Braves

By tfbrave77

February 20, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

I would not go even $18M per year for Andruw much less any more than that. I know for his position he is very valuable player, but his signing could ultimately lead to Francoeur, McCann and others leaving due to not being able to afford them in a few years. I would take that money and start locking up some of the young guys.

This is the only reason I would like to see Langerhans get a significant amount of playing time. If he improves enough offensively the Braves could move him to CF without a drastic drop defensively. Then sign a FA for LF who could help make up for the offensive difference. All this is contingent upon not having a prospect break out who could be moved to LF.

By matt

February 20, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I think the chances of Liberty raising the payroll are slim to none. The deal is simply business, nothing more. They don’t want to put anything more into it than they have to.

The chances of Andruw giving a “hometown discount”? Better than Liberty raising payroll, but still not good.

This isn’t a bad thing, though. This year we’ll get a committed Andruw, who may just help put us back in the playoffs, and then an opportunity for JS to work some magic in the offseason with the extra cash. Andruw would be missed, but it’s not worth burying our payroll for one guy.

By Patrick

February 20, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

A trade for Rocco Baldelli would make more sense that ever. If we sign Andruw (Great!) then we have one of top outfields in baseball, if not, then we at least have Baldelli to play center.

Would a trade consisting of Devine, Villareal, Escobar, and Matt Harrison be crazy for a package includuing Baldelli…perhaps Upton as well?

I think JS has made the point clear that no one is getting Chuck James

By ernesto

February 20, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

It’s a tough one no doubt, but I think at the end of the day, the Braves have to put a moneyball number to Andruw’s value, and then maybe offer a little more than that for loyalty and let that be their offer. Potentially 1/4 or even 1/5 of the total payroll wrapped up in one guy, even a guy as important as Andruw, doesn’t seem like a smart move. Smoltz is going to retire one of htese days and getting an Ace at 8 mil a yr. ain’t gonna happen in thsi market. Hampton’s gone after next year, and Hudson’s only signed for 2 more, we’re going to have some big pieces of the roation to fill in the coming years.

By D-rock

February 20, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Center field just won’t look the same without Andruw out there. His under-appreciated impact may actually be on the pitching staff. He saves a lot of runs out there, and makes the other two outfielders look better as well. Maybe injuries will start to catch up with him, but he’s been a durable gamer up till now. We’ve no way to be sure if this new ownership will be inclined to spend more cash. I’d anticipate a slight increase, of in the neighborhood of 15 million. That might be enough.

By eware

February 20, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

My first thought is to enjoy the heck out of this year, but say goodbye to Andruw. Offensively, I’m sure there is someone who can step up in everything except homers. We’ll just have to take what we can get in defense.

BUT, my next thought is to do everything to keep Andruw. My only hesitation with a long contract is the wear and tear on his body. I don’t want him to wear down after 4 years of a 7-8 year contract. Then I thought maybe we could move him to right or left field eventually to ease things up on him.

Final verdict: Sign Andruw if payroll goes up.

By HarleyDavidson

February 20, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Andrew Jones is a popular Brave and a fan favorite. Andrew plays his position better than ANYONE who has ever played centerfield. Its amazing but it is true that Andrew has saved countless runs with his electrifying, spectacular, breathless play in the outfield. But the fact remains that Andrew is merely only a weak lifetime .260 hitter who has not produced in the post-season for the Braves. The Braves must decide if they will pay Andrew untold countless millions of dollars for a below average bat in the lineup that only produces a mere .260 lifetime average or should they pay Andrew countless millions for making a never-ending amount of spectacular and circus catches in the outfield. THE BRAVES SHOULD MAKE A DECISION ON ANDREW WITHOUT HAVING TO BREAK THE BANK

By Patrick

February 20, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Andruw should be this teams’ #1 priority whether or not the payroll is increased. He’s the best player on the team and overall one of the top 5 in baseball!

You can’t replace what he provides. Offensive, Gold Glove defense at the most demanding position and peace of mind for the pitching staff…can’t replace that.

By Wilson

February 20, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

I think tfbrave makes a good point. DOB, if we were to sign Andruw, how big of an effect would that have down the road on signing Franceour and McCann?

By Nick

February 20, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Payroll increase or not, I believe the number one priority for next offseason will once again be pitching. With John Smoltz becoming a free agent and showing no signs of wanting to retire or a decrease in ability it will be crucial to retain him and his leadership skills. He knows what it takes to be successful, and having that on the pitching staff is worth the 2-3 year deal he’ll be looking for next offseason.

By hk

February 20, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

jimmy,

… this popped into my head last night, then thought(leave well enough alone), but can’t stand it, have to say something …

… I know you are still smarting a bit with the the perceived hatchet still embedded … but you, above all others should realize this was not a back, but a ‘toe’ problem :)) … sometimes people, focussed on one thing, inadvertently step on anothers ‘toes’… I have this picture of the Long Branch Saloon, rather late at night, crowd becoming a bit raucous, jimmy and stinky getting into it, slamming into tables, crowd barely noticing (high raucous tolerance) … in comes Matt Dillon, tired, rough day, says “hey, you guys break it up, Jimmy you should know better, take this outside !!” … and as he steps in to intercede, he accidently steps on jimmy’s ‘toes’ …

… the thing is, toes are tricky, very sensitive, sometimes there’s a perceived phantom transference of discomfort to other places, like the back … and toes are more likely to get stepped on the more we choose to get out in the traffic …

… we on this blog are all shadows, virtually invisible, except by our choice with trusted friends … our time on the blog is for pleasure at our leisure … but DOB is totally exposed in every way imaginable, this is his profession, and a large part of his life, a life he has chosen to share with us on a daily basis, to our benefit … if I was in his shoes I’d get a lot more ticked off than he does … but he knows enough to get it off his chest now and then, let off a little steam, not let it build up … but we know that afterwards it’s over and forgotten … in this way he has taught us what I have called ‘good venting’, part of what blogs are all about …

(I know, I know, posted this at the very end of the other blog, DOB surprised me with a new blog so soon, only 229 posts at this hour … “vanity, all is vanity” :))

By tfbrave77

February 20, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Let us also not forget that Hudson’s salary will increase from $6M in 2007 to $13M in 2008 & 2009. I just don’t think there is anyway you can give Andruw that kind of money. Is he worth it and can the team afford to take that risk are two different questions entirely. I would not do it.

By Baron

February 20, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

There is no way a mid-payroll team like the Braves should be committing 20, 18 or even 15 million a year to one player. You can take that money and upgrade at 2 or 3 positions and more than compensate for the loss of Andruw’s production- and probably exceed it overall. Also, I would suggest that these ridiculous contracts we’ve seen handed out this winter are an anomaly caused by the windfall MLB has recieved of late. Two or three years from now, after all that excess cash has been soaked up by the likes of Vernon Wells and Alfonso Soriano, nit-wit clubs like the Cubs will be whining about the untenable contracts, and smarter teams like the Braves and the Athletics will be plucking guys twice as valuable as those two at half the price. It’s a shame that we can’t hold on to Andruw. We all love and respect the guy. But at the same time, we have to be happy that he’ll collect mad money from some other team, and content ourselves with the fact that the other squad will have severly hampered themselves for years to come by tying up so much green in one player.

By geauxbraves2000

February 20, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Some good points made for and against AJ. Personally, keeping him not only helps out the pitching staff, it keeps a power bat in the lineup. Pitchers can make mistakes with him in CF and he can help hide them. Getting rid of AJ would have the same effect as if the moon suddenly disappeared from the earth. Give the man what he wants, instead of backloading the contract though, frontload it so when it comes time to pay up for Francoeur, McCann, et al, the money will be there. Just my opinion.

Geaux Braves!!

By Ken Stallings

February 20, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

No way the Braves should exceed $18 million per year. He’s already making $13.5 million per year, so that would be a manageable increase if the overall payroll is increased to a reasonable $95 million per year.

If Andruw wants to play for the Yankees for $25 million per year, then the Braves should close all negotiations and frankly tell Andruw, “Thanks for the memories!”

Eventually, the belt is going to come off the escalator in free agent money.

Boras has already had cases where he overplayed his hand and hurt his clients. He isn’t the across the board success his PR claims.

Andruw’s talent is without question. But, he’s also stubborn at the plate and Terry Pendleton has achieved more improvement than anyone, but as Terry said, Andruw is a tough student.

Worse, Andruw’s weight gains have been noticeable, and I find it interesting how in his free agent year he shows up at camp in the best shape in years.

When you’re getting paid $13.5 million a year as a professional athlete, showing up for work in peak condition shouldn’t be an option! I suspect he will have a good year, but I also suspect he could have had that year many times over by now.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

If Liberty ups the Payroll, I’d up the Signing bonus. Take the hit up front while the young guys are still affordable. Then secure the young guys with 5 year deals. Lock them up like the Rays did Baldeli. I’d also sign Smoltz to a mutli year deal. Nothing crazy long as he probably would like to retire eventually. But we could sign him to a two year deal with mutual options and so forth.

I don’t have a problem with obtaining Baldeli, but I do have an issue with what the Rays want for any of their players. If we trade away our future to replace AJ, then we’ll suffer for it in all the other spots. Pitching is getting ridiculously expensive so trading it for a hitter seems to be a bit much.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Very good, reasoned arguments and points made by folks. I figured it would be more emotional stances like, “We’ve gotta sign Andruw no matter what the cost!” It’s nice to see that so many people really do grasp the paraments, the difficulties.

Self-imposed though it is, that is the Braves’ payroll. This is one of those times where they will TRULY wish Ted Turner was still owner. No way would they have let Andruw go if that were the case. But it’s not, and hasn’t been for a long time.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

HK, your sentiments are appreciated. Well put.

By tfbrave77

February 20, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Next years crop of OF FA do not look very good. The only ones that seem interesting are Adam Dunn, Ichiro, Bobby Abreu (has an option for 08), and Torii Hunter. None of which I would sign to a crazy amount of money either. Lets hope Langerhans shows improvement or Blanco develops into reasonable replacement.

By Mr. J

February 20, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

It’s way too early to make a call on this one. So much depends on how players develope this year. Does Kelly Johnson become a good lead-off? If not then maybe Andruw should go to make room for an outfielder who can fill that roll. Does Salty live up to his potential this year? If so, then everyone will be howling for him to be brought up, but where’s he going to play? Either he or Thorman has to play left field. And that’s assuming Thorman’s not a bust. There are just too many variables to play out.

Emotionally, it would be great to resign AJ, but it may or may not make sense for the well-being of the team. I say we can’t seriously worry about it until the All Star break.

By dougp

February 20, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

What about Frenchy for center field? Out of all the names mentioned, he may be the closest to filling the gap offensively and defensively. Jeff will only get better offensively, so it is no stretch that he could match Andruw’s numbers. Between Frenchy maturing and a new right fielder we could almost match if not exceed the production. I do love Andruw though and hope it doesn’t come to that. He has been my favorite Brave ever since he came up.

By Voice of Reason

February 20, 2007 01:01 PM | Link to this

I am a huge Andruw Jones fan. That being said, you can’t hamstring the entire payroll with one signing. I don’t know much about Blanco other than what is stated on this esteemed blog. As to his glaring lack of power, I believe Otis Nixon averaged 1 HR per season over his career and was considered an integral cog of the Braves at the beginning of “the string,” was he not?

By Brad

February 20, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this

What people are forgetting is that we’re not going to get the chance to resign him. Some team, like the Red Sox who need to upgrade at CF, is going to pay him more than the Braves can, period. Somewhere to the tune of 21-23 million a year. Sound ridiculous? This is Scott Boras we’re talking about. I plan to enjoy watching Andruw in a Braves uniform this season because it’s the last time any of us will see him in one.

By Gary

February 20, 2007 01:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t think there is any way the Braves can even consider keeping Andrew without a Liberty commiment of 115-125 milion payroll. A 90-95 million payroll will be in the bottom third of payrolls in a couple of years. We won’t be getting a home town discount from Smoltz/Chipper and that masks what the payroll should look like today.

Liberty will just hold the Braves for 3 years and then unload to the highest bidder. The Braves need to look to the future and try to ensure that Frenchy, McCann and Chucky are locked in for a long time. It is more likely that Liberty will hold closer to 80 million than to 95 million during their tenure as owners.

The last several years of an 80 million payroll screams that Andrew, Smoltz, et. al. are gone after this year and the Braves only hope is to win with their farm system wich is not a hopeless alternative. The minor league development payroll has to have priority over $12-15 million anual salaries for anyone. Then hope that an Arthur Blank type with the money, bankroll and commitment to winning steps up and rescues the Braves.

I agree with Chipper that the Braves are posioned to win big this year mainly because they can’t possible have the injuries to their starting pitching that occurred last year. The bullpen is so deep that it could survive one or two serious injuries.

Bottom line, after this year kiss Andrew, Chipper and every veteran looking for more than $10 milion per, gone.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2007 01:10 PM | Link to this

Mr. J, very true _ too early to call this one, too many variables to play out. Sometimes, folks don’t seem to be willing to concede we just can’t know some things so soon.

By Brad in MT

February 20, 2007 01:12 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s value to the Braves and other teams will have a lot to do with what he does this year. I think that the Braves need to try to keep him, but not at the overall expense of the team. He is a one of a kind guy and if Liberty raises the payroll I think the Braves could afford to spend 16-18 million a year on a guy who in a couple years after Smoltz is gone and eventually Chipper could be the face of the franchise. I still think that even if Boras is his agent, playing in Atlanta will mean something and he will accept a little less money, and that little bit could be the difference.

By Baron

February 20, 2007 01:14 PM | Link to this

Off topic but now that I have taken time to register and post, might as well throw it out there: What was the thinking behind signing Chris Woodward?!? A thirty year old lifetime .687 OPS player? Forget the $850,000 he cost. We’ve got Willy Aybar and Martin Prado, both interesting prospects who’ve shown they can out perform Woodward and only 23. We’ve got Pete Orr who has been our utility guy for 3 years already and has about the same stats, 27 years old and less than half the cost. And we’re supposed to be converting Kelly Johnson into our starting second sacker. What gives? In the same vein, what’s up with Tanyon Sturtz? We gave this guy 1.5 mil for at best half a season, a guy who’s career stats at 36 years old looks like this: WHIP: 1.53 BAA:.285 ERA:5.21. Yikes! Yikes! Yikes! I have all faith in JS, so I have to think something is going on I can’t see. Were they pieces of a trade that never happened (or might still happen)? Can anyone explain these two signings?

By DE

February 20, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this

Trade fatass and get a real hitter. He is not worth more than 10 mil. To try to trim up during the contract year, but not before when he was really needed? What a loser.

By tfbrave77

February 20, 2007 01:17 PM | Link to this

Gregor Blanco has hit 26 HRs in his minor league career (600+ games) including 0 last year (130+ games).

Rafael Furcal hit a grand total of 3 HRs in his (240+ games).

There is still time for him to develop into a hitter with Furcal type power.

By MBATL

February 20, 2007 01:17 PM | Link to this

dougp, I agree. Frenchy could play CF, and then you’re replacing a corner outfielder, not a CF. That’s a bit easier to do.

Or, if Salty develops (and is moved to OF), you could probably afford to play a guy like Blanco in center because you’re getting a lot of power out of your corner OFs. (or, Salty to 1B and Thorman to LF)

I also wonder if Lillibridge might be considered for the OF; I think he played it some in college and apparently has the tools to play just about anywhere.

Another possibility might be that Eric Campbell or Lillibridge take over 2B in ‘08, and KJ moves back to the outfield. A lot of possibilities, but a lot depends on how guys develop this year.

Anyway, I just really don’t think we can afford to tie up 20% of our payroll in AJ. We’ve got a great young core, and need the flexibility to fill in the gaps when some of these large contracts run out.

If Liberty does intend to flip the team in 2 or 3 years, I would guess that the fewer huge, longterm contracts on the books, the more attractive the team will be to potential buyers.

By NCBrave

February 20, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this

Why is it when a contract year comes up that players come into camp in the best shape of their lives? Andrew will probably have a great year, get a new contract, and then gain every bit of that 10 to 15 lbs. back for the rest of his career. The injuries are coming after that and what good will he be on injured reserve? NO! NO! NO! Do not sign him. Use the money on 2,3,4 or more players that together can make up the difference in the lost productivity of one player.

GO BRAVES!

By John Adcox

February 20, 2007 01:21 PM | Link to this

Personally, I think, from a purely business standpoint—and assuming that they truly do intend to flip the team in two years—Liberty would be very foolish not to put serious resources behind signing Andruw Jones. Simply put, Andruw Jones sells tickets. He, like Chipper, has the ability and, frankly, charisma that people are willing to pay to see. He’s one of the reasons families spend their vacations to drive from Alabama or Tennessee to see a Braves game, and why the TV ratings do as well as they do (declines aside, they could be a heck of a lot worse), even after a down year. Having players like Andruw and Chipper give the Braves “face,” a brand to be a bit cold.

From an emotional point of view (and why else should we care?) I’d love to see Andruw’s loyalty rewarded, and I’d love to keep rooting for him. He’s fun to watch.

I’ve made this point before, and I still feel it—we don’t cheer for laundry. Ultimately, we cheer for human beings that we follow through a long season and come to feel, almost, like we know. That kind of passion has value, even if it’s hard to quantify on a balance sheet. I hope Liberty is wise enough to see it.

John

By ssiscribe

February 20, 2007 01:23 PM | Link to this

Sigh … here we go.

From the moment he blasted two home runs in the hallowed House that Ruth Built in the opening game of the 1996 World Series, we knew we were dealing with somebody different in Andruw Jones. From the way he covers ground in center field to the way he spells his first name, this guy has been one for the ages, one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

And that age probably is going to end after the 2007 season, when Jones becomes a free agent. Jones said Tuesday, upon reporting for what could be his last spring training at Lake Buena Vista, that he is going for “fair market value.”

Well folks, fair market value, as spelled out by DOB in his blog, will put Andruw somewhere in the $18 million to $20 million a season neighborhood, at least. Think the Braves can afford that with an $80 million payroll? You do the math.

Sure, Jones is a once-in-a-generation type player. His defense in center field is the best many of us have ever seen. He’s finally developed into the type of hitter we thought he could be, an MVP candidate who can carry a team on his shoulders. The fact he showed up Tuesday in great shape is a good sign for the Braves, and for Scott Boras, Jones’ agent who will get Andruw every red cent he can on the open market.

And that appears to be where AJ is heading. The one caveat in this is what will Liberty Media do with the Braves’ payroll once the pending sale of the team from Time-Warner is approved by MLB owners. Will they raise it from $80 million? If so, how much? If the payroll climbs to $95 million, I think the Braves have a chance, albeit it not much of one, to sign Jones. It will take some creative financing – either a large signing bonus, or a backloaded deal – to even make it happen with $15 million extra a year put into the payroll. And there’s no guarantee Liberty is going to do anything.

You can make signing Andruw the No. 1 priority, but you cannot scuttle the future direction of the franchise by tying up 25 percent of the payroll into one player. If this was Dale Murphy and the 1986 Braves, fine. But 21 years later, the big-league roster contains several young, budding stars, stars the Braves need to try and lock up early (ala Chipper Jones). They are part of the foundation of the Braves, just as Andruw is. Separating emotion from it, you can’t sign one player – no matter how important he is – and have it potentially cost you several core players down the road.

As badly as all of us want to see Andruw play center field at Turner Field 81 games a year for the rest of his career, I’d advise all of you to really enjoy watching No. 25 do his thing this season, because right now, I just don’t see how the Braves can do anything to bring him back in 2008.

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you. This is a discussion we would not have been having a generation ago; chalk it up to the economics of the game. Nobody is going to hold a gun to Andruw’s head and force him to leave, but the Braves can only go so high, and I don’t think it’ll be high enough. If Andruw wants fair market value, there certainly will be at least one team out there willing to give it to him.

I’d love for my children to grow up watching who I feel is the absolute best center fielder I’ve seen in my life playing for our hometown team. But unless loyalty — to the only organization he’s ever played for, to the manager he considers a father figure – comes in to play, then I think AJ is like one of his patented blasts to left field:

Going, going, gone.

—30—

By Eugene

February 20, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

They gave Chipper his money and he cannot stay healthy. I know that Ted does not own the team, but you cannot replace what Andruw does. He saves the pitchers runs every year. I wonder what the difference between Chipper and Andruw are..

By jed

February 20, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

i love andruw. i go to games and my favorite thing is to watch the jump he gets on balls. the speed with which he tracks them. the route he takes to the ball. it’s pretty wonderful to watch. but 20 million for any player is just stupid. how many parts of a team can you hammer down with 20 million dollars? i’d replace andruw with a solid young CF and then go sign a masher. you’d still have several million left over.

By Brad in MT

February 20, 2007 01:26 PM | Link to this

DOB…if all Liberty ins concerned about is selling the team in a couple of years and making it as attractive as possible, would the team be more attractive without any big contracts like the one Andruw is going to get or would the team be more marketable with a big name superstar?

By CW

February 20, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this

Liberty has to raise payroll. We have to keep Andrew Jones!!

By Devastator

February 20, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this

People,People! Let’s just face facts: The braves are going to kick some serious a$$ this season!!

By Luv 2 Hate Me

February 20, 2007 01:29 PM | Link to this

It’s simple as 1,2,3. Trade Chipper which fee’s of cap and sign Andruw for 18-20 mil a year. Chipper is ole and we could use a new 3rd baseman who can play the entire season.

By tkg

February 20, 2007 01:31 PM | Link to this

I can vaguely remember attending my first Braves game with my dad way back in the early 80s. Upper deck, first base line seats. The players looked as small as I was back then. Brett Butler was my favorite player. I believe the Braves had just traded for Len Barker, too, if memory serves.

The Braves have been my team forever. I rooted for Andres Thomas, for goodness sake. Ditto Ozzie Virgil, Bruce Benedict (until he became an SEC referee :o) ) Ken Oberkfell, Pascual Perez, Rick Mahler, Murph, Niekro, etc., etc. I even remember watching Brad Komminsk crank a couple of homers in one game at Fulton County.

Obviously after suffering through the 80s, the 90s became quite special for all of us. Smoltzie, Glavine, TP coming over in what turned out to be one of the greatest free agent signings of the 90s, period. I was supposed to be asleep when Frank Cabrera knocked in Sid to win the NLCS. Instead I leapt from my bed and ran downstairs to make sure my parents saw what happened. I didn’t even get in trouble.

Chipper, of course, became a favorite. And then Andruw. I remember those two World Series’ homers, still remember Cox pulling him out of a game in the middle of an inning for loafing. That was the best thing that ever happened to Andruw, I believe. I think it played a key part in making him a great player and a player I still love to watch at bat and in the field.

I want all of these guys to stay Braves forever. I would especially like to see Andruw finish what will in all likelihood by a Hall of Fame career as a Brave. But it’s probably not going to happen. Is it OK? No. Is it reality? Yes.

I don’t think Schuerholz should pay him the $20 million plus per year it will likely take to keep him here, even if Liberty ups the payroll to $90-95 million (which I doubt very seriously it will). I agree with some earlier posts that the money could be used to lock up McCann and Francouer and probably get Smoltzie back (assuming and hoping he’s healthy) not to mention sign a couple of free agents to fill other key holes. Of course, Schuerholz could make a key trade or two, also.

Regardless, I just hope Andruw will have the best season of his life in 07 and Braves will be in contention to win the whole thing. I want to wide that big wave again, in hopes of experiencing another season of great memories. And I want Andruw to be a major part of it whether he’s back in 08 and beyond or not.

By Coop

February 20, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this

One of the reasons I was surprised by the trade of Laroche is this situation with Andrew. Why trade a young, relatively inexpensive power hitter a year before we may lose Andrew? Could JS be clearing future salary obligations for a strong run at Andrew, or are they really that high on Thorman? Thanks for the posts DOB. Nobody blogs quite like ya!

By michael

February 20, 2007 01:33 PM | Link to this

I’ll HATE seeing AJ in another uniform. However, the game is what it is…a business. He’ll have a chance to earn more than the Braves can afford. The question is, if you’re AJ,would you even want the Braves maxing out on you and leaving nothing else for the team around you? Atlanta’s already done the fan-favorite-center-fielder-All Star-on-a- team-finishing-in-last-place-every- year-thing. Please not again. I love watching Andruw. Just incredible. But come on!! Back load his contract so that if/when his body starts breaking down you’ve got a really expensive back-up outfielder? All that to say: Andruw,please don’t go! Braves,please don’t be silly!

By Braves20

February 20, 2007 01:34 PM | Link to this

When the Rays watch their bullpen implode all spring, Baldelli will become very available given their surplus of outfielders. It will probably take Soriano or Gonzalez plus a solid prospect but long term, it’s worth it. AJ is gone after this season.

By David

February 20, 2007 01:42 PM | Link to this

Are you people kidding? Who cares about Francouer and McCann? These guys were big surprises and fun to watch, but put together they aren’t half the player Andruw is. And some of you complaining about Andruw’s BA….have you checked out Frenchy’s? 100+ strikeouts per year, guaranteed. And Brian is a better-than-average catcher - those guys are a dime a dozen. Stop it with this love affair with young local kids playing for the Braves. Neither of these guys will be an impact player in 2 years. You people are crazy.

By Luther

February 20, 2007 01:44 PM | Link to this

Not sure its as simple as: Andruw gets a big contract, then we can’t sign Franc and McCann. By the time we need to lock those guys up, Smoltz and at this rate Chipper will be gone. Just because the Cardinals have a lot of money in Pujols, Edmonds, and Carpenter doesn’t mean they can’t piece together a good team around them.

In addition,if we spend the money elsewhere, what do two 8-10 million a year free agents look like? Mark DeRosa and Gary Mathews?

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 01:45 PM | Link to this

Trade Chipper. What a novel idea. It isn’t going to happen. And it shouldn’t happen.

By N8

February 20, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this

DOB

You stated earlier (and this is paraphrasing - didn’t wanna go back and copy and paste), that the Andruw situation is where many will “TRULY wish Ted Turner was still owning the team”.

I can agree and disagree with that statement. For the sake of Andruw and not wanting to watch him finish his HOF career in another uniform…..YES, it would be nice to have Ted’s pocketbook (and desire to spend that money on the homegrown players).

But having said that, we (as Braves fans) CAN’T have it both ways.

IF Ted was still the owner, how patient do you think we would’ve been with LaRoche? I’m quite certain Maddux, Glavine and Millwood would all still be here. Which means that we would have a REALLY old pitching staff, while Chuck James would’ve likely still be in the minors waiting for his chance. Or worse yet, traded for some middle aged OF in the last couple of years.

The EXCITEMENT and youth that has been injected into this team for the last three years is due SPECIFICALLY to the fact that JS isn’t allowed to spend as freely as before.

I for one DON’T have a problem with that.

I Love Andruw, and truly wish he could finish his career here. It’s been a joy watching him, really it has. But I’m going on the record as saying we shouldn’t give him that much money EVEN IF Liberty Media raises payroll 15 million, to the 90-95 range.

Smoltz isn’t getting younger. Hampton and Hudson are MAJOR question marks (and not getting younger either). I HONESTLY believe that that money could be spent on the rest of the team to make us a better TEAM.

Let’s let the kids play out this year, before we make any hasty decisions (something I know JS will do - he always does).

Look at all of the “hot prospects” coming up shortly: Lillebridge, Andrus,Salty, Brandon Jones, Escobar, possibly Blanco. Hell, who knows? Maybe Kelly Johnson and Thorman turn into the offensive leaders of this team along with Francoeur and McCann.

For all we know, we might have the next Albert Pujols less than a year or two away.

It would be unwise (no matter how much of a fan favorite he is), to invest too much money into the likes of Andruw Jones at this stage of his career. Unless you are the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, Rangers or Angels. They can afford to “make a mistake” or eat that contract if he goes down before it’s completed.

Look how much of a “burden” people are saying Mike Hampton’s contract is (which it is - unless he returns to anything close to 20 win form). Do we REALLY want to be complaining about Andruw’s contract being “unmovable” in 3-4 years?

I’d rather remember him the way he was (is), than be annoyed by him in 2010. If he goes on to have 5-6 more MONSTER years, so be it. He’ll more than likely be having them with a team that can afford to have OTHER GOOD PLAYERS around him. If we keep him, it will resemble the Mid to Late 80’s Braves with Dale Murphy. Monster numbers, gold gloves and 100 loss seasons.

Enjoy the ride this year, and let him go.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 01:52 PM | Link to this

The LaRoche trade made it more possible to sign Andruw. Hudson was partially on the block this offseason. Suppose he bounces back and Davies steps up? He could be dealt. Lillibridge could prove huge and take the place of Renteria. We’d drop over 10 million off the payroll right there. JS knows what he is doing. He made his moves with everything in mind. He has the flexibility to add a peice if needed and move peices if needed. The loss of LaRoche will be minimal this year. Maybe even nothing if Johnson performs well and Thorman does alright. And LaRoche was only getting more expensive. Plus, the guys he replaced LaRoche with are under our control for several years.

By Shaun

February 20, 2007 01:52 PM | Link to this

I say it depends on how much Liberty increases the payroll. You don’t want any one player taking up 1/3 to 1/5 your payroll, no matter how great.

The good thing it the Braves have options at CF in young players.

You don’t want your hands to be tied. What if a trade comes up for two or three really good to great players around 25 years old but you can’t make it because a lot of your payroll is tied into one player? Or what happens when you can’t resign McCann and Francouer and maybe another young player or two right as they are entering their prime because you have way too much tied into a good player in his mid 30’s?

I think the Braves do all they can to sign AJ but they stick to their price not his or Boras’s. If he doesn’t accept, let him walk.

By george

February 20, 2007 01:52 PM | Link to this

What a coincidence!? He’s up for free agency after this season and he is in the best shape in years —going into that season. Wow! How does that seem to happen all the time?

By Bryan

February 20, 2007 01:54 PM | Link to this

DOB- long time reader, first time caller ect. ect.

In re: Andruw Jones…doesn’t seem that every team that signs players for 5+ years for massive amounts of money ends up regretting it after about 2 years? Personally, I think part of JS’s genius over the years is that he doesn’t sign players for longer than about 3-4 years. I think if he strays from that formula for Andruw, he will regret it. Not to mention, it seems like for the last 3-4 years there has been a lot of talk about the Bravos not having any roster flexibility because 1/2 of their payrole is locked up in 4 players. Do we really want to hear that talk for another 6 years? I say, ride the walk year and thanks for the memories…Javy Lopez anyone?

ps—tkg-I loved your post bringing up all those names from the past and it brought a smile to my face. I think I still have Brad Komminsk’s rookie card if anyone wants it.

By By Dekalb

February 20, 2007 01:56 PM | Link to this

Big Guy go for the Gold!!!! We kept all those expensive worned out Pitchers and they couldn’t win GAMES IN PLAYOFFS, ALL STAR or GET US BACK TO THE WORLD SERIES IN A DECADE!!!! BIG GUY GO FOR YOUR GOLD AND FORGET THE REST OF THESE LOOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!EVERYBODY IS GOING FOR THEMSELVES…. WHOW MANY WORLD SERIES RINGS DOES “A ROD” HAVE ON HIS HAND????????????????RIGHT OR LEFT I ASK?????? He Got 250mil to go to TEXAS And he left them the same way he found them. NO WORLD SERIES………………!!!!!!!!!!!!!NOT NANED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Phil of Playaz Ball

February 20, 2007 01:56 PM | Link to this

Andruw will be fat again next season.

The only reason he’s remotely close to in-shape (which we’ve heard he’s in “the best shape” every year for the last 7 years - only to see how fat he truly is) is because it’s a contract year.

Is he a great CF? Yes. Is he worth $18mm to hit .260 and swing at every curve ball thrown his way? No.

By ssiscribe

February 20, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this

Not being one to jump on anybody for their opinions, but David, come on man. McCann won’t be an impact player in two years? Dude, have you watched him swing the bat, call a game, his leadership capabilities? Come on. Francoeur needs some work (better plate discipline, etc.), but McCann is right here and now among the best catchers in baseball and, with good health, will be there for years to come.

A talent like that is a dime a dozen? Please.

—30—

By kdbanks

February 20, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this

To me, the question isn’t so much about how much AJ’s worth a year - he’s clearly worth $20 million a year when you look at the current market. The bigger question is do you lock up that much payroll for that many years?

Look at what the Twins are doing right now, and you’ll see a preview of the Braves dealings in two years. They have, or are in the process of, locking up Santana, Morneau, Mauer and Nathan for the next few years in order to reap the benefits of having patience with talented, young players.

The Braves are going to have to do the same with McCann, James, and Francouer, and maybe Gonzalez or Soriano in the next couple of years as well. And we won’t be able to do it wit a $20 million albatross around our necks.

I love Andruw, and I’d hate to lose him, but it just makes sense to let him go if he won’t stick around for a shorter (not necessarily less expensive) contract. I’d rather have all of those young guys for the next five years then Andruw the next seven.

By AustinPowers

February 20, 2007 01:59 PM | Link to this

I’m having trouble controlling THE VOLUME OF MY VOICE.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 02:02 PM | Link to this

AJ is in better shape in his walk year. We’ll see. I recall last year he supposedly lost all this weight but he really didn’t look much thinner.
I don’t really care though. I’m glad he is prepared to play his arse off. It’ll only help the team. What’s he going to do, hit 40 to 50 homers? He’s done that the last two years. This way he’ll at least maintain that production, which is a good thing. And be thankful the roids are banned otherwise we’d have that tainting his performance much like Adrian Beltre (another Borass client).

By MBATL

February 20, 2007 02:02 PM | Link to this

I think if (a) Liberty raises the payroll to $95 mil; (b) Scheurholz decides to stay on a few more years; and (c) we don’t resign AJ, the Braves will dominate like they did in the mid-90s.

Scheurholz knows how to get value for his dollar. Give him $15 mil more per year, plus the savings of $13 mil when AJ leaves, plus the core now in place, and I have every confidence that he’ll work magic with it.

DOB, do you think it would be reasonable for the Braves to offer Smoltz an incentive-laden deal? A respectable guarantee for 2 or 3 years, plus big-dollar incentives for continued performance at a high level? Or would that be seen as an insult?

Smoltz is the guy I’d love to see retire as a Brave. Nothing against AJ - that’s just me. But I think he’d go to the Tigers to close it out if the Braves don’t “respect” him with cash.

By hk

February 20, 2007 02:02 PM | Link to this

.. trying to put myself in Liberty’s shoes, basically an account’s mentality … let’s see, the purchase is all about a tax break, all about money … and I probably resell the team in 3 years or so …

… hmmm, I need to protect the resale value, first and foremost … I have purchased the team with the expectation of 90 wins, it would be nice to maintain that until resale, can’t count on better than that because team is pretty old in key positions … letting Andruw go, figuring best possible use of the money gained for other players, could cost 5-7 wins a year, might equate to a loss of $20-30 million on resale … same song second verse with Chipper … if I lose those two guys, considering the potential (and likely over 3 years) downside with Smoltz, Hudson and Hampton, the Braves will be perceived in the market place as a ‘rebuilding’ team, market value could tumble by 40-50 million if we’re not careful ….

… conclusion: spend what it takes to keep both Chipper and Andruw … what will it take ???

… alot less than people think, is my read … I remember vividly the last time, when his dad was his agent, he took I believe 3-4 million less a year than he could have gotten with a Boras … said “I want to stay a Brave, use the extra money to get what we need” … I think Andruw’s loyalty is not to a TW or a Liberty, but to the guys, and to the fans … I don’t think that will change … sure, he’s got Boras, and “the market is the market” he says … sounds like pretty good posturing, pretty good negotiating strategy to me …

… with that in mind, back to the Liberty accountant’s mentality once more, I think for another $10 mil per year with contracts weighted light on the front, heavy on the back as DOB described, Liberty can protect itself from up to $50 mil in resale losses, and ‘protect’ is the key word here, Liberty is definitely in a defensive posture here …

… if it takes another $5 mil/yr somewhere during that 3 year period, still worth it to protect the $50 mil …

By avlbrv

February 20, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

This is my second post (the first was a while ago commending DOB on the way he handles some of the not so bright bloggers out there), but I have been reading for a while now and enjoy most of the comments.

I do have an emotional stance on AJ. As a former center fielder (though not professionally, unfortunately) I respect and admire what AJ does in the outfield, and I have always been a big fan of his. Sure he doesn’t hit for average, but he has power and knocks in runs. I don’t know the stats, but I bet there aren’t that many guys that can produce like he has in the past few years. Not only that, add to his offensive production his run-saving defense and I’d take him over anyone, especially if I was a pitcher. I can’t imagine what the stats would equate to if you took all the times he robbed someone of a hit, HR, or RBI and somehow turned it around to an offensive number (or even how to calculate it). That being said, AJ is one terrific player, but it takes nine players to field a team and probably nine above average players to win (not to mention bench, bullpen, etc.). It just doesn’t seem to me that the Braves can afford what I believe will be a record breaking payday. Even if they could, why? There is a lot of talent in the farm system and who knows? Maybe one day the Braves will have another kid that begins his wonderful career at 18, plays the best defense around, hits for power, knocks in runs, and, oh yea, hits for average.

I hope AJ stays, and if he doesn’t, good luck to him and let’s move on. The Braves have a job to do and that is to win within their means. I keep hoping for the hometown discount, but it doesn’t look like that’s gonna happen. I can only dream of a day star players can be happy playing for a team (and manager) they love and make only “ten” million.

By Porkins

February 20, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

I honestly am not trying to be that guy on a blog who thinks it’s cool to make fun of other people. But. I have seen about five different people on this page so far spell his name “Andrew.” I just can’t comprehend how this happens with a Braves fan. Andruw with a “U” is printed thousands of times on the internet, in newspapers, magazines, and several times each TV broadcast. I’m not making fun of anyone’s general spelling ability, but how can you miss this?

Anyway, I wonder how AndrUw would perform under the harsh media and fanbase of Boston or New York. Guy has it made here. All those frustrating aspects of his offense would get a lot more attention up there.

I’m going to miss everything he does for this team.

By Shaun

February 20, 2007 02:07 PM | Link to this

N8,

Great post! Love the way you think. Yeah, AJ may be worth it now or next year, but what about four, five, six, seven years down the road?

I think AJ is going to be a great player for more years, but is he going to be a $20 million a year player towards the last half of his contract?

Would the Braves be better off with a very solid to very good, cheap young player in CF and very good players at other positions or would they be better off with AJ in CF and two or three less very good players at other positions?

Andruw may be worth two or three very good players now or next season or the season after but what about 5-7 years down the line?

By Shaun

February 20, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this

hk,

Keeping AJ could cost the Braves more wins (and Liberty more money) than resigning him would, in the long run. Say the Braves won’t offer more than $15 million. Well say AJ wants $20 million. Say they let him walk and use that $15 million on on three or four solid players collectively worth twice as many wins as AJ…it could happen. See Mo Vaughn. I don’t think AJ is going to turn out like Mo Vaughn but you get the picture.

By Pepe

February 20, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

I can’t bring myself to look at the business side of things. Andruw Jones is a future Hall of Famer and I hate the thought of him finishing his career anywhere other than Atlanta. I’ll be sure to take my kids to a few games this year in the centerfiled stands to make sure they see the best centerfielder in the game!!!

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

MBATL: That is true. Say Liberty ups payroll by 15 million. If we don’t resign AJ, we have a net gain of almost 30 million. That should be enough to sign our young guys and make a push for Johan Santana. talk about going back to the pitching tradition. Pull in that guy to compliment our youngsters and we got a serious rotation. Santana, Smoltz, Hudson Hampton James/Davies. Maybe even trade Hudson and free up another 10 million plus… The possibilities are endless.

I do think JS is going to make an offer. I doubt it will be the highest one on the table. We made our bid for Furcal. It was a generous bid. But then the Dodgers came in and bid against themselves… more than double the next closest offer. They could have had Furcal for way less but needed to make a “splash”. The Angels just did that with Matthews Jr.

Whatever the case, JS will make what he deems a fair offer. Borass will claim it’s an insult. Then he’ll drag AJ off to Seattle away from his family for 7.5 months a year for the next 8 years and AJ will never sniff the post season again.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 02:23 PM | Link to this

Payne: Don’t you even think about bring in those winshares again. You’re treading a fine line there.

I doubt resigning AJ is going to cost Liberty all that much. I think they will flip this team in a few years. They’d be paying for his prime. All the more reason to front load the contract instead of back loading it.

By raymondd

February 20, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this

It is a shame that Andrew is taking a stance that he will not let the Braves trade him even though it would help the ball club in the long run. Andrew knows he is not going to be signed by the Braves and is being hardheaded about this situation.

By Torpedo

February 20, 2007 02:33 PM | Link to this

Of course he is showing up in great shape this year, its free agent year!!!! remember Javy Lopez??? Expect a monster year from Jones this year and then invest the limited resources to balancing the team.

By TheSouthernJackAss

February 20, 2007 02:35 PM | Link to this

When considering big money for Andruw—I hope the Braves take into consideration, and remember the grand performance of Javy Lopez during his “contract year” with the Braves—then the sudden drop off and decline after his signing with Baltimore!

By TheSouthernJackAss

February 20, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this

On the other hand, I’m glad to see that Andruw appears as if he is going to be as shrewd as John Schuerholz has appeared to have been in the past when negotiating contracts!

By Shaun

February 20, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

No need to bring in win shares. Do you really think one great player is worth more than three to five very good ones? How do you think the Twins and A’s are able to contend every year? Look at the M’s losing ARod and Griffey and Randy Johnson and tell me three or four players can’t be worth one HOF-calliber player. No win shares necessary to see that.

By FREEDOG

February 20, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this

I wish we would have traded him when we had the chance. Nobody is worth that kind of money, especially someone who is worthless from the 7th inning on. There are 6 other Braves I’d rather have at the plate with the game on the line than Andruw.

By J-dogg

February 20, 2007 02:46 PM | Link to this

I love A. Jones, fav player ever, but he is not worth 20 mill per year under our cap. Lose his contract and trade Hudson at the end of the year, and thers a lot of money to go around next year. Carolos Zombrono will most likey be a FA next year and we could make a run at him and have our ace for several years to come.

By Cut AJ NOW

February 20, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this

My vote is to cut him now and get someone into camp that can hit a curve ball in the bottom of the ninth inning. I am so tired of hearing people talk about how “stinkin’” great AJ is…I say “BOGUS”!!! The bum is as useful as udders on a bull in the bottom of the ninth and with runners on base. Every pitcher older than seven years old knowss the way to get AJ out is to throw him a 72 mph curve off the plate….he jumps at like it was a stripper offering a kiss in his favorite bar.

The reality is I cold not care less; I have not spent a buck at a braves game in years, ‘cause I am sick and tired of pro athletes with their egos and attitudes. Nevertheless, Aj is not worth a baby’s dirty diaper when the chips are down…my guess if he were in Iraq, he would bail on his buddies crawl under a rock, and leave them to fight the fight…or else he would put on a burque and try to pass for a girl…given the way he swings at a curve ball, it is not much of a stretch.

By hk

February 20, 2007 02:50 PM | Link to this

Shaun …

… your concern about Andruw and Chipper longer term is quite valid, but if I’m Liberty, I only care about the next 2-3 years …. in doing this deal to buy the Braves I’m gambling that Andruw, Chipper, Smoltz, Hampton, Huddy and Renteria will hold together for that 2-3 years, beyond that I could care less, that’s the next owner’s problem … Liberty’s mentality is very short term, I feel … pay Chipper and Andruw as little money as possible over the 2-3 year period, let the contracts balloon after that, again, the next owner’s problem … happens over and over that way …

By Zerevon

February 20, 2007 02:57 PM | Link to this

No way no how.. Andrew is not worth spending all that money . He is going to decline gradually for the next 5 years or so…Langerhans is a great center fielder, needs to improve his offensive skills. We have Blanco with good power and great skills.. I am sure we will have more talented youngsters coming up..so in my opinion Anrew Jones is not worth keeping for..yes he was a great player and a good guy but this is business..I see him in Yankees uniform in 2008 season..

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 02:58 PM | Link to this

Payne: So long as no win shares come in, I’m fine.
But let me ask you this, we lose AJ, we have 1 spot open. Where do we get these 3 to 5 new “very good” players (can’t trade AJ for them, he’s already rejected that idea) and how do we platoon them all in CF to equate or surpass AJ? You still have to work within the confines of the game. The Yankees have HOF players everywhere, but they can’t replace all 9 of those guys with 3 to 5 each. There are rules which limit the number of players on the field and in the lineup. You can’t expect to lose one exceptionally talented guy without a drop off.
To answer your question I’d say it depends on the team and the player you’re attempting to replace.

By KC

February 20, 2007 02:58 PM | Link to this

I think Andruw would take a discount to stay here. Not a big discount, but I think he would take a little less to remain in sunny Atlanta, for a perennial winner, playing for Bobby Cox. Yes, I know he’s talking a big game about going for “market value”, and I’m not saying that he’ll stray all that far from it… but you can chalk some of his talk up to rigorous coaching by Scott Boras, who has likely spent that last 5 years telling Andruw how horribly underpaid he is. When it comes down to it, I think AJ will offer a reasonable hometown discount.

I think there’s a good chance that something in the neighborhood of what Carlos Lee got (6 years, 100 million or 16.6 mill annually) would be enough to keep Andruw here… that is, unless someone offers him 8 years-160 mill… which could very well happen.

If the Braves payroll were increased to about 90 mill or better, giving Andruw a 3 million dollar a season raise would be reasonable (at least as reasonable as giving anyone 16.6 million dollars a year for anything can be).

By The Master Debater

February 20, 2007 02:58 PM | Link to this

The idea that A. Jones would give the Braves some type of “hometown discount” has always been preposterous.

Jones (and Boras) realize that, more than likely, this will be the last long-term, big-money contract that Jones will ever sign.

Consequently, Jones will sign with whichever team offers him the most money. End of story.

In the long run, he may be doing the Braves a favor. If they spend their money wisely, they can sign (or re-sign) two or three (or four) quality players for what it would to keep Jones.

By Shaun

February 20, 2007 03:01 PM | Link to this

I don’t think it’s as simple as do the Braves let Andruw, a future HOF player, go or do they resign him for a lot of money. That is greatly oversimplifying the game and the economics of the game.

You have to take into account how much AJ is likely to decline, when he’s going to be less valuable than a pretty good centerfielder, how valuable is he going to be towards the end of his contract, are their other options for CF, would he be willing to switch positions if he becomes a lot less valuable on defense, etc.

There are a ton of issues to take into account. Of course most people would love to have AJ on their team, but of course there is a price. It’s ridiculous to simplify things by just asking is Andruw worth $20 million a year in the immediate future.

By Atilla 87

February 20, 2007 03:02 PM | Link to this

No we should not keep him..too expensive..!

By MBATL

February 20, 2007 03:02 PM | Link to this

There’s not much question about Chipper in ‘07 and ‘08. He’s guaranteed $11 mil, and there’s no way he’s gonna be traded, even if the Braves wanted to. Apparently there’s some kind of incentive/option arrangement for ‘09 for between $8 and $11 mil, but I don’t know the terms. But there’s really no discussion about keeping, or paying, Chipper, that I know of.

By Thrillhouse44

February 20, 2007 03:03 PM | Link to this

I hate the thought of seeing AJ in any other uniform, but it appears that may be the case after this year. Instead of being bitter about the situation, I’m just going to pull for him as hard as possible this year. Maybe he’ll have a change of heart next year, maybe he won’t. In the meantime, I’m just going to enjoy it while it lasts (and hope he’s not a Met in ‘08).

By dannycardwell

February 20, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

goodby andrew, and good luck with your new team next year and all the money you get. langerhans is better than average in center field for under a million dollars. with all the money we save letting you go we can invest in more starting pitching down the road. good pitching always has and will be what wins championships. any time you put that much money in one player it will bite you in the butt, unless you have the payroll of the yankees or mets. just look across town at the falcons. all the home fans were gone by half time because of a sorry product on the field. andrew needs to look at a rod and a few more that got the big money. wonder how he will react when the fans in his new team starts booing him when he gets in a slump at the plate.

By Shaun

February 20, 2007 03:05 PM | Link to this

hk,

But is Liberty going to be making the decisions or is John Schuerholz. Schuerholz has always had a lot of control over the roster. Is there any reason to believe Liberty will suddenly take control and completely overhaul things? Is there any reason to believe that they will shell out big bucks so that the Braves can spend on superstars the way that some other teams do? I’m not sure. Seems like they’ll be like most other owners—want a winner but not willing to throw out several wads of cash to get one.

By Harry Thompson

February 20, 2007 03:10 PM | Link to this

Jones should be in the HOF right now.

By MEB

February 20, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

Losing Andruw will definitely hurt but have y’all read the news that MLB is replacing the traditional wool cap with a polyester replacement to debut opening day? We are not talking about the hideous batting practice wool/poly mix stretch cap with the doo rag looking ear flaps but a polyester look alike. Oh the humanity!!!

Todays USA Today has all the gory details to include a very favorable outlook article on the Braves. They single out the revamped bullpen and Mike Hampton’s comeback as the keys to the season.

By hk

February 20, 2007 03:19 PM | Link to this

Shaun ..

… don’t kid yourself, Liberty will be in control … they’ll give John the money, tell him to keep Andruw and Chipper … long term thinking might be what John would do, but that is not in any way in Liberty’s ‘financial’ interests … and ‘financial’ is everything, long term rebuilding, risking on new guys is not ‘financially’ sound …

By Carolina Gent

February 20, 2007 03:20 PM | Link to this

Well I guess it’s time for my every-third -month or so contribution. Like many, I read the blog daily, but far prefer reading the opinions of my “extended family,” albeit a slightly disfunctional one to pontificating my own. However,I did want to comment on a couple of things. First, the log itself. DOBeat Writer, your continued offseason contributions to this blog, along with those on the other side who chimed in, made this offseason pass by more quickly and far more interestingly than any others before it. So many, many thanks for that! Now for Andruw… clearly his dropped weight and presumably better conditioning are in preparation for the infamous “contract year breakout.” Though it will be quite fun to watch this year, and it may be really, really spectacular (the Javy comparison was apt, I believe) the fact is that without a significant upgrde in payroll, (above the $90-95 mil. mentioned) there will be no way to keep Andruw, Smoltz and Chipper and still be able to lock up the Francouers, McCanns and any other emerging young studs. As for Andruw giving ANY sort of discount to the Braves, you can forget it. He’s clearly positioning himself (very likely on the advice of Bore-a)for a mega payday next year. Bore-a will show the Andruw gave the Braves a huge, under-marketed discount last contract, so it’s time for the team to pony up now. Besides, if Andruw was going to give the Braves ANY break at all, why would he already be invoking his no-trade clause, knowing that the team will likely lose him after this year and can’t get anything back for him? I see Bore-a** trying to position Andruw for closer to alex Rodriguez $$ than Vernon Wells. And finally, welcome back JJS!!!

By BUSHWACKER

February 20, 2007 03:27 PM | Link to this

ABSOLUETLY, give him 1 or 2 more years in center then move hi to left or right for the next 5 years. Once he eases up in the out field his offensive numnbers are going to explode, expect 50+ homers a year. Then if he stays healthy, The Atlanta fans can watch Andruw break Barry Bonds’ HR record!

By braveheart

February 20, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this

love andruw but how the heck does anyone know he is serious about what he says when he walks around with that perpetual smirk on his face?

maybe he will talk tough with that smirk on his face the whole season and then just say just kidding, i love you guys, did you see my smirk the whole time, and then take another discount and tick off boras for the second time

hope he stays but if not….

then i will say i understand although i really will not.

he took a discount last time and a ballplayer has to take every dime he can when he can because i would too, so i will not blame him for worrying about himself and his family and their future.

i will not blame john s. because his hands are handcuffed by the owner’s cheapskate financial restraints.

this is not a small market - no matter how much they pretend it to be.

dob, i know you have preached that MLB likes the financial model that the braves have (BUT would that really be so if small market bud was not running things and not wanting the braves to be more and more likely, the tighter the purse gets, of slipping down to the level of the brewers - clear conflict of interest whether he still owns the teams anymore or not).

and i also understand that this is the reality of the situation. very frustrating though. i do not want any big trades or big free agent signings - just sign your own homegrowns and sprinkle in some pendletons and sid breams off the scrap heap.

so, i will understand if andruw leaves from andruw’s viewpoint and from the GM’s viewpoint but i will not pretend to even begin to try to understand the cheapskate corporate owner’s viewpoint on needlessly tightening the pursestrings.

please bud. get us a living, breathing owner with a heart and emotions not a bunch of suits with spreadsheets. but why would bud do such a thing - his beloved brewers will have a better chance of hanging with the bravos if the spreadsheet sams and the intrinsic value ians continue to be allowed to own this team. no very small market owner or former owner should be allowed to be commish - conflict of interest.

By Shaun

February 20, 2007 03:34 PM | Link to this

hk,

What I’m saying is it may be in Liberty’s interest to keep the payroll relatively low. And maybe Schuerholz will just try to do his job to keep the team competitive the Twins/A’s way.

You said “long term rebuilding, risking on new guys is not ‘financially’ sound.” I agree. But I don’t think letting Andruw walk is necessarily the same thing as rebuilding. Rebuilding would be letting Andruw walk and trading Smoltz, Chipper and Hudson, in my opinion. Letting Andruw walk would be a decision to not overpay for one player, as great as he is.

It’s much like the Red Sox letting Johnny Damon or Pedro go. Would the Sox have been better in ‘06 with Damon or Pedro and would they be better in ‘07 with Damon or Pedro? Probably. But they made the decision to let them go because 1) they feel that money would be more wisely spent on more than two players and 2) by the end of Damon and Pedro’s contracts they wouldn’t be worth what they were asking.

By geauxbraves2000

February 20, 2007 03:37 PM | Link to this

I’m all for keeping AJ, as noted earlier, not too short of signing him to a $5 billion dollar contract, but then I just had the thought, I mean just now, “Well, how many WS have the Braves won with AJ?” Hmm, makes you think, doesn’t it?

I want AJ in CF, as do about 29 other teams, but those who say $20M is too much, they are correct. $20M could buy a couple of decent bats. (but not what it use-to-could.)

I’ve always wanted AJ to stay, as noted by all my opinions on this subject, but the WS thing is really sitting with me right now.

Geaux Braves!!

By Shaun

February 20, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this

It’s silly to say “because Andruw is a Hall of Famer, he should be resigned.” Hank Aaron is a Hall of Famer, does that mean he should be playing for the Braves right now or for the next five or six years?

I know AJ has value and is a likely HOFer, but the question is is he likely to perform at the level of his asking price for the length of the contract.

Pedro Martinez is a HOFer but look at him now. He’s a question mark because of injury/age. What if the Red Sox had said, “we’ll give Pedro a huge contract for a lot of years because he’s a Hall of Famer.” That’s not a wise way to look at things.

By Fed Up

February 20, 2007 03:39 PM | Link to this

Am I the only person on this blog who is disgusted by the fact that this is the only year in his career that Baby Huey (er Andruw) hasn’t shown up for camp not sporting a spare tire. And it’s his WALK Year. What a surprise. Don’t let the door smack you in the butt on the way out, Andruw.

By ppaddy123

February 20, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

18-20 million dollars plus? Are you kidding me? I realize in this era of unrestricted free agents and mega agents this has become the norm, but that kind of money will buy 2-3 productive ball players. I think Andruw Jones is the best center fielder in the game. And he is worth whatever the market is willing to pay him. But let’s face it, the people running the market have lost their minds! Big check books and small brains. When was the last time the Yankees (with all of that high powered, big budget, over priced “talent”)were a real factor? I’ll take a good TEAM over a bunch over priced superstars. 2006 Cardinals were a team. 2006 Tigers were a team. Even our 2006 Braves with all the problems with starting pitching and our woefull bull pen were a team. And it’s because of last season people like me and most of you (even DOB) are excited about the new season. It even sounds like the players are excited! Are you kidding me? Professional athletes excited about a new season?

By Kevin C

February 20, 2007 03:46 PM | Link to this

DOB

Good blog as usual, the cost of keeping AJ is one that will have to considered and I would look at possibly front loading the deal, including a buyout say after 4 years, and possibly trading 1 or 2 players—i.e. Renteria and maybe Hudson, both are big ifs. If Hudson has say a Hudson type year (pre Atlanta), big markets will be able to absorb his contract. Use that money to resign AJ to a contract with the above parameters, however there can be no way he takes up 18 to 20% of the teams payroll. Getting to the postseason is the goal because it is a crap shoot after that, no way St. Louis should have won last year but hot pitching will win out. Also need to get Smotlz signed before All Star break and what about Wickman?? Is he going to do a year to year deal? Thanks and keep up the good work

By used to love baseball

February 20, 2007 03:46 PM | Link to this

During the Tom Glavine led strike..the players insisted they are in an entertainment business and should be paid accordingly. They will charge “what the market will bear”. I am doing my part in attempting to make a statement that they have already reached that point. I did not go to a single game last year and will not buy a ticket this year….couldnt care less where Andruw or any other player ends up next season. Team onwers need to tell Borass we are bored with his likes and send them all packing. One owner cant do anything about it alone… considering the likes of the mets and yankees. If they try to do anything together a court will declare collussion and unfair tactics and make them pay..so, what do you do?

STOP GOING TO THE GAMES!!! STOP BUYING TICKETS….

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 20, 2007 03:47 PM | Link to this

As much as I have loved watching AJ play for the Braves I have concluded this will likely be his last season in Atlanta.

We fans must remember, for the owners it is a business, for the players it is an occupation. The fact we derive enjoyment and entertainment of their labor is a byproduct.

Regardless of the fact of how much we might think a player may or may not be worth, the fact remains that at the end of the day everyone involved seems willing to pay what we the average fan believes to be obscene amounts of money to players of above average abilities.

The Braves as an organization, however, have been somewhat reluctant to follow the path of the New York and Boston franchises and write blank checks.

I work a lot of auctions. There are several things I have learned. These things apply to baseball owners. 1. Beware of the guy who has absolutely no clue as to value of what he is bidding on. 2. Beware of the guy who knows exactly what the value is of what he is bidding on. 3. You can’t out bid a guy with deep pockets.

By Baron

February 20, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, you aren’t replacing Andruw’s production with 3-5 guys AT ANDRUW’S FORMER POSITION; you are upgrading at 3-5 positions with 3-5 guys. I personally don’t think you need or could expect upgrades at 5 positions- the Braves are already set catcher and one OF for years to come, and can expect at least decent production from 3B and SS for another couple. Plus, one would assume that AT LEAST one player from the newbies at 1B, 2B and OF will turn out productive. So with the money you save from Andruw you go out and get a couple of Baldelli, Wily Mo Pena, or Uggla, and you wrap up all that young talent with 4-6 year deals at reasonable money (say, 5-8 mill a year. Think about this: Miguel Cabrera just won arbitration for 7.4 mil a year. What if you could lock down 4-5 potential all-stars for that kind of money for 5 years? You’d be doing pretty good. The more I think about it, the more it looks like signing Jones at any price is a bad move for the future of the Braves, beloved as he is. There are too many good values to be had out there.

By KUNIFA

February 20, 2007 03:53 PM | Link to this

Let him go! for 18-20 million we could bring in many other fine YOUNG & HUNGRY ballplayers from our minor leagues. He, then like all other former Braves who have left lately, will be a distance memory (& a good/great one at that ).and we can enjoy the young talent available.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

N8, very good post pointing out the flaw in my statement about Ted as owner. You’re right, for the most part. Can’t disagree with your argument….

Gregor Blanco fans, don’t get your hopes up. A Braves official said today that he’s surprised how little he’s heard about him in organizational meetings, that his name hasn’t even come up in discussions as spring training approached, etc.

I’d put his chances at slim and very slim of making the team this spring, given that he’s so far under the radar.

Eddie Perez, on the other hand, said Blanco was outstanding this winter in Venezuela (Eddie was down there, playing part-time), and that he thinks Blanco is ready to compete for a job. But he also said that was about Double-A caliber pitching in that winter league, so don’t make too much of his stats there.

He’s not in camp yet, by the way. Neither him nor Prado got here today.

By bobby

February 20, 2007 03:59 PM | Link to this

I can’t understand all this crying about who will lead-off. After all, he only leads off once a game. Not every inning.

By Chop Chop

February 20, 2007 04:07 PM | Link to this

I’m still mad about the strike, folks.

God, it was only 12.5 years ago! I was a high school freshman! I don’t care! I’M HOPPIN’ MAD!!! DON’T SUPPORT THESE CROOKS!!! THEY’VE RUINED OUR NATIONAL PAS…nevermind.

My favorite blogs are from people who are mad about the Strike of ‘94. Hell, if it hadn’t been for that strike, the Braves might never have won the World Series in ‘95. I’ve always believed that the shortened season allowed them to keep their momentum going into the playoffs.

If you ask me, that was worth a strike.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

you are upgrading at 3-5 positions with 3-5 guys

Baron: that was my point. With AJ gone, there is only one open spot. What other spots do you change that are changable? And those spots you do change would have to be an improvement over the current player. LF is the only position left which could see a significant offensive upgrade. The second part is, where do you get these 3-5 very good players when you don’t have much to trade, and you obviously don’t want to pay a fortune for it. Having extra money doesn’t mean you can pick up Baldeli. The Rays want players in return, not cash. We don’t have the depth at pitching to trade away our best young guys for Baldeli either. After that, it would take our best young hitters to get him and then you must ask yourself, is it worth giving up 4 or 5 good guys to get one guy?

Attempting to replace AJ with 3-5 guys would require a team makeover. I’m not so sure that would go over to well, or that it would actually help that much. If AJ leaves, we just have to expect a drop off in offensive production. The best bet is to replace him with very good defenders from our system and pitchers (free agency or system) and try like hell to draft another AJ for the future.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

Patrick-In a word, YES it would be crazy to offer that package to the DRays for Baldelli. Harrison is going to be a bona fide stud and Villarreal is already making us aware of his value-both in long relief and as a spot starter. I wouldn’t mind having Baldelli-his own injury history notwithstanding, but not at the price of two very young excellent pitchers. If Andruw goes, he will be replaced. We have always had good center fielders during our playoff runs and it should be no different if Andruw goes. As so many have said before, it’s the PITCHING, stupid (not you Patrick). We haven’t gone anywhere in the playoffs with Andruw and his defense and massive production-we did with good defense from others and phenomenal pitching. It will be no different now. Harrison and Villarreal are way too valuable to let them go for anyone.

By hk

February 20, 2007 04:12 PM | Link to this

Shaun …

… there is another possible scenario that would fall in line with your thinking … what is the ‘tax break’ worth, 200-300 million ?? .. it could be the accountants have already figured in a $30-50 million resale loss, because the ‘tax break’ is a lot larger number, makes the whole deal worth it … then, their posture would be to keep payroll the same, let John do the best he can and hope for the best … to reduce payroll would alarm everybody greatly, lower confidence, and substantially increase the resale loss above what they’ve already figured in … and I doubt they would have been able to keep John and Bobby had they not assured the Braves that payroll would not be cut … give this a 20% probability, vs my earlier premise at 80%

… by the way, I think this is a bad deal all the way around, bad for baseball and I believe Liberty will be hurt in the end … but the deal will be approved … Selig has hurt baseball in many many ways over the years, but it’s not all his fault, he’s really a pawn for the corporate owner interests ..

By TopDog

February 20, 2007 04:14 PM | Link to this

All of you people are sick! A. Jones is the onle consistence player the Braves had last year and you say write him off because he might be asking for money that he deserve. I tell you what, get rid of those none producing player like Chipper and Smoltzie that are making twice as much as A. Jones and you will have the money you would need to sign the younger players.

By NO CHOP ZONE

February 20, 2007 04:21 PM | Link to this

Are all you Brave fans ready for another year of A-s-s kicking? Good, The Mets are ready to provide it…….LETS GO METS!!!!!

By Kentavo

February 20, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

I can’t see Andruw staying in a Braves uniform beyond this year. Just look at the patterns before: Glavine, Maddux, Furcal, Sheffield, Drew, Lopez, Wright, Ward all left for higher bidders. You don’t think there’s going to be higher bidders than the Braves for Andruw? Puhleeze. I say we take the money that not having Andruw will free up and go after more pitching. More pitching. More pitching. I would be more excited to see JS land a premier F.A. starter than re-sign Andruw. Guess what? We’ve never won a World Series with Andruw. Never will. I will miss his spectacular catches - but I will not miss his striking out with the bases loaded, or falling down when he swings, or loafing to first base when he should be running, or swinging at pitches a foot off the plate, etc. He has a great laid back personality, but we need more intensity.

By Kentavo

February 20, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

I can’t see Andruw staying in a Braves uniform beyond this year. Just look at the patterns before: Glavine, Maddux, Furcal, Sheffield, Drew, Lopez, Wright, Ward all left for higher bidders. You don’t think there’s going to be higher bidders than the Braves for Andruw? Puhleeze. I say we take the money that not having Andruw will free up and go after more pitching. More pitching. More pitching. I would be more excited to see JS land a premier F.A. starter than re-sign Andruw. Guess what? We’ve never won a World Series with Andruw. Never will. I will miss his spectacular catches - but I will not miss his striking out with the bases loaded, or falling down when he swings, or loafing to first base when he should be running, or swinging at pitches a foot off the plate, etc. He has a great laid back personality, but we need more intensity.

By BUSHWACKER

February 20, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

Top dog, actually Smoltz makes less than Andruw. But I agree trade Chipper, he seems to have Heiniekenitis, he gets hurt every year now.

By Braves fan 202

February 20, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

ok topdog the only thing andruw consistently does is be inconsistant. I agree he is probably the most important non-pitcher on the team, but dont act like he doesnt have crazy slumps. Maybe they can keep him, please Arthur Blank send help now!!! You would make money so you can spend it on those hopeless dirty birds

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 04:26 PM | Link to this

tell you what, get rid of those none producing player like Chipper and Smoltzie that are making twice as much as A. Jones and you will have the money you would need to sign the younger players.

Quite possibly the least informed post of the day.
Chipper = 11 million
Smoltz = 8 million
AJ = 13.5 million
2007 salary figures. Chipper is signed through 2009 and has no trade rights just like AJ. Smoltz is a FA at the end of the year along with AJ. Smoltz also has no trade rights similar to AJ and Chipper. Smoltz and Chipper both produce quite well for the team. Chipper just needs to be in the lineup more, which he probably will be this year.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

CutAJNow-If that’s the way you really feel about baseball, why are you even here?

By Radar

February 20, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

Another slant on Andruw:

His home is in ATL and reportedly he and his family are very happy there.

His wife likes it in ATL.

I read a quote from him (and I forgot where) that he’s already got more money than he’ll ever need (and I’m sure that’s a rough paraphrase)

He loves the Braves

He loves Bobby Cox

We all know that Andruw likes to be comfortable and he is comfortable in ATL playing for Bobby and the Braves.

He knows the Braves’ financial situation and knows that if he wants to continue playing in ATL he’ll have to accept a lesser number of millions than some other teams will offer.

I really believe he’ll think long and hard about being away from his family for that long. He doesn’t strike me as the type of person who will be happy in that situation. Don’t think his wife would either.

I sure wouldn’t be surprised to see him staying with the Braves. I sure hope so.

By Andy

February 20, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

I know it is a leap—but—Andruw Jones is in a class “like” Aaron—I feel he is a historic player and I hope the brass realize what they are giving up. Yes all the different things that make up the team and alot of payroll in one player. Yes. True. I understand the braves stance if they do not resign him. But I also understand if they say he might be the face of the franchise for 20 years or so if he contuies to improve. What if he gets better at pitch selection/pacing himself(because he is getting older) what if he starts knocking in 40 hr per and 135-145 rbi. At the end of the contract he would be close to aaron. I think its worth it personally for the braves to take the stand and say lifelone brave. But I know its not realistic.

By Baron

February 20, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, I’d argue that Langerhans, Thorman, and Johnson/Aybar/Prado could all POTENTIALLY be upgraded. For the money we spend on them, you can throw Chipper and Renteria in there as well. Plus, we’re assuming that Andruw is gone. So let’s look 3 years down the road. We’ve got to fill 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, and 2 outfield spots. I like our chances of producing at least 3 of those players from what we hold now. We’ll also need probably 3-4 new starting pitchers and an entirely new bullpen. Who knows about pitchers long term, those elbows are entirely unreliable. I hope and expect that we won’t need that many upgrades from outside our system. We shouldn’t. Ideally, we can field an all-farmhand team, eveyone under 30. But this is the real world, people get injured, some guys never learn to take a walk or hit a curve, and you sometimes need to drop some cash on a plug-in, or even to jump at a great deal that drops onto your lap. I think that 13.5 mil we won’t be paying Andruw next year or any year after that would be much better spent on incremental improvements at other positions, or used to lock up young guys long term.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 04:32 PM | Link to this

TopDog-Yeah, right. Chipper and Smoltz are non-producing players. Where have you been the last several years? Outer Mongolia? Last year Chipper hit .326 with 26 HR and Smoltz would have won the NL Cy Young award if we had had a bullpen. Dude, there’s non-informed, then there’s total delusion.

By Oldtimer

February 20, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this

To the Braves: Pay “The Man” and lock him up for the rest of his playing career however you have to do it and Smoltz, too. Don’t do them like you did Henry!

By TopDog

February 20, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

Dear BravesFan, Name me ONE player in MLB that was consistent all of last year. You can’t do it. Every player goes thur slumps. You are like me though, Braves players can NOT have slumps!

By Robert

February 20, 2007 04:40 PM | Link to this

Andruw is a very good player, but not a superstar. I wouldnt wanna be the GM paying him $15 million+ a year.

It was a nice decade and change. Good luck wherever he winds up

By journalist jimmy smith

February 20, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this

this journalist is grateful for all the nice bloggers who have welcomed back this journalist -even bloggers who have been away for a time and some new bloggers jimmy smith does not know! jimmy smith is endeavoring to be a better man and not let trifling remarks become embedded in jimmy smith’s soul and tear away the flesh from jimmy smith and make jimmy smith sad. but jimmy smith must digress … this journalist is most happy to be back on the blog and promises good blog behavior even when, as hk notes, this journalist’s toes have been stomped upon by another journalist (just kidding, jimmy smith is milking this one a little, jimmy smith knows). now, this blog and all bloggers must make it a point to learn more about these special shoes that have been cobbled for chipper jones. why have they not arrived for spring training? are they shoes that were made in asia for chipper jones or are they asian shoes made in a domestic red goose plant? in our efforts to find the secret of the secret shoes we must employ dob to do a little detective work. perhaps coltrane could be useful in this endeavor - peeing in a shoe at just the right time. does coltrane have a clubhouse pass? and now, the answer to yesterday’s riddle - Norm Werm or Blue worms. Prizes will be awarded as soon as they can be obtained from the blog artist. now, andruw jones, the subject of this blog … andruw is one of this journalist’s all-time favorite braves players and the secret to keeping andruw here is home cooking. a call has been made to mrs. anthony, and if jimmy smith’s plan works, andruw will be a braves player forever - andruw will put the 10 pounds back on, though.

By TopDog

February 20, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

Lew, You are not going to win a world series without some Offense and you definatelly won’t win one without defense. Quick…… Name me the best defensive player in MLB? And you want to get rid of a player that has saved the Braves at least 15 games last year for his defense alone. Lew, you and TennJack and who ever need to think about what you are trying to get rid of!

By Rodger

February 20, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this

What a dilemma! Bushwacker, you may have the right idea of being able to move him to a corner in a few years. In the last blog, Braveheart talked about his declining catches, put outs, range, whatever. Two points-someone already pointed out putouts are hard to come by when the ball is in the seats-although he has some of those! The other is how well Andruw positions himself based on the pitch called. With the recent trouble locating pitches, versus what you got from Maddux & Glavine, its way more difficult to make a play on some balls. All said and done, if they can come up with the money, I sign him.

By Braves fan 202

February 20, 2007 04:54 PM | Link to this

Chipper hardly slumps, good call though topdog i hate it when they slumped, like when edgar did i almost pulled the hair out of my head. But chip is consistent(when he is healthy). That is why he is really a franchise player, we can normally count on him to bat .300 and pull through when we need him. My only critisize for andruw is that he is not a leader. Thats ok they all listen to smoltz and chip anyways

By Knowbusiness

February 20, 2007 04:57 PM | Link to this

I’d hate to see Andruw go, but the NEXT ANDRUW is in RF in Franceour. He’s a natural Center Fielder, hits for power and average and can play the position and play it pretty well.

Use the money to get a pitcher or two next year and firm up the rotation, then bring LaRoche back.

By Greg in TN

February 20, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

Hey everyone…

I read AJ’s quotes as relayed by our esteemed Blogmeister with interest. My feelings follow the general sentiment being that most all of us enjoy and appreciate the ride we’ve had with #25 patrolling center field. I’m not quite ready to write off our chances for resigning AJ until we know what Liberty will do with payroll, something that I doubt we will know until after the season is complete.

There are some things I am absolutely certain about, and that’s the conviction I have that for us to have any chance of resigning him, the sale to Liberty has to go through and Liberty then must raise payroll. The first part I am sure will happen. The exhaulted high commissioner/former owner Bud Selig will not stand in the way (which has been pretty much his MO all along) of MLB approval.

There are two wildcards in all of this. What will Liberty do? Where is the sweet spot where Andruw would prefer resigning with the Braves?

At this point, Liberty has to be the bigger gamble. It is entirely too soon to expect Liberty to announce their intentions for payroll next year until they have a chance to gauge ticket and suite sales, merchandising and the like. Andruw will certainly say all the right things about wanting to come back, but will also reiterate that he wants what the market will bring.

To me, it’s much more important to have payroll flexibility from year-to-year, and a contract for AJ will likely prevent that. Add me to the others that wish we can see AJ in a Braves uniform in 2008, but for now at least, I just don’t see how we can do it and remain competitive with the economics of the game the way they are at the moment.

By roan st

February 20, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

The best thing for the organization to do is trade him but he’s not going to let that happen. I love andruw but with 10 years of wear and tear no way I would pay 18-20 million per. Does ken griffey jr. ring a bell? These outfielders that play real hard should be commended but they tend to break down in their 30’s. Time to rebuild the starting pitching with smoltzie now in his 40’s.

By Head Coach

February 20, 2007 05:02 PM | Link to this

Scribe pretty much said it all concerning Andruw. I don’t think the payroll will go up. Maddux , Glavine , Millwood etc. etc. etc. All gone. Enjoy seeing Andruw and his phenomenal talent in a Braves uniform for one last season.

By Matthew at the SLC

February 20, 2007 05:03 PM | Link to this

Man, it figures that he gets his FAT BUTT into shape when he’s in his contract year and not before. And for all you who are so in love with Jones, for a clean-up guy, his OPB is PATHETIC. Absolutely horrible. As is his penchant for hitting into DPs, pop ups, and striking out with men on base. He is a terrible situational hitter. He refuses to learn from mistakes and change. He’s not worth the money the Yankees, Mets, or White Sox are going to give him. The Braves are better off moving another offensive disapointment in the making, Jeff Francour, to center, and play Diaz and Langerhaans, or possibly someone else in the outfield. And believe me, that is exactly what is going to happen.

By Loafer

February 20, 2007 05:04 PM | Link to this

Just let him go. He’s just not worth it. He’s getting older, and fatter (despite the measly 10 pound drop. This is a great year to get the most value out of him as it’s his contract year. Then get the next Adrew Jones!!

By tomfromroswell

February 20, 2007 05:04 PM | Link to this

Andruw at $20 mil for 5 years is a slam dunk. I would be afraid to be paying into the 6th and 7th years for him given the wear and tear, but if you can lock him up for $100 mil for 5 years, he’ll have no real economic reason to go elsewhere.

In two years, you’ll have the horrible contract for Hampton out of the way (it doesn’t look as smart as it did when we got him from the Rockies), you’ll have likely said goodbye to Chipper and Smoltz, and will have a bumper crop of folks like McCann, Frency, Salty, etc. You can afford, in that case, to have 18%-20% of your nut tied up with Andruw.

No way we should lose Andruw for a couple mil a year - Liberty should be willing to spend to keep him.

By Rodger

February 20, 2007 05:04 PM | Link to this

Knowbusiness, I love Frenchy, but what avg does he hit?

By Braves fan 202

February 20, 2007 05:05 PM | Link to this

Ok knowbuisness Andruw would be a free agent, we would not get money for him tard. and frenchy would not play center, that would be langerhans. Why have frenchy when u can have him and andruw. And what was francouer’s average last year? not so hot. We do need andruw to get those 50 homers he is capable of hitting

By Braves fan 202

February 20, 2007 05:07 PM | Link to this

Tomfromroswell are you the junior who wears penn state stuff all the time

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this

3 years down the road is quite a distance to see, we don’t even know for certain who will own the team in 3 years. On top of that who’s to say Thorman and Johnson won’t be good 3 years down the road? We may not need to upgrade those positions. I was under the impression that replacing AJ with 3-5 guys was meant to maintain or improve the team in such a way that it is still competitive immediately after AJ leaves (ie 2008). If you are speaking of making deals which benefit the club 3 years down the road, you are speaking of rebuilding. This was implied in my post. You can’t simply replace AJ without expecting a drop-off in offensive production, or overhauling the team (and this option doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to replace the offensive production). You have to replace one of his attributes immediately to help the team. Defense is the better, more affordable, bet. Defense also appears to be something we have a good supply of in our system. So you’d use the money on pitching, answer that concern of yours.

As for Smotlz and Chipper, in 3 years Chipper is a FA. Smoltz is a FA at the end of this year. Hudson is a FA in 3 years. Hampton is gone within 3 years. Renteria is a FA after next year. Wickman only does 1 year deals (and I admire his reasoning for it… solid guy). 3 years down the road we could have all that money free. The possibilities are endless for what happens at that time.

So, I’d say lets let this season play out. See how Thorman does. See how Johnson does. See if Langerhans gets his bat worked out. See how our pitching develops. And make an offer to AJ and see if he finds it agreeable.

If we are to replace AJ, how we replace him will depend in large part to how everyone else performs this year. But, I don’t think we can expect to replace his bat as swiftly as we could replace his defense considering we’d be losing him because of $$. I think he’s one of the best defenders in the game. But to replace his defense, you populate the outfield with incredible defenders in all 3 spots. Then you shore up your pitching. Improve run prevention to make up for the loss in run creation. 3-5 guys would require a rebuild and I don’t think that would keep the team competitive next year. And I still don’t know where you are getting these 3-5 guys in the 07-08 offseason, or where you’d play them that would be an improvement over what we already have. After all, this whole issue is a result of FA affordability.

By Epinephrine

February 20, 2007 05:12 PM | Link to this

There are all sorts of reasons as to why paying Andruw this much money doesn’t make a bit of sense. However, even after considering every one of those reasons, there is still something that feels awfully wrong about trading away a future Hall of Famer in the prime of his career. The Braves need to make a very competitive offer on Andruw, if there is any way at all its feasible. I hate giving up this much money, but I can guarantee that letting a player of Andruw’s caliber walk will sting for long time to come.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 05:13 PM | Link to this

TopDog-No, I know exactly what I’d be giving up. I’m more than aware of how good Andruw is. But you act as if he’s irreplaceable or that we will be playing without a center fielder when he’s gone (if, in fact, he is). Look at who we’ve had in center field during the past 15 years and where we were in the playoffs with them. Otis Nixon-great defense, at least two World Series appearances. Marquis Grissom-great defense and at the very least, a WS Championship. Andruw Jones-great defense, one WS appearance his rookie year (or is it two?), then 5 and out in the playoffs, year after year. The point is that we have always had great defense in center during our run. It hasn’t always made a damn bit of difference in the long run, has it? Sure Andruw can hit, but to give up 20% of your team salary (which is not that large, anyway), for a player that will command not only a huge contract, but an extremely LONG one-one which by the end of it will definitely see a lesser performing Andruw. I don’t always agree with Shaun’s definition of when a player declines, but if Andruw is given a six or seven year contract, I can almost guarantee you that you will see a major decrease in his production by the end of the contract-a contract many think we should back load so we can sign him. Sorry, Dude, an emotional examination of the equities of a contract of this nature is not what we need here. I like Andruw and would love to see him remain here throughout his career, but not at that price. We simply can’t afford it. Besides, I promise he can be replaced at a cheaper price.

By N8

February 20, 2007 05:15 PM | Link to this

TopDog

“Lew, you and TennJack and who ever need to think about what you are trying to get rid of!”

I’m not sure what we’d be “getting rid of”. But I pretty sure that if we get rid of him, in 4-5 years WE WON’T BE STUCK with a 34 year old CF, who’s gonna be MORE broken down than Griffey, if he keeps diving and running into walls.

One could use the Barry Bonds arguement about mid-late 30somthing yearolds being worth 20 million a year (I realize Andruw isn’t that old - BUT HE WILL BE AT THE END OF HIS NEXT CONTRACT!), but really “the Cream” or not. Andruw never has been, isn’t, and NEVER WILL be as good of a hitter as Bonds. Even before all the steroids allegations, Bonds was twice the HITTER that Andruw ever was.

So what’s that leave? He doesn’t steal bases anymore. He is NEVER gonna hit for a high average. It leaves us with his defense. If you FOR ONE SECOND think he’s going to be as good defensively in CF at the end of this contract as he is right now, you’re just flat out WRONG and ignoring the natural course that the human body and abilities takes on.

Anybody out there think that Griffey Jr. is as good as he “used to be”? Wasn’t he once touted as the Best CF since Mays? Now the Reds are contemplating moving him to RF. Seems to me in about 3-4 years, we’ll have a RF in the prime of his career. Why on Earth would we want to be paying 20+ million to a guy who won’t even be the best OUTFIELDER on his team by then?

Sure, the next couple of years could be “weird” without him in CF. But even RIGHT NOW, with this new bullpen, the “possiblitiy” of Hampton and Hudson performing above last years “standards”, and Francoeur and McCann being one year older and wiser, I believe this team could EASILY survive without Andruw. Call me crazy, call me stupid, whatever you wanna call me. But I honestly think Langerhans is MORE THAN GOOD ENOUGH to play CF (defensively) for this team RIGHT NOW. If by some stroke of luck, KJ and Thor have breakout years on the right side of the infield we could LIVE without Andruw’s bat.

I mean, really? How well did we do last year with Andruw, Giles and LaRoche ALL in the lineup? Pitching, Pitching, Pitching!!!!!! Flashback to 91 people. We’ve got Chipper, Francoeur, McCann, Renteria and a BRAND NEW BULLPEN.

There is not a CHANCE IN HELL of this team being as bad as last years. Unless Wickman, Soriano, AND Gonzalez ALL go down.

I believe with the influx of talent on the way up. Our payroll probably will be able to go DOWN over the next few years and we quite possibly could field a better TEAM! Think about it. Two offseasons from now, we might be without Chipper,Hampton, Renteria, Smoltz, and Andruw. Now I know that seams a little scary. But there is good YOUNG (cheap) players on the way. Not to mention if we do fall out of contention some guys could be MOVED to bring in MORE young players. Hell, 2 years from now if Thorman is LOCKED IN at 1B and Salty is still a catcher and ready to bust out, We could even (GASP) trade Brian McCann for pitching or whatever we need.

JS is at his best when he doesn’t have a HUGE BUDGET and a bunch of “fan favorites” to coddle, IMO.

Last year was the “one small step back” so we could take TWO STEPS FORWARD. Sadly enough losing Andruw at the end of this season, will be the same.

By Braves fan 202

February 20, 2007 05:16 PM | Link to this

All im sayin is we didnt have andruw when we won the series

By braveheart

February 20, 2007 05:16 PM | Link to this

hate to be negative and i love frenchy, but why do people think that frenchy would make a good CF - he is not that good of a RF. good enough but nothing special that makes you think it would be a good idea to put him into center. he takes awkward routes to grounders - made an astounding 9 errors in RF last year. seems awkward around the walls. defensively, to me, he is just another right fielder with a real good arm. hate to say that about frenchy because he might be my favorite brave but some of you are driving me crazy saying he can play CF. if i had never seen him play football in high school, i would find it hard to believe he was a DB because of his poor awkward footwork at times in RF. but i did see him play in high school and wow!

By JC FROM UT

February 20, 2007 05:20 PM | Link to this

I truely would hate to see AJ leave, but so much payroll tied up in one player is a disaster. Even if Liberty ups the payroll, I think JS has to still work as if he is a small market,and keep an influx of good young hungry players. I agree Francouer and McCann and possibly James need to br tied up and bought out of arbitration and the only way to do that is to ley AJ go. I also think if John Smoltz does not give a discount, he will be gone as well. I’m sure Detroit will offer up the money to bring him home and replace Kenny Rodgers. I believe Rodgers signed a two year deal. Smoltz would be perfect for Detroit’s young staff.

By Baron

February 20, 2007 05:21 PM | Link to this

Druw is a superstar. He is the best centerfielder in the game and an elite slugger, the best combo at his position and probably in the top 5 of all MLB in that respect. And he will get his 20 mil a year for 4-5 or 18 for 6-7 or 15 for 10. And he deserves it. But the Braves, at 80 mil payroll per year or 95 or 120 shouldn’t be the team to pay it to him. Look, folks, the Yankees are going to be dropping 200 mil on their squad this year. That’s 8 mil per roster spot. That’s fine for them. They make a crap load and they put it back into the team. They do that to make even more money- their fans expect to contend every year, and they expect big splashes in the free agent market. Who can argue with that? But it doesn’t make them that much more competetive than the Braves, Athletics or Cardinals. Market forces constrain the ability of these teams to spend their way to contention. They have to utilize other tools. We had Druw for 10 spectacular, sometimes maddening seasons. We should not torpedo our potential, future success just to hold onto him for another 10.

By Claudel Washington

February 20, 2007 05:22 PM | Link to this

Looking at the spring training pictures, I find it hard to believe that Andruw has lost any weight. I’m guessing he’s gained 10 lbs. Time to lay off the donuts.

By MBATL

February 20, 2007 05:24 PM | Link to this

Defensive stats, especially for outfielders, are pretty inconclusive, imo. Andruw’s range factor, zone factor, etc, have slipped a little, but I don’t think that means much.

I do think AJ has lost a step, but that just makes him very good instead of ‘the best ever.’ And I guess even the best ever (Mays?) wasn’t that way for his entire career.

To me, it comes down to what to expect from AJ 3,4,5,6 years down the road (as Shaun and N8 have pointed out); and regardless of that, can a mid-level team afford to put that kind of money into one player?

I just think it’s more likely that AJ will decline than improve.

Heard a comment on Beltran this morning, on Espn, saying he wants to run more in ‘08; and that he has potential to steal 40-50 bases this year and he wants to do it.

I’m not assuming he’ll do that, but I just don’t see any room for improvement like that in AJ’s game - don’t even hear him suggesting he wants to get better. But I see a lot of room for decline. It took a contract year for him to get in shape, and I think even 225 is pretty heavy for him, isn’t it?

I won’t fall on my sword if we sign him - I’ll be glad to have him - but don’t see how it’s the best move for the franchise.

By Alan

February 20, 2007 05:25 PM | Link to this

Folks, this will be Andruw’s last year in a Braves uniform. With his agent (Boras) and the certain bidding war for his services (Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Orioles, Astros, Giants, Diamondbacks, Cubs and who-knows-who-else), his multi-year contract very likely will rival A-Rod’s. As someone said so eloquently a long time ago, he’s going, going, gone. And, unfortunately, the Braves will get no compensation unless he signs before the deadline to offer arbitration because they won’t do that either. (They got burned by Greg Maddux a few years ago, don’t forget, and they won’t let that happen again.) Yeah, it’s a shame, but it’s reality. Blame the marketplace (which is admittedly absurd), blame TimeWarner, blame Liberty Media, blame Chipper and Smoltz (which is really, really dumb), blame it on the bossa nova - it doesn’t matter. Someone (one of those teams listed above) is going to offer Andruw a ridiculous amount of money over a ridiculous number of years (at least 7, likely more) and he is going to take it. Simple as that. In the short run, that will hurt the Braves - he’s without a doubt the best all-around player on the team - but in the long run they’ll be better off because over the next 3-4 years they should be able to lock up younger players such as Francoeur and McCann and James to long-term deals. Otherwise, we’ll probably have to re-visit this off-season’s salary-dump scenario all over again when these young guys become arbitration-eligible.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 05:27 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-Yes, he made errors in right, but nearly every one was a throwing error. He just needs to take a bit more time setting up his throws. His arm is so strong, that he could wait a bit longer and throw people out instead of putting the throw in the stands. Now-Andruw’s salary. Does everyone realize that with Andruw gone, we still won’t have tons of money for new players? Hudson is due a $7.5 million raise next year. Soriano and Gonzalez are arbitration eleigible again, as well as Langerhans and probably some others. We will be real lucky to see a $3 million savings if Andruw leaves. Maybe not even that much. That ought to bring some of you back to earth.

By N8

February 20, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this

Nice “retaliation” Lew. Strong points, definitely.

We’ve been in 2 WS with Andruw. His rookie (1996) year when he hit the 2 homers off of Pettitte. Then again in 1999 (the sweep at the hands of the Yankees). How could you forget about that one? After all it was Andruw’s “patience” that got us there by way of the bases loaded BB off of the Gambler - Kenny Rogers.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 20, 2007 05:39 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones … a “throwback” … belongs in the 19th century, maybe the first part of the 20th but certainly not the 21st!

I mentioned 7 December as a day that lives in infamy … I didn’t care much for Franklin’s politics, but he got that right, especially from a baseball perspective.

Bobby Cox too … folks who can’t appreciate his donning a uniform, complete with spikes … as camp is being opened … well, let’s just say that I think you’re having us on.

You can bet the ranch that it brought a smile to the lips of Abner Doubleday, the Babe, Ole Diz, Bill Stern and our own Miss Pearl too!

Andruw will never be what he could have been … had he played when the game was a game and not a business … when everyone played because of their passion for sport and not for profit.

Argue all you will that that is true of them all, but it ain’t … he’s extra special … just like Mr. Cox.

As per usual, there’s much truth is both the positive and negative posts expressed herein about our Mr. Jones … but, when his hour of strutting and fretting upon our stage is over, I’ll bet that even his greatest detractors will be sad he’s gone!

Some things make a whit, others don’t … throwbacks do!

By Don't drink and type

February 20, 2007 05:46 PM | Link to this

If Andruw comes back it will most likely be because somebody at Liberty Media suddenly becomes a baseball fan and opens the purse strings. The “home boy upstairs,” won’t cripple the team by tying up too much payroll on one guy, even if he is THE guy.

Hey Dave, nice Web log.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 20, 2007 05:50 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, I only just saw you request for assistance … as I have been away, preoccupied with mundane things like sleep … that, and recovering from too many red pepper seeds on a souse meat and extra cheese pizza!

Instead of getting you out of trouble, let me help you back into same … I was shocked that nobody asked about your new girlfriend … anyone we know?

By Rob in Atlanta

February 20, 2007 05:52 PM | Link to this

Not resigning Andruw would hurt Liberty on the back end because, when they sell the team a few years from now, the team won’t be worth as much. With Andruw gone, I would think revenue would decline. People pay to see him play. Let’s not mention how much more revenue would decline if we are not in the playoffs again. Not having Andruw would put us there.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 05:55 PM | Link to this

Bob-This post is not completely aimed at you, specifically, but it may answer part of your questions.It’s one thing missing him when he’s gone. We will. But to keep him? At what price? No player is irreplaceable. I know Andruw has been called the best ever (maybe, but I saw Willie Mays in his Say Hey day, and I’m not so sure about that claim-Mays was CERTAINLY the better all-around player). Be that as it may, look where we went with Marquis Grissom in center. All the way. Grissom was an exceptional center fielder. He will never be called “The Best Ever”, he never hit the HR’s Andruw hit, but he DID hit over .300 and played every bit as good defense as anyone else you may ever have seen. No, Andruw, even if we can sign him, will still cost more than we can afford to pay. No matter what era he played in.

By DC Braves Fan

February 20, 2007 05:57 PM | Link to this

DOB, you gave us what “market value” for Andruw is…what about another CF set to become a FA at the end of this year, and no one is talking about: ICHIRO! What is his market value? If we couldn’t sign AJ (and I’m still holding out hope that we can), could the Bravos look at someone like Ichiro - who might be a little cheaper - and wants to win?

By woogidy

February 20, 2007 05:58 PM | Link to this

If the Braves win the World Series this year, Andruw stays with out question, I think. If not, 50-50.

By Don't drink and type

February 20, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this

However, if Andruw hits 372 homers this year all bets are off. The Braves would definitely bring him back to break the club career record. And remember, you read it on this Web log first.

By Wayne in UT

February 20, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this

Some great blogs! My sentiments have been stated multiple times on AJ. To put my 2 cents worth in:

Offer AJ 4 years at 18 mil per. If he loves Bobby, Atlanta, and the Braves, he will understand that it won’t get any better to stay here. Next, if you don’t think Bore-us would send AJ to Toronto for the highest offer, you haven’t followed Bore-us enough. Andruw and his dad need to get Scott B plastered at some picnic and then go talk to “Home Boy” Schuerholz and get the deal done, if indeed he wants to remain a Brave. NO more than 4 years, and NO more than 18 mil per season. As many have stated, we would in 2-3 years be regretting offering anything longer or more.

Another thought. I have always been a huge AJ fan. BUT, when a player waits until his walk year to then attempt to push away from a few cheeseburgers, that DOES NOT impress me as someone who has any measure of self discipline. I say, if he doesn’t like your offer, give the extra cash to “Home Boy” and let him do his magic.

I also like the idea of tying up our young talent for years to come, although, you have to be very careful and make sure that person is bona fide keeper. Not that I think he will flop, but you gotta give a guy about 3 or 4 years (using them at low pay) to prove they are legit and going to be of the character you want for your team. McCann seems to be that guy, and I would go after him around this time next year. Frenchie, is on the bubble. Will probably be of that quality, and if he improves in ‘07, then maybe go after him a year from now. Chuckie James is 2 years from an offer, unless next winter you can low ball him for 5-6 years.

Sorry for such a long blog.

By Baron

February 20, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this

Look at these salary numbers: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/salaries?team=atl See anything at the top? $62,641,852 for 5 players. Among them, only Smoltz and Andruw playing frequently and effectively enough to justify their salaries. Now look down the list: $2,856,000 for Frenchy, Langerhans, McCann, Johnson, James, Davies, Soriano, and Gonzalez- all included! 8 guys we will rely heavily on this year and hopefully years to come. We are spending a half a mill more on Craig Wilson than all those guys combined! Hand those guys 7 year deals at 4 mil a year right now. Worse case scenario, some other team trades prospects for our disapointments as a 4th outfielder or utility infielder 3-4 years from now. What I don’t like to see is JS constrained by contracts from making wise and valuable moves. I can recall two years ago everyone wanted to make a mid-season deal for a starter. Good deals were available; but JS couldn’t pull the trigger because he didn’t have the 5-6 mil for 3 years available for the remianer of someone’s contract. See the top of the salary list for where that money is. We don’t have to be the A’s. We can hold onto our bright young talent. But we have to have flexibility. No more 13 mil/year contracts for anybody. Not even Smoltzie or Chipper, or Druw, as much as it sucks. BTW, take a look at VORP stats to get an idea about what player is worth what. At the upper levels, every tiny increase costs exponentially more.

By Chris

February 20, 2007 06:08 PM | Link to this

Re-sign Andruw. I don’t care what it takes. I got 5 on it.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 20, 2007 06:09 PM | Link to this

HK,

I almost forgot … no, I didn’t watch “Night and Day”. While I know it’s not politically correct to so say, I didn’t care for his “politics” … but I loved his music and could listen to it all day and all night!

Wayne, your son’s about the same age as my grandson … they’re in for different surprises though; when yours is getting a car, mine will be getting a bicycle … if he’s been good.

Honorable Southern, I am honored to be recognized by any champion in the fight against apathy … that’s me, plain and simple.

Lamont Cranston might feel that it’s invading his turf but I liked HK’s “shadows” reference … we’ve got work to do, let’s get it on!

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

Well that was a bummer. I just got turned away from Braves Camp despite what the scout said. LOL!

Incredible story on the main page. I can’t believe someone actually did that. That made me laugh. Poor guy has to bus it all the way back home now.

As for AJ, I think I’ve covered my belief as to what it would take to replace him. As for him staying…
DOB: Did AJ remark on his desire to play in warm climates again? I noticed that was missing from the report. That’d make me believe all of this was a matter of long hours of coaching from Borass. “Don’t say things like that, then you eliminate 50% of the teams and drive down potential bidders.” Toss in the love of the Braves, admiration for Cox, family roots, closeness to Curacao, desire to play in a warm climate, (and this is a guess but I doubt it’s far off) the desire to win the WS, and that leaves little options on the table and increases the possibility of staying.
But as I’ve said in several posts, let the season play out and see where we are. He should kick some but this year and maybe win his MVP if Chipper doesn’t beat him to it.

By braveheart

February 20, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

lew,

understand your point about his setting up his throws - which is a footwork issue but also so are other plays where he does not get good angles and cut balls off in the gaps and does not field ground balls cleanly which is a poor footwork issue. he does seem pretty good on fly balls though. i think his athletic ability is more akin to a safety than a cornerback anyway - elthough 14 interceptions in one freaking high school year where no one really throws the ball and you would assume they would not be trying to throw it into his area is pretty freaking ubelievable. when he goes for fly balls to me, he seems like a safety or wide receiver who just flys around and goes and get the ball by attacking the ball. however, when it comes time for footwork to be the key on grounders or his throws, he seems somewhat to lack that necessary cornerback agility. i think it is that weird hips talent that Rich McKay was always talking about when he drafted that loudmouthed fool DHALL. never quite figured out what mckay was talking about

lew, as for your other points, i completely agree. i also suspect that because alot of these young homegrowns are going to start racking up the years, many are going to become arb eligible, thus we will not have extra money to pay for extra players by losing druw. i am also deeply afraid that what will happen is that the owners will tell the GM since we just lost $15 mil or so off the $80 mil, just replace druw with a cheap young centerfielder and we are going to drop the payroll down to $70 mil. i very well could see that.

this corporate ownership thing is turning into a nightmare.

please get a real live breathing owner with a heart for the fans and team, eyes that actually watch (almost) every game and read what we say, noses that smell the grass, the beer, and the popcorn, ears that hear the fans roar, cheer, cry, and complain, ears that actually listen to pete, skip, don, joe, and chip, legs that actually walk through the turnstiles into the stadium every once in a while, hands that hand out fair market value money to our beloved homegrowns, ……. you guys can fill in the rest for me if you like

just please get rid of the spreadsheet sams and intrinsic value ians that own this team

By Lew

February 20, 2007 06:17 PM | Link to this

Rob In Atlanta-Let’s see now. We haven’t been in the WS since 99, seven years ago. We haven’t progressed from the first round of the playoffs in the same amount of time. We didn’t make the playoffs last year-didn’t even reach .500, for that matter. How does this make Andruw the indispensible piece of the puzzle you’re talking about? If all it took was Andruw playing stellar defense and hitting 40-50 HR, we probably wouldn’t even be having this discussion. He’s NOT that indispensible piece of the puzzle. I don’t know how many times anyone has to say it. The Braves decline over the past several years has been because our pitching is not as dominant as it once was. No matter how many HR’s Andruw hits or how many runs Andruw knocks in is never going to change that fact. Whatever money may be saved from waving goodbye to Andruw, as well as any other salary attrition that may occur, needs to be spent on pitching-not an expensive puzzle piece that has not led us to the promised land in ten years on the team. He’s a great player-no doubt. He’s going to remain good for at least several more years. He isn’t the answer to our problems.

By Braves fan 202

February 20, 2007 06:20 PM | Link to this

Whatever 07 season hasnt started yet im just lookin forward to that and we’ll see what happens from there, i just want arthur blank, that would help the braves so much

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 20, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

I’d do whatever I could to keep Andruw if I was the Braves. Right now the Braves have a lot of money tied up in players who are older and/or more injury-prone (Chipper Jones, Mike Hampton, John Smoltz)… it makes no sense to let go of a guy who probably has at least 10 more productive years in him because you are paying older guys. Andruw’s the best player on the Braves, and the Braves should pay him his money.

By TheSouthernJackAss

February 20, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

After this season Andruw Jones will be more interested in playing for “the Buck$” instead of playing for “the Braves”!

By braveheart

February 20, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

i honestly think arthur blank is in the wrong sport. he wants to spend on the falcons like they are a baseball team with no salary cap - which is going to cause long term problems for the falcons. i wish he would trade himself to the braves - that way he could whip the money out of his own pocket and overspend on things - and i think we all know he would. the problem in football is that there is a salary cap with disastrous eventual consequences for his spending habits and desires

By Peter

February 20, 2007 06:30 PM | Link to this

Some of you guys are living in denial. Revenues have been up for the last three years and will rise even higher with the DirectTv deal.

These payroll rises beget rises in money paid out in arbitration. By the time Frenchy and BMc get to free agency “A” class players may average 18 to 20M.

We’ve been hearing salaries had to correct themselves “sometime” for years now. Two other assumptions 1) That the young players all turn out as successfully as the “Chipper and Andruw” class did and 2) that those players won’t get frustrated and want to leave if Liberty runs the team as a business.

By Sonny

February 20, 2007 06:30 PM | Link to this

“Market value”??? Bro, all it takes is for one GM to take a hit of crack and suddenly Vernon Wells is worth 3x what he should be and suddenly EVERYONE GETS OVERPAID IN THE MLB LOTTERY!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 20, 2007 06:32 PM | Link to this

Lew, you make a solid point as to why Andruw won’t be back. Of the teams mentioned someone forgot the Dodgers who really need someone with power in their line up and never seem to have a problem when it comes to money.

Guy’s, I think I shall be like Miss O’Hara and just worry about it tomorrow.

By Newbie

February 20, 2007 06:33 PM | Link to this

Correct me if I am wrong but Frenchy played CF in high school and the minors.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 06:35 PM | Link to this

Najeh-If you really think Andruw has ten top flight seasons left in him, you are sadly disillusioned. As much of a beating as he takes diving for balls and banging into fences, he is a knee reconstruction or a back injury just waiting to happen. His shoulders have taken a beating for ten ML seasons. It wouldn’t take much for him to have a shoulder dislocation or separation. I’m shocked it hasn’t happened yet. He doesn’t have ten injury free seasons left, believe me. Maybe three or four. It’s just a matter of time.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 20, 2007 06:40 PM | Link to this

Incomplete Lew, I don’t believe in “best ever” comparisons … never have, never will … I leave that to the Completes. Though I think maybe the Babe could have been become the best ever, had he stuck with pitching.

You know that I’m a strong believer in Nellie Fox, Charlie Lou, and the wonderful Mr. Keeler … the Babe and Thumper too … every time I see Andruw come to the plate in a critical situation … I wish we were playing in the old days cause I know that his fellows would have had a strong influence on his approach at the plate … can you imagine the Georgia Peach’s reaction after losing a game because a teammate left the tying run on third and the winning run on second … as he struckout, taking the air out of the stadium and falling down as he tried to hit the ball 500 feet?

Andruw’s a member of the 3 digit club and it wouldn’t take long for him to realize his mistake … and his potential.

I liked baseball is back before Madonna started playing … but special Andruw is as was Willie, at least to me. That doesn’t mean I don’t agree with you.

By The Grinch

February 20, 2007 06:42 PM | Link to this

Davenpoop, I was gonna comment on the Falcon blog about Babineaux and Kerney, but as always the detention-hall level of nonsense over there was just overwhelming. You’re one of the only people who posts there with any sense; I don’t see how you stand it.

Headline says something about James Brown might be buried in the next few days. What’s it been, about a month since he died? The Godfather must be gettin’ pretty ripe about now. Come to think of it, he didn’t look all that fresh when he was onstage. Hee-ooow!!

Gotta go to a neighborhood watch meeting; catch y’all later.

By amsugar

February 20, 2007 06:54 PM | Link to this

I work where I do doing what I do because I enjoy it, I’m good at it, and I’m appreciated. It sure as heck isn’t because of the money. I wish more athletes took that position. If you know your value and you are appreciated and you like where you are and what you do…why do you really need so much money?…how about enough to maintain a lifestyle…not so much money just because there’s some idiot out there who will give it to you (but not necessarily where you are now).

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 20, 2007 06:56 PM | Link to this

First of all, JS should have traded Andruw at the deadline last season. We all knew then, whether we wanted to admit it or not, that Andruw was very unlikely to remain with the Braves. His comments to DOB today only reiterated that he is going where the money is. Yes, he said he wanted to remain a Brave the rest of his career. Well, so did Sheffield. Giambi and Tejada said the same thing about the A’s. A-Rod said the same thing about the Mariners. Pedro and Damon both said they would never leave Boston. Fact is, all of those guys wanted to get paid and went where the money was. Andruw is no different. Now, I don’t blame him. I actually applaud him for being honest. Read between the lines of what he said. He said he WANTED to be a Brave for life, but was going to GET market value. Andruw is no dummy. He knows with the current payroll structure, which honestly isn’t likely to change or change significantly, that the Braves can’t sign him.

Now, I do have to take some opposition to this overwhelming praise of Andruw’s “loyalty”. I would say the Braves have been more loyal to Andruw than vice versa. Here is what I mean. If Andruw truly had the Braves best interest at heart, he would either sign a contract that would fit around the Braves payroll or he would allow JS to pursue a trade. But, he isn’t going to do that. I’m not blaming him for looking out for #1. I’m just not going to give him praise for something he only marginally has. JS could have easily traded him last season. The Dodgers, Angels, White Sox, and even the Rangers would have given the Braves close to anything they wanted. The Braves never even considered it. When Theo came calling last season, JS said thanks but no thanks. No matter what anyone says, that deal was doable. I think Crisp will surprise this year and Hansen is a good young pitcher. Good enough to probably be the closer for the Sox. Not to mention the freed up money would have came in handy this year. I wonder if the Rays would have said yes to the Baldelli deal if the Braves would have thrown in an extra $3 or $4 mil?

Now, Andruw won’t allow a trade and from a personal perspective nor should he. However, if he really had the Braves best interest at heart he would at least allow JS to pursue a trade this spring. So, while I love Andruw to death, I won’t heap prasie upon him for his loyalty.

Here is another hard cold fact. Even if Liberty Media raised the payroll by $10 to $15 mil it would still be hard for the Braves to keep both Andruw and Smoltz. You have to remember that Hudson will get a $6.5 million raise next year. Hamtpon will get about a $2 mil raise. I believe Frenchy and McCann are going to be arbitration eligible. As will McBride, Langerhans, and Diaz. Gonazles, Soriano, and Villareal will all get raises through arbitration. Smoltz will probably not take less than $12 mil considering he would probably get $15 or $16 on the open market. Especially if he has another stellar season.

I do highly doubt that Bob Wickman will be back in 2008. The loss of his salary would offset the Hudson raise but still would do nothing to help the other raises. I also firmly believe that Renteria will be gone in 2008 as well. I suppose his salary could go toward signing Andruw. But, here is the question with Andruw. Market value for him will be at least $18 mil and probably $20 to $21 mil. (I love those who scoffed when I mentioned such numbers last season at the trade deadline and was arguing for Andruw to be traded because he would command such money.) Well, I’m not such an idiot now, huh. If Wells and Soriano can get $18 mil a year and Andruw is as good offensively as either one of those two and better defensively, I think $20 mil is a guarantee!

I would love for Andruw to stay, but for him and Smoltz to both be retained and yet keep this team competitive I think payroll will have to be increased by no less than $20 mil.

If not, I say let him go. I hate to say it, but from a business and future angle I would let him go. As I stated earlier, not resigning Wickman would offset Hudson’s salary increase unless he gets traded (which is a 50/50 proposition at this point). I say trade Renteria and place Lillibridge there if he is ready (and all indications are he should be). Between Renteria and Andruw’s salaries being dumped the Braves would have $19.5 mil. After taking away Hampton’s increase and perceived increase through arbitration/signing contracts the Braves would have at least $13 or $14 mil. They could use $5 mil of that to resign Smoltz to a two year contract and would still have enough money left over to make a run at a decent free agent or give them some more wiggle room to make a trade.

Shaun, is right about any lengthy contract to Andruw. Yes, in 2008, 2009, and 2010 the contract would be worth it. But with wear and tear Andruw endures along with his bad shoulders and knees will that contract be worth it in 2011, 2012, and 2013? I doubt it. Something else we are all forgetting as well is the dreaded “no trade” clause. You know Andruw and Boras will demand that clause be in any contract and JS doesn’t give them. Andruw would be wise to have such a clause in his contract to keep a team from trading him before his value truly diminishes. For all who think giving Andruw a six year deal would be great allow me to mention the name of Todd Helton. When the Rockes made that deal it seemed like a great idea. How great of an idea is it now? Helton could very well handcuff that team for the next five years. Talk has already began that the Rockies won’t be able to keep Matt Holiday because of it. He would look awfully good in a Braves uniform and next season would be cheaper and likely as productive as Andruw.

Just my opinion.

By ssiscribe

February 20, 2007 06:57 PM | Link to this

Grinch, neighborhood watch?

JJS, girlfriend?

Coltraine, what type of grass were you eating with Bradley on the day after Daytona?

Andruw, staying?

So many questions. I love freedom of the press!

—30—

By braveheart

February 20, 2007 06:59 PM | Link to this

newbie:

chipper was a shortstop coming up in the minors - never really played there in the majors though. what position you play in the minors and certainly in high school does not mean you have the skill set to be playing there when you get to the majors. gary sheffield was a shortstop when he came up with the brewers in the late 1980s. if we went by what position these guys all played in high school, we would have nothing but shortstops moonlighting every fifth day as a pitcher. every one of these guys for the most part was the shortstop/pitcher/point guard/quarterback in every high school in the towns and cities they grew up in. so, frenchy would be familiar and comfortable enough i think with center but would not have the skill set to play out there too much without having some of his defensive shortcomings exposed.

although i saw frenchy play one h.s. football game, i never understood this: I understand Parkview is a great football school but why was Frenchy not playing QB in high school. that always puzzled me. i always figured that maybe he did not have the arm for it until i saw his rocket arm in RF. maybe someone out there can educate me on that.

By stuckinuk

February 20, 2007 06:59 PM | Link to this

I’ve been reading this blog for over a year now and impressed by the amount of knowldege most people on this blog have. I tend to agree with everyone who thinks Andruw is too expensive to resign at “market value” for a long term deal, however we are all assuming that we will not see another spending spree like the one from this summer in the next few years in which players like Gary Matthews Jr get Andruw type money for a single season. But my other comment comes from Andruw’s commitment to Atlanta, I remember when Piazza was traded from the Dodgers he took out a full page ad in the LA Times thanking the fans for their support. I have always wondered if fans showed the same level of interest in certain players who have expressed their desire to stay in a city if it would help persuade them to take a steeper home town discount or if it would just increase their asking price.

By N8

February 20, 2007 07:03 PM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop

First off…..How’s the tail coming?

OK. On to business.

First of all. Hampton is NOT injury prone. He has had one MAJOR injury.

Second. Smoltz has gone quite a while without missing considerable time due to injury. He’s old, but I’d venture my opinion AGAINST calling him injury prone.

Now Chipper….well, I can’t argue there.

Finally. You said:

“it makes no sense to let go of a guy who probably has at least 10 more productive years in him because you are paying older guys.”

Come on. Don’t be silly. Do you REALLY think that in 10 years, he will be ANYTHING but a shell of his former self? That’s just ridiculous, AT BEST.

This last point is not directed at you, but needs to be said.

Why does EVERYBODY continue to use AOL/Liberty Media and ALL big business ownership groups for not being “emotionally tied” to an organization, as an excuse for teams failing?

NOBODY is more hands on and EMOTIONALLY tied, not to mention, spends MORE MONEY on his team/roster than Steinbrenner does. How many titles have they won in the last few seasons? When will you people understand that it’s NOT about how much money you spend on players, but about WHICH players you spend the money you do have on?

I said it earlier today and I’ll say it again. I don’t care if Liberty Media DOUBLES the payroll after the sale goes through.

ANDRUW JONES WILL NOT BE WORTH THE DOLLAR VALUE OF HIS NEXT CONTRACT HE SIGNS, BY THE TIME THAT CONTRACT IS HALF OVER!!!!

I’m not sure why SO MANY of you cannot see that. NOBODY has meant more to this organization since 1991 than Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz did. Yet 2 of them are gone and not coming back. If JS didn’t OVERSPEND for both of those guys once they were past the most productive years of their careers, WHY ON EARTH would he do it for AJ, no matter what the “budget restraints” were/are?

JS spends his money (no matter the ammount) VERY WISELY. Let him do his job. He is a SMART MAN. If at the end of next season, Andruw is allowed to “walk”. Then I think we can all rest easy knowing that the man we trust to build a team that can compete on a yearly basis, deemed it UNNECCESARY to retain his services at the ammount AJ/Bora$$ are asking.

• N8 -

By Terry Williams

February 20, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

If I were GM, I simply would refuse to negoiate with any player who used Scott Bore-a* for agent. Might hurt in the short term, but I guarantee it would stop that “hold-up” mentality. Great contributions by AJ over the years..but great loyalty shown by Braves also. Boras is a pimp…. Hey, have a nice day.

By BB FAN

February 20, 2007 07:12 PM | Link to this

I am a huge Andruw Jones fan. I have really enjoyed watching him in Atlanta’s centerfield for the past 11 years. And while my first instinct would be to pay him anything…I realize that the Braves have a limited payroll. Therefore, as much as I would love to see Andruw stay, I know he would have to accept less than market value. Probably even if Liberty increases the payroll to 85-90 million next year.

One good thing is that Andruw would like to play for a warm weather team. He has stated that several times. Thank god the Yankees are in NY. That should eliminate them. The Angels and Dodgers are probably the most attractive because of climate and seemingly endless payrolls.

This is probably the worst time for Andruw to become a free agent because teams are making so much money. However, what these teams don’t realize, all this crazy spending will come back to haunt them. It happened in 2000 offseason when ARod signed with Texas. I believe that was when Hampton and Neagle signed their huge contracts as well as Manny Ramirez. Teams regretted all of the spending after that and prices went way down until this past offseason.

Let’s hope that Andruw’s wife, who is from Atlanta, wants to stay in Atlanta because I think deep down Andruw does.

I have a feeling that Borass is telling him to take market value. I just don’t see the big deal of a few million a year when you are talking about 17 million per year anyway. I mean what can’t somebody buy with 17 million a year that they can buy with 20 million a year? How much is enough?

And eventually baseball fans are going to rebel. Eventually we will not be able to afford to go to games as much. Eventually we will just say go to hell. I mean baseball is already trying to limit the MLB package to DirecTV. So they are going to abandon fans that can’t get a dish where they live. That’s going to upset a lot of fans. And the more players make, the more ticket prices and concession stand food goes up. All of this will evenetually push away fans. I mean the average fan already has animosity towards players because they make millions now. Obviously, it’s not going to happen tomorrow, but if MLB and it’s players continue with their greed then it will happen.

By braveheart

February 20, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this

did anyone else hear buster olney this afternoon on 680 say that scouts have been rumbling over the last year or so, that andruw is losing it in center defensively and that they have all been concerned for the last 2 or 3 years that he is too soft and heavy.

from what buster was saying, if andruw has a monster year like he did two years ago, snaps back defensively, and shows people that he is not an injury waiting to happen eventually because of his extra weight, that he might get a $140 mil contract.

buster said though that the word around baseball is that if andruw is only so-so this year offensively, continues his regression defensively and still looks to be fat and out of shape, andruw might only get a $40 mil contract.

SO, the concern then becomes: do we hope for a subpar year from andruw so that we can keep him at a cheaper price and hope that he gets angry at screwing himself out of millions and plays better in the new cheaper contract?

who knows? i suspect that druw will not get angry because i can not name many times where i have ever seen him angry about anything.

who am i kidding. he’s gone. so sad but as many are pointing out with these cheapskate owner, it may be the best financial/baseball decision that can be made if the self imposed salary cap is what it is

By SL

February 20, 2007 07:18 PM | Link to this

How friggen lame! Hey AJ, So its only important to get your fat a__ in shape for your upcoming “money year”? Some loyalty. Screw AJ, one player does not a team make. Bye bye!

By Taylor

February 20, 2007 07:19 PM | Link to this

Andruw is worth every penny. Let’s hope LM increases the payroll.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 07:21 PM | Link to this

I’m not making the mistake of comparing Andruw to Mays again(I’m still sore from last weeks thumpin) but Andruw is still the best defensive outfielder of this era and though you might not want one through eight filled with hitters like him he is a force in the middle of the lineup.If you have very good to great defense in center and at second and short every position on the field is made better.If the budget remains at or near eighty million it may take too big a bite to re-sign him.So let’s hope new owners will pony up to one hundred million or so because if the question is are the bravos a better team with Andruw? the answer is, you bet !!!

By N8

February 20, 2007 07:22 PM | Link to this

braveheart

“SO, the concern then becomes: do we hope for a subpar year from andruw so that we can keep him at a cheaper price and hope that he gets angry at screwing himself out of millions and plays better in the new cheaper contract?”

While I commend your creativity and desire to retain Andruw. WHY would we want him for ANY AMMOUNT if he can’t even get him self in shape and STEP IT UP in a contract year, when he will most likely BREAK THE BANK.

If his season is so bad that the BIG BOYS (Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Rangers etc…) don’t feel he would be “worth” a big contract, why would the Braves on their “big business ownership” budget (as so many of you call it while complaining about it), want to spend ANY of our tiny budget on him?

Just a question, no harm or malace meant.

By Wayne in UT

February 20, 2007 07:26 PM | Link to this

Terry W: My sentiments exactly. Let the pimp Bore-us sell his wares to some other team. Good luck AJ.

Buster Olney may be onto something. Personally, I hope AJ has a fantastic year, and we win the WS. Then the pressure will be on him to take the hometown discount.

Home Boy, stick to your guns and don’t give the no-trade and don’t sign him for over 4 years max, at no more than 18 million per.

I can see it now, Ryan Langerhans roaming CF and hitting 270-15-75 while batting 7th. Also, Baldelli might be a good bet to roam LF next year, or that dude out in Colorado, Hawpe. Or maybe Blanco or Brandon Jones or Salty might have a big year in AAA this year and be ready by ‘08.

By Bill

February 20, 2007 07:28 PM | Link to this

Let Andruw go. He’s not worth 20Mil. Go with the young guys. There will be a big shake after this season. I doubt very seriously that Cox & J.S. will be back.

By Stinky

February 20, 2007 07:31 PM | Link to this

If Andruw won’t take 18 mill per season, screw him. Let him roll the dice and see what happens. He just decided to loose weight and get in the best shape of his life since 1999? Karma will get his number and treat him like the BEEYATCH that he is for not giving his best for the last 7 off-seasons.

Look at, uh, Chipper. He doesn’t give his best in the off season on a consistant basis and then - BAM!!! - He gets into his 30’s and turns into a Sick, Lame and Lazy holdovoer with his best years behind him.

I just hope JS has the stones to trust his farm system and use the money that they save by jetisoning Andruw to bring in more pitching, pitching, pitching.

Someone pointed out today that the Braves haven’t won a WS since Andruw has been in the starting lineup. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

By MBATL

February 20, 2007 07:32 PM | Link to this

Oddjob! Glad to see you back… sorry if I got a little hot under the collar with you the other day. No hard feelings, I hope.

Moving on… An AJ quote, from Espn.com:

“It’s not about being greedy or humble,” he said. “It’s a fact: That’s what the market is. It could be $50 million a year. It doesn’t matter if that’s what the market is.”

I really think Boras had a come-to-Jesus talk with AJ after his comments last month.

KC, I agree that AJ may take a discount to stay in Atlanta, but I think the discount is gonna be from about $21 mil a year. No can do.

By Maine Braves Fan

February 20, 2007 07:37 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB I have a question for you. Do you honestly think that the braves owners will raise the payroll?? Do you think the braves will resign Andruw jones at the end of the year?

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 07:38 PM | Link to this

The talk of Andruw being a injury risk is spreading lime where it aint needed.The best gauge of injury risk is a history of them ( Griffey comes to mind)Andruw does things right, he gets a jump and doesn’t for the most part throw his body around in awkward ways.The only real concern I’ve had the past two seasons is the way he is twisting his knee on home run swings,but he is sturdy and has no accumulated damage that I know of.As for the claim of a decline in defense the numbers show a small decrease in total chances but that could be the result of having greyhounds on either side of him.Ask Mr Cox if he minds the other fielders taking some room away,I’m guessing it suits him fine.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 20, 2007 07:38 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I agree about the hometown discount. At this point a hometown discout is $18 mil a year. I think Andruw pretty much let it be known today that this is his last season unless Liberty Media does the unexpected and increase payroll greatly. I wonder if today’s comments gives JS a little more sense of urgency to get a replacement in place this year. Yes, one Rocco Baldelli is the first name that comes to mind.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 07:40 PM | Link to this

N8: Andruw Jones Will not be worth the dollar value of his next contract he sings, by the time that contract is half over!!!!
Wouldn’t that depend on the structure of the contract? Suppose the contract is heavily front loaded with a sizable bonus. That would leave the flexibility to sign the young guys and make other moves while retaining a valuable player who you could at least move to the corner in his later years, if indeed you find a better replacement at center.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 07:49 PM | Link to this

RJIB-I won’t argue with most of what you say, though I think Andruw will cost way more than can be afforded. What does make me question your sanity is your assertion that Coco Crisp the Cereal Guy is at all worthwhile. Is it the fact that he has only played more than 140 games just once? Could it be his 8 career outfield assists? Could it be the fact that his legendary blazing speed has garnered him more than 20 SB just once? Or his .990 Fielding percentage? Or maybe his .262 average last year? Dude, this guy isn’t even fit to carry Andruw’s laundry to the cleaners. Add to that a pitcher with no experience and a lifetime ERA in the 6’s and we should have just handed them Andruw without questioning the trade. Whatever.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 20, 2007 07:50 PM | Link to this

many of you will know that barbaro was fitted with a special shoe. sadly, barbaro had to be put down.

how serious is this special shoe business? has a mlb player ever been put down during the season?

journalist jimmy smith will have more on this later tonight.

By KC

February 20, 2007 07:51 PM | Link to this

MBATL: “I really think Boras had a come-to-Jesus talk with AJ after his comments last month.”

Agreed. We don’t know exactly what’s going through Andruw’s mind. Could be that he has not intention of taking a discount. Or it could be that he’ll take a reasonable discount to stay here. Or he might have even told Boras that if the Braves are even in the same universe with their offer… he wants to stay here.

You’re going to hear the exact same kinds of things out of Andruw, and certainly out of Boras, regardless of Andruw’s position. It’s posturing. Now that’s not to say that Andruw won’t go with the highest bidder. He very well might. My point is that Andruw’s “market value” comments shouldn’t be seen a sure signal that he’ll be gone. Boras is going to coach him to say that kind of stuff no matter what.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2007 07:52 PM | Link to this

OK, first I have a request. I want to quote a couple of you in a story I’m planning to do tomorrow for Thursday paper, about how taking a step back last year, losing the division, might in the end help the Braves by both reenergizing them AND their fan base. Chipper, Andruw and others have both said that last year’s streak-snapping season could have been a blessing in disguise for team’s long-term future. I want to know if a couple of you feel the same way, and if you think it’s also helped reinvigorate interest among fans, which certainly seems to be the case, as I opined in a blog last week.

Anyway, if you want to compose your thoughts in a quote or two, e-mail it to me at my address _ dobrien@ajc.com _ and include your full name, your town, and your phone number in case need to call you to confirm you’re legit. Need those things or can’t run it.

As of now, story is planned for centerpiece on sports section Thursday….

Now, to today’s topic and the extremely strong response from the denizens of Braves/Man in Black.

N8 _ no question about Langerhans being more than good enough to play CF. He’d be an outstanding defensive CF, but will only get a chance at that if he hits this year.

And that’s assuming the Braves keep him this year, which I think they will. Without exaggerating, Langerhans would be one of the best five defensive CFs in the league, probably top three.

Francoeur has the athleticism and arm to play CF, for sure, and he’s aggressive as hell and plays hard all the time. But several of those errors were not throws last year, but balls he let bounce past him, a few on plays that he was too aggressive on instead of being smart and playing in front of him for singles. He hasn’t learned yet to be under control sometimes instead of just going balls-to-the-wall and trying to catch everything on the fly. Gotta be smarter at times, which he certainly could become this year. he’s a smart guy, just need to rein it in at times.

This kid Brandon Jones could be out there in a year or two. Blanco plays defense well enough to be a damn good fielding CF right now, but the offense is a concern.

By John K

February 20, 2007 07:55 PM | Link to this

Folks, I said it many times before. No discussion, Andruw is as good as gone. The hint “fair market value” means Atlanta cannot afford him. You read it here first. new York in 2008. New York as in Mets, Braves fans.

By ssiscribe

February 20, 2007 07:57 PM | Link to this

OK, just scanned over the blog comments since, oh, 3 p.m. or so, and I’ve got to echo something said by several people earlier today, including DOB (whose cat’s name I fear I misspelled in a previous post). I’m really surprised, and impressed, at the way many of you are looking at this.

Honestly, I expected a tremendous amount of emotional yelling that Andruw has to stay a Brave, no matter what the consequences. Instead, I’ve seen a tremendous amount of “we love ya, and we’ll miss ya, but we can’t ruin the franchise to keep ya.”

Bravo, bloggers! Great discussion. I like some of the ideas I’ve seen out there, the thought processes that the payroll is what it is and the Baby Braves eventually have to be signed to big-time deals.

Like I wrote earlier today, maybe it would be different if this was just Dale Murphy on a poor team, but the Braves — hard as it may be to think about — could contend for the World Series for the next several years.

I think unless something drastic happens, all of those years except this one will have somebody else playing center field.

—30—

By maurice

February 20, 2007 07:59 PM | Link to this

What wear and tear? You all or at least most of you are talking about him not playing for wear and tear! Get rid of Chumper Jones. and keep Andruw Jones. There’s you money right there.

By AdirondackDave

February 20, 2007 08:00 PM | Link to this

Sure hope JS and Andruw can get together on a price the club can live with. He’s the guy my grandchildren will be talking about when they’re my age.

That said, if in the end, they can’t get him, both Torii Hunter and Ichiro would be fine replacements. Hunter is Andruw-lite (in both senses). He’s a superb defensive CF and a significant offensive contributor with some power. Ichiro, too, is a fine defensive player and would solve the leadoff question for the length of his contract. I would guess they will get $14-15M+/- per. If that doesn’t work, Francoeur is certainly an option in CF.

Preference: Get Andruw.

By braveheart

February 20, 2007 08:04 PM | Link to this

n8,

i was just just being an idiot. that’s all. but i am often an idiot with my posts on here. someone on here has the moniker: don’t drink and type. maybe i should change mine to don’t think out loud while typing.

below are some articles i found that i think support your opinion N8 (and the opinion of several others) about how well run and efficient the braves have been as compared to what you would expect based upon their market size. sort of totally blows out my frequent cries on here that the corporate suits need to stop treating this like a small market. don’t bother reading if you do not like being bored with eggheaded math and economics type stuff

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/quantifying-the-market-size-advantage-in-mlb/

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nickandaj/marketsize.html

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1599

By Robert E.

February 20, 2007 08:06 PM | Link to this

Here is a question I would like answered, what payroll level will the Atlanta Market bear? Can the Braves be profitable if the payroll is at 100 million? How about 120 million? What is the upper limit that, if we had an owner willing to “empty the vaults” of the teams payroll.

As for resigning Jones, I think the dollar value is less imporant than the total percentage of the payroll he will take up. I think, no more than 1/6 or 1/7th of the payroll should be spent on one player. I think, looking historically, teams that have dedicated for than that to one player has suffered for it.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 08:15 PM | Link to this

MBATL - No hard feelings here,life is short.David O’ I’m not sure Langerhans has the feel for center to be a great one.Somebody said that Aaron made all the plays Mays did, but still had his cap on afterwards.Andruw has the best innate sense of the position I’ve ever seen (and it’s not close)Langerhans has the tools for sure but he makes judgement mistakes(over runs,dives and misses)that Jones had mastered at nineteen.I’m not saying he or Francoeur can’t do the job,but AJs don’t fall off trees.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 08:19 PM | Link to this

Maurice-Exactly what part of Chipper being untradeable do you fail to grasp. Besides, he produces excellent numbers despite missing time. His injuries last year were the result of a lousy playing field in SF and his attempt to come back so soon that he messed up his oblique. He only missed a couple of games due to his chronic toe problems. What part of .324 and 26HR’s do you feel to be a subpar performance?

By Don!

February 20, 2007 08:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Liberty will spend the money needed to keep the Braves competitive over the next five years until they can (and will) sell the team again.

In this case, it means we will lose Andruw and Smoltz after this season, and Chipper and Hudson down the road.

The argument can be made that those are sound fiscal decisions in the current economic climate — but the key will be in how those players are replaced.

We can’t stay at an $80M payroll for the next five years and be competitive — unless our farm system is better than anyone expects, and both Bobby Cox and JS really continue to find sow’s ears and make them into silk purses via free agency and trades.

In the past three years, we’ve really tapped into our farm system to replace our losses, with McCann, Frenchy and the like stepping into the starting lineup. The next step will have to happen with the pitching staff.

Anyway, I guess the best thing for this season is to enjoy Andruw while we can — and offer him a $15-18M per year deal for 4-7 years after the season. If he really wants to stay, those are reasonable numbers at a hometown discount in the current market. However, there will be teams willing to pay him $20M … and if that much money makes a difference to him, then we simply have to wish him the best in his new uniform.

The key here is determining which player in the past is the guide for Andruw’s value. Barry Bonds was available at much the same age, and he had a very, very productive next decade. However, Juan Gonzales and Jose Canseco offer a much, much more cautionary tale.

Making that judgment, and paying accordingly is why JS is the best in the business at what he does. He may not be 100 percent right, all the time — but with the information he has from Bobby Cox, his scouts and the rest of the Braves’ staff, we all have to admit he does an outstanding job under his fiscal constraints.

Anyway, I’d love to see us keep Andruw and Smoltz — but we may not be able to — and it may not be the best baseball or financial decision for the team in the short-to-mid term. And believe me, Liberty is truly only concerened with the next five years until they can resell the team without the tax penalty.

Later,

Don!

By Lew

February 20, 2007 08:25 PM | Link to this

Adirondack Dave-Ichiro made $12.5 million this past year and Tori Hunter’s 07 option was picked up by the Twins for $12 million. How much do you think either one of them will be pulling in when on the open market? Hunter’s defense is damn near as good as Andruw’s and he hit 30 HR last year. Since coming to the US, Ichiro has a lifetime BA of over .330 and is also excellent defensively. Yes, they would be wonderful replacements, should AJ leave, but are likely, no, DEFINITELY their salaries are going to be out of our range.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 08:30 PM | Link to this

Lew - I wonder if Chippers injuries could be an indirect result of his feet? (bunions)

By N8

February 20, 2007 08:38 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul

“Suppose the contract is heavily front loaded with a sizable bonus. That would leave the flexibility to sign the young guys and make other moves while retaining a valuable player who you could at least move to the corner in his later years, if indeed you find a better replacement at center.”

Good question. But I think, IMO, that it answers itself.

Say Andruw wants to AVERAGE 18 million per on his next contract. (6 years for 108 million) - Which, btw, I think is WAY below what he’ll ask for in both average salary and total years.

If we were to FRONTLOAD it as you say. What would we do? Give him 25 million per year for the first 3 years and then give him 11 million for the last 3 years?

Come on! That puts us in an even WORSE situation for the next 3 years with Hampton, Chipper, Hudson, Renteria and Smoltz on the books.

Frontloaded, backloaded, sideways loaded. Even upside-down loaded, IT’T TOO MUCH MONEY TO COMMIT TO ONE PLAYER WHEN OUR BUDGET IS WHAT IT IS! And even if it goes up to 100 million (the budget), that would STILL be 1/5 of the total payroll for 1/25 of the roster if averaged out to 18 million or so. THAT IS TOO MUCH.

I guess the ONLY way that I’d do it, if I was JS was if ALL of the young guys blossomed into allstars this year. If he knew that he could trade (or just not re-sign) the big contracts and go in a TOTAL youth movement, then and only then would it make sense. And even THAT is nonsense. If the team was that successful with the youthful players, why on earth would we need an EXPENSIVE veteran player? Just so we could say we have one?

I suppose you could take into the consideration, the FANS. But since when has ANY team made a move based on what the fans want? Besides, should JS and the new ownership really take a GAMBLE on a huge contract like it will take to sign Andruw, for a fan base that has consistantly been disuised as empty seats in the playoffs the last few years? I wouldn’t.

It’s not like we’re talking about Trading Tom Glavine in the middle of 1992? We’re talking about a 30ish player that has NOWHERE to go but down on the field and NOWHERE to go but UP in the wallet.

I love watching Andruw play. I will continue to love watching Andruw play on another team if he leaves. But plain and simple as I’ve stated, what seems like hundreds of times on DOB’s blogs:

I root for the name on the front of the Jersey. NOT the one on the back.

Meaning, I’d rather have the Braves win with a bunch of unknowns (just like in 1991), than FAIL as a team (but have a overpaid superstar “putting up numbers”) as far as winning or losing goes.

Any day of the week.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 08:43 PM | Link to this

Lew - Hunter yes, but Ichiros’ contribution at the plate is over rated.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 20, 2007 08:45 PM | Link to this

ellaguru is right about jake shimabukuro. i-pod tonight, dob.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 20, 2007 08:53 PM | Link to this

OddJob, you may have missed my having a bit of fun at your expense. There was no ill intent, I assure you … you can’t order bloggers out of the Sears’ catalog these days … especially those with good intent who honestly speak their minds … welcome to the neighborhood!

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2007 08:55 PM | Link to this

Oddjob _ sorry, but you’re wrong on Langerhans. He’s terrific defensively, fundamentally sound and has a good arm and great reads on balls. Didn’t say he’d be AJ, or even close. Only a few guys are close, including T. Hunter, V. Wells, and J. Edmonds (when he was healthy). Cameron was for a while, but slipped rapidly.

By instrinsic value ian

February 20, 2007 09:04 PM | Link to this

Hey Braveheart, what did I ever do to you?

By spreadsheet sam

February 20, 2007 09:05 PM | Link to this

Shut up Ian, you know we’re out to screw everyone.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 09:09 PM | Link to this

We don’t disagree David,you’re saying we have to grade to a different standard from AJ,with that I agree.

By ernesto

February 20, 2007 09:12 PM | Link to this

I’m already in for saying I think it would be foolish to commit that much money to one guy considering our probable budget future, and I’ve read many well thought out opinions for the other side, but the one I think is seriously idiotic, is “those guys already make too much money.” Seriously, it’s only ballplayers who catch this and only b/c their salaries are widely reported. WE’re not that far removed froma generation of pro athletes who worked in the offseason b/c they had to. Besides, if they can command it in the market, why hsouldn’t they get it? you never hear anyone say, Brad Pitt got 30 million for making that moive, that’s ridiculous. I’m not going to the movies anymore!!! Or Mick Jagger has how many mansions, no one’s worht that kind of money, I can tell you 90 diff’t guys who can sing “sympathy for hte devil better.” And you can’t even say it’s b/c it’s pased on to the fans (which of course it usually is) b/c our payroll has dwindled dramatically and then stayed steady and prices are still going up. Michael Jordan once made 30 million a year b/c somebody thought he was worth it, and to a lot of us fans he was, so unless your name’s on teh bottom of the check, waht are you so p** about?

By N8

February 20, 2007 09:12 PM | Link to this

DOB

I forgot to “raz” (sp?) you about this the other day.

In one of your other blogs recently you were talking about how “ripped” Thorman is.

I just got a huge kick out of that. If anybody out there remembers when current (if he’s still with them?) Yankees announcer John Sterling was with the Braves in the 80’s, he used to say stuff like that ALL THE TIME.

Something to the effect of:

“Man, I tell you. I was in the locker room the other day and Ronnie Gant is ripped! If you’ve ever seen that man in a T-shirt….then you know he seriously works out.”

Sorry man. Had to give you a hard time. For years now, my buddy and I have been cracking up those days.

For the record. How does Wickman look “in a t-shirt”? LOL!

By ernesto

February 20, 2007 09:14 PM | Link to this

I think Robert asks a fair question “what payroll could the Braves sitll be profitalble at?” How many teams draw from fans from so many states (or at least used to, thanks a lot TBS-idiots!) Do we really need to be a mid-market team? I think we need a better tv deal.

By braveheart

February 20, 2007 09:15 PM | Link to this

lol!

intrinsic value ian, you know exactly what you did. i told you and spreadsheet sam to stop whipping out your big old calculator in front of my andruw but you would not stop. now, i think you have scared him off and he is going to leave me for gorgeous george and the damn yankees.

luckily for me though his name is not latino enough and omar minaya and the chump mets may not have any interest in him because they might skip his name when they start circling latino names to sign on the free agent list next winter.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

February 20, 2007 09:27 PM | Link to this

I’d hate to lose Andruw next year, but it won’t be devastating. For $20 mill on a budget conscious team you can fill alotta holes. Besides, Andruw may go somewhere else and become Javy Lopez.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 09:28 PM | Link to this

David O’ - Edmonds is the only one I’d seriously compare to AJ. He is a freak how he has held up to throwing his body around all these years is beyond me.They are fire and ice but I’ll take Andruws do it right nonchalance for effectiveness and consistency.

By N8

February 20, 2007 09:30 PM | Link to this

OddJob

First off. WELCOME.

Second, I’m not going to disagree that Andruw isn’t or hasn’t been one of the OVERALL greatest CF’s to play the game.

But to me, there are other factors that can contribute to an OF’s ability or lack there of.

I think the greatest assest that Andruw possesses, which he seemed to possess at a very young age, is his instinct and his first step. We’ve ALL heard Joe, Skip, Don, Chip and Pete say hundreds of times “Andruw doesn’t has such a quick first step that he can glide to balls and make it look easy, because everybody else has to speed up at the end to get to the ball”.

Having said that. He has NEVER had the cannon of an arm that Francoeur has. So one could argue that AJ saves more outs BEFORE they become hits. But somebody like Francoeur, Vlad or old timers like Dave Parker saved EXTRA BASES and or RUNS after a hit has occured. Not that Andruw doesn’t get his share of assists. But I’m guessing if you “polled” opposing teams and asked them who they would run on between Andruw and Frenchy, I bet NOBODY would pick andruw.

Then you have BLAZING SPEED guys like Otis Nixon, Kenny Lofton, Juan Pierre, etc…. Guys that just flat out could get to balls that some others can’t. But maybe didn’t possess the skills that an Andruw Jones may have. Though one could argue that for a time Kenny Lofton had BOTH instinct and the SPEED to correct any poor judgements or routes to fly balls. Not to mention his leaping ability from his basketball days.

I guess my argument of somebody (strictly on defense) like Andruw vs. Langerhans isn’t neccesarily based on what both players can do at their CAREER PEAK. That argument will undoubtedly almost ALWAYS go to Andruw (no matter who the other CF in comparsion is). But rather what that player can do NOW and in the future.

So having said that. One could argue that there is a good chance that if Langerhans hits enough to “stick around” a couple of more years and Francoeur having had CF experience in his past is still here, ANDRUW (also if he stays) could quite possibly be the 3rd best CF on the Braves roster in 2 to 3 years?

All sports, unfortunately are a what have you done for me lately world. As Andruw gets older, his play in CF will decline, make no mistake.

To compare it to the NFL, I’m a HUGE KC Chiefs fan (unfortunately), and there’s “trouble” brewing on the QB controversy front. Now NOBODY is questioning if Damon Huard is the better QB over Trent Green, based on what each one has done the past five years. HANDS DOWN the guy with the better numbers, is Trent Green. Easy choice right? NOPE. Which guy gives you the best chance to win TODAY?

I think that the question on everybody’s mind requarding Andruw in about 3 years will be: WOW! We’re paying HOW MUCH for this guy for the next 4 years? OUCH!

Buy low. Sell high. Or as they say in poker and what JS should say to Andruw and Boras:

I FOLD.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 20, 2007 09:33 PM | Link to this

We all just have to face the facts that the likelihood of Andruw leaving is almost certain. The Braves might just have to take a different approach offensively. Quit relying on the three run homerun so much and more small ball. Lets face facts again. The ‘05 White Sox were not big boppers. Take Kornerko and Dye out of that lineup and they didn’t have another legitimate home run threat. But, what they did have was guys who could get on base and knew how to move runners over and get them in. The homerun power will have to come from Chipper and Frenchy.

I think it goes without saying the Braves need Salty, Bohn, or Brandon Jones to really step it up this year in the minors. Also, I think Lillibridge needs to do well. He needs to be on the club in ‘08.

Yes, Andruw and his 50HR potential will be gone, but if the team is full of guys who can hit 20HRs then the power is still there.

Here is the “potential” ‘08 lineup and their “homer potential”: 1B Thorman (20-25); 2B K. Johnson (20); SS Lillibridge (20); 3B C. Jones (30-40); LF Salty/Bohn/B. Jones (20-40); CF Langerhans/Blanco? (15); RF Francoeur (30-40)

That is not a bad lineup.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 09:33 PM | Link to this

N8 - Wickman in a t-shirt !! now you’re scaring me !!!

By Bo

February 20, 2007 09:36 PM | Link to this

Face it AJ will not be here next year…you can’t put all your eggs in the same basket. I luv A Jones and wish him well but the Braves have 4 players making half the total payroll now. Nobody is worth that kind of money. However its not my money so………….well……maybe?

By The Grinch

February 20, 2007 09:37 PM | Link to this

I have returned. As usual, very little was accomplished(though I did meet a new MILF). Scribe, I have 9 acres bordering two important roads and a commanding view of the church parking lot. I assure you, The Grinch on his rooftop with his M-14 is an impressive crime deterrant.

Let me say for the record Andruw is probably my favorite Brave. I’d love nothing more than to see him prowling center here the rest of his playing days. However, we’re too close to annual contention to sacrifice the effectiveness of the team as a whole for one player. Unless he takes a major discount and/or they bump payroll up at least another 15-20 mil, I say we cherish this season with AJ and begin anew next offseason. It hurts, but that’s the sorry state of affairs this sport has achieved of late. Trust JS; he’s not always right but he’s the best out there at what he does.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 09:38 PM | Link to this

Robert - Lots of if’s in that 08 line up.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 20, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

I keep reading how some of you have delusions that Liberty Media would somehow have concern about a drop in market value if the Atlanta Braves franchise were to somehow be less competitive.

Some of you need to wake up and smell the coffee. I cannot think of a less competitive bunch than the Expo’s and it appears Major League Baseball turned a tidy profit on that sale.

The bottom line is Liberty will only spend what they need to. They will not gut the team as it would not be in their best interest but they are not going to throw away money either. Be prepared for more revenue streams i.e. Increase in prices of every thing from hot dogs to parking and beer.

It is just the nature of the beast. Yes, the Braves can be competitive and they can win, I don’t want the club to throw money away on one player like the Rangers did with Arod nor do I want to see them be miserly like last year and quibble over a few dollars so the relief pitchers they needed go somewhere else. It is why the Braves were blown out of it by June 30th.

Yes, last year was a good wake up call for the organization in that respect. What was amazing was after one guy showed up, Bob Wickman, everything fell into place. I still think the Cardinals should have publicly thanked the Braves for allowing them to get into the playoffs. The series they played against the Astros at the end of September was one of the best I’ve seen in years.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

OK I’ve made my opinion of Andruws ability and value to the team clear.As for his extra effort to get in shape in this last year of his contract,it is so common in sports you get numb to it.The truth is that I’m disgusted that a player making that kind of jack to play a game has to have extra money incentive to put in the work,but like I said we just get numb to the arrogant self interest.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

Gil - I’m a market trader in my other life,but media making more on the tax break that the value of the team is just plain f*ed up!!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 20, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Look, Andruw is the greatest CF to ever play the game, but is he worth $20 to $23 million a year? Is he worth wrapping up 25% to 30% of the payroll into?

One guy doesn’t make a team. This isn’t basketball and even there it doesnt’ hold true. Ask the Cubs how it was all those years with only Sosa as the only “good” player? Even the Giants. While Barry may be the best that has ever played, his contract has killed the Giants and totally limited them in acquirng players that can help the team.

Reality is there is no viable reason to believe that Liberty Media will increase payroll. If they are only buying the team for tax purposes, then they have no reason to increase payroll. If the payroll stays the same and the roster stays in tact, the Braves would have to not resign Wickman and trade either Renteria or Hudson. Now, trading Renteria would actually be the optimal choice. However, the Braves also have to take into consideration pay raises through arbitration for other players and what about Smoltz?

I think some on here have brought up a good point. While Andruw will be worht the contract for the first couple of years, will he be in the latter stages of it? Here’s a better way of looking at it. Is giving Smoltz lets say $13 or $14 mil for the next two seasons a better or worse investment than giving Andruw $20 or $22 million for the next six or seven seasons?

If payroll doesn’t increased or only increased by a little, a choice will have to be made between Smoltz and Andruw. Now, while I think Smoltz will take more of a “hometown” discount than Andruw apparently will, don’t count on it being that much. Smoltz is only making $8 mil this season when he could have easily made $15 or so in the free agent market. If he has another season anywhere close to the ‘06 season he will be able to command that type of money again. And believe me the Yanks, Red Sox, Tigers, and Mets would give Smoltz damn near whatever amount he wanted.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 20, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Whomever posted as “Arthur Blank” just needs some damn help. Why bring up the “race” thing. Are you that much of a loser? I know I shouldn’t even respond to this but ignorance like that has to be confronted. Whomever you are that posted that comment, get a damn life and get out of your parents’ basement.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

N8-Thanks for the welcome,no doubt Francoeur has the gun,but how often does AJ need one? Give me a front end guy every time,Andruw is so money in my mind the play is over when it heads to his half of the outfield(yes half not third)He isn’t the juggling,back flipping acrobat that Ozzie was or always landing on his head or other valnerable parts like Edmonds,he just gets it done play after play and day after day.

By MBATL

February 20, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

John Adcox (going back a ways in this blog), just my opinion, but I don’t think AJ sells that many tickets; I think competitive, exciting teams sell tickets.

A big part of the Braves fan base is families (hence, the cartoon theme at the ballpark, which I don’t care for, but I guess someone does); especially in a suburbia-dominated city like Atlanta, people want to take their kids to a ball game and will do so regardless of who’s in CF.

And I think the “local kids” , McCann, Frenchy, James, Davies, Hudson, McBride are a draw, too, out in Gwinnett and N. Fulton counties. But that’s no big deal.

And as for hard-core baseball junkies, I think they’re just as likely to go see a team without AJ as with, as long as the product on the field is solid.

Not saying that AJ isn’t popular, or that he has no value at the box office, but I don’t think he alone generates $20 million a year in ticket sales, except as part of a winning team.

The days of the Braves drawing 900,000 are over; the population of Atlanta was about 1/4 then of what it is now. We’ll draw 2 million with our eyes closed, and 3 million with a winner, no matter who’s on the field.

I know I’m a very small sample, but I’ve never heard anyone say, “hey, let’s go see Andruw Jones play.” But (thankfully), I’ve heard plenty of “let’s go to a Braves game.”

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

N8: Frontload it by a large signing bonus, then early year large amounts. So by the time the back half comes into play it could be, depending on the variables, around 10 million a year. Which, by the time he gets that old, would be a bargain. Consider Maddux still commands that much. Smoltz commands that much. Frank Thomas commands more than that and so forth. He’d be relativily cheap. Assuming baseball continues to grow and improve and assuming 7 years from now, the Braves payroll is higher than 80. If not we’re screwed no matter what. The rate it is growing, that’d put us at or near the bottom rung.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Robert I can’t argue with your reasoning on payroll allotment,the one thing they absolutely shouldn’t do is sign him to a long guarantied contract that ties the team up. ( see Hampton )

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Robert - please ignore ab he’ll wander back to the Falcon site.

By Braves fan 202

February 20, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Robert, once again i tell you do not blog any more. You lost your place you bobby cox hating piece. All you do is criticize and you dont know what the hell you are talking about

By Trav

February 20, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who thinks that even at his “peak”, Edmonds made great diving catches of flyballs Andruw would of caught without diving?

By MBATL

February 20, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Trav, I think you’re right. Edmonds is definitely the drama queen of center fielders.

By Brad in MT

February 20, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Trav…I agree that Andruw gets to more balls without diving than anyone, including Edmonds…Balls that Andruw has to dive for would get past everyone else. Just one more thing about him that makes him so special.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Oddjob-To answer your Chipper injury question. No, I don’t think Chipper’s bunions caused his injury problems. Did you see the game in San Francisco last year where he tore up his knee and ankle? He slid on a wterribly wet field and twisted his knee and ankle. At the time, I thought his ACL was torn again and ankle ligaments, too. It was strictly a result of a lousy infield due to days of rain in California. When he was in the outfield, his hamstring problems had to do with taking off after fly balls. As far as his oblique injuries, I think he was in such a hurry to return from the mess in SF, that he played sooner than he should have and messed up his side. No, he missed very few games last year with his toe problems. He played through it mostly.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

No Trav I completely agree,like I said before Andruw does it right and makes it easy.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 20, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

OJ… In five years Liberty will flip the Braves. In the mean time they will sell off the minor league operations they own out right. They want to make money no doubt. They just have to be careful how they do it.

By p

February 20, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

anyone notice that andruw’s range has shrunk quite a bit. still mesmerized by the on-the-shoulder catch, huh? yeah, he still makes the pretty diving catch coming in on liners, but my god, the number of balls that went over his head last year and landed on or in front of the warning track was embarrasing.

still, there aren’t many better CFs in the NL - a knock on the NL talent level more than anything else - and he can shade to left a bit because of francour. he is not what i’d consider a $15+ million a year player, but then you look at the pitching retreads that got 8 figures, maybe he is.

kind of like AJ’s career really. a contradiction, a dichotomy. whatever. a man with the talent to become another mays or mantle, but settled for a lot less, because it was just easier to do less.

his numbers are approaching HOF, but if a guy never really cared if he won or lost, if a guy never really cared he that struck out or not, or if a guy hid behind every other braves star player and never showed a lick of fire or leadership, does he deserve the HOF? no.

the braves will move AJ for money reasons. will they be better off with a new player that shows up to play hard every year, not just his ‘contract’ year? could they land a true .300 leadoff hitter, with some speed?

no, afraid not. the new owner will collect their tax break, and the reality will eventually set in that true .300 leadoff hitters are even rarer than gold glove CFs.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Oddjob-Dude, Have you been sitting in a room filled with hallucinogenic fumes tonight, or something? What part of Ichiro’s six season career average of .331, six consecutive 200 hit seasons (only one as low as 202 hits) and a career OBP of .376 is overrated? Dude, you can’t be serious. You need medical attention if you think those stats are sub-par in any way, shape, or form. The dude is the quintissential lead off man. mPlays some excellent defense, too. The only problem is he is too expensive for us.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Lew - you could be right, I think I saw a replay of Chippers injury.My point is sometimes when you have a condition ( my low back )you can do damage that wouldn’t be directly or obviously caused by the pre-condition but it effects how you move, plant your feet ‘brace and just about every move and position. After awhile you don’t even notice the change.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

N8: Also, a contract isn’t necessarily an award for what a player will do, but for what he has done.

By The Grinch

February 20, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Lew, you still up?

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Lew - Don’t pull a muscle. nobody said Ichiro is a waste of space,but in the game today where the elite hitters do it all he is limited.He has just north of 350 rbis in 900 plus games, last season his ops was .786 he is a top leadoff type but compared to Albert P and the other top guys his value is simply less.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 20, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan 202, I do hope you are not talking to me. I am a different Robert. I think we had this conversation before.

By The Grinch

February 20, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Good point, 10Paul. Andruw’s meant a lot more to this team in the last 11 years than what he’s been paid(at least market-wise; they’re all grossly overpaid). If we had to overpay Smoltz by a couple mil next year it would still be a bargain considering he made half of what he could have last year. It shouldn’t always be “what have you done for me lately?”

OddJob, it doesn’t take much to get Lew to pull a muscle. BTW, can I buy your hat? :-)

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 20, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Robert … while Andruw, not Justice is the best, … tongue in cheek or no, the Auther Blank post has to go … well said, old friend!

N8, it’s hard to buy low, sell high … the last time that I was able to do that was back in the sixties … with Airlift International. It not bad either, when you can buy high, sell higher, as Rankin did when he got the Falcon franchise.

Regardless of what you pay, it’s even better when you can get your value out of what you buy … without regard to resale value. The best or the worst, it matters not, the Andruws of the game are special … for their talent, competitive desire, love for sport and all those things that make them worth the price of admission.

You can’t really justify paying any of them what they receive for playing a game … nor can you really fault them for accepting all they can get.

However, if my understanding that our General Manager and perhaps several players, past and present think enough of our opinions to frequent the neighborhood … is correct, … then maybe the right message from the Best Damned Sports Blog Period would have an impact on the level of team play and the criteria used by players in their decision making processes.

To plagiarize my succinct friend from North Carolina, a few million ain’t going to make a whit to Andruw … but it is important that he feels appreciated … and currently, that means receiving fair market value.

I imagine that strong unified fan support showing “love” and appreciation for his efforts … his wonderful smile, and his unique talents … would be worth millions of dollars to Andruw … and would make more than just a whit.

That may not be the truth, plain and simple … but it’s what I think.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Oddjob-Don’t worry Dude, no muscles being pulled here. I take your point on the injury thing. It happened to Dizzy Dean years ago. A toe injury )Oh, The Humanity) ended up causing arm problems. Chipper’s though, was something altogether different. I think he’ll be healthy this year. I don’t think he’ll miss toe time. Hopefully, he will take a day off occaisionally.

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Grinch sorry without the lid I’m outa work.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Oddjob-About Ichiro-Who cares how many RBI’s the guy has? He’s a table setter. You expect him to score runs, as opposed to knocking them in. As far as Albert, just think how many Ichiro would score with Pujols hitting behind him. If he played for a team where the lower part of the order got on a bunch, Ichiro would have more RBI’s, I’m sure. 200+ hits, year in and year out must be respected.

By Lew

February 20, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Yeah. I’m up, but my thoughts are growing meaningless. Too many potatoes tonight.

By MBATL

February 20, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Bob, I’m sure you’ve checked off with AJ on your statement that: a few million ain’t going to make a whit to Andruw

Real easy to spend other people’s money, eh?

By OddJob

February 20, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Lew it’s not just the obvious lack of power with Ichiro,I’ve seen him when it matters most to me he’s not clutch.

By Drummerdad

February 20, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Respectfully, I believe Andruw is talking out of both sides of his mouth. With his heart he wants to be a Brave, but with his head he hears Boras. I think the translation is that his first priority is the money. I can think of 5 teams that can probably pay for him: Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Angels, and Dodgers and maybe the Astros. 3 of the five have a climate suitable to him. I think he’s going to have a very good year.

By Glenn

February 20, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Scott Boras is the single worst thing about baseball

By Ian

February 21, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

The only way I see Andruw staying is if he suddenly believes that the appreciation and devotion of all the atlanta Braves fans is worth far more than anything any other team can offer. I would hate to see the media lashing he would get from a town like boston or new york if he didn’t play up to expectations. I wish there were more players that played for the love of the game, and more teams like the Braves that still use the farm system rather than buy their team every year. I can’t wait for the season to start!

GO BRAVES!!!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 21, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

I 100% believe Andruw when he says he wants to remain a Brave. Unfortunatley, he is not 100% committed to that feeling. He wants to get paid. This is no different than the A-Rod, Giambi, Tejada, and Alfonso Soriano. All of these guys wanted to reamin with their original teams; however, they wanted to get paid as well and the money outweighed the loyalty. Pure and simple.

Andruw isn’t stupid. He knows the Braves current financial situation. He knows the only way the Braves can give him the money “market value” demands is for them to gut out the team. Of course, doing that will weaken the team and make them uncompetitive. And that was my main point earlier. Andruw says he wants what is best for the team. Really? Well, if that is the case then why automatically insinuate that you will veto any trade. Now, that he has made it more than clear that the Braves will have to back up the Brinks truck to pay him and he knows that this is just impossible, why not at least allow the Braves to pursue a trade that will possibly make them better for the future?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 21, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Glenn and others, don’t hate on Scott Boras. The man is simply doing his job. And every damn one of us know that we would this guy to represent us. Look, it is the owners who are at fault. I just don’t get how these guys always avoid blame. Boras could ask whatever price he wants. It doesn’t mean that owners have to give in to him. Fact is, Boras is good at what he does. Not to mention that Boras is only the agent. The decision is ultimately up to the player. Honestly, Andruw’s comments today weren’t Boras speaking. It was Andruw speaking.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 21, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Lew, another problem … even if we could afford Ichiro, he doesn’t speak Southern. Actually, the language thing may be more of a help than a hinderance or hindrance, since it probably helps insulate him from distractions and abuse … his greatest strength may come from the fact that he’s a bona fide hero in the land from which he came … that, and the fact that he plays Ichiro ball … at least, it makes me ponder if this French kid on our team might one day be great … him and his “I gotta be me” attitude. I know I’ve been rather critical of that attitude … but, I’m not sure there ever was a great one that didn’t have it.

Can you imagine the younger Grinch sitting on a rooftop with an M-14 … strongly suggests a wonderful schetch subject for our resident artist to contemplate … one the good Doctor would have appreciated! I can’t help but wonder if it would have the desired effect of keeping the bad guys out of the neighborhood … or just reduce church attendance.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 21, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

MBATL,

I asked him but he just smiled … so I’m not sure. However, regardless of how strange it may seem, I really do believe that to be directionally true … more of what you already have means less than what perceive you ain’t got … except maybe to the Scott Borases of this world.

It’s our money … don’t ever think it’s not.

By N8

February 21, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

RJITB

Your 12:03 post is about as “to the point” as it gets.

Well done.

TennesseePaul

I “understand” the concept of backloading a contract. But JS has repeatedly said that he AVERAGES out contracts when calculating payroll (take the Hampton contract for example). So frontloading, backloading, big signing bonus…..IT DOESN’T MATTER! We don’t have the coin, to keep him.

Same theory applies to your “a contract isn’t necessarily an award for what a player will do, but for what he has done.” concept.

While I don’t disagree with you. YOU ARE CORRECT. That still doesn’t tell me WHERE the money to “reward” AJ for past work is going to come from.

To the blogger who said “we’ve had AJ for 11 years at below market value”.

I say….SO WHAT! He’s (AJ) the one who side-stepped Bora$$ to ink his last deal. NOBODY held a gun to his head to make that decision. He CHOSE to stay in Atlanta (with Bobby and a franchise with a GREAT shot at continuing to win/compete on a yearly basis. Don’t kid yourself. It’s not like he negotiated his last contract without his agent to stay with the Devil Rays.

Some of you have forgotten how many players TOOK LESS money to not only stay with the Braves, but to sign with them as a free agent. (Maddux, Galaragga, Hudson - signed longterm before ever throwing a pitch after being traded). Other players and even entire organizations DROOLED over what the Braves were, and would’ve done about anything to be a part of it.

So save me the “crying for Andruw” speech. He’s done just FINE for himself. I’ve seen his episode of “MTV CRIBS”. Dude’s NOT eating Top Ramen for dinner anytime soon (unless he likes it. LOL!)

By N8

February 21, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

Sorry folks.

I just saw this come across the “ticker” on ESPN.

Andruw said that he needs to make as much money as he can get. He came to this decision after relizing that he needs to help Latrell Spreewell “feed his family”.

Sorry……had to.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 21, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

One last thing … I do have to admit that it’s no longer my money … cause I ain’t got none no more.

Make that two things … I wonder how many players would like to answer questions with “I signed on to play ball, not answer no questions” … Goodnight Gracie!

By The Grinch

February 21, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

N8, some Gwaltney hot dogs chopped up into a double serving of Top Ramen will get you through college; trust me. One has to have money for beer and pencils.

Bob, I was wondering why service seems to have declined recently. :-)

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 21, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Apologies to Gracie … but I saw the Spreewell referencing post as I was shutting down.

Don’t apologize for the Latrell Spreewell comment … but don’t be too hard on Latrell either … I remember feeling sorry for him too, thinking how rough it must be having such a big family.

By Head Coach

February 21, 2007 01:16 AM | Link to this

It sounds like Gregor Blanco is way under the radar. He won’t stay there , believe me. I have seen Blanco play defense(saw him play two games in Macon in 2002) and when Cox does he will love this kid. Regarding Chris Woodward , David O’Brien you are in for a surprise. The first time Woodward unleashes one of those surprises , you will know exactly what I’m talking about. Ichiro a Brave ? You guys are funny , we can’t even afford to keep Andruw at the moment , much less the best lead off hitter in the game. Then again , who knows what will happen around July 31st ? Will Ichiro be on the trading block ? If the Braves were in the thick of a playoff race and Ichiro were available , maybe it could happen. We have the prospects to trade and a few million tucked away for a half seasons salary.

By Lew

February 21, 2007 01:27 AM | Link to this

Oddjob-It’s a moot point, anyway, Dude. We won’t have the money so he’ll never play here. Besides, like Bob says, he don’t speak Southern. Probably wouldn’t like grits and I can’t see him using fatback in his greens, either.

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 01:32 AM | Link to this

Head Coach: Hope you are right about Blanco. So what is the “surprise” that Woodward will unleash? I don’t have enough time to go back and read all the blogs to find out.

Someone earlier this afternoon was questioning why Woodward. My thought are that neither Orr, Aybar or Prado can effectively cover SS when Rent-a-SS needs a rest, so Woodward is more versatile, and has shown a good stick when not injured (is that what you are alluding to?).

Also, I can’t help but hope Chris W is a distant relative to Woody Woodward, one of my favorite players when I was a kid…..

Out here in Utah, it is frustrating when I get to the blog, and everybody else is off to bed…..oh well.

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 01:34 AM | Link to this

What, no grits or fatback in the greens, get a rope……..

Who likes sushi anyway????

ugh

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 01:38 AM | Link to this

Lew and Coach:

In case you guys are still around. I suspect that over the course of the next 6-8 months, the AJ story will have so many twists and turns, we will think we were at a dance contest.

So, while his comments today were a bit depressing (sounded like Bore-us speaking), they could change as the year progresses. I sometimes grow so tired of these prima donnas that want to get “full market value” and don’t seem to give a dad-gum as to what would have to happen to their team if they got their money. A-Rod could have been a Brave, and probably would have gotten his ring, but instead he went for the bucks, and with the talk out of Yankee Town, he might never get a ring. Sounds like poetic justice to me.

Oops, I am rambling again……

By Chipper in FL

February 21, 2007 01:41 AM | Link to this

Is it curfew yet? Did Adam really forget his clubs on Monday?

By Smoltzie in FL

February 21, 2007 01:43 AM | Link to this

Geez Chipster, turn your computer off and get to bed before Bobby catches you. And, yes, Adam would have forgotten his head if it wasn’t attached to his shoulders….

Somebody tell AJ if he wants to understand taking a home team discount, just talk to me….

By Logan in UT

February 21, 2007 01:45 AM | Link to this

Mr. Smoltz, did you send that check registered, next day mail??

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 01:46 AM | Link to this

Get to bed Logan, take a hint from those baseball players……

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 01:51 AM | Link to this

I sure wish we would have traded AJ last July, when we had the upper hand. I think in the long run, we would be better off, and probably almost as good in ‘07. No single player is irreplaceable, unless maybe it’s a closer or the stud ace starter.

Gotta go get some shut eye….

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 01:57 AM | Link to this

ever get the feeling you were talking to yourself……where is Reggie Sanders and Brian Jordan when you need them?

By TennesseePaul

February 21, 2007 02:08 AM | Link to this

N8: I think the averages come in when talking about players we’ve traded for and recieved a lump sum. Not necessarily players we signed and given a bonus… unless the contract calls for paying out the bonus in installments. If it truly is an up front bonus, the he isn’t going to average out the life of the contract. Not if it gives him more room to make deals several years down the road.

Whatever though. I’ve made my case for keeping him. And I’ve made my case for how I think we could replace him. I don’t think it is a bad move for JS to make an offer to him. I think, whatever offer is made, JS will have thought it through so that it doesn’t cripple the team. That’s the best thing about this GM. He doesn’t go crazy with the check book even when he has blank checks. He’s wise about the way he distributes money. More so than most other teams anyway. JS will work things out. AJ will still be a good player for a long while. Maybe not the top elite player he is/was by the end of the deal, but he’ll be good. I’d like to see him retire a Brave. I think it’s doable, but it’s up to JS and AJ. I can sleep easy at night knowing the team has a good GM.

This season can’t start any sooner. I’m dying over here!

By The Grinch

February 21, 2007 02:10 AM | Link to this

I get the feeling I’m talking to myself all the time. Probably comes from talking to myself too much. Yeah, Latrell makes me want to go on a shooting “spree.” Night, all.

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 02:20 AM | Link to this

TennPaul: Well stated. The thing that really gets me is how the player can decide on walk year that it’s time to get into better shape. Of course, his thinking might be that the club got him at a bargain (is 13.5 mil a bargain???) and he doesn’t have to be totally committed until it is walk year.

As nice a kid as AJ is, and as many very good years as he has given the team, I would walk him before breaking the bank or compromising our normal contract standards (no trade and nothing longer than 4 years).

Home Boy should offer him 4 years at 15 million per, with qualifiers that would extend it in terms of cash and years on performance. Otherwise, let him walk.

I personally am tired of hearing the same old Scott Bore-us dribble year after year.

I remember when Maddux left, how the Braves were offering more per year than the Cubs eventually gave him. These agents sometimes hit the homer for the player, but sometimes they screw it up too.

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 02:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Grinchster, I feel sorry for Latrine Spreewell, as he has all those children to feed, especially with the cost of grits and greens these days.

Nite…

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 02:25 AM | Link to this

Tenn Paul:

Another great point you made, was the fact that we DEFINITELY have the best GM in the business. I can at least sleep easier knowing that the “Home Boy” is on the job.

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 02:29 AM | Link to this

Let’s make sure we lock up Smoltz before we worry about Andruw. Smoltz gave us the home team discount and passed up on some huge numbers from the Stankees years ago. It’s the least they could do to try to meet him at some common ground. Besides, pitching trumps hitting.

By Paul

February 21, 2007 02:34 AM | Link to this

Andruw has about 4-5 years left before he fizzles out. 4Yrs/$60 mill is the most he is worth. I love the guy, but he won’t be playing once he turns 35, he’ll be worn out and a 4th outfielder/right handed bat off the bench at that point.

By ROBBY

February 21, 2007 03:30 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is the braves can’t compete in todays baseball.The ringer teams and we know who they are,have team payrolls in the 150 to 200 mill range this would not be an issue if the commish would have steped in and made sure that the person or persons who purchased the braves gave a dam about the sport { i.e. the falcons owner } sounds like somebody was afraid hint hint yankees mets dodgers everybody

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 21, 2007 06:22 AM | Link to this

The debate over Andruw won’t end when our dedicated mentor changes the topic … but, whatever you think of him now … chances are that the day will come when you’ll find yourself telling your children or theirs, “you think that guy is good … let me tell you about ole Andruw Jones … he was the best. When he played for the Braves, they employed the Andruw Shift … pitcher, catcher, 6 infielders and Andruw!”

Paul, $60 million in 4 years … it’s fun to think in those terms … most folks I know would like about 2 weeks of that … then they’d quit work!

By Charles

February 21, 2007 06:58 AM | Link to this

You know I just don’t understand the people on this blog… Andruw Jones and what consistent offense do you have other than Edgar R and Chipper J. I would understand if we were talking about Chipper who may I add stays hurt and he is getting paid pretty darn well. We let a viable replacement 3rd baseman replacement go for what? You guys are idiots and I often wonder why I continue to support the team. It makes me sick that we can’t pay Andruw but we can pay Chipper. Should I even mention Mike Hampton. WOW!!!!!! You guys are terrible. I hope he does go because you have the balls to mention Francour and McCann in the same breath. Where are you watching the game?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 21, 2007 07:25 AM | Link to this

Charles, the difference between Chipper and Andruw is this. First of all Chipper is only making $11 mil, which will increase to $13 mil in ‘08 and ‘09. Chipper offered to restructure his contract and defer money so the team could have extra cash to acquire the players they need. Andruw, on the other hand, makes $13.5 mil this year and is seeking $20 to $23 mil a year for the next six or seven. That is the difference. So, yes, while Chipper is often hurt, will Andruw be the same way when he is 34. You implying that Andruw get paid what he wants now but in three years when his bad shoulders, back, and knees catch up with him will you still feel the same? No! Likely, you will be complaining about him just like you’re complaiing about Chipper now. And, also, I’m assuming the “viable” replacement you’re referring to is Betemit. Well, we’ll see just how good Betemit is this year when Andy LaRoche unseats him either from day one or by June. Betemit is good player but he isn’t great. Not to mention, if Chipper is “always hurt”, then wouldn’t it make it a bit impossible to trade him?

By lee

February 21, 2007 07:38 AM | Link to this

well well, Andrew has shown up to camp in the best shape in years hu? o yea its the last year of his contract and he is talking “fair Market Value.” but wait this begs the question: why does it take him in his contract year to show up in great shape and renewed energy? if he is waiting till this year to bring his best efforts to the feild, then lets root for him to have a banner year!!! that way the Braves can get a lot more”fair market value” for him, when they figure out a way to trade him!!! seems that it should be the Braves that should be the ones talking about “fair market value.” because apparently it has been Andrew that has not been giving his full effort to the Braves and their Fans!!!!! Shame on you Andrew!!!! shame shame—what a joke !!!

By Shaun

February 21, 2007 08:20 AM | Link to this

Lew,

You said “I don’t always agree with Shaun’s definition of when a player declines.” Not trying to nitpick here but just want to discuss this to bring out some truth and because it’s fun for me.

When I talk about players declining, it’s not really my definition but what research and evidence has shown—baseball players generally peak in their late 20’s. So it would follow that once they reach 30, they start to decline.

Often times I feel like I have to repeat myself when this comes up because people think I’m saying (the research shows) that players are unproductive by age 30. I don’t think that and the research doesn’t show that. If a player is amazing in his late 20’s, he’ll “merely” be great in his early 30’s.

By Shaun

February 21, 2007 08:26 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is the braves can’t compete in todays baseball.The ringer teams and we know who they are,have team payrolls in the 150 to 200 mill range this would not be an issue if the commish would have steped in and made sure that the person or persons who purchased the braves gave a dam about the sport { i.e. the falcons owner } sounds like somebody was afraid hint hint yankees mets dodgers everybody

The Twins and A’s seem to be doing just fine with a low payroll.

By David O'Brien

February 21, 2007 08:26 AM | Link to this

Braves just signed Brian Jordan ….

Just seeing if you’re awake.

By Dave

February 21, 2007 08:29 AM | Link to this

See you Andruw. It WILL NEVER HAPPEN. Even if the payroll went to 95-100mil they would never tie up 20% on one player. Andruw is the type of player that when he slows down, it will be pronounced. There is a lot of wear and tear on his body due to the way he plays. I would love to keep him but outside the Yankees or Red Sox, any other team that pays that kind of money will lose because they will handcuff themselves.

By RA

February 21, 2007 08:43 AM | Link to this

Trade him,

Jones is making it clear that he wants market value. Now if Arthur Blank were the owner of this team, he might get his wish, but he’s not. The owner of this is a corporation that sees the Braves as a tax ride off. I’d trade him at mid-season and get some meaningful prospects from a contender… The thing is, you can’t just let him walk away. That would be a total loss…

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 08:47 AM | Link to this

DOB: Darn, I was hoping for a comeback from BJ!!

:-(

(tongue firmly placed in cheek here in UT)

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 08:54 AM | Link to this

RA: It’s gonna be near impossible to get anything from AJ, except for possibly a banner year for several reasons:

1) He has a no trade clause and must KNOW he is going to the team that will pony up the 20 mil per season before he would waive it,

2)The Braves, if they have ANY hope to resign him, must not give any impression they are wanting to trade him. I think they will keep this hope alive until he has signed elsewhere, and

3) If he indeed has a banner year, the Braves will probably be in the middle of a playoff push and JS would never trade a prospect for tomorrow for a chance at a title today.

So, yes, you can just let him walk away. When we didn’t trade him last year at the trade deadline and before he vested 10-5, we lost any leverage or chance to really get anything for him. Actually, when he is signed, we will pick up a draft choice or two, I am not exactly sure how that works.

So, we ride him like a wild horse, with no real worries about whether we put him away wet or not…..

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 08:57 AM | Link to this

Dave, hope all is sunny and warm down there in FLA, as we will be a balmy 51 here in Utah today!!

Spring is in the air, and snow is on the ground…….

By Jill

February 21, 2007 09:08 AM | Link to this

The Braves will go the way of the Marlins — load up on young talent, and then sell it off when they all want/deserve more money because the payroll is so low. At least, that’s the way it’ll have to be if Atlanta wants to be sucessful with Liberty Media running this team. Andruw, Chipper, Hampton will all be gone, and once Smoltz retires, this plan can start. Sounds sad, but that’s the only way the Braves have a chance of being competitive anymore.

By david

February 21, 2007 09:14 AM | Link to this

It is amazing how go of shape you get in when you are in the last year of your contract. The past 4 or 5 years he has been fat and out of shape. He puts up some big numbers very quietly and seldomn comes through in the clutch. After he signs his next contract he will be back to being a fat out of shape over paid player.

By kdbanks

February 21, 2007 09:15 AM | Link to this

DOB -

Brian Jordan jokes are officially not funny. I spit coffee on my laptop thanks to you.

KDBanks

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 21, 2007 09:23 AM | Link to this

Yes Wayne, no choice but to use him to the max this year. May as well extract the whole 13.5 mil worth.

At least if the Braves were to re-sign Smoltz it would be at most a 2 year contract so insurance would come into play to. That appears to be a major cosideration for JS and company in signing long term contracts.

Another factor with Smoltz however may be his divorce settlement. Regardless of his personal feelings sometimes financial obligations force you to the maximum earnings model.

Let’s hope that plays out well for all concerned.

By Shaun

February 21, 2007 09:29 AM | Link to this

david,

You have some pretty high standards, my friend. Very hard to please. I’m guessing you are one of those who think Chipper is worthless and Bobby Cox deserves to be fired. (Please, no comments, Robert.)

By Marc

February 21, 2007 09:31 AM | Link to this

Even if the Braves had the money (and they don’t and won’t), I wouldn’t pay that much for Andruw. He is a very good player, but, IMO, not a franchise player. He isn’t even the best player on the team-Chipper still is when he is healthy. I think teams would much rather pitch to Andruw in a critical situation than Chipper. Other than his home run numbers—which are inflated by the era he plays in—his offensive numbers are pretty good but not spectacular—his OBP has never been all that good and he is basically a .260 hitter. He is, of course, a great center fielder, but not as good as he was and he doesn’t strike me as someone that will age well. (Not his fault considering how hard he plays.) I’m not taking anything away from him and if he can get the money—which I am sure he can—more power to him. And he will be very difficult to replace. But it’s utterly hypocritical for Andruw to posture about remaining a Brave at the same time as he talks about getting “market value” when he knows there is no way the Braves are going to pay that kind of money. He is just setting up a way to blame the Braves when he leaves.

By braves fan

February 21, 2007 09:35 AM | Link to this

DOB,

My thinking about how Liberty Media might react once they are approved by MLB as the new owners is this:

Liberty made this transaction as purely a tax break. So their ownership of the Braves is likely to only last as long as it takes to make the tax free status of the deal permanent, probably between 2-5 years. So any deal that Andruw Jones might sign to stay would outlast Liberty Media as the owners. And if I’m a savvy business man, I’m thinking that I want the Braves’ value to increase in the next 2-5 years so that I can not only get a tax free transaction at the front end, but I can also turn a profit upon the sale of the team to another owner. Would allowing a Braves icon to leave as the first order of business be a way of increasing the organization’s value, or would it decrease it? A modest investment of another $10-15 million per year for the next 2-5 shouldn’t be too much to spend if it keeps the Braves competitive and among the most widely respected organizations. I think Liberty just might see adding a little payroll as a good business decision, in addition to being a good faith gesture to the fans.

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 09:42 AM | Link to this

Jill,

I don’t think the Braves can be considered along with the Marlins, because the base line salary for the Braves is probably twice that of the Marlins (I haven’t checked, so that is a guesstimate).

Similar, but certainly not the same scenario. The Braves will be able to afford top level talent, but not at “Market Prices”. Does that make sense?

By Tyler

February 21, 2007 09:45 AM | Link to this

Let him go. We can come in second or lose in the playoffs without him.

By David O'Brien

February 21, 2007 09:47 AM | Link to this

Overwhelmed with quotes I asked for you yesterday. Huge thanks to everyone, but that’ll do it. No more, please, because we can’t possibly use all the ones we’ve gotten at this point.

Again, much thanks.

By Shaun

February 21, 2007 09:49 AM | Link to this

Marc,

I don’t think AJ is trying to set up the Braves. I think he’s doing what most great athletes do and wanting as much money as similarly great players get.

I think most players who spent a lot of years with one organization are going to say things like, “I’d like to stay here but I want to get what I feel I’m worth.” Look at Johnny “I’m not going to play for the Yankees” Damon.

The fact is money is the main factor for most players. They’ll never admit that but it is. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with that; that’s the way the system is set up by the players and owners.

By Shane in Hoover

February 21, 2007 09:51 AM | Link to this

A.J. is the most important player the Braves have. I think they need to sign him, but, with clauses on staying in shape and weight. He is a warrior and is always productive. If chipper can stay healthy they could make a run over the next 2 or 3 years with the young talent. Without A.J. and a healthy chipper they will fall short. I sign him and try and get another championship.

By David O'Brien

February 21, 2007 09:54 AM | Link to this

RA wrote: “I’d trade him at mid-season and get some meaningful prospects from a contender… The thing is, you can’t just let him walk away. That would be a total loss…”

I think you missed the part where Andruw reiterated yesterday, loudly, clearly and unsolicited, that he’s not going to agree to be traded, even if Braves wanted to (and they’ve told him they don’t want to).

I’d be shocked if he doesn’t finish season with Braves.

By Shaun

February 21, 2007 09:56 AM | Link to this

braves fan,

The best way to increase the organizations value is to do all you can to make sure they’re in the playoffs every year—with or without AJ, doesn’t matter. Fans show up and watch a winner and are only concerned with individual players insofar as they help their team win. If the Braves let AJ walk, then win 100 games next season, do you really think the fans will look at letting AJ walk as a big deal? Winning is all that matters to most fans, even though they like to complain about loyalty and player movement, etc.

By Wayne

February 21, 2007 09:57 AM | Link to this

How many world series have the braves won with Andrew? How many other teams have won the WS without Andrew. He will be missed, but a more consistant hitter that produces in the clutch will be worth a lot more in the long run. Save the money-get pitching.

By Don't drink and type

February 21, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Hey Dave, I’ve finally got this Web log thing figured out. It’s cyber-sausage. Tasty bits (you, ssiscribe, TennPaul and a host of others), tasty spices (you, Wayne in UT, Shaun and a host of others) and the occasional rat feces (Robert, me, sometimes you and a host of others.)

By TheSouthernJackAss

February 21, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Andruw’s gonna shine like a fresh cat turd on a frosty morning roaming centerfield in that new Yankee stadium!!!…

By brian

February 21, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

I agree with above posts. As great a player as Andruw is, the Braves do not need to spend 20% or more of payroll on one player. That would be an AROD Texas situation. I have seen the arguments that Smoltz, Hudson, and Hampton will eventually come off the payroll which are good ones, but then the only way it would work is to do a severly back loaded contract. Then you are talking about giving an aging OF well past his prime a huge contract.

Unless a reasonable deal is met, or Arthur Blank aquires the team and not Liberty Media, the Braves should let Andruw walk. A reasonable deal would be below market value at only $18-20 million per year for 5 years. I would much rather put our money into signing Francoeur, McCann, James, etc to long term deals.

As far as market value, the Twins just set McCann’s value nice and high.

By Roger

February 21, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Andruw is gone guys, no way we sign him believe me, love him, but he will be a Red Sox next year.

By Shaun

February 21, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Wayne,

Are you aware that baseball is a team game? Just because a team doesn’t win a World Series with a particular player doesn’t mean they aren’t better off with that player. Not saying the Braves may not be better off without AJ but it has nothing to do with how many WS the Braves haven’t won with AJ.

This is a pet peeve of mine when people start talking about quarterbacks or Derek Jeter. It’s hard to believe people actually believe that quarterbacks like Dan Marino don’t belong in the discussion of all-time greatest QB because he never won a Super Bowl. And it’s amazing that people think Derek Jeter was a better SS than ARod because his teams won a lot of World Series. I think this is the most common ridiculous argument in sports.

By Lew

February 21, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

DOB-Brian Jordan? Do you want to be responsible for heart attacks? Some of us are old.

By Brave Heart

February 21, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

**I believe the better comparison is between Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltran.

Andruw Jones: Gold-glove CF, .260 batting average, 34 HR, 103 RBI, 127 K, & .850 OPS, 5 stolen base average over the last 3 seasons.

Carlos Beltran: Gold-glove CF, .280 batting average, 28 HR, 105 RBI, 115 K, .847 OPS, 33 stolen base average over the last 3 seasons.

A few more homers for Andruw, relatively even in RBI, OPS, and K’s, but Beltran has a much higher batting average and capable of stealing many more bases.

In 2005, Beltran signed a 7-year - $119 million contract, averaging $17 million per year. It can be argued that Andruw Jones is not as valuable as Carlos Beltran.

I think paying over $15 million is a mistake, especially considering the Mets payroll is over $100 million and the Braves are only at $80 million.**

By Lew

February 21, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Wayne-Andruw having a typical walk year is so far superior to Coco the Cereal Guy and Hansen, that there’s just no contest. I still, after all this time, fail to see why everyone was so ready to dump Andruw for that pair of nothings. Everyone constantly (well, maybe not everyone) screams and yells about how much time Chipper misses, but just can’t live without Crisp (God, I even hate that name), who has never played more than 145 games, and that only once. Last year he missed 57 games. He averages missing 35 games a season. You want to trade Andruw for this? And Dude, that’s all that was offered. We asked for one more DECENT player and got shot down.

By Rod

February 21, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I believe it’s not about greed since you’re gonna get as much money as you can.

By eware

February 21, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

DOB, don’t play the Brian Jordan card anymore. I just dropped the F-bomb in front of three of our patients.

By TheSouthernJackAss

February 21, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

I stopped at a local convenience store/gas station to top off my ol’ Willys, and as I entered the establishment I noticed a big ol’ empty gallon jar, with a lid, sitting on the counter, you know, one of those pickled egg or pigs feet jars. At closer JackAss inspection, I saw a note that said, “Forget the Needy, Give to the Greedy”, and just above the note was a photo of a fat Andruw Jones—when I asked the clerk who had placed that jar there she said that a little beady-eyed guy wearing suspenders, and riding a donkey, who calls himself “genius”—and that the strangest thing was, the donkey was wearing cleats!!!…(That last part was in honor of Robert)…

By Lew

February 21, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Braveheart-If Beltran had signed that contract this offseason instead of 05, he would have signed for 7 years and $160 million. A single year makes all the difference in the world. If you think things have gotten out of hand now, wait until after the Direct TV deal for the Extra Innings package is signed. The difference between what cable paid and DTV paid is $70 million compared to $700 million. There will be so much more money, that I just can’t see salaries coming down to earth in the foreseeable future. It WILL get much worse. You can quote me on that, too. With all of this extra money the past couple of years, it really pi$$es me of that the Braves spending has remained stagnant, no matter the reason.

By ncscoots

February 21, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

DOB, what was the name of the business writer who tailed the Liberty Media deal? Tim Tucker, was it? Maybe we could get him to post here, with his thoughts about LM’s perspective on the Braves (if any). I think some of our bloggers are a little confused about the company, at least IMO. Maybe some opinion from a credible business writer would serve to enlighten.

By MGL

February 21, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Lew, not that it undermines your point but I thought the DirectTV deal was 7 years @ $100M per vs $70M per for cable. Only $1M per team difference. The bigger factor seemed to be a deal for a MLB channel beginning in 08 or 09.

By Salty

February 21, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

A big truth (to whomever mentioned it); the AJ story will twist and turn throughout the season. A couple of points to consider: 1. Market-value - differs by location…Toronto…big taxes…same with NY. Also, family disruption, outlook for potential new team, geography. It’s not a ‘one-size, fits all definition. 2. A Positive? AJ indicated he didn’t care when the contract was done: before, during, after the season. He’s willing to talk now…that’s a very ‘un-Boras’ remark. AJ doesn’t totally relinquish control? Hmmm.

As for the bashing of AJ’s weight loss…10 pounds isn’t much…but how much was replaced by muscle? That’s a real measure…IMO (and this blog proves everyone has one!)

Much rather read than chime in…still, nice to see many of the regulars returning. Thanks for indulging the rest of us!

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Wow, there are two Wayne’s on the Blog. Maybe I should change my name to something more sexy, like Rufus from UT or something like that.

Lew In my 8:54 am post, I really was only outlining to another blogger the inability the Braves now have with trading AJ. Personally, I would not have traded him for Crisp and Hansen last summer, but I would have entertained trading him for Santana and another significant player from the Angels last winter.

Personally, I really don’t see any way of moving him at this time, so my point in another post was to ride him hard and put him away wet. Ride him all the way to the World Series, if possible. Actually, if we get to the WS, that might be the only way we have a prayer of getting him back. I still reiterate that we should NOT give him more than 4 years, with some options for a 5th or 6th on incentive attainment. Also, I think if Smoltz can take a home town discount and remain loyal to the Braves and the Braves fans, then AJ should be willing to do the same and take a 4 year deal worth 15 million per year. At that rate, we STILL may be cursing that deal in 2-3 years, when as many of us suspect, the wheels start to fall off.

Hee Haw (Robert, the blogger hiding his Bobby Cox identity, this Hee Haw is for you!)

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Lew: I think we all would like at least a “cost of living” adjustment to the Braves salary budget, although, I do like the fiscal restraint, as that is more in line with the way I think and try to live.

Personally, I would like to see some minimal flexibility, but I would never want my team to retain our players and allow their pay to comprise more than 15-20% of the overall salary. I can’t see how that can be helpful in the long run.

When you examine Hampton, Chipper, and AJ’s current salaries, they were entered into when the Braves had a higher yearly salary budget.

By David O'Brien

February 21, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP

By Wayne in UT

February 21, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Salty: Are you going to be learning a new position this year? outfield, 1B, 3B??? If you Simonize Dave’s car, he will write nice things about you. (now don’t tell me you aren’t THAT Salty)

:-)

By N GA BOB

February 21, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

AJ’s numbers have been magnified. He’s never produced when needed to win a game. Get rid of him NOW while you can get a couple of quality players in return. Wait and you’ll be lucky to get an organ grinder and a monkey.

By Salty

February 21, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Rufus…er, Wayne in UT I’m open to any position reflecting my market value! As for DOB…I think he prefers the bike…but I’ll still Simonize it! Salty

By BabeOnBaseball

February 21, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

While I’ve dreamed of being the first female GM in baseball since I was a kid, I’m beginning to see why there hasn’t been one. Generally speaking, women are far more driven by their emotions than men. I consider myself to be a pretty tough, non-emotional type gal, but it still creeps up on me now and then.

The thought of Andruw or Smoltz leaving Atlanta absolutely breaks my heart. Over the years I’ve mourned lots of players after their days as a Braves player were over - Steve Avery (my childhood crush), Dale Murphy (named my dog after him), Ron Gant (who gave me a ball one time), Terry Pendleton (I started playing third base in softball because of him), Tom Glavine, Greg Maddox, etc. Sometimes I long for the days when players stayed with one team their entire career. On the other hand, we’ve acquired many faces I’ve loved over the years - Renteria being my most recent favorite. Once they’re here though, I don’t want to let them go. For that reason, my first instinct is to say that the new owners have to do whatever they have to do to keep Andruw.

Upon further reflection though, I think I could let Andruw go, especially if he doesn’t give us a hometown discount. I’m not a huge fan of Scott Boras and have always been surprised that Andruw chose him as his agent. Andruw just seems too nice to be represented by such a bulldog. But, if Andruw feels forced to follow the money trail, I’ll let him go. I agree that he’s probably the greatest outfielder to ever play, but I also think we have plenty of young talent that can fill at least a large portion of his shoes. Although, I disagree that Blanco might be the one - I like to see a little ambition, a real go-getter and this guy didn’t even report to camp early.

For more: http://babeonbaseball.blogspot.com.

By drixie

February 21, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Andruw is the best defensive center fielder I have ever seen. He isn’t just sound defensively, he almost always gets the right jump on the ball. Although I believe he has the skills to be a .290 or better hitter, he has chosen a “slugger’s mentality” and the chance for a prodigious home run has come at the expense of being a well rounded hitter. As such, Andruw has more than a few holes in his swing, which might explain why he frequently does not deliver the big hit in the clutch. Before I would support giving him $18 million or more annually, I would ask this question: Who on the Braves would you want at the plate with the game on the line? I would pick Chipper, McCann, Renteria, or Francoeur ahead of Andruw to deliver in the clutch, and thus, much as I like having Andruw on the team, I would let him walk and spend the money on a solid outfielder with power and/or speed, and a solid starting pitcher.

By MGL

February 21, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

The Liberty Media questions continue, but the fact is nobody knows what they will do, and that likely includes CEO Malone. He is not buying the Braves to own a baseball team, although, he apparantly is a sports fan. The Braves and other lesser assets are included in this deal that allows him to sell over $1B in TW stock to TW without paying any capital gains taxes on the sale of said stock.

That says nothing about his intentions for the Braves. Nobody has given any details regarding plans as all parties are probably under a relatively strict Non-Disclosure agreement until the transaction actually closes - which it looks like will happen.

The 2-3 year speculation is due to IRS rules that he will have to hold and actively operate these assets for a period of time before he sells them or taxes could be charged on the original transaction.

There is no way of knowing if Malone wants to own the Braves long-term until he speaks after the closing. He has, however, made most of his money with an asset appreciation strategy and mergers and acquisitions, not operating profits.

It is likely that he will run the Braves with an eye toward asset appreciation, but will not tolerate operating losses. Therefore, I predict that there will be payroll flexibility as long as the revenue stream is growing.

This is an important year for strong fan support and more buns in seats. A very bad fan strategy would be to not show in protest.

As an intangible, I hear he is very egocentric. Good news, as he probably does not want a losing team and would love to say he owns a World Series Championship team.

For those of you crying for private ownership, look at the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and now the Nationals. It is no guarantee of a free pass to the bank vault.

In short, speculation can be fun, but until the transaction closes, and possibly until the end of the season, nobody can answer the payroll question.

By GoldenRetriever

February 21, 2007 01:34 PM | Link to this

The Braves dont have the money to succumb to the greedy demands of Andrew Jones. A major league baseball player should not get rich purely based on the gold gloves they piled up over the years. It is certainly true that if Andrew Jones was being paid purely based on his defensive skills and abilities, Andrew would be the highest paid player in the league because he is the best defensive player in the game today. However, Andrew Jones has not put up the offensive numbers consistently to warrant getting paid the highest salary in the league. Andrews power numbers are certainly there, but his batting average usually hovers around .250 and Ive never heard of an average .250 hitter getting paid a lottery-winning type of salary of $25 million dollars per season. What about being compensated based on your production. If major league players were supremely paid entirely based on their production and their salary was deferred until the end of the year when all your numbers are in, then it would represent a fair system where players are based on their production. What a novel idea that would be. No one has ever complained about A-Rod making $25 mil per season because A-Rod earns every dime of his salary. Andrew has earned every bit of his previous salaries and his salary demands are not entirely unreasonable. Its just that the Braves dont have deep enough pockets as well as unlimited resources to accommodate any outrageous salary demands. Show Andrew Jones the same exit door that Gary Sheffield, Greg Maddox, Tom Glavine, J.D. Drew, etc. were shown when their salary demands became nonsensical and ridiculous. We dont need Andrew Jones for the Braves to win a world series because all it takes to replace him is an average .250 hitter and those Johnny-Come-Latelys are a dime a dozen. ANDREW JONES HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY INVISIBLE IN EVERY POST-SEASON GAME THAT HE HAS EVER PLAYED IN.

By Hotspur

February 21, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

Yeah, that first game in Yankee Stadium in ‘96? I couldn’t see those home runs fly out of the park either.

By Braves fan 202

February 21, 2007 05:05 PM | Link to this

O my fault justice is the best

By N GA BOB

February 26, 2007 02:46 PM | Link to this

Giving MONEY TO AJ IS LIKE THROWING MONEY DOWN A RABBIT HOLE [WHERE AJ GOES WHEN HE NEEDED TO PRODUCE THE WINNING RUN] BUT WATCH THE BUNNY START PRODUCING HIS LAST YEAR AS A BRAVE….SIMPLY TO BE ABLE TO ASK FOR MOOOORE MONEY.
MOST OF YOU BLOGGERS TALK LIKE PEOPLE WITHIN THE BRAVES ORIGANIZATION ACTUALLY READ THIS STUFF AND GIVES A DAMN… ESPECIALLY THE PLAYERS. AJ Just in case I’m wrong, why don’t you stop all this misery…go and neatly fold your uniform, gather your equipment and leave ASAP.