AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWould Glavine return without no-trade clause?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just when you thought you’d heard enough _ maybe more than enough _ about Tom Glavine’s pending decision to pitch next season for the Mets or the Braves (assuming Atlanta makes him an offer), let me point out a factor that’s been entirely overlooked.
Yes, even though every news-gathering organization in New York and beyond has dissected his current contract and the family/money dynamics at play in The Decision, there still is something we’ve all missed. And here it is.
More than money, this could be a deal-breaker with the Braves (again, assuming they make him an offer next week). And remember, you read it here first:
No-trade clause.
Or rather, no no-trade clause.
As most of you know, the Braves don’t give no-trade clauses. One of the few teams that doesn’t. Or at least they haven’t, not under John Schuerholz.
Chipper didn’t get one, Andruw didn’t get one, Smoltz didn’t get one, not even when Chipper and Smoltz reworked their contracts in the past two years to help accommodate the Braves.
So there’s no reason to believe Glavine can get one from the Braves. And that could be a problem. A big problem. A deal-breaking problem (again, assuming the Braves make him an offer, which I’m fairly certain they will once the Mets formally decline their $14 million option on Glavine by Monday night’s midnight deadline).
Even if te 40-year-old Glavine were willing to accept $7 million from the Braves instead of, say, a two-year offer worth $20 million from the Mets, here’s why the no-trade clause could ultimately keep him from returning to Atlanta (and I’m assuming _ lots of assumptions, huh? _ that Glavine sincerely is debating whether to take less and return to Atlanta for the sake of his family, including children whose lives he’s tired of having to disrupt by flying them from the family home in suburban Atlanta to New York most weekends to see dad in-season).
The problem with no no-trade: Say Glavine gets a $7 mill offer from Atlanta _ and if you think they’re going to offer him more than the $8 mill salary that Smoltz will get in 2007, I’d beg to differ _ and let’s say he’s ready to leave all that money on the table from the Mets.
He has 290 wins, and has said he might retire if he gets his 300th win next year. But what if Glavine gets his 300th win in, say, early July. What if _ IF _ the Braves are 10 games out of the wild-care race before the trade deadline, and a desperate, contending team such as, oh, far-away Seattle or San Diego offers the Braves a dynamic young player or players for Glavine.
What’s to stop the Braves from trading him to Seattle? Then, Glavine’s a free agent at the end of the season and once again facing the likelihood of pitching for a new team far from home if he wants to continue pitching.
And let me go on record saying I really, strongly believe he will continue pitching if he’s still as effective as he’s been the past 1-1/2 seasons. Keep in mind, this is a guy who, since making significant changes his pitching style at midseason 2005, has fashioned a 20-11 record and 3.26 ERA in his past 42 regular-season starts.
The blood-clot scare at midseason turned out to be a relatively minor circulatory problem that’s been addressed and isn’t supposed to cause any more issues. There’s a good chance Glavine, who’s never had any serious arm problems or surgeries, could pitch at least 2-3 more seasons, with his smooth, effortless mechanics. He’s not a power pitcher, and he’s a lefty.
But back to the no-trade. Is he really ready to accept a deal without a no-trade clause? The Mets will give him one, no question. He had a blanket no-trade clause in his current contract with them. But the Braves … well, they don’t give no-trade clauses, as we said.
Gary Sheffield had to drop the no-trade clause in his contract when he was traded to the Braves. They’re going to give one to Glavine, after not giving one to Smoltz or Chipper? No. (Those guys and Andruw have no-trade protection now, but earned it the hard way _ 10 years of service and at least five with their current team).
Stay tuned. All of this will begin to become more clear no later than Tuesday, when other teams would be free to contact Glavine and his agent, Gregg Clifton, and start making offers.
He’s said numerous times that it’s Mets or Braves only, and Glavine would look pretty bad now if he doesn’t an about-face on that decision and decides to take a bigger, better offer from some team far away from his family’s home at the Country Club of the South.
And I don’t think he will. I think he’s sincere when he says it’ll be Braves or Mets. But when he says it’s 50-50, that might be wishful thinking on his part.
While I do believe he would take significantly less money to come back and finish his career with the Braves, I’m not so sure Glavine would trust the Braves without a no-trade clause. Not after the ugly negotiations with the team in 2002, and the subsequent mention of private moments his family shared with Schuerholz in Schuerholz’s book last spring (Glavine was irked by that).
Bottom line, too: The Mets need him worse than the Braves, who already have a rotation nearly complete with Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Mike Hampton and Chuck James.
There are rumors the Braves might trade Horacio Ramirez or Hudson. Ramirez, yes, I believe they’ll trade in a heartbeat if they get a good offer.
But Hudson? I don’t think so. Not now. Not with prices soaring for pitching. I think that Hudson/Texas rumor is more speculation than anything, from those who see Hudson’s relatively disappointing performance in two seasons with the Braves, and his backloaded contract that really gets pricey in 2008, and assume the payroll-conscious Braves would be ready to move him.
Fact is, the Braves have placed a priority on rebuilding their pitching staff this winter, and they’d open a hole by trading Hudson, who is only 31, gives you more than 200 innings a year, and could certainly rebound to win 15-18 games if he’s serious about his return-to-basics offseason workout regimen. He got more comfortable with pitching coach Roger McDowell as the season progressed, as did most other Braves pitchers in their first year working with McDowell.
Of course, he might not rebound. Hudson might be on an early career decline. But are the Braves ready to gamble on that? I doubt. Not without getting a lot in returning in a trade.
Given where the pitching market is going, with talk of more than $10 mill a year for Vicente Padilla and perhaps $18 million a year for Barry Zito, can the Braves afford to trade Hudson, then have him return to form of the guy who was the winningest pitcher in the AL over a five-year span, and who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Braves? He’ll make $6 mill in 2007, then $13 mill in each of the 2008-09 seasons, with a $12 million option for 2010 and mere $1 mill buyout.
Hudson also got a $10 mill bonus when he signed his four-year $47 mill extension with the Braves, and that’s prorated over the contract for payroll purposes (I know some of our bloggers like to put together your own payroll calculations to figure out how much the Braves are spending, so don’t forget that bonus for your home accounting).
My gut feeling: 2B Marcus Giles will definitely be traded this winter. Lefty Horacio Ramirez probably will be traded, and former No. 1 pitching prospect Kyle Davies might also be included in a package if a team really wants him; Davies won’t be a deal-breaker for the Braves if another team wants him bad enough.
They’ll use trades of Giles, Ramirez and perhaps a couple of strong prospects, infielders or maybe even top-prospect catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, to fill most of their needs _ including at least two relievers, and perhaps a leadoff man who plays second base or left field, and yes, maybe another starter _ since the free-agent market appears too expensive for a team with an $80 mill payroll.
Oh, and that payroll, I’m told, probably can’t increase until the sale of the team is finalized, because Time Warner and Liberty Media have surely agreed to certain terms that include expectations of what payroll they’re inheriting, etc.
Anyway … it’s early. Stay tuned. Oh, and did we mention Andruw isn’t being shopped? Let’s throw that in there again. As of right now, the Braves have no intention of trading him or even shopping him. That won’t stop other teams from expressing interest, and the Braves aren’t going to hang up the phone if the White Sox or someone calls. But it’d be very surprising if the CF is traded….
Now, the important stuff: Rented two very good movies last week, “The King,” a gothic tale starring William Hurt (who’s phenomenal in the role) as a Baptist preacher in Texas whose family is torn apart when his son-out-of-wedlock, named Elvis, makes a surprising return upon his release from the Navy, and “The Devil and Daniel Johnston,” about the seriously messed-up artist/musician, which the NY Daily News aptly described as “a harrowing, hilarious and ultimately moving documentary film.” Great stuff. Disturbing, but great.
I’ve spent enough money at Tower’s going-out-of-business sale to put them back in business. Latest bounty at the slash-and-burn sale (they’re down to 40 percent off CDs now) was The Jam’s “Sound Affects” and seven blues and/or jazz CDs including Coltrane’s “Lush Life,” two by guitar god Albert King, and two by Nina Simone. I’d advise anyone in the Atlanta area to get over to the Tower store in Buckhead. Still plenty of great CDs and DVDs, and they’re getting more in all the time from their warehouses (since the entire chain is going under, they’re getting rid of everything).
Only new _ or rather, recently released _ CDs I got are two really good ones Lucero’s “Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers,” former Wilco member Jay Bennett’s “The Magnificent Defeat.”…
Oh, did anyone see “The Office” this week? Best episode ever, possibly? I was on the floor, laughing. Now that NBC is putting My Name is Early, The Office, Scrumbs and 30 Rock on the same night, Thursday will finally be a must-see comedy night again. All great shows.
Comments
By paul from minnesota
November 17, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
DOB - sorry i know its off the subject but i wanted to ask on the last blog but it was so long
would it be financially possible for the bravos to swing another great deal with the red sox for manny?
im doubting it but that edgar trade last spring was soo damn sweet im thinking that if JS could make it happen with the $$$ then it wouldnt be a bad deal. I love Manny Being Manny Muchos RBIs
By TheWyzyrd
November 17, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
DOB, I think you are right on! The no-trade thing has to loom big for a guy who wants a home life. A fantastic blog. Ought to keep folks busy for the weekend. However, can’t believe your truly like that 1960’s Elvis stuff. I always thought he sounded like Frank Sinatra tyring to be a rock balladeer. The king turned into a pauper in 1958. He sold out more than any rocker ever has. What a shame! He should have been the best. He turned into a joke by 1960. Just a pawn of the Col. Paker and Hollywood. “Suspicious Minds” vs “Jailhouse Rock”? No way.
By Carolina Lady
November 17, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks, DOB! Great post!
The thought occurred to me that since player salaries, especially those of pitchers, are escalating sharply, do you think JS would give a no-trade clause in order to get a pitcher of Glavine’s caliber at an affordable salary? It would bolster the pitching staff which he says is his #1 priority and the salary will be within reason. The picture has changed so much (salaries and availability) it might be time for him to consider a change if it will benefit the team. Just my thoughts! :-)
By Matthew
November 17, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Very informative blog. I hadn’t thought of the importance of the no-trade clause. With that in the mix, I don’t think Glavine will return. If he feels that JS and the Braves hurt him before (which may or may not be true) I don’t think he would trust them again. But it certainly is interesting. Personally, I’d love to see him back in ATL. My first and best memories of fanhood came with Glavine, Avery, and Smoltz mowing down hitters in the early ’90s. Seeing Glavine back in a Braves uniform would bring back great memories of hanging out with my grandfather in his TV repair shop watching the Braves, complete with unlimited popcorn and Dr. Peppers.
Hey fellow bloggers, I noticed that the list of free agents on the Braves.com list includes Mark Redmon. DOB, would the BRaves consider him if (1) HoRam is traded and (2) we don’t sign Glavine? I know we already have two lefty starters (James and HoRam, Glavine would be three) but three lefty starters in a rotation could be devastating to opposing hitters in a short series. Why not:
Trade HoRam and Giles (with Salty?)for a leadoff hitter and a prospect.
Sign Glavine or Redmon.
Have a rotation that includes Smoltz, Hampton, James, Glavine/Redmon, and Davies.
What do you guys think?
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061107&content_id=1736744&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp
By Cory
November 17, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Wasn’t it a rare exception for JS to pick up Smoltz’s option before the end of the regular season? I can’t remember him ever doing that with a player. He just might be willing to include a no trade clause in a potential contract.
By Matthew
November 17, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Just re-read my last post and thought I should clarify. I don’t mean ANY leadoff hitter and ANY prospect. We’ve mentioned Crawford, Pierre, Figgins, etc. I don’t know any specifics that would work, but I thought Redmon might be a good addition if HoRam is traded and we don’t sign Glavine.
DOB, I want to go REALLY old school music on you. Ever listen to any Al Jolson? I watched “The Jolson Story” probably a thousand times on TBS growing up. I like his music. It’s smooth and yet it has a lot of emotion in it.
By rammerjammer
November 17, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
DOB, fantastic information! Thanks.
You mention things JS has never done. Well, he never re-upped a guy during the season either, until he did it with Smoltz. Maybe JS is loosening his suspenders?
Still, I’d say your astute observation tips the hand in NY’s favor.
And count me in among those who believe Salty greatest worth is as trade bait. His rep got a needed boost in Arizona.
You mention leadoff. I wonder if the Braves are at all interested in the kid, Duffy, with Pittsburgh. Very fast, some maturity issues, but might thrive under BC’s tutelage. Worth a gamble, and the Bucs want a young first baseman, which we have in Thorman.
Just a thought. Anyway, DOB, great article.
By Phat Bat Boy
November 17, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
Scherholts did sign Wickman before the season ended. Maybe last year’s finish will help him understand that sometimes you have to change philosophies to compete. If he insists on mostly one-year deals, I don’t see how a no trade clause is that harmful. If you’re protecting yourself against having an untradable asset when you’re 10 games down, then maybe you’re going after the wrong guy. Yeah, I know, stuff happens. But if Glavine is willing to potentially sign-up for a series of 1-year delas (like Wickman) we can at least guarantee him that his residence won’t change during each of those years. To expect otherwise is to think that you can negotiate from a position of power. Haven’t we learned that is no longer the case? A home town discount AND no certainty that you won’t end up in Minnesota, Chicago or Detroit? Puh-leeaze. These ain’t the ‘95 Braves.
By VaBravesfan
November 17, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
DOB, you are a very good sportswriter. You seem to see all the angles before you post an opinion. But Wyzyrd, how could you not like Elvis? Just kidding, to each his own.
By sgmock
November 17, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
DOB, awesome blog.
By Vikingsouth
November 17, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Give Glavine that. If he’s willing to sign for so much less, how can a team with such payroll restrictions miss out on a proven commodity? Glavine isn’t a power pitcher (more guile), is very durable and realiable, and probably has at least a couple of good years left. I know a lot of Braves fans are angry at him for signing with the Mets, but they forget all the good work he did when he was here. Who was on the mound in game seven in1995? He was a career Brave befor he left, and I don’t think he really wanted to go. I think he was ticked the Braves seemed to place more value on keeping Maddux at the time, and he was insulted. With all of the Braves’ uncertainty with starting pitching, he’s a steal. It’d also be great to see him get that 300th win here and wear a Braves cap on his bust in the Hallof Fame.
By Zac
November 17, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Definitely sounds like the White Sox are pursuing Andruw. (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/139850,CST-SPT-deluca17.article) I’ve heard maybe McCarthy and Anderson in the deal. Would leave us alot of money…..
By Vikingsouth
November 17, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Game six, my bad.
By nathan
November 17, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Nice story, DOB. My gut says Glavine will be back. Also, my gut says that if the no trade clause is the DEAL BREAKER and JS wants him bad enough, he’ll succomb. But maybe not. I don’t think Chipper, Smoltz or Hudson (if he’s still here), would be THAT mad, would they?)
But here’s MY theory, of why JS may gamble. Like you said, if Glaving has his 300 wins by July, that would mean he (and presumably the Team, unless Smoltz, James AND Wickman have fallen apart), would be doing “pretty good”, don’t you think? So the odds of us “neading to unload” him, would not be that great. And IF Glavine is ineffective early, who’s gonna trade for him? (Yeah! I know. SOMEBODY WOULD) But, I don’t see that happening.
I’ve changed my mind from being luke warm to the idea of a Glavine return, to actually hoping it would happen. Two reasons I guess. The fans of Atlanta deserve to witness a player in a Braves uniform make history, and the fact that more than likely he’ll outperform most of the guys we have or could possibly get. If another player might cost us 5 or 6 million, wouldn’t we be better paying 7 or 8 for a KNOWN commodity?
As for my RANT yesterday about NOTHING getting done so far. I get it DOB. I guess I just figured that after last year’s failure to land “targeted” players, JS might overspend or jump the gun to get who he’s interested in. Not sure why I thought he wouldn’t be as calm as he always is. Just lookin for some answers. At the very least, I hope this Glavine thing and the Soriano thing sort themselves out soon. So we don’t have to listen to any other morons talk about how we should go after Soriano. LOL! My guess is that JS is waiting to see what happens on the Glavine front before doing ANYTHING else, since obviously signing Glavine would definitely mean some players (possibly more than he wants to), would have to be unloaded. I’ll assume once Glavine “picks” where he is going to play, the dominoes will begin to fall for the Braves.
PS: DOB, how come you don’t get a little “picture” of yourself next to your blogs like Guy and Furman do next to their columns? Fight for your rights man!
By ncscoots
November 17, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
I’d tend to agree with the assessment of needs, as long as the priority is straight. RP, especially another LH, seems top of the list to me, followed by a starter (if it’s not just more back-of-the-rotation fodder). Fill those three spots well, and worry about a leadoff hitter later. Regardless of what happens on that slot, Braves should be able to at least equal Giles’ .360 OBP from last year.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Wyzyrd, I’d absolutely take Suspicious Minds, or Kentucky Rain, over Jailhouse Rock. Sue me, but I would. And he was hardly a joke, once he came back from the Army. With the 68 Comeback Special, he showed he was as vital as anything going. The movies were bad, and he was a joke as far as that’s concerned. But you watch that Comeback Special and tell me he wasn’t The King, still. Now, as the 70s wore on and he put on all the weight and reaised the cape-and-glitz factor in his Vegas shows … OK, I can see your point there. But not ‘68. Still wearing the black leather and looking like a bada**. And I gotta admit, I even loved the Vegas stuff, until the very last couple years.
I’ve got the four-CD Live in Vegas set, great stuff.
By Jim
November 17, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, In your last blog you mentioned Kelly Johnson as a longshot candidate to play 2B. Is he playing winterball anywhere now and, if so, is he playing 2B?
By tokyobrave
November 17, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
So glad we have this post to keep us going through the winter! Thanks. I would think that the guys you mentioned - Smoltz, Jones & Jones would not be upset if JS added a no trade clause to sign Glavine since the three are all now protected one way or another. This isn’t a rookie. Glavine is still one of them. Another guy coming in from another trade or signing? You bet, that would cause issues. But I think the dynamics are much different with this situation. I really don’t think (or would like to believe)it to be a player issue - just a paradigm in the Braves’ thought process.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
DOB, great blog…. I do have to say Glavine would be a magnificent pick up for this already potent rotation. I do also have to say that whatever idiot started that Peavy rumor has affected my last day or so since you confirmed that it was a false rumor. I could only IMAGINE Smoltz, Peavy, Hudson, Hampton, James — JESUS!!! Thats 5 potential 15 game winners!!!
Anyway, back to business….You’ve brought up phenomenal points with Glavine. I don’t know why he left in the first place but I think I speak for every Braves fan when I say he’s welcome back with open arms. I think Glavine would be an IDIOT not to come HOME for 2 years-$14 million. That no-trade is definitely a big factor for him and I’m irritated that JS’s book has a factor in the trust Glavine has for him. I don’t blame Tommy for that, private family moments are…Private family moments. Although very interesting, JS screwed Tommy there. Anyway I think it is a MUST the Braves get another nasty starter like Glavine or …..someone like a……Jake Peavy. That would make this very good rotation..Great!!
Another thing, I am not big on Dave Roberts at all, ESPECIALLY for the money that he is going to get. Is there any other LF guys out there the Braves are realistically considering?? Because if you think about it, why pay Dave Roberts to come in and play LF and have him put up .290 10 60 when you can just have Matt Diaz play for $500,000 and put up .320+ 10 60…….I think they should stick with Diaz/Langy (Langy for defense when Smoltz pitches) and go out and get a 2B for leadoff like Brandon Phillips fron the Reds who I think is dynamite and I dont think it would take too much to pry him away from Cincinatti. I think the Reds are the team the Braves need to get involved with: Trade them Horacio and Davies (They’re practically useless for the Braves and the Reds are always dying for pitching) even throw them one of our middle infield prospects for Phillips and say David Weathers. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone, get your 2B and setup guy. I’m really big on Phillips take a look at him. Maybe you would want to work Giles into that and drop Horacio or Davies but I think those two guys from Reds are what the Braves need. Do you think Brandon Phillips is touchable? I think if they got those 2 guys and another solid starter (Glavine, Peavy) they’d be in MAGNIFICENT shape.
By BravesFaninRockies
November 17, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
nathan,
Excellent point about TG’s relative cost to the Braves. If he can be signed for $7-8 MM in this market, do it! Mlbtraderumors.com reports that the Yankess would move Carl Pavano (?!?!) to the Rockies if they agree to pay him $12-13 MM for the next two seasons. Oh the humanity!
By BravesFaninRockies
November 17, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
My bad. The Rockies would actually agree to pick up that much of his salary and the Yankees are balking for now. What in the Wide World of Sports is going on?
By Braves 20
November 17, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
DOB - Insightful as usual. One hole in the no trade argument. If Glavine rings in with #10 (and 300) in July or even August or September, no way will the Braves be 10 out - and even then (as in this past year), we probably have a shot at the wild card and Tommy G. stays put for the September push. I say go for it. We made a mistake in letting Maddux ring up #300 in Chi. Granted he got more than a few of the early ones there. Let’s bring the boy back for the 300th - can’t hurt the gate, JS.
By Salty55
November 17, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this
Nathan somewhat beat me to the punch; the ‘no-trade’ is a non-issue, in my view. Glavine said he’d retire the season he hit 300; what’s to stop him from doing so on the spot? Being shy of 300 would be the only reason he would take the trade.
To Nathan’s point, it’s virtually implausible that Glavine will have 300 and the Braves aren’t in the hunt, thus why trade him? Lastly, why can’t the contract mandate if Glavine is traded, he is a free agent at year’s end? Then it’s his choice, go for another ring, and 300 wins elsewhere, and if he falls short this year, he pursues the top bidder in ‘08. How’s that for random thoughts?!?
By jjgrogan
November 17, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
David: Thanks for a GREAT update! I look forward to your next one!
By ncscoots
November 17, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
Steve, you ARE aware that Phillips had an OBP under .330 and managed to walk 35 times last year? I like the kid, too, he’s got some some sock and some speed, but he would hardly be an improvement over Giles. I mean, I thought that was the reason for the leadoff hubbub in the first place, to get more production from the top spot. No?
By Kieran: Long Island Braves Fan
November 17, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
I feel like next year’s leadoff guy is going to be someone rumors havent got to yet. That’s usually how Schuerholz operates. As a fan I would love to have Carl Crawford, I know you previously said the Braves wont have enough pieces to trade for him, but the Tampa Bay has inquired about Davies in the past when the Braves were going after Baez/Lugo. Not asking what you think WILL happen, but what sorts of players do u think would be perfect fits for the Braves Leadoff spot? I liek Crawford caz he’s got some power to mix in with his speed, I feel like thats what they need. Who Else??
By tfbrave
November 17, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this
I know Mike Hampton had a no trade clause in the contract he signed with Colorado did he drop it upon being traded to the Braves. I never heard of him doing so, I have assumed until now that he still had his no trade clause.
By TheWyzyrd
November 17, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
I saw the so-called Comeback Special. It was anything by electric. Just a bunch of great side guys sitting around to humor Elvis. I also say him in 1956 and 1957 and I can still feel the vibe today. He rocked like no one before or since. He had an edge that U2’s Edge only wishes he had. There was Elvis with no onstage monitors, no eletric guitar and his electricty cut through the screaming crowd like a bolt of lightning. I have been to 100s of concerts and nothing could compare. That croony post-Army stuff was as limp as anything he hdid in the 1970s. He became a ghost of himself before he died. Did you ever see him in Vegas? That was a real treat!!!!!!!!!! TheWyz
By Kieran: Long Island Braves Fan
November 17, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
For the love of all that is holy keep Dave Weathers OUT OF ATLANTA!! I’ve seen enough Met’s games to know how that story ends(Walks, hits, runs, tears)
By tfbrave
November 17, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
Did Hampton drop the no trade clause from the contract he signed with Colorado? I never heard so I assumed he still had the no trade clause.
By tfbrave
November 17, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Did Hampton drop the no trade clause from the contract he signed with Colorado? I never heard so I assumed he still had the no trade clause.
By Vikingsouth
November 17, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
There possibilty that the Braves would have that much of a compelling need to trade Glavine is remote. The possibiltiy of finding a quality LH starter for the same money as Glavine would command is virtually nil. Why not agree to what he wants? Glavine’s being perfectly reasonable. Is it that JS wants to tweak him a little for their earier feuds? I don’t know.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Ma’am-Are you and your’s ok? Did you lose electricity in the tornadoes? I think you’re right-JS would probably give Glavine his no-trade clause. If he would sign for $7-8 mil a year for two or three years, with what’s happening to salaries, we would be foolish not to do it. DOB-For my money, The King’s best is Kentucky Rain. There’s just something about that song that grabs you in the chest. For any hard rock/blues fans out there-Cactus put out a cd for the first time in 35 years. It features some hard blues in the old Cactus/Led Zep tradition. Not bad for a bunch of 60 year olds. They can still rock it. It’s called Cactus V (their fifth album).
By rammerjammer
November 17, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
Man, this gets the juices flowing. Gotta go with the flow and say bring Tommy back.
Viking reminded us of an excellent point…you’re not going to get a quality starter for anywhere near $7 million.
JS, convene a meeting with Smoltz, Chipper and Andruw and get buy-in that it’s cool to do the no-trade with Tommy.
Then make the call, close the deal and snap those suspenders!
By Daybed Wagmoe
November 17, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
DOB…you’re an Afghan Whigs fan, right? i assume so since you mentioned that you really like some of the twilight singers’ albums. which AW cd is best, according to your ears? i’ve been listening to black love, 1965, gentlemen, play blackberry belle (twilight singers) and powder burns nonstop for the last 2 weeks on my ipod…and i’m not getting tired of them at all.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Wyz, I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of concerts, too, and that doesn’t change the fact that I totally disagree with you on Elvis. How can you say that him singing Suspicious Minds, Kentucky Rain, Only the Strong Survive, etc, is “croony post-Army stuff.” That just makes no sense. Call it schmaltz or something, if you want. But croony isn’t an apt description. Bad choice of adjective.
Or how about this: Call him The King, and show some respect. I mean, it’s not as bad as if you were to slam Johnny, but damn, it’s bad enough.
By nathan
November 17, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
BravesFaninRockies
On one hand: Carl Pavano for 2 years at 12-13 million.
On the other hand: Tom Glavine for (possibly) 14-16 million over 2 years and a NO TRADE CLAUSE.
I guess that’s why the ROCKIES are, well…….the Rockies. Of course in all fairness, Glavine isn’t really on the open Market. But if THAT is what it would cost to aquire somebody like Carl Pavano, JS HAS to pull the trigger on Glavine, if he’s willing/wanting to return.
DOB, I totally understand your thought process when thinking of Hudson’s contract and the way the “market/dollar value” is going for starting pitching. If that is truly the case. DUMP HIM NOW and sign Glavine for two years with his beloved no trade clause. Yes Hudson “MIGHT” turn it around and light it up elswhere. Good for him. If we signed Glavine we would know EXACTLY what we would get out of him. 15-20 wins, 3.00 - 4.00 ERA, 200 innings, and MANY more good/great starts than bad ones. Not sure we can guarantee ANY of that with Hudson.
But then again, with some fancy number crunching, and the possiblilty of Andruw leaving at the end of the season. Why not sign Glavine and KEEP Hudson. He said he grew up watching Glavine and Smoltz, maybe being around BOTH of them would “inspire” him back to greatness.
By rammerjammer
November 17, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
Suspicious Minds, his best.
By Don
November 17, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
If all the Braves are willing to part with is Giles, Ramirez, and two to four prospects, I don’t see how they will acquire a 2nd baseman, left fielder, two relivers, and maybe a starter. If they did pull this off, my belief is that the Garbage in, Garbage out rule will occur and the replacements wouldn’t be good enough for a playoff run.
By nathan
November 17, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
DOB
Here’s some music questions for you. Multiple choice if you want to call it that. In each question, pick only one.
1) Beatles or Stones
2) Sabbath or Zep
3) Skynyrd or Allman Bros.
4) Billy Joel or Elton John
5) Alice Cooper or KISS
6) Areosmith or Van Halen
7) Duran Duran or Men at Work
8) Bon Jovi or Def Leppard
9) Pearl Jam or Nirvana
10) Wham! or Culture Club
11) Michael Jackson or Joe Jackson
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
Man, I’d like to see Glavine back and to bring him back and trade him would be low rent. We went thru a special time we could turn on TBS, listen to Skip and Joe and watch three HOF pitchers back to back to back. It was a good time, I’d like to see Maddux back as well even if he is a shell of himself just to close the book on a baseball story that few fans can claim being a part of. Yes it sucks that it almost always fell apart in the post season, but thanks to Glavine and Justice we did get one. Bring him back and lets close out an era it a feel good way.
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
To DOB, the mixing music with baseball is the Peter Gammons gig and it was part of a blog, stick to baseball and stay on subject.
By Bob, journalist
November 17, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
My wife says that “baited breath” is what I wake up with each day … but I must say that the insights on Tommy are most interesting … though I remain confused about Glavine’s 50-50 posture. Maybe it is just that … posturing.
Mama taught me that they don’t pay you the big bucks to do what’s done been did … so maybe JS, like Tommy Glavine, will redefine his performing algorithm … seems like he’s been doing a bit of that lately.
While I haven’t tried to analyze this, it seems to me that Glavine made a conscious decision to leave Atlanta and has repeatedly (sometimes rather strongly) defended and supported that decision in the media. Still, I don’t envy those who live in glass enclosures.
It was fun to watch Avery, Glavine, Smoltz and Maddox … and Jack Parr during his initial run. Tommy will win 300 and probably make the Hall, though I’m not sure why … somehow all this reminds me of the umpires who resigned in 1999.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
Glorydays, stick to whining and complaining and leave the blogging to us.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this
Glorydays, better yet, go tell your wife, kids, significant other or pet what to do. Maybe they’ll give you the satisfaction of acting like they care.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 17, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this
yes, ultimate payback. homeboy upstairs signs glavine without a no-trade clause then sends him to kansas city. any museums there? barbecue museum? how would glavine react? good symphony? has homeboy made a few enemies along the way? lonnie smith was ready to take him out. whew! now, place a baseball in a humidor and see what happens.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
Those of you who’ve pointed out that Schuerholz changed his spots this season by picking up Smoltz’s option early and reupping with Wickman early _ good points. And I agree, he might be amenable to change in a changing times (or desperate times call for …). The no-trade position, I’m not so sure about, but you never know…
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
I don’t fault Glavine as the player rep leader, in his position had to do what as in keeping with the player union strategy, which was to let the fools with big egos pay idiotic salaries if they we really stupid enought do to so. There is not one person that can read and write that would not take the fools (owners) money if it was handed to them. The fact that Glavine was even torn indicates that he is a family man and did want to stay with the Braves. Maybe Glavine will go with his heart this time instead of what’s best for the union and come home.
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
DOB did I strike a nerve. I wasn’t aware the blog was a members only exclusive. Who is the “us” that I am invited to be excluded from?
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
Additionally, I don’t remember a whine or a complaint, just an opinion which I thought we were entitled to
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
Daybed, were the Afhan Whigs great, or what? Better than Twilight Singers, to me. Easily.
I LOVE Gentlemen, Black Love and 1965, the three CDs I have of theirs. If I had to pick one, probably Gentlemen, the first one I bought.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
It’ll be interesting to see whether he goes with his heart. Of course, that’s assuming Braves make a legit, serious offer, not just a cursory one to try to low-ball him by taking advantage of his desire to come home. In their defense, though, they might just decide they don’t have the funds to make a competitive offer.
By The Grinch
November 17, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
Glorydays, that %$#& don’t fly here. If you don’t like it, you can ask for a refund. Don’t let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out.
Nathan:
1) Stones
2) Toughest one; I’ll have to say Sabbath
3)Skynyrd
4)Neither; I’d rather hear cats in heat
5)Alice Cooper; KISS are sell-outs
6)Early Aeorosmith and early Van Halen both rock; the later stuff sucks for both. Early VH trumps it, though.
7)Duran Duran
8)Def Leppard
9)Nirvana
10)Please tell me you’re kidding.
11)Joe Jackson
By Head Coach
November 17, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this
Honestly , I will be pleasantly shocked if Glavine is pitching in a Braves uniform in 2007. The Braves are not going to trade Horacio and Davies primarily because Smoltz is a free agent after 2007 , Maybe one but not both. With the financial insanity enveloping MLB the Braves would do well to keep their young inexpensive pitchers and trade for more.
By Mitch
November 17, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
Mr O Brien makes an excellent point, that I, a regular poster on the message board at Braves.com, didnt even consider. At the site, the fans, including myself, a Braves fan from PA, for 23 years, have been debating for weeks, may well be moot. If Glavine wants to, and would be willing to return to the Braves, for less, which most of us believe he would, does he risk trusting John Scherholtz, a man with whom his relationship is strained, to not trade him, if the Braves have another unexpectedly bad season. It will be very interesting to see what happens when this factor is put into play. I, like O Brien, believe that the Braves will make him a decent, acceptable offer to bring him back, but, O Brien could well be right, that the refusal to include a no trade clause, unless Scherholtz goes against his policy, not likely, could be a real stumbling block, and the deal buster, of why Glavine wont return to the Braves
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
Nathan-1.Beatles 2.Zeppelin 3.Allmans 4.Billy Joel 5.Alice-definitely 6.Aerosmith 7.Duran Duran 8.Def Leppard (the earlier stuff) 9., 10, 11-Who cares?
By journalist jimmy smith
November 17, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
yes, we have strayed off subject again. and what of pie? there has been almost no talk of pie in several days. this is a pie blog after baseball and music. now, it is well known that tom glavine has been diagnosed with raynauds syndrome. rs occurs on and off, usually as a response to cold or, rarely, as an emotional reaction. the affected areas, usually fingers or toes, turn very white or blue and become numb when cold. On warming, they turn bright red and throb painfully. signing such a player at 41 should not be considered. old toes are not to be trifled with.
By TheWyzyrd
November 17, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
DOB, He was THE KING! No one even came close to him. But he never made it back from Germany. From 1958 until 1969, Elvis only played one live show. It as a benefit for a local charity in Memphis. During that time, he was buys with the cheesy movies and soundtracks. I think what is upsetting to me is when he returned from the Army, rock was pathetic. Dominated by Dick Clark’s Fabians and Fabian wannabes as well one gimmick 45 after another. The Chipmonks, “Itsy Bitsy” the list goes on and on. All he had to do was try and he could have owned the world again. Could have spared up from tons of garbage. But he chose to do his cheesy movies and his even cheesier soundtracks. He could have been a difference maker. He could have saved us from “Its My Party” and “Ally Oop, Oop, Oop”. Yes he was THE King and to some he still is, but he could have been so much more. That’s what is really sad.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
And no, you didn’t strike a nerve, because we’ve long since established that there is going to be music discussion here, and BBQ, movies, books, whatever comes up.
But I took it as a demand, or an instruction, rather than opinion. Or you tell me how it sounds:
You wrote: “To DOB, the mixing music with baseball is the Peter Gammons gig and it was part of a blog, stick to baseball and stay on subject.”
I read that one first, since I was scrolling back. Then I noticd you actually wrote a blog post about a subject prior to that instruction. So that’s cool. Just stick to blogging, not trying to set the agenda by telling me what to write about. That’s all I ask.
And no, it’s no exclusive anything here. A motley assemblage of humanity, no pretense hopefully, and no limits on discussion, other than no political debate and no stance on abortion. That’s all I ask that we refrain from. And bigotry, but far as I can tell only one loser who posted earlier is prone to using weak-a$* racial slurs anyway, so we don’t have to tell the decent, intelligent bloggers of that rule. They wouldn’t wallow in that slime anyway. Only one guy.
Again, glad to have your here.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
And no, you didn’t strike a nerve, because we’ve long since established that there is going to be music discussion here, and BBQ, movies, books, whatever comes up.
But I took it as a demand, or an instruction, rather than opinion. Or you tell me how it sounds:
You wrote: “To DOB, the mixing music with baseball is the Peter Gammons gig and it was part of a blog, stick to baseball and stay on subject.”
I read that one first, since I was scrolling back. Then I noticd you actually wrote a blog post about a subject prior to that instruction. So that’s cool. Just stick to blogging, not trying to set the agenda by telling me what to write about. That’s all I ask.
And no, it’s no exclusive anything here. A motley assemblage of humanity, no pretense hopefully, and no limits on discussion, other than no political debate and no stance on abortion. That’s all I ask that we refrain from. And bigotry, but far as I can tell only one loser who posted earlier is prone to using weak-a$* racial slurs anyway, so we don’t have to tell the decent, intelligent bloggers of that rule. They wouldn’t wallow in that slime anyway. Only one guy.
Again, glad to have you here.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
Yeh….I posted a 3 paragraph long blog, it was up but now its deleted….Hmmm….
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
Grinch, perhaps the name says it all, but other than playing follow the leader, what %$#& are you referring to, the fact that I would rather talk baseball than music, it that it?
By krath
November 17, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Maybe Glavine wants to make ammends with the Braves, the fans, and the city of Atlanta. It wasn’t a pleasant separation when he left. He was labeled greedy and uncaring. I really believe Glavine doesn’t want to retire from the game with bad blood between he, the Braves organization and fans. He wants to enter the HOF wearing a Braves cap and doesn’t want any mixed feelings or distractions I believe. Finishing up with the Braves at a discount would be a way for him to in essence try to right what many fans believe was the wrong he served on the organization when he left.
Probably wouldn’t hurt to have Glavine mentoring Chuck James a bit. After all, the comparisons are already there.
I guess we’ll see just how badly Glavine wants to return because he will surely have to serve at a discount. And if he does come back at a huge discount, he should be considered for that no trade clause. I bet if you asked Smoltz, Chipper or Andruw if they would want Glavine back with a no trade clause as incentive because he was taking a discount, they would say yes. A no trade clause for someone like Andruw or Chipper who were going to tie up huge amounts of payroll for years to come makes no sense. A no trade clause for a guy who is coming home at a huge discount to play out his last year or two may make sense, especially if he can still pitch.
By Bob, journalist
November 17, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this
glorydays,
Opines are fine but “… stick to baseball and stay on subject” is unacceptable belligerence.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
Double post. Rookie mistake. I sent again when I noticed had an “r” on your in next to last word, tried to change it and of course it was already sent when sent again.
Glorydays, I just noticed something in your comment about Gammons: “To DOB, the mixing music with baseball is the Peter Gammons gig and it was part of a blog, stick to baseball and stay on subject.”
Isn’t this “part of a blog”? I mean, that’s what this is, a blog.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
DOB, great blog…. I do have to say Glavine would be a magnificent pick up for this already potent rotation. I do also have to say that whatever idiot started that Peavy rumor has affected my last day or so since you confirmed that it was a false rumor. I could only IMAGINE Smoltz, Peavy, Hudson, Hampton, James — JESUS!!! Thats 5 potential 15 game winners!!!
Anyway, back to business….You’ve brought up phenomenal points with Glavine. I don’t know why he left in the first place but I think I speak for every Braves fan when I say he’s welcome back with open arms. I think Glavine would be an IDIOT not to come HOME for 2 years-$14 million. That no-trade is definitely a big factor for him and I’m irritated that JS’s book has a factor in the trust Glavine has for him. I don’t blame Tommy for that, private family moments are…Private family moments. Although very interesting, JS screwed Tommy there. Anyway I think it is a MUST the Braves get another nasty starter like Glavine or …..someone like a……Jake Peavy. That would make this very good rotation..Great!!
Another thing, I am not big on Dave Roberts at all, ESPECIALLY for the money that he is going to get. Is there any other LF guys out there the Braves are realistically considering?? Because if you think about it, why pay Dave Roberts to come in and play LF and have him put up .290 10 60 when you can just have Matt Diaz play for $500,000 and put up .320+ 10 60…….I think they should stick with Diaz/Langy (Langy for defense when Smoltz pitches) and go out and get a 2B for leadoff like Brandon Phillips fron the Reds who I think is dynamite and I dont think it would take too much to pry him away from Cincinatti. I think the Reds are the team the Braves need to get involved with: Trade them Horacio and Davies (They’re practically useless for the Braves and the Reds are always dying for pitching) even throw them one of our middle infield prospects for Phillips and say David Weathers. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone, get your 2B and setup guy. I’m really big on Phillips take a look at him. Maybe you would want to work Giles into that and drop Horacio or Davies but I think those two guys from Reds are what the Braves need. Do you think Brandon Phillips is touchable? I think if they got those 2 guys and another solid starter (Glavine, Peavy) they’d be in MAGNIFICENT shape.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
Don-We really don’t need to purchase a 2nd baseman, we can fill the spot with Prado, Escobar or Kelly Johnson (who is working with Glen Hubbard). We don’t really need a left fielder. We have Diaz, Langerhans, or Blanco (as Head Coach tells us). That leaves relievers and a starter. This can be addressed with the aforementioned trades and will free up about $10 million from Marcus and Horacio’s arbitration inflated salaries. That should give us more than enough to pay for another decent starter. Glory Days-what have you got against music anyway? What do you want to discuss-the reasons why Andruw won’t be traded for the 51,743rd time?
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
DOB just read your blog, I was not aware of the agreed upon format, now I do. No problems
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
DOB
PS
I don’t expect you to care what I think, just not to be minimized for thinking it.
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Bob, I get your point
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
Wyzyrd, before we bore everyone of the Elvis subject. You wrote: “He could have been a difference maker.”
Are you freakin’ kidding me? The man’s been dead 30 years and is still making more money (for his estate) than any entertainer, if I’m not mistaken. His CDs still sell tons, he’s still cited as a major influence by contemporary artists, etc. Colonel Parker basically manipulated him into doing all the movies and schlock, but I don’t think the vast majority of music historians would underplay Elvis’ impact on the face of popular music and rock and roll. Him, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, they created it, and we have no individual stars as big or original as any of them today.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
And I should throw Fats Domino into that mix. He had a huge part in the early development of the genre.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this
Glorydays, I care what you think. Seriously. I care what just about everybody here thinks, because everybody comes with a passion and thoughts and interest.
Well, except one guy. He spews poison. Bad guy. You, I care what you think. Please continue. And forgive my crankiness. I get that way sometimes. A lot of times, actually.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
Krath-Where you been, Dude? Have you heard the new Cactus cd yet?
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
Lew, I really do hope Escobar gets a shot this spring, and he will as long as he’s not traded. He could be a dynamic performer, and form a helluva double-play combo with Renteria.
By Bob, journalist
November 17, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
Grinch, remember the SuperHero that you are and be nice … me, I’m going to lock the screendoor, take a hot tub, listen to some Hank and some John … and let someone else take out the trash!
By geauxbraves2000
November 17, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this
I’m not giddy about the possibility of Glavine coming back, or do I think it’ll even happen, but if it does, I will welcome him and I will root for him. I just wish he’d never left in the first place.
Oh well, what can you do. That’s baseball nowadays. Show me the money and I’ll sign on the dotted line. Okay, now what team did I just sign with?
Sorry, just a little bitter about the non allegiance from some players. But, that’s life, that’s how baseball is nowadays, so I’ll live with it and I will get over it and I will die a baseball fan.
Thanks DOB for interacting with us and for keeping us up to date.
Geaux Braves!!
By The Grinch
November 17, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this
Since I first noticed your post, Glorydays, I’ve formed a different opinion of you. Talk about whatever you please, just like I do. My response was to what looked like someone jumping on to a man’s blog, insulting his format and telling him in no uncertain terms what he should be writing instead. Those are the sort of things a-holes do. If I misunderstood you, my bad. It’s a public forum and we all may do as we wish; talk about hummingbirds if you want to. Just don’t tell me what to talk about; skip over my posts or DOB’s or whoever you want to ‘till you find what you like. No hard feelings.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
Lew, by the way, great show New Year’s Eve _ Derek Trucks Band AND his wife Susan Tedeschi, performing separate sets I assume, but probably plenty of songs together, too. Both are great blues guitarists. Imagine the guitar player son (or daughter) they might produce. The show’s at Variety Playhouse (of course, I just realized I’m telling someone from Vermont about a show in Atlanta … oh, well).
DBTs at Tabernacle on New Year’s Eve, too…
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Two more comments and I will drop it,
I had a typo (actually many), I meant to say that Gammons covers music, but it was NOT in a blog.
The reason I prefer to stay BB is because of the disjointed flow and time delays between comments such as you want to follow up on a point that is made and made the time your blog hits the conversation has gone to music.
Not a big deal, and you are correct, my comment was overly aggressive, my error and my apologies. You are a good group that looks out for each other and that is a good thing.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Glory Days-You just need to realize that on the last blog DOB posted, there were over 700 responses. Believe me, we have discussed almost every subject you can conceive of-on baseball, music, pie and even Musk Oxen and how they were affected by Global Warming (curse you, Al Gore). We’ll probably discuss anything you care to add, also. The only real rules David forgot to mention are that no one gives Carolina Lady or FlBravesGirl grief. That usually will result in your a$$ being fried in effigy by most of the bloggers. Just beware of the Blue Worms and Seal Daddy. Hope you like BBQ, pie and Sweet Tea.
By Walter
November 17, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
David,
Excellent article. I think Glavine would be a good addition to the Braves because of what he could bring to the young pitchers, especially Chuck James. I like the way Schuerholz is building this team: veteran teachers and young prospects. Seems to me that that is a sound way to develop a team
By ron
November 17, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
if TOMMY G want to get into the 300 winners circle he’d better stay with the METS.i’m no mets fan either,just facing the facts and reality.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
DOB-Do you think, given the present state of salary inflation, that the Braves are really shopping Escobar? If so, what do you think he would bring in return? Anything worth losing his upside?
By nathan
November 17, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
Yes people, the WHAM or Culture Club, was indeed a JOKE!
Just tryin’ to catch some of you napping or admitting you like EITHER!
Grinch, love the “cat’s in heat” comment about Billy and Elton. Good stuff.
By TheWyzyrd
November 17, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
DOB, I actually meant that he could have been much more of a difference maker than he was. I did not mean to minimize his You did forgeimpact or any of the other “founding fathers”. It was enormous!!! You can still hear them all today in the voices and music of tons of rockers. I guess I was trying to make the point that he was the only one with real staying power and the chose poorly. You did forget Jerry Lee and Buddy Holly. By the way, do you think the Braves should move Salty? Also, Devine and Davies don’t seem to be the prospects the Braves once thought they were, but don’t you think its too premature to even think about trading either of them? The Wyz
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
DOB-If I come down to Hotlanta for the show, will you pick me up at the airport and put me up for a couple of days? Keep me informed all you want. I tell you about shows up here, too, evewn though I know you won’t be showing up. Perfectly cool as far as I’m concerned.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 17, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
“a motley assemblage of humanity …” oh, the humanity! send the man another wurlitzer! in truth, some humans ain’t human. thinking of one right now … now, more baseball … if tom glavine comes home will he wear the union label? and when he approaches the plate, what song will play? too bad there is no baseball at christmas or there would be a most logical song to be played. anyone know what that song is? now, more tom glavine … he once called phil niekro “greedy” for suggesting he might return as a replacement player. the man needed new hair. how can he be criticized?
By The Grinch
November 17, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
I’ll be honest, especially with the way salary increases are getting, it would probably be good for the team to get Glavine if we could for a reduced rate. He would definitely help the youngsters, he’s a reliable innings eater (which is what we’re looking for) and he’s certainly worth 2-3 million less than Vicente Padilla, for god’s sake. It’ll also probably boost fan attendance and revenue. I still don’t like the guy, though.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
GeauxBraves -
That just makes you appreciate the Chippers and the Smoltzes that much more now doesn’t it?? Really quick—————Who’s your two favorite Braves over the last 10 years????
Thats what I thought…..
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
Living in CA now this is a good fix for me, who openly records baseball as my religious preference. Lived in the south most of my life, grew up listening to Milo and Ernie. They do not have sweet tea out here and they do not even know a good biscuit.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
DOB-Check out a Sun Records song called Rocket88. It was recorded in 1951 by Jackie Brensten, the sax player for Ike Turner’s band. Because Ike was under contract, they released the song under Jackie’s name. It is, I believe, the FIRST rock and Roll song. It sure does rock, too.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
Nathan: 1) Beatles or Stones? Beatles’ Rubber Soul, White Album, Sgt. Pepper’s, or Stones’ Exile on Main Street, Let It Bleed. Can’t choose one.
2) Sabbath or Zep? Zep, no contest.
3) Skynyrd or Allman Bros? Very tough, but have to go Allmans, probably.
4) Billy Joel or Elton John? Elton, the early stuff
5) Alice Cooper or KISS? Kiss, but only the first 4-5 albums, then they lost it. Destroy, Dressed to Kill, Alive (first one), that stuff.
6) Areosmith or Van Halen? Aerosmith, but again, the early stuff. Sweeeeet Emooo-tion…..
7) Duran Duran or Men at Work? Crap.
8) Bon Jovi or Def Leppard: Don’t care.
9) Pearl Jam or Nirvana: Nirvana.
10) Wham! or Culture Club: Crap, except for couple of Culture Club songs that had good hooks.
11) Michael Jackson or Joe Jackson: Joe Jackson’s Look Sharp, Steppin’ Out and Beat Crazy, the first five or so albums he did in 80s. As much of a gruesome freak as Michael has become, “The Wall” is still an incredible album. Back when he had his real nose, a cool ‘fro and the high-water tux pants.
By nathan
November 17, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
DOB
Not sure what program I saw it on (VH-1, E-network), one of those “hollywood” BS type shows.
But SADLY enough, Kurt Cobain has finally passed (just last year - not total), the King for most dollars earned last year by a DEAD PERSON. Sorry to be so blunt, but it gets to the point. I don’t remember the ammount, but it was RIDICULOUS. Elvis, I get. Sorry, never got the Nirvana thing. Still don’t. Don’t mind some of their sonds. I much prefer Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters over most of Nirvana’s stuff, but I suppose with NO NIRVANA, there wouldn’t be any Foo Fighters either.
Anyhow, Elvis is STILL number two. (WHO DOES NUMBER TWO WORK FOR??)
Here’s the link:
http://www.forbes.com/2006/10/23/tech-media06deadcelebscxpktop-earning-dead-celebrities_land.html
L8R
By The Stranger
November 17, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
DOB, great coverage of all sides of the Glavine conundrum. I realize it’s always been about security with Tommy G, but beyond using the NTC as a leverage tool how much can it really be worth if he’s only considering the Mets or the Braves? One or both of these teams have been in the postseason for 15 straight years, and that trend, as far as the NL East is concerned (now that the Marlins have disposed of their Manager of the Year) looks pretty solid. I see your point that without a NTC Glavine would have no safety net for his family (besides millions and millions and millions of dollars) should the Braves freefall into a midseason firesale. But if Glavine has 10 W’s by early July and the Braves, with Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson & James, are so far out of the race that they’re trading HOF’ers for prospects out of Seattle, then the shores of Lake Washington probably wouldn’t look so bad to the Glavine family. I mean, it’s Seattle, not Levelland for Smoltzskakes! I’d be willing to bet the entire Double Dime Ranch and all of my HomeDepot shares that Homeboy does not break tradition by offering Glavine any assurances beyond the rotation spot of his choice and direct deposit. And I think the Atlanta-area golf courses alone would be enough for #47 to return home.
By Bob, journalist
November 17, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
I agree on “Fats” but I also include Mr. Holly … and somehow think Jerry Lee probably belongs there too … Buddy and Little Richard were my favorites during the early years and Carl Perkins is probably the most underrated of the group.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
Journalist Seal Daddy Jimmy Smith-Another Wurlitzer? Does this mean I need to do an Elvis portrait as a companion piece to the Man In Black?
By TennesseePaul
November 17, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
DOB: Nice informative, thoughtful, challenging post. I can’t think of any more adjectives. Though I do have this one thought on it. You said The Mets will give him [a no trade clause], no question but they wouldn’t have to would they? He’d be a 10-5 guy right? Next season would be his 5 year with the Mets wouldn’t it? I guess the fine point is what I question. Does the 10-5 protection vest at the start of the 5th season or the moment 5 seasons have been completely served?
That Tower GOB sale has been a drain on the bank for me. Not that the prices are bad, just seems I’ve been sucked in there for too long pooring through the remains of the store buying everything I can. The deals are great now that they are 40% off. For a while there it was 20% off list price which brought it back down to typical sale price. But now it’s getting good. Only issue I’ve had is, the pickin’s are gettin’ slim! And the DVDs haven’t been notched down as much in the price area either. The Jazz section is the most robust section remaining. The Rock section, at least in the LBC, is pretty much down to a few Hoobastank “albums”.
Thanks for the reporting and updates DOB. I haven’t been posting as much lately, but I’m still reading everyday. At least until the blog gets to about 500 posts, then it just takes to long to load.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this
Glorydays, I lived in Newport Beach for one year, about one mile north of the pier. The girls walking by our rented house on their way to the beach every weekend were worth the high rent, and the fish tacos were excellent (I love saying that here). But you’re right _ they wouldn’t know sweet tea if it rained on them, and they do great breakfast burritos, but not biscuits or grits or country ham.
By The Grinch
November 17, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
Nathan, I spent 10 years off and on working in bars; there are a few songs that will cause me to commit homicide if I hear them again. “Bennie and the Jets” is one of them. AAAAARRRRGGGHHH! Now it’s in my head! Curse you! For the record, I feel the same way about “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Jimmy’ll do more than “Blow out a flip-flop” if he ever shows up on my side of town. :-)
By Lew
November 17, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
GloryDays-I know what you mean. I’m in Vermont. At least the biscuits and gravy are passable and they do have grits in the grocery store and at Denny’s (of all places). They also have Big Papi salsa which is righteous stuff, right Grinch?
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
Wyz, definitely should have put Jerry Lee in there. Definitely. Love The Killer, man. Awesome.
Buddy, wasn’t he just a few years later? I could be wrong, but just seems like he was. he was great, though. Still sounds great. And Roy Orbison, too.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
Damn GloryDays thats deppressing, I’m sure you could even go for a generic sweet tea and biscuit from Cracker Barrell right about now couldn’t you??
By nathan
November 17, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
Steve
My favorite Brave over the last ten years was Damion Moss. He wasn’t that good, but any PITCHER who puts a tackle on a 2B, the way he did, trying to break up a doubleplay……must be considered COOL in my book.
Just kidding obviously, but yeah, SMOLTZ for sure! Then it’s between: Chipper, Andruw, with John Rocker and Rico Brogna close behind.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, gotta be five years with the team _ it would be at the end of next season with Mets, not during the season.
I’m with you on Tower. At first the 20 percent off wasn’t even a sale, because it was off the ridiculous list prices that only crapola record stores in malls and airports charge ($18.95, 19.95), but now that it’s at 40 percent, it’s great. And jazz stuff like Coltrane, Miles, etc, that was $12.95 to begin with is now under $8. And they’ve still got TONS of that, if you’re into jazz or blues.
The adult section is also quite solid (kidding, kidding, for those higher-ups in the office who might be monitoring. Totally kidding. 100 percent kidding).
By geauxbraves2000
November 17, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
My fav two Braves? Smoltz and Gallaraga. Although I did like Brett Butler, Claudell Washington and of course Chris Chambliss. Former Brave Gerald Perry is now the hitting coach of the Cubs, I don’t remember much about him. Hank Aaron I’m sure would’ve been a favorite of mine, but he was just a few years before I started watching the Braves.
I liked Milt Thompson also. And let’s not forget about NLCS MVP Mike Mike Deveraux. And I really like Ozzie Guillen.
Geaux Braves!!
By TennesseePaul
November 17, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
The man’s been dead 30 years and is still making more money (for his estate) than any entertainer, if I’m not mistaken.
This is correct. However, I believe last year Cobain topped him. But only in the single year and Cobain had like 10 different things come out. And even then it was just barely. Elvis is the King and there’s no way around it.
Hope I read all those posts right.
GO BRAVES
By Steve
November 17, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
Nathan—
Being a 22 year old I know all about Nirvana. Trust me it’s not that bad Cobain is passing Elvis. Cobain is an icon and he laid the ground work for all of 90’s music…Maybe you like it maybe you don’t but it is certainly to be respected. Also Cobain’s legacy stretches far past his music, his insights, opinions and beliefs are what drew so many people to him as a PERSON. He is known for both himself as a person and his creativity in music equally….
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
mean to say the DVD section on that “kidding” part….
Lew if you were to do a portrait of The King, it would definitely find its way to my wall. The Man in Black is actually hanging in my living room. Great frame, etc.
But you can’t do that. I won’t allow it. Too much work for no fee. Sell your stuff to those with money.
IF you were to do it, however, Elvis should be on black velvet. And you don’t work in the medium, do you?
By The Grinch
November 17, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
“All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth…” Sound about right, Jimmy Smith? Maybe I’ll steal him a couple from the Who’s. Would that absolutely not be the most hilarious thing if he chose “Look for the Union Label” as his intro song? That’s the only way he could completely redeem himself in my eyes; I’d even buy a Glavine jersey.
Glorydays; never made it to Cali but I lived in NY for a while and found the same shortcomings with tea and buscuits. No grits, either. Sweet cornbread. Blah! They did have good pizza, bagels and kosher delis, though.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
Nathan -
Damian Moss - —- -Wow what a name to bring into play today…..12-6 with a mid 3 ERA rookie year with predictions of being the next Tommy……Then was traded for Russ Ortiz….Then his career depleted rapid fire……But I told you Smoltz and Chipper is everyones #1 & 2 choice here..If everyone digs deep and had to go to their coughin with their final answer theyd pick Smoltz/Chipper…..If Glavine never left….All 3…
By kinley
November 17, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
1) Stones- never been a big Beatles fan, but the Stones rock
2) Zeppelin; almost everything they did was amazing..their full body of work has few rivals
3) Skynyrd- I just love Skynyrd’s sound..heavy (at times) but with country twang and also bluesy. The Allmans are great, but sometimes they can overdo the jam band thing.
4) See Grinch’s 5:57 post
5) Alice Cooper- Waaaaay cooler than KISS
6) Van Halen- Joe Perry is great, but Eddie Van Halen is more precise than any guitarist I’ve ever heard..Seriously original riffs
7) Men at Work- They’re OK, just chose them because I hate Duran Duran with every fiber of my being.
8) Def Leppard- Not much of a Bon Jovi fan.
9) Pearl Jam- they’re obviously more talented than Nirvana (other than Dave Grohl)..PJ’s songs have more substance
10) Culture Club
11) Joe Jackson
If I may add another: Blue Oyster Cult or Golden Earring?
By Alan
November 17, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
Terrific post, DOB. Thanks. Here’s the best reason to sign Glavine and give in to his no-trade request: The Braves will hurt the Mets! Their loss is our gain - literally. I heard today that the Mets have the inside track to signing Barry Zito. Fine. If they lose Glavine, it’s more or less a wash. And here’s another really good option for leadoff and 2nd base, which a few folks have mentioned before, but not lately: Brian Roberts. If the Braves do trade with the Reds (as DOB and others have suggested, Marcus has great stats in the Reds’ bandbox), I’ll bet they get Ryan Freel (and more - maybe a guy like Weathers) for him. Music-wise, David, I asked early last season for your opinion of the ’50s-era R & B singer, Clyde McPhatter. Any comments? Besides his absolutely perfect R & B name, that is. Thanks.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
GeauxBraves—
I said 2 favorite Braves of the last TEN YEARS———Ofcourse Hank is #1 All-Time then Eddie Mathews and then Mike Devereaux #3…Clearly…haaa but seriously 2 Favorites over the last 10 years NOW!!!!
Smoltz and Chipper because of their dominance, personalities and loyalty. They put a face on the team you live to love.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
DOB any thoughts on this or what??? ESPN even is reported saying they want Marcus….Im really interested in your insight here…
DOB, great blog…. I do have to say Glavine would be a magnificent pick up for this already potent rotation. I do also have to say that whatever idiot started that Peavy rumor has affected my last day or so since you confirmed that it was a false rumor. I could only IMAGINE Smoltz, Peavy, Hudson, Hampton, James — JESUS!!! Thats 5 potential 15 game winners!!!
Anyway, back to business….You’ve brought up phenomenal points with Glavine. I don’t know why he left in the first place but I think I speak for every Braves fan when I say he’s welcome back with open arms. I think Glavine would be an IDIOT not to come HOME for 2 years-$14 million. That no-trade is definitely a big factor for him and I’m irritated that JS’s book has a factor in the trust Glavine has for him. I don’t blame Tommy for that, private family moments are…Private family moments. Although very interesting, JS screwed Tommy there. Anyway I think it is a MUST the Braves get another nasty starter like Glavine or …..someone like a……Jake Peavy. That would make this very good rotation..Great!!
Another thing, I am not big on Dave Roberts at all, ESPECIALLY for the money that he is going to get. Is there any other LF guys out there the Braves are realistically considering?? Because if you think about it, why pay Dave Roberts to come in and play LF and have him put up .290 10 60 when you can just have Matt Diaz play for $500,000 and put up .320+ 10 60…….I think they should stick with Diaz/Langy (Langy for defense when Smoltz pitches) and go out and get a 2B for leadoff like Brandon Phillips fron the Reds who I think is dynamite and I dont think it would take too much to pry him away from Cincinatti. I think the Reds are the team the Braves need to get involved with: Trade them Horacio and Davies (They’re practically useless for the Braves and the Reds are always dying for pitching) even throw them one of our middle infield prospects for Phillips and say David Weathers. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone, get your 2B and setup guy. I’m really big on Phillips take a look at him. Maybe you would want to work Giles into that and drop Horacio or Davies but I think those two guys from Reds are what the Braves need. Do you think Brandon Phillips is touchable? I think if they got those 2 guys and another solid starter (Glavine, Peavy) they’d be in MAGNIFICENT shape.
By nathan
November 17, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanx for “playing”.
I knew I’d find somebody else that would choose Kiss over Cooper. I just didn’t think it would be you! LOL! I agree early stuff by far better than anything post 1978.
I’m a Van Halen guy all the way.
Sadly enough. I was an early teenager when Thriller was HUGE. I don’t think there will EVER be an album that reaches that many people with different backgrounds as that did. Not to say there won’t be (or somebody hasn’t already written a BETTER album), just not one with the IMPACT that had on the world, much less the music industry. Michael Jackson has become a charcature (sp?) of himself. He’s kinda like the car accident that you pass and can’t take your eyes off of. When I’m flippin channels and see him (in any capacity), I feel like I HAVE to stop on that channel, if not just to giggle.
Totally agree with the Zep over Sabbath.
People ALWAYS seem to want others to “choose” between the Stones/Beatles. To me just cuz they came from England around the same time, don’t mean much. TWO DIFFERENT BANDS IF YOU ASK ME. I’m a Beatles guy, but that’s just probably because my parents were and it was always around.
DOB, did you ever get into (or even hear of) the band Cry of Love? I think they are from Columbia SC, their album Brother came out in 93 or 94. GREAT BAND, GREAT SINGER (Kelly Holland), GREAT GUITARIST (Audley Freed - later played with the Black Crowes and now is touring with the Dixie Chicks). Nicest guys you ever could meet. I played in a band (mostly covers) that opened up for them in the summer of 94. Best concert I ever saw. Small club in Minot ND, (held about 600 people), I kinda forgot about them. Just curious if they were bigger down there than they were up north. Nobody around here ever heard of them, much less remembers them.
By The Stranger
November 17, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
Someone might want to double-check my math, but I think this year Kurt Cobain actually, finally, inexplicably pulled ahead of the King in the earnings department.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
Typo: That should’ve been “Destroyer” on the Kiss discography. I left off the “er.”…
Hey, if the Man in Black denizens were to meet in one place, other than Smith’s Olde Bar or Star Bar (they have an Elvis shrine there), I just thought of a great place to do it: Chipper’s ranch. Hoss could invite the whole crew out to his spread and you’d all see what a down-to-earth dude he actually is. He could even fly us all in on the private jet service he uses. We wouldn’t need to rent cars, because he’s got an airstrip at his ranch, right next to the house. (I’m not kidding about that part).
OK, I’m out for a while. Nice chatting with you all, including lour new contributor GloryDays. Peace.
By True Braves Fan
November 17, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
Steve..You Wrote *I don’t know why he left in the first place but I think I speak for every Braves fan when I say he’s welcome back with open arms. * You definitely don’t speak for me…I wouldn’t take Mr. $$$$$ Union back under any circumstances. He left us for $$$ and NY Mets. Let him stay there.
By nathan
November 17, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this
Kinley
Have to go with Golden Earring. Twilight Zone is one of the Greatest “classic rock” songs of alltime. I always liked covering that one live (still do). But on the other hand, with no BOC there never would’ve been the story of when Gene Franklin met Bruce Dickinson. Nor this great SNL quote from Bruce Dickinson(Christopher Walken):
“Easy, guys.. I put my pants on just like the rest of you - one leg at a time. Except, once my pants are on, I make gold records. …”
Classic STUFF, indeed.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
DOB-That’s cool. You need to win another Wurlitzer first, anyway. Who knows? Maybe Guy Curtright or Furman Bisher will win next year. I guess I shouldn’t tell you that I did two JC portraits to get the one I did for you. Had to practice his face, first. As far as fees go-If any UGA grads are out there from after ‘83-I painted the SEC mascots on the outside wall of a sandwhich shop in Athens (the Sub abd Steak at Five Points). They were holding foot long subs and chips and whatnot- I think the Vanderbilt Commadore was drinking a long neck Bud. The owner paid me with free food for a month. That’s how I fed the family while in grad school. Or the time I drew 200 portraits of NASCAR drivers for a guy and charged him $5 apiece. I can still draw Richard Petty with no picture for reference.It all depends what you need to get by. I used to contend that the best time to buy my art was when the electric bill was due.I’m pretty flush these days, so I do what I damn well please and don’t do what I damn well don’t want to. I enjoyed doing the Cash portrait and I knew it would receive a place of honor. That was my payment.
By krath
November 17, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew, I’ve been really busy with a new job.
Didn’t know Cactus had a new one out until you mentioned it! Suppose I should give that one a listen.
Speaking of Cactus, a couple of local guys who I used to jam with used to play with Jim McCarty in a Detroit band called The Rockets. Dennis Robbins played guitar and Dan Keylon played bass. Even though I don’t think Rusty Day was with the Rockets long enough to be called an official member, he did gig some with them if I recall correctly. That would be two guys from the original Cactus. John Bedanjek played drums with the Rockets, he and McCarty were also with Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.
Lew, I’m glad I’m not the only OLD Rocker here lol
By The Grinch
November 17, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this
Nathan, I do think Zep is ultimately a better band than Sabbath, and I love them, but I came to them late. Sabbath was more of an earlier influence on my personality and I have a special place for them. I also liked early KISS, but they’re just so greedy. Alice was atrend setter. He was so original, and without him there’d be no Ministry or Rob Zombie. I also admit to buying “Thriller” when it came out (remember those big, black cd’s)? EVERYONE did. No shame.
Kinley, Blue Oyster Cult. Earring was great 9and more talented), but again Cult’s just an earlier, darker influence.
Steve, if you think all Braves fans would welcome Glavine back with open arms you should go back to our original pole. Most would, but many would not.
Favorite two Braves of the last 10 years? Maddux and Andruw.
By TheWyzyrd
November 17, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, No Buddy was right in there. He dies Feb. 3, 1959. Got the phone call from a friend at breakfast. Have to agree with you on the “Rubber Soul” album. I think it is their best. Also agree with you on Dusty’s. Been frequenting them since 1982. Going to eat there Monday on my way to the Farmer’s Market. What’s your take on Salty? Is he erratic or just young. He sure had a miserable year in Mississippi. The AJC’s Tom Whitfield and I saw them play a few times this season. We take in 6 or 8 minor league games every year to see how the folks on the farm look. He did not look lie he was together at all. Also, I read a lot about Devine and Davies, but my gut tells me they need a couple of MLB years before we reallly know anything. I say it is way too early to give up on them. Also, if you are ever driving down I75, get off at Exit 63B in Tifton. My wife’s cousin, Don, owns The Pit Stop. The ribs and fries are to dies for. The sweet tea (long story) is terrible. Just so happens that the whole family (they are from Willacoochee) is gathering there for Thanksgiving. It ought to be the feed to end all feeds. TheWyz
By Carolina Lady
November 17, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this
Hey, Lew! Thanks for asking. We are about 25 miles from where the tornado hit. Really bad stuff! At noon yesterday, it was still so dark that the dusk-to-dawn lights were on. If anybody is interested or cares, the NC chapter of the Red Cross could really use some donations. There are roughly 150 people with nothing and the RC is trying to house them, find clothing, etc.
Glory, glad to have you join us! Scalp’em has a dynamite biscuit recipe you’d love! We also have baby seals, hartebeests, beer contests, movie reviews, and other interesting discussions hereabouts!
DOB, Roy Orbison is my all-time favorite, along with most of those you mentioned!
jjs, Aaron sends his regards!
By Steve
November 17, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Yeh good point True Braves Fan, I’d rather have Davies or Horacio then Glavine!! Dude suck it up, we need him. Let your guard down, I held a grudge against him from his signing until about 6 months ago. Let it go—-The time is now—-The Braves need him. Chances are he isn’t coming back but I would like him back for many reasons…..Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, James #1…his 300th #2…He’s a class act gentleman model player #3….So he can mentor Chucky J to be the next nasty LHP in the game #4….
I WANT THE BRAVES TO WIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So do you —- so again, Davies or Glavine Horacio or Glavine??? Thats what I thought…Or you can drop 10 Mil a year On Vinente Padilla……..Yehhh HHAHAHA
By krath
November 17, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this
Nathan, Saw a Cry Of Love reunion at the Warren Haynes Xmas jam in Asheville NC 4 or 5 years ago. Audley plays the Jam every year and Kelly Holland is from nearby Franklin, NC I believe. COL was a damn good band. It really doesn’t matter but if I’m not mistaken the band was based out of Raleigh NC instead of Columbia SC…. but no biggie either way.
If you’re interested, Nathan, there is a CD that you can still get of that Xmas jam called “Wintertime Blues.” COL has a couple of cuts of the reunion on that album.
By kg
November 17, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
DOB, Even if the Braves didn’t include a no-trade clause, wouldn’t Glavine have veto rights over who he gets traded to?
By glorydays
November 17, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this
Did we get enough for Betemit?
By nathan
November 17, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
Krath*
Thanks for the info. There is a Cry of Love fan site out of the UK, that still updates (I use that word loosley), everynow and then. They’ve mentioned those jams often. Also there is links to all of the individual members sites or current projects. Kelly Holland is in a band called CRUSH. I think mainly classic covers. He’s playing drums and singing. ALWAYS loved that guys pipes. I’ve got a “bootleg” DVD (actually a VCD) that I got off of E-Bay. Turns out it’s nothing more than some dude that took a bunch of MTV footage of the band and recorded it into digital format. Pretty crappy quality, but priceless to a true fan, none the less.
Is that CD available online, or is it somthing I gotta track down to find?
By nathan
November 17, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Krath
You are right about them being from Raleigh. I’ve got a buddy who used to watch them in the clubs. HE is living in Columbia. Didn’t they record the Brother album at (or parts of it) at the Muscle Shoal (sp?) studio? Not that makes it great, but that’s the SOUND it reminds me of. Definitely SOUTHERN ROCK with some kick.
By brian
November 17, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
DOB -do you think the Marlins success this past year will impact the Braves at all this off season?
Escobar could be Uggla at 2B and maybe Salty could be Willingham (maybe not this next year but the year after). Assuming we aquire a leadoff man, I think we will look good, but that depends on Boyer coming back strong and being a set up man
By kreedham
November 17, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this
My family and I went to Memphis and visited Graceland for the 2nd time (my third). My first visit was before they had tours and all the commercialization. I was about 10 or 12. My dad just drove up the driveway and stopped. Someone came out and talked to us (I can’t be sure but I think it might have been Vernon.) We got back in the car and drove away. No security, no hassles. Anyhow someday I hope I find a picture of that moment in all the stuff.
The main point is if you want a good dose of Elvis there is an all Elvis channel on Sirius radio. I thought it would be one of those where after 15 minutes you’d have to change but they mix it up well, have lots of interviews of the Memphis Mafia and others in Elvis’s life, live coverage of the Candlelight vigil each year and is often broadcast from Graceland.
Got the Aloha from Hawaii and Comeback Special DVD while we were there.
Oh Yeah…if Glavine will come back give him the no trade John.
By Lew
November 17, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
Krath-I have heard of the Rockets and have been trying to find a cd for years. No luck, ufortunately. The new Cactus has McCarty, Bogert and Appice. Rusty Day and his twelve year old son were murdered in some kind of a drug/money rip off in Florida some years back, so obviously he is not with them (physically anyway, they do an instrumental on the CD called Mr. Day’s Blues). It lacks some of the edge from the earlier stuff, but they aren’t 20 anymore and in all likelihood are not fueled by massive, indiscriminate drug use, either. Check it out, though. I’m sure you’ll get into it. Real good hard blues/rock.
By The Grinch
November 17, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
Oh, yeah; forgot to mention I got the 68 comeback special, too. Good stuff. Got company on the way; everyone enjoy their evening. I think it was a line from Frank Herbert’s “Dune:” The beer must flow…
By journalist jimmy smith
November 17, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
this journalist has just returned from a mexican restaurant feast. cheese dip, cheese enchilada, cheese, cheese, cheese. of course, journalist had a small can of cheez-it cheese that jimmy smith had to try so journalist just added more cheese from the can. now, jimmy smith is ready to do some journalism. grinch is right with “all i want for kwistmas is my two fwont teef.” “llok for the union label” would also be appropriate. now, dob, you are surely king of the blogs but lew is right … young guy curtright may press you for the wurlitzer next year. imagine guy curtright with a wurlitzer protrait of the king. it would be an abbreviated portrait - from the chin up and no ears consistent with the guy curtright blogs. lew must practice leaving off the ears. now, aaron this journalist’s favorite dead giraffe … it is good to hear from aaron. also another nice north carolina aaron of some blog repute. hello from jimmy smith. now, was no one sitting by the dock of the bay? oh, the humanity! flash! - journalist just re-read a few posts. perhaps lew should paint the deceased king in a coughin. not sure, just an idea.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 17, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
grinch will be busy for awhile. this journalist is surprising grinch tonight. journalist has arranged for grinch’s old photography professor to drop by with a claxton fruit cake. sounded really old on the phone (professor, not fruitcake). *the beer must flow”.
By GM Wannabe
November 17, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
DOB: You mentioned earlier that you would like to see Escobar get a chance at 2b. If so could he handle the lead off spot? Also if (I realize it is a BIG IF) the ChiSox and JS convinced AJ to the deal, is it possible to obtain Brandon McCarthy as part of the package? I’ve read that he is very good but really do not know. I’ve also read that he is untouchable.
By Thomas
November 17, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Even though a player has a contract he can retire at the middle of the season. What is the Hudson to texas rumor? Who are they offering?
Why would the Braves want to trade Glavine, if they sign him its only for one year, and if they trade their is only one place were he’ll go the Mets. Suggestion JS give him the no trade clause make an exeption, consider he was the one who got you the world series title in 1995, maybe he’ll do it again 12 years later. If he signs for 7 million is very cheap in this market, go for it take advantage. Trade Giles, and Horacio, if Glavine doesnt sign, there is enough money for Lugo, and Dave Roberts.
By Thomas
November 17, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
If you want to trade Giles to SD, you can trade Marcus, and Matt Diaz for Mike Cameron. Trade Horacio, and Scott Thorman for setup guy.
By rainman
November 17, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Sorry if this has been asked but what has been said about Gregor Blanco. He seems to have good speed and great on base skills.
By Carolina Lady
November 17, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
A quick correction on my previous post: it is the Cape Fear Chapter of the Red Cross that could use the donations which can be done through their website at www.arccapefear.org
Also, the Salvation Army is also collecting money for tornado victims. Checks payable to “Salvation Army – Tornado Relief” may be mailed to the Salvation Army, 820 N. Second St., Wilmington, N.C. 28401.
Thanks! :-)
By flbravesgirl
November 17, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Great blog, DOB.
When Glavine left, I was very disappointed and pretty angry with him. If he were to give the Braves the hometown discount needed to make this happen, it would go a long way with me and probably a lot of other fans towards forgiveness.
CL, so glad to hear you’re OK. Luckily the storm fizzled out before it reached Florida (though it’s much cooler now).
Grinch, you working in bars sounds like a baaad idea. Like me working in a chocolate shop.
Glorydays, we’re sort of like an extended family (sometimes dysfunctional) all gathering for Thanksgiving dinner here. Everyone crowded around the table with 15 different conversations going at once, sometimes yelling over everyone else, somtimes ticking sombody off, but mostly we have a lot of fun. I’ll bring the sweet potatoes! :-)
By Bruce
November 17, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
Question for the folks who do not like Glavine or do not want him back… is it because he left and we may not get him back? Or put another way, would the sense of loss/dislike disappear if he returns? or is there more to the dislike?
I am impressed that he changed his pitching style when it stopped working for him. It would be awesome for Smoltz to get his golf buddy back and for both to continue year to year afterwards, golfing and tutoring and enjoying family time.
PS I share the sentiments of the other complimenters, Dave, nice job putting this article together… next week it can be in the paper :)
By GM Wannabe
November 17, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
In the previous blog it was mentioned that the Reds might be interested in Giles.Who would they be giving in return? Ryan Freel. Does anyone out there think that maybe Boston would like Giles say for Coco Crisp?
By dadgum
November 17, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
Hello all….great to get back on the blog. Not sure I was missed but that’s OK. I have no agenda or ego. Won’t chime in on the baseball off season stuff because I can’t add anything that hasn’t alreeady been said. All we can do is wait………
Like the music stuff though. Beatles vs. Stones. Ouch…I will take the Stones (early Stones) The Beatles were the invasion band so they get the props but frankly they weren’t really original as some want to make them out to be. Stole like everyone else the sound of the Delta Blues, Elvis, et al. Zeppelin vs. Sabbath. Please people don’t embarrass this blog with such a weak matchup. Nathan you can’t be serious dude. The Who would have been better matchup. Skynyrd, for those that remember our past blogs gets the nod. I can fall asleep to the Allmans not Skynyrd. Saw Alice recently…still rocks. Aerosmith over Van Halen. The rest I don’t care.
Saw Mary Chapin Carpenter on YOUTUBE playing “He thinks he’ll keep her” background vocals by many country stars. She is playing a Rckenbacker. Song absolutely rocks.
By Wayne
November 17, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
DOB, anything new on Daryle Ward?
By Thomas
November 17, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
Pitchers:
By Thomas
November 17, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this
payroll 77.5million
By Carolina Lady
November 17, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
Well, I don’t know what happened to that link; I’ll try one last time: Cape Fear Chapter Red Cross :-)
Thanks, FBG! I’m glad it missed us, too! :-)
By brian
November 17, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this
Tom Glavine would and should be welcomed back to Atlanta if he were to return to the Braves. Tom Glavine is a Braves icon.
Even if he stays with the Mets, he should get a standing ovation when he pitches in Atlanta - when he first takes the mound, and again if/when Randolf removes him from the game.
Glavine helped lead the Braves from the perennial loser to the streak. Need we forget who pitched Game 6 of our 1 World Series Champion year during the streak?
Tom Glavine would help the Braves period! He would give us the starter we need while waiting on the farm, and he would be a huge clubhouse presence for the young guys. Signing Glavine would help get the Braves back to division champions by his performance on the field and in the clubhouse.
Tom Glavine needs to come back home, win number 300 as a Brave, lead the Braves back to the playoffs (and really secure his legacy) retire a Brave in 1-2 years, then enter the Hall of Fame a Brave 5 years after retirement.
I agree with the above posts that he would be a huge influence on Hudson. Everyone talked last year about McDowell versus Mazzone, but I still believe the Braves pitching staff took the biggest hit when Maddux and Glavine left - not simply for their Hall of Fame pitching performances, but for their influence on the rest of the staff. The Braves basically had 3 pitching coaches when we had Glavine and Maddux
By journalist jimmy smith
November 17, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
carolina lady, this journalist is glad you are okay. what about the looms by the water? did the power go off? aren’t you glad you packed that freezer? do you have an air-raid shelter? oops, not called that anymore. cl might try some of this canned cheese in case the weather acts up again. handy to have in a tool box. now, glavine … lots of love here tonight for tommy g. next time we see him at turner field (soon to be ahtwan ahways field) he will be in blue and black.
By Carolina Lady
November 17, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
Thank you, jjs! I’ve seen a lot of rough weather here but not like that! The weather people say today that it was a “high-end F3 with winds of 200+ mph….cut a swath 2000’ wide, 1.8 miles long…” Don’t EVER want to see that kind of storm again! Don’t have a cellar. If you dig that deep here, you hit water!
By kj
November 17, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
how about brian roberts, miguel tejada, corey patterson, and erik bedard for andruw jones, marcus giles, kyle davies, and langerhans or how about going after aubrey huff or how about going after richie weeks from milwaukee or how about going after cleveland and getting sabathia and sizemore for andruw and davies? just throwing new ideas out there to talk about, tired of the same names, i like sizemore a lot
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
Solid points, Brian.
By David O'Brien
November 17, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
Wyz, that sounds excellent. If I’m ever that way, I’ll make a note to stop there. Ribs sounds pretty damn good right now….
Kreedham, did you get that deluxe Aloha from Hawaii set, the one with Elvis’ entire rehearsale concert on it, too (they let everyone in for free to watch that, and of course the place was full). And the footage of him arriving by helicopter? Good stuff….
Regarding Salty, I think it’s way too early to judge. His 2005 season at Myrtle was a monster season, and you can’t hit like that in that wind-blown park by the ocean without being able to have legit big power and overall hitting ability. He just got off to a terrible start and it snowballed on him when he started trying to do too much to try to get out of his slump.
Either that or he’s a fraud (kidding; I don’t think he’s a fraud)….
Thomas, the Hudson-to-Texas thing was just a vague reference to the Rangers’ intentions to talk to the Braves, wasn’t clear whether they’ve even talked at all yet. I don’t think there’s anything to it…
Wannabe, you asked about McCarthy of the W. Sox. Not untouchable; the Rays already turned down Sox offer of McCarthy for Carl Crawford…
Yes, if Escobar were to get a shot at 2B, no reason he wouldn’t also get a shot at leadoff, provided Braves don’t bring in Roberts or another LF to hit leadoff….
KG, without a no-trade clause Glavine would NOT have veto power, because he wouldn’t have five consecutive years with his current team….
Another possible scenario I didn’t lay out in my original post is, what if Glavine were to stink next year, but at 8-10 or some such record in July still be attractive to a contender if the Braves were out of it then? Since he’d only be making about $7 mill presumably, he’d be a bargain for any team that liked his postseason experience and was ready to trade for him. Braves could deal him in July. Again, just hypothetical….
By Thomas
November 17, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
I agree Brian, and to add something to what you said, John Shuerholz said his main objective is to get their pitching to the standards they were before, Glavine would be a step in the right direction, but before signing Glavine they need to trade Giles, and Horacio Ramirez.
By mariner
November 17, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Here’s a detailed video analysis of Tim Hudson’s pitching mechanics. It compares 2002 when things were going weel with 2006. Definite differences in mechanics that he can hopefully fix.
http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2006/11/restoringtheb.php
By Thomas
November 17, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this
DOB,
But if they deal him are they able to trade him whereever they want?????
By flbravesgirl
November 17, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
Good post, Brian, you make a strong case. It took me a while to get over him going to the Mets but that was because I’d always thought he’d be a Brave for life. I still think he’ll most likely stay with NY but I’d be pleased if he came home to Atlanta. Some fans will never “take him back” but plenty of others would feel that he proved himself by taking less to come back.
By nathan
November 17, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this
BRIAN
Very well said, referring to Glavine. IMO, he had the right to leave or stay. He left. Fans in Atlanta had/have the right to boo or cheer him when pitching in Atlanta. Some booed. Some cheered. That’s what great about sports. Nothing wrong with ALL OF THE ABOVE. This is still America, right?
Anyways, on to how Glavine would be an asset to the Braves. Brian you already stated TWO of the three obvious choices.
1) He’s still a good pitcher that can help us win games. (most likely the NL East title again)
2) GREAT INFLUENCE on the younger guys. NOT JUST THE PITCHERS. But everybody. The hitters can NEVER have enough input from pitchers on how they would pitch them or “what to look for” the next time they come up.
3) This hasn’t been talked about much, but it might be the MOST IMPORTANT one of all. With Pedro being out for up to half the year (if not more), and the seemingly LACK of quality starters out there to be had. OTHER than Padilla! (is he up to 20 million per year yet, DOB? LOL!) Glavine would be doing both of the above mentioned things NOT FOR THE METS!!!!! Kinda like when Hicks overspent for Arod. Not only did he ADD a great hitter/SS to HIS lineup, he TOOK ONE AWAY from the Mariners. To me it’s like a 14 point “swing” in football. Imagine your team going in for a touchdown that would put them up by 14, but instead the QB throws an interception in the End Zone that get’s run back for a TD. That changes the “game” a little bit, doesn’t it?
By Drummerdad
November 17, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
Life’s full of adjustments. My brother used to say that relationships are like a car with a manual transmission: you have to shift gears. In addition to the slump last year, Salty got married before the season. For that matter, it seems like I remember that Langerhans got married after the “Baby Braves” season. That was probably a fairly big adjustment. They’ll do better this year.
By Drummerdad
November 17, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this
We need somebody to watch Glavine these days to see when he takes his finger out of the air and puts his hand back in his pocket. Then we’ll know that this latest round of Glavine drama is over. Why is he doing all this anyway? Doesn’t he know that the stage belongs to OJ again? O the patheticness!!!!!!
By Drummerdad
November 18, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
Grinch, what time are the orange aprons bringing the pavers? I wonder if you get a visit from the Tomahawker?
By Thomas
November 18, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
Nathan you have a point, with pedro, and el duque injured, trachsel gone, and if the braves get Tom Glavine the mets are left very very weak, their ace will be Oliver Perez.
By Fan
November 18, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this
The guy was the straw in the drink that sold the fans and the game down the river that canceled a world series. He never apologized and still doesn’t think that what he did was wrong. He took a couple $MM more to go play for the Division rival. Screw him, don’t come back. He’s a yankee at heart, stay the hell up there, and while you’re at it, move your family up there too - heartless mercenary. And no one has mentioned Boston in this deal. I believe he’s a Mass fella, and don’t be suprised to see Theo throw him a 2 year guarantee and him consider it. He’s a traitor in my book, and it’s deeper than just the Muts deal.
By ssiscribe
November 18, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this
SHIVERING ON THE SOUTHSIDE — Greetings everyone. Just thought I’d duck in here before bed and say hello. Moving day in, oh, seven or so hours, as we head into our new place and set up shop.
The cold winds blowing at my football game tonight (yeah, still piddlin’ with a little sports stuff here and there) remind me that the warm sunshine of Lake Buena Vista remains a few months away. But when we gather there come March, I wonder who we will see?
Will we see Marcus Giles?
No, Gilly is as gone as yesterday’s newspaper. Great guy but way too expensive for what he offers. Too much depth up the middle to keep Giles and his salary.
Will we see Tom Glavine?
I’d say no, only because it seems the moon and stars have to align for it to happen.
Will we see Chris Reitsma?
Knowing how loyal Bobby is, I’d say yes, he’ll get a chance to make the team as a set-up guy (where, if memory serves, he pitched well). What I don’t know is his salary for 07 and where that fits into the budget.
Will we see Salty?
For most of spring, then it’s off to Richmond or Mississippi.
Will we see Joey Devine?
Wow, tough one. Kid had about as bad of a 2006 as possible (and you thought giving up two grand slams and a playoff-series-ending homer in 2005 was rough enough).
Will we see Kyle Davies?
The emergence of Chuck James was one of the biggest bright spots of 2006. But remember how Davies pitched for part of 2005? Dude’s got good stuff. A winter of good health and hard work, and he could be in line to be in the rotation.
Will we see Andruw Jones?
Yes. 2008? No comment.
The hot stove is fired up and ready to go. It’s not as warm as that Florida sunshine at spring training, but right now, in the depths of November, I’ll take it.
As for a gathering place for the denzines of the blogosphere, I’d vote for Smith’s, only cuz I haven’t made it there yet and I hear the BBQ is AOK. As long as there is plenty of room where we can stretch our legs and feet, I’m there.
That’s important, you know. As JJS will remind you, one does not trifle with toes.
Selah.
—30—
By Steve
November 18, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this
THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT THAT WAS NEVER MADE ABOUT GLAVINE:
He can still win alot of games and the Braves would be taking him away from the METS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By nathan
November 18, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this
Steve
3) This hasn’t been talked about much, but it might be the MOST IMPORTANT one of all. With Pedro being out for up to half the year (if not more), and the seemingly LACK of quality starters out there to be had. OTHER than Padilla! (is he up to 20 million per year yet, DOB? LOL!) Glavine would be doing both of the above mentioned things NOT FOR THE METS!!!!! Kinda like when Hicks overspent for Arod. Not only did he ADD a great hitter/SS to HIS lineup, he TOOK ONE AWAY from the Mariners. To me it’s like a 14 point “swing” in football. Imagine your team going in for a touchdown that would put them up by 14, but instead the QB throws an interception in the End Zone that get’s run back for a TD. That changes the “game” a little bit, doesn’t it?
I made that comment in my 11:44 post.
Try and KEEP UP! :)
Just kidding MAN! I totally agree.
By TK
November 18, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this
A music list with no Eric Clapton??? My favorite Brave name was Roland Office. As a kid I had the radio on and they said “the new call up from Richmond is in CF.” At this point I had not heard his name. “A drive to CF the new kid is going back Roland Office back and he makes a great catch.” I was what? I had this vison of him going back and the ball hitting him in the back and rolling off his back and him cathing the ball.
By Tom
November 18, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
Again, I DO NOT see Dave Roberts in a Braves uniform. No way. If Schuerholz went through several other avenues and found nothing, he might pursue Roberts for cheap money, but that isn’t happening this year with his situation. Multi-year money ($5 mil????) for an injury waiting to happen????
I think there’s better than a 50-50 chance of Glavine finishing in Atlanta. If Glavine doesn’t get an official no-trade clause in the contract, I think he’ll get a handshake behind the scenes that it won’t happen. It’s the Braves policy not to give those but it could be given behind closed doors. Despite the brief fallout with Schuerholz and Glavine, there’s a ton of mutual respect between the two. Glavine found out that NY isn’t Atlanta the hard way.
I just can’t ever see the Braves using Escobar as the leadoff hitter should he win the job. Great way to ruin a kid in his rookie season. You have to break a kid in lower in the lineup (with MOST prospects).
DEFINITELY see what you can get for Huddy. That doesn’t necessarily mean you dump him but you definitely look around. He’s had a few Trachsel years lately but we’re not paying Trachsel money for him.
“The King” was painful to sit through. No more “Think Films” for this guy.
By Troy
November 18, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
DOB- I know that the Braves are pursuing every opportunity available, but in your opinion what is the best way to go about it:
Get a LF(leadoff hitter) via trade or free agency?
Get a Reliever or two via trade or free agency?
It almost seems easier to just sign 1 or 2 RP because there are some pretty decent ones out there (unless you feel like the market has just exploded) which probably has since Jaime Walker got what 3 years $12 mill?
Then use the trading chips to get an outfielder?
I do like Giles to BOS for Coco Crisp, that frees up centerfield for BOS to sign Drew if they really want him?
I also really like Mark Kotsay any chance he might be available and what it might take (OAK has a bit of a logjam in the OF with Bradley, Payton, Swisher, Kielty (who should be getting more time))?
Thoughts?
By Paul
November 18, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Dave,
Isn’t the IPOD one of the greatest inventions ever? Especially if you get the one that holds 10,000 songs. Any chance of the Braves offering a contract to Pierre? (Natural leadoff hitter and could play left) I know the Giants are going after him. Is it true that the A’s are going to sign Bonds?
By dadgum
November 18, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Something to ponder during the baseball lull. Below is a list of USA born talent which I believe influenced heavily the music world. The criteria is they had to be born prior to the 50’s and in the USA thus wielding influence on others to follow. I limited it to 10(not necessarily ranked) because I have other things to do. Have fun with this and your responses are respected and no I didn’t include The Man In Black to appease DOB….Cash belongs here.
Jimi Hendrix - From the Psycho 60’s. His talent was noticed more after he died. When you are the guitarist all greats are measured by…nuff said.
Elvis - took Delta Blues in the 50’s and gave it swagger and oh yeah a new name-Rock & Roll. I think I saw him at the mall last week.
Duane Allman - When Eric Clapton said Duane was the only guitarist he would pay to see. Well that justifies me including him here.
Hank Williams - Basically the King of country. His influence is seen everywhere in country and beyond.
Robert Johnson - Who you say? well he only influenced just about every band from Beatles, Zep, Cream, Stones. Listen to his music and the words will be found in many songs you thought were done by others. One of the Delta Blues giants.
Johnny Cash - an original with songs that had such great power that he was covered by so many artists you can’t begin to list them all. He transcended country and branched out to touch all music genres even today and I am sure beyond.
Ronnie Van Zant - started in ‘68 writing some of the most powerful songs to grace the rock scene. Gave rise to the Southern Rock sound. Paved the way for what you hear today.
Janis Joplin - ubiquitious voice #1, simply great. The one woman responsible for the emergence of women in rock.
Jim Morrison - controversial but produced the most popular sound during the 60’s. Light My Fire, LA Woman, Roadhouse Blues, those songs have withstood almost 40 years and still going strong. An original that mattered.
Les Paul - OK OK maybe not mainstream but where would the guitar world be without him. Still hard to conjure Dazed And Confused in acoustic mode. The fact he sat with the King during the Sun Records sessions lends credence to his talent.
By Troy
November 18, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Would Dayton Moore like to flip us David DeJesus for anybody?
By J-MAN
November 18, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
D.O.B. Great blog. I think it will be interesting to see if the braves are willing to give Glavine a no-trade clause also I know he went to the Mets for the money but I still like him, he did pitch that Game 6 in 95. Also he will give us 16-20 wins this year and if you add that to Smoltz 16-20, Hudson 12-18, James 10-15 and Hampton/Davies probably picking up 15-20 between them taking the last spot then I’d say we would have the best starters in the NL.
By Head Coach
November 18, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
Did someone just equate Hudson to Trachsel ? I don’t think so. Trachsel: 14 seasons 134 wins 143 losses 4.28 ERA , one all-star selection. Tim Hudson: 8 seasons 119 wins 60 losses 3.52 ERA and two all-star selections. Look before you leap next time…….okay ?
By journalist jimmy smith
November 18, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
if grinch and tomahawkin lay those pavers it will be an interesting patio. will glavine insist on a no chopper clause in his contract? it is reported that he is sensitive to the missing teeth - sometimes known as choppers - and does not wish to have a ball that is bounced to third base described as a chopper to chipper. instead it will be a bouncing ball to third base. now, baseball … wes helms is a millionaire!
By matt
November 18, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
DOB any truth to the rumors of A. Jones to the angels for Santana and Nick Adenhart?
By nathan
November 18, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
Head Coach
Yeah, I get that for their careers, Hudson and Trachsel have been darn near, polar opposites on the mound.
But what alarms me more, is that LAST YEAR they were ONE IN THE SAME. Other than that Hudson pitched more innings, and with the way Hudson pitched last year, THAT ISN’T A GOOD THING.
Logic tells us that Hudson’s track record says he’ll turn it around. While possible, I need to see it to BELIEVE IT.
So yes, it was unfair (whoever did it) , to compare the two, but if you look at last year, it’s MORE of an insult to Trachsel than it is to Hudson. Here’s the stats:
Trachsel: 15-8, 164 IP, 4.97 ERA
Hudson: 13-12, 218 IP, 4.86 ERA
Like I said, Hudson pitched more innings, but for the most part with most of his HORRIBLE starts where he gave up runs EARLY and took the Braves out of the game for the most part. Those extra innings, SAVED his ERA from being worse. If he wasn’t Tim Hudson, any normal manager would’ve taken him out of those games sooner than Bobby did. Ask yourself this, if it was Kyle Davies giving up those runs that early in the games, would Bobby have left HIM out there to “solve” his problems.
I’m not trying to argue. In fact I can’t today, leaving and won’t be back home till the wee hours of the morning. But Hudson hasn’t been that good in recent memory and Trachsel wasn’t THAT BAD last year. He kept his team in games, didn’t he. He had to, you can’t win 15 games by not keeping it “close”. Sounds like a “quality” (very loosely used) pitcher to me.
By Jim
November 18, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
The phrase “depth up the middle” has been used repeatedly when referring to the in-house candidates to replace a traded Giles. What depth? Prado, Escobar, Aybar, Elvis, Eric Campbell? Have any of these players shown over a period of time that they can make a significant contribution at the major league level? Are any of them rated in the top 100 prospects list by Baseball America except for Elvis who is 18 and at Low A?
The Braves are only 1 of 6 teams that are freezing salary at the current levels since the new contract has been signed. We are now a mid-market team and the trend is downward. The only way a mid-market team can remain competetive is to have a good supply of talent ready in the minors to replace players that become too expensive to re-sign. Do we still have that level of talent in the minors?
If we look at the 2000 draft, the Braves had 2 1st round picks and 2 sandwich picks. Here is the result of that draft: 1. Adam Wainright — got the last out in the NLDS and WS — for the Cardinals. Traded for a 1-year rental of J. D. Drew 1. Scott Thorman — future trade bait? 1s. Kelly Johnson — Could be a good hitter looking for a position to play, or a team to play for. 1s. Adam Herr — out of baseball 2. Bubba Nelson — became Chris Reitsma 3. Brian Digby — struggling in the minors 3. Blaine Boyer — past his arm problems? 4. Zach Miner — off to Detroit for a 3 month rental of Farnsworth 5. Chris Waters — still in the minors 6. Matt Merricks — became Tom Martin for a brief stint Later rounds — Adam LaRoche — The one impact player for the Braves Charles Thomas — a useful half-year contribution plus part of the Hudson package Trey Hodges — made it to the majors briefly then off to Japan
A good draft — but will we every get any lasting value out of the top 5 rounds? The 2001 draft has produced McBride, Josh Burrus — struggling in the minors as number 1’s and Davies at # 4, 2002 — A great draft if it never produces anyone other than Francouer, McCann, and Chuck James. Matt Harrison remains a top prospect 2003 — 2006 Too early to tell, but the only high prospects are Salty and Escobar. Will Devine be a contributor to the pen or a bust? This year’s top pick could be another Dave Kingman at best, or more likely another Mike Hessman — a one tool player. Was money the main consideration for by-passing available college pitchers like Bard and Chamberlain? We may have to hope that the sandwich and mid-round picks will be future contributors.
The main point is that the Braves have already promoted the top prospects in their system and that they have traded away others with little lasting benefit to show for it. Trading prospects for immediate help may have been a good strategy when the team was in the upper echelons of payroll and talent, but our system is not that deep right now and we are no longer in the market for big name free agents or capable of trading youth for proven stars.
By woogy boogy
November 18, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
If the braves bring glavine back just so he can get “his” 10 wins and be close to “his” family then the braves are dumber than I thought! That’s the kind of thinking that has put the braves one step away from the celler. Let that selfish baztard glavine stay in new york, he can’t pitch anyhow, never really was much good. Old toothless selfish money grubbin azzhole!…AND JIMMY SMITH YOU ARE THE MOST RETARDED MUTHER PHUKER THAT I’VE EVER SEEN!!!!…….
By Lew
November 18, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
Jim-Just what makes you think that our minor league system is bereft of talent? Do you really think that if you compared any particular draft of any other team that the results would look any different than ours did? Two seasons ago we promoted 18 players for their first season in the minors. 18. Of course we are depleted at AAA. It couldn’t be any other way after bring up your entire AA team two years ago. Believe me, we have a young team-one of the youngest in the majors. We have LaRoche, Francoeur, McCann, Langerhans and McBride already establishing themselves. Several of these kids are only 22 years old. Even so. We do have talent in the minors-as much as anyone. Have you checked out Cambell, Pope, Escobar, Blanco and Andrus? If you want to look at pitching talent, go check out JoJo Reyes and Matt Harrison. Look at Harrison’s strikeout to walk ration and then tell me there’s no one left in the pipeline. What about Saltalamacchia? What about Brayan Pena. How many teams in baseball today canput nine homegrown players on the field at the same time and win? The Braves have.
By Wayne
November 18, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
ESPN’s Buster Olney reported on his blog that he’s “hearing a lot of chatter” about a possible Hudson-to-Baltimore deal.
Not much more than that, though he speculated that pitchers Adam Loewen or Hayden Penn would likely be involved in the discussions.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 18, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
woogy and several other names you now use, this journalist understands you are on your way out. better post your filth while it will still go through. gonna write another letter, stalker-boy?
By Bo
November 18, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
Steve you don’t speak for me and I’m a loyal Braves fan that hopes JS will not resign Gravine. Why do some fans and Braves always want to bring back X player? The Braves need to get younger not older. That money could help solve other problems the Braves have. He is just using the Braves to get a better deal with Mets, just like Boras will do next year with A. Jones.
By Thomas
November 18, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
Cant believe Bill Mueller retired…. Next up Bagwell and Clemens.
By David O'Brien
November 18, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
Thomas, of course they could trade him wherever they want, provided he has not even a limited no-trade clause (Braves haven’t given those, either).
By Head Coach
November 18, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
Nathan , how many of Tim Hudson’s horrible starts are you referring to ? I have some bad news for you and every other blogger who has savaged Hudson. The guy pitched well enough to win 20 games in 2006. Yes , I SAID 20 GAMES. Thats 13 wins plus the other 5 the bullpen blew and two other games he was victimized by the Defense/offense. Nathan , you say he took his team out of the game early on ? Dude , he pitched into the sixth inning in 23 starts and he made all 35 starts. He gave up 4 runs or less in those 23 quality starts and did I mention the Braves went 21-14 in his 35 starts ? Hudson should have finished with at least a 20-10 record and nobody but me knew that until now because I actually took the time and effort to look up the facts and stats for the ENTIRE SEASON before I actually opened my mouth. Don’t go basing your assumptions on his 4.86 ERA , he had 10 bad starts for the entire season and 25 good ones. Please , look before you leap or you might get run over…….BY ME.
By Lew
November 18, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
Thomas-The difference is that Mueller only played 11 years, Clemens twice that long. Mueller’s knee injury this past season was a career ender. He is never going to be able to run or even jog again. I’m glad he took a baseball job with the Dodgers.
By David O'Brien
November 18, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
Dadgum, great list. But you gotta have James Brown, (absolutely, positively), Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, George Clinton, Jerry Lee, Carl Perkins, Marvin Gaye, Little Richard, Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Maybelle Carter on there.
Any I’m leaving off? I’ll keep thinking, but those are MUSTS, especially The Godfather of Soul (J.B.), Aretha, Chuck Berry, Early Scruggs and Ray Charles.
By Thomas
November 18, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
The only way, braves players recieve no trade clause, 10 to 5 players, 10 years with the same organization 5 rears with contract, that why Andruw, and chipper have one. Well its up to Glavine, I’ll guess will find out how much does he want to be back in Atlanta. I read the Braves have a meeting with Glavine today, although they cant do anything until the mets decline their option in November 20.
By Lew
November 18, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
Look Out- The all-knowing Head Roach is on the loose again.
By Metropolitan Man
November 18, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
Ok, us METS fans have had it will Glavine. The posts on the METS site have this guy written off. In all actuality he has harmed the METS more in his career than anything else. This little game he is playing now will come back to haunt him. After all the crap, if he decides to be a MET, his numbers cannot suffer. You think Arod was booed in the Bronx, you havent seen anything yet. With just a lil taste of success from last year, METS fans will hold Glavine accuntable for eveyrthing negative. I just wiwhsed he had signed already, then we could possibly say he’s earned his blue and orange. But the way things are now, he is still a brave who played for the METS. He is running out of time to becaime a TRUE MET. I hope you guys sign him so we can have a chance to tee off on him.
By David O'Brien
November 18, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
Woogy, clever post. Good try. Now the pen’s clean and we’re going to have to scoot you back in there. No biting the handlers, please. Goooood boy….
By TJ
November 18, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
With the way fee agent salaries are escalating, and the Braves payroll inflexibility (at least until the team is sold), it seems likely to me that the only change we are going to see for 2007 is a trade of Giles for pitching. If that’s how it goes, then the question is this: does whoever wins the second base job necessarily have to lead off? Does Matt Diaz have enough speed for the slot? I remember him being reasonably quick, but does anyone know how he did in stolen bases?
By Athens Midnight Town
November 18, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
YO DOB
I know you like the Truckers (playing at the Tab on NYE) but have you ever been into any WIDESPREAD PANIC or seen any shows?
They are going to be at Phillips (i know not much of a musical arena but they have too big of a following to play at the Fox and give everybody a chance to see them). With Jimmy Herring on lead guitar now too (anybody familar with Aquarium Rescue Unit?) they are HOTTT!!!
And with Derek Trucks and his hottie wife (who can also seriously jam) playing at the Variety..good show choice
I was just wondering…WHERE YOU GOING FOR NYE DOB?
By Thomas
November 18, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
The Mets appreciate Glavine and his class. His contract was revised in March as an accommodation to the club. He was on record shortly thereafter saying he had no intention of exercising his option, which would constitute his forcing his way onto the roster for 2007. And his sense of it was the Mets wouldn’t exercise theirs and thereby force his return for ‘07 if he preferred to return to the Braves.
It’s a gentlemen’s agreement, involving one of the game’s true gentlemen.
Glavine genuinely is unsure what he wants to do, where he wants to play. If the Mets were to push him, exercise their option, they’d be paying $14 million to a player whose heart would be elsewhere.
Instead, the Mets are allowing him time to decide, all the while crossing their fingers.
By Head Coach
November 18, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Lew , I know baseball. Ive been around and involved with the game for almost 50 years. You want to eat my lunch , talk about tennis or soccer because I know zilch about those sports. 40 love , match point , penalty kick ? What the fu** ? O yea , I’m a ten handicap golfer. I love the game but can’t play worth a crap.
By Shaun Payne
November 18, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Head Coach,
Actually Tim Hudson was a little lucky as far as the win total in 2006. BaseballPropectus estimates Hudson should have won 12 games given the number of runs he allowed and the number the Braves scored.
But, you’re kindof right (if you trust BaseballProspectus)—given average run support BaseballProspectus estimates he would have won 16 games.
I don’t think Hudson’s a bad pitcher and he may look like a bargain with the way pitcher’s contracts are going to look in about 3 months.
He’s a good number three starter and an adequate number two starter. He’ll usually give you around 200 quality innings.
By Lew
November 18, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
Yeah-I feel your pain Roachy. The problem is not your baseball knowledge, but your dipsh!t attitude. I happen to agree with much of what you say about baseball. But you act like you’re going to beat the crap out of someone if they disagree with you and son, you ain’t as bad as you think. You’re just nothing but a schoolyard bully with a bad attitude and an opinion. You want to go a couple of rounds with me then bring it on. You ain’t nothing Bully Boy.
By David O'Brien
November 18, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Athens, if I’m in town I’ll go to the DBTs show, provided I get tix before it sells out. Derek Trucks/Susan Tedeschi would certainly be a strong, strong No. 2 choice…
But I might be in Kansas City with family, or maybe even if Philly helping out with Falcons-Eagles game (we had a staff change this week and they’re scrambling to get folks to do some sidebars on upcoming Falcons games).
Anyway… time to go watch Michigan beat Ohio State and K-State beat my beloved Jayhawks.
later
By Paul
November 18, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
From Buster Olney’s Blog today. Hey Dave have you heard this? Any validity to it.
Hearing a lot of chatter about a possible Atlanta-Baltimore trade built around right-hander Tim Hudson, a free agent coveted by the Orioles a couple of years ago. You would have to assume that either Adam Loewen or Hayden Penn, two of the Orioles’ better young pitchers, would be involved in the discussions. If that’s the case, I’d keep Loewen rather than deal him for Hudson, considering the veteran’s increasing inconsistency — his WHIP has climbed in each of the past three seasons, from 1.075 in 2003 to last season’s 1.44 — but I would use Penn as a bargaining chip in a trade for Hudson.
From Atlanta’s perspective, the best thing that might come out of a Hudson deal, clearly, would be the increased payroll flexibility. Hudson is owed $6 million for next year, but then $13 million for ‘08 and ‘09.
By Head Coach
November 18, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
Payne , luck had nothing to do with it. I’ll break it down even further. Hudson had 10 bad starts(5 or more runs) with an ERA of 11.08 and 25 good starts(4 runs or less) with an ERA of 2.84 …….. HELLO. Let’s break it down even more. Hudson pitched into the 5th inning in 30 games. He is credited with 13 wins. The blowpen blew 5 more of his leads , he was saddled with a loss in 4 more games in which he went 6 innings and gave up 4 earned runs or less. The defense blew one more when he got stuck with 3 unearned runs. He averaged 6.2 innings a start and was if anything incredibly unlucky and yes he is a damn good bargain for a number 2 or 3 starter.
By Head Coach
November 18, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Hudson is going nowhere. A number two or three starter at 6 million getting traded is suicide in the current financial insanity enveloping MLB.
By Daybed Wagmoe
November 18, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
DOB,
no question the afghan whigs were better than the twilight singers, although i am really enjoying the TS stuff. i can’t really pick one of those three albums — i’ve been listening to both bands on a huge playlist that’s been on shuffle, so i have little idea what kind of continuity each album has. (i’m pretty new to both bands.)
with the afghan whigs and twilight singers, it’s typical of side bands — no way the side band would be close in quality or talent to that of the original (with respect to the side band). kinda like the beatles and wings. speaking of which, i noticed that you listed “rubber soul” as one of your choices for the beatles. your opinion is your opinion, and that’s fine, but i hate that album. forget about what it was when it was released, its context in rock and roll, whatever…i can’t stand most of the music on it. i know it has some beatles’ classics like “norwegian wood” and “michelle,” but all in all the best — and only great song — on the album is “in my life.” i just think that the rest of it is boring, unexciting pop drivel. of course, this is just my opinion, and i felt like sharing it.
By TheWyzyrd
November 18, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
WOW! What’s with this Woogy dude?
OK, here’s my list:
Bob Dylan Jackson Browne Don Williams Willie Nelson The Outlaws Counting Crows Otis Redding Early Elvis John Anderson Billie Holiday
Just read a report that the Braves have been talking with the Angels. Halos Heaven reports Andruw for pitchers Ervin Santana and Nick Aldenhart.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 18, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
head coach, be careful messing with lew. once, lew threatened to pole this journalist. later, just in time, lew realized it was not this journalist he needed to skewer. oh, the humanity! imagine if lew had obstructed this journalist with a poll before realizing his mistake! now, harmony on the blog … can it be far away? this journalist can hear birds singing and cherubs coming out again - one cherub going in a pen. perhaps head coach and lew can make amends as well. now, baseball … jd drew is the most hated man in los angeles. pick any paper - jd gets trashed. now, dob … is jd drew a smart man? real question. is he bright? he certainly finds ways to make money - but can he talk pie?
By Steve
November 18, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Head Coach—-
Great research and good points. When the Braves got Hudson 2 winters ago I along with probably every Braves fan was thrilled. He definitely hasn’t lived up to what any of us expected but I truly think he will turn it around this year. Although you proved he already did pretty well last year he is definitely capable of doing MUUUUUUUCH better. 10 games letting up 5 ER or more is not too good, especially with the guys in the bullpen behind him last year but thats not his fault. I really do think he is going to have the year we all expected statistically and all around next year. Also, with the bullpen being sured up this winter I think the Braves might go from the WORST bullpen to the BEST bullpen this year perhaps. If you look at the guys it really has a strong potential to be the best with Poranto, McBride, Villareal, Boyer, Acquired Setup Man and Wickman. Very promising.
**DOB——The Braves are not bringing Reitsma back right?? The guys like a damn cancer, he would ruin next years bullpen. Whats the deal with him?? I think if they can’t dump him like they did Kolb to just cut him and suck up the money, Im sure EVERYONE agrees with that.
By dadgum
November 18, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this
Again I could have included 30 people but held the list to 10. Really wanted to include Dylan. All those named so far are indeed great music pioneers. Again individuals only no groups etc.
By Richard Cory
November 18, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
Hello darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again“““`.
By Athens Midnight Town
November 18, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this
DAVID OB
What no love for the PANIC? I do agree any one of those 3 shows are going to set the atl on fire. i hope you get a chance to party…dont even f*ck with those falcons. they just get your hopes up.
Have you ever seen WSP play live before? im gonna guess you have since theyve been around forever and you like your music.
ONE of the best jams ive ever seen
Panic + the Truckers..all but the chick bassist i think…in Macon 2003 i think.. LET IT BLEED!!!
Panicstream.com has the live stream from the show still up if you check out THE VAULT area. nice tunes
dob-keep up the good work
GO BRAVES! GO BIG BLUE!
By Lew
November 18, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
Given the current price of pitching and the fact that only 28 pitchers in MLB had ERA’s under 4.00, Hudson may well prove to be a bargain-even at $13 mil per season. I don’t think we could find anyone better at the same price. Head Coach is correct-better to keep him and hope his mechanics can be straighterned out.
By TK
November 18, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
I don’t think many of the Brave players are safe from being traded. The Braves are a mid-money team until ownership takes over (when will that be again?? It was suppose to have been July…someone should have said what year.) that finished well out of the playoffs. Baseball is what have you done for me lately. So, except some of the Baby Braves. Anyone could go, for the right price.
By CRRene and Georgette Magritte
November 18, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this
Were strolling down christopher street
By nathan
November 18, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Head Coach
Couldn’t one argue that when your “supposed” ACE has 10 BAD STARTS. (your words NOT MINE), those starts could be the reason your team didn’t quite CUT IT in the wild card chase, much less the division?
Yes, to your UPCOMING question. I do pretty much expect him to be perfect. He’s getting paid to be. Yes, I will allow some minor flub ups. BUT NOT AFTER THIS YEAR AT 13 MILLION PER YEAR!
We were spoiled with 3 HOF PITCHERS for the better part of a decade. None of which (other than Maddux - when he accepted arbitration), were paid 13 MILLION PER YEAR. He is paid to be our ACE. He should pitch like it. Publically JS will never say that, but ask yourself this question: If JS knew then what he knows know, do you think he would’ve traded for Hudson or would he have just given Glavine more money the year before?
I like Hudson. Seems like one of baseballs “true good guys”. It’s just too bad for us, he hasn’t pitched like advertised, or we not only would’ve won the wild card (probably division), but we might’ve actually one a (GASP!) PLAYOFF SERIES!
Face facts man! He hasn’t been worth the money. Not when you got a rookie named Chuck James doing better for about 1/20 of the money.
PS: In case you didn’t notice, I dodged out of the way, before you could run me over! :-)
By krath
November 18, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
Nathan You can get the Wintertime Blues CD at: here If the link doesn’t work, just go to www.mule.net thats the Gov’t Mule site. Just go to “mule merchandise” and you should be able to run the CD down from there. Here is the CD description from the site:
Two CD set from the 1999 Christmas Jam benefit for Habitat For Humanity. Features tracks by Gov’t Mule, Susan Tedeschi, Edwin McCain, Derek Trucks Band, ColonelBruce Hampton, and Jimmy Herring. (Cry of Love)
Lew Ya know I seem to remember hearing that about Rusty Day and his son. I had forgotten until you mentioned it.
I still see Dan Keylon on occasion, if I can remember, I’ll ask him if you can still get any CD’s of The Rockets. He played bass for them for a while.
By GM Wannabe
November 18, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
MLBTRADERUMORS.COM reports the Angels are interested in AJ for Ervin Santana and a prospect 1 year removed from Tommy John surgery. It goes on to mention AJ’s approval needed. Any truth about this and would this be a good deal for the Braves? I personally think AJ is worth more.
By Lew
November 18, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
CRRene-Were you wearing your bowler hat and carrying a green apple? Krath-I ordered two (2 on 1) cd’s last night from Amazon. They were released (seemingly as a compilation) in 2005. There was damn little info on the site, but the pictures they showed seemed to have McCarty in them. We’ll see. If not, I guess I may learn to like someone else named the Rockets. Colonel Bruce Hampton? By any chance the same Bruce Hampton from the old Hampton Grease Band? I saw them with Fleetwood Mac (pre Buckingham/ Nicks) at the old Municipal Auditorium in Atlanta back in 1970. They were bizarre in the extreme. (Hampton, not Fleetwood-they were good).
By Vic Correll
November 18, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
Favorite Braves’name? Larvell “Sugar Bear” Blanks, a shortstop from the miserable mid 70s.
Forget about Glavine !
Unload Hudson at any cost !
I’ve seen enough of Davies and Devine. Package them in a deal to Tampa for Carl Crawford.
Get Carl Crawford or a legit leadoff hitter and keep Giles on second.
Kelly Johnson on second? I’ve seen enough players on the Braves playing out of position, and screwing up royally.
By krath
November 18, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this
Lew
If it was bizarre, chances are it’s the same Bruce Hampton! lol I think he’s been a fixture around the ATL for a few years now. He has appeared and re-appeared in a number of incarnations from The Aquarium Rescue Unit to Col Bruce and the Code talkers to a part in Billy Bob Thornton’s Slingblade.
By Bravo
November 19, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
GM Wannabe that site is about as unreliable as it gets. It wouldnt shock me if the Angels called and asked about Andruw though. I saw a great 3 way trade proposal that was strictly made up by a fan on a message board but makes a lot of sense along those lines though:
Angels get: Andruw Jones
Devil Rays get: Nick Adenhart Kyle Davies
Braves get: Ervin Santana Rocco Baldelli
If the Angels felt they could re-sign Andruw by getting him into the fold for a year and obtaining the exclusive rights for a year I think that deal would be nice for all 3 teams. Props to the fan that came up with that one.
By Head Coach
November 19, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this
Nathan , Hudson isn’t an ACE and everybody but me has used that term. He is a number 2 or 3 starter. Smoltz is an ACE pitcher because of his dominant fastball. Hudson is a sinkerball pitcher and he doesnt and never ever had a dominant fastball. Hudson made 6.5 million in 05-06 not 13 million and he was worth every dime of it. Chuck James has 18 career starts and half a season. Hudson has EIGHT SEASONS and 247 starts so dont go even their. Glavine last pitched in a Braves uniform in 2003 , Hudson came on board in 2005. So what the hell does Glavine have to do with Hudson ? Man you are really screwing up……again , lol. By the way , Hudson and Smoltz both made 35 starts. Guess which pitcher the team fared better under ? HUDSON and I’ll let you off the hook because the Braves went 20-15 in Smoltz 35 starts and 21-14 under Hudson 35 starts. And for the 2006 record , the Braves went 52-36 under the combined 88 (569.3 innings) starts of Smoltz , Hudson and James. The other nine flunkies went a combined 27-47 in their 77 (498.3 innings) starts. So , Smoltz , Hudson and James are untouchable and untradeable , period. Now everybody who read my last three posts can understand why the Braves number one priority is starting pitching during this offseason. The Braves are not assuming anything about the contributing potential of Hampton , Ramirez or Davies which is really smart on the part of John Schuerholz. Nathan , if the Braves pick up even one more quality starter…….. the Mets can kiss their division and playoff hopes GOODBYE because the Braves will be hip deep in starters(9) and Wickman has already fixed the bullpen.
By Jeffrey
November 19, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
It would be nice to have Glavine back. I am sure that the Braves would not trade him even if they were in last place. I am of the opinion that this may well be the last year for both Schuerholz and Cox. They are on the last year of their contracts. Glavine could come back for a final year and win 300. I also would not be surprised to see John Smoltz shut it down after 2007.
Braves fans can enjoy 2007 as a celebration of a great run. With Andruw Jones probably headed elsewhere in 2008 and if any of the above takes place, the Braves of 2008 will have an entirely different look. I am guessing that Terry Pendleton may have got some guarantee that he will take over when Cox leaves since Pendleton pulled out of the Washington job.
So let’s celebrate 2007 as we likely will be saying goodbye to many of our old friends and prepare for a new world in 2008.
By Bob, journalist
November 19, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this
Coach, I would think a team’s number one starter would be condsidered the “ace”, regardless of his level of dominance.
Things that I don’t like in sports … (1) the notion that tie games are “like kissing your sister” … I guess what that means depends on your sister, but many great football contests have or should have ended in ties … and I don’t think using some artifice to decide a winner is in the best interest of the sport; (2) the shot clock in basketball, (3) square grooves in golf, (4) the designated hitter, (5) counting upheld challenges against the maximum number allowed … if the officals are so bad that every call should be challenged, then the officials, not the teams, should be penalized, (6) bats with a propensity for becoming injury instruments, (7) rewarding players for medicore performance, (8) booing those that give their best but fall short of the mark, and last, but certainly not least … ESPN.
By 2007 Mets
November 19, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this
Mets are about to sign Moises Alou to play left field. His right handed bat will provide balance the Mets lineup. Also, The Mets will sign Zito and I guarantee Minaya will trade for a #1 or #2 pitcher especially if Glavine departs. Minaya will make sure this team stays on top in 2007!
By Metropolitan Man
November 19, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this
Buenos diaz bloggers, here is a little something from the enemy lines:
Barry Zito
The very real possibility of Tom Glavine going back home to Atlanta to finish his Hall of Fame career with the Braves has got the Mets in full pursuit of Barry Zito. And while they continue to take a public stance of hoping to lure the free agent lefty for a discount because of New York, a winning environment and pitching coach Rick Peterson, privately they’re prepared to open the vault. As one rival baseball executive explained to me: “Believe it, the Mets are going to be in on Zito, big. They’re trying to play it coy, but in the end, don’t be surprised if they give him the $15 million per year (Zito’s agent Scott) Boras is looking for - especially if they lose Glavine. In that case, they’ll have no choice but to pay what it takes to get him. They can justify it by saying it’s a couple of million dollars more a year than they would have paid Glavine, for a much younger version.”
Another factor in the Mets’ willingness to overpay for Zito is their losing out in the Daisuke Matsuzaka sweepstakes. In addition to preparing to pay Glavine $12 million per for the next two years, they were looking at Matsuzaka being a $14 million-$15 million per year investment (posting fee included) for the next 4-5 years. Suddenly, all of that budgeted money has been freed up for investing in Zito, whom at least Peterson, his former mentor in Oakland, regards as a legitimate No. 1 starter.
While Boras figures to have his way with Zito getting top-of-the-market money, his negotiations with the Red Sox to get similar No. 1-starter moolah for Matsuzaka are far more uncertain. If ever there was a negotiation where neither side had leverage, this is it. By virtue of their staggering $51 million posting fee, the Red Sox have left themselves little maneuvering room to keep their total investment from becoming insane for a pitcher who’s never thrown a pitch in the majors.
Boras is going to want a $14 million-$15 million-a-year contract on top of that $51 million, but he’s not going to want it for more than three years. He wants to get Matsuzaka into the free-agent market at the earliest opportunity. But for the $51 million investment to make any sense for the Red Sox, they are going to want control of Matsuzaka for as many years as they can get.
Still, both sides need to make this deal. The Red Sox can’t afford not to after generating all this hype in New England over Matsuzaka, and Boras can’t afford to send his client back to Japan to earn $3 million next year and then have to go up for posting all over again. You can also be sure that Matsuzaka’s team, the Seibu Lions, don’t want to hear anything about having to return the $51 million. There’s just too much at stake for all the parties not to come to a deal. An educated guess as to where it all winds up is four years at $15 million per, which, on top of the $51 million, makes it a $111 million investment on the Red Sox’s part.
For all of Matsuzaka’s talent, there are a lot of scouts who remain skeptical about his ability to dominate in the big leagues. “You’ve got to be especially wary of the fact that he’s a high-ball pitcher and uses a lot of pitches,” said one scout. “Wait until he sees the way major league hitters can waste those high pitches. It could be a very frustrating experience for him, all added in to the cultural change, the pressure to live up to the money, the adjustment to working every fifth day and adapting to everything else here. He’s a talent, but for all those reasons he’s also a gamble, especially at that kind of money.”
And, to think, Brian Cashman is smarting over spending $40 million on Carl Pavano. At least Pavano once showed an ability to pitch well in the big leagues.
So how are the Red Sox planning to pay for all this - as well as the additional $50 million or so they’re expected to pay for Boras’ other client, J.D. Drew? As the GM meetings concluded last week, the Red Sox were deep in discussions with the Rangers about a deal involving Manny Ramirez. With just $37 million remaining over the next two years on his contract (factoring in all the deferred money), Ramirez would appear to be a much cheaper alternative to Alfonso Soriano or Carlos Lee, the two premium sluggers on the free-agent market, even if he should insist on one of his $20 million option years being picked up in exchange for his waiving his 5-10 no-tradrights. From the Rangers (who struck out in their efforts to sign Frank Thomas), the Red Sox are looking to get much-needed bullpen help, in particular closer Akinori Otsuka. They would have to get another bat as well to offset some of the lost offense and, for that, another team - possibly the Rockies, who are looking to move Todd Helton - may get involved. I am told that the Rockies are also prepared to deal their No. 1 starter, Jason Jennings, after negotiations for a contract extension with him fell through. Jennings figures to attract a lot of bidders for the Rockies, although not the Mets, who are focusing on Zito, nor the Yankees, who don’t appear to have a match.
Yankee watch
With the Blue Jays adding Thomas to DH and the Red Sox making all of their moves - they need a shortstop too and are expected to go head-to-head with the Cubs for Julio Lugo - you wonder what Cashman is going to do to counteract all of this loading up by his division rivals. The Yankees GM insisted he doesn’t have to do anything, but you know he’ll get a pitcher from somewhere and it looks like he’s zeroing in on Shea Hillenbrand as the righty-swinging first baseman he’s targeted. But with Hillenbrand’s persona in question after that ugly altercation with Blue Jays manager John Gibbons last summer that led to the Hillebrand’s being jettisoned to the Giants, it might be a better bet on Cashman’s part to explore a trade with Tampa Bay for gritty Ty Wigginton, a similar hitter who’s had playing experience in New York.
In the Mets’ and Yankees’ mutual quest for starting pitching, and the exploding market for middle-tier types such as Gil Meche, Randy Wolf, Miguel Batista and Adam Eaton being what it is, a much cheaper but worthy alternative might be Tomo Ohka, who was hurt much of last season with the Brewers. When healthy, Ohka’s been 41-41 with a 3.88 ERA over the last four years. Mets GM Omar Minaya is especially familiar with Ohka, having acquired him in a trade for the Expos in 2001 for Ugueth Urbina. Against the NL East over the last four years, Ohka is 17-22 with a 3.99 ERA, but had three or fewer runs scored for him in 18 of those losses and had 13 no-decisions in which he had two or fewer runs of support.
Bonds across the Bay?
A’s GM Billy Beane wanted his old high school pal, bench coach Bob Geren, all along to be his manager, succeeding Ken Macha, but had to go through the process. Beane was especially relieved when Texas hired Ron Washington as its manager as there was considerable public pressure for him to give the job to the popular longtime Oakland third base coach. Now it appears Beane is poised to throw a real challenge at his rookie manager by signing Barry Bonds to replace Thomas as DH. It’s believed Giants GM Brian Sabean has convinced team owner Peter Magowan of the need to turn the page on Bonds. The $12 million the A’s were prepared to spend on Thomas over two years, can be used to lure Bonds across the Bay.
Now that the Dodgers have re-signed Nomar Garciaparra for first base, look for the Dodgers to make a big run at Jason Schmidt, the other top-tier starter with Zito on the free-agent market. Schmidt is also said to prefer staying on the West Coast.
Ok, its a lot to read but informative.
By Metropolitan Man
November 19, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
Time is running is running out Glavine. Hopefully the METS will move on without you and the braves can sign you for the league minimum. That would make eveyone happy on both sides. Then you can write a book about getting to 300 wins (Built to Win, part Deux) and recoup the money you didnt get in the signing you should have made a week ago!
By Bravo Nam
November 19, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this
DOB
Absolutely agree with you on Elvis. The guy was still smokin’ in 68. It was his 68 comeback and the years that followed that brought him mainstream appeal with people of all ages. Prior to that, he was accessible mostly to a younger audience. The “olds” saw him as a threat back in the 50s and early 60s- rebel, too much sex appeal, immoral. It was only in the latter part of his career and after his death that people began to appreciate that he actually was a very respectful and quite conservative guy, who adored his mother. His career prior to his late 60s comeback defined the man…but it was the remainder of his career that reinforced the legend he is today as his music and personality appealed to all generations.
Even though songs like Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, and All Shook Up made him one of the original rock n’ roll pioneers, and were the foundation blocks that created the legend, there were other charismatic pioneers like Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Little Richard, Jerry Lee doing similar stuff. What separated Elvis well and truly from the pack were his early 60s and late 60s stuff, launching him from superstar status to one of the greatest ever- the late 60s brought the cross generational appeal that has made him a lasting legend.
And from a personal point of view, while his earlier stuff was superb, ground-breaking music, it wasn’t terribly sophisticated or meaningful. Just didn’t have the heartfelt impact of an Edge of Reality, Suspicious Minds or In the Ghetto…to accuse the guy of being an embarrassment coz of the drugs and his weight is one thing, but how many musos haven’t become an embarrassment in some shape or form during their careers- these problems did little to diminish the power of the man when he was on stage.
Memorable Movies/Memorable Songs across 6 decades
Movies
50s “12 Angry Men”; “The Searchers”
60s “Midnight Cowboy”; “To Kill a Mockingbird”
70s “Brubaker”; “Apocalypse Now”
80s “Once Upon a Time in America”; “Full Metal Jacket”
90s “Silence of the Lambs”; “The Usual Suspects”
2000s “Traffic”; “Million Dollar Baby”
Songs
50s Little Anthony and the Imperials “Hurts so Bad”; Fats Domino “Blueberry Hill”
60s Cream “Sunshine of my Love”; The Band “The Weight”
70s America “Ventura Highway”; George Harrison “What is Life”
80s Toto “Africa”; Survivor “Eye of the Tiger”
90s Sister Hazel “All for You”; Young Radicals “You Get What you Give”
2000s Five for Fighting “100 Years”; Greenhornes with Holly Golightly “There is an End”
Not necessarily my favourites, but a few that come to mind that bring back memories. Comments? What’s your faves?
By Lew
November 19, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this
Metro Dude-I’m sure that when I go to see the Braves play in Fenway in 08 (providing they play there then), those third base seats that are now costing $100 each will be up to $150. The price of Japanese pitchers and whatnot. On XM Home Plate the other day, they were referring to Yenway Park. With the insanity of salary escalation, maybe we should lock up John Thomson for a set up role. At least he’s been effective when healthy. At today’s prices, he may be all we can afford.
By David
November 19, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
You mention that no one including Chipper, Andruw and Smoltz has received a no trade clause. Let’s not forget that Tommy was the only one asked to defer so much of his contract at 0% interest on his last two contracts with the Braves. None of the above three were asked. You know why? Because they would have laughed in Stan and John’s face. Another example of behind the scenes accommodation on Tommy’s part that no fan was aware of. And you know what else? The above three didn’t have off the field commitments and personal restrictions that Glavine did. Giving the Braves’ unfairly used leverage in negotiating. I think it’s about time JS starts being accommodating.
By dadgum
November 19, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
Been talking with a few of my Braves friends up here and some interesting ideas (not rumors) came up. Most feel that Marcus Giles will definitely be dealt to San Diego for Dave Roberts in a multi player deal. Not earth shattering I know.
The Marlins are serious about shopping Dontrelle Willis and Willis has made no secret of his desire to play for the Braves and Cox in the past. Assuming the Marlins will trade him to a division rival(that might be the deal breaker), I see the Braves sending Ramirez to Florida along with Thorman and/or Salty for Willis. It would be cheaper to trade and resign than to pay what the free agent market will command for good starting pitching i.e. Zito. JS has got to be looking at the Braves suspect starters knowing he can’t roll the dice when an affordable starter like Willis is a possibility.
Getting Willis will certainly mean giving up a starter, and for the Marlins a cheaper one, so the only option is Ramirez (assuming James is not tradeable). The Marlins will certainly want more than a pitcher for pitcher swap so the Braves will have to throw in some young talent like Salty.
This would give the Braves Smoltz, Willis, James as the three known upsides with hopes that Hampton will come back strong as predicted and Hudson rebounds to early A’s form. Willis will cost the Braves around 5-6 mil but with Giles gone and a few free agents gone the Braves have the money or will have.
With the Andruw saga not withstanding JS has starting pitching as his main target and if it isn’t Willis it will be someone else. To be quite frank teh Braves only have 1 sure bet pitcher in Smoltz. Maybe throw in James there too but the question there is- OK he has done it for 1/2 season, will he continue? The rest are as noted above. I am certain beyond a doubt that JS will try to plug that #2 starter via trade and then resign him to a 3-5 year deal.
By Carroll
November 19, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
I love the trade proposal of AJ for Santana and Ardenhart…that gives us a Pedro-like ace and a young power arm that may be ready this year or next. The 3-way proposal with the D-Rays is intriguing inasmuch as I like Baldelli, but bottom line (as I’ve said so many times) we need pitching, pitching, pitching….we have Langerhans who can handle CF prolly as well as AJ defensively, and who knows how well he might do offensively given an everyday shot (see e.g. Laroche, Adam 2006; see also DeRosa, Mark 2006).
But even if Langy didn’t do any better offensively than in the past, I’d still take him in CF with his defense plus the two young power arms, over having AJ in CF with starting pitching like we had last year (i.e. Travis Smith, Lance Cormier, et al).
Once we make this move, then we can start purging all the trash pitching such as Huddy, Ramirez, etc and maybe get a decent bat and/or more relief pitching.
By MGL
November 19, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
A lot has been said about JS having to stick with an $80M payroll due to the impending acquisition. I find this somewhat doubtful. Having been involved in a number of acquisitions, I don’t believe that the Letter of Intent for this transaction that is valued in the .5 to 1+ $billion would have such a limitation. It is more likely to allow management discretion on ongoing operations since the Braves front office has such an experienced executive team and it is in the best interest of all parties to continue to enhance the value of the franchise. There could very well be certain restrictions on long-term contracts that could impact future flexibility (ie A-Rod 10YR $250M deals) but JS and TM probably have the capability of spending a few $M more if they feel that it is the right thing to do. They would likely have contract incentives themselves regarding fiscal responsibility, but with revenues on the rise, and attendance up, I think that there is more flexibility than most of you seem to think on the actual 2007 payroll expense. If I recall correctly, JS said earlier that they may find a “few $ more” - let’s hope that is correct. After all, it is in his best interest at the moment for other teams, players, and agents to believe that there is limited $ during negotiations and not know the actual limitation.
By Stringy
November 19, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
A rose by any other name.
By Lew
November 19, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Carroll-You seem to forget that DeRosa WAS given an everyday shot with the Braves. Langerhans, no matter how much his offense improves, is not a suitable replacement for Andruw’s bat. That trade just is NOT going to happen. Dadgum-I’m very doubtful that package would bring Dontrelle to Atlanta. James should not be traded under any circumstance. He is the future. David-I doubt you have any inkling of what Glavine was or was not asked to do in the last contract negotiations. Besides, both Chipper and Smoltz agreed (hell, even volunteered) to have their contracts renegotiated, so that kind of shoots down your whole hypothesis. I am of the opinion that whatever deal(s) JS makes for pitching will not be on anyone’s radar-just like the Renteria trade last season.
By NumbaOneFan
November 19, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Ok I enjoy reading this blog but……. WTF is up with all this blogging regarding Musicians/Artist and who is playing where and what songs are #1. For god’s sake keep it about baseball…. Last time I checked this was a “BRAVES” blog. I don’t give a flying phuck what your musical prefferences are ok?
By Don!
November 19, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Personally, I love the banter about music, possible trades and different aspects of what’s going on.
That’s why it’s called a blog.
Anyway, has anyone heard the latest on the potential Hudson trade to the O’s?
The way I see that is potentially being a swap for Glavine and a prospect for Hudson. You figure that the Braves owe Hudson $19M over the next two years, and that the majority of that ($16M) could go to Glavine.
Strictly from a 2007 perspective, I think Glaving for Hudson would be a wash. In terms of 2008, you should gain a small bit of payroll flexibility, and a prospect.
DOB, what do you think of that sort of rationalization for trading Hudson and signing Glavine? And would a Hudson deal make signing Glavine a “priority” of sorts?
Thanks for the posts — they’re appreciated. Many writers just let these things sit unused — be it baseball or blues, it’s good to see you keeping in tough with us.
Later,
Don!
By Bravo Nam
November 19, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Metro
Thanks for the info in the 7.37am post. On the side, just seems like teams refuse to learn from the past…for goodness sake, giving a guy like Drew 14 mill who has a history of injury, not playing hard, and putting himself before team- that’s just ridiculous. The Zito situation will be interesting- when the Braves signed Hudson, he had better numbers at that time than Zito has at the moment- the Mets or any other team better be careful not to overspend, otherwise they may end up having another white elephant on their hands.
NumbaOneFan
Get with the program man- you can’t read this blog too often. You’re obviously out of touch with this format- just look back to the earlier blogs on this blog- in particular to anything concerning Glorydays, then you’ll understand what I mean.
By Metropolitan Man
November 19, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
I’m not worried about ballpark prices yet Lew, I’m still waiting to see if enough big market clubs can get on board and try to get these contacts back to earth. I know I will still pay to see the METS no matter what the price, but can all fans say the same.
Bravo Nam, whatever news I have about the NL east I will report here. Between DOB, Bravo Nam, Lew, Grinch, and a few regular bloggers, there should not be 1 piece of off season moves that we wont know about. Anyway Bravo, the Zito thing has us METS fans salivating. We say this becasue Glavine is saying all the right things to management and vice versa. If Glavine isnt signed by the end of the month after becoming a free agent on Monday, then we want Zito. At least with Zito you know he is durable and can be a 1 or 2 starter. Glavine is not ace material anymore and is a gamble within itself. I would really like to know what he thinks he is worth. He is cold as ice as a competitor but he is an azzhole when it comes to negotiating.
By Metropolitan Man
November 19, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
The Mets are close to signing Moises Alou, a great addition for this team. He could be the Frank Thomas of 2007, batting in the middle of what should be an incredibly powerful lineup, and from this Mets point of view, he requires only a one-year obligation, rather than a long-term deal. Relatively low risk, potentially high reward; can’t get much better than that. He flat-out kills left-handed pitching, which probably means that he’ll hit between Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado and force opposing managers to make difficult choices with their relievers late in games.
So the first eight spots in the Mets’ lineup could look like this:
SS Jose Reyes
C Paul Lo Duca
CF Beltran
LF Alou
1B Delgado
3B David Wright
RF Shawn Green
2B Jose Valentin
Personally, I would go with this lineup:
SS Reyes .841 OPS
CF Beltran .982 OPS
LF Alou .923 OPS
1B Delgado .909 OPS
3B Wright .912 OPS
C Lo Duca .783 OPS
RF Green .776 OPS
2B Valentin .820 OPS
That way, you make sure that if the lineup turns over one last time late in the game, you make sure the hitters who take the final swings are those who do the most damage, and you keep the R-L-R-L-R nature of the lineup intact; Beltran, of course, is better against right-handers.
But no matter how Willie Randolph lines it up, the Mets’ lineup should be exceptional. For the readers: How would you stack up the first eight hitters in the Mets’ lineup?
The Alou signing presumably ends any chance the Mets will get in on the Manny Ramirez talks, and shifts the team’s focus entirely to pitching, pitching and more pitching. The signing of Alou could be an indication that top outfield prospect Lastings Milledge could be on his way out, as part of a trade for pitching, as David Lennon writes.
This was just printed.
By Metropolitan Man
November 19, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
As the Orioles continue to talk to Atlanta about a possible Tim Hudson-Hayden Penn trade, they are also in the bidding for Justin Speier.
A lil more for ya.
By Lew
November 19, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
NumbaOne Fan-I agree with MetroDude-go check out previous posts to GloryDays. WE choose to speak of music, pie, BBQ, sweet tea, Diane Lane and Scarlett Johansen. It pleases us. If you are not happy with this agenda, I suggest you check out Chop Chick’s blog (at least she funally put one up after an absence of 3 months). She doesn’t talk about anything interesting. MetroDude-Would you really bat Alou 3rd or 4th? With all of his recurring leg problems, I’d bat him sixth in that lineup behind DelGado and Wright. As far as Speier-Peter Gammons (I think it’s PG-someone on ESPN, anyway) is reporting a four year deal between Speier and the Angels.
By Metropolitan Man
November 19, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
Me personally would use Alou to protect Wright the way Delgado protects Beltran. So I agree with you Lew and would have him batting sixth. I dont know what to expect from him but Minaya is very high on him. All I know is I’m gonna miss Cliff Floyd and hope he gets picked up by a contender.
By GM Wannabe
November 19, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
DOB: Is there any truth and/or do you have any knowledge of the Hudson to Baltimore rumors? I think it would be great just to be able to get from under the backloaded contract. That money could be used to either re-sign AJ or lock up Francouer and McCann through their arbitration years. Also as you know the Reds have signed Alex Gonzales thus eliminating Giles going there. How about Giles to Boston for Coco Crisp?
By CRRene and Georgette Magritte
November 19, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
A question for David O’Brian: Is Tom Glavine paying for all this ink you give him? I mean, you seam to be lobbying to get him back something fierce.
Or is Mr. O’Brian working for JS? Is this a way of trying to convey the Braves’ open arms for a wayward son?
Or is Mr. O’Brian trying to stir up trouble by bringing up the no-trade non-issue? Nobody would bat an eye at Tom Glavine getting a little bit of domestic stability in exchange for a mega-quid or two.
Or should MLB get involved with a possible possible tampering triangle a la JS-DOB-TG?
Or is there something a little more seedy going on? We all know that Mr. O’Brian likes his Elvis in black leather, maybe he likes his Tom Glavine in Tomahawk Red. Perhaps you need a little more diversity in your circle of jerks.
Nothing would surprise me.
And, Mr. Obrian, could you please refrain from sending your inappropriate propositions to me via e-mail? I find your hostile and unseemly communiques to be offensive. Please stop immediately.
By Lew
November 19, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
CRRene-Too many days in La Chambre d’Ecoute has you in a nasty mood. I think I see the hand of Stinky behind your facade of surrealism. Have you been whining again? MetroDude-I have been a Cliff Floyd fan for a long time (I still have his Marlin’s bobble head). If only he weren’t injured so frequently. If he would sign for a reasonable amount, I’d like to see him platooning with Langerhans or Diaz in left. Wouldn’t help with our leadoff situation, but he’s still got a lot of hits left in his bat.
By The Grinch
November 19, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Oooooooooohhhhhhhh….my head. Sshhh, everyone. Please…not so loud.
By MEB
November 19, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Grinch… I’m afraid that loud pounding noise is Jamal Lewis running over, around, and through the Falcons. I thought we had the Ravens down, but Lewis has gone nuts.
By Lew
November 19, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Grinch-You weren’t supposed to hit yourself in the head with those paving stones. It’s no wonder you have a headache. You do know that electrolysis to remove unwanted hair can help you avoid having to listen to your beard grow.
By brian
November 19, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Congrats on the Jayhawks yesterday DOB!
I agree with the above that Hudson may be moved to clear out room for Glavine, but only if there is another deal in the works too. The AJ to the Angels for the 2 pitching prospects would answer that, but unless we get Figgins as well, I do not see the Braves doing that deal. I also do not see the Angels doing the deal unless they get some sort of assurance for AJ that they can reach an extension.
Finally as much as I like him, Langy has not shown himself to be an everyday OF, much less replace AJ in CF. His offensive numbers were so bad last year, I am amazed he did not go down to Richmond to work on his swing. As far as defensively, I know Langy is good, but how many Gold Gloves has Langy won?
By Patrick
November 19, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN:
SORIANO A CUB**
AT LEAST HE’S OUT OF OUR DIVISION
By Shaun Payne
November 19, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
HeadCoach,
I agree with your basic argument: Tim Hudson was a lot better than he looked in 2006. But I don’t know if I agree that he should have won as many games as you think. By your rationale Smoltz probably should have won 28-30 games. You have to remember some of Hudson’s wins probably were also cheap wins. I prefer to judge pitchers by what they can basically control—strikeouts, walks and homeruns allowed. And Hudson’s an okay pitcher when you look at those numbers. Nothing special, but decent. And he will probably look like a bargain in a few months.
By Shaun Payne
November 19, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
HeadCoach,
Quality Starts is a pretty decent measure of a pitcher giving his team a chance to win. And Hudson was decent, nothing special but there are worse pitchers the Braves could have been paying $6.5 million for.
By flange1
November 19, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Another interesting blog folks! Can you believe Soriano to the Cubs for 8 years $17 million per year? WOW, I guess ‘Druw is a $20 million per year guy. With the massive inflation of salaries that we are seeing, without the new Braves ownership significantly increasing payroll, I don’t think there is any way we can resign Andruw. I know DOB is saying we are not shopping Andruw, but it might be time to start thinking about it.
On other subjects, I think the Hudson rumors and the potential Glavine signing are possible and related. Hudson’s contract compared to what the tier 2 starters are asking is really not out of line. Would you rather have Tim Hudson for $6 million, $13 million and 13 million or Vincente Padilla for 4 years $10 million per year? I think Hudson in a heartbeat.
I think Lew is correct the trades that JS will make this year will be under the radar. Remember Joey Gathright? JS loves him! I think he will be added along with a lead off hitting second baseman (mayvbe from the O’s?). It would not surprise me to see JS trade BOTH Marcus and Edgar along with Salty, Horatio maybe Kyle Davies and one of the spare outfielders. I think we will be a new look team next year….
By dadgum
November 19, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this
Soriano…. let’s see- Yankees to Rangers to Washington to Cubs. Seems like he is stuck on the loser train. I have lost about all respect for the dude. A sellout of the highest order. Good luck Soriano on that team of losers. He is captain of my all Steve Miller Team - take the money and run. Best thing is he is out of our hair!!! Maybe he can get Glavine to come over and join. Oner sellout whiner to another.
By The Grinch
November 19, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
Ok, I’m back up again. Little better now. MEB, giving up all those yards on punt returns didn’t help either. A brutal irony of all this is that the special teams coach is the only coach that should keep his job after this season, but he’s made to look bad now because all of his players are having to start for the defense due to injuries and what he can cobble together isn’t effective. Watch him get fired and the moron OC who’s name I refuse to say stays on. Lew, I only tripped over those stones a few times…well, maybe more than a few. But still, it was only because I wasn’t used to them being there yet. :-)
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this
Wow, I’m away for a day and all hell breaks loose with signings _ other teams, of course.
If Soriano is getting $136 mill for eight years from the Cubs, and he’s a year older than Andruw, albeit with better wheels, what do you think ‘Dru might command on the open market a year from now, folks?
I’m guessing at least $17 mill a year for a shorter period than Soriano, say 5-6 years. Soriano doesn’t come with the knee/back/shoulder concerns of Andruw, but also doesn’t come with nine Gold Gloves (or even one, for that matter).
ATHENS, dude I’m just not a big jam-band guy, other than Allmans, and even them I like more when they’re not noodling around as much.
Not a Fish guy, either. Used to love the Dead, but that wasn’t about listening to their CDs as much as it was about going to see them with a certain, uh, mindset when I was a younger man doing that thing….
By Patrick
November 19, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
DOB
What do you think about these rumors that have the Braves talking with the O’s about Hudson?? It seems legit now that JS is trying to see what he can get for him…possibly to free up $$$ to re-sign Andruw…
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
STEVE, you wrote, “I think if they can’t dump him like they did Kolb to just cut him and suck up the money, Im sure EVERYONE agrees with that.”
There’s no money to suck up. They owe him nothing if they cut him now. He’s not under contract for next season. They’ve just got to decide whether to re-sign as a free agent, at a reduced rate, to bring him back as a possible setup guy, a role in which he actually had plenty of success with Reds and Braves.
I’d say it’s 50-50 whether he’ll be back, but I’m just guessing
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Vic C, you wrote, “I’ve seen enough of Davies and Devine. Package them in a deal to Tampa for Carl Crawford.”
You planning to use a handgun to force that trade, or do you have pictures that can be used against Rays management?
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
Wyz, I can’t believe I left Dylan off my list. Of course he’s at the very top, and Willie and Billie obviously belong on it. Remember, though, he said folks born before 1950. So Counting Crows eliminated there (as if they belonged anyway; come on, man. Some good songs, but hardly revolutionary or pioneers in any respect)
By TK
November 19, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this
Dusty Baker must be saying where was the love and $$$$? At least Soriano has 8yrs to learn to play CF. Now they will sign Lee to play LF and Zito to pitch…whoa sorry lost my head… The Mets and Yankees are the ones that try and sign every FA.
By Lew
November 19, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this
DOB-Handgun? I think they would need something with a lot more power than that. At least something with enough bang to cover up the laughter it’s suggestion would provoke. Besides-It’s about time people realized that Davie’s surgery last year was a serious proposition and may take a little longer for him to recover. He’s still a kid and was basically forced into action well before his time and too soon after surgery cause we needed him (for the supposed playoff push). Didn’t the Honorable Guy Curtright actually refer to Davies as our last chance? A bit much to hang on an injured kid.
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
STINKY/Clifton/loser by any name:
Your post, so I don’t mess any of it up as I respond:
By CRRene and Georgette Magritte November 19, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this A question for David O’Brian: Is Tom Glavine paying for all this ink you give him? I mean, you seam to be lobbying to get him back something fierce.
(It’s spelled “seem” not seam, and yes, Tom is paying me a percentage of his next contract.
Or is Mr. O’Brian working for JS? Is this a way of trying to convey the Braves’ open arms for a wayward son?
(Yes, JS also paying me a percentage (I know, it sound contradictory, but the arrangement works).
Or is Mr. O’Brian trying to stir up trouble by bringing up the no-trade non-issue? Nobody would bat an eye at Tom Glavine getting a little bit of domestic stability in exchange for a mega-quid or two.
(Yes, I’m trying to stir up trouble. Only you are that perceptive, as usual.)
Or should MLB get involved with a possible possible tampering triangle a la JS-DOB-TG?
(Uh, sure, why not?)
Or is there something a little more seedy going on? We all know that Mr. O’Brian likes his Elvis in black leather, maybe he likes his Tom Glavine in Tomahawk Red. Perhaps you need a little more diversity in your circle of jerks.
(Ahhh, couldn’t have a Stinky/fake JJS/loser post without some perverted sex innuendo, could we. Wow, are you a troubled soul and/or freak, dude.)
Nothing would surprise me.
(Me neither.)
And, Mr. Obrian, could you please refrain from sending your inappropriate propositions to me via e-mail? I find your hostile and unseemly communiques to be offensive. Please stop immediately
(It’s hard to butcher a name so badly as you do, but it’s O’Brien, not Obrian. Hostile communiques? You wish, weasel. I’ve acknowledged you here. Now run along. Won’t be able to acknowledge the weak and bullied of the world every day. I just had a few minutes and felt sorry for you.
(Oh, and I was talking to a girl this weekend _ she was quite amused by your posts. Check in again later, little buddy. And why not use the old “Stinky” logon, or has that one just become such a running joke here that even you can’t use it?)
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
Getting away from our whiny, weak little pest and back to real bloggers…
OK, here’s all I know about the Hudson/O’s rumors. The two teams indeed talked several times during the GM meetings last week, but my understanding is that the Orioles were reluctant to take on Hudson’s entire $32 million salary over the next three seasons, given his unexceptional performance in the past two seasons and lingering concerns that the tremendous torque he generates with his hips is what’s caused his side problems and might continue to undermine him.
It makes sense the Braves would discuss such a deal if they could get back Hayden Penn and perhaps another prospect, since Penn is young (22), cheap and has a load of potential. He could be slotted into the middle of the rotation right away if they got him.
But my understanding is that these talks hit a snag and were still quite a ways from coming to fruition.
As for Andruw/Angels, again I’ve been told that the Braves aren’t shopping him, that they still hold out hope of re-signing him (don’t know if Soriano’s deal will change that), and would only deal him for a tremendous package of players.
As a couple of bloggers have pointed out, the Braves could end up making a trade that’s under the radar and hasn’t been discussed, as they’ve done so often in past. I’m just looking forward to something developing with the Glavine thing after Monday, even if it’s someone indicating it is or isn’t likely with the Braves. Anything at all. Because so far, I just don’t have a good read on what’s going on there, honestly.
By dadgum
November 19, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this
Wow…..just thinking about my top 10 artists and their contribution to world music as we know it. To wit…almost every contribution was made when they were 23 or younger. Hell, many died when they were 23 or younger. Let your kids play…rock on.
By nathan
November 19, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
CRRene and Georgette Magritte
BTW: O’Brien is SPELLED WITH AN E, NOT AN A!
SHUT UP! And go to bed. Don’t forget to set your baseball cards aside to take to school for show and tell tomorrow.
See, I’m left to believe you’re about 12, since any person WITH BRAINS wouldn’t spell DOB’s name wrong FIVE TIMES in one post!
Keep in mind, I’m not “attacking” you based on your “theory” or opinion. That’s what this blog is for. You even have what seems to be my kind of humor. All you had to do was get DOB’s name right, and I might’ve actually laughed. But your ignorance actually made me mad.
By Glass Half Full
November 19, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
Moving Huddy before his salary goes up in 2008 would be a significant step toward resigning Andruw. Gotta find a taker, though.
By Glass Half Full
November 19, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this
Perhaps these 2 mediocre seasons will light a fire under Hudson, though. With the going rate for starters, $13 mill ain’t bad.
By Glass Half Full
November 19, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this
Just for fun: what Braves from the 1991-2006 era will have their numbers retired by the team?
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
Just FYI, I was curious what Moises Alou joining the Mets might mean to the Braves. Even at 40, the man still rakes _ particularly vs. lefties, which could be pertinent for a Braves team that figures to have at least two and possibly three lefty starters.
His .301 overall average last season included .349 (29-for-83) with six homers and a whopping 1.094 OPS vs. lefties.
In the three seasons before that (2003-05), his .296 overall average included .337 (113-for-335) with 17 homers and a .980 OPS vs. lefties.
His .301 career average includes .330 with a .951 OPS vs. lefties.
Alou is just 7-for-39 in his career vs. Smoltz, but 10-for-24 (.417) vs. Hampton, 1-for-5 with a homer vs. Hudson, and 4-for-8 vs. Ramirez.
Just for what it’s worth.
By Glass Half Full
November 19, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
I think Smoltz is a lock…maybe Glavine. Chipper? Maybe.
By DA*MAN
November 19, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
This is the last year of the Braves as we know them anyway, so this is what I would do:
Sign Glavine for 1 yr w/option @ $7M. Do NOT trade Andruw, Chipper, Tom, Hudson, etc. Do trade Marcus Giles and Kyle Davies.
John S. is in his mid-60s, Bobby Cox is in his early 60s and may not be around for the “rebuilding”.
Terry Pendleton. as Mgr in 2008, Tom Glavine. as Pitching Coach, Julio Franco has Hitting Coach, and a new front office.
By Oh, the Humanity
November 19, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
I got your number jimmy smith, you retarded muther phuker!
By Glass Half Full
November 19, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this
phonetic smelling of profanity? Awesome
By Thomas
November 19, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Alfonso Soriano signing with the Cubs in an 8 year deal worth 136 million/17million per year… Alou to the Mets…
By Glass Half Full
November 19, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
spelling
By The Grinch
November 19, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
GHF, Glavine’s number should only be retired if his name over it is replaced with “Player’s Union Representative #…”
Jimmy Smith, I woke up this afternoon stretched out on my new patio with some strange images in my head. I recall opening my door Friday night, surprised to see my old (not really, kind of a cute, petite 41) photography teacher standing there with a box. I turned to let her in, and I don’t remember much except some strange dreams involving bright flashes, riding crops and Musk Oxen. When I sat up this morning I had dried blood on my head and there was a Claxton fruitcake sitting there about 2 feet away, looking guilty. I won’t mention what I was dressed in. Oh, the humanity!
By Wayne
November 19, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
What’s up with Ward? Is he still expected to re-sign?
By Lew
November 19, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
Grinch-Apparently someoneunderestimated the effect fruit cake has on relocated Musk Oxen. Stinky-Changing blog names really doesn’t mask you or your insecurities. Whiny Little Jerk.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 19, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
early christmas present, grinch. this journalist hopes you enjoyed the class reunion. fruitcake is best if eaten in next 36 months.
stinky is feeling the love today. actually, both a sissy and a stalker. there is a list for such people, right? journalist knows which list stinky should be on.
and, will dob be writing football articles? who will cover the pandas?
By Jeff
November 19, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
Does anyone really think that Liberty Media will layout more for the Braves’ annual payroll than Time Warner does? From all reports, the Braves are nothing more than a chess piece in both corporations game of saving tens of millions in taxes. I think the Braves are stuck at $80 million until or unless Liberty Media flips the team, which, for legal purposes, can’t be until two years for the date of purchase.
By Mr. Mxlplx
November 19, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
Mr. Ol’Briane, Thank you for pointing out my spelling errors. Good medicine. muyee kulpa. (You, from now on, must be perfect, of course. I seem to recall a few errors you posted, but I won’t make a big deal of your hypocrisy / proffessional shortcomings.)
Oh, and I was talking to a girl this weekend _ she was quite amused by your posts. I’m sure your family is thrilled you talked to a girl. Good for you.
And as far as your comment about a Stinky posts being full of inuendo, well, its only there if you say it is. Your mind is in the gutter, Mr O’Bane. Stinky just meant that you hang out with jerks.
Speaking of jerks, are you really pretending to have not sent an unsolicited, hostile e-mail to me? For my being such a “whiny, weak little pest”, you sure seam to make a lot of noise on my account.
And, Aphid Obanion, I’m not even ticked off about anything these days. (The season’s over, the wounds are healing). But, if you keep dissing me, I may start to develop a complex.
By The Grinch
November 19, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
GHF’s 8:11 post contained an interesting Freudian slip, did it not? Now, football. Back to the Chargers-Broncos game for a bit.
By Stinky
November 19, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, I’ve not even spoken of you in days. Why the bad feelings? I admit the Downtown thing was a halfhearted effort to defame you, but you had already taken some potshots at me, so don’t be so melodramatic. Again, for the record, the Petula Clark thing was the only thing I instigated.
You’re really not worth the effort.
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Jeff, I really don’t think the payroll will be stuck at $80 mill once the sale is finalized (assuming it will be) and LIberty takes over. I’d guess that once they take over the team, take a look around the industry and see where salaries are going, and compare the new team they own’s payroll to that of other teams, they would likely raise the payroll, whether next season or the following season.
I’d imagine that an $80 mill payroll will only be about the median number for the 30 teams this coming season, or close to it.
By Tomahawkin
November 19, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
Tommy’s in after a wild weekend
I’ve never liked Alou being on a team from the East against us…He played us tough when he was wit montreal, Florida, and even when he was with the cubs….The pressure is on Schuerholtz…
With Alou in that cold mutts lineup…It is gonna be sick…We can not outslug them….
By Stinky
November 19, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this
…and compare the new team they own’s payroll to that of other teams, they would likely raise the payroll, whether next season or the following season.
Beautiful. Just a beautiful, Mr. O’Brain.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 19, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
okay, stinky/sda/etal. not worth the effort. go away.
By BravesFan
November 19, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Is there anything new on the Ward situation? Is he still close to signing?
By Doug
November 19, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this
Took a break from the blog … now I’m back for a bit anyway. Glad to see all those vicious Mets fans seem to be gone (crossing fingers).
DOB - Excellent post, though I can’t help but wonder, as it was already mentioned here … JS has made some decisions that are out of the norm for him. Do you still think that a no-trade clause would be totally off the table and a non-starter?
Given the cost of what starting pitching is going for these days, will JS actually let Glavine go because of that if he can scrape up the cash to make him a deal he could live with otherwise?
By Stinky
November 19, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brain,
Instead of “new team they own’s payroll”, how about “the payroll of the new team they own”. I’m not a “professional” journalist like you, Mr. O’Brain. Forgive me if I’m straying too far from my place on the blog.
But, I want to thank you. Because of you, I’ve taken a vow of seemlessness.
By flbravesgirl
November 19, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
Must have been some potent fuitcake, Grinch.
GHF, I think eventually Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz & Chipper will all get their numbers retired. Maybe Andruw, esp. if he stays w/ the Braves awhile longer.
By David O'Brien
November 19, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this
Nothing new on Ward matter, though have to admit I haven’t called him or his agent since middle of last week because it just seemed a matter of time before it got done. Will check again early this week….
Doug, a few of us here discussed how Schuerholz was willing to stray from his typical MO on a couple other matters _ Wickman re-upped before season ended, Schuerholz option picked up before it had to be _ and how the no-trade clause could possibly be another area where he might be willing to make concessions or meet Glavine halfway, if it came down to that _ maybe a limited no-trade clause, who knows?
Until it gets to that, however, I wouldn’t worry about it. First we need to make sure the Braves are even ready to make a competitive offer, which we should know sometime this week.
However, this whole thing might be another matter that isn’t resolved as quickly as some (fans and others) would like for it to be. Glavine’s already indicated the decision probably won’t come until after Thanksgiving, but before Dec. 4-7 winter meetings.
By WarEagleChop
November 19, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this
Wow…
I was just about to jump on here and post a question about the GM credentials of our Schuerholz versus those of Brian Cashman and Omar Minaya. However, after searching online to make sure I didn’t spell ‘Schuerholz’ wrong, I happened on a pretty disturbing article concerning former Bravo Lonnie Smith.
I’ve followed the Braves religiously for almost 2 decades but what was wrtten in this article came as an absolute shock to me. Perhaps it’s a post-career story that came out during the fogginess of my college years, but I still can’t believe I didn’t know this. Maybe it’s old news to you guys, but still worth linking, I think.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/15932659.htm
If this article is indeed accurate, it is terrifying.
By Stinky
November 19, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brain is pegging that waffle meter, tonight.
By Tomahawkin
November 19, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this
I was on the Atlanta Braves message board, and the word of mouf is there si talk of Hudson going to baltimore for a couple of prospects, I seriously don’t think its going to happen and furthermore, I think it’s some troll on the message board living fantasies…
This is from ESPNS Buster Olney, but I’m not taking it very seriously, is there any validity to this rumor, surely we can get better talent for Hudson than this…
By Zac
November 19, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
An industry source confirmed an ESPN report that the Orioles and Braves have had trade discussions involving Atlanta right-hander Tim Hudson. The source said the Orioles are adamant about not dealing left-handed starter Adam Loewen, but discussed a package of prospects that included right-hander Hayden Penn.
Discuss
By The Grinch
November 20, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this
Man, after watching that game I can only say Jake Plummer (besides being white) is a carbon copy of Mike Vick, only without the talent. I’d be mighty surprised to see him around next year.
FBG, fruitcakes should be re-classified as deadly weapons. Though they do make good paperweights.
By Tomahawkin
November 20, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
Grinch Bennie and the jets, I like dat shyt…
By Stinky
November 20, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I’d take Plummer over Vick. Plummer never got a 22 mil signing bonus.
By Tomahawkin
November 20, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this
D.O.B. Just out of Curiousity, I don’t think you have any say in who wins the N.L. MVP Do U?….I’m all 4 Ryan Howard, because I liver here in cardinal country and don’t want to see these bandwagon cardinal fans get any more glory out of their lucky season…
By Tomahawkin
November 20, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this
After reading over the blog…Dizam there is a lot of hostility over here today, I guess the Birdbabe’s section is startin to rub off on us…Man the birdbabe blog is as crazy as the philly.com forums…Cheesewhiz…
By Tomahawkin
November 20, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this
Oh yea, and Grinch I don’t know how but I had the electric slide in my head all day…as well as some Rhythm Nation…long nite I guess, Gotta stop Drinking That Jungle Juice…
By Phil Collins
November 20, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this
There’s no reply at all from David O’Brain.
By Bravo Nam
November 20, 2006 03:42 AM | Link to this
Grinch
Groundhog day! That’s how it feels anyway. Last year 6-2 to 6-6, this year 5-2 to 5-5. I know we’ve been hit hard by injuries, but that doesn’t explain everything…and certainly not some of our putrid performances in recent years. It is very disheartening to follow a team I felt would easily make the playoffs at the start of the season, and now looks like a spent force.
Doug
Actually, the Mets fans on this blog have been like pussycats in recent weeks. The ones to look out for are Stinky and Robert- both of whom are apparently Braves fans.
DOB
I hear what you’re saying about JS possibly accommodating Glav with a limited no trade clause. The main reason I see that not happening is that JS has never done that with more loyal players like Chipper and Smoltz, and they’d have every right to be extremely pi**ssed if he made an exception for Glavine…furthermore, it would create a precedent that I doubt JS wants to set.
By Bravo Nam
November 20, 2006 03:47 AM | Link to this
Grinch
One reason why baseball is better than the NFL. At least in baseball if your team loses or puts in a stinker of a performance, you only have to wait 24 hours for potential redemption. IN NFL, one bloody week!
What’s the definition of futility? Following the Atlanta Falcons.
What’s the definition of stupidity? Following the Atlanta Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers and Braves!
My mama always said I was a stubborn boy…stubborness or stupidity?
By The Grinch
November 20, 2006 04:15 AM | Link to this
Sorry, all; sidetracked again.
T’hawkin’, the jungle juice might explain “Bennie and the Jets,” but it would have to be some pretty strong stuff. You’re still my boy, tho’.
Stinky and Bravo Nam, Vick is only 26. He’s the most dynamic player ever to hit the NFL and with the proper coaching still could be. He only played two years of college at Va.Tech (which basically ran a streetball offense) so he needed all the help he could get when he got here at age 20. Fact is, he came in during the tenure of an old and uninventive coach. Reeves was fundamentally sound, though, and Vick had a hell of a rookie year despite pedestrian play- calling. He broke his leg and was out the next year, as was Reeves. Since then, he’s had to learn an offense that is the least suited to his skill set as any offense could possibly be under the NFL’s unquestionably worst OC, and I mean there is no question. Ask around, if you can’t figure it out from watching game film. He’ll be fired in the off-season, and we’ll see yet another offense for Vick to learn next year. Hope it’s the right one, because he could be the most exciting player ever, and Blank has not skimped on the supporting cast (though the defense is maybe the most injured ever and the DC is the most underachieving DC the Falcs have ever had; needs to be fired as well). Wait and see, and don’t write the boy off yet. He’s the victim of terrible coaching on both sides of the ball. If we had even an average OC and/or DC this year, 11-5 would be the minimum. Heads will roll. Go Falcons! And Hawks, Thrashers and Braves. And Force. And Ga. Southern. And g’night, all…
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
O’Brien,
What are the chances the Braves sign both Glavine and Maddux? I know probably slim, but it seems they may be willing to take less to have one more go at it with Smoltz. It’s just a question of would they take as little as the Braves would want to give them? I think it’s a long shot but I wouldn’t be all that surprised.
By Wesley
November 20, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
Would a combo of Davies/Salty/Ramirez be enough to get Crawford from the D-Rays? Sounds like he could be had for strong young pitching?
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
Wesley,
I’m sure those three player would be enough, but why would the Braves give up two solid young pitchers and one of the best hitting prospects in baseball for one player? I would maybe do Ramirez and a lesser prospect or just Saltalamacchia but no way would I trade three players for Crawford.
By bravesgirl
November 20, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
If Glavine really wants to come back a no-trade clause, or lack-thereof, isn’t going to be a problem. If he has a good year, he stays a Brave. What team is going to give up any type of player or prospect for a 41 year old pitcher? If Glavine has a bad year, no team would want him.
Oh, and for those of you who are foaming at the mouth over Moises Alou…remember this, he is 40 years old and played in less games than Chipper Jones did last season.
By Patrick
November 20, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this
DOB
What’s with all these trade rumors about LaRoche??? Why would the Braves be thinking about moving this guy or are these just empty trade rumors that are floating around?
By GM Wannabe
November 20, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
MLBTRADERUMORS has just posted that they have turned down LaRoache. All they would give up is JOhn Garbow and Nate McCluth. Personally, I was thinking of Marcus Giles for Ian Snell. Would anyone else be interested in that deal? If they do want LaRoache I think Atl. should get Zach Duke in return.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
November 20, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
Dang, I hate that I missed some good music discussion this weekend. I’m more of a Beatles White Album / Abbey Road fan than a Rolling stones kind of guy. I never got into Pearl Jam, but ironically I have been rocking some Nirvana Unplugged in New York for over a week now, and come to find out, y’all were discussing them over the weekend. That is truly a show-stopping performance by the group.
“Who knows? Not me. We’ve never lost control.
You’re face, to face with the Man who sold the World.”
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
Patrick, GM,
Given that decent 1B are relatively easy to find, I don’t know if a team would give up what LaRoche is worth to the Braves. LaRoche is a great player, but to give up a quality pitcher or comparable position player I think a team would need one of the top 10 1B in the game not just a great one.
By rammerjammer
November 20, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
I would guess that a Hudson trade would depend on signing Glavine, right?
The Orioles prospect, Penn, is Davies in an orange uniform. Awesome minor league stats, but batting practice in the bigs.
No way would he be an upgrade over Hudson, so Glavine would have to be in the fold for this deal to happen.
By TK
November 20, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
Was Authur Blank really interested in buying the Braves? It seems like it was always Liberty and the owners just went though the motions to make it look good. What is the holdup about Liberty if it is them? I have not heard anything since summer about this. I wish Mr. Blank would buy the Braves and spend some money on them like Ted Turner did.
By 2007 Mets
November 20, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
Bravo Nam, How does an Aussie living in Vietnam get so into American Baseball and Football? Just curious.
By Phil Collins
November 20, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
Bravo Nam, it is Groundhog Day. We are doomed to watch the same ol’ same ol’ for as long as an Atlanta team masquerades as an NFL Franchise. Doesn’t matter who the QB is, he will never ascend to greatness. He’ll either be too fragile or stupid or poorly coached. SSDD.
Grinch, I agree that Vick is athletically gifted, but he doesn’t throw a consistently catchable ball. Nor has he had the sense to come in out of the rain, as evidenced by his refusals to: a) learn how to slide; b) avoid the big hits (at least early in his career). And he’s short.
If you think back to the HBO interview he gave, he mentioned that he knew he’d have to study a great deal to call his own plays, but that he was willing to do it. My Question: Why hasn’t he been doing that for the past 6 years already? Hasn’t he been paid enough to do what’s expected of an NFL QB?
By GM Wannabe
November 20, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
I believe JS knows he made a mistake with the Hudson deal. Granted he did not give up much in the way of players, but the backloaded contract is killing him. I think if he can just unload the contract it would help the team more in the long run no matter who he can get for Hudson.
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
rammerjammer and all those knocking Davies,
He’s still very young, probably about 5 years from his peak. Way too early to judge Davies career based on two years in the majors.
I would gladly take Penn and another decent player for Hudson and his contract. I don’t think Hudson is really as bad as he’s looked over the past couple of seasons. But I think if the Braves have an opportunity to get one of the top pitching prospects in the game and another decent player for him and his contract, they should do it.
As far as Davies: Players don’t remain stagnant through their careers. They do peak (usually in their late 20’s) and decline. To assume Davies is the pitcher he’s going to be forever is to assume players don’t improve. Maybe Davies doesn’t get better but chances are he will (barring a major injury which is always a possibility with pitchers).
By Richard Cory
November 20, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
I touch no one, and no one touches me. I am a rock, I am an island”””’.
By Lew
November 20, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
TK-The Liberty Media deal is essentially a massive stock trade(to TW) and a massive tax break for Liberty Media. Because of the tax exemption on over $400 million, the SEC (that’s Securities and Exchange Commission-the Feds-not the Southeastern Conference), must give their approval since the IRS would not be making anything. MLB also has it’s own agenda, and trying to tie things up so that everyone is happy, is a very complex situation. Nuch of it has to do with who, personally will run the team(at this time Terry McQuirk-sp?), is acceptable to the money people AND MLB. Life in the world of high finance.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
November 20, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Where’s the love for the SEC West Champs? Hey, Matthew, we’re headed to Atlanta. How bout carrying that boot with us on the way? I didn’t get a chance to listen to the game but I had a source that kept me updated through the magic of text messaging while I was on the deer stand. Little Rock will be a mad house for the LSU Game. Is it Friday? Time? Razorback football has not been this exciting in a long time. W-P-S
By Lew
November 20, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun-Another thing on Davies-I don’t think most people realize just how badly he was injured last year. In the grand scheme of things, Davies would not even be called up from the minors until probably next season. He was called up in 05, like many others, because we flat out needed him. Couple that with his injury this year and being called up too fast at the end of 06 and you have the reason he has not been as impressive as most think he should be, Give the kid a chance to heal and develop normally and he will be fine. It would not hurt him or the team for Davies to start out at Richmond in 07. Remember how bad Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux were at the start of their careers.
By Stinky
November 20, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
Lew, Look for the Braves sale to come under more scrutiny. There’s a new congress in town.
By rammerjammer
November 20, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Shaun.
I was trying to say - not clearly I guess - that Penn can’t be counted on for next season. Like Davies, he’s got the tools for a bright future but isn’t quite ready yet.
I’m all for the deal as long as JS has a reliable pitcher (Glavine?) to replace Hudson. Otherwise, it’s a momentary step backward.
Side note…wasn’t Hudson, more than anyone else, publicly glad to see Leo Mazzone go? Hmm…
By Bravo Nam
November 20, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
2007 Mets
In relation to your question about my interest in baseball and football despite being an Aussie in VN- I know, they don’t compute. Reason is coz I lived in Atlanta from 1974-76 and followed all the Atlanta teams as a kid. In summer 76 moved up to Boston for nine months- but loyally stuck by the Atlanta teams and never changed allegiances even though at the time most of the Atlanta teams were pathetic. Braves have come a long way since then, Flames moved to Calgary, Hawks improved but last few years have sucked…and the Falcons, oh brother, don’t even get me started.
By Lew
November 20, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
Stinky-I don’t think that Congress has anything to do with it. They are a Legislative body-they make law. They do not enforce it. That is the Justice Department, which is still under Republican control for two more years.
By rammerjammer
November 20, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Penn’s AAA stats last season, at age 21, were very good:
14 starts, 7-4, 2.26 ERA, 87.1 IP, 71 H, 27 BB, 85 K.
Very solid. Everything points toward a successful big league career.
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Lew,
Yes. I would also add Davies had nothing else to prove in the minors so the Braves brought him up. And, like Hudson, he hasn’t really been awful. But the Braves really had no choice, as you said. You only have so many options and you pick the best ones. Not every pitcher is John Smoltz. The Braves obviously feel that Davies was/is the best option.
By Lew
November 20, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
JS’s career is drawing to a close. Even if he re-ups his contract for a couple more years, I see him going for broke this seaon to regain the post season and to hopefully advance to the series. Because of this, I don’t see him trying to trade Andruw (you can’t replace his bat on a short term basis) and I don’t see him trading Hudson for pitchers who are not ready to contribute strongly to a pennant race. I don’t see either of the Oriole pitchers mentioned as being able to do this. Consider, also, that after having a terrible season by Hudson’s standards, he was still a 13 game winner with a losing team. No rookies or prospects will be capable of doing this. I really wonder if this proposed Oriole deal, or the proposed Pirates deal weren’t, in reality, instituted bu the other teams and not the Braves.
By David O'Brien
November 20, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
By Wesley November 20, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this Would a combo of Davies/Salty/Ramirez be enough to get Crawford from the D-Rays?
IN A WORD, “no.”
Shaun, you replied to Wesley:
“I would maybe do Ramirez and a lesser prospect or just Saltalamacchia but no way would I trade three players for Crawford.”
THEN DON’T WORRY, because you’d never have to make that decision.
By David O'Brien
November 20, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
Hillbilly, I agree wholeheartedly on Abbey Road. Don’t know why I left it off my Rubber Soul/White Album/Sgt. Pepper trio. it’s right there with those… And yes, the Nirvana unplugged holds up so strong when I put that CD on today. Great, raw, emotional performance, done not too long before he offed himself….
You should rent the movie “The Devil and Daniel Johnston.” Interesting link between Johnston and Cobain, who wore a T-shirt of Johnston’s painting “Hi How Are You?” for six months, every video or photo shoot he did in that span he had the shirt on.
By Stinky
November 20, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this
Lew, the Dems could really give the Prez, who is officially a lame duck, a real ruff time if the sale goes through. Don’t think that Cheney doesn’t know that.
Meanwhile, the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 could be legislated out of existance while the proposed deal collects dust on the JD shelf.
By David O'Brien
November 20, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
GM Wannabe, you wrote: “I believe JS knows he made a mistake with the Hudson deal. Granted he did not give up much in the way of players, but the backloaded contract is killing him. I think if he can just unload the contract it would help the team more in the long run no matter who he can get for Hudson.”
How is the backloaded contract killing him when he hasn’t paid Hudson a high salary yet, and will pay him only $6 mill this season? And if he wins 15-18 games with an ERA back near his usual mid-3’s, wouldn’t it have been stupid to “unload his contract no matter who he got in return,” considering that $13 mill won’t even get you a good veteran starter in the new market?
By David O'Brien
November 20, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
Lew, VERY GOOD POINTS in your 11:13 post.
By TennesseePaul
November 20, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this
Lew: Smoltz wasn’t all that bad at the start of his career. His first year up, he started 12 games. That wasn’t all that impressive. But his second year he started 29 games was 12-11 with a 2.94 ERA. He was pretty much good from there on out, save that one season in 1994
By David O'Brien
November 20, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
Gotta admit I may have _ no, make that did _ overstate Penn’s readiness for next season. While his Triple-A stats were damn good, his big league numbers are even worse than Davies. Both still have much to prove in majors.
Penn is 3-6 with a 9.14 ERA in 14 career starts with Baltimore, with 84 hits (14 homers!), 34 walks an 26 K in 58 innings. He went 0-4 with a 15.10 ERA in six starts in a September callup last season.
Davies is 10-13 with a 6.38 ERA in 35 games (28 starts), with 188 hits (22 homers), 82 walks and 113 K in 151 innings.
In his last 31 games (after that initial four-game success), he’s 8-12 with a 7.40 ERA.
And yes, someone pointed out last year’s groin injury was quite severe. Any groin injury requiring surgery (squirm, ouch) is quite severe.
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
rammerjammer,
Hudson has been decent but mostly because he’s an okay pitcher giving the Braves a good number innings (in other words, he saves the bullpen). Penn could at least do that and maybe more. Plus Penn is more likely to get better. Hudson may be more fortunate but isn’t likely to pitch much better. I say the Braves take the chance on taking a step backward if they can get Penn and another decent player.
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
O’Brien,
I should have said I’d never trade three quality players for Carl Crawford. And I would say two decent young pitchers and one of the top hitting prospects in the game are three quality players.
And I don’t see how the D-Rays wouldn’t love a trade like that, if it were offered to them. I know Crawford could be great, but getting two good young pitchers and probably the best catching prospect in the game would be crazy to turn down in my opinion. Especially considering they’re an AL team and they could use Salty at DH if he doesn’t pan out at catcher.
I would hope there’s no way the Braves would give up that much for one player.
By DonCoburleone
November 20, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
Good article DOB. I think the Soriano deal the Cubs made definately helps the Braves. For one, he didn’t go to the Muts. Second, that contract resets the FA market, now players like Carlos Lee and JD Drew will get HUGE deals making Andruw Jones that much more valuable. A team like the Angels now have to do something, especially after Carlos Lee (more than likely) signs with Houston. I am worried about the Angel’s signing of Spier, I believe this means they are looking to use Shields as trade bait. I know Boston has been after Shields for some time now, and a Shields/Santana combo for ManRam is more than possible now…
By Bob, journalist
November 20, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I know that I’m easily confused but “… I think a team would need one of the top 10 1B in the game not just a great one” is truly bemusing and, from my perspective, a bit amusing.
Is it the intended suggestion that there are more than 10 great ones currently playing first base? … any position?
By Lew
November 20, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
DOB-I didn’t post at 11:13-that was Shaun. I did, however, pint out the severity of Davies injury. I really don’t think enough has been made of this. He couldn’t have been comfortable when he came back.
By Lew
November 20, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Ten Paul-I see your point re Smoltz, but take into consideration the first half of the season where he went 1-11 before the shrink straightened him out. He really was bad at the beginning. Stinky-At the risk of getting political here, the Congress has their work cut out for them at the beginning of their term ( for the entire two years, actually) and I doubt the bill you are talking about has anything to do with the TW/Liberty Media deal. I don’t see this particular deal as being on their radar. Also, it is quite possible the deal may go through before they even get off their derrieres and attempt to rectify any of their opponents legislation. I repeat, Congress is not going to be a factor in the Braves’ sale. I also think it would fall under the purview of Treasury (not Justice as I originally mentioned), which is also under control of the current administration, who are extremely pro-corporation.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
November 20, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
“If I had to lose a mile If I had to touch feelings I would lose my soul The way I do
I don’t have to think I only have to do it The results are always perfect And that’s old news
Would you like to hear my voice sprinkled with emotion Invented at your birth?
I can’t see the end of me My whole expanse I cannot see I formulate infinity Stored deep inside me.”
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Davies averaged over 6.6 K/9 in his first two seasons. That’s a pretty good indicator that he’ll be a decent pitcher barring major injury.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 20, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this
from the detroit free press:
“The Braves have a 27-year-old first baseman, Adam LaRoche, who hit .285 with 32 home runs and 90 RBIs in 2006. He plays adequate defense, earns a modest big-league salary ($420,000 this year), and bats left-handed.”
“In other words, he’d be ideal for the Tigers. The only barrier to a deal would be the matter of Atlanta’s own affinity for LaRoche. The Braves would likely demand a premium return package, headlined by pitching. The Tigers will need to determine how far they’re willing to go.”
this journalist reminds everyone that the way we feel in this market may not be the way all baseball feels about something/anything. we classify laroche as a great fielder. the writer above says laroche provides adequate defense.
it seems like laroche made his place on this team last year but if he is the piece that will return pitching then he should go. this team must have pitching no matter who must go. this journalist would keep mccann and francoeur. any other position player would be traded. this journalist would keep the young arms and let all the old, tired arms of last year find work elsewhere.
lastly, did reitsma burn any bridges when he failed to disclose that he had no feeling in his fingers (while baseballs were flying out of the park and the braves were dropping hopelessly behind)? that is not team baseball. that is not even moral behavior. of course, as soon as he is jettisoned he will return to form as a decent set-up man. he was never a closer.
dob is wise to let the flies circle until they can all be swatted at once. not sure what that means but dob ignoring the stalker seems to be the one thing the stalker cannot handle.
now, fruitcake. there must be no more talk of fruitcake. it is time to talk pie.
By rammerjammer
November 20, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
I’d be stunned if Hudson was being offered around UNLESS Schuerholz and Glavine already have an “understanding.”
By DonCoburleone
November 20, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this
DOB, you seem certain about Giles being traded, are you sure that will happen??? Because I am not anymore, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Braves looked at last years team vs. what they have this year and are thinking… Hey, we’re only 10 or 12 wins from a spot in the postseason, and we will be adding Mike Hampton, Bob Wickman and Blaine Boyer. Who needs to make a move? I hope for the sake of all Braves fans this is not true, but I could see where JS would be able to live with himself if he fielded next years team as it currently stands…
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist,
What I meant was a team wouldn’t give the Braves a good young pitcher for LaRoche, they would have to get one of the 10 best firstbasemen in baseball. But I should have said the top 6 or 7. LaRoche is right on the cusp but I don’t know if a team would take a chance on him for a quality young pitcher.
By Dennis
November 20, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
DOB
It appears from what I am reading that JS is kicking the tires around the league on young pitching. If he can rid himself of a few contracts, he can sign Glavine and pick up a top pitching prospect without giving up Salty. I expect Giles, Hudson, Horam and possibly LaRoche may be gone in order to rework the rotation. While our farm system is solid it currently lacks major league ready pitching (AAA Level). Looking at teams like the O’s or Pirates young pitchers will benefit the Braves in the long run.
By LanceinFl
November 20, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
Wow, Meat Puppets lyrics, havent heard that one in a while.
DOB - Is ANYTHING going to happen this week? Is Daryl Ward our big get of the offseason?
By DonCoburleone
November 20, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this
I just want all these big hitters and pitchers to get signed already… Cuz I guarantee there will not be any big trades until the majority of these free agent’s are signed… AND THE BRAVES SURE WON’T BE DOING ANY OF THE SIGNING!
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith,
I just don’t see LaRoche bringing in quality pitching. I mean he’s a great, cheap player in his prime but I don’t see him as a number three or four hitter in a good lineup. I say why trade him for less than a good pitcher and the Braves probably would get less than a good pitcher for LaRoche. I don’t think trading LaRoche for what they could get for him would increase the Braves run differential.
Maybe I’m wrong and a team would give up more than I think for LaRoche. But decent 1B are relatively easy to find and I’m sure a team would rather have the good pitcher and a decent 1B than one less pitcher and Adam LaRoche.
By Drummerdad
November 20, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
JJS, Would it be pecan or pumpkin pie? However, I must confess that I enjoyed the discussion of In & Out Burger the best. I cannot discuss th BBQ with you Atalnta folks because I live in S.C. and my experiences therein aren’t relavant for yous guys. And one of our more well known BBQ establishments is owned by a white supremacist. O the humility!!
As for trading Laroche, I’d be more surprised if Schuerholz traded Adam than Hudson.
By Head Coach
November 20, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
Not that anybody cares , because this happened two weeks ago. The Braves signed a lefthander to a minor league contract. Steve Colyer , a 1997 2nd round pick who has been bouncing around the minors for nine seasons. He’s a 6-4 lefty with a decent(93-95) fastball. A career 33-39 record 46 saves and a 4.66 ERA. Most of his saves were in 2002 and 2003. He is a journeyman setup man who walks the ballpark , throws hard and has always had command problems. The Braves will the fifth organization he has played for. Now , for the real news : The Braves front office has done nothing for two months , the dirty birds and dogs still stink and spring training is three months away , YAY !
By Stinky
November 20, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
Lew, the legislation I cited provides the loopholes that Liberty and TWX utilized to get the deal underway. I’m not saying this is something the Congress will earmark on their agenda, but I do think it would garner a lot of unwanted attention if it went through. I’m through with political ticks. Sorry I brought it up.
To a Certain Drama Queen who shall remain nameless: Heckling should not be confused with Stalking. But go ahead and Stand by Your Man. You make a nice pair.
By David O'Brien
November 20, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
Lance, I don’t know if anything will happen. I do know for a fact Schuerholz and Wren are busy as hell (when you’ve got less money to spend than other contenders, I think you’re forced to work a bit harder and try to be more creative in trades).
I thought something would happen last week. Since nothing did, it might not happen now until after Thanksgiving at winter meetings. But we’ll see. Nothing would surprise me, far as a trade happening this week, next week, etc.
As for the LaRoche “rumor,” I’d ask you to consider the source on that one.
By Stinky
November 20, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
There once was a scribe named O’Brain.
Who was really quite profane.
He had a thing for one named Glavine.
Who said he tweren’t worth havin’.
And it drove O’Brain insane.
By pinkygonzales
November 20, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
Hey all. First time, long time. I’m sorry if i missed this point somewhere in the blog, but aren’t chipper, smoltz, and andruw all 10-and-5 guys who do not need a no-trade clause in their contracts because they can reject any trade? so if JS gave a nt-clause to Glavine, he could do so without upsetting the other stars because they can’t be traded without consent anyway?
By The Grinch
November 20, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
Phil Collins, you are correct that Vick is not a consistently accurate pocket passer and that he’s too short for that role. His strength is rolling out from the shotgun (where it doesn’t matter how tall he is because he doesn’t have to look over anyone then, working off hte play action (which is effective here because we have a good running game) and occasionally firing off the deep ball(where he is consistantly accurate) or running himself. Yes, one day he’s gonna get hit and never come back up. Until then, use what you got, and right now he’s taking the hits but not reaping the benefits because they’re trying to turn him into Joe Montana, which he ain’t. All he needs is a smart OC. Enough of all that.
Congrats, Matthew and Hillbilly; if we can knock off the NATS and you guys smack down the Gators, I’ll consider this a good year after all.
Shaun, I got to agree with DOB (even though he said “have did.” :-)) You think the D-Rays would be crazy not to trade a proven, excellent, young, affordable 4-tool player for two mediocre pitchers and a AA catching prospect? You’d make a good diamond merchant. Buy cheap and sell dear.
By rainman
November 20, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
If the braves trade any big name players it should be number 25. I cant even say his name it hurts so bad. There is no chance of us resigning his so they have to get something in return. My trade partner is the angles. they need a big bat and could take care of all or major needs. Here is my trade.
Braves: # 25
Angles: Figgens, Eric aybar and scott sheilds.
this gives us our leadoff man second baseman and our setup man. Then js could trade giles and horam for a big bat in left such as dunn are one of my favorite players jonny gomes from the rays straight up for horam.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
November 20, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Ryan Howard— N.L. MVP What a shocker.
By journalist jimmy smith
November 20, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
shaun, so many bloggers speculate on trades where we give up nothing and end up with premium players … that isn’t the rule (maybe an exception - wicky comes to mind). laroche seems to have earned his spot with the braves *but if he could bring quality pitching to this team then jimmy smith would favor trading him.” what is quality for laroche? well, not seeing travis smith and some others starting games would make this journalist feel better - and if the braves are able to get a power pitcher (how did detroit get so many) for laroche then this journalist would make the deal. face it, furcal was a player that would have brought a lot in a trade - but it didn’t happen. aj would now - but it might not be possible (too many obstacles not controlled by js). who wants some of the clowns? the ones other teams covet are the ones we want to see the team keep. still, this journalist and most bloggers here recognize the team needs pitching.
drummerdad, this journalist is hesitant to ask . . . *what does the white supremacist barbecue?” oh, the humanity! tell jimmy smith it is pigs!
lew, maybe congress can earmark something for us. not sure it would garner much support, though. good that we have such a politically savvy blogger working with us here. good that you explained the branches of government to him and their function. hope he won’t write jimmy smith’s momma and get jimmy smith in trouble. oh, yeah, agenda … he also used the word agenda. must have a thesaurus tied to his special chair.
By TennesseePaul
November 20, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Ryan Howard NL MVP
The guy had a monster season for a player, and especially for a 2nd year player. Historical, if you will. Though not as historical as it would have been had he reach the 60 homer platue.
Personally, I think Pujols should have received it. But I’m not terribly upset about it. The one thing that is a bit of a surprise is, Pujols gets a $100,000 bonus for coming in 2nd. Beltran gets a $200,000 bonus for coming in 4th. That was all Boras.
By David O'Brien
November 20, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Hey, one big thing to keep in mind regarding Hudson-to-Baltimore rumors, and I addressed this in new blog that’ll be posted at 4 p.m.
Hudson signed his multi-year contract befor the new labor agreement went into effect, so he still would have right to demand a trade after the first year with his new team.
This is big, because given his relationship with Leo, I can’t see Hudson pitching more than one season under him in Baltimore before demanding a trade. Are they really going to give up much for a guy they’d have one year?
Granted, if he has a good year, the O’s could probably then get plenty back for him in a trade, because his $13 mill salary in 2008 and $13 mill in 2009 _ plus $12 mill option for 2010 _ would be a relative bargain for a proven veteran starter. But still, I just don’t see it, given his relationship with Leo. It’s not a good fit, even for one season.
By The Grinch
November 20, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Smith, what’s wrong with Travis Smith? If you don’t like him, maybe we should trade him for Johan Santana and a prospect. :-) Time for the gym. Later, all. Oh, BTW, the pumpkin pie Blizzard is not to be dismissed, especially after a trip through the potatoe patch. Had my first one this weekend (during a rare lucid moment).
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I got to agree with DOB (even though he said “have did.” :-)) You think the D-Rays would be crazy not to trade a proven, excellent, young, affordable 4-tool player for two mediocre pitchers and a AA catching prospect? You’d make a good diamond merchant. Buy cheap and sell dear.
Those pitchers have high up side, particularly Davies. And Salty is as close to a sure thing as you can get; most hitting prospects do pan out and make something of themselves. So at the very least the D-Rays would get a great hitting catcher/DH. But chances are Davies will be pretty good pretty soon and Ramirez is not bad. I would take it if I were the D-Rays GM.
By Shaun
November 20, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith,
I’m all for trading LaRoche if they can get a good young pitcher. But I just don’t see a team giving up a good young pitcher for LaRoche, even though LaRoche is cheap and great. Pitching is still extremely valuable and I don’t think the Braves would be able to get what LaRoche is worth in a trade. As I said, maybe I naive about this but I don’t think teams are going to give up quality pitching unless they can get one of the top 30 hitters in the game.
By David
November 20, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
The word Davies and upside should NEVER be in the same sentence. D-rays would laugh at the trade offer Shaun thinks is too much.Get your nose out if Bill James a*.
By Drummerdad
November 20, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Journalist Jimmy, cloven hoof, curly tailed bar-b-qued pig they serve. And it’s good. It’s just that the owner had other things he was communicating back in the late 90’s. Didn’t go well at all for him. Dirtied his reputation, and lost him market share.
Hey, with all this talk of trading Laroche, who would take first? As much as I love his heart, please don’t tell me Brian Jordan.
By Thomas
November 20, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
Darryl Ward:
He was a late addition to the Braves this year, he was very good, but if the braves want to save money they should really consider leaving Ward go, and Scott Thorman could do the job.
Laroche:
Enough he is not going anywhere, if they dont give up a guy like Albert Pujols forget about it, well maybe not Pujols but if he is traded he needs to be trade by a lot of talent.
Soriano:
136million for 8years, Cubs where really interested. In my opinion I think the signing Soriano was a stupid move. Why was it stupid, because they have a good left fielder already their bigest need is starting pitchers, and a centerfielder. Ok they fixed two needs a leadoff hitter, and an outfielder that can hit for power, but now that they have spended all that money they can’t the pitchers. Mark Derrosa was a stupid signing also they have a guy named Ryan Theriot who was awesome for the time he played this year, and played second base….
By Thomas
November 20, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
Carl Crawford:
Kyle Davies/Horacio Ramires/ Jarod Saltamacchia for Carl Crawford OF COURSE. First off I dont know how good Salty is but we ha ve a 22year old catcher that can be easily be the best catcher in the majors. Horacio I’m tired of this guy always being injured, we have a lot of starting pitchers and he is payed 2.5million. Kyle Davies, the only one in the trade that would be hard for me to let go, but Crawford is worth it. He is the speediest runner in the majors, he bats 300 and plays good outfield. Then we trade Ryan Langerthans and sign Tom Glavine.
By Don
November 21, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this
Sign Glavine. He should win his 300th game as a Brave. After all, the Cox-Schuerholz record indicates that the team will not wil the world series anyway. Glavine would add a little interest to an otherwise mediocre team.
By Lawdog
November 23, 2006 05:51 AM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving all. The most appealing thing I’ve read lately to be grateful for was Dadgum’s post that suggested Dontrelle Willis would like to be a Brave and the suggestion that we pull the trigger on a Scott Thorman, Saltallamachia, Horacio Ramirez deal to bring Willis to Atlanta. The other gratifying deal might be with the Padres sending Marcus Giles there for lead-off left fielder Dave Roberts AND Scott Linebrink. If the Pads pull out because we insist Linebrink be included, the Braves should shift to the East Coast and pursue Baltimore’s 2B Brian Roberts in the Giles trade. Jilly would be a good fit in either city and is certainly worth more than a one-on-one deal. If you really want to upgrade the deal, go back to San Diego and think of a way to ease Jake Peavy out of there in a deal for Marcus. Remember, you can never have too much pitching. Let’s see now, Smoltz, Willis, Chuck James, Peavy, Hudson with Hampton and Davies in the wings. Sounds good from here.