Braves

By USA

December 12, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Wrong. Only Frenchy bids Giles adieu.

The rest of us say: ba-bye.

By Trent Gilfoil

December 12, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

We had to do it, but it is still a very sad day and a very sad ownership. I wish Marcus the best of luck and thank him for the great years

By ray

December 12, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

The Braves did what they had to do with Giles. Now it will be interesting to see if they bother and offer to re-sign him at a lower base and full of incentives. My guess is he will be in a new uniform next season.

By Jordan

December 12, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

We can still try and sign him, but we now have to compete with Mets… who seem to have a strong affinity for ex-braves.

By John

December 12, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

Not sad to see either of them go. Marcus simply is not that good. We could pull up a guy from the minors to put up his numbers. Everyone liked his scrappy style…but that doesn’t put runs on the board. So long…

By maddog281

December 12, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

Sadly, yes it was the right move. I love Marcus, I love his hustle, and I love his potential. But the truth is he is replaceable within the structure the team has - Prado or even potentially Kelly Johnson may fill the hole and provide similar numbers.And at his cost it just had to happen. I know posters will jump on the phrase “the Braves have no intention of trying to resign him at reduced cost,” but really how much would he take to stay a Brave when he’ll get around 2 mil still from other teams? Would he take a $350-$500 thousand a year contract (similar to Johnson and Prado) to stay? Almost assuredly not.

So all my best to Marcus, and I wish him well (unless he signs with the METS….!)

By Serge

December 12, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

Please dont Sign with the Mets Giles

By bravesfan

December 12, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

This limbo that MLB is allowing to happen is going to end the Braves as we know them. One has to wonder the way they were pushing the Nationals alone, Is the ending of the Braves being done on purpose? MLB has got to step in. We just let a valuable player walk again. This has got to stop.

By ralph

December 12, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

very sad. but knowing braves fans like I do, they will probably act like he was never that good and hate on him and blame giles for everything that has ever gone wrong as he walks out the door. they did it to mazzone, glavine, et al.

By Larry

December 12, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Great!

Now that leaves Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones and Bobby Cox left to debride this team from the over paid and under achieving exudate of the past.

It’s well past time for some fresh, hungry, hustling players to reinvigorate this city!

By Nat King Giles

December 12, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

As was discussed,

I rode the bus

Non-Tendering.

I gotta go,

play with my bro’,

Non-Tendering.

My OPS is low,

and the Braves don’t have the dough,

and so, John S. said no

Tendering.

By Efrim D

December 12, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

Braves should of dealt Tim Hudson to save money. Look at what the Astros just gave up for Jennings??? Improving the pitching staff also means getting quality young starters that can contribute. Jason Hirsh would of been that. Next year at this time, the Braves will need a CF, 2B, LF, Two starting pitchers, and possibly a closer. He will only have around 20 million to do so.

By futurebravesgm2413

December 12, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

As long as Prado isn’t the 2b i’m happy. Prado had NO I repeat NO extra base hits in over 150 ABs this winter. He is not a major league 2b. I hope the job is Kelly Johnson’s. He is the hitter we need. And apparently is making vast improvement with his D.

By Mason Sanders

December 12, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Business decisions,like this are always tough, sorry to see Marcus go. Wish him well, but he’ll be fine.

By Norm

December 12, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

The Braves could save 4 times Gile’s salary by dumping Chipper Jones and should attempt to trade him while he still might be worth something. Other teams probably would ask the Braves to pay part of Chipper’s salary because he is definitely overpaid. If Andruw were let go, all the pichers ERAs would go up. Chipper is the logical Jobes boy to let go. Too bad Wilson Benemit wasn’t kept to replace chipper.

By james

December 12, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

it was a neccesary move to keep costs down. Martin Prado is now the favorite to take over second base and he was not all that shaby in his stint in the major leagues last year.

By Fed Up

December 12, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

This sucks beyond words. A multi-billion dollar corporation continues to p** on an asset that it claims is worth $450 million. BOYCOTT TIME WARNER. I don’t even like Giles, but this move was obscene. And won’t we just love it when he signs with the Mets.

By tokyobrave

December 12, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

Right move at the right time. I don;t think we will miss a beat defensively, but I who knows offensively. He spent the better part of the year in a lead off spot that I think csused him to think too much and try to hard to get on base and it screwed up all of his mechanics. I think that was the reason for the “poor” offense he displayed last year. So to answer your question - what hitter will/would have shown up up this year assuming he were in the two spot? Would we have gotten the 300 avergae and 20 dingers? If that were the case, then it won’t be a good move. However something that is interesting is how tepid interest was in him from a trade point of view at the meetings. I know some were waiting for the Braves to make this move and crossing their fingers, but I also would think that some club would have jumped at the thought of having this guy on the their team if they thought he was going to be a 300/20HR guy. So maybe the experts knew more than was being told…. I too wish him and his family the best of happiness and health, but I look forward to what the future holds now for the Braves at 2B.

By Unkle Figgitt

December 12, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

Braves should definitely have parted ways with Marcus Giles, but it should never have been allowed to come down to the last resort of non-tendering him. For a GM such as John Schuerholz that usually operates so close to the cuff, I don’t understand how the fact that the Braves were going to non-tender Giles could have been made public, thus making it impossible to find any team willing to trade for him. Surely Schuerholz could have at least got some cash, or bats and balls for him.

By JOEBRAVE

December 12, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

gOOD RIDDANCE! Thank God no more bumbling around upper cut im gonna knock a homer oops! i struck out lick my nasty jersey Gilesy boy!

By td

December 12, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks Marcus. From a fan that watched you come up at Myrtle Beach. You always have given it your all. Thank you for trying to be a leadoff man, when that is not your natural position. Of course your stats would fall when placed in that situation. Best of luck. Take it easy on us when you face the Braves. The fans can’t help it that management will let us wallow in mediocrity without being competitive in the financial part.

By noendinsite

December 12, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t there some spare change left from las year. Apparently it was applied to TWJ stock. Thank God McQuirk implied that the payroll had flexibility. Must have gone with the Sturtze signing.

By joe brave

December 12, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

don’t like what i said STUFF IT!!!!!!!!!wake up idiots it’s a new day in the Atl. great move!

By Dallas, GA Braves Fan

December 12, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

Efrim my point exactly! I have hear it many times in the past that with salaries increasing the way they are 4 teams in MLB will be competing for the World Series in 5 years. The rest will have to work with releasing their players every 3 years once they get good. How can we say that Marcus is easily replacable and he needs to be released to free up $$. Please if that is the strategy then we need to package Chipper, Andruw, Hudson and Smoltz to the Yanks for any player that makes less than $500,000 a year.

Let me throw this funny little equation at you Fans at Turner = more $$, trading away fan fav’s =less fans in seats (me for one) = less $$ which means less “budget” to spend on players. Hmmmmm now there’s a thought.

By Tonight on TBS

December 12, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

First time on cable.

Little Man (2006)

When baseball manager Bobby Cox (Bernie Mac) finds vertically challenged Marcus (Marlon Wayans) on his doorstep, he believes he has found the small, quick second baseman he has always dreamed of. Meanwhile, Marcus schemes to get with his brother Brian (Keenan Ivory Wayans) and grab a cool 5 or 6 million dollars. With Tracy Morgan as Joe Bick (Marcus’ agent).

By Uncle Elmo

December 12, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

Flush the chumps.

By JJMB

December 12, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

I have to say, I’m glad to see that uppercut swing hit the bricks.

By Jay

December 12, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

My first thought…what a waste that we didnt trade him last year.

By Jimbo

December 12, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

Great move…JS Jr. moves another step closer to the Big Show.

By Rex the Tex

December 12, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

Looks like Marcus is missing the letter ‘S’ cause his playing still went from Scrappy to Crappy!

By Jimbo

December 12, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

Good bye to the worst swing in baseball. Hopefully he will catch on with the Muts. Great move! Gilly ran out of juice.

By Luv 2 Hate Me

December 12, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU, Thank you, Thank U, Thanks and Thank God they finally cut their ties with Giles. I couldn’t say it in any other way but thanks.

By Ted Turner

December 12, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

Hey, I got these pieces of paper called Time Warner stock certificates that were worth about $100 each in 1999.

I want to get $100 for them but no one wants to offer me more than about $21 today. I guess I should just throw them away (i.e. non-tender them).

What do you think John Scheurholz?

By Rob

December 12, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

It never ceases to amaze me how utterly stupid some of you people are. He was a good Brave and even better citizen. You don’t have to welcome the man back to the team, but he has deserved a classy send off. I, for one, will always cheer on Marcus. Good luck in San Diego.

By Jimbo

December 12, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Dallas…one problem with your equation. Giles is not a fan favorite of any fan who knows baseball. The midget had to go and real fans are grateful.

By Rex the Tex

December 12, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

‘Classy send off’? Someone making $3.85MM last year doesn’t deserve anything from the fans. If you make the money, expect the backlash when you don’t produce. Maybe he should’ve stayed on the juice!

By Matt

December 12, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

This is all beginning to make sense to me now. Time Warner, a New York-based company, makes the Braves constrict payroll to $80 Million. In doing so the Braves can’t sign Glavine and he goes back to the Mets. So now because Giles was expected to get a pay raise they have to non-tender a contract and he is free to sign else where. All the while the Mets need a second baseman and we all know money is no object. This has all been a conspiracy from the beginning. The Board of Directors of Time Warner are definately Mets’ fans. I guess I just have to realize that nothing is sacred anymore. Everything has been so driven by the All-Mighty Dollar that you can’t stay loyal to a player anymore. I knew it was the Braves fashion to trade away their greats before they retired, I just never thought I would see they day where they would try to kick them out the back door. I am finding it harder and harder to stay loyal to the Braves. We are never going to be competitive again without spending money. I understand baseball is a business but you still have to put money into a business or it will never be successful. Or if you suck it dry, even the greatest business will crashdown. Well come to, “The Downfall of the Braves Dynasty.” Its all over, drive home safely. By 2008 we will be a no talent team like Tampa Bay and Kansas City. This is embarassing. Time Warner sell the team and sell it now. Just don’t do it in a stock deal. Let a local have it how cares about the team and will put funds into it much like Ted Turner did. This is a terrible day for me. I loved watching Giles celebrate, he was like a little kid. Baseball is a kid’s game ruined by American businessmen. No more shaving cream pies, no more silent treatment, no more celebratory beating up of teammates. He played with grit and guts. He was exciting and was the cheerleader and also the little annoying brother you just want to punch in the face. Best of wishes, Marcus…just go play with your bro in SD, don’t sign with the Mets.

By Kieran

December 12, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

A Damn travesty. Giles gave his blood sweat and tears to this organization and they cant sit down with him and work out a deal?? Even after Chipper Jones reworked his contract for them. Its horrible, a sad day for Braves fans.

By Canada Braves Fan

December 12, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

I’m going to miss Giles, especailly his hustle and when he ran around the clubhouse sporting neon goggles. He played the game like a little kid, full of spirit. However, we all saw it coming. If we could not get back Tom Glavine then of course we could not pay a second baseman 6 million. Best of luck in the future to Marcus and his family, probably in San Deigo.

By Choppinmama

December 12, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

Ba-bye to the team’s sparkplug. Frenchie, Brian, Huddy, Mike - please save us from a “business-like” dugout this season. (Huddy - the Perez snake is still the All-Time Classic!)

By Uncle Elmo

December 12, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Who says he’s going to San Diego? You got an inside source somewhere?

By Trav

December 12, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

sad to see Giles go, but no way is he worth 6 million….hopefully he doesnt sign with the mets

By Paul

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

One word: HOLLA!

By Dano

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

Every year after the 1994 mess, I followed the Braves less and less. When Glavine and Maddux got away, I stopped altogether…not interested in what happens to the Braves. I miss Ted Turner and Jane Fonda!!!! Go FALCONS!!!

By Phil Bredesen

December 12, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Aren’t the Braves being sold by Time Warner to a lesser media conglomerate in Denver?

By OH NO!!!!!

December 12, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Did I read that REITSMA was let go? Oh No!!! Reitsma brought all of the excitement to Braves baseball. He turned Braves’ blowouts into close games and converted slim Braves’ leads into blowouts for the other teams. The injured hand excuse was complete BS and the Braves proved that today by releasing his sorry arse. The closer role just won’t be the same without him. He can get hit on his way out by the very same door that smacked Peerless Price. Good ridance Reitsma and hope if we ever see you again it is in an opponents uniform with you hanging big fat breaking balls to our guys. Best of luck. LOL

By krath

December 12, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to hear any excuse, (because there isn’t one no matter how they want to spin it)

Where’s the logic of not getting at least a dozen bats and a bag of balls for Marcus Giles?

When Giles signs with someone for less than 4-5 mil, then I guess I will believe that he HAD to be non-tendered. IF he signs with anyone for the above figure or more, then that says that JS miscalculated (again)by not at least getting something for him if nothing but a class A sore-armed pitcher!

When JS makes a great deal, he deserves credit and frequently gets it. But it’s a two way street. If he stinks it up, he needs to take the rap for that.

By Luv 2 Hate Me

December 12, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Rob. We’re not stupid: Just smart to figure out how in the hell do you make it to the majors swinging like a Pro Golfer. The man is in the wrong profession. He needs to be playing golf. (Birdie/Eagle) LOL

By Jared

December 12, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

I think JS should go out and acquire some more backloaded contracts so we can be in the same situation again in 5 years. What a moron! I’m not upset about Giles leaving but there better be another big move this offseason that doesn’t involve one of our starters.

By bravesfan

December 12, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

I find it amazing that fans are blaming John Scheurholz for staying withing his budget. With the owners not caring, what is he supose to do. Sign big name players he cant afford to pay?

By linda

December 12, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

well he had to go that for sure but i will not put the braves beyond 2nd place and 3rd if lucky for 2007 why well they not got good players yet little is better then nothing its a gamble with hudson hope works davies as starter give himm45% of doing ok as for james i guess he can have a 90% but its a wait and see situation spring training still may bring trades time will tell

By Rob

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

Uncle Elmo asks if I have inside info…….Yeah it’s called common sense and a brain….2 things that aren’t exactly synonomous with 75% of Braves’ fans. I can’t believe the jealousy some of you show to professional athletes. Guess what losers, they are gifted and we are not. Get over it. And another guess what….Marcus Giles will still get paid a very large amount of money and you jealous-types won’t. Good luck Marcus. Next year when you’re in the top 5 in doubles (thanks to those alleys in Petco), and the top defensive 2nd baseman in the N.L. these tools around here that are blasting you now will be singing your praises then.

By beki

December 12, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe some of the comments that were made about his swing. My Lord, AJ screws himself into the ground when he hits a long ball;and, even CJ reaches for a high pitch that he inevitably pops up. Personally, I’d prefer getting rid of an aging CJ than Giles. You want to free up money? CJ’s makes ten times more than Giles would in arbitration; let him go.

By Jimmy Durante

December 12, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

Hey, what smells in here? Oh, it’s Time Warner and Liberty Media.

By Drew

December 12, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

There are so many of you who just don’t understand this. Marcus Giles had to go. There was absolutley no option. We couldn’t rework his deal. You can’t do that with arbitration eligible guys. We couldn’t trade him. JS tried, and there were no takers. Why would there be? No one is going to pay extra money and a player to get Giles, when they can just sign him cheaper after the non-tender date. It is sad to see Giles go, but this is a move that absolutely had to be made. There were no other options. That being said, I really think that this team will be good this year. Giles is the only offensive player we lose, we picked up Soriano and essentially Wickman, and all the pitchers are back healthy. Stop with all the negativity, because it absolutely isn’t negative.

As for the people who are saying trade Chipper, that is the most rediculous thing I have ever heard. You can’t trade the face of the franchise. Chipper puts people in the seats. Also, he is currently at his lowest value, after several injury plagued seasons. Plus, Chipper has been loyal to the Braves for many years, and the Braves will be loyal to him. Have some faith people. We have one bad season and people are renouncing their fanship, come on.

By Matt

December 12, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Uncle Elmo:Who says he’s going to San Diego? You got an inside source somewhere?

AJC: Giles will weigh offers from teams, sure to include the Padres. He’s from San Diego and his brother Brian is a Padres outfielder.

Uncle Elmo…DOB is the only inside source I need.

By Uncle Elmo

December 12, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Rob, you’re feeling yourself a little too much there, dog. I was querying the more than one of you who said he’s going to San Diego. The Mets contigent is even bigger and they think you are the one without a brain. Peace out.

By Matt

December 12, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

beki…seriously…10x more than Giles…Chipper doesn’t make $60 million a season. He makes 2x as much as Giles. He has also played twice as long it comes with the territory.

By Uncle Elmo

December 12, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Ewwww, Matt. I don’t need to know about you’re DOB fantasies. And if they aren’t just fantasies, y’all need to keep that stuff on the down low.

By TJ

December 12, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

I thought all of the clubs shared in the additional TV revenue, the other clubs are using theirs to make their clubs better. What happened to the braves share of that revenue, they sure aren’t using to sign players.

By N8

December 12, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Ted Turner

Good point. Giles was worth more in 1999.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry to see Giles go, but I’m a Brave fan, not a player fan. Same with AJones when he leaves. I WILL NOT get mad at JS for letting a player go who wants more money. Give me a break. I don’t blame the players, just the system. Baseball is dying, fast. If MLB doesn’t do something to stop the NY teams, Boston, LA, MLB is going to collapse. And that sucks. Every team is going through this right now, not just us. The Dodgers have lost a lot, and gained also, the WhiteSox, possibly the Cardinals. Unless you buy players, its going to be hard. I would rather win with draft picks and the farm then by buying players like NY, Boston, and LA has to do. If thats how they want it, lets just make MLB consist of 6 teams. Thats all MLB cares about anyway. As you can tell, I’m a little upset with MLB right now.

By Uncle Elmo

December 12, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry, dude. But you got to admit it was funny though, right?

By KebMo

December 12, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Bebi…. Chipper makes 60 million a year?

By Drew

December 12, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

San Diego definitely makes the most sense, and unless the Mets offer is much bigger than the Padres, I see he and Brian playing together next year.

By stew

December 12, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

How could they do it? Two years ago they didn’t want to include him in the Hudson trade. Was he really that expensive by today’s standards? Prado is a minor league ballplayer. No way he can hit 45 doubles in a year. Giles already has. Kelly Johnson has to go a long way to be Giles defensively and offensively. It’s hard to drive in runs when you bat leadoff. One at bat every game you can only drive in one run. That only happens if you hit a home run. Furcal and Giles both gone. Andruw soon to follow. Smoltz and Chipper renegotiate their contracts so that the Braves can upgrade their team. How many players have we lost because they are in their walk year or they became free agents and we couldn’t afford to sign them. How many free agents have we signed? Somebody oughtta put a gun to the heads of the people that are making these decisions. How long can this go on?

By Matt

December 12, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Uncle Elmo, I was referring to the fact he wrote the article. You know the one next to the link to get to this thread. You don’t have to be stupid to know that its probably 90% done that he is going to the Padres. All they have to do is make it official. This is the day that the teams who wouldn’t make a trade were waiting for. Now they get him for nothing.

By San Diego

December 12, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

From the report on CBS sportsline.com:

“Giles can negotiate with any team, but it’s clear that San Diego would be his first choice. His older brother, outfielder Brian Giles, already plays for their hometown Padres.”

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

About the Braves, our chances are better next year than they have been in the last 4 years. A great closer, a rocket for a setup man, an above average starting pitching staff and one of the best offenses in the NL. We just lost a weak spot last year. Lets give one of the new guys a chance at second. A young guy typically works out for the Braves. Can you say CJones, AJone, JSmoltz, BMcCann, JFranceour, ALaroche. Our team is going to be good, don’t worry. And stop talking about trading CJones. He put up better numbers than almost all 3b last year in a 120 games. Braves win 102 games next year. Thats my prediction. Phils in 2nd, Fl, NY, then Wash. Yes, NY in 4th place. No pitching and a good offense. That sounds like the Braves of 2006. Interesting. The Phils scare me, I hate the Mets and the Marlins are the annoying neighbor who won’t move. Washington is the Royals of the NL.

By Metropolitan Man

December 12, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

You guys can live without M. Giles, he wasnt that good, just a fan fav and the METS have zero interest in. But here is something for you to think about. The Pirates are looking for an inexpensive big bat in return for Gonzalez, who was 24-for-24 in save chances last year until tendinitis ended his season Aug. 24. He is believed to be completely healthy.

Ideally, the Pirates would like Atlanta first baseman Adam La Roche, but the Braves have Bob Wickman to close and would likely spin Gonzalez. Enter the Yankees and Red Sox.

The Braves, who have Scott Thorman to replace La Roche, were very interested in Scott Proctor at last summer’s trade deadline and haven’t changed their opinion. However, since they would be giving up a 32-homer, 90 RBI bat it’s likely they would want more than Proctor. Like everyone, they are high on Melky Cabrera but would the Yankees trade Proctor and Cabrera for a 28-year-old reliever who has never pitched a meaningful game after May and has spent his entire four-year career in the NL?

The Red Sox, who acquired Gonzalez from the Pirates on July 22, 2003 and dealt him back nine days later, have dangled outfielder Coco Crisp, but it is probably going to take more than that.

As for Gonzalez, an NL talent evaluator said, “He is probably what Mike Stanton and Alan Embree used to be. He is a power guy, throws 91 to 92 mph. He is a top-shelf guy.”

In 54 innings this past year Gonzalez gave up 42 hits, fanned 64 and walked 31. Lefties hit .163 (7-for-43) against him, while righties batted .227 (35-for-154). He is arbitration eligible after making $347,000 last year and the Pirates believe their closer can come from a cast of young arms.

So relax, things still might come together and you may look like an MLB team before spring training.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

If Giles goes to the Mets, I will boo him as I do Glavine. And you Mets fans can say we are disloyal all you want. When one of yours comes to play for Atlanta and then you cheer for him, then you can open your mouth. If Glavine would have went anywhere but NY he would have been cheered like Maddux.

By M Giles

December 12, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

People People! I know I haven’t lived up to the hype and my swing. Well that’s something I can’t help because of my height. I just hope that you can forgive me for wasting your time and Time Warner’s money. O yeah I really didn’t make that much money. Well I’ll see you when I come back to play the braves. Good-bye

M. Giles

By Jeff

December 12, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

What years (with the Braves) were Marcus’ great years? I was beginning to think he was the second coming of Jeff Blauser. In fact if Bobby has his way, he’ll pull Blauser out of the coaching ranks and put him back at second or shortstop. Thankfully the GM has made the only logical choice.

Jeff

By Uncle Elmo

December 12, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Pushed buttons, got the hoped for responses, resulting in much laughter, including the bonus of having one of the victims taking the time to explain he ain’t really lusting after the DOB. Dang, y’all are fun. Thanks dudes.

By Maine Braves Fan

December 12, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Okay so we lost marcus giles. Know we have to fill two holes. A second baseman. Martin Prado. he sucks cant stand him. I cant believe that anyone would want him over marcus giles. I want a real second baseman and a real leadoff hitter or its going to be a long and painful season. The braves have problems that we need to adress. I think we should sign Ronnie Belliard or make a trade to get figgins.

By M

December 12, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Braves Non-tendering Giles Mistake

I think it is a mistake on several fronts: 1) I think he’ll bounce back and have many good years ahead! He is young, seems to have a good work ethic (hustles, plays hard, etc.) had many nagging injuries and was forced to bat in a position he wasn’t comfortable. Now it could be with the Mets (who were mentioned as looking) if San Diego doesn’t pick him up, that would really help the Braves nock them off, wouldn’t it? 2) I still don’t understand why Cox simply didn’t put Renteria in the 1 spot and Giles back to the 2 spot. The stat’s certainly supported it (not that either is a speed demon but Renteria had more SB’s and Giles hit better in the 2 spot)! I would have kept Giles and done this. 3) Even if they wouldn’t want to keep him, I would have risked arbitration and tried to make some sort of deal. I think John S. has a big fear of being over the 80 million level for 1 day. Whose to say you can’t come back under with a deal in the future.

Oh and mark me down as one who didn’t like the Horacio deal either! I could live with it because “potential” it helps next year but I think Ramirez puts up some good numbers down the road.

Just my 2 (3) cents worth!

• M

By The real David

December 12, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Giles tried to be Charlie Hustle, but really only showed he had little range at second. He had a bad upper cut, but what really got him out here was that he was just plain average as a player. I think that position will yield a good minor leaguer in the future. So whatever happens this year at second is not that important. Reitsma had no consistancy, and that is very upsetting to the relief corp. They both seemed to be good people, and I hope they do well for someone else. Remember that if the had a good closer all year, the Braves would have been in the running at the end for a wild card spot.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

I would love to get Gonzalez. But for Laroche, who I think will be a premier 1b in a couple years. Thats a tough call. I might not do that trade. But if Soriano is a bust… I think the Braves are ok as they are. Remember we still have Will Startup in the minors. He should be ready in 08. Can you see the NL East in 3 years. The Braves (Frenchy, McCann, Laroche, Davies, James, Soriano, and our other young guys) versus the Phils (Rowand, Utley, Howard, etc) versus the Mets (Wright, Reyes, Lastings, Maine, Pelfrey). And that not even including the studs that the Marlins have (if they keep ANY of them). This is just getting good. The AL will be the old mans league in a couple of years. They can’t say they are better anymore. Spanked in the Series and barely won the all star game.

By rj

December 12, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

Get rid of Laroche now. Bring Prado up for second base. Trade Salty and his atitude for a legitimate pitcher. Move Thorman to first. Great move to end Giles in Atlanta.

By Stinky

December 12, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

What about Carl Crawford?

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

I second the idea of getting Figgins. Speed is one thing we don’t have ANY of. Also, Cox should have let MGiles bat 2, he had better stats at 2 than ERenteria did. How much worse would have ER numbers have been. But that doesn’t matter and wouldn’t have made much of a difference. There is only 1 reason why we didn’t win last year. A closer. Thats it, nothing else and its solved now. GO BRAVES

By Metropolitan Man

December 12, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

Chill out Matt. You are a lil off. If Piazza, Floyd, or any other MET favorite went to the braves as a free agent, we would still applaud them during the 1st homestand against the braves.After the niceties, then he would get booed and heckled. Its like Glavine, his not truly a MET, but he is no longer a brave, just in the middle. We boo Hampton becasue he didnt resign and gave a crappy excuse. Todd Pratt was not a fan favorite. So it goes both ways, it depends on if you were close to the home fans or not and how you left that will be your moment of truth.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

I wish baseball was on. This time of year sucks for sports. But at least its not as bad as February.

By rupert

December 12, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

bottom line is that this move was made out of neccesity, in the old days the braves could of given him one year to bounce back, but now they cant afford to, johnson should be a good option at second, prado doesnt really do it for me although a lot of my friends who are scouts like him, i think this bs that is happening with time warner is just that, bs, i mean they f*** take the braves payroll down, screw them out some great players, now when they finally are going to get rid of the braves they use the same corporate bs theyve used all along, mlb should tell them to take a s** or get off the g******* pot, if liberty cant get their act together sell it to arthur blank, they are crippling the franchise, i p** on you time warner, and little marcus p** on you as well, o and look for the baldeli thing to pick up steam, one way or another, a gm told me that js couldnt really focus on that until they made these moves….

By Islander71

December 12, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice Marcus’ picture has been removed from the Braves website. Didn’t take long did it?

By AdirondackDave

December 12, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Way to early to write off Prado. Between Johnson, Aybar,and Prado I’d think it’s likely we will have found our secondbaseman by April 1. I sure hope they don’t “save” Aybar for Chipper’s injuries. The guy’s propensity for getting on base is certainly appealing for the lead-off spot. Anyway,spring training just got more interesting.

By the way, Giles will likely be signing a $17M - $20M for a 3-year deal with the free agent situation we have this year.

By TommyB

December 12, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

Evening all…

Very interesting and enjoyable interview with Murph at:

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=228&p=2&c=599715

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

By Islander71

December 12, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

anyone notice Marcus’ picture is already gone from the Braves website. Didn’t take long did it?

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 12, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

Not a terrible move, based on the salary and the players in the farm system. Giles’ production had been going down and he wasn’t spectacular at any facet of the game to where it would have made sense to keep him at that salary. But I would have liked to see the Braves get something in exchange for him. Letting him go without any compensation was not good. Even if you can get a middle-grade minor league prospect, it’s still better than nothing.

But hopefully they use that $5 million or whatever to sign a leadoff hitter or a decent veteran pitcher to provide depth, instead of sticking that money in their pocket or using it to buy new servers for AOL.

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

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

Ah, the quandaries of business. Reminds me of my old man. Fifteen years with a company then laid off for someone younger and cheaper. Guess what? He found a new, better career. Something tells me Marcus and the Giles’ will get through somehow…Ironic that I’m typing this as the kids watch The Grinch. Makes you wonder, who is the baseball Grinch who stole our team? Steinbrenner comes to mind…couldn’t be Selig, he reminds me too much of the little dog with the antlers getting whipped by the Grinch…Time Warner, Liberty Media-there’s some Grinches for you… How old is Mark Lemke?

By Braves Fan in Hoosier Land

December 12, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

The bottom line is - if you can’t afford to own a baseball team - then sell it to someone who can.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

Rupert, you don’t like TW do you? haha. Met Man, good post. By the way, Pratt isn’t a favorite here. I think that man is a jinx. Has he ever been on a winning team. Jeez. When will they release him, or did they already. Trade Salty, Langers OR Diaz, but not both. Give Johnson a chance, plenty of young guys if Johnson bust. Will be a good year. Can’t wait. Seriously, I cheered for Glavine when he came back, as I did Maddux. But I would have loved to see Glavine finish and win #300 as a Brave. Its all the same. Glavine, Maddux, CJones, Smoltz, they will all have an A on their hat in the Hall.

By romebraves

December 12, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

Chipper is done… stick a fork in him..Why we didn’t keep Wilson Benemit is anyone’s guess. We could have fallen back on him and have actually gained from this poor managed situation. How can you just not tender at player that was an All-Star 3 years ago? SOMEONE would have taken him for at the least a few prospects. Why do we continue to dump young talent and let our entire payroll be swallowed by Chipper (i can’t play 130 games), Smoltz (my elbow will give out at any time), and Hudson (I’m an American League Has Been), or wait then there the Mike Hampton experiment…. Why we are on the subject, why didn’t the Braves trade Andruw when they had the chance to get some MAJOR talent… we ALL know he is gone after this year! Bottomline, poor manage in the front office and poor field managing in the post season….. Time for change… The previous comment about packaging Chipper, Hudson, Smoltz….. THAT’S A GREAT IDEA!!!!!

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

I wish TW would put the Braves up for sale to the fans. Let people buy % only in the Braves. That would be great.

By Drew

December 12, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

I’d say Scott Boras is definitely the Grinch of baseball. Say what you want, but Steinbrenner is good for baseball. He is an owner who cares which is more than can be said for a lot of guys. I want Arthur!

By Calvin

December 12, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

I bet you anything he signs with the Mets just so he can beat the Braves.

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Your children are watching me? Thanks for the royalties! However, I’m afraid I must divest myself from Time Warner or Liberty media. They are Grinches of a different and more nefarious sort.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

Its hard to trade high priced players one year from free agency. Just like Giles. Why would anyone trade for AJones when after this year he is a free agent anyway. Like Alfonso Soriano. Now that sucks for the Nats, but I love it. CJones is not done, Hampton is good when healthy. Injuries happen, lets hope he comes out like he went out. Why does everyone think CJones is done. 324 avg, 26 hr, 86 rbi in 110 games in 411 at bats. Thats sick. If you run those stats over 162 games, thats 39 hr and 128 rbis. What else do you want. Betemit SUCKS. He had a few good games. 263 avg, 18 hrs, 53 rbis in 143 games in 373 at bats. Your right, CJones is done and Betemit is better. The stats show it alone. My bad.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or is that a ridiculous amount of money the RedSox paid to “TALK” to that Matzuuuuu guy. P.S. Scott Boras needs to be kicked out of sports.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

The Braves need to hurry up and sign DWard.

By AdirondackDave

December 12, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Hey romebraves and others — Chipper may have more in the tank than you give him credit for. I’d still rather his him at the plate than anybody else, ok forgot McCann for a second.

Matt M. — I agree, give Johnson a chance either at second or left. His bat could be special. Also, add AJ to Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Chipper headed to the Hall with a a big A on their cap. With a couple years out in the world, AJ will realize how well he fit in here.

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

December 12, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Sorry Grinch but one cannot adorn oneself Grinch-hood. Becoming a Grinch is a long, earned, and learned practice. Calling myself an astronaut most certainly would not make it so…space cadet I’ve most certainly achieved…Jeff Treadway-can he still hit? Did he ever hit? I digress as usual…

By LEW

December 12, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Goodbye Marcus ..Enjoyed watching you..Hope this 2nd base episode dont turn out like last years bullpen…

By Jim

December 12, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Thanks Time-Warner. As a Braves fan for over 30 years, I have never been so discouraged and disgusted. Time Warner is continuing to choose the “not to compete” plan in MLB. Time Warner can continue to spin the “no reduction in payroll” line; however, it amounts to payroll reduction every year as player’s salaries rise. I saw right through Schuerholz’s intentions weeks ago when the Braves sign journeyman 2B Willie Harris in an “under the radar” move. Fellow Braves fans, Rocco Baldelli is not going to lead off, Chone Figgins is not going to lead off for the Braves. Our 2007 Braves lead off hitter is going to be none other than Willie Harris (who will also be our STARTING 2B). Wow John, Willie Harris will remind everyone of Mickey Mantle. Thanks Time Warner. Please sell the team to someone who WANTS to compete. Where are you now Arthur??? Braves nation needs someone like you.

By John Adcox

December 12, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

I paid around $90 each for 37 games last year, not counting MARTA, snackage, etc. That’s a nice fortune the Braves just saved me. I am through. Finished. Not spending another dime.

By Rev Buddy Greene

December 12, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

well at least Wilson Bettemit can play second base!

oh yeah….:(

By Dion

December 12, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

You know its hard to believe that a team that won 14 consecutive division titles don’t have a decent payroll, or that they have invested most of it in 7 players, the Braves are my team but it is time for a change, I agree with getting rid of Chipper, we need Andruw, but face the facts Boras is his agent and he’s gone after this year anyway, good thing Francouer and McCann are from Georgia they may give us a hometown discount one day. If not Braves are doomed for the future!!

By Choppin Bob

December 12, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Its about time Giles is gone. He sucked. Too bad 2nd base will be a merry go round with about the same inconsistency in the leadoff spot.

I for one long for a dude that could run like Otis batting leadoff. Speaking of that, is Otis available?

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

The Braves signed Willie Harris. Is that the guy from Kennesaw State? The guy from the RedSox and the WhiteSox?

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

Josh, I most certainly agree with your assessment. I did not claim this title for myself; it was bestowed upon me almost 15 years ago by a collection of my peers. Been there, done that, have the tatoo. I never quite understood how Treadway got benched for the playoffs when he was hitting something like .320. Another of many strange moves.

TIME WARNER IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

Crawford, Figgins, Roberts can all lead off and run, but they all play the OF. Is everybody giving up on Diaz? Does anybody know or remember if Johnson has any base stealing abilities. Maybe Frenchy will learn how to use his speed and become a 40-40 guy. Oh wait, ESPN will still bash him for striking out. But McGwire and Vladi are good….

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

December 12, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

If there was a drug to keep Otis running methinks he would’ve found it…always had plenty of “speed” did Otis…Could Otis turn a double play? Does it help to have a wall climber in the infield? Hey, Hubbard is still on the team…Maybe Otis can teach Glenn how to use his “speed”…

By Philip

December 12, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

I think Mark Cuban should consider buying the Braves franchise. Just look what he did in the NBA when he bought the Mavericks in ‘00. He is a brilliant businessman and brings a passion to win to the organization. Or maybe Trump can buy the Braves and add MLB team owner to his resume. After all, he is going to be a part of this city for many years to come in regards to the towers development.

By joebrave

December 12, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Okay enuff already CARL CRAWFORD is not getting traded dammit so STOP pining for him! good riddance to Giles and REEKSMA!!! NOW if we could only get rid of that slug LaRoche!!!!!!!!

By Christina

December 12, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

Did the Braves make the right decision? No, and its a sad, sad day in Atlanta. I’m not really looking forward to next Spring at the moment. Sure hopes that changes between now and then, but I can’t see how it will.

By Matt M.

December 12, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

Whats wrong with Laroche?

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

December 12, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

Cheer up, lady Christina. The Braves have a nice looking team already and I’m guessing they’ll make it a little better by Spring…or by trade…either way hope springs eternal until it’s dashed…

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Christina, the true measure of an Atlanta sports fan (any and all franchises included) is the willingness to be a masochist. Many, many a beer can have I bounced off the TV screen during Braves, Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers games over the years, yet I still find myself tuning in. Wearing a Falcons shirt right now, though I have every confidence they’ll find a way to ALMOST make they playoffs and then smash my soul to the pavement at the last possible moment. It’s the nature of the beast.

By crimedogrules

December 12, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Godbye Gilly, try not to run into anymore center fielders. Thanks for being part of the legacy.

By Eric from San Jose

December 12, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

For any of you that know the Braves, this move means that there will be more moves coming.

It is very difficult to watch Gilly leave, he came up as a complete hack at 2nd, was willing to lead off when it is clearly not his spot, and played hard.

$6 mil was too much given his production, but this almost guarantees another move from JS. Figgins at lead off? It works but NOT at the cost of LaRoche.

Davies and Escobar for Figgins would be reasonable.

How bad does trading Betemit look now? Baez is gone and Betemit was fantastic in LA.

I said it then, it kills the future flexibility.

By Tampaparrotthead

December 12, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

It’s a business and a money thing, yada, yada, yada, yada… Personally I’m sick of hearing that same lame excuse for every move that’s made or not made. I’ll be sooooo glad when new ownership takes over, I don’t care if it’s the devil incarnate it’s got to be better than this rusty TW machine.

Marcus is a good player and with him and Furcal at the top of the lineup… well when they were on base the Braves won 3/4 of the time… and that’s a fact! But don’t worry about Marcus, just like Raffy, he’ll land squarely on his feet and this day will probably come back and bite us all in the A$$. Since the time Giles came up to Atlanta he has WORKED himself into an escellent defensive second baseman and he’s the type of player who will always hit and one day will probably lead the league in doubles. He’s had more than his share of trouble and heartache off the field and through all of that, proved himself to be a giant of a man, IMO.

Any of you can say whatever you want to about the guy, but there’s not a manager in either league (including Bobby Cox) who wouldn’t love to have a player of his make-up and caliber playing second sack for him.

Marcus, I wish you well my friend and hope you and your family find happiness wherever you go and whatever you do… I’m outta here… TPH

By Daybed Wagmoe

December 12, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

yes, i think this was the right move for atlanta. the payroll issue is what it really comes down to; even if you think giles will have a bounce-back year next year, the plain facts is that you just can’t afford that risk. it’s too bad that the braves couldn’t work a deal for him.

it should be very exciting to see who will wind up playing 2B everyday, whether it be escobar or kelly johnson or martin prado.

By Tyler

December 12, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

The Braves did not do the right thing. Instead of striking a deal (with somebody at least to get a descent deal), they let Giles go. He doesn’t have the salary of Hudson who has had terrible numbers compared to what we expected? How can you say you think Hudson will bounce back but not Giles? I think if you put Giles hitting number 5 he would be amazing, with all the doubles and singles he punches out. I’m calling it right now he hits over .300 next year with 20 stolen bases, 10 homers, and a good OBP. But we’ll see.

By Troy

December 12, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

All of the idiots thinking this is a good move or a move we had to make are forgetting we just gave Tanyon Sturtze a million dollars coming off of a shredded arm.

That, and they’re also forgetting who all of our non-hitting 2b were before Marcus.

Enjoy Prado.

By DawgFan

December 12, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

DOB, if money weren’t an issue would they have tendered Giles?

By Misty

December 12, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves still have a fighting chance next year. Hampton will be back, Davies will be back, we have a decent closer in Wickman & our bullpen is shaping up. In regards to our offense, if McCann’s bat stays hot, as does the Jones boys & Frenchy, then we should easily score runs & stay competitive. And now if only Hudson could get back to his #’s he had with Oakland in 2000 & Smoltz continues to win, that would certainly put us on top of the NL East once again.

By Hank Aaron

December 12, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Dear Santa,

All I really want for Christmas is a damn Owner that actually cares about the Braves and about winning?

Thanks for listening.

By Hank Aaron

December 12, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is a damn Owner that actually cares about the Braves and wants to win a World Series.

Thanks for listening!

By Mark

December 12, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Marcus’ stats were down because he is not a leadoff hitter. If he were batting where he should be, 7th in the order, his numbers would be much better. I will miss his hustle and desire on the field. You could look at him and tell he wanted to win. Some of the others, it’s hard to say. This organization continues to feed talent to others due to financial limitations.

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

December 12, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

A baseball GM I most certainly am not…a fan I am, I tell you…but were I a baseball GM I would hope that I wouldn’t trade a player for someone who was effectively being waived…MOST certainly not a Linebrink…Gilly got his chance and made the most of it…a la Lemke…give the new up-and-comers a chance!

By mike

December 12, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Personally, I hate to see him go. Sure he had his struggles this year but the Braves put in a position of failure from day one. Never was, is not and never will be a lead off man. We should have traded or not offered a contract to Mr. ( I never was a part of anything but I talk like I was on the Yankee dynasty with Derek Jeter and just maybe when I reach 30 I will lay off the outside slider ) Francour. If I have to read another article regarding this media pro-claimed super-star and his wife says tamato he says tamata, laughter laughter I will become a Marlins fan.

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

The Sturtze deal was most puzzling indeed, unless JS did it in anticipation of giving up a 5th starter or long reliever in a trade. He’s handcuffed by the evil ones, but he’s still pretty crafty. Give the man some credit.

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

December 12, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

Interesting thought giving Mr. Schuerholz some credit…it’s the American way…If Braves have no cash then charge the players they need…how many skymiles would one get for charging Zito? Maybe Otis will give JS some of his “speed” to sell for cash…personally I don’t think JS would know how to use Otis’ speed for his own personal benefit…

By Drez

December 12, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

The only problem I have with the Braves, is that we gave away Betemit instead of keeping him around to take Giles spot. The Braves knew they weren’t going to resign Giles, so why not keep Wilson around to take his place?

By DonCoburleone

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

Everyone keeps talking about getting Figgins, and I agree he would definately help the Braves, but why aren’t we going after Maicer Izturis instead??? He’s basically the same player (except he can’t play the outfield and not quite as many stolen bases) but he is waaaaay better defensively in the infield (especially at 2b). Not to mention Izturis is barely going into his second year in the majors, so he would not even be arbitration eligible until 2009!!! Somebody listen to me!! Scheurholz, go after Izturis!!!

By Zack Lumpkin

December 12, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

The only bad thing about non tendering Giles is giving up the chance two weeks ago to require an arm in return. The Braves were so set on Linebrink, why not take an arm instead of nothing. Giles will thirve in Petco in next year…wait and see!!!!!!!!

By Calvin

December 12, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Mark M.

D. Ward already signed with the Cubbies last week.

By SC DAWG

December 12, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

YESSSSSSSSS! Next question.

By DonCoburleone

December 12, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

“By mike: We should have traded or not offered a contract to Mr. ( I never was a part of anything but I talk like I was on the Yankee dynasty with Derek Jeter and just maybe when I reach 30 I will lay off the outside slider ) Francour.”

Okay, please never post on this blog again, cuz you obviously know nothing about the Braves or baseball in general.

What a DOOSH BAG

By Mark

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

Looks Like JS is slipping I wonder why he doesn’t go somewhere else where he can be a real GM again..The Betemit thing is really looking big now…How could such a mess up e made.

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Drez, you’re forgetting about Aybar. I hear he has lots of “upside.” :-)

DonC, you’ve got me convinced. Unfortunately my vote doesn’t count.

Josh, charging doesn’t always work. Think Ventura charging Nolan Ryan that time. JS is already in a headlock, metaphorically speaking.

By Rosalynn

December 12, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Jimma is beside himself tonight! Jimma-favorite Mahcus Giles has been non-tendehd. Jimma says Mahcus probably eats more raw peanuts than any otha Braves playuh. One time Jimma and Bobba Cox and Mahcus were shahing a bag of Jimma’s peanuts over by the dugout and Jimma pulled a peanut out of that bag that was just nasty! Seems Bobba Cox had been pickin’ his nose and then puttin’ his hand in the peanut bag. Well, Mahcus didn’t let this botha him a bit. Mahcus just stuck his hand in that bag and grabbed himself about five peanuts and put ‘em in his mouth shell and all. Jimma thought at the time that Mahcus has no feah. That is useful in a second baseman who faces runners with spikes up. Jimma said at the time, “that boy is not-tendered from all this weah and teah at second base and that boy will probabla be heah foah long, long, time.” Guess Jimma was wrong about that but it is best we not remind Jimma until things settle down a little bit with his new book. Did that boy Chris Reitsma get non-tendahed too? That’s two non-tendahed ballplayahs that last yeah were mainstays of the Braves team. Jimma thinks Reitsma may stay heah and play for Bobba Cox some moah because Bobba Cox seems to think moah of him than anyone else in baseball. Jimma doesn’t know much about the Prado boy but he has called Joda Powell to get Joda to do some research on Prado’s prowess at the pivot position. I will post again as soon as Jimma heahs back from Joda.

By DonCoburleone

December 12, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

And has everyone forgotten about Willy Aybar? Why isn’t he being talked about as a potential 2b and leadoff?? I really believe he has the potential to bat .300 and have an OBP in the .370’s or .380’s… I’ve heard everybody associated with the Braves talking about keeping him as our super-utility man, but is that really the best thing for the Braves if they are forced to put Kelly Johnson or Martin Prado or Matt Diaz as their leadoff man?

I really think, if deals like getting Baldelli fall through, we should consider finding a PH who can also play 3b as insurance for Chipper. Then we could have Aybar as our permanent 2B and leadoff man… DOB what do you think???

By Louis Vales

December 12, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

If anyone who isn’t in a position to comfortably retire at 65 is here worrying about Giles——I want him or her to find a mirror and take a long look and ask “Am I going to continue to live vicariously through the adventures of pro sports teams??”

By DonCoburleone

December 12, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Grinch, don’t give up on Aybar already… Dang man, give him a chance…

By journalist jimmy smith

December 12, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

this journalist looked back at the old blog and found that this journalist had once again been attacked by the lovely sda/stinky/ whatever that is all over this blog today with all kinds and manners of identity. well, this journalist can only say that the outpouring of love from the other bloggers should have convinced the ugly blogger of the disinterest/distaste for the ugly blogs but … oh, that’s right - sda/stinky/whatever left the blog forever, right? journalist must be confused. nevermind. now, baseball … play tona pena, jr at second base. best glove. best speed. light hitter who should spend some time with mccann’s daddy learning how to put the ball in play. could kelly johnson be a power hitting second baseman? the braves had one awhile back. who can name him?

By Nat King Giles

December 12, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

This clown with the Rosalyn Carter fixation, it’s getting old dude, just like you. You may have the hots for the old bag, but man keep that kind of stuff to yourself. It isn’t funny, or clever, but it is very disrespectful, so knock it off.

By Ripme

December 12, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it for two years now that AOL Time Warner destroyed the Hawks and will destroy the Braves. Its time ML Baseball steps in and stops the sell to Liberty. Something called “BEST interest of Baseball”. The Braves need to talk to Blue Jays about trading Hudson for Alex Rios and one of their young pitching prospects; Chacin, Marcum are B. League. All young, good and cheap. The Braves also need to go ahead and trade A.Jones while they can get something in return. They’re a couple on teams that would sign him long term to get him. Good luck Gilly! God Bless the USA and Braves.

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

I haven’t given up on him, dude; just not 100% sure he was a good deal straight up for Betemit. Of course, he’s only 23 and Betemit wasn’t good until he was 26, so I see the whole “upside” argument. I just haven’t seen the “upside” play yet. I rarely give up on a player until he demonstrably and continuously sucks; a la Reitsma, Remmlinger, Kolb, etc. Bobby and I are different in that way.

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, would that be…Blauser?

By Rosalynn

December 12, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Bring it on Nat King Giles. Yoah witta pitha has amused us all day. That doesn’t sound just right does it? Witta? Pitha? Sorra, Nat you ah too easa.

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Nat King Giles, isn’t calling her an “old bag” kind of disrespectful, too?

By Jibo

December 12, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Please no more Reitsma. Most fans can’t stand him, let him go.

By Stinka Donka

December 12, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

There goes jimmy smith sucking for attention again by attacking himself, Oh, the victimization!

By Tommy

December 12, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

It is a good thing to cut payroll. These guys are not worth the money paid to them just to play a game. All payrolls need to fall.

By Stinky

December 12, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

journalist must be confused. nevermind.

Yes. journalist jimmy is confused. I never said anything about leaving the blog. Oh, the humanity.

And jimmy, give the Rosalynn thing a rest.

By Rosalynn

December 12, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

The name Nat - shouldn’t that be Gnat? Gnat with the witta pitha? Stinka Donka with the lonla wife? The wohm tuhns. Have a nice night boys. Blog with each otha. It makes foah interestin’ readin’ each mawhnin’ with a cup of coffee. You boys are some kinda sick puppas.

By DonCoburleone

December 12, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know if there were any decent 3B non-tendered today that maybe we could pick up for cheap? Use him as a PH/backup for Chipper (when he inevitably goes down to injury)… We could see if Aybar could handle 2B/leadoff man full-time…

By DonCoburleone

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

By Jibo

December 12, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Please no more Reitsma. Most fans can’t stand him, let him go.

Couldn’t have said it better myself…

By THE NATURAL

December 12, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

Bad move, unless they sign him now! Marcus is my cousin, and he was hurt most of last season, causing a power decline…check out his numbers after being put back into the 2 spot…he’s not a leadoff hitter…nobody plays the game harder and with more heart, best of luck bc you will be missed… p.s. look for him to have a great season next year!

By Nat King Giles

December 12, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

Well now grinchy my boy, I guess it depends on what you mean by bag.

By The Grinch

December 12, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

‘night, all. Early morning awaits.

By Seava

December 12, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

Giles didn’t produce last year in the lead off spot, but when he sat in the 2hole behind Furcal, you knew he was going to get him over or drive him in. Giles is a prototypical guy for the second spot, made good contact, great gap hitter who could go the other way and had some pop in his bat if you tried to get greedy with him or were not paying attention. His hustle, guile and guts will be missed here in Atlanta and he will be missed. Good luck Marcus, you’re gonna do great hitting in the 2nd spot of someone elses line-up.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

December 12, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Crikies!!From the post by “Marcus Giles”, looks like SJA has resurfaced, despite his promise to leave the blog and never come back.

I hate that we lost Marcus. He played hard, gave his all, played well, and seemed like a good guy. Good travels to ya Marcus - we hardly knew ye!

For those lamenting over his leaving, think about this. Last year when we got outbid for Furcal, I wondered how we would replace his range, his cannon arm, his power in the lead off spot, and his ability to be disruptive (speed) on the basepaths. Then, JS pulled off the Edgar deal. What we got was less range, lesser arm, steadier defense, fewer errors and no balls thrown into the 6th row of the stands. We got less power, less speed, but more hits, higher BA, better bat handling, and fewer strike outs swinging for the fence. All in all, a wash as between the two, at worst, and perhaps better with Edgar.

For all of you choads (look it up on www.urbandictionary.com if you don’t know what that means) who think you know it all, and that JS/BC don’t know what they are doing, consider this. Outside of last year’s bullpen debacle, neither have settled for mediocrity since they have been here. They have always either put a quality player at every position, or done their damndest to do so. I have to think that by letting Marcus go, they either (a) have a plan to acquire a quality 2B through a trade or FA signing or (b) they know much better than any of the experts here what the capabilities of the farm boys are. JS and BC didn’t win 14 straight division titles by being hayseeds or naive. I have confidence they know what they are doing, and will do their best, within the budget constraints, to put a good team on the field next year.

For those of you who either were not alive, or were not Braves fans in the 70’s & 80’s, if you think what is going on now demonstrates ineptness on the part of management, you ain’t seen NOTHING. Space here, and your patience in reading an epistle, in recounting all of the bad deals that were made, stupid FA signings, etc. just could not do justice to this topic. Suffice to say that one of the very first moves JS made after coming on board was to sign Terry Pendleton - who was the absolute rock of this team through the early to mid 90’s, and in my opinion, set the table for our team’s success. You have no idea how fortunate we have been to have an extremely competent management team in place all of this time. And, they didn’t suddenly get dumb, folks.

I hate that the Braves let Marcus go. I hate that Marcus played his butt off through the minors and majors, only to get unceremoniously dumped like this. But, its baseball, and its bidness. When you show up at a vintage car show with a late model car, that has served you well, but has body damage, bondo and a history of breakdowns, you won’t get many, if any, takers. Unfortunately, that is what happened here. Its the market, and the law of supply and demand dictates, whether any of us like it or not. Happy Trails to you Marcus. Wish you well, as long as you ain’t playing us. As for the team next year, we’re gonna

SCALP ‘EM BRAVES

By JJMB

December 12, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

jjs, that would be Dave Johnson with 43hrs.

Love the Rosalynn shtick!

By David

December 12, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

HELL NO!
I’m sick about this. Marcus came to play EVERY DAY!
I’m going to miss seeing him play in a Braves uniform & Don Sutton calling the games. I wish you the best Marcus, I know you will do well wherever you go.
I really hate this “corporate” ownership group!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Dick O'Brien

December 12, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

Scalp Em..are you going to post a copy of that retarded comment on the rest of the AJC blogs too?..

By Big Daddy

December 13, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

Aybar does not want to play 2B. He’s afraid of the slide coming in on his blind side during a DP. He’s the backup at third and SS. Orr is a good pinch runner or a bunter or something. He’s not a complete waste but close to it. Did someone say they signed Willie Harris? He’s a nice kid from Cairo. He was a good high school player but I don’t see him as a major leaguer. I don’t think he can beat out Orr for his job.

Kelly Johnson is your best bet for 2B next year. He came up as a SS and 2B will not be all that strange to him. I’m putting my money on Johnson.

LaRoche should not be traded for anyone and any talk about giving him up for another reliever is unreasonable.

If the Baldelli trade can be made that will be good. If not no big deal. We still have Diaz in left and that is not a bad deal. There’s always Langerhans to come in for defense in late innings. Diaz is still in his twenties.

This team is in good shape to start the season right now without any further trades. So let the action begin. The Braves are within budget and will have another $15 million to work with when Andruw is gone. So don’t sweat it so much.

By kevin

December 13, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

Time Warner, you d*uche bags, learn how to invest in a sports team. Because of your sorry arses, loyal fans have lost a great player who’s given everything he’s got over the past 10 years. Thanks a lot…

By Matt

December 13, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

I think that this was the right move considering that 1) Marcus didn’t want to be the leadoff hitter and made it known to the public that he didn’t want to do it (which is a BIG no-no in Bobby Cox’s book), and 2) we already have a #2 batter (which Giles is) with Edgar Renteria. I think that Prado comes up and becomes the leadoff hitter for the Braves with Kelly Johnson as the super-utility player (sort of like DeRosa or Benemit). I also think that this will keep the Braves in the running after this season for some really big-name players considering that they will have a lot of money to play with. Also, keep in mind that if JS frees up some money now, he could spend it if we’re in the hunt for a playoff spot. I do feel bad for Reitsma. I think that he still has the potential to be a lights-out setup man, but with Soriano and some of the other Baby Braves, then we’ll be fine without him. Good luck to both Giles and Reitsma, and thanks for great years in Atlanta!

By Chad

December 13, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

As a life long braves fan from Montana I’m getting real tired of the Corporate big wigs that own the braves. JS had no choice but to do what he did today with Marcus! For this garbage to quit happening the braves will need to get sold to an owner that shows some passion for the team(Mr. Blank)and not to another party that would treat it simply as a tax write off. As the teams payroll keeps dropping so will the win column and then fan attendance will follow right behind. I grew up with the team in the 80’s and if something doesn’t change soon we’ll be right back there. A few years ago I never dreamt I would have any of these concerns. If things don’t change soon I doubt I’ll be there along with many others to support the braves under the next regime. Here’s to getting rid of corporate ownership in baseball before corporate ownership gets rid of all us.

By Billy (TBFnB)

December 13, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

Hey traitors…this is’nt a DOB blog…

By Ron Jocker

December 13, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

Although I have no idea of what the team will look like, I do know they will be a team. No matter what changes change us, I know they will not change us. Whatever anything we do, WE WILL DO!

GO BRAVOS 07!

By Scalp 'em Braves

December 13, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

Dick O’Brien - not sure what you consider “that retarded comment”. And no, I’m not going to post any other comments on any other AJC blogs - this is the only one I read. If you are referring to my saying “Scalp ‘Em Braves”, it is nothing more than a throw back to the 60’s when the Braves came to Atlanta when I was a kid. And yes, it was a “battle cry” at the stadium in those days. That was before the Politically Correct environment today. But, I’m not PC savvy, and otherwise don’t give a sheeeeit about that stuff. If you don’t like it, screw you and the sorry horse you rode in on.

By DonCoburleone

December 13, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

Anyone ever smoke a “brazilian condom?”

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

Cmon all you Giles lovers Go To S.D. with him good god you guys act like he was pete frieakin rose or something, WELL HE WASN’T just drop it and yes LazyRoche is a damn slug!!!!!!!!!!

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

And no MORE Carl Crawford posts on here!!!!!!! he isn’t now nor ever will be a Brave so quit beating your damn puds about him………

By Scalp 'em Braves

December 13, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this

Don C - sorry, I have never smoked a condom, literally or figuratively.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

I hate to see him go, but when all is said and done, someone will make him a multi-millionaire again this week. It’s not like he and his family were thrown out on the street or kicked to the curb, begging for crusts of bread or forced to subsist on Ramen Noodles. Let’s place this in perspective.

By Calvin

December 13, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

Ripme

Toronto will not trade Chacin or any of their young pitchers because they are looking for pitching right now. They couldn’t resign Lilly and couldn’t lure Gil Meche to Canada so I do not see them trading pitchers just to get a centerfielder. Also, they already have Vernon Wells. He may not be a Bluejay after this upcoming season but he will probably be there in 07.

By Scalp 'em Braves

December 13, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

Dick (lick) O’Brien - AKA SJA - gawd fella, just give it up - you are totally transparent to those who can detect your venality - your contempt of DOB, who won’t put up with your crap (not to mention he can access your IP Address), and the others here who clearly see who you are, despite your attempts to post under “nom de pleurs” (though we cannot access or learn of your IP addres), know what a jerk, redneck, arse, and otherwise worthless piece of pond scum you are. Go ahead and post something under your latest catchy name, whether it is under SJA railing against the injustice of having been slandered, or any other name. You can run, BOY, but you cannot hide - get the hell off of this blog, and make the rest of us know that you have crawled deeply back into the hole in which you occupy.

By Scalp 'Em Bravos

December 13, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

Who’s the stupid redneck with the tired Rosalynn trash?

By Scalp 'em Braves

December 13, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

Calvin: Question - what MLB team isn’t “looking for pitching right now”?

By Filth Police

December 13, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

Scalp ‘Em—you need to take your filthy gutter-mouth language someplace else—it’s totally uncalled for, and nobody here appreciates it.

By Scalp 'em Braves

December 13, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

*By Scalp ‘Em Bravos

December 13, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

Who’s the stupid redneck with the tired Rosalynn trash?*

PROOF POSITIVE SJA IS BACK!!

This was not my post- what a jerk that posts under somebody else’s moniker, and says something this stupid, insulting and nonsensical.

Speaking of white trash, somebody knock SJA over the head, and roll him out to the trash pick up bin for the trailer park. Please????

By Hey idiot

December 13, 2006 01:43 AM | Link to this

I don’t quite think that was “your” moniker…

By gotigers72

December 13, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this

Bad move to non tender Giles, great move to non tender Reitsma. Even if Reitsma goes elsewhere and does well, it still was the right move. He pitched with that injury and didn’t tell Bobby or anybody else for so long. That really hurt the team. Right in the middle of that June swoon he was being used as a closer and getting lit up daily. His thoughts should have been of the team first.

As far as Marcus, bad, bad move. The Braves have no one to replace him, especially defensively. Now they’ll have to go out and trade for somebody or accept a severe downgrade at 2nd base. The hell with AOL, Liberty and all of the other cheapskates that want to own sports team so they can use them as tax breaks. Sports teams should be owned by people with passion for that sport, not passion for the bottom line. Teams shouldn’t be run with an open checkbook that tries to buy pennants like the Yankees and the Mets either, but my God, letting a player like Marcus go because you may have to pay him a miilion and a half more is sickening. Especially the way money is flying around baseball these days. The only thing I can do about it is make sure AOL, or Liberty gets none of my money. I won’t go to another Braves game until somebody with passion owns them. I will fix my withdrawal with American Legion and the local Class A team, which is a Red Sox affiliate by the way. I will miss going to Turner Field on a beautiful night and watching MLB and pulling for my Braves, but I am so sick of this “We’re going to stick with this payroll” stuff that I could puke.

Good luck to you Marcus, wherever you play. You were a class act, and a hell of a lot of fun to watch play.

By Glen Alsobrook

December 13, 2006 03:53 AM | Link to this

When you’re getting paid $3+ million to play baseball, you really don’t need to complain about batting leadoff. After the first at bat, it really doesn’t matter anyway.

The real problem is with a system that dictates Giles gets ANY raise for a completely mediocre season.

Shuerholz has been consistant about not commenting on pending moves. There is a real problem with others in baseball leaking this information.

I wish him well until he plays the Braves when our pitchers will keep him on a diet of high fastballs so he can whiff or pop up.

By Ellen

December 13, 2006 05:10 AM | Link to this

I loved Marcus!! He played his heart out for the Braves and as usual they let those kind of players go. So Marcus wasn’t a lead off hitter, he still added hustle and enthusiasm to the team. I will miss seeing him at second base and wish him the best of luck. I hope his next team appreciates him more than the Braves did.

By Glenn Henderson

December 13, 2006 05:13 AM | Link to this

Just another “brick” in the last place wall…Atlanta get used to being in the “bargain basement”…full of wanna bees and has beens!

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

December 13, 2006 05:21 AM | Link to this

Interesting thought giving Mr. Schuerholz some credit…it’s the American way…If Braves have no cash then charge the players they need…how many skymiles would one get for charging Zito? Maybe Otis will give JS some of his “speed” to sell for cash…personally I don’t think JS would know how to use Otis’ speed for his own personal benefit…

By Greg

December 13, 2006 05:55 AM | Link to this

All last summer, I predicted that the Braves would soon be the Royals of the National League, a once great team that is now a joke. This process has now begun. I predict a 65 win season, declining attendance, angry fans, and indifferent ownership. Throughout our dynasty of the last 14 years (and screw anyone who says it wasn’t a dynasty. It was.), I always worried that someday we would go back to being the worst team in the National League. Next year we lose Andruw with no compensation. The year after that Smoltz retires. We’ll be in last place for a very long time.

By tim

December 13, 2006 06:05 AM | Link to this

HEY TIME WARNER PLEASE SELL MY TEAM. I LOVE BASEBALL AND THE BRAVES AND HAVE SINCE THEY FIRST CAME TO ATLANTA. I AM NOW 51 YRS OF AGE AND HAVE SEEN THE GOOD WITH THE BAD AND THE REALLY BAD (70’S). I WOULD RATHER GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN AT LEAST OWNERSHIP CARED ABOUT THE FANS AND THE PLAYERS WE WERE JUST BAD. YOU PEOPLE DON’T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING BUT THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR. PLEASE SELL OUR TEAM TIM SCOTT MIDDLEBURG FL

By Allen

December 13, 2006 06:27 AM | Link to this

Not really a huge loss either way. Reitsma has great stuff, but he’s such a head case and he’s had such bad experiences in Atlanta that it’s best he go. Giles, well, Giles had that one great season that made everyone think that he was going to be great and who knows? Under the right set of circumstances he might have been, he still may be. Just not in Atlanta…

By Nelson Hawkins

December 13, 2006 06:38 AM | Link to this

It was a move the Braves had to make in order to bolster the pitching staff, so Idon’t know if right-or-wrong even enters into it (speaking of which, Victor Zambrano was non-tendered today; despite his history, if I’m a GM with the cash and he can pass a physical, I’d have to give him a contract). The Braves likely believed they weren’t going to get anything more than league average production from Giles, and they had MUCH cheaper options to give them that. He was a likeable player, too bad he didn’t do more to justify his pricetag, but it’s the one area that could reasonably be cut from and filled from within, if necessary (there’s still tons of time before Opening Day for moves to be made).

By Transplanted Yank

December 13, 2006 07:11 AM | Link to this

Time to send Cox along as well.

By Two Beer

December 13, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this

Remember what a great two hitter Giles was? Bobby put him in no win situation. Who says our second baseman has to hit lead-off.

By Jeff

December 13, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this

Once again TimE wArner has killed the Braves. I thought last week was we were goin in the right direction when we got R Sorianio, However we take a major step back back. Time Warner is an Evil company thats why Brave fans we did to do something. I saying every Brave fan America lets go on a Hunger Strike. We won’t eat til Tim Warner sells us. If anybody wants Im selling I hate Time Warner shirts for 19.99. Just e-mail me if you want one

Jlamont76@aol.com

By Say it ain't so

December 13, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

Sad comment on state of franchise. Giles is a good player. While other teams are paying up (probably overpaying) for free agents, Braves continue to let quality players go year after year. Their startegy is to replace them with cheaper spare parts. That worked for a while but caught up with them last year. Doesn’t look good for the team in 2007. They need ownership tsituation to be resolved. John Schuerholz is one of the best GMs in baseball, but his hands are tied by corporate ownership that doesn’t care about putting the best product on the field.

By Gasper

December 13, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this

Glad I won’t have to watch the midget swinging for the fences wildly anymore.

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

What part of business decision do you assheads not understand,if you pay someone to perform and they dont oyu fire their sorry a*. do this try going to work and sleep all day d*******!!!!!!!!!!

By Joseph Coffey

December 13, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

Braves going back to old ways; trade the good players and get unknown futures with the new players. Yet they choose to keep Mr DL Chipper jones on the payroll; maybe to keep the trainers busy? Not keeping Giles is another STUPID move and Just to reassure the fans that Atlanta is not getting another pennant any time soon.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Jeff-What are you going to use the T Shirt profits for? Are you going to buy the Braves or just try to afford Marcus? Forget it. I offered Time Warner $100 to help keep Marcus and they didn’t take me up on my offer. I didn’t have any stock, though.

By Miles W. Rich

December 13, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this

Another Cox-Scherholz bonehead play. Giles is no lead off guy, and he had an off season, but it wasn’t that bad. Put him batting second again or 7th or 8th, and he is a team sparkplug. Not offering him a contract just shows what the Braves have become, and where they are going. 1991-2005 was a great run, but it’s over. We can look forward to mediocre baseball in Atlanta, and eventually, the crowds will stop coming, like they did in the 80’s. They talked about the Brett Butler for Garland trade for years. This move will rival it and will be looked back on as the beginning of the long slide. Atlanta does not support losers. The Braves fan base is very fickle. Reitsma’s departure on the other hand, is no loss. Was there a worse pitcher in the organization?

By Michael Burton

December 13, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

The Braves dont have to worry about being Amercias team anymore, in fact they might not even be Georgias team much longer, lets see- raise prices, take in money, spend none. MB Daytona Beach, FL

By Dan

December 13, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

Too bad Giles was a very good player who always played hard and put the team first. You switch him and rentaria and I think Giles has better numbers than edgar. His selflisness cost him stats no time to do it now but I suspect his offensive career stats stack up well with furcal and his defensive stats are better and everyone wanted to pay more for furcal. One of the reason the Braves could never close the season is they get rid of the scrappy guys

By Arkansas Hillbilly

December 13, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

Brett Boone was somewhat of a power hitting second baseman, but not when he played for the Braves, if my memory is correct.

By Thomson Ga

December 13, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

Giles was not worth 3.6 million much less 6 million. most of you commenting on this couldn’t spell bassball!!

By Lew

December 13, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Joseph Coffey -Yes, I’d sure rather have Giles’ .262 BA with 11 HR than Chipper’s .324 BA and 26 HR (in 110 games) any day. How could the Braves have been so stupid?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

December 13, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this

BTW, That’s my answer to JJS 10:55 post.

By Dan

December 13, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

actually I quickly looked up the stats for their careers BA giles 285 furcal 286 OBP giles 361 furcal 351 OPS giles 809 furcal 766 FP Giles 981 furcal 966 Yet furcal made more than twice as much Now their are lots of intangibles and subjective qualities and faults the contribute to the total player. But I submit Giles effort drive and professionalism outweigh furcals flair for the occassional great play Just a little perspective for those saying he was not that good. I am sure if he batted second or third his 2006 numbers would have been much better

By Jim

December 13, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

Baseball is big business & the Atlanta Braves is the surrogate for good players. We raise them up in the farm system, bring them to the bigs, & then stock other teams with good players. I think that John Schuerholz is getting senile. I like Marcus Giles & hate to see him go. Chris Reitsma was a bust & I am glad that he is adiosed. He was a liability to the Braves. Thanks for the memories Marcus!

By 29 to C'town

December 13, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Knew it was coming, but still hurts. Thanks to Gilly for the hard work & best wishes. You know he’ll give 110% somewhere!

By Big Daddy

December 13, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

A month into the season, Kelly Johnson is playing stellar second base and is knocking the cover off the ball and all you folks will forget Giles and his very bad upper cut.

He had a vision of himself as a power hitter, he just wasn’t big enough to pull it off.

The worst thing that ever happened to him was the year he hit 21 HRs.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

Miles-Butler was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Len Barker. Dan-My first thought was to dispute you about Giles/Furcal similarities but on further research, you are dead on. Giles career numbers, vs. Furcal’s Braves’ numbers-Giles .285Ba/Furcal .286. Giles 416 Runs/Furcal 554. Giles 72HR/Furcal 57. Giles 294 RBI/Furcal 292. The main difference is Furcal’s 226 SB to Giles 60. Who would have thunk it? Furcal had a better walk year. That must be the difference. However, neither is worth $13 million.

By Lisa

December 13, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

It just upsets me that the Braves are getting rid of all these good players because of money. I have seen the Braves play for years and years and I get sad when all the old players leave and new players come in. I know that’s just business but it really upsets me. Everybody needs a chance to become better, that’s just my opinion. Soon the Braves will just be a past, nobody will probably would want to watch them play.

By donnienix

December 13, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’d sure rather have Giles’ .262 BA with 11 HR than Chipper’s .324 BA and 26 HR (in 110 games) any day. How could the Braves have been so stupid?

HAHA Yes, there’s a weird anti-Chipper sentiment in Atlanta and I’ve never understood where it comes from. The guy is a solid ball player and the Braves are a much much much better team with him than without.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

Jim-Yeah, JS is getting senile, yet he was smart to non-tender Reitsma. Why don’t you go to the Seattle Times blog and tell the Mariners he’s lost it? You may get by with just being hung in effigy. If you’re lucky

By donnienix

December 13, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly - Butler never played 2nd, and he was NEVER EVER a power hitter.

By Don

December 13, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

The Braves aint what they used to be. Can they nontender Schuerholz? Hudson for Tavaras would have been a good trade.

By AtlGirl1

December 13, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

To the poster who said Edgar & Furcal were a wash, I beg to differ. Edgar had a better batting average, but cannot run, has less range which equals more hits, weaker arm which equals less double plays, which equates to worst defense. JS always preaches pitching and defense wins games. Well folks, last year we loss because of no pitching (bullpen), this year we’ll lose becuase of no defense. With the loss of Marcus, probably the 2nd best defensive second baseman in our league, we have no defense up the middle. I sure hope Andruw, Frency & whoever is in left are on their toes because they should be very busy this next year! I cannot understand why they did not let Marcus go to arbitration. With his numbers down, I doubt he would have gotten much of an increase, if any at all. Wasn’t the Soriano-Ramirez deal a wash with money (not sure of the figures)? If so, what money have we really spent this year. It was my understanding that with Chipper redoing his deal last year that we had money to spend. Oh, I forgot, we got that Sturz guy…

By Michael C

December 13, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Idiotic move letting the scrappy and talented Giles go for nothing

By Dan

December 13, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Yeah lew neither is worth 13 mil but the way people are throwing around cash Giles is probably a top 5 second baseman stat wise and is probably getting number 10 or worse cash. Hell the cubs gave derosa more per year than giles made last year

By KC

December 13, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

Lew and Grinch: Good morning. Email me at embassypro@hotmail.com when you get a chance (just to exchange email addresses). We can try to jump on the tickets whenever they go on sale. (Though I’m not sure when that will be).

By KC

December 13, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

donnienix:

Yes, and something I mentioned in the previous blog… I don’t think Chipper gets enough credit for his loyalty to this team, and the fact that he made monetary sacrifices.

How rare is it to find a guy who will say “I’m a Braves (or whatever his team is) and I’m willing to sacrifice to make this team better.” How rare is it to see a guy with that kind of loyalty to his team, to his city, and to his fans?

Listen, I wasn’t a Chipper Jones fan before he made that move (at least not any more than I was a fan of any other Braves player), but I am now. He showed a helluva lot of character, and we need to continue to give him his props for that and not forget that this guy is a Braves through and through.

By KC

December 13, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Don, yes… that would be a brilliant move (to let go of Schuerholz). Good call! Someone has a “vent” on the Braves page today that says “All I know is that JS was a much bigger genius when he had about 25% more payroll to play with.” EXACTLY RIGHT!!! It was the money that made JS great.

That’s why all the GMs of teams with sizable payrolls have put their teams in a position to compete for a World Series title and won their division title for 14 straight years.

By Lew

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

Donnienix-If you go back and check, you will notice that Hillbilly mentioned Brett Boone NOT Brett Butler as a second baseman. You’re confusing your posts and conversations. Hillbilly-The answer JJS was looking for was Davey Johnson, who hit 43 HR as a 2B for the Braves.

By jokurone

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

The bottom line is i want to see another world championship and if the marlins can compete with the payroll of 20mil we should be able to find some hungry young players to do the same.

By Pete Kalison

December 13, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

It is inexplicable to me.

To let an integral part of your team go like this…and for nothing in return…is beyond belief.

Giles came to play every day and, regardless of how he batted last year, he is a terrific secondbaseman in the field and great on doubleplays.

Furthermore, at just 28 years of age he has his best years ahead of him. Marcus is a fine hitter…let us remember he was asked to leadoff last year, something that obviously through his whole hitting philosophy off.

Once again Braves fans, again asked to pay more at the box office, see quality sacrificed to keep at a fixed, obviously immovable, budget.

Shame on the Braves.

By ralph

December 13, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

NEW YORK NEWSDAY

Mets intrigued by Giles BY JIM BAUMBACH Newsday Staff Writer

December 13, 2006 The Braves’ decision to not offer Marcus Giles a contract by last night’s midnight deadline and make him a free agent opened a potentially intriguing door for the Mets.

Jose Valentin already is signed for $3.8 million next year, but the Mets still appear to be open to upgrading there, and landing Giles would represent exactly that.

The Padres are the clear front-runners for Giles because they have an opening at second base, his brother Brian plays rightfield and their family grew up around the area.

But Giles’ agent, Joe Bick, would not rule the Mets out as a possibility. “We’re going to explore all the possibilities, and they’re certainly someone we’ll look at closely,” he said.

The Braves have been shopping Giles all winter, and they came close to shipping him to the Orioles. Even though Giles slumped last season with his lowest average (.262) and on-base percentage (.341) in four seasons, he still probably would have received a raise in arbitration.

Bick said Giles’ preference is to play for a team with title aspirations. The Padres and Mets both fit that. “Marcus is used to playing on a team in the hunt,” he said, “and that’s certainly his choice to continue on a team in contention.”

As for the Mets, they did not tender a contract to Victor Zambrano because the lowest salary they could have offered him through the arbitration process is $2.4 million. But team officials still intend to try to work out a new contract with him. The Mets also announced the signing of pitcher Dave Williams to a one-year deal for $1.25 million.

By jpop379

December 13, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

More payroll gutting with no return on an investment! Sure looks like Johhny S is slashing payroll to make this sorry franchise sellable…

“young & talent” are two words the Braves organization can’t put together. Young yes talent no! Home-grown yutzes that may fill seats for slack jawed yokels & an owner that can’t pay for a winner.

1st we give-up a workable starter for a middle reliever that has not recovered from a beaning is throwing under 91 & is stinking up Winter Ball. Nice job JS!

Now letting Giles go for nothing, but we do offer arbitration to ADD boy LaRoche french for “what inning is it!”

How about you lower ticket prices the same way you are lowering payroll? Sorry Braves I’m done with you.

By Rodger

December 13, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

MB, you’re wrong about the Braves not spending any money-look at the beautiful video board they put in to show the other team’s highlights!

Marcus did give 100% every time out, something you may question about many players. He will be missed.

And regarding Chipper, after thinking about comments in the last blog, where else do you see a player giving back money to improve the team. Give the man all the credit in the world!

By Big Daddy

December 13, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

With you good folks running John S’s job the Braves would have a team of sentimental favorites, playing .500 ball (maybe) and a payroll of $165,000,000+.

By chipdip

December 13, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

saw giles and retisma at the zappa plays zappa show last night smoking down.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

December 13, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

O.K. Lew,—Before my time I guess. When I was a kid first getting into baseball, Davey Johnson was a manager for the Mets. I probably wasn’t even a gleam in my Daddy’s eye yet, when DJ played for the Braves.

By Brett

December 13, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Absolutely a horrible move!!! Marcus will become an All-Star 2b elsewhere, and if he remains in the NL, which he will, he will become a Braves killer, which I hope he does. Marcus, I appreciate all the hustle and cheerleading you showed for this team. Good Luck!!!

By jg

December 13, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

If you want a championship so bad, get in your backyard and practice. Stop relying on everyone else to help you out while you waste away on the ‘net. Show some initiative, son.

By donnienix

December 13, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Lew - lol yeah, I did. my bad. must be this cold medicine I’m chugging….;)

By Fed Up

December 13, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing how the Marlins won with a $20 million payroll. Yeah that’s true. But it’s the exception to the rule, not the rule. Some homely guy who isn’t a rock star may marry a model or hot actress, but it’s not likely. We are now in the lower third of budgets, so we should expect to finish fourth in our division. Hey, JS, please tell me again how the Braves will be competitive when the Mets are thinking about signing Giles when they already have Valentine at 3.6 million. Tell me that one, JS. Can you imagine Giles in that Mets lineup. And you know they will sign Zito. We don’t have enough money to pay for our own players, much less sign Zito. I’m sick. I am truly Sick.

By Juan Carlos

December 13, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

I am from NY and I am very dissapointed with the Braves management because they should trade Giles and not let him walk away without getting anything in return. I’ve been a Brave fan my whole life and It’s very frustrated to see that we can not keep a player or due a smart move to improve, I guess this corporate issue is hurting the Braves organization as well frustrating the fans like myself.

By jokurone

December 13, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

when are we going to stop being sentimental about a business. the job always goes to the lowest bidder. there is always going to be some kid just out of college that will play for 250k to 500k that is as talented as the guy who wants 5mil. the buck has to stop somewhere!

By david

December 13, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Sure, it’s the right move re: Giles, if they wanted to lose me as a fan (one since 1969 btw) and it’s a good move for Marcus too since most “fans” and baseball writers in Atlanta are too stupid/ignorant to ever appreciate how good he was. At the time Slimeboy Schuerholz lied to and then dumped David Justice, I told my friends that the Braves would never win another World Series until Schuerholz was gone…no point in issuing another curse since that old bad karma is still working just fine. Congrats Braves “fans”…for those of you who weren’t here in the 70’s and 80’s (most of you, I’ll bet), you’re about to get to sample that “fun” time for yourself. As for me, been there, done that…the Braves can stink it up without me wasting more time on them.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

jpop-If that’s all it takes for you to leave Braves’ fandom, then I guess you shouldn’t have been a Braves’ fan to begin with. It won’t be much of a loss. I, too am sorry about the departure of Giles, especially in this manner. I enjoyed watching him play and it’s a shame he’s gone. However, that’s the way it is. JS does what is necessary to field a competitive team and I’m sure he’ll do it again this year. After this, who knows? But if you look at things in a realistic manner, no one competes for championships for as long as we did. Yeah, there’s the Yankees, but that’s a whole different story altogether. Finances in baseball are what they are. They aren’t going to improve any time soon. Maybe if we had filled the seats during that 14 year run (empty seats in the playoffs is sick people), we would have more money to spend on players-then again, maybe not. Who the hell knows? But when all is said and done, I’ll be at Spring Training. I’ll be at the Braves’-Red Sox series in Boston (at $100 plus per ticket) and I’ll fly from Vermont to Atlanta to see ONE game in August. I do this because I am a Braves fan. I have been a Braves’ fan since the late 60’s and will be a Braves fan when they cremate my fat a$$. It’s going to take a lot more than one bad season and losing favorite players to make me leave. If you can’t say the same,the Braves really don’t need you because you aren’t a fan. Get over it people, there will be Atlanta baseball now and in the future. You’re just spoiled by success.

By KC

December 13, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

AtlGirl1

I agree with you that Furcal’s arm is a huge asset. However, he’s usually near the bottom of the league in fielding pct. at shortstop. He was often called a “below average” shortstop by many during his time in Atlanta because he commits so many errors. But I think his arm is such a plus that it evens things out. Ultimately, when you subtract points for his glove, and add points for his arm, Furcal is an average… or maybe slightly above average shortstop. Edgar Renteria, on the other hand, has won multiple gold gloves.

Don’t get me wrong, if I were to choose between the two, I’d rather have Furcal… primarily because we need a leadoff hitter. But while they are different players with different tools, they are very similar in terms of their overall value to their teams.

Also, while Giles is a good 2nd baseman, I think you’re overstating his case just a bit. And Atlanta will be just fine defensively. I’m not sure what we’ll have at 2nd base yet (no one is)… but the Braves have above average fielders at nearly every other position on the diamond, including two gold-glovers (A.Jones and Renteria), and a couple other players who will have a good shot at winning one in the future (LaRoche and Francoeur-when he can cut down on his errors). McCann is a good defensive catcher. Chipper is still solid at third… They were near the top of the NL in team defense, and I’m sorry, but swapping Giles out for Prado (or whomever) is not going to change that.

By richie

December 13, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

until the GM hasd good replacements you need all your players unless they’re hurt….in my opinion john needs to go and soon….we could have used Glavine back and John let Glavie go for a second time…fire the gm….richie

glavin would still help the braves and we need help…now we need a new GM and second base and bullpen…richie

By richie

December 13, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

until the GM hasd good replacements you need all your players unless they’re hurt….in my opinion john needs to go and soon….we could have used Glavine back and John let Glavie go for a second time…fire the gm….richie

glavin would still help the braves and we need help…now we need a new GM and second base and bullpen…richie

By CC

December 13, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

We’re losing another excellent Brave because the front office and manager ignore the obvious. Marcus Giles is not a leadoff hitter - so naturally his offensive numbers suffered. But did the front office do anything to find a leadoff hitter to fill that role ? No. They left him to wallow in the leadoff spot - then traded the guy who could have taken over second base AND been a decent leadoff hitter -Wilson Betamit. Brilliant work guys. Let’s see - keep fat Andruw Jones and defensive liabiity (and DL star) Chipper Jones on the roster, bring in more aging former stars - underpay then lose a pitching coach who at least had a philosophy that worked. The Braves have a huge bat coming up in the minors - but he is behind the plate. What do you bet - the Braves never try to move him to third base to replace Chipper - then trade him for some lame pitching prospect that never pans out. Come on guys - let’s get back to the smart moves we had in the 90’s and stop running a ward for players on their last leg. Time for Chipper to go - send him to the American League and let him DH. Move the minor league kids to positions that the major league team needs. And find a few pitchers who have a little attitude and hate giving up runs as much as Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddox do.

By Jman

December 13, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

I think everyone should do some investigation work and find out every thing that Liberty and AOL Time Warner has as a way of making money and drop that from your daily life. I’m dropping directTV and AOL. No longer will any of my money go to these to companys. They give nothing back!!!! Send a message to these companies we’re fed up with this!!!

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

you people are nutssssssss!!! Giles was not and is not the best 2b in the league omg what IDIOTS. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Haywood Jablome

December 13, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

The thing that ticks me off is not losing Marcus, that’s just the nature of the bidness…but that this situation has been developing for over a year now and this is the best JS could do? He got outsmarted by Kevin Towers and others while he was busy patting himself on the back for the Soriano deal! JS better get his a* on the phone tomorrow and start laying the groundwork for the Andruw Jones Dilemma, because if AJ walks for nothing, too, the hang-over is gonna be ten times worse!

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

It is plain as the nose on Jimmy Durante’s face you guys on this blog are morons d******* and whatever else fits. Go buy the Braves yourselves and ruin the damn team if you want but i tend to trust the peeople who have been there for years all Giles is,is another reason for you to b***!!!!!!! SHUT UP ALREADY!!!!!!1

By Lew

December 13, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Y’all just refuse to understand. What do you do when you’re broke? Do you just go out and charge that meal at Sizzler and not pay rent? The Braves can’t use the AmEx to buy players or to keep them. Just what part of they don’t have the money do you not understand? It isn’t JS’s fault-he does what he is told to do. He does not own the team. If, on your job you’re given a budget and you radically exceed that budget, how long will you be employed? This is ownership pure and simple. They pay the bills and make the financial decisions. This had nothing whatsoever to do with BC having Giles bat leadoff. If you really must assign blame for his poor performance last season, you have to go to Giles. It beats hell out of me that Giles poor performance is viewed as managements’ fault because they asked him to bat leadoff, but Chipper is condemned because of injuries. I guess Marcus had nothing whatsoever to do with how he hit and Chipper went out and hurt himself intentionally. You peolple just don’t have a flipping clue. Do you?

By Mickey Mundane

December 13, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Braves did it again. Schuerholz is an idiot. Economics drive his agenda. In the last five years, The Braves have managed to part ways with Sheffield, Drew, Furcal, Betitmet,and now Giles…….Franchise players in their own right. Get rid of the Chipper, he is over the hill, immoral, and an adulterer. Not to mention if he hurt his toe, he is out. Deal Chipper to the devil I say play Glenn Hubbard at second and he can coach first when he is not hitting or running the bases……Let us hope that Schuerholz’s kid dont make the show!!

A former Braves fan…..

By SICEM

December 13, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Please someone buy the Braves the ownership now is the worst in baseball. Please someone stop the bleeding! Thanks Marcus for the great play you provided and the work ethic that a lot of athletes in this town should try to copy.

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

HEY SJA are you here please help!!!i’m surrounded by blundering IdIoTs!!!!!!!!

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

Good post Lew my sentiments exactly!these people are stoopid!

By Toby Cash

December 13, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Oh yes, I think it was a very good move. The only thing that bothers me is out of all the major league teams, not one was interested in a trade. Maybe Marcus was not as valuable as he thought, or did the Braves want too much?

By Lew

December 13, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Whatever-I don’t know if I’d phrase it qwuite like JOE Brave, but he’s on the right track. A lot of you really are stupid, ignorant or worse. Yes, let’s put Chipper in the stocks or stone him (just look out for his toes). He cheated with a Hooter girl. Flipping idiots and self righteous fools.

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

You tell me which one of you wouldnt cheat with a Hooter girl say no yur LYING! and try this go to work tomorrow give 26%effort then tell your boss you want a 2.5 million dollar raise bet your a* will be walking too. its about performance d******* not hustle.

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

p.s. if you want to bash someone bash yourselves for not paying at the gate and sitting in your own living room watching instead of being at the stadium cheering you b*** about ticket prices! have you bought one? i doubt shut up and go get laid!!!!!!!!!!

By r1U

December 13, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

What’s the big deal…loyalty is not a strong suit on either side of the checkbook…sport is business…the fan gets what the fan gets… s**t

By ben

December 13, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

WHY DID WE TRADE BETIMIT!!!!!! Larry is overpaid and underachieving. We couldve kept giles and betimit and gotten rid of larry (assuming someone is dumb enough to take him)and still had enough money to get some descent pitching. Goodbye 2007.

By john

December 13, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

The Braves are dead to me!!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

December 13, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Good Lord,

KC, did you bring something over from the Mariners blog or something??? These people are irate.

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

What is wrong with Chipper .315 avg 26 hr Giles and Betemit combined didn’t do that and in only 120 games you guys need some serious brain therapy,J.S. will have amore competetive 2b on the field for less money soon and then you freakin idiots will hail him a genious once more.

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

better yet if you all still want Giles pool your money and you guys pay his sorry a* 5.5 million next year!uh-huh thats what i thought you didnt like him that much i see!!!!!!!!!

By JOE

December 13, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

THE THING I HATE ABOUT THIS IS THAT GILES IS A GOOD FRIEND OF JIMMIE JOHNSON AND JIMMIE JOHNSON IS A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE.

By tripleplay9

December 13, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

It is apparent that many of you have no understanding of the economics of putting a team together or the history of the Braves or the game of baseball. I see all of these comments about being life-long Braves fans and what a shame it is that we dont spend money. Then you must only be a teenager because if you are over 16 you have seen some bad Braves teams. Some of those teams spent tons of money and still lost. In 2007, our payroll will still be more than half the teams.

Giles had to go….average player with declining skills and escalating salary. Average second basemen can be found anywhere. Hope and expect that the Braves will put a competitive product on the field. The rest of baseball does not function to allow the Braves to win championships. The GM and the manager are both Hall of Famers and respected by anyone knowledgeable about professional baseball. Recognize it and give them their due.

I expect the Braves to be competitive in 2007. Should be a good three team race between them, the Mets and the Phillies.

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Now as for Time Warner i agree with you all but Remember it was Ted Turner that got in bed with that devil i am a victim of the evil empire once employed by W.C.W so i have earned the right to biytch but as a lifelong braves fan i am also a purist and i know when i see talent fade J.S. had no choice but even if he did if i were him i still would have let Giles walk POOR PERFORMANCE plain and simple!!!!!!!!!!

By texbravesfan

December 13, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Come on guys, Chipper needs a little break. He is probably just as p** as everybody else about not being able to be healthy. When healthy, he is probably the most consistent player in the majors and guaranteed to get from him .300 ba, 100 rbi, and at least 30 hr if he plays in about 130 games. And like said before by others in this blog, I dont know many others who would have redone his deal 2 times to bring players in or keep certain players like he has done. In fact, that has probably never happened! I am pretty sure that Andruw wont be doing that after this season and dont be surprised if Chipper steps up to the table to try and keep Andruw by reworking his deal again. OK enough with that, but we have to stay loyal to guys that are loyal to us and this team. Giles will be missed by me and was one of my favorite players and my wife as well (mostly because he is so small and hustles) at least thats what she says. But we will be able to fill in somebody that will have the same stats next year with Johnson and I believe he is a good professional hitter and will be a good contact hitter. He will also be about 5 million cheaper. War getting Baldeli or another leadoff hitter so that we can get back to winning division titles.

By John

December 13, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

WELL PUT, tripleplay9. I think Giles will probably have a good year wherever he winds up this year. Over the avg of the next 3+ years, this decision will benefit the braves greatly.

By Bravesgal

December 13, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Braves keep slacker Adam LaRoche and trade hustler Marcus Giles?

This is yet another reason why the Braves will NEVER win the World Series pennant. JS is content to field a group of whiny, complaining, overpaid prima donnas and let go of the real team players.

Good luck, Marcus, I hope you land in San Diego and play with your bro.

By SICEM

December 13, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Chipper Jones is the best most consistent player the Atlanta Braves have ever had with the exception of Henry Aaron. You Chipper bashers should look at the numbers before you open your mouth you are causing yourself to look foolish!

By rammerjammer

December 13, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Man, you people need to back off the Giles Kool-Aid. An average player leaves and you’d think the sky was falling.

The guy was a good, not great, second baseman. Not a difference maker. If there’s a dropoff this season at that position, it won’t be significant because he didn’t leave a significant hole to fill.

Oh, wait, he was our “scrappy” guy. Now who’s going to fill that all-important “scrappy” role???

And just what is “scrappy?” Is Andruw scrappy? Smoltz? Wickman? BC? DOB? Can a tall guy be scrappy? Can a righthander be crafty? This team has so many questions.

By Barrett

December 13, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

When did Giles become the best defensive 2nd baseman in the league? Are you kidding me? He was well coached, much like anyone else could be(Prado, Kelly J) Assuming that the D is a wash, with either of those two replacements we will at least get a 260 BA with 11 hr. Give me a break. Let’s spend six million bucks out of 80 on an easily replaceable 2nd baseman. Just like we should’ve traded Hudson for and Average, speedy OF. With Gil Meche getting 11 million a year, Tim Hudson isn’t worth the 8 million or whatever this year and for sure isn’t worth 13 million next year. It is a players market. Hudson could easily get 16 million a year on the open market now, probably more. Before you turn red mad, just look at his numbers for the last three years compared to Zito. (The 17-19 million a year is what I project Zito will get)

2005— Hudson-14-9 3.52—-Zito-14-16 3.86 2006—Hudson-13-12 4.86—- Zito 16-10-3.83

These two years Hudson have been in ATL have been a bust? Not really. Last year yes, but maybe, hopefully, that was just a down year for him. Much like the down year all of your beloved Giles had. His first year was eerily comparable to Smoltz’s this past year. They were pretty close. Fact is, Huddy is still a top of the rotation guy and those don’t come around too often. One bad year doesn’t justify putting him on the chopping block.

And trade chipper? Once again, this is not like MLB 07 on xbox people. For one, not too many teams would be willing to take on his salary and give us adequate return. Secondly, why? He puts up massive numbers when healthy. And I am betting that all of you cringed when you saw him fall fielding that slow roller to third this past year. Even if he doesn’t get to play in 150 games, he will still bat 300 with 20 HR and 65-70 RBI’s. The dodgers are paying Furcal 12 million a year. Chipper makes 13.6… Which would you want? I would want the 20hr 300 ba and 70 rbi’s instead of the 270 ba 12 hr 45 rbis and 50% stolen bases too. Don’t worry.

JS knows what he is doing. He hasn’t made any horrible trades other than the Dye trade which did kind of help both teams. He is a genius at making other people think his items for sale are much better than theirs. Isn’t that what makes a good business man? Yeah, I thought so.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

TriplePlay-You’re right. BravesGal-Yeah-the Braves’ never won a WS and the Padres did? I swear, trying to explain anything to some of you is as pointless as getting a first grader to read Joseph Heller when you can’t read Run Spot Run. It’s a foregone conclusion you’ll miss the irony.

By Barrett

December 13, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

Bravesgal.

Laroche over paid? Giles Not?

Stats:

laroche 05— 20 hr. 78rbi’s 259 BA playing part time. Giles 05-15 hr 63 rbi’s 291 ba playing full time

Laroche 06—32 hr 90 rbi 285 ba Giles 06— 11 hr 60 rbi 260 ba

And if I remember right, Giles did whine about batting leadoff.

I know Laroche didn’t hustle once. If that hadn’t had happened, no one would be calling him lazy. He is average. Giles does hustle all the time, but his numbers are replaceable… No question. And after arbitration, laroche is going to make max of 2 million. Not too shabbe considering the braves would have had to pay 5 million for giles… Giles is the one that was overpaid if anyone was

By journalist jimmy smith

December 13, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

even dob says that stinky and sda are not the same-yet they have the same manners and the same perversions. how can they not be the same? admittedly, sda does seem to be the smarter of the two (if there are two- kind of like the toe rumor - not sure how many). stinky could be a poor imitation of sda, then again could be sda. oh, the vulgarity! well, watching stinky blog with stinky has become one of this journalist’s amusements. stinky claims to have a wife. oh, the humanity! imagine if stinky were to reproduce! step on ‘em like bugs. somebody shoulda stepped on stinky. can say that on a blog?

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

December 13, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Differences between Giles and Chipper…Chipper is taller,yes…Chipper switch-hits…Chipper was the number one overall draft pick…Chipper chews, does Marcus chew?…Chipper hits more HR and has higher OBP…Chipper is under contract so no decision to “tender” required…Chipper has 10 and 5 veto power…

How can a human deem another to be stupid…got a speeding ticket, that was stupid…earned a promotion which was smart…How this conversation turned to Chipper seems stupid given the above camparison, give or take…I like the team as is but I’m guessing JS will still tweak it by Opening Day…Know who will be at third base opening day? Larry Jones!… and anyone who hits a triple or steals third or runs to third on a passed ball or wild pitch or another man’s hit or walk…This is a fact that won’t change for at least two more Opening Days!!

By John from Dunwoody

December 13, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

HIGH SPENDING TIMES SUCH AS THE YANKEES, METS, RED SOX: THEY ARE LIKE A PLAYERS B*TCH. A PLAYER WANTS MORE MONEY AND A RESPECTABLE TEAM LIKE THE BRAVES STAND UP TO THE PLAYER AND AGENT AND SAY “NO”. THEY THEN FLEE TO A HIGH SPENDER AND THEY CAN’T SAY NO. THEY GIVE THEM WHATEVER THEY WANT.

By NC_BraveFan

December 13, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Goodbye Marcus - greatest doubles hitter in Braves history

By Lew

December 13, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist- Mosquitoes and gnats abound. Is there a form of Blof Black Flag that might cure the insect problem? Enquiring minds want to know. Has breakfast become a sweeter occaison at the Journalist’s house?

By Jeffrey

December 13, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

Good luck to Marcus. He, Pat Corrales, Freddie Gonzales, and Don Sutton just beat the rest of our gang out the door by a year. I am convinced that at this time next year, we will not even recognize what is left of the Braves.

On the sunny side, we should now have plenty of money to bring back Jorge Sosa who was non-tendered by the Cardinals. Dan Kolb and Antonio Alfonseca are both still looking for work as well. We should be unbeatable if we add a few of those gems.

By KC

December 13, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

Arkansas:

I must have brought something over… sorry. I must say, I’m a little surprised by the ferocity of Marcus Giles fallout. I liked him too, and defended him quite a bit the other day, and I agree that it’s a real shame to see a guy that talented leave while getting nothing in return… but it’s not the end of the world. We have a lot of young middle-infield talent, and a lot of options at 2B. While I believe Marcus is a much better player than the way he played this year, his leaving won’t mean a downgrade in the offense from 2006 to 2007, since he really didn’t contribute that much in 2006 anyway. And Giles apparently wasn’t the answer at the leadoff spot, so it’s not like there’s a new hole in the lineup somewhere.

We have 4 candidates to play 2B at some point this year:

M.Prado

W.Aybar

Y.Escobar

Kelly Johnson

Between all of them, we’ll find an answer somewhere.

By smart1jon

December 13, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

this makes the wilson betemit trade look ingenous. the braves definitely wouldn’t need wilson to fill in now

By rammerjammer

December 13, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Someone in an earlier blog mentioned LHP Mark Hendrickson as a possible non-tendered acquisition. Dodgers decided to offer him arbitration instead, so we can move on.

By jeff

December 13, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

The trouble is that the Braves are a victim of their own success. For the Braves to have won the division in ‘03 04 &05 Giles had to have played well enough to merit a decent raise when his contract expired. But the Braves front office could not afford to give him the 6 million that he would demand. Other teams knew that too; so even if they were interested in him they knew that all they had to do was wait for him to become free agent and they could sign him without losing a player of his caliber. So the Braves frugal policy has caused the team not only to lose a decent starter but to get nothing in return. The same happened with Furcal last year, but will JS be lucky enough to find someone as good to replace Giles as he did to replace Furcal? Odds are against it. NextBraves starter to go will most likely be Andruw. If they can’t afford to keep Giles how will they ever afford to pay Jones?Until someone with a different attitude buys the Braves, it will be a total shock to see the Braves in the World Series again.

By Beth

December 13, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

I think it sucks!!! Not only do they raise the tickets prices they cut one of the best players out there. Chipper didn’t do that good last year, what about Andrew? For the past 6 years I have made the trip to Atlanta to watch games on the 4th of July so I guess last year was my last time there. I hope he does go to the Mets…Way to go Bobby Cox!!!!

By KC

December 13, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

I would be surprises if Marcus doesn’t wind up in SD… unless someone else offer substantially more money.

It’s a chance to play at home, with his brother, in the most gap-hitter friendly park in baseball.

By War Eagle

December 13, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Good Decision on Reitsma-he’s washed up. Giles-it’s time for ball players to take pay cuts. Teams are scaling back as ticket prices are out of control. Teams do not want empty seats. All teams should lower payroll, stay within the cap and eliminate the collusion language so that ball players do not get greedy and bankrupt teams.

By d

December 13, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

The braves could have got something for Giles instead of just letting him walk away

By d

December 13, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

The braves could have got something for Giles instead of just letting him walk away

By Carolina Lady

December 13, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly, most of the angry “bloggers” are one blogger with many names.

By KC

December 13, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

smart1jon:

RIGHT! They’ve only got four options at 2B now (a one of two more in the pipeline). If only they had Betemit!!

By Chis Reitsma

December 13, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

Was it something I said?

By KC

December 13, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

“d”

Apparently, they couldn’t… or they would have.

By Jeff

December 13, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

I’m fine with Marcus leaving. Ever since steroid testing started in earnest, it’s amazing how his #’s dropped off. If there was ever a player that was on them… Take a look at his pictures from a few years ago versus last year. He is miniscule.

I was the biggest fan of Giles you’d find, but I have a hard time looking at him and wondering. Where did all of his gappers go last year? His M.O. was hitting to LCF and RCF… Either 2bs or HRS. Where were those last year? No power? Steady decline since 2003.

By Stinky

December 13, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

Wow, jimmy. You like stepping on little children. Oh, the vulgarity. The next time you feel like stepping on a child, please call me. I will defend that child with my life, you little p** ant worm.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

December 13, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Good Morning CL,

Slowly but surely starting to see some familiar names on the blog this morning. Was beginning to think I was lost.

By MBATL

December 13, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

d, the Braves probably could’ve gotten something in return for Giles at the trading deadline last year. However, the Braves chose to chase a playoff berth in ‘06 … to be ‘buyers’ not sellers. We traded for Baez & Aybar, and Wickman, in an effort to win a wildcard. As I recall, most people on this blog supported our philosophy.

So, we could’ve gotten something for Giles, and probably for AJ too… but decided to play to win. Good!

To those still crying over Betemit… the guy hit .241 with a .306 OBP as a (nearly) everyday player with the Dodgers, while Aybar hit .313 with .373 obp for the Braves.

Neither is a prototype leadoff hitter, and neither is a great 2B. Aybar is younger and considered a better fielder. Get over it!

By curtrob

December 13, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

ok, giles is gone, i personally wont miss him that much, he had a much better 05 season than this past season. he is not a lead off hitter like furcal. and he doesnt have the batting average and rbi stats of a betemit. that goes back to my original problem with the whole deal. why in the hell get rid of Wilson B. if you were going to let Giles go at the end of the season. u had to have at least an idea that you may not keep Giles around. Betemit was cheaper and more productive. he may not have been a true second baseman but he wasnt horrific and his bat made up for any defensive struggles. wont miss Reitsma either, didnt really see where he contributed much the last couple of years.
good luck to both, and hopefully we can aquire some decent replacements for next season

By Randy Duncan

December 13, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

for a ong time we were one and done in the play-offs and then time warner raises ticket prices and gives a cheaper crappier team Marcus Giles that wasn’t his standard and we send him packing chipper and andrew make a ton more and we tolerate their level of play good regular season suck in the post season.bring back marcus at least he came to play everyday

By Carolina Lady

December 13, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, :-))) I know what you mean!

By Dave

December 13, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Giles was one of the few on this team that played with passion every day and always gave it his all.

Oh well, as long as Time Warner can dump the team and Liberty Media gets a tax free transaction, it looks like business as usual for the new Braves. Owned by a company not decicated to winning and only concerned about the bottom line…….and don’t forget about them increasing ticket prices again……

By The Grinch

December 13, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Morning, all.

Jeff, please tell me it’s a joke that you’re selling “I hate Time Warner” t-shirts and giving out an AOL.com e-mail adress to purchase them from. You are aware that AOL is owned by TW and giving money to one is the same as giving it to the other (not to mention AOL is a perfect microcosm of how the whole corporation works…bloated, overpriced, subpar and inadequate, yet somehow making money hand over fist).

Hilbilly, you have to remember Lew is very, VERY old. :-)

By Bill

December 13, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

When John let Maddox and Glavine go, I thought he was either drunk, stoned, or just plain stupid. After Marcus, I realize the truth of the matter; he a CPA !

By GTNE80

December 13, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

Among the most worthless things in sports is a relief pitcher that can not or will not consistently throw strikes. Reitsma was horrendous about walking batters right out of the gate.

Giles had a couple of good years, but he’s certainly not indispensible and definitely overpaid. Giles was at his best as a hitter in the 2-hole when he hitting outside pitches the opposite way and peppering the right-center field gap and wall with line drives. Putting him in the leadoff slot was stupid. Last year he fell into a bad habit of trying to uppercut and pull everything. There are any number of younger, cheaper prospects who will play their hearts out to get to and stay in the show at 2nd base. Too bad we wasted Betemit.

By KC

December 13, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

Bill:

Good point. JS does what he has to.

BTW: Just so ya know… Greg Maddux spells his last name with a U, rather than an O.

By KC

December 13, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

Grinch:

I was under that impression that AOL has not been making money “hand over fist” for a while now.

By Under the Bigtop

December 13, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Braves owners at conference meeting discussing future of the team:

“So what do you boys think, should we increase the Braves budget a few dollars this year?”

“No! Are you crazy man? We need to keep that budget right where it is, which essentially means an actual budget cut considering the inflated salaries being paid to some of these hotshot players over the last few years. Besides, we’re still making a profit, and those loyal, diehard Braves fans just keep on showing up at the park, paying those ridiculous prices for tickets and concessions. You know, come to think of it, I bet we could put uniforms on monkeys and send them out on the field, and those fans would still keep filling the seats, and filling our pockets with cash!”

“Well maybe we could use cardboard cutouts of players instead, that would be even cheaper, save money and the fans wouldn’t know the difference.”

“No! That’s already been tried at first and third base, hasn’t worked out very well. Hey, I know a guy that can get us bananas really cheap for feed, and if we use monkeys then we can really clean up on profits, and those fans will still keep showing up with their money in hand.”

“Well, OK by me. Here’s a good championship calibre lineup that we really should have our homeboy Schuerholz put on the field as soon he can round them up.”

Leftfield: Agile Mangabey

Centerfield: Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur

Rightfield: Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey

Third base: Peruvian Red-necked Owl Monkey

Shortstop: Formosan Rock Macaque

Second base: Allen’s Swamp Monkey

First base: What we’ve got right now!

Catcher: Gorilla

Pitchers: any Orang-Utan

“What about replacing the manager this year?”

“No! That old Chimpanzee Bobby Cox is about the only manager that would really think this team has a chance!”

By Josh(but you can call me Bubba)

December 13, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Monkeys? We are now referencing theoretical baseball playing monkeys’ names, first and last and some nicknames? Has Otis been sharing his “speed”?…Braves can win with 80 mil…This year’s million dollar questions will be: …does Chipper play 135 games? …does Hudson rebound? …can Smoltz still be a number 1? …can Hampton be a solid no. 3? …will Bobby convince Roger to rock? Methinks Bobby misses Leo but just for the rocking…

If all questions are answered yes, give or take the last one, then we can most certainly look forward to a great season…Rafael Ramirez! He could play 2b…Whither Raffy?

By ernesto

December 13, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

Good point War Eagle. Like the way the Braves have slashed payroll over the last few years and are raising ticket prices this year. It’s the ballplayer’s fault. How’s that fine Auburn education working out for you?

By jouranlist jimmy smith

December 13, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

this journalist was thinking stinkbugs - not children. journalist is still thinking stinkbugs where stinky is concerned. no redeeming qualities. now, stinky can talk about letwan’s mama in the ugliest of terms but stinky gets offended when journalist talks stinkbugs? well, stinky, with your arrested development you are likely the closest thing to a child in the stinky trailer. did journalist mention that no one likes you? dob made that point earlier as well, right? journalist doesn’t think you are so tough, stinkyboy. bag of doughnuts - hole in the bag. like billybfnmnopb says, anytime, anyplace. wait, stinky probably can’t afford that. make it somewhere near the bus line.

now, more pleasant thoughts and more pleasant people … lew must have missed this journalist’s earlier post about the joy of waffles and maple syrup. this journalist is well-fed and content. not even the stinky/sda/chooseaname could spoil this. and yes, davey johnson was the power hitting second baseman- journalist got distracted and did not answer. of course, might have been betemit had he survived. oh, the humanity! too large to play second base! guess there’s no need to try parontoe at the position either.

lew …now, gnats … same thing kills gnats that kills stinkbugs - blackflag, raid, hotshot, special cheese … gnat king giles has been quiet today. probably sentimental reasons.

By mark

December 13, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

Marcus is a scrappy player who hustles, there is no doubt about that. However, his numbers have declined in almost every offensive category the last 3 or 4 years. The fact is they can pay someone about 1/4 of what they would pay him and have them put up comparable numbers. Chipper is a toss up to me. When he’s healthy and in the lineup, he’s still one of the best players in the game. WHEN HE’S HEALTHY!! Andruw is a tough call too. The Braves aren’t going to be able to resign him after the ‘07 season so do they try and get something for him or just ride him out and say goodbye. Face it fans, without an increase in payroll I don’t see how this team is going to compete. With increased ticket prices, i’d be surprised if the Braves sold out one game this year! Maybe when Bonds comes to town!

By The Grinch

December 13, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Bigtop, funny post.

KC, I’ve done my best not to pay any attention of any kind to them in several years; entirely possible.

“Among the most worthless things in sports is a relief pitcher who can not or will not consistently throw strikes.” Amen, brother. I can get up there and walk the first three batters I see and get yanked for a whole lot less than ol’ reitsy makes. Of course if Bobby’s managing, I wouldn’t get yanked after walking the first three. Or the next.

By KC

December 13, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

Josh:

Good points, but I don’t think John Smoltz is really a question mark. He showed no signs of slowing this year, so there’s absolutely no reason to believe he doesn’t have at least one more “ace” status season left in him.

Also, you questioned whether Mike Hampton could be a #3??

The first think everyone brings up is the Tommy John surgery. However, the consensus among the primary doctors who perform this procedure (Dr. James Andrews and others), it takes 18 months, not 12, to FULLY recover from that procedure. Most pitchers return after only 12 months, and struggle at first as a result. There is now a 90% success rate for pitchers returning from that procedure. “Success” is defined by Dr. Andrews as “when a pitcher is back to 100% at the 18 month mark”. Mike Hampton will reach that 18 month mark in March, and has already pitched in a winter league. Statistically, there is a 10% chance of Hampton having any ill-effects whatsoever from the surgery, 18 months after the fact.

As for Hampton’s ability… he was throwing as well as anyone baseball when he went down. From the all-star break in 04’ until he went down in 05, Hampton went 13-2 with a 2.54 ERA.

As long as he’s not one of the unlucky 10% to have long-lingering problems from the TJ surgery, or some other unexpected thing… I think it’s really just a matter of Hampton shaking the rust off. Once that happens, we’ll have another a top-of-the-rotation starter back in the fold. If Hudson bounces back on top of that… this rotation could be special.

Chipper’s health is a very legitimate question. HOWEVER, the Braves were the best offensive team in the NL without Chipper being healthy for much of the season. So I don’t think the Braves’ winning is contingent on Chipper’s playing 135-155 games this season (thought it would obviously help).

By KC

December 13, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

Well, since we’re on the subject of AOL/Time Warner… Let’s look on the bright side here regarding this sale. Assuming it goes through, as it’s still fully expected to, at the very least, we’ll be going from a struggling corporation, to an apparently thriving one. That could certainly be good news.

AOL/TW was forced to do a great deal of belt-tightening over the past few years as their stock plummeted. Now that’s not to say that AOL/TW or any other corporation is going to be willing to run a significant annual deficit to keep the Braves payroll up… but I if you could choose between a struggling corporate owner vs. a prosperous corporate owner… which would you rather have?

By mr baseball

December 13, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

Braves fans, digest the comments by the team apologist/beat writer with a degree of skepticism. The Braves are not strapped for cash. Team revenues are up, MLB revenues are up. But the payroll has remained stagnant for several years after being sharply reduced by the departures of Glavine, Maddux, Millwood, Sheffield, Lopez, etc.

It’s not that the Braves can’t afford a slight bump in their payroll. They refuse to. There’s a difference. When almost all the Braves’ games were on a company-owned broadcast outlet, there was a compelling reason to keep the team at the top of the standings. Evidently, that is no longer a factor.

It would be one thing to dump Giles’ salary if he was making a ridiculous sum (he isn’t) or if the Braves had a ready replacement (they don’t). No one on the current roster is a realistic hope of being anywhere close to the player Giles has been the last 4 years, and the only two remaining free agent second basemen (Loretta and Belliard) are not going to be signed.

Contrary to the efforts by DOB to portray Giles as a player in severe decline, his 2005 numbers are very comparable to those of ‘03, which were likely a career season. A .290 average with some power, over 100 runs scored and 60-plus RBIs by a No. 2 hitter are more than acceptable, and the Braves are going to be hard pressed to replace his production given their bottom line thinking. He had a down seasin in ‘06. Maybe injuries, maybe other factors. But still a quality player the bat and the glove.

Remember previous similar situations? Bringing back back a 40-year-old Otis Nixon to bat leadoff. Keith Lockhart at 2B. Rico Brogna at 1B. Brian Jordan & Raul Mondesi in the OF. Maybe the genius GM will revisit one of his many brilliant trades and bring back Quilvio Veras to compete for the starting job.

In the last 4-5 years, JS has traded just about every strong young arm in the organization for short term gain (Sheffield, Drew, Farnsworth) or a botched attempt to deal for a closer (Kolb). In his previous job, he helped pave the way for the demise of the Royals with a series of dubious trades involving pitchers (David Cone, Danny Jackson, Floyd Bannister) and his first contribution to the Braves’ post-season run was a particularly dumb move when he donated a quality starting pitcher (Charlie Leibrandt)for a player the Royals had no particular need for (Gerald Perry).

The quality of the Braves’ farm system has consistently bailed JS out over the last 10 or so years, and maybe it will again. Those who think the GM’s player personnel decisions are the main reason the team has been successful since ‘91 simply haven’t examined his work with any degree of scrutiny.

Since ‘97 he has been more a detriment than an asset, as he no longer has an unlimited budget to work with and boatloads of prospects to dangle in front of desperate GMs forced to unload star players.

A final thought: Giles was the only front line MLB position player non-tendered. Are the Braves the only team in such dire financial straits?

By journalist jimmy smith

December 13, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

riinng, riiinnng, riiinnnngg. “double dime ranch, this is uh, chipper. how can i hep ya’?”

“dob here in atlanta, chipper. some of the fans are asking about your conditioning and if you’ll be ready for spring training. last year you had the flu, then the race, the golf, the fishing, that international baseball thing, the golf, all those wings, and the golf. how are things looking for this season? felling good? trim? fit?”

“uh, yeah.”

“well, and you’re not going to believe this is still an issue but it is a recurring topic on the baseball blog and i’d just like to ask- how is your toe health?”

click.

By The Grinch

December 13, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Chipper missed most of his games last year after sliding on that should-have-been-rained-out field into third and breaking his ankle. That might have happened to anyone that day; that game should never have been played under those conditions. He was on an offensive tear right before that, and went on a record-tying one right after. I don’t think he’s quite done yet.

Parantoe at second? Oh, the enormity!

By Phat Bat Boy

December 13, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

You think things are bad now, wait until HoRam is winning 15 games for Seattle and Soriano is sharing a 2 for 1 coupon with J. Divine at the North Fulton Shrinks R Us branch office.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-Yes, I missed the post. Obscured by gnats-must have been. I’m glad that you are pleased. Now Black Flag-Yes, I remember it used to come in those old pump sprayers, kind of like in the Godfather. Great symbolism there as he was somewhat of an exterminator himself. Where is a hit man when they could really be useful? Just never around when you need one. KC-You’re not one of the idiots-just a bit more optimistic than me. Then again, cynicism seems to become me. I like expensive tickets, myself.

By BBrown

December 13, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

O.k. I am disappointed in losing Giles, but I understand why it had to be done. I agree with some of ya’ll that Chipper needs to go. He doesn’t want to play the full schedule, he stays injured, and he has a bad attitude. My son has lost respect for him and his playing. If the Braves continue this downward spiral by losing Andruw and LaRoche, then they are seriously lacking good judgement. What is it going to take for the Braves to realize what they are doing? I think other options should be considered before they lose more of their key players.

By Optimistoleo

December 13, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

“Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, Keep on the sunny side of life It will help us ev’ry day, it will brighten all the way If we’ll keep on the sunny side of life.”

By KC

December 13, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

GRINCH: “Chipper missed most of his games last year after sliding on that should-have-been-rained-out field into third and breaking his ankle.”

I hear ya, but let’s face it… Chipper is a little more fragile than some of the younger guys. I hope if there’s a game like that this year, that BC will go ahead and pull Chipper out as a precaution.

By SICEM

December 13, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

Jouranlistjimmysmith. Is there some type of meaning to all your rubbish or are you on drugs? Please explain if possible.

By KC

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

LEW: Works for me. I sat right behind home plate on the game where they clinched the NL East in 05. Great seat! Of course, I was alone that day, and those seats are much easier to get in singles than they are in groups of 4.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

Yes-The Braves no longer stand a chance. We will lose 120 games, tying the 1962 Mets record for futility. Now that Giles is gone we have no good players left. We have no payroll. We will never win another game. John Scheurholz should be shot because he is the worst GM in the history of baseball. He should be enshrined right along with what’s his name who traded a 20 game winning Steve Carlton for Rick Wise, or the guy who traded Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio. Bobby Cox should be hung as soon as JS is gone because he just can’t win when the pressur’s on. Smoltz’s arm should just be amputated because it’s going to fall off anyway. Hudson won 14 games in 05 and 13 in 06 so it follows he will only win 2 this year. Chipper will never walk again without the aid of a motorized chair, so we should trade him to the Rangers. We should just kill all of our players so we can afford to get Carl Crawford. Have I covered everything yet? Did I miss anyone’s concerns? Y’all are absolutely out of your minds-if in fact, you had any to begin with.

By Roger

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

Liked Giles but i think he has already peaked as a player, we need a leadoff hitter in there, hopefully this will give us a chance for a trade to do that or we can see what this Prado kid can do..

By bwash21

December 13, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review believes Mike Gonzalez could go to the Yankees in a three-team deal with the Braves.

Pittsburgh would get Adam LaRoche and Kyle Davies from the Braves. Going to Atlanta would be Melky Cabrera and Scott Proctor from the Yankees and Jose Castillo from the Pirates. The Red Sox and Diamondbacks are also interested in Gonzalez, and the Braves may not have ruled out trading for him for themselves. Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

By KC

December 13, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

BBrown:

“Chipper needs to go. He doesn’t want to play the full schedule, he stays injured, and he has a bad attitude. My son has lost respect for him and his playing.”

“Doesn’t want to play the full schedule”??? Why wouldn’t Chipper want to play the full schedule? Why would anyone prefer to sit on the bench for days or weeks at a time? Chipper Jones body has failed him a little more over the past couple of years than it did when he was younger. That can happen to players when they reach their mid-30’s. I’m not sure why this is so hard for you to believe.

“Has a bad attitude”?? Mr. Brown , (I’m assuming it’s “Mr.) in all of your personal experience and time spent in the Braves clubhouse next to Chipper Jones, what exactly did he do to give you the impression that he has a bad attitude?

Here’s a guy that voluntarily restructured his contract (took a pay cut) to help free up money for the Braves to improve. Chipper essentially said “I’m a Brave, and if that’s what it takes, I’m willing to make monetary sacrifices to help this team get better”. How rare is it to find a professional athlete with that kind of loyalty to his team, to his city, and to his fans? How many players are willing to give up millions for the betterment of his team? His teammates respect him, and all those around the Braves organization seem to speak highly of him.

Does that, sir, sound indicative of the clubhouse cancer you seem to be describing?

By parks

December 13, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

lmao! Lew

prob late on this but Roto.com reporting a poss trade disc of a 3 way trade with Davies & Laroche to Pitt, Gonzales to Yanks, and Melky Cab & Procter to the Braves

By KC

December 13, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Me thinks maybe the Pittsburg Tribune-Review is grasping at straws, desperately hoping there’s still a way to get LaRoche. I can’t see it happening.

By geauxbraves2000

December 13, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Lew I think you missed getting rid of AJ and his contract so the Braves can attempt to replace his defensive and offensive production with 2 or 3 mediocre players.

I’d rather get two draft picks than anyone the Braves could get for AJ.

Saying that, there ain’t no one in baseball worth $20M per, but if that’s where the game is headed, I say give it to AJ. I watched one of his HR saving catches today, people, the Braves without him are going to feel the pain for a little while.

Geaux Braves!!

By Johnny Wadd Holmes

December 13, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Hey, do you guys think that when Liberty Media finally does obtain the Braves that they will play that funky 70’s Porn music between innings? Sure could make the 7th. inning “stretch” a lot more interesting too! And maybe sell condoms and lube in the concessions?

By Barry

December 13, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

Pitiful ownership has broken up the Braves “dynasty”. I don’t expect us to have a championship team until Liberty (the prospective owner) sells the Braves 3-5 years from now.

It was a great run while it lasted. Hope everyone’s ready for some mediocre baseball.

By Dang

December 13, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

You would think from all the crying over the departure of “Popeye” Giles that the Braves had just released the “Babe”!

By Lew

December 13, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

That three way trade is absurd. We just pulled the plug on Gonzalez for LaRoche and we’re now going to turn around and trade LaRoche AND Davies for a relief pitcher who couldn’t carry Gonzalez jock, has had ERA’s of over 5.40 two of the past three years and blew 7 of 8 save oppurtunities last season, and was radically overused,just so we can get Melky Cabreara, a .280 hitter with no power and no speed to speak of (at least not much in the way of stolen bases), to fill a position where we already have Diaz, Langerhans and possibly Kelly Johnson. Makes no sense at all to me.

By Lew

December 13, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

GeauxBraves-No, Andruw will be shot with the rest of the Braves to make room for the Coco Crisp deal we will make with the Red Sox after we get Crawford. But don’t worry, we’ll still have Salty.

By monty

December 13, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Giles will bounce back this year provided his hand is healed and he doesn’t bat lead-off. And if he returns to swinging inside out. I think Marcus has a big hole in his swing when he tries to pull the ball.At his size he needs to let the homerun be an accident and not something he tries to do and he will go back to hitting .300 with 40 plus doubles. He’s a hard nose player.

By tripleplay9

December 13, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

Let’s put the Marcus Giles discussion to rest. He is gone. He was average at best. The stats from DOB show that now he is not even one of the best 2B in the league. Not to even think how he stacks up on his own team. No GM in their right mind would keep him over CJones, AJones, Francouer, McCann, Renteria, or LaRoche. He strikes out too much. His OPS was terrible. Defensively he improved but I would still question his range.

Scrappy…hustler…all the terms apply but scrappy second baseman with weak stats get you beat. I have no stats in front of me but I would say his replacements last year did as well or better than Giles. I firmly expect Atlanta to add another second baseman but if they do not, I would not fear starting the year with an in house candidate.

Finally, I would gladly give up Davies and LaRoche if we could get Castillo, Cabrera, and Proctor.

By The Grinch

December 13, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

KC, no doubt he’s a bit fragile; I’m just sayin’ he can still rake and his injuries aren’t always from picking up the newspaper.

Lew, you sure you didn’t mean Bobby should be “hanged” and not “hung?” Otherwise, I’d have to wonder where you came by that information. I doubt Bobby knows himself, given the size of his gut. It’s like that old men’s room joke: “I haven’t seen it in years.” “Maybe you should diet.” “Why, what color is it now?” :-)

By Don in Ohio

December 13, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

The Braves should really take a hard looks at where their at as far as making a run at the World Series title. And my opinion is pretty far away. The Mets are the class of the division, our pitching isn’t good enough to carry us through the playoffs. I say a hard looks should be given to trade value of players who can yield fruit for the future and that includes everyone.

Perhaps the trade deadline is the last line of defense but to finish out of the playoffs with a core of players who can’t bring home a title doesn’t make sense for the city of Atlanta. Smoltz, Jones, C.Jones, and Hudson are players who won’t be part of the next great run in A town why not get value for them this year if things look bleak.

And of course it goes without saying for C.Jones and Smoltz but you allow them to steer the direction of what is sure to be the twilight of their careers they’ve earned that.

By KC

December 13, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Barry:

I would call you a hyper-pessimist… but I don’t think that’s it. I think you just haven’t paid close enough attention. The Braves look as good as any team in the NL right now, on paper.

Of course, it’s all meaningless until the games are played, but since opening day is still several months away, paper’s all we’ve got to go on… and I really don’t think you’ve taken a close enough look at this team if you’re convinced it’s capable of nothing more than mediocrity.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

December 13, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Lots of interesting points being made by many on both sides of the Giles, Chipper, JS & BC issues. Thought for those of you who have forgotten how crappy it used to be as a Braves fan, in the 70’s & 80’s, would pass along this link to a site that does a good job summarizing the Braves futility, success, and futility in the playoffs. Also has year by year rosters, stats, etc.

[http://www.baseballlibrary.com/teams/team.php?team=Atlanta_Braves]

Here is a tidbit from the 1983 chronology:

“Aug 15 Braves Bob Horner‚ who was hitting .303 with 20 HRs and 68 RBI‚ breaks his right wrist sliding into 2B during a 4-0 loss to the Padres and will be sidelined for the rest of the season. In Atlanta‚ the injury is widely attributed to the “Chief Noc-A-Homa Jinx‚” which seems to strike whenever the Braves remove their mascot’s outfield teepee in order to sell more tickets.”

And, the excerpt documenting what I believe was the absolute worst trade the Braves ever made:

“Aug 28 The Indians trade pitcher Len Barker to the Braves for Rick Behenna‚ cash‚ and 2 players to be named later. The two turn out to be OF Brett Butler and 3B Brook Jacoby.”

If you’re a baseball history buff, you should check this out.

By rr

December 13, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

The team is losing its identity and will endure many losing season(s)like last year unless we find true ownership who is not a corporation but an individual who cares and is willing to invest in the team for the chance of a title. Else we will be like KC (but a larger payroll) that will see players with talent play at the minimum salary only to get dumped when they command big bucks. Frenchy will be the next big salary player for Atlanta taking chippers place money wise. We need more players like M.Giles who truly love the game and give their 110% in effort and enthusiasm.

By Stinky

December 13, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith: imagine if stinky were to reproduce! step on ‘em like bugs.

Carolina Lady, Do you agree with jimmy smith’s statement, or do you think he went too far?

By Dennis

December 13, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

DOB

How valid are the rumors about Baldelli? I think for James and Escobar it could be a very good deal for both teams. I am probably not as high as others on James but I love his character. Most of all he is a winner. But I think Baldelli could be the next big part of the Braves franchise.

Also what is being reported in the Pitt newspapers about a three way deal is crazy. It is obvious that they have the facts wrong. No way I trade a starting 1B and pitcher for a middle reliever and a good LF.

By Braves20

December 13, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Don in Ohio. I mostly agree with you. A cold, hard look at the overall strategy is in order. But you can’t just dump guys who put fans in the seats like Smoltz, Chipper etc. and become a Florida Marlins - bunch of good looking kids playing in front 0f 6000 people every night. As for Giles, it is sad when a franchise reaches a situation where they can’t perhaps over pay for a year to see if ‘06 was an aberration. Another blogger is right, Giles does have a big hole in his swing - something that will probably be cured elsewhere by a good hitting coach - something we haven’t had since Don Baylor left town.

By Todd

December 13, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

I think the verdict is still out on whether or not this is a good move.

If we can “afford” a good dependable and productive leadoff OF or a good leadoff 2nd baseman with the money we saved, it will be a very good move.

I have a feeling though that we will not find that person on money alone. It will take us giving up something very valuable as well.

I believe Giles was hurt tremendously by having to bat leadoff. He is simply not that good in that position. He put too much pressure on himself and it showed. I’m thinking that he had an off year.

We shall see!

By Ryan

December 13, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

You do not trade smoltz or chipper, you let them finish their awesome careers in brave uniforms and go into the hall with them wearing tomahawks, if thats how u spell it. Also, the braves will make a trade most lilely with the angels who have the most to offer, a leadoff man, 2B, and a reliable young pitcher to throw in for LaRoche and Davies, i see them making the trade because JS isnt happy having 3 unproven guys play a spot where a lot of balls could get threw that otherwise wouldn’t with figgins filling that gap. I say do that trade, makes the most sense. If they dont make a trade, i can see the braves taking the wildcard with andruw having a huge contract year, smoltz winning 18-20 games and wickman saving near 45-50 games and soriano holding plenty of games, behind them its sure likely the braves can make a push for a wildcard, i dont see a reason why not unless bullpen breaks down, which i dont forsee

By Lew

December 13, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Stinky-Are you a Whiny Little Jerk because you need acceptance? You’re sure going about it the wrong way if that is your goal. Try acting like a decent person for a change instead of like an insect.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

December 13, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Haven’t gotten the hang of the link yet - here goes again.

Baseball Library

Grinch - you been hanging out in too many locker rooms with old farts if you know that joke :-)

By rammerjammer

December 13, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

This Castillo dude with Pittsburgh (the second baseman mentioned as part of a possible trade) had an OBP in September of .123! That’s .123.

In 69 ABs, he had six hits (.087 BA), three walks and 19 strikeouts. His OBP for the season was .299. He also made 18 errors.

No wonder they want to trade him.

By Henry

December 13, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

I never realized that so many fans were ticked off with this Non baseball swing Giles developed by trying to yank every dam pitch out of the Park. My only pity is that JS did not make the move last year to trade him. As for Reitsma that nightmare is finally over, never did like him from the begining, I thought he was not as good as they made him out to be.

By Stinkbugsprayin a can

December 13, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Stinky, you should learn to overlook people like the esteemed journalist jimmy o’brien smith. Didn’t you hear what the esteemed DOB Smith said? “Every family has one!” So lay off jjs/JJS/Letwan Anthony/journalist jimmy smith/Rosalynn/esteemed journalist/this journalist/that journalist/every journalist/blog hog/jimmy o’brien smith, OK?

By Ray

December 13, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is one more examle of the screwed up economics of baseball. Time Warner is EXTREMELY generous with an 80 million dolar payroll. That should be more then plenty to field a team. But without a hard cap and teams like the Yankees paying 25 million just to talk to a player, salaries will continue going through the roof. The result: most teams simply cannot compete financially and ticket prices will continue to rise. You want to see a change? Stop going to games….force the owners to bank together and break the union during the next negotiations. Get a hard cap and full revenue sharing. Then you’ll see legitimate teams in all 30 markets….not just 3 or 4.

By KC

December 13, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

Okay, since we’ve been getting a flurry of the demise-of-the-Braves posts today… Let’s take a look at exactly where the Braves stand:

THE OFFENSE: The Braves were the best offensive team in the NL last season. As of now, every starter but Giles (who did not contribute much last season) will be returning. Nuff said.

THE BULLPEN:

First of all, the bullpen made tremendous strides by the end of the year, as rookie pitchers Macay McBride and Tyler Yates began to come into their own. (Yates posted a 2.70 ERA in September, and McBride posted an ERA under 2.00 from July 16th on). Wickman will be in the pen from day-1 this time, and Soriano is a big addition (yes, he’ll be fine). Paronto was solid last year, and JS might not be finished renovating a now already solid bullpen. The Braves bullpen will be just fine. In fact, more than fine.

THE ROTATION:

Smoltz: He may be getting old, but has shown no signs of slowing yet. He’ll be a top-tier pitcher for at least another year or two. Chuck James: A great young left and a big part of the Braves’ future.

Hudson: This has been the subject of great debate. Here are the facts…

Much has been made of his “sub par” 04’ and 05’ seasons, but the reality is that he was pitching through nagging injuries all year long during both of those seasons. Pull up his career stats, and look at “GS” (games started). You will see that he was good for 34 starts every year, except for 04’ and 05’. A side-muscle strain hindered him, but he still posted an excellent 3.50 ERA both years.

Hudson (with the exception of his sophomore season… and he won 20 games that year) was among the top 15% (in ERA) of all MLB starters every season of his career until 2006. Also, heading into 06’, Hudson was the 2nd winningest active pitcher in MLB.

He had a lousy 06’ season. No doubt about it. So… was it simply one bad season… or an indication of something more? Well, given that it was the first and only poor season of his career… the fact that he’s still relatively young and apparently healthy… and given that he hasn’t lost any of his stuff at all… I think “one off-year” is a better bet than “washed up”. The latter explanation just doesn’t make much sense to me, all things considered. I say, look for him to bounce right back in 07’.

Mike Hampton: I wrote much of this in an earlier post, but here it is again… According to the primary doctors who perform the “Tommy John” procedure (Dr. James Andrews and others), it takes 18 months, not 12, to FULLY recover from TJ surgery. Most pitchers return after only 12 months, and struggle at first as a result. There is now a 90% success rate for pitchers returning from that procedure. “Success” is defined by Dr. Andrews as (paraphrasing) “when a pitcher is back to 100% at the 18 month mark”. Mike Hampton will reach that 18 month mark in March, and has already pitched in a winter league. Statistically, there is a 10% chance of Hampton having any ill-effects whatsoever from the surgery, 18 months after the fact. As for Hampton’s ability… he was throwing as well as anyone baseball when he went down. From the all-star break in 04’ until he went down in 05, Hampton went 13-2 with a 2.54 ERA. The Braves are great offensively, and the bullpen will be in good shape. So it all comes down to the rotation… and I feel pretty darn good about a rotation with Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, and James heading into next season. Don in Ohio: Please don’t try to tell me the Mets rotation looks better right now. If you believe that, you need to adjust your meds. Right now, there isn’t a team in the NL that looks any better than Atlanta.

By journalist jimmy smith

December 13, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

stinky, can’t reproduce by yourself. no woman would be interested. stinkbugs are about all you have to offer. now, go blog with stinky and leave the rest of us alone.

By David

December 13, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

J.S. why don’t you admit the Braves don’t have a penny to spend in years? I want to laugh when you deny it. Keep it up and we will have the same record as the Hawks.

By Richard Cory

December 13, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

So Lew, ya really think we can get Carl Crawford? :-)))

By Stinky

December 13, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Stinkbugsprayin a can, Its hard to overlook someone who would attack a family member. I guess this is what DOB strives to create on “The Braves and the man in black blog”.

By journalist jimmy smith

December 13, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

stinky, this journalist must have touched a stinkbug nerve. first, despite your pleadings to the contrary, you will find no woman - ever. second, being stinky is contraception enough. reproduction is not likely - but would result only in stinkbugs. stinky will be singing mr. lonely long after bobby vinton has left the auditorium.

By Stinky

December 13, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith admits to threatening my family. That’s all I need to know.

By tripleplay9

December 13, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Good analysis of the team by KC. The only part that I question if the part about Hudson. He has yet to show he is the dominating pitcher he was with Oakland. Hopeful that McDowell has helped him straighten out his mechanics.

By Stinky

December 13, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith, the GBI might be interested in a predator such as yourself.

By Carolina Lady

December 13, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

check it out :-))

By KC

December 13, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

tripleplay9:

Thanks. Maybe it has been a few years since he was consistently “dominant”, but as I mentioned, he was still very good in 04’ and 05’, despite pitching through a nagging injury most of the way through both seasons.

This year, he was obviously anything but dominating. But my point is that people often point to 04 and 05 and say “SEE! He wasn’t super dominant those years either… he’s on the way down.” I look at it and think “What are you talking about?! He was hurt much of the 04 and 05 seasons, and still finished in the top 15% of all MLB pitchers!”

Just different ways of looking at things, I guess. I’m not predicting a CY Young season, but I think it’s much more likely than not that Hudson will have a solid season next year. But of course, we’ll just have to wait and see.

By The Grinch

December 13, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Tripleplay9, that’s exactly the same issue I have with KC’s scouting report…hmm.

Scalp, between football and jail and the gym I’ve probably spent more time in that situation than I have at home. Not that that’s necc. a good thing…

Off to a party.

By bfred

December 13, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Very few second basemen are worth $6MM, and Giles is definitely not one of them. The answer to “what did we get by not trading him” is about $4 - 5 million of buying power after we replace his stats with a less expensive player, to be spent at the Braves’ discretion and not on whoever would have been available for him in a trade.

And get off Chipper and LaRoche. Chipper’s willingness to take a pay cut to help the team has been well documented in this blog, and the production out of his 130 games plus the platoon player that handles the rest is far in excess of anyone else that could be had for a reasonable price. My prediction is that he will be back healthy but need days off, probably turning in 135 -140 games. So he fooled around with a Hooter’s girl - something 90% of pro athletes do, but not many take responsibility for. As for LaRoche, he was the third best offensive first baseman in the NL last year at about a tenth the payroll. He clearly was embarassed by his no-hustle brain freeze and played out of his head the rest of the year. No way he goes anywhere.

Oh, yeah - and the only teams that would trade for Andruw Jones now are the perennial contenders. The Braves would be entering the season admitting that they don’t want to compete if they shipped him. Yeah he’s fat, but he’s still one of the best players in the game.

Most fans would kill for players like these, and about all I hear is whining. I notice that most of the the more intelligent posts are pretty positive on the current roster, while those from the third grade dropouts are “the brves sucke and chippur should be traded for derek jetr and ryan howerd ina 3-way.” Go yell at your kids instead, we’ve heard enough.

By Geno

December 13, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

Marcus was part of the heart of the Braves Baseball team. The reservations of management to expend the necessary funds to keep excellent players, speaks to a real internal struggle with their “salary Cap”. The last few years have seen internal dismay by fans of the teams inability to retain excellent players. Nick Green started a chain of events that has continued. Players unable to see their salary demands realized are turned loose. Seems like they are like “cats” they land on another team and play and work harder, but they make it with other teams. Question is…who is the internal rattler of the team and its inability to win again. This move was unfair to Marcus..I would say “highly unfair” but then I would be pressing a point. He will probably wind up with Padres and have a record season. We have seen this all before. Time for changes but not on the field level.

By Bass man

December 13, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Yep, your batting has dropped but your Defense is awesom.It will be very hard to find a better second baseman.good luck Marcus! Thanks for all the hard work.

By joe brave

December 13, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

DAMMIT SHUT UP ABOUT GILES HE IS GONE THANK GOD!!!11GEESH!!1

By John

December 14, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

Very exciting player. Great hustle. Would very much like him to remain a Brave. If not, will cheer for him where ever he ends up, especially in San Diego with his brother Bryan.

By David

December 14, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Losing Giles is another example of Shuerholtz continuing to lose his touch as a general manager. Shuerholtz would prefer to pay Mike Hampton and Tim Hudson, players who have given us nothing than Marcus Giles who is a perennial all-star at his position. Giles gives us a presence near the top of the lineup and a table-setter that we no longer will have with his departure. Its not enough that we’ve had difficulty scoring runs but to lose probably our best infielder other than Chipper Jones I think is just ridiculous. The only reason why I can think of John Shuerholtz allowing Giles to get away is that he must be trying to facilitate the Braves getting sold or moving to another city. The other reason I think why Shuerholtz has stripped the Braves clean of talent, losing Wilson Bettemit, Giles and others to clear space on the team so that he can give his son a starting position in the Braves lineup.

By mark

December 14, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

I’m not believing what i’m hearing in here! JS is crappy GM? This is the guy who has put together 14 straight division titles with one of the lesser payrolls? People, we were a couple of bullpen guys away last year from making the playoffs. How do you expect to compete with the likes of the Mets with that stingy a* payroll AOL/TW is handing down?!? He is the best at getting the most out of what money he is given. If we had the Yankees payroll then we could resign Giles and AJ and kept Furcal and done everything else the Yankees can do. The fact is we have less than half and accomplish more!