deal bigger than A-rod…. bye after this season, good luck with the Yankees.

“Who is gonna replace him”

• A better question is who can replace him. Were can you find a player who is the best centerfielder… arguabaly in the history of the game. He can hit for you consistantly plus 30HR, 100RBI’s.

“What can the Braves do to keep him?”

• Trade Hudson, dont sign Smoltz, trade Hampton, and then you have enough payroll.
• Who is more valuable Hudson, Smoltz, and Hampton, or Andruw.
• I love Andruw but he is asking too much, this is most likely be his last season in a braves uniform.

By journnalist jimmy smith

October 28, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

can find everything on the blog. from bravonam: “My father revisited Vietnam in 2002, and remarked the biggest thing he noticed was the smell- back then the place stank- rotting flesh, decaying vegetable matter, napalm, and smell of gas fumes …”

this is followed by a post from a blogger named “stinky” - well, fruit cup now - among other names.

now, gold glove aside - andruw will be robbed if he doesn’t win best fielder. shoulda worn a rawlings, huh? and what of prince fielder?

now, dob must say it isn’t so. say that dob did not apologize under pressure to whiney fruit cup. if that is the case, why does fruit cup continue to disparage the esteemed wurlitzer winning journalist? and what of facts and of opinion? we must have dob named a columnist so that dob can freely express opinion without scrutiny of fruits.

this journalist has purchased a nice canned ham from costco and will have it delivered to ann cox chambers sometime today. it is hoped that this will be the ham that turns the tide for the “dob for columnist” campaign. the old journalist did not travel to the world series - there was no columnist there for the ajc. well, maybe there was and there has been no announcement … this journalist will persist.

and as to the substance on the hand of kenny rogers? canned ham gel? think about it.

now, carolina lady posts … don’t be deceived by any impostor posts labeled caolina lady. she is not ill-mannered and of limited vocabulary like some.

now, scribe … abiding and proud of his young acqauintance with the live arm and world series ring. nice. like to see good people win. and what of kenny rogers? did he cheat? canned hams are often consumed in the dugout.

now, another transition in journalist’s long post … what is the official pie of major league baseball? some say it is apple pie. this journalist is not sure. rhubarb is also a baseball term. consider this. more on mince meat in this journalist’s next post.

By Metropolitan Man

October 28, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

Seven new, different World Series champions in a dizzying, dazzling row. That’s what the bold, new century has brought us, starting with the dynastic New York Yankees, finishing off their trifecta in 2000, and running right on through these remarkable St. Louis Cardinals, stirring memories of Dizzy, Daffy and the Gashouse Gang.

Before we proceed, let us not overlook the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks, the 2002 Anaheim Angels, the 2003 Florida Marlins, the 2004 Boston Red Sox and the 2005 Chicago White Sox — all wonderful in their moment, all golden under the light of the silvery October moon.

So — cue the Keith Moon drumroll please — Who’s Next?

Ladies and gentlemen, here they are, your 2007 World Series champions …

The New York Mets.

Led by 2007 National League MVP Jose Reyes, Comeback Player of the Year Pedro Martinez and Manager of the Year Willie Randolph, they take that final stride and wash away the bitter disappointment of ‘06.

Let’s make that eight new champs in a dizzying, dazzling, Amazin’ roll.

And why the heck not?

If you believe in truth, justice and the American way, baseball style, you have to acknowledge the Mets’ many assets — and their appealing prospects of conquering the World Series.

Those are Minnesota’s Twins, with all that dashing young talent and superlative pitching, we see across the field soberly observing the Mets’ final October celebration after Game 7 at Shea Stadium, New York having claimed home-field advantage courtesy of Trevor Hoffman’s save for the National League in the 2007 All-Star Game at San Francisco.

Yes, the Mets. It’s simply their time.

This is a team that had everything but a closing act in ‘06, waking up those 20-year-old echoes of the ‘86 marauders with a fantastic season that had everyone remembering young Doc and Darryl, The Kid and Mex, Davey and Nails.

Sure, it ended with the great Carlos Beltran, of all people, taking a third strike from the latest Chosen One, Adam Wainwright, leaving Shea Stadium numb and dumbfounded. But right up until their untimely demise, the Amazin’s truly were amazin’, start to finish.

Consider: Beltran, Reyes, Carlos Delgado and David Wright gave leather-lunged New Yawk fans as many legitimate MVP candidates to cheer as the rest of the league combined. They’ll all be back, smarter, stronger, even tougher. That taste, getting so close, will drive them through the long, hot summer.

Complete World Series coverage >

News | Video | Audio | PhotosConsider: The Mets hit 200 home runs, stole 146 bases, had the league’s best bullpen and came within a timely hit or two of winning the pennant with John Maine and Oliver Perez — no Pedro, no El Duque — pitching Games 6 and 7 of a great National League Championship Series against Chris Carpenter and Jeff Suppan.

And, finally consider: Randolph is an emerging players’ manager in the image of Joe Torre, a leader who will help aggressive GM Omar Minaya draw free-agent pieces necessary to improve on 97 regular-season wins and six more in the postseason for 103. That’s a number matched only by the Cards’ Motor City victims, nine more than the champions manufactured.

There will be shrieks and howls of protests from precincts across the land when this decidedly unpopular and singular vote for the Mets is posted, but that’s to be expected — and embraced.

Bring it on! We live for engagement.

We hear you in The Bronx, jeering our audacity in putting the Mets ahead of the imperial Yanks. Sure, the Bombers will be a force; they’re always a force. But the force of nature in ‘07 will be found in that neighboring borough of Queens.

We hear you in New England, reminding us that the Sox will be back, curse-free, driven by Big Papi to show that 2004 was for real.

We hear you in the South, where Atlanta still stands proud and brave — OK, maybe not as proud and brave as before — and Florida has a habit of rising unexpectedly from the ashes.

Oh, sure, we hear you in Ryan Howard country out in Philly, where you’re getting pumped to boo Santa, and north of the border in Toronto, where you’re civil but firmly remindful of glories past.

We hear you in Minnesota, Detroit, Cleveland and on the South Side of Chicago, ranting about how the AL Central still gets no respect. On the contrary, that division of divisions gets immense respect — just not another World Series crown just yet. (The Tigers will be back, real soon, and the Twins are also here to stay).

We hear you in St. Louis — go ahead, let us have it. We know it’s unwise to discount any team with David Eckstein, a modern-day Scooter, at shortstop in all his fiery glory. Hey, no offense, Redbird lovers, but recent history is compelling in its argument against repeats and in the sustaining power of the brand of magic that produces a championship without thunder from Albert Pujols.

And, finally, we hear you out West, where Oakland, both Los Angeleses — including the one in Anaheim — and San Diego are potentially loaded. The pitching-rich Padres would be especially hard to ignore if they hired Dusty Baker, so perfect for the job, to replace Bruce Bochy. But that, alas, doesn’t appear likely.

So, yes, by all means, shout it from the rooftops. Your team, even those we foolishly neglected here, has a legitimate shot to be lucky No. 8 in to shine in the new century.

Just make a few home improvements, add a shot of Wainwright-like magic, mix in some Eckstein heart and soul, and — voila — you’re right there.

In the meantime, go ahead and vent. We still like the Mets to take it the distance in ‘07.

Lyle Spencer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

By Thomas

October 28, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

OFFSEASON NEEDS

• Trade Horacio, Diaz, and Langerthans for 2 relievers, and a proven leadoff hitter who can play good left field.
• Give Arbritation to Marcus Giles, Adam Laroche, and Oscar Villareal.

Your Team

-LF(leadoff hitter) -SS Edgar Renteria -3B Chipper Jones -CF Andruw Jones -C Brian McCann -RF Jeff Franceour -1B Adam Laroche -2B Marcus Giles -P

Pitchers

-SP John Smoltz -SP Mike Hampton -SP Tim Hudson -SP Chuck James -SP Kyle Davies -RHP Oscar Villareal -RHP Lance Cormier -LHP (reliever acquired) -LHP (reliever acquired) -RHP Chad Parronto -RHP Tyler Yates -LHP McCay Mcbride -RHP Bob Wickman

By Glass Half Full

October 28, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

I’m not unhappy at the Cards winning, but there is a certain indignity tied to it…Jorge Sosa now has a WS ring.

By Lew

October 28, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

THomas-YOu will not get two relievers and a leadoff hitting left fileder for Langerhans Diaz and Horacio. Why don’t we just throw in Pete Orr and get a starter, too. RJIB-I’ve got to agree with Nathan-If Shef doesn’t like the terms of his contract, he shouldn’t have signed it. I’m tired of his whining and griping. He’s done it his entire career. MetroDude-How about we go for 8 straight different WS winners, but the Braves take 07? I like that scenario better. Yes 2007 Mets-I am a Braves’ fan and you really need to get a grip on yourself. When you come on a Braves blog, you just have to figure their will be Braves’ fans that don’t like the Mets. Get over it and yourself. Metro Dude did.

By Stinky

October 28, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

Where is NLCHAMPS? He must have been a girl. No ‘nads to come back and say howdy.

By Shaun Payne

October 28, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

Everybody’s looking for reasons why the Cardinals were able to win the World Series and I read a post that said the Braves couldn’t have won in the post-season had they made it. Well, if the Braves made it, they had just as good a chance as the Cardinals. The Cardinals won because their pitching overperformed and the Detroit pitching and defense underperformed. This series proves that if you make it into the playoffs, you have a shot. Clearly the best team did not win—for all of those who love to point out that the Marlins have more World Series titles than the Atlanta Braves.

By Stinky

October 28, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith seems to be obsessed with Stinky. Especially when Stinky exposes Jimmy’s hero for being Zorro’s Talc.

Does Jimmy have a Menudo poster on his bedroom wall like his Hero does? Or is it a blown up picture of DOB hisself, with an accompanying shrine?

And it scares me to think that someone who mistreats seals and peddles ungoodly amounts of canned hams in an attempt to curry favor in his hero worhip is allowed in CostCo at all.

And Jimmy, its Miss Trixie, Ms. Cox Chambers’ assistant, that you should send the ham to, you mongoloid.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

October 28, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

Let me set something straight. I’m not defending Sheffield. I simply said that I could see where he is coming from. And if you were in his position you would feel the same way. I don’t agree necessarily agree with his whinning about his contract. He agreed to it. Look, if you make a deal with the devil eventually he is going to make you pay. I simply said that Cashman picking up Sheff’s option cost him $2 to $ 3 mil because it did. It was a brilliant move on the Yanks’ part. Be honest, except for being injured most of this season Sheff earned his contract. He put up huge numbers for the Yankees but the fact is his injury caused the Yanks to get Abreu and because of that he is now expendable. I’m not defending Sheffield. I’m simply looking at the situation from both sides like a rational human being should.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 28, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

not obsessed with you fruit cup. you are more like a rash that won’t go away. kinda like catpiss on a carpet. you aren’t worthy to call someone else a girly-man when you deal with your adversary by telling his mama - or in this case you complain to his employer. stalker. bet you were the class tattle-tale, huh? shriek like a girl a lot, too, right? soil yourself when you post? dob makes a post and you make an attack. same with this journalist and others. never know what name you’ll use but you are readily identifiable. stalker. guess you met ann cox chambers’ assistant when you tried to get dob fired for calling you what you are. by the way, we have someone with the syndrome that blogs with us and is a very nice person. please don’t make that reference again, creep. lew may have been right about you, just so much whine - nothing much there.

By Carolina Lady

October 28, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob sends his best regards to all and thanks jjs. Bob and Miss Carol are well.

New computer has been delayed again (nephew is full of excuses!). Bob’s email is about all that functions on the current computer.

By Lew

October 28, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Stinky-Zorro’s talc? That needs explanation. It’s very far out in left field. Probably further than Juan Pierre can throw. And I’ve told you before not to diss Ricky Martin. He lived La Vida Loca.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 28, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

dunces, lew. don’t encourage him. probably has the comic book.

By Lew

October 28, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

RJIB-Sure it’s cost him several million. But in reality, why should anyone care? He still signed the contract and whining about it several years later is somewhat disingenous. However, it is quite typical of Sheffield. The guy just got paid how many millions for missing the better part of a season? Even though that is hardly his fault, he should play that extra year and put up good numbers, just to make up for last year. You’re right, Cashman made the right move-Sheffield’s opinion in this case don’t mean diddly. It’s just like the Braves offering Maddux arbitration (only in reverse). The Braves’ offered it and therefore lost the right to complain. They, like Shef, gambled and lost. Oh well.

By Stinky

October 28, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

What is the matter, Jimmy? Are you and Dobra having a spat? Send him flowers, just because…

By Stinky

October 28, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Lew, that Maddux arbitration thing - another way that JS screwed the pooch in regards to pitching and general gm doings.

RJIB, Sheff fired his agent right before he “negotiated” his contract with Steinbrenner with an initial gentlemen’s agreement . (Talk about a lamb taking swimming lessons from a shark.) Anyway, I remember him getting all PO’d about the Yankees trading for A-Rod and paying that truck-load of money to him and threatening not to sign the contract. Steinbrenner then got tough and made Sheff honor the oral agreement.

Sheff’s probably still kicking himself for firing Boras. I wonder how Dob felt about his two pals at odds back then.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 28, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

ajc.com headline: joe niekro recalled for sense of humor. can do that? from death’s door … you read it here.

now, fruit cup is blogging and no one is answering - more than an hour since her post. go figure.

anyone out there besides the stalker?

robertjitb, look what they say in newsday about sheffield: “He is not a bad guy - in fact, he can be quite entertaining as long as you don’t have to pay him, work with him or depend upon him - but he is the type who always thinks he is smarter than everyone else and often outsmarts himself in his attempts to prove it.

But this time it is all waggle, no swing.

Sheffield can’t threaten to retire, because that would cost him $13 million. He can’t balk at a trade, because that would cost him his shot at 500 home runs - he has 455 - and any chance at Cooperstown. He can’t try to sweet-talk the Yankees into keeping him, because the same philosophy that brought him here - the desire to stockpile players regardless of need - now necessitates that they get rid of him.

The Yankees’ roster is loaded with onerous contracts, positional logjams and uncorrectable mistakes.

For the first time in his career, Sheffield is a correctable mistake, with nowhere to go other than where they tell him to.

By Carolina Lady

October 28, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

jjs, I check by periodically. You and Stinky were fighting, so I quietly left.

Recall. Very funny!

The Newsday article sums up pretty much my opinion of Sheffield. He has an enormous opinion of himself, but my recollection is of Mr. Popup.

By Stinky

October 28, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, I’d have thought that you would have had more respect for Mr. Niekro. Once again you show a nasty, petty side. Its easy to overestimate you.

By KC

October 28, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Shaun:

You are absolutely right. Had the Braves made it… they would have had just as good a chance as anyone. Winning in October is largely about which team puts it all together at the right time. St. Louis was unimpressive all season long, and down right awful heading into October, yet they’re the champs now. I think the Braves were showing signs that, had they pulled off a Wild Card berth, things could have gone much better than in recent Octobers.

Of course, they had (and still have) the pitching version of Mr. October in John Smoltz at the top of your rotation. And despite a bad outing at Coors field (that humidor didn’t seem to be having much effect there in September), Tim Hudson was throwing the ball well there at the end of the season. Chuck James looked awfully good. Hell, even Lance Cormier threw very well as a starter in September (3.19 ERA).

Tyler Yates posted a 2.70 ERA in the month of September as the Braves setup man, and Macay McBride’s ERA from July 16th on was under 2.00. Put that with Chad Paronto (3.18 ERA for the season), and of course Bob Wickman… and the bullpen looked capable of helping the Braves win in October.

The offense was also clicking nicely in September.

I’m not saying the Braves had turned everything around in September or that they would have been poised to march to the World Series. I’m simply saying that the post-season competition this year wasn’t overly stiff, and that would have certainly allowed the Braves a fighting chance had that pulled off a Wild Card Berth.

Bob Wickman almost signed with Atlanta last winter. Now all we can do is wonder… what might have happened had he done so? One thing’s for certain… there would have been October baseball.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 28, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

blog killer. no one cares to blog with you. go figure.

By KC

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

LEW:

Gary Sheffield oozes self-centeredness. You can see it in his body-language. It’s his defining characteristic. Remember when he “literally cried tears of joy” when he found out he was trade to ATL? It was a “dream come true” to play for the Braves.

Those tears sure dried up quickly when the Yankees offered him slightly more jack.

Sheff doesn’t give a damn about his team or anyone else. It’s SHOW ME THE MONEY!!! That’s all he’s about. He’s the MLB poster child for greedy, cry-baby pro athletes.

By Stinky

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

I know you are, but what am I?

By Carolina Lady

October 28, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

Stinky, you go get in this corner! Jimmy, you go get in that one! Now. Not another word out of either one of you!

:-)

By BravesFaninRockies

October 28, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

Lots of Edmonds bashing here. But here’s a wild idea: What if the Braves and Cards pulled off an NBA-style sign-and-trade deal? The Cards pick up Edmonds’ $10MM option for 2007 and then the Braves and Cards swap center fielders. Other players and contracts may have to be part of the deal to make it happen. But both teams “solve” a problem: They get a cleanup hitter/Gold Glove CF and buy a season to figure out a long-term solution. There’s a risk in the deal for both teams. Edmonds might miss 40-50 games due to injury. Andruw might not sign an extension with the St. Louis and walk at the end of ‘07. But that’s the risk the teams face now. Plus, if Edmonds can play 120-130 games in ‘07, he might be an effective ML outfielder for two or three more years. Besides, who else is available at a better price to solve Andruw’s inevitable departure? Just a thought…

By Bravo Nam

October 29, 2006 04:03 AM | Link to this

Stinky Little Boy You have an inability to read between the lines little fella. At no stage in DOB’s response on Boras did he say he had feelings of affection for the guy- he has a begrudging respect for his intelligence and professionalism- which is quite different. DOB even outlined that Boras is a pleasant and affable guy to talk to- even though DOB doesn’t like the way Boras does business- DOB was trying to provide a fair handed assessment of Boras, that’s all- unfortunately, you don’t understand this concept, do you?

Metro Man Dream on buddy- JS is not a happy man- he has been stung out of his slumber- this Braves team will be something to be reckoned with by the time he’s finished remodelling them- the Mutts will be swallowing Braves dust for the entire 2007 season!

Final thought Unbelievably the Braves only finished 7 games behind the Cards in the regular season. Does that mean if we had’ve had Wickman all year that we would’ve not only made the finals, but also won the WS?

Nope, coz even if we had’ve made the finals, we wouldn’t have had the make-up to do anything but make a little noise. Until the Braves can build a team not only for the regular season, but for the PS, then they’re gonna keep failing come the play-offs. I agree with one blogger who talks about the Braves needing more speed in their line-up, especially a decent lead-off hitter. But, I think we need more than that. We need a good bench, and I’d be doing everything I could to keep Ward. The Braves also need two reliable starting pitchers (they should trade both HoRam and Hudson) who are consistent and not injury prone- they don’t have to be superstar pitchers- coz as this past WS showed, even average pitchers can turn it up come the playoffs. Most importantly, they need to do a better job at looking after Smoltz- there’s no point running your best pitcher into the ground before the playoffs even start- you make sure he pitches no more than 180 innings in the regular season, and skips a start every now and then.

By gpburdell

October 29, 2006 06:14 AM | Link to this

A very good Saturday…Tech wins and UGA loses. Go Jackets!

By GM Wannabe

October 29, 2006 06:44 AM | Link to this

If Andruw were going to appprove a trade it would have to be to a warm weather city. I say send him to Houston for Willy Taveras, Chris Sampson and Chad Qualls. DOB: Who is concidered the better prospect and heir to Chipper Van Pope or Campbell?

By Metropolitan Man

October 29, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

G. Sheffield = T. Owens. Tons of talent but a cancer on every club they play for. If these guys would play out the contracts they signed and put up the numbers that they can, they both could have been 1st round ballot hall of famers for their sports. I can see it now, both of them giving interviews crying on why the sports writers wont punch their tickets into the HOF. Any team that wants these guys better give 1 year contracts only, they cant control their destiny so management should.

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

Most importantly, they need to do a better job at looking after Smoltz- there’s no point running your best pitcher into the ground before the playoffs even start- you make sure he pitches no more than 180 innings in the regular season, and skips a start every now and then.

I get it. Pay a pitcher not to pitch. Brilliant.

By Metropolitan Man

October 29, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah DOB, heard you on 680 this past week. I must say you were very informative about my enemy..the braves. Hope you keep the news that I cant find coming. You may have some competition this offseason, I’m keeping braves, METS and stankee fans in the loop, oh and them other teams from the N.L East.

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

Metropolitan, where is NLCHAMPS? Did you two split a crow-pie quiche, or was he a no-show for you, too?

By Lew

October 29, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

GM Wannabe-Do you really think that the Astros will trade trhee good players for Andruw? If they wanted to add an outfielder with offensive capabilty, they could sign either Soriano or Carlos Lee as a free agent. This way they could keep their three players. No one is going to trade three players for Andruw-period. The teams with a payroll high enough to pay him can just get a free agent instead. We couldn’t get 3 players for him at the trade deadline when free agency was not a factor and teams traditionally overpay for that one piece to the puzzle. It’s a totally different ballgame in the offseason. Anruw will remain a Braves this year and what happens after he becomes a free agent, happens. Bravo-I agree with much of what you say, but didn’t the Braves end up only four games behind St. Louis?

By KC

October 29, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

There nothing Boras can do to convince JS to offer a ridiculous contract to Andruw. It won’t happen. The question now is how much are other major market teams willing to pony up?

My guess is that the Braves’ offer to Andruw will be for 3-4 years at 14-15 million per season tops.

I think if the Braves are close to the outside offers being made, he’ll remain in Atlanta. But if anyone offers him 17-plus million per season, or offers 15-16 million over 6-7 years… he might sign elsewhere.

If Andruw does leave, it won’t be the end of the world. I’m not saying the Braves wouldn’t miss him, but the 13 million dollars they would free up is a lot of money. They could use that cash to add a substantial piece or two, so the overall drop off in the talent on the Braves roster (if Andruw left) might not be all that drastic.

By Lew

October 29, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Wannabe GM-I think it’s way too early in the game to tag either Campbell or Pope with being Chipper’s replacement. Both have decent power numbers and Campbell did hit .296 this year, but it was only at class A Rome. Pope only hit .263 at Myrtle Beach. Neither is distinguishing themselves playing for Honolulu in the fall league. Add to this the fact that neither are even on the 40 man roster and I think you’re jumping the gun by a long shot. KC- you’re absolutely right-JS will not be pulled into a bidding war. You’re right about Andruw leaving not being the end of the world, either. Let’s not forget that Tori Hunter is a free agent after the 07 season, too. He may not have put up Andruw’s numbers, but 30+HR and 96 RBI aren’t chickenfeed, either. Add to this the fact that he is at least Andruw’s runner up defensively and you may see that Andruw doesn’t get all Boras is seeking. Their will be competition in the free agent market. Let’s also keep in mind that the Braves won with Deion, Nixon and Grissom (who is the most underrated centerfielder we’ve had), playing in center. The key is pitching. JS will address this, probably in a way that will have us wondering how he manages to pull off these deals. Metro Dude-you do realize that the Mets will have competition in the free agent market this year? Omar may find himself in bidding wars all winter long. It should be an interesting offseason.

By Metropolitan Man

October 29, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

After the past 2 offseason I’m looking forward to the free agent wars LEW. Two years ago it was Pedro and Beltran. The following year it was Delgao, Loduca, and Wagner. Who will it be this year, I have no clue but I dont think we will be that invloved in the big names. We all know what each others team needs but I think upgrading our bench would be smart along with the obvious pitching scenario. I dont know what happened to NL Champs Stinky but I know he may still be a little upset as I am. But if he is a true METS fan like I know he is, he will show his class and contniue to blog with our baseball peoples. No since in crying, the METS did us very proud. Who needs pitching when you have heart! Just give me some young arms, a left fielder (if Floyd is gone) and another utility infileder who can hit his weight. Then look for us to fight the braves to the bitter end.

By KC

October 29, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves should do what ever they can (within reason) to keep Andruw. But if it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen, they should at least try to trade him. How bout’ this…

The Braves make Andruw a 4 year-60 million dollar offer this winter. If Boras balks at that then propose the following trade to the Yankees:

Andruw Jones and Marcus Giles for R.Cano and Scott Proctor.

The Braves save 23 million on next year’s payroll, and use that to do the following:

First of all, take that same 15 million a season (that you offered Andruw) and offer it to Alfonso Soriano. If he accepts, you might still have enough left over to sign Jim Edmonds.

If Soriano declines, then look at using that money to sign Jim Edmonds, Dave Roberts, Steve Kline, and Wes Helms.

By Metropolitan Man

October 29, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Anybody even think that one year we will be following the NL east and the braves and METS could be a non factor. Its scary to even think that the Phils, Marlins, and Nats would be looking down on us at the end of a season. Not that it will happen any time soon, but where will that leave us die hard fans of the braves and METS??? That weird season can sneak up on us.

By Metropolitan Man

October 29, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

You guys need to let A. Jones go. You guys have maintained the NL east pace for so long that you guys are afraid of doing away with A. Jones. You are the same fans who reminded me that you guys used interchanging players during your run. Dont be afraid to see A. Jones leave. It may be the change you guys need to make more things happen. If not finishing 1st last year was not enough to wake up JS, then he will forever be asleep at the wheel.

By Lew

October 29, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

MetroDude-I’m sure the Mets, as well as the Braves, will address bench needs. I would also be willing to bet that the Mets let Floyd go. He’s always been a favorite player of mine, but he is very injury prone and misses way too many games. They can probably replace him with someone more reliable. It’s the pitching where I see Omar having competition. I’m sure the Braves will not be a force in free agent negotiations and will fill their pitchig needs in other ways. However, The Yankees pitching could have been better and the Red Sox would do well to revamp their rotation. The Blue Jays will also need more pitching or they will appear to have squandered all those big bucks they spent last year. I also look for the Dodgers and Cardinals to be looking for quality pitching. Omar is a good GM-no doubt about it. However, the Mets will hardly be the only game in town for pitchers wanting to sell their services. It might not be such a slam dunk for the Mets to get all they want and hope to acquire. I will say this. If the Phillies manage to pull off some pitching coups this winter, both the Mets and the Braves may be in serious difficulties next year. I will also go out on a limb and predict nothing big for the Marlins next season. There will be much strife and turmoil with Girardi gone. I also think that thew Marlins’ pitching staff will fall prey to the sophmore jinx. The whole team may, for that matter.

By Lew

October 29, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

KC-Dude, I think you need to check your math. Andruw is due $13.5 million next year and Marcus will probably get a raise to $5 million in arbitration. That does not equal $23 million, even with DOB math (well maybe with DOB math). Then you need to deduct the salaries of the players you get in return. Not to mention that that will only be a dumping of salary. Those two players are NOT an equitable return for those Andruw and Marcus. Also, Jim EDmonds? He’s getting old, he’s repeatedly injured and they would have to sign him for a couple more years to even make it look worthwhile. Back to the drawing board, Dude.

By KC

October 29, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I’m not sure why I said 23 million. The Braves would save 18 million on next year’s payroll if they parted with both Andruw and Giles this winter.

The more I think about it… the Braves would be better off trading Andruw now if he would accept a trade.

Not only could we get something substantial in return, but the 13 million a season it would free up can buy a lot of talent.

If it comes down to re-signing him or seeing him walk next winter, I hope we re-sign him. But I think what we could get in return for Andruw plus what we could get for 13 million… just might = more the value of having Andruw here next season.

By Metropolitan Man

October 29, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

Well Lew I dont know if this year was an abrreavaition but I’m not putting much in Omar going after high priced starters. We saw what happened in the playoffs with pitching. It was Lasorda who told Omar 2 years ago bullpens win championships, a change from old school baseball. He told him we would have had the wild card 2 years ago if Wagner was there a year earlier.
Bottom line is I hope Omar doesnt over do it for starters but really sure up the pen with potential closers and set up men. Add 2 decent long releif guys and you have your remedy to 15-20 million dollar greedy starting pitchers. That way you can get away with inning eaters not performing, oh of course you must keep a core of great run production and defense. The new formula for winning the big series, not divisions or pennants, but WS titles.

By Lew

October 29, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-all year long we heard about how great the Mets’ bullpen was-and it WAS good. Do you really think Omar will concentrate on an area of strength and just go Pig In A Poke with the rotation, which REALLY needs help?

By Metropolitan Man

October 29, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

The rotation is not as bad as everyone thinks Lew. The METS had so many auditions at strting pitcher that signing a big name is not mandatory. Like i said, get some inning eaters like a J. Weaver or Suppan. I’m serious, after watching them guys in the clutch, I’m more proned to go with them. I mean the METS beat up on Carpenter twice but can only beat Suppan and Weaver 1 in 4 tries. These quality pitchers have been getting kocked around lately and I dont know why but wouldnt you want a cheap pitcher on the mound giving you the same numbers as an expensive pitcher with either the same or better resluts. Look at Zambrano of the Cubs. He is on pace for a 20 win season next year. 3 years ago would yoyu have tought that about him??? You take the starters, give me a pen.

By Metropolitan Man

October 29, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

RHP Phil Humber — Humber was the Mets’ top pick in the 2004 Draft but underwent “Tommy John” elbow surgery in 2005. He made a quick recovery last season and pitched well upon a callup to Binghamton, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.88 ERA in six starts.

RHP Kevin Mulvey — The 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-hander was a second-round pick in June’s Draft. He pitched in just four games with the Mets and suffered his first professional defeat Sept. 4 with Binghamton. RHP Steve Schmoll — The 26-year-old Schmoll came out of the Tides’ bullpen in 42 games last season. He went 5-4 with a 4.69 ERA and fanned 42 in 55 2/3 innings. RHP Blake Eager — The 23-year-old right-hander should be eager to pitch in the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League after appearing in just four games during the regular season. He took the loss in a 9-8 defeat to the Honolulu Sharks on Tuesday and has already worked three games for the North Shore Honu RHP Robert Parnell — Hawaii is already turning out to be a warmer spot for Parnell. After combining for a 5-11 record with Hagerstown and St. Lucie, including losing his last five decisions, the 22-year-old right-hander got into the victory column with the Honu. He worked two perfect innings in a 3-2 victory over the Waikiki BeachBoys on Oct. 6. These are some young guns for you LEW on the rise in the METS farm system. Say what you will but it is no longer starting pitching that is the main threat. Who goes 7-8 inning anymore?? A quality game now is 6+ innings of 3 runs or less. You could probaly do that, around 10-15 times a year out of 30 with a decent run production club. Sounds like a millenium pitcher to me.

By Glass Half Full

October 29, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

Let’s just resign ourselves to the fact that Andruw is done in Atlanta after 2007 as long as Boras is his agent. No way the Braves pay him $20 million + a year.

By Lew

October 29, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-Man, I’m sorry, but the Mets’ rotation IS that bad. You don’t know if Glavine will stay (and if he does, he will cost a fortune in return), I wouldn’t count on Pedro next year, at all. He has shoulder, leg AND toe problems. After blogging with us this past season, you should know about toe problems. ElDuque is hardly reliable and is approaching 87 years old. You’re talking about rookies with no track record and rookies who have had surgery in the past year. This is hardly awe inspiring and is way more questionable than the Braves’ rotation, which has a number of question marks in it’s own right. I think if Omar is as smart as you think (and he may be), he will do more than go after Weaver and Suppan. The only easy task he has is replacing Trachsel. He was an implosion (and a slow one at that) waiting to happen.

By Lew

October 29, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Metro Dude-One more thing. Yes, I would have thought that about CARLOS Zambrano-not VICTOR Zambrano. Didn’t the Mets give up Scott Kazmir for Victor? Much bigger mistake than letting Wainwright go for Drew.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 29, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

can come out of the corner, now, carolina lady? missed church this morning sitting in this corner. now, baseball … this “omar” discussed in today’s blog … tentmaker? makes pants for wicky and paronto? or perhaps it is the evil omar the met? omar the met will buy some more players and the mets will be formidable. division champs!

now, no one will blog with stinky (not calling him fruit cup today, carolina lady) so this journlaist is going to turn a new leaf and become a kinder, gentler, journalist. how are you today, stinky?

By Shaun Payne

October 29, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

KC,

I hope if the Braves trade AJ they get more quality young players than just Cano. I’m thinking at least two very good players under 25.

By Shaun Payne

October 29, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout them Thrashers? Ending the Sabres’ streak. Only 2 points behind Buffalo for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan, RHP Kevin Mulvey — The 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-hander: not big enough to impress.

RHP Steve Schmoll — The 26-year-old Schmoll came out of the Tides’ bullpen in 42 games last season. He went 5-4 with a 4.69 ERA and fanned 42 in 55 2/3 innings: He’s old and his stats aren’t that impressive in the minor leagues.

BLAh. blAH. Blah.

I don’t have the heart to take your bursted bubble out to the outhouse and let it languish for days and days, moaning and groaning before it finally shuts up and lets Stinky sleep. Just know this: Omar is a gunslinger. He’s not into homegrown talent. He will overpay a bunch of mercenaries and they will disapoint large scale.

All you fairweather Mets Fans who languish for a decade at a time before you make any noise have had your day. Go find your rock and crawl back under it, unless another Met fan is there.

By Carolina Lady

October 29, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

jjs, having turned over a new leaf, you are welcome to rejoin us! :-)))))

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I’m a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. May I leave this corner, now?

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, Stinky is sad. Bulldogs lost to hated gators. Stinky is surrounded by gaseous anomaloies that may have been emitted by Stinky. Stinky had bean dip garnished with Wasabi, Cayanne powder and Tobasco with his chips. Am Desperately seeking gator fans to, you know, be Stinky to. Can’t find any. Mets fan will have to do. I know one, but he’s a Minister. I hope God can forgive me.

How are you doing?

By Carolina Lady

October 29, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

jjs, since you have turned over a new leaf you are certainly welcome to leave the corner and join the rest of us!

(You are a treat!) :-)))))

By Carolina Lady

October 29, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Stinky, you surely may leave the corner as long as you behave. OK?

:-)))

By Lew

October 29, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

Shaun-I actually agree with you about something. I think Andruw is worth more than Cano. However, Andruw does not like cold weather and will reject a trade to the Yankees. Stinky-are you a Dawgs fan? If so, there might be something positive about you after all. Afternoon, Ma’am.

By Carolina Lady

October 29, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Hey, Lew! How are you?? Eye OK? All’s well here - brother and I did some plumbing this afternoon replacing the kitchen faucet and sprayer and a shower assembly in one of the bathrooms. Live & learn! Whew! But, it’s done and everything is dry. :-))

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Lew, Stinky is a member of the righteous college football clan.

Andruw is worth a lot, butt, and this is a big butt, he might need his comfort zone more than his comfort zone needs him. He can looze 15 pounds, but can he keep it off if a bunch of non-Atlantans refuse to look the other way.

Carolina Lady, I will try to be nicer to the Braves Faithful. Its open season on the rest. Jimmy, I consider you one of the Braves Faithfull. DOB, he’s a hired hand.

By Shaun Payne

October 29, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Yeah, I don’t think AJ’s going to the Yankees. They’re already committed to Damon for the next few years. I was just responding to KC. My guess is it’s about 80/20 in favor of him staying in Atlanta. I just don’t know if the Braves will find a trade to their liking. But, you never know. There’s always that chance.

By Lew

October 29, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-The ye’s doing pretty well. Cataract surgery in late November. Shaun-I don’t think there’s even a 20% chance of Andruw’s leaving. There’s just too many free agent possibilities out there to make it worth having Andruw for one year. Anyone who could afford his salary could probably afford Soriano or Carlos Lee.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 29, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

journalist is now blogging with new best friend, stinky. all credit goes to carolina lady for her intervention. now, harmony is restored to this blog. even the esteemed carter center could not have accomplished this feat. carolina lady is to be commended. now, can peace be made between the stink-man and dob? carolina lady surely must rest before tackling this one.

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Lew, I know a certain brand of smokes that’s good for your vision. The legalest kind is quite excellent. Speak to your doctor. Barry Bonds swears by HGH, though.

By flbravesgirl

October 29, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

Good work, CL!! Gentlemen, I applaud you for this more civil approach.

Atlanta is the best place for Andruw. I hope he has enough common sense to see that and not just chase $$$. I’d feel a bit more confident about it with a different agent handling it.

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Back again (though I appear to be alone). Did I miss anything exciting? The Dawgs failed again against the f$&$#&g Gators, but the Falcons pulled another one out in Cincy. Vick is learning how to pass, which is bad for the rest of the league. Shaun, looks like we got some common ground. The Thrashers are looking mighty tight.

Stinky, do NOT light a match. You eat enough of that stuff and you’ll have Slim Pickens in there cussin’ and waving his cowboy hat.

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Grinch, If Slim would have eaten what I ate, he’d have sunk that sub on his own in short order. Luckily I quit smoking 4 years ago, or I would be in orbit right now.

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Soory Y’all, that sounded ridiculous, as there are obviously several people here. When I posted that, the last one on my screen was Stinky’s three-hour-old post about bean dip.

Flbgirl, do you have a banjo picked out yet (pardon the pun)? :-)

By KC

October 29, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Andruw will be going anywhere either. I wish he we would trade him if he would accept a trade.

Again, I think Andruw’s extremely valuable to this team, and if it comes down to re-signing him or seeing him walk next winter… I hope we keep him. But what we could get in return for AJ (if he would accept a deal) plus what we could do with the 13 million per season it would free up just might work out better for the team than keeping Andruw in a Braves uni.

But in the end, it’s a non-issue. Andruw won’t be going anywhere this winter. He will play at least one more season with Atlanta after which JS will take every reasonable step to keep him here. It will all come down to whether or not he’s willing to accept a very fair contract to remain a Brave (like Smoltz did), or whether he wants to take the very best offer on the table elsewhere (like Glavine did). Time will tell, but he’ll almost certainly be playing for the Braves next season.

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

Actually, Stinky, I was thinking of “Blazing Saddles” when he rode up to the campfire where everyone was eating beans. Good call on Strangelove, though. Been a while since I’ve seen that one.

By Carolina Lady

October 29, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

Evenin’, everyone!

jjs and Stinky, congratulations to both of you! I’m proud of you! :-)) Thank you!

Grinch, I was about to round up a search party for you! Glad you’re back.

Hey, FBG! Good to hear from you!

re Andruw: I truly hope he has the wisdom to understand that peace of mind is much more important that more money. Dear lord, how much is enough when you already have many millions???

Even those making league minimum make 100x’s more than most of us make a year. Heck, if I even had $200,000 ONCE, I’d be set for life! :-))

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Hey, CL! Glad to know you were thinking about me. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside now. Or maybe it’s the shrimp and grits. $200,000? That’s all? Let me write you a check. :-) FBG. Why didn’t I think of that? Much easier to type.

By Stinky

October 29, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Grinch,I can never watch Blazing Saddles without laughing myself flat on the floor during the bean scene. Was Actually thinking of 1941. Funny how many Slim roles fit the Stinky MO.

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah, casting agents pretty well knew what they were gettin’ with ol’ Slim, god bless him. I don’t even remember 1941 very well (just a few blurry images of Belushi assin’ around in a fighter plane). Dr. Strangelove was the only movie of his I remember with millitary scenes (mainly him waving his hat while riding that nuclear bomb in the end); I assumed there was a sub in there earlier I couldn’t remember. Lots of things old Grinch doesn’t remember from his drinking days. Umm, oh, yeah. What was I talking about? :-)

By Lew

October 29, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Stinky-Unfortunately, the eye problems are not the kind that respond to certain smokable medications. I did talk to my Dr., but the conversations were more about certain visual pathways opened by hallucinogenic substances and the permanence thereof. Unfortunately, that was no help either. Strange you mention HGH, because I have had three steroid injections in my eye. It reduced the edema. Kind of like how cortisone, another steroid, reduces swelling in a more orthopedic fashion. Hey Grinchy-Feel cultured now that the books have been signed? Between Shakespeare and book signings, you’re going to ruin your reputation.

By flbravesgirl

October 29, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Grinch, no banjos. But on the subject of the new house (and only people who read here regularly will understand that segue,lol), we closed on Fri. The furnace broke on Sun. This is not the start I had in mind. I would be grouchy about it except I got to watch 4 hours of skating today, which improved my mood considerably. Wish I had a picture of the French ice dancers’ costumes to link to. You would fall out of your chair laughing.

By Lew

October 29, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-Unfortunately, $200,000 will only buy you a 1300 sq. foot house in Orlando these days. It certainly won’t get you a batting cage in your living room.

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t take much to make me laugh at the French. Who’s “We?” Jealousy rears its ugly head…

Lew, you’re the one bringing up the book-signings and thus ruining my reputation. Now I’ll have to pretend they’re smutty. Those eye shots didn’t give you zits on your back and shrink your boys, did they? :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

October 29, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

ice dancers in deliverance country? oh, the humanity! ned beaty in an ice-dancing outfit would certainly create some laughter. and red velvet cake? fbg is going to stand out in this community. fbg should attempt to blend in for safety. must pull some teeth, though. not to worry, maybe it is not as bad as the movie portrays. journalist knows they sell dulcimers there and there are many roadside apple stands. beautiful country. will get cold soon. furnace bills are not pretty.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 29, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

book signing? book signing? grinch has written a book! history? great american novel? now, please tell all where this book may be purchased. crayons extra? this journalist is hoping to be published soon. perhaps grinch can put in a good word? perhaps put in a few thousand dollars? royalties. the royalties will soon be rolling in. spend it on relief pitchers.

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Try paying the gas bill in an uninsulated 150 year-old house with 13 foot ceilings and gas space heaters. You can set a candle 6 inches from a closed window and watch the flame flicker. Saving lots of money since there’s no rent! Blah.

Jimmy Smith, the dulcimer reference reminds me of a poem (just a fragment of a fragment):

The shadow of the dome of pleasure/ Floated midway on the waves; Where was heard the mingled measure/ From the fountain and the caves. It was a miracle of rare device, A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice! A damsel with a dulcimer/ In a vision I once saw: It was an Abyssinian maid, And on her dulcimer she played, Singing of Mount Abora. Could I revive within me/ Her symphony and song, To such a deep delight would win me, That with music loud and long, I would build that dome in air, That sunny dome! Those caves of ice! And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! ….etc., etc. The point was there was a chick with a dulcimer in the poem. No need for everyone to re-live the English Romantics. :-)

By flbravesgirl

October 29, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

I think I’ll keep my teeth, jimmy. There is a dulcimer shop right up the road from the cabin we’ve stayed in for years. The apple stands are mostly across the SC line in Longcreek though. There is a wonderful produce stand, Osage Farms, on 441 that has a little BBQ stand Fri., Sat. and Sun. It’s pretty good.

Grinch, I’m flattered but there’s no call for jealousy. “We” refers to my parents, sister and me. The property is like a family compound with 3 separate living areas.

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the false start, Journalist Jimmy; the book signing was at my house for another, more accomplished author (see, Lew? See what you do by running your yap?). My own won’t be far behind (knock on wood); for the moment I’m still an evil critic and writer of many unfinished short stories and long-winded biographies. More to follow.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 29, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

coleridge on a baseball blog. dob will be very proud. this journalist can remember when the only high-brow discussions involved scratching and boogers. fbg this journalist knows where that produce stand is! “bbq today” sign out front. has fbg tried oinkers bbq? always a crowd. this journalist has never stopped though. good bbq in dillsboro, too.

By The Grinch

October 29, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

Teeth? Who needs teeth? Glad to know if I ever drop by for cake I don’t have to whip some dude’s a$$, though. :-) How is the fancy cookware store going to get along without you? Have you groomed a replacement? Family compound. That sounds awful cult-ish. Y’all ain’t about to go Koresh on us, are you? Send the children out first! So, what was Tanith wearing?

By flbravesgirl

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

1-WilliamsSonoma has catalogs.

2-“Cultish”?! Only you would come up with that, Grinch. Buying it together means we could get a really nice property.

3-Tanith and Ben weren’t in this competition. They’ll be at the next one, Skate Canada. The French girl, however, had cotton balls stuck all over her. Really.

4-Still single. That’s why this family property is a good idea. It’s becoming too expensive for a single person to live here in my hometown.

jimmy, I’ve been to Oinker’s once and wasn’t that impressed. Guess I’ll have to give them a second chance since they’re just up the road. Next time you go through, stop at the Feed Mill in Rabun Gap. Fantastic home cooking.

By Carolina Lady

October 29, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the delay in responding - spent a wonderful 1:40 watching “Island In The Sky”. Haven’t seen that movie in a long, long time and thoroughly enjoyed it! Matthew, thanks for the link!!

Lew, don’t want to buy another house. Have one I inherited on this property, my mother’s house, and my little house on the Banks. (Haven’t seen that one in a while since my responsibilities keep me here for the time being, but I hope and pray to be able to get back where I belong.) And, yep, $200,000 is the total sum to take care of me and my daughter for the rest of our lives. Any donations?? :-)))

By journalist jimmy smith

October 29, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

feed mill? not on the main road, right? but close, right? journalist will try it! imagine grinch gumming a piece of red velvet cake. not pretty.

By flbravesgirl

October 30, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

CL, you definitely don’t want to buy in Florida. $200,000 wouldn’t buy diddly-squat here.

jimmy, the Feed Mill’s entrance is on 441 but the building does sit back from the road a bit. It’s on the left, heading north. If you get to Osage Farms, you went a little too far.

By The Grinch

October 30, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

Back again. Cotton balls? I’ll ignore the obvious Peter Rabbit reference (rim shot) and just gape in wonder. So this is what the style center of the world has to offer. Hmm. Good thing they’re so polite it makes up for it.

CL; poor thing. Only three houses and you hardly ever get to the one on the beach? Where do I send the canned food, old blankets and $200,000 to? :-P

Jimmy Smith, I have a lovely mouthfull of teeth (my smile is famous!); I was just questioning its value in others…the Feed Mill sounds like my kind of place…

FBG, do you model in these catalogs? “Hot girl with a stove.” “Saucy w/ saucepan.” “Tongs n’ thongs.” Inquiring minds (and libidos) want to know…

By Carolina Lady

October 30, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

Hey, Grinch! The other two were not of my choice. Had to transfer the title to Mother’s house sometime back. I really didn’t have a choice in accepting the inheritance of this property which has this house on it; we all had to be certain that the land wouldn’t be sold - and there is enormous pressure to do so. I made a promise that I have to keep. MY little house on the Banks suited me just fine and that’s where my heart is. (Sometimes I get so homesick for it I can hardly stand it, but you do what you gotta do!) But to meet my other obligations (take care of the land and take care of Mother) I had to leave it and come live here. I’m supporting 3 people, 3 houses, and this land. Takes everything I have. See? It isn’t as rosy as it might have appeared. :-)

I guess that’s why I am so disgusted with extremely rich ballplayers, entertainers, etc who get miffed, insulted, and throw tantrums because they feel they are not offered enough additional MILLIONS to squander on themselves and indulge their every whim. At some point they have to realize that things will become awfully empty and unfulfulling. Sure, we all have to have money - as my own post underscores - but after a point, the tail begins to wag the dog. I’ve never understood how the very rich can spend so much so frivolously when there are incredible numbers of people who don’t have enough to eat, a decent place to live or warm clothing to wear. In that light, is it really necessary to pay $2000 for a pair of jeans, etc? How about $300 for a pair of baby shoes? How many luxury cars does one person need? That money could help the lives of so many. Oh, lord - I’m on my soapbox again, aren’ I?? I’m sorry and I apologize! Touchy subject with me, I’m afraid! :-))) Soapbox put away!

By The Grinch

October 30, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

Morning, CL! I’ll tell you how one can spend all that money (better yet, cut me a check and I’ll show you). I agree about whiny millionaires. However, if I had that money I’d be buying a fleet of cars too. The difference is that if I had enough to buy 17 of them I wouldn’t complain that I’m underpaid since I couldn’t buy 23. THAT’s what irks me about ballplayers. I’d never turn down a fortune, but I’d Damn sure act thankful for it, especially if all I had to do was play a game. That whole “I’ve got to do what’s best for my family” crap when turnig down a 5 year, $60 million contract (after already being worth tens of millions)to play in the city that you’re happy in and that gave you a chance in the first place to go to some god-awful place like Cleveland or Buffalo or Louisville ‘cause they offered you a 6 year/72 million one doesn’t fly with me.

By rammerjammer

October 30, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

It’s not so much the money as it is the recognition among their peers that they are the best.

Also, don’t underestimate the influence of the players’ union to encourage top-drawer players to raise the financial bar higher.

By Carolina Lady

October 30, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

If I had a million dollars, I’d have the windows in this house replaced. I’d replace the wallpaper in the back bathroom. I’d finally get the idle/cut off problem fixed in my ‘94 Mercury Sable. I’d pay off the one bill I have. I’d pay all the property taxes and insurances. AND I’D BUY A NEW LAWN MOWER! :-)))

Then, I’d go find some kids and buy them some shoes, some clothes. I’d take groceries to their Mamas. Regularly. I’d fix their roof and have some insulation put in. I’d get their old car fixed. I’d take groceries to the older folks who can’t buy groceries and medicene. I’d go the Sam’s Club or somewhere and buy up all the school supplies I could find and take them to the schools so the teachers wouldn’t have to buy them out of their own meager pockets. That money would go a long way and help as many people as I could find! And I’d be perfectly happy.

By 2007 Mets

October 30, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

What do you guys think about this? The Mets sign Alfonso Soriano to replace Floyd. Then the Mets sign Zito or Schmidt. They trade Milledge and Maine/Perez for Dontrell Willis. So here’s the Line up and pitching rotation for 2007: 1. Reyes 2. Lo duca 3. Beltran 4. Delgado 5. Wright 6. Soriano 7. Green 8 Valentin 9. Pitcher

Willis Schimdt/Zito Glavine El Duque Maine/Perez

By KC

October 30, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

2007 Mets:

That makes for good Mets fan day dreaming, but that’s all it is.

The Mets aren’t the only team with deep pockets ready to offer ungodly amounts of money to this winter’s top free agents. They’re also not the only starting pitching-desperate team willing to offer a king’s ransom for Dontrelle Willis if the Marlins were willing to part with him, which by the way they are not.

By The Grinch

October 30, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

Rammerjammer, I never really thought of those two points. Interesting.

CL, you’re a good deal more altruistic than I. Not that I wouldn’t be charitable (and like you I’d prefer to get personally involved rather than just cut a check) but there’d be plenty of “Me! Me!,” as well. I’ve wanted stuff for too long not to get any. I’d just try not take it to the level that it compromised my integrity.

2007 Mets, sounds like the kind of fantasy I’d have if I were a Mets fan, too. Nothing wrong with that. However, there are a few other teams interested in those players, as well. At least Y’all will be in the bidding for them and probably land at least a couple. We’re likely to have to try the “other teams’ cast-offs sometimes play better for the Braves” routine again.

By Lew

October 30, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

2007 Mets-And you don’t think that that’s buying the best team you can buy? I guess not-they could buy Zito AND Schmidt. You’ll never get Dontrelle, though. I doubt he’s for sale.

By flbravesgirl

October 30, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

CL, I agree, the attitude of some of them can be a little hard to take. Like they can’t live on the millions they already have.

Grinch, behave yourself! And sorry to ruin your illusion but I would describe myself as very average in appearance. No modeling in my future (and certainly not anything like what you mentioned).

By geauxbraves2000

October 30, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

I think chemisty among teammates is quite important, and if you have a team of big headed all star superstarts (ie the Yankees), well, there’s just too many big egos to go very far in the playoffs. The Mets had a nice mix of stars and role players, not all overpaid over the hill players. The Mets should’ve beat the Cardinals in the NLCS, (which again proves the best team doesn’t always win). I wouldn’t go messing with the Mets lineup. I’d concentrate on the pitching staff.

The Braves lineup maybe needs a couple of tweaks, maybe the only major change is a leadoff LF, fix the pitching first and foremost.

Geaux Braves!!

By KC

October 30, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

I think the odds of the Mets acquiring either Zito or Schmidt are pretty good, but not a sure thing by any stretch. The odds of them landing both are very slim.

The Yankees will obviously offer both of those guys a mint. Other contestants in the bidding war may include LA, either or both of the Chicago teams (the Cubs indicated that they are planning to spend more), St. Louis, Boston, possibly the Angels, and maybe even Detroit. The Giants will likely also put a fair offer on the table to Schmidt in an effort to keep him.

By Shaun

October 30, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

I don’t think there’s even a 20% chance of Andruw’s leaving. There’s just too many free agent possibilities out there to make it worth having Andruw for one year. Anyone who could afford his salary could probably afford Soriano or Carlos Lee.

Lew,

I think it would be dumb for a team to sign Lee or Soriano to a big, long-term contract. Lee is a big, slow corner outfielder who’s not going to age well. Soriano’s lack of plate discipline and defensive skill is going to catch up to him eventually.

With Andruw a team gets a guy with decent plate discipline, power and defensive skills. And when he really starts to slow down, toward the end of his next contract, he can play one of the corner outfield position or probably even firstbase.

By 2007 Mets

October 30, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

You’re probably right Lew. They won’t sign both Zito and Schmidt. But I do beleive they’ll sign one of them. I have a strong feeling they will sign Soriano. That will make the Mets lineup the most fearsome in the NL.

By geauxbraves2000

October 30, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

FBG, The prettiest women in the world are the ones who are humble about their appearence.

Geaux Braves!!

By Shaun

October 30, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

Prediction: Zito to the Yankees.

By 2007 Mets

October 30, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

If the Mets sign Soriano and either Zito or Schmidt the Mets will probably win the division again. The braves season depends on Hudson, Hampton and an improved bullpen. I think even if all those parts fall into place you’d be playing for a wild card.

By The Grinch

October 30, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

FBG, I doubt you’re as plain as you think you are, but even if you are certain cliche’s hold true. Personality can go a long way toward making someone attractive (and conversely, in my case, I need all the looks I can to counterbalance my personality…:-)) Off to Gold’s to atone for the sins of my weekend. Later, all.

By Lew

October 30, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

2007 Mets-The Braves may not have half the gold in Ft. Knox, but I would expect that JS will pull of one or two deals like they did for Reneria last year, only for pitching. Believe me, the Braves will NOT be sub .500 again. I also believe that the pitching staff will not have the question marks come February. Don’t expect the Mets to run away with the division. God help both teams if the Phillies sign good pitching.

By 2007 Mets

October 30, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

I’m not expecting a repeat of the 2006 runaway season. The braves bullpen can’t be that bad two years in a row. But I do think IF they make they sign a power hitting left fielder (Soriano) and front line pitcher. They’ll be hard to overtake next year. Wright and Reyes will be better, the bullpen will have Duaner Sanchez back, and don’t underestimate their desire after just missing the WS at the hands of the Cards.

By Robert

October 30, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

Found a nice example of Andruw’s leadership skills

From CBS Sportsline

Center fielder Andruw Jones was in one of his ornery moods in the clubhouse one day in August. A pay day, as it happened. Sitting on a picnic table near his locker, Jones playfully waved his pay stub at some of the younger players.

“You play good for a couple of years, you can have a check like this,” he announced to great laughter.

And Sportsline’s little blurb where they rank teams says this of the Braves

“A rare early October on the golf course. We would be interested to know how much of a difference — if any at all — Leo Mazzone might have made.”

By KC

October 30, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

2007 Mets

If the Mets do pick up another big bat, that will probably give them a little bit of an edge on Atlanta offensively.

However, Atlanta’s pitching is likely to be excellent next year, and it will take more than one addition to the Mets rotation to measure up in that department.

By Shaun

October 30, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

2007 Mets,

The Mets are definetly in a good position. But they need a starting pitcher.

The Braves are also in a good position. They’re pitching should improve and their offense isn’t likely to drop off.

Should be a good race.

By journalist jimmy smith

October 30, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

now, grinch, handsome is as handsome does. it is a blessing and a curse at the same time. diane lane, virginia madsen, and now allison krauss calling all the time and no time for them. still, a few more pies, pudding, barbecue, seafood platters, cheese, biscuits, and cornbread, and this journalist is only more to love. now, let’s talk lawn mowers. Perhaps the birdhouse business will reach a time of unsurpassed prosperity over the winter months and a new lawn mower will result. carolina lady must think positive thoughts (wink, wink). carolina lady reminds this journalist that chipper jones will sell an autographed baseball to a child for only $70 plus tax, shipping and handling via his website. a bat goes for $115 plus. a portion of the proceeds goes to the chipper jones foundation. not sure what portion. still, giving back to the community. wonder why $70? bay seal is still $53 short but is saving allowance each week.

By 2007 Mets

October 30, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Like I said earlier. I think Hudson and Hampton hold the key. But both are question marks. Can Hudson find his form and will Hampton be fully recovered enuf to dominate.

By Beachcomber

October 30, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Like many, taking a hiatus. Someone would have to mention the ‘96 Series - the only one my family ever attended - Game 3. We still will not come back to Atlanta for meaningful games! Don’t blame Mark Wohlers - blame us. Watching the World Series reminded me of the 1960 Series which I believe was the last one where the MVP came from the losing team. You sure could have made an argument for that this year. Sean Casey did everything he could to keep Detroit from losing. What an effort! - much like the Lemmer’s in ‘91 where he clearly would have been the MVP had we won.

By KC

October 30, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

“If the Mets sign Soriano and either Zito or Schmidt the Mets will probably win the division again. The braves season depends on Hudson, Hampton and an improved bullpen. I think even if all those parts fall into place you’d be playing for a wild card.”

METS 2007

I agree with you… the Braves season will depend on Hudson and Hampton. That’s why I feel good about it.

MIKE HAMPTON: Doctors insist that it takes a full 18 months (a mark Hampton will reach in March) to FULLY recover from Tommy John surgery. Most players return after only 12 months, and struggle in their first 3-6 months back as a result. There is now a 90% success rate for pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery. “Success” according to Dr. James Andrews, is defined as a pitcher throwing at 100% as of the18 month (post-surgery) mark.

TIM HUDSON: Contrary to popular belief, Hudson just suffered the first bad season of his career (the 3.53 and 3.52 ERA he post in ‘04/’05 ranked him in the top 15% of MLB starters both seasons). I went back and looked at the career numbers of every pitcher to finish top-10 in MLB in ERA over the last 20 years, and here’s what I found… There were numerous instances of something very similar to the odd season Hudson just turned in. Pitchers like Roger Clemens, John Smoltz, and others had bad seasons in the middle of their prime for no apparent reason. They just had a year where they were “out of sync” as Hudson was this year). In every single instance that I found, they bounced back with a very strong season the following year.

Hudson’s still fairly young, and hasn’t lost any of his stuff or velocity. There’s no way to predict the future, but if you’re a betting man, you should put your money on a strong ’07 season from Huddy.

THE BULLPEN is already improved. First of all, if the Braves had signed Wickman last winter (as they almost did), they would have finished with over 90 wins this season. It should also be noted that the Braves have some good young arms in the bullpen. The problem was that these kids were completely green and just weren’t ready to be the point-men in a pennant race. However, guys like Macay McBride (1.98 ERA from July 16th on), and Tyler Yates (2.70 ERA as Braves setup man in September) have got that experience now. Unfortunately, that experience came at the cost of the 2006 season as their early rookie struggles hurt the team’s chances… but the ’06 loss is their ’07 gain. Chad Paronto finished the year with a solid 3.18 ERA. So there’s 4 key pieces already in place. But you can also bet your life on JS adding another core piece or two to this bullpen. This bullpen will be solid next year. Count on it.

“I think even if all those parts fall into place you’d be playing for a wild card”

Are you really saying this with a straight face??? Do really think that if Hudson and Hampton are both pitching as they are capable, along with Smoltz, James, & Ramirez, a solid bullpen, and an offense that was already the best in the NL this season… the Braves will only be playing for a Wild Card??? Boy… check your glasses. You might need a new prescription!

By Stinky

October 30, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

METS 2007, whatever happened to NLCHAMPS? Any ideas why he slinked off into the ooze from whence he came? He, like you, seems to have an affinity for unhatched chickens.

And now the Mets are gonna get Sorianno, Zito, Schmidt, and Dontrelle. Who do you think you are, a Yankees Fan? The Mets have serious money tide up in Pedro that’ll hamstring the mets like Hampton’s done to the Braves. That anti-psychotic cocktail your doctor has you on needs to be tweaked.