Braves

By Thrillhouse44

March 8, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t “panic” right now, but I am a little worried. Hopefully Davies/Cormier/Villareal step it up. Also, on the bright side, it might be a good thing for Hampton to rest his arm a little bit longer.

By Bill

March 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

good work Carroll

By Lew

March 8, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Welcome Carroll Rogers, to The Man In Black Blog. Do you plan to speak to us like DOB, or to remain quiet to all entreaties like the Esteemed Guy Curtright? We prefer the more vocal type. What kind of music do you prefer? What are your BBQ preferences (hopefully you’re not one of those tofu eating vegetarians). Enquiring minds want to know.

By Car3boogie

March 8, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Braves just need 6 more setup men

By Ron

March 8, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

UNFREAKINBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do the Braves have enough money to sign Mark Redman. If it aint one thing it is another, Hampton might be injured with some kind of injury the whole season. Sign Redman!!!!!!!!!

By MGL

March 8, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Carroll, welcome to the blog, and a fine start you made!! Only thing missing was a song. btw, I’m not panicked - yet.

By 22oz

March 8, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Welcome Carroll! Can we count on you for some in-game updates today?

By BravesFan

March 8, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

I’m just sick of counting on Hampton so much with no results. He takes up way too much of the payroll for nothing. Will insurance pay any of his salary again, because I seriously doubt he will be a factor this year.

By JR Bob Dobbs

March 8, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I rarely post here, but wanted to take a moment to thank you for the blog. DOB does a great job and is probably the most responsive sports writer that I know of when it comes to keeping a blog active, and I know you’ll do well as well.

Two questions for you: 1 - Your headline about Hampton refers to a muscle tear while the story notes a strain. Can you clarify?

2 - Do you think the Braves will step up scouting other pitchers (ie, scouting Pavano recently) with efforts to make a trade, or are they confident to go with Davies and Cormier unless the wheels totally fall off Kyle during Spring Training? You seem to indicate the latter in your post above, but I’ll bet that JS will be making some calls (or already is).

Thanks…

By Matt Yoder

March 8, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

I’m not too worried just yet…For one thing,this team is not built around Hampton…We got lots of depth in Villareal-Cormier and Davies! World Series bound!!!! Yeah Baby;)

By John Crawford

March 8, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

I can’t see Hampton pitching effectively for us again. It is really turning into a bust, all that money, and all those injuries. To me, it looks like we may need to find another long term solution to fill in for him in the rotation, but who?

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

First and foremost, welcome back to the Braves beat, Carroll. Always enjoyed your coverage of the ballclub back in 99 and 00. Remember folks, she was the beat writer last time this team went to the World Series.

(Yeah, great timing for DOB to take the day off. Hope he’s enjoying that cigar as you’re slaving away with the story of the spring breaking loose out there.)

Anyway, posted this little ditty on my thoughts on Hampton’s injury on the previous blog. Running the risk of being redundant, I’ll throw it on here and we’ll roll with it from there.

Off we go. It’s nearly gametime, so time to fire up the Gameday Audio, get some stuff done here in front of me (everytime I turn around, deadline right in my face!). Carroll, welcome. Glad you are here.

FROM PREVIOUS BLOG: Happy Place USA just got a little less cheerful for the Braves.

Mike Hampton’s side injury — suffered in the batting cage Wednesday afternoon — dampens the wave of enthusiasm that had swept camp with the news Rafael Soriano will pitch his first inning today against the Yankees, and Hampton would toe the slab Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Now, Hampton’s first inning of competitive baseball since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2005 likely will be sometime in April, or even May.

Does this wreck the Braves’ season? Certainly not. Is is a setback for somebody who will have to be an important part of the drive back to the playoffs at some point in 2007? Certainly.

Hampton’s goal — the Braves’ goal — was to get the lefty ready to go five or six innings by the start of the season. That may not happen until Memorial Day. There are those who felt the Braves wouldn’t get Hampton all the way back to 100 percent until after the All-Star break, and that still can happen.

No matter how long Hampton is out, the big question is what happens to the back end of the Braves’ rotation? Kyle Davies and Lance Cormier have been competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. One easy idea is for both Davies and Cormier to slide into the rotation at Nos. 4 and 5, behind John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Chuck James. If Hampton’s injury isn’t serious and he doesn’t miss much time in the regular season, including both Davies and Cormier is a likely stop-gap fix.

But what of Oscar Villarreal, who has a spot in the bullpen all but locked down? Villarreal is an inning-eater who started four games last year and could grab the No. 5 spot. That would send the loser of the Davies/Cormier race to Richmond, and the winner to the No. 4 spot and the starting assignment against the Mets on April 6, the home opener at Turner Field. It also would open up a spot in the bullpen that might allow a Jose Ascanio or a Peter Moylan to break camp with the big-league club.

There will be talk of trading for a veteran arm (Carl Pavano, anyone?), but I would caution that it’s not time to panic. Should Hampton be gone for a protracted part of the season, then maybe you try to pick up a veteran arm. But for now, I don’t think the Braves need to start pedaling any of their young talent for a fifth starter.

And I also would hesitate to rush young Matt Harrison, who needs experience in the high minors before starting every fifth day for Atlanta. For now, Hampton’s news is quite a downer, but the season ahead still looks bright.

It’s just Hampton now will join the picture a little later than hoped.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By 3trees

March 8, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

First off, thanks for the info and welcome, Carroll.

No, no need to panic. Besides, what good does it do? Move on to plan B, C, D… I don’t think any of us was really counting on Hampton for much in the 1st half anyway, but this does set that back at least 2months, so any way you slice it, it ain’t good. On the other hand it presents an opportunity for someone to step up. Will they? Who knows. Part of the fun of watching.

I know that Head Coach is licking his chops over this with HoRam gone, but that too is water under/over the bridge. So, i guess this assures Davies the 4 slot? Hope he can handle the pressure, not sure. Cormier seems to be the first option at 5. He was up and down last year, but I saw him pitch a beautiful game with a really nice curve AND control. Not sure about the farm hands - Harrison, Hodges? We do have middle infield depth if a trade is the way to go. Worst thing is that it seems like it will compromise middle/long relief. I’ll give JS and the crew a few days (hours) to figure it out.

Go Braves!

By DAP

March 8, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

yeah it think its time to be a little worried. but, the team is going to have to pick up the slack, and i think they can do that.

more than anything, it just sux…it wasnt supposed to happen like this. but you know what they say, it happens, and life goes on.

i just hope he stays positive, and im glad that some young guys are gonna get a chance to strut their stuff.

i read on the braves home site that the braves will now be looking to trade for veteran pitching because of this. is that true carroll?

and carroll, are you going to give us play-by-play like DOB does?

welcome to the blog, glad to have you!

By James

March 8, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Hudson gets three groundouts in a perfect first innining. HE got Damon, Jeter, and Cano in. order

By bravesfan16

March 8, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

No, do not panic. Could this hurt this year? Yes. I don’t want JS to run out and look to make a deal just based on this. I’m for keeping the prospects and getting them some playing time. Davies/Cormier/Villareal/Harrison someone will come thru.

At only $500,000 anyone think they might like to have mr sweaty back?

By Rob

March 8, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Hampton is to the Braves what Ed Hartwell was to the Falcons. Way overpaid and way too often injured.

If there’s any way to trade for a veteran middle of the road starter, I would do now if I am the Braves. Hampton’s done. This injury will drag out like all the others. And even if comes back from the oblique injury fairly soon…the guy still hasn’t proven he’s back from the elbow surgery.

Don’t you wish we would have gotten Glavine back now?

By eric the elder

March 8, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Funny how we went from “Too Early to Worry” to “Time to Panic?” in 24 hours. As always, the truth probably lies somewhere in between.

Given Hampton’s known physical question marks, I have to think that JS has had a Plan B all along. But keep Hampton or cut him, we still owe him the money, and we have no spare change left over. Thus, unless insurance cuts in, it will have to the trade route or else the valiant hope that Davies/Cormier/Villareal/etc. combo can carry the day. I will try to remain optimistic, but it has just become harder.

By MS

March 8, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Good to have you filling in, Carroll. Although I was sure you were a dude…(no offense)

I don’t think “panic” is the right word, but there is definitely cause for concern. However, this will give Davies and Cormier BOTH a chance to string several major league starts together. Assuming one (or ideally both) have a strong first month and a half, they’ll hopefully build up confidence which could help them throughout the rest of the year. If the other one struggles, then you send him down to Richmond once Hampton comes back, and you’ve essentially had a poor 5th starter for the first month and a half; which can be manageable.

Who this really puts pressure on is Smoltz, James, and Hudson. They’re going to have to come out strong early on, since the 4 & 5 spots are going to be such question marks for awhile.

I’m still optimistic and excited about this team, but this is definitely a setback (an overcomeable though) and not news I wanted to hear today.

By Ricardo

March 8, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Albie Lopez - where are you when we need you?

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Renteria double, followed by an Andruw single, gives the Braves a 1-0 lead off Mike Mussina at Happy Place USA, aka the Evil Empire.

McCann up. Two down, bottom of the first.

—30—

By ernesto

March 8, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

I think it’s definitely time to start thinking Plan B. Counting on Davies, James, and Cormier to all step and produce big time this year is asking a lot. We give the occasional Mets interloper a hard time b/c of that rag tag rotation, but ours w/Smoltz, a big question mark in Hudson, and three unproven guys, well…on paper anyway, that’s not a whole lot better. I definitely don’t think it’s a slam dunk to pencil Hampton in for a reliable #3.

By ernesto

March 8, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Oh and welcome to blogland Carroll.

By True Braves Fan

March 8, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Hudson set em down 123 in the top of the first. Someone yesterday asked about TV on ESPN, etc. Here is what I have: All gamees are in March. ESPN: 2 vs Pirates(1:05), 23 at Phillies(1:05), 28 at Mets(1:10). FOX SPORTS NET: 16 vs Cardinals(7:05), 18 vs Tigers(1:05), 31 vs White Sox(1:05). SPORT SOUTH: 13 vs AStros(7:05), 27 vs Tigers(7:05) and 30 vs White Sox(7:05). Recteria scored on a Andrum double in the bottom of the 1st. 1-0 Bravos…

By ssiscirbe

March 8, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

That lead didn’t last long. Jason Giambi led off the second with a solo shot to left-center off Tim Hudson, tying the game at 1-1.

—30—

By True Braves Fan

March 8, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Short lived lead..Giambi lead off the top of the 2nd with a HR.

By sri

March 8, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

YES it is time to panic!!!! Hudson just gave up a homerun to Giambi.. Kelly Johnson made an error at 2nd base..

By Eric C.

March 8, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Sure, Hampton will recover and be ready to go in May, but we would be kidding ourselves to think he could be depended on to last more than about 5 starts before getting hurt again. Also, his mechanics will be off…don’t expect him to be effective right away. If we are lucky, maybe he can win a few games this year at crucial points in the season…but that is all we can hope for at this point. It’s a shame.

By dougp

March 8, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Serious props to Carroll. Big improvement over Guy. I am home from work sick today, yes I am actually sick, sick the braves aren’t on XM today. Anyways will check back for game updates, scribe always seems to keep everyone informed. Thanks for the update Carroll, like I said this season is already looking up because now we will always have a quality blog.

By True Braves Fan

March 8, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

2 singles + KJ error gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead, but DP got Hudson out of the inning.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Bad news: Yanks get another run, take a 2-1 lead after top of the second (three hits off Hudson that inning).

Bad news: Kelly Johnson makes an error early in the inning.

Good news: Johnson turns the pivot on a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.

Addition to TV sked listed above: The Braves will broadcast the Saturday, March 17 game vs. the Cards on the scoreboard at Turner Field during the open house.

—30—

By NoWaY

March 8, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

This is getting rediculous with Hampton…The Braves organization are stupid if the keep holding on to this guy…You already have a limited cap space so why would you want to get a picture who hasnt pitch in i cant even remember when…I see another 3rd or 4th place finish this year.

By Jeff R

March 8, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Well, the Braves have been pinning their hopes all winter long on three starting pitchers that have, or could have, physical problems: Hudson, Hampton and, yes, Smoltz, in that his arm has been rebuilt—what? four times—and he’s forty. If these guys are healthy and pitching the way everyone knows they can, great—instant contender. But Hampton falling means that Davies most definitely has to step up and deliver. Far from a sure thing.

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

OK, So I posted this on the last blog. I was caught snoozing.

Chuck James joined the Rotation on 6/25/2006. From that point on the Braves played .552 baseball. That translates to 89 wins on a season.
That was before Wicky joined the team and the pen was stabalized.
Now we get to begin the season with James and a solid pen. We should be able to manage and compete. It isn’t going to be any easier for us. But that’s the point. It’s baseball. We have to earn the title. The Braves must go out there and fight every single night. Never let up. Never give in. Hampton will be back sooner than Pedro. In the mean time, our staff is still stronger, or as strong as, the rest of the division.

GO BRAVES!

ps: Carroll, you did a bang-up job. You can score some more points by adding some game time commentary in here so we know what’s going on. You’re the eyes and ears. Thanks for the blog.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Wild one brewin at Dark Star: Frenchy hits a solo shot off that bounced off either the outfielder’s glove or the top of the fence. Tied at 2.

—30—

By Ron Roberts

March 8, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Having Cormier, Villareal and Kyle Davies on the staff is partially (in my view) what made the Braves pitching staff so formidable, anyhow.

Let’s be honest; we didn’t know WHAT to expect from Mike Hampton this season, so it would always be PRUDENT to assume from “zero” and anything more would be a plus, right?

Smoltz, James, Hudson, are as formidable a top-three as there is in the NL (which speaks more to the weakness of starting pitching in the NL than to the Braves’ strength here, but so be it…) and Cormier and Villareal showed last season that they’d do us proud in a starting role in the 4th or 5th spot. Let’s also remember that early in the season, the 5th guy won’t get that many starts anyhow.

Plus, with the bullpen overflowing with quality arms (wow, last year, I’d have laughed my teeth out trying to say that with a straight face), it’s not without reason to believe that Soriano or heck Mike Gonzalez couldn’t be used in a starting role if we were pressed to do so.

Too early to panic; though I said all through the offseason, the sunshine-blowers on this board were expecting too much of anything if they had high expectations from Hampton this season. Expect zero and whatever you get that’s more than that will be a plus, far as I’m concerned. He’s been on the shelf too long not to have stuff like this come up.

By SR

March 8, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

You betcha your arse it is, with Hudson, Davies, journeymen galore and only Smoltz, and possibly James as pitchers you can count on, get some help quickly.

Question: Is Hampton the Ed Hartwell of the Braves or is Hartwell the Mike Hampton of the Falcons? Discuss amongst yourselves.

By rammerjammer

March 8, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what this “oblique” injury is, but the Braves sure have a lot of them. I mean, what the sam hill is it? Why didn’t Aaron, Mathews, Murphy, etc., miss any games with their obliques?

Can you imagine calling in at work…”hey, boss, I got a problem with my oblique. Won’t be in for awhile.”

Sheesh. Oblique.

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

HR Francoeur (2, 2nd inning off Mussina, 0 on, 0 out).
Tie Game

Carroll, Are you also Chop Chick?

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

DP: (Renteria-Johnson-Thorman).

Anyone watch this Double Play? How’d Johnson look? I see the error he made was on the throw. Anyone have any news as to what was going on, who he was throwing to?

By Daybed Wagmoe

March 8, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

carroll, very nice job. really enjoy the casual tone of the blog — that’s what i’ve come to expect from DOB’s blogs, so it’s nice to have that continue.

i am worried about the hampton situation. at its best, our rotation was possibly the best in the division; at its worst, every single starter in it has major question marks. smoltz - age, plus being hit by a liner (he says he’ll be okay, but you never know); hudson - can he bounce back? james - can he repeat success in second year? davies - can he deal with struggles and realize potential? hampton - can he stay healthy? cormier - can he be a regular starter?

now our rotation has more question marks. if and when hampton returns to the rotation, how effective will he be? can cormier or villareal fill the gap until he returns?

By Shaun

March 8, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

eric the elder,

A few things to keep in mind:

1) Saltalamacchia is a catcher so he doesn’t have to hit quite as much to be a very valuable major leaguer.

2) Salty’s OBP in the minors is .370 and he’s drawn a respectable 43.5 walks a year. And he’s posted a respectable .448 SLG, which should improve as he matures and gets stronger. The strikeouts shouldn’t be too much of a concern at this point because he’s still showing that he won’t chase too many pitches out of the zone (as evident by his walk rate).

3) From all the reports, Salty is a solid defensive catcher.

4) Baseball America ranks Salty as the 36th best prospect and best catching prospect in the game. And I would guess over 80 percent of the hitting prospects they’ve ranked that high become productive major leaguers.

I think this is a little different from the Betemit situation because I’m sure Salty’s position and power potential make him more valuable and more desirable than Betemit.

I think the organization assumed they would find a place for Betemit but it never happened. He was never quite as good as they thought he would be and they could always had or could find a better player at his positions (Furcal, Renteria, Chipper).

In Salty they have a guy who has clear position but is blocked by an All-World catcher in Brian McCann. So I think Salty has to go; the Braves have to turn him into another young stud at a different position or several solid young players at different positions. McCann isn’t going anywhere for the next decade or so, barring a disaster.

By Head Coach

March 8, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Nobody is licking their chops. Me , least of all. I never expected much from Hampton in the first half of the season to begin with. I would expect that everybody can now appreciate just how easy it is to see the fragility of this rotation. Which is why the Horam trade worried me from the start. Davies has all the talent in the world. So , he either steps up or the Braves are in trouble. Villarreal or McBride have to be considered as options. Cormier is in the rotation by default. I can imagine the Braves are beating the bushes hunting for anything that looks remotely like a fourth or fifth starter. So , who is going to get traded ? We shall see.

By The Stranger

March 8, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Carroll, great reporting this spring, and as ssiscribe pointed out, it is great to have you back on the beat.

Ssiscribe, not sure if you’re still in trouble with Mrs. Scribe, but if you are, just wanted to say: great job reporting from the couch. Your updates and analysis and historical retrospectives have been much appreciated.

By ElbravoX

March 8, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

The Carrol curse has begun.

By Diamondback.Mac

March 8, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Looks like Carroll won’t be commenting as much as DOB.

By Bob, journalist

March 8, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Welcome aboard Carroll! Tis a bummer that to have to start with bad news but things will work out … but, I don’t envy Hampton … most folks would probably just cry in their beer and be preoccupied with the next misfortune dame fortune has in store.

I think he has what it takes to overcome adversity, regardless of when and how it comes … my greatest concern it the impact this setback will have on the attitude of the rest of the team.

Shaun, my apologies … if I didn’t indicate that I was in total agreement with that statement … it was an oversight!

Honorable Southern,

I wasn’t aware that I was engaged in any reclamation project … I agree with those who believe that you can’t can’t change people; they must change themselves. You indicated that was what you were attempting to so do … and I accepted that, plain and simple.

It wasn’t blind faith … I honestly believe in your sincerity.

I respect Lew and treasure his friendship … same goes for you!

However, I honestly don’t see the utility of either of you casting aspersions on the other.

It’s the differences in people that make them special to me … don’t want to see them all looking alike … just want them to think before they speak, take pride in themselves and be all they can be … do that and everything else will take care of itself … including behavior. I hope!

Perhaps I’m guilty of being a bit pompous and sincere at the same time … but hey, it’s Spring training.

Pardon the change in style … but it’s nothing I haven’t said before … and I’m tired.

Brad in Ky,

Apologies to you too young man … I just reread my last post to you … and have no good excuses for being either curt or smug; indeed there can be none. Actually, it was on my mind … what’s left of it … early this morning but things got rather hectic me forgot me duty.

As an aside, as I told someone else, my reason is that I like Shaun, plain and simple.

Cato, you said a mouthfull without moving your lips!

By Epinephrine

March 8, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

I actually think this could be somewhat good for Hampton’s elbow. While it puts a strain on the rotation, it isn’t the end of the world so long as he doesn’t come back too soon. He wasn’t going to be ready before the all star break regardless. A month isn’t going to change that.

Good news: Huddy has looked nasty since the long ball, and Giambi has always hit him really well anyway. His movement is miles ahead of last year.

By Shaun

March 8, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Why would the sox trade a ML-ready young starter for a prospect whose done nothing above A ball?

I think a team would love to have the best catching prospect in the game for a pitching prospect. I didn’t say a major league-ready pitcher, necessarily. Pitching is probably more valuable but it’s also more of a risk. A wise man (I have no idea who) once said there is no such thing as a pitching prospect. A lot of pitching prospects don’t pan out because of the injury risks and the fact that it’s difficult to get a good read on how good a pitcher really is from either stats or scouts. Young pitching is still a bit of a mystery. But you obviously still need pitching because it’s one of if not the most important position on the field—certainly the most important on defense.

I think the Sox would listen to a Salty-for-a-pitching-prospect offer, especially considering they have some depth in the pitching department.

By jh

March 8, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

It sucks, but he’s a fine pitcher when he’s healthy, and we need him badly. Hopefully he can come back near full strength by the end of May. Oh yeah…Most of the posters on this blog are a hell of a lot more intelligent than the negative unreasonable idiots posting on the blog pertaining to the Hampton article.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 8, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

welcome journalist carroll rogers! jimmy smith has did journalism for just over a year now. journalist can think of three reasons jimmy smith got into journalism: a sick horse and a grumpy beat writer. now, baseball … hampton has pulled an oblique? oh, the humanity! jimmy smith does not remember hearing much of obliques except that oblique order by echelon was a favorite tactic of general lee. how has hampton pulled an oblique when general lee could not pull one at gettysburg? and now to the patter about the ugly bloggers - yes, two ugly bloggers. very ugly. they have invested in this blog and they intend to control it. perhaps they will. time will tell. now, toes … carroll, we often talk toes here. toes are not to be trifled with. it is not wise to wear open-toe shoes at spring training. this is not said because carroll is a girl - it does not work for dob, either.

By GT80

March 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

There will be no panic. My question for DOB and CR is, can the Braves get any insurance relief from Hampton’s injury if they can release him for injury purposes?

By Chris

March 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Well the Braves kept saying the way they’d be a winning team this year was b/c they were basically getting a great free agent pickup with Mike Hampton coming back. Now looks like the black hole of money will continue again this season. Little chance of the Braves doing much of anything this year. Just not a strong starting pitching staff at all, and all the “great” pickups in the bullpen look like they might spend most of the season hurt as well. Just can’t build a good team when your payroll drops 10 million dollars in ten years.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Things have settled down at Mickey’s House. 2-2 in the fifth.

Hudson: Went four innings, two runs (one earned), four hits (three in the two-run second), no walks, three Ks.

Make way for Big Bob, toeing the slab at Disney.

Stranger: Nah, Mrs. Scribe never was too, too upset with me. She shouldn’t be; some of the tix I bought were for her to go, too.

Now if I can just figure out a way to buy some Thrashers playoff tickets next week …

—30—

By Fed Up

March 8, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I didn’t think Hampton was going to be effective any way. Now, he won’t be a factor. We may have a shot at the Wild Card if we can find a second baseman and a third baseman and we have no other major injuries to starting pitchers. Otherwise, we can forget about October.

By Kentavo

March 8, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

I think it’s time to package some of the excess young infielders for a proven, innings-eating starting pitcher.

By Carolina Lady

March 8, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Carroll, welcome!! Really glad to have you here! :-))

I’d bet a nickel to a doughnut (Krispy Creme only, please) that when Hampton DOES finally make it to the rotation, he’ll give everything he’s got to be the pitcher he knows the Braves wanted when they signed him. Somebody teach him to bunt; forget the HRs. :-)

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

March 8, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

TBF:

Thanks for posting the TV schedule. I’ll have to set the DVR.

Hampton hurt? No way…

I honestly don’t know what to think now. Without Hampton in the rotation we have the same pitchers as last year, minus HoRam but with James for a full year. So it’s basically a wash.

The bullpen is drastically improved, but we have lost Laroche and Giles. So have we improved overall?

I think that in the long run we will win more games. Hampton will pitch for us this year, but it may be a Pedro situation to where we shouldn’t rely on him being a season-changer.

With that said, I am looking forward to the emergence of Scott Thorman, the continued improvement of Francoeur, McCann, and James. I’m going to re-state my earlier prediction: Braves win the East and make it to the World Series. They win in six, Andruw goes to Boston (and buys three more six-firgure cars and buys his dad a Pinto).

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

I think the Sox would listen to a Salty-for-a-pitching-prospect offer, especially considering they have some depth in the pitching department.

You might want to highlight the fact that they have Jason Veratek, team captain, playing a fabulous center field. Oh wait a minute…
I’m not sure the Sox would consider trading for Salty when they have their catcher in place. Besides, they are looking for bullpen depth which would lead one to believe they won’t be parting with pitching in the near future.

So, the question would then be, why would we trade Salty for a pitching prospect when a switch hitting catcher with power and promise could garner much more? I think Salty will be a Brave for a while. He won’t be traded, if he is traded at all, until he at least gets a handful of at bats at the major league level (which implies he has done more than hit .250 in AA). Much like we did with Marte. And for just 1 Marte we recieved an all Star Short Stop with a WS ring.

By Epinephrine

March 8, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Ground rule double for Kelly-he may have some kinks to work out, but I feel like we will be great with Kelly as our lead off this year.

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

sscribe: Thanks for the updates. I’d like to point out the following note on Hudson today:
Ground outs-fly outs: Hudson 8-1, Wickman 3-0.

It appears his sinker is back on it’s mark. Looks like a lot of people are swinging over it. Now he just needs to last more than 5 innings a start.

By KC

March 8, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

A strained side muscle, or a torn side muscle… which is it??

By Greg in TN

March 8, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Hey everyone….

We started the spring with cautious optimism and the news about Hampton is disappointing. There is certainly room for concern, but it is still way too early to hit the panic button. We do NOT need to make any moves until we get a better feel for how Cormier and Davies responds in the next few weeks. If we need to make a move to bolster the starting rotation, I am confident that JS will be able to make a move to improve us there.

Carroll, welcome. I did read your work and enjoy it during your first tour of duty with the AJC. Good to have you back with the Braves faithful. Hopefully DOB is enjoying a nice cigar and listening to the Man in Black and is probably chuckling at the irony of your busy day to this point.

Anywho, scribe, thanks for the updates on our game against the evil empire at the Dark Star.

By Renegator

March 8, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Welcome Carroll:

Here are my two biggest concerns for this year.
1) With Hampton out - probably for the whole year, will Davies step up or melt down? Based on previous experience, I’m going to say that he will melt down and then we’ll be looking for two replacement starters.

2) Offensive production out of first base. Thorma is only batting .176 in spring training. We finally got some reliable production out of 1B last year and then we traded it away. I don’t think Thorman is going to give us the offense we need from that position.

By KC

March 8, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Well… that sucks. No doubt about it. Here’s hoping Cormier and Davies are both on their games.

Having said that, if Hudson has a solid season and James simply picks up where he left off… we’ll have a very good rotation 1-3, and that’s as much or more than most teams in the league can say.

And, we didn’t lose Hampton for the season. Hopefully he’ll be in the rotation by June. He could still make a significant contirbution, and hopefully, 4 months of pitching will be enough to get him reasonably sharp for the post-season.

By KC

March 8, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

DOB: Just saw Hudson’s line… 4 innings, 4 hits, 1 ER, 3 K’s… not bad. But how did he look?? Was he keeping the ball on the ground like he did in his first start?

By kdbanks

March 8, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

No panic yet - as long as Hampton’s back by June 1st, we’ll be fine. Watch for Cormier to go 7-2 over the first two months of the year.

By jh

March 8, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

well….I thought there was more intelligence on this blog until I read a few of the recent posts….some of the morons must have moved over here (Fed Up, journalist jimmy smith, etc.)

By Epinephrine

March 8, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Soriano looks like a mean S.o.B. They are hitting him a bit, but I am happy to have him. Looks fine.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Soriano’s first inning not too bad, a strikeout to end it. Two hits, one on a hit-and-run single to left right through the hole Pena Jr. vacaded covering second base.

—30—

By flange1

March 8, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Welcome Carroll!

I still would like JS to consider a three for one trade, something like Davies, Cormier and Salty or Escobar for a young starter with some upside. I know no one wants to trade their number 1 starter, but to swap their number 2 for 2 potential starters and a top prospect. I am thinking about Texas or maybe KC (Greinke)….

Thoughts?

By MBATL

March 8, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Renagator, Moises Alou is batting .077; Jose Valentin .143; Paul LoDuca .182; and Carlos Beltran .214. Over at the Phillies’ camp, Rowand is at .133, Rollins at .167.

I wouldn’t wring my hands too much over Thorman’s batting average at this point.

By KC

March 8, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: 8-1 ground/fly ball ratio? That’s pretty damned good news!

Last year was the only year I can remember when he often fizzled out after 5 or 6 innings. And I think you have to attribute that largely to the fact that he was getting hit more (and walking more batters) than any other time in his career. He was having to work twice as hard through those first 5 innings than he ever had to in the past.

If Hudson is pitching like we know he’s capable… he won’t have trouble giving the Braves 7 innings or more in most every start.

That would be good for the Braves, because depending on what we get from the 4/5 slots in the rotation… we may have to use the bullpen more often when the bottom end of the rotation starts.

By Shaun

March 8, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Well, Varitek isn’t going to last forever. Salty should be very ready about the time Varitek is very done.

Also, like Salty, they have a few very good pitching prospects who aren’t quite ready for the majors. I think they’d be willing to part with one of them for a powerful, switch-hitting catcher.

And I think Salty will be traded. Salty appears to be a catcher and only a catcher. McCann isn’t going anywhere for a long time. The best thing the Braves could do is trade him in the right deal.

I do agree that letting Salty prove himself in at least AA could greatly increase his stock and desirability, therefore it’s more likely he’ll be traded sometime late this season or next off-season.

As far as his low batting average, I don’t think the Braves are too concerned and I don’t think there are too many interested teams out there who would be concerned at this point in his career. Again, he’s shown solid strikezone judgment and solid power potential. That along with the fact that he’s a switch-hitting catcher gives me the feeling he’s on a lot of teams’ radars. I’m sure as soon as the Braves make it known he’s available (if they haven’t already), they’ll get some great offers to sift through.

By The Grinch

March 8, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Man, I think I just strained an oblique at the gym. Actually, I’ve been working out off an on for 20 years and I’ve never strained an oblique. The closest I’ve come to that word has been trigonometry. Carroll, good opening effort. Guy Curtwright’s wouldve been: “Braves report pitcher Mike Hampton injured an oblique muscle today. Discuss.” Perhaps, being a girl, you can utilize your feminine wiles to pry extra bits of information for us that DOB wasn’t privy to. BTW, anyone else notice both Hampton and Jordan(Brian) were safeties in football then suffered a multitude of injuries late in their careers after switching to baseball? Doesn’t bode well for Francour. Lew, what’s your favorite color crayon? Mine was Indian Red ‘till Crayola pulled it for PC purposes. I bet since you’re an artist you’ve got a 64-pack. :-)

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

So the Big Three pitch in a game together for the first time. Good job by all three:

Wickman, one hit in the fifth. Soriano, two hits in the sixth. Gonzalez, one hit in the seventh.

Still 2-2. Time to stretch from Dark Star/Happy Place USA.

—30—

By Shaun

March 8, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Renegator,

Thorman will be fine. He’s not going to produce like LaRoche this year, but he’s a solid hitter (.276 AVG/.342 OBP/.452 SLG in 6 minor league seasons).

And I’m in the minority here but I think Davies will be fine. His K/BB and HR numbers are good. He just needs to learn to paint that outside corner and he’s going to be a solid starter. Looking at the charts on espn.com, he throws too many fat inside pitches that strong hitters can just yank in the major leagues. But Davies isn’t that far from being a very good pitcher.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 8, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady,

I was sitting here thinking the same thing about Hampton batting. Why is he out there jacking around with a bat anyway? Considering he’s the most carefully monitored project of the spring, I wouldn’t let him near a bat, especially since he wasn’t 100 percent to begin with. Put him in a padded room with a straight jacket on for Pete’s sake.

By Chopdawg

March 8, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

This puts more heat on Davies & Cormier, who I thought would battle for the 5th starter’s spot. Now they’ve both got to produce, unless we got lucky on a low-budget FA signing like Redman maybe. Please no trade for Pavano, we’re already counting too much on Gonzelez and Soriano and Davies being recovered from injuries, don’t need another question mark if it costs us any players.

By KC

March 8, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

I think if you’re the Braves, at this point, you can’t count on Hampton. He may well be back in the rotation by June, but no telling how long it will take him to get sharp, if he’s able to do so at all this season. He may miss two months of the season, and you have to figure it will take most or all of the balance of the season for him to regain his form to any significant degree.

When he comes back, he’ll have to deal not only with the mental aspect of learning to trust his arm again… but now he’s got an injury that’s notoriously easy to re-aggravate, and you know that’s going to be in the back of his mind for a while.

I still think there’s a good chance that Hampton could be healthy and sharp enough to really contribute in October (assuming we make it that far… and I think we will)… but you can’t count on him to help you win the division.

I’ve been saying for months now… Mike Hampton is not the key to this rotation. Tim Hudson is. That’s even truer after this development. If Huddy bounces back… the Braves should still be in good shape.

By KC

March 8, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

I didn’t get to listen to the game today, what was said about Hudson’s start?

4 hits and 1 ER over 4 innings is a good line, and it sounds even better after hearing the 8-1 ground/fly ball ratio… but I just want to know how he looked. Was he giving up squibers or line-drives? Anyone know?

Also, where’s DOB??

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 8, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Actually, I’ve been working out off an on for 20 years and I’ve never strained an oblique. The closest I’ve come to that word has been trigonometry.

HaHaHaHa. That’s funny stuff right there.

BTW, Kentucky just beat Alabama in Game one of the SEC tourney if anybody’s interested. I’m assuming nobody is, but, oh well. I can’t pick up the Braves game, but I do get to listen to some b-ball at work. Arkansas vs. South Carolina coming up next.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

The Yanks just took a 4-3 lead on a sac fly to right off Villarreal in the eighth. Hitter reached on a single to left and an error by Diaz on the play sent him to second.

Second error of the day for the Braves.

—30—

By James

March 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

The box score shows that Soriano pitched two innings and that Gonzalez has not pitched yet. Is this correct?

By James

March 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

The box score shows that Soriano pitched two innings and that Gonzalez has not pitched yet. Is this correct?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 8, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

I figured you to be a “Golden Rod”-kind of guy.

By Shaun

March 8, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I checked, Varitek’s contract runs through 2008, best I can tell. In 2009 Salty will be 24. Just about perfect timing.

Varitek has shown fairly dramatic signs of decline over the past couple of seasons.

Now, I have no idea if the Sox are/will be interested. (I have a feeling they are interested…along with about 15-20 other teams.)

I’m just throwing out something, playing GM, because it’s fun and this seems to make sense. Sox have plenty of pitching and plenty of other kinds of young talent throughout their system and they’ll need a catcher in 2009.

(It’s easy to see how trade rumors get started.)

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Mike Hampton’s injury has been diagnosed as a “strained left oblique,” and according to the news relayed by Pete Van Wieren just now on the Webcast, Hampton will be “sidelined at least four weeks.”

—30—

By Ricardo

March 8, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

KC -

On the money with your post. Hudson is much more important that Hampton at this point.
That said, I really hope JS doesn’t let this fester till July to do something. If there is a chance to do something creative that won’t kill the budget (or mortgage too much of the future), we should do it - this won’t be the only injury to the staff this year and what we have as “depth” is unproven or not that great to begin with. I bet Harrison gets a nice long look now.

By gustopher

March 8, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Carroll, good luck in the new job!

By Gustopher

March 8, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

He is taking a day or two off.

By Glass Half Full

March 8, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

If anyone read Hampton’s comments before his injury you’d see the guy was gun shy. Just his words indicated that he was afraid to stretch it out…understandably. Recovery from Tommy John was in his head and headcases who pitch rarely excel (see Wohlers post 1995). I’m hoping for a trade for a serviceable 5th starter; I have little confidence in Davies.

By MBATL

March 8, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Looks like defense is letting us down today; 2 of the 3 Yankee runs are unearned. Scribe, any description on the Diaz error?

KC, I think it’s a bit much to write Hampton off for the regular season. If we can fill the void for a couple of months, this might be a blessing.

So he doesn’t return to throwing for a month; then, we can send him on a nice long rehab assignment and let him pitch to live hitters in the minors for a few starts, rather than rushing him back in real games. It really might give him a better shot than the way it was going before the oblique injury. And he can still be back and healthy by mid-May or early June.

Of course, that assumes we can fill in for him adequately in the meantime, which I think we can.

btw, DOB is off for the weekend…

By Carroll Rogers

March 8, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Hey guys. Thanks for all your responses. Braves are down 3-2 in the ninth, three outs to get something going. Francoeur just grounded out. news of the day is soriano pitched a scoreless sixth with a md-90s fastball and looked good. hudson gave up a homer to former teammate giambi, like he did twice last year. ….please tune into the notes later tonight for more. sorry for my slow response. blogging is new to the oldtime sportswriter who last covered the beat before we were doing this stuff. but i think it’s really cool

By Lew

March 8, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Grinch-I’ve always been a blue violet or pine green kind of guy. Not a wimpy cornflower blue or perriwinkle person.

By MBATL

March 8, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

James, I noticed that too… but they’ve changed the stats to indicate the Gonzo did pitch an inning; the stats on mlb.com during ST seem to be a little unreliable.

By KC

March 8, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Ricardo:

I’m sure if there’s a sensible deal to be made for a quality starter, Schuerholz will make it. But there are a lot of teams out there that are far more desperate for starting pitching than we (please see the Cardinals and Mets). If there is a solid starter available, I’m sure there will be a great deal of competition on trade market.

I’m not panicked in the least. Again, if Hudson is on… we’ll be fine. It will certainly help if Davies and Cormier can produce, but with Smoltz, Hudson, and James 1-3 in this rotation… the bullpen should be kept fairly fresh if they need to work more innings behind our 4th/5th starters.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Willie Harris of Cairo (birthplace of Jackie Robinson) nearly got picked off first with one out in the ninth, then stole second and went to third when the throw sailed into center field.

3-2 Yanks, bottom of the ninth.

Update: Diaz just grounded out to third. Braves down to last out. Tony Pena up.

—30—

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

TIED GAME: Tony Pena Jr. almost homered, hitting a triple off the wall in left to score Harris and tie the game at 3-3.

Prado up, can win the game if he can get Pena home with two outs.

—30—

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Prado just grounded out to first, but those middle infield kids keep on keepin on, don’t they? Pena Jr. with game-tying triple with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

More FREE BASEBALL!! Gotta love it. Onto the 10th, tied at 3-3.

Carroll: No worries about being slow. You’ll pick up the blogging stuff soon enough.

—30—

By carroll

March 8, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

tony pena just tied it 3-3- with two outs in the ninth. run-scoring triple while playing in front of his dad, who coaches for the yankees. to extra innings we go.

By KC

March 8, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

MBATL: I think “writing him off” is a little too strong a way to describe my position on Hampton. I’m not saying he’s a lost cause this year… but just that we can’t count on him.

If he’s only out 4-5 weeks, that’s much better than 8 weeks. But again, if he is out 8 weeks, he’ll need another 3-4 weeks at Richmond before joining the rotation.

I’ve said all along that we should plan on it taking Hampton about 3-4 months to get sharp, coming off a surgery like this. I felt good about that though because I felt he could make a solid impact in the 2nd half. But if he misses 8 weeks, by the time he joins the rotation… there would only be 4 months left in the season.

Now, in my view, if Hampton helps us much in the regular season, it has to be looked at as a pleasant surprise. I’m not saying that he won’t have a significant impact on our regular season record, but I do think the Braves should plan on that not being the case.

Again though… I’m still optimistic that he could be reasonably sharp come October, and that would be huge.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Coyler on to pitch, threw a ball into center trying to get a runner at second. With second and third, no outs, Pena made a nice play to hold the runners.

Bases loaded. Ball hit to Pena, who forced the runner at home. Should’ve had the double play, but Jurries dropped the relay at first … then, the home plate ump, Billy Hohn (not one of my favorites) calls the hitter out for interference.

So, all of that said, two outs, runners at second and third, still tied.

—30—

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Coyler on to pitch, threw a ball into center trying to get a runner at second. With second and third, no outs, Pena made a nice play to hold the runners.

Bases loaded. Ball hit to Pena, who forced the runner at home. Should’ve had the double play, but Jurries dropped the relay at first … then, the home plate ump, Billy Hohn (not one of my favorites) calls the hitter out for interference.

So, all of that said, two outs, runners at first and second, still tied.

—30—

By James

March 8, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Brave tie it up!

By James

March 8, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Brave tie it up!

By Head Coach

March 8, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Gee whiz Wally , where are all those people who wanted to trade Hudson ? Dunno Beaver , but boy aren’t the Braves fortunate that they held onto him……

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 8, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Damn, these kids are duking it out trying to make the squad ain’t they. Gotta love it.

By Novice Ned

March 8, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Braves need to make a trade for an experienced starter. They should treat Hampton as a 50/50 proposition and try real hard not to enter the season with 3 guys who have never started an entire season in the bigs, 1 guy who is valiantly fighting off rust and decay and another who is in a 3 year decline. I’m not suggesting they go out and trade for Chris Carpenter, but this current recipe does not feel too great to me. We need a lead to turn over to this world class bullpen. Expecting the stars and moon from Cormier, James & Davies (while hoping Smoltz maintains and Hudson improves) just feels like a plan made of duct tape, wet card board and wishful thinking.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Stepped away for a few and come back to see Yanks now up 5-3. Ron Villone whose name was mentioned here in the offseason, now on for the Bronx Bombers in the bottom of the 10th.

Escobar leading off. More heroics for the kids up the middle? Maybe. Escobar leads off with a single up the middle, continuing his excellent work.

—30—

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Blanco grounds into double play and Villone gets the next out. Ballgame. 5-3 Yanks. The curse of Carroll Rogers begins (kidding, CR).

OK, time to get going here, so I can get home tonight and listen to the Thrashers on the Internet (thanks crappy 680 The Fan and thanks for no TV during the playoff run).

Selah. Deadline looms. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Rodger

March 8, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Carroll thanks for jumping into the fray! Most of us won’t bite.

If it was likely Hampton wouldn’t hav been “on” til May, this pushes us way into June. And I don’t know that we can wait that long. Let’s hope JS can find a rabbit somewhere to pull out of his hat.

By Greg

March 8, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Could you trade for a starter? You don’t have the budgetary room to add a Carl Pavano. You don’t want to give up a key prospect like Escobar or Salty for a guy who’s really only necessary for ten starts.

I think Mark Redman should be given a look. He’s pitched OK in the NL, he hurt his knee during ST last year and never got on track. Give him a whirl.

By mr baseball

March 8, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Once again, the Braves exalted GM has left the team in a vulnerable situation, and Hampton’s injury has exposed one of its shortcomings — lack of depth in the rotation. Thanks to his string of trades in recent years involving most of the Braves’ young pitching talent (Wainwright, Capellan, Colon, Miner, etc.,) there isn’t much left at present, and JS made no attempt to bring in a cheap veteran who might be able to help if needed.

The Ramirez for Soriano deal may turn out to a shrewd one, but the team needed another veteran arm in case Hampton wasn’t ready. Now there’s basically nothing after Davies and Cormier other than Villareal, and the Braves need to have someone who can fill Oscar’s long relief role before they move him back into the rotation.

There won’t be much pitching talent of any value available on the trade market at present, but one team the Braves need to look at for a possible bottom of the rotation starter is Oakland. The A’s have some middle infield problems and either Kennedy or Halsey might could be had in a deal involving one of the Braves’ excess of young middle infielders.

We’ve seen what happens the last few years when the Braves try to get by with a Travis Smith or Kevin Barry making a start. If either Davies or Cormier can’t hack it, that’s about where the Braves stand now. The money spent on Sturtze and Woodward could have been used on someone who might actually help.

Every spring, Schuerholz leaves holes somewhere on the team. This time it’s the back of the starting rotation. Before this it was the bullpen and before that both corner outfield spots. If Chipper goes down, it might be 3B next. Having to pin your hopes on Cormier and Davies does not exactly inspire great confidence among the fan base.

It’s not the time to panic, but if Cormier and Davies aren’t both able to do the job until/if Hampton returns, we may have to rely on the GM, and that has been a hit or miss proposition the last few years. Maybe he can find us another Jaret Wright. Or maybe his next acquisition, if there is one, will be the Albie Lopez sequel.

By rammerjammer

March 8, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

VERY encouraged by Hudson and Soriano today. Solid.

I still think the best “move” by JS is to stand still. We have the arms, 1-3. Cormier will be ok at #4 and I have faith in Davies at #5. But Oscar can spell him if needed.

It’s gonna be ok, everyone.

By hmmm

March 8, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Is the reason Hampton was able to avoid injury before the braves because he was doing roids to heal inbetween starts…..and now that he’s clean…his body can’t adj

By Chris

March 8, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Oh yea, its time to panic all right. Given the nature of these “oblique strains” to never really recover during an entire season, and the Brave’s history of always underplaying the extent of injuries to their players, I think you have to assume Hampton is either out for the year, or at best will not make any meaningful contribution this season (i.e. maybe 5 wins at most). Say hello to a full season of Kyle Davies and his 8 something ERA every 5th start, not to mention a full season of Lance Cormier. Question is will JS wait until July or so when we could be 15 games out of first before trading for help, or fix the problem sooner.

By GT

March 8, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

The time to hit the panic button isn’t now - it was a couple years ago when it became apparent Schurholz had traded away virtually every starting pitching prospect in the organization and there wasn’t enough to backfill. More experienced pitching is not what the Braves need - that’s the philosophy that landed us Hampton and Hudson in the first place. The Braves need to bite the bullet on trying to win the division every year and get back to developing a top-caliber rotation from within the organization. This is the most necessary element not only to getting back to the postseason, but doing well once you get there.

By Chop Chop

March 8, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Final quote from Baseball Prospectus 2007 on this year’s Atlanta Braves:

“The question for 2007 is not if the Braves will resume their winning ways, but how much further they’ll fall.”

I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

By KC

March 8, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Rodger: If there’s a sensible trade to be made for a quality starter… JS will make it.

That said, as long as Hudson looks this season as he has so far this spring (and in every other season of his career), and Chuck James simply picks up where he left off… we’ll be just fine.

Cormier or Villarreal will step in to fill the void, and should do a capable job. This is precisely why Schuerholz gave up a guy like LaRoche to bolster this bullpen. They may be called on a lot on days when the 4th/5th slots in the rotation start. Good things we’ve got that pen.

And again, Cormier did a great job for us last year, and Villarreal is certainly capable of starting.

No need for panic.

By KC

March 8, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

First that attempted murder line-drive shot off Smoltz yesterday, and now this Hampton injury… I’m telling you… Mets fans and witchcraft are a dangerous combination.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 8, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Mighty fine job by Carroll Rogers filling in for DOB. Beautifully done.

By Rodger

March 8, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

No music today, so lets kick off a little Stones, for the man in black, and Paint it Black. That appears to be what has happened to our optimism from the past month.

By KC

March 8, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

mr baseball:

You’re absolutely right!!! John Schuerholz is one dumb SOB. Why didn’t he add a quality starter to this rotation???

I mean… surely there are quality starters available for the asking. The fact that the Mets and Cardinals haven’t found one must simply mean that they weren’t interested in acquiring one.

But since Schuerholz turned down all the offers from other GM’s looking to unload their starting pitching, he at least should have had the foresight to strengthen the bullpen just in case the rotation wasn’t lights out 1-5 this year.

Damn! What and idiot!!!

By Yars

March 8, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Anyone know if Matt Harrison is expected to start any more games? With Hampton out for awhile, & it seems so many don’t have a lot of faith in both Davies & Cormier, let’s give this kid Harrison a chance.

By KC

March 8, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Chris:

Let me remind you that the Mets won 97 games without anything close to Smoltz, Hudson, and James at the top of their rotation. They did it by boasting the best bullpen in the league and an excellent offense.

We have the very same formula… only with (still) better starting pitching than the Mets featured last year (or this year).

And yes, we will have an excellent offense. We’re likely to lose about 10-15 homers and 20 or so RBI at first base. That will be the only significant difference between last year’s (NL best) lineup, and this year’s lineup.

While I agree that we can’t count on Hampton to help us much through the regular season, there’s still a significant chance that he could help down the stretch or in the post-season.

The Braves are still in very good shape.

By Chop Chop

March 8, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

If Lance Cormier did a great job for us last year, the phrase “great job” must have been diminished to the point of absurdity. He had some quality starts (4 out of 7) at the end of the year when nothing was on the line. That is what Lance Cormier gave the Braves last year. Right now, it looks like the Braves are going to need a good month, maybe two, out of Villarreal/Cormier in the rotation early on. Lord help us all.

Look. Mike Hampton’s no great shakes, but if he were healthy, he could give the Braves a reliable starter outside of Smoltz and Hudson. Chuck James needs to put another decent year together before I’ll call him “reliable”. The Braves tried to piece together a rotation last year and it failed miserably. Considering that the Mets have rotation problems of their own, the Braves desperately need to get out in front of them early this season. This is not a good sign at the start of camp.

By hk

March 8, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Carrol ..

… welcome to our blog, I’m a long time fan of yours, really like your work …

… I’m an old guy, post alot of spreadsheets on the blog (some better than others), did this one about a month ago projecting number of Braves wins, here it is:

http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/braves07.xls

… plus 9 wins over last year for improved setup/reliever combination, but did not anticipate much from Hampton (maybe one more win vs last year, but a big +/- swing of 4 because of doubts) … it all added up to most likely 90 wins this season …

… feel like today’s news brings that 90 wins down to 87, all other things being equal …

… (and I suspect you’re a lot better lookin’ than David :))

By Voice of Reason

March 8, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

30: Let me get this right… Tie game in the 10th with runners on 2nd and 3rd and you stepped away for a few? Don’t you know we were anxiously hanging on your every keystroke??? Just kidding… Couldn’t help myself…

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 8, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Well, one thing for sure. Mike Hampton won’t be accepting an invitation to

By Greg in TN

March 8, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the updates, scribe!

I’m encouraged by the news that Hampton’s oblique is only strained and not torn.

I really despise losing to the Yankees. I hope to get a chance to see these guys on the tube as soon as I can.

By KC

March 8, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

“The question for 2007 is not if the Braves will resume their winning ways, but how much further they’ll fall.”

WHAT???????

Is that quote for real?

As I just pointed out in a previous post, this lineup is not going to be vastly different from last year’s, which was the best in the league.

Smoltz, Hudson, and James could be as good a trio as there is in the league right now. Hudson has certainly given us cause for optimism over the last week.

The bullpen will likely be the best in baseball.

How can one look at this team and ask a question like that? Especially when you consider that last year’s team would have easily won at least 85-90 games had Wickman or a similarly competent closer been in the bullpen on opening day (let alone Wickman, Gonzalez, and Soriano).

That’s the most asinine thing I’ve heard in 2007 so far, if that quote is accurate.

By ncscoots

March 8, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Wow. Much gnashing of teeth, I see. But losing Hampton for either a short or extended period time matters only if Smoltz-Hudson-James can’t carry the load, either. In which case, trading for a back-of-the-rotation pitcher won’t make the slightest difference…you can stick a fork in ‘em. On the other hand, if the top three starters are fine, then the dropoff from Hampton to Davies/Cormier/Villareal/please-check-your-scorecard won’t be significant.

Not having a solid Hampton in this rotation just changes it from potentially very good to merely good. But it’s not the end of baseball as we know it. And, I hope that no one thinks that still having Dan Meyer, Jose Capellan, Roman Colon, or even Zach Miner in the organization would provide a better option than the players currently in camp. That would be a fairly serious misevaluation.

By Chris

March 8, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

KC:

I think the Mets had a significantly better offense last year then we will have this year. We traded away LaRoche, who will be replaced by average (at best) production, probably below average. Chipper remains our best and most consistent hitter, but its hard to see him playing more than 120 games max given the amount of injuries he has had during the last few years. We do have a good bullpen which will help to some extent, but if Davies is similar to much of last year, well there isn’t much the bullpen can do when they come into the game in the 3rd inning with us trailing 7-0. As for the top of our rotation, Smoltz should be excellent again (as he was in 2006), but beyond that, Hudson is going to have to step up significantly from his performances of the past two years, and I don’t think anyone really knows what to expect from James who didn’t even pitch a full season last year.

I am not saying the season is shot, but without much contribution from Hampton our rotation is highly suspect beyond Smoltz. Hampton could contribute down the stretch, but my question is will it matter, or will we be 14 games out of first and 7 out of the wild card behind 6 other teams like we were down the stretch in 2006. With Andruw almost certainly gone after this year, why not mortgage the future to try and win now?

By Spiderhoff

March 8, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Welcome to the blog Carroll. I see DOB didn’t show you his secret Blue highlight button. A little job security perhaps.

Hampton is a competitor which can be counter-productive coming back from serious injuries. It sounded like he needed more time before the current injury

No music, just favorite crayon colors. Oh, The humanity! Put me in for Burnt Sienna.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 8, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry about that guys, hit the wrong button.

The complete thought was: I don’t think Mike Hampton will be accepting an invitation to participate in this year’s Home Run Derby before the All-Star Game.

Then again, Mike is a tough guy and likly will play through the pain. Everybody has a different level of endurance and he is one tough cookie.

By KC

March 8, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

nscoots: “Wow. Much gnashing of teeth, I see. But losing Hampton for either a short or extended period time matters only if Smoltz-Hudson-James can’t carry the load, either. In which case, trading for a back-of-the-rotation pitcher won’t make the slightest difference…”

Extremely well put, sir!

By Chris

March 8, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

ncscoots is right, the top of our rotation has to perform. I have thought for months that Hudson (not Hampton) would be the key player this year. Losing Hampton, who did perform very well for a long stretch of time in 2004 into early 2005 before his injury, gives us fewer chances to get those extra wins from our rotation this year. Remember how few wins the rotation produced last year (least from a ATL rotation in many years). We will now start this season with the same rotation that finished last season, without any decent backup options other than Villareal. Hampton at least had the potential to give us a significant upgrade from the Davies/Cormier/Villareal/whoever realm of 5 something ERAs (that may be generous for Davies), and now the chances he will be able to give us that for much of the season are quite a bit less.

By DonCoburleone

March 8, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

^ - Jumping off a bridge…

By KC

March 8, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN: Yes, it was good news to hear it’s only a strain and not a tear.

This doesn’t really change much in my mind. I’ve never felt Hampton was the key to this rotation. Clearly that was always too much to put on a guy coming back from TJ surgery. I expected good things from Hampton (mostly after the all-star break after he would have had enough time to get back in a groove), but I never thought of him as the key to everything. I thought all the columns that said things like “Braves banking on Hampton”, etc… were sensationalizing his comeback.

Hudson is the key. Plain and simple.

I was hopeful (before this injury) that Hampton could turn in a very solid 2nd half. This pushes his progress back a month or two, but there’s still a good chance that he’ll have enough time to get sharp before September and October. That would certainly be a huge lift.

By Robert

March 8, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

This is a setback, but not cause for panic. Coming off his injury woes of the past two seasons, you had to figure that anything you got out of Hampton would be gravy.

Now, if you had Hampton penciled in in the top three of the rotation and put him down for 20 wins and a sub-3 ERA, then, well

572

By DonCoburleone

March 8, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

By DonCoburleone

March 7, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

“DonC, I agree the Braves will quietly insert Cormier in the 5th starter role a month or two too late, and wish they’d listened to the Grinch all along.”

Couldn’t agree more, I’ve been calling for Cormier to be the No.5 starter since the end of last season too!!! The only thing I’m worried about though Lew, is we may end up with both Davies and Cormier in the rotation if Hampton can’t hold up…

That is my post from yesterday… I think I jinxed Hampton!!!

By MGL

March 8, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

KC and nscoots, I’m with you guys, some of these bloggers will be toothless soon. Hudsons performance today was very good, especially going 4 inn and retiring the last six batters. We will see some complete games out of him this year,

By DonCoburleone

March 8, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Lets not downplay the significance of this injury ncscoots, this does alot more than just cost us our #4 starter… This also puts more pressure on Davies to perform and step up, and he hasn’t shown he can do that yet. I thought Cormier showed some good progress as a starter at the end of last year, but how much can you really take from that? Can you really say with confidence that you’re comfortable with 40% of our rotation being a combination of Davies/Cormier/Villareal?? Now granted, Hampton may come back in May or June, but he may not ever be himself again or he could get injured again. And what about if Davies or Villareal or even Hudson goes down with injury, then what???

This is a BIG problem…

By Chop Chop

March 8, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

KC, that quote is for real.

I agree with scoots that the rotation should be good whether Hampton’s in it or not. Hampton presumably is better than Cormier or Villarreal, but he hasn’t been healthy since ‘04. It’s hard to miss a player who hasn’t really been a factor the last two seasons. All I know is that I’m somewhat relieved that Hampton is the one with the strained oblique after seeing Smoltz get drilled. If Smoltz goes down, the Braves are screwed.

By ssiscribe

March 8, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

VOR: Yeah man, life totally sucks sometimes. These deadlines keep getting in the way of my baseball. Oh the humanity!

But since I don’t Scribe sports for a livin’ no mo, I gotta fry the fish I gotta fry, all while Scribin’ away on ye ol blog.

Glad y’all enjoyed the updates. Wish I could’ve provided more info and wish I hadn’t been yanked away in the 10th.

Good outing from Hudson. Several of you noted he kept the ball down. Did a pretty good job of that in his last start, too, I believe. That’s encouraging. His defense hurt him in that second inning.

Actually, the defense hurt all day. Can’t kick it around the yard and win, even when you’re playing the Yanks’ freshman squad in March.

Good outing from the Big Three in the pen: Four hits combined, but no runs, in three innings. Finally got Soriano toeing the slab and looking all mean.

Of course, all of that is lost in the Hampton news. At least four weeks, and that’s probably optimistic. Given the fact he’ll have to build arm strength again and the like, you won’t see him pitching in Atlanta until May, at the earliest.

Now the spotlight really glares on Kyle Davies and Lance Cormier, and perhaps Oscar Villarreal, too. Remember, folks, the first part of the season is big. Of the season’s first 51 games (up to Memorial Day), 36 are against NL East competition. And there only are five off days in that stretch, two in the season’s first eight days.

Back end of the rotation has to be spot-on from the get-go, gang. Now, just gotta figure out who it’s gonna be.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Beau Vighn

March 8, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Hampton has been the biggest bust JS has ever signed. I say put him on the shelf and go with Davies and one of the other guys fighting for the 5th spot. I’m not sure how effective Hampton would have been anyway. let’s go with a healthy younger guy. We’ll probably be better off in the long run.

By KC

March 8, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Chris: Your point is well made, but here’s why I disagree that the 06 Mets lineup was significantly better than the 07 Braves lineup…

The fact is that there are only two differences between the 2006 and 2007 Braves’ lineup: 1B and 2B.

Let’s get the second base thing out of the way first. Does anyone really feel that Giles’ 2006 performance is going to be a hard act to follow? I hear people question Kelly Johnson, but the fact is that he’s a very talented kid, and if he fails, we’ve got 3 or 4 other prospects ready to step in. And no matter how you slice it, we’re not likely to see at big offensive drop-off at 2B, cause there really isn’t far to fall after the year Giles had.

Now as for first base… Yes, LaRoche is gone and that was a big loss to the Atlanta lineup (though it was a good move). As far as our getting “below average” production at 1B… The Braves organization as a whole truly believes in Scott Thorman. Are they wrong? Could be. But even if they are, Craig Wilson is a great insurance policy. Ant of course, that’s one of the reasons they signed him.

If Thorman doesn’t produce, Wilson would then move into a platoon at 1B. If you take Wilson’s career numbers and divide them by 550 at-bats (a nice full season AB total), you’ll have numbers almost identical to the ones he put up in his only everyday opportunity a couple years ago: 29 homers, 82 RBI.

I’m not trying to tell you that Wilson is Albert Pujols. My point is that one way or the other, even if Thorman disappoints, the Braves are going to get offense from 1B. They’re not going to get what they got from LaRoche (unless Thorman shocks the world in his rookie season), but they’ll get offense. I think it’s very reasonable to pencil that position in (be it Thorman or a Thorman/Wilson platoon) for 20 homers and 70 RBI.

That would be a net loss of 12 homers and 20 RBI. Is that enough to take what was the league’s best offense last year, and knock to the middle of the pack??

The Braves scored 15 more runs than the Mets last year. Let’s say that the 12 homer, 20 RBI loss causes the Braves to fall off 20-30 runs in total this year. That would put the 07 Braves’ offense slightly behind the Mets, but not by much at all.

Bottom line, the Braves are still going to finish in the top 3-4 in the league in runs scored. When you put that with Smoltz, Hudson, James, and the best bullpen in baseball… Atlanta is going to win a lot of games, with or without Hampton.

By James

March 8, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

I believe that if Hampton falters at some point in the season, the braves may be able to cajole the Red Sox into taking Salty for Lester straight up. Salty would be a perfect fit for the Sox since Variteck will be retiring by the time Salty is ready and they would be willing to give up Lester since he might possibly be their 6th or 7th starter. You cannot give up Escobar or Lillbridge since the middle infield of the braves in a few years will consist of Escobar at third, Elvis Andrus at short and Lillbridge at second and possibly Thorman at first.

By Dirtie Birdie

March 8, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Excuse me gentlemen, I’m just about to go Cobain in this mofo after hearing this news

By BIG DADDY

March 8, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

After reading all this STUFF it is “obvious” the Braves have dropped from a world beater to a last place team. And I was not even aware that Hampton had all you charmed to that extent. After all he had not pitched in a year and a half and no one knew what he was going to do anyway.

But his injury has just ruined it for a large number of you “fans.”

Why don’t you look on the bright side? This could be the single incident that could change careers for two or three young pitchers. So let the young men step forward and fill the slots. The Braves will be fine with that lineup and with their overall staff. That bullpen is going to make a lot of things look good in 2007 that looked bad in 2006.

Sit back, relax a little and try hard to smile. The world has not come to an end.

By Carolina Lady

March 8, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

“This too shall pass.”

Lew, sorry for the late response. I am ready for the season with J. Deere; I have 3 new cans of ether. It WILL start!

My color: any shade of blue! :-))

By Chris

March 8, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

KC

Nice analysis on the offensive production at 1B. I agree that replacing Gile’s production at 2B won’t be difficult (I didn’t even mention his departure in my earlier post). If I knew that Chipper would play 140+ games this year, rather than maybe 120 or less, I would feel better.

I can’t share your confidence in Hudson and James at this point. We heard similar things about Hudson last spring, how he was “never comfortable” in his first NL season, and how he would be much improved in 2006. Results - not so good (2005 14-9 3.52 192 IP, 2006 13-12 4.86 218 IP). James has had 18 starts and 124 IP in his career, he could be very good again, or he could have a sophomore slump. I don’t think anyone can really know. Davies 2006 record (3-7, 8.38 63 IP) doesn’t bear thinking about.

The rotation could potentially be much improved, but could also be similar to last year. I don’t have the confidence to project 90+ wins at this point.

By chipdip

March 8, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

dump him….he blows…overblown salary for a completely over rated pitcher…need to sign andruw….up the irons…MOTORHEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Chop Chop

March 8, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

“The best bullpen in baseball” hasn’t pitched a game together in Atlanta. I’d hold off on such lofty declarations until they prove it on the field, KC.

By DonCoburleone

March 8, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

You guys can believe what you want, but I remember last year about how after we got Wickman on July 20 our bullpen had “stabilized”. Which it did, and yet we still had a record of only 34-33 after acquiring Wickman (45-50 before acquiring him). So why do you think that was? It was because we had Davies/Cormier/Villareal/Barry starting 40% of our games, and Hudson was really struggling. So, even by adding Soriano and Gonzalez, we still need to fill 400+ innings this year with 3 unproven Major league starters…

By ncscoots

March 8, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

“Excuse me gentlemen, I’m just about to go Cobain in this mofo after hearing this news”…help me, Lord, now THAT was funny!

By Oil Soap

March 8, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks for coming on board Carroll if only for giving most of the men on this blog an opportunity to finally communicate with a female.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 8, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

This Hampton injury really sucks. However, it is not time to panic….yet! I don’t feel very comfortable with Davies being the #4 starter and Cormier the #5. I think the Braves have to get somebody. Shawn Chacon could be an option. I think Wade Miller could be the best option. I think a deal involving Diaz or Langerhans could land a Kyle Snyder from the Red Sox. It would take a little more to get Jon Lester. Even a guy like Cameron Loe from the Rangers could be an option.

I have a hard time seeing how Carl Pavano could be acquired. The Yankees will probably pay 75% of his salary to whichever team they trade him (if they trade him) but even that amount wouldn’t be enough for the Braves. I have heard Fogg and Kim’s names mentioned from Colorado. Both would be good options except for they both make too much money. So, unless that $80 million payroll gets loosened some, I just don’t see how those guys are options. Now, the Tigers could listen to a deal for someone like Grilli from the Tigers. The Braves could offer Salty, whom could serve as the future replacement for Pudge. The Tigers had talked about making Grilli a starter earlier in the winter. The A’s could even listen to a deal for Joe Blanton but I’m afraid Billy Beane would ask for the farm. When the Mets inquired about Blanton, he tried to rape them of their farm system. So…………….

JS and Cox definitely has some thinking to do and not a lot of time to do it. Of course, Matt Harrison could be an option but I think he needs some more seasoning at Richmond.

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Thanks to his string of trades in recent years involving most of the Braves’ young pitching talent (Wainwright, Capellan, Colon, Miner, etc.,) there isn’t much left at present, and JS made no attempt to bring in a cheap veteran who might be able to help if needed.
The Ramirez for Soriano deal may turn out to a shrewd one, but the team needed another veteran arm in case Hampton wasn’t ready.

mr baseball, what in the world are you ranting about? Look up last years figures. With the same selection of pitchers (actually a better selection now that Sosa and Reitsma are missing) the Braves played 89 win ball with James in the rotation…without Hampton. Mind you, the season was lost in June. Losing Hampton leaves us at that level. Our pen is still strong enough to cover up most of the issues we had. Namely, we went a month into the James/Smoltz/Hudson rotation with no pen and many blown saves. So far Hudson has looked good. (I’ll reserve full judgment for when the season looks good.) But even last year we won 22 of his starts. More than when Smoltz pitched.

But this line JS made no attempt to bring in a cheap veteran makes me laugh the hardest. I do recall the attempt to sign Glavine at the beginning of the off season and that wasn’t necessarily going to be for cheap. Aside from that though, who is a cheap veteran pitcher? Chan Ho Park? Hideo Nomo? Russ Ortiz? Maybe trade away more future talent to win this season just to have you point to the trade 4 years from now and blame it for all the days problems…

On another note, music fans should check out Aqueduct. Not a bad show. They will be in Atlanta on March 22nd.

By mr baseball

March 8, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

KC: If you’re going to respond to a post, at least respond to what is posted. I didn’t say the Braves needed a “quality” starter, just someone who might could help if needed. I hate to break it to you, but how well Smoltz, Hudson and James pitch has little to do with what happens when someone else is starting.

If the Braves win a decent percentage of games when that trio starts but the 4 and 5 starters get consistently lit up, it’s going to be 2 straight seasons out of the playoffs. Games started by Nos. 4 & 5 in the rotation count just as much as games started by 1, 2 & 3, and games lost in April count just as much as those in August and September.

I take it you are one of the crowd who is absolutely convinced that John Schuerholz is a genius and the Braves owe their success over the last 15 years or so to his wheeling and dealing. The guy killed the Royals’ franchise in the late ’80s and for the last 10 years, has been the main reason the Braves have gone from a team that made the World Series 4 of 5 times to one that can’t beat an inferior opponent in the first round of the playoffs. And one that may miss the playoffs again.

Since he came here, JS has had one of the easiest jobs of any GM in baseball. The farm system has produced a succession of major league quality talent and he had ample budgets for most of that stretch. Even now, the Braves budget is considerably greater than that of teams like Oakland and Minnesota, which lose every player their farm systems produce as soon as they’re eligible for free agency.

He over-reacted to the Braves’ bullpen problems (which he personally created), and is hoping that the farm system can bail him out for his decision to jettison the right side of the infield. Worship the guy all you want, but he may be in the process of doing to the Braves what he did to the Royals before they let him leave for this job. Fortunately, the quality of the Braves’ farm system should prevent that, but the team will likely be better off if he joins Cox and retires in the near future.

By ncscoots

March 8, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

DonC, I’m not saying I’m unconcerned. It’s a definite setback for the Braves, and the level of the setback depends on the length of his absence. If he is going to miss 40 games, then I say ride it out. If he is going to miss significantly longer than that, a trade might be in order, depending on the early performance of the rotation.

But in neither of these scenarios do I see the value of trading for some sub-.500, 4.90-ERA back-of-the-rotation guy simply because the current candidates aren’t Johan Santana. As far as the pitchers in camp go, that bread will either rise or it won’t, and the Braves may then act accordingly.

By woogidy

March 8, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

The real question is, Who is next in line if someone else goes down?

By Yars

March 8, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

For those who are saying that we need to go trade for a starting pitcher now, are there any out there worth taking a chance on? Why should we risk trading a Yunel Escoar or even a Salty for some starting pitcher that may or may not be effective for us? I have a lot of confidence in Either Davies, Cormier, Villarreal, Harrison, or whoever else we may se starting games for the Braves in april and may. Maybe they will add Trey Hodges to the Richmond rotation & 40 man roster just in case the *s** were to really hit the fan. In defense of Kyle Davies, he’s healthy this spring and I think he will have a solid one. With Cormier, you also have a good chance of winning. He’s way above a Travis Smith type pitcher. Who knows what may happen. Any type of Braves blog can’t be without a Kelly Johnson opinion, so here comes one. I think if KJ is rewarded the starting 2B job, he will have to surpass Giles numbers of last season. The NL East is going to be one heck of a competitive division this season, and the Braves need to score runs, runs, runs. Since will will never again be able to count on Chipper playing in 140 + games, & we really don’t know what to expect out of Thorman, whether ‘06 Matt Diaz was a fluke, if Langerhans can actually hit MLB pitching on a consistent basis, if Francoeur can hit for a gigher average while still hitting 25050 HR and knocking in 100+, if Andruw will give us a .250/40/120 type season, I just think the 2B/leadoff position will need to put up solid numbers.

By Mark Prior

March 8, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton starting the season on the DL? The guy needs to tough it out.

By kenny d

March 8, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

if they are going to be only average this year, then i would prefer that they were average with their own homegrown youngun pitchers rather than bringing in someone else’s leftovers. that solves nothing and ends up dooming franchises.

By glorydays

March 8, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

We’ll make a trade for a less than good starting pitcher, right now we literally have to many very good infielders, some like Pena, are out of options, and more are on the way.

By Zac

March 8, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Carroll, show us your boobs!

By Greg in TN

March 8, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

KC

Agree with you completely. I felt that Hampton would need time to get into the swing of things at the first part of the season. Even though it’s early, I really like what Hudson has done to this point in the spring (even when taking to account the gopher ball that Giambi hit today).

That having been said, our safety net is now much much thinner, so we have to keep Smoltz and James healthy and Davies and Cormier will need to step up their games a notch. I still believe they can do that, and I also believe we can come out of spring training without having to trade for another arm for the rotation. I also think that Villareal may be an option in the short term.

Time will tell, I am hopeful this is nothing more than a speed bump on the road that is the 2007 season.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 8, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

in discussion today with wendell wurlitzer (of the wurlitzer awards) this journalist learned that cynthia mckinney of the ajc will be nominated for a rival award known as a pulitzer. mckinney will be nominated in the commentary classification. no one seems to know who is nominated in the beat writer classification but wendell wurlitzer thinks a wurlitzer winner will be favored to get the pulitzer nomination. now, baseball … journalist made an oblique reference earlier and realized that it may have been a strained attempt at associative word grouping. now, bob has had some esoteric posts of late and may have confused some bloggers about the greater meaning. it certainly was never bob’s intention to do that. so. if you have bottle caps to redeem please do that at the courtesy desk. now, baseball … tony pena jr is doing it all. what will it take for tony pena jr to win a place on this team?

By journalist jimmy smith

March 8, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

cynthia mckinney of the ajc? whoa! not cynthia mckinney - cynthia tucker! that’s like calling the old journalist coltrane. oh, the humanity! jimmy smith makes a journalistic error on carroll’s first day! (of course, it’s reported wrong on the internet, too.)

By KC

March 8, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball: “[KC:]I take it you are one of the crowd who is absolutely convinced that John Schuerholz is a genius and the Braves owe their success over the last 15 years or so to his wheeling and dealing.”

No, not at all. I thought I made it pretty clear… I’m with you. Schuerholz is an idiot. What role could he have possibly played in the Braves success?! He’s far and away the worst General Manager of all time. I mean… yeah, there’s that whole thing about him putting his team in a position to compete for a World Series every year for 14 years, but other than that…

“KC: If you’re going to respond to a post, at least respond to what is posted. I didn’t say the Braves needed a “quality” starter, just someone who might could help if needed.”

Right, got it. You didn’t say “quality” starter. Sorry, my mistake.

So let me see if I’ve got this straight… John Schuerholz has screwed the Braves chances by failing to acquire a less than quality starter?

By KC

March 8, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Greg: I agree, we do have the depth to avoid the need to go out and get a warm body for the rotation. Cormier should do a capable job. If not, as you mentioned, Villarreal could step in.

Mr. Baseball contends that we should have gone out and gotten a less than quality starter in case someone got hurt, but I think Villarreal and Cormier are capable of giving us every bit as much as any mediocre veteran we could pick up… possibly more.

Again, my hope at this point is that Hampton can get healthy in time to join the rotation by June 1. If so, he’ll have several months to round into form before the stretch run and, if all goes well, October baseball.

Mr. Baseball: In your criticism of the LaRoche-Gonzalez trade… did you take Brent Lillibridge into account. In addition to getting a top-notch set-up man this year, and our closer for 2 years after that (which will allow us next year to use the money we’re now paying Wickman to help re-sign Smoltz and/or AJ)… we also got a premium prospect that people around baseball are expressing surprise that we were able to get in that deal. But I guess Schuerholz just got lucky on that.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 8, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

With all of the other wacky suggestions I have read so far I have one more. Why don’t we just send some spies to Cuba and kidnap a couple of guys off of their national team?

Would be cheaper and makes about as much sense.

Something to remember… Expectations are for a rookie starter to have a good outing one out of every three starts. By the second year two out of every three starts. It is why you either have to have a lot of offense to cover for them or good bull pen to bail them out or a good offense to cover for them.

Nobody is going to give up a quality starter at the beginning of the season unless they are going to get more than I think the Braves are willing to give up.

Simple truth, even the Marlins could win last year with good pitching but we are seeing now what the damage is to young arms when you over use them too soon.

The Braves need only to play .500 ball for the first two months. They do not have to sell the farm yet.

By KC

March 8, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Maybe we should consider bringing John Rocker back as a starter.

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

mr baseball: Credit given to JS is not undeserved. It is held by many if not all throughout baseball, accept apparently you.

From Wiki:Before joining Atlanta, he spent twenty-two years with the Kansas City Royals organization, including nine as the club’s GM. Among the teams he has built are the 1985 Royals and 1995 Braves, both world champions. His teams have also won their division 16 times. He is considered the king of scouting credited with an amazing farm system.

JS brought in the guys who helped make the WS teams possible. TP, Sid, and the likes. He’s the guy who hired the key components and organized the structure of our player development system. You know, The farm system [which] produced a succession of major league quality talent. The same system that created young pitching talent (Wainwright, Capellan, Colon, Miner, etc.,). Developed players under JS also include Chipper, Andruw, Furcal, McCann, Francoeur, and many, many more.
From 1982-1989 the Royals finished 3rd or higher in their division every year. They finished 1st or 2nd all but 2 of those years. Since he has been here, he took a terrible team and proceeded to set it up with the ability to produce it’s own players to either a)Play for the club to continue a winning tradition he developed, or b)be a trade peice to improve the club to continue the winning tradition he developed. The team finished in first place every year for 14 years.

He isn’t completely blameless for the faults of last year. If he gets the cheers he gets the jeers as well. But the way you put it, just doesn’t add up with what the rest of baseball has seen.

By Robert

March 8, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Folks, Mike Hampton coming off nearly two years of inactivity was NOT going to be the difference between a contender and a last place team

The top three in the rotation was and is Smoltz, Hudson, and James

In the past, I have been one to say that I’d trade a guy like Salty for a major leaguer any day of the week. Well, the situation in Atlanta has changed dramatically in the past week (and it’s got nothing to do with Hampton)

Put this team out there, and what happens, happens. But do NOT sacrifice the future. This team is building for 2009

By Robert

March 8, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

“JS brought in the guys who helped make the WS teams possible. “

JS also continues to stick with the man who makes WS TITLES IMpossible

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

He’s the guy who hired the key components

I should correct that. He’s one of the guys who hired some of the key components. Cox gets credit too.

By ElbravoX

March 8, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

What, are you guys really surprised with Hampton? I will be surprise when he contributes. This one belongs under the The Law of Relativity. We ARE relativity screwed, in a figuratively way, with a literary meaning. Kaput thee season goes, boom goes the dynamite season. Wait, 3 weeks before O-Day! Braves win, Braves win.

By Greg in TN

March 8, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

KC I also believe we’ll be fine and I am hopeful that Hampton will be back and will be pitching effectively as soon as he gets his oblique issue resolved. At this point in the spring, I don’t see any teams willing to part with any arms that could come in and help us anyway. Later in the spring, once teams have a chance to evaluate their staffs and see who will make their teams and who is excess, then assuming that Cormier/Davies aren’t able to step things up, we have the opportunity to step in and talk trade, but we have time to see what happens before we do that.

By ElbravoX

March 8, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Does anybody else thinks DOB or someone else knew about yesterday’s injury from our beleaguered SP but held on for Ms. Carrols intro? Suspicious minds…

By The Grinch

March 8, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Yes, Hillbilly: “Golden Rod” and “Tickle Me Pink” are definitely my two favorite colors; they go perfectly together. Lew, they have a “Timber Wolf” now; did you use that crayon when you made those cards?

DonC, not only did you jinx Hampton, but you called me Lew. This will not do.

Carroll, did DOB not allow you to post in blue? That will not do, either. Call him a sexist pig when he returns.

I wonder if we could trade Davies to the Mets for Chan Ho Park?

By mike

March 8, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

As I said four months ago another rag tag aging pitching staff. Panic? Put a nail in us we are done. We finish third. But of course we have Frenchy and tell me again how many world series rings does he have?

By The Grinch

March 8, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

JJS, if Davies struggles and they have to bring someone else in, who would have to surrender their pants? Davies or Hampton? I would think Hampton; he has a higher salary and can thus afford replacements.

By Oddjob

March 8, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

It never seemed smart to me for the team to place hopes for the season on Hampton,it doesn’t take a doctor to know that a 34 year old with a history of injury coming off Tommy John surgery isn’t who you place too much capital in till he’s got some innings behind him.So my mantra is prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 8, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

hey grinch, this journalist is dealing with impostors again tonight. 9:44 PM wasn’t jimmy smith. not sure if anything on the ajc site is authentic the way the blog has been lately. lew spotted stinky earlier. now, baseball … bobby dews’ uniform pants are available this year for any newly acquired players. pat corrales’, too. tony pena, jr. is batting .353. good glove, fast, and hitting the ball … hmmm …

By journalist jimmy smith

March 8, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

10:12 post is not jimmy smith’s. let the meltdown begin. g’night.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 8, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Some real strong posts tonite…

By Oddjob

March 8, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

The keys to the season really havn’t changed in my mind,they are one,two and three,Smoltz,James and Hudson.Add the pen to that,still bad news is never good.

By TennesseePaul

March 8, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

So what’s the deal? I understand showing Rocker in a Braves uniform. He made his splash in a Braves uniform. But Darren Holms? The guy spent the majority of his career with the Rockies. He was drafted by the Dodgers. It’s like SI just wants to associate Atlanta with HGH. Before long Raul Mondesi’s name will pop up and they’ll have him plastered all over the place in a Braves uniform.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 8, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

I wonder what the Rangers would want for Tejada, Feldman, or Loe? Or even the Dodgers for Tomko?

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 8, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Where’s Bob?…

By Braves fan 202

March 8, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Man this sux, w/e i think we have enough depth. I think villareal can do okay, he threw great in the games he started last year(granted he could only go 5 innings). But this is what they prepared for. If he does go five we got that bullpen to finish the drill. So i dont think this is to bad of a setback. It might turn out to be progress. But who knows. And robert(justice is the best). My bad for mistakin you with that bobby cox hating bastard awhile ago.

By Mike Bribeaux

March 8, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

How about Salty, Escobar, and Davies for Ervin Santana and Chone Figgins, and you can through Diaz in if thats not enough

By The Grinch

March 8, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Great idea, Mike; maybe they’ll take on Hampton’s salary for us too. At least the Dawgs and Thrashers won tonight. Time to snooze; early morning tommorrow. G’night, all.

By Jared

March 9, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

The Braves need to just stay calm, take a deep breath and not panic. Luckily, John Schuerholz is just the G.M. not to panic.

I don’t care what the Braves do as long as they don’t trade a bunch of talent, be it majors or minors, for a one year rental or one month stop-gap fifth starter.

Use Lance Cormier. Use Oscar Villarreal. Use Matt Harrison. Use Anthony Lerew. Sign Mark Redman (he’d be very cheap).

Don’t trade Harrison for Shawn Chacon. Don’t trade one of our “big three” solid relief pitchers for a Liber of the Phillies or a Tony Armas, Jr. Don’t be dumb.

By Wayne in UT

March 9, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Jared: I am in agreement with you. Let’s not panic now. If I were to trade someone, it would be Escobar, but would have to get more than a Shawn Chacon or Tony Armas for him.

I like your list: Oscar, Cormier, Harrison, Lerew, and there are a few other longshots that might be ready. Redman also might be affordable. If we put Oscar in the rotation, then that opens up a spot for guys like Sturtze, Boyer, Stockman, Moylan. I think two or three of those guys are/could be major league material in a short amount of time. I reserve Devine for later, as we don’t want to screw him up.

Someone earlier mentioned the backup plans in case Thorman or KJ don’t come through. I think we will be ok. With a handful of other injuries at inopportune times though, we could be in trouble, as most contending teams would be in the same situation. If so, then trade AJ to the Angels in July for Santana, or to Boston for Lester.

Nite all.

By mr baseball

March 9, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

Not sure how specific criticism of Schuerholz deals translates into categorizing him as the worst GM in baseball, but such is life on this blog. KC, you & TennPaul obviously think that JS does not merit the occasional slings and arrows from the cheap seats, and like everyone who defends him, you cite the team’s record during his tenure and that ends all discussion.

He inherited one of the best teams in baseball when he took over as GM in KC. He kept the Royals at a comparable level for about 4 years, but after ‘85 the team fell from its perch and never recovered. And this was well before financial considerations were a factor. He made some horrendous trades during that stretch, most notably giving away David Cone. I understand that facts don’t mean much here, but they still count for something.

The farm system that has sustained the Braves for the last 15-plus years was put together BEFORE he became the GM. The heart of the ‘91 and ‘92 teams was constructed pre-Schuerholz, and other than the signing of Pendleton, which proved to be a terrific move, his main contribution to those two teams was his trade of Charlie Leibrandt from KC, one of his particularly bad deals that helped sink the Royals.

Most of the really astute moves he has made as Braves GM came in his first 3 or 4 years here (Pendleton, Maddux, McGriff, Grissom). But since spring training in ‘97, when he pulled off the bonehead trifecta of trading Grissom, Justice and Dye in a 3-day span and got next to nothing in return, the results of his wheeling and dealing have been mixed, to be generous.

Over the last 10 years, he’s made quite a few very shrewd moves and just as many that have been either abject failures or proved to be detrimental long term. Why do those of you who think JS is such a skilled GM think the Braves were such a competitive team from 91-96 and have been so pitiful in the post-season since? Coincidence? Bad luck?

It’s interesting that whenever I cite specific instances of his more egregious mistakes, the same old responses come back. The Braves won 14 straight division titles and everybody else in baseball thinks he’s a genius, so they must be right.

In no way, shape or form do I think that Schuerholz is incompetent or a bad GM. But I can’t comprehend how people who follow the Braves closely can’t examine his record over the past decade and come to the conclusion that all this talk about how great a GM he is is considerably overblown.

Just about everybody assumes that because the Braves have been so successful since 1991, it follows that Schuerholz and Cox are 90 percent responsible (Mazzone gets the other 10 percent). The Reds had some great teams with Marge Schott as owner. The Blue Jays won two World Series with Cito Gaston mostly an observor in the dugout.

The Braves were the most consistently successful team in baseball from 1991-2005 because they consistently put the best talent on the field year after year, the vast majority of it developed in the farm system. But they have been one of the most underachieving teams ever in any sport in the post-season, in large part because the manager’s strategic shortcomings have been exposed when confronted with opponents of comparable talent. The next time one of the Stepford experts who determine what passes for baseball’s conventional wisdom makes that assertion will be a first, and he’ll be banished fromm the kingdom.

Another significant reason for the Braves’ playoff failures is that almost all of the recent big name acquisitions by the GM have completely flopped in the post-season, and he has too often let seemingly insignificant blemishes turn into open sores when crunch time arrived.

He did a great job as GM when he had ample financial resources and a lot of others in the biz were hamstrung by skimpy budgets. Now that’s he on a more level playing field, he doesn’t look quite as infallible.

Again, there is a lot of room between being a genius and being an idiot. Schuerholz is closer to the former than the latter, but not nearly to the extent that a lot of you think.

By Head Coach

March 9, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

89 win ball ? Only in your projections , TennesseePaul. 79-83 was fact. Since spring training of 06 the Braves have lost Ramirez , Thomson , Sosa(thank God) and now Hampton. They have gained James and Cormier. The quality and depth of the starters is currently in worse shape than it was a year ago. Project all you want , the Braves have five starters available , they need six. Did you know the average number of starters per team over the course of a 162 game marathon season is eight…………HELLO ! Cox wants Villarreal in the bullpen. They will obviously seek a trade in order to bolster the rotation until Hampton is ready.

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

Wayne in UT, Harrison and Lerew are NOT major-league ready. If another starter goes down (especially if its Smoltz, huddy or James) our starting pitching will become a HUGE liability… This is the Atlanta freakin’ Braves, we should know better than anybody what wins Pennants: Starting Pitching.

By N8

March 9, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

03-09-07 12:09 AM (CDT)

I am going on the record RIGHT NOW saying that Cormier will fair better than Davies in Hampton’s abscence. In fact I’ll go a far as saying, when (if) Hampton returns this summer, we will owe “still being in the hunt” to Cormier stepping up and helping out.

Then to take it one step farther. Davies will be at Richmond by the beginning of May. Don’t ask who will replace him, but SOMEBODY will be pitching “lights out” while Davies will be getting his lights “knocked out” with the big club.

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball, Scheurholz traded Justice after the 1996 season when he was hurt the entire year with the shoulder injury. Plus, if you remember, he did take some heat for his comments about Atlanta Braves fans…

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

“the Braves have lost Ramirez , Thomson , Sosa(thank God) and now Hampton. They have gained James and Cormier. The quality and depth of the starters is currently in worse shape than it was a year ago.”

^ - Couldn’t agree more.

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

“Cox wants Villarreal in the bullpen. They will obviously seek a trade in order to bolster the rotation until Hampton is ready.”

I agree, but, one big problem there… We don’t have ANY MONEY to get a reliable (or at least average) starter before the season starts… Of all the names I’ve heard that are available; Leiber, Pavano, Penny, and Joe Blanton, ALL COST MONEY. Joe Blanton would probably be the only one we could afford, but you know Billy Beane would ask for Scheurholz’s first born, plus McCann.

By Jared

March 9, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

“They will obviously seek a trade in order to bolster the rotation until Hampton is ready.”

I’d be willing to bet they don’t, at least not anything big. The depth is there to last until mid-May.

Don’t panic.

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball, if you want to blame someone for the Braves woes after the 1996 season; why not blame Chipper and Andrew for failing to step up and replace the leadership that TP and Justice brought to the team? I don’t know about you, but when I see a team consistently come up short in the postseason, I put waaaay more blame on the players than the GM. It’s the GM’s job to assemble a team every year that can win the division and get into the playoffs, the rest is up to the players (and to a lesser extent the Manager, but thats a whole other argument).

By Wayne in UT

March 9, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this

Everybody is probably gone to bed, but here goes anyway. (I might be slightyl off with some of my timing)

Last year we had from the start: Smoltz, Hudson, Ramirez, Sosa, Davies, with Thomson in reserve. Ramirez got hurt pretty early. Sosa sucked from the start. Davies too, then got hurt. Thomson, I can’t really remember, but was OK for about 1/3 of the year, then was hurt. 4 of 6 either sucked, got hurt, or both. We picked up James for about a half year. Great addition. Cormier and Villarreal did about as well as could be expected spot starting, when they really weren’t in the mix.

Now to ‘07: (Hampton down for maybe half a year, or maybe forever..) Smoltz, Hudson, James. Let’s at least for grins, hope that all 3 of these guys have at least a decent year, and miss a minimal number of starts. That is plus over last year for the 3. Now, to replace Thomson, Sosa, Davies, Ramirez; we have the following: Maybe Hampton eventually (good if ready to go, and I think when he gets healthy, he is at LEAST as good as Thomson or Ramirez. Davies, Cormier and Villarreal. I am also not as down on Davies as a lot of folks are here on this blog. He at one point pitched phenomenal in ‘05. Big upside. I think Cormier and Villarreal would be as good as guys like Armas, Park, and some of the other retreads that are available. The ONLY guy out there that might be a possible is Redman. To be honest, I think we might be able to get him at a half decent, incentive laden contract, if JS and BC thought he was needed, but they have to act fast. I suspect he would do like Thomson did 3 years ago, and excel with the Atlanta Braves behind him. He is a .500 plus pitcher when with a good team.

Now, some of my friends say that guys like Lerew, Harrison, and even our old friend Trevor Hodges are not ML ready, and you might be right. BUT, in a couple of months, one of them might be. Nobody expected Davies to do what he did when we needed him in a pinch in ‘05, and the same can be said for Chucky James last year.

So, while we are not ideal without a proven .500 plus pitcher, I still think we are better off than last year.

We also have 2-3 relief pitchers that have put in starters hours in the past, either in the minors or in the majors. I do think we have much better depth than a year ago. So, while it could all fall apart, I like our staff better than our ‘06 staff.

But, then again, I am a lifer Braves fan since 1966, so what do I know. I always had hope for us, even when we didn’t have a prayer. I just think our prayers are much better today than 25 years ago.

Long live Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz, and thanks for the ride!

By Wayne in UT

March 9, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this

Don: Good point on who to blame. And can we spare some blame for Sheff. It hurt the heck out of me to have him on my team. It would be like trading for Barry Bonds. I think Sheff is matured a lot, but I remember when he was a future star in Milwaukee, and tanked so they would trade him, and then admitted what he had done!!! Check his stats for 1991. Sub 200 average. I remember, because I had speculated on his rookie card and bought about 10 of them. He tanked on purpose. And later admitted it….

By Wayne in UT

March 9, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

The Braves might trade to get a journyman starter, but knowing JS, he won’t overpay.

How about Escobar for Penny, with LAD picking up some salary?

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this

First 30 games this year: 14-16

Just kidding, 24-6…

Night y’all

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

Wayne, the Dodgers would laugh in our face if we offered them escobar for penny… To get Penny, we might be able to do it with Mike Gonzalez AND one of our top prospects, but Dodgers wouldn’t pick up any of his salary, thats for sure…

Now its night time…

By Wayne in UT

March 9, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

How about Salty, Escobar, James and Davies for Baldelli or Crawford???

don’t get out the rope, just kidding

By mr baseball

March 9, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this

DonC: You’re right. The players have not entirely held up their end, but both Chipper & Andruw have been decent in the post-season, although decent is probably not sufficient for either.

The interesting thing in that regard is how awful just about every one of Schuerholz’s big time acquisitions has been in the playoffs. Gallaraga & Sheffield were beyond pathetic the 2 years they played in the post-season with the Braves. Drew had exactly one at-bat of consequence in ‘05. Ortiz, who was mainly responsible for the Giants beating the Braves in ‘02, was terrible in a Braves uniform. And after his great season in ‘04, Jaret Wright killed the Braves in the playoffs. Ditto Farnsworth in ‘05.

And then you have the all-timer in that regard — Jeff Reardon, who pretty much lost the ‘92 Series to the Blue Jays by himself.

Unless both Davies & Cormier step up in the regular season, Schuerholz is going to have to bring in someone for the back of the rotation. I still think the best option is either Brad Halsey or Joe Kennedy, both Oakland lefties. Either would be affordable, at least one is probably available, and the Braves could offer a package that would include T. Pena or Prado, as the A’s are in dire need of middle infield help.

As I’ve said previously, in recent years Schuerholz ALWAYS leaves some obvious holes on the roster, and the excuse that the Braves can’t afford to fix them is wearing thin. Clearly, the team isn’t going to spend big bucks, but they got some mileage in the past from guys like Shane Reynolds and John Burkett.

There may be pitchers like that available a week or two before the season starts. To his credit, JS has helped to plug holes like that in the past. He may need to do so again. The question is, will he?

By Jared

March 9, 2007 3:41 AM | Link to this

“To get Penny, we might be able to do it with Mike Gonzalez AND one of our top prospects”

No way Jose. That is WAY too steep a price for a pitcher that the Braves can’t keep after 2007. Plus the Braves hardly have 7.5 million available.

Soriano, Gonzalez, McBride, Wickman, McCann, Smoltz, James, Francoeur and Chipper should be completely untouchable.

By 82DAWG

March 9, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

Panic? No. Even with a patched up Hampton the Braves are not a .500 team. Gaping holes already existed at 1B, 2B and LF. In addition to an injury-waiting-to-happen at 3B and now a short-armed pitching staff? This team finishes the season 75-88. It has no chance. Put a fork in it now, its done.

By Head Coach

March 9, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

82Dawg , your bandwagon mentality is to be admired. Now go find a sport you might be able to understand , like shuffleboard.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Head Coach _ yes, Cox wants Villarreal in the bullpen, but he also has far more bullpen depth than starting depth. And if he’s not satisfied or comfortable going into season with Davies and Cormier at back end of rotation, he’d consider Villarreal, I’m certain. Again, that’s if he’s not satisfied with the next few weeks of work from Cormier and Davies.

Braves will poke around and see if there’s anything available, certainly. They don’t want to enter the season with so little starting depth, especially since Hampton’s not a sure thing to stay consistent and healthy upon eventual return. But they’re also not going to get desperate and trade away a top prospect for far less than they’d normally get, just because they want a back-end-of-rotation or depth-adding starter.

Given the bullpen depth, Villarreal to rotation seems a far better option to me than the likes of Halsey or Kennedy, the two A’s lefties mr. baseball suggested above.

HALSEY has been far more effective as a reliever than starter, and is just 10-18 with a 5.00 ERA in 40 career starts, with a whopping 269 hits (31 homers) allowed in 223 innings and only 122 strikeouts (72 walks). Again, those are his starter stats.

Overall as a starter, all hitters (lefty and righty) have a combined .301 average and .831 OPS against the guy. That’s really bad….

KENNEDY has been even worse as a starter, which is where the A’s have him pitching now.

He had a 2.31 ERA and 14 holds in 39 games last season while being used strictly as a reliever, after posting a bloated 6.01 ERA (and 8-13 record) in 35 games (24 starts) in 2005.

In his career, he’s 33-50 with a 5.01 ERA in 123 starts, compared to 6-2 with a 2.51 ERA in 60 relief appearances.

Problem is familiar one: right-handers kill him. Has a .292 career opponents’ average and .820 OPS by righties, compared to .243/.698 by lefties.

Oh, Kennedy gave up eight hits and five earned runs in two innings of a start yesterday vs. the Cubs.

As for the semi-obsession with the imminently available-for-a-reason REDMAN: He was 30-36 with a 4.39 ERA during the 2003-05 seasons (62 homers allowed in 560 innings in that stretch), then 11-10 last season with a career-worst 5.71 ERA.

This “thumber” (junkballer) gave up 202 hits in 167 innings last season, and had 63 walks and only 76 strikeouts.

Righties absolutely torched him _ .326 avg. with a .398 OBP and .506 slugging percentage, and 57 walks with only 58 strikeouts in 528 at-bats. That’s painful to type, much less watch.

The man had a 6.28 ERA in 20 night games. Waiter, check please.

By Carroll

March 9, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Mrs. Rogers: thanks a lot…I have spent my whole life telling people that two “L“‘s and two “R“‘s make it a boys name. Just don’t go and become too famous or else I might have to give up and change my name.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

82Dawg, you predict a 75-88 record for Braves. What, are they going to petition to add that 163rd game to try and end the season on a good note? Or maybe you’re just paying homage to my infamous math skills?

By Carolina Lady

March 9, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

LOL! Some posts here remind me of this quote:

“It appears we have appointed our worst generals to command forces, and our most gifted and brilliant to edit newspapers! In fact, I discovered by reading newspapers that these editor/geniuses plainly saw all my strategic defects from the start, yet failed to inform me until it was too late. Accordingly , I’m readily willing to yield my command to these obviously superior intellects, and I will in turn, do my best for the Cause by writing editorials- after the fact.”
—Robert E. Lee in 1863 The 200th Year of Lee, (01/19/)1807 to 2007

:-)))

By Lew

March 9, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

I swear, after reading the posts in the past twelve hours, I’m much more concerned with the state of Braves’ Fans than the Braves. Don’t we have any glass half full people besides KC? So far, Ive read posts saying that JS is terrible. We all know what is thought of BC (apparently by more than Robert). Chipper is an invalid. We have no pitching and since Glavine and Maddux left we have had damn little pitching, anyway. We have no viable options in left field (despite the fact we have the same two LF as last year). We have no options at second base. We have no one at first who can hit or catch a ball. If we have one more injury, we will be the worst team in all of baseball. If I were to actually believe half of this drivel, I would probably, as someone said he was about to do, pull a “Cobain” (see DOB, I was wrong about ole Kurt-he did do something to be remembered for). Y’all should just go run and hide, put your heads in the sand or become Mets’ fans. You sure as hell are pitiful examples of “Braves Fans”. You need to go listen to some music, eat some BBQ, have pie for dessert and re-center your chi. This type of attitude will never do.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 9, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Those are some Sosa-esque numbers out of those three guys. Let’s not go that route again.

By Rodger

March 9, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

DOB-good morning! Pretty sneaky way to throw CR to the wolves. I think 82Dawg, showing UGA math skills perhaps, snuck over from that ubiquitous Mets blog.

By ernesto

March 9, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Who were they talking about converting into a starter a week ago? Boyer? McBride? If that idea is kicking around the back of someone’s head seems like we have time to let them start getting their arm in shape for longer outings.

I agree with anyone and everyone who says we need to do something, but that doesn’t mean we should make a bad move just to make one. If there is no quality out there, then let’s go with the hand we’ve been dealt.

By eric the elder

March 9, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

In recent months, the hallmarks of this blog have been optimism and anticipation. Hope, however, is very fragile. Like a crystal goblet, a little damage doesn’t just chip it, rather it breaks into smithereens.

Few of us would have claimed that with Hampton we win the world series; without him, we don’t even make the wild card. Yet his injury causes hope to take a disproportional hit, and time will be needed to recover. Hope also implies an acknowledgement of our inability to know the future. The old Jewish resignation says it all: “Who could know?”

Sports gives is the opportunity to practice hope in ways that the rest of our ordinary lives does not permit. Indeed, that in itself might be the whole point of being a fan.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 9, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

And I just hope we’re not putting too much faith in Chuck James to be a savior, like we did while awaiting Davies return at the end of last season. I remember this blog being obsessed with the hope that when Davies returned in September, he would step right up and rescue our wild card dreams. Though I do have ten times more confidence in Chuck than I ever did in Kyle.

By Renegator

March 9, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Welcome back DOB

What are your thoughts on the Hampton injury? Are we over-reacting or is this a big deal? It seems like our starting pitching depth could become a problem for us this year especially if Davies pitches like he did last year.

By Greg in TN

March 9, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Morning y’all…

Hey Braves fans… The sun came up this morning! Whodathunkit? No end of the world, no breaking news suddenly proclaiming that Bud Selig has put us in last place for the 2007…

Good to see you back DOB, Carroll did just fine in your absence and I hope you enjoyed the well deserved day off.

A lot has happened since our last spring training tilt with the Pirates (our opponents for today). I want to see Chuck James, Paronto and Matt Harrison pitch well. Really interested in seeing Harrison.

It’s Friday, spring is here, and there’s another day of baseball on tap. Can’t say that it gets much better than this to me friends…

By Head Coach

March 9, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

The Mets have a blog ? O man , I have got to find it and throw the Mets under the bus. O’Brien , I’m holding my breath. Hoping against hope that nobody else gets hurt. The idea of Davies and Cormier holding down the back end of the rotation just doesn’t inspire me. They are adequate as a 4th and 5th starter , just not earth shattering.

By eware

March 9, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

I’m done with Hampton. I hope he can prove that he’s reliable in May.

But, I’ve got to admit that I’m jazzed about Cormier getting a shot. I thought he really began to come into his own at the end of last season. We’ve still got a great rotation.

Plus, when unproven guys step-up, it makes for some fun baseball. For example, when Francoeur came up in 2005, and Chuck last year. I’m looking for big years from Thorman, Kelly J. and Davies. Hooray Baseball!

By Mark

March 9, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Does it really matter, it wasn’t as if they were going to win the WS anyways.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Hey, things aren’t exactly going swimmingly in the Mets camp, either. They’ve got issues aplenty.

I see Rockies planned to call Braves to offer Fogg or Byung-Hyun Kim. I think Braves reaction to that will be what mine would be. Not exactly names to get the pulse pumping, unless they’re giving them away for a very small price. Kim is 13-24 with an ERA over 5.00 in the past two seasons with Colorado, and Fogg is a career 50-51 pitcher with a 4.89 ERA.

I mean, Fogg’s OK, but I wouldn’t give up a top prospect plus take on his salary. This is a guy who over the past four seasons hasn’t: a. won more than 11 games, b. lost fewer than nine, or c., pitched as many as 180 innings.

He’s a back-of-rotation guy, that’s all. And he’s making more than $3 mill this season.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 9, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Do you ever get the feeling that Chicken Little is alive and well and living in Atlanta? Pehap the Braves could adopt him as their official mascot.

By Mark

March 9, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Dang Lew, everybody doesn’t have to share your same attitude. The Braves are going to suck! Just because you and KC want to be delusional and think that this team has a chance, that your problem.

By MBATL

March 9, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Well, not only have the Braves upgraded their bullpen; so has the AJC. Great blog debut, Carroll! And fine coverage on Hampton and Soriano, in DOB’s absence.

I think there is a huge tendency to forget how lonnnggg the baseball season is. I know all games count the same, but does anyone doubt that just being within “striking distance” at the break is the primary goal? The Braves have almost always been a little sluggish in the first half, and heat up along with the weather.

My point is, I just don’t see this as a disaster. Cormier, Villarreal, and any of a handful of other guys will give us as much as the guys DOB mentioned above, and probably more.

And ideally, Hampton can recover from the oblique and then take as much time as needed in the minors to get ready for a strong second half. Even if he doesn’t get back until mid June, my hope is he’ll be much more ready than we could’ve expected by opening day (seemed like that schedule was a little aggressive anyway).

The Sturtz signing may look a little better, btw, if Hampton is out more than a couple of months. If Sturtz is back in May, would offer another option as a guy who can chew up some innings as a starter or mid-reliever, if needed.

By ernesto

March 9, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

I think Penny would be interesting but he makes a ton of dough doesn’t he? The Dodgers would have to eat part of that and settle for little in return for that to be a good deal for us…maybe JS should send them a few bottles of Tequila and then call them up.

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Anyone hear Keith Law on 680 yesterday? He made an excellent point: Hampton wasn’t likely to contribute much anyway until at least the second half. If the Braves were expecting more, they are in trouble anyway.

He’s very high on Davies and James and he’s probably a lot smarter than any of us when it comes to player evaluations—so maybe the folks down on Davies should listen.

He was saying Davies has had some injury problems but no arm injuries. He thinks Davies is a solid number three or four.

By Lew

March 9, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Mark-That post tells me much more about you than anything you may think about the Braves’ true chances. I’m not 100% positive, but the posts from the past day are so overwhelmingly negative, that the posters are in serious need of counseling. They’re even threatening suicide, for crying out loud. I think YOU’RE delusional. We have damn near the same lineup as last year, which was tremendous offensively. We have patched the holes in the bullpen successfully-to the point where we are extremely deep in the pen. Our starters can’t be as bad as last year. We are again, extremely deep in the middle infield. No one can have THAT many injuries in two successive seasons. We no longer have Brian Jordan, Chris Reitsma, John Thomson or Jorge Sosa. That improves us right there. James is only being counted on as a third starter. He was not overused last season like Johnson and Sanchez of the Marlins, or Hamels of the Phillies. The Mets rotation is one of the worst I’ve ever seen for a supposed contender. The only positive change they made to their lineup over the offseason was to add Moises Alou and Ruben Sierra, a pair of plus 40, over the hill players and to have rocking chairs sent to their locker room for all of the senior citizens on their roster. The Phillies have added Garcia as their ace, a pitcher coming off of a 4.50 ERA (not likely to dwindle in THEIR friendly confines) and added Wes Helms as their third baseman. Hardly earthshattering. They have no middle relief and a 40 something closer who has to pitch in the aforementioned park. The Marlins are going to have two of their vaunted Baby rotation spend considerable time on the DL this year because the often praised Girardi overused them unmercifully. Hanley Ramirez has already experienced injury problems in the offseason. The Nationals are of no consequence, whatsoever. So tell me, Dude, jus how this translates to the Braves suck and have no chance? Optimism or no, you’re prediction is ridiculous. Go root for someone else. It’s quite obvious you are not a true Braves’ fan.

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

I think folks are looking at this Hampton injury the same way they look at the Betemit trade. It would have been nice to have Hampton contribute through the first half, but realistically he was probably the fifth starter—nothing more.

This is a very minor setback, if it’s a setback at all. I look for Davies to have a breakout year and James to be solid again. If Hudson comes back fairly strong that will be four good starters. There are some ifs in there but I think the Braves should be as confident in their starting pitching as almost anyone in the league. Look at the Mets rotation last year—it was certainly nothing to write home about, but they got the job done.

By noel malone

March 9, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

It was time to panic long ago, when we discovered that 1B, @B, and LF are undermanned, with a 3B who has broken down in all three of the prev. years, and a RF who strikes out four times as often as he homers. Also a pitching staff headed by a 40 year old, and another who is at .500 for the last three years.

Go Braves!!!

By rammerjammer

March 9, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Hampton’s breakdown makes for an even more interesting spring as we watch 2B, LF, and now the back of the rotation.

The internal competition is good…something that was missing in the past. It gets the juices flowing and we’re more likely to see inspired play early on.

Look for a fast start in April.

By Robert

March 9, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

There is no reason to panic. Everything will be fine

In 571 days

By Lew

March 9, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

One more thing-about Chipper. Go back and trace his injury history over the past three years. In 04 he missed time due to hamstring problems from playing in left field. Since moving to third, no more hamstring problems. He missed time last year due to ankle and knee problems caused by a slip on a terrible field, then from oblique problems, in all likelyhood caused by adjusting after the slip. How many games has Chipper actually missed because of his toe problems? That is the only injury that should cause him any more problems. People, he will play 135 games or more this season. Almost all of his injury time missed was situational, from injuries unlikely to reappear.

By Rodger

March 9, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Lew, Shaun-I like to be optimistic. Last year, time and again when I knew it was over, I kept thinking somehow, someway…

But when the esteemed (or maligned) manager & GM consider Hampton’s return as the same as a first rate free agent acquisition, then I think it’s reasonable for the fans to have the same expectation. And if that doesn’t scare you, well, pass the Kool-Aid. (It better be spiked)

By rammerjammer

March 9, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

In fact, I say the Braves MUST have a fast start in April and May.

If they stumble along at .500 or worse, the self-doubting will creep back in that last season wasn’t a fluke…that this is a team on a downward spiral.

On the other hand, a fast start will send a strong message…the Braves are back. The swagger will return and the contenders will feel the pressure.

Gonna be a very interesting first month.

By N8

March 9, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

My concern over the “loss” of Hampton has WAY more to do with the stretch run (if we happen to be in it), then the beginning of the season.

Why, you may ask? Well, for starters, there was literally NO CHANCE of Hampton being ready to go more than 5-6 innings for the first couple of months. Even if HE SAID HE COULD, Bobby would baby step him along. So I think we can find SOMEBODY to give us 5-6 decent innings in the 5th starter spot.

But like I said, what concerns me is after the all-star break. That is when I believe that Hampton would’ve been finding his groove and would’ve been primed to help us out down the stretch and make a difference. Like I said before though, we have to ACTUALL be in a position for that to matter, come late July and beyond.

So for me, I think we’ll be “fine” in April and May. June should bring a clearer picture of what lies ahead. Then if we’re in a position to make a run and we still need help, we can acquire it at the deadline. Who knows, maybe we have some prospects (Harrison, Lerew, Devine), that can either come up and help at that time, or can be dangled as trade bait?

As much as I was looking forward to Mike Hampton coming back (I enjoy his fire and competitiveness), I was certainly NOT expecting the world of him this year. Having said that, IF he would’ve been healthy, I believe he would’ve been our 2nd best pitcher.

IMO, the season STILL hinges on Tim Hudson. He fails…..THE BRAVES FAIL. It’s that simple to me.

L8R

By rammerjammer

March 9, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Robert, I’m not with you on the BC stuff, but that was pretty funny!

By Renegator

March 9, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Lew must still be hogging that Kool-aid if he thinks Chipper is going to play 135 or more games this year.

By Lew

March 9, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Rodger-Because I choose to be more optimistic than you doesn’t mean that I’m a Kool Aid drinker. God, I hate that ridiculous term. I think the Braves past season was a fluke. We had a horrendous amount of injuries. We had the worst month in the history of the Atlanta Braves last June. Fine. It happened. But will it happen again? I feel that is doubtful at best. 06 defied the law of averages. Even so, we still, in essence, had a .500 season (yes, I know it was a couple of games under, but two wins would have put us dead even). We have addressed the problems that led to that God Awful June-the bullpen. We added not one quality reliever, but three. Our rotation is still no worse than it was last year, maybe even much better than it was at times. Everyone is so concerned with our left fielders. Why? They combined for 16 HR and 60 RBI for a team that was at the top in offense. I think they will improve on that this year. It wasn’t an all star performance, by any means, but solid, nonetheless. As far as 2B goes, well Marcus had his worst season and we still were at the top in offense. KJ has more power and better bat control than Giles and will walk more and steal more when on base. He is motivated to show he should remain in the bigs. Can he equal a .263 BA? I think so. Can he hit 11 HR? I think so. That right there equals Giles 06 stats. So let’s see-The Braves were mediocre last year (not terrible, like some think) and have filled the holes that led to that mediocrity. The Mets are worse. They have NO pitching past Glavine, who is as old as Smoltz and has had less success recently than JSm. The Phillies are no better and the Marlins are due for a major sophomore slump. How in the world does this equate to the excessive negativity rampant on the blog? Sure we have issues, but so does every team in baseball. Do we have the teams of superstars put together by the Yankees and Red Sox? Of course not, nor do we (or damn near anyone), have their payrolls. So rant and rail about your doom and gloom scenarios as much as you want. I never tried to tell you how to act, anyway, and won’t start now. I’ll just sit here in Vermont, currently freezing my gluteus maximus off, and will continue to think we have more than a shot at a good season. In October, we’ll see who was right. I won’t, however, contemplate suicide like some here have proposed. I suggest you don’t, either.

By KC

March 9, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball: “The farm system that has sustained the Braves for the last 15-plus years was put together BEFORE he became the GM.”

Huh?? Dude, minor league talent pools don’t keep for 15 years. The best talent will either be in the bigs in a few years, or they become journeymen/career minor leaguers. Immediately after his arrival, Schuerholz had to set about the business of re-stalking the farm and ensuring that the player development system was what it needed to be.

“and other than the signing of Pendleton, which proved to be a terrific move, his main contribution to those two teams was his trade of Charlie Leibrandt from KC”

Prior to the 91 season, he brought in Pendleton, Sid Bream, Charley Leibrandt, Juan Berenguer, Otis Nixon, and Rafael Belliard… all of whom played significant roles on that worst-to-first 91 Braves team. He took the young pitching, added a couple solid veteran arms, bolstered the offense, and built an almost entirely new infield behind it which became the best defensive infield in baseball that year and helped the young pitchers develop and learn to trust their stuff and the fielders behind them.

Yes, the Braves had a good young core of talent when JS arrived, but probably not any more than a team like the 2006 Marlins. Atlanta had a great young trio of starting pitchers (Glavine, Smoltz, Avery), two big bats (Justice and Gant), and two quality bullpen arms (Stanton and Merker) but no closer. Schuerholz did a brilliant job bringing the right veteran pieces to help lead the kids we had here.

“he pulled off the bonehead trifecta of trading Grissom, Justice and Dye”

The Grissom/Justice trade was not a baseball trade… it was a money deal. It was the first time as Braves GM that he was forced to part with significant talent in order to stay within budget. Those guys were moved in order to free up the money needed to lock up Maddux and Glavine. However, we did get Lofton who, heading into that season, was hands down the best leadoff hitter in the game. It didn’t work out for Lofton in Atlanta, but no GM has a crystal ball.

The Dye trade was a bad one. I’ll certainly grant you that. But the reality is that every GM makes a few moves that don’t turn out well. And for the handful of talented young players JS traded away who then went on to good things… he’s managed to get a premium return for many young players who never amounted to anything. Who did we give up for guys like Fred McGriff, Tim Hudson, and Mike Hampton?

I swear, if I hear one more person talk about how Schuerholz pawned away the future of our organization by trading Adam Wainwright… I’m most definitely going to hurl. He’s a good young pitcher. We needed offense to replace Sheffield a couple years ago. We had to give up something to get something. That’s the way it works. Get over it. We’ve never given up a guy who’s gone one to become a CY Young contender. And Jose Capellan posted a 4.40 ERA last year. And while we’re on the subject… the Cappellan for Kolb trade was a very smart move. We needed a closer and Kolb had quietly established himself as one the best in the league over the previous two seasons. The trade didn’t pan out, but again, he doesn’t have MF’n crystal ball on his desk, sorry to say.

Mr. Baseball, you could poll every, GM, coach, manager, and player… hell, even every reporter in the game, and I think you would be hard pressed to find someone who agrees with you about JS. I guess the Braves should consider hiring you to replace Schuerholz, since you’re obviously smarter than he is.

By GeorgetownKid

March 9, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Lew’s 10:56 post was on the money.

Losing Hampton definitely hurts, but it is far from a deal-breaker.

The success of our rotation will continue to hinge on whether or not Hudson can return to form, whether or not James avoids the proverbial sophomore-slump, and whether or not Davies can step up and pitch like a bonafide big-leaguer.

With Hampton out, Cormier becomes our #5 starter, and I think that Cormier is above average for #5 starters (if we need to rely on him to be our #4 or #3 starter, that would be a different story).

Our offense will be fine, our bullpen is quite possibly the best in baseball, and our rotation is still strong. With a healthy Hampton, our rotation is among the best in baseball, and we will be getting him back before summer.

I, like Lew, think we will be just fine.

And by the way, O’Brien’s bragging about the warm temps in Florida have nothing on the Middle East. Next week, we hear it could hit 100 F, and it only goes up from there.

By Pete Rogerson

March 9, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

I hear Denny Neagle, Derek Lilliguist and Phil Neikro are still alive and possibly unsigned.

By Lew

March 9, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Renegator (any name with Gator in it must be suspect to us Dawgs)-One more thing about Chipper. I did say 135 games. That still leaves 27 for him to miss, or almost two times on the 15 day DL. If he plays those extra 25 games over last year, you could project his stats to .324 with 31 HR and 102 RBI. That’s with him missing 27 games.

By ssiscribe

March 9, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Braves sign Mark Redman, former KC All-Star. More to come later, short story by CR on the Web now.

—30—

By Renegator

March 9, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong, I personally like Schuerholz - but if he is so great, why did he do so poorly in the recent rankings of pro-sports GMs? Didn’t he finish like 46th or something like that? I can’t remember - i know we just blogged about it the other day.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

You want Redman, you got him: Braves just signed him. Carroll should have something posted soon, if not already.

By Salty

March 9, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Redman to start tomorrow…too funny! Who says ‘Home Boy’ doesn’t read the blog…and take it to heart!

CL Are/were you a history teacher? Nice lesson on Lee! Glad you’re chiming in…and hope all’s well!

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Lew,

The most obvious reason Kelly Johnson shouldn’t concern folks is his ability to avoid outs. His out-avoiding ability is a good as any Brave hitter. The only think to worry about his his health and whether he can play second. He appears to be healthy and he played the most demanding defensive position on the field through most of his minor league career. Kelly Johnson will be fine. And when he has a solid season, folks will be praising Schuerholz for giving KJ that shot.

By TennesseePaul

March 9, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

mr baseball:KC, you & TennPaul obviously think that JS does not merit the occasional slings and arrows from the cheap seats

Where as I stated: He isn’t completely blameless for the faults of last year. If he gets the cheers he gets the jeers as well.

So I’ll just quote the great mr baseball on this one: If you’re going to respond to a post, at least respond to what is posted.

By ssiscribe

March 9, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

MORE ON REDMAN: Redman went 11-10 with Kansas City in 2006, posting a 5.71 ERA while making the All-Star team. He also won 11 games with Oakland in 2004. He went 12-9 with Toronto in 2000.

In 2005, Redman struggled to a 5-15 record with Pittsburgh. He did go 14-9 with a 3.59 ERA for World Series champion Florida in 2003.

Redman has pitched with Minnesota, Detroit, Florida, Oakland, Pittsburgh and Kansas City. He made $4.5 million last season at KC.

One positive for Redman is the fact he’s been durable, making at least 29 starts every season since 2002. He has postseason experience, making four starts for the Marlins on their Series-winning run in 2003.

Redman, 33, started 2006 dreadfully. He was 0-4 with an ERA of 6.88 after a May 19 loss to St. Louis. But Redman won his next five starts, and six of his next seven, lowering his ERA to 5.27. He had a horrible 7.46 ERA pitching in Kansas City, as opposed to a 2.90 in road games.

—30—

By Bob, journalist

March 9, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

All Star Mark Redman, I know nothing about him … is he the best of the worst … or the worst of the best … or what?? Why was he available?

By Bravos

March 9, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t be more tired of this Mike Hampton saga. Bringing him in was an awful idea. He has done little to nothing to help the Braves during his time with the team, and has been grossly overpaid in so doing. Frankly, I think he is tearing the team apart. Not only do they NOT go out and pick up an arm for the rotation because they’re counting on his return (I believe Bobby said something to the effect of “Getting Hampton back is like signing an incredible free agent”), but he ties up so much money with his ludicrous contract. It’s time for the Braves to cut ties. This guy has been stringing us along for too long. I don’t care how good he is when he actually pitches- because he never pitches! Get rid of this bum.

By ssiscribe

March 9, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

EVEN MORE ON REDMAN: Both the AJC and MLB.com are reporting Redman will start Saturday’s game against Toronto at Lake Buena Vista. Hampton was to have made his first appearance since late in the 2005 season on Saturday.

—30—

By Bravos

March 9, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Wow, the season is saved. We got Mark “I throw the ball down the middle at 85 and watch it get launched over the fence” Redman. Awesome. The combination of him and Davies, who does the same thing at a slightly higher velocity, should really be great. And if they don’t work out??? No BIGGIE!!! We’ve got Cormier and Villareal, who are good for four innings a start!

By TennesseePaul

March 9, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

It’s true. Redman has a Minor League deal and is a non-roster invitee to camp. I’d rather see Harrison in there. I bet Harrison can pitch 10-11 ball with a 5.50 ERA.

By MBATL

March 9, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Apparently a minor league contract for Redman. Hard to get too excited about it, but what’s the harm?

By Carolina Lady

March 9, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Hey, Salty! Nope, I just love history and have read/read about it.
Grinch knows barrels more about it than do I, though. Thanks for your always warm words! :-))

By ssiscribe

March 9, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

It is what it is, folks. I would think you could do worse than a veteran guy who is durable taking the ball every fifth day.

Now, is this to say Redman makes the team? If he goes out there and gets lit up like a Christmas tree the next couple of weeks, then maybe the Braves turn to plan B (Davies and Cormier, or Davies/Cormier and Villarreal). But to bridge the gap between now and the time Hampton comes back, you could do worse.

Face facts, guys: You’re not getting a No. 2-type starter to fill in the back of your rotation, and it wasn’t worth giving up a talented prospect — as some people speculated should be done — for a fourth or fifth starter.

If Redman can pitch well and the Davies/Cormier winner struggles, then Redman may stay even when Hampton returns. Again, the key word with him is durability, and anybody who could win 11 games pitching for the Royals (who won a total of 62) must be doing something right.

Right?

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Braves, so you say “get rid” of Hampton and the $29.5 mill he’s owed this year and next? So you just eat that then? You do understand this isn’t like in the NFL, where you can cut a guy and not have to pay his salary, other than his signing bonus if he had one? These are guaranteed contracts in baseball, where the players union is about 90 times stronger than the one in the NFL. You can cut Hampton, but you’re still going to pay him $29.5 mill. At least while you have him, there’s a chance you’re going to eventually get production from him, and in interim you can get some insurance while he’d DL’d.

But again, the $29.5 mill he’s owed next two years is going to be paid, period. By the Braves, by Braves plus insurance company, whatever. It’s going to be paid.

By Carroll

March 9, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Redman was pretty huge for the Marlins 2 or 3 years ago in their WS run.

By Bob, journalist

March 9, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

No wonder parents are apthetic … 200k on your kid’s education … allowing him to get a job sacking groceries for Kroger … when 10-11 will get you $4.5 million … now that’s an education!

By MBATL

March 9, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Bravos, we acquired Hampton with all kind of financial contribution from FL and CO. He’s averaged at $8 mil a year - a relative bargain for a #2 or 3 starter.

Yes, HE GOT HURT. It’s pretty hard to blame a GM for a guy blowing his arm out.

During the whole process Hampton has been nothing but positive, working hard at staying in shape and staying with team most of the time.

Sure, if we’d have known he was gonna require TJ surgery it would’ve been a bad signing, but of course we didn’t. (though he didn’t cost us anything except insurance premiums last year)

I’ve never heard anything but respect and admiration of Hampton from anyone connected with the organization. He could’ve sat around and gotten fat for the last 18 months, but didn’t.

And of course, there’s no way to “just get rid” of a MLB player, except to eat his salary. I can’t understand how that would make any kind of sense.

By N8

March 9, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Redman??

That is AWESOME that guy hits the daylights out of the ball off of Tom Glavine!! Nice move JS.

er…..what’s that? Oh, that’s Mike Redmond?

Never mind.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

No harm in minor league contract for Redman, no harm at all. But you can count on him being in rotation to start season if he pitches decently this spring.

As I’ve said before, Harrison’s not ready, hasn’t made but 12 starts above A-ball and is as shy and nervous as a kid that inexperienced might expected to be. No need to rush another top prospect to the majors just because you’re desperate to find a pitcher. If he surprises them the rest of the spring, maybe Harrison gets consideration. But I really doubt it.

By Renegator

March 9, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I am a gator fan - don’t hold it against me. I don’t doubt Chipper’s stats - I know he can produce. I just think 135 games or more this year is a tad agressive.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 9, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Can Brian Jordan pitch?…

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

N8, that was hilarious.

By the way, I should say I don’t think Harrison’s ready, rather than say it definitively as thought it’s pure fact.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 9, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Mark Redman, Huh? Somebody please post something positive about this guy.

By ncscoots

March 9, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Depth. Redman’s a warm body who can actually throw it 60 feet on less than one bounce, but I doubt anyone is ready to pencil his name in as a fifth starter. Pure veteran insurance in case more injuries to starters occur.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 9, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

If I remember correctly, wasn’t he the All-Star that everybody griped and moaned about last year, because of the “Every team has to be represented” rule?

By Rodger

March 9, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Lew lighten up man! Besides, I’d be more likely contemplating suicide if I were freezin’ my glutes off…

One Schuerholz acquisition thats been overlooked, and was among his most important, was Ed Mangan. Our field, which rivaled Candlestink, was turned into one of the best in baseball. That, with improved personnel, made the defense, therefore the pitching, better.

I’m not saying the season’s over, by a long shot. But the hill is definitely steeper.

By Bob, journalist

March 9, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

I don’t know, sometimes youth and inexperience can fool you … some don’t realize that they’re not supposed to be able to do what they’re doing … shy though they may be. Problem is, most of them have keen hearing and can read!

By ssiscribe

March 9, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Cox tells Pete Van Wieren on the Web cast pregame show Redman has been throwing all winter at his home in Oklahoma, and “insisted” on pitching Saturday.

“He’s ready to go,” said Cox, adding Redman is scheduled to go three innings against the Blue Jays at Happy Place USA.

OK, back to deadline, already in progress. Will try to post what I can during the game.

—30—

By Bravos

March 9, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

I’m well aware that you can’t just “get rid of Hampton.” That was said in frustration. But, in all honesty, doesn’t having him around hurt the psyche of the team? They don’t make moves because they believe he will be a solid part of the team, and then he gets hurt again. It has happened multiple times now. While I understand that clearly you can’t trade a pitcher who hasn’t pitched in two years and you certainly wouldn’t want to cut him lose and have to pay his salary anyway, why doesn’t the team stop banking on him returning and, instead, consider that if he does, it would be nothing more than an added bonus? As it stands right now, they have counted on him twice and when he’s failed to show up, they are left with a gaping hole in their rotation. And no disrespect to Mark Redman, but I don’t care about how “durable” the guy is. Going six innings and giving up six earned runs doesn’t do anything for the team-particularly not if you just traded away a large part of the offense (LaRoche) that might have been able to make up for that.

By N8

March 9, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Bravos

Considering the MOST ammount of games in a 5 man rotation that Hampton would pitch in for us, would be about 35, and Chipper has AVERAGED missing about 35 games per year the last 3 years, should we “get rid of that bum” too?

Here’s another one for you:

In Smoltz’ 17 years (not counting his rookie year) in the big leagues, (14 of which he has been a starter), do you know how many times, he has started as many as 30 games in a season?

8!!!

He has AVERAGED 29.85 starts per year since 1989. Missing approximately 65 starts due to injury over his career. I don’t think you would’ve wanted to get rid of him, would you have?

Hampton has been 32-20 with a 3.96 ERA in his time with the Braves.

Hudson has been 27-21 with a 4.23 in his two years with the Braves.

And you know what? When this season is over, by the time it’s all said and done, we will have paid about the SAME ammount for the two of them (since Colorado,Florida, and insurance have paid the majority of Hamptons contract so far).

So let me pose you another question:

Who’s been doing more damage to the Braves, Hampton by NOT pitching, or Hudson by pitching every 5th day?

By N8

March 9, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

DOB

I figured since you worked for the Marlins about the time Redmond was hitting about .750 off of Glavine, that you would appreciate that.

:-)

By ncscoots

March 9, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

DOB, you’ve intimated in the past that BC is not enamored of Cormier as a starter (at least that has been my sense of it, correct me if I’m wrong). But surely Cormier would be the logical choice over Redman as a fill-in starter, at least at this point in time? Though, in your post above, it seems your lean is the other way.

By MBATL

March 9, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Mark Redman, Huh? Somebody please post something positive about this guy.

Hillbilly, I’ve come up with this: Redman was drafted out of high school, by the Tigers in the 41st round, 1148th overall player taken; he chose not to sign, and went on to lead Oklahoma to the College WS title.

Then, was drafted by the Twins in the 1st round, 13th overall.

So, if nothing else, he made a real good decision to go to college, had some fun winning a championship, and probably made a few extra million in the process.

Beyond that, I’ve got nothing!

By N8

March 9, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

DOB

SORRY!!!!

I said “worked for” the Marlins again, didn’t I.

Should’ve said “COVERED THE MARLINS”

It won’t happen again. LOL!

By ssiscribe

March 9, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Willy Aybar just hit an 0-2 pitch over the wall in left, a solo homer with two outs in the first off Zack Duke to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.

—30—

By mr baseball

March 9, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

KC: Now I understand why people value Schuerholz so highly. They alter the facts to fit their viewpoint. JS did not acquire Charlie Leibrandt for the Braves. He traded him from KC to Atl prior to the 1990 season while he was still the Royals GM.

Other than Pendleton, his acquisitions for the 1991 team were mostly of the secondary variety. The Braves won that year on the strength of their starting pitchers, all of whom were in Atlanta pre-Schuerholz, and the hitting of Justice, Gant & Pendleton, the lone JS addition. Bream, Nixon and Belliard were all secondary players, although the Schuerholz worshipers would lead you to believe differently.

Bill Lucas and Bobby Cox were the two individuals responsible for establishing the Braves farm system in the 1980s, and it’s remained a vital asset ever since. JS deserves credit for keeping it strong, but the farm system is not at the top of his job responsibilites.

Again, not saying Schuerholz is a lousy GM. But the repeated testimonials of baseball “experts” to his skills doesn’t make him the game’s best at his job just because they say so. And making excuses for the Justice/Grissom trade doesn’t make up for the fact that it started the Braves on a slight downhill path that they have never reversed. I never bought the Braves/media spin that Grissom & Justice had to be traded. Lofton’s salary was comparable to Grissom, and in a year or two, they replaced Justice w/Brian Jordan at a higher price. If you’re going to trade 2 players the quality of Grissom & Justice, get something in return. He didn’t.

Schuerholz fell in love with the idea of Lofton as a leadoff hitter, and was willing to unload Grissom AND Justice to get him. He and his defenders can deny it all he/they want, but Justice was a little too independent minded, and was traded in part just to get rid of him. Essentially, he was dealt even up for Alan Embree.

Schuerholz has made some very astute deals over the last 10 years (his best work came before ‘97), but his defenders seem to have selective memory regarding his trades that have hurt the team. The Boone/Klesko deal was absolutely one of the worst trades any GM has ever made, and had a significant negative impact on the team for 3 full seasons. But I don’t recall ever reading or hearing any criticism of the deal by the “experts” who hold JS in such esteem.

In the wake of the Boone/Klesko trade, JS left huge holes at 2 positions for 3 seasons that were not filled until the farm system produced quality players (LaRiche & Giles). The GM has sent the team into the season in recent years with 2 broken down corner outfielders, a highly suspect relief corps and no closer. Fortunately for him, the farm system keeps bailing him out, although it could not make up for his inattention to the bullpen last year.

In his defense, he moved quickly to add Redman to the roster, and even though his numbers aren’t especially impressive, he could be an adequate fill in at the bottom of the rotation with the offensive and defensive tools the Braves can afford him. The team has had success in the past with similar pitchers (Burkett & Reynolds), and if Redman pans out, his fans can again cite his genius.

If JS was as bad a GM as some of you believe I think, the Braves would have never made the playoffs. If he was half as good as a lot of you apparently think, they would have won a half-dozen or so World Series.

Again, not a genius, not incompetent. There is a middle ground somewhere. ‘Nuff said.

By TennesseePaul

March 9, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

The most obvious reason Kelly Johnson shouldn’t concern folks is his ability to avoid outs.

This is of grave concern. What we want from our second baseman is the ability to create outs. Otherwise the other team is just going to hit right at him and watch him avoid them all with a skill only Payne can truly appreciate. =)

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

The thing about Redman, he’s going to eat innings so the Braves don’t have to tax what should be one of if not the strongest bullpen of the Schuerholz era.

If he can give the Braves around 6-7 innings, giving up around 4-5 runs a start, he’ll be doing his job. They just need an average pitcher to go somewhat deep into games in that fifth starter role for the next two or three months.

By JasonInMaine

March 9, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Aybar just hit a homer for a 1-0 lead…

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Kelly Johnson was a shortstop through a large portion of his pro career. I think he’ll be adequate at secondbase. He may even surprise some folks and be a darn good one, as Bobby Cox would say.

By Thrillhouse44

March 9, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

The Redman signing isn’t bad at all. We got a veteran without having to give anything up (except cash). He won’t be lights-out, but do you really expect that from a 4th-5th starter? I think it can definitely stop the bleeding, and at least it’s not Albie Lopez. (Good to hear from you, DOB. I always appreciate your perspective.)

By Ron

March 9, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

I actually like Redman. Who knows he may be another Shane Reynolds, he was solid for the Braves a few years ago. Some guys play better in a Braves uniform, may be wishful thinkin, but it cant hurt to find out what happens.

By Greg in TN

March 9, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Okay, I turn my head to do a little work and enjoy a couple of chilidogs (good, but not ballpark good) and I come back to the revelation that Mark Redman has been signed and will now pitch tomorrow at Space Mountain.

We signed him to a minor league deal, so this is taking a shot on the guy. Thanks for the extra info, scribe! The home ERA to me is a bit puzzling, but then again we’ve had stretches where our home record could have been much better.

I remember all of the Red Man chewing tobacco spots that ran on TBS between innings back in the day. I wonder if Derek Schiller, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing is on the phone now with those guys for some cross-promotional campaigns…

By ssiscribe

March 9, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Langerhans and Kelly Johnson with singles in the third. First and second, Renteria up, Braves up 1-0.

—30—

By ssiscribe

March 9, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Renteria grounds into a double play. To the bottom of the third, 1-0 Los Bravos.

—30—

By Bravos

March 9, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

N8 Those statistics are all well and good. But the stats you posted of Hampton took place how many years ago? And Smoltzie’s injuries took place during seasons when you had Greg Madduz and Tom Glavine, amongst many other strong arms, to pick up the slack. And perhaps we SHOULD get rid of Chipper, as well, at least in theory. He does exactly what I’m accusing Hampton of doing- messing with the mentality of the team (of course not on purpose, but hopefully you get my point). It’s like the rest of the team sits around and waits for these guys to show up to help them start winning. When Chipper was with the team last year, he was on fire. He carried them. But then he would strain an oblique, crack a toenail, or get a bad burger from Mickie D’s, and the team would collapse in his absence. My point is that the team is aging and this needs to be recognized and addressed. I am aware that they have brought up a great deal of homegrown talent (McCann, Francouer,etc.) that has filled a lot of the holes. But I’m also aware that a lot of teams are going out and addressing their needs and expanding their budgets to accomodate for the rising prices of free agents…and the Braves are not doing this. They are being somewhat complacent. Yes, they’re going through an ownership change. Yes, injuries befall all teams at some point. Yes, the free agent market is absurdly competitive and over-priced right now. Yes, the Yankees of the past few years went out and bought stop-gaps and this didn’t yield them a single title. But, at least they were giving it a shot. When Bobby Cox says “don’t worry, we have a plan B” and plan B means Mark Redman? That’s worrisome. And what’s more worrisome is that the players that do play every day and carry the team, like Andruw and Smoltize, might not even be around next year because they’ll be deemed “too expensive.” Look at Marcus Giles- he played his can off last year, batted leadoff when he was uncomfortable doing so, and played through injuries. And what does he get for it? He gets non-tendered because his “production slipped” and he became “too expensive.” That’s nonsense.
As a lifelong Braves fan, I’m tired of watching the rest of the league pass us by the last few years. THAT is the proof for me of why Schuerholtz was ranked so low on the GM totem pole.

By Salty

March 9, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

DOB Why mess around on the blog on your day off? Get out there and enjoy the sun, cigars, bike…and the ‘scenery’…oh, and music (much of which is unknown to me…but I’m open-minded!). You have a whole season to drum sense into the senseless!

By TennesseePaul

March 9, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Bob: Mark Redman Blows and Blows hard. He was still available because no other team would take him… and because the Mets had already filled all available positions with Chan Ho and Jorge Sosa. Our best hope is, Davies and Cormier do so well in ST and Redman continues to blow that we break camp without him. We’ll save more money that way. No way his contract is for league minimum if he makes the team.

By TennesseePaul

March 9, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Payne: I’m fully aware of KJ’s history. My post was a play on words.

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Hopefully all baseball fans can appreciate players who avoid outs (on offense) and create outs (on defense) since outs are baseball’s only finite resource.

By KC

March 9, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

GeorgetownKid; “Losing Hampton definitely hurts, but it is far from a deal-breaker. The success of our rotation will continue to hinge on whether or not Hudson can return to form”

Well said. Well said indeed.

By N8

March 9, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Mr Baseball

You have an interesting memory of events, don’t you?

You said:

“(his best work came before ‘97)”

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

You mean signing Greg Maddux as a free agent?……..NO BRAINER

You mean like trading Melvin Neives for McGriff?….NO BRAINER

You mean trading Tony Tarasco for Grissom during spring before the 1995 season?………NO BRAINER

Then you said:

“In the wake of the Boone/Klesko trade, JS left huge holes at 2 positions for 3 seasons that were not filled until the farm system produced quality players (LaRiche & Giles).”

You are correct about 2B. Veras was pretty much a bust, though he had a NICE 2000 season for Atlanta. It was his slow start in 2001 that lead to Giles getting called up when Veras was released. So essentially we ONLY got screwed out of 1/2 of a good season with Veras. Besides. What the HELL did Boone ever do for this team, besides hitting OUT OF PLACE in the #2 hole (one of Bobby’s WORST decisions that seemed to be obvious to the rest of the world).

I think the best work he has done, was the gamble he took on JD Drew.

For me the OVERALL best thing he has done the whole time he has been here, is to NOT fleece the farm system, at any cost. To me the ONLY “prospect” (I’m not talking about big leaguers that have gone on to good careers: Millwood, Schmidt, Dye, etc….), but MINOR LEAGUE guys with huge upside, is Adam Wainwright. But as I stated before, the JD Drew trade worked out for us for that season.

If the fans were willing to have a “rebuilding year”, and not so fickle on insisting the Brave win every year to keep the “streak” alive, JS could’ve held on to Wainwright, not traded for Drew and more than likely the “streak” would’ve ended that year.

Wouldn’t have bothered me, but many would’ve complained.

The only other BAD move made by JS, was the non-move of fixing the bullpen last year.

I’m with you, that JS might not be as “great” as everybody thinks, when it comes to BIG MOVES. But I think where his brilliance shines through, is his patience, the little moves that pay off, but don’t get all the headlines (Jaret Wright), and the non-moves (not giving in and trading a Chuck James for Rocco Baldelli). He is willing to walk away from a deal, and not look back, and MOST of the time, that bodes well for us. Look at the LaRoche deal. Had he jumped the gun (like many GM’s would’ve done) at the winter meetings, it would’ve been LaRoche for Gonzalez…even up trade. But he held out and got Lillebridge in the deal, too.

Like I said. Patience.

By Bob, journalist

March 9, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Patience 10Paul … It’s unfair for you to be in midseason form while, for most of us, it’s still early in Spring Training!

Let’s trade Redmond for the “Duke” … good name and sounds like he might be a better pitcher.

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Redman signed a minor league deal. He’ll get a $750,000, one-year contract if he makes the 40-man roster and could get half a million in performance incentives based on starts according to the AP story. Basically a low-risk signing for a pitcher they’re hoping will be at least average and will give the bullpen some rest.

By Novice Ned

March 9, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Redmond? More duct tape. Better consider moving one of those 37 young infielders along with either Davies or Cormier for something a little more dependable. Or, let’s just drink whatever Bobby does and hold on to that eternal optimism.

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

People are down on Redman but did anyone realistic expect Hampton to be much better before July or August? If so, you were living in la la land.

Smoltz, Hudson, James, and to a lesser extent, Davies are the keys to the season. Anything the Braves get out of any other starters is gravy.

By Bob, journalist

March 9, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

10 Paul, shame on you!

By Rodger

March 9, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

10 Paul-at least one of your middle infielders recorded a coupl outs-ouch!

By Bravos

March 9, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Here’s the plan- Bring back Lemke to play 2nd and mentor Johnson. Bring back Charlie Leibrant to mentor Redman. Bring back Sid Bream and Crime Dog to mentor Thorman. And bring back Ron Gant to mentor the Diaz/Langerhans tandem. Hell, forget Aybar. Just let Pendleton be a player/coach for a while and if Chipper has to sit, make Terry step in there. He’s probably still got that sweet swing. And where the heck is Wohlers? I’m sure he could pitch better than Redman, even ten years removed from baseball

And I completely agree with Tennesee Paul…there’s a reason Redman was unsigned. Not even the Mets, whose rotation may be worse than the Braves (and that’s saying a lot), wanted him. I mean, they put Sosa AND Chan ho in the rotation, along with Oliver “remember when I was a top prospect” Perez, ahead of Redman. That can’t be a good sign.

By N8

March 9, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Bravos

I hear where you are coming from. But if you read my last post to Mr. Baseball, it kind of explains my “theory”.

In their I stated that one of the STRONG points of JS/Bobby is that they don’t panic in March. Now one could argue that last off-season, that JS didn’t panic ENOUGH about the bullpen. LOL!

You said:

“When Bobby Cox says “don’t worry, we have a plan B” and plan B means Mark Redman? That’s worrisome.”

That is precisely my point. Most GM’s would hit the panic button and go out and trade MULTIPLE TOP PROSPECTS for a starter to replace MIKE HAMPTON (a guy we weren’t really expecting much from - or at least hinging MOST of our success on). The plan “B” is to sign Redman to a minor league deal and hope to catch lightning in a bottle (at least temporarily - until Hampton is back or SOMEBODY ELSE steps up from within the organization).

Remember in 2005 when we had Mondesi in RF? I’ll assume that they (JS/Bobby), had a gut feeling that one of the minor leagures were gonna step up and be ready, but just weren’t quite ready out of the gate, so mondesi was a “plan B”, until the kids were ready. Had we went out and signed a veteran or worse yet made a trade for a major league veteran OF to fill in out in RF, how bad would that look, now knowing what Francoeur has done at the beginning of his career. WORSE YET, what if JS (like many GM’s would have - especially with the “streak” on the line), would have TRADED FRANCOEUR for somebody to play RF? How STUPID would that have looked?

I’m concerned just as you are, but I wouldn’t hit the panic button yet.

I’m listening to the game on MLB radio, and James doesn’t sound like he’s dominating, but he’s getting out of trouble, which is a good sign this early in the Grapefruit League games.

I still say James and Smoltz will be fine. This season hinges on Hudson more than ANYTHING ELSE. That includes the 4th and 5th starters in the rotation, 2B and the LF battle.

With this bullpen, if Hudson, Smoltz and James are consistantly good, we will be good. Not saying that we will win “all of the games” those 3 start, but remembe this: if a team plays .600 ball, they’ll finish without 97 wins. So to me if you have 3/5 of your starters giving you a legitimate chance to win, that’s a nice start. Not to mention more than we had last year. LOL!

That being said, if Hudson struggles, we’re in trouble, IMO.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 9, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

DOB Why mess around on the blog on your day off? Get out there and enjoy the sun, cigars, bike…and the ‘scenery’…oh, and music (much of which is unknown to me…but I’m open-minded!). You have a whole season to drum sense into the senseless!

That’s what I’m thinking, Salty. I can picture a scene with DOB riding around in a convertible or on the Triumph, sunglasses on, cigar in teeth, listening to Shooter Jennings—Bad Magick, looking all important.

The Sun don’t burn hot enough for me,

In a cloud of smoke, my conscience becomes clean…..

Or how about Electric Rodeo? Law moves a little too slow don’t it, DOB?

By Bob, journalist

March 9, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

10 Paul,

As per usual, I wasn’t intending on being esoteric … it’s just the delays in posting and my failing eyesight … however, methinks you recognized my expression of appreciation for your playful pen … and my equally playful disdain for the explain.

White Lilly Bridge just singled … I’m headed outside … Kelly hit a broken bat homer!!

By MBATL

March 9, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Looks like Buddy Carlisle is making a bid to make the team as a nonroster invitee… another 2 scoreless with 2 K’s today. I haven’t seen him, but from the numbers, he’s been strong so far in spring.

Not likely, I know… but give the guy credit; he seems to be mowing ‘em down.

Looks like KJ just went deep!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 9, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the attempt, MBATL.

Rodger,

Didn’t Ed Mangan used to be the Cub’s groundskeeper? I remember that name from somewhere.

By Shaun

March 9, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

This is Wilson Betemit all over. The Redman signing is a minor move. It’s a low-risk move in an attempt to give the Braves an innings-eater at the back end of the rotation for a couple of months or so. And again, what did all of you critics really expect from Hampton over the first few months of the season?

By Kentavo

March 9, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Reman is a good pickup - if he’s not hurt.

By KC

March 9, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball, A couple quick things: First, you are correct… Leibrandt was here prior to Schuerholz’s arrival. I had forgotten that. My mistake.

Second, I also agree with you that the Braves success in 91 was primarily due to the starting rotation that was already in place with JS arrived, and I agree that Cox deserves the credit for that. However, the Braves would not have won their division without the acquisitions he made prior to the 91 season: Pendleton, Bream, Belliard, Berenguer (their closer that year), and Otis Nixon. They couldn’t have done it without those guys. I don’t see how you could possibly argue with that.

“And making excuses for the Justice/Grissom trade doesn’t make up for the fact that it started the Braves on a slight downhill path that they have never reversed.”

First of all… by “downhill path”, I assume you mean the fact that the Braves haven’t returned to the World Series since 1999? It’s worth noting however, that 1999 was the last year (prior to his recent return to the rotation) that Smoltz started for the Braves. Personally, I think that is the biggest reason we haven’t been back to the WS.

Yes, I know… Smoltz was in the rotation the last two years, but the weakness of the bullpen undermined everything. In 1995, JS made a very good move to get a proven closer, Dan Kolb, from the Brewers. It didn’t turn out well, which (as I mentioned before) can’t be blamed on Schuerholz. The lack of trust the Braves had in the bullpen forced Smoltz to pitch way more innings than he ever should have attempted in his first year back in the rotation. Last year, obviously, the bullpen kept us out of the post-season all together.

“ I never bought the Braves/media spin that Grissom & Justice had to be traded. Lofton’s salary was comparable to Grissom.”

While Grissom’s and Lofton’s salaries may have been similar, Lofton’s contract only had a year left on it when he arrived in Atlanta, meaning that it freed up long-term dollars for the Braves.

“Justice was a little too independent minded, and was traded in part just to get rid of him. Essentially, he was dealt even up for Alan Embree.”

Wow, you must have spent a great deal of time in the Braves clubhouse to be able to glean and confidently relay this information! What did you hear that led you to that conclusion, and why were you so quick to buy into that while remaining suspicious of other media reports (such as the fact that the Cleveland deal was largely money-driven)??

“If you’re going to trade 2 players the quality of Grissom & Justice, get something in return. He didn’t.”

He got the best leadoff man in baseball at the time (and a gold-glover), two quality relievers, and the ability to lock up the top of the Braves rotation.

By rammerjammer

March 9, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Man, this speaks VOLUMES of what JS and BC really think of Cormier.

I guess now Redman is our #4 starter and Davies #5. Bobby just does not give it up for Cormier, so he’s off to Richmond.

By TennesseePaul

March 9, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG UP

By KC

March 9, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball: To answer a couple more of your points…

“The Boone/Klesko deal was absolutely one of the worst trades any GM has ever made”

The Braves had high hopes for Bret Boone, but unfortunately, he fizzled in Atlanta, hitting .252 and notching a new career high in errors at 2B. Ryan Klesko was rather expensive at the time for a platoon player (he was given more than one opportunity to play every day, but couldn’t hit lefties). Klesko went on to do great things in SD, but the Braves could only go on what he had done in Atlanta, which wasn’t as impressive.

The Braves wanted/needed 3 things that San Deigo had: The wanted an everyday left-fielder (Reggie Sanders… who was coming off an outstanding season), a leadoff hitter (Quilvio Veras… this was before they knew that Furcal would successfully make the jump from A-ball to the majors that year), and a first-baseman to back up Gallaraga who was coming back from cancer.

The deal made sense.

“In the wake of the Boone/Klesko trade, JS left huge holes at 2 positions for 3 seasons that were not filled until the farm system produced quality players (LaRiche & Giles)”

There was no hole at 2B until this year. Quilvio Veras hit .309 with a .413 OBP in 2000 for Atlanta before Giles stole his job at 2B the following year. And there was certainly no hole at 1B that year as Gallaraga hit .302 with 28 homers and 100 RBI that year.

“If [Schuerholz] was half as good as a lot of you apparently think, they would have won a half-dozen or so World Series.”

He put this team in a position to compete for a World Series 14 times. It’s up to the players to execute. I’ll blame Braves leadership as a whole for one thing in that regard… Smoltz should have been returned to the rotation as soon as he was able to do so. I believe keeping him in the pen cost us at least one World Series title. Aside from that, the players shoulder any/all responsibility. They just didn’t get it done in October… simple as that.

By Bravos

March 9, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

N8

I agree with you whole-heartedly about the Braves’ magic being in not pressing the panic button. I really do. Look how badly doing that ruined the Yankees for a number of years.

However, with a system as deep as the Braves’ appears to be (at least with middle infielders), you would think they’d go out and get someone dependable for the rotation.

I am happy with the revamped bullpen. But I was happy with it when they got Wickman. Soriano for Ramirez was fine, considering HoRam’s injury history…although knowing that Hampton might not be back, it was still questionable.
I’m still confused about the Gonzalez trade. Having a good bullpen is great, but what good are they going to do without an offense to gain a lead, and starting pitching to sustain it?

Redman will categorically not be a Denny Neagle, or a Jared Wright, or a Shane Reynolds, or a Andy Ashby (not that any of these guys were even lights out in the first place). He is an older Lance Cormier, and that precisely what we do not need…another guy to step in, pitch five innings, give up at least five runs, and tax our bullpen.

A few people have said that Redman will be an innings-eater and rest the bullpen. Are you kidding?!? He’s exactly the kind of guy that will get hit so hard early in the game that all he’ll do is tax the bullpen. And with Gonzalez and Soriano’s histories of tiring and going down with injuries, that is not good at all.

As far as Hampton goes, I think those saying that no one was expecting anything great out of him until July are misguided, as well. All we’ve been hearing all winter was how great it was going to be to have him back, and how he’s had plenty of time to recover, and that he was like getting a top-of-the-line free agent. Clearly, everyone WAS expecting great things of him. And, once again, he’s letting everyone down.

As far as Hudson goes, I have complete faith that he will be a stud this year. He wasn’t awful the past few years. He just wasn’t the shutdown ace he proved to be in Oakland. Plus, when he’s on, his stuff is straight nasty. And he’s looked good this spring…so I look for him to carry the team this year.

Chipper, however, is another story. I can’t bear to hear him say “Well, I’m going to quit my conditioning program and eat burgers.” How preposterous is that? And to hear him talk about how he wants to “enjoy life” more??? You’re a major league baseball player. You make millions upon millions of dollars. You play a game for a living. How are you not enjoying life? Step it up. Don’t tell us that you have it hard and that your tough conditioning schedule didn’t work last year. That’s nonsense. Yes, you were injured a lot. But, when you weren’t, you were unstoppable- you mean to tell me that doesn’t have something to do with your offseason efforts? And you think you’re going to combat your injuries with Double Whoppers?

That’s terrifying.

I’m just waiting to see what kind of yardsale happens around June, when we’re another 15 games behind the Phils/Mets. My estimate is that we’ll be playing to see how far under the 80 million payroll we can get, not how far over 500.

By Leon

March 9, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Alas poor Mike…It’s time to take a hike!

By Head Coach

March 9, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Redman averaged six innings per start last season. Thats good enough to eat some innings and no he won’t tax the bullpen. Cox will use his bullpen on a regular basis after the sixth regardless of who the starter is. If the Bravos have a lead , your gonna see the bullpen. If they don’t , your still going to see the bullpen. Bravos blogger , next time you might want to look before you leap.

By jed

March 9, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

I stand corrected! I predicted that JS would do nothing about filling Hampton’s spot. Glad to be wrong. I think it’s an outstanding move. I can’t believe some of you are being critical.

By Bob, journalist

March 9, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

I know that if a batter swings at a ball that then hits him, it’s still a strike … but what if he is so badly fooled that he swings far too early, recovers from his mistake … swings again and hits the ball?

Your 2007 Braves … 10+ At Bats OBP AVG

15:8 .533 .533 Prado
15:7 .471 .467 Escobar 10:4 .400 .400 Aybar 10:4 .462 .400 Harris 10:4 .400 .400 Pena
13:5 .429 .385 Wilson
17:6 .389 .353 Langerhans
15:5 .353 .333 Francoeur
18:6 .316 .333 Johnson 12:4 .467 .333 Orr 18:6 .333 .333 Pena
16:5 .353 .313 Diaz 13:4 .412 .308 Renteria 12:3 .400 .250 Larry Jones 17:4 .316 .235 Blanco
13:3 .333 .231 McCann 16:3 .316 .188 Andruw Jones 17:3 .263 .176 Thorman
18:3 .318 .167 Bohn
11:1 .091 .091 Jurries

Why is our leadoff’s OBP less than his AVG?

Is Andruw out of options?

By Will

March 14, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

With the money the owner(AOL) makes in a day payroll should be tha last of the team’s worries. The braves have more than enough to spend so don’t feel sorry for them when they fail to make the playoffs again.